Running & Crossfit in 2012: A Look Back

How was your running season? Did you set new PRs? Did you try a new distance? I must say this year was great aside from a few injuries. I coached a group new runners for 12 weeks. Many of whom are still friends and runners today. Great feeling!

Running:
I ran 2 marathons and a handful of other races this year. I set a new PR with my 10k (51 minutes) at a race and in training (48 minutes). I also whittled my half-marathon time down to 1:52. I feel great about these accomplishments. I didn’t break any records with my marathons. But I learned to trust my training and that I am capable of running 42 kms and even longer! I even learned to dig deep and find my pain cave.

The Calgary Marathon was my second marathon. Carleigh, John and Alison were at the finish line. I was never so happy to see anybody in my life! Ha ha The medal was a belt buckle to mark the anniversary of the Calgary Stampede. Pretty cool stuff. 

Audrey and I ran the Okanagan Marathon together. We had a great mini-holiday. The course was flat and fast. I loved it. This race may make my 2013 running list.  

CrossFit:

I am now going to CrossFit four times a week. Mostly I go at 6 a.m. That’s right when you are just thinking about getting up, I am doing squats, burpees or pullups. Now I don’t admit to being a rockstar … yet. I still have a long way to go before I feel completely comfortable and nailing some lifts. I learned once again –– consistency does pay off. I look forward to pushing myself harder in the coming weeks and months.

Diet:
I nearly went gluten-free for most of the year. I have definitely emptied the empty calories and food out of my meals. I bought a Vitamix in June that has changed my life for the better. I absolutely love it. I even convinced two people to buy one too! Having a Vitamix in my kitchen definitely helped me kick my toast habit. Out with the toast in with the Green smoothies.

Green smoothies became a staple of my diet in 2012. This is the main driver for purchasing a $600 blender. If you haven’t had a green smoothie then you are sorely missing out!

Overall 2012 was a great year for running. I felt great until I got injured and even then I adjusted my workouts to get healthy. Looking forward to an even better 2013 in running.

How as your 2012 season?