Hey everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was spent hanging out with old friends, celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday, and running the Kris Kringle 5 Mile Run in Reading! Quick look back: I ran this race last December as well, and it was a very snowy and icy run! I finished the race in 1:00:10 and was really happy because it was a distance PR for me.
Post-race pic in 2012
This year I’ve been running faster and farther than in 2012, so I figured I could PR. It’s the first repeat race I’ve ever done, so I was interested in seeing how much I could improve over a year’s time. I was so excited to run this race until I woke up to rainy, 35 degree weather! Plus Andrew and I overslept so I arrived at the race only 3 minutes before race time! I didn’t have time to take my race hoodie back to the car, and it was freezing and pouring, so I made a last minute choice to wear it for the race. And it was actually a surprisingly good choice! By the time I started getting warm the cotton was soaked through with water and it actually kept me cool throughout the race. I probably will invest in a waterproof running jacket for the future though since it was pretty uncomfortable at the end 🙂 It was really nice running on a race course that I was already familiar with because it helped the race pass by faster. I also knew how many hills were in the race (a lot) and where they were (at the beginning, middle, and end) so I was able to mentally push through the tough parts. Even though the race was super hilly and muddy, the views from the Union Canal Path were beautiful! If you’re not afraid of hills I would definitely recommend this race. Once I got to the fourth mile marker, we were back on paved roads and I was able to speed up without worrying about slipping on mud. When I turned the final corner to the finish line I literally said “Oh my god” out loud because I had scored a major PR!
Notice the puddles, mud, and my ridiculous outfit
The official results aren’t out yet, but my Garmin results are 55:14 – almost 5 whole minutes faster than last year! I actually smiled while crossing the finish line! As soon as I was done I sped over to the agricultural center where the post race party was being held, took off my hoodie (it weighed like 5 pounds from all the water!), and chowed down on pizza and Godiva chocolate! The Pagoda Pacers know how to throw a party! After about 5 minutes I was shivering so bad that I knew I had to get out of my wet clothes asap. Here’s some wet/cold race advice: pack an extra set of clothes and a huge beach towel. When you get back to your car, you can cover yourself with the towel and change out of your wet clothes in the car! It was the best feeling ever when I took off those wet socks!
After seeing how much I’ve improved in only 1 year, I spent all day coming up with new running goals for next year. I’ve got 2 half marathons to train for, plus I’m going to try to put my name in for the Broad Street Run lottery. But I need to have more than just races to motivate me to keep running on days when I really don’t feel like doing anything at all. So I’ve spent a few days checking out some awesome ways to keep my goals possible, and I’ve settled on the following fitness goals, courtesy of my fellow bloggers:
- Run This Year 2014: Running Hutch is hosting this year long challenge and it’s pretty awesome. The basic goal is to literally run this year, as in 2,014 miles. Yeah, that’s a lot. For those of you who are in shock right now, don’t worry because she has two other options! Option #2 is to run this year…in kilometers! 2,014 kilometers is 1,251.4 miles so that’s a much more attainable goal for most runners. Unfortunately I’m not really there yet in my milage, so I’m going with Option #3: Get Your Own Goal! She’s letting runners who want to participate choose their own challenging milage goal to work towards in 2014. I had already decided that I want to try to run 1,000 miles in 2014 before hearing about this challenge, and now I have an awesome group of runners to keep me accountable and inspired throughout the year!
- 14 in 2014: I love running races – the awesome swag, the feeling of getting a PR, and the training plans that keep me running frequently! Fitness, Health, and Happiness is hosting a 14 in 2014 challenge, and the goal is pretty simple: run 14 races in 2014. You can choose the length of the races you run (for example, 14 marathons! What!) and you can even do virtual races if you aren’t able to sign up for 14 physical races. I signed up so that I have an excuse to do all the races I want to do next year 🙂
- I’m also signing up for a fitness challenge hosted by one of my fellow Sweat Pink Ambassadors! The challenge lasts 12 weeks and the only thing I have to do is work out 5 days a week for 30 minutes. With all the racing and running I’ll be doing in the other challenges, I figured this was just another way to keep myself on track without too much extra work. Plus everyone who completes the challenge gets a goodie bag and you all know how much I love free stuff!
- And last but not least, I think I might join a local running club at some point in 2014. I’m kind of a running loner and I really want to change that! Plus it’s a good way to meet more people and not have to run races alone anymore 🙂 If you know of any great running groups in the DelCo/Philly area let me know!
Part of me wants to keep the Runner’s World Run Streak going (I’m not ruling it out yet!), but I honestly need to do some cross training, yoga, and get in some rest days without worrying about squeezing in a quick mile each day. I’ve gained a bit of weight since my wedding in June, and I’d like to lose at least 5 of those pounds to get back down to my happy weight. Running every day hasn’t helped me lose any weight so cross training is going to be necessary! I think that all 3 challenges I’ve signed up for will fit together perfectly and will just encourage me to run farther and workout longer. Take that, Christmas cookies!
What are your goals for 2014? Are you doing any challenges to keep yourself accountable?
Mom in the Mtns 
Join a local running club. This is the best thing I did, my running improved so much, I met so many amazing runners (who even though they a faster than, they take time to help me). I liked my running club so much I now belong to
clubs
I really want to do this next year! Thanks for your advice!
Definitely join a club! I as nervous to join my local tri club but I’m so happy I did. I love working out with them because it pushes me to be stronger and better. Plus I’m making new, like minded friends. Also, I think I will join you in the run this year challenge. I already planned to run 1000 as my run goal, but I’ll bump it up to the kilometers distance and virtually run with you =)
Yay for joining up with Run This Year! And yeah, I know I need to join a club asap! It sounds like a lot of fun and hopefully my work schedule won’t mess with the club’s schedule too much.
You’re so cool! I’ve been planning my goals as well and I’m so glad that you’re going to be doing the 14 races! I don’t like races all that much, but I do like reading about other bloggers’ races! That’ll be so awesome! Also, I want to be part of that Sweat Pink challenge! That’ll be awesome! And one last thing…congrats on that ginormous PR! Good job, girl!
You should race more, it’s so much fun! And if you’re a sweat pink ambassador (not sure if you are) there are more details about the challenge in the Facebook group! I’m not running it so I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be recruiting people or not haha.
Ohhh that explains it. I am an ambassador but I don’t have a Facebook for my blog so I’m not on the Facebook group I don’t think. Must go fix that now.
I think if you look up Sweat Pink Ambassadors on facebook you can request to join the group and they’ll let you in if you’re an ambassador! I don’t have a Facebook for my blog either, I just use my real name.
I definitely recommend joining a club. Look into Run Like a Philly Girl. I think I might have to do that sweat pink challenge if there is a goody bag!
I definitely will look into that group! It’s tough because I live so close to the city but it takes forever to drive there in all the traffic (unless I finish my day at my office in Northern Liberties but that barely ever happens). I saw that the Shake Shack in University City has a running group once a month and that’s only about 20 minutes from me so I might check that out! Also, the details about the sweat pink challenge are in the SPA Facebook group – I started a post about yearly challenges and one of the girls who commented created the challenge! Check it out!
Good job on your PR in some gross weather! I ran a 10K last January in a sweatshirt and I felt like a goofball and that people would think I wasn’t a “real runner” What a silly worry 🙂
Thanks! Yeah I knew I was making a bad choice (pouring cold rain + cotton = bad idea) but as I was putting it on I heard some stupid jerk runner loudly saying “Oh I wouldn’t run this without a waterproof jacket and a hat with a bill” and he was looking at me as he said it. It was a little strange but hey, I was able to get through the race with a PR and I eventually warmed up like an hour later 🙂 And I’m pretty sure everyone at that race was wet and muddy by the end so there was no reason for anyone to judge!
I definitely agree with the running group idea. It’s been hugely helpful to me over the past few months.
I definitely need to do this! I’m weird about working out with other people (I’m pale so when I work out I get super sweaty and really red and everyone always asks if I’m okay) but I think I need to get over that fear and just do it!
GREAT job on your race and your PR!! I am right there with you in wanting to find a run club. There are a couple around here, but the times they meet are a little awkward for me because of my toddler, but hopefully I can make it work this year. I’m really interested in this Sweat Pink challenge too! I need to look it up!
Check out my post in the SPA Facebook group, the girl running it put the info in the comments. It sounds pretty awesome! And yeah, a running group might be tough to fit into my schedule since I have a pretty random work schedule sometimes. Hopefully we can both find a group that works out for us!
Congrats on a sweet PR! Those conditions look pretty miserable. Could not agree more with bringing a change of clothes. Happy New Year!
Thanks! Yeah I can honestly say I’ve never run a race in the rain before. I’m sure it’s fun in the summer, but it was not fun yesterday. I did feel awesome once I was nice and warm inside and I realized what I’d just done!
Yay PR!! I’m with you in the Run This Year 2014 (I’m doing the kilometers one) and the 14 in 2014 🙂 and that facebook one sounds cool too!
I totally agree with joining a run club–one of my best moves ever was joining mine. I hope you’re able to find one!!
I love that we’re doing more challenges together! The run streak was fun but I’m ready for some new goals! And I think that everyone who commented feels the same way about jointing a run club so I should probably get on that!
Haha I love that quote on the image at the end! Anyways, HUGE congrats on that massive PR!! Those challenges/goals look awesome…it sounds like 2014 will be an amazing year for you! Also, thanks for linking up with Motivate Me Monday! We’re happy to have you 🙂
Thanks! I thought they might be too much to take on at once until I realized that they all kind of work together towards the same goal of running as much as I can in 2014. I’m pretty excited! And I’ll definitely link up next week too!
Yeah, I think it’s important not to try too many goals at once, because then we stand a much greater chance at failing at them all. BUT since your goals all work together, they’re perfect!
I look forward to seeing your post next week 🙂
I love fresh goals- it’s so exciting! Congrats on the pr!! It’s always fun to look back over a year and see all the progress.
It’s definitely time to start thinking about goals.
Congrats on meeting your goals & setting your new ones! I’m looking forward to do a big fitness challenge this year too. I’ve never participated in a group one, so it’s on my “to do” list!! Happy New Year to you!
Congrats on your PR!! I just signed up for Run this Year 2014 last night. I’m also going with option 3 and want to do 1,000 miles. I had a goal in 2013 to do 500 and I definitely met that so 1,000 seems attainable. Good luck!