2017 Year In Review and Goal Recap

As this year closes and we embark on the new year, it seems like the perfect time to reflect on the year.  This is my 2017 year in review and goal recap.  It was a stellar year on the running front.  I ran my first marathon in January and went on to run my second in October (I'm training for marathon three now).  I ran my first trail race, and have definitely been bitten by the trail running bug!

While my year wasn't all rainbows and unicorns... there was a race that had me seriously questioning my ability as a runner and some pretty cruddy training runs.  I'm thankful that those were in the minority.  I had my share of aches and pains, and time off of running, I'm grateful that everything was minor and healed with some rest.

These are the highlights of my year;

2017 Year In Review and Goal Recap

Best Race Experience

I'd have to say without a doubt that the Chevron Houston Marathon was the best race experience of the year.  It was my first marathon, and I had such a great time!

Best Run

Back in May I went back home to visit my family. While there I got to run on the country roads that I had run on as a kid.  I'd have to say the day I left my mom's house and ran all the way to my sister's house, was a really great run. The weather was perfect, I got to see some cows, and pet a horse! My sister even rewarded me with a carrot dog when I got to her house.

Best New Piece of Running Gear

Hands down, my Orange Mud Endurance Pack.  This pack kept me hydrated during my long training runs in the summer and held all my nutrition as well. Best of all... no chafing!

Best Piece of Running Advice

Listen to your body.. There have been a few times this year when I've had to take a week off or cut a run short because my body was screaming at me for some reason or another.  The body knows best... and you really won't miss out on too much fitness by taking a few days off.

Best Picture From A Race or Run

This picture from Brazos Bend 50 just captures the serenity of the trail and the good time I was having out there.

Race Experience I'd Repeat In A Heartbeat

I had such an amazing time at the Chicago Marathon... if I got a sponsored entry from work again, I'd definitely press the repeat button!

2017 Summed Up In A Few Words

Amazing, Challenging, Fun

2017 Goal Recap

At the beginning of 2017, I made a few goals for the year.

• Run my first marathon - Check, I ran the Chevron Houston Marathon in January.  I surpassed that goal by going on to run the Chicago Marathon in October.


• Run 1,200 miles this year - I fell short on this one.  I ended 2017 with 1130 miles... I'm not going to worry too much about missing out on the 70 miles.


• Half Marathon PR - sub 2:02:38 - While I ran my fastest half marathon of late at the Galveston Half Marathon, it wasn't the PR that I wanted.  I put this goal on the back burner after I got into Chicago.


• Try out trail running - I checked the box on this one and then some... getting in 4 trail races for the year!

All in all, 2017 was a fantastic year in running for me.  If I had to give my year a grade, I would give it a solid A.

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I'm linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap.