Hope your week is going well so far! Just wanted to check in with a quick trip update. I consider blogging a fun hobby of mine rather than a chore or job (a sentiment encouraged by long-time bloggers!), and so here I am blogging from the tropics :)
We have loved San Juan, PR so far! The island has extensive history dating back to the 16th century, and the streets are full of culture and color.
The beaches are also gorgeous and full of activity! Our first days here have been very windy, but today was met with more sun and lighter air.
Windy el morro fortress!
This morning we decided to work off our delicious Mexican food dinner from last night, so we put on our sneakers and headed out for a run. I started the run with some speedwork, including 2X1600m with 400m rest in between, followed by 2X800m, and then a nice cool down with Mark. The run was beautiful but very sweaty, and we were able to explore Condado beach area! Summer weather year-round in San Juan!
Last night we finally switched out of the typical bathing suit/running clothes outfits and headed to Old San Juan for dinner. Romance was in the air!
One of the [more serious] conversations from dinner last night involved new year’s resolutions, as 2016 is only a couple of short days away! Over the years I have had many resolutions, including: running a marathon, then qualifying for Boston, cutting back on drinking, getting promoted, finding a new job, taking advantage of the New England winter weather (versus complaining about it), starting a blog, cutting out candy for one year, getting more involved in community service, and now running 50 marathons in all 50 states.
Many of these resolutions I have already met, and many are still pending, works in progress. While I think it’s important to continuously progress as a person, and state new years resolutions each year, I don’t believe that resolutions need to be met in the next year, or even three years. Slowly working towards meeting your goals, piece by piece, is still success in my book. Just like it took me years of running and base-building miles before I ran my first marathon, most other resolutions take slow chiseling at to reach. Tackling any goal- especially the most seemingly impossible goals— can be very satisfying.
As Tom Foreman said in his book, “My Year of Running Dangerously”, “Whether something is unpleasant or uncomfortable has no bearing on whether it should be done. The decision and commitment must be made…with recognition that sometimes good things require bad days”. This mentality can be applied to any goal you may have.
Personally, I think that, in order to be successful in reaching your goals, you must:
- Have specific goals. I.e.- instead of saying, “becoming more fit”, say, “working out x days a week/month”, or “working towards running a 5k/half marathon/marathon, etc.”, or “competing in a crossfit competition”.
- Really want the goal to happen or truly understand why the goal is important for you.
These have both really helped me achieve some of my resolutions over time.
Heading outside now, catch you later!
What are your new year’s resolutions? What has worked and hasn’t worked for you in terms of accomplishing your resolutions?
What are your running and/or workout goals for the new year?
What is your favorite moment of 2015?
Jane Runs Wild 
Happy New Years!!!!!
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You too! :)
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Your pictures… so pretty! Are they taken with your phone or an actual camera? The colors are so vivid and brilliant! Glad you’re enjoying your holiday!!
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Thank you! The pics are taken from both my iPhone and camera! PR is so vibrant, easy to photograph! Happy new year! :)
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Great blogpost !! you made me realize that some of my resolutions (“getting more sleep”) are not specific enough … !!
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Thanks! Those are just some tips that helped me meet my goals, but whatever works for you is best. Good luck and happy new year!
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These pictures are stunning!
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Thank you! :)
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Jealous if your trip! I’ve been to PR once many, many years ago and would love to go back. And your pictures are GORGEOUS!!
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Thank you! It’s a great destination! :)
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Gorgeous pictures! Now PR is on my “must-see” list!
This year’s resolution involves running different types of races to mix up my running mentality, and I’m cutting out alcohol, simply because I want to see what I feel like without it. Great tips for resolutions!
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Awesome pictures!
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Beautiful pics! Enjoy your runs in the heat and soak up those beautiful colors!
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Thank you! Have a happy new year!
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My husband I were in PR with friends for twelve days in October. It was fabulous and where we were, offered lots of trails for running. Enjoy!
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It’s a great place to run! A little hot but I am certainly not complaining! :)
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Happy New Year, maybe put a future running/vacation event in New Zealand on your list for the New Year :-)
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That would be amazing!! Happy new year!
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Wow–those photos are gorgeous!! I agree that goals can take more than one year to accomplish. My personal trainer journey has been slow due to current financial/insurance obligations, but I’m confident I’ll get to where I’d like to be eventually. I feel as long as I’m taking some small steps daily its progress! And I love love love that last quote. Sharing! My goals: break 20 in the 5k and qualify for Boston. It’s been a long, hard journey but I’m not throwing in the towel! Happy new year!!
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You can do it!! Looking forward to hearing more about your journey to BQ!
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Just tweeted my thanks your way, but in case you missed it, here it is again: Thanks for the kind reference to My Year of Running Dangerously. Made my afternoon! And Ronnie is now up in Boston too, bracing herself for some cold runs this winter.
Tom Foreman
CNN
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Thank you Tom! I really enjoyed your interview and have listened to it several times ove. When I attempt to battle the elements and frigid temperatures during marathon training in Boston, I think of what you said about the importance of being outside. As you said, we see things out there that many others don’t, and that makes it all worth it. Happy running and good luck to Ronnie as she trains for Boston! Thanks again for checking out my blog!
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Meant to write, trains in* Boston– not sure if she is going to run Boston 2016- but either way, good luck to her!
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