2013 was a great year! Although not all of my goals were achieved, it was definitely the best year of my life. In my fitness life, I tried some new workouts, new race distances and different types of races this year. In my personal life I kept busy with wedding planning and job hunting (I changed jobs in late October). It was an amazing year and what better way to send it off (ok this post is a day late) but with photos. Here we go!
January
Mike converted my blog from wordpress.org to wordpress.com and spiffed it up! I continued marathon training using Pfitzinger’s Advanced Marathoning book.
February
Ran the Surf City Half Marathon (dropped down from the full to save my BQ attempt for Eugene) for a new PR of 1:46:37, but missing my goal of sub 1:45. Decided to hire a coach to help me BQ at Eugene.
March
A busy month! Mike proposed to me on March 2 on the beach near our house. I ran the San Diego Half Marathon with a new PR of 1:42:48. We chose a venue and set a date, took our engagement photos and I bought a wedding dress! I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k in 1:11:33 and my Dad and Step Mom ran it as well.
April
I traveled to Eugene with Asia and Page and experienced my first DNF at the Eugene Marathon. Despite the DNF heart break, it was an amazing trip and reminded me how much I love what running brings to my life.
May
A week after Eugene, I attempted my BQ at the OC Marathon and failed but was proud of my shiny new PR and 3rd marathon finish. Also ran my first obstacle course (without mud that is) race with my coworkers at the Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge. Over Memorial Day weekend Mike and I took a trip to Ventura to watch my Dad and Step Mom finish their first half marathon (Mountains to Beach). Wrapped up the Spring Season of coaching Girls on the Run and learned that I had won “Coach of the Season”!
June
Traveled to Chicago for a weekend to hang out with a good friend. Went on a 8 mile run through the city to welcome myself there! Also got LASIK eye surgery. Late in the month, I got back on my bike for the first time in 9 months as I prepared for the Solana Beach triathlon with Mike’s company’s triathlon training group.
July
Another jam packed month! Ran the Coronado Independence Day 15k “for fun” in crazy flag pants. Became obsessed with Club Pilates and used it as well as triathlon training to #GetFitforBachelorette with a 3 week workout and diet plan to get in shape for my Bachelorette party. Went to 3 day triathlon ACTIVEx Endurance Camp with Mike’s work and began to fall in love with trail running. Went to Vegas for my bacherlorette party with 7 of my best friends. Raced the Solana Beach Sprint Triathlon and came in 4th in my age group and raced with my new friend Brooke.
August
Officially became an ambassador for Oiselle! Ran the AFC Half Marathon for the third year in a row “for fun” and decided I don’t like to race for fun. Asia and my friend Erin threw me an amazing bridal shower!
September
Started a strength training program at the gym with Asia, continued to enjoy trail running and GOT MARRIED! Hosted an informal 5k and breakfast for our friends and family the day after our wedding to wrap up our wedding weekend.
October
Spent 2 weeks in Italy with the love of my life on our wonderful honeymoon. Came back and put in my 2 weeks notice and started a new job in Corporate Finance (rather than Corporate Accounting).
November
Ran my first trail relay race and my first Ragnar race at Ragnar Trail Vail Lake. Hired a new coach, Maria, to help me train for my new goal race – the Phoenix Marathon.
Ran as a Running Buddy in the Girls on the Run Sparkle and Shine 5k, ran the Hot Buttered Run 10k in 47:06, and nearly PRed at the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon (race report coming!). Celebrated my 30th birthday!
Happy New Year! What was your highlight of 2013?
So many great things this year. Wow! I’m excited for your next marathon and the current coach you have. It sounds like it’s all going to fit together this time! There’s too much to comment on, as it’s all fantastic. I did want to say that I think I came to a realization this year that I don’t really enjoy running races for fun either. I did too many of them and it takes some of the “race day” out of goal race days. You sort of feel like you’re just going through the motions. I’ve signed up for a few races in the next 2 months that are “for fun”, but after that it’ll be the end for me and that I believe. My biggest achievements in 2013 were running my first and second marathon and completing my first triathlon and first 70.3!
Totally agree on it taking away from race day!
You had a great year yourself – that’s a lot in one year! Congrats! Looking forward to seeing how 2014 goes for you as well. Happy new year!
Congrats on an awesome year! I loved looking at all your photos (and you and your hubby are so cute together). I love the flag pants and that you guys had a 5K during your wedding weekend. Wishing you a wonderful and successful 2014! xo
Thank you!!! Cheers to 2014 !
Whoa! What a big year indeed. Congrats on your PR’s and marriage. I’m looking forward to reading about your 2014.
You had such a brilliant 2013 both personally and fitness- it’ll be tough to beat!
I am in love with your engagement photos, and all of your trail running ones, too.
It’s always hard to narrow down a favourite memory. I think I have to say Kelly’s 30th birthday weekend in Jasper.
Happy New Year!
Awesome year! You had so many great days and memories!! I loved that you did the 5k the day after your wedding. Did everyone participate?
I had a great year too. Lots of PRs and great races!!
We had a good turn out – like 80 people came! Not everyone ran but the ones that didn’t run cheered and enjoyed the breakfast!