Chapter 2 page 501–Miss Zippy’s 2011 Recap

Miss Zippy asked everyone to share a 2011 recap (click HERE to see her original post).  What a fun way to look back, so I thought I would join in on the action too. . .

• Best race experience? I had so many GREAT races this year – it’s been an over-the-top awesome racing year for me.  I’d have to say that my best short race was Runner’s On Parade (3 miler) not only because I PR’d, but because I had a blast screwing around with “C” afterward (the 2nd from the left picture in my blog’s header is an example of said screwing around).  My best long distance race is a tie between Fort 4 Fitness and last weekend’s HUFF.   I loved F4F because I was able to share it with about a dozen people that I had mentored over the summer and had a PR smackdown.  The HUFF was an experience of a lifetime.  I pushed passed personal, physical and mental limits I didn’t know I had.  I overcame MUD and WATER and did it with the 2 most amazing women on my Victorious Secret Team. 
• Best run? My 169th training run on 9/30/11 apparently (according to my blog title and run recap) was a great one.  I don’t have too many great runs so you’d think I’d remember them better. 
• Best new piece of gear? At first I was like, “I don’t have a lot of new gear”, but WAIT – I finally found shoes that didn’t hurt me!  I’ve been through what feels like dozens and dozens of shoes and finally . . . Nike Pegasus seem to be working out well for me (Yay!).  I even made finding “the shoe” Goal #1 for 2011 – accomplished!
• Best piece of running advice you received? It’s a tie.  Most helpful this year was “Run your own race” meaning don’t get caught up in emotions or the pace of others . . . stick to your plan.  Second, “Have Fun” – for me, running is a super social activity – I don’t meet strangers during races –have fun, laugh, and enjoy the experience. 
• Most inspirational runner? I’d have to say that everyone I worked with in my Spring Into Training group and MOA.  Each of them set a goal well past what they ever dreamed for themselves and they blew it out of the water!!!  Soooo proud of them!!!
• If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?  Fantastic, Awesome, Exciting, Fun!

Your turn . . .