The halfway mark...

It's the beginning of July which means half of 2012 is already over.  I can't believe it.  This year is flying by so quickly!  This past new year's eve, I had made a commitment that "12" was my lucky number which meant only one thing...2012 was going to be my year!  As I reflect back on my accomplishments up to date, this has definitely been a fabulous year.  I have exceeded my expectations already which means this year can only get better :)

Now come with me as I take a stroll down memory lane...

My first 10K- March 10, 2012

One thing I remember about my first 10k is that it was cold and rainy.  The race started and finished near downtown Houston and it was a nice, flat course.  There were some parts where it rained so hard that I had to keep my head down to try preventing the rain from hitting me in the face and eyes.  I felt a great sense of accomplishment after I crossed the finish line.  A lot of people would have woke up that day and saw how cold and rainy it was outside and would have chosen not to race that day.  I didn't do that.  If I say I'm going to do something, I do it.

My second 10K- April 14, 2012

 The previous year I had ran in the 5K Blue Bell Run and I had a lot of fun.  This was definitely a tough course because of the numerous rolling hills but I fought through it.  I remember the huge hill that was at the end of the course and I knew that the finish line was just beyond the top of the hill and that definitely kept me going!!  Well, that and the unlimited Blue Bell snacks I knew were waiting for me after I finished :)

My third 10K- April 28, 2012

 Two words that describe why this race was hard: Heat.  Humidity.  Houston's summer heat arrived early and was making it a challenge for all of us out there that day.  Ashley ran the race also and we were both relieved when it was over.  I don't think I've seen that many people vomiting and/or passing out due to heat.  Luckily, Ashley and I completed the race safely.  I remember my motto for the race was "Pain is only temporary." I continuously said this to myself throughout the entire race. It was that very evening I made a commitment to complete my first triathlon July 1st :)  

The Original Mud Run- May 26, 2012

This run was so much fun!  I had the opportunity to do this race with Ashley and my sister so it made the run even more spectacular!  It was 6.2 miles of mud, 30 military style obstacles, and non stop entertainment.  I think one of my favorite moments was when my sister accidentally let go of the rope, causing her to fall into a pool of mud.  I remember Ashley was trying to help her get out but then Ashley fell into the mud also.  I couldn't help at first because I was laughing so hard.  I wish someone would have recorded that moment!  Lol :) I kept repeating the same two things over and over to help motivate us through the run, "My motivation is the water station!" and "Turning haters into motivators!" This was definitely one of the funnest and challenging races I've done so far!

 

My first triathlon- July 1, 2012

 If you've been following our blog, then you know that I've been triathlon training for a couple of months now.  Last Sunday I completed my first triathlon and I'm hooked! My adrenaline was pumping so much that day- more than it has ever in a race. This was my first race in which I had to fight back tears of joy after crossing the finish line. My two wonderful friends, Ashley and Pam, were there every step of the way fighting the wind and rain to show their love and support for me.  I said it multiple times and I will say it again: You two are awesome!!  Even though this was a sprint triathlon, it has helped to motivate me to keep after my goals even harder.  There were a handful of people who doubted me when I said I was going to start training for triathlons, and to those people I did, and always will, just have two words for them: WATCH ME. 

My newest addition!

 This past weekend I decided to purchase my first bike!  If I'm serious about my triathlon training then I believe this is a great and necessary investment.  I'm really excited about all of the adventures that are in store for me and my bike :)

I started triathlon training with the intentions of completing my triathlon last week, but somewhere down the road, I fell in love with the sport and decided that if I was going to do triathlons, I want to go beyond my original goal.  About a month ago, I started with a triathlon coach who gives me weekly training workouts.  It's tough but I know it's going to benefit me greatly in the end.  I'm signed up for three more triathlons with one of them being a relay I will be doing with my dad and sister and I've also signed up for a 15k race at the end of October as well.

 The year I've had so far has been an amazing one.  I have gone above and beyond my goal expectations and I am going to continue looking ahead and moving forward.  I'm so blessed to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who help keep me going when I feel like I can't give anymore. It's only July which means we still have half of the year left!  I can't wait to see what achievements await me on down the road this year :)

Until then....

Happy training everyone!!