A Rear View Mirror Reflection

2011 is now in the rear view mirror.

There have been year end review shows, lists of the best of and the worst of, top headlines, and even the best songs of the year.  When I look back over the year I can see life’s triumphs, lessons and even loss that have accumulated.  Even though I try to live life in the present with an occasional glance at the future, I think that it is important to still take a brief moment to reflect on 2011.

I think there is something to be learned from where you’ve come and how those outcomes changed you into the person you are today.  Isn’t it important to find ways to use those life lessons, carry them into the present, and make the honest attempt to live a better life in 2012?

Let the countdown begin:

12.  The ankle injury that occurred in October.  Yes, it was a painful one, but it actually lead to getting help with both of my very locked up ankle joints making me a more efficient runner.

11.  Getting to experience Marathon Monday in Boston.  A true inspiration.

10.  My first race DNF.  My 5th full marathon attempt ended at mile 22.  This was a tough one to let go.

9.  Registering for 5 races in 1 month (1x5k, 1x10miler, 3xhalf marathon).  It was race madness month, it was challenging and I actually ended up running 1 more 5K during the month too!

8.  Learning that fear has no place in faith.  Runtrackmind as a new personal ministry.

7.  Beating my nemesis half marathon course!  My hometown race always got me, but not this year!

6.  Tracing back my maternal family history back to the early 1100’s showing very strong ties to Ireland and Scotland.  I have not posted on this yet, but sure I will at some point.  Ancestery.com is an amazing tool and chasing those little green leaves can be very addicting.

5.  Getting to see my favorite band, The Coronas, live…best show ever!

4.  Being able to successfully run 8 half marathons this year.

3. Running in DC.  I believe this race experience’s lasting effects will continue on for a while.

2.  Receiving an invitational entry to run the Boston Marathon 2012!

1.  Losing Schotzie.  Recalling the last month of his life still stirs up deep emotions, but I would not ever give away all the goodness and happiness he brought in my life.

More or less that are some of the highlights and lowlights of my life in the past year.  Of course this list are things that occurred that I’ve felt comfortable sharing to the world and do not represent my entire life.  Let’s face, some things are just not meant to be shared with the blog world, right?