2012 Highlights.

2012 has been a seriously amazing year. Here are some of my favorite moments.

1.) I started training regularly with the Steel City Road Runners Club.

This picture is from a post 20 miler Starbucks run. I love these people so much. There’s a few special people missing from this picture, but they surly know who they are. Thank you for being there with me during my triumphant moments, and thank you for being there with me during my breakdowns. You all mean so much to me in so many different ways, not just because of running, but because of who you are.

2.) I made my first television appearance on KDKA Pittsburgh Today Live.

Going from a sky, awkward girl to appearing on LIVE television? That’s pretty big. The experience was surreal.

3.) Countless newspaper articles.

Being known as a local hero makes me so happy. Had I known that I could influence so many people in such a positive way, I would’ve gotten my story out there much sooner than I did. I hope to continue inspiring and motivating people to be their own heroes.

4.) Being featured as a full page story in Fitness Magazine’s March 2012 issue.

I can’t even put into words how blessed I felt for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The last thing on my mind was ever thinking that I’d see my story within the pages of a nationwide magazine.

5.) Finishing my first full marathon.

I was so proud. Crossing that finish line was completely life changing. I broke through a wall of fear.

6.) Meeting the one.

Sean, you mean the world to me. You have stepped into my life out of fate, and I’m grateful for every single day we have together. You’ve got a bigger-than-life heart and in turn have made me a better person. Because of you, I glow. Because of you, I smile. I love you and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

7.) Receiving the “Runner’s High” award at the SCRRC banquet.

Here I am with Jen, who also won an award. We tried mocking our mini-me trophies. Close enough. I love this girl!

8.) Being 1 of 8 finalists to be on the cover of Women’s Running magazine.

This whole thing sort of fell from the sky upon sending my story to Women’s Running to be considered for their Women Who Move section. I didn’t even know about the contest until someone from the magazine explained it to me. I applied on their behalf. I didn’t end up winning, but to be a part of such a huge, life changing contest is pretty darn cool. My face was smack dab next to 7 other beautiful, inspirational ladies. Who knows what else the future will bring.

9.) Having my picture/story up on the wall of a local running store - True Runner.

10.) Finishing my 2nd marathon, and shaving off 10+ minutes from my previous PR.

My goal for 2012 was to finish the Pittsburgh Marathon. Never would I have ever thought that I’d complete a 2nd marathon only 5 months later.

11.) Becoming a USATF certified running coach.

Thanks to the SCRRC, I’m now a certified running coach. I now have the ability to “officially” help others chase their fears and accomplish their personal running goals. I can’t wait! It’s a huge blessing.

12.) Finishing my 1st ultramarathon.

I sort of signed up for this ultra (Marshall Mangler 50K Trail Challenge) on a whim with a few of my running friends. It was by far THE HARDEST thing I’ve ever done and unfortunately led to an IT band injury. Someone on the course, a random runner, taped my leg for me. The kinship that us runners share is truly remarkable. I didn’t even know who this person was, and he was willing to stop and help me. I managed to hobble towards the finish line and take a few painful strides towards greatness. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I would just go about it much, much smarter - more time on the trails.

13.) Being offered a one-time segment on the Today Show.

The moment that I found out, I was at work. I squealed and ran over to my coworkers and shouted, “I have some REALLY good news!” I was jumping up and down like a complete spazz until they squeezed it out of me. I roomed a patient upon finding out, and I was jittery, heart pounding with excitement and everything. I had to tell the lady what I had just learned so she didn’t think I was on speed or something, lol. I could barely function, and you could hear my shakiness bouncing off of my lingo. It was supposed to be on December 17th, but due to the tragedy that happened in Connecticut, it has been rescheduled for January 7th. It will be on during the hour with Kathie Lee and Hoda (between 1:30-2:30 P.M. - in the Pittsburgh area at least).

14.) Being offered a sponsorship from Brooks Running.

Starting January 1, I will be sponsored by Brooks Running for 1 calendar year. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am about this! I love Brooks’ shoes and their idea of “RUN HAPPY,” so this is awesome news. :)

My year in running:

I can hardly believe that despite my hiatus since November 11th, I’ve still covered 1,345.24 miles this year BY FOOT. Insane! 2012 has clearly been an amazing year, and it was fun briefly reliving each moment in this post. I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!

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6. zxanguissettexz said: YOU GO! Seriously. You are such a huge inspiration to everyone. <3
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8. crossfit-finesse said: Amazing! Good for you. Such an inspiration <333
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22. emotionalcynic said: You’re awesome. So many incredible achievements and great things here, thanks for sharing xx
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24. tinkerbellrun said: You’ve worked really hard and you deserve every bit of all this glory :-D Congratulations for all you’ve achieved!!!
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28. runslikeapenguin said: A shoe contract! WOW! Congratulations, and I hope 2013 brings you even more wonderful things!!
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32. dontstoptriing said: this is fantastic! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for you on tv. You’re such an inspiration not just because of your weight loss, but because you’ve discovered such a love for running!
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34. chasefear posted this