2014 was a huge (eleven races), and really good racing year for me. It all just clicked. Of course, the fact that I decided to dedicate all of my races to my dad, and actually trained hard for the first time in several years didn’t hurt. Finding a new group of speedy running friends with similar goals who pushed me, didn’t hurt either!
Best Race Experience…
Without a doubt, participating in Ragnar DC was my best race experience of 2014. Pushing myself through exhaustion along with my husband and ten other teammates to cover 200 miles in less than 31 hours was pure satisfaction!
Best Run…
In early November, Bill and I stopped for a trail run up to Mcafee Knob on our way to Blacksburg for a Virginia Tech football game the following day. After about 4.25 miles of climbing, we were treated to gorgeous views of the Roanoke Valley, and snapped our picture on the iconic Mcafee Knob rock that juts out into open air.
Best New Piece Of Gear…
For my birthday I got a Garmin watch, and a GoPro camera. Both top the list of favorite new pieces of running gear. I’m loving the ease of tracking my miles with my Garmin versus using my RunKeeper app on my phone tucked away in a pocket. I’m just now starting to learn how to use the GoPro, so stay tuned for even more pictures on my blog!
Best Piece Of Running Advice…
I was overloaded with running advice after completing a 3-D Gait Analysis at George Mason University’s Smart Lab. The grad school staff analyzed my results, and prescribed exercises and stretches to keep me in top running form. Most of the exercises and stretches suggested were to increase my core strength, the mobility and stability of my knees and hips, and overall balance.
Most Inspirational Runner…
Last year, Laura from Write The Happy Ending ran the Thunder Road Half Marathon blind-folded to honor her sister Taylor who suffers from Batten Disease, a fatal disease with no known cure. This year while working toward her goal of running a race in every state for Taylor, Laura returned to run Thunder Road again, only this time untethered for the last 1.25 miles. Not only did Laura successfully complete the race, but she and her guide PR’ed with a time of 1:44:37. There are a lot of other very talented runners out there, but Laura’s love for her sister, and determination to help find a cure for Batten Disease while bringing it to the forefront through her running, inspires me.
Briefly Summing It All Up…
Hard work pays off, and I ended 2014 with five first place age group wins, one second place, two third places, a half marathon PR, and a 20K PR. More importantly than the PR’s and bling, was finding a whole new group of friends who don’t mind running super-duper early in the morning!
- Questions:
- How would you grade your year in running?
- If you’re a runner, what was your favorite run or race?
- If you’re a blogger, consider linking up to Miss Zippy with your own 2014 recap!
That sounds like an outstanding year. I hope your 2015 is just as awesome!
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Thoughts On 2014 And 2015
Thanks, Courtney!
My best race of the year was the Ragnar as well for so many reasons! I can’t wait to it again this year. Looks like you had a fabulous year!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Be Your Own Master Chef with Hello Fresh
Are you doing Ragnar Appalachians in WV? I am with our MRTT chapter!
Looks like an epic year for you!!! Bring it on, 2015!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Race recap: Underground Polar Express
I’m still working on my 2015 race schedule. Do you have yours planned out?
Congrats on a great year of running! I still have a couple of races left, so I’m saving my recap for later. But, I think my favorite half was Revel Rockies. It was beautiful running down through the canyons.
Good luck on the rest of your races this year! Looking forward to reading your recap!
I soooo need to go do your favorite run of the year–what a beautiful looking spot! I’m glad Ragnar was a great experience for you, too. I need to do it one of these years! And the GMU analysis sounds pretty cool, too. I’d say you had a fantastic year. So glad you linked up!
misszippy1 recently posted…Staying the course isn’t always easy
Thanks for the linkup, Amanda! Southwestern Virginia has so many beautiful trails with a fantastic view from the top of the mountain. We should look more locally, though. I’m sure there are plenty of great trails in our area to explore as well.
You’ve had such a terrific year of running with your PRs, age group placements, and just love of the sport with so many friends (and family)!
Abby recently posted…Running {and workouts} through pregnancy – second trimester
Thanks, Abby! I am blessed to have so many running friends, and especially blessed that my immediate family loves to run as well!
you certainly had an awesome year of running! can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store for you, deb!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide for Bloggers
Thanks, Courtney! I hope 2015 brings us together again in a couple of races, too!
What a great year, Deb, and a terrific write up! Hope that 2015 brings you more terrific things!
Anne recently posted…What a Fall!
Thanks, Anne! Here’s to seeing each other at some races in 2015, and hopefully another Ragnar DC!
Fun to read – love your inspirational pick she sounds amazing!!!
Kim recently posted…My Year of Running 2014
Definitely check out Laura’s blog!
What a great 2014. I’ve enjoyed following you Deb and so glad to have met you this year!
Jennifer recently posted…Year in Review – 2014 Running by the Numbers
Thanks, Jennifer! Hope to see you at a race in 2015!
What a great year of running, Deb! That view from Mcafee Knob -WOW! I love seeing your pictures with your running buddies – it’s so cool that you have such a great group of people to run with. 🙂
Carly @ Fine Fit Day recently posted…My Year of Running 2014
Thanks,Carly! The views during trail runs make the extra work well worth it!