2012 was a fantastic year for me, personally. It was full of goodness and love, mistakes to learn from and new relationships to nurture, surprises and time well spent with family, friends, and all those I hold close to my heart. Sounds sappy, I know. But it's the truth. Plus, if you know me, you already know that I am a sentimental sap, so this is no surprise :-)
I spent most of January anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new nephews, Nolan and Joey. I used my free time learning to swim with Coach Gene at the YMCA, running with the Team In Training athletes I was coaching for RNR St. Pete and Disney Princess, and trying my best to learn to ride my tri bike.
February brought COLD weather to Florida, which was a blessing for all of those running the St. Pete Rock N Roll Half Marathon - everyone I know ran a Personal Best that day! I participated as a Team In Training Coach alongside Coach Jon, and together, donning our bright green "COACH" shirts, entertained ourselves in between running our athletes to the finish line. The absolute best event in February was the long awaited birth of my first nephew, Nolan Charles Supernovich. I was able to fly to Pittsburgh to meet him a few days after he was born. I was so intoxicated by this sweet little miracle that I missed my first plane back home to Florida, haha.
March was full of activity - swimming, biking and running, to be precise! I was in full training mode with Team In Training yet again - this time as an athlete, training for my very first triathlon. I don't know what I was thinking, either!
In April, I participated in my very first triathlon, the Escape From Ft. DeSoto. I was extremely nervous to get in the water, but Coach Gene was there cheering and somehow I made it to the other events. I finished, and I was so proud of myself for doing so. I felt as though I was ready for my BIG event, St. Anthony's triathlon. First, though, Chad and I had a wedding to go to, as our friends Michelle and Kevin had planned a beautiful celebration that we were not about to miss! St. Anthony's was a success! I reached the fundrasing goal for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and I crossed the finish line of the race! I did run past Chad and my mom a couple of times, yelling "This sucks! I am never doing this again!" Haha, good one, right? My friend Kate had spent the entire day volunteering at the finish line, just so that she would be there to see me accomplish my goal. She placed the medal around my neck, and I was so happy to have her by my side.
As the calendar flipped to May, I had forgotten the pain of St. A's and signed up for a 70.3 half iron triathlon with Team In Training. What was I thinking? Coach Gene sent us a training plan and a fundraising website, and off we went. I also travelled back to Pittsburgh for Nolan's baptism - oh, how I adore him!
June brought the second wave of best events ever - my nephew Joseph Charles Parente was born! I bugged my sister for photos constantly, as I wasn't able to meet him until a few months later. When I wasn't pestering the brand new mom for photos, I was training. I spent a lot of my weekends riding on the Suncoast Trail with John and Jenny, who were super patient with my novice cycling. I learned so much from tagging along - what to eat and drink, when to push the speed, when to rest, what kind of creams and gear I should try - I'd be lost without them!
July, oh, July! I love summertime. Even - especially - in Florida, when it is ridiculously hot and humid at all hours of the days, when beginning a run after 5am is unheard of, and when the Gulf of Mexico feels more like bathwater than a salty sea. I fell in with the A-Train triathlon group, spending the weekends running and swimming in Clearwater and cycling on the Suncoast. I learned even more about nutrition and speed, how to prepare for a long distance race, and where the best places to eat are located.
I had the pleasure of driving to Panama City Beach in August, to spend a portion of my brother's family vacation hanging out at the beach with Nolan. I was also excited to ride part of the IM Florida course, and so my bike made the trip with me. In fact, I believe I had more riding and running gear packed than "regular" clothes. I almost ruined everyone's day by crashing my bike (unintentionally) and having to spend the morning at the Emergency Clinic. A few bandages and some prescriptions, but no real damage. I was back on my bike a couple of weeks later, when the wound started to heal.
September was also fantastic, as my sister and her little boy travelled to Florida for a visit. I could not get enough of Joey! He is cuddly and sweet, and such a happy baby! I love when he giggles and smiles - my heart doubles in size everytime I see his face light up.
October may have been the best month of my entire life. I had the opportnity to spend loads of time training with my friends, and Chad and I were planning a trip to Philadelphia for Joey's baptism. We stayed with my sister and her husband, Brian. I loved every minute - we got to hang out in sweats, wacthing tv and laughing. Plus I got to hold Joey whenever I wanted. Chad and I toured the city together one afternoon, enjoying the crisp fall air and changing leaves. I went on a run through the forest with Leigh Ann - best run of the year! We went to the pumpkin patch, and later that day Brian cooked a delicious birthday dinner for my brother and I (and the rest of the family.) My gram, aunt and cousin all travelled across the state as well, and we had a wonderful visit. Brian and Lauren prepared another feast to celebrate Joey's baptism, and both families enjoyed the beautiful day. I was sad to leave, but it was such a great visit! Watching Nolan and Joey meet for the first time was priceless. They were slapping hands and giggling non-stop :-) One week later, on what would have been my dad's 64th birthday, Chad asked me to marry him. I was so surprised! I said yes almost immediately <3 We are getting married July 6, 2013!
November was a tough cookie to swallow. I thought that I was ready for Miami Man, the 70.3 mile triathlon I had spent 6 months preparing for. I finished the 1.2 mile swim, and headed to the bike course. I misread the cut-off times, and I didn't make the 2nd loop. I headed back, sorely disappointed and absolutely crushed. Instead of sulking, I joined my Team In Training friends and cheered for everyone still racing. It was a beautiful thing, watching as my friends crossed the finish line of their races! I learned a lot, and vowed to conquer the distance. I signed up for a new 70.3, this one on March 23rd in Ocala, FL.
December . . . it's been a good month to round out the year. Chad and I have had the opportunity to spend time together, and with our families, which is the greatest gift of all. We are looking forward to the new year, which will usher in a new beginning for us - as husband and wife. There are so many blessings to count, so many people to be thankful for each and every day. I am ready to say good-bye to 2012, and to welcome, with open arms all that 2013 will bring.
And so I run . . .
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