Amanda aka Miss Zippy is hosting a blog linkup for the third year in a row,with a 2013 year of running recap, so I thought I would join in because it's been a pretty awesome second year of running for me.
I have been running pretty leisurely and less frequent the past few months but decided to get out there this morning and go on my last chilly run of the year! It was a great time to reflect on the year that is ending.
I accomplished my goal of 13 races in 2013 (not all races had medals of course!).
I have been running pretty leisurely and less frequent the past few months but decided to get out there this morning and go on my last chilly run of the year! It was a great time to reflect on the year that is ending.
I accomplished my goal of 13 races in 2013 (not all races had medals of course!).
What was your:
Best race experience?
The Nike Women's DC Half in April was a pretty great race,but I think my first full marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival takes the cake. Four months of training and lots of sweat and tears went into that race. I hit my exact goal of 3:45, and it was the hardest race I've ever run. I know that it has mentally made me stronger. I hit those points where I didn't think I could do it. In the end I could do nothing but smile. I couldn't really walk for a couple of days, but that feeling of pride and accomplishment was worth it. When I had to push through all that self-doubt, insecurity, and pain during the race it was so much more emotional than I could have imagined. I'm ready to tackle 26.2 again in 2014. Bring it (hopefully!) Chicago Marathon.
Best run?
This is a tough one because all my runs seem to blur together. This summer when I ran my first 20 miles ever during marathon training I remember feeling great. I was on that runner's high afterwards, and that's when I knew I could run a marathon. It was a hot summer Saturday morning, and I ran pretty much all over the entire city of Baltimore with a couple of my training buddies. Besides some quad tightness, I felt good. I was smiling the whole walk home with a big iced coffee.
Best new piece of gear?
I love running sleeves! I also just received three new arm sleeves for Christmas so they are not going away anytime soon. I'm always that person that is cold in general so I have a tough time judging what to wear for temperatures. I love wearing arm sleeves for races because they can be rolled down if I get hot. I even had GroovyBaby wonder woman arm sleeves to help power me through my marathon! They are my favorite layering piece for cold weather running right now too.
Best piece of running advice you received?
My marathon training group coach Deidre always told us "do not go out too fast" which has stuck with me because it pretty much dooms your race. I try to be cautious in the beginning of longer races.
Also she always reminded us that "If marathons were easy- everyone would do them. Invite the pain, accept it, and then find something else to occupy your brain." I think that idea of accepting pain and then finding something else to think about or a mantra to repeat is really important during marathons and half marathons. I tell myself to just keep moving or focus on scenery which helps during rough patches of runs.
Most inspirational runner?
I'm inspired but many runners including some friends, fellow bloggers, and even people I don't know that I see in races giving it there all. I love reading others' stories and being inspired by amazing runners like Shalane Flanagan who is a badass runner lady in general and Michele the NYC Running Mama, whose blog I LOVE reading because she's so speedy and strong.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Dream big. I never imagined I'd be here 2 years ago-running 13 races in 2013, a full marathoner, and someone who calls themselves a runner with ambassadorships and a blog where people actually read my race recaps and random musings. This year has taught me to dream bigger. I can do anything I want if I work hard, and I can't wait to chase my happiness in 2014.
Best race experience?
The Nike Women's DC Half in April was a pretty great race,but I think my first full marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival takes the cake. Four months of training and lots of sweat and tears went into that race. I hit my exact goal of 3:45, and it was the hardest race I've ever run. I know that it has mentally made me stronger. I hit those points where I didn't think I could do it. In the end I could do nothing but smile. I couldn't really walk for a couple of days, but that feeling of pride and accomplishment was worth it. When I had to push through all that self-doubt, insecurity, and pain during the race it was so much more emotional than I could have imagined. I'm ready to tackle 26.2 again in 2014. Bring it (hopefully!) Chicago Marathon.
Best run?
This is a tough one because all my runs seem to blur together. This summer when I ran my first 20 miles ever during marathon training I remember feeling great. I was on that runner's high afterwards, and that's when I knew I could run a marathon. It was a hot summer Saturday morning, and I ran pretty much all over the entire city of Baltimore with a couple of my training buddies. Besides some quad tightness, I felt good. I was smiling the whole walk home with a big iced coffee.
 |
| big smiles after 20 miles! |
Best new piece of gear?
I love running sleeves! I also just received three new arm sleeves for Christmas so they are not going away anytime soon. I'm always that person that is cold in general so I have a tough time judging what to wear for temperatures. I love wearing arm sleeves for races because they can be rolled down if I get hot. I even had GroovyBaby wonder woman arm sleeves to help power me through my marathon! They are my favorite layering piece for cold weather running right now too.
 |
| post Nike DC Half in April |
My marathon training group coach Deidre always told us "do not go out too fast" which has stuck with me because it pretty much dooms your race. I try to be cautious in the beginning of longer races.
Also she always reminded us that "If marathons were easy- everyone would do them. Invite the pain, accept it, and then find something else to occupy your brain." I think that idea of accepting pain and then finding something else to think about or a mantra to repeat is really important during marathons and half marathons. I tell myself to just keep moving or focus on scenery which helps during rough patches of runs.
Most inspirational runner?
I'm inspired but many runners including some friends, fellow bloggers, and even people I don't know that I see in races giving it there all. I love reading others' stories and being inspired by amazing runners like Shalane Flanagan who is a badass runner lady in general and Michele the NYC Running Mama, whose blog I LOVE reading because she's so speedy and strong.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Dream big. I never imagined I'd be here 2 years ago-running 13 races in 2013, a full marathoner, and someone who calls themselves a runner with ambassadorships and a blog where people actually read my race recaps and random musings. This year has taught me to dream bigger. I can do anything I want if I work hard, and I can't wait to chase my happiness in 2014.
Also if you are getting a head start on having a healthy 2014, check out this great sale over at Delta Labs! To order visit: www.deltalabsusa.com
What was your favorite running or fitness moment of the year?
You had an AWESOME year of running Lauren!!! As for me, my fave fitness moment of the year would be my Indoor Triathlon, which inspired me to chose an Iron Girl for my 2014 fitness goal. :) Happy New Year's Eve!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Ah good luck on the Iron Girl triathlon-that's a great goal!
DeleteGreat job!!! Looks like it was a great year. Cheers to 2013!
ReplyDeleteThanks and happy new year!
DeleteThese are so great! Looks like 2013 treated you right! Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much-I can't complain :) Happy new year!
DeleteIt rarely gets cold here in FL but I wonder if arm sleeves would be the way to go for the rare times it does get cool- definitely going to check some out!
ReplyDeleteAh definitely check them out, even if it's just a slightly chilly Florida morning :)
DeleteGreat job! It looks like you had a super fit 2013! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletexx Kait
Thanks & happy new year!
Deletecongrats on a solid year of running, lady. excited to see how your running goes in 2014!
ReplyDeleteAH thanks I can't wait to see what the new year brings!
DeleteCongrats on a great 2nd year of running (holy cow woman you have come a long way in short time!). Can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, I can't believe it's only been two years!
DeleteSounds like a very exciting year! I absolutely love arm warmers too. Since I live in AZ, they are perfect for when I first start my run and since I warm up in just a couple miles, they are great because I don't have to worry about shedding a layer. My favorite running moment of 2013 was my first half marathon, I'm hooked after just one! Looking forward to hearing about your running in this new year! Happy training!
ReplyDeleteThanks-arm warmers are the best! Congrats on running your first half-that's awesome!
DeleteThat is a busy year of running and sounds like you crushed it. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2014.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, it was a great year!
DeleteOMG your first marathon time is AMAZING!!! You should be so proud girl!!!! I'm so jealous... running for a really long distance hurts me. I did a half marathon once, and I cried at the end because I was so happy I wasn't crippled! :). You're a rockstar!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much :) Haha don't worry it was really painful and I cried like three times during it! It's definitely something I think about when I'm feeling crappy about myself!
DeleteThanks for visiting our blog! Looks like you had a great running year! I did that same Alice in wonderland themed virtual race with my mom. It's such a cute medal!
ReplyDeleteThanks I love your blog! I definitely signed up for that race just to have the medal!
DeleteWow, "invite the pain" is the sort of inspiration that makes me want to curl up into a little ball or, better yet, dive face first into a plate of chocolate chip cookies--not run a marathon. But I so admire you for all your achievements!
ReplyDelete