Running has changed my life in so many positive ways. It has made me feel strong and powerful and capable. Running has also given me that much needed me time. Time to reflect and just figure out who I am.I had some pretty big running goals this year. I have had many successes and run around 15 races this year. Some with Kierra (Freaky 5K)
Some with Meika 
and one I even managed to win top female (combination of luck and the fact it was invite only).
For 2011 I wanted to run another marathon and do it in under four hours (my debut in 2010 was a real eye opener with a time of 4:09:20 and lots of puking). 
I felt much better after the 2011 Pittsburgh marathon in May and finished in 3:56:32. And I also had the wonderful opportunity of supporting Team Odyssey. 
The next thing on my list was to run an ultra. I trained through the marathon with the goal of just completing the Laurel Highlands 50k in June. It was a beautiful and challenging course and overall one of my best race experiences.
Aside from Laurel Highlands I ended up doing a six hour run in July which was very low key. I ran 33.75 miles in the six hours. I also did the Baker Trail Ultra Challenge at the end of August. I was very excited to finish a 50 miler before I turned 31. It was difficult for sure, but also one of my proudest moments. 
At the last minute I decided to run the Johnstown marathon in early October. I had a rough time on that one cramping from my calves to my back, but managed a marathon PR of 3:54:04. 
I can’t forget my most recent ultra The Marshall Mangler 50k which took place in mid November. This year Reinhardt has joined me for a lot of my weekend runs and that has been awesome.
I also did a ton of my daily runs with the jogging stroller and Will (something I had avoided in the past). Afterwards we played at the playground and looked at the horses.
My final goal for 2011 is to run a total of 1500 miles. As of today my total is 1463 miles. That’s right 37 miles! With over a month left of 2011 I only have 37 miles left. This is a really exciting goal for me and there will be definite celebration once it is achieved .
There is still much to do this year. Jingle Bells 5ks to run and goal setting for next year, but so far I am thrilled with the success of 2011.
