January 1, 2010--I ran my first 5k.
It probably doesn't sound like much of a feat for most, but to me, it was a serious personal challenge. I started to run back in October 2009, mostly to better my physical health, but also out of curiosity to see if I could learn to like running. I never understood the people that LOVED to run so much that they did it for fun. To me, running was never fun---never ever. But, after I kicked my first 5k's butt...I was totally pumped! The feeling of setting a very challenging goal, and accomplishing it was incredibly satisfying (and yes, I cried after I crossed the finish line...tears of joy of course. And then I pigged out on Chinese take-out).
January 30th--I said yes!
On a beautiful, sunny day, atop of Peak 9 in Breckenridge, Colorado, and being with two of the most important people in my life--my sister Sue, and my lovie Donald--we took a quick "photo op" break from skiing...and the next thing I know is...Donald and I are engaged! Literally the best of my life. Sue was an accomplice to the plan, and was an amazing photographer capturing such a special memory. Donald couldn't have done a better job if he had tried. May 29th, 2011 is our big day!
February--Fangtastic!
I ran another 5k, results weren't as good as my first race. In my defense (or my excuse...whichever way you want to look at it), I had only rested a day or two after the ski trip, it was incredibly cold and windy, and at this point, I'm pretty sure I have a serious leg injury. I have no idea what or how I got it, but all I know is, walking is painful...running is almost impossible.
March--A Miracle Arrives
The very precious daughter of my good friend Jamie is welcomed to the world! The arrival of baby Shay was certainly a special celebration. I start referring to myself as Shay's "Auntie Kristen". I don't think I actually asked Shay's parents if that was ok with them, I just kind of did it. Eh, that's just kind of what I do. hheeheh.
April--My Time to Shine!
I love April. It's pretty much my favorite month of the year. It's birthday month for me, and this year, I had another personal goal for myself that kind of overshadowed my birthday. I ran in the Country Music Marathon half marathon. Crazy. Seriously, probably one of the craziest, and yet most awesome things I've done for myself. I was a bit slower than I wanted to be, but I'm so proud of myself for finishing...especially after the lack of training I had since February. At this point, my leg still bothers me, but thankfully my adrenaline was running so much during the race that I never noticed the leg pain. Afterward was another story of course, but who cared? Not me! I had a medal around my neck and had a half-gallon of ice cream waiting for me when I got home! However, I knew that a visit to the doctor couldn't wait much longer...3 months had already been too long.
May--Bittersweet
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've certainly heard about the historical flooding Nashville had in early May. I'll just keep this brief by saying...WE ARE NASHVILLE. This city rocks and the people are even more amazing (even if there are a lot of people in this city that really suck at driving).
If I didn't love Nashville as much as I do, I'd probably live in Colorado. So I find it very convenient for me that my sister lives there (thanks Southwest Airlines for having cheap flights to DEN). For Memorial Day weekend, two of my sisters and I decided to meet up in Denver for another reunion. The main event was the Bolder Boulder 10k race...with the opening act being...wedding dress shopping! I never thought I'd actually find "the dress" in another state, but it happened. At my first and only dress shopping appointment. Pretty awesome indeed, and certainly added fuel to my fire to run well for the race. Raceday came, and although Team Wiltse attempted to run the entire race together...I needed to run on my own. One sister was used to the altitude, the other sister is a long time runner. I'm neither of those things, and I was still battling my stupid leg injury (no thanks to the doc though...the prescription for an anti-inflammatory definitely didn't do anything for me, except for putting me to sleep). All 3 members of Team Wiltse finished one of the largest (and probably most difficult) road races in the United States.
June--Running the Road to Recovery.
I've been to a second doctor now, still trying to find out what's wrong with my leg. I think we have it figured out. Something about my quadricep muscles not sliding against each other the way they should be (sounds gross I know), and therefore I've basically been trying to run on a severely cramped muscle. After my first drug-less...although, not painless...treatment, I feel MUCH better already! I haven't been running much on it yet, but hopefully after one more appointment I'll be back and better than ever! I can't wait! Whoa, did I really just say that? Those are definitely words that I never thought I would say!
Whew, what a post...even I'm tired.
The end.
