Wednesday, January 29, 2014

2013 was an AMAZING year

What?  You thought I gave up blogging?  Well, I definitely took a "break".  It might continue.  But reflecting on my 2013 year is something I should talk about!  I  mean, it was pretty amazing! Half Marathons, Full Marathons, Ultras, Duathlons, Triathlons, 200 mile relay (along with 5k's through 10 mile runs). It was quiet a year!

Half Marathons

I did 6 half marathons, which is the most I've done in one year.
- F^3 Half, Chicago (January)
Kelly, Maggie, Nicole, Me
Bad ass (socks)
 - Illinois Half, Champaign (April)
Derek and I
- Indianapolis Mini, Indianapolis (May)
Becky and I
- Rock N' Roll Half, Chicago (July)
My Charity UPS for DownS: Josh, Me, Liz
- Chicago Half, Chicago (September)

Me and Derek (my support staff)
- Santa Hustle, Indianapolis (December)

Derek and I
(Fell off blogging for those last two halves. Oops.  Spoiler...I finished them).

Relay

Um...did you say Ragnar Relay? Yes please!  I had tons of fun and it was super exhausting.  Running with 8 other friends of mine 200 miles from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL!  Can't say I would do this again in the near future but this is an experience I will never forget and puts a smile on my face every time I think about it.
My team before the race!

Running through the corn fields during my first leg

Team finish photo (including our drivers)

Duathlon and Triathlon

I participated in my first Duathlon and my first outdoor Sprint Triathlon!

Duathlon, Tinley Park (June)
F'N Runners at the Duathlon
Naperville Sprint Triathlon, Naperville (August)
Swim

Bike
Run
 
Derek and I  - Triathletes!
 
 Marathons/Ultras

I did 2 full marathons and 1 ultra marathon (50k).  Oh did I mention they were all within 6 weeks?  I guess I needed an extra challenge!  As much as I don't want to focus on any disappointment on here...I was initially disappointed with my times for the marathons.  BUT, when I think that I did 3 in 6 weeks, with 1 being an ultra...I CANNOT be disappointed in myself at all!  That also puts a smile on my face!  Especially since after Fox Valley, I said I wasn't doing the other two.  Then after Chicago, I said I didn't want to do the Ultra.  Then I had the best time at the Ultra!  So glad I did all 3!

- Fox Valley Marathon, St. Charles (September 22)
 

Me, Julie, and Meg at the start

Mile 21 with my support runner Jill. 
HUGE help is an understatement! Thanks Jill!
- Chicago Marathon, Chicago (October 13)

- Lakefront Ultra 50k, Chicago (November 2)
 
At the start L-R: Julie, Nicole, Me, Susan, Joe
 
Half way done!
Julie and I - Ultra marathoners!
 
Wow! Did I get it all?  How much fun did I have last year!  I also ran about 900 miles for the year. 
 
2014 may not have that many firsts or that much excitement but I'm trying to focus on quality rather than quantity this year.  Although hearing about my friend Julie signing up for as many full marathons as possible makes me wish I could do that along side her!  And my friend Jill signing up for her first FULL marathon this year.  And my friend Melanie doing her first Ultra this year!  I mean...I may not have these firsts, but my friends do. And you better believe I will be right along side of them cheering them on like they did for me this year!  Awesome friends and awesome memories.  Because in the end, the time it took me didn't matter, but they memories will last a lifetime!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

New Year Update

Hope you all haven't forgotten about me! I've been a bit quiet but am reading your blogs! 

I've been quiet on my own blog but am just trying to get my bearings with the New Year, the crazy Chicago weather, and my own fitness.

I'll update my running numbers when I put 2 in that I've missed putting in.  I know the number was in the 900's.  I think the 3 marathons back to back slowed my numbers a bit because I was always on "recovery" mode for a few months. 

I haven't made any affirmative goals for 2014 right now.  I know things I want to work on, such as my weight and overall fitness.  Trying to figure out the best way for me to go about it that will allow me to STAY on track. 

I did start training for a half marathon again.  Originally, I was just doing one in Las Vegas in April and probably near Seattle in May.  But the training for that would start until the end of January and I know I was already slacking in my running (from taking a mental break).  I felt like I needed to get back on the wagon.  So I decided to start training for the Get Lucky Half Marathon in Chicago on March 15th, whether I decide to do it or not.  I think I will sign up for it though.  So right now, with that race, I will have half marathons most likely in March, April, May, and July.

I've also signed up for an indoor triathlon on February 2nd and a Sprint Triathlon (with an Olympic distance swim!) in June.  Then I dislocated my shoulder yet again, which took me to the E.R., yet again.  I didn't actually see anyone in the E.R. because it went back in on its own but was dislocated for over an hour and therefore, was extremely sore for many days after.  I have vowed to do my rehab exercises daily (twice a day actually, although the morning one is slightly rushed).  I want to be able to do the swim for these triathlons.  I have been avoiding the pool for a bit to let my shoulder heal but I think I will try a bit of swimming this week and see how it feels. 

So that's me in a nutshell.  Hope you all have a wonderful 2014 filled with lots of happiness!