Goals for 2019

One goal I set last year was to join the 1,000 lb club in 2019. I was at 915 lbs as of last month. However, I also now have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, which is basically pain above my thumb near my wrist. I’ve taken a break from powerlifting for now. I’m not sure if the injury is lifting-related, but I’m going to give it a rest until it gets better.

This is the year I got back into running seriously again. I started in June 2019, and it’s November 2019 as I write this update. I’ve lost about 20 lbs from my high of 171 earlier this year. I ran my first ultra (50k) on November 3rd, 2019. I have some half marathons and marathons scheduled in the next few months.

I’m going to continue keeping track of the books I read. I haven’t read as many books this year because I’m going through a CFP program at UVA. I actually read through the textbooks, and they are usually 700-800 pages long.

Everyday Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth –  and How You Can Too by Chris Hogan. The points are good and the stories are inspiring. However, I feel that the research methodology inherently has some bias because the types of millionaires that inherited their wealth or got a lot of help don’t usually realize their privilege and probably wouldn’t respond to or be interested in participating in a study like this. Basically, I slightly disagree with thesis that an overwhelming majority of millionaires are self-made. I’d say most are, but not as many as stated in the book.

Fundamental of Financial Planning, 5th Edition, (Dalton) – read for UVA CFP class, Spring 2019

Fundamentals of Investing, 13th Edition, Smart, Scott B., Gitman; Lawrence J., Joehnk; Michael D. – read for UVA CFP class, Summer 2019

Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits, 15th Edition, (Dalton), read for UVA CFP class, Fall 2019

Boston Bound: A 7-Year Journey to Overcome Mental Barriers and Qualify for the Boston Marathon by Elizabeth Clor. I came across this book as I was looking through other runners on Strava that ran the same race as me. I too have had a long-time goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, so the title piqued my interest. She struggled with mental barriers but eventually employed a sports psychologist and a coach to help her overcome issues and reach her potential.

Hansons Marathon Method by Luke Humphrey with Keith and Kevin Hanson. This book teaches you about all aspects of how to run your best marathon. It differs from other methods in that the longest run is only 16 miles but on tired legs. Overall, a good read for those interested in running a marathon or those looking to improve their performance in a marathon.

Training Essentials for Ultrarunning: How to Train Smarter, Race Faster, and Maximize Your Ultramarathon Performance by Jason Koop with Jim Rutberg. I read this just AFTER running my first ultra. It provides insight into many aspects of ultrarunning, including training, nutrition, pacing, crisis management, racing strategy, etc. Written by a coach with years of experience with elite (and non-elite) athletes.