Skip to main content

My Year of Running

MissZippy started a wonderful post idea, Year of Running. I have really enjoyed reading other people's year of running recaps, but wasn't sure if I could pull one together. It can be hard to pinpoint a best run or name the most inspiring runner.

But, when I sit back and reflect on my year, running has been such a huge part of it. This was the biggest running year for me period. And it's funny because it didn't start out with running at all. Many of you will recall that I was sidelined with a blood clot in my left jugular. I was told no running, no exercise, sit on the couch.

It was a tough pill to swallow. Not only was I terrified because of the clot, the one thing that I could do to decompress, to sort of get away from it all, I couldn't do. I couldn't run. I couldn't run away from the problem. I couldn't have that zen me time.

Once I was cleared to run, I tried to jump right back into it, but it was HARD. I could barely run two miles. I struggled a lot. I think it was from the down time and also the medication I was on. But I fought hard. I didn't give up. I ended up with a PR at the Little Rock Half Marathon in March, I ran my first 10K in April, and then went on to PR at my next two half marathons (Soaring Wings and CASA Half).

Safe to say, it truly has been a year of running for me after all. This year I feel more like a runner than ever before. It's not just my mileage or pace, it's something that's settled into my heart. In some ways, I feel like running helped save me this year. Not literally, but definitely mentally. 

So, now onto MissZippy's questions ...

Best race experience? 

This would be the Soaring Wings Half in October. While it's a pretty tough course, everything feel into place for me. I didn't hold back. I didn't doubt myself. I gave myself permission to run fast. I ended up coming in under 1:40 and actually got 4th place in my age group earning myself a trophy. 

Best run?

Now this one stumped me. I've had so many great runs for various reasons. Sometimes great because of the conversations. Sometimes great because they can just be funny (like seeing a giant fish tank randomly parked). Of course there are also the amazing sunrises. Sometimes it's even a much-needed cathartic solo run.

I think I have to change my perspective on this question and say that my best run was when I got to run with Lindsay Cotter in Branson. It was gorgeous weather. It was a scenic route. But I finally was able to meet Lindsay (and her hubby) and get to run together. Those miles flew by as we were engrossed in conversation. It was just a wonderful way to spend time with a friend. 

Best new piece of gear? 

Hmmm, this one is tough because I didn't get any cool new gadgets this year. I guess maybe my Newton's would be the best piece of new gear for me.

Best piece of running advice you received? 
Slow down. I think I've seen this answer for several people. But yes, sometimes you gotta slow down.

Most inspirational runner? 
I really don't know how to answer this one. There are so many runners in my life who inspire me daily, and for so many different reasons. Sarena inspires me because she (finally) fell for running and that just makes me smile. Lindsay because she runs from the heart. Krysten because of what she's overcome. Leah because she also overcame a major injury and is simply a total badass.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Growth from overcoming obstacles and learning to let go.

Comments

  1. What a year!!! It's funny that I've heard from so many runners that when they started to let go, they really felt the best and accomplished more than ever. Congrats to a stellar 2013 and even bigger 2014!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have had a pretty big year of perseverance and overcoming obstacles yourself! Proud of you!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Love in Photos

In honor of Valentine's Day - Love in Photos Husband Family and Furbabies Friends Even if you're not a fan of Valentine's Day - I hope you have a wonderful day and remember the loves in your life.

I Run to Feel Alive

Today is National Running Day . Guess what I did this morning? Cycling? Nope. Lifting? Nope. I bet you thought kickboxing right? Nope. Running? But of course! I actually sort of planned my running days this week just so I could participate this year. I didn't get to run last year and didn't even know about it the year before. But running has become such an integral part of my life and who I am, that I couldn't miss this year. Basically, I run to feel alive . It calms me, it helps me work through life, it's often a reason to get out of bed. No matter how tough a run is, it makes you feel ... period. My plan was to get in 5 miles (got in 5.5 actually). It was about 10 degrees warmer this morning and definitely more humid. That always makes for a tougher run. We decided to take a different route today. Well, it was really only a few streets over different, but still. The point is we took a different street. Sometimes that's good, sometimes not. I did realize th

Vacation Day 2 - Running, Reading, Relaxing

Running This morning I woke up a bit before 7 am. Of course, we had gone to sleep by 9....on vacation no less. I had thought I might try for an outdoor run, but the temps were already a humid 83 degrees by 8 am. So, I took my run to the treadmill. I had the Food Network to keep me occupied for a pretty decent 5 mile run. Running and watching tv isn't so bad ;-) I did 3 miles, then 4 1:00 athletic intervals then finished up another mile to round it out to and even 5. After stretching and rolling (yep, brought my TriggerPoint kit ), we packed up the cooler with lunch and headed down to the beach. Not a bad way to start the day if you ask me. Beach Time & Stair Cardio We set up our little umbrella camp and proceeded to just relax. I was excited to start one of the books I brought along with me: Alice Sebold's The Almost Moon . I've read her memoir, Lucky , and her first work of fiction, The Lovely Bones . . We were out for a few hours before taking a break.