Looking Back At The Year That Was 2013

I can't believe another year has come and gone.

Time surely does fly when having fun.

2013 was a mind-blowing year for me running-wise! I posted PRs left and right and reached heights I never thought possible for me. Since I began running in April of 2010, I have ran 5,269 miles. Not bad for a guy who couldn't run a mile without stopping when I first laced up the shoes.

There are so many highlights this year that it'd be difficult to list my top 5. My No. 1 highlight is a no-brainer for me, but I'll reveal that later on in this post.

(However, if you're a regular reader and/or follow me on Twitter and Facebook, I'm sure you can guess what it is.)

My 2013 Races In Photos

I thought 2012 was an amazing year for me running-wise, but 2013 kicked 2012's butt. 

It has been nothing but wonderful if for no other reason than I got to run with my bride and daughter a lot this year. (Hopefully in 2014, my son will join us.) And while I will have a year-in-review post coming soon, I wanted to relive with you my races this year in photos.

The race count was modest for me this year as I ran in only seven races with one marathon, three half marathons, two 5Ks and a 4-miler.

Christmas Eve Trail Run: Sheltowee Trail

Stopping for a photo-op

Every Christmas Eve, the leader of our local running club - the Falls Road Runners, usually has some sort of interesting run to celebrate his birthday.

On his 33rd birthday, Chris ran 33 miles to celebrate with a number of others joining him at varying stages to help him get to his goal. The first one I tagged along for was two years ago when we ran the trails at Levi Jackson State Park. That also happened to be my first trail run.

To celebrate this year's birthday, Chris decided to head out to Vanhook Falls on the Sheltowee Trail. In all, there were 17 of us to make the 5-mile trail run.

I'm not the most experienced trail runner even though I really do enjoy it, so this was my first trip on this particular trail. I am so glad I went on this run. It is amazing some of things you find in your backyard, and the Sheltowee Trail is a gem, especially the trek out to Vanhook Falls.

PRs All Around: Jingle Bell Jog 5K Recap

At the start line.

This past Saturday, my bride and I ran in a local 5K - the Jingle Bell Jog, and neither of us knew really what to expect. We were two weeks removed from running the Secret City Half Marathon relay, I was in wrapping up week 1 of marathon training, and the weather was ... well, let's just say it wasn't ideal. (At least it wasn't according to my bride.)

It was a cold and rainy day.

The temp was in the mid-30s, but there was a light rain when we showed up to pick up our bib. As if being wet wasn't bad enough, the slight breeze was chilling as we waited for the start.

Fortunately, the rain stopped just prior to start and stayed away for much of the race.

Even with good weather, I highly doubt my bride and I would have intentionally shot for PRs. I was just beginning marathon training and focused on that, and she had not had much opportunity to run in the two weeks prior since we ran the half marathon relay. Work and life has been busy for us.

Sometimes Even I Question My Sanity From Time To Time

OK, I'll admit it.

There are times that even I question my sanity.

And before today's run was one of them.

For whatever reason, I texted my friend Chris after I saw him post he was going to do a 14-mile trail run ... beginning at 4:30 a.m. ... after it rained for nearly 24 hours straight (while it seemed like it did) ... in 32-degree weather.

Not going to lie, I was concerned about this run happening yesterday afternoon/evening as it poured the rain all day and the forecast called for the potential of ice on the roads. Fortunately, the rain pretty much stopped around 8 or 9 p.m. and the roads were fine this morning.

Secret City Half Marathon: Crossing The Line With My Bride

My bride and I after the race

Today was the day. Not going to lie, I've been looking forward to this day for months.

Ever since I signed my bride and up for the Secret City Half Marathon relay on March 1, I've been so geeked up to run this race. I couldn't wait to run with my bride and cross the finish line with her.

Being one who loves to run and run long distances, I also signed up to run the entire half marathon as well. So, I got to be the cool guy where not one but TWO race bibs.

I love running with my bride. Running is one of my favorite things to do. PERIOD. And to get to share that with the one I love makes it even more special. Our runs together are a blast for me. (My bride might describe them differently since she doesn't enjoy running as much as I do. Guess I'm a glutton for punishment.)