Celebrating Running in 2015

The year in medals:
Get Lucky half (PR and 2d place AG), CARA 10 miler (PR), Great Western half (2d place AG), Alpine Races Half, Chicago Marathon, Schaumburg Half

As the year comes to a close, it's time to do Auld Lang Syne. Yep, it's the time of year to reminisce about "times gone by".  As far as years on the road go, 2015 has been nothing short of amazing for me. There have been a few PRs and a few AG awards. A relatively injury free (if you don't count PF) year. No DNS and no DNFs. Lots of adventures on the road. And in life....

What am I celebrating?

Best race experience: Oh boy, this is a tough one! But I'd have to say my best race experience was my most recent--that Schaumburg Half Marathon that I signed up for spontaneously. While the race itself was a low-frills affair, as are all the races by this race promoter, what made it so great was that my legs felt fresh and I never ever wanted to quit. In fact, I felt so great that I was able to push the pace on the back half and finish with negative splits. I can't stop smiling when I look at this picture!

Last time, I promise!

Best run: I had some really fun races this year. My Chicago marathon, while not a BQ, was a victory of sorts for me...a race that showed me I could redefine my goals and finish strong even while feeling crummy. Yep, I had a migraine during this one. But I finished with a smile on my face, because I paced myself well and shut those negative voices down. That saying that it isn't about finish times, it's about finish lines? That defined the race for me.

Best new piece of running gear: My SLS3 HiP ZiPP holds all the gear and fuel I need for the long run.

Best running advice you've received this year: From Bart Yasso: "Never limit where running can take you. " Perfect advice for my upcoming "year of the destination races", right?

Most inspirational runner: I've had a lot of inspiration this year, and it hasn't been all on the road. First of all is my youngest son, who at 15, took on a brand new sport, rugby, and made it his own. His drive and desire to excel was so inspiring to me. In fact, in one game, he pushed himself so hard and did so well that he was named "the man of the match"! So much pride and love, right there.

I was also inspired by several of my friends, Marcia, Michelle, and Karen, who took on the triathlon, stepped outside of their comfort zones, and crossed finish lines in a new realm. I'm watching the three of them training now, and I can't wait to see what 2016 brings! Ironman, anyone?

Matthew on his way to a try!

Favorite picture from a run or race this year: When I finished Chicago, I got a text from my oldest son telling me he and his girlfriend were finishing lunch in Chinatown and would be coming to Grant Park to meet up with me. He put his arm around me for this picture. What more could a mom ask for?

Tom and me at the Chicago marathon

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat: I wasn't able to run the Sarasota Half Marathon in March due to family issues, and I spontaneously signed up for the Get Lucky Half Marathon in Chicago. Clearly all that heat training I did for the Florida race paid off because I ran Get Lucky fast and steady, achieving a PR of over 3 minutes! I also came in 2nd in my AG. I was so happy to have Sara there to celebrate with me!

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?  The song that was my mantra for my marathon training: "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. I didn't, and you shouldn't either!

Can I add a category? Favorite meme of my year?

I'm linking this post with DebRuns--today's Wednesday Word is celebrate! Be sure to head over to her post to check out what everyone else is celebrating!

Linking up with Tuesdays on the Run aka Marcia, Patti, and Erika for their theme of 2015 Running Highlights!

In addition, Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC is hosting the annual "Year of Running" linkup! The questions here were taken from her post. I can't wait to read everyone's summaries of their years!