One month down, eleven to go. Now is the time to reassess those goals, new year’s resolutions, plans or whatever you had made at the beginning of the year. How have you gone? Are you still on track to achieving your training goals, your ambitions and with the aims you have set out for 2012?
Looking at my own list, I’ve set the bar high for myself this year. I’ve done the same in previous years too which unfortunately ended in disappointment. So what’s different in 2012?
Firstly, the attitude. If I don’t do it, no one else will. If I want to keep disappointing myself than that’s fine but the only person that will suffer is me. Why do that to myself? Why disappoint yourself? I’m the main obstacle getting in the way of achieving my goals, just like you’re the main obstacle in achieving yours.
Secondly, I’ve taken action from day one. While I can’t tick everything off the list, I have made progress, albeit small, but still progress nonetheless. One small step, a day or each week, is one step closer to achieving what today may seem impossible.
Training
Training wise, I’d give January a 6.5/10. I’ve managed to train regularly but not as much as I had planned. I’ve done a bit of running, cycling and cross training but I haven’t really done much swimming. I’ve signed up for the most important race of the year and completed one triathlon.
Events 1/12
Swim 1km/100km
Run 56km/1200km
Cycle 93km/3000km
Health
I’ve been drinking more water and eating more fruit and vegetables throughout the day. Most of my protein has been coming from eggs and beans. I’ve found eating a can of baked beans microwaved and sprinkled with parmesan cheese very satisfying at lunchtime, unfortunately, this is often followed by an afternoon snack of chocolate. There are a few things that are bothering me though – circulation in my lower body for one.
Financial
I’m happy to say that I have reduced my everyday spending significantly compared to a few months ago. I have actually started saving money which I haven’t really been able to do in years. Jarek and I opened a joint account that we are going to use to save for a deposit on an investment property. I also set up two sub accounts linked to my spending account: one as an SOS account and the other as a general savings account. While at the moment the majority of my funds are going towards debt reduction, a small percentage must go towards savings – this will also help pay for all those races I want to do.
Personal
Reading 6/50 – let’s just say I have two hours to spare on the train each day.
I’ve put in maybe an hour to two of Chinese this month and due to time constraints I’ve cancelled my private lessons for the time being.
I’ve been writing a lot more than the last few months of last year but not as much as I’d like to. I have started taking my laptop to work and I can get in about forty-five minutes of writing which is usually between 500-1000 words of my novel.
Overall, I’m fairly satisfied with the progress after one month.
How are your goals for 2012 coming along?
