Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2008 Review

Oh 2008 you were such a great year but also a very stressful year.

Many of you know that the beginning of 2008 signaled the end of my collegiate basketball career. I played 4 strong years for my college and helped to set many records including most wins in a season as well as post-season records. During my final year, the head coach was asked to resign and the assistant coach took over. My team almost fell a part from that disaster but we managed to make it into the post season.

I wasn't sad when my season was over - it was time to move on. I has been internally battling whether to go out for Outdoor track; the coach had wanted me to run my freshman year but when my coach threatened to not play me I stuck with bball. I felt like I had a second chance at a senior year with Track. Although I had been in the best shape of my life coming into the 2007-2008 season for basketball, I had lost much of my endurance and therefore was not able to run during the 2008 Outdoor track season. I did compete in shot put - although at the Championship meet my nerves got the best of me. I ran the 800m three times, each time knocking off a second.

Going out for track was one of the best decisions of my life! It has re-energized me and given me a chance to be a part of another team that shares a strong bond.

In the final week of my fourth year I sat down with the head track coach and asked him what I should do for training over the summer. He once again wanted me to compete in Heptathlon and this time I gave in. I always have liked a challenge and 7 events in two days seemed to fit the bill.

After more than 4 years of not competing in track I entered a meet and competed in Heptathlon, only to place third with a disappointing score and also with sore muscles that didn't allow me to run for 4 days. I took it as a starting point - I knew I had a lot of training to do. I started to push myself too far and developed knee pain in late July/early August. I scaled back on my mileage and eventually the pain went away.

Around the same time I began to train with my best friend Winkly for a half marathon! In early September on a beautiful day we completed the race in 2 hours and 19 minutes - It was the best race I have run yet because I didn't feel the pressure of having to run fast but actually enjoyed the scenery and other runners.

A few weeks later I started pre-season workouts for Indoor track and slowly saw my body change from a solid basketball body to a lean track runners. I was surprised by the muscles I never knew I had and was overcome with the idea that I could actually be good at track. I now have two new great friends from the team, Abby and Alison, and also became Captain and competed in my first indoor track meet in December.

Now lets not forget B-Rabbit - I know I would never hear the end of it if I didn't include him! I started dating him in 2008 and I couldn't have asked for a better friend or relationship! He is always supportive of my running but makes sure that I think through my decisions. I guess you could call him the voice of reason at times because I know I can get carried away! While I participate in my final year of track, he is swimming in his senior season after recovering from a bi-lateral hernia. I can't believe that in 5 short months we will both graduate from college!!

Well that pretty much sums up my 2008 year - although it doesn't cover anything. I have learned to not take things for granted and be thankful for everyday that I able to run. I know that 2009 will be just as good if not better!

9 comments:

Marlene said...

Congratulations on a successful year; I hope 2009 brings many more good things.

No Longer Using said...

awww... what a great reflection. i'm glad that basketball had such a natural ending for you, that you were ready and had track as the next thing to jump right into. you sound like you have your own voice of reason, too, especially looking back on your path to the present. it sounds like you are in a great place and with a great person!!!!!! happy new year almost :) oh and SUPER congrats on all the bball accomplishments- sounds like you had a great team and a great four years :)

Nicole said...

What an awesome year for you to remember! You have tons to be proud of! :)

Meg said...

What a great year and recap! Congrats on such a great path this year, and also over your college career!

Felice Devine said...

Cheers on a great year!

Love what you said: "to not take things for granted and be thankful for everyday that I able to run." -- very wise. If you continue, you will certainly have an even better 2009!

Unknown said...

What a great year. That is a lot to go through. And then in 5 months you get so start a whole new journey.

Aron said...

awesome recap!! 2008 was a great year for you :)

i feel the exact way about chris... my voice of reason when i get carried away :) its the best to have that!

The Laminator said...

Nice reflective post. Great recap of 2008. Looking forward to much more awesome running from you in 2009. Happy New Year!

N.D. said...

Sounds like a great year! You have had many accomplishments and lots to be thankful for. Hope 2009 isn't as stressful!