This is the time of year when we’re all supposed to pause and reflect on all the highs (and lows) of the previous 350+ days, right? While this has been an incredible year for my family on so many different levels (Buddy starting kindergarten, Mimi transforming from a chubby infant to a precocious toddler, etc.), what really stands out for me – personally – are my accomplishments as a runner. As a runner! I still sometimes feel like I’m talking about someone else, even though I have the new PRs and medals to prove it.
A number of my fellow running bloggers have been sharing their 2012 “Year in Running,” and as we close out the year, I felt compelled to join in. Here are my reflections on what has been an incredible and rewarding journey:
Number of Races Completed?
6
Best Race Experience?
I’m torn. Part of me wants to say the Milford 5K Road Race & Walk in September, where I finished 3rd in my age group and received my first running medal! But I think my answer would have to be the Ladybug 5K in October. I felt horrible that day and wasn’t planning on setting any kind of record; in fact, I probably would have bagged on the race altogether if Buddy wasn’t excited to participate in the Kids Fun Run. And to my utter shock and amazement, I set a new PR … and came within seconds – seconds! – of a sub-25 5K, a lofty goal I never dreamed possible. Now it is #1 on my 2013 fitness bucket list (check it out tomorrow).
Biggest accomplishment?
Knowing that in one year (from October 2011-October 2012), I shaved nearly 7 minutes off my 5K time, and went from running 9:30 minute/miles to finishing closer in the 8 minute/mile range. All in the course of a year. I am still shaking my head a bit at this.
Best run?
Honestly, I think it would have to be my post-Thanksgiving run in rural Pennsylvania. I wasn’t aiming for any specific time or distance; I was just enjoying the fresh air and the experience of running in an entirely new environment, and for the first time, I wasn’t swearing under my breath at all the rolling hills.
Best new piece of gear?
Tie: my new Brooks Glycerin 10 sneakers and my Lululemon Pacesetter skirt.
Best piece of running advice you received?
I know it’s silly, but I am incredibly motivated by all the random running mantras, quotes, photos and phrases that you see people pinning on Pinterest or posting on their Facebook pages. Maybe it’s because I work in the marketing field, so I think it terms of taglines and slogans, but those phrases – like this and this – really strike a chord with me. I’m not gonna lie: I sometimes repeat them to myself over and over again on particularly challenging runs.
Most inspirational runner?
I honestly don’t think I could choose just one because I am truly inspired by all my fellow runners – especially all the other running moms out there.
If you could sum up your running year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Hard work. Determination. Commitment. Joy. Passion.
How would you answer some of these questions? Post your responses below or write about it on your own blog.
See you in 2013!
misszippy says
Awesome year you had! I think you’re going to see lots of new PRs in 2013 based on the past year you had. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for answering the questions!
Jessica says
Thanks so much! I’m so looking forward to see what 2013 has in store. Loved answering these questions – it was fun to take a look back 🙂