{12 Months of Running}

When I set up my 2012 goal of running a race each month, it was created as a way for me to stay motivated and to stay active. Proud to say that I met and exceeded my goal!!! Consistent running also allowed me to check off another life fitness goal---I ran a half marathon!!! I can't even describe how fulfilling this year has been. Extremely thankful for great health and for an injury free year of running.

I am also thankful for all the wonderful friendship I've built due to running. Racing with friends and hubby has been so fun!  Running has also been great to our family. What a great way it has been to show our kids the benefits of healthy living. Ed and I are proud of our running achievements this year. It's been fun sharing this hobby with my husband!

JANUARY 28th: TARTAN TROT 5K -  30:42

The first race of the year. It was freezing but I was feeling great. The hills at the end of this race was a killer. I ran this race with Ed, the Clarks, my brother and Wynell. Highlight for this race, was Ed placing 3rd on his age group.  My brother and mom were waiting for us at the finish line. The kids were so happy to see Ed's medal.

FEBRUARY 11th: CHATTAHOOCHEE 10K - 1:05:05

Another freezing race, in fact at the end of the race, it started snowing. Ed and the kids stayed home. I was pleasantly surprised to see running friends, Dorindha and Tanna at the start of the race. The course was pretty flat. Signing up for this race, was a great way to stay motivated running on cold temps.

MARCH 11th: SHAMROCK 5K - 31:17

What fun race this was! Ran it with my super awesome mommy friends. The race was all around Atlantic Station. A couple of hills on this route. It was right around St. Patrick day,  so it was fun watching people dressed in their St. Patrick's attire.

APRIL28th: MAKE A WISH 5K - 33:24

I ran it with my friend Seema. It was her first time running a race, and she did great! I haven't been running much the month of April. This wasn't my best time but a great wake up call that I needed to get back to it :) 

MAY 19th: KIRKWOOD 5K - 29:57

My first under 30 mins 5K!!! I ran this race with Heather, CC and Ra. Pretty flat course with a couple of hills. I love running around Decatur. The homes and neighborhood shops around the area are very scenic. Ed and the kids came to see me ran this race. It's always fun to see them at the finish.  I also prepared better for this race so it was great seeing some good time from this run.

JUNE 2nd: RUN FOR RIVER 5K - 29:47

We were starting to get some warmer temps, and it was perfect for outdoor running. I ran this race with Mommy friends Julie and Stephanie. I was ecstatic to have another under 30 mins 5K.

JULY 4th: PEACHTREE ROAD RACE 10K- 1:03:51

I ran this with Ed, the Clarks, my brother and the rest of Atlanta. Temps are usually scorching hot but this year wasn't too bad.  Felt good throughout the race. This is also the most organized I've seen this race. The post goodie treats were awesome :)

AUGUST 18: VININGS DOWNHILL 5K - 28:34

I love running this race! Downhill baby! It felt good to clock in a great time. Also, my first time using a Garmin and I loved it. It absolutely helped pace me. Ed also ran an awesome race! He is Mr. Speedy. It was too fun seeing Mr. Clark sprint it to the finish.

SEPT 22: SINGLETON 5M-53:07 &  SEPT 29: DISNEY NOT SO SCARY TRAIL 5K (NT)

I ran not one but two races for the month of Sept. I've been craving long runs so the 5M was a great opportunity. Ed and I ran this race, a great way to kick off our saturday. When we booked our trip to Disney, we also found out that a big race was going on. We debated running one and eventually decided to do it. This was my first trail run. It wasn't a timed race and there were characters throughout the race. It was fun taking pictures with them. 

OCTOBER 27: ATLANTA MARATHON RELAY (5.5 MILES - 55 MINS; 26.2 MILES- 3:51)

I joined my favorite runners Ed, B and CC to complete the Atlanta Marathon Relay. It was freezing but I was just so psyched to run side by side with Atlanta's elite runners. The Full Marathon was the same course as the Relay. It was so neat to see people on their 19th mile and still keeping a great race. I was so inspired that I decided my next ran should be a half marathon.

NOVEMBER 22: ATLANTA THANKSGIVING MARATHON 13.1 - 2:27

I will forever remember this day. I never realized I could ran this distance, much less beat my goal of 2:45. I ran this race with Ed and Wynell. I felt great the entire race. Weather was awesome and I felt really strong. I remember seeing Ed at the finish and he was just beaming with pride and teary eyed. I was so happy he was there to share this big moment with me.

DECEMBER 8: JINGLE JOG 5K - 30:58

A fun race. CC and I decided to bring dressed festive for this race. Almost half of the runners were dressed in Christmas theme. It was great seeing my Brookhaven/Buckhead girls run this race. I am so proud of Andrea and D for getting out there and I hope that they caught the running bug. What a great way to finish a year of racing!