Saturday, December 22, 2012

2012 Highlights!

2012 is the year I got serious about running. It has definitely been my best running year yet and it has made me super excited to see what's ahead. I've seen a few other people answer these questions on their blog and think its a nice way to wrap up the year!

1. Best Race Experience: Hands down, this would be the Philadelphia MarathonIt was my first marathon, and as anyone that has run a marathon knows, there's no better feeling than crossing the finish line and knowing that you've completed something so big. I doubted myself every day leading up to this race, and was somewhat terrified of my goal to BQ. Running this race made me realize how strong I am and what I'm really capable of when I put in the time, effort, energy and heart. I was also lucky enough to have SO many friends and family members there* cheering for me before, during and after the race that made it a day I will truly never forget. (*cue tears, over 1 months later....)

2. Best Run: My last long run before the marathon. It was a 22 mile solo long run and I felt great the whole time! It was exactly the run I needed to boost my confidence and it reminded me again of why I run: pure happiness.

3. Best New Piece of Gear: Anything Oiselle! At that start of 2012, I didn't own any Oiselle and now I wear their products constantly! Rogas are definitely my favorite shorts, and there's nothing like a good pair of running shorts! I also am in love with my new Sherpa (no longer available on Oiselle.com but there are some on Amazon.com!)

4. Best Piece of Running Advice You Received: Have fun! So simple, yet sometimes I put so much pressure on myself before/during races that I forget why I run. I'm not running to win (although I wouldn't mind if I did win a race sometime!), but I run because I love it. I run to enjoy myself, reach new goals, gain confidence and because it's fun! Never lose the pure joy of running!

5. Most Inspirational Runner: This is a really hard question because I'm constantly inspired by everyone on Twitter and whose blogs I read! But if I had to pick one, I would say Jen Bingham. She's on the Oiselle Team and is constantly winning races while raising her adorable daughter! I also got to meet Kara Goucher this year and she's pretty inspirational....

6. If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, but what would they be?
Confidence building, inspirational, amazing

2013 goals coming soon! Sorry for any typos, incorrect links, lack of pictures etc.- it turns out that writing a post from an iPad/iPhone isn't easy!

How was your 2012? What are your goals for 2013??

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like you had a great year! I wish you all the best for 2014. 2012 was good for me, still making progress in my running. The sub-4hr marathon still alludes me, the closest I came was in March at the Napa Valley Marathon with 4:09. I am going to focus on shorter races in 2013, 5K,10K, 10 mile and 1/2 marathon. Going to try and PR in all of them. Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thank you, and happy holidays! It sounds like that sub 4 marathon is coming for you soon! Good luck and have fun! Enjoy 2013 and all your PRs!! :)

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  2. Sorry, I meant 2013! I am getting ahead of myself!

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  3. Congrats on a great year! Finishing your first marathon--and BQing!--is such an incredible feat!

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    1. Thank you! Happy holidays and have a great 2013!

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  4. Your advice is my favorite part - yes yes YES :) Here's to more fun running in 2013!

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