Milestones: My (Mostly) Running Year in (Mostly) Pictures

I ran 13 races in 2010 – kind of cool since I run in the 13 Minute Mile Pace Group (a.k.a. Duane’s Angels) with MIT – but maybe I am just being cheesy!! Although, as I have said before, I like the numbers – especially in running because it gives me something to measure, something to compare to the last time or something to strive for in the future.

Just in case you missed it the 49 other times I posted it, here we are – Duane and a few of his angels after the Columbus Half in October:

It was the last race we ran with Stephanie, who has now gone to be an angel in heaven. Here we are before the Columbus Half; I will always love this photo because we are smiling and excited and remembering all the fun we had together over the last couple of years:

Four (I didn’t say I was good with numbers or I would be able to give you a percentage) of the races I ran this year were PR’s! I’m pretty happy about that. I ran the Komen Race for the Cure 5K in 39:34 total /12:45 mile and met an amazing survivor named Kimberly who said I encouraged her to finish the race. She, in fact, was an inspiration to me because of all she has already overcome in her life, which has not been that much longer than my own.

The Spirit of Columbus Relay (6.55 miles) 1:18 total / 13:00 mile with my MIT friend, Jan, who is an inspiration to me because she has come so far in her own weight loss journey and because she never gives up, even when the going gets really tough. We both ran this race on empty and while nursing injuries (my knee and Jan’s ribs!). It was the first relay I had ever run:

The Emerald City Half 2:54 total / 13:01 mile – in under 3 hours, which was my goal that day! I remember being so happy to see that time when I crossed the finish line. I know, however, I could not have finished without my friend and MIT running coach and partner, Duane. He really kept the pace and inspired me to keep running when it started to hurt – he also kept me laughing and I figured if I could laugh, I could surely keep running! Here we are after crossing the finish line together:

The Flying Feather Four Miler 47:35 total / 11:54 mile, which I ran with my MIT crew, my sister, Mollie (turned MITer!) and my mom (future MITer!). How’s this for a glorious post-race picture; it was a happy day and a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving by being grateful for the gift of running:

As I look back now, I am speechless at just how thankful I am to be able to lace up my shoes everyday and just run– time, pace, PR’s, fast, slow, inside, outside, mileage, gear – it doesn’t matter like it did so much going into 2011. We run because we can, and because we love to. There are so many people who don’t have that chance.

I also had some great runs with some amazing friends, who continue to inspire me to get out there and give it my all everytime I run:

Me & Chrissy (the only one who gets me) after Cap City in May

Me & Wendy after the Columbus Half, October

MIT Group before the Buckeye Classic, November

Spring/Summer MIT Season Banquet

Me & Rebecca, my mentor and role model

My family inspires me beyond measure. Both my mother and my sister started running this year. My mom completed her first 5K ever – when she started, she thought she couldn’t even run (remind you of anyone?). She has once again reminded me that no matter what you think stands in your way – it doesn’t – you can still accomplish your dreams if you put your heart into it. My mom after the Panerathon in August:

My sister who hates to run ran several 5K’s, a 4 Miler, and her very first ever 10K this year. She is now training for her first half this spring. She inspires me to be a better sister. Running has brought us closer and for the first time in my life, I feel like we share something special, beyond the fact that we are sisters. I love watching my sister achieve her running goals. Me and Mollie before the Buckeye Classic 10K Trail Run:

My parents, my sister, and my husband go above and beyond to support my in my running and racing ventures. I couldn’t as for more when it comes to my family:

Me with Mom & Dad after Cap City, May

Michael, Me, & Dad after Emerald City, September

In (sort of) non- running events. My sister graduated from Miami University of Ohio:

And Michael and I took a trip to Hannibal, Missouri (where I may have sort of run a race, not that that was my motive for going or anything):

Historic Hannibal

Me barely finishing the Hannibal Cannibal 10K

As I lace up my shoes, zip up my jacket and head out the door this afternoon for my last run of 2010, I have a lot to be thankful for. A lot to be grateful for. And a lot to look forward to. I hope you do too. My sincere wish for each of you is that you have a happy and safe New Year, and I can’t wait to see where the new year takes us. I’m already looking forward to reading your blogs!  Happy New Year from us:

Until the next mile marker,

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