I originally was not going to do a year in running post, but as I thought about it more, I decided I’d go for it. So I’m linking up with Miss Zippy and sharing a few thoughts on my year in running with you all. The Year of Running format involves six simple questions — check it out and link up!
- Best race experience? Without a doubt, running my first marathon. It was an absolutely amazing experience — if you haven’t read my recaps, I highly encourage you to do so!
- Best run? One of my favorite runs was a 12 mile run on the Crescent Trail (pictured above). The Crescent Trail was one of my favorite places to run this summer and this particular run felt strong and fast. It was one of those runs where you think that anything is possible.
- Best new piece of gear? For sure, my Garmin. I love that thing. Even though something weird happened with it during my marathon (and by something weird, I mean that I paused it and then forgot to restart it), I love it!
- Best piece of running advice you received? This wasn’t told directly to me, but during a race this year, I read a sign that said “there will be a day you can no longer do this. Today is NOT that day.” It’s stuck in my head all year and been a motivation when I’ve felt like I can’t possibly do [fill in the blank].
- Most inspirational runner? I’m most inspired by the everyday heroes I know, by my brother in law who just ran his first marathon, by the moms working full time who still train and qualify for Boston, by the folks who just grind it out on a regular basis. I’ve been blessed by this running community and I’m so grateful for it.
- If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Amazing. This year was full of new experiences, of taking my running further and faster than I ever dreamed, of 13 races, of getting engaged, of celebrating numerous dear friends nuptials and of such wonderful times with family and friends.
How was YOUR year??
Sounds like a great year Courtney! I know we are both looking forward to the excitement of 2014 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Morning, Noon or Night?
Word! We are both going to have a particularly awesome June 🙂
What a great year for you! 2013 was my “strongest” running year having completed 13 races and reaching my PR goals!
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…An Easy to Make Gift to Display Running Medals
Woohoo – I ran 13 races as well 🙂 Congrats on a great year, Meranda!
I love the quote from that sign. That really is an inspirational thought!
That quote has pulled me through some tough runs!
What an awesome year! I know that you have so much to look forward to next year. 2014 is going to be a great year for you!
So many great things happened in 2013. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to reflect on everything that I accomplished.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Looking Ahead to the Courses
You have so many exciting things coming your way as well — I seriously can’t wait to hear how much you are going to LOVE your first half marathon! It’s going to be fantastic!
Such a great year for you!
I totally agree about the advice. Someday I won’t be able to do this, either. Today is NOT that day. 🙂
Jamie @ Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat. recently posted…Vegas, baby!
I’m going to be repeating that quote as I do my track workout tonight 🙂
It sounds like you have had such an amazing year and I love reading posts like this. Congratulations on all your accomplishments (and getting engaged!!)
Lauren recently posted…Helly & Salt Present the Streak Week 3 Recap!
Thanks Lauren for weighing in and for the congrats! 🙂
Hi! My year was actually pretty good. I struggled with some injuries here and there but in the end I reached a few of my goals. I think it’s always fun to look back at what you’ve done over the course of 12 months. Plus it’s always awesome to remember your first marathon! Congrats! I look forward to seeing what’s on tap for you in 2014.
Crystal recently posted…I am a Runner: Toni-Lee
Thanks Crystal – it was a good year. I’m glad to hear that you were able to reach your goals despite an injury or two. Here’s hoping for an injury free 2014!
What an amazing year, congrats! I look forward to seeing what 2014 brings you!! Happy Holidays!
Sara @ lifebetweenthemiles recently posted…#RWRUNSTREAK-Week 3 Update
Thanks Sara! Likewise 🙂
A great year for sure! Hopefully 2014 provides you another successful year of running!
Courtney @The TriGirl Chronicles recently posted…Injury Report- I’m Basically Dying (not really)
Thanks — same to you!
Sounds like you had a really great year:) So fun!
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Runners Spotlight Let Me Introduce Heather
Thanks Kristy!
So so awesome!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…12 Days of Blogmas, Day 7: Holiday Fitness Tour
Congrats on your awesome year! I’m definitely with you on the Garmin being the best gear I bought all year – talk about a game changer!
Kristen recently posted…Runner’s World Holiday Run Streak: Week #3
A TOTAL game changer, right? I love that thing!
Wow, I love that quote – Today is NOT that day! That will stick with me too!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Lessons Learned Sitting Still
Isn’t it such a motivator?
Oh no I have stopped my Garmin during a run, but not a marathon of course (cause I haven’t done one yet) I get annoyed on a regular run when it happens.
Good for you! Good post
Melissa recently posted…Comment on 18 Years of Maintaining Weightloss by Melissa
You had a really big year–congrats! Love that quote…may that day never come!
Thanks for linking up.
misszippy recently posted…(Holiday) Friday Five
Thanks and thank you for hosting the link up — it’s a great one!
Hi! I just found your blog through Miss Zippy’s link-up! I love your blog! Congrats on running your first marathon in 2013! I love this year of running idea post, I hope to get mine up sometime this week!
Lindsey @ OneMotherofaDay recently posted…My Autoimmune Story: From the Beginning
Thanks Lindsey for stopping by — I’ll look for your year of running post 🙂
Sounds like an awesome year! I love that quote. So true!
Amanda recently posted…A Merry Christmas Postcard + 1-Day Linkup
Love the sign you saw! So true. We have to enjoy it while we can 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…2013: My Year of Running!