Happy New Years - 2017

Hard to believe that another year has flown by!  I ran New Years Eve half marathon yesterday morning and to my surprise, I placed 1st Female Overall and 10th place overall!  I finished in 1:39:40. A 7:36 pace per mile.  And with all the eating I've been doing, that is fast for the weight I have gained over the holidays! I also went to bed late the night before and my legs felt heavy.  I started off slow and really picked up my pace at mile 5 passing the first female who was running with a man.  It was a tough first half going against the wind!  On my turn-a-round, the wind was at my back and that seemed to help me run faster.  Once I knew I was in the lead, there was nothing gonna stop me from having a female pass me up.  It was my last run of the year and wanted to end it with a BANG!  I also saw that the male leader was Chris Colby on of the Boston Squeakers member I meet at the Boston Marathon.  Then I thought how cool it would be to have two Boston Squeakers place 1st and it was GAME ON!!  The weather was 48 degrees and cold how I love it and that also helped me run faster.  It was also a smaller race too, so my chances were even better :).  Towards the end, I almost missed my turn to the finish line and I slowed down because I didn't see any other runners and got confused on where to go.  I then saw some cones and kept going straight and sure enough that was the correct way.  I see Noah and Eddie at the finish line and was very happy to see them and picked up my pace to finish under my goal of 1:40 and I did it :)

I don't know what it is about racing that is so fun.  Yes, I may be compete with other racers, but honestly, I really compete with myself!  I always try to push my limits and you'll be surprised at what your body is capable of.  Marathon running is both a mental and physical sport, but if you keep thinking positive thoughts while running, you'll be surprised at how much better you perform.

So, in 2017 I am going to push and challenge my body at a different level.  How you ask?  I will do the following:

1. Eat much more healthier
2. Work on more strength building
3. Do yoga at least 3x a week
4. Promote my Running Junky Club to help others meet their fitness goals
5. Teach Dash(my new running buddy)to run with me
6. Create a Utube account to promote all the above

Who knows I may even try to write a short book about my experiences with running.  The sky is the limit!  I am self taught and know that if I can do it, anyone can!  

Cheers to a new year, new you and healthy bodies in 2017!!