Following suit, I wanted to complete this Q&A/reflection on running in 2012 that Amanda from Miss Zippy started! 2012 was a great fitness year for me. I started my blog and I met SO many new friends through this community. It is nice to reflect on my year of fitness. As runners, we dedicate a lot of ourselves and our time to the sport!
1. Best Race Experience: 09/27-09/28 - Ragnar Relay Adirondacks (Leg 1, Leg 2 and Leg 3 recaps). I experienced a lot of firsts during this relay! It was the first time:
- I ran 30+ miles in 24 hours
- I ran at 4 am, in the rain, near a cemetery.
- I ran with temporary tattoos all over my body. Theres no turning back now, it is now a must-have accessory during a race.
- I genuinely felt confident in my ability as a runner (in the present and for the future).
ULTRA RUNNER
2. Best Run: 10/13 - ING Hartford Half Marathon! New (and current) PR: 1:45:39! I went in with the usual A, B and C goals. I surpassed my A goal and cried when I crossed the finish line. I love the half marathon distance and I had no idea I was capable of that finish time. Like I said above, my injury during marathon training threw me for a loop (physically and emotionally) so a huge PR was the perfect “high-five, you’ve still got it” moment for me!
3. Best new piece of gear: 100% Mizuno Elixirs. After running in the Wave Riders for years, I had a new need for a stability shoe. Enter: Elixirs coupled with huge PRs and no more injuries.
4. Best piece of running advice you received: Both come from my amazing friend Erin, different range of topics but both extremely beneficial in a race environment!
- “The body achieves what the mind believes!” – I never stop repeating it to myself, ever.
- “Don’t wear underwear when you run with shorts.”
5. Most Inspirational Runner(s): Erin, Abby, Lora, Jess & Beth. Each one of these ladies helped me in a different way during the year. I am very grateful to have each one of them in my life!
6. If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Emotional, unpredictable & exciting as hell.
I am adding one last piece of information:
7. Most exciting (running) moment of 2012: Being featured on Fitness Magazine’s blog, The Fit Stop. Holy crap, I am still so excited! I want to hang it up on my fridge or my parent’s fridge. I am positive they will love that 
Bring it on 2013!
If you decide to write-up a post of your own, leave me a link in the comments so I can read it or answer a few (or all) of the questions here! I would love to hear about your year of running!
What a year! We had a similar year – injury during marathon training with a comeback of new PR in a 1/2! When I did my year in review it was a real eye opener. I kind of forgot how much I\’ve grown as a runner since the beginning of 2012. Congrats to you on your success! I wish you nothing but the best for 2013!
Here\’s my recap: http://www.happyfitmama.com/tell-me-about-your-2012/
Laura (http://mommyrunfast.com) is doing a link up for everyone too!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…Meal Planning: Week of December 23
THANK YOU! Same to you! Thanks for sharing your post!
I loved this survey! It was so fun to reflect back on my year of running, and I love reading the reflections of others. I SO want to do a relay at some point — they look like so much fun!!
http://www.jensbestlife.com/2012/12/reflecting-on-running-in-2012.html
Jen recently posted…Happy Holidays!
I agree, it is fun to read about everyone’s years! I see Abby as a motivation is a trend
Great highlights! Here are mine:
http://ericafinds.com/2012/12/a-running-list-2012-running-highlights/
Thanks for linking up! I\’m so glad you were able to finish the year on a high note. Congrats on your awesome half marathon pr!
Best wishes for 2013!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted…Last 20 miler done and Menu planning Link up
Great year and full of fun
Here is my recap http://runnershoe.blogspot.com/2012/12/running-in-2012.html
Jen recently posted…Running in 2012
I love your recap Ashley and you had an amazing year!! Congrats to you. It was fun to look back on my year – I learned more than I think that I realized. Here\’s my recap: http://www.lovelifesurf.com/2012/12/2012-year-in-running.html
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Be Merry
I love reading year end recaps to find other amazing running bloggers out there! Looking forward to seeing what 2013 has in store for you!
abbi recently posted…2012 in 2012: A Look Back
Wow–you had a killer year, especially with an injury thrown in there! Way to go. And I love your two pieces of advice! No doubt 2013 will be a big one for you.
Thanks for linking up!
misszippy recently posted…Happy holidays!
Thank you for including me as inspiration!!! I\’m SO glad we met and got to run so much together this year! Can\’t wait for even bigger things for you in 2013 and more runs together!! Xo
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Congrats on such a wonderful year! I\’ve had fun reading this recaps too. This is mine:
http://marathonsandmacarons.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/2012-in-running-recap-of-the-year/
Here\’s to a wonderful 2013!
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted…Someday at Christmas
Thanks for including me in this post!! You inspire me too in so many ways and I can\’t wait to use you as my motivation to run my first marathon this year! LOVE YOUUU xoxo
Eryn @ One More Cupcake recently posted…Mr. Rodger’s Neighborhood
Thanks for the shout out chica! We desperately need to get together ASAP. You\’ve had an exciting year, can\’t wait to see what 2013 brings you!
I love this! You had a pretty fab year. So glad we met!
Jess recently posted…Running in 2012: A Fun Q&A
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What an incredible year you had!!! Congrats on all your accomplishments. Your Ragnar race sounds so fun. I\’m planning to participate in my first relay race in 2013, and my half goal for 2013 is 1:45
I\’m currently at 1:48:05. Need some of your PR mojo! Congrats again on everything. Woo hoo!
Jesica @rUnladylike recently posted…Friday FITspiration: The Most FITspiring Stories of 2012
I just came over to your blog from Laura\’s link-up and am loving it! I\’m definitely adding you to my regular reads. Congrats on your achievements this year, including the half-marathon PR and the feature!
Raquelita recently posted…2013 Goals
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