Closing one chapter....

This post is going to be a trip down memory lane for the year 2012- unfortunately the journey really only took place from June to the present time.  However, there's still plenty of lessons learned in January-May.  As we close down 2012 I compare it to a book- it's time to close the chapter in order to open a new one January 1, 2013.

So- here we go:
January-March- I learned that I actually enjoyed running- began the couch to 5K program and got almost all the way through it until....
March-May- life happened- end of the school year hit and I ran around like a crazy person until...
June- I went on a hike and had these pictures taken- no sense in beating a dead horse but it shocked my system- I decided it was time- time to get serious and start making changes.  Took a spinning class for the first time and LOVED it.  Began the couch to 5K program again
July- Started taking spinning and regularly and watched some weight melt off- by the end of July I had lost about 10 lbs but it looked like more.
August- School started and I worried about my schedule not allowing me to go to the gym- BUT it did and I made time.
September- went to Atlanta at the beginning of the month and that was the first visual proof of change.  Went to a wedding toward the end of the month and pulled off a dress that had been hanging in my closet for a while (and got lots of compliments)
October- this was my first "run" where I participated in The Color Run in Nashville- I had a GREAT time- lots of fun and a good way to just do something healthy!
November- this month saw two races- my first "official" 5K in this particular journey at Dollywood (Light the Way) and my 5 mile Turkey Trot in Columbus, Ohio on Thanksgiving.  I also decided to sign up for the Knoxville Half Marathon...

December- Jingle Bell Run here in Knoxville (I just realized I never actually posted a recap so here it is- 3.1 miles in 34:00 minutes- I cut 6 seconds off of my time) and then just today I ran my last "5K" of 2012.  I signed up to do a virtual anywhere 5K and just resolve to run.  It was a tad bit on the chilly side so I ended up on the treadmill and finished in 35:55.  This goes back to my thought that I do better when people are around me.

So, here I am at the end of 2012- there are things I need to improve on- for example in the last month I have gained 4-5 lbs.  So, obviously I am NOT where I need to be.  BUT, in looking back, I can see lessons learned, perspectives gained, and a new lease on my life.  For the first time in a LONG time I am happy to be where I am and doing what I am doing.  The joy that is in me overflows from my relationship with Christ and knowing that He is giving me the strength to do what I should have been doing all along.

Tomorrow morning I am going to have a link up to some GREAT posts here in 2012, especially those that are still in my google reader that I keep going back to!