You would have to be a nut!

Last New Year we cheered on several of our friends who decided to run in the Emerald Nuts Central Park Midnight run on New Years. It is a race that begins after the countdown on New Years and it is 4 miles. I had wanted to run in it, but I chickened out. So, I promised myself that I would do it next year.

2008 passed too quickly! Most of you know that I am not a runner. I used to be athletic, but I could never run very well. I started off the year very well. I was working out and eating better, but just before summer I got off track. I started working out again in November, but because of the holidays I have not been working out.

The day before the race I realized the race was approaching. I have to admit I didn't want to do it. The weather was supposed to be near 0 degrees and windy. Luckily, Jamie didn't back down and she encouraged me and we decided we were going to live up to our promise to ourselves.

The weather predictions were correct and the temp felt close to 6 with the wind chill. We (me, Jamie, Becky, and Sam)bundled up and went on our way. Boyd was kind enough to stay behind to watch the kids, so they didn't have to endure the cold.



It was cold, but it was also very exciting. With everyone all squished together we began the countdown and then the firework began as we started the race . It was very exciting I must say. . At the 2 mile marker there was water and non-alcoholic champagne. So, My first goal was make it there without stopping. Once I got there and had a swallow, I continued on my way and I didn't stop again until I reached the finish line. I did run the whole thing, but I would say it was more of a jog/shuffle. I am sure I looked funny, but I didn't care. I just wanted to finish the race. And I did. It took me almost exactly one hour to finish.

I arrived to my friends cheering me on. ( a huge sacrifice since they had to wait in the cold for an additional 20 minutes)I missed Boyd at the finish line, but I think he was much more comfortable at home!
I forgot my ipod, so during the race I had time to think about what I wanted from this year. Like most people I like new beginnings. This race was something new for me and it was great way to launch my new year. I hope that this year I can get in a good groove and keep running my race.

I hope that this year I can really focus on the needs of my little family and make sure I am meeting them. I need to take care of myself as well. I've realized that my health is so important and I am not taking very good care of my body. I want to change that.

As a family we decided it is going to be a year focused on simplicity and humility. We have been blessed with so much and we need to truly respect and appreciate it.

Happy New Year!