My Year of Running – 2016

By Janelle @ Run With No Regrets | running

Dec 26

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!

It's already the time for Year of Running recap with @eatprayrundc! #runchat #sweatpink Click To Tweet

It has been a wonderful year! I'm joining Courtney for the Year of Running recap for 2016! Join me for more chatting about running at runwithnoregrets.com!

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?

You may also like:  Quick Guide to the Top Running Trails in Philly

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?

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