Sunday, January 16, 2011

Winter is for real this year!

"Talents are best nurtured in solitude. Character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world."
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Now, I know we all prefer uplifting posts that inspire us...but so far, this winter has been character building, to say the least.

Last year was my first year as a runner (I had no expectations) and also probably the best winter we've ever had (I believe all our snow was shipped to the Eastern US). My husband shovelled the driveway once in January and that was it for the year. Seriously! It was still pretty cold sometimes, but the roads were mostly clear.

This year is my second year as a runner (I now have a few expectations) and we are experiencing a normal winter. Lots of cold and snow...roads rarely clear and I feel like I'm always running in loose sand. Today, I managed to pull a muscle in my groin while slipping around in the snow on the road...ouch! I finished my 12K, but it's still ouching this evening.

Okay, STOP I've changed my mind.

I had written a whole bunch of those last year/this year comparisons...I just deleted them all. Yes, I feel a little crappy and sorry for myself this evening, but seriously, there is absolutely nothing worth complaining about. NOTHING! I have so much to be grateful for.

It's not that I'm not allowed to have a bad day...that's life, we all have those. But, know that beneath the surface of my minor frustations, there's a sh*t load of gratitude :)

 Cheers!

24 comments:

Jennifer said...

Pity Parties are just fine to go to, just as long as you don't stay too long! Every so often when I am hurt I throw one for my elf and it makes me feel better.

I loved reading Pillars of the Earth and had the same reaction to it as you did. I am not sure I would have lived very long back then. Good job on keeping it going in all the snow!

Kate said...

I loved Pillars of the Earth. The next book, World Without End, was really good also.

Ow...sorry you got hurt! Hope it's feeling better soon.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

You WILL run a marathon in May, and I'll be there with ya! (just as scared!! ;) Love your new banner pic!

AM-GoalsfortheWeek! said...

Hi there!
Belated Happy New Year;-)

and Pillars of the EArth! a seminal read;-)!
and brrrrr for you with the winter cold.

cheers!

Johann said...

Hope the niggle in the leg goes away quickly. You are running a marathon in May! That is so great! I'm always cleaning desks but it never looks as if I do. Have a great week Anne!

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

I ALWAYS put a caveat like "if all goes well" when I'm talking about upcoming races... Not sure why, but it feels like I'll jinx it if I don't.

I just got an email from Kahtoola - a bit of a hitch with shipping directly to Canada, so they're going to mail them to me and then I'll send them up. Hopefully they'll get to you soon!

Katie V. said...

Signing up for that marathon in May is great, gives you lots of time to get into the right headspace (ok, well I haven't run one yet...but I would want lots of notice!). I've been wondering if I should read Pillars of the Earth. Just how much gore are we talking?

Lisa said...

I was feeling sorry for myself and getting cranky for a few weeks right after Christmas, got me nowhere. I've snapped out of it now even though I couldn't run all last week. What a difference a positive attitude makes!

Good luck wiht your marathon training!

Anne said...

I are you running with YakTrax or some other gripper? That can help, especially with black ice. I hope the muscle pull is minor and you are back out there, though a treadmill might sound more appealing for awhile.

Andrew Opala said...

I'm interested in the Kahtoola Microspikes - don't delay the review once you try them out.

Laura said...

I really hate winter/snow but if I don't just suck it up and deal with it....it will be a longgggggg winter.
(it feels long already....)

Teamarcia said...

I'd say this is our third consecutive tough winter. We're definitely overdue for a mild one.
You WILL run that marathon! Believe it!

Suzy said...

I love the list you put together! You'll do great with the marathon. Train smart and you will be able to do it painfree.

Laura said...

Kind of off topic but I just noticed your exercise tickrs for 2011 you've had a great start to the year! Hope you're feeling happier today!

Jamie said...

Hope that leg is feeling better. Be careful out there! Great list too!

Janine said...

I my STYLISH BLOGGER ! I love that ! Mom

ajh said...

Pillars of the Earth is one of my favorite books. It's just so heavy to carry around! You will do a marathon for sure!

Black Knight said...

You will run your marathon in may, I am sure.
Congrats to be a Styilish blogger!!!

Wifey said...

There's nothing wrong with venting, especially when you are so grateful and appreciative! Feel better ...

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Emz said...

3
5
7 --- awesome.

Molly said...

That is so great you have the marathon on the calendar for May!!! Whoohoo!!

Beth said...

I agree it has been a really tough winter here, too. Hang in there. It will get better soon. I love your list and am excited for you about the marathon in May. Yeah!

Jill said...

Hum...why did I read this post a couple days ago and not comment? Wonder if my dumbo computer locked up again...sorry...

I have tried to read Pilars of the Earth about 3 different times but always get sidetracked by something. Hopefully one day I will finish it.

I know you guys out East have really gotten hit with a bad winter, I feel for you. I hope things start to calm down there soon...but not if it means more snow for us - haha! We haven't even had that bad of a winter, but I'm just tired of being cold all the time.

Yay for the May marathon! Totally fun....and yeah, you can do it!!!

Heather said...

Congrats on winning the Microspikes, I looked them up and they look pretty cool. Can't wait to hear what you think of them!