Every year, Amanda invites us to reflect back on our year of running. This is my first year really taking part and just thinking about what I wanted to talk about has been good for me. I ended up running 4 halfs (and I really wanted to do two more), I PR’ed the 5K and just got stronger. I really fell into a rhythm this year like no year before. I’m enjoying some downtime but also looking forward to a strong year ahead!
Best Race Experience
Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles – This race happened pretty much at the peak of my mileage so I felt strong the entire race, the temperatures were amazing and the people were even better! I even managed to cut 4 minutes off my time for the year. I think any race where I get to mingle with Team Chocolate Milk Teammates, Pavey, and Stuft Mama, it’s gotta be good.
Best Run
Hands down, the 5K at Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago. When you get to pace with Shalane Flannigan, you know the chances of PR’ing a race are pretty good and that’s exactly what happened. I have never see times like that at a race before and it really made me ask myself…”what more can I do?” I accomplished one of my 2014 goals which was to beat my PR!
Best New Gear
This is a toss up between the New Balance Fresh Foam Running Shoe (seen in the picture above) and wireless earbuds. I am highly dependent (to a fault) on music when I run and having the freedom to separate my phone from my earphones has been awesome for me. You can check out my gift guide for my recommendation on a pair.
Best Piece of Running Advice
I agree with Christine on this one. I loved and message behind “Embrace the suck”. There is a great article by pro triathlete Chris McCormack about how you have to learn to embrace the suck. Pushing to a limit I didn’t know existed in the 5K in Chicago, I really had to overcome and push through when it was so unpleasant.
Most Inspirational Runner
Everyone that I ran with at every race and every one of you that helps me get and stay motivated. I have been so inspired by your stories, your perseverance, your passion. We are a community and it’s in that community that I draw my strength. You all have no idea seriously how much you mean to me. We might not be able to run together physically but it doesn’t matter.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Exciting, Strong and Addicting
I feel like I overcame a huge hurdle when it comes to wrapping my brain around 13.1. It doesn’t scare me like it use to. I actually look forward to running it. I wasn’t there at the beginning of the year.
I’m still trying to pull together my 2015 goals but as soon as I figure them out, I’ll share. One thing I do know for certain is that I’ll be starting the year with a bang in Phoenix for Rock ‘n’ Roll AZ in January. Come and run with me! I’ll even give you $15 off to do it! Use code: MOMSLRBAZ and meet me in sunny, warm Arizona in January.
Love this Katie! You had an amazing and strong year and can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store!!
Thanks Christine!
What a wonderful post, so happy, so strong, so positive! You make me feel bad about mine haha, I am definitely not embracing the suck, I am making everyone feel sorry for themselves hahha! Just kidding, this made me feel a lot happier right now, can’t wait to follow your journey in 2015!
Thank you Tina!
You do have to embrace the suck! Most of us are not professional runners and we have ups and downs in running and in our lives. It is important to keep that in perspective. I love the running community and all of the support and friendships I’ve made. Here’s to a great 2015!
You had a great year Katie! Looking forward to seeing what 2015 brings you!
Thank you Michelle! Back at ya!
Congrats on breakthrough year Katie!
Thanks Marcia!
So much fun! You had a great year of running in 2014!
Thanks you! 2015 is going to rock for you!
Nice job! And I think it was impossible to run in 2014 without embracing the suck. It makes the sweet surprises, like good races, all the better. Here’s to a better 2015.
I love the idea of “Embracing the Suck” I have such a love hate relationship with running that I think that basically sums up my year! This is my first time visiting your site, Love it! I will be back!
Great pics! I’ve always thought Rock n Roll Vegas would be amazing.
Shalane paced you to a PR? That is indeed an unforgettable memory! Congrats!
I love reading about a great year like yours! Congrats on pulling it out and cheers to big things in 2015! Thanks for playing along.
Thanks Miss Zippy!
What a great post! I might steal this idea… 🙂
Wow, reading this *almost* made me want to lace up and go for a run! 🙂 It wasn’t a great year of running for me, but it definitely wasn’t bad. I finished my 2nd half marathon, finally got to try stroller running, and got back my body after baby. No complains!
Thanks Tiffany
Fantastic year Katie! Way to go on embracing the sucks and pushing your limits. I suspect that BIG things will happen for you next year!
Thanks Janice!
What an awesome year! 2014 was also the year of the half marathon for me – I loved reading that you started out being scared of the distance and ended this year loving it. 🙂
Really fun post and looks like you’ve had an awesome year! I’ve always leaned more towards the full marathon but this year I ran two half marathons and loved them! And we found out Baby #2 is on the way. It’s been a great year!
Haha! “embrace the suck!” I love it! I will definitely use this to fuel me through some tough runs! Here’s to continued awesomeness in running in 2015.
Back at ya Sandra!!