2013 Highlights

 I found out early it the year I had degenerative arthritis in my spine and that is what was causing my back pain. It was an even better reason to keep moving and enjoying life and my health!

March 2013- Run for Congo, Portland Oregon

I discovered the waterfront for running when I'm in the city!!

 

In May I told my son I was considering signing up for a full marathon. He was behind me 100% and encouraged me to do it this year, so I signed up!

 I did the Rock n Roll half marathon in Portland in May. It was the largest race I'd done and was so much fun! I had about 2 weeks rest/break before starting my marathon training.

 One of my training runs was the Huckleberry Half on Mt Hood. What a great course! 

We took our family rafting down the Deschutes. It was great to have the whole raft to ourselves with a great guide.

My first solo skydive was in June. My first landing was a bit rough but I didn't miss a training run. My second and third jumps were much better.

We went on vacation and one place I went running was Buffalo, Wyoming.  It is amazing how much more you see on foot.

In September I got to run a race with my sister and niece- it was their first official timed race!

And then there was the Portland marathon. It was scary but I learned to trust the training.

My kids donned their Portland Marathon shirts from 2010 and ran a ways with me at mile 20. That was such a fantastic way to push me to the end. 5 hours and 33 minutes after I crossed the start line, I crossed the finish.

 

At the beginning of January I hit the 1000 mile mark for the year. It was a first for me.

I have to say I am still recovering from ITBand issues caused by 26 miles of running, but I'm walking a lot, running a little and am looking forward to great things in 2014!!