2012

This year I kicked of 2012 by running a 5k at midnight through downtown Portland with my lovely girlfriend and a friend of ours. I haven’t really done much running since Hood to Coast at the end of August, but I finished in 29 minutes, which isn’t too bad. It was a very refreshing way to start the new year! It’s also very indicative of the year to come……

 

Jessie and I are enrolled in a 10k running “university”, where we will get together every Saturday morning for 3 months with other runners to train for a 10k in April called Bridge to Brews. They tailor a training plan for the goals you are trying to individually accomplish and then you run with other people each week that are at the same pace as you. Pretty nifty and I’m pretty excited and proud of Jessie for  wanting to commit to running together.

 

Also this year I’m running Hood to Coast again in August!!!! I will run faster than last year. That is my goal (get my pace close to 8 min/mile. Right now I’m at 9:30ish/mile)

Other Goals/Resolutions for 2012:

Bike More. 
Since selling my car in October, I have yet to really get my bike in road condition. I need fenders and new tires and my own air pump, not to mention a wrench or two. This will make me more transportation independent and I’ll like that feeling. 

Hike More.
Portland and the surrounding area is effing beautiful and has an abundance of really great hiking trails. Jessie and I are going to do more day hikes (including every hike in our urban park, Forest Park), at least one over night backpacking trip, and hopefully work our way to having a good gear supply to eventually tackle the Pacific Crest Trail. I want to hike it all! I like how I feel when I’m in nature and aware of the world outside of the sidewalks, buildings, and roads.

Play Basketball More.
It’s practically the best sport ever and I’ve played my whole life. It’s a source of tension release for me and just plain FUN. I live about 100 yards from an outdoor court and know of some open gyms around the area where I can hoop it up with others.

 

Make My Family A Higher Priority.
I’m going to call my Mom and Dad more regularly and actually tell them about life, my feelings, etc. And maybe try to visit each of them a couple times. Both my parents thrive on hearing from me, yet I don’t seem to call enough. Also, I’m going to make an effort to stay in touch with my brothers and sisters better.  

Eff the Debt.
I have one last debt to pay off and I will be DEBT free. Seriously. No car note. No credit cards. I’m.so.close. I’ve learned my lesson with living outside of my means and confusing love with my finances. Keep them separate, people, and make sure your partner pulls their own financial weight. It will make your future better.  

Volunteer More.
Last year I did some random volunteering, but nothing too consistent. I’m going to build on that and get plugged in to the Parks and Recreation Dept in Portland. Maybe do some outdoorsy volunteering, maybe some youth sports volunteering. My giving spirit needs an outlet and I think others can benefit from my loving, caring, giving nature. I’m aiming for one volunteer event per month.

 

I love the beginning of the year because I can reflect on the amount of personal growth that has occurred. I’ve learned an immense amount in the professional world, in the dating world, and in the world of being independent. 

 

Here’s to 2012!! It’s going to be a good one!

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