Today I’m linking up with Miss Zippy to do a quick recap of my year in running.
2013 was a completely different year than 2012 because I was able to learn from mistakes and focus on my mental game plan. Reading my responses to the same questions in 2012 reminds me how much has changed in a year. While last year felt a bit incomplete, this year felt perfectly balanced. I spent the first six months of the year training hard and chasing a dream, while spending the second six months of the year running for fun.
Best race experience: New York City Marathon – this race will go down as being the most fun I ever had while running a marathon. It was the rally NYC needed after last year’s divesting storms. The city was in rare form and it really couldn’t have been a more perfect day. If I hadn’t sprained my ankle in June and if Melissa hadn’t wanted a running buddy then this race would have been an entirely different experience. It was proof that things can be better than expected when they don’t go according to my original plans.
Best run: It’s a tie between the Rock’n’roll San Diego Marathon (read the recap here) and a set of mile repeats ran during spring training. Both runs were mental and physical breakthroughs. The first because I know I ran the best race I could have possible ran on that day in those given circumstances. And the second because I was finally able to put my brain training into action and hit paces during mile repeats that I should have been hitting all along.
Best new piece of gear: iPod shuffle – I realize this isn’t new to most people, but I never really ran with music until this year. Strange as it may sound it actually helps me to tune out the happenings around me and zone out in a way I haven’t been able to in years.
Best piece of running advice received: Turn on the Light
Most inspirational runner: Oh my goodness, I have to choose! The collective running community inspires me every single day, but I’d have to say my clients inspire me the most.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Now it’s your turn! What’s your answer to these questions?
It sounds like you really had a fantastic year–kudos to you for making the big breakthroughs and for enjoying your marathon experiences! Here’s to another one just like that (minus the sprained ankle!). Thanks for linking in.
Best Running Advice: Listen to your Body. I have pushed my body too far a couple times this year and have an injury to prove it. From here on out my goal is to listen to my body and when it needs a break give it one!
Love this Jess! It does sound like you had a fantastic year and you can feel your love and excitement about it all through your words.
I loved reading this! Congrats on a successful year and everything you learned along the way! xo
Thank you!
Love reading these! I also think it’s so awesome how you had half the year dedicated to pursuit of a singular goal and the second half dedicated to running for joy.
Excellent point about the power of the mind when it comes to running. The marathon is a challenge for both mind and body. It’s easier to push the boundaries physically than it is to push the boundaries mentally. Great year!
I completely agree!
It sounds like you had a great, wonderfully balanced year! Congratulations 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Thank you!
i cheered on a friend at nyc this year and it made me sooo excited that i have a guaranteed entry for next year. congrats on a great year of running!
You’re going to have such a great time!
Thanks to Miss Zippy’s link, I’ve found your blog! Loved all your responses, especially the last one. I am writing that down and posting in my wall. 😀 Congrats on a great year!
Thank you!
I love the quote at the very end! I need to remember that!