Even though 2008 offered some challenging times to many people, myself included, I can honestly say 2008 was a pretty good year overall. I had many good times with lots of great people that far offset the challenges that the economy has thrown my way. Looking back through the log and taking a trip down the 2008 memory lane offers these highlights:
January - trip to Phoenix with Jimmy and Becky for the rock n roll marathon, climbed camelback mtn - which is the best way to see Phoenix and missed qualifying for Boston by 1'08".
February - road trip to Ft. Myers with JIII to pick up a car and bring it back. Got a good ride in down there and it was a nice break from winter in the Northeast.
March - first of several cold, windy, hilly runs that I would do this year. Millcreek 1/2 in Youngstown. Another road trip to Ft Myers for my bro's 50th with Sue, Kate, Jerry and Jaime. Two more rides in the sun. Another road trip with Nate and Doc for a ride long weekend in Hot Springs, NC - huge miles 4 days in a row. Lost my brakes on a steep descent on the third day - very scary!!!
April - Weather breaks - lots of ride miles. pulled calf muscle and Dr Keyes fixed it. Buzzard Duathlon - always a great time.
May - Trip to London for work - ran every morning in Hyde Park with the locals - very cool stuff. Maumee Bay adventure tri with John - we were leading and got lost on the bike - bummer. Sue, Nate and I go to Buffalo for the Marathon. I was trying for consistent and got it. 8:22 first mile, 8:17 last mile, avg pace 8:17.
June - road trip to Maryland to pick up Susie's brand new scooter - a silver three wheeler to celebrate our silver anniv. Family vacation in the keys - way to much fun!! 100k ride with nephew Marty in Buffalo - he now knows how tough the last ten miles can be.
July - Muncie endurathon - Sue and I travel down in the motor home and camp out in the parking lot - rainy, windy than hot but good race, fun time. Xterra race at West Branch - do not pull off the swim of your life if you don't want to suffer the humility of being passed by everyone who really knows how to mountain bike. Sweet Corn challenge with Sue - perfect day!!
August - 25yrs with my baby!! Myrtle Beach getaway long weekend - Sue and I meet family and friends for some fun times in the surf and sun. Vermillion Tri - news flash - Vermillion is not flat - who knew? Sue and Kate do the cancer three day and I cheer them on - what an inspirational weekend.
September - IM Wisconsin with Nate - long, tough day - very hilly course but overall fantastic experience. What a test!!! Put-in-Bay get away with Sue and friends - a motor home on the ferry to PIB - that's nuts!
October - Sue, I and the fam (including Jaime) travel to Buffalo for nieces wedding -hotel room next to brother Dan - very fun wedding. Start of the fall challenge series in the valley - this is one to do every year. Disappointment again - Columbus Marathon - missed by 7 mins.
November - The Smart Ride - 165 miles from Miami to Key west with Kate, Dan, Leah and Tony - great ride, great cause. Another road trip to Ft Myers for TDay with Dan & Leah and our families. Turkey Trot in Ft Myers - Jerry and Ethan rocked it
December - Tour of Ashland - another cold, windy and hilly half marathon. Xmas in Ohio - first time we stayed home in 25 yrs - both kids are there and it was awesome. Great New Years Eve race in Stow. The last cold, windy and hilly - oh yeah and icy race of the year.
As you can see, I am blessed with a supportive family and fantastic friends. I had a wonderful year thanks to them and I am looking forward to yet another in 2009.
I hope everyone who reads this also had a great year and has a very happy, healthy new year. I hope to see you all out there!!
That's all for now.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment