** 2013 Running ~ Year in Review **

WOW, what a year 2013 has been for my running!  When everything else in my life seemed to fall apart, running kept me together and it built me up so much stronger ... physically & mentally!  I started running 5K's and one or two 10K's last year, and so this year I set a challenge for myself :  I wanted to complete my first half marathon.  Well, if you are laughing or rolling your eyes while reading this, I didn't believe I could even complete ONE 13.1 let alone all that I have accomplished in 2013.

   

I want to thank all of my running friends who kept me motivated along the way, by inspiring me through their own journeys or just the friends that thought I was crazy to attempt it, which in turn motivated me to set bigger goals. :)

In 2013, I not only completed my first half marathon (Daytona Beach Half Marathon), I ran and completed 8 half marathons this year!  I am not the fastest runner but I try to beat my PR each time I go out.  Along with my eight 1/2's, I also completed 8-5K's, 1-4 miler, 4-10K's, 2-10 milers, 2-15K's, 3 adventure mud runs, my first trail race (10 miler) and a trail half marathon, countless virtual races ranging from 5K's-1/2 marathons through Fit 4 Life Race Series, and many many training runs leading up to all of these races.  (Some other notables were a Distance Dare of a 2 miler & 10K, the Tour de Pain Extreme in Jacksonville which was a 5K, 10K & 1/2 marathon all within 24 hours, 2 Ragnar 200 mile Relay races...one from Miami ,FL to Key West, FL (FL Keys) and the other from Hull, MA to Provincetown, MA (Cape Cod), and finally I climbed 25 flights in the Bank of America building in Orlando to raise $$ and support lung health through the American Lung Association.)

Through all of this I fought injury(Plantar Faciutus & Heel Spurs) and won! I also lost my first toenail, hehe!

I met so many new running friends through WVR, Team RWB, VCR, Bling Whores, the entire Fit 4 Life Race Series community and Half Fanatics...who I qualified to be a member after only my first 2 half marathons.  I am half fanatic #3720 and have "mooned up" from one to three moons throughout the year! (Neptune to Saturn)

I am SO PROUD to call myself a runner and I can't wait to see what 2014 brings me.  It's time to lace up my shoes and run into the New Year!

** 2011 Fight for Air Climb **

25 flights/512 steps? No problem, bring the pain!

American Lung Association’s 5^th annual Fight for Air Climb

@ Bank of America building in downtown Orlando, FL

7 mins 19 secs

Team Backpackers

** Volunteer of the Year Award **

Gayle Jones presenting me my Volunteer of the Year Award :). We will miss you Gayle! I was so honored to receive this award from you the year that you retire after 55 years! THANK YOU for your inspiration!

Volunteer of the Year Award & Volusia County Board Chair Recognition Plaque!

American Lung Association

Last night I went to the wrap up party for the Daytona Asthma Walk for the American Lung Association at Mediterraneans on Beach Street.  It was such a great event to thank everyone that was involved in the walk itself and raising the funds to help educate our local youth in the topic of Lung Health.  I was awarded 2 plaques, one for being the Event Chair for the Daytona Hold'em Poker & Casino Night on April 1st and one for being the top fundraiser for the Asthma walk.  I am honored to have these awards, since all I was doing was trying to raise money and awareness for a great cause that we need to promote more in this area.  Let me know if you are interested in helping out with the event next year or if you would like to donate to the cause.  SuzanKurtz@gmail.com    **Suzan**