2011 Goals and ways to torture myself

All the experts say you got to have goals to work towards so you don't forget off track or forget why you are torturing yourself to fit into a size 6 jeans. Since I feel like I've been faking it as a runner and "athlete" I figured what's more faking in 2011 until I stop getting embarrassed when someone classifies me as runner.

So why do all this? First, I am not bad at running. I don't think anyone is bad at running. But I don't hate running like my lovely husband. Also, running is an activity that speaks to a frugal woman like myself. You don't have to spend much to get results. Mainly, I like to run because after a run, I always am more calm and feel better mentally about myself. Cheap therapy. Last but not least, I want to share my running with my boys and be an example for my boys. When I have read or talked to serious runners, all of them have had early starts as runners. It was a tool to help them handle life's craziness. I want my boys to start running 5ks and be involved. Also, as cheap as I am, this is about the only way the boys will get new shirts not worn by others.

So here's what I feel is doable.

1. Run 20 miles per week /month
2. Increase 2 miles each week/each month
3. Run three 5ks with kids: Red dress, campus on the run, and Genesee days
4. Encourage and mentor someone else to run their first 5k
5. Lose 5 lbs.
6. Run TWO marathons: one in the spring and one in the fall and make it a family affair. My crew will be hubby and kids. I don't really care what my time will be...I just want to be able to finish. (I know for those of you remembering I said "never again" after my first one, I remembered saying the same thing after my first pregnancy, so please razz me if you need to but I'm ever going to own the title "runner"-I have to run right?)

There. It's on. Will there be bumps in the road? Yes. Will I panic and doubt myself along the way? Absolutely. But I want to live my life to the fullest-not to wish things were different in my life but actually making it happen. Wish me luck you all.