Finally, back to normal?

Okay, for anyone that is following this, I know, it's been a while. The Holidays were just insane! Between trying to see everyone in our extended familys, work (yes, I worked all the Holidays) parties and anything else that popped up I thought I might actually go crazy! I probably brought some of the stress on myself, but that's how I am. Anyway, the Holidays were great. We got to see all the kids, if only for a short time. My Dad and Step-Mom came down to visit. We had a couple Birthday parties for Grandkids, kids..... and ME. On the 5th of Janurary I turned 47, our Grandaughter turned 1 on the 6th, our Grandson turned 3 on the 7th and Bud and his S.O. both had birthdays on the 11th. WHEW!! Add in a couple more family members out of town and it's a crazy time of the year.
My training has been so-so. I was getting some great early skiing in and then we had our Janurary thaw. 40+ degrees and rain just after the first of the year. It seems the snow base has held up quite well and I hope to get out and get some more miles on the skis. I have eased up on the running just a bit and added some workouts on my road bike on a mag-trainer. Just as boring as a treadmill but if I plan on doing more serious racing this year I figure every little bit helps.
On New Year's Day I ran a 5K in Neenah. It was cold and windy. Temps were in the single digits and the windchill was around 10 below. The sun was out in full force so that seemed to help a bit. I had no goals or predictions going in to the race. I had skied apporximately 15 miles on a very hilly course the day before so I just wanted to do the race as a way to start off the New Year. I didn't push at all and had no idea where I was in relation to the front runners. I felt slow and a bit stiff so I just kind of tucked in with a small pack and went at their pace. I had a fairly strong finish, pulling away from the pack in the last half mile or so. I immediatley went to my car to change into dry clothes and then went and had some food and waited around for results and door prizes. When they announced the age group awards I almost fell out of my seat when they called my name for 3rd place. My time was 22:23 which is kind of slow for me but I'll take it. I'll chalk up the slower times overall to the cold since they did have a good turnout-350+ runners/walkers. It was a great start to the New Year and one I hope I can continue with.
I have decided to list some goals for the New Year on my blog. I figure if I put them down here I might be more apt to try and keep them since someone might actually read this. They aren't earth shattering or anything special. Just some goals I would like to try and achieve if all the stars and planets line up and the Gods smile down on me.

1. I resolve to finally run at least a marathon, hopefully an ultra. I've been talking about this for a couple years and it's time to put up or shut up. No time goal in mind. I just want to do one and enjoy the experience.
2. I resolve to be more well rounded, for lack of a better expression, this year. Not so much time running. I would like to ski, run, bike, maybe rollerblade, hike, etc this year.
3. I resolve to compete more seriously in the WORS series. This is a mountain bike racing series that I used to race in regularly but haven't been that serious since 2001. I would like to see just how well I can do again.
4. I resolve not to be so caught up in the numbers game. Last year I tried to pile on the running miles. 2000+ miles is pretty good for me. I got caught up in some Nike+ challenges and just ran, ran, ran....

That's about it for now. I do have some performance goals in mind but I'll try and put those down later. How about you? Have any goals in mind for the New Year? Something to get the fires burning and get you out the door on these cold, dark winter days?

Well, that's all for now. I hope everyone enjoyed the Holidays and has a great New Year.

Later.....