2014 Recap

Happy New Year!

We rang in 2015 with our usual party with family and friends.  It is my favorite night of the year.  All of the adults and kids made it to midnight and beyond.  We all slept in very late and have no regrets.

I have been thinking about my year and what I am hoping for this coming year.  When I kicked off 2014, I had one goal which was to run 14 races in 2014.  I ran 17.

My biggest goal of the year, wasn't even a thought until I entered and won a contest that got me a free entry for the Rhode Warrior Half Iron Distance Triathlon.  I didn't even know how to swim.

So some numbers.

Total running, 580.15

Bike, 515

Swim, 18.74

Grand total, 1113.89

Now, I was exact with my running but not so much with my swimming and biking and I am pretty sure I missed a couple so the total may be slightly higher.  Either way, I am happy with this.

Seventeen races.

Six 5K's

One 4 miler

Two 10 milers

Five half marathons

Two sprint tri's

One Half Ironman

First race of the year was Ocean's Run Half Marathon. One of my favorites and will most likely run it again in March.

Second race was The Shamrock Shuffle 5K.  Fun, local race. It was very cold this year and I was not dressed right.  Also. it was the last time I ran in compression socks.

Chilly Cheeks Virtual 5K.  Andy's race that helped raise money for the American Cancer Society. I am now part of his team and we will be running The Philadelphia Broad Street Run in May.  I am really looking forward to this one.  If you would like to help, you can donate here.

UPC Life Without Limits 5K.  Love this race because it was with Andy. We had a great time and almost a sub 30 5k.  Darn kids!

Newport 10 Miler. I love this race. Perfect time of year and a beautiful course.  No PR for me but fun none the less. Ran this one alone but Elaine was there, way ahead of me on the course, LOL.  They moved this to June this year and I am on the fence if the timing will work out for me.

Cox Providence Half Marathon.  Got to finally meet, in person, Sarah, aka Professor Badass. Beth ran this one with me and I did struggled a bit but still got a PR.  Would of never happened without Beth keeping me focused, especially the last couple miles.

Narrow River 5K. I love this race. My town, just a few miles from my home. Roads that I am familiar with.  I have had a course PR for this race every year I have run it. This year, I tried for a sub 30 which I missed.

Skirt Sports Half Marathon. This was virtual but great swag and I got the girls to do it with me.  Lots of fun!  Already signed up for this years race.

Katie DeCubellis Memorial 5K.  This was a last minute decision once George said he wanted to run. The race was wicked hot and at one point I didn't think George would be able to finish.  He did and placed first in his age group.

My first triathlon! Oh My Goddard Sprint Tri.  Well, what can I say, I don't think I was more nervous for any other race, ever.  It was a great time!

Jamestown Half Marathon. Well, I didn't really enjoy this race. I finished but not sure if I would do it again.  Beautiful course and medal, but that is pretty much where it ends.

The Blessing 10 Miler.  Love this race, love the party at Mary's.  Helped a friend this year finish her first Blessing but next year this race is mine!

The Crabman Sprint. Second tri and the one I enjoyed the most out of the two sprints.  I will do this one again. Had a nice PR.  Really enjoyed the bike for this one.

The Rhode Warrior Half Iron Distance Tri.  What can I say. You can read all about it here, here and here.  This race was amazing.  I did not do as well as I hoped but I finished and I will do another HIM.  I learned so much about training and myself during this race and I get teary thinking about it now.  The swim was the highlight of the day. As you know, I learned how to swim in 2014 and getting out of the water that morning and seeing Mr. RWM waiting for me is a moment I will never forget.  Happy I did not give up!

Newport Half Marathon.  Love this race!  I had not really trained for a PR for this race but knew I wanted one.  Again, with Beth as my pacer, I got that PR.  I enjoyed this run, even when I didn't and loved every minute with Beth, even though I was quiet which may have freaked her out.  LOL

The Newport Pell Bridge Run.  This was my fourth year. I got to run with friends and really just had a great time. Not a PR but it was a course PR which was nice.

St. Bernadette Turkey Trot.  Got to run with Diane, which is all I needed for this race. Fun, small race for her daughters school. Well run, nice course and lots of fun!

So, what is in store for 2015? Well, I am pretty certain that I will tackle the Philadelphia Marathon again.  I would like to see what I can do with what I now know about marathons.  I am confident that I can come in under 5:23.

I will also work on my bike and swim and add in a couple sprints.

I don't have a mileage goal, but would like to see a little more consistency with my running week to week.  I ran more last year, but think that is mostly due to marathon training.

So far, I only am registered for one race which is the Broad Street Run in May.  I have some races in mind but will keep you updated as registration open.  My big focus/goal for the year is the marathon.

Narrow River will also be be 5K goal race.  Would like a sub 30 there.

That about covers it.  I would love to hear what your goals are for the year.  Feel free to share them here or on my FB page.  

I wish you all a healthy and happy new year, filled with love and many miles.

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole