Let's Embrace the Possibilities

Well, 2016 has drawn to a close. And 2017 is here, in full force. Bring it, I'm ready!

Reflecting on 2016 forced me to reassess all that happened. There were so many wonderful moments, grandiose achievements, and numerous joyful miles trodden (many of which in the company of running friends).  There also was a (tiny) handful of disappointments, nothing worthy of intense therapy (physical or otherwise), but I let them take up too much real estate in my overall happiness of late. UGH. My bad. (a big thanks to all the peeps who didn't kick me to the curb in my state of whining).



Anyways, the final week of 2016, though tough in terms of self reflection, was also one of closure. I do not believe in dwelling on "the past," but I do think it's necessary to acknowledge disappointments so one can not only get that desired "closure," but (more importantly) also move on.

Hence, here's how last week lead me to the New Year....

On Monday, I ventured out on a brisk 4-mile adventure to the grocery store. Yes, I ran those 2-ish miles to the store, bought my chai K-cups, and ran back home. Multitasking at its best. I even wore my newly-created "topless beanie" just for kicks.

never miss a Monday

Tuesday was another brisk day, so I just ran a quick 1-miler for the Streak.

Is it any surprise that I love bright colors?

Wednesday, I did another 4-miler late in the afternoon....taking advantage of the few extended minutes of daylight. Yes! I can already tell the days are getting longer!

Yes to longer daylight!

Thursday, was my hair appointment day. I try to keep my hair somewhat "current and trendy." And, each time I get my hair done (usually every 8-9 weeks), I have my gal do a little something different with it (more layers, shorter bangs, graduated lengths, etc.). Somehow, though, over the course of several months, I notice my "style" slowly evolves back to a boring and lifeless coif. So, I made the command decision that it was time for a dramatic change....we lost nearly half of my length, added a lot more (shorter!) layers, and a definite updated look was the result. Whew!

out with the  old, in with the new

Later, I headed out for a quick run. And, this new 'do will take a little time to figure out the best way to make it functional for winter head gear. Ha! First World Probs.

I had Friday afternoon off, so a quick 2-miler streak run was on the agenda. (Still struggling with the hair situation for running LOL). #underwraps for the win.

I did not plan on the outfit matching the shoes...

But my #FridayFashion post (on Instagram) was pretty successful.

I LOVE my puffer vests and scarves

Saturday was another chilly day in Iowa. The hip/groin "issue" was feeling a little strange, so I only did a short mile. Crazy...running actually makes the achiness feel better (??).

hmmm...perhaps a better solution for the shorter hair?

And, Sunday! New Year's Day! It's been a tradition (for the past five years or so) that some of the locals (and myself) get together and do a New Years Day run.

One of my eBib creations from the archives

We have a lake that is the perfect setting for this endeavor. The trail around the lake is about a mile in distance, so everyone can run their own speed (and their own desired distance), and no one is ever alone. Most of us do 3-4 laps, and it all works out great for everyone. 

Even Max was able to join us

The Run Streak concluded (officially) on Sunday...but there will be an additional mile added tomorrow...for Never Miss a Monday. You probably already knew that, right? Overall, the Streak went well. The majority of my runs were 1-milers due to having just run the Route 66 Marathon, and my recovery was more important than crazy (unnecessary) miles, so I kept things at the minimum until the last two weeks or so of the Streak.

My total Streaking mileage came in at 61 miles, 33 of which were from the past two weeks. I am looking forward to getting back to my "regular" routine (which will include at  least three non-running days each week for January). I have nothing major on the calendar, so there's no need to up the mileage just yet...and my body will benefit from a some downtime from the running shoes.

Stay tuned....my 2017 Plan of Action will be unveiled later this week. If you missed it...my 2016 Year in Review post is HERE, and I disclosed a few Runfessions HERE.

How was your week? Did 2016 end on a good note? Are you eager for 2017 and all the opportunities that await?

As usual, I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their awesome Weekly Wrap! You owe yourself a favor by stopping by their blogs and also checking out all the linked blogs in the Wrap.