Best race experience:
Pumpkin Man Triathlon. All the races I considered were tris. This is truly where my heart is. This particular tri was new to me in 2013 and the biggest tri I have done. It was a blast. I swam in a weedy pond and didn't freak out, I actually beat 86 people! The bike was very fun. I was farther up in the field because of the way they did the heats so there were lots of people to pass. I beat 194 people! Fun, fun, fun. I did fine in the run. It was a fairly easy course and it was fun to have my friend there with me. It was the first time - ever - I got to stand on a podium. It was in Maine where I spent the weekend, another huge plus. I'll go back to this one.
Best run:
This is a trickier run. I have had a lot of trouble with runs this year, mostly due to GI issues. I always like my vacation runs like the ones along the coast in Oregon and the very scenic running path. I'll go with those two as they were places completely new to me and I was running with my daughter.
Best New Piece of Gear:
Nothing comes quickly to mind. I'm going to cheat a little and say my Hokas. I believe they play a part in keeping the nasty PF away. I did get a new pair this year, slightly different than my old ones, so yes, my Hokas!
Best Piece of Running Advice You Recieved:
Enjoy the run for what it is. Don't worry that every run is the best one. If I am able to run and I'm not injured, it's a good run.
Most Inspirational Runner:
I still am very inspired by both of the runners I put last year, Super Kate and Christa. Kate continues to seek new challenges and races such incredibly long and challenging races. Christa continues to fight cancer with all of her heart. She isn't able to run but she still races through walking. Many people would just quit but not Christa. She is truly inspirational on many fronts.
I will add Emily this year. She inspires me with the distances she runs, the terrain she covers, the pace she pushes and all that she gives to running. When I am struggling on a run I try to channel her and pick up the pace. She is becoming a smarter runner as she learns when to push and when to pull back. She is new to ultra running and trails but her enthusiasm is great to see. She did an amazing job at the JFK 50 Miler.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?
Triathlons are so much fun I still can't believe it. Wish I had started them sooner!
17 comments:
We gotta have you come back to Oregon for more running. Or, take a west coast trip and do some running up and down the west coast :).
And, you have so many more years of tris don't sweat it that you didn't start them until recently! Yay triathlon.
You have had a great year. I'm glad your favorite experience was a triathlon. You seem to have come a long way in that sport. :-)
What a wonderful tree, that I can see in the picture, with its brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow.
It's important you're enjoying triathlon at the moment. I will be following your adventures!
Another year in the books and another set of good races to reminisce over. Here's to 2014!
I'm hoping to run again next year!
Any year without injuries is a good year. You had a good one. Hope 2014 is even better.
Aw, thanks for the shout out. Emily is amazing (Christa is too, of course), and I think it's so cool that SHE got started in all of this craziness because of YOU. Full circle!!
I love reading about your triathlons. You have so much fun that it *almost* makes me think about doing one. I think I'm pretty much committed to a duathlon this coming spring...baby steps...
Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family! I know you've got to love being surrounded by your kids for the holiday.
You always have a great story behind your races and that's what I love most about you - you're passion. You had a wonderful 2013 and I hope 2014 is nothing but great adventures!
You had a very good year. I love how much you enjoy your racing and training. May 2014 bring you many more great memories.
Sounds like a fantastic year! I especially love how much joy you get out of triathlon! Such a huge change from just a few years ago when you were scared to try one. Glad you faced that fear and fell in love!
Your daughter is definitely inspiring. I can't even fathom the distances and terrain she runs, especially at her pace!
Your description of the Pumpkin Man Triathlon make completing a tri sound like a lot of fun. Congrats on placing!
You had another great year! I love reading about your training and racing. The enthuiasm in your posts always jumps right out. Merry Christmas!
Great post and recap!! I love both of your inspirational runners!! Perfect picks!
It's so nice to hear that you're inspired by your daughter. She's a truly amazing athlete. But I kind of suspect that she's inspired by her Mum too.
I can't join in on this this year, since I hardly ran, but I'm glad you had such a great year!
Wishing you and your family a lovely Christmas and all the best for 2014!
The photo of the run along the coast of the Oregon is priceless.
Best wishes for a better 2014.
Happy Christmas.
Can't wait to hear about some more awesome races and tri's in 2014! You also take some of the best scenery pics from your runs and rides - love them!
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