It’s almost over. 2013! Since there are just a few short days left in the year, I figured I should finally give a recap of all of my health and fitness experiences from 2013.
New Experiences
Barre: Last December, I bought a Livingsocial coupon to take barre classes at Barre Focus Fitness. While intimidating at first (I don’t have a dancer’s body), it was a lot of fun, super challenging and I loved that it was an all female environment. I may need to sign up again!
Yoga: This time thanks to Groupon, I was able to take hatha yoga classes at Raja Yoga. I wrote about my early experiences with yoga. It’s something I really should continue to help with flexibility and mental clarity!
Cycling: While I never got around to writing an entry, I really stepped up cycling. I finally got my old busted road bike fixed and started using it as a form of fitness and transportation. I fell in love! Shout out to my boyfriend for making it happen!
Core and More: I am so happy that I signed up for this cardio kickboxing class. Hopefully we can keep it going in 2014. It looks like Boot Camp will be gone forever in February, so I’ll be relying on this a lot more!
Injuries
Running Shoes: 2013 was the year of the foot…and not in a good way. Not only was I injured, I’ve struggled with finding the proper footwear that provides comfort and support. While I tried the Asics GT-2000’s and the Brooks Ghost 5 , I still haven’t found the running shoe of my dreams. But hopefully with a gait analysis and a running coach, we’ll get this all worked it!
Stress Fracture: The year came to an abrupt halt when a sharp pain in my right foot wouldn’t go away. Lots of shattered dreams and abandoned races, physical therapy, and the dreaded BOOT for 19 weeks…19 weeks!
Plantar Fasciitis: I finally get cleared to run, I buy new shoes, and then my arches feel like hell. Back to PT! Thankfully all is well now, and I’m slowly moving forward to getting back to running.
Check out one of my favorite posts of 2013, 5 Things I’ve Learned After 3 Rounds of Physical Therapy
Weight Management
I’ve learned a lot about nutrition this year and I’m grateful that I have free access to a dietitian. When I had the stress fracture, I gained a lot of weight. If I didn’t change my eating habits, who knows where I’d be! I’ve written a lot of entries about the things I’ve learned. My last nutrition counseling session sums it all up.
Run With No Regrets
Can I just say that the name of the blog summarizes this year best? Creating this blog has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and it’s truly one of the greatest highlights of my year. As you can see, I’ve gone through a lot this year! I am passionate about writing and creating this blog has been a huge outlet for me. Better yet, I’ve met many other running and fitness bloggers that are full of such positive energy and amazing resources! I love being a part of this community!
For fun, I’ve filled out Miss Zippy’s questionnaire about my year of running, though there wasn’t a lot of running for me in 2013!
- Best Race Experience?: I only did one race this year, which was the Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run, so it wins by default.
- Best Run?: I would probably say that my first run after physical therapy was the most satisfying.
- Best New Piece of Gear?: You know what, I didn’t buy anything new this year! I’m always open to suggestions, since I really don’t have any good stuff!
- Best Piece of Running Advice You’ve Received?: Get out of my head. All of my running buddies tell me this. I’m always hard on myself and overthink because I don’t feel that I’m “good enough, fast enough”.
- Most Inspirational Runner?: I have had the joy of following a ton of running blogs this year. My biggest inspiration is probably Beth at Shut Up and Run. She did the Ironman this year like it was nothing! I hope to be half as badass as she is when I’m in my 40’s!
- If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?: Be patient, you will be back and better than ever!
I look forward to many more great memories in 2014. I’ve already set out my goals, but in general, I want to continue to grow, take more fitness classes, meet more people, and simply enjoy life!
How would you summarize your year of running and fitness?
Sounds like a pretty good year – despite your injury. 🙁 Hope 2014 is even better! I’m hosting a little yoga challenge in January, if you interested.
http://www.enjoyingthecourse.com
Thanks Clarinda! I’m optimistic for a better year in 2014. I will definitely check out your yoga challenge…sounds fun!
Glad you stopped by my blog! As far as your shoes go, I see one glaring error. You really do need to go to a running specialty store (I’d say a Fleet Feet, but I work for there, so I’m partial), and get a proper fitting. The Asics 2000 is a stability shoe, created for folks who over-pronate, and the Brooks Ghost is a neutral shoe, created for a folks with a neutral gait. So one, you’re getting shoes that are close to opposites as far as what their function is. Second, the shoes are shaped completely differently, and I’m sure that added to your discomfort. I’d get that analysis right away!
Hi Cheri, Fleet Feet will probably be my next stop! I’ve been fitted at Philadelphia Runner, Bryn Mawr Running Company, and Rittenhouse Sports Specialties. I first got Brooks Ghost 4’s when I “diagnosed” myself with a Runner’s World guide. I now know that I overpronate, but the Asics gave me arch pain so I had to take them back. The last salesperson basically said my feet don’t make sense, because the neutral shoes were more comfortable than the stability…so color me confused! Thanks so much for the advice.
Hey there! Thanks for popping by my site! And great year end review. I am sure 2014 will be even bigger and better for you.
Hi Crystal, thanks for doing the same :). I’m so looking forward to the new year!
Sounds like you’ve triumphed and overcome a lot this year. I can’t imagine having a boot for 19 weeks. Glad things are better now.
I’m thinking about taking some Hatha Yoga next year. Sounds like I should.
Thanks Carla! I really liked Hatha. I haven’t tried the other styles, but as a beginner, it was much less frightening for me to try!
What a year! I am sorry about all the injuries, but it seems like they led you to learn a lot of valuable information. I tried barre classes for the first time ever this year too. I really enjoyed them too. This year I ran my first half marathon and the training completely changed my running habits!
Amy
Miss Adventurse in Running
Thanks Amy, and congrats again on the Philly Half! I’ve learned so much this year and I can’t wait to see what’s next for me!
Wow, what a year! I agree with Cheri about getting fitted for shoes. The proper shoe really does help your run. I love the advice that was shared with you. Sometimes when I’m out there I get so focused on speed. I’m trying to learn to just enjoy being out there pounding pavement. Good Luck with your goals!
Thanks! I am hoping that I finally get fitted into the proper pair of shoes…none of them have really “felt right”, so frustrating! I can relate to worrying about my speed too. We just gotta remember why we run!
Hi! Found you at the SITS girls. I’ve been a runner for 15 years but also love to bicycle. Have you thought about buying a trainer for your bike? I have one by Cycleops and LOVE it. I can ride my bike on rainy days right in my living room while watching TV or listening to music. I’m a Nike girl myself, but have suffered with my feet like you have over the years. Keep up the good work with your blog and Happy New Year.
Hey, thanks for finding me! I’ve never heard of Cycleops…I’ll definitely check it out! Happy New Year to you too!
Even though you had some injuries, you’ve had a great year, congrats!! This year was my first year back from having my son in 2012, so it was a building year, I hope 2014 is a big year for me! Happy New Year!
Thanks a lot! I hope that same for you in 2014!
I felt your pain about the injuries as I read your post. I struggled with 3 this year. I sprained my ankle badly at the end of January which led to an overuse injury for the other ankle in May and then I tore a calf muscle this fall.
I’ve decided 2014 is the year of rebuilding for my running!
Oh darn, now I’m feeling your pain too! Yes, let us rebuild in 2014! I wish you a speedy recovery for your calf!
Thank you!
So, for 2014, I’ll be one of those “January New Members” at the gym, crowding up the parking lot and machines, and frustrating the “regulars”. I planning to start simple with a minimum of two exercise sessions per week. I probably should get new crosstrainers for indoor activity, any recommendations for stores/brands?
Hey, who cares if they’re frustrated! Do what YOU gotta do! I am personally in need of cross trainers myself…I would imagine any of the running stores are good to get fitted, then you can always buy them online to save money. I see a lot of people with Reebok, Nike, or Reebok brands.
Congrats on a strong year! You accomplished so many things, and even despite your injuries, you learned a lot from them. Wishing you a happy and healthy year of running and fitness in 2014! xo
Thanks so much Jessica! Fingers crossed!
No new gear! That is an accomplishment within itself!
You know what, I wrote this post before Christmas and I ended up getting a Nike Plus watch from my bf! I’ve only run with it once so far, but I’m in love!
I just found your blog, but I guess a new year is a great way to start catching up! I love your attitude and goals for next year :o)
Hi Ali, thanks for dropping by! I’m so looking forward to 2014…Happy New Year!
I’ve been wanting to try a barre class myself. I think it would be really good for my legs. Cycling has been on my radar too, but I don’t think I’m ready for the jump to a road bike yet. I’ll probably spend some time on a bike at the gym first. I need to get some new shoes too, though I have no idea what direction I want to go in. I’m not super thrilled with the shoes I have, but at the same time I don’t want to run the risk of picking up another pair and ending up hurting because of them. So many decisions!
Barre is awesome, I’m almost tempted to get back into it again! I’ve been biking at the gym the past few weeks…such a great workout! Good luck on finding new shoes..I still have to find the right pair!