Year of Running 2015

Last year I really enjoyed doing a Year of Running post.  Miss Zippy was the original blogger to link up this post. She isn't blogging as regularly as she used to (she now does podcasts). I still want to try to keep this tradition going, because it's a nice way to look back and capture running moments that I may forget in a few years.

Best Race Expereience
Deja Vu Marathon... I had been waiting all year for marathon redemption..  I didn't quite get the time that I wanted, but man I had such a fun time racing.  I was really pleased with my even splits, and the fact that I didn't fall apart during the last six miles.

Best Run
As much as I loved that marathon... There is another run that I want to give this recognition to.  This was more of a hike, than a run. But, earlier this year I tried to summit Frenchman's Mountain.  I see this mountain everyday, and earlier this year I discovered that there is a trail that leads all the way to the top.  I only made it about 2/3 of the way to the top before I threw in the towel.

This was such a huge adrenaline rush, and I hope I get a chance to make it to the top.  I'm terrified of heights BTW.

Best New Piece of Gear:  Strava!!!
Strava isn't really technically a piece of a equipment, (there is a mobile app that you can use on your phone if you don't have a GPS watch.) It's more of a place to store your run data and by joining a group or club you can keep track of your mileage/speed/elevation vs. other runners in that group.
I joined an online running club earlier this year...
Having virtual training partners to share workouts, and compete for weekly bragging rights (no1curr), has been really fun.  It added an extra layer of enjoyment to my runs during my last marathon training cycle.  There were times that I didn't feel like running, and sometimes the Strava data was enough motivation to get out the door.

Honorable mention: Nike Air Zoom Structure 18

I was having problems with my feet earlier this year, and this shoe is a dream for collapsing arches/heel striking.

Best Piece of Running Advice you Received:  You will need to add more mileage to your base to improve your marathon time.

I was pretty stubborn about adding more mileage, because I like to run tempo pace.  You can't add more miles at tempo pace and not expect to get injured.  That meant changing the way I trained this year.  This year, was about rehabbing my weak left hip and building a strong marathon base.... It took me a long time to figure out what was causing my hip to hurt,

I still don't think I really know what caused the imbalance on my left side, but I have learned  that I can't be reckless and run carelessly like I did in my younger days. Speed work needs to be complimented with strength training in the gym, and proper warm ups with stretching.

I also learned to respect and appreciate the marathon distance more.



Most Inspirational Runner:
This is a tie. I couldn't decide between these two local runners, so I decided to list them both
Male Runner: Sergio Ibarra

This master's runner is a complete class act.  He works full time as a chef at Cesar's Palace.  And in his spare time he races a lot!  He's always one of the top local finishers, has a positive attitude and is always a friendly face at LVTC events.  He ran the Rock N Roll Las Vegas Marathon this year, and three weeks later went out to California International Marathon and scored a BQ.

Female Runner: Erica Schramm.

I have had the pleasure of getting my behind kicked several times this year by Erica.

LVTC Holiday Half Marathon 2014
Erica was the Women's Winner

Big Game 10K February 2015

 The most memorable butt kicking was at a low key 5k earlier this year, when she went cruising by my pushing her twins in a double jogging stroller.

Over the weekend she won the Tuscon Marathon.  She is also really nice, and a friendly face at LVTC events.



If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what couple of words what would they be?

Don't take anything for granted and don't be careless.



So that's my list..  Fellow bloggers, please feel free to share your year of running posts too!

and thank you for reading.