This year has been an amazing running year: running my second full marathon, running a race with my family, and staying healthy and injury free. As the year 2014 winds down, I thought it would be great to reflect upon my running accomplishments from the year. I am joining in on the fun with Amanda from Miss Zippy on the Year of Running blog round up.
Year Of Running in 2014
Best Race Experience – My best race experience in 2014 has to be when I ran a race with my family. We ran the Courage Run Turkey Trot 5K. It may not have been the fastest run. Nor really a run-run. Yet, it was my best race memory of 2014.
Running with my boys and husband. Doing something that I enjoy so much (running and racing) together… makes my heart really happy.
Best Run – When I think about all the amazing race experiences from this past year, I don’t think of the accomplishments, personal bests or anything of that nature. I think of the amazing memories of running with my girlfriends. The laughter, giggles, and time spent together on a race course: mud, color, rocking and rolling. Running with friends is my best running experience in 2014.
I ran my first women’s only pretty muddy run with two of my girlfriends. It was a new experience to us and we had so much fun getting dirty, climbing obstacles, and laughing our way through the 5K course.
I have always wanted to do a color run… and this past summer I ran with two of my girlfriends from church (and their daughters). It was a gorgeous day running through the streets of Sacramento with my girlfriends. We started the race clean and white and ended it full of laughter, memories and color!
Best New Piece of Running Gear – I have been blessed to try out so many amazing new fitness products, running shoes and gear. I think my favorite piece of running gear for 2014 was when I was chosen to be a Polar Ambassador. I love all of their products. Running with the Polar RC3 GPS and training and listening to my heart during my runs has been key to staying healthy and injury free.
Best Piece of Running Advice Received – I think the best piece of running advice I have received ever is that it should be fun. If it isn’t fun then you aren’t doing it right. Think about it. Kids love to run. They don’t think of running as work. They just do it and love to run! I want to be a kid (young) for as long as possible… and I want running to always be fun!
Most Inspirational Runner – YOU! No really. I think all runners are inspirational! I believe this each time I am out running a race, running on a trail during a training run or for fun, or even driving by and seeing someone running on the street. All runners are amazing and inspirational! I saw first hand how inspirational all runners and walkers (people who make it a point to move for health) are when I volunteered at a local race with my son.
We saw many runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, sizes, and more! I loved being on the other side of the racing side to give back to cheer for others, because I appreciate all who volunteer when I am running a race. YOU are inspirational to me.
If you could sum up your year of running in a couple of words, what would they be? I would choose these five words: Fun. Blessed. Balancing Act. Fun.
You did just that this year RUN FOR FUN! I am so happy I got to run some of those with you! Can’t wait to see you rock Boston!!
I love your attitude on everything! Your running photos always make me smile! I think you SHOW those around you how much FUN there is to be had in running!! Great 2014!!!!
How fun! Its great that you are doing this because you enjoy it! Its challenging but fun and that’s the best kind of thing to do for your own happiness and well being. Congrats!
Congrats on your second full marathon! I ran one many years ago but it was pretty rough because I didn’t prep enough. Kinda inspires me to work toward doing a second.
we shall call you forrest gump 🙂 LOL
you really did a lot
I agree with you. It is all about fun and it looks like you are taking care of that! Here is to an awesome and fun-filled 2015 for you!
I really want to do a Color Run with my family. I have seen so many photos of friends doing it, and it looks like a blast.
2014 was a great running year for me. I wrote the same post today and my words were “goals met”.
The Turkey Trot with your family was amazing. I about teared up just reading how awesome that post was.
Friends, family and running are the perfect equation for a great year of running! And the best piece of advice truly is a great one. Snoopy is a wise dog! Here’s to more awesome running in 2015!
What an awesome running year Rachel! The color runs are so much fun.
Wow Rachel you have done a great job. I love running but never run any marathon. You are truly an inspiration.
oh this is great . You are doing a great job . I like it very much . thanks for this article . You are a great inspiration for runners .
Rachel–I love the joy that comes through from your running! Also that you have a great pack of ladies to enjoy the miles with–such a great way to go. Keep the fun in it going into 2015.
Thanks for linking up!
What a wonderful recap. We did our first family 5k with our 5 year old boy for the Turkey Stuffer. It was awesome! You family is beautiful…well…handsome! I don’t think I’ve seen your blog before, and it’s very uplifting and inspiring! So happy you linked up so I could meet you! And, you’ve inspired me to volunteer at a race this next year! Take care!
I swear with each post you motivate me! Keep doing your thing!
I’m astounded at the energy you have to run the way you do and keep your home in order and homeschool your kids! I’m disappointed in myself because I let my 2014 New Year’s goal of ‘moving’ more not become a reality. I’m planning on doing better for 2015.
You are a great motivator! I hope to do a few runs this coming year.
Congrats on your accomplishments! I can’t wait to see what 2015 will hold for you. Hopefully more fun running memories!
Congrats to you! Looks like you had an awesome year and I can’t wait to see how 2015 goes for you.
Great job on your accomplishments this year. I love the “Do want makes you happy” quote.
Good for you on having such a successful year! My year was busy and stressful.