Friday, January 10, 2014

To be resolute or to make resolutions??? That is the 2014 question!

Running self-portrait.
(NB: Not drawn at actual time of running!)

January, 2014: To be resolute or make resolutions?

How strange that two words, whilst so close, can have such different meanings. Funny language this English one.

New Year’s resolutions abound at this time of year. Many resolutions are about people’s commitment to getting fitter, stopping smoking, losing weight and generally being healthier. However, I've just been reading an article about how 20% of people don’t last 24 hours before failing their new year’s resolution!  

While running this week I was thinking about the important difference between being resolute and making resolutions. 
             * Being resolute is defined as “To be firmly resolved or determined as the temper, spirit,                             actions, etc.”
             * Making a resolution is defined as “A formal expression of opinion or intention made.”
So I think the difference between being resolute and making a resolution is one word:  action.
I can be as resolute as I want to but until I take action it means nothing.




So this year I’ve moved from being resolute about my running to making a resolution – by joining an athletics club.
Funny thing me joining a club. I’ve always been a follower of Groucho Mark’s famous quote; “I wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would have me”.

But there’s a few reasons for doing this;
                1.      To get better one must run against those who are similarly aiming higher. You can go so far and so fast in your training, but nothing pushes you along like ‘the pack’.

                2.    I have a son who is keen to go deeper into his athletics. I believe in the idea that “the family   that runs together stays together.”

                3.    I’m closer to running slower marathons than I am faster. What’s my limit? Can I break 3:15? I’ll never know if I don’t have a go now.  A few years down the track and I’ll be pushing                              “just to finish”.

So thank you Diamond Valley Athletics Club for you wonderful welcome- and the opportunity to have a few trial runs with you.  I’ve now signed the form, paid the money;   put the resolution into place.



Finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon.
I'm looking forward to crossing the 2014 one. I think it will be an emotional event. 
My running goals for this year (so far) are:

Oceania Masters Games, January 2014
Half  marathon in Bendigo – tomorrow!

Eltham Fun Run, March 2014
Our local event, run by the local YMCA.  10km on trails we know well. My sons will compete in the 5km event.

 Swisse Color Run, March 2014
Last years Australian Grand Prix run was one of my favourites. This year it’s a Color Run (my first) for 5km around the track.  Running it with my daughter.  (I guess its kind of strange to give running event entries to my children for Christmas presents …. but the family who runs together stays together ….)

Boston Marathon, April 21st, 2014.
Locked and loaded. Entry accepted. What an emotional journey that will be.

Melbourne Marathon, October 2014.
This will be number 6.  I’m chasing 10 and that coveted ‘Spartans’ singlet.

And who knows what the Club will have in store for its members ….


And I’m already thinking ahead to 2015….
There’s some big dreams that will require some big planning …
Or some resolute ideas that will require resolutions.
Stay tuned for that.

And I’ve allowed myself to dream about future events I’d love to compete in. These events pepper  my Pinterest boards ... just to tease! Check our my Pinterest page for a look see at all the 'bucket list' events:


What are your running or fitness dreams this years? Are you being resolute or making resolutions?




1 comment:

  1. You are an inspiration Andrew. Great family values and your commitment to sharing your running with your family is so smile inducing!
    Thankyou..

    ReplyDelete