2011 was the year that I became a runner.  It was a resolution and a task all about me and giving back to myself.

I took on the challenge December 17, 2010, but the bulk of the challenge was in keeping it going in 2011.  Though injuries, pain and determination, I came across the other side down 15 pounds and at least 2 inches per area measured, with more areas down even more inches.

2011 was the first time in my life I proclaimed myself, “a runner.”

Calling yourself a runner is a big step in taking up the sport/hobby/sanity-keeping-system.  Especially for those of us who grew up hating running and being the slowest on in gym class or on the team. I always thought being a runner is something you were born with: long legs, long stride, thin as a rail body-type.

Running started as an experiment to learn to love what I’ve always hated.  In this past year I’ve learned not only about the joys of running, but also that you really can do anything you set your mind to.  If you take the thing you’ve always hated most, something you convinced yourself you just weren’t born to do, you can learn not only to do that thing, but also to love it.

Running 12 minute miles, I’m certainly not fast by any stretch of the imagination.  I’m also not ashamed of saying that’s my pace because I know what it took to get to a 12 minute mile average.  To me, that number represents strength and the future that I hold before myself.  In five years will I say I’m at 10 or 9 minute miles? I hope so, but even if I can’t say that, I know I will still be running because of all the things this past year has taught me.  It’s pushed me to open my eyes to the possibilities of sprint triathlons in the coming years, and maybe even a marathon before I’m thirty.

There are so many joys in running, but the best reward doesn’t come at the end of a race or even at the end of a good day.  The greatest reward is as I look back over the past year and see that what I’ve accomplished took the full year.  It’s not something that can be rushed, it’s changing everything at a snail’s pace.  Real change doesn’t happen overnight, real change is a lifestyle adjustment that, when made, makes it unthinkable to imagine going back to where you were before you started.

While 2011 was a year focused on myself, 2012 is a year focused on making my running more of a group activity.  I’m no longer shy about asking others if they want to run with me, or worried about not being able to keep up.  I know that my pace is my pace and having support along the trail will only get me further on my path in life.

The resolution for 2012 is to run one race per month for the entire year.  I’ve already signed up for races through May and I’m eager to accomplish the races and continue to trail all year.  I invite you to join me on the road, or the trail, as I go through 2012’s journey.

January: 5k Legacy Loop

February: 5k 500 Festival Training Race

March: 10k 500 Festival Training Race

April: 15k 500 Festival Training Race

May: 13.1 500 Festival Mini Marathon