My friend Brian shared a reflective post asking the question How has 2014 treated you so far? Reflecting back upon the first quarter of 2104, I would have to say that the first three months of the year have been filled with run-tastic memories.
I completed two full marathons in three months. I ran my first marathon in December (so technically it wasn’t in 2014… but I still think it should count). I ran my second full marathon in LA with an amazing team of bloggers for the ASICS LA Marathon Blogger Challenge.
I have run many miles, 330 miles so far in 2014. Most of those miles were solo miles (the exception being when I was racing or running on a treadmill at the gym).
The first quarter of 2014 has been fun and I have exceeded many of my running goals and expectations. Now I am shifting my focus and running goals for the next quarter… I am focusing on why I love running… because Running is Fun!
The amount of running, the miles covered, hours spent away from my family and time consumed training for these long distances have been hard on not only my body… but also my family. I will continue to run and race… but my focus will be ALL ABOUT having FUN!
Running is Fun
It has been a year since I have run just for fun… no training plan, no race to try to beat my time, no pressure… running just for fun.
I will be taking the next three months to try to run faster by running more efficiently. I will be doing this by still giving the whole heart rate training method a good try. As well as training my body to run more efficiently with a higher cadence and better running form. Again, I am my own science experiment and I am excited to see the positive changes in my running.
I am looking forward to running races for fun with friends. Getting dirty by hitting the trails, running my first ever muddy obstacle course, and running the ZOOMA Napa half marathon! Running is fun and it doesn’t have to feel like work.
This upcoming weekend, I will be running the Rock N Roll San Francisco half marathon with one of my girlfriends. I am so excited to be running this hilly, gorgeous, race course! But more importantly, I am super excited to run this race with a friend… totally for fun! No time to beat. No pace setting pressure. Just me and my running friend running the streets of San Francisco! I am excited to run for fun and take lots of pictures of the race course as we run!
I think running is fun.
Reflecting back on the first quarter of 2014, I am proud to see my growth as a runner and athlete. I am equally excited to relax a bit and enjoy running for the fun of running the next three months!
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says
Rachel, you are on fire girl!!! Holly runs a lot…You are going to have a blast at the Rock N Roll and the Napa Zooma will be a piece of cake for you, with all your past races…I have no idea how I will even stay in the same league as you. I did the Avon walk a few years back in San Francisco, and walking the hills of that city was a great workout. You are going to love the muddy run. I have done a few of those and if I can give you any tips…bring flip flops, an extra plastic bag for your clothes and a towel. 🙂
Carson says
Hope you have a blast at RnR San Fran! 2014 has been great for me. I changed my diet completely, started focusing on speed, and have had a 5k, 10k, and as of this weekend half marathon PR so far. I am looking forward to the rest of a great year!
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl says
So awesome that you’ve already done two marathons this year! I count December too 😉
Yvonne says
Love love love .. so funny we we’re writing same things today! I’m so excited to run for fun with you in SF!
jill conyers says
You’re right! Running is fun! I love the energy and enthusiasm of this post 🙂
Rachel says
Thank you! 🙂
Ashley @ Snow Cream and Syrup says
Running is fun 🙂 I used to hate it, but I had to learn how to train correctly and not exhaust myself. Plus, when the weather is nice it’s even better.
2014 has been great – the winter doldrums were pretty tough, but I think making myself get out there and run (most of the time, anyway) taught me that I have a lot more resolve than I think I do.
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Goal is to continue easing back into running after recovering from my injury and doing it in a smart way. So miss my long runs but I know I will be back soon.
Rachel says
I totally understand. Just think of how awesome that first long run will be after your recovery! Bliss!
misszippy1 says
Great way to approach it. Too often we get caught up in the PR rush and lose some of the fun.
Rachel says
Thank you. I am looking forward to this new journey in my running… and I want to thank YOU for your help and support. 🙂
GiGi Eats says
2014 thus far has been phenomenal! seriously phenomenal! I am so excited for what’s to come too 🙂
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's says
2014 has been meh, in running and in life. I am hoping that this next quarter is an improvement. You girl have been on fire!!
Rachel says
Thank you. I pray that this next quarter improves significantly for you!! xoxo
Cyndie says
I need to get out more and run or walk. I would love to do a marathon in the very near future.
melinda says
if i can get past the pain then I agree it is fun