2010 fitness goals

As promised, I'm posting my 2010 fitness goals. I make goals at the start of every year -- personal, professional and health related -- but I've never made them public like this. Honestly, I'm a little anxious about it. Going public means I have a handful people who will hold me accountable and expect me to achieve these goals. That's a good thing right?

Here goes...

1) Be half-marathon ready at all times.
2) Consistently attend Thursday night running club.
3) Consistently attend Tuesday night track workout.
4) Consistently run 5x per week, including track workout and long run.
5) Do yoga 2x per week and strength training 2x per week.
6) Take and pass personal trainer exam by March 31.
7) Get mileage up to 50 miles/week.

Your turn. What are your fitness goals for 2010, how do they compare to 2009 and how will you keep yourself focused on them?

Meb is the man

Meb Keflezighi is my favorite runner and I'm thrilled he won the 2009 New York City Marathon. I think I've read every story written about his win. I can't get enough of the race day play-by-play, fan comments, and the way the running community has lauded his performance. Meb.Is.The.Man.

He's been called "the gentleman runner" and "one of the class acts in all of sports." All true, but what I love about Meb is the emotion he puts into running. Meb is known to drop to his knees and kiss the ground after a particularly sweet win. He seems to approach every run with gratitude. I get that and maybe that's why Meb is my favorite runner.

I will NEVER be as fast as Meb. I will NEVER log the hours and miles he does every week. But I am like Meb in one way -- running is an emotional journey. It's about self-discovery and self-reliance. I've never kissed the ground, but I do shed a few tears at the end of every race. Like Meb, I'm just grateful for the gift of good health.