Reflections of 2011

I could not be more excited for 2012, but before I get to that I want to take some time to reflect on 2011. 

2011 was a great year personally and professionally. As a Mom, I have everything to be thankful for. Two healthy kids that are full of life and happiness and eager to learn! My daughter is in Kindergarten and my son is in preschool and they make me smile each day. I just wish I could push the “pause” button on them as they are growing up so fast! So, why do I mention them in my running blog? Because my family is a huge part of my fitness journey. They make all of it possible. They are my cheerleaders and supporters. Every race is a family decision. So, a huge thank you I am sending out to my family.  Thank you for the nights around the park that you yelled, “Go honey” and “Go Mommy” as I passed you every lap around the playground. Yes, I watched you do the monkey bars, slides, and swings and it made each step I ran more enjoyable with you there.

As I reflect on 2011 professionally, I have been so blessed to have two wonderful jobs in this economy that are so flexible and work so well with my family’s schedule. You working Mom’s know what I am talking about. We are always trying to juggle work and be the best Mom we can be.

As I look back at 2011 and my fitness journey, I reflect on my races. My favorite race of the year was the Midwest Spartan Sprint!  It was the most challenging, mud-filled, obstacle course and it was wonderful to complete with my friend Heidi on her 37th birthday! It took us 2 1/2 hours to complete a 4 mile course. I have never been so sore, beat up, or accomplished and proud as I felt after completing that race. I have never seen so much camaraderie! I loved that complete strangers sacrificed their body for you to achieve your goal. No one left anyone behind. One word to describe that…AWESOME! So thank you to my fellow Spartan Racers that helped me achieve my goals that day, and thank you to my friend Heidi for sharing this experience with me….AROO!

                                                                   Midwest Spartan Sprint

Midwest Spartan Sprint

                                                             Midwest Spartan Sprint

The other races I completed were wonderful, too. I feel very passionate about the Run, Walk or Roll for Victims' Rights Race I completed in Springfield, IL. It was such a heart-touching race. The race is free and the donations go to Victim’s Rights…such a worthy cause. My first job out of college was working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked with so many wonderful women, men, and children there who have forever touched my heart. The other highlights of this race were that I was able to run with one of my lifelong friends, Leslie. We know way too much about each other, we have been in way too many car accidents together, and I guess I should stop reflecting there. J Plus my other lifelong friend Jenn showed up at the finish line, too.  I can’t imagine life without these girls…or the one that we were missing out of our pack, Misty. Somehow even when Misty is absent her spirit is always there! The final best thing about this race was that my husband and two kids did it, too! He pushed them in the stroller for the duration and I ran them in after I finished.

                                               Run, Walk or Roll for Victims' Rights Race

                                               
                                                Run, Walk or Roll for Victims' Rights Race      

In July I completed the Steamboat Classic and it was hot and great as always! This is the second time I have completed the Steamboat. Except this time, I completed the IVS Team Steam Training prior to the race. It was wonderful to meet such wonderful running ladies at Team Steam. Love ya, Michelle and Connie! However, the best part was that it was Bekah’s birthday race and she rocked it! I loved seeing her on the course!

                                                                  Steamboat Classic

                                                                   Steamboat Classic

                                                                  Steamboat Classic

                                                                                          
The final official race of the year was my friend Jess’ Cupcake Classic race that she developed to celebrate her 37^th birthday. (www.runwithjess.com) It was such a fun race! She had the cutest shirts made for the race and she made the best cupcakes for it. I had three of the best running partners (Katie, Bekah, and my son in the stroller). None of us cared about time and we talked and laughed through the whole race. It was great! It was like having a Girl’s Night Out, except that it was morning and we were running…and at the finish cheering us in was my brown-eyed, six-year old, smiling girl!

                                                                   Cupcake Classic

I know I have not nearly mentioned all the people that have touched my life in the past year, have helped me in my fitness journey, or helped me feel the confidence to start this running blog. Jenn @ losing 100, you inspire me! Megan, there aren’t really words. You have always given the best advice and support. Laura B. R., I barely know you but you stick out in my mind, “Thanks for helping me run the horse back to the barn!” And lastly, thank you to all of my family!

So, here’s to 2012 folks! Let’s make it great!

~Danyelle