This post is a little delayed, but I wanted to recap 2018 with a look back at some of my favorite races. Last year was packed full of races of all distances, and even though I did not meet my goal to do one race per month, it still feels like it was a successful year, but I am already looking ahead to 2019! [post to come later]

Summary of 2018 in numbers:

Marathon x 3

Half Marathon x 1

5K x 6

January – Walt Disney World Marathon

To kick off 2018, I decided to give this marathon another try after not finishing in 2017. It is on almost every runner’s bucket list of races for a very good reason. It is one of the most fun races I have ever done, and not just because I am a huge Disney fan. I finished in a little over 6 and a half hours, which was not bad for my 2nd marathon. The funny thing is, I built up the finish line in my head for so long that I blocked the whole thing from my memory. I cannot remember anything about it, sadly not even the fact that Mickey and Minnie were there waiting to give me high-fives.

Official time: 6:39

March – Publix Georgia 5K and my 6th time running

A year of running would not be complete without my favorite race – the Publix Georgia Marathon weekend. This race opened my eyes to the world of running and races almost 6 years ago, and I have not missed a year since. For the first couple of years, I did the 5K portion. Since then, I have completed the half marathon twice (maybe three times) and decided to do the 5K again this year.

Official time: 34:57

April – RnR Nashville Marathon

HARDEST RACE EVER! Why I decided to run the hilliest marathon that also had a strict time limit is still a mystery to me, but hey, I survived. I did not train well enough for this one, and it showed. I also underestimated the elevation changes on this course. I’m glad that I suffered through it and finished with a good time because it gave me a whole new perspective on the Publix Georgia full marathon, which I have been wanting to do for a couple of years, but the thought of all the hills scares me away from signing up every time. 2020 may be the year the marathon happens. Long story short, RnR Nashville was fun and challenging but probably would not do it again.

Official time: 5:56

September – RnR Virginia Beach

How many chances do you get to do a foot race on the beach? The mile on the sand was really hard but still a blast! Oh, and guess who decided to show up? None other than the woman who paved the way for all female runners – Kathrine Switzer herself. Unfortunately, I did not get to meet her after the race, but her just being there made it a race I will never forget. The half marathon the next day was lots of fun. Rock n Roll always puts on a great show.

Official time: half marathon – 3:18 1 mile – 0:17:43

November – Space Coast Marathon

I feel like Space Coast has the best atmosphere of all the races I have done so far. The pace groups are amazing, the scenery is breath-taking, and the best part is… NO HILLS. I beat my PR from last year by over 15 minutes! My favorite part of the weekend was after a long morning of running, it was nice to be able to relax on the beach.

Official time: 6:13

December – Dashing through the Square 5K

There is nothing I love more than a good small town race. Marietta Square hosted this year’s annual Dashing through the Square 5K on a drizzly Saturday morning. To spread my Christmas spirit, I donned a loud ugly Christmas sweater for 3.1 miles. In December, I also made small strides toward my goal of improving my 5K time. I do not have a training plan in place YET, only milestones for each month for the next 12 months. Stay tuned to see how it goes!