Tuesday, January 5, 2010

2009 - You Were A Good Year

I'm a few days late for one of those reflective, "Goodbye 2009" sort of posts - but what can you do?  Better late than never, right?


January 2009 - Not a great angle... :)


January 2010 - Better Angle :)

2009 was a truly life-changing one.  Here are some running-related highlights;

Races

After 10 weeks of training with the Couch to 5k interval program (which is FREE!) I ran my first 5k at the Oregon Road Runner's 4th of July fun run.  You can read a full race report and see some awesomely embarassing finish-line pictures here.  I finished in 38:09, running approximately 12:30 minute miles... in the HOT HOT sun.

A little over three months later, I completed my 10k training using an audio coaching program (also free) offered by DJ Steveboy.  I ran the Gresham Jazz Run on October 11th. You can read the full story and see some (only slightly) more flattering finishing shots here.  We finished in 1:23:38, averaging about 13:42 minute miles (which includes some walking... so we must have booked it for some part of it...)


Weight

When I first weighed in back in January of 2009, I was 215 pounds.  My first (unofficial) weigh-in of 2010 was 181.5.  During 2009 I lost nearly 35 pounds.  I don't miss any of them.


Muffins

In my quest to relieve some of Daniel's work stress by helping to pay for our trip, I started baking muffins back in October.  By the end of 2009, I'd baked and delivered over 1000 muffins!  I want to say thanks to everyone who has supported me by buying yummy treats in 2009, and keep your eyes out for some fun surprises!

Heart

All of the training runs, races and support I've received along the way has changed me.  I'm not just stronger physically, but mentally as well.  I feel confident in my body's ability to master seemingly impossible challenges, and I know my heart and mind were as much a part of that victory as my body.  Running has taught me that I am stronger than I think.

I've done a great deal of reflecting on my 2009 as it pertains to the other areas of my life as well.  Right now I'm debating about whether to include some of that reflection (and goals for 2010!) in this blog, to start another blog, or to keep things to myself.  I'm open to suggestions from the blogosphere.  (Look it's interactive!!)

2 comments:

  1. Congratulations on a great year!! YOU LOOK AWESOME! HAPPY 2010!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here's just a couple thoughts on your last questions:
    ~DO blog. It'll help keep your thoughts focussed, and it'll help keep you accountable to no one more than yourself. When I used to blog, I'd post some realization or commitment, and then say 'well, I just told everybody who cares about me that I'm doing this, I guess I've gotta do it!'
    ~Feel free to keep this blog. Making another makes a bit more work for you to do each time, and a little more of a chance to say 'it'll take too much right now...' Also, sure, this is a blog about running, but remember Hebrews 12:1 "...let us run with perserverance the race set marked out for us." Make this about your running, on the road and in your life!

    ReplyDelete