Monday, January 2, 2012

2011, The Year I Transformed

I posted my goals for 2012, but I'd like to look back at the past year. Partly because I hear all the time how people start out running but don't like it. Or, that they couldn't possibly do a 5K or a half marathon.

I've been running for a few years but nothing really serious. I'd do a 5K here and there. But, that was the extent of it.

I started running as part of my exercise routine; to lose weight. I found that setting a goal, helps me to be motivated. So, my sister Lisa and I decided to do the Dash Down Greenville. That was a fun race and it was HUGE!!

Here is me almost to the finish line


I really enjoyed racing and having my sister there (even though she is MUCH faster than me). Just something inside me ignited, that I LOVED doing races. It wasn't more of being competitive with others, but being competitive with myself. Could I beat my time? What can I do better? Plus, I loved the swag and t-shirts that we got for signing up. So, we decided that we would try to do a race every month, and we'd switch cities. One month, we'd do a race in the Dallas area and then another month, we'd do another one close to me.

So, since we did the Dash Down Greenville in Dallas, we'd do one close to me. We did the Mad Dash in Cedar Hill. This was a smaller race, just for women.




The next race we did was a night time race. We did the Firefly Run in Plano. Also a crowded race. I didn't have a good race that day. I fell at the beginning of the race. At first, thought I sprained my ankle. I was about to be transported back to the front but I decided I'd continue on. I couldn't bear the thought of quitting. My time sucked but I was happy that I finished.
Here's my unexpected souvenir from that race



I think about this time, Lisa and I were talking about doing a half. The thought was overwhelming, but I thought about it. I decided to go and and go for it and see what happens!

I also found a running group to take part of. Met some amazing runners and people. Unfortunately, when the kids started school, and my husband not getting home til late. I couldn't go anymore. Then our car situation happened, and we're down to one car.

August, we did the Historic Reach in Waxahachie. A pretty good race, not too big.

I didn't do anymore races and focused on training for the half in November.

And finally, my last race was the Reindeer Dash here in Midlothian, which was another night race.

I feel that this year was the year that I turned into a "serious" runner. I run because I *LIKE* to run. And it took me a few years to really get to this point. I've also met new running friends that I know will keep me motivated. I can't wait to get to know them better throughout this year.

I'm looking forward to 2012! Now I just have to figure out my race schedule! I'd like to do a race every month but that depends on finances.

I hope that those of you who want to run, find it enjoyable and rewarding as I do. It may not be right away but give it time.

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