14 in 2014 Recap!

One of my running resolutions in 2014 was to complete 14 races. They could be actual races or virtual races. They could be any kind of race ranging from a 5K to a ultra marathon. I'm happy to say that I completed this goal!

The first half of 2014 was amazing! I ran lots of races and ran them well and injury free! But then around October (like EVERY year) entered an injury. The last two years it's been my knee but this time it was a calf strain. Because of the calf strain I ended up with a DNS for my last race of the year. Luckily I had completed several virtual races that made up for it.

Here's a list of my 14 races in 2014! If I wrote a recap of the race you will find it linked in the title of the race.

Race 1: Walt Disney World 10K!

I was super excited to start the year with this race! The 10K was brand new and the medal was Minnie Mouse! So I knew I had to do it! It was a lot of fun...like all Disney races! And yes...I dressed as Anna from Frozen for this race and had a blast!

Race 2: Walt Disney World Half Marathon!

Another Disney race...meant another fun time! I ran this one with my friend Sandi! We had a blast stopping for all the characters! It was her first Disney race and now she is hooked...she's coming to the Princess Half with me in February! And for this one...I was Mike Wazowski! ;-)

Race 3: Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon!

New Orleans is one of my favorite cities to run in! And I LOVE Rock 'n' Roll Races! I'd already run this race several times. The bad thing about this race...it was super foggy, hot, and humid. It made for some tough and miserable running. The best part about this race...I ran it with my fellow blogger friends...my #hotmessexpress girls!

Race 4: The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon!

This race was the weekend after Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans so I wasn't expecting much. I figured it would be a tough race. Well I ended up surprising myself with a new PR of 2:21:14!

Race 5: Spring Fever Chase 10K!

It had been a few years since I'd run this race but I was excited about it! The course is very hilly so I knew it would be a challenge. I ended up running fairly well and loved the course!

Race 6: Azalea Trail Run 10K!

This is another local race that I run every year! I ran the majority of the race with my friend Paige and we had a blast like always!

Race 7: Rock 'n' Fly Half Marathon!

This race was held on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL! I was super excited to get to run on the base! Unfortunately the race was delayed due to thunderstorms that were predicted (but never happened). So a course with no shade quickly became very hot. I felt great at the beginning of the race but the heat got to me at the end.

Race 8: Crescent City Classic Half Marathon!

Here's another race that I do every year in New Orleans! I'm a blogger for the race as well. This one is all about having fun. There are all kinds of alcohol stops along the way which makes for some great people watching! It's held on Easter weekend!

Race 9: We Stand with Boston Virtual 5K!

This was a virtual race that I ran in honor of the Boston Marathon. I ran this one with my friend Holly right here at home. And the medal I received was awesome! I loved knowing my race fee went to One Fund Boston.

Race 10: Talladega Half Marathon!

This was my first race since I had lost 36 pounds! I KNEW I had a PR in me...I just didn't know it would be as great as it was! I ended up running this race in 2:02:40...which was a 19 minute PR! And the best part...Andy was there for this race!

Race 11: Gulf Coast Half Marathon Mandeville!

This was my BEST race this year! I had just had my 19 minute PR at Talladega  a few weeks before and wasn't expecting another PR. But it happened! And it was a HUGE PR! I ran my first sub 2 half marathon (1:57:24) which is something I never dreamed I could do! It was an amazing day for me!

Race 12: Trick or Trot 5K!

This race was the first race of two 5K's that I was running within 24 hours of each other. I ran this one on Friday night and the next race was Saturday morning. I set out to run this one hard and fast! I was aiming for a 5K PR! I got that PR (25:23) but I also got my very first age group award! I placed 3rd in my age group and was so excited! The downer of this race...my calf had been hurting all week but after this race I knew for sure that I was injured.

Race 13: Turkey Trot 5K!

This was my 2nd race of my two 5K's in 24 hours. I ran this one with Andria! I was planning on running this one easy since I had a great PR the night before. I didn't PR (my time was 26:56) but I DID place 2nd in my age group! Andria placed in her age group too so it was a great day for both of us!

Race 14: Senior Bowl Charity Run 10K!

Going into this race I didn't know it would be my last one of the year. But unfortunately due to my calf injury it was. I still had a great race though! It was FREEZING cold but I ran a 10K PR of 54:42 AND it was also my birthday!!!

The race I had to DNS was the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon. I hated I couldn't run this race but knew it was the right thing to do for my body.

I am excited that despite my calf injury at the end of the year I still achieved my goal of 14 races in 2014! Next....15 in 2015! :-)

QOTD: What resolution did you keep in 2014?

2015 Running Resolutions!

Happy 2015!!! 2014 was full of so many blessings and changes for me and my family. I know this next year will be just as great!

The new year is all about making resolutions. What exactly is a resolution? According to The Free Dictionary, it is "a resolving to do something." Let's be determined this new year to stick to those resolutions! Let's make them count...and work on them the entire year!

So here are my running resolutions for 2015!

Hopefully this will be a year of lots of running! And running injury free!

Resolution #1: Foam roll and stretch every day. I believe this is key to helping me stay injury free. I need to make sure those tired muscles are loose and ready for each run. 

Resolution #2: Hit one year or 365 days of my Road Runner Girl Run Streak (#RRGRunStreak)! I started my streak halfway into 2014. Halfway into 2015 I will have streaked for a year...as long as injury doesn't stop me. This resolution will all depend on my body but hopefully I will achieve it!

Resolution #3: 5 by the 5th Virtual Race Series. I love that Laura hosts this challenge each year! I've participated each year and it's a great motivator! It starts in February and ends in May. You must run 5 miles or a 5K by the 5th of each month. 

Resolution #4: 15 in 2015. I'm hoping to be able to run at least 15 races in 2015! These can be real races or virtual races. I want to do a variety from 5k's to half marathons. I did 14 in 2014 and it was a blast!

Here are the races I have planned so far to go with this goal.

1. Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon (remember the code ROADRUNNERGIRL saves you $10 off the half or full and ROADRUNNERGIRL10k saves you $5 off the 10k)
2. Disney Princess 10K
3. Disney Princess Half Marathon
4. Seaside Half Marathon
5. Crescent City Classic
6. Azalea Trail Run
7. Talladega Half Marathon
8. Gulf Coast Mandeville Half Marathon

I'll add in more races throughout the year including virtual races.

It's going to be a great 2015!!!

QOTD: What are your running resolutions for 2015?

2014 Running Resolutions!

Happy New Year! I am looking forward to another great year! 2013 was full of blessings for me and my family and I am truly grateful for that!

The new year is all about making resolutions. What exactly is a resolution? According to The Free Dictionary, it is "a resolving to do something." Let's be determined this new year to stick to those resolutions! Let's make them count...and work on them the entire year!

Since my blog is mainly about running I'm going to tell you my running resolutions for 2014!

I'm hoping to run a ton this year! I plan on staying as healthy and injury free as possible. Just like last year, some of my running bloggers are hosting running challenges that will help me with my goals. So here are my running resolutions for 2014!

Resolution #1: Foam Roll and Stretch Every Day. I think this is key to staying as injury free as possible. Running makes my muscles tight and sore and I've found that stretching and rolling every day helps keep them looser.

Resolution #2: 5 by the 5th Virtual Race Series. I loved running this series at the beginning of the year last year! Laura also hosted a fall series but due to my injuries I didn't get to participate. The Spring Series starts in February. You run a virtual 5K or 5 miler by the 5th of each month from February until May. Fun!

Resolution #3: 14 in 2014. This will be just like last year...only 14 races instead of 13! This is a challenge hosted by Jill from Jill Conyers and Jen from Marathon Mom. It is a challenge in which you run 14 virtual or real races this year (2014). You can tackle 14 5K's, 10K's, half marathons, marathons, trail runs, or a variety of all of them! I am choosing 14 variety races. Jill and Jen are also hosting 4 virtual runs to help you make your goal!

I had a blast participating in 13 in 2013! You can read my recap about it HERE!

Here are the races I plan on running this year so far to help with my #14in2014 goal:

1. Walt Disney World 10K

2. Walt Disney World Half Marathon

3. Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon

4. The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon in Mobile, AL

5. Gulf Coast Half Marathon in Gulf Shores

6. Azalea Trail Run 10K

7. Crescent City Classic 10K

8. Gulf Coast Half Marathon in Mandeville

9. Pensacola Half Marathon

So I only have 5 more races to schedule! I know some of them will be the virtual races that Jill and Jen host as well as virtual races by Jost Running. And I usually find more races throughout the year that I want to do. I'm excited!!!

2014 is gonna be a great year!!!

QOTD: What are your New Year's Resolutions?

13 in 2013...Complete!

Hey everyone! I will be back with The Weekly Chase next week! Today I want to recap my running for the year. You may remember that one of my running resolutions was to run 13 races in 2013. These races could be official races or virtual races. They could also be a variety of distances or one distance. I chose for my races to be a variety because I knew I'd be running several different distances this year.

First off I want to say that the first half of the year was amazing! I ran strong and was so proud of that! The second half of the year wasn't as good...I got set back with a hip and knee injury. Luckily, I only had to miss one of my scheduled races.

So here's a rundown of all 13 of my races this year! You can read the original race recaps by clicking on the name of the race.

Race 1: Resolution Run 5K!

This was a virtual race to start off the new year! I was excited to begin this new challenge of 13 in 2013!

Race 2: Walt Disney World Marathon!

This was my second full marathon! I was super excited to run it in my favorite place on Earth...Disney World! And some of my best friends ran with me! Disney races are my absolute favorite! This race was so much fun! I loved seeing the characters for 26.2 miles!

Race 3: Tackle the Miles 5K!

I did triple duty with this virtual race! I ran my 5 by the 5th race as well as miles of shame for my Superbowl team losing. It was fun getting three goals done with one run!

Race 4: Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon!

This race was supposed to be run with my friend Paige but her babysitter got sick with the flu so she couldn't run. Luckily I had a few other friends running and I ran with them. I took it easy this race because I had another half the next weekend. Running in New Orleans is always fun! This was my third time running this race!

Race 5: Seaside Half Marathon!

This is probably my most memorable race this year! It was freezing cold but that made for some great running weather. I felt amazing the entire race and PRed!

Race 6: Azalea Trail Run 10K!

This race is my favorite local race! It was also my very first 5K and I remember thinking I would never be able to run the 10K! This was my second time running the 10K! We always dress up for this race. This year I was Wonder Woman!

Race 7: St. Patrick's Day Virtual 5K!

This race was run in new shoes! They helped me go pretty fast and I ran the fastest 5K I had run in a long while. And...I loved my green outfit! ;-)

Race 8: Crescent City Classic 10K!

This was another race in one of my favorite cities...New Orleans! I'd always heard how fun this race was but had never run it. Me and Paige had a blast with this one! And....it was the first 10K I had ever run where you also got a medal!

Race 9: Gulf Coast Half Marathon on Pensacola Beach!

This was one of my toughest races this year. The day before I was a zombie in the Zombie Run and all the sprinting I did after the runners made for some super tired and super sore legs. So I ran and walked and ran and walked and didn't worry about my time. I ended up having fun despite the run being tough!

Race 10: Gulf Coast Half Marathon in Mandeville, LA! 

This is a race I run every year...this was my third time! My hip had just recently started hurting....and to top it all off....my knee started hurting during this race. This began my hip and knee injuries that I dealt with for the remainder of the year. The race itself was great other than the pain.

Race 11: Senior Bowl Charity Run 10K!

This race was more of a test for my knee. I had just started treatment with my chiropractor and he allowed me to run the 10K. Unfortunately my knee hurt for most of the race. I kept having to stop and stretch it. It was very discouraging.

Race 12: St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon!

I had been looking forward to this race for a long time. I had fundraised for it as well as working hard to get my injuries well. Unfortunately an ice storm in Memphis caused the race to be canceled. So we came home and ran the race here at home for the kids of St. Jude! It was an unforgettable experience!

Race 13: The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon!

I just ran this race yesterday! It was one of the most inspirational races I've ever run! It was so awesome meeting past contestants from the show and hearing their stories! The race was one of my slowest but I had a blast...and I never hit a wall! I ran with my friend Paige and we had so much fun! It was a great race to end the year with!

So my goal of 13 races in 2013 is now complete!!! I wasn't sure I would make the goal when I got injured but with the help of God and many prayers...I did it!!!!

QOTD: What resolution did you keep this past year?

Resolution Run 2013!

Today is back to reality for everyone. The boys went back to school, the hubby went back to work, and I am home trying to get everything back in order from the holidays. And hopefully I will get more sub jobs. I don't have any scheduled for this week but have one day scheduled for next week. But I am not complaining....we had a very blessed holiday!!! I hate it's over!

I started my running resolutions yesterday! I ran the Resolution Run 5K to start the 13 in 2013 and 5 by the 5th Virtual Race Series!

Do you know how long it's been since I ran a short run? Since my knee issue, I have been focusing on only long runs for marathon training. I wanted to make sure the knee was rested enough to run long each weekend. So I forgo the short runs. Yes I know I have said that I hate short runs (and I still do) but I also missed running more than once each week. So I was pretty excited about getting out there yesterday!

When I stepped outside it was hot and muggy feeling. The day before it was cold. But yesterday the high was in the 70's! I was excited about wearing a short sleeve shirt and no tights under my skirt! It's the little things, right?!

The run started off great. Of course, I started a little fast...but that's pretty normal for me on short runs. I think my body knows it's a short run and just wants to get it over with. I kept having to slow myself down. And then the wind started. It was soooo windy and the first half of the run I was running against 15 mph winds. That's hard!!! Not to mention I was sweating like crazy! Like beads of sweat falling down my face. I haven't sweated that hard in a while. I kinda loved it lol!

I reached my turn around point and the wind was at my back. I was happy to be out there but hating the short run. It always takes me 3-4 miles to ever warm up during a long run so that's why I hate these short runs so much. My legs never get into a groove. But I kept reminding myself how 2013 was going to be my year for running and I needed to get this done! Finally I reached 3.1 and I was so happy!

My first race for 13 in 2013 was done!!! And my 1st race for 5 by the 5th was done!!! Yay!!!

I'm so glad I ran yesterday! It was the perfect way to start off the new year!!! Like I said...2013 is going to be EPIC!!!

QOTD: Did you run or workout on New Year's Day?