Looking back on 2010 all I can say is what a year!!! So many amazing things happened this year for me. In trying to recap the year I want to look at it from three phases; philanthropies, personal accomplishments and my running.
The first part of 2010 that I take the most pride in is related to philanthropies. 2010 was a very important year for me. I had the great pleasure in taking part and helping raise a great deal of money for the American Cancer Society by being on a couple Relay for Life teams. The feeling of helping such an important organization by raising money is great. Not only did I help raise money for this cause but I participated and walked through the night with my team. The experience was truly priceless. The amount of survivors walking and the spirit that everyone celebrates with is aw-inspiring. This was not the only organization that I had the pleasure of participating and helping. I spent a day helping with Special Olympics, another great experience. Watching the children participate and pure joy they experience can't help but make you smile and feel good. I also had the pleasure of working at Harvesters Food Bank with my co-workers on three separate occasions around the holiday season here. Lastly I helped organize and plan two volleyball tournaments, the first for Relay for Life the second for Childrens Hospital of Boston. Both tournaments were extremely successful and everyone had a great time for great causes.
The second phase of 2010 which was very special for me were major life accomplishments. In 2010 I graduated from Boston University with my Masters in Banking and Financial Services Management. This was a huge life goal for me. It is important to better ourselves and continue to educate ourselves as life is always changing. A second huge life accomplishment was purchasing and moving into my first house. For many years I had talked about making this huge decision and having finished my schooling I thought this was the opportune time. I have loved the feeling of being in my own place the satisfaction it brings is hard to describe.
The last phase of 2010 that was so special has been my running. The list of accomplishments in my running is so great this year. The year started with quickly with the "Love to Run" four mile run, I was at a consistent level with my running at that point but had not started to raise it to the next level. In late May or early June my running would begin the phase of reaching a new level. This was the point I decided to devote myself 100% to running and committed to doing the marathon. The marathon itself is a difficult and amazing feat but the preparation and training leading up too it are what allowed me to reach the next level. I completed in several races in preparation and continued to see my times improve. With each new week a new milestone was reached. September came along and competed in the Patriots Run, where I did an 18 mile run. By reaching this mile mark I noticed my times on others distances really coming down. I did the Kansas City half marathon in 2:05 which was a personal best by over 15 minutes. I have now recorded my first official 5K in under 30 minutes when I finished in 28:20. Last but certainly not least saw the completion of the marathon which most of you already know. This is still one of the most defining moments in my life. Most people say I am a different person since, I don't think I am truly different I am just supremely confident now in everything in my life.
Looking back 2010 was one of the best years in my life. I have met so many exceptional people in the last year and am proud to have each of these people in my life. To every single person that was in my life this year I thank you. You inspire me onward and I can't wait for what 2011 has to offer. Everyone have an amazing New Year celebrate safely and remember "Life is short live it hard"!!
Ryan
