2011: A Year in Review

As quickly as it came, 2011 is already in our rear-view mirror. Definitely a lot of running/racing highlights for my second year of this whole running craze. So I thought I'd throw this up to recap the events of the year, good or bad, but mostly good. First, some numbers:

• 12: The number of events I participated in this year, of which included my first triathlon, my second half-marathon and the Urbanathlon.
• 9+1: I completed NYRR's 9+1 for guaranteed entry into the 2012 NYC Marathon. I'm still undecided if I'm actually going to follow through with it.
• 8: the number of PR's (personal records) I achieved in 2011. 
• 490: the total number of miles I ran for the year. 
• 9:20 my fastest pace for any race over 3 miles. 
• $530+, the amount I spent on race fees (YIKES!) 

DC was probably the highlight of the year, naturally, being my first Tri. Getting that first one under the belt definitely will make it easier on the ones that follow. I was hoping to do another this year, but couldnt fit one into the schedule. Had my battle with plantar-facsiitis in the months approaching the Tri as well. Thankfully was remedied (for the most part) from taking some time off after the Tri and getting new shoes.

Although Vegas was much hyped, did not turn out to be the experience we had all expected. From the crowds, to the disorganization, to more crowds, it was just a really disappointing experience, with the only redeeming value being that I did better than my time in Chicago. Though not the time I was hoping for, given how my training was going. Thankfully, of the 13 races, there was only 1 where rain was truly an issue. Sloshing through 4 miles of Central Park was certainly an experience! Though it was raining during Urbanathlon, it really wasn't coming down hard enough to have an effect.

What a year of racing, huh?

Oh yea, some bling!

As I think back to when I started this whole craze, I can't believe how far its come. To think I was crazy enough to tackle a Tri? Only to realize how much fun it is?? Haha....Definitely made a lot of progress through the year, which only means I'll have to work that much harder in 2012 to match it! And speaking of 2012, I'm already registered for 2 events: the Rock n Roll USA Half Marathon in DC on March 17th and the Rev3 Triathlon (Olympic Distance) in Maine on August 26th. Here's to a great 2011, and an even better 2012! Happy New Year everyone.