Wow, it’s the day after Christmas! If you celebrate, I hope it was lovely for you! I am still off in Nebraska with Bret’s family and it’s been wonderful being back here for the holidays. As it is Friday, I’m linking up with Mar on the Run, You Signed Up For What, and Eat Pray Run DC for the Friday 5. This week is actually a free-for-all, so I look forward to seeing what all the other ladies will be writing this week!
End of the Year Recap
Miss Zippy 1 has a link up every year where we give a recap on our year of running. I actually did participate last year, so now I’m going to share for 2014 as we inch ever closer to the start of 2015!
Best Race Experience: I mentioned in my last post that the Clean Air Council 5K was my favorite race this year from beginning to end. On top of that, I’ll have to say that the Run the Bridge 10K was another great race, my last of the year! It was super cold and windy but I loved the energy of the race. Not to mention, Bret and I were able to run side-by-side and finish with big smiles on our faces.
Best Run: My favorite runs this year by far were on the trails! Forbidden Drive along the Wissahickon Creek has absolutely become a favorite of mine and it NEVER gets old. I always get lost in the scenery and appreciate the lighter impact on my feet!
Best New Piece of Gear: Last year when I wrote this post I hadn’t yet received my Nike Plus watch for Christmas! Over the past year, it has truly become one of my favorite and most reliable running buddies! While it’s not perfect (instantaneous pace is always 20-30 seconds slower than the watch indicates), it’s really been a great training tool. I love posting my workouts on Instagram, as my followers have probably noticed!
Best Piece of Running Advice Received: I think the best advice I got was from my running Coach Kristy: Do your prehab! I can definitely attest that exercises for injury prevention is the key to success. It’s so annoying sometimes, as foam rolling takes extra time, but I know that it has made a big difference to me. I haven’t had to ice anything in a very long time!
Most Inspirational Runner: She may be surprised by this, but my sister Jennifer is my biggest inspiration this year. She ran her first 5K this year and has been diligently hitting the treadmill. We will both be running the Cherry Blossom in April; she’ll be doing the 5K! I hope she keeps up the great work!!
If You Could Sum Up the Year In a Couple of Words, What Would They Be?: Goals conquered! I was able to run an injury-free half marathon and finally run a 10K! Not to mention, I am a Professional Engineer, the biggest goal I had for 2014! Life is great!
How would you answer any of the above questions? How was your year of running?
My year in running was pretty good overall, especially the last half. Pretty much injury free and just feeling good ! I also like the running advice you received. Agree !
That’s so great that your sister began to run. My sister has done several races this past year. I will be running with her during her first marathon in Disney this January.
You had a really great year! That Nike training watch is VERY tempting….maybe I’ll have to look into it for my birthday in February.
Thanks Ali! The watch has been great for me!
That’s awesome that you conquered your goals for 2014! That is great running advice! I was a physical therapy aid and have had my own issues with patellofemoral syndrome and doing my stretches and exercises any time I start to feel something coming on has kept me from getting injured over the past few years.
Wissahickon Creek looks like such a pretty place! :] I don’t really run, but all the beautiful scenery I’ve been seeing makes me kinda want to try starting it up. (I wish it weren’t so polluted around where I live though!)
Great year in running. It is always fun running with a family member (especially if they are new to running). Cheers to an even better 2015!
Thanks Jennifer! Hopefully my sis will keep it up!
I’ve enjoyed following your journey this year! And you have the best smile around!
Aw thanks Wendy! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through your blog! 🙂
awesome, awesome year! Not running Cherry Blossom but hope to meet you while you’re here!
Thanks for the shoutout! I’ve been much more focused on my health and wellness goals and YOU have been a tremendous influence! Congrats on reaching your goals; let’s see what 2015 brings!
Glad to hear it! Can’t wait for 2015!
Aw, that means a lot! 2015 is going to be a great year!
Congrats on meeting your goals! Awesome!! The prehab advice is something I should definitely listen to.
I am glad you had an awesome year! I have to focus on foam rolling like you! You are a great example! I have seen you making a lot of progress lately, too!
Thanks so much Amy! 🙂
Sounds like you had an awesome year! Great photos! 🙂
Thanks a lot Lora! I can’t wait for 2015!
Great recap, Janelle! Sounds like this was a memorable year for you for sure. And how fun to be running with your sister!
Running with family. ( especially a sister) is great!
It’s a great way to reconnect! I still need to run with my brother one day!
Sounds like a great year! I would love to do some trail running. (There aren’t really any accessible to where I live). Also, I definitely agree that prehab is SO important!
Trail running has really become one of my favorite things. Prehab, gotta do it!