Year recap (AUG-DEC)

August 

Run for the Red 10K

This was a local race that I just wasn't ready for. The two big adventure races of July really had me worn out. The hills and smell of manuer really kicked my butt. I don't even remember my time but it was terrible. I did debut my sweet bright green leopard print spandex!

You know you LOVE the shorts....

Warrior Dash Carolinas - Hendersonville, NC

I was PUMPED for this race because my little brother (2 yrs younger) signed up to do the race too! It was his first event ever and I was stoked to run with him. He is not in shape and smokes but he gave it his best. I was so proud of him and he had a good time!

Me and my bro

September

Odyssey Trail Half Marathon - Virginia

This was one of the toughest yet most awesome half marathons I have ever done. The first THREE miles were up hill and I think it was a 1500' elevation gain! Even the leaders had to walk some. The woods were beautiful and I was able to talk to some great people. After the 3 miles uphill it was about 6 miles down. I was flying down that mountain! Even though it took me 2:25, I got 4th female overall and 1st in my AG!

Erin, Myself, and my AR partner Allen

River Bound Trail 13.1 - Charlotte, NC

Again, my brother signed up for this race but for the 5K! I didn't even mention it to him or ask. He saw it on my Facebook and asked if he could still register. It was a rainy muggy day. This race BLEW! I have never ran so many switchbacks and lolly loops in all of my life. I don't even know what a lolly loop is but it was BAD! Every inch of the woods looked the same and I didn't know if I'd ever get out. I got 2nd in my AG.

2nd place podium!

October

North Face Endurance Challenge 50K - Pine Mountain, Georgia

The two trail halfs the month before really had me ready to go for my first official ultra! I had signed up for this race late/spring early/summer and it was finally here. I had no idea how I'd do, like in most races, but I knew I wanted it. Badly. It was the hardest terrain I'd ever run on. Really rocky and rooty, lots to climb over (including boulders) and many other shenanigans that my words won't do justice for. I felt great until about 8 miles to go. I was out of steam but knew I couldn't stop. A guy from Australia, who was running the 50miler, started running beside me and pushed me along. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have finished as fast as I did. I would run a little, sob a little, run a little and sob more. The last few miles were finished purely on heart. I found out I was the 4th female with a couple miles to go. There was mix of 50K, 50M, and marathoners so I didn't know who was who. I didn't care. I started picking off ponytails left and right all the while hoping I didn't kill over on the trail. I finished in 6:34, 4th female and 3rd in my AG. I couldn't have been more proud of myself. I got to run the race with my BFF Erin, got to meet Dean Karnazes, Nikki Kimball, and Hal Koerner. Best Race EVER!

November

Old Reliable 10K - Raleigh, NC

This was a last minute signup and I just wasn't prepared. I'd taken it easy since the 50K and just wanted to do this for my Nov race. I freakin' PR'd by about 45 secs and got 1st in my AG!

Philadelphia Half Marathon - Philadelphia, PA

I got to meet a lot of incredible people from Runner's World and could not have had a better time. And running with my sisters from another mister was so rewarding.. My BFF Erin and I ran with her sister Kristin who was shooting for a sub-2 half. She did awesome and pushed herself to accomplish her goal! I'm so proud of her and know that she is only going to get better and FASTER!!! LOOK OUT! 

Kristin, Erin and I

Us with the Runner's World.com Editor, Mark Remy

December

Inaugural Green Beret Jingle Jog 10K

Another local race that would also get me my race for December. I'd forgotten my Garmin in my car so I was running naked and blind. It turned out to be pretty awesome. I played leap frog with the lead female the whole way and dubbed her Pink Santa Hat Girl as in my last RR. This girl was fast and tried to get rid of me. I just wouldn't leave her alone and breathed my hot air down her pretty little neck the whole time. Ok, it wasn't that intense but you get the idea...HAHA! It was a fight to the finish and she pushed through a little more gas than I did beating me by 6 seconds. But guess what.....ANOTHER PR! 43:53. PR last run of the season and a second place overall female award....what could be better?!?!

I'm in the red shirt

This year was a turning point for me. I had a 6 month stint of constantly going to the gym, which is pretty dang good! I've been burned out for a little while but think I'm ready to hit it again. I have accomplished many things and been many places this year. This year I realized that I had so much potential within myself and that not one drop of gas/energy should be left when I finish a race. No cheating myself. I have left my blood, sweat, tears, soul, my EVERYTHING out in the woods from here to Georgia, up to Virginia and even to PHILLY! I'll end with this....Let 2012 be your year to find out what your body can do. Push yourself. Kick your own ass. Do something you never thought you'd do. Be the best runner you can be. LIVE.

LIVESTRONG!