2011 has been an Epic Year in Running

The 2011 Running Year will go down as the one where I finally got my marathon dream, ran the relay of a lifetime and found some speed. But other things happened, too…

Jan. 14: We got a treadmill. It’s changed my running life. For realz.

Jan. 28: I started a running group. It’s grown to almost 40 members with women from Snohomish, King and Pierce counties. I thought we’d meet regularly, but that’s nearly impossible with so many moms in the group. Instead, a Facebook group keeps us connected and we post upcoming runs there. It works great since we are so spread out.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 9: I made a Mom vs. Marathon Facebook page. It’s been so fun to interact with people in “real” time!

MARCH

March 3: I tried pool running.

March 18: I started to realize I could get faster. Seriously. I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to get out of the 10-minute mile range. Not that there’s anything wrong with that pace; I just had my high school cross-country self in my brain reminding me what I used to run.

March 21: Marathon training got serious. Zoë (Run, Zoë, Run) and I began our long runs in earnest with a 16-miler. For some reason, 16 miles seems like the turning point to me.

March 28: I got out my bike. And I got a trailer for T Junior. Sure, I’m not particularly proud of how I behaved on this particular ride, but I was proud of myself for getting out there and doing something I’m really uncomfortable doing.

APRIL

April 8: I realized the pool hates me. I did go back, though.

April 10: I ran 18.2 “stoopid” miles with Zoë. And I made her kiss a slug.

MAY

May 7: I missed my 20-miler.

May 13: I missed my 20-miler again.

May 16: I became someone who goes to physical therapy. My left shin was sore…a lot. So I freaked and went to PT.

May 29: I ran 20 miles…alone. And out-of-town, too.

JUNE (Marathon Month!)

June 9: I fell and almost lost the dog. About two weeks till the marathon. I still have visions of this when I run with Bennie.

June 14: I found out Nuun was sending a team of bloggers to Hood to Coast. I wasn’t going to apply. It sounded scary, but my friend Mel (Tall Mom on the Run) sounded so excited about it. So I applied.

June 20: I went on a running tour. Chelsea (Will Run for Food) showed me her ‘hood. Then she drove me around the marathon course.

June 22: I made the Nuun Hood to Coast team. But I couldn’t think about it yet.

June 24: I carbo-loaded and tried not to pee my pants. I was so, so nervous in the days leading up to the full. I could barely hold a conversation.

June 25: EPIC RUNNING DAY #1 – I completed my first marathon with Zoë right next to me.

JULY

July 11: I began training for a September sub-2 half marathon. I had serious doubts.

July 17: I ran with Chelsea during her first half marathon. I was alone during my first half in 2009. I felt lonely when I finished it. No way, was Chelsea going to be lonely.

July 18: This day marked my second year of being a dedicated runner.

AUGUST

Aug. 26-28: EPIC RUNNING DAYS #2-4 – I survived the Hood to Coast Relay. And I want to go again!

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 18: EPIC RUNNING DAY #5 – Sub-2 Half PR! And I beat it by more than I thought I could.

OCTOBER

Oct. 2: EPIC RUNNING DAY #6 – 10K PR! Barely.

Oct. 25: I began blogging at 2Toms. So appreciative of the awesome people there!

Oct. 26: Lucy has six puppies.

NOVEMBER

Nov. 30: This post pretty much describes November.

DECEMBER

Dec. 2: I found a way to blog and workout at the same time.

Dec. 17: A 5K PR! And in style with my buddies!

I doubt 2012 will be able to top 2011, but I’m excited for some new adventures next year. I think/hope we will be getting an RV. For me, the RV equals freedom. Mr. T even said we’ll be able to use it for vacations, dog shows and “your running stuff.” So, hey, maybe there’ll be some destination races next year!

What are your 2012 plans? What was your favorite running moment of 2011?