So Long and Thanks for All the Knee Supports

Final Total of Money Raised for WorldVision's SEE Solutions Project: $18 568.70!!
Final Total for Team World Vision: $126 041.06!!

Well, Sportsfans. I started this adventure referencing a Frank Sinatra song so it only seems appropriate to end it referencing a Frank Sinatra song...  

And now,  the end is near and so 'The New Walker' faces the final curtain. It's lived a life that's full and something something of which I'm certain/without redemption. Or exemption. Or whatever. Anyway, the point is that I've decided that this is to be the LAST New Walker post [insert stifled sob here].

It's been a grand year and, you'll be pleased to know, I do feel that I will keep on with this exercise lark. I went too far past the point of no return and it now feels really odd not to run on a Sunday. I'm happy to give up the mid-week treadmill runs frankly (BOOORING!) but have replaced those with a twice weekly swim and a yoga class on a Saturday afternoon. Good stuff.

One thing I have learned this year is that I do well with goals so I plan to do the 'Around the Bridges' run in April and the 'City to Surf' in August as well but see if I can improve my speed this time. I'm still pretty sure I won't do another marathon but who knows? I have, in moments of weakness, confessed to at least one person (the lovely Sarah, who now won't let me forget) that I might. I really hope to continue fundraising for WorldVision along the track (if you'll pardon the pun) so I can't rule it out entirely if that's what presents itself as the preferred option at some later stage. But, to paraphrase a Little Britain sketch, THAT'S not for here. Or now. I keep getting told off when people congratulate me and I say 'Yes, but it was SUCH a slow time' but if I ever do one again, now I know what is involved, it would be nice to whittle down my New York 'PB'.

I've enjoyed so much about this year; writing this blog, making new friends, seeing New York, fundraising for SEE Solutions and taking on and completing something I honestly NEVER thought I would do - I'm going to miss 2011 but I'm looking forward to the next adventure, whatever that reveals itself to be.

Thank you ALL so much for reading and commenting and for every single word of encouragement you've given me throughout the past year. It played a huge part in keeping me going and getting me to the finish line, literally and figuratively. Thank you and goodbye New Walker readers! It's been a pleasure having you along for the ride (run).

The Finish Line of Joy!  I'll never forget how good it felt to cross this baby.