The first half of 2014 was amazing! I ran lots of races and ran them well and injury free! But then around October (like EVERY year) entered an injury. The last two years it's been my knee but this time it was a calf strain. Because of the calf strain I ended up with a DNS for my last race of the year. Luckily I had completed several virtual races that made up for it.
Here's a list of my 14 races in 2014! If I wrote a recap of the race you will find it linked in the title of the race.
Race 1: Walt Disney World 10K!
I was super excited to start the year with this race! The 10K was brand new and the medal was Minnie Mouse! So I knew I had to do it! It was a lot of fun...like all Disney races! And yes...I dressed as Anna from Frozen for this race and had a blast!
Race 2: Walt Disney World Half Marathon!
Another Disney race...meant another fun time! I ran this one with my friend Sandi! We had a blast stopping for all the characters! It was her first Disney race and now she is hooked...she's coming to the Princess Half with me in February! And for this one...I was Mike Wazowski! ;-)
Race 3: Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon!
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities to run in! And I LOVE Rock 'n' Roll Races! I'd already run this race several times. The bad thing about this race...it was super foggy, hot, and humid. It made for some tough and miserable running. The best part about this race...I ran it with my fellow blogger friends...my #hotmessexpress girls!
Race 4: The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon!
This race was the weekend after Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans so I wasn't expecting much. I figured it would be a tough race. Well I ended up surprising myself with a new PR of 2:21:14!
Race 5: Spring Fever Chase 10K!
It had been a few years since I'd run this race but I was excited about it! The course is very hilly so I knew it would be a challenge. I ended up running fairly well and loved the course!
Race 6: Azalea Trail Run 10K!
This is another local race that I run every year! I ran the majority of the race with my friend Paige and we had a blast like always!
Race 7: Rock 'n' Fly Half Marathon!
This race was held on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL! I was super excited to get to run on the base! Unfortunately the race was delayed due to thunderstorms that were predicted (but never happened). So a course with no shade quickly became very hot. I felt great at the beginning of the race but the heat got to me at the end.
Race 8: Crescent City Classic Half Marathon!
Here's another race that I do every year in New Orleans! I'm a blogger for the race as well. This one is all about having fun. There are all kinds of alcohol stops along the way which makes for some great people watching! It's held on Easter weekend!
Race 9: We Stand with Boston Virtual 5K!
This was a virtual race that I ran in honor of the Boston Marathon. I ran this one with my friend Holly right here at home. And the medal I received was awesome! I loved knowing my race fee went to One Fund Boston.
Race 10: Talladega Half Marathon!
This was my first race since I had lost 36 pounds! I KNEW I had a PR in me...I just didn't know it would be as great as it was! I ended up running this race in 2:02:40...which was a 19 minute PR! And the best part...Andy was there for this race!
Race 11: Gulf Coast Half Marathon Mandeville!
This was my BEST race this year! I had just had my 19 minute PR at Talladega a few weeks before and wasn't expecting another PR. But it happened! And it was a HUGE PR! I ran my first sub 2 half marathon (1:57:24) which is something I never dreamed I could do! It was an amazing day for me!
Race 12: Trick or Trot 5K!
This race was the first race of two 5K's that I was running within 24 hours of each other. I ran this one on Friday night and the next race was Saturday morning. I set out to run this one hard and fast! I was aiming for a 5K PR! I got that PR (25:23) but I also got my very first age group award! I placed 3rd in my age group and was so excited! The downer of this race...my calf had been hurting all week but after this race I knew for sure that I was injured.
Race 13: Turkey Trot 5K!
This was my 2nd race of my two 5K's in 24 hours. I ran this one with Andria! I was planning on running this one easy since I had a great PR the night before. I didn't PR (my time was 26:56) but I DID place 2nd in my age group! Andria placed in her age group too so it was a great day for both of us!
Race 14: Senior Bowl Charity Run 10K!
Going into this race I didn't know it would be my last one of the year. But unfortunately due to my calf injury it was. I still had a great race though! It was FREEZING cold but I ran a 10K PR of 54:42 AND it was also my birthday!!!
The race I had to DNS was the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon. I hated I couldn't run this race but knew it was the right thing to do for my body.
I am excited that despite my calf injury at the end of the year I still achieved my goal of 14 races in 2014! Next....15 in 2015! :-)
QOTD: What resolution did you keep in 2014?
