Revolutions Lead to Resolutions

365 earthly revolutions make a year and we're nearing the end of this one.  Which means it's time for ... resolutions!  The start of a new year gives us a clean slate with a bright shiny new beginning.

2012 taught me that I can run marathons, but that I prefer halfs.  That I can go the distance, but that I don't need to.  And, sadly, that I sacrificed  the fun in the pursuit of a few big goals.  Running stopped being enjoyable this training season, and I want that fun and enjoyment back.  Don't get me wrong, there were some fun times to be had while running this year.  But running itself was not fun anymore.

While I'm not normally a huge fan of New Year's Resolutions, I do like the idea of a new plan and a new goal for a new year.  And for me, that means my goal for 2013 will be a goal that's not centered around a particular length of race or even a certain number or type of race.  

2013 for me will be about finding the fun in running again.  

Which is a very broad and sweeping resolution, I know.  So I do need to commit to some smaller and more concrete goals for the year.  While reading an article in Runner's World on the plane ride home to visit my family a couple weeks ago I came across the perfect way to do this.  Anyone else read the January issue and already know what I'm talking about?

Well, I'm leaving you with a cliffhanger here, and I'll follow up in my next (non-Challenge-related) post.  In the meantime, I've got a couple questions for you:

• Reflecting back on your 2012, did you have running triumphs? Running regrets?
• What are you looking to change next year?
• Have you started thinking about your 2013 New Year's Resolutions yet?

Tell Me About Your 2012

Fellow blogger H Love over at Keep on Keeping On had a great post earlier this week about recapping her year of running with a short survey: Tell Me About 2012.  I liked the idea so much I asked if I could do the same.

So here's my 2012:   

Best race experience? There were SO many good ones this year.  But I think I'll have to go with the obvious, which was my FIRST MARATHON!  The Disneyworld Marathon in January validated me as a runner.  A marathon runner.  It was hard, there were tears, there were friends, there was family, and there was Mickey bling.

Dad, BFF, & me after Mickey 2012

Best run?  Again, so many good ones to choose from. Too many, really.  So, I'm going to go with a really general "run" - training runs with my Galloway Girls.  My pace group helped keep me motivated and on-track, helped keep me moving on the hard runs, and kept my mind occupied on the boring ones.

"Lost in Pace" after our 21 Miler

Best new piece of gear?  Well, this one honestly couldn't be more obvious, lol.  It's gotta be my SparkleSkirts.  LOVE. THEM.  2012 was the year I started running in SparkleSkirts, and I've said it before and I'll say it again - there's nothing better for a long run!  They're fun, functional, and stylish!

Berry Smoothie SparkleSkirt

Best piece of running advice you received? "Start out slow and back off."  This is a joke from my friend Megan (remember her blog?), but still it strikes a chord with me.  She said it prior to what we knew was going to be a tough race, and it takes me back to that moment when running was about the company and not the miles or the pace.

Megan & Me at The Patriot's Challenge

Most inspirational runner? My friend Allison.  She was new to our running group this year and fit right in.  Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her big goal race this fall, which she didn't run, and immediately started treatment.  Her positive outlook and determination during this fight, which she partially attributes to her running journey, are a true inspiration to us all.  And she's already planning her running comeback once she's in remission! 

Celebrating Allison's Bday with the Galloway Girls

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?  Friends & bling.  That's truly what this past year of running has been about for me.  My running friends - both in "real life" and online - have kept me going and have helped me do more than I dreamed this year.  And 2012 was the "Year of Bonus Bling."  LOTS of bling this year - and I love it all!!!

So that was my 2012 in a nutshell.  I'm looking forward to what 2013 brings - stay tuned for more on that!

Want to do a "Tell Me About Your 2012" of your own?  Post a link to your blog post about it in the comments below - I'd love to read about your year!

Challenge DAY 28 - Four Weeks Finished!

Today is Day 28 of the Run Halfway December 2012 Challenge!  That's four weeks finished, which means we only have a few days left.  Let's power through to the end, everyone!!!

Once you've logged your mile on DAY 28 of the challenge, this Accomplishment Badge is yours, and it will be available to share on both FB and Twitter!

• Get your Facebook Accomplishment Badge HERE.
• Tweet this badge and your accomplishment using #RunHalfwayChallenge!

January Jump Start Challenge

The RunHalfway Mile-A-Day December Challenge is going very well, but is coming to an end.  So my friend Kim over at TriandTrue and I are hatching a plan for a January Jump Start Challenge.

Get a jump start on the New Year! Pledge to log at least one running or walking mile every day in January. Part of the Challenge is fitting the activity into your daily life, so no skipping, BUT - everyone gets one (1) "Grace Day" at any time during the month to miss a mile without breaking your streak!

It's super easy and follows basically the same rules as the December Challenge with one new little twist.  Kim's triathlon training calls for us to include biking as an option for January's Challenge - so trading 3 biking miles for your daily running or walking mile is acceptable in this one.  

So, are you ready to pledge your mile a day?  If so, here's how:

1. Join the FB group here.
2. Share the Challenge badge on FB, Twitter (follow @RunHalfway and @TriandTrue and use #JanuaryJumpStart), or on your blog.
3. Complete at least one mile on your feet every day. If you choose, 3 biking miles can occasionally be substituted for running or walking a mile.
4. After you've logged at least a mile each day, check into the Facebook group to record your mileage and get each day's badge!
5. Visit both blogs for motivation and updates throughout the month!
   - http://triandtrue.net/
   - http://www.run-halfway.blogspot.com/

Post-Christmas Blues ... and Another Challenge?

Post Christmas Blues are here...  The day after Christmas means back to work and "normalcy," and that it's time to start thinking about putting away Christmas decorations.  Boo.

However, that does mean that New Year's is next week and WDW Marathon Weekend is right around the corner!  Wuhoo!!!

With the new year, my friend Kim (check out her blog here) and I are going to host a joint mile-a-day challenge for January!  Stay tuned for more details...

Challenge DAY 25 - Merry Christmas!

Today is Day 25 of the Run Halfway December 2012 Challenge!  It'll be a tough day to complete because it is CHRISTMAS DAY and there are lots of other things  going on in our lives today!!!  See if you can encourage any family or friends you may be spending the day with to complete your mile with you.

Once you've logged your mile on DAY 25 of the challenge, this Accomplishment Badge is yours, and it will be available to share on both FB and Twitter!  Did you notice the little "add-on" for today's badge?

• Get your Facebook Accomplishment Badge HERE.
• Tweet this badge and your accomplishment using #RunHalfwayChallenge!

Challenge DAY 24 - Only One Week Left!

Today is Day 24 of the Run Halfway December 2012 Challenge!  Happy Christmas Eve everyone - only one week left to go!

Once you've logged your mile on DAY 24 of the challenge, this Accomplishment Badge is yours, and it will be available to share on both FB and Twitter!

• Get your Facebook Accomplishment Badge HERE.
• Tweet this badge and your accomplishment using #RunHalfwayChallenge!