First off I want to say that the first half of the year was amazing! I ran strong and was so proud of that! The second half of the year wasn't as good...I got set back with a hip and knee injury. Luckily, I only had to miss one of my scheduled races.
So here's a rundown of all 13 of my races this year! You can read the original race recaps by clicking on the name of the race.
Race 1: Resolution Run 5K!
This was a virtual race to start off the new year! I was excited to begin this new challenge of 13 in 2013!
Race 2: Walt Disney World Marathon!
This was my second full marathon! I was super excited to run it in my favorite place on Earth...Disney World! And some of my best friends ran with me! Disney races are my absolute favorite! This race was so much fun! I loved seeing the characters for 26.2 miles!
Race 3: Tackle the Miles 5K!
I did triple duty with this virtual race! I ran my 5 by the 5th race as well as miles of shame for my Superbowl team losing. It was fun getting three goals done with one run!
Race 4: Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon!
This race was supposed to be run with my friend Paige but her babysitter got sick with the flu so she couldn't run. Luckily I had a few other friends running and I ran with them. I took it easy this race because I had another half the next weekend. Running in New Orleans is always fun! This was my third time running this race!
Race 5: Seaside Half Marathon!
This is probably my most memorable race this year! It was freezing cold but that made for some great running weather. I felt amazing the entire race and PRed!
Race 6: Azalea Trail Run 10K!
This race is my favorite local race! It was also my very first 5K and I remember thinking I would never be able to run the 10K! This was my second time running the 10K! We always dress up for this race. This year I was Wonder Woman!
Race 7: St. Patrick's Day Virtual 5K!
This race was run in new shoes! They helped me go pretty fast and I ran the fastest 5K I had run in a long while. And...I loved my green outfit! ;-)
Race 8: Crescent City Classic 10K!
This was another race in one of my favorite cities...New Orleans! I'd always heard how fun this race was but had never run it. Me and Paige had a blast with this one! And....it was the first 10K I had ever run where you also got a medal!
Race 9: Gulf Coast Half Marathon on Pensacola Beach!
This was one of my toughest races this year. The day before I was a zombie in the Zombie Run and all the sprinting I did after the runners made for some super tired and super sore legs. So I ran and walked and ran and walked and didn't worry about my time. I ended up having fun despite the run being tough!
Race 10: Gulf Coast Half Marathon in Mandeville, LA!
This is a race I run every year...this was my third time! My hip had just recently started hurting....and to top it all off....my knee started hurting during this race. This began my hip and knee injuries that I dealt with for the remainder of the year. The race itself was great other than the pain.
Race 11: Senior Bowl Charity Run 10K!
This race was more of a test for my knee. I had just started treatment with my chiropractor and he allowed me to run the 10K. Unfortunately my knee hurt for most of the race. I kept having to stop and stretch it. It was very discouraging.
Race 12: St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon!
I had been looking forward to this race for a long time. I had fundraised for it as well as working hard to get my injuries well. Unfortunately an ice storm in Memphis caused the race to be canceled. So we came home and ran the race here at home for the kids of St. Jude! It was an unforgettable experience!
Race 13: The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon!
I just ran this race yesterday! It was one of the most inspirational races I've ever run! It was so awesome meeting past contestants from the show and hearing their stories! The race was one of my slowest but I had a blast...and I never hit a wall! I ran with my friend Paige and we had so much fun! It was a great race to end the year with!
So my goal of 13 races in 2013 is now complete!!! I wasn't sure I would make the goal when I got injured but with the help of God and many prayers...I did it!!!!
QOTD: What resolution did you keep this past year?
