Today I found myself "running" through all the wonderful (and some not so wonderful) memories of this past year and am in a state of incredible....gratefulness....
I was able to do A LOT this year. And, I wouldn't have been able to do a single one of them without the wonderful love and support from my family and friends. I especially have to thank my amazing husband and children. They dealt with the piles of laundry and dishes when I was too tired to come home from a 4 hr. run and do them; they waited for HOURS as I ran or as I trained; they iced my feet and kneecaps when I needed it; they brought me Aspirin and water when I was too sore to walk up/down the stairs; they lived with the family vacations centered around running events; they clapped and cheered and gave me the biggest hugs and kisses a girl could ask for at the cross of each finish line; they supported
every race,
every run, and
every training mile...they are, well...they are
THE BEST.
Because of their love, support and encouragement, I was able to do something I never thought I would be able to do. I was able to
PR in every distance I raced this year...
1 Mile ~ 8:41
5K ~ 28:11
7K ~ 43:21
7600 m ~ 44:51
Half Marathon ~ 2:22:22
Marathon ~ 6:09:03
That is a first for me! But this year came with a lot of firsts, each one special to my heart. None, however, can compete with crossing the finish line of my first marathon. That is a moment of a lifetime and one I will never forget!
With the good comes the bad, I guess. I will also never forget being attacked my a German Shepard and a flock of geese...that also happened this year
(thankfully on separate occasions - that would have been weird). But, a memory is still a memory and I'll take as many as I can get.
I will have to say I did more this year than I ever thought I could do (
or, if we are being honest, ever meant to do)...and that feeling is pretty friggin' awesome. I came a long way this year and can't wait to see how far I can go next year!
Happy Running, Ya'll!
2013 Photo Recap:
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A photo from my cousin in LA comparing our runs one morning!
I forget how cold and snowy it can get here, those are some of my favorite runs though. |
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| The same stretch 3 months later, love this loop! |
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| Running the 2nd Annual Zac Cuddeback Memorial 5K with my cousin(s)! |
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| The dog bite...and the reason why I now run with mace... |
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| ING Luxembourg Half Marathon, my first night race! |
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| My little nephew is the only one I would share my copy of Runner's World with! |
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Chick-Fil-A 5K, Perry, GA, the first race my family stateside was able to come to,
the first race my kids saw me cross the finish line, and the first time I was able to run sub 30 in a 5K! |
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| My son crossing the finish line with me during the Chick-Fil-A 5K! |
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| Relaxing after a morning run on our cruise ship, somewhere in the Baltic Sea! |
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| Shock-n-Rock Reloaded, my first obstacle/mud run! |
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| Running with my girl! |
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| My first beer run! |
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| The long runs! |
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| The blisters! |
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| The new shoes! |
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| The cross-training hikes! |
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| The hill repeats! |
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| My first 7K and first torch run! |
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| First 7600 m through a Christmas market! |
You are awesome and as your mother I am so proud of you. I am thankful God has blessed you in so many ways,your blessings are in turn a blessing to me, as your mother, to see you happy and fulfilling your dreams. I pray God will continue to bless you with the strength, vision, and wisdom to follow your dreams and to do His will in your life. You have such a loving and beautiful heart. I love you!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Just amazing!!
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