2013 Year in Review

And thus, the end of another year is upon us again. 

Martian 10k in April (Dearborn)

As much as there is to reflect on personally and professionally, my gut reaction is to say that there is equally as little to reflect on in terms of my running. While Ryan and I did run a 10k together in April, this is the first year, since starting to run in 2010, that I didn't run a half-marathon. 

Color Run in May (Ypsilanti)

Memorial Day Weekend (DC)

Oddly enough, that leaves me with something different to be proud of - despite not having a race to keep me on track for much of the year, I was able to maintain some semblance of a routine. In some ways, I enjoyed it more. Since I don't have the proof of a half to assess my year, I looked back at the calendar I keep as a loose record of my workouts. In addition to running, I started going to yoga (wow - it's really been a year!?) and had a sprinkling of barre classes in there as well. Looking back on the year now, I can appreciate the positives that come along with not feeling the pressure of a big race. Instead of solely focusing on mileage, I was able to really incorporate fitness into my life overall - something I'm constantly striving for long-term, so it becomes a seamless part of life. 

Incredible BBQ (Birmingham, AL)

While we haven't used them as much as I'd like, we received camelbacks for hiking and took advantage of them when we went up to Traverse City for our mini-moon. I enjoyed runs with friends as an excuse to spend time together and even see places.  A reflection of my running life in 2013, I managed to use three different apps to track my stats, so while I can't pinpoint the exact number, it looks like I ran about 175 miles this year, which is certainly a number I can be proud of. 

Rebuilding with SBP (New Orleans)

Of course, there's so much I could say about the events of 2013 - I was blessed with the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends in leading up to our wedding; 2.5 weeks of service learning, perspective, and community building in New Orleans; a wedding that was more  than I could have ever dreamed of; a birthday back in New York with some of my oldest friends;  a breathtaking bridal shower and bachelorette party filled with thoughtful surprises and a crazy amount of laughter. I'm not sure exactly what 2014 will have in store - while I'd like to run 

Hike on Our Mini-Moon in August (Traverse City)

another half-marathon, reflecting on a year without one makes me see that I don't really need one as much as I thought I did. After a year of wedding planning, it's exciting to think about the possibilities of the blank canvas of a new year. Regardless of what this next year has in store, I'm confident running will in some way 

Visit to the White House
(July)

be part of it. It's something that will continue to keep me grounded, appreciatative, and grateful, which is something I wouldn't trade for anything.