Fitness Friday: Tell Me About Your 2012

It's hard to believe that in just a little over two weeks 2012 will come to an end. Happy Fit Mama recently shared a look back at her year in running, and so inspired me to do the same.

Best Race Experience - Reach the Beach NH. My very first relay. I went into this experience knowing only one other runner, but ended up with a bunch of new running friends!

Best run - In September I had the opportunity to participate in a fun 3 mile run with legendary Joan Benoit Samuelson. An afternoon spent hanging out in the park on a beautiful fall day with an Olympic gold medalist and 25 other running enthusiasts doesn't get much better.

Best new piece of gear - I found two new running items this year that allow me to have everything I need on my runs, but stay hands-free. First the Simple Hydration Water Bottle. This gem makes carrying water on my runs so simple! And my Big Banjees Wrist Wallet. I love taking pictures, and wearing this means I can carry my phone without carrying it in my hand.

Best piece of running advice you received - I've heard lots of great running advice over the year, but the one that stands out the most to me came from Joan Benoit Samuelson. Her belief that there is no finish line reminds me that it is up to me to stay focused and healthy.

Most inspirational runner - My running partner (aka the energizer bunny - according to my husband) is so amazing. Not only does she run, and run, and run, but she is also one of my greatest supporters. It doesn't matter what I need (someone to listen, take a picture, or adjust schedules), Daisy is always willing to do what she can. Thanks girl!

If you could sum up your whole year in a couple of words, what would they be? Adventurous. Exciting. Fun. FitFluential. I have had a blast all year pursuing my passion, meeting new running friends, and experiencing some pretty amazing escapades.  

Now it's your turn. Tell Me About Your 2012!

Comment below, tweet @runningescapde, or write your own blog post and let me know that you did!

There is still time to join the Chilly Challenge! Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Then be sure to invite all your friends: more people = more miles!

TrainingTruths: Workouts & August Review

The last week of August was focused on getting ready for my first Reach The Beach Relay and enjoying the last of my weekday morning runs since school is starting this week. Although I am regretfully saying good-bye to summer, I am excited about the new running adventures I have coming up this month.

  
#TrainingTruth: Sometimes poor fueling and pushing too hard on a run catch up to me on a humid day.

#TrainingTruth: My RTB Cyclops head lamp made my first night run a success.

#TrainingTruth: My legs do not like running on loose gravel roads, but they love Zensah compression socks. 

#TrainingTruth: Running with a BPM playlist from Rock My Run helped me maintain my pace on a solo run.

2012 Goal Maintenance - August review: 

1. Keep running











2. Run a race a month








3. Continue to improve the blog 

4. Add another New England state to the list of places I have run 



5. Keep meeting new running friends

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Don't forget to enter my MUST HAVEs GIVEAWAY. Today is the last day. 

Winners will be selected randomly tomorrow!

February Follow Up

 
March 3 - Already another month of running has elapsed and it is time to assess the progress of my running goals.

1. Keep running: I ran 80.82 miles this month! My 2012 total = 173.26. That's 72.91 more miles than this time last year.

2. Run a race every month: I ran TWO races. I'm really liking the half marathon distance and looking forward to my next one in May at the Cox Rhode Races in Providence, RI.

8 miles on February 11

Half at the Hamptons - February 19

3. Improve the blog: Running Escapades on Facebook now has 25 likes! 

4. Add another New England state to the places I have run: Nothing new this month. Still searching for something in VT, ME, or CT! Let me know if you have any recommendations, especially for the summer.

via

5.  Keep meeting new running friends: I was lucky enough to hang out with some other running bloggers, FitFluential Ambassadors, and a fellow Rhode Scholar after running the half marathon. (photo shared by Samantha)

6. Another impromptu workout challenge: I completed the FAB AB FEBRUARY challenge from Pinterest! Sit ups, push ups, and planks all month long. I highly recommend these workouts for anyone who is like me and not typically a fan of working out. 

What did your February look like?

Sizing Up

February 8 - I decided to take a quick look back at my 2012 goals and assess how I did in January.

1. Keep running:

92 miles in January

2. Run a race every month:

10K on January 1st

Twitter Road Race 5K

3. Continue to improve my blog:

First review & giveaway

4. Add another New England state to the places I have run:

Massachusetts - 1st Run 10K

5. Keep meeting new running friends:

I'm an Ambassador!

Dailymile = tons of running buddies!

NEW. I didn't include a workout goal for 2012, because I'm not a fan AND I hate failure. However, I created my own 30 Day Workout Challenge:

How are you doing with your 2012 goals?

Highlights and Goals

   

December 28 - With three days left in 2011, it is time to start thinking about goals for 2012. I began this year by joining the Nike+ challenge Run 211 in 2011. My previous year of running was pretty UNSPECTACULAR so this was my motivation to do better. Happily, I met my goal in MAY and I have continued to run ever since. 

Before deciding on new goals, I thought about some of my favorite running moments from this year and made a list:

1. Training with my husband
2. My first winter weather advisory run
3. Starting a running blog
4. Participating in a 5K with my dog
5. Completing my first Half Marathon
6. Running across the Newport Pell Bridge
7. Being asked to be a RhodeScholar for Cox Rhode Races
8. Returning to Cincinnati to run the Thanksgiving Day Race 10K
9. Dressing up like Santa and running a 5K
10. GDTC Fun Run around MHT

When I read my list, I think of how much fun I have had this year pursuing my passion. I think of the hard work I put into reaching my goal. I think about the time spent with my family and friends. The places we traveled. The amazing people we met. The fact that I want to do it all again.

So as January 1st marks the day for resolutions, goal making, and to-do-lists, I too am putting together some things I want to accomplish:

1. Keep running!!
2. Run a race every month (at least one)
3. Continue to improve my blog
4. Add another New England state to the list of places I have run
5. Keep meeting new running friends

What are your running goals for 2012?