Who am I?

With everything going on lately, I have seemed to have misplaced my identity.  I made it to the pool for a short swim yesterday and almost ended up in tears.  I partially contribute this to the fact I really do not like this time of year, long story, and I ALWAYS ended up on an emotional roller coaster ride.  

While I was at the gym I started chewing on my planned race year next year and I am already making changes to it.  I want to keep running as a major part of my life, but I think I might take next year off in a little different direction.  I am registered for a half in February, March and May and a full in May (the weekend before the half).  I want to explore different fitness styles, I LOVE Zumba and kickboxing, I am sure there are other things I would truly enjoy.  I would like to make yet another attempt at Harvest Moon, but this year I will not register for it until I know without a shadow of a doubt I will make it!  I want to get in more hiking (the 14ers are calling my name!).  I want to spend time to find me again.  I know I am in here somewhere, but I am just not sure at this moment. 

Do not let what you can not do; interfere with what you can do.

–John Wooden

Final Stretch

As I have mentioned before this year has been a challenging one.  I would not wish this year upon my worst enemy, but on the same token it has taught me a lot.  I could never have imagined in a million years I could be this strong.  I definitely could not have done made it without my family which I have learned is a lot bigger than I had ever thought.  Some of my ‘family’ I have never met and I may never have the pleasure of meeting, but I can say I will always have a special place in my heart for them. 

Certain aspects of this year will drag into next but we will get through it.  As a motivation for myself (trying to keep me from climbing under my bed and hiding) I have enjoyed planning my race schedule for next year.  I am emotionally prepared for things to change, but I have a plan!  For whatever reason I have decided that I should run a half marathon every month I also want to run 1000 miles.  Fortunately I am stubborn enough that I will do it even if I have to crawl a few miles!

This week should be ok once I make it past Wednesday! 

Monday	Rest (might do my 5 miles from today)	2 appts Class
Tuesday	4 miles (might also hit up the Zumba class!!!!)	Appt
Wednesday	cross/2 miles	Meeting 2 appt
Thursday	4 miles
Friday	Rest
Saturday	Rest
Sunday	5k

Do not let what you can not do; interfere with what you can do.

–John Wooden

What doesn't kill you???

Less than two months left until 2014 has finally concluded.  I don’t think I have seen more downs and well, downs in one year.  But this has taught me how incredible strong my family is, and I am not just talking about blood. 

Due to my dad being in the hospital I did not attend Denver.  My dad wouldn’t stop apologizing for “making” me miss my race.  Once my dad finally got out of the hospital I figured I would go out on a limb and contact the race directors to see if there was any way I could get my bib and do sort of a virtual run for my dad.  Two weeks later I not only received my bib I also received my medal.  I have mapped out a 13.1 mile course that I will be running and my dad will have easy access to the “finish” and I will be able to give him the medal.  To make the whole situation even more magical I have an incredible group of people who have volunteered to cheer me on along the course!  I am not sure I will be able to finish with a dry eye!

The initial down of the year has, for the most part, been resolved.  There are certain aspects of it that haven’t and I am not sure it will.  But that is just a part of life.  Number two down I wish I could say is all better and things are peachy but I will not be able to say that; there is no happy solution.  Number three is clearly going to run into 2015 and probably further on for many years but hopefully we will have an understanding of the cause before the year is out. 

Besides the Denver bib, which I am still planning my “race day”, there haven’t been any other races this year.  My racing has seemed to have fallen by the wayside, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be remedied next year.  I have a goal for 2015 and damn it I will succeed! 

Do not let what you can not do; interfere with what you can do.

–John Wooden