Sunday, December 31, 2017

Resolution Run 2017

I can't believe I have finished 5 straight years of racing! 60 months, 77 races and not a single month missed. This started out, 5 years ago,  as a challenge to run one race a month over the year to help keep me motivated and trained. It has now turned into a fun way to get outside and see the world! I had some seriously epic and amazing racing moments this year. I crushed goals and attained the unthinkable. I completed my first 50K, actually ended up doing 2 of them! I ran on some of the most beautiful trails in Georgia. I made a lot of new friends, saw a lot of new places and made some amazing memories. I always run all my runs for Erica, and she keeps me motivated. (Read about my Erica HERE)
And here is the link to last years race review (and the link to all the running reviews):
                      Resolution Run 2016



January:
*Huff and Puff Half Marathon
*The Atlanta Fat Ass 50K
*The Hot Chocolate 15K

I started the year off with a bang. The Huff and Puff is a trail half at Dauset Trail. It's a nice, easy trail and would normally make for a great half. But not this year.. This year, we ran the Huff and Puff in pouring rain, popping lightening and LOUD thunder! We basically were running for our lives the entire 13 miles! It's funny now, but at the time.. I felt like I had a death sentence. I gave the Atlanta Fat Ass 50K a shot, but it was about 15 degrees and I was under trained, so I tapped out early and took it as a 25K. I completed my 5th Hot Chocolate race in January of 2017 as well!








February:
Cupid Chase 15K
My friend Stacy and I love this race through the heart of Senoia! It's a great cause and we always have a nice time. We learned later on that this was the last Cupid Chase, we were both sad to hear this!


March:
Publix Marathon
Jogging for Jude 5K

I completed marathon number 3 this spring and was able to help a running buddy complete her 1st! I always enjoy the Publix, and this was the first year I completed the Full Marathon. I usually run the half.  I also ran the local 5K Jogging for Jude- which benefits a local family and down syndrome. Kennedy ran Jogging for Jude with me this year!



April:
Mount Gap 5K
Ragnar Relay

The Mount Gap 5k was a last minute race to benefit a local missionary team. I ran my first Ragnar this year in April. We camped out and took turns running all night long! I had a great time and can't wait to do it again this year with my new team!



May:
Peach Jam Half Marathon
One of my favorite half marathons! Ran almost entirely on the boardwalks of Big Creek Greenway. Love this race!


June:
Grand Teton Half Marathon
Yellowstone Half Marathon

I have no words for the amazingness of these races. I flew all the way across the country to run in some of the most scenic places in the US! I was very lucky to have one of my best friends by my side too. We made this our family summer vacation trip and took 11 days to fly out west and see some National Parks. The Grand Teton Half and Yellowstone Half were by far the most memorable of my races this year, and of all my races to date! You can read about our vacation out west and the races HERE and HERE





July:
Peachtree Road Race 10K
My 5th Peachtree Road Race. Almost beat my all time best! Came up short by about 30 seconds! 53:40 was the time this year.


August:
Georgia Women's Peach Triathalon

I ended up with no race for August. So my friend was doing this triathlon for her job and and we kinds last minute tagged along and did the tri!
We didn't really train for it, but it was a Sprint so it was pretty easy. We had a great time!!



September:
Tortoise and the Hare Half Marathon
Mystery Mountain Marathon

I ended up doing 2 longer trail runs this month in preparation for the big 50k in November. This was 4th marathon and it was a crazy one! The elevation change was nuts. But it really helped me get ready for my long trail races. 




October:
Pine Mountain 50K
Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K

I completed my first ever 50k in October! And I was able to do it at my favorite trail! Pine Mountain! This was another training run for the Sky to Summit in November. I also ran the Jack Jog at my sisters school. 






November:
Sky to Summit 50K
Tough Turkey Half Marathon

I had registered for a 50K back in May that I ended up not being able to go to. So the race director switched me over to the Sky to Summit 50K in the north Georgia Mountains. This race was NUTS. It had over 15,000 feet of elevation change, summiting mountain tops, running through creek after creek in the freezing cold, multiple waterfalls.. It was just EPIC. We made a long girls weekend out of it and I had a blast. Such great memories! It was tough but amazing! Also completed the local Tough Turkey Half again this year benefiting the local teen running club.







                                     





December:
Pine Mountain 19 miler

The last race of the year, the Pine Mountain 19 miler. I love finishing out the year on my favorite trail! Not only did I have a wonderful trail to run on , but I came in 4th place overall female and won a gorgeous hand crafted mug that I had been really wanting!







As for next year... I have a 50 mile on my mind.. so we shall see!





Bighorn 100

           This was my 8th attempt at a 100 mile buckle. I love the 100 mile race- it pushes every ounce of physical and mental strength I h...