Reset Run

I began the tradition of "reset run" when we lived in Austin from this girl. I loved the idea of doing a last run of the year, no music, no gadgets, just your thoughts. Today I woke-up early with a goal in mind. Running to the front of our neighborhood and back - 9 miles. The run that has eluded me since last June when we moved here, and going up the stairs made my legs weak. My running has suffered this year and the amount of Pilates had trippled. This year has been much less about running and more about strength...and getting it back. Pilates has been my "thing", and I love it. But, I am ready to push myself more as I begin 2011. The 8-mile turkey trot in November showed me I can run and I am ready to start it again. Slowly.

So, I set out with my thoughts. Ready to rehash the last year's triumphs and defeats. Ready to go over what I have learned about myself, and what I need to work on. Eager to let parts of this year go, hopefully to never see again, and also saying goodbye to things that were a little more difficult. And be thankful. Thankful that as I am running and rehashing the year, I have three little sleeping people at home who I still can't believe are ours. And they love me...flaws and all. I don't want them to see a mommy who tries to be perfect and puts on the persona that I have it all put together. I have to apologize to them a little too often sometimes for mistakes I have made throughout the day. And they are always eager to forgive. I have a husband that loves me inspite of my slightly annoying tendencies. Who has the abitlity to look at me and say, "The wheels are turning and you are getting frustrated...tell me why." Yep. 11 years of marriage will do that. He knows me pretty well, which can be a little frustrating. ;) And who has had a pretty stressful year because of me. We are closer now than we have ever been, and for that I am thankful.

This year I have lots I want to do. Lots of "things" I have on my list. But, this year I am taking it easy more. I am not going to follow those crazy lists so much. Work on reducing stress in my life which in turn makes me a much more enjoyable person to be around. Work on my health, and taking care of me. I am going to get a pedicure more with NO guilt. I was told to get a monthly massage by my neurologist to help with this crazy neuropathy that seems to never go away. And I am going to do it. Doctors orders. ;) I am going to work on being a better friend, wife, mother, and child of God.

So I made it....all the way to the entrance and back. And it felt pretty amazing too. That breathless feeling that you have for a few hours after a good run...love that!! I ended this year with a run that when done, allowed me to catch my breath, reflect, and say goodbye to a year that has showed me I am way more capable of handling "stuff" in life than I thought. In handling that "stuff" it has also showed me I can not do it on my own. I am thankful for God's amazing strength that has carried me time and again. I am thankful for an amazing husband who talks me down off the ceiling, family that encouages me, and friends who love me inspite of my craziness. What a year this has been........