Year of Running 2014

I can’t believe that another year is coming to a close.  With it being New Year’s Eve, I love taking a look back at all the wonderful experiences running brought me in 2014!  Many thanks to Amanda, also known as Miss Zippy, for hosting this annual link-up!

Year in Running 2014

Best race experience?

The best race experience of my year was at the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend. However, it had nothing to do with my running. Cora ran her very first Kid’s Races that weekend. She was so excited to race and running by her side was one of the most memorable moments of 2014 for me. Here’s the link to my best race ever!

Cora

Finish

Best run? 

My second leg during Ragnar Napa Valley was just magical. After coming off a very difficult and hot first leg, it was a blessing to have a comeback run. This leg started off in the dark. I knew I was passing beautiful vineyards since the sun was slowly coming up over the rolling vineyards. Between the stunning views of the mist lifting off the Sonoma vineyards and settling in at a great pace, this definitely was one of my memorable runs. It taught me that despite having a test your faith kind of run, there is always another one just around the corner. Plus, it certainly helps to have an amazing team supporting you!

Tough Chik Ragnar Napa

Best new piece of gear? 

At the Fitness Magazine Meet & Tweet back in October, I received a pair of Cliftons from Hoka One One. If you follow my blog, you know that I had to defer my marathon thanks so some issues with my piriformis, rest and then start over from square one. These shoes came into my life during a period of recovery and they have been such a perfect pair to help me ease back into running. Honestly, I had a hard time getting over the “look” of the shoes but I am really glad that I did.  These shoes are surprisingly lightweight, offer lots of cushion, and they honestly do not feel at all clunky.  I can’t wait to see how they do with longer runs now that I am starting to feel up to building mileage again!  Here’s the link to my full post of the Meet & Tweet event!

Hoka One One

Best piece of running advice you received? 

This year, I started regulary visiting a massage therapist.  This guy knows his stuff!  By looking at the muscle groups that were causing me some issues, I learned a lot about my biomechanics.  With his help and that of a physical therapist, I now have a much better understanding of how my running form is affecting certain areas of my body and how to use a variety of conditioning exercises to my benefit.  Here’s to hoping that this advice will see me into a healthy New Year.

Most inspirational runner?  

I said it last year and I will say it again this year, I am inspired by so many runners out there and am happy to call so many of them friends.  So, thank you to everyone that has helped push me to be a better version of myself this year!

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? 

Run. Rest. Recover. {Rest and Recovery are totally easier said than done.}

Now, it’s your turn.  Head on over and join the link up with Amanda!

miss_zippy_year_of_running_2014

So, tell me, what was your best race experience of 2014?

Lisa

PS.  Here’s my Year in Review from 2013 too!

Comments

  1. Love that picture of Cora running! Happy New Year Lisa!
    My recent post Year Ahead – 2015 Goals

  2. dancingtorunning says:

    The picture of Cora running is absolutely adorable! So glad that you were able to share your Princess weekend experience with her.
    My recent post January 2015 Monthly Goals

    • Thank you! She is looking forward to running Princess again this year! Every time she runs somewhere, even if it is around the house, she says she is practicing for her Olaf race, since she saw the kids race has an Olaf themed medal!

  3. love that pic of cora – so precious! happy new year!!! hope to race with you again in 2015 🙂
    My recent post 2014 Blog Stats By the Numbers

  4. mainegirl2runs says:

    I'm sure Napa views were awesome!! Of course my best race experience was running my first marathon in Maine! Looking forward to running the Llbean 10k and Beach2Beacon! Love seeing Cora run! Happy New Year!
    My recent post Running Highlights of 2014

  5. Love love love that you got to run alongside your daughter in her first race! I can’t wait to do the same with mine. She keeps begging to run a kids’ race.
    Tiffany recently posted…Introductions and 2015 GoalsMy Profile

    • As long as you and your little one have patience, the Disney races are great for the kids. I wish more local races offered kids races! She loves being able to do what I do at this age.

  6. Jen@jpabstfitness says:

    Sounds like it was a great year, Happy 2015!!

  7. Kimberley@Black Dog Runs Disney says:

    Here's irony for you…we had stopped at some roadside store on our way to vineyard hopping on vacation in Napa, when we just happen to find we were right on the Ragnar course! It was so cool to be able to stop and cheer on some of the runners. 3,000 miles from home! 🙂

    • No way! The course was amazing. It was really hot at times so it made for a couple brutal runs for me. Other than that, I decided I MUST head back there for a vacation some time.

  8. It was indeed a good year for us both. In 2014 I ran 3 half marathons with my very first one ever. I would have to say that whole experience was great. I had no idea I was capable of doing that. Thank goodness to friends that never let you give up! Look forward to seeing how your 2015 turns out. 🙂
    TRICIA @ MissSippiPiddlin.blogspot.com

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