I stole this idea from Mama C and MK and I'm so glad I did! Wow, it has been awesome looking back on my year!!! I am one lucky lady. I formed some unbelievable friendships this year that have really been the backbone of 2011. I went on 10 camping trips, 3 of which were with my parents and one was with my favorite in-laws. I played in the Jemez mountains, the Smoky Mountains, the Rocky's not just once but twice, and the Black Hills. I ran my furthest distance ever, 50 miles, and I got first place in my AG in a triathlon (a long time goal). I saw parts of the country that I never had before and I explored parts of myself that I never had before. So very thankful most of all that I found a partner who is so supportive of all my adventures. My favorite place to be will always be curled up on the couch with my husband!
A few of my favorite memories from the year:
January: cheering my #PIC (partner in crime) Erin to a PR in the half marathon
February: Ft Worth 20 mile training run with Greg, Suann, and Mama C
The first time I met Greg aka Ninja!!! Who knew that day the adventures that we'd have together?!
March: Texas Independence Relay
Team HOORAW!! Leana passing me the wristband before my first leg
April: Too Cool Backwoods Scavenger Hunt + family camping trip at Pace Bend State Park
Mitchell and I were the 5th placed team out of 63! This was SO much fun!!
April: weekend of running and camping at Tyler State Park
Quite possibly the hardest I laughed all year!!! Erin, Rick, Me, and Troy
April: Beer Mile one of two for 2011! This was extra special because Courtney and Julia were there!
May: Another awesome weekend of camping and running, this time at Lake Texoma
Alan, Greg, Me, and Rick
May: Trackies Track Meet
My first ever track meet! The only time I've ever timed my mile: 6:39.
May: Jemez Trail Runs Los Alamos, New Mexico with the Walkers, Beth, and Troy!
Top of Mt Caballo during Jemez 50k
June: Rock Creek Stage Race in Chattanooga, TN
3 days 60 miles!!! 18, 22, 20
Me and Gretchen on one of many swinging bridges in the Smoky's!!
The whole Chattanooga gang at our rental house!!
From left Greg, Gretchen, Jon, Dat, Kevin, Tini, Rick, Troy, Michelle, Brad, Fiona, Me
The gang before day 3
Icing our legs in the creek after day 2
Story of the forgotten shoes on day 2!
Well deserved post 60 mile refreshment!
July: El Scorcho
This race sucked for me but it's always a great time when these people are around!!
Jon, Me, Mama C, Fiona, Gretchen, Tini, and the Kennemer's in back!
July: July 4th 5k in The Colony with the gang! Waffles at MK & EK's afterwards!!
Drum VS Ninja
Cherry and E at El Scorcho
July: Camping in CO State Forest State Park with the Blackard's
Me and Evan on my new favorite trail, Big South!!
Evan and Carol
Lindsey, Craig, Me
July: Whittier/Dominquez Camping Trip!!! Oddly enough, back to CO State Forest State Park
Chrissy, Mitchell, Dad, Mom, Joyce, SJ, Joe, Me, Christie, Steve, Carolynn, B-Dog
Me and sweet Carolynn and Mitchell
August: Mount Rushmore with PIC!!
Lean Horse 50 Mile Race
Hot Spring, SD
Greg, Erin, Troy, Me, Byron, Kevin
October: Monster Triathlon
My awesome cheer squad!!! E, Mama C, Me, Marci, Cherry
Monster Tri: 1st AG
I was ridiculously excited, that's why you can't see my eyes. Haha :)
November: Wild Hare Trail Race in Warda, TX
Camping with Cherry and Mitchell
We cheered and made bridges for all the 50k and 50 mile runners!!
December: White Rock Marathon, volunteering at the RAW Water Station
Courtney, Me, Kelly, Monica, Debby, Leana
Greatest cheer squad ever at WR marathon!
Erin, Cassie, Me, Marci (Mama C is taking the picture!)
December: Isle du Bois Trail Race
2nd female over-all!!
Hanging out at Isle du Bois
Cherry, Mama C, Derek, Marci, Me, and the awesome race director David
December: Reunited with the best running buddy ever, Beth, in Ft Collins for some snowy trail runs!
(Carol Blackard photo)
December: Annual Murder Mystery Night during Blackard winter week of relaxation!!
Ft Collins, CO
Craig, Grandma, Lindsey, Susan, Mike, Evan, Me, Scott
Christmas at the Whittier's!!
**Big thanks to Mama C and Helene Walker for a lot of these photos!
