Wednesday, July 28, 2010

900 ...

I am a numbers person. When I was a kid, I used to find the patterns in phone numbers to help me memorize them (thanks to speed dial, I no longer need to do that). Since becoming a runner, my number obsession has intensified. Every bib number is an omen (this week's is 8818 - definitely a good one). Every split holds the key to the future.

Over the past three years, I have kept a record of every mile I have run and exactly how long it took me to do so. When I found my passion for running in August of 2007, I never thought I would become the running addict I am today. But I should have. I never do anything halfway. It's go big or go home. And going home is not an option.

During the last five months of 2007, I logged 251.17 miles. Not bad for my first few months of running. Then, needing a goal for 2008, on January 1, I started my quest for 1,000 miles. I ran and ran, but came up short. I finished the year at 923.79 miles. So, I tried again. And again, I fell short. A broken foot at the end of November 2009, left me 78.65 miles short of my 1,000 mile goal.

I was ticked off. I resolved that 2010 was going to be the year. Third time's the charm. No matter what, I was going to log the miles and break that threshold. I decided to take my running to a new level. Failure was not an option. And it's working.

As of yesterday, I hit 900 miles on the year (well, 902.75 to be exact). 1,000 miles is mine. I am going to crush my goal and test my limits. I am going to break through the mental barriers I've set and prove to myself that if I want something bad enough, I can make it happen. Because the only person who can stop me is me. And I guarantee, that is something I am not going to let that happen.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was amazed one time I got bib #1234. I was the third member in a relay team for the ADT Marathon Relay. That is never going to happen again so I have it hanging up in my cube at work. Luck happens sometimes.

ajh said...

You are absolutely crushing that 1000 mile goal! I enjoy reading about your positive attitude and stick to it ness!

mommaof3ontherun said...

Awesome job!!! Let's see how fast you reach the 1000 now!

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

And the year is barely half over! Great job mama! Oh and 8 is my favorite number, so a bib # 8818 is totally a luckky one!

Running Diva Mom said...

I got #262 last weekend and was tickled to pieces!!

You are awesome and are obviously crushing your goals!!! I can't wait to see what number you end with for mileage on December 31st!!

Rae said...

You are going to rock your goal this year! Awesome!

Marlene said...

You are having such a great year! 1000 and beyond!

KovasP said...

900 miles and half a year left? Awesome!

busyrunningmama said...

Wow! Way to make a goal and stick with it! Awesome!!

abbi said...

You'll definitely crush the goal this year! I'm right there with you on being a numbers and statistics person...can't help it!

Aimee said...

Woohoo! 900 miles! That is so awesome! You are going to crush your 1000M goal! :)

Katie A. said...

I am a HUGE numbers person - made even worse by the fact that I decdided to become an accountant :)
But, I'm like you, I have logged every mile and time I have ever ran since I started and I LOVE to go back and look at them and draw on it for inspiration or answers. It's kind-of a sickness, LOL! I'm actually working right now to put them ALL into a spreadsheet on the computer so that I don't have to go back to all my training logs. Sick? Maybe...but it's fun! Hahaha!
Congrats on the high mileage - I passed 900 at the beginning of the month and did a cartwheel - no joke!

Meredith said...

Way to go on hitting 900!! That's awesome and impressive!

Willow River Piecemakers said...

Hi! Came over from Tall Mom. Congrats on your 900! I am toally a numbers gal myself - Past life, I was a business analyst and marketer. Really cool that you are a certified coach!

J said...

Congrats on the 900+ miles! It was nice to read about your progressive over the past few years!

funderson said...

SWEET!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Way more than 1000 miles plus P90x plus getting certified plus starting your training business plus all your racing plus plus plus plus plus.

We don't doubt anything you tell us. We know you will make it happen. Great job, T.

MCM Mama said...

Great job! I'm about 100 miles behind you. I've broken 1000 twice before, but intend to completely smash it this year.

Keep up the awesome running!

ihaverun said...

Great job!! You are inspiring, literally. Thank you!

Unknown said...

It's all about numbers with me too. I love data and all of the graphs that go with it. This is the first year in a long time that I'm keeping an accurate record of my running, though - probably because I'm more driven than I have been in a long time.

8818 is definitely a good number. Have some fun and google it. See what comes up.

Silly Girl Running said...

Congrats on the 900 miles!!! Such a great job! I am sure you are going to hit at least 1500 miles this year!

Miriam of Filly Runner said...

That's so great, I was doing well until I got a stress fracture. Hoping to get my mileage back up next month.

Megan said...

Shoots! You can crawl 100mi in 5mo. Congrats!

Robyn @ Wannabe Writer Runner said...

Wow that's amazing. What's your new goal going to be??

Becka said...

Wow, so close already!! I have kept track of every mile/time but never really had a goal. Never paid much attention to bib numbers though.

dawn @ running the dawn said...

wowza! that's so awesome! good work!

Julie D. said...

WAY TO GO!!

Anne said...

You are amazing!!!!

Michelle said...

Love your attitude! Congrats on reaching 900 and being so close to crushing your goal!

Jamie said...

Wowza! Congrats on 900! You are definitely going to crush your goal!