Looking back on last year I must say that it was a pretty good year of running. I managed to make it to the starting line, and more importantly, the finish line of 3 marathons, all of which were wonderful marathon experiences in their own unique ways. Our running family shared a lot of happy moments on the road this year. With every passing year we realize more and more how lucky we are to have each other to share this crazy passion of running with.
So onward with my list. True, most of these are "races", which is supposedly our excuse for running, but having said that, a couple of "non races" made the list too...
(In chronological order)
1. 2/23: Cowtown Half Marathon in Ft. Worth.
The year started out a little sketchy, as I was still recovering from a hamstring pull. This was my first race after my DNF with the hamstring pull, something that had never happened to me before, so I was really nervous. I have a tendency to get carried away in a race, so I picked a pace and forced myself to stick to it. Laura SP and I ran the first half together. She was sacrificing her race to make sure all was right with me, so eventually I told her I had a handle on myself so she would go on. Once my fear of another hamstring pull subsided I relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the race. This is such a great race! It surprises me how few local runners come over from Dallas to run it. It didn't hurt that we had near perfect weather, which enabled us to sit on the lawn and drink a few celebratory beers afterwards. It felt good to be back!
2. 4/5 Yakima River Canyon Marathon.
I blogged about this experience earlier this year. In summary, it was a beautiful course, and I am grateful for the opportunity to run this stretch of scenery, but the race organization was pitifully cheap and lackluster, with our experience marred by Jamie having to be sent off in an ambulance to a local hospital for something that's normally handled at the finish line. Ask her about her bill sometime.
3. 5/18: Green Bay Marathon.
Two marathons 5 weeks apart, ouch! Still, this was such a great race, and am glad I did it!
There's an earlier blog entry for this race too. Anybody who has ever been to Lambeau field (let alone ran a lap inside) will be a Packers fan forever. And I don't even like football.
4. 8/30: 20 mile training run.
Why would this training run, right in the heart of the summer torture, stand out? Because it was meant to be a "comeback run" of 9 miles, after being sidelined for the better part of a month. This run would answer the question, "How bad do you want it?" when it came down to being able to train for and eventually run the upcoming marathon in Rhode Island. Apparently I wanted it pretty badly...I couldn't have done it without the help of my friends, and I will never forget it.
5. 10/8: The "Lunar Eclipse Run"
This was just one crazy morning at the lake, where we showed up to run while a lunar eclipse was taking place. It stands out in my memory for various reasons, one being that we were all excited because it was just days away from the upcoming marathon, and another being that we crossed paths with Dave Pastre, who's typically a night owl, running as well. He said he couldn't sleep, so he went out for a run (at around 5:30 AM mind you). We all stood in the parking lot and watched the eclipse that morning, and caught glimpses of it while we ran along the lake in the dark.
6. 10/12: Newport Rhode Island marathon:
I'd have to say this is my favorite run of the year, and one of my top marathon experiences overall. I have told myself that I really need to lower the bar for the next marathon, because it is rare to have marathons go this well. (See earlier blog). Ah, if only all of them could be like this one!
7. 11/27: Dallas Turkey Trot:
I had missed the last two turkey trots, so I was really excited about getting the chance to run it once again. The course was new, and I liked it, but I do prefer the original course, so I am hoping they go back to it once the viaduct work is complete. Still, it was a lot of fun running with Cindy Melder and Jamie. We didn't plan it that way, but that's the beauty of the TT and finding your friends in the masses. Jamie and I crossed the finish together, capturing one of my favorite pictures of all time.
The post race party in the cemetery is one my favorite moments of the year--just a big family reunion for the running community, and again it didn't hurt that we had pretty nice weather that day!
8. 12/20: Jogger Egg Nogger 15K etc.
Timing an 8.7 mile training run to finish at the starting line of a 15K run is not as easy as you'd think. Still, we (Ginna, Laura SP and I) did manage to arrive at the starting line with less than 2 minutes to spare! I rarely sign up for a race as part of a training run, so this was a different experience for me--stopping at water stops, staying together and talking the whole way, and running into Kelly and Haley for a bit--just a lot of fun. The three of us crossed the line together at exactly 18 miles of running. Top that accuracy!
9: 12/25: Christmas Day Run:
"Cats in Space" tights. Enough said!
10: 12/31: Loop the Lake Run:
I'm always happy to make it to this event on New Year's eve morning, and this year was no exception. It's been great watching this run grow from a handful of runners to well over 200, with donations going to Marathon Kids every year. It's always a fun way to end the year of running!
I think I managed to run a few steps with just about every one of my friends that was there.
In summary: Like I said, it was a great year. I also got the chance to run in Bisbee, Arizona, thanks to the Saxtons, who introduced us to their home town. I cheered on friends at the Dallas Marathon and chased Toby around the California International marathon course. I'm also lucky enough to have a job at Lukes Locker, where I get to chat with runners ALL DAY LONG about running! A dream job! I also got to meet this guy:
I also have the greatest running "family" in the world. Group hug everybody!!!
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