Fast forward to 2009 when I began training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half-Marathon. I picked up running again in the Fall of ’09 and found myself well ahead of schedule with my training. I was actually so much ahead of schedule that I registered for an earlier race. Some of you may have heard the story but, one week prior to that race, I strained my Achilles tendon. Plagued with the injury, initially disappointed, I was determined to get over the injury and run the race.

The crew at the office teased me as I could barely walk to my desk. They asked me not to come in without a medal the following Monday. One person even said that they will see my stubborn tail in a wheelchair when I return. Determined to get through it, I finished the race. However, the disappointments did not cease.

As I continued to train for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon I was mindful of the prior injury but the therapy seemed to take care of it. I was excited to see what I could do in my next race. I was disappointed. After all of the training, I actually finished with a worse time than the first race. Overall, I think that I was too conservative with my pace. Determined to get back on track, I continue to train for the next half-marathon. With a prior average pace of 9:35 for a five-mile run, it was ridiculous. I had to do better.

Running for me is therapeutic. I really think that running and people’s performance at the gym reflects their personal drive and determination. I have always liked the idea of going to the gym with a business partner and have in the past. When the person would give up mid-set that says a ton about their drive. They probably don’t think of it that way but it is true.

Being able to bounce back from adverse conditions builds strength and character and those experiences are priceless. As of today, not only have I been able to beat my former pace of 9:35, I was able to shatter it with an 8:11 pace. So remember, when life throws you a curveball, hit it out of the park.

Resolutions

I have never been one for setting resolutions on New Year’s and even the ones that I will share may be obscure at best. Nevertheless, I thought that they are worth sharing. I think that often resolutions that are set as goals really need to be set as smaller items that are the means to achieving those goals. For example, I would like for my baseball blog to do better in 2010. Solution: I need to do more writing. I also am the proud owner of the famous get in better shape resolution. I am in decent shape but I would like to do more running. Overall I just want to be cooler to everyone. Less sarcasm among friends will not make for boring conversation, it will just be more pleasant. Okay… if you can handle it, I know who you are, you might get some. I do want to focus on being positive and making sure that I see the good in everything. I try to have an objective point of view on things so that might be a challenge when things just are bad.

I hope that your new year brings you all that you can ever ask for in 2010. Stay awesome and keep in touch!