Thursday, December 31, 2015

2015 Favorites & Plans for 2016

As 2015 wraps up, I like to look back on my year in running and the races I completed. This past year wasn't about time goals, but getting back into a routine and having a healthy relationship with running so that I enjoyed every race/run. I feel like I accomplished that. 

Most of my races fall in the second half of the year when I decided to run races more consisently again. Here are my favorites:

FAVORITE MEDAL:
Morgantown Half Marathon
I loved it because they gave all runners a West Virginia state quarter that fit into a slot on the medal after you completed the race and I thought that was unique.

FAVORITE RACE SHIRT:
Pittsburgh Half Marathon
I love it because of the color (pink) and it's been comfortable to run in by itself or with layers. 

FAVORITE RACE COURSE:
Pittsburgh Pirates 5k
I enjoyed the course that started on the Roberto Clemente bridge and finished with a lap inside PNC Park. 

BEST CROWD SUPPORT:
Pittsburgh Half Marathon
Pittsburgh always wins this category. They advertise so much for this race that you feel like the whole city is out there cheering you on and you can't help but smile! 

FAVORITE THEMED RACE:
A Christmas Story 10k
Everything Christmas, enough said! 

MOST ORGANIZED:
Runner's World Hat Trick 
I would expect nothing less from the people at Runner's World to have a well put together weekend. I had plenty of info through emails before arriving. Parking, expo, race start/finishes, medals, post race food, speakers, schedule, and the course were all very organized. For a multiple race event with so many activities going on in a short period if time, it allowed everyone to attend as much as they wanted without missing out on other things! 

FAVORITE POST RACE FUEL:
A lot of Pittsburgh races give Eat 'n Park smiley cookies at the end. I don't ever buy them but I will eat one after a race! 

FAVORITE SWAG:
A Christmas Story 10k
They provided a fun race shirt, free photos, discounted food coupons, nice sized medal, drawstring bag, and FREE admission to the house/museum from the movie!

FAVORITE OVERALL RACE:
Runner's World Hat Trick
I left that weekend on cloud nine and couldn't stop talking or thinking about it for weeks. It was an awesome celebration of all things running and any race that has me feeling like that for weeks did a fantastic job.

Plans for for 2016? I am so excited to be chosen as a Nuun Ambassador

And I have a variety of races lined up:

January 17th: Clearwater 50K (yikes!)

February 5-8th: NuunYearDash (virtual run)

March 12th: Rock 'n Roll USA 13.1

April 14-17th: Disney Darkside Challenge (5k & 13.1)

...and LOTS more to come!

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy new year and may all your running dreams come true!

Happy running,
Jenn







1 comment:

  1. Looks like you got to run some awesome races in 2015 and 2016 looks just as good. Happy New Year

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