Looking back on 2011

2011 was a big year. I started my first full time job, moved to a new town, and ran my first races. In January, I signed up for Philly's Broad Street Run, and soon my goal was to run 5 races in 2011. Mission accomplished.

Here's my 2011 race recap:

Cupid's Chase 5k Stone Harbor - 2/12/11
PR 30:31 - 9:49 pace
My friend Jill and I wanted to run a shorter race before Broad Street, and no, we didn't have other plans for Valentine's Day Weekend. After zealous carb loading Saturday, we ran a respectable first race and more importantly, got our new favorite long sleeve shirts.

Jill says we look awkward but I don't care.

Dash for Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness 10k - 4/17/11
PR 1:02:25 - 10:02 pace
Hey another PR! Being a beginner is fun.

Broad Street Run - 5/1/11
PR 1:47:45 - 10:46 pace
This was the race that turned my friends and I into runners. I learned a lot of painful lessons that day - don't go out too fast, don't eat a fiber bar the morning of a race... I hit a wall around mile 7, but it was a good lesson in pacing.

Where's the bathroom?

Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon - 9/18/11
2:36:50 - 11:58 pace
Yeah, I know, I got slow. Over the summer, I was moving and starting a new job. I avoided running by telling myself it was too hot. My pace was slow for me but hey, it's easier to improve upon a slow time, right? The race was still a lot of fun, partly because I convinced my friends to wear neon animal print bandanas.

We're about to run 13.1 miles!

SunTrust Richmond Half Marathon - 11/12/11
PR 2:18:56 - 10:36 pace
Richmond really is the friendliest half marathon. The spectators and volunteers were so encouraging. I felt like I got my pacing right and finished the race strong - maybe because I actually stuck to my training plan this time. I felt so great, in fact, that I thought, "Hey you should run a marathon!"

Brad and I glowing from PRing.

I never thought that I would love running this much. A year ago, I literally couldn't finish my 4 mile long run. Now I'm training for a marathon. My first year of racing was a success - here's to another great year!