My way of going big this year? Swimming the 4.4-mile span of this bridge.
With 2011 being the year of “not happening,” I want to make 2012 the year of getting out of my comfort zone. Come January, I’m hoping my name is going to get pulled out of the lottery for the Chesapeake Bay Swim. All 4.4 miles across the bay, in choppy, current-driven waters.
The furthest I’ve swum in the past? 2.4 miles during Ironman Lake Placid. In 1999. The bay swim? Hello scared shitless. But sometimes scared shitless is good. Sometimes you have to reach beyond the norm and go big.
Do I relish the thought of what will be a heck of a lot of laps, maybe even up to 7,000 or 8,000 yards at a time to get ready for the bay swim? Not really. But when my feet hit ground on the Eastern Shore next June, will it all be worth it? Oh heck yeah.
I got a text from a client the other day that read, “One year ago, I could barely run a 5k. Now I’m hitting double digits.” She’s running her first half marathon this February. She is going big in 2012. I can’t wait to hear the pride in her voice after she crosses the finish line.
I want you to think about your goals in 2012, too. Is there something a bit out of your comfort zone you’ve been eyeing? Maybe this is the year to go for it. Find that event that would make you feel proud, strong, accomplished. Then set out a plan and go for it.
How will you go big in 2012?
WOW! Talk about guts! Now I am thinking that maybe I need something to aim for too… but what? You are such an inspiration. Thank you!
Did you say 4.4mi swim??? Wow!
Ewa recently posted..Birthday present to myself – silence
My big in 2012 is 5-5-5, wanna guess what it is?
BDD recently posted..Weekly Ramblings – Sort Of
That is seriously going big. The thought of that swim terrifies me, but I’m a horrible swimmer, so that makes sense.
I’m not sure how I’ll go big next year. I thought this year was big with my first marathon
kari @ Running Ricig recently posted..rogue firewood bandit
This makes me want to do the Chesapeake swim! (I did ocean races in high school, but since then my longest was also in an Ironman – Wisconsin in 2008).
For 2012? We’re about to pull the trigger on a five-day race in the Scottish Highlands. That has me shaking in my trail shoes.
Abby @ Have Dental Floss, WIll Travel recently posted..Commenters Anonymous
Wow that’s a really big goal for 2012 but so cool. I have no doubt you will rock this swim.
I don’t have big goals for 2012. I’ve had them this year and the year before. I’m not going for any goals next year but just enjoy life, running and other workouts.
Fran recently posted..Wednesday December 7 – 2011, The workout edition
Awesome! I hope your name gets drawn for the race
Karen W recently posted..A boatload of indecisiveness…
My goal was to run the Toughest Road Marathon but now I’m not sure…..LOL – seriously, congrats to Marissa
I have running goals, but I seriously need to come up with some different goals for 2012. Like a new hobby, something new to share some of my (running) passion with. I’ve been thinking about a new hobby for a while, but so far, NOTHING.
Ginny recently posted..Reflections – Baton Rouge Beach Marathon
Wow!! Good luck with your go big goals of 2012! That’s absolutely awesome.
Mine is to run another marathon. I attempted my first one last year and it wasn’t a great race for me (still a great experience on many levels) but due to stomach issues and stuff I was forced to walk much of the race and it took me over 6 hours. Because of all the walking I didn’t even feel sore the next day. I feel like its do-over time.
But 26.2 still scares me (a lot!) but I’m going to do it and it’s not going to be a 6 hour walk-a-thon.
Jen recently posted..Biggest Loser Marathon and the Jack LaLanne Juicer giveaway winner!
I love that you are going big and taking chances. That would be one EPIC swim – what a fun and different challenge!!
Jumping into the long distance tri world will be my big change/challenge/risk for next year!
marlene recently posted..Festive Foto Friday
Gotta admit – that sounds pretty awesome. I used to hate to pay the toll to drive the bridge, but think paying for a chance to swim the distance of it is quite alright!
Jeff recently posted..Ramblings …
You amaze me! That is a crazy cool goal. I will be cheering you on from WY!!!
My “go big” goal for 2012 is to get a sub 3:20 marathon.
Erin Henderson recently posted..Hump day bullet points
I am seriously hyperventilating thinking about that swim. Me and OWS have a long history of failure…..but this year I am going to a Oly tri. The only reason I haven’t upped to that yet is the OWS portion. I will conquer it this year! AND still thinking about a marathon, but we’ll see.
Katie@Will Race for Carbs recently posted..A picture is worth a thousand words
Wow, that is a big goal. Well, we’ll certainly be here rooting you on with whatever you choose to do!
I *think* I have at least one good marathon left it me, and I’d like to give it a shot before we add on to our family again. I finally have a time for guaranteed entry to the NYC Marathon. It’s been on my bucket list for years now, and I’ve never gotten in through the lottery. Since they’re tightening their standards for 2013, it now or never. Another 26.2 is looking like my goal for 2012. Eek,it’s been awhile.
runblondie26 recently posted..Ahead of Schedule
Well that is a big one, but sounds very cool (for you, not me! Not a strong swimmer!). I hope to go pretty big in 2012 as well, on the running front!
abbi recently posted..Planning and a New Love
I am so looking forward to what 2012 is going to bring for me! It’s my Year of the Marathon!
Carrie @ Maine Mom on the Run recently posted..Three Things Thursday
that is pretty incredible. you are going to do awesome.
my go big goal this year is a sub 1:50 half. (1:51 is my fastest) and to finally do a tri. I have been registered 3 times and have backed out every time. This is the year.
I’ve totally got some goals in my head.. I’m praying this is the year my body holds up!
Mamarunsbarefoot recently posted..What’s up Wednesday
Good gosh, I didn’t remember that they let people do that!! I used to get scared just riding around the Bay in my dad’s boat ( : Doing that swim would pretty much make you bad-ass for life. I hope you get in. My go big for 2012 may be a half in April (if I can convince my body to stop getting injured) and a possible return to my blog?? It’s been a long time. This is my first time stopping by your blog since you left Blogger. It looks great!!
Oh my gosh! That is an awesome challenge for yourself. My brother in law Captains a boat that escorts swimmers who go for records in the Hudson, off NYC. He has some terrific stories.
That would be going big. You can do it! Pulling for your name to be drawn.
As for me, I’m going big in 2012 by challenging my marathon time in Boston. I’d love to knock off 30 minutes. For me, that might be too big, but I can try.
Joanne recently posted..You Make Me Smile
I am going to take the next couple of weeks to think hard on what I want to do in 2012. I have not yet signed up for ONE thing! That Bay thing would make me scared shitless. I can’t wait to see how it goes for you. Go big or go home, right?
Shut Up and Run recently posted..Must Be Something in the Water
Love this idea! I’m hoping to go big with my first full marathon.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..The Things I’ve Been Up To
I hope that you get the registration for that swim. TO do that is something else in itself regardless. I am currently training for the Bob Potts Marathon for May. My plan of attack is to actually run the whole thing perhaps, but I am nervous of depleting out. I guess I will have to tackle that obstacle. Then I will do the Harrisburg Half in Sept. hopefully going under 2 hours this time. 2012 is the year for me to speed things up a bit, and to lose 25 pounds. (2.08 lbs a month) I think I can do that. Take care and thanks for sharing.
Kenley recently posted..Music To Run To, Vol. 1 (Tron Legacy Reconfigured)
I WILL run that 4:30 marathon that I wanted this past September.
I also plan on running 4 marathons in 2012 (I ran 2 this year). I let the 4:30 marathon escape me, even though at mile 16 I was still with it, and I WILL NOT let that happen again!
Samantha recently posted..Gimme that Speed
YES!! The pic of that bridge and the idea of that swim seems so awesome! A great goal too! I’m excited because getting into open waters is a big thing for me! Lots to overcome! I can’t wait to learn more!
Coy recently posted..The best laid plans…
Wow! You definitely aren’t holding back, are you? I think 2012 will hold a number of exciting and challenging goals for me but certain things are so up in the air right now that it’s hard to make plans be on the spring. One way or another, I will definitely be venturing out of my comfort zone, though.
Raquelita recently posted..Thursday Threads: Red Skirts, Secret Words, and Grading Pens
How exciting and scary:) My goals for the year are to race more – haven’t thought out the details yet…
Laima recently posted..Friday Fluff – Snow, Torture Tools and Hawaiian Holidays
Wow! I can barely swim across the pool! Great goal…and if you’re shitless then that’s less weight to carry for 4.4 miles!
I plan on running over 1,000 miles next year and hopefully do 5 half-marathons!
Chicken recently posted..Un-Popular
This post is an inspiration for me, because I keep on thinking about a swimming race across the sea. This is my dream: http://www.swimhellespont.com/
I am sure you will do great.
No plan yet for the 2012, only a fast (as I can) 5km in Cardiff on march 10.
Black Knight recently posted..21 Things (Tagged)
I love swimming in pools, but terrified of swimming in the ocean (I think it’s the Newfie in me, the atlantic is one cold scary ocean, and we have grown up to fear it).
I started running last November, and I’m going for my first half in May, when it warms up again in Toronto! I’m so excited.
Nadine recently posted..Serious fatigue
Wow – that is a long way to swim! I love crazy goals, that’s the best way to make really make progress. Fear is a great motivator! =) Next year I have 1 ultra & 3 marathons on my schedule – that’s my BIG commitment for the year. Staying healthy and running lots is the plan for 2012!!
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Friday Fitness Favorites Survey
2012 is so my year to really go for it. I know I have had good training years but this is it…my time to truly feel like a marathoner. The first 3 were just warm ups for what I WANT in 2012.
Laura recently posted..Four for Friday – the jolly edition
Great idea!!! I’m going BIG IN 2012 by attempting my first Half Ironman in April (I have only done 4 sprint tri’s) and shooting for a sub 4 hour marathon in November (this will be my 4th marathon; current PR is 4:26)!!! Go heavy or go home!
Mel G recently posted..2011 Dallas White Rock Marathon Race Report
Oh I am so excited for you. That is quite the goal and what will no doubt be quite the accomplishment in swimming 4.4 miles. That is just awesome. From Chesapeake Bay to the English Channel I say……You.Can.Do.This.
Yeah, I’m going big in 2012 and I cannot wait to do it. 2x 140.6; 3x 70.3 and who knows what else in between……Go Big or Go Home!
Jason @ Cook Train Eat Race recently posted..You Are An Ironman Book Review
Ironman CDA. I think I’m set.
katie recently posted..random friday facts
Wow! You weren’t exaggerating. That’s pretty big.
I’d like to run 13 by 2013, but we’ll see how it goes. I’m no distance runner!
Tiff recently posted..Ratatouille: More atouille than rat
I’m going to run a marathon! I had to train for and do a 10-mile race before I believed it was possible for me, but now that I’ve done that, well, look out, world.
(I’d like to finish in 5 hours or less but we’ll see.)
And oh my goodness, but swimming across the Chesapeake Bay sounds equal parts amazing and terrifying.
(hi! de-lurking.)
avenging angle recently posted..Kimchi!
Coming from a non swimmer I can’t even imagine doing that! You are so amazing! Which is why I’m sure you’ll do it and do it well!
I’d really like to have a good marathon this year where I finally beat my 1st marathon time. And then I’d like to do a 50K and maybe a 50 miler.
Jen recently posted..An Update and a Giveaway
I came SO CLOSE to entering the lottery for Chesapeake. But then realized I would really have to ramp up my swim training in addition to my marathon training and decided against it. HOWEVER, I hope you DO get in, KICK ASS, and then tell me how awesome it is!!
Meaghan recently posted..Random Friday Facts
Argh!
I was >thisclose< to sticking with half marathons and 5ks for 2012.
Now I'm back to thinking I could bag 26.2 (which I haven't done in 5 years).
If I bite the marathon bullet, I'm going to name my lost toenails after you!
But seriously, good for you. That swim is MASSIVE.
Beth (i run like a girl) recently posted..Thursday thanks
4.4 mile swim. You are my hero. I can’t even imagine doing that. You are going to rock it and I can’t wait to read all about it.
janae@hungryrunnergirl.com recently posted..It’s the most wonderful time of the year….
i have so many big goals for 2012!! many big things.
HOping it is my best year yet. 
xo
Wow, how exciting! You go girl.
I signed up for my first Ironman, I can barely talk about it without feeling sick or crying.:-)
To say I’m stepping out of my comfort zone is an understatement, I’m scared to death.
Wow! Sounds like it will be a great adventure for you! My goals for 2012 include running my first half marathon as well as doing at least one race (5K/10K) each month! Thanks for the inspiration!
OMG…that would scare me to death!!!
For me, this next year I might just try a 50k trail run…woohoo!!!
Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) recently posted..Ironman Arizona – The Run
I plan on going 100 miles BIG! (if my hubbs doesn’t kill me
shelly recently posted..E.P.T Moment
AWESOME goal! What a stretch. This is the year I run an ultra and one of those fun adventure races like Warrior Dash. And maybe drink wine from South Dakota.
Kovas recently posted..ZORK Wine Closures
That reminds me of the ultraman swim, well a little shorter. The ultraman is 6 miles! its crazy, but you could do it!
Holy huge swim batman! You are nuts, but you’re also a badass so it’s cool. I think I’d literally drown first. How am I going big in 2012? I want a sub 21 5k. Honestly? I want a sub 20 5k. All I’m focusing on in 2012 is speedspeedspeed. Gotta get back to my college racing pace.
Just Run With It recently posted..LA 1/2 Marathon… GIVEAWAY!
So timely! I have my goal marathon this January, and I’m in the weird position of having met my goal at a “training” race. Of course I am now thinking of all the easy goals I should make. But I really need to make this one tough! I’m thinking 3:10 sounds pretty hard…
gracie recently posted..Foody Friday: Christmas Gift Boxes
Wow, that’s going to be quite an event! Hope your name is pulled!
Suzanne recently posted..AORTA Toys for Tots 10K
I hope you get your name drawn! That swim is beyond epic.
This year was a really, really big year for me filled with a LOT of things out of my comfort zone. The two big(ger) things I’m eyeing for next year: 24 hour adventure race (already committed to this one, can’t wait) and 200-mile bike race. And maybe a 50K. OK, that’s three, but I doubt the 50K will happen. Oh, and grad school. Which terrifies me more than the thought of your swim.
But if I had the available funds, I’d be jumping on Abby’s Scotland race in a second.
Kate recently posted..Castlewood 8-Hour
2012….the big one maybe…..I dont know yet. I wanted my first marathon to be Big Sur and it is too early in the year I would not be ready so I have to decide if Big Sur 2013 will be my first Marathon or one in the later part of 2012…
in other goals..for half marathons…go back to Long Beach for redemption that is one. 2. 2:20 by the summer time for half marathon and sub 2:20 for LB 2012.
I want to get better at that distance in 2012 in preparation to the big one.
Caroline recently posted..A Holiday Giveaway from Milestone Jewelry!
I am in for Shooting the Moon! Awesome ‘scared shitless’ pick for 2012! Go get it! you are amazing
XLMIC recently posted..What a Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino Means to Me.
Doing the thing that makes you the most shitlessly scared gives you the most enormous sense of achievement when you finish it. Good luck with the draw.
Char recently posted..A Tale Of Twin Sisters
That is a Big Hairy Ass Goal! Cool! For me, my BHAG is to complete (not fast, mind you) my first Oly. Still deciding where/when, but leaning towards a small race near KC toward the end of Aug.
Christina recently posted..KC Quick Trip
WOW!! That swim sounds crazy (fun) – have so much fun. 2012 is going to ROCK for you for sure!!!
Mandy recently posted..Race Across the Sky
Wow! That looks so ambitious. Good for you!
I am running my first half in May 2012 – the longest I have run in the past few years is 8 miles so this will be a stretch for me. But looking forward to my first REAL race.
Elle recently posted..Logging Some Miles, and a Confession!
What a great goal. Hope you get a “stroke” of good luck and get in
My go-big goal is to run an ultra.
Lisa recently posted..idk….kwim?
Wow, that is BIG!! Good for you
Christine recently posted..The Perfect Fitness Plan
Great goal!!! I plan to run a 1/2 marathon in the spring with a goal of 1:45 and the NYC marathon in around 4 hours…these are big goals for me!!!!!
Toni Church recently posted..#HBBC Week 3 recap
Wow, 4.4 mile swim, that’s awesome! I’ll be deployed to Afghanistan for a good portion of 2012, but when I get back, I want to try to run an Olympic distance tri or maybe even a half IM. The swim is the only thing I can’t train for overseas. I’ve done five sprint distance tris now and it’s time to get outside of the comfort zone!
I can’t imagine swimming 4.4 miles in those conditions but honestly it sounds like fun! 2012 for me is my go big year. I have signed up for my first ironman and ultra-marathon. These will definitely be out of my comfort zone!
Beth recently posted..Kona Viewing Party
I hope your name get drawn to. These last 2 years i’v been way out side of my comfort zone. I hoping to run a marathon out of state. That is way out of my comfort zone. People that know me know that I’m not a person who likes to travel and if it is more than 6 hr I get kind of bitchy. I’m a home body. I am hoping to run the Little Rock Marathon March 4, with my running partner and a couple of other girls that are trying to do a marathon in every state. I’m sure my anxiety will be sky high by March. So I totally get you going out of your comfort zone on the swim. You are going to do amazing like always girl. Love that you are back to running to.
You are awesome! I can’t imagine it but it sounds like you are having a bit of trouble imagining it too! Good for you. I was just trying to figure out today how many laps 600 yards was because it looks like the sprint I will do is 600 yards. I was thinking that was plenty and is out of my comfort zone for sure! We will both be swimming in June but man oh man yours is amazing! Amazing!
Way to go for it! I love this post and the idea of reaching outside your comfort zone. I have run one full marathon and it was in 2006. I swore I would never run one again. Well, next year I plan to to redo it. It’s taken me five years to realize that now is the time!
Laura recently posted..Getting lapped in an ugly sweater
Way to make some awesome goals and go for it! I’m excited and terrified about my 2012 Go-Big-Goal… I just graduated, I quite my job, and I terminated my lease — all so I can go on a 4 month long rock climbing road trip across the US! I’m hitting the road with my partner on January 7th
Hopefully this won’t end with us being hobos or something…
Susan @ Rock. River. Run. recently posted..Gear Review: Montrail Mountain Masochist
When you go big, you go VERY big! How exciting (and scary in a good way!)
That Pink Girl recently posted..Double Donkey and a Dog
The Bay Bridge swim is so cool, I’d really like to do that at some point!
Beth recently posted..Sven!
Nothing but respect for anyone who even thinks of doing the Bay Swim! Brutal!
Kim recently posted..New York City Marathon Photos
Wow that’s a big goal. Wish the best of luck in achieving it.
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