And now the end is near...

As December draws to a close, so too does 2013, it's been quite a year! 
I think I've blogged about most of the ups and downs that this year has thrown at us so won't go over it all again, but if I'd to sum it up, I'd say it's been a pretty good year. 
There have been lots of new friends this year, too many to mention here, but you all know who you are - most of you turn up at various places around the country to either run a few miles, or quaff a few pints, or if we plan it properly, do both!
Last year's marcothon facebook community spawned the D33 training group which in turn morphed into the Ultra Dafties and Sunday Social(ites) and it kinda went from there...
We've also lost a few friends this year too, mostly too young and this reiterates to me that we don't know what is around the corner, so live for today and carpe those diems every chance you get.
 
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the highway - at least that was the intention, but my original 2013 running goals were usurped by illness and whilst at the time I was absolutely gutted, I recovered and went on to tackle some previously unconsidered challenges, all of which I managed to succeed in and have an absolute blast along the way!
I've loved, I've laughed and cried - and for me the tears have been sad in Boston but mostly of joy.  Few of us have gotten through the year without an injury or disappointment along the way, but we are in the main a resilient bunch, we do get knocked down (and bruised!) and we do get back up again and we help each other as best we can.  If you're reading this and you're currently 'on the bench' then take strength from Nelson Mandela:

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

 I've managed to tick off a few things on my bucket list along the way though there are still plenty in the bucket, and I for one am looking forward to 2014 and the challenges it will bring.
Apologies to Frank Sinatra for the quotes, but to finish with another one...

The record shows I took the blows and did it my way!

I was about to finish there, but one of my new friends of 2013 has just posted on facebook, and I think that this is absolutely wonderful so I hope she won't mind me sharing this with you - her timing could not have been more perfect! Thank You Michele xxx
(sorry for the huge images but I wanted you to be able to read them)