Whether you are winning your age group or simply finishing a race, I believe it is important to celebrate your accomplishments.  

Lately I've been thinking about this as we have an entire fireplace mantle FULL of my husband's running awards.  He is a gifted runner and works hard.  I am very proud of all he has accomplished.

I did recently get to add one trophy to the mantle from our women's HART team winning our division in the Winter Series this year.  I will only have it short-term as it will soon be passed along to one of my other teammates during their birthday month.  But, I can enjoy it while I have it!!

However, I was wondering how I, a self-proclaimed "middle-of-the-pack" runner (and sometimes closer to the back), can still celebrate my running accomplishments although I don't often win an age group award or trophy.

I am part of a running group on Facebook called, "Run for Fun," and recently saw someone post a picture of a display they have in their house for their finisher's medals.  I thought, "I need to get one of those to celebrate MY running accomplishments!"

They shared a few places you could order something similar online and I decided to purchase mine from the "Running on the Wall" Etsy store.  It arrived this week and was on my wall the same day.

I LOVE it!!  

It gives me a place to keep my race bibs, hang my finisher's medals, and post a picture.  My current picture is from the Denver Half Marathon where I qualified for the Pikes Peak Ascent.  CJ paced me and helped me take almost 18 minutes off my sea level half marathon PR.  What an amazing accomplishment to celebrate!

It also has this scripture on it, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  - Philippians 4:13

As I have already shared in a previous blog post about sports psychology, I often repeat that verse over and over during races.  It is one of the positive affirmations I use to help me finish strong when racing.  Plus, my faith in Christ is central to my life and all I do. 

Therefore, for many reasons, I love this new addition to our living room wall.   

Woot!

I can't wait to add a few more medals to my collection...especially the one I get after completing Pikes Peak Ascent!!  Just two more months of training to go.  

But, first I need to finish the second race of the Triple Crown of Running series, the Summer Roundup 12k, in July.  First things first. :)

By the way, how do you celebrate your running accomplishments?  Whatever you do, I hope you do celebrate in at least one way (or even many)!!  It's time to celebrate!