2015 Year End Review

To begin with I will start with this year's goals and the results. 

1.  Half Marathon.  Unfortunately, it didn't happen. 
2.  Eat fruit daily.  Much better.
3.  Overlook past failures.  Improving, more than I expected.
4.  Push through the hard times.  Excelled.

Comment:  I am pleased with the overall end of this year's goals.  No, I didn't accomplish them the way I had intended it to be; but, with the exception of the first couple, being aware of the other two has made me a better person. 

Activity
Miles run:  841.5
Miles walked: 118.1
Total miles on my legs:  959.6

Biked/Cycled:  186.3 miles

Comment:  These statistics I am well pleased with!  Having been inactive so much this year, I can't believe I almost reached 1,000 miles.  It wasn't until mid-October or later that I realized that I could reach 1,000 miles run/walked.  I see now that this can be accomplished if I am regular in my running and/or walking.  Staying on my feet is the key!  The next big plus is the miles biked.  I've rarely gotten on my bike and have now begun taking a spin class which I hope to be more regular with that.  I am very pleased with this figure and will make a goal for this next year. 

You see, this has been another tough year.  That makes TWO in a row!!  I learned a lot through the ups and downs.  Mental adjustment has been the main goal for me this year.  I have probably been "down" as much as I have been "up".  But the last part of the year, I began changing my thoughts by doing what I can do instead of focusing or looking at the things I can't do.  I know this slump is temporary! 

One of the things that got my attention is the fact that I turned 60 years old!!  I still can't believe it and haven't gotten use to me saying that age out loud yet.  But facts are facts.  That means I have entered a new age group.  Normally excited about this, I can see this age group will be a challenge for me.  This is a good thing.  I will work harder and do the best I can do. 

Another thing is my weight.  I have GOT to do something to lose weight.  I know how to do it...but...it's the doing it that actually counts, right??  I've got to get my "want to" in line!  Odd enough, my running pace is increasing again [even with this extra weight] and if I weighed less I would be a better competitor.  And, that's what I want.  We'll see how bad I really want it! 

I don't have to look very deep to see the next half marathon.  Guess it's just "in my bones".  I really, really love that distance.  For now, I am getting stronger and am building miles on my legs.  If this continues, I plan to do as many half's in 2016 as I can, ha!  No, seriously...

Unlike some of my friends, I don't have running goals for 2016 that will push me to another level.  A couple of my friends are really excelling in their athletic ability:  Deleica and Marsha.  I am so proud of you...keep up the good work!  My goal is to return to running somewhat like I was in 2013 before I fell and broke my shoulder. 

One thing I did this year that I want to continue to do is to be more creative in the cooking area.  I've tried many things this year and have bought new, healthy things that I've not purchased before.  Delicious foods, as well as healthy ones, are definitely on the forefront in 2016. 

I will now close this post with the mention of a couple of folks that inspire me.  First off, a friend that isn't even on the Internet [that I know of] but she inspires me because she is NOT a quitter.  My friend, Mo, is amazing.  She has come through such difficult times of cancer, surgery and treatment and never...quits...running.  I don't know how she does it.  Though I could never be like her, she will never know how much I think about her when I want to give up.  Thanks, Mo!!

Second, my new friends this year, Susan and Jean.  They are consistent, strong runners.  Your invitation of my being a part of the Sole Sisters has been inspirational.  Getting to know so many ladies that walk or run and stay healthy is a plus in my life.  Thanks for letting me be a part of your running and group.  You make me realize goals I want to make and achieve.

Finally and most of all, I want to mention my biggest inspiration, my husband, Kent.  I cannot tell you how many times he has inspired me to get off my butt and "do something" active when I didn't want to.  He has had many setbacks this year as well but he never quits!!  Even when I tell him that I had "this or that" to do, he would go on and do his thing.  When he would leave, I would feel guilty and many times I would stop whatever nonsense I was doing, get dressed and hit the road.  Thank you so much for being YOU!!  I love you to the moon and back and can't imagine my life without you. 

There are others I want to thank for your encouragement this year as I've needed A LOT.  I hope it makes you feel better knowing that your words DID have a positive impact on me...yes, it did!  You will find my 2016 goals listed.  All I can say is encourage someone around you.  You never know how much it means being the recipient.  So for now, get active, make new goals and go

Run 4 It

Flora-Bama Make It To The Line

This turned out to be a very good day.  The air was real cool and the course flat which made for a good race for me.  Most of the race was run alongside my friend, Mo, who is also a competitor.  She did great, too.  Love visiting with friends I only see at races.  Here are a few pics...I'll start with "us".

I loved the cute shirt.  [Back, then the front]

Some pics during the race with me, Mo, Marsha, Irene and Diane.

Now some award pics.  Yay!!

The award and my first bib as 60 years old.

The post-race food was pretty good.  It was a very stuffed chicken tortilla with fresh lettuce and tomato with beef stew and yeast rolls.  Here's also some crowd pics.

This is the first 4-mile race I've run; hence a PR.  I finished so much better than I thought I would since I've hardly run since this raunchy bronchitis hit me a month ago!!  This is, also, the first race since entering a new age group.  I received 2nd place and am very happy with my pace.  My time was 28:02 [27:59 by my Garmin].  Yes, everything went well.  I am looking forward to a great 2016.  Now seize the day and go

Run 4 It