Time for review and New Year's resolutions

Every grad student needs a good hobby for sanity's sake.

I heard this pearl of wisdom a few years ago, but couldn't quite believe it: "But, hobbies take time!" "I should really concentrate on my studies and research!" "I feel guilty taking time away from what I am supposed to do in grad school!"

Then about a year ago I realized that I, in fact, needed an activity outside of grad school. My body needed exercise, my mind needed a way to relieve stress, and my self-confidence could benefit from setting attainable and measurable goals and reaching them. Oh, and the hobby needed to be grad-student budget-friendly.

So I decided to start running. The first half of the year was filled with attempts that inevitably failed after a few weeks of trying (too busy, weather too cold/rainy/hot, and other common excuses). Then, in the Summer, two things happened:

1. I discovered DoctorMama's blog with all her wonderful running advice. "Go slow," she said, and I no longer had an excuse for not being able to run a few kilometers at a time. Now, I desperately want the "DoctorMama makes me run!" shirt.
   
2. I broke down and invested in new running shoes and a Nike+ tracker. In addition to my feet feeling a lot better, I could no longer say "I think I went 5 kilometers" and "That should add up to 15 kilometers for the week." I knew exactly how far I ran, how many days it was since my last run, and how many kilometers I had left till reaching my goal.
   

My stats since August: >50 runs, >400 kilometers, and a rather slow half-marathon as my longest run. And let me tell you, running has done miracles for both my physical and mental state.

I have two goals for next year:

1. Keep up the good habits no matter the time pinch I might get myself into;
2. Pick up a little speed.

In order to do so, I am going to join ScienceMama in her training. I will reevaluate my goals in Spring, but for now, here are the two events I am planning to train for:

1. A 5k that involves severe hills - taking place in late February;
2. A half-marathon - taking place in March.

Wish me luck and feel free to kick my butt if I am slacking!