My 2012 Races In Photos

2012 was an amazing year for me running-wise.

It has been nothing but incredible. And while I will have a year-in-review post coming in the next few days, I wanted to relive with you my races this year in photos.

It was a low race count for me this year as I ran in only four races. However, two of those were marathons, so the excitement, milestones and sense of accomplishment were high for me.

So without a further ado, let's look back.

A PR Without Trying? Why Yes! I'll Take It

This is definitely not the race recap I was expecting to write. After all, Saturday's Strawberry Plains Half was supposed to be merely a training run for me as I prep for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.

I had no real expectations for this half marathon. It's through the east Tennessee countryside, and the weather was less than ideal. Though I've heard the hills on the Strawberry Plains Half are small compared to the Knoxville Marathon, I wanted to run a hilly course to get me ready for my first full.

All in all, I was running for the fun of it. In the back of my mind, all I wanted was a sub 2:15 time. That's become my benchmark.

Seems I now need a new benchmark ... BECAUSE I PR'ED!

Me Speedy? Who Knew! - Calhoun's 10-Miler Recap

Daniel and I before the race.

You never really know what you're capable of until you put yourself to the test. Thing is, I wasn't looking to test myself per se. My goal was to get myself used to running some hills for my upcoming marathon.

Today (Saturday, Jan. 28), I ran the Calhoun's 10-Miler in Lenoir City, Tenn., with the sole intention to get used to running hills. The Knoxville Marathon is notoriously hilly and has earned the nickname the "KnoxHILLS" Marathon. Not having completed a full marathon before, I want to make sure I am as prepared as possible for my first. I'm not dead-set on a certain time (other than to finish under 5 hours), but my main goal is to finish and survive.

The Calhoun's 10-Miler is a nice out-and-back race with rolling hills along the way. Definitely a great test for me as I gear up for running 26.2 miles.