Happy New Year! It’s been quite some time since I visited this blog but I thought it was time. You know, “New Year, New Me” and all that jazz? So, I decided that I’ll post a 2019 recap and see if I can keep it going in 2020!

2019 – BY THE NUMBERS

So, how did 2019 go? Well, it feels like I logged less miles than ever before, but it turns out that was not true! I ran a total 433.2 miles in 2019! For comparison, last year I logged 427.64 and in 2017, I logged 420.5. So, I’ve been pretty consistent over the last few years. I definitely go through phases where I don’t run as much and some months only log 8-15 miles, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that my total mileage for the year was on par with previous years. Back in 2014 I ran 686 miles, but I seriously doubt I will see those numbers again anytime soon.

2019 – RACES

Part of the reason I didn’t feel like I ran a lot was because I only competed in 2 races!! Yup, can you believe it? That’s a far cry from the 16 races I ran in 2016. The good news is that I PR’d both of my races!! I ran the Philly Love Run Half Marathon in March and completed it in 2:06.21 (9:38 pace). I also ran the Hospice 5k (April) in 28:09 (8:57 pace). I finally earned a medal – I earned 2nd place in my age group. I really enjoyed both races and I wish I would have written a recap, but I do have some pictures to share!

LOOKING FORWARD – 2020 VISION

Sam and I entered the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler lottery and we GOT IN!!! The race is on April 5^th, so we have time to train for it! We ran it in 2016 (click here for recap) and really enjoyed it, despite the cold and windy weather. I remember it snowing on our way to the race!! I completed it with a pace of 10.11 so my primary goal is to beat that time (1:41.48). My next goal is set a PR for all my 10 milers. Currently that PR is a 9.44 pace that I ran at the 2016 GW Parkway Classic with a time of 1:37.13.

I’ll probably run the Hospice 5k (or possibly 10K) again this year as well. I don’t really have any other races in mind, but depending on how the Cherry Blossom training goes, I may add a half marathon in the spring. What’s 3 more miles when I’ve trained for 10, right?

I just got my new shoes in the mail and am excited to get some miles on them! I chose the Brooks Levitate 2’s. I really enjoyed them last year and I saw my fasted times in them, so I decided to stick with them. They have now introduced the Levitate 3’s, but the 2’s were much cheaper and I already know I love them, so that was a no brainer!

I also plan to incorporate some strength training back into my workout, which will most likely be Body Pump. I’ve been taking it on and off since the new World Gym opened, but I need to get more consistent. Consistent gym workouts will definitely be a challenge with our jam packed schedule, but it is doable – I just have to plan ahead and may have to incorporate some early morning workouts (sigh). There are plenty of strength workouts available for free on youtube,  so I know I can get in a 30 minute workout at home if I can’t make it to the gym!

So, here goes nothing! Let’s see where running takes me this year!

What are your goals for 2020? Do you have any races in mind? Comment below!