Happy New Year!! So long 2015!

At the end of each year I like to reflect on the year- the highs and lows. 2015 has had a couple PR’s and it’s also been injury free.  After battling an injury most of 2014, I’ve tried to remember to be grateful for good health. Every time I step down and my heel is pain free it’s a good thing! I’ve been able to do some training with friends and my kids have joined me in some of my races. All in all a good year!

By the Numbers:

Miles Run: 2,560

Races: 32 (yes, this is my new record…oops!)  As always, 5k’s are my most raced distance but half marathons put up a pretty good fight!

• Marathons- 3
• 25k- 1
• Half Marathons- 6
• 20k- 1
• 15k- 1
• 10k- 5
• 8k- 1
• 4 mile- 1
• 5k- 9
• 2 mile- 2
• 1 mile- 2

New PR’s in 2015:

• Marathon- 2:58:25 (Chicago Marathon, Oct. 2015)
• 4 mile- 24:52 (4 Mile Classic, Aug. 2015)

Most Fun/ New Race Experience: Full Moon 25k. Never done anything like this before and despite running in 90+ degree temps I had such a great time!  Could I be a trail runner at heart?!

Worst Race Experience: This is a tough one. I’d have to say it’s a tie between the Portfest 5k (so bad I never even wrote a race report) or the CASA Half Marathon. I really love the courses for both of these races but I completely let weather and pressure get the best of me both times.

Most Impromptu/ Low Key: Definitely my last race of the year- the Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon. No pressure- it was great!

Most Stressful: Go Mile (1 mile race). My husband got sick and my oldest was out of town with grandparents so it was “just” my younger 3 and I. We were all in different race heats and trying to juggle 3 kids (among hundreds of people) and racing my most intimidating distance ever did not mesh well that day.

Best New Race: Russ Vegas Half Marathon. I was very impressed with this race and will be back!

Best I Felt: It’s a tie: Ark Classic 5k. Muggy day but once I started running everything just clicked.  Love races like this! Also, the first 20 miles of the Chicago Marathon were amazing!! It felt so effortless. Cruising around a 6:30 pace until 20 when suddenly it didn’t feel amazing anymore- more like slow and certain death.

Worst I Felt: Little Rock Marathon. Ended up pulling out of the race about 18 hours before the start due to an awful sinus infection. I had my heart and mind set on racing but my body had other plans.

Best Support Crew: Midsouth Marathon. Seeing J and the kiddos several times during this race made my day. First marathon win and very memorable day thanks to my family.

When you line up on a starting line 32 times in one year there’s a pretty good chance that some races are not going to go as well as you’d like.  I put myself out there 32 times this year and each time gave it my best shot.  I learned from each experience- the good and the bad and I’m going to keep on trying!

What were some of your racing highs and lows from 2015?

Happy 2016!!