Every morning in Africa, an antelope wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest antelope, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or an antelope -- when the sun comes up, you'd better be running. -African proverb

Sunday, December 30, 2012

2012 in Review

It seems like just yesterday I was blogging about the Top Ten of 2011 and trying to come up with my new resolutions.  Another year has just flown by! 

2012 was the year of the ultra.  I had been debating whether to even run an ultra -- then I ran 3!  I think I could really get into the Ultra Scene.  It seems like a bit of a lifestyle change, though, which I'm not sure I'm ready for just yet.  I'm planning to run a few more 50Ks in 2013 to test the waters a little more.

I also paced a few ultras this year. Pacing is awesome!  I get to do a long trail run at a great venue with aid and support along the way. It's also the perfect way to see if I want to run that race someday.  AR 50, Western States, and TRT are on my radar now!

Other highlights of 2012 include my relay triple crown last June. Wild Women on the Run won the Club Division of the RTO.  My nephews and I pulled off a win at the Mud Run.  And my Reno Running Company team placed second in the Open Women's Division of the DeCelle Relay.  Relays rock!

I'm proud to say that there were a couple of PRs this year also.  I ran the Eugene half in 1:36, and my 50K time dropped to 4:46 at Bizz.  I didn't get to run a full this year as planned since the NYC marathon was canceled.  It'll go back on my calendar another year, though!

Speaking of calendars, my next goal is to plan my 2013 races.  I'm hoping to finalize those soon.  Any suggestions before I ask for the stamp of approval? 

Thanks, 2012, for all the miles and smiles! I'm looking forward to many, many more in the years to come!   Aloha!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Let There Be Peace

I ran with a heavy heart this morning as I couldn't help thinking about the awful tragedy that took place in Connecticut last Friday.  This post is dedicated to the angels and heroes of Sandy Hook Elementary School

Sadly, it takes this kind of heartbreak to remind us to thank our teachers, hug our loved ones a little more, and just appreciate life in general.  Too often we get absorbed in our own trivial issues.  While I wish that we could fix what happened on Friday, I don't think we need lectures and debates right now.   Instead, we need to remember to be kind to each other and to pay that kindness forward.  This video clip is a great reminder that kindness is contagious.

Rather than rant about running in the rain again today.  I'm going to remember that without the rain, there wouldn't have been the rainbow that embraced my son's school this morning -- which, in all honesty, made it easier to drop him off.  I am convinced that the rainbow was the huge smile of the Sandy Hook angels beaming down on a dreary day as only little kids can.

In the words of Jackie DeShannon, what the world needs now is love.  And, maybe some more rainbows!

Pay it forward.  Kindness is contagious.



The rainbow was still there after my run!


A special thanks to the creator(s) of the Give a Little Love video.

Monday, December 3, 2012

2nd Place for Team Lickety Split (aka Team Fumble)!

Despite the extreme wind and torrential downpour, the CIM relay was tons of fun!  Theresa and I got 2nd place in the open women's division, and our fellow relayers, Team Lovebirds (Olivia & Sam) got 2nd place in the family division.  A lot of Reno runners head over the hill for this famously fast race.  We ran into lots of running buddies at the expo, and we had a delicious dinner with the NSET group.  enDUrance Reno had a great showing as well -- and lots of PRs, too!  I hope to include this race on my calendar again next year!  Speaking of calendars, I need to get on that ...

 Fun at the expo!

 How many runners does it take to
exchange the timing chip?!?