New year, new goals

Well, I didn't actually have any time to think about new year's resolutions today, at least not at any length. Certainly not to the extent to which I contemplated them last year, or the year before. Of course, it was foolish of me to think that I would have time, considering that tonight was my first night as Sports Editor.

It was no surprise, really, to find out that there is a lot for me to learn. The learning started tonight, with one of my new staff members, and will continue tomorrow with nearly the entire crew.

But, back to the matter at hand.

Before I delve into goals looking ahead, let's check in with the goals I set out for myself one year ago:

1) Train harder and more efficiently, with the goal of winning bike races, especially the Tour of the Battenkill.
2) Write more and expand my publishing repertoire.
3) Continue to stay in touch with my friends scattered far and wide.
4) Eat better.
5) Live simply to achieve rich ends.

How did I do? Well, as for number 1, I did train harder, and with more focus. Other than defending my Lake D hill climb title, though, I didn't manage to win any bike races. I came close once or twice, which was a lot of fun, and I even had a solid ride at my biggest goal of 2009, the Tour of the Battenkill.

For number 2, I think I can say that this was an unequivocal success and a meeting of expectations. The same thing goes for numbers 3 and 5.

I continue, however, to struggle with number four.

So that brings me to my goals for the coming year, and let me first say that the number one, overarching goal is to continue the good work on past years' goals where I have achieved good work. I hope that these goals will be both challenging and attainable.

Beyond that, in 2010, I pledge to:
1) Improve my diet, with a specific emphasis on cutting way back on processed sugars and other empty calories.
2) Training harder still, with an eye toward making an impression as an elite-amateur racer, and to be an asset to my new team (announcement coming soon).
3) Continue to develop my skills as a journalist, and to bring improved management to The Saratogian's sports department.
4) Seek out still more outlets for my writing, to reach a wider audience on a wider range of topics.
5) You know how they say nice guys finish last? I'd like to finish first for once in my life.