Count Your Blessings – By The Numbers

This post may end up like one of those cheesy sitcom clip shows which reflect on the past season. As I think I tend to have a slightly negative tone in many of my posts, this one will have none of that as I celebrate the year that was in my blossoming running career. I thought the best way to do this was to juxtapose (big word!) 2011 with years past and use some facts and figures to support and enlighten. Sure, whatever. Anyhow, here it is:

Miles Run:
1997 to 2007 – a little more than zero.
2008 – About 25
2009 – About 25
2010 – 150 or so.
2011 – More than 450

Days of exercise (running, gym, etc.)
1997 to 2009 – a few per year
2010 – About 30
2011 – Over 125

Races run:
1997 to 2007 – Zero
2008 – One
2009 – One
2010 – Three
2011 – Seventeen (Eleven 5Ks, One 8k, One 10K, One Half-Marathon, One 4 Mile age-graded race, One 4.8 Mile trail race and One Obstacle Race)

Fastest 5k Race times:
2008 – 31:56
2009 – 32:10
2010 – 28:10
2011 – 24:39

Race Awards:
Prior to 2011 – One second place medal for “walking” during a race I ran.
2011 – One Overall 1st place, One age group 1st place, Two age group 2nd place, Three age group 3rd place and a Top 20 age-graded race award (8th). Finisher medals for Warrior Dash, Brooksie Way Half Marathon and Iron Turkey races.

No matter how you crunch those numbers, I think that my 2011 running season was a great success! I am looking to continue to improve in 2012. Happy New Year!