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What a way to end a year! This was a semi-challenging course, but absolutely beautiful and SO worth the drive! Ran half with Jill and loved it. The second half I focused on the blessing of my year and reflected on where I’ve come from and ended up in the first decade of the century. I also prayed for people with challenges going on, and thanked the Lord for all the people who have come into my life over the last two years due to running, Journey Fitness, and Marathon Maniacs. Finished feeling tired, but not too bad! I would have appreciated it if the rain had held off an hour, but oh well. The sound of the rain on the leaves was pretty cool.

Saw lots of wildlife, including the FATTEST squirrels in the world! I also got really up close and personal with a little nuthatch who was flitting around a low bush watching me run. We stopped and stared at each other and he let me get literally 8 inches away from him and just sat there. Such a beautiful little guy! I was hoping for negative splits, but I had to start tweeting and take a few pictures with my Blackberry on the second half. There were just some amazingly beautiful sights, which reminds me once again why I live in this gorgeous place. Really…the most beautiful place in the world and only those of us fortunate enough to run or bike here, truly see it. When I think of the YEARS I wasted not seeing it, I am almost ashamed.

Will start the year with the First Call to Run marathon. What a way to end a century, and what a way to begin the next.

Ten years ago I was about 235 pounds, my husband was about 350. We were overweight, sedentary, and “older” than we are now by far. We’re not perfect, but we have come so far in such a short period of time. I am so thankful for the gifts of health and the TRUE gift of awareness that I am in control of the stewardship of my body, and I can make or break how I feel on any given day.

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 12/31/2009
• Time: 09:00:00
• Total Time: 5:00:41.00
• Average Heart rate: 145
• Max Heart rate: 177
• Calories: 2545
• Distance: 26.2 miles
• Average Pace: 11:28.34/mile