I like doing One Year Retrospectives. There’s just so much that can change in one year, it’s fun to look back and see those changes in one – very short – timeline. I looked back on my one year of boot camp. I looked back on one year from ending my first 13.1 training class as a participant, to ending one as a pacer. But today I look back on the actual calendar year in running because I vowed last year to log all of my runs so I have something I can actually look back on…my running log.
Yesterday, Donnie and I ran our last race of the year. It just so happened to be a 50K. I talked him into signing up at the last minute to help me finish because I was doubting my abilities since I had not done a long run since my marathon three weeks ago.
It ended up being one of the best distance races I’ve ever run! I ran more of it than another other marathon or ultra-marathon in the past. I only had one recurring issue (quad cramps) but it was relatively easily rectified with a few stretch breaks. I beat my last 50K by about 45 minutes. And while this course might have been a bit easier, it wasn’t that much easier so I feel good calling it a PR. I’ll do an actual race report for the 50K later, but for now, just know it was wonderful.
All in all? A great way to end the year.
So I woke up this morning and entered in my last miles in my running log. Here’s the magic number:
1,458 Miles
Yep. That’s how far I ran in 2012. My goal was to do at least 100 miles a month and I did it except for the month of September which is when I had my miscarriage and D&C. So, let’s just ignore that month and recognize that at least my average was over 100 miles each month. I think it’s funny I cut it the closest this month in which I ran one marathon and one 50K. Over half of my miles this month were racing. THAT’S WEIRD, Yo.
Here’s a breakdown of the big race accomplishments of the year, that I can actually remember. I’ve done quite a bit so I may be forgetting something!
Races of 2012
- 2 Half Marathons
- 1 25K trail race
- 1 15K
- 2 10Ks
- 1 10-miler
- 1 5-miler
- A handfull of 5Ks
- 1 trail marathon
- 1 road marathon
- 2 ultra marathons on trails
Considering 2011 saw one half marathon and a few 5Ks, I’d say I stepped it up a notch this year. And I celebrated that by allowing myself to put the “ultra” sticker on my car. Donnie bought it for me for Christmas thinking I’d put it on immediately because I had run an ultra marathon! Why wouldn’t I put it on?
But I felt like putting it on would jinx me, and I wanted to wait until I finished the other ultra marathon I’d signed up for. So, last night? After completing my last ultra marathon of the year? I put that baby on the van proudly! Hell, when I finished that race yesterday I seriously considered tattooing “50K” across my forehead so everyone would ask me about it. I WAS THAT PROUD.
Just a great end to a great year of running. I definitely had my share of downs this year, and I feel like I’ve been experiencing new levels of anxiety I’m not proud of, but my running? That is something to celebrate 2012 for, and I will, for all of 2013.
And I will do this with a lot of ass-sitting because, DAMMIT, I deserve it.
Holy cow! Way to go, Zoot! I was reading this and it struck me that sometimes I read posts you write about feeling discouraged, or that you should lose more weight, and it baffles me. I mean, just LOOK at you! You look great, and obviously are living way healthier than a lot of people and, more importantly, have made such great positive health changes in your life in the past year. Way to go. If you’re not too sore to do so, go ahead and reach around and give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back. As I sit here on New Year’s Day and think about how I need to lose the 40 pounds that snuck up on me over the past 5 years, and how I used to run every, single, day, you are an inspiration!
You are a huge, HUGE inspiration to me. You’re the reason I started running in the first place, the reason I signed up for my first 10K in 2012, and the reason that I’m running my very first half marathon in 2.5 weeks! We’ve never met, and unfortunately probably never will, but I can honestly say I am very very proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished! I hope your 2013 is amazing.
I want to add that you were also a huge inspiration to me and the reason I was able to do my first half marathon in 2012! I would have never had the guts to sign up for the training if it wasn’t for your encouragement. Thanks for sharing your accomplishments, I know they mean a lot to you but they’re also a kick in the pants for your readers!
Oooh, I get it (re the sticker). I didn’t put my Ironman sticker on the car till after my second 🙂
And, as someone WITH an Ironman tattoo (what?), I totally support you getting 50k tattooed across your forehead!
It’s been four years since my two years since my last Ironman and I STILL LOVE having people ask me about it (prompted by the tattoo 🙂 ). Be proud – you should be!