Tuesday, December 31, 2013

My Year of Running 2013

What a year 2013 has been! It’s had its ups and downs, but overall it was a great year – I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store.

I’ll be the first to admit - I don’t actually “do” New Years Resolutions. (GASP!) On the flipside, I DO plan ahead for my races each year (so I guess you could call that a “goal”) and I’m the kind of person who sticks with my goals. If I say I’m going to do something, you can rest assured I’ll do everything in my power to complete that task or goal.

Year In Review

SO, instead of sharing my “New Years Resolutions” with you today, I decided instead to recap on 2013 and My Year of Running, thanks to Miss Zippy!
  • Best race experience? 
    This one’s tough as I had several GREAT races this year. I really enjoyed running Goofy’s Challenge and Dumbo Double DarerunDisney races are always top of my list.

    I’m going to cheat and list two:
    -My best Full Marathon experience was Rock n Roll NOLA as I finally broke 5 hours (4 hours, 44 minutes to be exact)
    -My best Half Marathon experience was the Disneyland Half Marathon – it was a first for me and a truly memorable race experience!
  • Best run? 
    The Running Trails through Disney’s EPCOT Resorts – I ran through this area back in October during a quick weekend trip to WDW and had so much fun running the New Balance trails with a friend! I especially enjoyed these trails as they brought back memories of past WDW Full Marathon races.
  • Best new piece of gear? 
    I know it’s cliché to list these again, but I received several new favorites for Christmas this year (Raw Threads and Mizuno). Another favorite discovery of mine this year was Balega socks. I love all of these things!
  • Best piece of running advice you received? 
    Don’t take yourself too seriously! If you overthink things, you’ll only stress yourself out. Running is supposed to be fun, relax and enjoy the ride!
  • Most inspirational runner?
    There are so many, way too many to name! I do have to say, I was really inspired by the St. Jude runners who fundraised, trained, and were unable to run this year’s race due to cancellation – not a negative word was said by any of the ones I interact with on a regular basis. They remained upbeat, positive, and were happy for the opportunity to help the unfortunate children of St. Jude’s. I can’t say that I would have had the same attitude. I was definitely inspired to look at the “other” side of things, even if our plans don’t always work out the way we think they should. There’s always a reason behind every situation.  
  • If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? 
    2013 was a great year - despite loss (here and here), I learned to make the most of the time I have with family and friends. I also worked hard at slowing down, enjoying, and   cherishing every moment.
Race tally for the year:
I’d say I had a pretty great year! What about you? What are your favorite moments from 2013?

32 comments:

  1. I hope 2014 is a fantastic year for you as well Karen!!

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  2. Mine was hand's down finishing my first 26.2 at Marine Corps. You had some awesome races in 2013! And I'm so glad we finally met you in Disneyland :) -Christine

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    1. You had an amazing first marathon experience, Christine! I loved reading your recap! I'm so glad we finally met, too! Yay!

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  3. Def a great year!! Congrats on your accomplishments :)

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  4. You had a great year. My best moments were my two halfs.

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    1. Awesome, Darlene! Great accomplishments! Congrats!

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  5. So glad it isn't just me. I don't do resolutions either.

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    1. Good to know I'm not the only one! :0) Happy New Year, Abby!

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  6. You had an awesome year of running Karen! Congrats! I know 2014 will be amazing!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mindy! Can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!

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  7. What a great 2013 you had! So glad I found your blog this year!

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    1. Thanks so much, I'm glad you did too! I've enjoyed following along with your journey as well! :0)

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  8. I love how much fun you have with your running and racing - congrats on a great year!

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  9. Disneyland and WDW were hands down the best races this year and probably my life. I hoping for goofy in 2015, but I don't think running anywhere else could get better. Can't wait to meet you someday!

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    1. Agreed!! Disney is the best place for a race! We will definitely meet up sometime soon! :0) Happy New Year, Sarah!

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  10. You've had a great year! May 2014 be equally fantastic!

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  11. I do goals instead of resolutions as well. Resolutions just don't make it out of January :-p

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  12. Congrats on a fantastic year! It was fun to follow along for the portion of the year that I did. I feel ya on the resolutions v. goals thing. I like the idea of goal setting as well. Resolutions just never seem to last.

    My favorite moment of 2013 was crossing the finishing line of the DL Half Marathon because it was the moment where I finally felt like a runner. However, my favorite race of the year was the Rock n Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon because I crushed my DL Half Marathon time by nearly 17 minutes and beat my goal for the race by nearly 7!

    I hope you and your husband (and doggies as well) have a wonderfull 2014!

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    1. Thank you so much! It was fun following along with your journey as well! Congrats on such a great PR with RnR Vegas! Awesome accomplishment! Happy New Year!

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  13. What a great year Karen! Congrats on breaking 5 hours for your marathon. That's quite an accomplishment. Best of luck to you in 2014!

    Ashley
    www.thepavementprincess.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Ashley! Hope your foot is feeling better! Happy New Year!

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  14. I love setting goals...and planning...and documenting progress...Can you tell I'm a little type-A? ;)

    That's a very impressive list of races, Karen - awesome job! My favorite running moment from 2013 would have to be my first 10k. It wasn't the prettiest of races but it taught me to stick with my goals. Looking forward to 2014!

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    1. Hah I feel you, so am I! Great job this year, Jewell...here's to an even better 2014!

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  15. Love the running advice! I need that tattooed on my arm or something.

    Congrats on a great year, can't wait for the next one!

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    1. I hear you...I have to remind myself of it constantly! Thanks, Abby congrats to you too!! Happy New Year!

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  16. Congrats on your year in running. Isn't it fun to write these posts? A great look back at one's accomplishments! All the best in 2014. I hope you run strong! Be fierce!

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    1. It is fun, I agree! Thanks...same to you! Happy 2014!

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