Ogden column: What are your goals for 2013?

One month into 2013, it's time for a checkup.

As in, how are those New Year resolutions going? You know the ones - losing a few pounds gained over the holidays, getting back in shape, starting a new challenge?

I've discovered a couple of things during my recent excursions on some frigid mornings, always a good time to figure things out and ask “what am I doing.”

You can call it wisdom. I prefer ramblings of an old runner.

• As the years pass, I've found I don't run as far or as fast as I did 20 or even 10 years ago. But it takes the same amount as time.
• Running in the cold isn't awful. You can use the multiple layers needed to stay warm as an excuse to that aforementioned slow pace.
• And walking isn't a nasty word any more. As a matter of fact, short walks on longer runs (that definition has changed as well) are welcome.

So what does this have to do with community journalism and our push to entice you to tell us your stories? It's my way of inspiring (suggesting?) you to tell us what your plans are for 2013. If I can do it, you can, too.

My big athletic goal of 2013 is to run the Prairie du Chien half-marathon in May with my wife, Lisa. She accomplished this goal in 2011 and wants to give it another shot. I simply want to see how much an old body with a sore heel can take.

What are your goals for 2013? Are those resolutions going strong or have you adjusted them?

Some of the best stories that have found a home on this page are the personal accounts, your stories about getting ready for that first or 100th marathon or taking that first step.

Maybe you're going to try something new this year, like a triathlon or RAGBRAI.

Maybe your're going to return to the pool for the first time since high school, hoping to get in shape and rekindle those competitive fires.

Maybe you've decided to give hockey a shot or are getting back in shape for the softball/baseball season.

Maybe you've found that perfect balance with sport and nutrition on your own.

How is that first - or 25th - season of bowling going?

The stories you can tell are endless.

A cliche in this business is everybody has a great story to tell. It's true and we want to know yours. And, from responses we've received from these tales, so do our readers.

So, what's your story?