The Journey is Not Over

Well, here I am on the eve of a new year.  I just got done reading my blog post from this last year; what a journey!  There have been a lot of accomplishments and I am very proud.  I know there are more bumps then were blogged about, but that is OK, I will take the bumps and bruises too.  It keeps life real.

Reading back in January I was so amazed at myself; the fact that I was just "doing it"...kind of like the Nike slogan!  The excitement, momentum and constant encouragement was really awesome; like riding a really big wave.  Looking back I really needed it; to get me out of the slump, out of the rut, out of the 20-year fog of no exercise.  Riding the wave felt great. 

June-July-August was the crash!  I am a creature of habit.  I crave routine; at least in the arena of exercise.  The routine was gone.  Summer fun...having a blast! 

So, I had fun, gained some pounds and did not run...routinely.  I blamed it on the heat.  I blamed it on the rain.  I blamed it on everything.  (Just a bit of Milli-Vanilli for ya!)  Truth be told, I just got lazy without the routine. 

Fall time came and I picked up the pace and got back on track. It was not easy.  It was not fun.  I hated having to lose those pounds all over again.  It was really depressing. 

I had a new training partner this Fall too and that proved to be awesome!  It was fun to see first-hand someone get all jazzed up about running and gaining strength and most importantly feeling better about themselves.  I felt great too as the trainer this time around; of course with Miranda!  We were (and are) an awesome trio! 

So here ends a year of a new beginning; a start to a new way of living.  It has been a great year.  I have learned a lot about myself; emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Running by-myself has been a wonderful, therapeutic enlightenment that has provided me with time.  Time to reflect. Time to let go.  Time to let it out.  Time. 

My blogging journey started just over two years ago.  I started out with one blog and then started another, The Grateful Daily and then went on another Journey for 39x39.  I believe that being grateful and starting running at the same time has had some lasting effects; profound effects on how this journey started and where it is going now.  I think the secret, the universe, God, my support, my family and friends lifted me up and made me strong enough to continue on more independently.  This is evidenced today.  I ran 3.37 miles by-myself.  I have run before alone.  That is not the big deal.  The power of their strength is that I wanted to run.  I wanted to finish the year strong.  I wanted to do it for me and for them. 

I ran four 5K this year; Race for the Roses, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the Jingle Bell.  All were done with friends and support.  It is amazing!  Thank you to all! 

What is in store for 2011? 

First of all a Valentine's run, and 8K this time.  Then off for four 10K's; the first one being Race for the Roses 10K.  I have set my sights high and have a lot on the line.  I have some weight loss goals too; like dropping some more; slimming down and trimming up. 

Secondly, the Thanksgiving run will hopefully have a new name and benefit the local food bank in 2011 and in many years to come.  More on that later! 

2011 has a lot to offer, just on its own.  With some hope, faith and balance I plan (and put out to the universe, to God) to keep on this journey, keep on these waves; these highs and lows of losing pounds and gaining strength.  I have potential to succeed and to do well.  I can. 

Happy New Year. 
Happy 2011.

"And how high can you fly with broken wings?



Life's a journey not a destination


And I just can't tell just what tomorrow brings"

Jingle Bell 5K

Amanda ran her first 5k today and I ran by fourth.  What a total blast today! 
It was cold, a bit windy but a beautiful day down on the waterfront in Portland for the Jingle Bell fun run.  It was a great course; flat, out and back.  Lots of people were dressed up for the holidays and there was a lot of cheer.  About 3,300 people showed up to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.  They announced that about $120,000 was raised today! That is awesome!

Looking forward to another fun after the first of the year...Valentine's Day?

Week 9...day three. Done! Again!

Amanda and ran our last day of the last week from the Couch to 5K program.  It has been fun doing the program again with another person.  Miranda was around for the first time and she ran a lot with us this second time too!  It has been fun for me to be with them.  They are both great people.

Miranda is the stronger and faster runner, I am in the middle and Amanda is quickly catching up to me.  She is strong and quite the athlete.  When we are ready to the triathlon in a few years, she is going to teach me how to swim freestyle so we can do it together.  In a few years. 

Now we are going to focus on a 10K.  In April 2010.