I think I found it :)

My motivation, that is!
I found my race- the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon, and it's on October 6th, 2013. I am so excited. The course runs from Mt. Vernon down the GW parkway, over the WW bridge, and into Maryland where it ends. The GW parkway is beautiful, and also less than a half mile from my house :) It will be such a breathtaking course in October. I'm so pumped. I would like to do a full marathon before then- there's the Rock n' Roll Marathon in Philly in September that I'm looking at. There's also another half that I'm looking at in May. It's the Marine Corp Historical Half in May. Of course there is also the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of October. We'll see. I don't think I'll be able to do them all, especially since 3 of them are within 6 weeks of each other. And they're expensive. We'll see.
In the mean time- I'm so excited!!

Strides, where are you?

I cannot find the motivation to get out and run for the life of me.
I hope I find it somewhere.
I think it's lost amongst the cold air and bone-chilling breezes.
I even put on my running clothes yesterday, got my water bottle ready to go, but couldn't muster the drive to lace up my shoes and head out the door.
I'm going to try again tomorrow. Even if it's just a run/walk around the block, I'm getting on the road. Any step is better than none.

2013 Goals

Every January 1st, I try to write down my resolutions and goals for the year. I'm a list person by nature, and it also helps to keep me accountable. I am realistic enough to realize that I may not accomplish my goals, but I always set them for the sake of motivation to better myself and not become stagnant in my ways. This year, the first portion of my goals follows a sequence of "5".  So here goes!

• Save $5k (This was a goal that I also had last year. It was derailed by a PCS move and a baby, but this year, I'm determined.)
• Run 500 miles. (To some, this seems like a lot, but if you break it down, it's less than 10 miles a week. I know I can do that.) I will be keeping a mileage tracker here, so you'll be able to follow my progress!
• Try 50 new recipes. (There are 365 days in a year, and we eat three meals a day, I can definitely do this!) I'm going to do my best to share them here!
• Workout 5 days a week/Run 5 races

I do have a few other goals that I'll b working on that don't follow my "5" rule:

• STICK WITH THE BUDGET! The only way I'll reach my savings goal is to follow the budget.
• Pay off a chunk of debt. I know it's a slow process, but this year, I'm determined to make more progress.
• Drink water! At least 64 ozs a day- 32 oz in the AM, the same in the PM. 
• Coupon. Another way to reach my financial goals is the save where I can- groceries are a great start!
• Meal plan. I did this is 2012, and the results were amazing! We were eating healthier, and saving a ton of money!
• Send cards/gifts/letters.
• Correspond in a timely fashion! Yikes-I am terrible with returning calls/texts/messages within a reasonable amount of time. I'm working on it.
• Finally, blog. I'd like to say I want to blog every day, but I really don't. I'm going to try more for 3-4 times a week.

I'm sure there are more, but these will do for now. I don't think I'm reaching for the stars this year, as much as trying to just better my life and my families'. With the help and support of GI Joe and the rest of our family and friends, I am certain that all of my goals are attainable. I'm going to go work on our budget now, and hopefully tie up any loose ends from 2012. I'll keep you posted on the progress of my goals!