Sunday, December 23, 2007

2008 - The Year of The Grand Canyon!

2007 closes with me reaching 800 miles for the year and nearly 1200 since August of 2006 when I started running. Over 24 races and 6 half marathons done.

So, what does 2008 hold for me. Here's my dreams for next year.

The Number One

dream is to hike (not run) from the south rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River some 4600 feet below. Spend the night and hike back out the next day. If you haven't been to the Grand Canyon, it is awe inspiring. It's is huge. It is deep. It is full of color and those colors change as the sun changes. It is GRAND! I have lived in Arizona for 12 years now and I have been to the canyon, once. Yes, just once many years ago. It is over 4 hours away, so I should be going there a couple times every year. However, life gets in the way. This I hope to change. My plans are to visit the canyon and do a hike on the Bright Angel Trail down to Indian Garden camp ground, 4.6 miles down the trail. Spend the night and hike out. Then, plan for the rim to river hike at a later in 2008.

The Number Two

dream is to run a marathon. 26.2 miles. I'll have my first shot at this on January 13th, 2008. Yes, in a few short weeks. It's the Rock N' Roll Marathon in Phoenix. I know I can do a half marathon. I know I can do 20 miles. I'm not sure I can do 26.2 miles. I have one final long run before this race. I might have to rethink running the full, if I don't have a great tune up run in a few days. If it's not to be in January, my other options are to run the San Diego Rock N' Roll marathon in June or to run a fall marathon like the Tucson Marathon.

The Number Three

dream is to run 7 half marathons. Yes, one more than I ran in 2007. This should be easy to accomplish if my schedule allows.

The Number Four

dream is to run in more states. I think I will get the chance to run in Virginia and North Carolina later in the summer. Utah and New Mexico are not that far away. I have 5 states now. 7-9 states by the end of the year would be great.

The Number Five

dream is to start running in Arizona State Parks. I've wanted to run in all the state parks, but haven't started yet. I'd like to get 2-4 of them done this year.

The Number Six

dream is to run in over 20 races in 2008. My lifetime goal is to run in 1000 races. I need to get as many races done every year. Afterall, 20 races a year means I have to run races until I'm 96. I'd like that.

The Number Seven

dream is to run over 1000 miles for the year. My lifetime goal is to run 30,000 miles. That's 30 years of 1000 miles per. I guess I should have started sooner.

I do have a Wish List for life time goals. If you have dreams or goals written down, I'd love to hear about them. Here's hoping we can all achieve our goals, dreams and aspirations for 2008 and beyond.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Peace.

Pat

8 comments:

Darrell said...

A nice list of goals.

I'd love to do the Grand Canyon hike. Maybe some day you'll do the Rim to Rim Run. 2009, maybe!

Merry Christmas.

Jeff said...

Fantastic list, Pat.

You're goals are totally acheivable, and I'll give you odds over the Reds heading to the World Series.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Pokey said...

Pat, you will do whatever you set your mind too...I know it!

I'm glad that 2007 had our paths cross, because you are truly a running inspiration for me.

Hope you and your family have a GREAT Christmas!

See you on the 26th :)

Marathoner in Training said...

Merry Christmas to your family. I will have tp post my goals for the next year. Maybe we can carpool to some of the races.

Irene said...

If you can do the 20 miles, I'm just about certain you can complete all 26.2. It sounds like you're ready for January 13, 2008!

Nice list of goals.

Happy Holidays, Pat!

J~Mom said...

Great goals Pat!! I am still figuring mine out for next year. I can't decide if I want to focus on running longer or doing a bigger tri.

MNFirefly said...

Great list of goals, Pat. They are do-able!

Merry Christmas!

Cheryl said...

Those are wonderful goals, Pat. I hope you accomplish them all, and are still running at age 96! Good Luck!