2008 Year in Review

This year started out with a bang as I ran my first marathon in January, Relay race in March, and ultra in April.

As I set my sights on longer distances, the old bones gave out and I sat sidelined like my Ike-battered fence for 12 weeks.

All in all, it wasn't a bad year. I am trying to look at the gains I made towards becoming a runner. I am about 55 miles short of my mileage goal this year. I doubt I'll run a 50+ miler today.

I did run close to 700 miles in 2008. I bought at least 5 pairs of shoes and that has to count for something. I mean having a closet full of the coolest running gear and attire gives a few bonus points, doesn't it?? Ok, maybe not, but it was worth a shot.

The forced running sabbatical gave me an opportunity to reflect on what is really important in the scheme of running and life overall. I've had the chance to decide on a few goals and hopefully they are more realistic. My ultimate goal is that no matter what running goals I set and achieve, they allow me the balance that I strive for between the family and business.

Balance is one of those things I constantly struggle with. This may mean letting go of other things that I enjoy and even some I don't (in particular, laundry, dusting, bathroom cleaning would be my pick!)

Goals for 2009 are as follows:

1. Strengthening of core.
2. Increasing endurance.
3. 1000 miles.
4. Run my first 50 miler.
5. Train smarter.
6. Maintain healthy eating.

I pray for a safe, happy, and healthy 2009 for you all!

The Season May Still Have a Reason!

(this post also appears on my regular blog)
I am just as guilty as the next person of getting caught up the all of the craziness of the season. We don't usually go overboard with the cost of gifts, but we do try to give something to most everyone we know.

We also try to do enough baking that could, honestly, feed lots of hungry people.

Add to that the special moments I've tried to "create" (aka as contrive) over the years, the perfect Christmas card picture, the 400 Christmas cards I try to mail out, the traditions I try to instill, and I end up one stressed out mom who is not much fun to be around.

This year is different. Perhaps it's the fact that the economy is slow and more of us are trying to conserve that which we have. Perhaps I'm finally realizing that I really don't have to run myself into the ground. Perhaps I have really, truly, and honestly found the real reason for the season.

I have always known the reason, and I've always talked about how we should always remember the reason, but what I did was contrary to what I was saying. My heart is in a different place this year.

Just like everyone else I know, we have cut back quite a bit this year. We've been moving in this direction for a few years now and this is the year that we finally have made Christmas more about what it is and less about ourselves.

I know that there are many people suffering this Christmas season, and for those people I pray that times get better and life gets easier, but for those of us who have not gone without very often, if ever, I pray that this year, we embrace the true meaning of Christmas, and that we hold onto it the whole year through.

In an effort to really be family-centered for the remainder of the Advent season and the Christmas season, I am restricting my computer time to only that which is necessary. I will not be blogging until 2009. I will be snuggling with the kids and finishing up our home made projects. We will be worshiping Christ and thanking Him for His gift to us. We will be reflecting on our baptismal call and what that means to us as a family.

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jingle Bell Fun Run

Bean was given the task of taking pictures at tonight's run, but she was a bit distracted by the bookstore...

Here is a view of my costume



I had fun running along the Waterway, seeing the other runners and enjoying the decorations.

I've been battling a bit of a stomach bug the last 2 days, so it was nice to get out and breathe in some fresh air.

Marathoner, aka, Father

Saw this article on the web tonight and had to share it! I'm thinking the thief probably needed that money in a bad way, but still a great story!

Here is a brief snippet:

Money Stolen, D.C. Priest Hot on Heels Of Suspect

As he bounded out of through the church door just 20 minutes before Mass, the Rev. Bill Hegedusich was greeted by confused looks from his parishioners at St. Peter's on Capitol Hill. He offered them a simple explanation.

"I said, 'Hey, I'm going to go catch a thief,' " he said.

Then, in his black shirt and white clerical collar, Hegedusich, a marathon runner, darted after the man who had just swiped the church's collection money.

Still Here!

I am slowly getting myself back out there again. I loved running on Thanksgiving, but I didn't like the fact that my HR hit a whopping 215! This gave me reason to take some time to figure out what direction to head in right now.

My running goals for the time being are not to a specific race, but rather, to my general overall running health. I am working on strengthening the core and getting better working knowledge of training by HR. HR training is by far very different than anything I've ever tried before.

If you haven't checked out Facebook, you may want to give it a try. There are quite a few runners hanging out there!

Enjoy the season of Advent!