2012 recap...in photos!

Well, 2012 is coming to an end. In a matter of hours, it will be a brand new year, and in a lot of ways, I am happy about that!

It was a busy year...I became an aunt two more times, with two nephews born in January...

Papa's twin bro's baby

My bro and his baby

Papa and I ran the Disney Half marathon together:

...followed by my Goofy full marathon the very next day, and some Disney fun that (we hope) the kids will remember for years to come!

I trained my butt off with Nicole Stevenson while blogging for iRun (a definite highlight of the year). I managed to muster up the courage to return to work when Olly turned one...which made me realize my house would probably never be clean again :(
That wasn't completely true, but close to it!

Me and Olly after a long run together while training for Boston

My family endured the overwhelming shock of my dad's heart attack, and subsequent surgery...so hard, but he is doing very well these days!


We traveled to Boston for the hottest (almost) PW (personal worst) marathon!  But it was so worth it.  I had a major sunburn, but the medal will hang on my wall forever!

I ran a PB at the Goodlife marathon a couple of weeks later...

Check out that giant medal!

Then another PB when I won the CHOK Bridge race!

Summer took us on a road trip to the maritimes, and before I knew it, it was time to return to school in September :(

Olly and Papa at the Shediac Lobster

We survived the long haul from September until December...without too many bumps and bruises...(only one trip to the ER isn't all that bad, eh?)

All of that Halloween candy must have kept our immune systems up (?)

I feel so lucky to have amazing friends and family in my life.  I thank my parents for being the most awesome couple, having raised three great kids (if I do say so) who love and care for each other and their families.
Here's to 2013...resolutions to come!!

Chaos is our family name!

Another Birthday letter...for Milo

Milo.

When you were born four years ago, it was very evident that you had your own way of doing things. Being born footling breech was a great way to make an entrance, kid.

You are my cuddly one.  Cuddly yet so strong, and independent. You have always been determined to do just as your big brother is doing...whether we're ready for it or not. You have taught me so much about myself as a parent, and as a person. I know more compassion. I know now that selfless acts are very common for little kids. I know more about the emergency room. I know more about determination.
When you started smiling as a baby, you really never stopped.  You are always such a ray of sunshine with your quirky hairdo, and crazy sense of style. Although it frustrates me at times, your need to wear jammies for most occasions really does entertain me (thank goodness your cuteness helps pull the outfits together).

You are a good little brother, but also a great big brother to Olly. You're generous and kind to him, and his smile when he sees you is very evident of the brotherly love the two of you share.

You are the reason the phrase, "big things come in small packages" is one of my favorites.

Happy Birthday, 4-year-old!

I love you with all my heart, Milo.

Mama

Fast and Light

You know that feeling when you just have an amazing run?  Ya, me too.

That's what I want to write about today.  I was out for some speed work with my friend M.  We were over half an hour into the run, and about half-way through the hell fun that amounts to speed work.  That feeling of watching every second roll by on my watch gave way to the feeling of being fast and light.  "Fast and Light" was how Nicole Stevenson (yep, a Canadian superstar marathon runner) told me to envision myself during speed work.  If you're looking to shave some time off your run (of any length) I recommend thinking those two words over and over again to yourself.  It really helps me!

I haven't checked my Garmin since the run to see just how fast each rep was, but I don't think I need to. I will take it as a good confidence booster, if nothing else.  It just feels good to return from a run like that, when everything seems to be working out.  I sure hope I feel like that on my next race day :)

This is such a busy time of year, December.  We have yet to celebrate another kiddo's birthday, and all of the family Christmases that come along.  I know I have said this before on this blog, but running at this time of year becomes even more important to me than other, less busy times.  That calm of running along (at 5:30am most days) in the peace and quiet, with the light of the moon and stars overhead is worth carving out the time to do.  As an extra bonus, lots of people in my town seem to leave their Christmas lights on overnight (or they turn on early) so it is extra-festive.
...perhaps I should start belting out a few Christmas songs as sort of a 'drive-by' approach to carolling?  Nah, I can only imagine the howling dogs and unhappy neighbours.  Running is more my thing than singing ever will be.  Ask my kids.  They like it better when mama doesn't sing.

Happy Running...get out there and enjoy this cold and festive weather!

Milo, posing by my tree of running medals