It’s time for another look back at the year in running! This is a great link-up series Amanda, aka Miss Zippy, used to host, but now that she’s started her own podcast series (which you should definitely check out here), Courtney has taken over where she left off.
Before I started writing this post, I looked back at what last year’s running wrap up was like. I think it’s safe to say 2014 was my best year of running to date. Coming off a marathon PR in 2013, I just crushed it last year.
2015 has not been my finest year of running. It has been hard, slow, full of setbacks and frustrating. But those kinds of experiences are what makes us appreciate the good, makes us realize how good it feels when you can feel the comeback getting closer. More than anything, this year has been a time to reflect on what I need and want from running and to be inspired all over again.
My Year of Running 2015
Best Race Experience
This was a year of zero races for me. It is the first year of running in which I have not lined up at a start line. I was all signed up for the Rock’n’Roll Brooklyn Half, but then we went and moved to Vermont a month before the race! Regardless, I did have a wonderful race experience in May, watching the Brooklyn Half Marathon with Christine and Gabrielle and seeing my friend Maggie (whom I trained for the race!) run her very first 13.1.
Best Run
My best run was over Thanksgiving this year. My running has been uninspired recently – a lot of the same pace and the same distance. Over the holiday, I got annoyed with myself as I scrolled through my splits from a run, so I went out the next day, ran by feel and threw some speed intervals into the same route. I managed to run negative splits and cut about 40 seconds per mile off my pace. It felt amazing. I felt proud of myself. Most of all, it made me begin to remember how running makes me feel more whole.
Best New Piece of Running Gear
Well, I love my Spandits! I was so excited to be chosen as one of their ambassadors and their running tights and shorts are awesome. I also really love the Moji foot massager I reviewed earlier this year – since I’m obviously carrying extra weight post-pregnancy, my feet have felt more sore than usual after running and this has been a lifesaver.
Best Running Advice You’ve Received This Year
“Go for a run. You’ll feel better.” This is my husband’s advice, meted out fairly regularly. And it’s true, I always do feel better, even if it’s a short run, even if it’s a crappy run, I always, always come back feeling happier than when I set out.
Most Inspirational Runner
This runner was one of my inspirations last year as well. This year, Nellie running the NYC Marathon had me in tears. I was tracking her and some other amazing running friends on my phone, all the way up here in Vermont. Nellie ran her heart out on that course, pushed her body and mind to the limit and crossed the finish line nearly 7 hours later. I was glued to my phone, watching the icon that was Nellie inching closer to the finish line, with tears streaming down my face.
It hurts to be running for 4 hours. That’s the longest I’ve ever run. I was imagining the pain, determination, will and strength driving her on and it just brought home to me how powerful running is, how much of an analogy for life it can be. She’s just amazing, I’m so ridiculously proud of her and she definitely lit a spark again in me. You can read Nellie’s recap of the marathon experience here.
Favorite Picture from a Run or Race This Year
I love all of my pregnancy running photos. It felt so good to be able to run during pregnancy. I was so fortunate to be able to continue my usual workout routine and to be able to run until about 36 weeks. Plus, I felt like every time I went out for a run, or hit the treadmill at my gym, I was a walking advertisement for staying fit and healthy during pregnancy.
Race Experience You Would Repeat in a Heartbeat
I’m glad I didn’t race this year. After I returned to running postpartum – fittingly my first postpartum run was on National Running Day – I was really surprised by how much harder it felt to be starting over, compared to my experience after my first pregnancy. After all, I was so much more active during my second pregnancy. I ran more, I cross trained more, I felt fitter throughout. But it just goes to show you that you can’t predict how your body will react to childbirth and mine did not bounce back easily this time. I had pelvic pain and a bruised tailbone and extra weight did not help, either.
On top of that, I had a funky hamstring/adductor injury in the summer, which totally derailed me. I was just getting back into the swing of things when we moved to Vermont and then I found myself struggling to find times and places to run.
If I had been in Brooklyn for the half marathon in October, I think I would have either raced under-trained, or trained more than my body would have been able to handle. Without the training impetus of a race scheduled, I followed my body’s cues for what it could handle.
I guess, though, if you believe my post about 15 Ways Running a Marathon is Just Like Giving Birth, then you could say my favorite race was giving birth to my precious little Baby T.
If You Could Sum Up Your Year in a Couple of Words, What Would They Be?
From go to whoa? 😉 No, I think my words would be humbling and hard. Two words I hope will be antonyms of my 2016 wrap up.
Here’s to a new year of running! Go check out Courtney’s link up for more running memories from the year.
Love the pregnant running pics. You gave birth this year, so I think that actually should count as running a marathon. And yes, go for a run you’ll feel better, 100% always true for me.
Paria@momontherunsanity.com recently posted…Toddler
I love my pregnant running pics, too. 🙂 My second pregnancy I felt so fit and active, but postpartum has been rough! You just never know how your body will react, I guess.
Alex has told me that a few times. And so now we are kind of at a loss, lol. Can I say that your preggo jumping pic is one of the most impressive things I’ve every seen? You deserve a medal for that, yo.
This year has been both humbling and rewarding in ways that I never could have imagined. I have learned even more about my body, and I hope that it serves me well in the months to come!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Favorite Easy Healthy Recipes of 2015
You’re building up your mental base right now, lady, with everything you’ve gone through since the marathon. You send me a preggo jumping medal and I’ll send you a crutch-master medal, deal?
Those preggo running pictures are the best! Really beautiful! It’s not easy to run with a big belly. I know from experience. After my first baby I stayed away from racing for 5 years, until this September. I never stopped running, but I just stayed away from races for a long time. You had a beautiful baby this year. Cut yourself some slack. You are an amazing runner, and there will always be another race again waiting for you. Your husband says the same thing like mine “Go for a run, you’ll feel better”, aren’t they just so sweet? You had a great year!
Ilka recently posted…Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
That actually makes me feel so much better, Ilka, because when I wrote this post and realized I hadn’t raced once in 2015 I felt kind of down on myself. Thanks for your comment, lady!
I’d have to say my running year was fun and surprising. I’ve had humbling and hard for too many years in the last decade so this year was a special gift.
Char recently posted…Kurrawa To Duranbah 2015
Fun and surprising sounds like an excellent year! Happy running in 2016, Char!
Here’s to an amazing 2016!
Jen@jpabstfitness recently posted…Fit Friday
Thanks lady! Happy holidays to you and your family too! xo
Thanks so much for this Carly! I have had similar experience with exercise in 2015 – Although I wasn’t able to run at all during pregnancy and was only walking. Since I’ve had Austin I’ve managed a few little runs but haven’t been able to find my stride again. I’m booked in for a 10K end of Jan and I’m hoping to make 2016 a year of fun (not exhausting) running and find a little bit of me again!
I tell you, if you can time it right with the breastfeeding/pumping, it just feels so glorious to be outside, alone, feeling your body work for YOU. I also remember (and am reliving) how hard it feels to be pushing through this time of life, when you’re so enveloped with a little one. If my 2014 year, between babies, taught me anything, it’s that the fitness and strength will come back with a vengeance. Merry Christmas, give that little muffin a squeeze from me!
Even though you didn’t have any races this yr, you still had some great runs. And being able to run while pregnant up until that far along in your pregnancy is impressive. There will be plenty of more races next yr and more opportunities to crush another PR.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…What running has kept me from…….
Thanks Lacey! Thank you for all your support this year – I love reading your comments and following your adventures too.
You really did have an amazing year. And trust me on this…your best miles are ahead of you!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions for December
There’s a reason marathon champions are older than your average athlete – it’s such a mental sport and the life experience and maturity help us run the distance, right?
I couldn’t comment yesterday because I read this during work but I had to tell you that I was at my cube silently crying because of your touching words. Thank you. I’ve been struggling with myself so much not being able to really accept myself as a marathoner because of my time. But this–makes me feel so much better. You have been such an amazing supporter online and offline which is a lot more than some of my closest friends and family. I appreciate you!!
With that said I can’t wait to cheer you on in 2016!
Nellie! I am so sorry you would even consider thinking that way! I feel like your time makes you an even more hardcore marathoner. I remember how beat up I felt after running 4 hours and part of why I cried as I tracked you toward the end was that I *could* imagine how you must have been feeling physically and mentally and what it must have taken for you to keep going. I think you’re amazing and for all the people who don’t show their support openly, there are so many who may never tell you what an inspiration you are. Rock on, Marathonellie!! xoxo
haha, those photos are golden! True, the difference a year makes.
I can honestly say my year of running was not my best.. haha.. but that’s ok. There’s always 2016. And you’ve had a BIG BIG year. Nellie definitely deserves the inspirational runner award!
Tamara recently posted…Minions Movie Night With Minions Banana Ice Cream!
Nellie is unbelievable! Love her, so proud of the year she had. Happy holidays to you, my friend!
I LOVE this. “Go for a run. You’ll feel better.” Has there ever been a truer statement? I’m going to go read Nellie’s recap next. Not sure how I missed it but thanks for sharing it. Love all your pregnancy running pictures! Thanks so much for joining the linkup.
Oh yay! I’m so glad you will get a chance to read Nellie’s recap. She’s one inspiring woman. Than you so much for taking over where Amanda left off and hosting this for us, Courtney! 🙂
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