2012: My Year In Running

Can't believe another year has come and gone.

Time certainly does fly, especially when you're having so much fun!

Heading into 2012, I knew I enjoyed and loved running. I just didn't realize how much I loved it!

And never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be so enamored with the marathon, and not with the race itself but the training as well! Nothing like pushing yourself to the limits ... and beyond!

Before I review how I did on my 2012 goals, I'd like to share some of my highlights.

Taking Time To Say Thanks

Nearly four weeks ago, I completed my first marathon. Running is an individual sport, but there is no way I made across the finish line without the help, support and encouragement of others.

It was an amazing journey. Of course, the race is still fresh in my memory, but I believe the 2012 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon will go down as one of my all-time favorite races. And why wouldn't it be? It was my first marathon! I had a truly amazing experience, and I'm ready for more.

But before I get too far away from completing my first and before I begin focusing on my next race adventure, I want to take a moment to take those who helped me get across the finish line. I realize it's impossible for me to name each and every one of you all, and I don't even want to try to list all who were there for me during the journey. There are so many of you I know I would leave someone out. It's inevitable.

Quantity vs. Quality

For most runners - especially those like me, off/rest days drive you crazy.

You think, "Why am I not running today? I've got to get my miles in. I can't just do nothing. I NEED TO RUN!"

Or at least, that's how I feel.

I still can't believe how much I've fallen in love with running. Back in high school, I HATED running. Like the popular t-shirt reads, "My sport is your sport's punishment." And for me, running was punishment.

Long Time, No Posts ... Mea Culpa

Myself and some of my SID pals at the CoSIDA 5K

Man, it's been a while since my last post, and I apologize for that. Life has kept me so busy over the past four weeks I've yet to figure out whether I'm coming or going. It's possible I stayed put and the world spun around really fast.

No, that definitely didn't happen.

Here's a quick rundown of what's been happening in my life: completed a crazy month of running, ran a 5K on a beach, learned not to run on the beach before dawn, completed my course work to get my masters (doing the happy dance), went to a national conference for my work/profession (presented on a couple panels), tried to enjoy some of the Florida sunshine while there, assisted my bride in running Vacation Bible School at our church (truth be told, I didn't do a whole lot. Just did what I was told) and celebrated my son's 11th birthday.

And summertime is supposed to be easy on me.

What A Way To Celebrate

It was in May of 2010 in which I began my full-fledged life as a runner. It was this time a year ago Dave Parsons talked me into running the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Half Marathon.

Wanting to get a jump on things, I began training almost immediately so I could steadily build my mileage up to be ready to go come July when it was time to begin training in earnest for the October race. Dave kicked off his running career on May 26, 2010.

Truth be told, I had run off and on for the past five, six years. However, it was not until May of 2010 that I truly took to the sport.

Welcome to Runners Anonymous

"Hi, my name is Jay, and I am a runner!"

Whew! There. I admitted it to the whole world.

I, Jay Stancil, am a runner.

Never thought I would ever be saying something like that. Ever.