A month ago I sat down to write to you about my failure! How I failed to be prepared for my Birthday Marathon. How I set a goal and didn’t follow through. And then before I was finished writing I asked you to indulge me and allow me to yet again set a goal – to walk a 50k in the month that I turned 50! I called it my 50k at 50.

It is with great joy that I announce:

SUCCESS!

Today I completed my 50k! A full day before my deadline!

But more than accomplishing my goal, I feel better! The nagging hip pain is gone. My knee doesn’t hurt as much AND I am down 10lbs!

Did I mention I feel GREAT?

I certainly did not walk every day. However, only one day was I forced inside and on to a treadmill. I also completed my goal with only 2 two-a-days.

I measured my success on a very public (in my kitchen) notepad. It was easy for anyone to see how I was progressing. Previously, I tried to track my success in a much more private way. However, private also means ‘easy to disillusion myself to believe I was doing better than I was’ or ‘easy to believe I still has time to get it in’.

Have I mentioned I feel GREAT?

I feel so great; I am making this a monthly thing – 50 at 50!

For the month of February my goal is to ride my bike 50 miles. (a 50k is only 31 miles and that’s just not far enough on a bike). As always I invite you to join me (in person, in spirit or virtually).

No, I am not giving up on walking! I still plan to walk every nice (45 degrees+ non-rainy) day for a mile at lunch

Here’s to feeling better; Having clothes that fit better; And being happier for all of 50 (AKA 2013)!