Good Riddance, 2011

I'm not really being dramatic when I say 2011 was the worst year of my life. My husband and I both lost our jobs, my town was destroyed by a tornado, and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wish I could say that I see the reasons these things had to happen, and that I've come out on the other side happier for it. But I'm not there yet. The truth is, I'm still struggling with the sadness and change that this year has brought.

What I can say is that I'm hopeful for a better 2012. I can also say that I can see glimmers of the positive. I'm still moving forward. When I first started this blog, I used my favorite quote to title it ("If you can't run, then walk. And if you can't walk, then crawl. Do what you have to do. Just keep moving forward and never, ever give up." -Dean Karnazes) I don't see it as just a running quote. To me it's about life. This year I've just kept moving forward and doing whatever I had to do to make it.

And in the process, I can say that I've gotten stronger. My marriage is stronger. My running is stronger. I feel like if I can make it through this, I can make it through most anything. And in so many ways, running has saved my life this year. I remember many long runs through my favorite spots and taking the chance to sort through thoughts and plans. It also gave me time to really connect with nature and pray. I always feel so much more calm and centered after a long run.

Running also helped me to have a few successes and happy days when they were few and far between otherwise. I got the bad news about my old job in March, then immediately had the distraction of my first marathon, then a HUGE 5k PR that was a long time coming. As things have gotten even worse toward the end of the year, I've been so grateful for the anticipation of my 2nd marathon and getting to do a bunch of fun trail races with good friends. It really has made all the difference. 

I still have a couple of races from the past few weeks I need to document. A road half marathon that was a HUGE learning experience, and a trail 25k that was a HUGE success!

I'm not big on new year's resolutions, so I don't think I'm making any. I'm just hoping to put 2011 behind me and make 2012 so much better. Happy New Year!!