2013 – A Year in Review

2013 was a good year for me—not a perfect year, but a good year. I’m starting to come to terms with being in Alaska for the time being. I still long for the days to live somewhere else, but I feel at least a little more at peace with my current “home.”

The year started out with a running injury that plagued me through the Boston Marathon. I wasn’t able to do much running during the winter, but I did my best to supplement my workouts with yoga, the elliptical, stair stepper, and weight lifting. It wasn’t the same, but my goal was to finish the Boston Marathon, so I did my best to be diligent about cross training and not reinjuring myself.

I ran the Boston Marathon—not the whole way; I did have to walk portions of it—but I did finish! It was quite the emotional roller coaster going from being on ‘cloud nine’ while running and then trying to wrap my head around why someone would chose to set off the bombs at such a joyous event. (Read about my experience after the bombs went off here.)

I finally overcame my injury after 6 months of rehab. Running took off this spring, and I logged a ton of miles during the summer—including a week of 100 miles. I had a very successful summer running PRs in every distance: 5K, 10K, 12K, half-marathon, and marathon. I capped off the summer of running with a win at the Kenai River Marathon.

Sadly, since the marathon though, my hamstring had plagued me with more issues. I’ve taken time off, gone to see the physical therapist, but these things don’t seem to be helping. I’m hoping some good stretching and strengthening exercises will help it heal. . . .soon!

In non-running related highlights from the year, I was able to make it out of Alaska a couple of other times. In August, I flew to San Fransisco for a girls weekend to celebrate my friend’s 30th birthday.

Craig and I were also able to travel back to Minnesota this fall to see family and friends. I had a blast hanging out with family and seeing old friends—and even meeting a new friend. It is always so hard coming back. I am pretty sure I was in a deep depression for the next couple of weeks.

Craig and I also purchased our first home in August and adopted our dog, Sadie, a month later.

I have a lot to be thankful, and thank God often (but not as often as I should) for the blessings in my life. With the close of 2013, I look forward to what 2014 brings. I honestly enjoy the start of a new year, it gives me the feeling of a new, fresh start.

Here’s to 2014!