I was reading through blog posts the other day and I noticed that Courtney was hosting a link up for 2015 year in running – so I thought I would join the fun! This year has been a busy one! In fact, I have not had a year as active as this last one in a very long time and this is a great way to think back on some of the experiences.

I ran (only racing against myself) in:

• 4 half marathons
• 4 road 10Ks (1 back-to-back w/5K)
• 1 trail 10K
• 1 4 miler
• 5 5Ks
• 5 virtual 5Ks (1 left to run around Christmas)
• 2 run #rwrunstreak
• 0 injuries (a sore foot from time to time doesn’t count)

This was surely the year for me to get my health in check and get back to a fitness level I haven’t had in 10+ years – yes, since high school! My goal at the beginning of 2015 was to lose 10% of my body weight (a little below pre-baby weight) and to run in a half marathon. I exceeded meeting those goals by losing 25% of my body weight and finished the year running in 4 half marathons.

Best race experience

My best race experience has to be the inaugural Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon. This was my first marathon ever and the anticipation added to the experience! Starting out, we had to be bused to the starting line which is near the intersection of I-70 and 177 (Bill Snyder Highway). I had originally signed up for the 5K, not thinking that I was ready for the half marathon distance. The Manhattan Running Company set up a couple training runs in the weeks before the race, and when I was able to run 9 miles with the group, and have more in the tank, I thought that I was ready to try the distance. The morning of the race went as planned – got up early, I ate my planned pre-workout, I dropped my car off, took the bus to the start (kept my mind wandering while picking some new music on the 20minute bus ride), jumped into a port-a-potty line, and then almost missed the start due to the lines! Good thing the race coordinators noticed the obscene lines and help up the start a couple minutes.

Once the race started, I was on autopilot. This was the first time that I had run 13.1 miles, even in training! Some may say that I was not yet prepared for this run, but I was taking it fairly easy, or so I thought at the time. The first super exciting thing that happened was when my in laws drove past the group – they were so excited to be able to find me in the crowd! The got off I-70 in time to see the last people starting the race and were waiting for the first runner 7 miles up the road not long after! This is the first race that the hub has been able to attend and seeing him made me a little weak in the knees – but in a good, happy, so excited to see you, sort of way! Maybe all of the arms waving contributed to my 2nd half fatigue…

The mostly downhill course gave me a new 10K PR (remember about starting too fast!) in the first 6.2 miles and the second 6.2 was a lot tougher. While I was not impressed with my 2^nd half performance, I was super excited to say that I finished my first half marathon!

Best run

My best run had to be the Plaza 10K – as a part of the Heartland 30K series (3 weekends, 3-10Ks). This weekend was the weekend after my second half marathon, and I didn’t have any high expectations for finishing with any PRs. I started this race in the 10 minute pace group and it seemed like most of the runners used the pace groups well. I was running with the crowd, not really passing anyone, and not being passed by many. I kept my pace pretty well through the hills and didn’t look down at my watch at any of the mile markers (which at this time, I recently purchased my Garmin Forerunner 225 and I was obsessed with it! Still am!) – I was just not concerned with my times. At some point, I did glance at my time and pace and boy, I was cruising! Through KC, over the bridges, back to the Plaza – I ended up with a new 5K and 10K PR in the same race! If all races could feel that good after a brutal half marathon the weekend before, I would take it!

Best new piece of running gear

The best piece of new running gear I got this year would probably be my Garmin Forerunner 225. This watch has so many uses to me and I am not sure I could life without it! It is my alarm in the morning, my everyday watch, my reminder to get up and get moving, a training tool for my upcoming marathon, and daily reminder that I need to stay active every day!

Best running advise you’ve received this year

The best piece of advice I have received this year is to “start slow” and “run happy”! There have been so many times that I have started slow and been able to go the distance. There have been times that I have started out faster than I would have liked, but my training was strong enough for me to handle the effort and distance. With my marathon training starting in a couple weeks, I am going to need to remember to start slow and enjoy the ride!

Most inspirational runner

To be completely honest, everyone! All of the friends and acquaintances I have made over the past year, whether in person or over the inter-web, have inspired me to be the best I can be. I follow many, many blogs and all of the workouts and first-hand experiences have helped me grow as a runner and find inspiration to keep on running, no matter how lazy I want to be sometimes. As long as you are finding the time to be active, you are an inspiration to me and I surely draw on that energy to get out and be active myself!

Favorite picture from a run or race this year

I am not sure that I would have just one favorite picture! Here are a few of my favorites! **Mental note: maybe I wouldn’t be so tired if I would limit the arm flailing for the finish line**

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat

I would love to repeat the Konza 10K, here in my hometown of Manhattan, KS! This was the first trail race that I have completed, but it will not be the last. The morning was nice and crisp, the group wasn’t very big, the trail was clear of animals and trees, and the crowd – while scares – was excited to support the runners! This run was a tough one physically and mentally, but once I overcame the mental game (hard without the crowd support), my head was in my legs and quick on my feet. I am just glad that I didn’t wipe out or roll down the hills!

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?

Run happy!

 

 

What is your greatest accomplishment for this year?

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?

I would love to hear form you! Leave me a comment below and start a conversation 🙂