Well it’s about that time – can you believe that 2014 is almost over?! I say this every year but I really feel like this year went by so quickly.
2014 was a great year for me in regards to my running. I really feel like I made running a fitness priority this year which helped push me to become a better “athlete”. Let’s discuss some highlights from this year:
Races
I completed a total of 14 races in 2014. Here is the breakdown:
1 – Spartan Race
3 – 10K races (1 virtual)
4 – 5K races
6 – Half marathons (1 virtual race)
I completed my first half marathon and Spartan race in 2014. Both were equally hard and equally fun! I’m actually already signed up for the same Spartan race in 2015 🙂 One of the 10K races that I ran was part of a marathon (I ran on team Fleet Feet Stamford). All the miles were on a treadmill and it was a great experience and a ton of fun. In 2013, I set a goal to run a half marathon in 2014. I am so happy that I was able to run six this year (I never thought I could do that!)
Favorite Bling
The medal I received from the Michelob Ultra 13.1 race in Queens, NY. This was my first half marathon medal and it is also a bottle opener – no more explanation necessary! 🙂
My medal display and medals – complete with tiara and pink boa from the Diva’s race! |
Favorite Race
After much debate in my head, I am calling a tie on this one – Diva’s Half Marathon Long Island and the NYRR Race to the Finish 5K. The Diva’s race was awesome – fast and flat, tiara and a pink boa, and a class of champagne at the finish. The NYRR Dash to the Finish Line race was the day before the NYC Marathon. It was probably the largest race I have participated in and the energy was just electric. Both races were so much fun so there was no way I could just pick one!
I’m an ambassador!
Everyday I am so thankful and honored that I get to represent PRO Compression. It’s an awesome company and I love their products. Also the products are made in the USA which is always a plus for me. I’m also a SweatPink ambassador and have loved connecting with other ambassadors in my area. Recently I was also informed that I will be a Nuun ambassador for 2015. I smiled ear to ear when I read the email because Nuun products are the core of my hydration for any long runs or races.
Stepping outside my comfort zone
I’m an introvert by nature, but I’m working on that. One thing that takes me out of my comfort zone is teaching spinning classes at my local gym. I became a certified spinning instructor at the end of 2013 but just started teaching classes this summer. I teach 2 classes a week and it’s a great way for me to come out of my shell, meet new people and get in a few cross training classes as well.
Social Media
I decided to get more involved in social media through Instagram and Twitter where I am known as kookyrunner – a name that I believe fits me well! I cannot begin to describe how much I love connecting with other runners and people passionate about fitness on IG and Twitter. I have made some great IG friends which I hope to meet at races in 2015. Social media is also a source of motivation for me. To see all these great people working hard and achieving their goals – it makes me want to continue to challenge myself.
What’s next in 2015
I’ve got two VERY important goals for 2015 – I’ll go in more detail about this in my next blog later on this week 🙂 Also I’ll be hosting a giveaway on the blog in early January(items worth approximately $50!) Just to give you a preview, the following products will be featured – Nathan, Quest Nutrition, Clif, Gatorade, Vega, Brooks and Meta Health.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year. Have you set goals for 2015?
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