A Recap.....for the 50 5ks

This has been an adventure. 

This challenge began on August 24, 2013, with a local walk sponsored by the Fleet Feet running store in Blue Ash.  It ended on December 13, 2014 -16 months later - with the Jingle Bell Run, starting in Northern Kentucky, crossing into Ohio and returning to Kentucky.  The first walk almost ended before it began as I fell off a curb and scraped up my arm and leg. The final walk I breezed past the finish to cheers from my teammates.

I have run in a gorilla suit, in a hill-billy tutu and as Wonder Woman.

I have run with suburbanites, Hatfields and McCoys, senior citizens and college students, Air Force cadets and Army veterans, stay-at-home-moms and career runners.

I participated in races in Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, West Virginia, Hawaii, and Oklahoma.

I have raised money for ovarian cancer research, Down Syndrome awareness, lung disease, pediatric cancers, Toys for Tots, disabled veterans, mountain gorillas, children's after school programs, the Columbus Arts District, The Oklahoma City Memorial, hunger programs, The Cincinnati Zoo, epilepsy foundation, Ronald McDonald Charities, Hospice programs, blind/visually impaired, and the brewery re-development project.

I have 48 new t-shirts.

I have met people who I would never otherwise have crossed paths.  The couple, who told their story at race #31 (Running for Home) of waiting to adopt their little boy from Korea, finally got to go get him in September.  They had been waiting for almost 2 years.  He is home!  And the woman adopting a little girl from China?  She picked her up in September as well.

I have run in sweltering heat, freezing cold, in wind and in rain. 

I have felt both patriotic and hedonistic.  (Thankfully, not at the same time.)

I have learned the difference between "hot" wine and "cold" wine.

I have run in Montgomery, in Mason, and in Maui.  I drove five hours to Springfield, IL, to "run" in a race that was really a big party.  I participated in the fabled Hatfield-McCoy feud race.

I have been tired and exhausted.  Invigorated and energized.

I have shaved almost 21 minutes off my first walk's time.  Still shooting for more.

I have run on paved roads and muddy paths.

I have run for beer, chocolate, lobsters, doughnuts, and wine. 

I have lost weight.  I have gained it back.  And lost it again.

I have laughed.  God, how I have laughed.

I have celebrated.

I am rich.

Many people have asked whether I would write a book as they enjoyed my writing style.  Others wondered aloud whether I knew anything about grammar.  So I have decided to appease both sides.  I'll write a book.  Just no editing.

The next challenge...awaits.