Happy Birthday RWM

Yes, today is my Birthday.  Well, actually, it's my blogs 1st birthday.

This time last year, I published this post.  Take a look at it.  It's not my best work but it is real.

My very first race!

I wrote that because I was excited about this journey that I was on and I didn't want to forget anything.  I am notorious for being forgetful.  I have traveled all over the world but can't tell you every place I have been.  Sad, right?

So, I sat down and started writing about how I felt about running and being a wife and mother.  I wasn't sure if anyone would read and at that time, I didn't really care.  Just wanted to have a journal that keep me motivated and accountable.

Before starting my blog, I didn't even know what a blog was.  I just googled the word "running" and tons of stuff came up.  Things about shoes, races, GPS's, and blogs.  I clicked on the first blog, read through it and then looked for more.

I was motivated by these runners who had put it all out there and I felt the call to start Running While Mommy to motivate others as well.

I have come a long way since then.  At that time, my longest distance was 4 miles.  Since then I have run two half marathons and ten smaller races, plus one more this coming Sunday for a total of 13 races.

Run Strong, Think Big Virtual 5k.  Thank you to those who participated!

I have also raised $3900 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and ran in honor of Haley which was one of the greatest experiences of my short running career.

After my first half marathon with my biggest supporters.

Mile 10 at the Nike Women's Marathon

Wow!  Honestly, I thought that once I finished the Newport Bridge race the first time that I would be done.  Now, I plan to run it every year.

Newport Bridge Run, 2011

Newport Bridge, 2012

I have also lost 19 pounds since I started running.  This I did not expect, but it is awesome.  With the weight loss and the training, I have also hit 10 and change miles.  I was a pretty consistent 12 minute mile pace runner and am now trying to PR at my last race of the year.  My best 5k time to date is, 34:50.  I think I can do it Sunday, although, I will be dressed as an elf and I just hope the costume doesn't get in the way of that.  LOL

And, by the way, I am not downing those who run at a 12 minute mile pace.  I think any pace is great as long as you are moving and doing what you love to do.  And, the longer I run, it seems the slower I go, so I know I will still see those numbers in my splits again.

After a great run with the TNT group.

The Blessing, my first 10 miler.

One of the other surprises this year, is how awesome the blogging/running community is.  I have met friends virtually and in person who I absolutely love!  And I wish I could meet all of you.  You all have a special place in my heart but there a couple who I want to give a shout out too.

Running My Ass Off

Run Find Your Happy Pace

Living the Fit Life

Run For the Boys

Mommy Run Fast

See Mom Run Far

Me and the Boys

Connie

They are not the only people who have inspired me, so you can check out my blog roll and see all the amazing blogs that I follow.

I also have to give a huge shout out to my Tough Chiks and Sweet Pink Ambassadors.  These ladies have been there for me through the good and the bad and I love every single one of them!  I wasn't sure how I would like being a part of an online community, but this works.  It is motivating, I get great advice and have made a few friends.  Who knew!?

So how does one celebrate their blogs birthday?  Well with a run of course!  Just a quick one today, two miles.

I had some struggles with my run today.  My GPS was not working and after the first mile, my Pandora stopped also.  Plus, it was drizzling.  The drizzle is usually not a problem but I was without my favorite running hat which would of kept the drops off my glasses.  Not being able to see, was the turning point for me.

But despite all that, I had a great time reflecting about this last year and how far I have come.  I also thought about so many of you and how far you have come.  The motivation, the advice and the pics we share with each other is why I am looking forward to another year of Running While Mommy.

Happy Birthday Run

I hope you will continue to read and run and share your experiences with me.  I love hearing from you and cheering you on.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and kind words.

Happy Birthday Running While Mommy!  Here is to many more!

Run Strong, Think Big!