Days 36 - 40 A New Year

Happy New Year!!!  2011 was a great year and I'm looking to keep the positive vibes rolling right into 2012.  All apologies to the Mayans, but I don't buy what you're selling regarding the end of world in December.

So as you've probably noticed (all 2 or 3 of you who actually read this drivel) I've moved away from posting on a daily basis.  A couple of reasons for the change:

1) It's tough enough running everyday, let alone writing everyday;
2) In all honesty, I'm boring and there just isn't that much fodder for a daily post;
3) I like to build the suspense of "did he or didn't he". (A by-product of reality TV, thanks Addy)

As I reminisce over 2011, I tend to focus on the most recent month, December.  It was a great month for "Man Running".  Honeymoon success, quality time with family & friends and last but not least my truly first entire month of running every day.  Over the 31 days in December, I ran a total 124.19 miles over 18 hours averaging 8:42 per mile and burning a total of 19,144 calories. (I wonder how that stacks up to the calories I consumed this month....?)  2011 running ended yesterday with a 12 mile run up and back the Capital Crescent Trail in 1 hour and 44 minutes.  Beautiful day for a run; however I'm starting to wonder if "Ol' Man Winter" is ever going to show up.

Where's all the snow?

However, that's not to minimize any other month in 2011.  From my first marathon in March 2011 to our  wedding in April; 2011 was a lot of fun.  I'll always look back on it as a monumental year in every aspect.  I learned a lot this year about myself and about life in general. In my best estimation, learning really is the key to growth as an employee, as a husband and just generally as a resident of this blue pearl we call Earth.

Here's a quick list of 2011's "Top 5" lessons learned or reinforced during the past year:

1) Per the Beatles, "All you need is love".  Whether it be the love of your family, friends or an act of random kindness, love goes a long way in ensuring happiness in the day-to-day.
2) Patience is a virtue.  A tough lesson, especially when you're stuck in traffic for countless hours or awaiting a special occasion; patience is a must and serves us well in keeping that blood pressure down.
3) Babies.....
a. You really can hold them without breaking them;
b. Family will always ask when you're going to start making them after you get married (and that's okay);
c. They're everywhere!

Everett and I chillin' over the holidays.

4) Hard work pays off.  Maybe not right away, but in life, at work, or at play, if you give it your all; you will reap the benefits.
5) Take vacations.  I went through my twenties not really taking them; however as an older and wiser gentleman of 34 years of age, I can say that everyone needs time to recharge their batteries on a yearly basis.

Life's a beach.

I hope each and everyone of you have a happy and successful 2012.

Stats below:

Day 36 (12/28/11) - 5 miles in 42:15 with an average pace of 8:26
(Mile 1 - 8:05 / Mile 2 - 8:29 / Mile 3 - 8:25 / Mile 4 - 8:38 / Mile 5 - 8:35)

Day 37 (12/29/11) - 5 miles in 42:05 with an average pace of 8:24
(Mile 1 - 8:08 / Mile 2 - 8:26 / Mile 3 - 8:21 / Mile 4 - 8:40 / Mile 5 - 8:21)

Day 38 (12/30/11) 4 miles in 32:42 with an average pace of 8:10
(Mile 1 - 8:03 / Mile 2 - 8:05 / Mile 3 - 8:30 / Mile 4 - 8:00)  Totally racing a stranger that last mile.  Love it!

Day 39 (12/31/11) 12 miles in 1:44:26 with an average pace of 8:41
(Mile 1 - 8:05 / Mile 2 - 8:27 / Mile 3 - 8:44 / Mile 4 - 8:42 / Mile 5 - 8:36 / Mile 6 - 8:36 / Mile 7 - 8:50 / Mile 8 - 8:36 / Mile 9 - 8:57 / Mile 10 - 8:55 / Mile 11 - 8:33 / Mile 12 - 9:13)

Day 40 (1/01/11) 2 miles in 16:57 (Mile 1 - 8:29 / Mile 2 - 8:28)
*Note to self; running on a belly full of tasty pork shoulder, sauerkraut, and Addy's famous mashed potatoes is not as fun as filling said belly with this delicious New Year's day meal.

Until next time,

Justin