¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!!!  I know I'm a little bit slow about creating this New Year's post, but at least I'm doing it now :)

The picture above was taken shortly after I finished my 6 mile, New Year's Day run.  My friend and running buddy, Chris O. and I decided that there was no better way to start off the new year.  As you can see, we still have snow on the ground and it was a balmy 25 degrees.  We didn't care though....it was fun!

Ok, so some of you may be thinking that the definition of "fun" probably doesn't include a 6 mile run in freezing cold temperatures.  As I look back at 2012, I realize that 12 months ago, I didn't think that any type of running would ever be fun either.  How things have changed!!

Here is a list of my running accomplishments from 2012:

• March - started running, cold turkey! Finished the Campus on the Run 5K
• April - Finished my leg of the 100K relay and cheered the rest of my team on during the race; Finished the Seaport River Run 10K
• May - Began training for my first half marathon
• June - Finished the St. Joe River Half Marathon (13.1 miles....OMG!!! I ran the entire way)
• August - Finished the Lentil Festival 5K
• October - Finished the Care to Share 10K; Completed the Run for your Life 5K
• November - Finished a Turkey Trot (4 miles); Began a 500 mile goal (November 1, 2012 - October 31, 2013)
• December - Finished the Santa on the Run (3 miles)

So, looking back, in 9 months I finished 9 races and logged countless miles....amazing!!  I never knew I was capable or would enjoy it.  Look at me now!!

Also during this past year, I've learned how important the right equipment is when it comes to running.  Actually....if you had asked me about running gear a year ago, I probably would have just said....shoes?  I've been slowly collecting the right gear and enjoying my new toys.  I love my shoes, bras (very important), tank tops, dry fit shirts, knee braces, shorts, pants (warm and cold weather), jacket, socks, yaktrax, and my really cool running watch!

Ok, now looking forward to 2013, I've set a few goals already.  I'm sure more will come along as the year progresses, but here is what I have so far:

1. Complete my 500 mile goal.  So far I have 53.4 of 500 done!  I'm on my way.
2. Sign up and run at least one race each month....so doing the math, that is 12 races in 2013 ;)  I'm ready to run another 5K on January 26th....that will be cake!
3. Within those 12 races, finish at least 2 half marathons.  I'm already signed up for the Snake River Half Marathon on March 2nd and I plan to run the half in St. Maries again in June.  We'll see if a 3rd will be in my future this Fall.
4. Continue to motivate myself and be a cheerleader for my friends.....Kerri, Chris O., Jake and I will be at the half marathon together.  That will be cool!
5. Keep a consistent running schedule of 3 days per week....2 short runs and 1 long run.

 

Special people in my life, who make me happy and support my running (some in-person and some in- spirit):  Dan, my boys, Chris O., Kerri, Nancy, Chris W., my Mom, Carrie, Erin C., Greg, Richie, Wakana, Erin K., Christine, Laura G, Mary, Farah, and Jody.....thanks guys!!!