2015: A Year in Review

I didn't expect much out of 2015 – at least when it came to running.

The year was going to be about family. Silas was due (and born) in April, and our household would grow from three to four. Miles would (and did) start school in the fall, attending a Catholic elementary as a pre-kindergartener. And, Mark and I would just try to figure out how to handle it all.

But, even though we're still figuring out that whole balance thing, we managed to make it through and I was able to do it in large part because I was able to maintain my identity as a runner. It wasn't an easy road but it was one well worth to travel.

Here are my 2015 running highlights:

January

I maintained a solid schedule of running and teaching though I did pull back on my mileage. My longest run was just over 7 miles and my pace ranged from 9:30 to 10:15. I attended the Fort Wayne Track Club banquet, where I emceed the women's running clinic and met Lauren Fleshman. Repeat: I met LAUREN. I also ate cake that night.

February

Eked out a sub-30 5K at the Fanny Freezer. I was stoked.

March

Down and out with piriformis syndrome but I did get in a solid 3-miler at the end of the month. It was a much needed endorphin boost. I stayed active in the running community by volunteering at local races, and my club celebrated with a shower.

April

Si was born via C-section on the 10th. I had prepared for a VBAC but he was breech.

May

I celebrated Mother's Day with a 1-mile run around my neighborhood. I didn't have clearance, yet, from my doctor but it was the only thing I wanted. Well, that and a good breakfast but let's not get into that. I also ran my first post-partum race with the stroller at that. It was a 5K to benefit Girls on the Run, and it felt good to see my running friends again. Bonus: Going to the AMR party in Indianapolis.

June

BRFs for the win! After getting comfortable with the clomping of post-partum running, I was able to rejoin my friends for short outings. Running with friends does a mind – and body – good.

July

I began to slowly build my mileage, logging 5-milers during the week and getting in a 6-mile run with buddy Joe toward the end of the month. Endurance, rather than speed, was my focus and my log reflected that.

August

I kicked off the month with the New Haven 10K to gauge my fitness as I prepared for the Fort4Fitness Double Play. I had hoped to finish in under an hour, and I nailed it with a 59:40.

September

The month of racing! I participated in the Muncie Mini-Marathon (in the pouring rain) and Fort4Fitness Double Play (10K and 4-mile). Both events were huge boosts to my confidence as they proved that I had not been giving myself enough credit. I finally felt like I had come back.

October

Bourbon, bourbon, bourbon. And how did I chase it. It was an amazing experience on the hills of Kentucky, and my training proved successful with all of my legs under goal.

November

I joined the Another Mother Runner tribe for the Striding Through the Holidays challenge. I loved having some new-to-me interval workouts and the support of the online community. I also spectated the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and caught the 26.2 bug.

December 

I finished my racing season with a 10.8-mile (really 11-mile) run around Chain O' Lakes State Park as part of the HUFF 50K. I didn't feel like a rock star but found some determination to go gang busters next year.

And a few numbers:

Medals earned: 5 (Muncie, F4F {x2}, Bourbon Chase and HUFF)
Miles ran: 819 (as of Dec. 29 – I plan to run one more time before the year end)
Most miles ran in a month: 123.52 (October)
Fewest miles ran in a month: 0 (April)

Plans for 2016: Only a billion :)

My Year of Running: 2014

I'm a little late to the party but I thought I would link up with Miss Zippy to share my year in running — and maybe a few other things along the way.

Best race experience

The first question and the toughest. Instead of my best race experience, I'll share my proudest — the Fort4Fitness half marathon. I got over the hump and nailed a sub-2 half with lots of cushion. More importantly, I managed to rebound when I hit a tough spot at mile 6 (aka I slowed to a walk and started crying). I struggle with the mental aspect of racing, and I managed to overcome some of that — with the help of Mark — during that race.

Best run

I've had some amazing runs this year — a shakeout in Napa after the ZOOMA race, some challenging and rewarding efforts and hilarious excursions with the running group during the Polar Vortex, one of which is still talked about. Apparently, I am a bit fearless when navigating snowy streets.

My favorite run, though, might have been the last outing in Colorado. I normally run around the Davidson Mesa as it's accessible from where we stay but on that run, I ventured down a new path. It was more challenging, with steeper inclines and narrower trails, but it was amazing. I actually had to will myself to turn around and head back.

Best new piece of gear

Hands down, the You Saw Me vest. I don't think any other piece of gear has made such a noticeable impact on my runs. I feel safer — and I am safer.

I am pretty sure you can still use code healthy strides for free shipping.

Best piece of running advice

Trust the training

Most inspirational runner

My buddy Joe. He's a beast ... and a kind, generous, thoughtful one. He's also hilarious but that's not the point. After training with him for a 2013 marathon and see him struggle through the race, I've seen him set PRs at nearly every distance, even cutting 10 minutes off his half time over the course of a year. And even though he has gotten faster, he never demands to run a certain pace with the group or brags about his accomplishments.

The year, in a couple of words

Epic. I set two PRs (5K and 10K), and I ran my two fastest half marathons since Miles was born. I also had the trip of a lifetime courtesy of ZOOMA and met the most amazing people in a stinky van in Bourbon Country. I made a BRF for life (sorry Tami, you are stuck with me) and cemented my relationships with running buddies.

A few other fun facts ...

1,300: The number of miles ran of Dec. 23, a new yearly distance record. I am estimating that I'll hit 1,325 by the end of the year.

167: Miles ran with the BRF

155: Most miles logged in one month (August), also a personal record

9: The number of months with more than 100 miles logged.

7:17: The fastest mile of the year, at the Runners on Parade 5K

6: The number of months in 2014 I spent pregnant.

5: The number of half marathons I ran — Athens, ZOOMA, Parlor City, Fort4Fitness and the Haunted Hilly Half

How was 2014 for you?