Monday, December 31, 2012

Looking Back and Moving On

The past few days I've been reflecting on 2012.

I've had many PR's.

Gasping Gobbler 5k - 21:24 
January Thaw 4.5 Miler - 33:52
Tufts 10k - 46:39
Race The Runways 1/2 Marathon 1:44:04
MDI Marathon 4:00:27


rocking the start at MDI - another marathon in the rain!

I also ran my first 200 mile relay race with team Need for Speed at Reach the Beach: MA last May.  I see myself doing another relay sometime, just not right now.   Not only was a part of a fantastic team, I came out of it with some great friendships.



I decided to try out trail running.  I realized that I have no sense of direction and that I have to really pay attention to the trail markers.  But after a few races, I think I'm liking it and will do more next year!


I've continued to run with the rail trail chicks - and continue to find them to be the most enjoyable runs of my week.  



Well - next to being able to run with my husband.  I've been loving these recent times we have gotten to run together. 



Running with my kids has also been quite enjoyable.  I do enjoy involving them in fitness.  





And also running with another girl in my life - Pepper.  







I ran 1600 miles as well - up from 1300 miles in 2011.




After over-analyzing if I should stop at 1600 miles or continue on.  I received lots of feedback on facebook and decided to just stop at 1600 miles, call 2012 a success, rest today and start off 2013 running again.  



It wasn't all great running either.  I did have a rather shaky/vomitty KRRT half marathon.  I came out that half learning quite a bit about refueling,


I also learned my lesson when running while sick.  I took on my first Midwinter Classic 10 miler last February and really shouldn't have.  I ran with a fever (103) which then resulted in my body shutting down and developing pneumonia.

with my girls here - smiling, but barely holding on

I also set out to complete my first spring tri.  That didn't happen.   I'm not so sure I want to do it, ever.

So, that brings me to 2013.  What do I have in store for 2013?

My biggest goal is to earn a sub 4:00 marathon.  I was so close at MDI.  28 seconds away from hitting that goal.  Darn!  But the good news is that it's only 28 seconds and if I train properly and run a smart race, 28 seconds should be nothing.  We'll see

Moving on to goal 2 - I'd love to take another 15 minutes off my marathon time.  So far I have two marathons on my schedule.   I'm toying with the idea of adding on another marathon.  Which leads to goal 3 - I'd really love to earn Marathon Maniac status.  Which means I'll need to add another marathon into my schedule.  I haven't decided which one yet. There are many factors leading to which one.  As the year goes on, we'll see which one it turns out to be.


What are your goals for 2013?  Have you accomplished what you set out for 2012?

Happy New Years friends!








18 comments:

Bill Fine said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You had a great year, Jen.....and I think your 2013 is going to blow 2012 out of the water! Thanks so much for all of your encouraging comments this year, and I look forward to sharing (vicariously) in all of your adventures ahead! Happy New Year!

enlightenedrunner said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Congrats on all of your accomplishments in 2012! I've done 2 marathons in one year, which I found to be super challenging. I think you can definitely get a sub-4 in 2013; 28 seconds is nothing in the world of marathoning!

abbi said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a great year, so many PRs in there and lots of great moments. Can't wait to follow your journey in 2013!

Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You are fast! I enjoyed reading your recap of the year. :) That's a LOT of running you did, and you always look so happy when you're doing it - even when you're sick. So inspiring!

Hope you have a wonderful 2013. I've got a PR goal myself - a sub 25:00 5K. I'll be posting all my 2013 goals tomorrow.

Happy New Year!!

AmyC @ running escapades said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You can totally get that sub 4! I hope we get a chance to see each other at another event soon!

Happy New Year!

Angela @ Happy Fit Mama said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You ran with a fever of 103???? Girl, you're crazy! Good luck on achieving marathon maniac status. I'm hoping to get my first full in this year. Last year was a wash with a knee injury. Good luck to you!

Carrie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You are awesome and I love you! I have no doubt you will accomplish all of your goals. *ahem* bq *ahem*

Laura @ Mommy run fast said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Awesome year, Jen! Look at all those prs! You've definitely got the sub-4 hour marathon in you, and I'm sure the extra 15 minutes as well. Marathon manic- I'm impressed! Not sure my body would handle it, but I'll be cheering you on. :)

M. Louise Cunningham said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Again, I will repeat myself... YOU ARE AMAZING!!! I love the picture of you and Pepper, I think that is my all-time favorite!

Stacey Runs and Eats said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a great year you've had! Congrats on the 1600! I was so close to that too. And a super big yay for the trail running!!!

Elle said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I hope you have a really fun and totally fabulous 2013. I will enjoy reading all about it! Happy New Year, Jen.

Jenny @ The Little J-Bird said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Can't wait to watch you destroy your goals in 2013! :) Happy New Year!!

Harold L. Shaw said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Jen you had a great year and I have a feeling that this year will be even better :-) Happy New Year and I hope that we get see each other at a few races this year :-)

fancy nancy said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You are so going to rock a sub 4 hour marathon this year!! Happy New Year!!

TriMOEngr said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Fantastic year of running with a lot of great (and not so great) lessons learned. I know you'll rock your 2013 goals! Can't wait to share the journey with you. Happy New Year!

middleagedrunner said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Nice recap! You had a kickass year :-) (I have marathon maniac plans, I'll email you because I won't be admitting it on the blog for a while. as in never haha....) (but it would be good to have a maniac friend in training)

Jamie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Great job in 2012, Jen! You are going to kill your goals in 2013, I just know it! I hope that MDI is on the list, or maybe spectating so we can actually finally meet! ;)

Suz and Allan said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You had such a wonderful year in 2012 Jen! I am certain that 2013 will bring you more PR's.