With tomorrow morning comes a new training session with MIT. New faces, new runners, new goals, new challenges, new triumphs and even new hardships. No more cold or snow (although it is Ohio), no more falling on the ice or shuffling along the trails like a Penguin with 96 layers of clothing on. Nope. It will be sun and summer and humidity and 109 + temperatures and sweating like dogs, for sure (unless you’re like me and you sweat like that anyway). We just figure out how to run in the winter and now we will figure out how to run in the summer – just in time for winter again. And there will be rain, of course, but it’s okay, you already survived 7 floods and a monsoon.
And, so it goes. A new adventure waiting, just around the corner. But who could ever forget the roller-coaster we just get off of? It was a splendid season riddled with joy and heartbreak – one that I will not soon (or ever) forget. It was my first season as a Pace Coach for the 13 minute mile group, and I can’t wait to do it again. While these past six months have been some of the worst in my entire life, they have also been some of the best. Thanks to you, Lucky 13’s, and your persistence, dedication, encouragement and perseverance. I have never been more proud to call myself a runner. The personal triumphs you succeeded in this season were astounding – many of you crossing the finish line of your first half marathon ever – after what was undoubtedly a tough training season. Not to mention, you triumphed as friends and teammates to help me get through a loss greater than any I have ever experienced before. When I wanted to quit, you were in fact the ones that kept me going.
From start to finish, your strides have taken you on a journey that you should be proud of. And whether you join us again on the trails tomorrow or next season or not at all – I hope you continue on the path you have found yourself on. Have faith and believe in yourself, because you are all wonderful, caring, inspirational people who have the power to succeed in your endeavors.
Just look at what you accomplished already –
 |
| Snow Runs with the Lucky 13’s… |
 |
| Dark runs too … |
 |
| A weekly dose of humor from our fearless leader, Duane… |
 |
| Fun runs on the trails with friends… |
 |
| Did I mention rainy runs? |
 |
| An Expo party for the stars… |
 |
| Remembering my mother when others forgot… |
 |
| You made it to the Starting Line of Cap City… |
 |
| With smiling faces … |
 |
| And may have cried a little too … |
 |
| And you finished Cap City … |
 |
| You have the bling (and a picture) to prove it! |
 |
| We met Bart Yasso .. |
 |
||
| Through it all, you supported one another … |
Here’s to a great season past and a new one to come!
Until the next mile marker,
Follow
I can’t think of better people to freeze or get soaked with….what a season!!!!
YOU STILL CAN’T READ THE POOP SIGN! Ugh.
You are my favoritest pace coach ever (along with Duane, of course)! I love, love, love MIT because of all my new friends (who I kind of like more than my old friends). Looking forward to many more seasons with you!
Sushi this week?
Love, love, love the new blog!!! I can’t wait for MIT to start again!
Kim
Loved the recap…can’t believe all we have been through and the friendships made in just 5 months! Cheers to many, many more!!!
OK, now you made me cry again! I joined MIT this fall to help myself get healthier and achieve some personal goals. I also hoped I might make a few new friends along the way. Boy did I ever!!! I love you guys so much, and am so proud to call you my friends! Can’t wait for the new season and new challenges!
I love the new look – you are such an inspiration.
I look forward to reading about your next adventure.
Looks like you have a an awesome group to inspire and change! Good luck with your next cycle!
what an amazing dedication to an amazing group of women. This is what running is about! Community, encouragement, and cheering each other on in life and on the ‘run’.
what a great group! Friends would make those dark,cold, wet runs bearable! GREAT job sharing your journey in pics!!
Hands down this was the best 5 quality months of my life. This is a really special group of friends and it isn’t exactly something that comes along everyday. Celebrate and embrace it in everything you do!
YES! Love the new look! GREAT season too. Hold on to it and those friends through your post big run slump.
Your thank you not could NOT have been sweeter by the way…
what a great group! Friends would make those dark,cold, wet runs bearable! GREAT job sharing your journey in pics!!
Looks like you have a an awesome group to inspire and change! Good luck with your next cycle!
YOU STILL CAN’T READ THE POOP SIGN! Ugh.
You are my favoritest pace coach ever (along with Duane, of course)! I love, love, love MIT because of all my new friends (who I kind of like more than my old friends). Looking forward to many more seasons with you!
Sushi this week?
Love, love, love the new blog!!! I can’t wait for MIT to start again!
Kim