Year of the Fantasy Classic

Host: KMont from Lurv a la Mode

Challenge: Determine a number of fantasy books to read and then read them in 2012.

My goal: Read 6 fantasy novels in 2012.

Time Frame: January 1 to December 31, 2012


I am signing up for this reading challenge for three distinct reasons.

I lurv the challenge graphic.
I lurv KMont.
I lurv fantasy fiction.

It seems I love the fantasy books I read, but oddly enough... I don't actively seek those books out as often as I should. This challenge will hopefully encourage and inspire me to be more consistent with that in 2012.

All excellent reasons to do this challenge, right? Why not join us?

You can read more about this challenge and sign yourself up HERE.

I have several titles already in mind for this challenge that I've listed below, many of which I already have on my shelves, others I know I can get at the library.

Midsummer Night by Freda Warrington
Enchantment by Orson Scott Card
The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia McKillip
The Broken Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
The Kingdom of the Gods by N.K. Jemisin
Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Eon by Allison Goodman
Eona by Allison Goodman
The Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

I'll keep a list of the books I read for this challenge in this post.

1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien [graphic novel]
2. Eon by Alison Goodman
3. Eona by Alison Goodman
4. The Amulet Series, Books 1-4 by Kazu Kibuishi
5. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
6. Cold Magic by Kate Elliot
7. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
8. The Riftwalker by Clay & Susan Griffith
9. Cold Fire by Kate Elliot
10. Fever Moon by Karen Marie Moning [graphic novel]

What's In a Name 5 Reading Challenge

Host: Beth F from Beth Fish Reads

Challenge: Read one book whose title meets each category requirement.

Time frame: January 1 to December 31, 2012

This is probably my favorite challenge of all the ones I've ever done. It's so much fun finding a book from my shelves, my wish list or at the library that fits one of the categories. Most of the time, I realize after I've read a book that it fits this challenge and am rewarded with a very satisfying 'ah-ha!' moment. If I can inspire you to join one [more] reading challenge this year... this is the one.

You can learn more about this challenge and sign up for it yourself HERE.

This year's categories:

1. A book with a topographical feature in the title.
2. A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title.
3. A book with a creepy crawly in the title.
4. A book with a type of house in the title.
5. A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse or backpack in the title.
6. A book with something you'd find on a calendar in the title.

I'll keep a running list of the books I read for this challenge here:

1. The Riftwalker by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
2. Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
3. Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
4. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
5. Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
6. The Arrival by Shaun Tan

CHALLENGE COMPLETED DECEMBER 7, 2012 

E-Book Challenge 2012

Host: Sarah from Workday Reads

Challenge: Read the minimum number of ebooks for your chosen level.

My Level: DVD Read 25 ebooks

Time frame: January 1 to December 31, 2012

I did this challenge last year and met my challenge of 12 ebooks in early December, but proceeded to read three more by the end of the year, bringing my total number of ebooks read last year to 15. That's pretty shabby! The thing is, I love my ipad, but I'm still reading from my pre-existing TBR of paper books, plus it's my personal policy to buy new books only if I can't find them at the library first. I also bought a lot of author signed books at the RWA literacy signing in June, so that made up for a lot of my new books bought in 2011. I anticipate reading more and more new releases on my ipad this year, so hopefully I can double the number of ebooks I read.

I'll keep a running list of the ebooks I read throughout the year in this post.

1.  Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
2. Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee
3. The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
4. Conor's Way by Laura Lee Guhrke
5. Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle
6. Capturing the Silken Thief by Jeannie Lin
7. The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan
8. Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh
9. Hearts of Fire by Kira Brady
10. Beautiful Mess by Lucy V. Morgan
11. Before the Moon Rises by Catherine Bybee
12. Embracing the Wolf by Catherine Bybee
13. Ride With Me by Ruthie Knox
14. The Rift Walker by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
15. Cold Fire by Kate Elliot
16. Through the Lens by K.M. Jackson
17. The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
18. Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City by Meljean Brook
19. Venom by Jennifer Estep
20. Holiday Kisses by Shannon Stacey et. al.
21. Lumberjack in Love by Penny Watson
22. We'll Be Home For Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
23. Deck The Halls With Love by Lorraine Heath
24. Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep
25. The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare

***CHALLENGE COMPLETED DECEMBER 30, 3012***

OutDo Yourself Reading Challenge 2012

Host: The Book Vixen

Goal: Read more books in 2012 than you did in 2011.

Time frame: January 1 to December 31, 2012

I read 100 books in 2011, so my goal for this challenge is to read 101 books in 2012. This is the  "Get My Heart Rate Up" level. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to meet this challenge this year--especially since 2012 is a leap year which means we get a whole extra day of reading in 2012!

I'll be keeping a running list of the books I read in 2012 in my 100+ Books In a Year Reading Challenge post, but if my timing is right, I should Out Do myself sometime in late October, early November.

You can sign up for this challenge HERE.

100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012

Host: Book Chick City

Goal: Read 100+ books in 2012

Time frame: January 1 to December 31, 2012




This is my third year participating in this reading challenge. Last year was the first year I made it to 100 books and I'm hoping to do it again this year!

1. The Longest Night by Kathleen O'Reilly
2. Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
3. Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee

4. Born in Death by J.D. Robb
5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien [graphic novel adaptation]
6. Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb
7. Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
8. Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison [RE READ]
9. The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
10. King Lear by Shakespeare, adapted by Gareth Hinds
11. Eon Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
12. Conor's Way by Laura Lee Guhrke
13. "Thicker Than Blood" by Meljean Brook [novella]
14. Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
15. Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
16. Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
17. Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle

18. Capturing the Silken Thief by Jeannie Lin [novella]
19. Eona by Alison Goodman 
20. Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione [novella]
21. Eternity Embraced by Larissa Ione
22. Sin Undone by Larissa Ione
23. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
24. A Lot Like Love by Julie James
25. Where She Went by Gayle Forman
26. Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones 
27. The Good Neighbors Book One: Kin
              by Holly Black and Ted Naifeh [RE READ]
28. The Good Neighbors Book Two: Kith
              by Holly Black and Ted Naifeh
29. The Good Neighbors Book Three: Kind
              by Holly Black and Ted Naifeh
30 Eternity in Death by J.D. Robb [novella]

31. Crazy, Sexy Diet by Kris Carr
32. The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole [novella]
33. Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
34. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole [RE READ]
35. Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward
36. A Dangerous Beauty by Sophia Nash
37. The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
38. Amulet: Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi [RE READ]
39. Amulet: Stonekeeper's Curse by Kazu Kibuisi [RE READ]
40. Amulet: The Cloud Searchers by Kazu Kibuishi [RE READ]
41. Amulet: The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi
42. Paris in Love by Eloisa James

43. Creation in Death by J.D. Robb
44. The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan [novella]
45. Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
46. If I Die by Rachel Vincent
47. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
48. Food Rules by Michael Pollan
49. Cold Magic by Kate Elliot
50. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

51. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley 
52. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
53. Odd And The Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
54. Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh
55. Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty

56. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
57. The Witness by Nora Roberts
58. Danger's Kiss by Sarah McKerrigan
59. Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins
60. Hearts of Fire by Kira Brady [novella]
61. Hearts of Darkness by Kira Brady

62. Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb
63. Deeper by Megan Hart
64. Gold by Chris Cleave
65. Beautiful Mess by Lucy V. Morgan
66. Before the Moon Rises by Catherine Bybee
67. Embracing the Moon by Catherine Bybee
68. No Rest For the Wicked by Kresley Cole [RE-READ]
69. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole [RE-READ]
70. Dark Needs At Night's Edge by Kresley Cole [RE-READ]

71. Dark Desires After Dark by Kresley Cole [RE-READ]
72. Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole
73. Ride With Me by Ruthie Knox
74. Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole & Gena Showalter
75. The Rift Walker by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith
76. Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole 
77. The Arrival by Shaun Tan
78. Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep

79. Cold Fire by Kate Elliot
80. Demon From the Dark by Kresley Cole 
81. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
82. Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb
83. "Ritual in Death" by J.D. Robb
84. Prince of the Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
85. Tales of Death and Dementia by Edgar Allen Poe illustrated by Gris Grimly

86. "Poison" by Jennifer Estep
87. "Web of Deceit" by Jennifer Estep
88. "Spider's Bargain" by Jennifer Estep
89. "Web of Death" by Jennifer Estep
90. Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas
91. Through the Lens by K.M. Jackson
92. Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
93. "Wasted" by Jennifer Estep
94. Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brook [RE-READ]
95. The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
96. Fever Moon by Karen Marie Moning
97. Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City by Meljean Brook
98. This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Díaz

99. Venom by Jennifer Estep
100. "Tangled Dreams" by Jennifer Estep
101. "Tangled Schemes" by Jennifer Estep
102. "Spider's Nemesis" by Jennifer Estep
103. The House On Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
104. Holiday Kisses by Shannon Stacey, Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon & Alison Kent
105. Lumberjack in Love by Penny Watson
106. We'll Be Home For Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
107. Deck The Halls With Love by Lorraine Heath
108. Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep
109. The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare


Books highlighted in PINK are favorite reads! 

Stone Soup

a.k.a. Simple Vegetable Soup

Unlike authentic Stone Soup that's made in the old folk story in which a hungry traveller persuades villagers to share vegetables with him as he stews a stone in a kettle of water, my recipe does not call for an actual stone. Just water, plenty of vegetables, some herbs, and salt & pepper. Feel free, however, to add a well scrubbed stone from your yard to the simmering brew in order to make the soup more authentic. You might just get your kids to eat this soup if it was cooked with a real stone! :)

Stone Soup
Vegan and Gluten Free
Low fat, low calorie and very nutritious
Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced into rounds
1 rutabaga, chopped*
1 potato, chopped*
1 tomato, chopped
1 small bunch collard greens
dried basil, oregano and thyme
salt & pepper

*I like to chop the rutabaga and potato into a similar shape and size of the sliced carrot. The vegetables cook more evenly that way and it makes for a nicer presentation.

1. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium high until hot.
2. Add onion, celery and carrots and saute until the onion begins to get translucent.
3. Season with salt and pepper and then add 6-8 cups of water.
4. Add about 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano and thyme.
5. Add the rutabaga, potato and tomato.
6. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
7. Cook the soup for 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are almost fork tender. I usually test a piece of the rutabaga since it tends to need the longest cooking time.
8. Add coarsely chopped collard greens and cook for another 15 minutes or until collard greens are cooked and tender and vegetables are fully fork tender.  **see below for optional method of cooking greens**
9. Taste for seasoning and add additional salt & pepper, if desired.
10. Serve hot.

**For an authentic one pot Stone Soup, add coarsely chopped collard greens or other greens to the soup as instructed above. I actually prefer to cook my greens separately and then add them to individual servings that I've ladled into bowls. I think sauteed greens simply taste better than boiled greens, so it's really up to you which method you choose to follow.

To saute the greens separately:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion [red if you have one]
1 small bunch of collard greens
salt & pepper

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat until hot. 
2. Add 1/2 onion, sliced vertically. I like to use red onion here if I have one. 
3. Saute onion for a minute or two, then add the collard greens, coarsely chopped. Saute for several minutes until greens are bright green and slightly wilted. Season with salt & pepper. 
4. Set aside until soup is finished, then divide the sauteed greens evenly among individual servings of soup.

I sometimes add a freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the soup upon serving for additional flavor. Note that the soup is no longer vegan with the added cheese, although it is still vegetarian and gluten free.

Enjoy! :)

Weekend Cooking, a weekly blog event hosted by Beth Fish Reads. Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food related post to share--a food related book review (fiction or nonfiction), cookbook review, movie review, a recipe, random thoughts, gadgets, food quotations, photographs, etc. Please visit Beth's blog for more information and join the fun!

How I did with my 2011 Reading Challenges

I signed up for 12 different reading challenges last year, two of which were short term challenges. The Once Upon a Time V, which spanned one season and the Holiday Reading Challenge that more or less spanned the month of December. I'm not counting the In Death Series Reading Challenge because it is a perpetual challenge that will span three or more years. Also, I had signed up for the Women of Fantasy Book Club and only read 3 of the 12 book selections--two of which ended up being among my favorite reads of the entire year.

In Death Series Reading Challenge  ONGOING
2011 Book Club "Women of Fantasy" I only read 3 out of 12 books.

As for the rest, here's a list of what I wanted to do ... and my results.

1. Steampunk Challenge 2011 June 8, 2011
I only needed to read and review one book, which I did. The Greyfriar by Clay and Susan Griffith, which was excellent. I need to read the next book in the series!

2. Out-Do Yourself Reading Challenge October 28, 2011
I needed to read one more book than I read in 2010. I met this challenge in October when I finished my 84th book of the year. I think that was the day I realized that reaching my goal of 100 books in 2011 might just be achievable.

3. What's In A Name 4 Reading Challenge November 27, 2011
This was the second year I did this challenge and again, I have to tell you this is a fun one. I don't know what it is about finding books on your shelf that fit the categories or reading a newly released book and discovering that it fits one of the requirements... but whatever it is, I find this challenge really fun to do. Check out the 2011 categories and what books I read for each:

1. A book with a number in the title:

A Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

2. A book with jewelry or a gem in the title

The Amulet Graphic Novels by Kazu Kibuishi 

3. A book with a size in the title

Dream A Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 

4. A book with travel or movement in the title

Into the Flame by Christina Dodd

5. A book with evil in the title

Kiss Me Deadly anthology edited by Trisha Telep

6. A book with a life stage in the title

Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb

I can't wait to do this one again! 

4. E-Book Challenge 2011 December 7, 2011
I thought having got an ipad for my birthday in fall of 2010 this challenge would have been a piece of cake, but I only finished reading my 12th ebook in the beginning of December! I guess I still I have a lot of paper books on my shelf to read and there's always loot from the library. I'm doing this one again in 2012 and I estimate that in another year or so, I won't need to "challenge" myself as my ebook reading surpasses my paper book reading. We'll see..

5. Holiday Reading Challenge December 26, 2011
I met the Mistletoe level of this challenge and read four holiday themed books in December. I have so many more that I want to read so I'll definitely do this one again in 2012. I think it would be fun to dedicate the entire month of December to holiday themed books! Something to think about.

6. Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2011 December 31, 2011
I think I spent more time debating which Murakami book to read than I actually spent reading. Talk about indecisiveness! In the end, I chose a book I wasn't even considering at all! I was literally at the library one day in December to pick up Sputnik Sweetheart and saw a smaller, shorter Murakami book next to it, and decided right there it was a wiser choice for me considering I was in last-minute mode for this challenge. I picked up after the quake which is a collection of short stories surrounding the disastrous 1995 earthquake near Kobe, Japan. I enjoyed it very much and am doing this challenge again in 2012.

7. 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011 December 31, 2011
Finally, my biggest challenge and honestly, the one I wanted to meet most. The Haruki Murakami book was my 100th book of 2011 and in fact, I finished reading it around 4 pm on December 31, 2011. I don't know about you... but I call that cutting it close!

My goal for 2012? Read 101 books. I know a challenge when I see one. ;)

Edited to add: January 8, 2011 I FORGOT ONE!
8. Summer Romance Reading Challenge 2011 July 8, 2011
I joined Book City Chick's Summer Romance Reading Challenge and signed up to read 8 books between between the first day of summer and September 30, 2011 and met that challenge in early July. I proceeded to read a total of 19 books during that time frame. I guess that wasn't so much of a challenge after all... 

Now for the challenges I failed. By the way, I'm not the least bit upset that I didn't meet these challenges below. Sure, it would have been really cool if I did, but why call it a challenge if it all comes too easy, right?

1. Once Upon a Time V Challenge [spring only] FAILED Completed 3/5
This challenge is hosted by Carl at Steel Droppings during the spring only, starting on the first day of spring. I met this challenge in 2010 and enjoyed it... but sort of forgot about it this year until mid May. I met 3 of the 5 requirements for the level I chose to do, but ran out of time with the last two. I'll try again this spring.

2. A-Z Mystery Challenge FAILED Completed 4/26
Well, this one I knew right out of the gate that I wouldn't complete, because I just don't read that many mysteries. However, I think it's a great way to try new authors in a new-to-me genre and it is hosted by my darling friend Michelle, so I am making it a perpetual challenge for myself and will simply work on reading books by authors for all 26 letters until I've finished the whole alphabet. Four down, twenty-two to go!

3. Big Book Reading Challenge FAILED Completed 0/1
There's a reason orannia--who hosts this challenge, asks that we chose ONE big book to read. It's because she knows we all procrastinate reading those big books because well... they're BIG! I was so good at procrastinating that I never read one. I'm signing up for this one again in 2012 and will punish myself make amends to myself by reading TWO big books this time!

4. Take a Chance Challenge 3 FAILED Completed 0/10
This challenge sounded so unique and fun and inspiring when I signed up for it last year but my interest fell short here. The categories for the requirements were really great... I even played with some book lists several times throughout the year, but I never followed through. Ah, well, live and learn.

5. Reading Challenge Addict Challenge 2011 NOT EXACTLY FAILED Completed 7/12
Finally, the end all and be all of challenges for reading challenge addicts like me. This one was a challenge to actually MEET all of your 2011 reading challenges. I didn't make it.  I own it.

Edited to add: January 7, 2012. 
Turns out I signed up to complete SEVEN challenges in the Reading Challenge Addict Challenge so it looks like I actually met that one!!! That makes 9 wins and 4 losses. :) 

Did you sign up for any Reading Challenges in 2011? How did you do?


Coming up soon on the happily ever after...  a whole bunch of 2012 Reading Challenge posts! Yay! So apologies in advance if I clutter up your feeds over the weekend!

Have a great weekend! :)

A Snowshoe 5K: Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer

As many of you already know from my post Love your Breasts... do Self Breast Exams back in October 2011, I found a lump in my breast in year ago this very week while doing a self breast exam, only three months after having a routine, clear mammogram. After several nerve wracking weeks involving consultations with my physician, a breast care specialist and finally a lumpectomy, I was diagnosed with a rare, benign breast disease known as Pseudoanginomous Stromal Hyperplasia of the breast or PASH. You can imagine my relief hearing a diagnosis of a benign breast disease and not a cancerous one! Unfortunately, that's not the case for many women. Did you know that ONE in EIGHT women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? That's startling!

To help combat this overwhelming statistic, I've decided to strap on a pair of snowshoes and participate in the annual Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series®. I'll be participating in a 5K Snowshoe Walk on January 21, 2012 to raise funds for the local Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® which supports local community-based breast health programs focusing on underserved and uninsured women. 75% of the net funds support local communities (NJ-NY Metro area) and 25% net funds goes to support national research to help find a cure.

If you feel so inclined to make a donation to support this cause, you can donate online at my Stomp to Romp page. I understand the financial challenges facing many individuals and families these days, so please do not feel pressured to do so. However, anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. :)

The Party's Over

No more holiday debauchery! It's time to get focused again on healthy eating and regular exercise.

I used the Lose It app on my iphone in 2010, which I swear was the key to my weight loss success [I lost 30 lbs. from April-November 2010]. But then I got stuck on a weight loss plateau for a couple of months that I just couldn't overcome, so I took a break from tracking my daily calories for a while. The good news is that I managed to keep the weight off for all of 2011. Well, except for two pounds... pish! The bad news is that I never got to my target weight and I still really want it. 

Soooo.... today I got on the scale and started a new program on the Lose It app. I went over my calorie budget today, but I'm okay with that for now. I'll ease back into the program this week as I get re-accustomed to proper portion sizes and better snack choices and so on. If everything goes according to plan, I should reach my goal weight between May and July--depending on whether I lose 1 or 1.5 lbs. a week.  

Have you made a New Year's Resolution to lose weight this year? 

Eat healthier?  Exercise regularly? 

I almost followed with, 'Let me know--misery loves company!' ... but truthfully, this is not going to be miserable. It's going to be fantastic! It's not going to be easy and I might get a little cranky... but it'll be worth it because I know it'll feel great! 

Who's with me?

Learn more about the Lose It app in the app store in iTunes or at www.loseit.com.  Lose It is also available for the Android.

For some great advice on achieving success with your resolutions, see this article on Four Keys to New Year's Resolution success written by Sean on The Adventures of a Bookonaut.

A Running Start

Happy New Year!

As per tradition, I started my New Year running a 5K race today. I had hoped to break my personal record of 30:02 set on October 1, 2011 but I didn't do it. I finished today's race at 30:31. Bummer. But at the same time... Woohoo! I ran an average pace of 9:49 minute miles for 3.1 miles and was out there running around on New Year's Day! :)

This a pic of me that my husband took after the race. He's my #1 SAG. That's actually a term used in bicycle racing for Support And Gear--the vehicle that follows the riders to provide mechanical and medical assistance, but I'm taking the liberty to use it for any sport I do. ha!

I've been reflecting on my fitness accomplishments in 2011, and I have a lot to be proud of. In addition to going to fitness classes and swimming at the gym, I ran a total of 203.91 miles outdoors and biked a total of 641.1 miles. I did all my biking May through December.

One of my fitness goals last year was to run a 5K in 31 minutes or less--CHECK! Another was to participate in my first triathlon--CHECK! What an amazing experience that was. So much fun and what an incredible feeling to have accomplished something like that. Edited to add [Jan. 3, 2012]: My third fitness challenge for 2011 was to achieve 100 Fitness Challenge "Miles" every month of the year. I reached that goal 9 out of 12 month--No Check. But still kicked some butt this year with my consistency and dedication so I'm not calling this a failure. :) 

My fitness goals for 2012 are similar... with a few tweaks.

A New 5K Personal Best:
Run a 5K in under 30 minutes. I want to see 29:xx:xx on the clock crossing that finish line!

Another Triathlon:
Participate in another sprint triathlon. I'm thinking of the SheRox Triathlon here in New Jersey in July, but I haven't committed.

A Gran Fondo:
Participate in a Gran Fondo, which is a 103 mile bike event. This is a non-timed event, although the particular Gran Fondo I'll be doing does have timed trials on six climbs. My cycling partner and I expect to finish the course in about 7.5 hours. Yikes! It'll take place in September and I'm pretty much committed to it already. After doing so well in the biking portion of the triathlon last year, my cycling partner and I decided to focus our efforts on our strength and give ourselves a little challenge. We've kind of started our training already biking on Saturday mornings. We meet just before sunrise and bike for 20+/- miles, in literally freezing temperatures, attacking some of the toughest hills for cyclists around here. I'm already looking forward to spring when we can put in more miles in some more agreeable temperatures!

I've decided to discontinue the Fitness Miles Challenge here on my blog in 2012. The gals at 100 Fitness Miles Challenge blog, which is now the Get Moving Fitness Challenge are starting things up over there again, so I encourage you to check it out. Of course, I'm not going to stop posting about exercise here and hope to do a Month in Review type post to track my progress in reading, exercise and any other fun things going on, so there will still be opportunities for us to share our fitness adventures here on the happily ever after... 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Fitness Mile Challenge Report Card for December 2011: 
If you have any fitness challenge miles from December to share, I'd love to hear how you did! I for one was definitely challenged to meet my 100 fitness mile mark last month, but managed to finish with 100.64 miles. December is such a hectic month, so whatever you managed to get done--pat yourself on the back! If you want to see how I reached those miles, see my December Workout Log.  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


I've got a few other New Year's Resolutions and goals for 2012 that I'm going to tackle, but I'm waiting to start those tomorrow... because one of them requires getting on the scale. Yeah.. tomorrow's looking good for that. ;)

What are your fitness goals for 2012?

If you don't have one... make one! It'll be good for your body and spirit.