a new year, and some old goals

So, last year for new years, i decided to run a half marathon. And, I did!!
My time was around 3 hours and 12 minutes - I think. Nothing to be proud of, but my only goal was to finish. I remember thinking around mile 10 or 11 of the run "i'm glad i'm doing this, but i'll never do this again" as my hips were KILLING and the rest of my joints weren't really happy with me either.
So, what is it about a new year that does this thing to our brains?? Why is it so inspiring to promise yourself you'll do something on January 1 instead of May 17? I don't know. But, I'm feeling it. I've already googled some DC half marathons coming in 2012. One of them - the national half marathon & marathon, I wouldn't have made with my time of last year. The time limit is 3 hours. So, why should i think that i could do it this time? Arg. Decisions. I haven't decided yet if I'll try or not ....
Most of my push to do the half last year was to try to lose a few pounds. This year, it's more of the accomplishment thing. Although, if you ask my pants - they would gladly take the few pounds again as well. :)
With all of these thoughts swirling in my head, I've been taking full advantage of the exercise room in our new apartment complex. Running, using the stair climber, and the elliptical. As I was about halfway through the 60 minutes I promised myself I'd do this morning .... my feet started to burn and I was getting bored with my playlist. I thought, eh - I've done a lot already, probably good for today. Then I thought about my super supervisor, Maisha. She totally wouldn't quit after 30 minutes. She would go the whole hour & then seriously consider if she could do another mile. So, I continued. Thanks Maisha - for pushing me through this morning. :) I already miss my Texas gals!!!