Tuesday, December 30, 2014

2014 Year in Review

Miles Run  =  1075
# of Days Run = 189
# of Races = 45


17  -  Half Marathons

My main goal was to run 14 half marathons in 2014 {17 --- Booyah}.  I had some really wonderful runs during the winter and spring (including 2 PRs -- whoop whoop).  I got a little cocky and decided to add a few in the summer.  Ugh!  In hindsight, I wish I had not done that.  I still don't think I've bounced back from the heat and humidity poop-fest. 

The Bling:
1 - 1st Place AG
1 - 2nd Place AG

Most Memorable:     REVEL Rockies
Why?     The scenery was stunning and it was an incredible downhill course.

Biggest Bust:     Run for Hope
Why?     It was sweltering and the race direction stank.  They only served water on course and I needed something for cramps!  The band and food vendors had already packed up when I finished and I was FAR from being the last one in!  I had to find someone to dig my finishers medal out of a cardboard box.   Also, without disclosing the fact, they decided not to give age group awards this year.  {What??}  Yes, of course I was first in my age group!


Can you see the humidity??


 
8  -  8ks and 10ks

Another goal was to run more 10ks this year.  It's not my favorite distance (but I do like an 8k -- I know, I'm weird).  I added a few...still not my favorite distance.  I did manage PRs on both the 8k and 10k distance.

The Bling:
5 - 1st Place AG
1 - 2nd Place AG

Most Memorable:     Fantasy in Lights
Why?   It's a beautiful twilight run through Callaway Gardens Christmas light display, with music!

Biggest Bust:     Vaughn Forest
Why?     I just didn't feel very good this day and the route was boring.


Jubilee 8k - A Good Race and Good Friends



20  -  5ks

I hoped for a 5k PR this year and came very close in the winter, but it just did not happen.  If there is a local (or not so local) 5k on the weekend and I'm not somewhere else running a half, I'll be there.  Although a 5k honestly feels like pure torture, they force me to run fast.  My speed tends to slow when running multiple half marathons.  If you do the math, I averaged a half every 3 weeks!   Eek!

The Bling:
2 - Overall Female
4 - Masters
5 - 1st Place AG
6 - 2nd Place AG
2 - 3rd Place AG

Most memorable:     Billy Bowlegs
Why?     This was a large June race at 10 pm in sweaty 90 degrees/100% humidity Florida.  Folks, I've never seen so much puke in a race!  I was actually forced to step in it as we finished on a high school track and someone had tossed their cookies in every lane.  I was very proud of my time in these conditions AND of my 3rd place age group award!  Most importantly, I didn't puke!

Biggest Bust:     Pig Run
Why?     I'm not even sure we received anything to drink afterwards.  Awful organization.

Cruising the Creek 5k

Did you meet your running goals for 2014?  Will you carry forward any that you did not meet?
 

22 comments:

  1. LOL, I am going to be laughing about the puke lanes for awhile. Although, I am sure it was not funny then!

    WTG on so many races and PRs (and AG placements!)! Are you going to chase that 5K PR this year?

    I think it makes sense to prefer the 8K over the 10K. 10Ks are hard, cause you still want to run close to 5K effort, but it's twice as long. 8K just seems more manageable!

    I didn't have any 2014 running goals... but did PR the marathon and came very close to my 5K PR, which really encouraged me! :)

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    1. I guess I'm always chasing that 5k PR as I run so many of them! A marathon PR is awesome! I think I'm going to do my first one in 2015. Scary!

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  2. You've been busy this year! Congrats on doing so well in so many races! I can't imagine running 45 races, but it sounds fun! I ran 3 races in 2014: a half marathon, a 25K and two 50K's.

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    1. I'm so impressed by your race distances. Two 50ks...incredible!

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  3. I'm so impressed & inspired by this! That you did so many 5Ks while feeling like they're torture is very impressive & motivates me to keep doing them even though they scare me. Congratulations on so many awards and doing so many races overall! Can't wait to check out your 2015 goals...I think you were still deciding what your big race would be...?

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    1. You keep at those 5ks! You'll find a comfort level in doing them...even though they hurt like heck. I think I've found my full marathon in March, although I haven't hit the registration button yet. ;)

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  4. What an amazing year! I can't believe you ran all those halfs! Now when are you going to take the plunge and do a full?

    And will I get to meet you at Sarasota in March?

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    1. I've got my eye on a full marathon in March, although that's not a lot of training time. Sarasota sounds very interesting. You never know, we may run the same race soon! Keep me posted on your schedule!

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  5. Congratulations on exceeding your goal for 2014 and even placing in your age group at some races. -L

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  6. Wow impressive running year my friend! Keep up the inspiration :)

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  7. The difference between my best and worst half this year was 17 minutes. That just feels like a big difference to me! It all depends on the heat/humidity. I haven't hit "the button" either. I'm looking at Montgomery Marathon. (You wanna?) The price doesn't increase for a while and I feel I need to get a few really long runs in before I decide...aka make sure my body is holding up.

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  8. I really like 8Ks, too!! We have a great local one every spring, and I try not to miss it. You had an amazing running year; can't wait to see what 2015 brings for you and I'm so glad I found you through our Friday link ups! Have a great NYE and Happy New Year!

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    1. I'm glad I found your blog too! Here's to a fantastic 2015! Happy New Year.

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  9. Crikey you are a racing machine! What an amazing year. Now I want to see all of your 2014 race bling in one epic pile! Happy New Year!

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    1. Or just nutty...LOL. Yes, it would be quite an epic pile of hardware. Happy New Year!!

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  10. WHOA look at all of those races! Congrats on finishing all of those and all of the AG awards you won! You go, girl!

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    1. Thanks! I'm either addicted or committed. Hmmm.

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  11. Congrats on so many AG wins! You rock! Just curious what your best 5K time was?

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    1. 25:31...I haven't set a 5k PR in about 2 years.

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