Have you ever been close to a goal - so close you can taste victory? Maybe you feel like the 49'ers in the last minutes of yesterday's Superbowl game. There is the goal line, there is the win, there is the end of a hard working season's success. Maybe you feel like the Ravens and are just hanging on for the win and get it.

The point is not just the win, but how you play the game to win.

I am there in a number of different ways. About a year ago I ran my first 5K (3/25/2012). In a few weeks, I will be running my first 1/2 Marathon. I am registered, booked a motel, and told my friends; there is no turning back.  I can see the goal line. Last time I had an injury and couldn't run the 1/2. Like the 49'ers, I just couldn't make it happen. The same is true for the job; I have an offer to start on the 25th. I have been out for 7 months.

I am also closing in on my weight loss goal, and have 20 pounds left; a stubborn 20, I might add.

I don't really have a coach, so I rely on my MFP team of experts to supply motivation, correction and encouragement. My old trainer razzes me on Facebook too. I am 1-3 with her in the 5K, 2-0 in the 10K and I am hoping 1-0 after the 1/2 in a few weeks.

So how do you play the game? Here are a few thoughts.

- Think fitness, not weight loss.

- Think inches, not pounds.

- Think about what you are doing right.

- Add new things first.

- Replace old things second.

- Schedule your workouts.

- Start slow and move towards the goal.

- Reward your success.

- Confess your failures.

- Get proper equipment! (Running shoes fitted by a running store, bike fitted by a bike store! etc.)

- Get a few cheerleaders!

- Do it for yourself.

- Set goals. This is tough one. What is a good and achievable goal? What if you don't make it?

- Change your goals if you need to.

- Stay away from bad influences! (or shoot them!)

- Get enough friends so you enjoy your journey.

- Read success stories!

- Don't give up!

That's what I have, what did I miss?

Thanks for the votes and comments! (You can do both!)