Happy Friday, y’all! Per usual, I’m linking up with Mar and Cynthia and this week we are sharing five race memories! I’m so excited about this topic because I looooveeee talking races! Enjoy and make sure to link up your Friday Five post. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link. Can’t wait to read your 5 race memories this week!
So here are five of my favorite race memories:
- This one is easy. Finishing my first marathon — Richmond in November of 2013 was one of the proudest moments of my life. I loved this whole experience…so much so that I’ve convinced my husband to run Richmond as his first marathon.
- New Year’s Day 5k. This race was the first time I officially ran a 5k in less than 30 minutes and I was thrilled. It was also a wonderful way to usher in 2014 and my first time running a race on New Year’s Day.
- My first (and only, I think) trail marathon. I was NOT expecting to run a trail marathon…um, probably ever, but that was the situation I found myself in and although everything inside me wanted to just sit on the mountain I was running up and cry, I finished. Barely. But I did. 🙂
- The Clarendon Day Double. This was my first experience running two back to back races and it was TOUGH! I ran a 5k and then a 10k in short succession and honestly, I much rather would’ve just run 9 miles straight. The race is coming up again this year and while part of my wants to run the double again to see if I can better my time, the other part of me wants to be not crazy and just run one race. We’ll see which part wins out. 🙂
- The Race to End Women’s Cancer. This race held a special meaning for me — I ran it to honor my dear friend who is in the process of kicking cancer’s butt. I’m happy to report she’s almost a year cancer free now and I’m so grateful. I’ve run a number of races for a cause, but this one really really hit home.
What are your favorite race memories??
The doubles are getting so popular at races now – they’re kind of appealing, but I’m not sure I want to try them. 🙂 I do think it’s easier just to do the miles all in one shot!
M @ readeatwriterun.com recently posted…Friday Five – Five Race Memories
definitely easier to just run all the miles without a break!
I bet anyone who has run a marathon will list finishing it as one of their favorite race memories!
I’ve never done one of the races that has multiple distance races over the weekend. Sounds intense!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Five Favorite Race Memories
you should think about the clarendon day races — it’s super fun (intense yes, but a fun day!)
Back-to-back races I think would be so tough! I’ve heard such good things about Richmond – it’s great you convinced your husband to run it as his first!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five – Race Memories
yes, i’m debating if i want to do both races again this year 🙂 richmond is just awesome!!
Wow, your #5 is so special! And I definitely remember my first sub 30 5k, it’s such a huge milestone. Thanks for hosting the linkup!
thanks for stopping by — that was a great and meaningful race!
What a special time for a sub-30 5k! I’ve considered running a New Years 5k, what a better way to ring in the new year, but I chicken out every time. I think I’ll pass on a Chicago winter morning run.
Kat @ Life by the Laces recently posted…Friday Five! Race Memories
you should think about it. lots of new year’s day races aren’t in the morning at all — for example, mine was at 12pm 🙂
I remember cheering you on virtually during the Richmond marathon like it was just yesterday! And I love that your hubby is going to run it as his first marathon. How special!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – August 8th – Race Memories
i’ve also convinced a coworker to run it as her first marathon! and another coworker to run it as his first 8k. i’m on a roll 🙂
I love reading about everyone’s races! Richmond would definitely be my choice for a first marathon–it’s just such a great race/city!
Stacey recently posted…Friday Five: Race Memories
Woohoo…nice picture!! 😉 I, also, was just thinking about the Clarendon Day Double recently. Not sure I’ll ever do that again!
i know, i keep going back and forth on the double…
I didn’t realize people did the Clarendon Day as a double-cool an impressive! I was planning to do the 10k this year.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Friday Five-Favorite Race Memories
it’s a great race. i’m debating the double…
I would love to be part of this link up except I don’t have one single race under my belt. lol I’ve just begun running and I am starting to love it. Last month I turned 32 and added a marathon to my bucket list and so now I’m training for a 5k and then I’ll move up gradually.
Maybe someday I’ll be able to link up and be a cool legit runner haha
Love your tutus btw and all your running pictures on Instagram give me motivation to keep going. I’ve heard great things about the marathon you did. I’m from Boston so I’m hoping to complete the Boston marathon….someday.
Kendwy @mindofkiwi.com recently posted…#100summermiles Week 3
you can link up even if you write about another topic! check out my friday five tab at the top with all the linkup instructions 🙂 it sounds like you have an awesome bucket list!
That’s awesome that your husband is doing the same marathon as you as his first! I really want to do a New Year’s Day 5K next year.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Five Race Memories
you should do the road runners one! it was fun and starts at 12pm 🙂
How was the Richmond marathon? I had thought about doing this one as my first but went with Philly instead. Great job on the trail marathon. I ran a 25k trail race and it was the hardest race I have ever done. Trails are tough.
Samanths @ Food Fitness Family Friends recently posted…Fav Race Memories
richmond is a wonderful marathon – i loved it and will probably run it again some day!
Can’t even imagine how challenging a trail marathon would be! Good for you!
Nikki @ grab your kicks recently posted…Five Things Friday 8.8.14
it was ridiculously hard! 🙂
ahhh Race memories. Who couldn’t forget their 1st marathon? I think you should give trail running more of a chance. When done in the right place, it can be some of the most scenic running ever!!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama recently posted…Pregnancy Update: 20 Weeks
i’m not anti-trail running. i’m anti trail running for the marathon distance!
One of my friends ran the Richmond marathon as her first and LOVED it. One day I’ll have to tackle at least the half 🙂
Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: Colorado Adventures
you definitely should run richmond — it’s amazing!
What a fun idea. Running a race on New Years Eve. When everyone else is out drinking, you are bringing in the New Year Healthy. Way to go!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…5 Ways to Preserve Race Memories and A Peek Inside Our Scrapbook
the race was actually new year’s day at 12pm. so i still celebrated on NYE 🙂
YIPEE for running for a friend AND being cancer free now!!!
Rebecca Jo recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Race Memories
yeah, it’s pretty amazing! 🙂
Richmond will be my first marathon this year! I’ve heard good things about the race, I’m excited, are you running it again?
Bethany recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Race memories
you are going to LOVE it! my husband is running the full — i’m running the half so i can cheer him on.
I hear ya on the back to back races.
Haley recently posted…Five Favorite Race Memories
haha, yeah still debating if i want to do that this year!
That sounds so meaningful that you were able to run the race to end women’s cancer in honor of your friend.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – Race Memories
it really was an emotional and meaningful experience to run it with her!
I’m very happy to hear that your friend is doing well, she is a fighter! I’m not sure I could race a 5k then a 10k – I’m usually pretty spent after a race, regardless of the distance. I’m mentally tired too!
Michele @ A Pace of Balance recently posted…5 Favorite Race Memories
it was definitely not easy! and thanks — she is amazing!!
Happy to hear of your friend, and good for you for taking on these challenges, and coming away with such incredible memories and experiences!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Fave Race Moments and Gluten Free Muffin Recipe!
thanks! every race has a special memory for me 🙂
Those are some great race memories. And how cool is it that you’ve inspired your husband to runs marathon?! Wow. After he trains for and runs it, he’s going to have a new level of respect for you. 🙂
yeah – i think you’re right 🙂
I can’t WAIT to finish my first marathon, too, Courtney! That’s going to be a good one, for sure! Great post; love reading everyone’s memories! 🙂
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Friday Five – Race Memories!
you are going to ROCK your marathon!
awesome races! I want to do some sort of back to back at some point – maybe the goofy challenge at disney!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Top 5 Race Memories
That double race sounds challenging but fun!!
Helly on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Fave Race Memories
Love it!! and OMG, I forgot about that New Years race! I was on track for a 5k PR until that itty bitty hill at the end 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Race Memories
Those seem like some great memories. I really enjoyed thinking of some of my favorite race memories! Thanks for hosting this link up!
Cecilia @ MommiesRun recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Race Memories
I have never tried back to back races… but haven’t had the opportunity. You should be proud of your racing, sounds like some tough circumstances but those are usually the most satisfying.
Karen – Fit in France recently posted…Friday Five : Five race memories
Some great race memories there! The 5th one is great – anything for a cause really tugs my heart strings!
My favourite memory was definitely completing my first half marathon – I’ve only run 2 races since I started running, so I hope that I can make many more memories!
Laura recently posted…Friday Five // Favourite Race Memories
Yes, first marathon would make my list too. That feeling when you cross the finish line is amazing.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Shine Activity Tracker Review
I still can’t get over your accidental trail race!
Coco recently posted…Favorite Race Recaps
Great memories! I have debated doing a double race, and I think I would rather just run a long distance, but I think it would still be a good experience!
Esther recently posted…Five Things Friday – Five Race Memories!
I’ve enjoyed visiting your blog and have provided a link for Friday Fives. I just am not sure how to “link up”…but I will follow to learn.
C.e. recently posted…Shade, Sunlight, Silence, and a Sumptuous Meal
This was such a fun post (just catching up haha). Clarendon double sounds like a challenge I would like! Maybe next year.
Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Race Memories