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Have you ever had an idea that you thought sounded good
but figured you weren't in the majority? Well that’s how 13 in 2013 started.
This past fall I thought it would be fun to run 13 half marathons in 2013, I
mean what sounds better than 13 x 13.1 in 2013, right?! I knew Jill had run 12
halfs in 2012 so I contacted her and the craziness began. I am so shocked that
this has grown to include over 700 other runners including a few of my “real
life” friends who are new to running within the past few years. What a fun
adventure we can all embark on together.
What is 13 in 2013? A
great way to set a concrete fitness goal and reach it at your own level. The
idea had originally began as 13 halfs in 2013, but soon grew to include all
race distances to accommodate all levels of runners and even walkers. We have
people doing everything from 5Ks to marathons (or even ultra marathons!).
More so 13 in 2013 will be a way for others to share running
stories, advice and support to one another. We have participants from all over
the world who will all be aiming to achieve a similar goal. I love how social
media has expanded my running community. I've had the chance to meet other
bloggers at races and hope through 13 in 2013 I will have the change to meet
even more this year.
With all this excitement from the participants we have
gotten great sponsors on board to allow us to share some of our favorite
running products and healthy snacks with others.
How tough is running
13 races in 1 year? It honestly depends on your experience, goals and
running ability. The key is to not have them all as “goal” races but use some
as training runs or fun social runs with friends. Encourage newer runners to
join you at a fun race and support them through the experience instead of
racing for a goal time. I have made the mistake of attempting to race every
race and hit a goal, not only does it lead to injury but also disappointment
and frustration.
13 in 2013 is not only about running a number of races but setting
a goal and having fun. It has showed me that a little idea can grow to epic
proportions with the help of social media. I hadn't realized the reach of
Twitter, Facebook, my blog until now. I am amazed seeing the reasons why
everyone is running: to stay healthy, motivation, to prove strength and many
other personal reasons. Whatever the reason this will be a year of fun and
growth and I can’t wait to see what everyone achieves.
I have been running about 10 years and was instantly hooked.
I have come a long way from those first steps and my first marathon (Disney
2003) where I finished 5:20 to consistently running 3:30 marathons and running
competitively. I learned to love the sport and train right. I have coached
runners of all abilities for the past 5 years and love it! I am a RRCA certified
run coach and NASM certified personal trainer working with both in person and
virtual training clients of all levels to complete their first 5K or set a PR
at a marathon.
Check out my running, food and parenting adventures at http://www.runnershoe.blogspot.com
