As the year draws to an end, it’s time to reflect back on 2013 and my year of running…
Best Race Experience…
There were so many great race experiences this year, but I’ve got to say that the Hokie Half Marathon was my favorite for many reasons. Any excuse that Bill and I have to return to Virginia Tech, our old stomping ground, is a good one. The weather was perfect, I got to run the race with Bill, Julie, and Meagan, and I won my age group! All-in-all it was a perfect day!
Best Run…
In late October Bill and I had an opportunity to run the trail to the top of Molly’s Knob at Hungry Mother State Park. It was only three days (and my second run) after my dad died, and I needed to do something challenging to clear my head. The run up to the peak is about 1.7 miles with 1,010 feet of elevation change. By the time I got to the top, my lungs were burning, but I managed to shout, “This one’s for you, Dad!” We enjoyed the beauty and challenge of the run so much that we’re considering running in the Hungry Mother Half Marathon in April.
Molly’s Knob in a distance
Decending from Molly’s Knob
Best New Piece of Gear…
I didn’t buy a lot of new equipment but I think my SPIBelt would be my favorite. It was a tough call between it and my new Asics Gel-Scout trail shoes. I wear my SPIBelt on every single run because I always carry my phone with me and it holds it nice and snug without bouncing. As much as I love my new trail shoes, I don’t wear them on every run…
Best Piece of Running Advice…
After I hurt my back, I was reminded by the doctor at the wellness center to always engage my core, and I tell this to myself over and over. If I start to feel a little pain in my right leg when I’m running, I can be assured that I’m starting to slouch and allowing my spine to settle down in my pelvic girdle. Tightening my core, and picking myself up nice and tall will almost always eliminate that!
Most Inspirational Runner…
I draw the most inspiration from my running friends, the Cruisers. I’ve watched them hit so many milestones this year! We had members run their first 5K, 10K, half marathon, first marathon, and even had a team-effort supporting my son in his first 45-mile ultra! The determination they put into their training either for their first race, or to come back from an injury inspires me!
Briefly Summing It All Up…
In 2013 I set some new running goals, ran shorter distances, worked on speed, and fell in love with 5K races, something I never thought I’d do. You can bet that 2014 will bring more 5K recaps to my blog!
- Questions:
- How was your 2013 year in running?
- If you’re a runner, what was your favorite race?
- If you’re a blogger, consider linking up to Miss Zippy with your own 2013 recap!
I love that you gave your dad a shout-out at the top of that monster hill. Thank you for continuing to inspire me, Debbie!
Thanks, Stephanie; and thanks for being a regular reader of my blog! 🙂
This is a great recap! You’ve had an awesome year of running, and I love that you fell in love with 5k races while still winning your age group in longer ones like the half!
You continue to inspire me as well. Looking forward to following your running adventures in 2014.
Thanks, and I’m looking forward to following your year, too! Do you have plans for any IronMan’s (or is it IronMen?) in 2014?
I love that last picture. I think that’s frame-worthy. I can’t wait to hear what 2014 brings you.
I think my favorite wasn’t even a race that I ran. It was a fun race (Electric Run) that I was able to just walk with my wife while I was hurt. We had SO much fun and it was a really well done race. We’re both looking forward to doing it again and having our best friends join us for the fun.
I remember your Electric Run. It sounded pretty cool, indeed!
What a killer picture of you at the end there! You had a great year, from the sounds of it. Having a group of training partners like yours really is the best, isn’t it? Very sorry to hear about losing your dad but glad that running could help in some small way.
Thanks for linking up!
Thanks, Amanda for the link up opportunity!
The picture you mention was taken by one of the photographers of Potomac River Running. It’s a free service they provide for all of their =PR= Race Series races. It’s a pretty cool race perk!
Great review! The Hokie Half was so much fun. I am hoping to run that again this coming year! My 2013 year of running was a pretty big one. I ran a lot of races, including my first marathon, and I started a running blog!
You had a big year, too! I’m pretty sure Bill and I will do the Hokie Half again, too. 🙂
Loved reading the highlights of your year! My husband and I need to check out Hungry Mother State Park. In all the years we’ve lived in NE TN, we’ve never been there. I’ve always wondered what it’s like when we drive past the signs on our way to/from VT. So jealous you got to meet Meagan at the Hokie Half!
Your girls would love Hungry Mother!
That was actually Meagan’s and my third run together. We met for the first time at the 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance, and then ran again before one of the VT games. We’re looking forward to you joining us for a run in 2014!
That was awesome! I love to read about other peoples running experiences. I hope that your 2014 runs will be even better!
Thanks! All the best for a fit 2014 for you, too!
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