2008 bullet points

• started blogging Jan 23, 2008... this is my 177th post (are you thinking 'will she ever shut up?') and my blogiversary is coming up soon!
• ran through my very first winter... and it was a brutal one.  So far this winter is shaping up to be the same
• ran my first 1/2 marathon on March 2nd, 2008 in 2:05:58
• the HM was followed by a hip flexor injury
• bought myself a road bike... which I have yet to name... any thoughts? suggestions?
• fell off the road bike dodging a car that wasn't paying attention, and now have a nice scar to prove that my bike serves as more than a clothing hanger
• really cool RBF's and was lucky enough to meet a few in person too, so new friends!
• interviewed as part of Kristina's research for a book -- learned a lot about myself in the process
• tibia stress fractures... yes, more than one.
• xrays, bone scan, needles, bone density test
• spent my champagne birthday, my 31st, on the 31st of August in an air cast, volunteering at a duathlon that I really wanted to participate in.  There's always next year.
• Celebrated 3 years of being a non-smoker.  Also 7 years since my brain surgery, which was the same day as my last seizure.
• cheered on Marlene at her first marathon, and watched another friend Patricia BQ, and her husband run his first!
• started swimming in the fall, but i've been lacking motivation with the freezing cold temperatures.  Something about leaving the pool at 10pm in the dark, frigid night air doesn't excite me.   I will get back to swimming soon, and see where this leads me... but at least I started.
• at least 5 pairs of running shoes... still searching for the right pair.  Not quite as "priceless" as a Mastercard commercial!
• was inspired to do a cycling trip, which is tentatively planned for June.
• ExtraOrdinary Runner Award on Runners' Lounge!
• Top Health Blogger at Wellsphere.com!
• Discovered that if I really want to get on Glaven's nerves, just throw in a few kilometers, or supposed "fictitious" Canadian cities, after which I'm sure to get a comment and a laugh!  I did help him accomplish one of his goals this year... so I feel a little entitled. :D
• My mileage goal for 2008 was 1000km. As I type, I'm at 981.3k.  I'm so damn close, and I know that if I didn't have all those bumps, I would have made it.
• Mr. GQH, my mileage goal for 2008 was ~621 miles.  As I type, I'm at 609.75 miles.  I'm so damn close, and I know that if I didn't have all those bumps, I would have made it.

Looking back, I'd have to say it's been a pretty amazing year... even with the bumps and not so happy moments, I've accomplished a lot, learned more about myself, being a (better) mother, and ways to push my body and mind further than ever before.  

I realized while in yesterday's funk that yes, I've had a very bumpy ride, maybe even hilly, but I will treat it as such.  Bumps in the road... nothing yet that has kept me down.  One of my goals for 2009 is to remember this, and try to remain more positive.

Thanks to all of you who read, and take the time to comment.  I am quite certain that I would've jumped off this bandwagon a long time ago if it wasn't for all the encouragement, advice and support.  Couldn't have done it without you all, so a heartfelt thank you!

In running news, I hit the gym as it was a very wet, rainy day.  The snow has been melting like crazy because of mild temperatures, then add the rain and there are huge puddles everywhere. Some sidewalks still iced over as the nights still have been below freezing, so I figured the dreadmill might be the best choice.  Plus, my shoes are still too new to dirty them up already :) 5 miles, and my leg was feeling ok, and now afterwards not too bad either.  I've been icing off and on today, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that tomorrow is be at least the same if not better. 

Off to bed... good night.  Enjoy the rest of the weekend and 2008! I'm sure I'll be posting before the end of the year though :)