I hope you’re having a great day so far!
If you celebrate, I hope you had a very merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Now we’re getting closer to New Year’s Eve and finally saying goodbye to 2016!
Now we’re getting closer to New Year’s Eve and finally saying goodbye to 2016! I thought it would be fun to share another way to recap the year of running as we’re in the last few days of the year!
I’m linking up with Courtney to share my Year of Running in 2016, Marcia, Patty, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run, and HoHo and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap!
[bctt tweet=”It’s already the time for Year of Running recap with @eatprayrundc! #runchat #sweatpink” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Year of Running – 2016
Best Race Experience: Rock ‘n Roll DC Half Marathon
This pic is like famous now, lol!I already mentioned this a few days ago, but my best race experience of 2016 was one of my first races of the year! RNR DC turned out to be an amazingly pleasant surprise. I didn’t have the stress and anxiety that I usually have for a race because it wasn’t one of my goal races. I was able to enjoy the sights and be in the moment, and it was truly a joyful race for me! I just went back and re-read my recap of the experience and it made me fall in love all over again! I’ve signed up to return in 2017!
Honorable mention goes to the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon – I had a strong race and a really fun time!
Best Run: Colorado and Cape Cod tied!
My favorite runs usually take place when I run somewhere new. In late September, I went to the ZOOMA Fitness and Yoga weekend and had a great time with my sister. The weather was perfect all weekend and the sights were amazing. I went on a 15-mile run the Sunday before we left and was astounded by the views…photos just don’t do it justice!
In November, Bret and I went to Estes Park, Colorado on vacation and were able to run a gorgeous trail in Rocky Mountain State Park. This really was the most beautiful trail run that I’ve ever had. The weather was cold as heck and hello elevation, but it was an amazing experience I’m glad we were able to share together.
Best New Piece of Running Gear: Aftershokz Headphones
This has to be obvious by now, as I keep going on and on about them…but if you don’t own these bad boys, you should! For much of my marathon training, they were my only friend. They’re comfortable, easy to use, and have great sound quality. I may lean on them a little bit too much…but can you blame me?
Best Running Advice You’ve Received This Year:
When I was marathon training, the best advice I received by my coach was to foam roll. It’s really as simple as that! When I slacked on foam rolling, that’s when I started to have some really annoying knee issues. Once I stepped that up, the pain went away. It is so easy to skip the rolling when you’re finished with your runs, but you may regret it if you don’t get it done! A few minutes is worth preventing an injury that could set you back for months!
Most Inspirational Runner: Allyson Felix
Wasn’t it thrilling to watch the Olympics this summer? Allyson Felix is AMAZING and I loved watching her make history and become the most decorated female track and field athlete with 9 Olympic medals. I love watching her run! I was so sad when she lost the 400 meters in the last moment but accepted the outcome with grace and dignity.
Favorite Picture from a Run or Race This Year:
It’s too hard to choose, but these are some of my favorite pictures from the year!
Race Experience You Would Repeat in a Heartbeat: Philly Marathon
The support that I received for the Philadelphia Marathon was amazing. Not only did Bret and his family come, but my mom was there to finally see me run. It was a really special moment. Being in the back of the pack of the race has its own challenges, but I loved seeing my City Fit Girls cheering and running and waved to all of my friends that were out there to cheer me on. It really made a difference
I’m currently feeling FOMO for not signing up for the Chicago Marathon lottery, but I have my calendar marked in March to try to get into the Marine Corps Marathon. We’ll see what happens!
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?: A Blessing.
I always love running in Nebraska!I have absolutely no complaints right now. I’m healthy, I feel strong, I’m not injured. I’m so grateful for what I was able to accomplish this year and I’m optimistic to see what 2017 has in store for me!
PS – Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for $100 of Swanson Health Products – it ends on Tuesday 12/27!
How would you describe your year of running? What were your favorite moments of 2016?
Great running this year, Janelle! How fun to have so much support at the Philly Marathon. 🙂
Running is a blessing, and we should always remember that!
Cheers to 2017!!
Thanks so much, Clarinda! And yes, such a gift to be able to run!
2016 certainly was an interesting year. I think my biggest revelation wasn’t just discovering that I am more of a runner than a racer…but accepting it. I have long known that “racing” wasn’t my thing, but have tried to ignore those tendencies. I feel a lot of scorn (?) from fellow runners who are driven to constantly be faster with each training run or race. Often times, I get the impression that simply “running” is looked down upon and “racing” is the ideal. As much as I love doing races, I do not have that “racing” mindset, and I’m flat-out exhausted from trying to be a competitive racer. I don’t “need” to be constantly getting faster, and I don’t feel the need to prove myself. Whew! (That felt good LOL)
Wow, I’m glad that you were able to get that out! I’m sorry you’ve felt that scorn from other runners, it’s absolutely ridiculous! Running or racing, you’re doing something that you love and that’s what matters!
I don’t know if you watch the Rose Parade, but Allyson is one of the 3 grand marshals this year. They chose 3 Olympians for 2017.
Oh thanks for letting me know about that, I guess I’ll have reason ti check out the Rose Parade this year! 🙂
You really had a great year. I love your muckiest photo !
Hope 2017 is just as great for you.
Thanks, Karen! Yeah the MuckFest was fun, I never enjoyed mud so much in my life LOL!
Congratulations on a fun, injury-free year with so many accomplishments! I hope you get into MCM! I know so many people who love that race. And yay for marathon #2 in 2017!
Thanks a lot, Jennifer! MCM would be an amazing experience, we’ll see what happens! It’s been great following you on your training this year!
Although I started the year with a course PR in March, I am feeling that 2016 was an “unremarkable” year for running, which is fine since it also means nothing bad happened! I really enjoyed cycling, spinning and OTF as well as running. You had a great year!
Thanks, Coco. I think 2015 was a year of just building consistency and thankfully remaining injury-free, 2016 turned out to be a lot of fun! I’m still really intrigued by OTF, I need to try it out!
You’ve had a fantastic year! It’s been fun watching you rise to the challenges of training. I think you’ve only scraped the surface of what you can do!
Thanks so much, Wendy, that means a lot!! Cheers to 2017!
Congrats on all your races! Especially your first marathon. Sounds like you got the bug if you would repeat that one again?
I love your two words. I’m so happy for you, Janelle. And did you know that you can sign up for the MCM 17.75K and get guaranteed entry into the marathon? That’s how I did it. Now – that 17.75K is TOUGH. Very hilly – but you’ve run enough hilly races that I think you’d be fine. You can read my review on my blog or ask questions if you want but that’s a way to get into the race – but you’ll need to register for 17.75k as soon as it opens because it sells out quickly. 🙂
Thanks so much, Courtney! You know, I heard about the 17.75K and I wish I could do it but I have a stair climb that same day and a half marathon the following day…I’ll have to keep it on my radar for the future, as I’m determined to conquer more hilly races lol! So I’ll need some extra luck to get in MCM the old fashioned way!
YES TO MCM!!!!!! If we both get in we have to plan on meeting up!
You had a great year, lady! Way to go.
Oh that would be so awesome to meet up! I have my fingers crossed!!
Congrats on an awesome year! Can’t wait to see what you accomplish in 2017.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Sounds like a great year! Love Aftershokz headphones! Allyson Felix is such an inspiration! I really need to foam roll more. Best wishes to a fantastic 2017!
What a nice way to wrap up 2016. You did have a wonderful year of running! I experienced a little FOMO myself over Chicago. I didn’t even realize they had changed the lottery entry date. But, I remind myself there are so many other wonderful races. I think MCM would be an excellent choice for your 2nd marathon. I love the smile on your face in the Philly Marathon. Thanks for linking, Janelle!
You had a really great year! It looks like you ran in some fun places and had some great races. Foam rolling is SO helpful! I hope you have a great 2017!
Thanks so much, Lisa! And I could really use some foam rolling action now, LOL! Happy New Year!