Earlier this month, when I first started thinking about 2011, all I could think about was the 2 DNF's I had this year. And then I didn't want to reflect upon the year anymore. But I've had a lot of downtime during this week's staycation, looked beyond those 2 unfortunate incidents and found that there was a lot of good that happened this year: I ran my first (and so far only) trail race at the Coyote Hills Half Marathon.
I got a few PR's:
- The half-marathon distance and didn't even realize it until 6 months later while on Athlinks. - The 10K distance. - The one marathon I did complete this year was 17-min PR.
I embraced yoga, which has become an integral part of my life.
I only had 2 "down" months (June and December) due to injury, which is pretty good for me.
I got an iPad and have read the most books since winning the 2nd grade readathon.
I traveled and was able to spend a lot of time with my family and close friends.
I went to the NKOTBSB concert.
I took stand-up paddle-boarding lessons.
I learned how to ride a bike again.
After being separated for 4+ years, I reunited with Laduree.
I went to Spring Training -- twice!...
...then to a lot of Giants games...
...including Opening Day when they raised 2010 World Series Banner...
...and Opening Night, when the players get their championship rings. And I also got a high-five from Brian Wilson during the Giant Race.
I came to understand what nutrition is right for my body, which has completely changed how I eat and what I eat - for the better.
I realized and am grateful that I have a solid team supporting me:
- Smart people who advise me: a personal trainer, running coach, nutritionist, therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, a studio full of yoga instructors...
- Surrounded by lots of family and friends...
...who love me...
- And a running community who continues to motivate and inspire me. These folks aren't just "fellow bloggers" or "Twitter friends" anymore - they have become real-life friends and some of the closest ones that I have.
I can honestly say that I am ending 2011 in a much better place than where I was when it started. It was a good year and I am looking forward to 2012 being even better.
Oh and let's not forget that the 49ers are going to the playoffs!
Who's Got It Better Than Us?!