Reflections
Well folks, it's that time of year when I like to reflect on the highs and lows of the year that has passed!
Highs
New York!
I finally made it to New York (NYC) in the spring with my friends, S and D. My friend, S, had already been to NYC with her Mum not long after the hurricane a couple of years ago so had an idea about how things worked there, which was a huge bonus. We stayed in a nice hotel mid-town, close to the Empire State Building and Macy's. We got to see many of the famous landmarks. The things that stood out for me the most were running in Central Park, going to the Top of the Rock, the downtown Bus tour, walking the High Line, shopping in Macy's and meeting up with my cousin, L and her daughter, who are New Yorkers! Whilst we were out there, we had some wonderful meals too and I absolutely loved the experience! Oddly enough, we never made it to the top of the Empire State Building!! Well, one of many reasons to return, I suppose!
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| Above is the view of Central Park from the Top of the Rock :) |
Molyvos for S's 40th!
My friend, S, is the last of our group of school friends to turn 40 (about time too!) I'm the eldest of our group so the unnerving thing about S turning 40 was that I would turn 41 not long after :'( Anyhoo, it was great to share S's 40th birthday and my most favourite part of the whole holiday was when M from the hotel brought S's cake and champagne out to where we were sitting on the eve of S's birthday! To be fair, S said she suspected something was going on because she'd noticed I couldn't sit still that evening!
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| A picture of the beautiful cake and champagne that M had arranged - excellent choices! |
Running!
Of course, Yorkshire Runner Girl has to mention running!! I've had a reasonably good year running-wise, with just the odd injury holding me back, but I seem to have overcome these relatively quickly. Positives include getting quicker and smashing 5k and 10k PB's (I've done a lot of training with my running club's coaches and this has helped me to improve my pace and technique), I improved during my first cross country season (very muddy conditions and some technical courses, but I loved it), improved my vets running times compared to the previous year's season, completed my first off road team relay (approx 12 miles and loved it so much that I've signed up for another one next year), completed my first 10 mile individual race in a good time (a hilly course - will sign up for this race again next year as I loved the challenge!), the fun, Christmas-themed runs I've done over the past month, and persuading my friend, M, to take up running (she loves it too!!) Next year, I plan to run my first road half marathon and probably several on and off road half marathons if I enjoy it!
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| The Christmas running socks I wore with my santa hat for a few Christmas runs |
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| My alternative Christmas running hat - I'm getting a collection of Christmas hats and earrings now :) |
Making new friends
I've made lots of new friends in the running community - mainly thanks to my local parkrun and the wonderful people who go there! parkrun is a free, timed, 5k race held in parks worldwide. People either run, jog or walk the 5k route so if you like meeting new people and enjoy either running, jogging or walking a short distance, Google parkrun to see if you have one locally that you can join :)
Lows
Main lows were the loss of 2 close people to me. My Uncle lost his fight with cancer earlier this year. He is at peace and pain free now, but I do miss him. More unexpectedly, I lost my friend following a brief illness. I last saw him in intensive care not long before he passed away and I miss him tonight especially because I spent last New Years Eve with him and his wife. Both of these men had been there for me throughout my life and it's an emptier world without them. Will be raising a glass or 2 to them and other loved ones who are no longer with us tonight. I'm sure they're having a great party up there!
Happy New Year!
Well folks, I'm looking forward to the opportunities that the New Year has to offer and I hope you are too!
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
