On January 1st of this year I wrote about focusing on goals that matter in 2024. In that post I mentioned I signed up for the 2024 San Francisco Marathon, as a response to a cancer diagnosis and surgery (November, 2023) I had, also finishing a full marathon that was interrupted in 1994. As I look back on the first eight months of this year, I realize there’s nothing quite like receiving a diagnosis that brings the competitor out in me, and I dare say many of us as well! Thankfully, today, I’m still free of cancer and my health is much better due to actively working out each week in my effort to reach the running goal I set for myself.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to take part in the San Francisco Half-Marathon (The Bridge or 1st Half), and I wanted to share a few pictures from my trip and the event which I’m still bursting with pride about! I have so many fond and meaningful memories of the time I lived in the City, and just being there was inspiration enough for the run. Equally, I’ll end this post by encouraging you to “G.A.S. up” as you focus on or finish up your goals for the year.

G.A.S. up stands for:

Goals: What are the realistic, obtainable or envisioned goals that you have set for yourself?

Activity: What activity/activities will you engage in that will move you close(r) to reaching your goals?

Skills: What skills do you envision obtaining as a result of engaging in your goal-focused and goal-oriented activity?

My goal was to get in shape for this 13.1 mile run. Each week I engaged in physical activity, which culminated in a long 12 mile walk each weekend. The skill(s) I learned from engaging in my weekly activity is “how to finish strong” when preparing for and running a distance like this, chiefly reflected in remaining injury free while also increasing my stamina, strength and endurance over the past 8 months.

I wish you success as you focus on, set and reach meaningful goals for your self, reflected in healthy expressions of self-care and love for yourself and those you care about! Enjoy the slide show!

Dr. Ken McGill, LMFT — Attachment Repair for Couples • Faith-Integrated Trauma Therapy in California • Healthy Adult Mode Therapy for High-Functioning Professionals. Dr. McGill provides attachment-focused therapy integrating psychology and spiritual formation for couples and individuals seeking structured growth, with telehealth available statewide in California and Texas and in-person sessions in Plano, TX. Learn more or schedule a session at drkenmcgill@live.com, www.drkenmcgill.com, or 972. 505. 6144.
 

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About Dr Ken McGill

Dr. Ken McGill is an ordained minister and has been involved in counseling for more than 25 years. Dr. McGill holds a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University), a Certificate of Completion in the Alcohol and Drug Studies/Counseling Program from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Dr. McGill received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in May, 2003. Dr. McGill's dissertation focused on the development of an integrated treatment program for the sexually addicted homeless population, and Ken was "personally mentored" by dissertation committee member Dr. Patrick Carnes, a pioneer in the field of sex addiction work. Dr. McGill authored a chapter in the text The Clinical Management of Sex Addiction, with his chapter addressing the homeless and sex addiction. Dr. McGill is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of Texas and California and Mississippi, and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, through the International Institute for Trauma and Addictive Professionals (IITAP). Dr. McGill had a private practice in Glendora, CA (Aspen Counseling Center), Inglewood, CA (Faithful Central Bible Church), and Hattiesburg, MS (River of Life Church), specializing in the following areas with individuals, couples, families, groups and psychoeducational training: addictions and recovery, pre-marital, marital and family counseling, issues related to traumatization and abuse, as well as depression, grief, loss, anger management and men's and women's issues. Dr. McGill also provided psychotherapeutic treatment with Student-Athletes on the University of Southern Mississippi Football and Men's Basketball teams. Dr. McGill served as the Director of the Gentle Path Program, which is a seven-week residential program, for people who are challenged with sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, and relationship issues. Dr. McGill also supervised Doctoral students in the Southern Mississippi Psychology Internship Consortium with the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. McGill was inducted into the Azusa Pacific University Academic Hall of Honor, School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences, in October, 2010. Dr. McGill currently works as a Private practice clinician with an office in Plano, Texas, providing treatment with people who are challenged in the areas mentioned above.

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