Happy New Year! Bear with me if this post gets windy. I am in need of shoes, so decided to try and win the resolution run 5k in El Dorado instead of doing the beer run part. I got off work and barely had time to get my running clothes on, drop the kids off at Grandma's and go to El Dorado. 1.12 mile warm up. It was cold and wicked windy and I knew a PR was pretty much a no go. I scoped out the competition and spotted my biggest threat, Molly, a high school track state champion from El Dorado who usually beats me. Before I knew it the gun was off. Molly took the lead for about the first 1/3rd mile, then I passed her and ran scared. There were a few icy bridges where I had to slow down because I could feel my feet losing traction. At every switchback and corner I could see her and she was right behind me, no more than a few seconds. In the third mile I had visions of her outkicking me on the home stretch with her track speed. The final half mile I decided I better push hard and make a gap or she would get me. It was windy and hard to push but I gave it what I had and was relieved to cross the line first. Time was 20:07, not a PR but I'll take it! I immediately ran to Darcy, grabbed the camera, and ran back down the course to get pictures of my husband and Tyson drinking beer and running. It was great! They did awesome! We drank some beer afterward! 1.13 mile cool down running along the course taking pictures. It was a good time! I talked to Molly a little afterward and she is so sweet and nice! Runners in general tend to be great folks! It's been a wonderful year. There have been a lot of ups and downs, in life, in running, in general. I've made some great friends, and I appreciate the ones who have always been there for me. I have the most incredible husband and kids ever. I've left my beloved job as a paramedic and miss it dearly, but have discovered new opportunities in nursing. I've lost some loved ones, but they have left legacies and I can only hope that I am half the person they were. I've won one marathon, and staggered to a disappointing and painful finish in the other one. I am humbled almost daily by the amazing people in my life. God has blessed me far, far beyond what I deserve. Bring it on 2011! | 