My birthday is on the 8th of January, so I’ll be posting my 40 Before 40 updates on the 8th of each month. Here’s the April update:

With a quarter of the year in the books, I’m making significant progress and having a very meaningful year so far. But I’m starting to sense that time is slipping away as well. There are a lot of items yet to get started and I’m wondering if I bit off more than I can chew. But I’m pressing forward anyway to see how far I get. After all, if I do 30 out of 40, it’ll still be an incredible year!

For the original list and more info about each item, go to WoosleyCoaching.com/40

Completed

• 26) Complete first 5K race

The Gator Hustle 5K is in the books! I ran the 3.1 mile course in support of our school system in 33:36 minutes, a personal record and honestly destroying my goal of under 36 minutes. I’ve had several training runs since that show I’m getting even faster, though I’m also dealing with some foot stresses and having to pace myself a bit more as I prep for the half marathon in May.

• 32) Complete a fast

It’s not my biggest accomplishment, but did successfully avoid all soft drinks for 40 days before Easter. I was never a huge drinker, and I won’t be now. But the last week or so was still really tempting!

Making Meaningful Progress

• 1) Daddy/Daughter Getaway

Active planning is underway for a trip to Atlanta this summer. It’ll be a repeat of our first trip (Anna’s already nostalgic I guess). Can’t wait!

• 7) Start recycling

Recycling bins are getting full! We have plastic, newspaper and aluminum cans ready to be bagged and turned in.

• 11) Read the entire Bible

I don’t believe I’ve missed a day of reading yet. Into 2nd Kings now on page 354 of the 1339 pages in my Bible. That’s 26.4% of the Good Book and I’m ahead of pace by a few days.

• 12) 12 Dates with My Wife

Date number three is in the books. Sometimes you take what you can get…I was driving home from Georgia and my wife had the kids otherwise occupied for the night. So she drove east while I drove west and we met for dinner east of Mobile.

• 13) Visit Congress or AL Legislature

Somehow things have fallen through in January, February and March. Hoping to get to Montgomery to visit the Alabama Legislature in April but who knows!?!

• 14) Publish first book

I completed my second edit of the entire book last week. It sits at about 30,000 words and 160 pages. Now I’m working on layout and cleaning up a few things. I have a proofreader lined up and the draft is off to a great mentor to write the forward. Some titles are stewing around…should be ready to send in for a proof copy by my next update.

• 18) Finish office

Drywall is done. Walls are primed and paint is purchased. Trim carpenter hired. All that remains is a little finishing work and flooring! I can’t wait to move out of the garage.

• 21) Consistently wake up between 5-6 am

Nine days before 6 am in the last month, including three mornings in a row twice. The morning time has been helpful for framing the day and getting work on the book completed. Time to ramp it up a notch.

• 24) Make 100 blog posts

This post makes 12 since the beginning of the year…I was very focused on working on the book last month, but I have outlined a bunch of topics for my series on the basics of project management (starts very soon).

• 25) Ride a Century (100 mile single bike event)

Last month I registered for the JDRF Nashville charity ride in September. Please consider donating at WoosleyCoaching.com/jdrf. But I may hit the century mark in August at the Hotter’N Hell 100. I’ve also signed up for a the 60 mile Bo Bikes Bama ride on April 27th, and the North Alabama Bike MS ride in June. Oh, and I gave in and ordered a newer, faster ride…a Trek Domane 5.2. This biking thing just got very real!

• 27) Drive a race car

LivingSocial had a deal in December. I bought it for my and my wife. We were supposed to hit the track on St. Patrick’s Day, but the event was canceled. We’re just waiting for new dates to be scheduled at the local track, t hen off to the races we go!

• 28) Complete second Spartan race

All the running and biking is getting me in much better shape than when I ran my first Spartan Race. I’ll be ready and do well!

• 31) BMI 25 or less

Started the year at about 27, and now I’m down to 25.9! It’s just a number though. What’s more important is how I feel. Losing 10 pounds to get there will be a bonus (and I’m down five already)!

• 33) Record 2M steps in 2013

All the running and focused effort on getting steps in is working. Through yesterday I’ve completed 553,034 steps and I’m about 14 days ahead of schedule (which includes my slow January).

• 35) Ride over 1200 miles

Between the open road and my bike trainer, I’m now at 157.5 miles down. Training for the century is going to get a lot more serious in the coming months, so I should hit 1200 without problem.

• 36) Wildcard #1: Attempt a Half Marathon

Training is going well, in spite of a two week break due to some foot pain. I’m pushing through it now and getting faster and stronger. With just under six weeks to go, I’m fairly confident about finishing. It won’t be easy, but I’m all in now. My goal is to finish in under 2 hours, 30 minutes (with a gold medal goal of under 2 hours, 15 minutes).

No Update to Report (Yet!)

• 2) Father/Son Event
• 3) Teach Ian to ride a bike
• 4) Get gloves and play catch with Anna and Ian
• 5) Host a party
• 6) Have a getaway weekend with Heather
• 8) Have a family service project
• 9) Visit a museum or attend a symphony/play/opera
• 10) Family Vacation
• 15) Produce 10 products (ebooks, audio programs, etc.)
• 16) Conduct group coaching course
• 17) Conduct first STRATOP
• 19) Establish LLC
• 20) Start a podcast
• 22) Teach a community class (other than FPU)
• 23) Join/Start Local Mastermind/Networking Group
• 29) Attend a NASCAR event
• 30) Take a firearms safety class
• 34) Complete the Manitou Springs Incline
• 37) Wildcard #2: Send Letter to My Address in England
• 38) Wildcard #3: Make My Military Shadowbox
• 39) Wildcard #4
• 40) Wildcard #5

My birthday is on the 8th of January, so I’ll be posting my 40 Before 40 updates on the 8th of each month. Here’s the March update!

For the original list and more info about each item, go to WoosleyCoaching.com/40

Wildcards No More!

I started this effort with five wildcards so that I would have some flexibility to discover new adventures along the way. Since my last post, I’ve decided on three of the five:

• 36) Wildcard #1: Attempt a Half Marathon

Between the peer pressure and the desire to support my friends Steve and Jody Berkey, I signed up to train for a half marathon. I didn’t commit absolutely, I just signed up. But then I learned about needing new shoes to eliminate a lot of the pain in my knees. I got a 13 week training plan I can follow. I got a Facebook group to be accountable to 40 other brave souls who signed up to run a half or at least walk a 5K or 10K (including my wife!). And then I started to see my times improve and felt I was almost enjoying running. Now I’m fully committed. I’ve registered for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in May (non-refundable entry fee) and purchased my airfare (also non-refundable). I may not be fast, but I’m going!

• 37) Wildcard #2: Send Letter to My Address in England

I was playing around with Google Maps one day and entered my address so I could see the satellite view of my house. I mainly wanted to see if the pictures were recent enough to show my shed office in the backyard (and they were). But the interesting thing was that I found a home in England with the exact same address as my home in Alabama, including the funny spelling of the street name. I thought it would be fun to send them a package and say “hello” from the colonies. I’ll have the kids write letters and draw something, and maybe we’ll include some small gifts. A random act of kindness kind of thing (and hopefully they read and speak English!).

• 38) Wildcard #3: Make My Military Shadowbox

I spent five years on active duty in the US Air Force, and seven years before that in high school and college ROTC. I have a box full of military memorabilia, but I never organized it and displayed it. My father and father-in-law are retired Air Force, so my wife and I grew up in the military culture. But my kids are growing up in a small (but wonderful) town and experiencing something that is foreign to me…growing up in just one place! It’s a good thing, but I also want them to understand and appreciate our military and the family heritage of service. This will be one way to start some of those conversations.

Completed

• None so far, but March has several ready to pop onto April’s update!

Making Meaningful Progress

• 7) Start recycling

Recycling bins are purchased and set up in the garage! The kids are in charge of gathering paper, plastic and aluminum cans. They’ll reap the rewards as well when they earn a little spending money (and hopefully learn something about work along the way).

• 12) 12 Dates with My Wife

February is the month for love. Thankfully I was able to have not one, but two dates with my beautiful wife the week of Valentine’s day. The first was a library foundation dinner, and another was a sweetheart dinner in support of our school’s softball team. Okay, so they weren’t the fanciest of dates, but we had some real time together without the kids (who we love, but need to get away from together occasionally!).

• 13) Visit Congress or AL Legislature

I missed an opportunity to visit Congress in January, and then missed a chance to visit the Alabama Legislature in February. But a trip to Montgomery is being scheduled for March…stay tuned!

• 11) Read the entire Bible

Full steam ahead into Joshua now, on page 224 of the 1339 pages in my Bible. That’s 16.7% of the Good Book and I’m still on track to finish by the end of the year!

• 14) Publish first book

Continuing the editing process, sent a few updates to my book launch team (join me!), and moving forward. Having the final draft complete by the end of March is in jeopardy, but I’m pressing forward which is good.

• 18) Finish office

I hate drywall. Or should I say it hates me? I’m not sure, but I know I’m not enjoying doing it and have procrastinated this DIY project far too long (I should have just paid to have it done…lesson learned). However, a few weeks ago I finished sanding the first round of drywall and I have to say that the sins I committed on the wall with mud look a lot less noticeable now! Round two (and hopefully the final round) soon, then on to trim, flooring and paint (most of which will be outsourced) and I can finally move into my shed office. If only there were an IKEA closer to Mobile.

• 21) Consistently wake up between 5-6 am

Only five days before 6 am in the last month. Night owl habits are growing back, time to try a new approach.

• 24) Make 100 blog posts

This post makes nine since the beginning of the year…February was short and busy and I failed to write enough. I did however generate some good ideas for future posts, including a significant series on the basics of project management.

• 25) Ride a Century (100 mile single bike event)

Last month I registered for the JDRF Nashville charity ride in September. Please consider donating at WoosleyCoaching.com/jdrf. This month I started a formal training plan under the guidance of my friend Dr. Steve Berkey of 90Revolutions.com. I logged over 25 miles in spite of the weather, including seven on my new indoor bike trainer with a new bike computer, heart rate monitor and cadence monitor (this much data must mean I’m serious). I also test rode a Trek Domain Six Series that I can’t afford (but it was fast and light!). I may need to upgrade to tackle the Century, but I can’t buy a bike that costs as much as a car (yet)!

• 26) Complete first 5K race

Tomorrow is the Gator Hustle 5K! I started practicing on my own, then joined a half marathon group organized by my friend Jody Berkey (yes, the lovely wife of Dr. Steve from item 25). I’m more ready for the 5K than I ever imagined. In just four weeks, I’ve shaved more than six minutes off of my time and I’m actually starting to enjoy running a bit. New shoes, a training plan and an encouraging community of friends make all the difference in the world.

• 27) Drive a race car

LivingSocial had a deal in December. I bought it for my and my wife. We hit the track on St. Patrick’s Day! Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let’s go racing! (pictures to follow for sure)

• 28) Complete second Spartan race

Somehow my Spartan Race in November got moved to October without me being notified…no bother. I’ll be in fine form by then if I stay injury free, and it may be a little warmer as well!

• 31) BMI 25 or less

Started the year at about 27. Down another notch to about 26.4. It’s just a number though. What’s more important is how I feel. Losing 10 pounds to get there will be a bonus!

• 32) Complete a fast

I don’t normally do anything for Lent, but this year decided to give up soft drinks. It isn’t the biggest fast in the world, but I had started downing the things more often than normal over the last few months. It’s been a big plus for my athletic training, though the temptation of not having one makes it harder to resist than before. But so far, so good. No soft drinks since Mardi Gras and I have until Easter to go at the end of March. A cold Coke an April 1st is looking likely, but I’ll limit my consumption!

• 33) Record 2M steps in 2013

January is bringing my annual average down as I really didn’t focus much on it until the end of the month. But I blew my numbers out of the water in February (especially training for the 5K and half marathon). As of today I’m at 361,329 steps but on a strong pace to hit 2M in September or October.

• 35) Ride over 1200 miles

Combine my new indoor trainer with a training plan for my Century and what do you get? I should easily top 2000 miles this year if I stay injury free and follow my coach.

No Update to Report (Yet!)

• 1) Daddy/Daughter Getaway
• 2) Father/Son Event
• 3) Teach Ian to ride a bike
• 4) Get gloves and play catch with Anna and Ian
• 5) Host a party
• 6) Have a getaway weekend with Heather
• 8) Have a family service project
• 9) Visit a museum or attend a symphony/play/opera
• 10) Family Vacation
• 15) Produce 10 products (ebooks, audio programs, etc.)
• 16) Conduct group coaching course
• 17) Conduct first STRATOP
• 19) Establish LLC
• 20) Start a podcast
• 22) Teach a community class (other than FPU)
• 23) Join/Start Local Mastermind/Networking Group
• 29) Attend a NASCAR event
• 30) Take a firearms safety class
• 34) Complete the Manitou Springs Incline
• 39) Wildcard #4
• 40) Wildcard #5

My birthday is on the 8th of January, so I’ll be posting my 40 Before 40 updates on the 8th of each month. Here’s February’s Update!

For the original list and more info about each item, go to WoosleyCoaching.com/40

Completed

• None so far

Making Meaningful Progress

• 11) Read the entire Bible

I’ve finished Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus, a total of 132 of 1339 pages in my Bible. That’s 9.9% of the Good Book and on track to finish by the end of the year!

• 14) Publish first book

Restarted the editing process, started building a book launch team (join me!), and have a very strong possible title nailed down. Lots more to go, but planning on having the final draft done by the end of March.

• 21) Consistently wake up between 5-6 am

Success on six of the last 10 days. Huge progress for me, but not enough to call it consistent yet.

• 24) Make 100 blog posts

This post makes six since the beginning of the year…off pace for 100 but I’m on it!

• 25) Ride a Century (100 mile single bike event)

Registered for the JDRF Nashville charity ride. With lots of hills, it’ll be a challenging first century…unless it doesn’t end up being my first by the time September rolls around! I’ve committed to raising $2000…$1900 to go. Please consider donating at WoosleyCoaching.com/jdrf

• 26) Complete first 5K race

The Gator Hustle 5K is scheduled for March 9th! I’ve been running and walking to prepare, completing three 5K distances in practice already (using the MapMyRide iPhone app). In addition I’m hosting a Saturday morning run/walk in my hometown to encourage others to attempt their first 5K. I won’t be fast, but I will finish!

• 28) Complete second Spartan race

Lots of time until November, but each workout for the 5K and Century is helping get me ready…I hope!

• 31) BMI 25 or less

Started the year at about 27. Down to 26.5 already!

• 33) Record 2M steps in 2013

I started out the year pretty stationary, but have kicked it into overdrive for the last week or so. I’m sitting at 181000+ steps on my Fitbit One through February 7th, including five days over 10,000 (all in the last 10 days). I’m on pace for about 1.7M…but if I keep my recent pace up I’ll make 2M with months to spare! Walking to work and finding extra excuses to get outside are keeping my numbers up, my brain and body in top shape and helping with that BMI goal.

• 35) Ride over 1200 miles

It’s still cold and I’ve been focused on walking and running for the 5K, but I still managed to get in 21 miles (using the MapMyRide iPhone app). Warmer weather and the looming century ride will accelerate me to success.

No Update to Report (Yet!)

• 1) Daddy/Daughter Getaway
• 2) Father/Son Event
• 3) Teach Ian to ride a bike
• 4) Get gloves and play catch with Anna and Ian
• 5) Host a party
• 6) Have a getaway weekend with Heather
• 7) Start recycling
• 8) Have a family service project
• 9) Visit a museum or attend a symphony/play/opera
• 10) Family Vacation
• 12) 12 Dates with My Wife
• 13) Visit Congress or AL Legislature
• 15) Produce 10 products (ebooks, audio programs, etc.)
• 16) Conduct group coaching course
• 17) Conduct first STRATOP
• 18) Finish office
• 19) Establish LLC
• 20) Start a podcast
• 22) Teach a community class (other than FPU)
• 23) Join/Start Local Mastermind/Networking Group
• 27) Drive a race car
• 29) Attend a NASCAR event
• 30) Take a firearms safety class
• 32) Complete a fast
• 34) Complete the Manitou Springs Incline
• 36) Wildcard #1
• 37) Wildcard #2
• 38) Wildcard #3
• 39) Wildcard #4
• 40) Wildcard #5