Ever since I started training for my first race, I have been humbled by the support I continue to receive from friends, family, and even strangers. Y'all know I have trouble accepting compliments, right? After Princess was relatively unstressful for my body, I finally came to the conclusion that it was time to change my run-walk intervals. It's been two months since my last check-in (and four since the first).So, you know, I guess I did some running. Have you heard? At the end of 2013, I posted the following about my hopes for 2014:
I just uploaded my research paper -- the final assignment of my undergrad career.
It's been six months since I posted the first of my "during" photos. The official RunDisney training program for the WDW Marathon started at the beginning of this month. Well, it's been two months since my last check-in, and what a crazy two months it's been. I don’t think I can say enough positive things about this race. Happy October! This past Saturday, Sarah and I went out to Ft. Wilderness to do our 17-mile marathon training run. I have to warn any non-regular readers right now that this isn't going to be a standard race recap.
I wish for less drama and more fun in 2014. I will graduate from college a mere 14 years behind schedule. I think I can (at least) double the number of half marathons I ran this year. I hope to get a new job, though the idea of leaving the one I have now makes my heart ache a little. I need to handle my personal business (including the D-word and some financial stuff) and not hope that everything will straighten out if I ignore it long enough. And I'm going to nurture my new and old friendships. After all, no Jamie is an island.
Well, I did graduate. I did (more than) double the number of half marathons, from 3 to 10. I did get a new job, and it did break my heart to leave the old one. We did file for divorce. And I think I did nurture my friendships better. At the very least, I got to see Bill for the first time in a decade (that can't POSSIBLY be right...can it??), and had the most wonderful two weeks with Jackie's family in NJ. And I have a few new friends! I love them all. YOU all.
Truthfully, the year was overwhelmingly positive, and truly surprising. A year ago, I didn't know that I'd even be accepted to grad school, let alone have wrapped up my second semester with a 4.0. I didn't know I'd take myself on a three-week solo road trip as far north as NY and west as State College. I didn't know anything about the job I have now. I hadn't seriously considered signing up for a marathon.
I also couldn't have predicted that 2014 would be the year of the cousins. My northeast road trip helped that -- I spent time in NYC with Jenn and her family plus a bonus day with Alex and Megumi. I also got to see Dawn. I saw Suzanne for the first time in forever, and we talked the day away like a pair of old friends. Joanne came up twice, and I had a blast with her and her crazy friends.
If the medals on my wall are to be believed, I raced 148.3 miles (131 miles of half marathons + 47.3 miles in other shorter distance races) in 2014, and I think I trained almost twice as many miles. So you know, that was a significant amount of my time, energy, and focus this year. It kicked ass. You should feel my quads. I HAVE QUADS! I didn't lose much (any?) weight, but that's mostly because I seem to have developed an insatiable lust for Taco Bell, Chick Fil A's breakfast burritos, and other amazing deep-fried drive-through delicacies. Somewhere along the line, I realized I was running for the love of running, and not for any related goal. I like it better this way.
And just for the record, I'm actually doing some of my living off the record. I'm still learning a lot about me, and one thing I've learned is that not every misstep needs to be documented for posterity and/or the judgment of others. I like being able to sit down with friends and be able to answer "what's new?" with something other than "it's all on Facebook!" I like having untold stories. And I like having a little mystery.
So 2015? Oh my GOD...I can't even imagine what's to come! In January alone, I'm running a marathon, I'm doing a fun new thing at work (spending a weekend as a company rep during a conference), Scott and I have a court date, and I'm taking a weekend girls' trip to Atlanta for a 15K. I'm taking spring semester off from school, and using that extra time to take an 8 week "dance & tone" class after work with my boss. I'm also determined to clean the house and make it presentable.
It feels somehow selfish and ungrateful to ask for my 2015 to be better than 2014. This year has truly been an embarrassment of riches. I feel guilty even asking for more of the same. I think it's possible that I'll look back on 2014 as the biggest, boldest, craziest, busiest, newest, most eventful year of my life. I hope that I continue to grow in 2015. I hope I stay as happy as I am right now. And more than anything, I hope that my friends and loved ones will be as happy as I am right now.
Happy New Year! I wish you nothing but the best in 2015. May all your dreams come true!
1 comment:
I read this with a tightened throat! Everyone should have a year like this! And everyone should have a little off the record! I love you!
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