2016 was a fantastic year of running. I ran the most miles I’ve ever ran in a year, 1341 miles! Even while working full time, 12 hr shifts- three or four days a week, I ran seven races. Looking back at my five fitness goals for 2016, I did pretty good. My first goal was to run another marathon…I ran my 2nd marathon, the Chicago Marathon in October. It was awesome! My twin sister and I both got in after entering the lottery. I had a fabulous time and am so grateful I got the opportunity to meet some awesome elites like Meb Keflezighi and Sarah Crouch.

Bart Yasso even used my phone to take a selfie.

Also in Chicago, I met bloggers and social media friends for the first time. It was so cool meeting everyone!

Did I mention I PR’d in Chicago and got sub 4? My time was 3:59:14.  So thankful for Coach Dawn who trained me!

My second goal was to keep up with cross training. I did some cross training for the most part but probably not enough. I’d like to do more for next year, i.e. strength training, core work, and yoga.

Third goal was to continue my plankaday. I stopped the plankaday which I used to post on Twitter. Can’t remember when I stopped but I should start back up again. I did at least a minute of planking each day.

My fourth goal was to get a PR (Personal Record) in any distance. Happy to say that I PR’d in the 10k, half marathon and like I mentioned above the marathon. The Mommathon 10k was my first race of the year. It’s a fun race put on by my local MRTT group. My time was 48:23, previous best was 50:25. For the half marathon, I first PR’d in March, running the Portland Shamrock Run Half Marathon. My previous half marathon PR was 1:50:52. I ran 1:49:23, which was awesome for a rainy and hilly race. Then PR’d again in the Oregon Fall Half Marathon in September with a time of 1:48:26. My final PR of the year was running the Chicago Marathon, with a 27 minute PR. Previous best was 4:26:33 and I ran it in 3:59:14. So happy!

For my last goal, I didn’t expect to run more miles than last year, but I did it. 🙂 Ran 1312 miles last year and exceeded it by 29 more miles this year. Marathon training definitely helps. Check out my progression over the years:Other highlights of the year include running with MyTeam Triumph at the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon in June. So fun to push Captain Anthony! It was a great experience! It was also awesome to meet up with social media friends!

I also paced the 2:15 group for the  Oregon Spring Half Marathon. It’s always fun to pace but I didn’t get a chance to pace as much as last year with my schedule.

I’m so thankful for all the amazing things that running has given me. I’ve traveled (never thought I’d run the Chicago marathon), met many incredible people, and improved my speed and strength. But most of all, so thankful for all the support from my hubby and family who have always been there for me!! 2016 was an awesome year and I’m looking forward to what 2017 will bring!!