2012: The Year in Review

As 2012 winds down, as many people do, I am looking back on my year in running. As always there are some highs and some lows.

The Treasured Moment of the Year - Running with Pennsy in the Monumental. This is a man who I have known for about a decade in the virtual world. He has battled weight loss, Cancer and depression. Through running, he has discovered a joy and a sense of purpose, much as I have. We finally met and ran the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon. It was a good race made better by running with the delightful Pennsy. My only regret is that Mrs. P couldn't make the trip.

The Discovery of the Year - I can run, and put together a running plan. I had felt over the last two years my running was blah. I rediscovered the joy in running, and put together a plan which saw me through my half marathons.

The Product of the Year - Brooks Dayd 7. Lord knows I have the New Balance a try, but their heel collapsed and was in some pain in those shoes. The new Dyad has turned out to be a great shoe for me.

The Worst Race Experience EVER - I have run races I didn't care for. I have run races which were poorly managed. Nothing prepared me for the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon this year. You all figured this would be listed in a year end report right? What a mess. Stopping the race at Mile 10, and violating their own rules, and then not owning up to their mistake, then finding out they do this on a regular basis. I don't and won't recommend a Rock n Roll series race.

The Most Interesting Race  of the Year - Mo' Cowbell Half Marathon. This is a great race, well organized. Good volunteers, great medal, and of course the cowbells. Would be great to see more crowd support. I'm still curious what the reason of running through a family farm was....there were no cows around.

The Race of the Year - Holy 10K. If you ever have the opportunity to run the 10K or the half marathon....do it. The course winds through the University of Notre Dame. The students are upbeat and very helpful. This student run race is typical of most activities organized on campus - well organized, and a lot of fun. The campus is stunning, especially running along the lakes. I wish I had run the half, but that will be for another time.

Looking ahead.....marathon time. March 17 I will run the Shamrock Marathon. Running has not gone well this last month as I am working through an IT Band issue, but I will do my best to be ready. Will talk more about 2013 goals in the next week.

Charlie