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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / a look back at running in 2013 & what’s to come this year

a look back at running in 2013 & what’s to come this year

January 1, 2014      23 Comments

Thanks to Once Upon a Run who directed me to Run Stretch Go,  Shoelaces & Bibs and Miss Zippy for great ways to look back at 2013 through running.

1. Best race experience in 2013:  I would have to say the Space Coast Half Marathon. I loved everything about it, even with the cramping. I loved the course, the spectators, the vibe and, of course, the medal. I especially loved having Mr PugRunner, little man and a few friends waiting for me at the finish line. I think that’s when I really, really fell in love with running.

2. Best run of 2013: This is kind of hard to answer, as I can’t single out one single training run, but I know that I felt awesome after I finished the St. Augustine 10K. Stars aligned, everything went exactly right and when I crossed that finish line, I was floating on cloud nine. They’re not all going to be this good, but I’m glad I got to experience this feeling, especially leading up to a major race.

3. Best new piece of gear: I got a lot of the basic gear early on, so I would have to say my new HipSister. Perfect place to store my phone and fuel without being bulky or sitting at my waist. Love it.

4. Best piece of running advice received: Interestingly enough, I got this advice from a volunteer and former runner at the Jacksonville Bank Marathon, while I was working at the finish line. I was talking about how much I hate 5Ks, because those first three miles were always so hard, and she told me to get to my 5Ks extra early and run the course before the actual start. That way, I’m familiar with where I’m going and I start out on Mile 4 (which is generally a great mile for me). I haven’t had a chance to implement this yet, but theoretically, it’s genius.

5. Total number of miles in 2013: 587.86. I didn’t have a specific goal in mind so this kind of blew me away. I don’t know if I should bother setting a goal for 2014, or just see where my training takes me. I have enough races on the calendar to ensure that I will be putting in serious miles. I’m kind of looking forward to seeing what a full 12 months without time off for surgical recovery can bring.

6. Total number of races: Eight. (One half marathon, one ten miler, one 10K, two 5Ks, two virtual and one untimed fun run).

7. Total number of shoes: Three. One pair of generic Nike running shoes from when I first started C25K and then two pairs of Mizuno Wave Inspire 9s. I am in the market for a new pair in the next few weeks.

8. Worst running experience: This is a tie between when I started hyperventilating during my first 5K and threw up under the photographer’s ladder after the finish line and when I hit a wall during a long training run and plopped my butt down on the curb and cried. Thankfully, I haven’t repeated either performance.

9. Race I probably wouldn’t run again: Sadly, this is probably the runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler. I did LIKE the race, but for the cost of registration, I think I’ll try adding other Disney races to my rotation rather than repeating this one. I did appreciate the course support and the theming, but I’d like to mix it up in the future.

10. Race that surprised me: The Color Me Rad 5k. I really expected to dislike this untimed run. Turns out, it was a huge blast and I hope I can squeeze it in every year.

11. Run experience you to which you are most looking forward in the New Year: ZOOMA Florida and the GATE River Run. ZOOMA means a girls’ running weekend at the Ritz in Amelia Island, and I’m excited to see how I do now that I have my first half under my belt. The Gate is pretty much the quintessential local race and I am absolutely stoked to be running this with (or near) Mr PugRunner and some other friends.

12. The most important thing I took away from running this year: That no matter how hard it is, I can achieve the goals I set for myself. That I have good days and bad days, but at the end of every day I am a runner and I don’t think that’s going to change for a long, long time.

13. Most inspirational runner: Mr Pug Runner. I am absolutely blown away by how far he has come and how much he keeps pushing. He even told me that he is ready to start training for a half marathon, after almost a year of insisting that he would never do more than a 5K. I also have to say that I was inspired by the sight impaired runner at Space Coast this year. She completed the half marathon with her friend and her service dog and I was absolutely  moved by that. There’s room for everyone in the running world, and that athlete was a living testament to that.

So there it is.  It’s been one heck of a year, from a running standpoint. I’m really excited to see what I can do in 2014!

And just because we’re playing with numbers, here are 14 goals I have for 2014:

  1. Average one race per month for a total of 12.
  2. Finish one race with Mr PugRunner. We have different speeds and styles, but I think it would be fun.
  3. Spend some time dedicated to improving my 5K speed. This has been my weakness, and now that I know I can go the distance, it’s time to look at working on the basics.
  4. Schedule some regular cross-training. I absolutely need to make this a priority.
  5. Plan an out-of-town race cation with friends and with Mr PugRunner. It’s pretty awesome having this hobby together and I think it’s good for our relationship.
  6. Convince my mother to do an untimed fun run with me.
  7. Host a virtual run for a charity I support.
  8. Register for races even if they don’t come with bling. I admit that I am a medal junkie and unless the cause is great, I tend to shy away from races that don’t come with a little something-something at the end.
  9. Finish the medal hangers I planned to make for the family.
  10. Blog more consistently about my training. Sometimes I feel like it gets a little dull, so I slack off, but it’s part of the accountability so I’ll improve on that.
  11. Do some more thinking about a marathon. I *think* it’s something I might want to achieve before I turn 40, so I still have a few years to consider it. But, it’s kind of on my mind, so I’m not ruling it out.
  12. Get over my anxiety and get my butt into one of the local group runs. I have plenty of excuses but not one of them is valid, so I need to do it.
  13. Remember the importance of giving back and volunteer to help for at least one race.
  14. Have fun! This is something I love and while I want to always push for the next level, running is something that I want to be part of my life for a good, long time. I don’t want to push too hard or burn out, mentally or physically.

Feel free to play along by linking your own recap of 2013, share some of your highlights from the year, or post some of your 2014 goals in the comments. I’d love to cheer you on!

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Comments

  1. Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom says

    January 1, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    Congratulations on all that you have accomplished this year! I’m hoping to run more races this year and run at least 500 miles…but now that I think about it, I might actually have run more than that this year (I didn’t really keep track other than during training). 2014 should be an exciting year! Love your goals 🙂
    Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…Goals for the New YearMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 2, 2014 at 1:32 am

      You can totally hit 500 miles or more!

      2014 is going to be great for you, too! I hope we can see each other at another race soon!

      Reply
  2. Haley @ Running with diapers says

    January 1, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    You’ve had quite the year. Congrats on all your awesome races. 8 Races is pretty impressive. Happy New Year Girly!!
    Haley @ Running with diapers recently posted…8 Ways I’m Going To Become A Better Blogger In 2014My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 2, 2014 at 1:33 am

      I’m pretty proud of myself! Who would have thought it would have come to this?!

      Reply
  3. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    January 1, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    I love that you and your husband are able to motivate and encourage each other.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…2014 GoalMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 2, 2014 at 2:32 am

      He’s been my inspiration since the beginning. I have to say that I’m a little competitive so the idea of finishing with him is hard to swallow, but I think it would be good for us. We don’t have a lot of things we do together, and so it’s really important to me to keep this mutual.
      runswithpugs recently posted…a look back at running in 2013 & what’s to come this yearMy Profile

      Reply
      • Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

        January 2, 2014 at 4:12 pm

        I think it is an awesome way for you two to not only push and challenge each other, but to have a great family activity. I love it!
        Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Starting 2014 Off RightMy Profile

        Reply
  4. Debbie @ DebRuns says

    January 2, 2014 at 1:56 am

    Awesome year, Jenn! Happy New Year to you and your family!
    Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…2014 Running ResolutionsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 2, 2014 at 2:14 am

      To you, too!

      Reply
  5. Ashley says

    January 2, 2014 at 2:09 am

    I love this! It’s fun to look back on all of your accomplishments. Congratulations! I also love that idea of running a 5k prior to your actual 5k race. I too struggle with the first three miles of any race (or run for that matter). I may have to try this myself! 🙂 Keep running! You’re inspiring so many!

    http://thesmallbutmightyrunner.blogspot.com/
    Ashley recently posted…New Year, New Goals!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 2, 2014 at 2:14 am

      That means so much, Ashley!

      Yeah, that advice seemed to make a lot of sense. Unfortunately, it means an hour less of sleep, but I sleep poorly the night before a race anyway, so might as well put that hour to good use. I’d love to hear if you give it a try and if it works for you!

      Reply
  6. Diana says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    2014 is going to be awesome for you. I can feel it! =)
    Diana recently posted…In the Rear View MirrorMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 2, 2014 at 2:00 pm

      Ooooh, I hope so!

      Reply
  7. Jen says

    January 3, 2014 at 12:04 am

    You were busy this year! Here’s my reacap: http://redhairandrunningshoes.blogspot.com/2013/12/2013-by-numbers.html
    Jen recently posted…Rose Parade Float ViewingMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 3, 2014 at 12:07 am

      Busy is my favorite state of being! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  8. Matilda says

    January 3, 2014 at 1:35 am

    I especially love 13.
    Volunteers do loads, and I look forward to helping out again as a Volunteer this year.
    Matilda recently posted…Mt Rosea – Grampians National ParkMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 3, 2014 at 2:15 am

      Very true. Races wouldn’t be the same without them. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  9. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    January 3, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    You had such a great year!!! WOW so proud of everything you accomplished!!! I love the 5K advice, that’ scary to think about pre-running the course, but it really would help you warm up and be so much better prepared!
    Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Marriage Is Worth ItMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Kyle says

    January 3, 2014 at 8:12 pm

    It looks like you had a great year. I just found your blog and I’m looking forward to reading more about your journey. I am also a relativity new runner so I can sympathize with many of the things your write. Good luck in 2014!
    Kyle recently posted…Happy New Year & Welcome to the Updated Tiger Town Tales Blog!!!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 4, 2014 at 12:54 am

      Thanks, Kyle! I am looking forward to the next year!

      Reply
      • Kyle says

        January 4, 2014 at 2:11 am

        I also forgot to mention that we are pug lovers too. Our baby girl’s name us Choco and she’s been with us for six years now.

        Reply
  11. Andrea says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:19 am

    You had a great year! Here’s an even better 2014!
    Andrea recently posted…runDisney’s Wine & Dine MeetupMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 8, 2014 at 2:53 am

      I’ll drink to that!

      Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
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