2089

That's how many miles I ran in 2009. A little less than two full weeks spent on roads, trails, and other surfaces. It's absolutely not a bragging point-many more have logged far more miles in the past year. It's a shout-out to anyone who has ever watched others completing various physical endeavors and thought "that's cool-I wish could do that!" Because you CAN. Even if you're truly convinced, as I once was, that fitness was only for certain people who possessed certain special athletic traits.

I was a couch surfer not too long ago, and couldn't run more than 30 seconds a few years back. I truly didn't believe I could ever get up and do stuff like that. The truth of the matter is that ANYONE can take that first step-so go for it. What have you got to lose? At worst, it might be a few pounds. What do you have to gain? Pride, enjoyment, and satisfaction in taking the time to take care of yourself-for yourself, and for those who matter most to you. Think about it-people spend hours upon hours watching television, playing video games, or other sedentary recreational activities to unwind and it's a non-issue. Take whatever time you've got each day for free time, and dedicate it to yourself. Though you may not always want to start every workout, I can guarantee that you will leave each one feeling physically and mentally stronger, and more able to tackle anything that goes down in your day-to-day life. Go for it. You're worth it. And you'll be amazed at where that simple "get in shape and get off the couch" choice can take you.

It's taken me over once of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes from Ouray to Telluride, through the Canyonlands of Utah, and countless roads and trails in my home state of Colorado. It's going to take me to Boston on Patriots Day THIS year (holy shiznit....it IS this year!!!). It's going to take me somewhere I've NEVER thought of going, and am frankly a little tweaked about-that 34 mile thing in Moab. But, it really all started with a 200 pound woman going out to jog with her kid and be a decent support for her first 5K. Who huffed and puffed her way to a finish where she couldn't even keep up with her kid. If I can do it, anyone can do it, and I just hope that many people this year realize that they've got it in themselves to get moving and shoot for whatever goals are swirling around in their heads. Name that goal, don't apologize for it or consider it unrealistic, and go for it. There's an expression that sounds kind of cheesy but I've found to be true-shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.