Happy New Year from ThatRunninGuy!

2012 was one heck of a tumultuous year for me.  And not a lot of pleasurable running though not for a lack of trying.  But it's January 1, 2013 today, the start of a new year so all things are possible.

For me, the trials of 2012 opened up new opportunities.  First there was the job loss in March.  Not much of a surprise actually but still a shock to the system.  I didn't spend much time crying over the spilt milk.

Then in May in what was supposed to be a triumphant sprint across the finish line in the Goodlife Toronto 1/2 Marathon in a sub-2 hour time, I ended up hobbling for much of the second half of the race with a pulled muscle in my right calf.  Two upsides:  first, I still managed a Personal Best of 2 hours 4 minutes in the race.  And second, I had my first podium finish in the Reggae Runners Half Marathon Challenge.  Yes I came in 3rd in a 3 man race but it's still on the podium!

September started out a good month but quickly turned sour when I fractured 3 bones in my right foot.  Self inflicted unfortunately when I tried to replicate a sprint workout on pavement.  I learned the hard lesson (no pun intended) that concrete is waaaaaay harder than the dirt track I had been working out on.  I was out of the Scotiabank Half Marathon in October and it was touch and go for the Reggae Marathon in December.  With walking cast securely in place I did manage to finish the Reggae Marathon 10K walking the entire way.  The upside of not running was that I got to do something I don't normally get to do when I'm running:  take pictures!  And I shot a few! This young man was a volunteer at the Aid Station at Mile 4.  He had his 'AutoBoxCar' booming Reggae LOUD while he handed out water and Hy-Lite in the cool plastic pouches.  This is what makes Reggae Marathon really special. Check this link for more photos from my Reggae Marathon 2012 Walkabout.

Through all the ups and downs Sally and all the boys have been with me every step of the way.  Always loving and supporting even though they sometimes scratch their heads in confusion when they hear some of the nutty things that come out of my mouth on occasion.  Thank you all!

And now here we are at the start of the new year, 2013.  Just one resolution for this upcoming year:  enjoy the moment!  I can't change the past nor predict the future.  This year I plan to appreciate the now!

Until next time
ThatRunninGuy