Friday, December 30, 2011

2011 Farewell

The finish line of my first Marathon
Quad Cities 9.25.11
I had full intentions of writing a extensive 2011 Year in Review.  I thought about it.  I made notes.  But when it comes right down to it, I can't get myself motivated to write it.  Why?  Because I'm too damn excited to kick off 2012!!  I'm so over 2011 and can't wait to get started on new goals in the new year!

So without much ado, I bid 2011 farewell, short and sweet...

2011 will forever be remembered for my First Marathon (race recap).  It is by far my proudest accomplishment.  I diligently trained my ass off, sacrificed summer fun for rest/run/recovery, and crossed that finish line like a damn champion.  (No, I didn't win.)  I still can't quite put the feeling into words.  How on earth can running 26.2 miles make me feel so darn happy and elated?  I'm all about the endorphin high.

Other Highlights from 2011

  • I broke PR's in every race distance.  Training with speed intervals work. period. no cheating. just do the work.
  • I met so many fabulous running friends with the creation of Sole Sisters.  I can't say enough about this newfound running community of women.
  • I started blogging last January and made extraordinary friendships with runners from all over the U.S. Pretty confident that I could run anywhere and find a fellow blogger who would take me in.  :)
  • I became Half Fanatic #1092. 
  • I raised over $2000 for cancer charities.
What was your proudest moment of 2011?


16 comments:

  1. Congratulations Jess! My proudest moment was also completing my first marathon. I didn't win either! Don't you love that question! Best of luck on your 2012 goals!

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  2. Love that finish picture Jess, it is so full of emotion! You had a great year. Can't wait to see what you do in 2012.
    My proudest moment this year was my 10K PR, I pushed to get in under an hour and was thrilled that I did it!

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  3. You have had an amazing year! Can't wait to see what 2012 brings you!! My half marathon pr would have to be my proudest fitness moment!

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  4. Congrats on an amazing year! Here's to an even better 2012. I have to think about my proudest moment...

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  5. My proudest moment in 2011 was doing my first 5K in May and losing weight in the process. It felt so good working towards a goal, even though I personally have always hated running. It was pretty great just watching my girlie reach her long-time goal too.

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  6. Great accomplishments! You have so much to be proud of - and based on your 2012 calendar so much to look forward to. I'm proudest of the fact that I found running - and even though it was hard - I stuck with it and now can't seem to live without it!

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  7. Congrats on a great year! I'm sure that 2012 will be even better!

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  8. I love your accomplishments, you had a wonderful year! I hope 2012 is so much more for you!

    I would have to say my proudest accomplishment would be running my first and only half marathon! Next year it will be the marathon year!

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  9. Sounds like you had an AWESOME 2011! Here's to an even better 2012!! :)

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  10. Love it Jess! I too ran my first marathon this year and ditto everything you said! I can still remember how AWESOME the post race soreness felt. It's weird, but I LOVED it, I felt like I had done something really hard!

    I am hoping to run 3 half marathons this year and become a half fanatic too! Good luck with your year!

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  11. every race/running picture of you is so inspiring. you are just such a positive force to be reckon with :D Happy racing and pr's in 2012 girl, you deserve it!

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  12. Oh, gosh. Proudest moment had to be crossing that marathon finish line, though tied for a close second was watching my oldest graduate from hs/watching my middle son compete in the state volleyball tournament.

    Good luck with 2012. It's going to be fantastic!

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  13. Congratulations on running your first marathon (every mile this year... really)! Getting to the starting line is my favorite part (I love training for something).

    My proudest moment? Completing my first ultra-marathon. As I crossed the finish line I heard them say "finishing in third place..." they said my name! It was a brutal run, a trail run with 2 inches of ice covering the trail (ice storm) and 8 inches of fresh snow the night before the race.

    I look forward to following your running adventures in 2012. You can follow mine on DM or I am starting a Tuesday meme called CHECKpoint, to summarize/reflect on fitness goals/successes. I need cheerleaders, my goals are big through May :).

    http://www.bookwormwithaview.com/2011/12/checkpoint.html#idc-container

    Happy New Years!

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  14. Congrats on all of your successes this year! You're such an inspiring read, one that I always click on when I see a new post pop up in my Reader.

    My biggest accomplishment was running in my second marathon this year! Can't wait to get back out there in the spring.

    Happy New Year!

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  15. Way to go on a grest year and your first marathon! ! I love your picture and quote!! I love any quote with courage in it! That has Been a big word in my life fir year's !! My proudest moment this last year was finishing my first half marathon. It is the best feeling like no other. Im very excited for this new year full of new goals and challenges my first full marathon and another half and alot of training. I want to thank you fir all your motivation. You are awesome !! I found you through Tall mom and thankful to have you great blotters to help motivate me. Your always so postitve and I can just tell you have super happy bubbly personality. I look forward to reading everything you write. Thank you and have s wonderful new year!!

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  16. Nothing tops the marathon! Great year, Jess!

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