As 2012 comes to a close (heh), I present to you my 2011 Running Year-in-Review. Confession: I’ve never done one of these year in review posts. Usually the New Year comes and goes and I don’t take the time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished and the people who helped me get there.
But 2011 was different. I trained my ass off. And not just during the good weather seasons. I logged some serious mileage with seriously amazing friends and made plenty of new ones. I reacquainted myself with trail running and remembered how much I LOVE it. I finally learned how to rehab through injuries and continue running at a high level. I ran a whopping 18 races including not one, but TWO marathons, on my way to an all-time best 1,625 miles ran during the year.
Let me recap some of my favorite moments:
Chicago Marathon
One of the most amazing running experiences I’ve ever had. I made it through my training months unscathed for the first time and was in peak shape going into the race. I had some great memories with my best friends in an atmosphere that is difficult to describe in words.
Ragnar Relay
A 200-mile relay from Madison to Chicago with 12 buddies. “12 Sweaty Nuts” – the best team name ever. Two days in a van on zero sleep. Running in the middle of the night with a head lamp. What’s not to love?
Pettit Indoor Marathon Relay
If you’re ever passed by a runner and they yell “DESTROY”, (1) I invented that during this race, and (2) You owe me royalties. See how blurry I am in the photo? That’s speed, my friends. 
Dances with Dirt
My first trail race in 7 years! I put in quite of bit of time in 2011 training on some tough trails at Kettle Moraine South and Lapham Peak, which was made much easier by bringing along like-minded friends. In July, we went out to Devil’s Lake State Park, camped like BAMFs and then rolled out of the tent and ran a trail half marathon.
South Shore Half Marathon
The PR in 2011 that I’m most proud of! A perfect mix of good weather, training and tapering led to a 1:25:06 time, an 8-minute PR. And I’m still having a tough time understanding how I did it.
Run into the New Year
A fitting end to an epic year! I ran a non-college PR in the 10K with a time of 38:33. That was followed by one of the best NYE weekends I’ve ever experienced.
2012!
So how can 2012 possibly top last year? Well, I have some ideas. How about my first ultra marathon? More relays and more trail running? A goal of 2,000 miles? Maybe a destination fall marathon? Yes, ALL OF THAT. Let’s do this.
