running: the dawn

That’s right…this here site is one year old today!  I can’t believe it…

I feel like this blog has helped me to rediscover myself as a runner.  I’ve started to refer to my running life as “BB” before blog, and “AB” after blog.

Before Blog:
I had run two marathons and four half marathons.  I always made my own “training schedule” which really just meant that I would write out the long runs on a calendar and then try to at least run once or twice during the week.  My highest training mileage was probably in the 20′s.  I’d never read any books or articles about running.  I’d never heard of running skirts.  I’d never tried a GU brand gel before.  I had no idea what “compression” gear was.  I ran only in the spring and fall…NEVER did I brave the elements.  I NEVER set foot on a treadmill.

My marathon PR was 4:28
My half marathon PR was 1:57

Most importantly, before I started my blog I didn’t really read other running blogs.  It has been through connecting with other runners and reading their stories that I have grown most as a runner.

After Blog:
I’ve run three marathons and one half marathon in under 12 months.  I have learned the importance of speed work and found that I love running on a track.  My peak weekly mileage this last year tops out near 60 miles per week.  I have learned the value of pacing and being strategic when approaching a race.  I own a foam roller, the Stick, Zensah Compression sleeves, several  hand held water bottles, 5 running skirts, 3 sweaty bands, and a half-dozen running books.  I’ve run in 10 degree weather with howling wind and 90 degree temps with 89% humidity.  I have a treadmill in the basement that I am well acquainted with.

My marathon PR is 3:40:21
My half marathon PR is 1:46:25

I can’t even begin to explain what a monumental impact this community of bloggers has made on my running.  It has transformed who I am as a runner and how I approach the sport.  I love the each weekend I know at least one person who is running a race or doing a long run.  I love that there are countless people that I can turn to with my questions and struggles.

Thank you all–readers and bloggers alike–for being the best training tool I’ve ever come across!

My Favorite Posts From the Past Year:

• As I begin… my first post
• Will you be my Monica? why I love running with friends
• Embracing my inner blog figuring out the focus of my blog
• The Machine how running affected my body image
• my mom a tribute on mother’s day
• what comes now? when I decided to try to qualify for Boston
• Daddy and me a tribute on his birthday
• My 18 mile wake up call my first run with the Gazelle
• The Cheer Squad my favorite supporters
• happy birthday mr. dawn! a tribute on his birthday
• Grand Rapids Marathon 2010 the day I qualified for Boston