My Year of Running 2014

I rarely do link-ups for several reasons but mostly because I’m lazy.  However, this year I decided to participate in Amanda’s (Miss Zippy) fun year of running recaps.

Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 10.17.20 AM

1.  Best race experience?
I don’t race a lot but actually did a few races this year.
In May I attempted a 50 mile race – did not complete it.
In September I did a timed run – ended up just doing a marathon and calling it a day.
My best race experience though was the half marathon trail race that I did with Hunter.

FINISHED!!!
FINISHED!!!

It was not at all like a race I thought I would enjoy – it was wet and muddy, slow and treacherous but I LOVED  every second of it!!!

2.  Best Run?
Overall, 2014 was a great year of running.  Up until sometime in late October, I was running strong and injury free.  I have over 1500 miles for the year which is the highest I’ve been in a long time.

I think the best run I had was way back in January – I ran 37 miles on Kristin’s  (STUFT Mama) birthday to celebrate her birthday from a distance with her and to raise money for Run Sixty Feet.  37 miles

This was one of those runs that actually felt good the entire time.
37 miles in 5 hours 23:14 – great running day!!!

3.  Best new piece of gear?
I really like my Garmin 220 – sort of an early Mother’s Day gift to myself.
I also love all of my running shoes especially the 2 pairs of Wave Creations that I added to my collection this year – Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 10.40.55 AM

4.  Best piece of running advice you received:
I think mostly it was a matter of coming to a realization after a couple of failed attempts at running 50 miles – running should be fun.  It isn’t about trying to prove anything – it is just something I love!!!

5.  Most inspirational runner?
I don’t know if I can pick one person – the runners that I see day after day no matter what the weather inspire me.
So many of the awesome bloggers I read that run races, set PRs, get up early and push themselves every day inspire me.

But, the most inspirational runners in my world are my 2 boys.

before the 4th of July race around the lake
before the 4th of July race around the lake

Seeing them develop a love of running this year has inspired me to just keep running because I love it.  They have helped me realize that running isn’t about how far or how fast you go, it is just about running and loving the fact that you can!!!

6.  If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?
Great
Fun
Happy
Ready for more!!!

Thanks for setting up the link-up, Miss Zippy!!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Kim