2012 New Year's Resolutions in review

Posted on my blog on December 31, 2011, these were my 2012 New Year's Resolutions.

So, how did I do?

#1 - Pass my dissertation proposal defense (probably Jan/Feb) - Passed it in March 2012!

#2 - Finish my dissertation (probably by the end of the summer) - Passed my defense in November 2012, and just sent in the last (hopefully) set of edits to my dissertation paper at 191 pages!

#3 - Graduate with my PhD (probably be the end of the summer) - This was the only one I didn't complete, I will have to wait until May 2013 to graduate.

#4 - Break a two hour half marathon (my record is around 2:10) - Did in in March 2012!

#5 - Take time to contemplate my future ... - I did this, and now I am in a new role at school as Director of Educational Technology.  Still need to work on my future a little more ... 

Well, 4 out of 5 isn't too bad.  Those were some tough resolutions this year.

Do you have any regrets?

A few months ago, one of my students interviewed me for a class project.  I was surprised at the challenge of the questions, but one that struck home was this one - Do you have any regrets?  In addition, he asked me if I had a time machine, if I would go back and change anything.

I have contemplated these questions many times in my life.  As an avid science fiction reader, I have always wondered about with it would be like if I could go back in time and change things I had done before or made different choices; however, the reality is that I have reached a place in my life where I am very happy.  I have a wonderful family, a great job educating students, a great place to live in beautiful Hawai'i, and I am in the process of finishing my dissertation for my Ph.D.  What would happen if I went back and changed something?  What would be the effect on my current life?  Would I miss meeting Suzy in my math class at UNC in 1992?  Would I be living in Hawaii?  Would I have two great daughters?  Would I even be an educator?

When you reach a place in your life where you are happy, it is time to say goodbye to the bad memories in your past, of which I have many.  It is time to forgive an forget.  It is time to say that all of the decision made, whether right or wrong, have led to the moment I am in right now.  By returning to the past and thinking about regrets, you only risk losing what you have now.

So, I say, work on getting yourself to the place where you are happy and content.  I mean, certainly, I would love to make more money or have more time to spend with my family, but all in all, life is great! Once you reach that point, step back and free yourself from the pain of the past and move forward with no regrets!

What do I run?

Sometimes people ask me why I run so much.  My answers are simple:

1) I run to stay fit - I love McDonalds and Coca-Cola.  It is impossible to stay healthy with a diet that includes these items, so running balances this; well, it has so far!

2) I love to read but I don't have time - I have no time to read fiction with a full-time job, grad school and a family, so I turned to audiobooks.  I can't tell you how many I have read while running over the years, but I would estimate at least 30 books.

3) I am very competitive - It started one day when I found out a colleague's time for the 5k.  I set my sights on beating it, and have never stopped.  Then, it was the desire to have the Honolulu Marathon t-shirt, just so I could say I did it once.  Well, next week will be my fifth marathon!  Nike+ has helped a lot setting goals, seeing the times for each run, trying to beat them and better myself.  Set a goal and go for it!

4) Running is a cheap exercise - No need for fancy equipment, gym memberships, or trainers, running only requires a pair of running shoes around $100.

5) Stress Relief - I have a lot of stress in my life, I have the constant weight of helping to support my family, the stress of being a teacher, and the fear of failure.  Running burns the stress away from me.  When you are running for hours on a sidewalk with the trees casting shadows all around you, it gives you time to contemplate and work through issues and goals, fears and dreams.

So, you want to take up running?  Here are some hints from someone who has run over 2700 miles in the last four years.

1. Go to a running store so they can help you choose the right shoe.  The shoes are critical to your safety and endurance.
2. Get yourself a ready-dry shirt to run in.  It keeps the sweat away from you.
3. Pick some nice routes around your house where you can either loop back to get fluids or a route with drinking fountains spaced regularly.  Running with water bottles is just extra weight.
4. Get yourself the Nike+ app or another app so you can track your miles and set goals.
5. Look to Hal Higdon to help plan your training, especially long distance training.
6. Have fun when your running!  Listen to music or an audiobook!

Two other quotes to encourage you:

- Never give up, never give up, never give up (Heard at my sister's graduation speech in 1987).

- Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours.  - Richard Bach, Illusions   ------ You can do it, if you believe in yourself!

Good luck, and may the traffic lights always change to green as you approach!

2012 New Year's Resolution Updates

#4 - Break a two hour half marathon (my record is around 2:10).
Stretching every bit of energy I had today, I finished with a 1:59:40.  Crazy!!

 I have now completed 2 of my 5 resolutions for the year!

2012 New Year's Resolution Updates

#1 - Pass my dissertation proposal defense - done!  I am now ABD (All But Dissertation) Status.