In my last blog post, I alluded to a few aspects of the 2012 season that I’m not too proud of.

1. I compiled 2 DNF’s in 2012 – my first ever.
2. I had ZERO PR’s in 2012.
3. I had the most amazing training season EVER.

What an interesting dynamic.  While in hindsight it would seem as though I had a pretty nasty season, but I really didn’t.  I suppose this past year was a year of reflection for me.  I wasn’t chasing PR’s or big finishes, I was really in it for the experience.

I’ll try to be short and sweet (that’s hard for this Minnesotan), but check out my year in review below, followed by what I hope 2013 will be – a much different outlook than 2012.

DNF – my first.  I had been nursing a tweaked out knee for about a month before the race and it came back to get me at mile 11.  You want to know what I learned about this one?  Shit happens.  MOVE ON.

1:54:10.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  I was coming back from my knee shenanigans and wanted to cruise down that canyon all smiles – mission accomplished.

25:23.  Don’t let the time fool you – this course was a BEAST.  I finished up second place female on a crazy course around the Air Force Academy Base north of Colorado Springs.

I was initially signed up for the 50K, but decided to drop to the 25K as I wasn’t ready to put that type of mileage on the legs yet.  I still had a blast and LOVED the course.

2:35:13.  Another beast of a course.  A couple days before the race Ben asks me if I want to compete and I’m like, well OF COURSE I do!  HA!  Let’s just say I was cursing Ben’s name around mile 8 at a 7% grade heading up the pass.  In true fashion though, at mile 13.7 (the finish line), Ben and I crossed together and I was all smiles.

June 15 – William A. Irvin 5K (Finish Line Video)

23:06.  I screwed the pooch on this one.  I REALLY wanted a better finish, but just wasn’t training for speed at the time and can’t really complain if that’s the case.

4:07:08.  You know, I wasn’t too disappointed about my time.  It’s definitely not a PR, nor a time I’m proud of, but I had signed up on a whim only weeks before and wasn’t training for speed, simply for distance, so I was really happy with my finish and the fact that I felt REALLY good the entire time.

Hey, this may not have been a race, but I’m counting it anyway gosh darnit!!

DNF at mile 34.  Altitude-induced asthma is my best guess.  Whatever it was, I was extremely disappointed about this one, but overjoyed with Ben’s first ultra finish.

25:03:43.  Second place overall and first place in our division?  ‘Nuff said.

29:30:36.  Ahhh, my beloved Rock Runners.  I just love these people.  We had such a good time on our second Wild West Relay and clearly the photo speaks volumes (thanks again Donna D!).  Finished up 25th overall and 6th in our category.

2 hours-ish.  7th Female – 4th in AG – 19th Overall.  BEAUTIFUL race – had a blast.

2:00:17.  I was hoping all the trail training would have helped me with a better time, but c’est la vie.  I still had a great time at my favorite race, and how can you not when you are proposed to at the finish line?!

22:43.  Dang.  This one kind of eats at me a little because I was on track to finish sub-22:00 but that stupid wind at the turn at mile 2 just KILLED me.  Still felt great throughout and can see some 5K PR’s in my future :).

That’s it, that’s all, 2012 is a WRAP.

No PR’s, no big finishes, just strong legs and a happy heart.

So, what does 2013 look like for me?  Well, the only goal I really have is simple: get faster and set some PR’s.  I’m hell-bent to see what I can do if I really push myself with some speed work.  So, that’s the plan!

Here’s to a happy, healthy and speedy 2013!