Thank you

Thank you my friends for following/participating in my journey.

I went from couch to 5K, then back to the couch. Then I literally went from the couch and did 2 5k's (no training involved). Needing the challenge, I went from barely able to complete a 5K to loving 3-4 miles as a distance and completing both a 10K AND a 5 miler. And I'll bring 2010- aka: the year I discovered I loved to run-- to a close with 200 miles logged running this year! I'll also start 2011 with a 5K. It'll be cold, but that's what happens with a race on January 1st in the upper midwest!

Looking back, I am left with a sense of accomplishment. Not a feeling I'm used to having, that's for sure. Usually the end of the year leaves me feeling like I didn't do what I set out to do. This year, I did what I set out to do and more -- as I wasn't cognizant of the desire to do a 10K until after the 2nd 5K in June. That feeling along with the friends I've made and the physical changes in myself leave me hopeful for 2011.

*I will say that even though I started the 10K journey alone, I found great friends like Sue Ellen and Amber to run with. Without Amber, I seriously question if I'd have it in me to do what has been an amazing amount of fall-winter running. I have no doubts that together she and I will motivate one another to do that half marathon next year.

The new year also has me excited to enter married life, although one could argue I'm pretty much married, just don't have the fancy paperwork and title. I've been feeling a little out of sync with my fiance lately, which I almost entirely blame on the financial stress of my life. Nothing kills the libido like stress...  So with a 2nd part time job starting up I'm looking forward to getting us back. It'll involve less time but the 25 hours I'll work there will pay what I make in 35 at the coffee shop.  I'm looking forward to hopefully enjoying life a little more again instead of feeling a dark cloud hanging around almost all the time.

Most of all, I'm looking forward to erasing failure one step at a time on the trails. Feeling the crisp air against my skin and the power of my body to provide its own warmth as I trudge on ice and snow. I never thought I'd enjoy running outside, let alone running outside on a 12 degree day. It's on those days though, when I realize how much I've missed out on all those years I hibernated from October to March. Those days that make me grateful for fleece and comfy running shoes, for air in my lungs and the ability to do it. They make me thankful to live in an area with clean air, trails and the safety to enjoy them.

Despite completely losing my way career-wise, I'm in the best shape of my life and wouldn't trade who I was then for who I am now.

 2011 will be a good year. I can feel it.