2016 Running Year Review

Happy New Year!!!

As I was just getting the hang of writing "2016" at the end of the date, we're switching to 2017.

I can't believe how this year has blown by. The past twelve months have been full of memories, lessons learned and lots of pictures. I looove pictures (in case you can't tell).

We've been off in California beachin' it and visiting family in the northern parts so I'm behind in the blogging world. More on our travels will be coming next week!


In the meantime, here are my 2016 running year highlights to follow up on last year's running review:

Best Race Experience

Running 2 marathons in 2 weeks. Finishing first female was an extra perk! "Breaking" (or running through) the tape was an addicting experience and I hope this won't be my first and last time doing it! Running two marathons so close together was actually a great experience. Two races for one training cycle. Definitely going to try that again!


Best Run

With the Fargo Marathon being my worst run of the year, my best run followed soon after at our local 5k. This race was redemption of some sort after the trouble in Fargo and I ended up setting a new 5k PR of 20:55!

I didn't realize I could maintain a 6:41/mile pace until that race and it is a glimmer of hope that I can break into the 19:xx's someday.


Best New Piece of Running Gear

Same thing as last year. My Scott T2 Palani shoes! I loved my last pair (and their Amazon price) so much that I bought the same shoe style again.


Most Inspirational Runner

It's too hard to pick just one. From runners in the blogosphere - especially all of the #WeeklyWrappers - to those that I have raced with this year, each one has their own story and it is truly inspirational. Thank you, Tricia and Holly, for bringing together such a great group!

Favorite Picture from a 2016 Run or Race

High-fiving my cheering section at the Grand Forks Marathon. My husband, kids, brothers, sis-in-law and parents were all there to cheer me on. It was the best!


Race Experience I Would Love to Repeat

I would love to run through the finish line tape at the Blue Ox Marathon again... and keep my eyes open this time!

The local paper interviewed me after this race and they published a really nice interview that didn't water down my faith in God, my "why" for everything I do. That's what really made the experience the best!


This Year in Three Words

MOM'S - MENTAL - BREAK. Long runs have never been as enjoyable as this year's.

Though it's tempting to stay in bed, heading out to run early on Sunday mornings was wonderful. It went from being a "chore" to an enjoyable reset. Our youngest is such a sweet boy but was very umm... "high need"... for his first 18 months of life. Running on my own was a lovely break.


Best 2016 Running Advice Received

Run with purpose. I have been running marathons since 2010 and it took six years for this concept to take hold. My workouts blurred together and lacked specificity in the past but after reading Greg McMillan's book, "You (Only Faster)", I'm seeing much more improvement.

Easy runs need to be easy (that's seriously the hardest for me!) and each run should have a goal in mind. Once I'm back in racing and training mode again, I'm excited to see how much time I can cut off with this method.
"You must know exactly what the purpose of each type of workout is and exactly what pace range and effort level is appropriate for you." (p. 98)


Looking Forward To Most in 2017

New memories and the adventures to come! I may race here and there this year but nothing is on the calendar as of yet. I really should be honest and just tell you that my brain is on babies right now. Yep, there you have it.

Here's to the new year! I'm excited to see what God has in store.


What is a highlight of your 2016?



Linking up with Wild Workout Wednesday and Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Comments

  1. I love that picture of you breaking the tape. So proud you WON a marathon. Even if it was a small race and two weeks after the other, it is still amazing. I think you could slowly chip away at the 5K PR this year too, you certainly have the endurance. Thanks for linking up with the weekly wrap because that's how I found your blog!

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  2. Great read! That picture of you high fiving everyone is fantastic. :) Here's to another great year!

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  3. Awwww, I just love this review of 2016. Breaking that tape had to be an incredible experience. You are such an inspiration in both your running and faith. To be a good Mommy, you have to take time for yourself. Your running "mental breaks" were a perfect way to do this. I need to read that book! Thanks for the recommendation. I'm excited to see what 2017 has in store for you! Thanks for linking, Amy!

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    1. Thank you, Holly! I look forward to following your running adventures in this new year as well!

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  4. Sounds like a good book! What a great year you've had and that picture of you high-fiving your family is perfect!

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    1. That book has changed my training so much. It's a great resource!

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  5. What a great year in running! I think it's amazing you were able to run back to back marathons AND you were able to break the tape!!!
    I completely agree that running is a mothers best friend. Those mental breaks keep mamma happy and if mom is happy EVERYONE is happy!
    I'm looking forward to following you along your journey in 2017. You may be running for 2 soon (I have a strong feeling there will be a pregnancy announcement soon and probably a new addition to your family before the end of the year! )Here's to a happy healthy 2017!

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    1. I sure hope I am "running for two" in the near future :) And I will sure keep you all updated - pregnancy is just like marathon training updates, right?!

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  6. I REALLY love this blog post AMY! Great recap. Do you mind if I ask your finish time where you broke the finish tape at the Blue Ox Marathon? What an inspiration you are!!! I need some of your speed! Looking forward to "bibraving" it with you in the future!

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    1. I'm so excited to bibrave with you this year, Gina! I finished the Blue Ox in 3:25-something this year. It's one of my favorite MN races!

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  7. I love that photo of your family cheering you on. Nothing gives you energy in a race more than seeing some friendly faces cheering you on.

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    1. Same here! I love seeing their smiling faces :)

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  8. What a great year! Congrats on your 5K PR! I really need to look into that book, it sounds really good. I too need to work on running easy runs easy and I like the idea of knowing what the purpose of each type of workout is. Happy New Year!

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  9. Wow, what a great year! Two marathons in two weeks plus finishing first female? That's badass!

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