2011 rocked!

Five days into this new year of 2012, I'd like to take a look back at 2011.

I don't want to sound like a major braggart but, seriously, 2011 was an awesome year for my running. I mean awesome! The best part is that I didn't let my baby-induced lack of sleep ruin my running plans too much, nor did I give up on stretch goals just because I'm now firmly entrenched in the masters running category.

Instead, I did the best I could to meet the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year. Here's how I did:

• Run a half-marathon -- DONE! In fact, I ran two. 
• Look into becoming an RRCA certified coach and perhaps start the process this year -- Well, I looked into it. A few times. None of the dates or places worked for me in 2011 so I'm hopeful that I might be able to make it work in 2012.
• Run masters strong --  DONE!  When I wrote this last year, I also wrote that I wanted to set some PRs. Not "masters" PRs, but overall PRs. And I did. I beat my 5K PR from back when I was a spry 32 year-old. And I set new PRs in the 10K, 15K, and half-marathon!! I'm going to have a tough time in 2012 . . . 
• Beat my 2010 Freihofer's Run for Women time at this year's race --  DONE!  That one was easy. I ran the 2010 race 6 months pregnant and finished in 27:11. In 2011 I finished in a PR setting 22:51!
• Run these key races: 

1. Winter Marathon Relay in February -- DONE!
2. 13.1 marathon in April --  DONE!
3. Mother's Day 3.5-miler in May --  DONE!
4. Freihofer's Run for Women 5K in June --  DONE!
5. Indian Ladder trail run in July -- Nope, ran the Boilermaker instead and set a new 15K PR.
6. Warrior Dash in August -- Nope, ran the Clove Run 10 mile instead and finished as first female!
7. Race for the Cure 5k in October -- Nope, ran the Adirondack Half Marathon the weekend before instead and set a new half-marathon PR.
8. Stockade-athon 15k in November -- Nope, ran a 10K on Long Island the same weekend instead and set a new 10K PR!

• Run 1000+ miles --  DONE!  I ran 1022.8 miles.
• Keep up with run-improving strength training --  DONE!  Most weeks, I supplements my running with some strength training.

Overall, yeah, an awesome year!

I learned a lot, too. I had to battle that sleep deprivation but instead of letting it get me totally down, I looked at running as an energy builder. And it worked. Sticking to my running routine -- especially when I wasn't getting much sleep -- kept my energy level up. 

I'd also like to think that my racing success proves a few things. Like, for example:

• That breastfeeding moms can run strong in races of all distances. I ran my first half-marathon (finishing in 1:49:29) when I was still full-on breastfeeding my 5.5 month old son. Here I am feeding him minutes before the start of the half:

• That turning 40 (or, in my case, 41) doesn't mean your PRs are in your past. Nope. Not even close. In fact, I hope to set many more PRs this year. And beyond!

• That nutrition matters. My eating was great for the first 9 months of the year. After the Adirondack half marathon in September, though, I let it slide. I've noticed a difference in my runs and I plan to get my eating back on track this year!

• That racing shoes help you to kick butt. I LOVED racing in these bad boys: 

So, what will 2012 bring? Well, who really knows? I know a few things that I would like for it to bring and I plan to lay out my goals in tomorrow's post. Stop back and let me know what you think! 

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this pic of my little cutie (from several months ago):

Thanks for reading, everyone! I hope you all met many of your 2011 goals -- and have some fun goals lined-up for 2012!

~ Felice