I spent much of my final run of the year reflecting on 2016 and the changes it's brought. At the end of the year, I usually feel relieved it's over, glad I made it through, but this year was different for me. 2016 was filled with so many beautiful experiences, challenges, and surprises that allowed me to grow in new ways and changed my perspective on many aspects of my life. This year, I learned how to follow my heart and listen to my instincts. I learned how to let go and how to give others the love they deserve, and most importantly, I learned how to love myself despite any self-described flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections. I know this will continue to be a process, but I couldn't be more proud of the person I am today. This year, I made peace with my past and am so excited to see what the future holds for me. I'm so thankful for the people who always supported me during a time when I felt lost and confused and unsure of who I was. It's crazy how much of a difference a year makes. At the very beginning of 2016, I had a blast in Disney World with two of my favorite people in the whole wide world! In March, we closed on our first home, and in May, we found out we were pregnant! In August, Jamie and I traveled to Vancouver and Seattle. My sister got married in November! I feel like that barely touches on my year. There were so many celebrations and even a few struggles along the way as we learned how to balance our relationship, running, and preparing to become parents! Then of course, there were many successes in running during the year.... During 2016, I ran 922.07 total miles (the rounding must be off on Smash Run), which fell short of my 1,212 goal. Given the fact that I'm closing out the year at 37.5 weeks pregnant, I'm pretty proud of getting that many miles in! I was only 29 miles under 2015, and I'm impressed I was able to come that close despite pregnancy and not running any marathons this year. My average pace for 2016 was 10:29, compared to 11:00 in 2015, 10:58 in 2014, and 11:18 in 2013. I ran on average 3.7 days a week, and although this was a little below my goal of 4 days a week, it was still my highest average for any year so far! My best month was April, with 121 total miles and a 9:40 average pace. In 2016, I ran in seven states/provinces: Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Washington, British Columbia, South Carolina, and two countries: the US and Canada! I completed 18 total races (I was pregnant during 13 of them!) - including five half marathons, three 10ks, and six 5ks. I ran my fastest mile (7:42), a half marathon PR (2:03:54), a 10k PR (56:37), and a 5k PR (26:06). I placed second in my age group at a 5k on July 4th - I was 12 weeks pregnant! My best race (both this year and in my whole life) was by far Choo Choo Nine Miler in April. I loved that race and felt so strong during it! I also earned my Half Fanatics after running half marathons on back to back weekends. Here's to so many wonderful memories during 2016, and hopes that 2017 has a chance at topping this year!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Hello, my name is Alyssa!I'm a momma to Emerson Lilly and two fur babies, a distance runner, and just a girl full of sparkle and quirks. I love traveling to races and exploring new places to run! I started this blog in 2014 as more of a journal to keep track of training for my first marathon, and I've continued to post about training, races, and other things happening in my life. Also, I'd like to be your best friend. :) Categories
All
|