At the end of the year, I like to do a running recap. I think it’s a blogger thing. Either way, it’s always fun to look back at the year,
So let’s dive back and look at 2017.
Number of Miles Run: I have no idea. My guess is around 2000.
PRs set: ZERO! In fact, I haven’t PRed since early 2016. :O
January:
Thinking out loud, it’s hard to believe I moved down for 6 weeks early in the year and lived in Alabama while my husband went to an Air Force school. To be honest, all of my best races were in January and February this year. Plus it was nice to escape the winter. I enjoyed living down there. 
February:
February continued my Alabama life. We traveled to nearby states and were able to enjoy both Atlanta and Florida for a weekend.
My best race of 2017 was the Double Bridge 15k in Pensacola. I nearly won, however, got outkicked in the last .1. It was rough, but I felt like I was finally coming back to running strong.
We came back to New Jersey in mid-February, but not without running the Mercedes Half Marathon. My husband debuted his first full marathon in 70+ degrees and ran a 2:59. I could not be more proud of him. His goal was to break 3 hours in his first marathon and the weather did not make for an “easy day’. I ran a 1:27 half marathon which with the conditions, I was happy. Although looking back, it began my slow decline both mentally and physically from the sport.
March:
In March, I ran a few races but most noticeably the Shamrock half marathon in VA. It was my 6th year running and another year of bad weather. I got to see my good friend Heather, Mollie, and my previous coach (James Mckirdy). It poured rain, was cold, and miserable but dressed appropriately, I wasn’t as miserable as 2016.
April:
Oh April…April began my decline in running. I was burnt out. I spent months training hard, but it never yielded the results I wanted. I ran a couple of races in April. The Phillies 5k which I won. It wasn’t a PR but it was one of my faster races.
A few weeks later, I ran the April Fools Half Marathon. The race has a lot of meaning to me. I’ve won the race before, I’ve PRed and I’ve always had an enjoyable time. This year, however, I never felt good physically or mentally. When I crossed the finish line in 3rd, I was miserable. I had gotten progressively slower since October of 2016. The previous October, I ran a 1:24 at the Runners World Festival on a difficult course. Several months and hard training later, I ran Atlantic City, I ran a 1:26 on a flat course and ideal day and I was working hard. On my drive home, I realized: Hollie you need a break. It’s only running and it’s just stressing you out.
So I took a break. I DNSed the Broad Street 10 miler in May (when I had my first elite bib), as well as other races too. I rested for April as well all of May and most of June. I attempted to get back into running in June and ran a couple of races but couldn’t find the motivation or get into a routine. I was extremely busy, and running in the dark, alone did nothing mentally for me. So I rested and just lived life. It was the best thing I did for myself!
It wasn’t until August, that I began consistently running again.
During that time, I was also selected to run for the running apparel clothing: Rabbit. I strongly believe in the people who make the company great, as well as the clothing Rabbit. I have a 10% off coupon you can use here.
August:
In August, I eased back into the running scene by running on runways. Incase you didn’t know, there are actual hills on baby private runways. My husband has his private pilots license, so I learned that fun fact during one flight we did together.
In August, we did the Philadephia Airport 5k was one of my favorite races of the year. It was the first race I rebroke 20 minutes and the only race my husband and I have both won. I continued to ease back into running. My only workouts were races and I ran lower mileage. 
September:
September brought my first distance race, the Air Force Half Marathon. I finished in 1:27 (only a minute slower than leaving running in April). I felt good and it was such a fun race. My husband competed in the full marathon for his MAJCOM which was cool. The conditions weren’t good there either, as it was hot. He was unhappy with his time of 3:17 and has since been training for shorter stuff again.
October:
October brought one of my favorite race weekends: The Runners World Festival. This year, I met two of my idols: The Halls. Not only that, but I placed second in both the 5k and the half marathon. They weren’t my fastest races on the course, but certainly my most memorable. It ignited my love of running back.
Afterwards, my husband and I took a vacation to Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. It was so much fun and relaxing to spend the time together. We ran, hiked, and did everything in between. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I’m so glad we got to do that.
November:
We got back from vacation in early November. I promptly got food poisoning on the way home which I’m still dealing with. Although, according to my doctor I only have a couple of weeks left! Even though I trained consistently, November running didn’t go particularly well. I ran and I trained but none of my races were great. My biggest accomplishment was finishing the Philadelphia half marathon, where I had to stop and vomit!
December:
December actually brings my least amount of races run, while still actively training. The weather in New Jersey has been extremely unpredictable this December. I’ve already run in 15 degrees and this week it’s been 60. Of course, we have gotten snow or black ice on weekends when races are. I will (usually) run easy outdoors but it’s not worth it to me to race on ice outdoors. While I have only done one race (where I felt like garbage), I have had some awesome workouts that will hopefully set me up for a solid 2018.
So what will 2018 bring?
Can it bring a PR? Wouldn’t that be nice…right now I’m training for 5ks but do have some half marathons on the radar as well. I am hoping to break 18 in a 5k next year (which would be a PR). Past that, I don’t have a lot of plans…just run, live life, and hopefully stay injury free.
Questions for you:
How was your 2017?
What was your best race?
I love this post and I guess I should write one too. I remember a lot of those moments and can see why you enjoyed being down South in the winter! Sure is nice to race in a tank top in January ;). I am glad that you took the break that you needed and came back to running strong, and that you still love the sport and run races and train hard even though you haven’t PRed since early 2016. In the end, it’s about the friendships and pushing for your best that day, even if it’s not an all time PR. Here’s to a strong and injury free 2018!
Great job in 2017. I appreciate your being honest about needing to take a break from running. I’m nowhere as fast as you (and don’t think I’ll ever win any of these races I run!), but my interest also waxes and wanes and it’s motivating to see that even elite runners feel the same way sometimes… and seeing how you were able to manage that, and come back strong helps me feel like it’s a normal part of training, and I can push through it, too. Thank you for that. Wishing you a fantastic 2018, full of PRs!
Awe thanks and I appreciate you reading! I think we all go those periods. I wish the same thing for you too!
Great recap lady!!! Can’t wait to see you break 18 in 2018!!!!
2017 was an amazing year as I ran PRs in the 5k, 8k, 10k, 15k, Half marathon, Marathon
My best race was at Rocket City Marathon bc my body was telling me to stop but I kept grinding to run a PR.
Nice recap.
2017 for me was mostly coming back from surgery on my knee.
I knew my times would be far from what I ran before.
I did the adrenaline 5k and the Philly love run half which was my come back race. I did well. After that I did a grew 5ks in April and May. After that I mentality was burned out .from June till late August I took a break and felt good.
Few 5k next fe months to close out 2017.
As for 2018 no goals just to stay injured free an drinks the joy of running again.
Happy running hollie..be safe