Back On Track

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My past three blogs have been about relationships in some way. It's time to get back on track (pun intended) and talk about running. On January 4th, I wrote that "February is the New January." I had planned to set my goals for 2026 and put them in writing in this blog post, the first one in February. I had no idea what was going to happen the very next day, on January 5th, while out on my run. Breaking my hand certainly was unexpected and has set me back. While I don't think I'm beginning all over like after my knee surgery, I definitely feel like progress has been lost. You would think I had plenty of time to plan and reflect during my downtime in January and, while it was on my mind, I haven't come to any concrete conclusions. Yet here it is, the first Sunday in February, and I need to put goals in writing. I will break it down into four categories as I did for 2025: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, and my Blog.

Isaiah 29:24 (CSB), "Those who are confused will gain understanding, and those who grumble will accept instruction." or (The Message), "Those who got off-track will get back on-track, and complainers and whiners will learn gratitude."

SPIRITUAL

I was on a long streak with the YouVersion Bible App in 2025 until I got off my morning schedule, after my fall, and forgot to open it one morning. The streak has suffered ever since. I want to get back in the habit of starting my mornings off with their Guided Scriptures before I even get out of bed. I want to continue my daily bible reading but dig deeper into each book that I read. I will do that by starting Through the Word's "Acts Explained" Bible reading plan in the YouVersion App. This will give me focus for each day and keep my heart open to hear from God.

PHYSICAL

In September and October of 2025, I was thinking about what my running goals should be for 2026. I was feeling strong and was being drawn toward the idea of a Half Marathon. As colder mornings came in December and November, my runs felt weak and the idea of a half seemed less possible. The fall and breaking my hand, requiring surgery in early January has that goal seeming even more unattainable. If I decide to chase that dream, I will want to race alone which scares me, but then that gives me further reason for why I feel that I should do it alone. I'm looking for the perfect half event before setting this goal in stone. Whatever I decide, I will want to (or need to) increase my mileage and I am on hold with that at least until February 18th when the pins come out and the cast is removed. This is definitely something that is swirling around in my head. Nutrition also falls under this category, and I roll my eyes because I know my history. I need to come up with something that will keep me accountable. I thought about posting a daily food journal, but it can't be about shaming me, and I can't feel like I'm punishing myself. This one is a work in progress. Any suggestions on this topic are welcomed! 

EMOTIONAL

My word for 2026 is "resilient." To keep me focused on that, I will keep at least a weekly "Resilient Journal" like people do for gratitude or prayer requests. This will keep the word fresh in my mind and will remind me of how God helps me bounce back and continue to walk with Him. To remind me of the definition according to Merriam-Webster:

"Resilient adjective: characterized or marked by resilience: such as
    a. : capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture
    b : tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

BLOG

I have been pretty regular in posting a weekly blog. I will continue to do so. I have Facebook and an Instagram account associated with this blog on which I post content throughout the week, not obnoxiously, but enough to keep track of what I'm up to. I would love to see those pages grow. If you are interested, follow the links below. If you are a regular reader of the blog, but have not subscribed and would like to, email me at myjourneyback@gmail.com and I'll add you to the email list. If you like any post you see or find value in a blog that you've read, please share it! 

Instagram @  myjourkneeback

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