Looking back at 2011, but more importantly look ahead to 2012

Saturday, December 31, 2011 · Mike Davis

Looking back, but more importantly looking forward

It’s the last day of 2011; I’ve been up since 5:45 doing my pre-run ritual. I think back over the year and all that I did and didn’t accomplish. Ran a couple of half marathons, ran up Mt. Washington, ran a 24 plus hour relay race, coached two teams of runners and working on a third. Pretty good year of running as I wrote about last week, and more importantly another year of building friendships. On the non-running side of things, I was not as satisfied with what I did or didn’t accomplish, where as some people struggle to make time to run or workout, I struggled in 2011 to make time for other important parts of my life.

Looking ahead to 2012 I certainly want to accomplish much more in my running shoes and I will continue to challenge myself to improve. God willing, I may be at the starting line for the Vermont City Marathon and maybe another marathon in the fall. I want to continue to work with my daughter to build a running website that will be on everyone’s favorites and to reach people all over. Helping people to see running as more than a necessary evil is a 2012 goal. There’s more coaching ahead in the New Year, both through Runners Alley and through www.nofinishlinerunning.com. Jeanine and I have discussed full marathon training and will continue to consider it. (We will be looking for your feedback on that)

So 2012 looks to have as much if not more going on for me. This will present some challenges as I think about the other aspects of my life and the other priorities I would like to accomplish. As I said, 2011 was not as successful as I might have liked and without dwelling on the negatives, I’m going to use the successes to help. Running will continue to be at the forefront of my activities, but there will be more 5:30 AM runs, leaving more evenings for other important parts of my life. I have already started this schedule and while it’s tough to get up so early and go out in some pretty cold conditions, I have enjoyed my runs immensely. I have also enjoyed my evenings and now have to utilize them for other priorities.

So how did you do in 2011? Many of you accomplished some great things and I was honored to witness many great finishes. Remember; I don’t believe there’s a finish line, running is not about a race. Some struggled with injuries, work and commitment and so 2011 may have been a bit frustrating as far as running. That’s life, and we can’t let those setbacks keep us from moving forward in 2012. I have been battling a hip problem for over three years and 2011 saw some improvement and my willingness not to give up has enabled me to improve and become a better runner.

So what’s ahead in 2012 for you? The beauty of life is that what’s ahead in 2012 is more important that either the good or bad of 2011! Don’t set a resolution, make a plan. Plan to climb a mountain, run all over your state, get up early and let 2012 be that year! Don’t wait for the cold to be gone, lace those shoes up now and call a friend. As always, I’m here for help and guidance so by all means let me know. In any event, I would like to wish you all the best for 2012 and thank you for 2011. Have the happiest of New Years! Be safe and God bless!

mike