A year in review...and the year ahead

(Holy hell, its been over six weeks since I updated this thing...whoops! One of my plans for 2011 is to get better about that, but more on that in a bit.)



So. 2010 is no more. There were certainly some ups and downs, both running related and not. I had quite possibly my worst race ever, the Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon (aka half marathon) at the end of April. It was muggy, warm, rainy, and way more hilly that I had been able to discern from the elevation maps. My time was over six minutes slower than my previous slowest time, and that pissed me off big time. I also dealt with a nasty running slump, punctuated by a nagging soreness in my right quad. Luckily, some rest, stretching, a new pair of running shoes, and some new routes helped get me back on the right track. It was also the hottest summer I remember having in quite some time, and definitely the hottest since I started running. This was the kind of weather that makes me question whyTF I run, and it was not fun. Neither was all the laundry I was doing b/c of the sweaty running clothes.



On a nonrunning note, we adopted a second dog who put us through the wringer emotionally. There will be more on him in the "good part" section, but suffice it to say the first month was hell. I also experienced crushing sadness for two good friends and coworkers who lost children this year-one at five months gestation, and one at five months of age. That kind of stuff just isn't supposed to happen and really made me question a lot.



Now, onto the better stuff...maybe partially thanks to all the hot weather running I did this summer, I had a PR in my fall half (the Columbus Half Marathon in October) by running a 1:52:something. I also joined a local training group, which turned out to be awesome and now I'm signed up for the full 2011 racing season (meaning spring and fall races). Plus, I've managed to get my weight back under control and have lost most of the 10 lbs I put on last winter and have thus far managed to keep it off :)

Things have also settled down quite nicely with the new dog. He still has his issues, which we are working through, but he has wormed his way into our hearts nonetheless and we would do anything for him.

My friends have amazed me with their strength and grace as they've dealt with their sadness. The one who lost her little girl 5 months into her pregnancy is now pregnant again with a perfect, healthy baby girl and due in May...we could NOT be more excited for her, it's been a long road for her and she and her husband are so ready for their happy ending. My friend who lost her little girl suddenly at five months of age is adjusting to the way things are now, and she and her husband have been able to draw so much strength from each other. Their little girl has sent them some signs to show them that they're going to be okay, and I know that's been a comfort.

And now...hello, 2011! I can't wait to see what you have in store. For me, I'm hoping to train for another couple of half marathons and emerge injury free and with a sub 1:50 half. I'm also planning on buying a road bike from my friend Colleen, to add another choice to my outdoor fitness options and maybe even spur me to train for a sprint triathlon. I'd like to get more consistent with my strength training (which is currently nonexistent), and be better about getting up and going to the gym before work.

My other evil plans for this year include getting some debt paid off, putting the Terrible Twosome in some training classes, and maybe even (eep!) considering trying to have a baby (eep!).

And yes, I plan on blogging more :)

What are YOUR plans for 2011?