Run. Lift. Conquer.: New year

Its new years eve!

This year I took on alot of new challenges. I became athletic for the first time ever in late 2012, and in 2013 I completed several events I never would have done before. I didn't do all that I had hoped to because of the injury, but looking back now I realize I have made some huge accomplishments. The fact that I got out there and did all this stuff is something to be proud of.

What I did in 2013

Achieved my goal of losing weight - 40 lbs
Ran my first Spartan Race and 2 other obstacle races
Ran my first 10k
Won 2nd place in 3 races, 2 in my age group and 1 was overall female
Ran 2-3 times each week with exception of April-August
Made significant strength and flexibility gains through yoga

Where I fell short in 2013

I lost half the year dealing with my hip and back pain. It took me a long time to figure out I needed to be moving more, not less
Because of this setback I'm not where I thought I would be at this point. I had to pretty much start all over in September. Basically I'm right around the same place I was last year in terms of my mileage and strength
Gained some weight back

What I want to do in 2014

Run my first half marathon in February - the Augusta Half, and do 1-2 more throughout the year - will be looking for them in cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Charleston
Earn my Spartan Trifecta - Georgia and NC for sprints, Asheville for super, SC for beast
Race in different cities and states
Run more trails, and complete more Xterra races
Strength train 2-3 times a week
Lose a few extra pounds
Eat cleaner

I have big things planned for 2014. I want to train more and harder. I want to get out there and do more. Hopefully I won't suffer any other injuries or setbacks. I'm dealing with my hip still, a case of Plantar Fasciitis which honestly isn't so bad. I don't know what all the fuss is about PF - yeah it's annoying but it doesn't stop me. I also have a cranky knee that pops but it doesn't really hurt. I'm going to do my best to treat, stretch, and strengthen everything to keep myself injury free. This stuff shouldn't stop me as long as I'm diligent.

Here's a look back at some of the things I did and places I've been this year, in no particular order ...