a long look back and a peek forward

Well, here we are. The end of 2011.

A year that was supposed to be a rebuilding year for me -- physically, mentally and spiritually.

The year started out slowly, but I had a marathon in my mind and was hoping for a great running year. When I barely got a spring half marathon in (with poor training mind you) I was a little hesitant to declare a fall marathon, but still had hopes of training.

Between work and putting together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett, my time was quite divided. I got runs in when I could, but I never got past 10 milers all summer. I thought I would "settle" for a half, but even that proved to be too much for me. I don't recall when I pulled the plug on running a race this year, but it was best that I did.

Somewhere between when I was a little kid and now I became "intense". Some might even say uptight. I think it was in high school or college. The stress of finding a college to go to or the constant, crazy deadlines in college played a big part. I used to think of myself as laid back, but I am finding that I get worked up over things that our out of my control. I do not feel like myself anymore. I am probably in the worst shape of my entire life (or it sure feels that way) and I've hit bottom. Now I've got to claw my way up. I've got a long way to go. I'll have to start over with my running for one.

I've got a start at getting some things back in order, but 2012 will be a true rebuilding year for me. I don't know everything that next year has in store for me, but one thing for sure is it will be a year of change for the good. I'll get in more detail in my first post of 2012 -- fair warning.

Thanks to whoever has read this blog. I am hoping that I'll have a lot more to say in the coming year. I can't say it will all be happy and positive, after all it's a work in progress, but there will be progress. Until next year, keep  on running. I hope to be back to it very soon.

--Dave

P.S. I would be remiss if I didn't say how proud I am that my wife and I (along with many family members and friends) successfully pulled together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett. I think it may have been one of the biggest highlights of the year (only second to finding out that we are expecting our 3rd child -- on Everett's 1st Birthday no less). Next year may not be any easier, and I feel a little behind on getting the planning going, but we will make it work somehow and it will be even better.