2008: Year in Review

First off, thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes! I received so many emails, phone calls and texts (yes, my first texts..I now have an iPhone..) I sure appreciate your thoughts and well wishes!

It's that time again; another close to another year. Amazing. Really. Next year Tyler will graduate, going off to college, then Troy, then my nephew, Lukas..OK, I'm getting ahead of myself and it is scaring me.

2008. Great. Hey that rhymes. Last year at this time there were a few unsures that were bothering me.

Budget Cuts: The referendum at our school didn't pass and I thought I'd take a hit. I didn't. Not this time. For that I am grateful.

My Health: My Dr. was strongly suggesting a hysterectomy (I'm at high risk for ovarian cancer in case you are a new reader). After many discussions and opinions we came back to the original: continued screening every 6 months, genetic counseling, etc. I completed the every 6 month ritual this week and so far am sitting pretty. She still feels a hysterectomy is preferred, but I'm balking. I'm not as stressed over this as I was last year.

2008 was fabulous. My mother was given the all clear for her second bout with ovarian cancer, my boys are growing up to be nice, pleasant teenagers. They still like and respect me, they do well in school and make great choices. For this I am so very grateful.

During 2008 I was able to reach most of my goals. I had set the goal of running 5 - 100 mile ultra marathons. I did run 5, however, I finished 4. I didn't make the cut off at the 100K mark at Leadville 100. I didn't run fast enough and timed out at 62 miles. However, I had a wonderful time. I didn't drop on my own, I ran until they had to pull me. At 62 I felt fresh as a daisy. Not a good thing. I should have run harder; I thought I was 'saving myself' for the end. Dang.

I wanted to plan a race around a family vacation and Colorado was an awesome place to visit. We spent two weeks together on the road trip, a trip we still laugh and talk about. We had a fantastic time.

The other 100s were: McNaughton 100 (First Woman), FANS 100 (110 miles 3rd Woman), Superior 100 (3rd Master course PR for me of 34:34), and Javelina 100 (4th Woman, PR of 23:15)!

One bonus of the extra miles was that I PR'd at Twin Cities Marathon (3:45). Not only PR'd but ran a Boston Qualifier. Not bad as I am getting older, hu? Older and faster is a good thing.

I was able to lose the final fat early in 2008 and have maintained my fat loss. There haven't been many or any New Year's that I'm not thinking "if only I could lose 15 pounds". I can't tell you how GOOD it feels to not be saying that to myself this New Years Eve!

In 2008 I decided to try my hand at coaching. I began to coach running classes with MDRA and had so much fun! I decided to obtain my USATF Level 1 Coaching Certification. After coaching a few classes on my own this summer and fall I know that this is something I will continue to do. I am coaching online as well and getting to know my clients so well via online is a new experience for me. Two of my clients ran their first marathon this fall. Another client will run her first half marathon this April! One of my clients will run his first 100 in June! Woohoo!! I love to watch and guide their progress.

I decided to market my Foot Potion online. I can't tell you how many times people ask me about blister care. I had finally figured it out..so decided to share it with everybody. It's been a great seller because it works! I'll continue to offer it.

For 2008 I wanted to run a 100 by myself, travel myself, and enjoy the whole experience by myself. Totally selfish, but totally exhilarating and just what I needed.

I decided on Javelina Jundred. It was held during deer hunting season so the guys would be gone anyway. It was a perfect time. Javelina Jundred is in beautiful Arizona. Fountain Hills, just out of Scottsdale. Beautiful. Posh. Fabulous. What a treat. It truly was a present that I gave myself. I loved the whole experience. I didn't know anyone that would be running, I didn't know anything about the race..it was all brand new. Fabulous. Wonderful warm weather, 87 F while 11F at home, a great running route, beautiful country, awesome Race Director and volunteers and food. Oh yeah, I really want to go back like..next November! It was that much fun. I don't know if I could replicate how wonderful it was..but I could try.

During the year I decided to put myself on a budget. I've never done this before. I decided to go to a Dave Ramsey workshop and everything changed for me relating to budget. I have been paying off and saving like never before. I am attending another selection of workshops beginning in January again by Dave Ramsey. I've been enlightened!

As 2008 comes to a close I am very very grateful. It was a fabulous year!

Happy New Year (Eve)!

Now I need to put together my 2009 goal list. You should too!