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!

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!

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!

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!

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!