Got Some Things from 2013

To start, if you haven't yet this year, go get some. No, go now. Read when you get back. We are just going to look at a few things that did and didn't happen in 2013, I'll wait for you.

Okay, good. Now lets look at some things. As a year ends, many people look back to see what they accomplished, failed at and never got around to. Generally they also look to the future to see what goals they will have in the next year. And many people with a blog write a post like this saying the same thing. Thanks for reading mine.

The year was a bit of a blur, I think most people feel that way this time of year. It started off with expectations of a race/event a month and ended completing a handful of them.

I was able to run the MudNinja in 2013 (the year prior my appendix and I had an argument and I didn't get to run the event) and have goals of getting top 10 in 2014. I saw my little boy run a couple laps at the Mini MudNinja and watch his love of mud runs grow. I ran the inaugural Survival Race at the Arnold Classic. I came in 29th overall, 2nd in my age group and I'll be looking for a higher place in that as well. I ran the OH Tough Mudder with a new friend and failed horribly. I had calf cramps half way through but he stayed with me the entire way. I hated holding him back but also appreciated the bonding time with a fellow crazy person. I ran the Kentucky Tough Mudder and again didn't go as fast as I would have normally wanted. I had my girlfriend with me and we took the challenge together. Staving off hypothermia and painful IT Band issues for her, we were hand in hand at the finish line.

Half way through the Mini MudNinja.

I also found out, through push ups only, I raised my benching max 25 lbs over the past year. I found out my son could do 400 burpees in a day. Yes, he is crazy, they say he takes after his father.

I still love gorram hills.

I'm learning how to run with someone who isn't at my physical level yet. I love running with my her but I have to find ways to push myself while we go on runs that push her. I repeat hills as we run when we come to them. I might run ahead and double back to her to get more mileage. I also might run ahead and do an exercise like burpees until she catches up. In all the ways I can find a way we both get a good workout while running together.

This post is just to ponder the little things. Perhaps write some of them down from last year for this year. Value what you learned from last year. In all the chaos, I did get a great new workout partner.