2015: My Year of Running

It's New Year's Eve, and I'm writing to you today from Northeast Ohio, just outside of Akron. My boyfriend and I haven't decided what we're going to get into this evening, but I'll tell you -- whatever it is, it'd better be warm! It's so strange going from the 70 degree weather we've been experiencing in the DC area to the actual winter weather in this part of Ohio. It snowed this morning!

Now, I'm not complaining that it's winter here. It actually wasn't wintery at all when I was here a few weeks ago, so it's refreshing; nonetheless, I am a total sissy when it comes to dealing with the cold, so I just want to make sure I don't turn into an icicle when I go out this evening (if we go out). I have my super warm coat, hat, and gloves that I brought with me from DC yesterday (to much side eye at the airport, by the way), so I'm as prepared as I can be!

This year has been an interesting one, including the weather. I have done a ton of running, but not a lot of recapping. Whoops! It's all good, though. Writing my recaps in a timely fashion is on my 2016 Running Resolutions list, so that means I have to do it! I decided to use the writing prompt put together by Courtney of Eat, Pray, Run DC as a prompt, since I think it's a great way to summarize my 2015 races for you. I wasn't able to link up, but here is her post, in case you want to read other end-of-year recaps. Here goes!
Best race experience: It's a tie between the Color Run in Baltimore and the Wipeout Run in DC. In both races, I had the chance to run with my family. In the Wipeout Run, I designed my first race costume, going as Lex Lightning/Black Lightning. (I didn't write this recap as of this posting, so you're seeing these photos for the first time! A Flecks of Lex exclusive, if you will...)

Best new piece of running gear: Probably my new running shoes. Someone suggested that I size up a half size, and I did. What a difference it made! I really love my new running shoes, and am so happy I took this advice! Runner up? Compression socks/sleeves. Lordy, lordy! Those are some miracle workers! And the third place finisher is probably my knuckle lights (affiliate link). I learned about these during the American Odyssey Relay, and am so glad I purchased them! They are great for running in the dark!

Best running advice you've received this year: Run hills! When I was running them more regularly, it really helped me with my time. I was quicker, and my quads were definitely stronger. That really dropped off in the late summer, but I know that I need to start running them again during my marathon training. Just because I acknowledge that this was great advice, however, doesn't mean that I like running hills!

Most inspirational runner: Really any of the runners I saw speak at the National Endurance Sports Summit. They were really inspirational, and the main takeaway I received was to just get out there and try something new! You'll never know the many ways you can surprise yourself!

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be: 12 races in 12 months.

Left to right: Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, American Odyssey Relay, Girls On the Run 5k, The Color Run, Nike Women's 15k Toronto, The Wipeout Run, Color Fun Fest 5k, Navy 5 Miler, Ragnar DC, Baltimore Running Festival Marathon Relay, Stormwater 5k, Annapolis Running Classic Half Marathon. 

Be safe, tonight, and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!