Year end reflections

I felt so lucky to be able to get outside for a 7.3 mile run today. Temperatures here were in the 40's with a brisk but bearable wind, a welcome change from the deluge of rain we've recently experienced. Even though the last week or so has had some seasonably warm days, my work schedule doesn't always allow me to run outdoors. Most often at this time of year, I'm at the local gym very early in the morning with the pre-sunrise crew banging out a 5 miler on the treadmill. I am very grateful for those treadmills this time of year, but to have a weekend day with cooperative weather was a perfect Christmas gift.

Although I'm very much a winter wimp when it comes to running (thus my indoor runs at the gym), I couldn't help but think as I ran today that braving it out in the chilly temperatures (albeit above freezing) really makes you feel like you are getting the most out of your workout. I kept thinking that the difficulty of the headwind was only making me stronger. The cold of the air and wind was making my body work harder to stay warm. The slowness of the uphills was helping my endurance, making me push harder. The joy of the downhills was pure happiness. As I arrived home and stretched out, I kept thinking of how much running is a metaphor for life; yes, it is hard and sometimes it is just plain terrible, but if you push through the hard bits, the triumph is wonderful. You have literal times of ups and downs; moments of complete doubt and moments of absolute triumph. You have times when you think your body will just quit on you and other times when you feel like you could run forever with glee. You watch out for obstacles in the road. You try to run with the best form you can. The only way to get along your path is to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. You breathe and feel and sweat and hurt and finish. And in the end you feel amazing. It is such a glorious journey. Just like life. 

I've been reflecting on this past year, and again I feel so lucky to be able to run as I do. I am so appreciative of all the support I have from my husband and children and other family members and friends as I continue to strive toward my goal. I am ever grateful that my body continues to cooperate. I don't take for granted one single step along my journey. Each step is a gift. Each step is one step closer to finishing all 50 states. I can't wait!

I feel like the luckiest runner around. As I sit here with my family, relaxing around the Christmas tree, I think about my love for them and for all they've sacrificed for me. Early mornings on vacation when I have to get up for a race, and they drive me to the start; mornings when I'm at the gym and my husband takes care of the wake up and breakfast routine; weekend days when I head out for a long run and everyone has to fend for themselves or my mom hangs out with the kids. I'm so thankful for my family and my life. 

Sitting by our Christmas Tree.

As the year comes to an end, I am thrilled to have reached my goal of 100+ miles per month for this year (assuming I can run the rest of my miles this week...). I'm glad to have run in 5 new states this year and to have seen some incredible sights along the way. I'm grateful to have avoided injury (for the most part) and to still be running strong. I'm proud to have started a running club for students at my school, and I hope they are on the path to life long running. 

It's been an amazing year, and I'm ready to have some relaxing downtime during this holiday vacation. Don't worry...I'll be running, too...gotta get those miles finished! Wishing my 50x50 readers a joyous holiday season. Happy miles to you in the year ahead!