2013 in Review

For my life in general, 2013 was just a whirlwind. I finished grad school, and within a month, received a job offer, moved, and started said job. For my year of running, it was also exciting. I only ran four races (Kaiser Half, Shamrock 15K, Eugene Marathon, and MCM), but PRed at every race, broke 1:30 in the half-marathon, and 3:05 in the full-marathon.. I thought about writing a more lengthy recap, but once I stumbled upon Amanda's template, I couldn't resist. Six questions to succinctly sum up the year? Sold! So without further ado:

Best Race Experience - MCM, hands down. I got the BQ I had been shooting for, and I'm not sure if I could've executed a more evenly run race.

Best Run - There was one five miler I ran while training for MCM. I hadn't planned on making it a tempo run, but something just clicked when I took off, and the whole thing ended up being a sub-7 pace. I've never had a training run at that pace before.

Best New Piece of Gear - This pair of Nike tights that I bought in November. I needed a new pair of tights, and happened to find one with a zipper pocket (which I wasn't expecting). They're also super-comfortable, and cover my whole legs!

Best Piece of Running Advice You Received - Eat more during your marathons! During the Eugene full, I took my first Gu too late, and was ready to kill someone by mile 14. After thinking about what went wrong, I realized that I took too few Gus during the race. So for MCM, I took 4 Gus instead of 2. Problem solved!

Most Inspirational Runner - Any of the 2013 Boston runners are amazing. But for me, I have to go with my biggest runner cheerleader of the year (and partner in Eugene '13 madness), Erin. Most of what I learned about my running this year (both physical and mental) was the result of some advice of her's.

Sum Up Your Year of Running in a Couple Words - Informative and incredible. Or in the words of George Santayana, "Those who cannot learn from the past are condemned to repeat it."

And now for a preview of 2014...

Kaiser Half (the three-peat) - My friend Ryan is joining me again for it, and now that Erin's in the Bay Area, I coerced her into doing it as well.

Newport Marathon (marathon #9) - A few guys from Portland Frontrunners are doing this. Also, I convinced Erin to trek to Oregon for this one. Capped at 1,000 runners, and along the bay for most of the race? Sounds amazing!

Santa Rosa Marathon (marathon #10) - Running? Free pancakes, watermelon, and bottle of wine for all finishers? Post-race party involving more wine? Sold! (Actually, I first convinced Erin to sign up, and then dragged my feet until NYE, because the price was going to increase the next day. Also, active.com sent me a coupon for $10 off, so I'm taking that as a sign that it was meant to be.)

And possibly a few shorter races.