Goals for 2010

A couple of my favorite things to do are to encourage others and to set goals; therefore, on this fifth day of a new year, I want to encourage you to set goals for this new year.  Last Sunday afternoon I sat down and spelled out my goals in the following categories:

• spiritually
• physically
• mentally (emotionally and intellectually)
• as a family member, friend,  and servant
• professionally

I won’t share any specifics right now except that under “professionally” I am determined to get more comfortable and proficient on the computer.  What are your goals for 2010?  I’ve heard it said that “if you fail to plan, you have planned to fail.”  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

18 Days ’til Blast Off for Rocket City Marathon

As I went for an easy five-mile run this morning I couldn’t help but count the days ’til December 12, 2009, the day eight of us runners and four adoring spouses from Franklin County, Virginia will be in Huntsville, Alabama for the Rocket City Marathon.  This will be my eighth marathon in eight states in the last 26 months.  I feel ready for the 26.2 mile race.  The longest training runs (ran 20 miles with my friend and training partner last Saturday morning) are behind me and I am now on a three-week taper until race day.  I’ll probably run six or seven more times before the race, including this Saturday for 14 miles and the following Saturday for 10 miles.

About two miles into this morning’s run I got a pebble in my right shoe.  A mile and a half later I got one in the other shoe.  They weren’t bothersome and I wasn’t running very far, so I kept going.  When little annoyances happen or aches and pains set in while I’m running, I think of our country’s soldiers around the world and what they are going through.  Distance running can certainly test your perspectives on life.

My Reflections on Visiting a Speakers’ Synergy Group

This morning I visited a speakers’ synergy group in Roanoke.  It was the group’s first meeting and I’m glad I was there.  Not many people get into public speaking, so to be around other like-minded folks was very energizing.  For years I’ve wanted to become a professional speaker.  With this group and being at a career-changing point in my life, I’m ready for my speaking goals to become a reality.  Stay tuned and I’ll let you know how it’s going!