2012 In Review (Miss Zippy ?'s)

The kids are back at school (finally) and I'm slowly feeling somewhat human again (though fighting residual congestion and a few digestive issues).  I had the most amazing MMNW yesterday - holy crap!  I weighed 156.6!  I've lost like 10 lbs since the Monday after Thanksgiving.  I know it won't last when I can start eating again.  I've been living on a fraction of my normal calorie intake (though I haven't exercised in over a week).  Yesterday I tried to get some work done (spending about half the day on the phone with clients and contractors), but couldn't stray too far from the bathroom so I stayed home except for one brief meeting in the late afternoon.

So with no workouts to discuss, I wouldn't normally have much to post about.  I'm pretty sure no one cares that I rewatched three seasons of Vampire Diaries while sick.  But then Miss Zippy posted her annual questions to reflect on the previous year of running (or whatever you do).  So thanks to her, I get to crawl out from my flu hibernation and share some thoughts.

• Best race experience? Pewaukee Triathlon (Wisconsin in July) - I struggled a bit on the swim, but still only came out faster than last year on what everyone seemed to agree was a long course, had a good T1, a solid bike, a good T2 and held it together on the run to shave a ton of time off my first triathlon (same race 2011) and beat my sister by 5 min.  It was such a moral victory for me - such a sign of how far I'd come. 
• Best run? Just about any of my runs with Susan on the Katy Trail.  The first time she "accidentally" made me go 8.4 miles - but later we did that distance more regularly (and on purpose) and it got easier.  It was gorgeous in the fall with the leaves changing in the cool air and sunshine.  The turnaround is a gorgeous overlook of the Missouri River that regularly reminds me how blessed I am to live in such a beautiful part of the country with a wonderful friend who helps me get out the door for long, slow ass runs (aka "therapy").
• Best new piece of gear? My "new to me" road bike - I've almost mastered clipping in and out (still occassionally fall).  But I've LOVED riding it this year.  I think 2012 may be the year I fell in love with cycling and this bike definitely played a part in that.
• Best piece of running advice you received? Can't think of something specific.  I feel like I get a lot of good advice and support in general from my online friends.
• Most inspirational runner? Sister Madonna Buder (aka "Iron Nun") who completed IM Canada at age 82 in 16:32!
• If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Progress.

I had a lot of ups and downs this year, but I feel like progress was made even when I struggled.  I am looking forward to seeing what 2013 will bring (besides a new age group).  I'll be doing some thinking over the next month or so and trying to figure out what races I'll do in addition to tackling my first century in June.