Sunday, October 30, 2011

One year ago

One year ago today I turned the computer on and I decided to start writing a blog.  I had just made the decision to sign up for my first half marathon (Carlsbad Jan 23, 2011).  I wanted to keep track of my journey and remember what I did to get to the starting line.  I also wanted to have something that my kids could read when they are older if they wanted to know more about their mom.

I was not following anyone yet. I had not read any running blogs. I did not know there was this online community of people who were writing about the ups and downs of their training and also their lives.  I never thought anyone would actually read what I would post.  I know a lot of people say that but it is true.  I wrote a few posts and then one day I got a follower! It was Julie over at Hotlegs Runner.  I went to check her blog and started following her and that led me to many of your blogs!

Now I have 151 followers.  I lost a few along the way and that's OK.  I know I am not an expert runner.  I recently lost a follower who criticized me for the spelling and grammar mistakes I make.  I guess this person did not read my profile where it says I am French Canadian.  I do my best with English but this is not a blog on proper English writing!

Anyway I cannot tell you how grateful I am to all of you who are reading and commenting on this blog.
I appreciate all the feedback I get..(well most of them...the ones about me being too tall to be a runner not so much.)  I have learn so much from a lot of you, reading your blogs and also from the advices you have given me.  It amazes me that people can be so kind and generous to a perfect stranger.  That is a beautiful thing!  I feel that we are all a big family somehow and I also feel like I "know" some of you..for real.  I'll say things like "I have a friend in Arizona who ran 24 hrs on a TM" or "I have a friend who ran 2 back to back marathons last weekend"  I'll show a picture  of a race in Montana that's in Runner's World to Bill and say "I know that girl with the red hair!"

I have been lucky enough to win a few giveaways this past year, more recently a Book and cards from Shutterfly!!!  I also received packages from Arizona and from Italy!

One year ago I did not know much about running.  I knew the basics: LEFT-RIGHT repeat.
Now I know a little more and I learned most of it by reading about your experiences so I thank you for that.

I will continue to share my running story and other stories about my life as a mom.  I cannot separate the two.  I am not a runner, I am a mom who runs.  So my kids will always be a part of this blog.  Same thing with my health issues because that is an never ending battle for me.

So my FRIENDS, to all 151 of you I say thank you so very much for a great 1st year.  I feel very lucky to have you as my readers!

______________________________

RUNNING:
Did 3 miles yesterday before heading to back to back soccer games and this morning I went for 8 miles.  It was perfect weather..52 when I left the house! Sun was out, no wind, running buddies: could not ask for anything more! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We are off to Long Beach tomorrow.  Kids have no school so we are going to the Aquarium of the Pacific.  We'll be back on time to hit the neighbors for some Halloween treats!

Friday was the kids Halloween Parade at school, I love that day, so much fun!
The teachers were all dressed as Smurfs and the Principal was Papa Smurf!
Here are some pictures.  Jonathan was Batman and Will was Obi-Wan-Kenobi.

Even as Batman he will sing a KU song!!

Will's Class

Some of Jonathan's friends with their teacher



LA LA LALALALA!!!!

He was so proud to get a picture with her!!!

Those 2 are best friends since Kindergarten

19 comments:

Elle said...

Those pics are so cute!

This posts says exactly what I have been thinking these past several months! And I did the same thing with that issue of Runner's World with the pic of Christy in it... hey, I know this girl!

So fun to read how your experiences have been similar to mine... only I haven't run my half yet - it is planned for May.

runnergirl training said...

Great post & pics! I'm glad to follow your blog! I've had people drop off my blog & I have no idea why. It's their loss! Great blog & congrats on your success as a runner!:)

Unknown said...

Happy blogiversary! I enjoy your blog so much.

Jenn said...

Ahhh Caroline! Congrats on one year. You've been such a joy to read and to follow! Love hearing about your running and your family. LOVE this "I am a mom who runs".

Always enjoy the pictures of your beautiful boys!! Best of luck to you on year two and hopefully the many that will follow!!

Rebekah said...

As always you inspire me in so many ways. As a mother and a runner. :)

Terzah said...

I'm VERY glad you started blogging and have kept at it. Hopefully we can meet in person someday, too. Meanwhile, I will always be a loyal follower. Happy Halloween!

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

Happy blogiversary! I'm so glad you started your blog. It's always such a joy to read. :)

And, are you serious??? Someone had the nerve to criticize your English on your blog and then quit following????? That's so ridiculously absurd that it borders on funny. HOW RUDE!!!!

Tricia said...

Congrats on your blogiversary!

RockStarTri said...

The blogosphere is a better place with you in it. Congrats on your blogaversary.

Kate Geisen said...

Happy blog birthday! :)

That too tall to be a runner thing still makes me shake my head. Whatever.

When they announced the other day that it was KU's birthday, I thought of you and your family. :)

bobbi said...

Happy blogiverary!

I love all the pictures :)

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Happy blog birthday

I remember how we "met", xmas card xchange

Nelly said...

Happy bloganiversary!

I pretty much started my blog for the exact same reasons you did - to chart my running progress, and to interact with others out there. I had no idea that this whole blogging running community existed until last year.

Nice costumes all around, lol on the teachers and principal as smurfs!

That is amazing that 2 of your uncles were there on D-Day. That place and the whole invasion is amazing.

Unknown said...

Aw... happy blogiversary! :) It's been so much fun to read your stories and get to know you better. And why would anyone unfriend you because of grammar. Heck, I don't even notice you doing things wrong so what good am I? :)

The boys are great! Hope they got lots of candy!

Unknown said...

Happy Blogiversary! Congrats on a year and all your fantastic accomplishments. I'm glad we got to meet briefly at Disney too!

Michael said...

Happy bloggerversary.....now that's a totally made up word...hope I don't make anyone mad :)

Love all the Halloween pics. What cuties. As always!

Jill said...

I love all the Halloween pictures, how cute! My boys decided dressing up was done this year and it about killed me! Hate that they grow up!

Happy Blogversary!!! I love how we make such special connections through the blog! I hope one day when I make it out to CA that we can actually meet up! Or maybe you will have to come to CO! :)

I've lost a few followers last month and have no idea why. It is part of the blog world I guess and if people have to de-follow you for having French/English transitions than that is their problem. Ridiculous!

Jill said...

I love all the Halloween pictures, how cute! My boys decided dressing up was done this year and it about killed me! Hate that they grow up!

Happy Blogversary!!! I love how we make such special connections through the blog! I hope one day when I make it out to CA that we can actually meet up! Or maybe you will have to come to CO! :)

I've lost a few followers last month and have no idea why. It is part of the blog world I guess and if people have to de-follow you for having French/English transitions than that is their problem. Ridiculous!

RoseRunner said...

How amazing that you independently decided to start a running blog...I bet 95% of us started one because we were already reading other blogs. Happy blogiversary -- I will hit my one year mark in January or February, I can't remember...