2013, in running

2013 was the year to Make Shit Happen - in my life but in my running as well. And while I didn't smash any PRs or take on a new distance, I did fulfill a dream to run Hood to Coast with Team Nuun and finish a few races where, literally, shit happened.

So, I'm linking up with Miss Zippy to share my year on the road.

Best race experience. I think every runner has an event that will make the calendar every year - regardless of life or fitness - and, for me, it's Fort4Fitness. It's a well-organized event that unites and motivates the community, and it's the one to see and be seen. This year, it kept its place as the only course where I have broken two hours in the half and I did so by staying mentally strong. Crossing the finish line with a the number 1 at the front of the race clock and with my newfound friends in the pace group behind me was so satisfying.

Best run. The training, the runs - they all seem to blur together as the miles pass. However, I feel grateful that this was the year that I connected with my local running community and logged some miles in a group. The 8-miler I had the week before Veterans where G pushed me at a strong pace was confidence boosting, and my most recent 8 with J was reinvigorating. They were both outings where I felt glad to be a runner.

Best new piece of gear. I made big changes this year in terms of shoes. I ditched the Nike Structure Triax for the Brooks Ravenna in April, and I'm now flirting with the Altra Provisioness 1.5. I'm really loving the Altra - from the airy feel to the speed it inspires. The wide toebox is good for me as I often get black toenails, and I do feel like it is changing my gait for the good.

Runners up: Anything by Oiselle. I raced Fort4Fitness in the Flyte tank, and it's long and lean. I scored a Lux Layer for Hood to Coast and it's by far my favorite winter running shirt. It's soft on the inside, a gorgeous color and very flattering.

Best piece of running advice. Finishing is winning, courtesy of an Another Mother Runner T-shirt.

Most inspirational runner. Everyone who runs inspires me but I was particularly impressed and awe-struck by Kim. She was smart and steady about running through her pregnancy and was logging miles past her due date thanks to a stubborn and gorgeous girl. It's been so long since I've been pregnant that I almost fear if it happens again that the prospect of running pregnant would be daunting. Kim and a few others (Jess + Liz) made it a reality again. The pregnancy, though, is not. Just to be clear.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Abundant. I raced much more than I anticipated and in places I could only dream. I tackled a second marathon when I didn't think I would, and I found people to carry me through the training and the race. It wasn't the year I planned but I couldn't ask for more.

How would you describe your year?