Monday, December 30, 2013

#YearofRunning13

Well I can't believe this year is almost over, where the heck did it go? 
I raced over 300 miles this year over the course of 23 races. I ran over 1500 miles total, biked even more and kicked my own ass numerous times (as well as having it handed to me by others). I really liked Amanda's (aka MissZippy) "year in running" link-up so I had to join in with the fun!

Best race experience?
This one is a 3 way tie all for different reasons.
Best Social Race Experience: Rock N Roll Virginia Beach... I spent the weekend with 2 of my best friends and had the pleasure to meet a few others IRL as well. We talked, we laughed (a lot), we ate (a lot), we had a great time and made for an awesome race weekend.

Best New Race Experience: Although Musselman was not my first triathlon (Keuka was), it was my first half-ironman(70.3) distance triathlon. It was an incredible day, an accomplishment I will never forget. The hard work and months of training paid off, and the support of John and my friends and family was more than I ever could have imagined.

Best Personal Race Experience: For a million and one reasons, CIM will hold a huge place in my heart. Maybe it's all too fresh in my mind right now, but I tear up just thinking about it all over again. I flew, I Landed, I ran and conquered my goals and then flew back.

Best run? 
Okay, a 2-way tie for this one.
Best run with a friend: My first ever run with Hollie. Back in February, Hollie drove from Oswego to Rochester to run with me even though we hadn't met IRL before. Not only was it flipping blizzard outside, but we tackled 18 miles together and didn't have any problems finding things to talk about the whole time. That was pretty much the moment I knew we were destined to be great friends.

Best Solo-run: I'm going to have to go with my longest training run ever. The 23 miler I did in between Wineglass and CIM. The weather was an amazing sunny perfect temp fall day. Everything clicked, and mentally I was in "each mile" for the entire run.

Best new piece of gear?
No tie on this one for triathlon gear. Dear Fiona, I love you. (yes I named my bike)

Best new piece of running gear would be my Saucony A5 Racing flats.

Best piece of running advice you received? 
Oye. Not sure where to begin with this one. I can't pinpoint exactly who said this to me, I actually think its a combination of all the advice I was given this year. You hear people say trust the training- this year I believe it was about trusting myself. Trust my abilities, my strength, trust that I did what I needed to do. Trust that I am capable of whatever I put my mind to, whether it be my first multi-sport event, completing a half-ironman, PRing in the marathon (twice), or even just trusting my abilities to push through the hard training.
At the end of the day it comes down to YOU, so you damn well better trust yourself.

Most inspirational runner? 
Broken record here but there is NO way I can choose one on this.
Hollie- everything she pushed through this year, girl was on the move more than a damn gypsy and still managed to throw down some awesome times and also run a kick ass first marathon.
Jen- you'd think befriending an elite runner would be intimidating, but not with Jen. Nothing short of inspiring and motivating.
Heather- Despite dealing with injuries, less than stellar race conditions (on many occasions) she kept on pushing forward. It takes strong will  to keep going, and she definitely proved that. I have had a blast getting to know her this year (Especially in NYC and Cali) and I can't wait for the next round of shenanagins!
CR Mike: Do you want to talk about running your first marathon in 3:15(when you have only been running a year)? Um yeah. His wife Michelle, and their friend Rhoda also write the blog they call "3 Cheap Runners" All 3 of them are seriously awesome. 
Michelle: Y'all know Mrs.Inspiration herself, rocking her first Ironman at Placid this year. She trains like a rockstar in all that she does. She had a few rough races, but never gave up or lost hope. Another seriously strong willed person. She also recently reached out to me when I was feeling down and frustrated with some things. She has so much going on but still made a point to support someone she has never met. 
Shannon: Good grief, this girl is awesome. First of all, I wish I could swim like her. Second of all, she just really really inspires me for who she is as a person. Takes whatever life throws at her, uses it as fuel and stays positive along the way.
Beth: I don't know how it began, or why. But somehow through twitter, sassy pants was born. With the sassy funny and inspiring comments- she seriously  knows how to put a smile on my face.
Kristin: She ran as a guide for a disabled athlete in the NYCM. Enough said. Amazing.
My Sister: Remember that time she came incredibly close to PRing in a half marathon in her first post-baby race...yeah I do. Shes officially a mother runner.

If you could sum up your year
in a couple of words, 
what would they be?
 Finding my stride. This year I found so many things that worked and didn't work for me which allowed me to grow as a person and an athlete. I am grateful to have learned so much and hope that I can put it all to good use for 2014 and beyond.


Tell me something awesome about your 2013, 
and something awesome you are looking forward to in 2014!

19 comments:

  1. You had an amazing year, Laura! I love that it ended with CIM- just amazing! And wow, that is a lot of miles raced... looking forward to seeing what 2014 holds for you!

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  2. You've had an amazing year of running girl! 2014 is gonna be even better! :-)

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  3. Aw girl! I heart you! I cannot wait to meet IRL! Let's make this happen in 2014. Don't forget to wear your sassy pants... ;)

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  4. You had a great year Laura and it was a lot of fun following your accomplishments...2014 looks very bright indeed!
    Thanks for the shoutout...you are one runner that I consistently go to when I need advice and you are always willing to help out. I'm always proud of you when you meet your goals and nothing you do surprises me anymore!

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  5. It's going to be fun watching you beat 2013 next year! You had a great year :)
    Well done on reaching your goals. Great advice in here too about trusting yourself! That's so very true.. and having good training helps too.
    I bet your blogger meet ups were a ton of fun. Here's to 2014!

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  6. wow that's a lot of racing!! I really need to work on signing up for a few more in 2014!!! I definitely want to try CIM one of these years and ohh yes a beautiful bike like that is on my list for this year too :) can't wait to see what we do in 2014!!

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  7. On the move more then a gypsy. That made my morning, you are seriously the best. You had a great year of racing and running and I couldn't be happier for you.

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  8. Wow, you rocked 2013! Love that you named your bike. I managed to eke out 5K and 10K PRs in 2013. Hoping to nab a few more next year!

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  9. Congrats on an incredible (and speedy) year. You accomplished so much and had some amazing running (and triathlon) experiences! I look forward to seeing all you do in 2014! xo

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  10. What a great year! Congrats on all your accomplishments! Looking forward to following along in 2014. Happy New Year!

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  11. What a fabulous year! I love that you named your best runs as one with a friend and one as a solo distance run. So many awesome miles on the pavement you accomplished this year, I can only imagine the awesomeness what 2014 is going to bring you!
    Hope you have a wonderful New Years!

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  12. You totally rocked 2013!! I know 2014 will be epic! Happy New Year

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  13. You had a fabulous year, and I'm sure 2014 will be even better! It was great meeting you, and congrats again on the new marathon PR!

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  14. I love your look back on 2013. It's heat warming to see you include so many athletes who have contributed to your year! …takes a village

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  15. Something awesome in 2013 was conquering my fear of running and completing two races. For 2014, I hope to run a half marathon injury free!

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  16. I am grateful for 2013. I'm so happy that I learned to slow down and savour it all :)

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  17. Love this! I particularly love the best running advice you shared. I'm hoping to 26.2 for the first time this year and I definitely need to work on trusting myself to do it. I am so scared about it, but I was also so scared about 13.1. I realize I'll never really be ready, but inside I know I can do it. Congrats to a great year of running!

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  18. You are a beast! I'm SO hoping 2014 lets me do my first Tri.

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  19. I know this is super late, but I had to tell you that you're the best and I had so much fun getting to know you and Hollie last year. I absolutely cannot wait for this year because I know it will be full of adventures, reunions, and watching some people who have become really important to me crush some big goals!

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