During my high school National Honor Society induction, our principal gave a speech, in which he said "We all have goals. My goal is to one day be principal at an outstanding school." Yes, he actually said that, out loud, to an auditorium full of the "smart kids" and their parents.
At the time, we were all outraged - we were insulted, feeling that we were considered inferior to our school principal. It is still off-putting, I will admit, but it stuck with me. Somewhere on my path, I realized that he was just being honest, trying to convey the importance of setting goals for ourselves, the importance of never settling for average.
As I reflect on the past year, most of which was well outside of my comfort zone, I look forward to what the new year will bring, and I am excited to build on the cornerstones that were laid in 2012.
In no particular order:
Goal #1: Work Promotion. I do not work at a company that hands these out just for longevity; all promotions are earned. I know that if I work hard and take initiative, I will have the opportunity to move forward towards more responsibility and opportunity. It only took 11 years out of college, but I finally want to carve a career for myself. And in accounting. Who knew?
Goal #2: Run Faster. I have been running - consistently - for four years now, and I have gotten faster. I know that I have more in me, that I am fully capable of cutting my mile times down another 60-90 seconds. This year I will focus on speedwork and form, making sure to push myself as hard and as far as I possibly am able, and when I reach that point, I will push a little harder. If you see me slacking, please call me on it.
Goal #3: 70.3. Simple as that. I am determined to finish the distance. March 23rd, 2013, I will.
Goal #4: Spend more time with my family and friends. This includes my endurance athlete friends as well as all of my friends who could care less about swimming, biking, running, yoga, etc. I love you all! I've realized that time stops for no one, and that it really does fly. I don't want to miss out on lazy days by the pool with my mom, taking Zeus to the beach, watching my nieces and nephews grow and play and learn, taking every opportunity possible to see my grandparents, brother and sister.
Goal #5: Run a 4 hour marathon. This ties to Goal #2, of running faster. Currently, my PR is 5:09. I know I can do better.
Goal #6: Learn to swim. Okay, okay. I can swim. But not well. Not strong enough.
Goal #7: Bike faster. Last year I began clocking a 10 mph average on my bike. I am currently holding 18-19mph, which is a huge improvement. With a little help from my friends, I know I can get this up over 20-21 mph, and hold it. I do not want to get dropped anymore.
Goal #8: Enjoy our wedding! All of the "big stuff" is taken care of already, so it's not very stressful. I am excited to plan the other details, and to share our happiness with all of our friends and family. Chad and I are looking forward to being Mr. & Mrs., and to all that our new life together will bring.
Now, each of these 8 goals have sublevels and layers of goals, but these are the basics. I am currently laying out a Plan A and a Plan B to ensure that I am prepared to soar.
Happy New Year!
Let's go run . . . .
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Another Year has gone by
It's that time of year again, when the days are full of nostalgia and the radio is loaded with Top 100 playlists, when we look around at our family and friends, wondering where the time has gone while we look forward with anticipation to what the new year will bring.
2012 was a fantastic year for me, personally. It was full of goodness and love, mistakes to learn from and new relationships to nurture, surprises and time well spent with family, friends, and all those I hold close to my heart. Sounds sappy, I know. But it's the truth. Plus, if you know me, you already know that I am a sentimental sap, so this is no surprise :-)
I spent most of January anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new nephews, Nolan and Joey. I used my free time learning to swim with Coach Gene at the YMCA, running with the Team In Training athletes I was coaching for RNR St. Pete and Disney Princess, and trying my best to learn to ride my tri bike.
February brought COLD weather to Florida, which was a blessing for all of those running the St. Pete Rock N Roll Half Marathon - everyone I know ran a Personal Best that day! I participated as a Team In Training Coach alongside Coach Jon, and together, donning our bright green "COACH" shirts, entertained ourselves in between running our athletes to the finish line. The absolute best event in February was the long awaited birth of my first nephew, Nolan Charles Supernovich. I was able to fly to Pittsburgh to meet him a few days after he was born. I was so intoxicated by this sweet little miracle that I missed my first plane back home to Florida, haha.
March was full of activity - swimming, biking and running, to be precise! I was in full training mode with Team In Training yet again - this time as an athlete, training for my very first triathlon. I don't know what I was thinking, either!
In April, I participated in my very first triathlon, the Escape From Ft. DeSoto. I was extremely nervous to get in the water, but Coach Gene was there cheering and somehow I made it to the other events. I finished, and I was so proud of myself for doing so. I felt as though I was ready for my BIG event, St. Anthony's triathlon. First, though, Chad and I had a wedding to go to, as our friends Michelle and Kevin had planned a beautiful celebration that we were not about to miss! St. Anthony's was a success! I reached the fundrasing goal for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and I crossed the finish line of the race! I did run past Chad and my mom a couple of times, yelling "This sucks! I am never doing this again!" Haha, good one, right? My friend Kate had spent the entire day volunteering at the finish line, just so that she would be there to see me accomplish my goal. She placed the medal around my neck, and I was so happy to have her by my side.
As the calendar flipped to May, I had forgotten the pain of St. A's and signed up for a 70.3 half iron triathlon with Team In Training. What was I thinking? Coach Gene sent us a training plan and a fundraising website, and off we went. I also travelled back to Pittsburgh for Nolan's baptism - oh, how I adore him!
June brought the second wave of best events ever - my nephew Joseph Charles Parente was born! I bugged my sister for photos constantly, as I wasn't able to meet him until a few months later. When I wasn't pestering the brand new mom for photos, I was training. I spent a lot of my weekends riding on the Suncoast Trail with John and Jenny, who were super patient with my novice cycling. I learned so much from tagging along - what to eat and drink, when to push the speed, when to rest, what kind of creams and gear I should try - I'd be lost without them!
July, oh, July! I love summertime. Even - especially - in Florida, when it is ridiculously hot and humid at all hours of the days, when beginning a run after 5am is unheard of, and when the Gulf of Mexico feels more like bathwater than a salty sea. I fell in with the A-Train triathlon group, spending the weekends running and swimming in Clearwater and cycling on the Suncoast. I learned even more about nutrition and speed, how to prepare for a long distance race, and where the best places to eat are located.
I had the pleasure of driving to Panama City Beach in August, to spend a portion of my brother's family vacation hanging out at the beach with Nolan. I was also excited to ride part of the IM Florida course, and so my bike made the trip with me. In fact, I believe I had more riding and running gear packed than "regular" clothes. I almost ruined everyone's day by crashing my bike (unintentionally) and having to spend the morning at the Emergency Clinic. A few bandages and some prescriptions, but no real damage. I was back on my bike a couple of weeks later, when the wound started to heal.
September was also fantastic, as my sister and her little boy travelled to Florida for a visit. I could not get enough of Joey! He is cuddly and sweet, and such a happy baby! I love when he giggles and smiles - my heart doubles in size everytime I see his face light up.
October may have been the best month of my entire life. I had the opportnity to spend loads of time training with my friends, and Chad and I were planning a trip to Philadelphia for Joey's baptism. We stayed with my sister and her husband, Brian. I loved every minute - we got to hang out in sweats, wacthing tv and laughing. Plus I got to hold Joey whenever I wanted. Chad and I toured the city together one afternoon, enjoying the crisp fall air and changing leaves. I went on a run through the forest with Leigh Ann - best run of the year! We went to the pumpkin patch, and later that day Brian cooked a delicious birthday dinner for my brother and I (and the rest of the family.) My gram, aunt and cousin all travelled across the state as well, and we had a wonderful visit. Brian and Lauren prepared another feast to celebrate Joey's baptism, and both families enjoyed the beautiful day. I was sad to leave, but it was such a great visit! Watching Nolan and Joey meet for the first time was priceless. They were slapping hands and giggling non-stop :-) One week later, on what would have been my dad's 64th birthday, Chad asked me to marry him. I was so surprised! I said yes almost immediately <3 We are getting married July 6, 2013!
November was a tough cookie to swallow. I thought that I was ready for Miami Man, the 70.3 mile triathlon I had spent 6 months preparing for. I finished the 1.2 mile swim, and headed to the bike course. I misread the cut-off times, and I didn't make the 2nd loop. I headed back, sorely disappointed and absolutely crushed. Instead of sulking, I joined my Team In Training friends and cheered for everyone still racing. It was a beautiful thing, watching as my friends crossed the finish line of their races! I learned a lot, and vowed to conquer the distance. I signed up for a new 70.3, this one on March 23rd in Ocala, FL.
December . . . it's been a good month to round out the year. Chad and I have had the opportunity to spend time together, and with our families, which is the greatest gift of all. We are looking forward to the new year, which will usher in a new beginning for us - as husband and wife. There are so many blessings to count, so many people to be thankful for each and every day. I am ready to say good-bye to 2012, and to welcome, with open arms all that 2013 will bring.
And so I run . . .
2012 was a fantastic year for me, personally. It was full of goodness and love, mistakes to learn from and new relationships to nurture, surprises and time well spent with family, friends, and all those I hold close to my heart. Sounds sappy, I know. But it's the truth. Plus, if you know me, you already know that I am a sentimental sap, so this is no surprise :-)
I spent most of January anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new nephews, Nolan and Joey. I used my free time learning to swim with Coach Gene at the YMCA, running with the Team In Training athletes I was coaching for RNR St. Pete and Disney Princess, and trying my best to learn to ride my tri bike.
February brought COLD weather to Florida, which was a blessing for all of those running the St. Pete Rock N Roll Half Marathon - everyone I know ran a Personal Best that day! I participated as a Team In Training Coach alongside Coach Jon, and together, donning our bright green "COACH" shirts, entertained ourselves in between running our athletes to the finish line. The absolute best event in February was the long awaited birth of my first nephew, Nolan Charles Supernovich. I was able to fly to Pittsburgh to meet him a few days after he was born. I was so intoxicated by this sweet little miracle that I missed my first plane back home to Florida, haha.
March was full of activity - swimming, biking and running, to be precise! I was in full training mode with Team In Training yet again - this time as an athlete, training for my very first triathlon. I don't know what I was thinking, either!
In April, I participated in my very first triathlon, the Escape From Ft. DeSoto. I was extremely nervous to get in the water, but Coach Gene was there cheering and somehow I made it to the other events. I finished, and I was so proud of myself for doing so. I felt as though I was ready for my BIG event, St. Anthony's triathlon. First, though, Chad and I had a wedding to go to, as our friends Michelle and Kevin had planned a beautiful celebration that we were not about to miss! St. Anthony's was a success! I reached the fundrasing goal for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and I crossed the finish line of the race! I did run past Chad and my mom a couple of times, yelling "This sucks! I am never doing this again!" Haha, good one, right? My friend Kate had spent the entire day volunteering at the finish line, just so that she would be there to see me accomplish my goal. She placed the medal around my neck, and I was so happy to have her by my side.
As the calendar flipped to May, I had forgotten the pain of St. A's and signed up for a 70.3 half iron triathlon with Team In Training. What was I thinking? Coach Gene sent us a training plan and a fundraising website, and off we went. I also travelled back to Pittsburgh for Nolan's baptism - oh, how I adore him!
June brought the second wave of best events ever - my nephew Joseph Charles Parente was born! I bugged my sister for photos constantly, as I wasn't able to meet him until a few months later. When I wasn't pestering the brand new mom for photos, I was training. I spent a lot of my weekends riding on the Suncoast Trail with John and Jenny, who were super patient with my novice cycling. I learned so much from tagging along - what to eat and drink, when to push the speed, when to rest, what kind of creams and gear I should try - I'd be lost without them!
July, oh, July! I love summertime. Even - especially - in Florida, when it is ridiculously hot and humid at all hours of the days, when beginning a run after 5am is unheard of, and when the Gulf of Mexico feels more like bathwater than a salty sea. I fell in with the A-Train triathlon group, spending the weekends running and swimming in Clearwater and cycling on the Suncoast. I learned even more about nutrition and speed, how to prepare for a long distance race, and where the best places to eat are located.
I had the pleasure of driving to Panama City Beach in August, to spend a portion of my brother's family vacation hanging out at the beach with Nolan. I was also excited to ride part of the IM Florida course, and so my bike made the trip with me. In fact, I believe I had more riding and running gear packed than "regular" clothes. I almost ruined everyone's day by crashing my bike (unintentionally) and having to spend the morning at the Emergency Clinic. A few bandages and some prescriptions, but no real damage. I was back on my bike a couple of weeks later, when the wound started to heal.
September was also fantastic, as my sister and her little boy travelled to Florida for a visit. I could not get enough of Joey! He is cuddly and sweet, and such a happy baby! I love when he giggles and smiles - my heart doubles in size everytime I see his face light up.
October may have been the best month of my entire life. I had the opportnity to spend loads of time training with my friends, and Chad and I were planning a trip to Philadelphia for Joey's baptism. We stayed with my sister and her husband, Brian. I loved every minute - we got to hang out in sweats, wacthing tv and laughing. Plus I got to hold Joey whenever I wanted. Chad and I toured the city together one afternoon, enjoying the crisp fall air and changing leaves. I went on a run through the forest with Leigh Ann - best run of the year! We went to the pumpkin patch, and later that day Brian cooked a delicious birthday dinner for my brother and I (and the rest of the family.) My gram, aunt and cousin all travelled across the state as well, and we had a wonderful visit. Brian and Lauren prepared another feast to celebrate Joey's baptism, and both families enjoyed the beautiful day. I was sad to leave, but it was such a great visit! Watching Nolan and Joey meet for the first time was priceless. They were slapping hands and giggling non-stop :-) One week later, on what would have been my dad's 64th birthday, Chad asked me to marry him. I was so surprised! I said yes almost immediately <3 We are getting married July 6, 2013!
November was a tough cookie to swallow. I thought that I was ready for Miami Man, the 70.3 mile triathlon I had spent 6 months preparing for. I finished the 1.2 mile swim, and headed to the bike course. I misread the cut-off times, and I didn't make the 2nd loop. I headed back, sorely disappointed and absolutely crushed. Instead of sulking, I joined my Team In Training friends and cheered for everyone still racing. It was a beautiful thing, watching as my friends crossed the finish line of their races! I learned a lot, and vowed to conquer the distance. I signed up for a new 70.3, this one on March 23rd in Ocala, FL.
December . . . it's been a good month to round out the year. Chad and I have had the opportunity to spend time together, and with our families, which is the greatest gift of all. We are looking forward to the new year, which will usher in a new beginning for us - as husband and wife. There are so many blessings to count, so many people to be thankful for each and every day. I am ready to say good-bye to 2012, and to welcome, with open arms all that 2013 will bring.
And so I run . . .
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." - Jimmy V
Over the course of the last month, I have been cultivating a plan for 2013. The DNF in Miami continues to eat away at me, and so I decided that I need to quiet the taunting voices of doubt that dwell in the dusty corners of my mind - and sooner rather than later.
I registered for the HITS 70.3 on March 23rd, in Ocala, Florida. I will admit that the driving force behind this decision was the registration fee of $75, but the more I looked at the event, the more I wanted to line up and go for "glory."
I learned quite a few things in Miami that I feel I have the opportunity to correct in Ocala. The first is the swim. Even if it takes me the same amount of time, I need to "keep calm and swim on," keeping the focus on my form and not the daunting distance on swimming 1.2 miles or the other participants kicking me on their way around the big Dorito buoys. I KNOW that I am physically capable of propelling all 180 pounds of myself through the course successfully; taking that truth, all I need to do is get myself to the pool and work on my form. Perhaps in the process I will also become faster. Fingers crossed :-)
The second thing I learned is a seemingly simple concept - plan accordingly so that there is plenty of time for travel, packet pick-up, expo shopping, a nap, food, another nap and bike check-in. Do not leave at the last minute and think "everything will be fine, I have plenty of time." The reality is that you do not - not if you want a calm mind and a rested body.
Another thing? PAY ATTENTION TO THE D@MN! RACE SCHEDULE! In Miami, I just assumed that I had enough time, without really taking a close look at the cut-off times for each discipline. In Ocala, I will be noting these details - not only in my mind, but on my body. I will write the cut-off times on my forearm, shin, waterbottle - anywhere and everywhere necessary so that I am well aware that I need to move faster to finish the race.
Now - in 2013, I also am getting married (July 6th). This is my biggest and most important priority, so please do not worry that my groom is left to plan everything himself :-) I have the dress, the venue, the dj, the photographer, the ceremony officiant - all the big stuff. So my mom and I decided that we will enjoy the holidays and pick back up with wedding planning in January.
The "down time" gives me plenty of time to do what I love most - coach basketball and run with my friends. My high school girls are continuing to improve, and they are having fun and gaining confidence without even realizing their own growth. We still have a long way to go, but they come to practice every single day and work hard. The are determined to get better, both as individuals and as a team.
After a couple of weeks off after Miami, I re-joined my Team In Training teammates to continue to train for the Goofy Challenge, which is the 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles) on January 12th, followed by the full marathon (26.2 miles) on January 13th. Crazy? Maybe. But super fun! This is a difficult challenge, as 39.3 miles in 2 days is no joke. This past weekend I ran 15 miles with TEAM, and then followed it up Sunday with the Holiday Halfathon - 13.1 miles through Madiera Beach. Now, my legs were ON FIRE Sunday, but I really enjoyed this race! I am going to make it an annual tradition. You should all join us in 2013. The race was brilliantly organized and the medals were awesome! My friend Kate was patient and slowed down to keep me company for the entire run, for which I am so very thankful!!!!!
I have had the best time with Team In Training, and I am really excited to celebrate with everybody when we get to Orlando. Over the course of 4 months, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which will fund local patient care and nationwide research that will, one day, produce a cure for cancer. We have shared cheers when we learned of a patient deemed in remission; we've shared tears and quiet moments when we learned that battles were lost and we had to say goodbye to another life gone too soon.
The races are just icing on the cake.
And so I run.
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