My friend Amanda, at Miss Zippy, asked for a summary of 2012, and provided some questions to get us started. I was planning to recap my year anyway, so this was perfect timing. I used her questions, and added a few of my own. Feel free to join in and link up below!
- Best race experience? As much as I love the half marathon distance, the shorter races were much better for me this year. My favorite was probably this last 5k at the Turkey Trot where I surprised myself with a new 5k pr (20:22). Plus, linking up with other local bloggers is always a plus.
- Worst race experience? Learning the hard way not to race in May in Texas. The Astros 10k was brutal in the heat and humidity, and was the first time I almost quit in the middle of the race. I was so done and wanted to sit on the grass and watch the rest of the runners finish. I need a 10k rematch this spring (before the heat returns).
Can you tell how miserable I was? Ha!
- Best run? Just a week ago I had one of the most carefree runs in a long time. I ran 12 miles at marathon pace, and my legs wanted to keep going and going and going.
- Best new piece of gear? I discovered Oiselle this year, and can’t remember what I ran in before collecting two of their soft, lightweight tanks. Love them!
Love this purple Oiselle tank
- Best piece of running advice you received? Hmm, good question. I’ve learned the benefits of compression this year, both during my shin trouble (Tommie Copper calf sleeves were aweseome!) and for recovery socks post-long run.
- Most inspirational runner?
My local running buddy, May. Her passion and drive is contagious. We are also very similarly paced and she qualified for Boston last year at Houston, which gives me hope.
And, at the risk of sounding cheesey, I’m honestly inspired by every running blog I read…. so many amazing ladies (and a few men) setting goals, training hard, crushing goals, having setbacks, it’s all part of the journey. There are way too many to name, but you all know who you are.
- If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Surprises. Setbacks. Joy. Progress. Contentment.
- Running ups: A new pr in every race distance- this has a lot to do with the blogging community, and my determination to train smarter.
Collecting some ugly trophies along the way…
- Running downs: A shin issue over the summer that knocked me out for a few weeks. It also led to a very cautious, conservative marathon training plan. I’m now beginning to feel confident to make more significant mileage and training increases, but I’m almost at my taper.
- Surprise of the year: Completing my first sprint triathlon! After putting it on my bucket list, I was determined to make it happen. Hmmm, maybe I need to revisit that bucket list and see what I need to work toward in 2013…
If you wrote any kind of recap post for 2012, I’d love to read about it! Link up below, and then read and support a few other runners as well.
How was 2012 for you?
Laura, It sounds like it was an interesting year. You’re going to do so great at your marathon, can’t wait for you to cross that finish line! Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Tell me about your 2012
Thank you, Lisa… I’m definitely starting to get a bit nervous. Yours is right around the corner, isn’t it?! Excited for you!
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
Sounds like a pretty good year for you.
I wish you the best in 2013!
Jamie @ Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat. recently posted..Thankful Thursday 12/20/12
You had a pretty awesome year! You’re so fast too
Nice 5k PR! I have started to contemplate triathalons. We just got a pool at the gym, so maybe I’ll learn to swim now. Good luck on your marathon! I actually posted this today too, but somehow missed the last three questions! womp womp.
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..I started a fire in 2012
That’s exciting! The swim was the most intimidating aspect for me, but also what made it so rewarding to finally do it.
Also, feel free to add your post to the links above, if you want!
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
Sounds like you had a great year! When I saw the pic of your trophy, I thought “what a pretty trophy”! Then I read where you said it was ugly! Lol!
katie @ fromicecreamtomarathon recently posted..2012 Race/Running Recap
Haha! It’s all a matter of perspective, I guess… I’m just not a fan of trophies in general. I don’t like clutter. A little cash would have been nice.
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
It’s been the most awesome year so far, who knows what else is in store next year! Cheers!
Kat recently posted..Oh, what a Year! plus #RunHappy News!
It’s been so much fun following your adventures this year! I know you’re going to crush your marathon in January and be off to a fabulous 2013. Happy holidays!
Marcia recently posted..2012 Running Review and a Winner
Thanks, Marcia! I’ll do my best to crush it!
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
A new PR at every distance? That’s an epic year! And I think you are probably just scratching the surface, so look out 2013! Love that your friend is your inspiration.
Thanks for linking up!
misszippy recently posted..Are runners really that obnoxious?
Loved reading this post. I also discovered compression socks this year and have had lots of ups/downs. The summer heat/humidity is absolutely brutal.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Creamy Chipotle Pumpkin Soup & Way to Go Wednesday
Yes, we’ve had some similar ups and downs. I’m glad I have one online buddy who gets the humidity and heat!
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
You had a phenomenal year even with an injury. I can’t wait to see what you do in 2013! I’m sure it will be an even better year. Bring it!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Street Food
I loved your recap! What a great year!
This is a great post! I smiled when I read your triathlon “surprise”. Also, I completely agree that I am inspired and motivated by reading other blogs. When I see that others achieve big goals, it makes me think it is possible to set my goals higher. It also gives me the drive to want to achieve those feelings of accomplishment that I see over and over. Can’t wait to see what 2013 brings for you!!
Corey recently posted..Relaying…Again!
Great year!! Consistent regular training sure does make a difference in pace, doesn’t it? great going! I’ll be posting my 2012 Running Recap tomorrow!
Janice – Fitness Cheerleader recently posted..Continue Your Journey to Your Better With a $100 #MyBetter Gift Card #Giveaway
Love this recap! I might have to join you in this. I can’t believe the year is almost over! Good luck at Houston too! There are two Team Damian members running that marathon so if you see them you should say hi!
Mary Helen recently posted..Real Life: I am a laundry failure.
Oh, I will definitely keep an eye out for them. And yes, please join and link up!
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
I love your recap. You’ve had a really amazing year. Ups and down yes, but lots of progress and growth. I agree with Amanda – I think that you’re just scratching the surface and are going to have a phenomenal year in 2013. Here’s to lots of healthy and happy runs!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Stupid Yoga Tricks
I agree with Amanda, you are definitely just scratching the surface. I love seeing you push to get faster and stronger, I also selfishly love that we’re so close in speed and that I can come to your blog for motivation when I’m not feeling very motivated myself. I’m so excited to see what’s coming your way in 2013!!
MegG recently posted..From near silence to lots of news
What an awesome year you have had…very inspirational.
I just started running in September and am not very good at it, but have found it to be a lot of fun (especially when my 10 year old runs with me).
The best to you as you get your bucket list together for 2013.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family recently posted..Improv Challenge Review for December
Wow, Rachel, congrats!! It’s definitely better to enjoy running than to be “good at it”- and it’s awesome that your son runs with you sometimes, too!
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
Even with an injury, it looks like a great year! Here’s to a very healthy running 2013!
Anne recently posted..2012, A Year in Review
Great recap! I’m going to do something similar tomorrow, so I’ll have to come back and link up. Since you enjoyed your sprint triathlon, how about an olympic for 2013?!
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Best of 2012: Top 5 WIAW Shares
I’m afraid to look at my bucket list because I’m pretty sure an Olympic (and half Ironman) are on there… nervous to do another one, even though I enjoyed it! Yes, please come back and link up! I’m excited to read yours, too.
Laura recently posted..2012 Running Recap Link up
I am going to link up on this tomorrow
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Brooks ID
You had an amazing year Laura and I’ve enjoyed following along! I haven’t posted a recap yet. Next week for sure
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Fitness Friday || The Challenge of Training for An Ultra Marathon
Great list! I didn’t realize you had a shin issue over the summer too. I had about 3 weeks in June with some trouble there too, then it magically went away. I hear you on being careful and cautious after dealing with it. Here’s to 2013 … may it be an even better running year!
Christina recently posted..Friday Favorites December 21, 2012
I’m so glad yours magically went away. Mine cleared up pretty quickly, too… and has even stayed away during this peak week of marathon training. Whew!
Laura recently posted..Last 20 miler done and Menu planning Link up
I stopped by from Karen’s after seeing you won most inspirational blog. And no kidding! I’m thinking of starting to run for the first time ever, and this is amazing motivation.
Katherine recently posted..Decked
I’m loving these! You’ve had a great year and I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings for you!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..Happy Holidays
I’m so impressed with all you’ve accomplished this year. And how FAST you’ve gotten (not like you weren’t fast already…).
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Strange But Good: Dessert Edition
Such a great year for you, Laura! Love the recap : )
Michelle recently posted..The Ordinary Is Anything But
That first picture is great. Lots of smiling faces and a daughter that looks like a mini-me. She’s so cute!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Holiday Wishes
Thanks, Tiff! I never thought she favored me, but I’m finally starting to see it. Have a wonderful holiday!
Laura recently posted..Last 20 miler done and Menu planning Link up
What a wonderful year you had! I am glad we had the opportunity to connect. I thoroughly enjoyed your blog/writing – it oozes authenticity. I know you are ready to conquer the Houston Marathon. May 2013 bring you more happiness, adventures, and success!
You had an amazing year with all of those PRs and the triathlon! I’m so glad that I discovered your blog and have been able to follow your training and successes!
Raquelita recently posted..Year in Review: Running in 2012
So glad I discovered you, too! Happy Holidays!
Laura recently posted..Wishing you joy, peace and love!
It took awhile, but I went through and read every single linked post. I’m glad I did, because I “met” so many new great bloggers! Thanks for hosting the link-up, and congrats on a successful 2012 of your own!
jan recently posted..2012 Running Recap and Link Up
I’m impressed, Jan! I like to do that when I’m part of a link up, too. It’s a fun way to meet new bloggers. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Laura recently posted..Wishing you joy, peace and love!
[...] RecapPosted on December 23, 2012 by Janice – The Fitness Cheerleader • 0 CommentsI saw this on Laura’s blog and just had to play [...]
I just put my link up- I forgot to on Friday :/
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Friday Favorites: 2012 Recap
Thanks for posting this – I finally posted a recap on my blog as well! It was really fun to think back on the year!
http://marathonsandmacarons.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/2012-in-running-recap-of-the-year/
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted..2012 in Running – Recap of the Year
Laura – it’s been a great year! Thank you for all you do to inspire me (and others) in so many ways. Happy 2012!
I did put together a recap on your format, but alas, too slow to link up.
Carrie@familyfitnessfood.com recently posted..2012 Running Recap
the link-up was closed, but i just did my 2012 running recap! better late than never
http://www.thekriegers.org/post/39049049757/2012-running-year-in-review
Amanda K. recently posted..2012 Running Year in Review
Oh, I forgot that it puts an automatic end date on there unless you change it. Sorry about that. Coming over to check yours out!
Laura recently posted..Marathon Countdown + Menu Planning Link up
YAY! Glad you found mine, loved reading yours too
Melissa Love recently posted..2012 Running Recap
[...] 2012 Running Recap Link up (mommyrunfast.com) [...]
[...] 2012 Running Recap Link up (mommyrunfast.com) Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. [...]
Hope my link works!! I love reading about everyone’s recaps!!
http://www.fitinwoodbine.com/2012/12/my-2012-race-recap.html
Wow, you had a good running year and it seems like you met a lot of fun running bloggers this year too! It’s funny because it seemed like you were not running for a while, but really you did a lot of events this year!
Travel Spot recently posted..Best of 2012: Running
[...] In addition, I’m going to answer Miss Zippy’s year-in-review running questions and am linking up with Laura at Mommy Run Fast. [...]