My thoughts on goals

Earlier this fall, I created two goals.

1) Eat for less than 10 dollars a day. 

2) Run in the Drumstick Dash 10 K on Thanksgiving Day. 

In one I was successful, and in one I was not. 

If you have been following along on the 10 dollar day tab - you probably already know the answer to this, but I'll answer the question anyway. 

I forfeited on the Drumstick Dash 10K. 

so yes, I kicked myself a few times.  ... but I think the more important question here is "Why?"

The reality is - Goal #2 was completely out of sync with my life right now.  For some reason I thought I could still train the same way I did for the 10 miler, even though it was going to be freezing outside - I was still working 50 hours a week and I didn't have any real plans to get a gym membership.  I maybe got out once a week - twice a week tops!   I waited until the day of the race to decide, which was the coldest thanksgiving we have had in 25 years!!!  I realized that a cold day to be skiing was probably a day that I didn't want to be running.  Or at least that ended up being a great excuse - because honestly I didn't want to go at all, even if it had been nicer out.  (I think I would have though - or at least I get to say that). 

Goal #1 on the other hand completely fits my life right now.  I found an easy way to manage it (online spreadsheet - easy to access), and in general it's incredibly achievable.  I've barely had to modify my life at all. 

Essentially, both goals were poorly conceived.  Goal #1 has been altogether way too easy.  I haven't had to stretch at all, in many instances it has encouraged me to eat fast food (so much money available! ahh!) instead of putting a "nix" on it.  While on the plus side, it has helped me to keep a record of what I'm spending (in not just the food department) - I think this goal was overly easy.  Goal #2 while seemingly easy at first - became "nearly impossible".  I think both of these goals could have benefited from a slight modification.  Maybe eating for $8 or $7 a day could have been enough to put the pressure on to avoid fast food.  As far as the race - there were options that were shorter (5K or 8K) and warmer (later in the day).  This would have been a whole lot less pressure and probably more fun orientated; while still managing to keep me in shape. 

The point of this post is that while achieving goals is important; making good goals in the first place is a critical step in the process. 

An update post

I realized that it has been over a month since the last time I posted, and since I am somewhat lacking in really thoughtful interesting things to say - I thought I could just do a quick update post on well - my life.  Between my two jobs I have been working close to 50 hours a week.  It's not so bad, and it seems like I get ample time to enjoy life as well, but certain things do slip through the cracks.  Namely, this blog.  Partially this is because I am tad perfectionistic about what I post, but also "lazy butt-ness" factors in.  Also - a rant - I have been having issues with my computer which directly affect how easy it is for me to get pictures up on here.  I don't like to do "wall o text" blogs, so I also choose to blame: computer issues for the time being.  Anyway, I haven't forgotten about my little ol' blog and I hope to come back (with vengeance) to this part of my life when my life slows down a titch.

So - some updates.


10 Dollar Day 
Yes, I am still doing this.  Yes, it does involve way more fast food than I would "prefer", but umm... I really don't mind.  You can stalk my spending here.  One thing I will say is that I may need to lower this daily allowance in the not so distant future.  Not sure what to exactly.  Not sure I will be able to make it equally as catchy... but I am sure if you've read this blog for long you know I enjoy a good challenge. Especially in the food spending department. 


Cooking
Actually, I have been cooking quite frequently (just not blogging about it).  Some interesting stuff too.  There was a Asian-esque goulash that failed to marvel, but also a stew that turned out quite nicely.  Additionally, an apple cabbage salad that probably deserves it's own post.  I also attempted to make bread in a bread machine (borrowed), which was a flop - but I am still blaming the bread machine.  After all, I can make bread without one.  


Running
I am currently "training" for a 10K called the Drumstick Dash.  Finding time to run though has been uber challenging.  I get out at least once a week, but need to be going about 3 times.  Hopefully, I can pick up the pace in time, or at least not finish last.

Personal Life
Umm... yeah. Ok - so this deserves it's own post as well, and maybe one day I'll get there.  At this point though I will say that I am moving in a good direction, but the road is a little long and rocky.