Well, my year of running in 2016 is summed up in a few races out of a handful that I did last year. I had a rough year with three different injuries (2 minor and 1 major) so running was a roller coaster of good and bad.
I wanted to share with you some of my best running of 2016, especially for those newer followers to Piper’s Run. Last year’s recap can be found here: 2015.
Best Race Experience: Maritime Race Weekend was simply the best. The weather was perfect, the hype was awesome and the atmosphere both days was energetic and motivating. Though I went into MRW with a fresh ankle injury and dropped down from the half to the 5k race, I had a blast.
Best run: Back in August was my last long run during training and it was my favourite! It was week six of training for MRW and I ran it early in the morning from my parents house. I paced myself well, saw many runners on the trail, ran out of Nuun, stopped at a grocery store to refuel and even managed to pick up my pace for the last 2 km. It was just great…then I injured my ankle at soccer the following week….whomp, whomp!
![IMG_20160806_092139[1]](https://pipersrun.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_20160806_0921391.jpg?w=535&h=535)
Best new piece of running gear: It’s not necessarily “running gear” but I love my Qalo rings. My husband and I both got two rings each. He wears his all the time and I wear mine when I run/workout. They are silicone rings that move with your finger if you are picking up weights (or other objects) and won’t catch on anything like a stretcher (my husband is a Paramedic).
Best running advice you’ve received this year: Best to not run and take time to heal.
Best Advice I Can Give: Just because you are injured now, will not mean you are injured later. Take time to rest, heal and get stronger.
Most inspirational runner: I was pretty excited to see Kyla from Early Bird Runner, run her first Boston Marathon. She trained well and finished solid. I also got to meet her last year when she was visiting home visiting family which was fun.
Favorite picture from a run or race this year: Maritime Race Weekend 5k. After a disappointing soccer injury, I was just happy to be running.
Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat: I’ve already registered for Maritime Race Weekend 5k & Half Marathon (Tartan Twosome) for next September.
Worst Running Moment & Favourite Medal: Johnny Miles Half Marathon. This is only for personal reason, the event itself was wonderful and I want to do it again. This was my goal race.
It was to be my comeback race from my hamstring injury from the previous year. It was a weekend away with my running buddy. However, it was such a struggle – mentally and physically. Looking back, even though I felt I failed myself miserably, I ran at a time when I was grieving the lost of our dog. This might sound silly to some but I was more devastated about MacLean’s death the I ever thought I would be. It happened suddenly on Friday morning and I ran the half on Sunday morning.
It was extremely hot (that’s fine) but I struggled through every single step. I wanted to give up after 5k and quit but I kept running….and walked a lot. I almost ran a personal worst and I STILL don’t know my exact finish time. I cried at the finish. It was rough.
It’s taken a few months but I can say now that I am proud this finish and love this medal. Definitely, my favourite medal for 2016.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be? Disappointing, challenging and determined.
The “Year of Running”is hosted by Courtney from Eat Pray Run.
What’s your “Best” of 2016 in Running?
Who is your most inspirational runner?
Best running gear?
Piper's Run 
What I love about you is indeed your determination and diligence. You body and your climate and life challenge you again and again, and you stick with it. Not because you are cruisin for a bruisin, but because you know that you can and you will.
Awww, thanks Suz 🙂
My best is definitely Reykjavik half. It was such a gorgeous day, and I raced well even though it was tough. I also ran alongside Christy Turlington for most of the duration…which I didn’t realise until I’d finished!
That’s awesome you ran along Christy Turlington!!!! I would have been star struck!
I didn’t even realise it was her until I saw the finish times !
Love posts like this! I’m definitely doing one soon. Keep it up, we all go through ups and downs with running…such is life. I’ve been there. Cheers to you!
I’m hoping 2017 will be less injury related and more successful races! It’s all good – I don’t have any regrets!
You still had a wonderful year! Onward to 2017
I did 🙂 Happy 2017 to you!
Oh those injuries always hit right when everything’s lining into place, don’t they? Excellent advice though. I have a hard time remembering I won’t always be injured while in the thick of it. Sounds like a great year!
They sure do! When your injured you can’t think clearly sometimes!
You had rough parts but you had a good year too. I look forward to seeing what 2017 brings you!
Yeah, definitely some ups and downs this year. Sure looking forward to 2017!
You’re awesome. Love your perseverance. Here’s to a fab 2017!
Thanks Sandye! You sure have had an awesome year! It was awesome to hear about your marathon! Hope 2017 is just as good!
Wow what a year you’ve had! I’ve heard about those Qualo rings – a MUST have for fitness fanatics!
The qalo rings are awesome! Love them!
My year of running in 2014 sounds very similar to this, but I bounced back and the next year was my best ever! Here’s to more miles in 2017!
Here’s to a great 2017!
Thank you for sharing the good and the bad of your year. I have the feeling that 2017 will be a great year for you! 🙂
Thanks Kathryn, fingers crossed!
Great pictures! It took me years to get over my dog’s sudden death so do not feel silly about your grief. I hope you have a fabulous 2017 and will look forward to reading all about it!
I’m finally okay with her death but we sure miss her a lot and are reminded of her all the time. Hope 2017 is great for you and the Captain.
Pretty good year, minus the injuries! I’d stay postpartum running and being able to do two races was my best of the year. Just glad I can go out and do 3 miles and feel…almost normal 😀
Any running postpartum is awesome. I feel that was my hardest running in the last 6 years, after both girls births. Good for you!
Thanks Anna! 😀
As you know, my recent marathon was a major ride on the struggle bus, and the aftermath left me feeling numb. I have come to appreciate the race for what I learned from it (about myself), and it sounds like you’ve come full circle with your tough half marathon. It does take some time to sort out all those emotions, though….I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better about your race, too. 😉
It sure did! Took some time but I’m finally okay with that race and would do it again in a heartbeat. Glad you are feeling better about your race as well.
Love your best race picture. Your best advice is so important, but so hard to follow!
I love those Qalo rings! I can’t wear my wedding band when working out/running because of swelling, and would love a silicon band for my activities.
It was a tough year – injury sidelined me for a few months and my comeback was slow. I had to come to terms with that and it was a struggle, but such is life.
Sounds like in spite of your ups and downs, you finished the year on a positive note. Plus, you walked away with some new lessons learned. Isn’t that what it is all about?
Running is a journey- and some are more fun than others 🙂 but you have a great perspective about it! Cheers to many more miles in 2017!
I loved the look back at your year! I would love to check out Qualo rings, they would be great for bootcamp where I always worry that I will damage one of my rings! Congrats on so much awesome running!
Great post, this year was rough, very rough for running. I think that rough years just make us stronger….Good luck on a great 2017.
Those rings are so cool!!! Tough year for running…but at the same time, it just reflected a normal life – full of ups and downs – good on ya!
I loved this post. What a great year you had. I know there were some bumps along the way, but you took it in stride and really made the best of it!
I cant believe 2016 is over already! I will have to do one of these on my blog too 🙂 Looks like you had a great year and an awesome 2017 awaits!
I love your words to describe the year! This one went by fast 🙂
Sorry about the loss of your dog. I can’t even imagine running a race two days after something like that.
Love your favorite pic!
It was a hard few days that’s for sure. I was strongly encouraged to go a run so I did….and I’m glad I did (now).
I love your determination through obstacles, that’s something that can’t be taught or coached!! Please give my new blog a look/follow, I’m new to the blogging world and am looking to share my perspective on running!!
Thanks for the advice! Had stress fractures from ramping up my mileage too fast and then just gave up on running altogether. Ready to give it another shot!
Pingback: Year of Running 2017 | Piper's Run