As I look at all I've accomplished in 2014 in regards to running, I can't help but feel like this has been one of my most successful years yet. I made it through four 5ks, one 4.5-mile race, one 10k, three half marathons and eight full marathons. I set a PR at the Erie Marathon in September, a 10k PR at the TRZ race in August, came within seconds of setting a 5k PR at Olivia's 5k Wish Run in October and logged 1,772.62 miles - the most I've ever run in a year - all without a single injury. I set a monthly mileage total record (175.57 miles in August) and helped my boy Zeke log his best year yet with 541.41 miles. I even ran a few miles with Pam, the one who started me on my running journey (love ya, girl!). Yes, I'm truly blessed.
But these personal accomplishments are not the only things that put a big smile on my face. In this year, I have added many names to my list of running buddies and developed and rekindled some pretty awesome friendships. I have my sole sisters (thank you, Kate, Lisa, Erica and Cathy!) my sole brother (thank you, Chris!), and two fur babies (love you, Zeke and Bella!) who keep me company on my runs. I've gained some friendships through Facebook, and one of them has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and sign up for my first ultra (thank you, Josh!).
I run for three very special people now - Bryce, Gracie and Brianna - and they make every step worthwhile.
I thrive on encouraging others to find their love for running, and I feel like I've been successful in spreading this running bug to at least two people this year, and I will enjoy watching their running journeys unfold. I'm hoping to continue to inspire others in 2015.
And so, I close this unusually short blog post with my 2015 goals:
1. Finish an ultra marathon.
2. Run 2,015 miles throughout the course of the year.
3. Live more.
4. Laugh more.
5. Love more.
6. Read more.
7. Write more.
Thanks for reading, friends. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! :)
