New Beginnings

OK, Stacie. I am taking your lead - and entering the 21st century with my first blog! Who the heck called it a blog anyway? Can't say enough about my two most active "idea people", Stacie and Rich. I hope everyone enjoys this latest gem from Stacie's imagination. Between Stacie and her blogging, and Rich and his tweeting, I am not sure how many shoes we'll sell, but we hope to keep everyone entertained and inspired!

Once again, I find myself facing the long, uphill battle of dragging myself back into shape. 2009 has been a year to finally grow our staff in a significant way, to move into a new home, to learn how to manage a 2-year old and to welcome a new Davis to the family. It has been a blessed year, although not a very fit one. So, I find myself back in re-building mode. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Your job is to read, enjoy, and help keep me accountable!

So, its time to finally listen to some of the advice I find myself giving our customers and friends all the time! I looked back to a presentation I have given a few times on goal setting. I am using this as my format for tackling this process. I will see if Stacie can post the handout on our website for you to view, but basically, here's the idea:

1) Have a Vision - My vision is to get in the best shape of my life by the time I turn 40. I want to celebrate by racing the Hawaiian Ironman at 40 years old.
2) Write it down - I just did (and published it!)
3) Establish Intermediate Goals - first up, rebuild my running fitness by training for the Mt. Mitchell Marathon in February.
4) Make sure your intermediate goals are specific and measurable. Write them down and keep them close to you. - I have developed a new training manual to plan and track my process, and will log every workout between now and then.
5) Plan - See #4.
6) Set yourself up for success - I am not trying to be a hero these first few weeks. Just trying to be consistent. I will add more challenges, intensity and mileage as my legs start to come back to me.
7) Anticipate challenges and be flexible - Those already started this past weekend with Addison throwing up on Angel's Race morning! Adapt and overcome!
8) Recruit help - That's you guys as my accountability measure. I am also entrusting my strength work to Nick Nothoff at CORE personal training and my swimming to Chris Bowker and the BAC. Help will be needed in many more ways than these, but from a physical standpoint, this is where I am starting. I am also entrusting the rebuilding of my faith, my truest and most reliable source of strength, to my new family at River Oaks Community Church.

I hope you guys enjoy this new format. I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you.