It’s the end of the year – a time for reflection, right? I’ve been thinking about my year on many different levels (more about that in another post) but my friend Miss Zippy invited us all to share our 2012 year of running.
2012 has been really an up and down year for me. It started off great. I re-discovered my love for running. I was running well and felt strong, especially after completing a Leg Makeover project with FITNESS Magazine. Then as I started training for a spring half marathon, I injured my knee while doing speed work at the track and had to have my ACL reconstructed for the second time.
But since then, I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am now and I’m extremely grateful as I reflect on my year of running.
Best Race Experience?
This past weekend, I participated in the Race for Recovery, a virtual 5K/10K organized by Michele at NYC Running Mama to support Super Storm Sandy relief efforts. I’m proud to be one of 112 participants to help raise $10,785.
I was looking forward to the opportunity to run a little faster and I had no idea how my knee would respond to a faster pace. I just wanted to finish under 30 minutes but managed to surprise myself by finishing in 26:42 (8:37/mi pace). Surgery aside, I don’t think that I’ve run that fast in a LONG time.
Best run?
Hands down, my best run was my first post-surgery run outdoors. 5 brilliant miles in Prospect Park.
Best new piece of gear?
Best new gear has to be my Mizuno Wave Nirvana 8s. I love them and they have been extremely supportive as I’ve started running again.
Best piece of running advice you received?
It’s less running advice per se but two magical words that have changed my attitude and perspective on running. Laura at Mommy Run Fast wrote a beautiful post about shifting your perspective from I “have to” to I “get to”. When I’m running and it doesn’t feel great or I’m frustrated with my rehab and recovery, I remind myself that “I get to” run and that it’s a privilege and that’s made all the difference.
Most inspirational runner?
Geez. This is a hard one as there are so many who have shared their inspiring stories over the year but I think that I would to have that Jess from Pace of Me has been the most inspirational runner. She’s a mom of three and has such a passion for running and life. Not to mention speedy.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of worlds, what would they be?
In the wise wise words of Lindsay Cotter, my year has been a coming forward, not a comeback.
Now it’s your turn! Tell me your answers to one or all of these questions or write your own blog post.
Don’t forget to vote for me in MPG‘s search for a new Messenger for their 2013 Spring campaign! My picture is under “Love, Life, Surf”.
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I love your year in running! So thoughtful!
Becky @ RunFunDone recently posted..Metronome Running
Love this post!!! And your thinking on running being a privilege! So easy to take our bodies for granted. It sucks that you suffered an injury but your attitude and the amount you have learnt from it is inspiring!
Thank you Jess. I guess it was a good thing that silly little injury, no?
It has really taught me a lot and I’m glad that I’ve been able to take it all in a productive way rather than get extremely frustrated by it (but there were definitely times that I was very frustrated!).
I love yours too.
and wonder if I will have a year in running when I look back on 2013.
Miz recently posted..The post I hope my husband doesnt read.
Love the shout out to your kicks. Big fan of my Mizuno Triumphs too
Brad Gouthro Fitness recently posted..The Afterburn Effect – Live Lean Afterburn Circuit Workout #1 #LLTV
i loved that post from laura!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Cheesy Mexican Quinoa
Christine – so glad you are getting back into it! coming back from knee surgery is not an easy thing – you are a beast and I mean that in a GREAT way. I agree with the I “get to” instead of I “have to” attitude. Great reflection
Harold recently posted..I Ran 12 Miles on 12/12/12
Thank you Harold for your kind words. I know that you know what it means to come back from knee surgery and you – seeing how far you’ve come – are definitely an inspiration to me. Here’s to lots of healthy and happy runs in 2013! (and oh my goodness have I taken my time responding to comments on this post!!). Hope you had a happy holiday!
Congratulations on a great year of running! I could really relate to your “I don’t think that I’ve run that fast in a LONG time” I felt the same way running one of my half marathons this year and, it’s a great feeling, yes?
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Tell me about your 2012
Totally and completely a great feeling. Loved it!
What a year! I just did my year in review today too. So fun to look back and reflect on where you’ve Ben and where you’re going. May 2013 be a year of big things for you!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Tell Me About Your 2012
What a great survey! Congrats on surprising yourself …. that’s the best feeling.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted..How to Juice Using a Food Processor
I’ll work on one for next week! Great year girl! especially with your awesome yoga skillz
Kat recently posted..Change of plans
I loved that post of Laura’s. And those post-injury runs, those runs you thought would never happen, the best.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..No News on Way to Go Wednesday
Love the idea of coming forward! And so glad you have made a strong return–what a great place to be heading into 2013. I also like Laura’s advice; I actually used it in the midst of my cruddy marathon!
Thanks for playing my Q & A game!
Just voted for you!
misszippy recently posted..What’s on your shoe?
I’m so glad you surprised yourself this weekend- those are the best kinds of runs, so empowering. I’m excited to write up my year in review, too. I was thinking I may host a link up for all of the end-of-year recaps in the next week or two, so we can all read and support each other. Thanks for the shout out! I have to keep reminding myself of that privilege, too.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..13 Homemade Edible Gift Ideas
Congrats on an awesome race last weekend! I really love your emphasis on “getting to” run. It’s so easy to see running as a chore because it isn’t always easy, but I need to remember that it is something I choose to do and that not everyone is able to do the same.
I totally get what you mean about thinking of running as a chore sometimes. I know that I definitely do that but I think that this past year and being injured has really helped me embrace it a bit more – the good runs and the bad/ugly ones.
Great post. I love the reminder that we “get” to run. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of this but we are so blessed to have healthy bodies that allow us to do amazing things!
Amanda Davis recently posted..Showcase Your Images with Galleries
i will always be with you, coming forward. It’s a great focus! And we continue to move and enjoy the RUN. So happy for YOU!
lindsay recently posted..#Getafterit after you #relaxabit
Great post!! I totally agree on the comeback – Abby @ BackAtSquare0 and I are calling it a COME BETTER after battle injuries late in the year. I voted for you too
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..Weekly Workouts Roundup from the Open Sea
Thanks Beka and I love how you and Abby are looking at it as a Come Better! Great mantra.
Awesome, strong finish on your 5k! Great to hear you’re able to shake off any knee pain and keep training to recover. It’s a bummer having to take time off to recover, but I know it also feels great to get back out there and start running again.
Cheers to some good runs in 2013!
Ricardo Bueno recently posted..Why I’m Returning My Nike+ Sportswatch GPS for a Garmin Forerunner 410
Sounds like your year is ending on a high note!
I’ll be posting my answers to Miss Zippy’s post tomorrow.
MCM Mama recently posted..TTT: Rest, Relaxation, and Beer
What great advice! Thanks to both of you! Good luck with the knee
Sarah (Shh…Fit Happens) recently posted..Straighten Up and Sit Right
i love posts like these!! I also love that you were able to participate i the race for recovery. Such an incredible idea on Michelle’s part and holy COW that is an amazing chunk of money for only 100+ runners. amazing
Charlotte recently posted..Elf For Health: Pay It Forward
Love this post! Your retrospective on running pre- and post-injury is awesome. I am so so glad that you have gotten through your injury and recovery and are able to run again but learned so much in between. I especially have loved seeing your yoga progression and all of your beautiful pictures. You are amazing! And I LOVE that you have Lindsay here as someone to meet given I JUST got the chance today and love her! She is an incredible person (as are you!!) and her words inspire me daily too
XO
jobo recently posted..The fear of ‘too good.’
I’m a little late in responding to these comments but wanted to say thank you so much Jo. Your comment and support means so much to me throughout this whole year.
Excellent year… can’t wait to see what you accomplish in 2013. I see big things… and LONG runs.
Cheers.
I voted for you!
Pavement Runner recently posted..Playlist Thursday: Best Songs of 2012
I can’t wait for long runs.
I do like this post a lot. Great year. I just started my blog so I hope you will check it out.. Plus enter to win a case of chobani greek yogurt!
Sara @ fitcupcaker recently posted..Let’s Roll
So happy that you are running again and that it is bringing you so much joy. And yes, I LOVE telling myself that I GET TO RUN versus I HAVE TO – a phrase I discovered via your Friday Roundup!
ilene recently posted..The Pause
Thank you my friend. I’m looking forward to lots of healthy and happy runs for both of us in 2013.
Love this post! So glad you’ve come so far this year since ACL surgery. You have a lot to be proud of!
Suzanne recently posted..Rocket City Marathon
What a great year you’ve had! I am amazed at the amount of money that the race raised for Sandy victims–wow. “I get to” — LOVE that advice!!
jan recently posted..2012 Running Recap and Link Up
Here’s to a great 2013! I love your ‘coming forward’ move to close your recap and Laura’s post about ‘getting to run’ was fabulous as well!
abbi recently posted..2012 in 2012: A Look Back