The D Team: 2014 Recap: My Year in Running

A few years back, I started choosing one word that I wanted to focus on for the year instead of making new year's resolutions. I like doing this for several reasons, but that is a topic for another day. This year, in addition to this one word, my husband and I decided to make the resolution to complete 12 races each. I can say that I was able to keep this resolution this year! Time for a celebration, right?

A fellow Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador - Pretty Lil Mudder - came up with a brilliant idea to give 'awards' to our races this year which also allows a great way to look back at some of the races this past year. Be sure to check her awards and the other ambassadors that linked up (see the bottom of this post too). You may just find a race to add to your calendar for 2015.

Backside Trail Half

So here are my 2014 Race Awards:

Most Scenic Course - Backside Trail Half/Marathon - Any trail run is definitely ranked as most scenic for me. Find my race report of the Backside here.

Most Challenging Course - Mission Lite - 4 hour DINO Adventure Race. Even choosing our own route due to orienteering part of the race, this is still what I would consider the most challenging course: canoeing, mountain biking, and trailing running (or bushwhacking or swamp trekking) .

Best Expo - Kentucky Derby Festival Half/Full Marathon - I am not big on expos, but the Kentucky Derby Festival Half/Full Marathon is huge - held at Kentucky International Convention Center. They have the packet pick-up down to a science - easy and fast.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages - Mission Lite - Another award for this 4 hour adventure race. They had a cafeteria style lunch included meatball subs, fresh salad bar, chips, fruit, and dirt pudding. It hit the spot after a misty morning of stomping through the woods.

Best Swag - Tri-Cap Mud Slinger Trail 6K and 13.1m - Stocking cap and pull-over long sleeve shirt - Need I say more?

Most Unique Medal - SIPAC 4 miler - I might be a bit bias since my brother directs this race, but where else are you going to get a cow eartag as a medal?

Favorite Race Shirt (tech tee or reg) - Mill Race 5K - Although, I am not a fan of the white, I love the design on the long sleeved tech tee featuring my hometown. It connects aspects from the bridges, Cummins, and running.

Favorite Overall Race - Mission Lite - This category was a tough one to award. I really have a top 4 with this one topping this list. The Mission Lite tops the list because not only did I team up with my husband in the race for a 'race date', but also because I like having the extra elements that come with adventure racing: teamwork and strategic planning. It is how I would imagine treasure hunting and racing against the other pirates to find all the gold! My other 3 favorite races are the ones I ran with my friend, Maleah , my niece and my son. It is hard to beat those time running together!

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) - Waterfront Challenge - The military volunteers at the challenges - whether they were cheering or ordering - were fantastic!

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing - Columbus Challenge Triathlon and Duathlon - This was my 'A' race for 2014, so yes, I am most proud that I finished my first Olympic Distance triathlon, hands-down. I can still remember trying to swim a few laps in the pool and here I swam almost a mile in open water. It is an amazing feeling to cross the finish line after all the training - completing something you have never done before.