How Do You Measure a Year in the Life?

A year ago this week I was in the final days of "The Taper" for the Tallahassee Marathon where I was hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  I had followed my plan, "coached" myself, cross trained extensively, and remained injury free and healthy.  Only one thing stood between me and Boston.  Well, make that 26.2 things - miles.  A marathon.

As I look back over the last year of running, cycling, swimming, and yes being a parent, a wife, a school volunteer, a part-time foundation staff member, and event coordinator, and then a part-time "fit specialist" there has been a lot going on.  I can easily and with confidence say that 2010 was my year to PR.  I don't say it to be snide, or haughty, or cocky or "holier than thou."  I say it because it is true.  And, I dare say that it will likely never be true again.  I was lucky.  This one time I did it right.  I didn't get hurt - well, except for that really nasty sprained ankle in May that sort of shoved me into swimming and triathlon - and if I picked a distance I went for it all out.  From the mile (BOT in August) to the Marathon (TLH in February) to an off road 20K and nearly every distance in between they were mine for the taking.

More importantly, I also see all of the fabulous people I got to spend time with, train with, travel with and "win" with.  Robin and her BQ at the Snickers Marathon and then again at Springtime Tallahassee 10K and still again at the Palace Saloon 5K.  I got to train and travel with Sherrie for 2 triathlons (where we both placed in our shared age group both times); I trained all summer and early fall with my dear friend Cathy helping her to prep for a potential BQ marathon - and we are doing it again.  I have gotten to know and love Shelby while training with her and "coaching" her through some of the more difficult workouts of an intermediate marathon plan for her own PR.  And, along the way, I have had the privilege to pick the brains of some the most fabulous athletes in Tallahassee.  Thank you, Kevin, Nate, Karen, and Theresa (and gang at the shop).

2011 will be full of firsts and milestones:  the older son will be driving solo here before too long;  my husband and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage; two new runners of "mine" will complete their first half marathon; I will complete five 20-mile runs in one training cycle; 3 marathons in less than 10 weeks; an Olympic distance triathlon and maybe a half iron (70.3) as well; runners I love will continue to PR and BQ.  I will run the 115th Boston Marathon.  And, as always along the way I will get to run, ride, swim and make new friends.