2017 has been a good and busy year for me, as far as races go! I hit a couple PRs, spent a lot of time with great friends, and was able to run my first Ragnar.
Now that we’re in December and I only have one fun run of the year left, happening next week, I’ve gotten nostalgic for the races of 2017. Let’s look back over the first six months, shall we?
January 2017 – The Chili Run
It’s difficult to find races in the colder months here in New Jersey. For the most part the ones, the winter months are used to get base miles in and prepare for the spring.
However, the Chili Run is a 2 mile jaunt through the town next to mine. Highlights of this race include seeing lots of familiar local faces (including running with my friend, Rachel), chili, really cute swag, and oh yes – running, of course!
I’m already signed up for the 2018 event and this year my husband will be joining in the fun!
February 2017 – Mad Eye Moody Virtual 5k
Jenn told me about the Mad Eye Moody Virtual 5k from Hogwarts Running Club and I decided to join her in running this one. After I told my older son, Lucas, about it, he wanted in on the action and decided to run with me for this 3.1 mile run.
Occasionally he gets run-inspired and that was the case this time – I think because it was Superbowl weekend. As always, we took the first mile too quickly and then we toughed out the second and third miles together. Even still, it was nice to have company and I was so proud of him, when we got the medal in the mail soon after, I gave it to him.
February 2017 – Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon
This race was a destination race for me – my parents live in Florida and the timing worked out so that I could run the race and have a visit with them.
It sticks out in my mind for several reasons.
- There was a train that went through the course about a quarter mile in and we had to turn around and start the race again. (It was a really, really long train.)
- Despite the train, I had so much fun running this race. I realized early on that it was going to be super warm. It wasn’t anywhere close to my fastest race but I pet dogs, drank beer on the course, saw my mom multiple times, and just had a really nice time.
- After the race, the 2nd place finisher was called out as cutting the course. Even my non-running friends were talking about it and it just goes to show that cheaters never win… especially when social media is involved.
April 2017 – Hot Chocolate 15k
Two 40 year olds!
The Philly Hot Chocolate race was on my 40th birthday and I could think of no better way to celebrate than meeting up with Christina and running 15k (which is 9.3 miles, in case you don’t want to do the math).
We had such a fun race together and of course, after we celebrated with adding Bailey’s to our hot chocolate. Nothing better!
April 2017 – AC April Fools Half Marathon
This was my big PR – I shaved 8 minutes off my half marathon time to come in at 2:40! I was really proud because I put in the effort and the training that I needed to do it, plus I trained consistently on the course.
I’m already registered for the 2018 race and I’m hoping to once again be able to hit my best yet. I’m fairly certain that if I continue with my training and remain injury free (knock on wood), I’ll be able to do it!
April 2017 – Run for Rowan 5k
I was full steam ahead in April – running a race nearly every weekend! This one was at our alma mater, just minutes away from our home. We ran together and got to see all the changes that happened to the campus (that we can’t see from the road).
The weather wasn’t fantastic but it was a nice little 5k and the price couldn’t be beat at $20.
If they have this run again, I’ll be registering for it. Hopefully I can convince Jay to run again too!
April 2017 – Run the Vineyards Heritage 5 Miler
Kate, Brandi, and myself! We’ve been friends since our kids were in strollers.
I was able to hit a PR on this course too! With hills, sand, dirt, and road, I was really hoping that I would be able to come in at under an hour and thankfully, I was able to accomplish that.
The Run the Vineyards folks always put on stellar events, I enjoy running and volunteering with them. I’m already registered for the 2018 race; it will be my 3rd time running this race and again, I’d like to beat my time from this year.
June 2017 – Ragnar Relay PA
There are so, so many things to be said about Ragnar. It was 6 months ago and I’m still trying to process the event! I am so grateful that I was finally able to run a Ragnar and be with my teammates. I honestly don’t think if I’d ever do another one but I’m so glad that I ran this one with these people.
Can you believe that was only the first half of 2017?! I’ll be back tomorrow with the rest of the year.