2012 in Review

Where did this year go?! I really can't believe tomorrow will be 2013! I am excited to look back at what I was able to do this past year and can't wait for the excitement of next year!

To recap:

January - Stuck in a rut, I slowly built up for my February marathon
February - I raced the Surf City USA Marathon, appreciated my lack of diversity, visited Hawaii, and witnessed my best friend get married
March - Did a bunch of bootcamp workouts and registered for my first 100 miler! 
April - Tough mental times as I was burnt out and questioned being a real runner
May - Raced a 12 hour race and made Cashew Butter Cups
June - Raced and finished my first 100 miler!!!, ran the Color Me Rad 5k with friends the BF, and enjoyed new veggies with my CSA
July - Had fun at the Firefly Music Festival and went to my best friend's wedding celebration
August - Celebrated 5 years with my guy and his 25th birthday
September - Raced and PRed a half marathon
October - PRed the Marine Corps Marathon dressed as Minnie Mouse and opened up about my running playlist
November - PRed the Philadelphia Marathon dressed as a pirate!
December - Registered for my next 100 miler and incorporated yoga and Pilates into my routine

Miles run in 2012: 1,809

I also started a new job, baked a ton, attended a slew of concerts, laughed a lot with friends and family, and did my best to remember how lucky I am.

What are my goals for 2013?

• Run 2000 miles in 2013
• Participate in 13 races in the year
• Be better about saving money in order to do fun things, like travel!
• Incorporate non-running forms of exercise into my routine regularly
• Have fun and enjoy the really cool life I get to live

Anyone have any big plans for the next year? I hope everyone has a happy and healthy new year! 

Happy Holidays!

I'm enjoying my quick break at home, but just want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays! I've gotten to workout a bunch, including a beautiful 22 miler and my first BodyPump class ever. I also have enjoyed laying around on the couch, partaking in some vino, eating yummy holiday foods, and watching fun movies.

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday!!

What I've Been Up To

Well hello there! With lots of new things happening, I haven't updated like I should have. That always happens, but I really would like to focus on posting more often. I enjoy looking back at what I've done and I enjoy having an outlet to write. So what's new with me?

• I started a new job! I realized that I wanted to work in social media, so I'm working for an agency in Philly working on their social media team. It wasn't an easy decision, but I had to take the chance. I also live within walking distance of the office, which has been amazing! I've gotten in much longer morning runs when I don't have to take the train to the suburbs to work. 
• I am switching which 100 miler I am going to run next spring. With my new job, I am going to avoid traveling due to costs, so I dropped the Umstead 100 miler. I'm sad as it was going to be a tough challenge for me, but I'm signed up now for the C&O Canal 100 miler instead! It's in MD, so I can stay with my mom and drive to the race, as opposed to flying, getting a hotel, and renting a car. I have another running friend doing this race, too, so I am getting really excited about it!
• With the 100 miler is now only about 19 weeks away, I have set up a training schedule for myself. As I have more time in the morning, I will be able to get in longer runs mid-week. I also am going to try to do back-to-back long runs on the weekends. I did it a bit training for my first ultras, but chickened out for the last few. I know it won't be easy, or fun, honestly, but I think it will help me with my 100!
• I'm working on bringing in other forms of fitness to my routine. I have a 10 punch card for a yoga studio in Center City that I need to use, so I've been going to yoga once a week. I can't say that I love it during the actual class, but I feel so relaxed and great after, I know I need to keep going. I also went to my first pilates class in, no exaggeration, probably 4 years. It was painful, but the hour flew and I adored it. I can't wait to go back!

I hope everyone else has been well! And just for a laugh, here's a (not so great) picture of my friend Matt and I before the Philadelphia Marathon. 

Matty Ice is THE MAN for dressing up in this and spectating the race.