December 31, 2008

Monthly Highlights of 2008 & Hopes for 2009

Well, I survived (barely) 2008. Here are some of the year's highlights.

January: Won 2 half-marathons in back to back weekends (Pensacola Beach 1/2 Mar. & Mobile First Light 1/2 Mar.) These races were also my first break of 1:30. We chaperoned the Youth Group ski trip to Lake Junaluska and had a blast. It was bitterly cold, though.

February: I was 2nd place in the Pensacola Marathon. I was a bit disappointed after winning in 2006, but 2nd is still good.

March: This was a big preparation month for my students and the ARMT test. We all worked really hard. I also broke 40 in the 10K for the first time.

April: Good friend Kerry's baby was born this month- truly a blessing!

May: I was 6th in the Flying Pig Marathon and my first unofficial breaking of 3:10.

June: K and I went to the beach for a few days and had a lot of fun. I also taught summer school and we did various house projects, like painting.

July: My kids ROCK! They overcame the stereotype that poverty children score lower than higher-income children. Our math and reading scores were in the 90th percentile! My class had near perfect scores and highest in the grade! We also vacationed in the mountains for a week w/ friends. I chaperoned the youth mission trip to Daytona and had a very meaningful experience. We had a lot of fun. I also won the Clanton Peach 10K- another PR.

August: I won the Tupelo 14.2 mile race. My friend Erin kindly accompanied me and we visited Elvis's birthplace. For the first time ever, I received a class with more girls than boys. Yeah for girls!

September: I got a Promethean SMART Board for my classroom. It was a huge surprise and blessing for our classroom!

October: Mom, Ang, and I went to Chicago for the Chicago Marathon. It was hot and humid, but I ranked in the top 100. I also got to meet Pace Runner and other RWOL forumites.

November: I was 2nd place in the Food World Senior Bowl 10K after a scandal. I also ran a personal worst 10K Thanksgiving weekend.

December: I won the Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon and got to hang out with Squirrel & Jesus Freak, two totally cool guys.

On to the subject of 2009. This morning I was in the shower, washing my ear, when I felt that one of my diamond earrings was missing. I immediately panicked. Luckily, I found it on the tub floor and it had not yet made its way to the drain. The stud is small enough to have easily slid down there. I've been feeling very emotional lately and couldn't help but to think that finding that diamond was a sign that I would find other "diamonds" in the year to come.

One diamond that I already found is a new running coach. I had been debating whether or not to get one for quite awhile now. I just felt like living in such a small town and training alone, that I could really benefit from one. Also, I am not confident enough to make adjustments in my own training. When I am honest about it, I don't know how to improve more. I felt stuck. So, a co-blogger suggested her coach and I contacted him. Surprisingly, he is very affordable and remarkably FAST. Already, the workouts are different from what I have been doing. Different is good, right?

Of course, my main running goal is to break 3 hours. I am hoping this is my year. I am going to race less, in hopes of seeing and gaining more. This is one of Coach's suggestions. I am also planning to eat to run, not to lose weight. I want to fuel myself better and be more cautious about what I put into my body.

In other life matters, I plan to work on the relationships with the people that I love. Sometimes I can be neglectful and that is something I need to improve. Honestly, I need to loosen up. I tend to put so much pressure on myself and those around me. Sometimes my expectations are too high.

To all my friends- I wish you all "diamonds" in 2009! Happy New Year!

6 comments:

  1. Happy New Year. Sounds like you had a great year running. Hope you have a great year in 2009

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  2. Rebecca - Great post! It's so cathartic to reflect. Often we do take our lives for granted and focus on the negatives. Perhaps that's the 'teacher' in us. :) Here's to a wonderful 2009!

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  3. Anonymous1/01/2009

    First of all, HAPPY VERY NEW YEAR! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

    R, you have accomplished a great deal in 2008 and you should be extremely proud of yourself. Looking at the break down of the months, I am in awe in what you have done...

    I'm finding out also how running/racing can consume our lives and I sometimes find myself being selfish towards my family. You have touched on some good points. It's only when we get bumps in the road (no pun intended) that we realize we have to step back and reflect on the whole picture...

    I think you made a wise decision in getting a coach, you have done what you could on your own. I think you will even make greater improvements and I am looking forward to reading your sub3 report in the future...

    Wishing you nothing but the best for the new coming year! Ton of hugs for you!!!

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  4. happy new years!
    Here's to a year of PR breaking.

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  5. Happy New Year! Congratulations on the new addition of a coach-can't wait to hear how things develop.

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  6. what a great year you had! I can only see great things for you in 2009, you're an amazing runner and an unbelievably caring soul. It was an absolute pleasure to meet/race with you several times this year. Hopefully the next time, I'll beat you. :p

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