Happy New Year, Merrimack!

Are you planning to start 2012 with a great resolution? Does anyone ever keep them anyway?

Over the years I've made many well-intentioned resolutions before I realized I never followed through on them. Then I decided I wouldn't call them resolutions, no one ever sticks to resolutions, I said. Instead, I'll set goals. Changing the name made them more attainable, right?

Turns out, not so much.

This year, I'm making a couple resolutions and I'm sticking to them. And I'm going to post them here, so that I have someone (or hundreds of someones) who bear witness to my resolution and hold me accountable. 

The first one is obvious. I resolve to continue to bring the most comprehensive, fun and up-to-date coverage I can of all things Merrimack for you, the readers of Patch.

For my own personal resolution: I'm going to participate in an athletic competition I've never competed in. I haven't decided what yet, but I've got three options I'm considering carefully. The Y Triathlon, a half marathon, or one of these new extreme challenges, like Tough Mudder or Warrior Dash.

I was a competitive runner for years. I've run dozens of 5ks, many 5-milers and a couple 10ks. I've run the distance of a half marathon many times, but never in a race. I've never competed in a triathlon or a challenge race. 2012 is going to be the inaugural year for at least one of these events. Hold me to it!

Are you making a resolution this year? What is it? Tell the rest of Patch and hold yourself accountable! We'll check in periodically throughout the year to see how people are doing.

Share your opinion on resolutions in our poll below and share your own resolution in the comments section.

Happy New Year!