Since you heard from me last, I’ve PR’d in the marathon, flown 38,658 miles (thanks delta for keeping track!), been to the highlands of Papua New Guinea (the middle of actual nowhere), and snagged a little promotion. Life has been really unbelievably good.
After our Hong Kong travels, my next escape was to Canberra, Australia, to run in the Australian Running Festival Marathon there in April. I went solo (Mr. Engineer can’t always snag the days off that I can…his job is more demanding) and I only told Jeri and Megan what I was up to. I figured keeping my beak shut would keep the nerves at bay – and it did! I ran my little heart out (a little too hard on those hills in the first 19!) and just didn’t quite have what I hoped I would in the last 5-6 miles. I finished in 4:08:12 tired, happy, and ready to do it again. I’ll get sub-4 one of these days.
a little hand-scribbled mantra courtesy of Jeri.
post-race hair beaver.
In May I was lucky enough to head back to the US to meet Mr. Engineer in Houston (he was there for business…my boss was kind enough to let me work from there to get a little face time with my favorite country) and run a couple (half) marathons. I’d intended to run two full marathons while I was back (Brookings and Green Bay) but ended up not sleeping for the four days prior to Brookings (jet lag+sick=suck) and Green Bay was unseasonably warm and ended up being called off. I ran two PW half marathons at 2:08 and 2:10, respectively. But I ran outside! With friends! Funny how race times don’t matter so much these days.
damn I love these two.
after surviving the blast furnace that was Green Bay with Jeri and Ms. Angryrunner
I peaked at 64ish mpw training for this eventual train wreck, and after it happened I was so very OVER running. I took nearly two months off, which coincided perfectly with a surprise move to a new (so much nicer!) apartment here in PNG, a long-anticipated 4th of July trip back to the US, and a brush with Insanity, which is SO much harder than running a marathon. Holy crap.
did I mention I ran off to Vegas to celebrate Janelle’s (college roomie!) bachelorette party while I was back? amazing weekend.
more shenanigans.
More 4th of July trip goodness:
Megan!
Sisters!
Jeri!
Also of note: surpassing the one-year mark here with far fewer tears than I’d have guessed would be necessary, looking excitedly towards the future, and making some things a little more official.
No date, no plans. Just happy : )
I just ran my first double-digit week in months and I’m sore and humbled – but I found myself back on the treadmill because I just love it. I love the feeling of putting one foot in front of the other. I have no race plans and no idea what’s next, but it’s nice to know that underneath all the posturing and goals, I really do just love to run. That’s enough for now.
Happy running.
One year down, and a Ton of experiences to show for it! Not many of us just fly up to Hong Kong in a few hours
Congrats, Ms. Marathoner AND bride-to-be!! Have to admit, I was curious about the latter….
xo
Kirsten, This website is ibniedrcle. I had no idea about your story, truly amazing and inspirational. I’m so glad that you have found something that is so special and helpful in your life. I can’t begin to explain what a gift running has been for me over the years. Best of luck in your upcoming endeavors, I think you are amazing! Happy trails!!Myra
!!!!!!
I’m just happy that you are happy, no matter what twisty and weird places life is taking you. It’s good. Good.
I’m so proud of you Kirsten. I didn’t even realize you’d gone thourgh all of that. God is so great (I’m starting to see that more and more each week). Keep it up! You inspire me. Sylvia:o)