2007 was a lousy year in many ways. Brain tumors, hormone problems, sick and dying family members, way too much stress—the list could go on. But I enter 2008 with great optimism. I set goals for myself in mid 2007 and I’ve achieved them. I reclaimed health, I lost 35 pounds. I’m eating healthier, exercising regularly, and living more fully.
To celebrate my birthday, I ran the 15K (9.3 miles) “Too Cold to Hold” race around White Rock Lake on 19 January. And it was “Too Cold to Hold.” The temperature was 28 degrees Fahrenheit. And those who know me, know that I’m not one to relish cold (not even cool) temperatures. I finished 15th out of 40 in my age group (then still the 35-39 group) and 112th overall out of 464 with a time of 1:17. Sorry, no picture.
Continuing with the celebration, on 9 February, I ran the Texas Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Now officially in the 40-45 age bracket, I finished 24th out of 45 (114 out of 510 overall). My time was 1:50. I was much prouder of this accomplishment than I expected to be. See below—this picture was taken about 2 minutes before the finish line. I look much worse than I felt—I was actually feeling pretty great!
The celebration of the new decade continues next month when Skajlab and I get to cross off our list one of our dream destinations when we visit Istanbul.
