Well, it’s that time of year.

Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year.

(If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

2014 was the first time that I tried it. My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

I picked in 2016:

Last year, I chose the word:

So what will it be in 2018?

My first thought was the word, SURVIVE (even though someone mentioned that I should choose a word with a more positive spin.)

I’m not talking about my running per se.  But how life (or specifically my job) will this year be getting in the way of my time with family, friends and yes, running.

In other words, adapt. You’ve heard the saying: “If life throws at you lemons, make lemonade.”

Back to my word for 2018..

It will be:

According to the dictionary, Adapt means:

Change in order to survive better in a certain situation…

How will I focus on my word this year and how will it apply to running?

I will try to:

• Change my attitude about my job. Be more positive. Stop whining. It is what it is.
• Change my running preferences.  That may mean running fewer miles or running at undesirable times (before work gulp) or even using the treadmill.
• Change my expectations. This may include not participating in running groups or volunteer opportunities or even cutting back on race-cations.
• Accept that sometimes “less is more.” Quality runs, quality races instead of quantity.
• Accept that there may not be enough time to train adequately for longer distances or faster finish times.
• Stop comparing myself to others who have more time, more flexible schedules, etc.

Honestly, all of the above will be very difficult.  Maybe even impossible.

But there are people who have to ADAPT to much more difficult situations in their life (health, family, finances, etc.)

And to put a positive spin on the word ADAPT…

I will

• adapt to races in new places

• adapt to running on new scenic routes

• use hotel, credit card, car rental and train points to take race-cations

As long as I can run and race, life won’t be so bad.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt lifefor

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose?

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home.  Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights and it is now too dark when I get out of work. I did run while working in NYC (three weeks in a row) and when in Liverpool.  My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles.

I ran alone most of the time. MY BRF Alyssa was not able to accompany because her hubby is ill. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

Long Runs:

Long runs ended with my half marathon on Nov. 12 and since my next one is not until March 2018, I don’t predict double digits until February! But I still planned to run at least 6 miles each weekend. And I was successful!!

Total Mileage:

I have run 60 miles this month so far. A big decrease over November (102) but I am feeling healthy so all is good.

And I hit 1000 miles for the second year in a row!!!!!

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Winter Series #1 Race which was 3 miles and the Albany Last Run which was a festive, snowy 5k. I was pleased with my sub 27 minute finish in the Winter Series Race and also happy that I didn’t fall during the slippery course (until the finish line) for the Albany Last Run.

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis twice indoors.  It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing.

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! No excuses because I live near a free gym and my tennis club membership this year includes free access to the gym.

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk-occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot. 

Other News:

There were also quite a few friend-bonding activities.  Can’t have too many of those.

I saw a few movies that I highly recommend:

I also read this book and LOVED it:

As you can tell, running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure….family, friends, food….

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No other half marathons planned until March.

I have just a few shorter races planned. My racing schedule does slow down during the winter.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

• 1-01-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
• 1-14-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 (3m or 10K)
• 1-28-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3m or 15K)
• 2-03-18 – Polar Cap 4m
• 2-18-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #5  (4.5m or 10m)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her January Race Linkup:

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks and even had to (due to the weather) skip week day runs.

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner. (I know. I know.  Winter has only just begun…)