This morning I was up and out the door for a few chilly miles in the ‘hood. And boy was it chilly – to the tune of 30 degrees! We had just a little peep of sunshine though so that’s always a plus. 
Just a couple of short days left til the New Year’s Double. Back 2 back full marathons, one on New Year’s Eve and the next on New Year’s Day! I know, I’m a little cray cray (those of you that have been reading for a while should know that by now!!). It will be lots of Marathon Maniacs out there too like myself. Good times. I can’t wait to get this colorful bling added to the rack.
So let’s get to my incredible year of running! And what a year it was. Lots of firsts for me this year…first ultra run (50k), first MUDDY trail marathon, and first time I’ve run so many 26.2s in one year (5 so far…soon to be 6)…16 total!! As well as half marathons & other distances.
Rock n Roll Vegas Marathon – Nov 2015.
Best race experience? I would have to say the Tyler Rose Marathon out in East Texas back in October. Awesome weather, challenging course (yes I love me some HILLS), and that charming country vibe. Huge/popular marathons with tons of spectators are nice, but when you’ve been running 26.2s for a while there’s nothing like a small, intimate race. Plus it was the fastest marathon I’ve run in a few years which also is the icing on the cake! You can check out the recap here.
Best run? Running out on the beach in Oahu, Hawaii. Talk about some killer views! Waimanalo will have my heart forever. 
Best new piece of running swag? My flashy neon green Newtons. They make my tootsies oh so happy.
Best piece of running advice you’ve received? To run often and run long…but to never outrun the joy of running. My mantra for life.
Most inspirational runner? Fernando Cabada…he came from humble beginnings & has an amazing story on the Run to the Top podcast. You can check it out here.
If you could sum up your year of running in a few words what would they be?
Exhilarating
Peaceful
Challenging
Wonderful
Rewarding
Liberating
FUN!!
How was your year of running? Answer any or all of the questions!
thedancingrunner 
Good luck with the back to back races, that sounds like a great idea, if not a bit mad at the same time. At least you will be starting the New Year with another marathon under your belt… And that beach run looks amazing.
That sounds cold with you, but looks like good running weather. We have a storm arriving today, and the rain and floods are making running seem very unappealing…
haha MAD indeed!! Rainy runs aren’t too bad but I know what you mean! Hope the storm goes away quick for you. And yes, I am currently dreaming of that beach view!
Girl you are cray and amazing all at the same time lol!!!!! What an awesome year for you…. Hope you have TWO great runs! 🙂
Thank you! Ending & starting the year doing my favorite thing 🙂 🙂
Wow back to back marathons? ? I’m jealous you’re having such a productive end of 2015 and start of 2016 – way to go!!! I had a good year for runnng, too- my first relay, a few PRs and lots of fun races!
Awesome! PRs (new distances) for me as well! Happy New Year Melissa! Make 2016 the best racing year ever!!
Wow, back to back…an awesome way to finish out an incredible year and get 2016 started! Congrats on a fantastic 2015 and I’m looking forward to following your running adventures next year…Cheers!!
Yep yep! Happy New Year to you!!
Your year sounds incredible, way to go and way to be inspiring! Good luck on the back to back marathons, I look forward to reading about them 🙂
Thank you! Looking fwd to following along with you as well!
Good luck with your races!
Thx girl!
Good luck in your back to back marathons! I wish there was something like that in my area- sounds so fun! No, really! 🙂 Fernando is so inspirational, I agree! Love Tina’s podcast. Looking forward to hearing about the double!
Thank you Jane! Happy New Year!
What a great year for you! You’re a marathon maniac? Cool 🙂
Have fun at those back to back Marys. You’ll feel like it’s and ultra run during the second half of that second marathon, but you’re strong! I can’t wait for the recap.
Hope you and your friends and family in the area stay safe. I’ve been thinking of you.
Happy New Year!
Thx so much! Looking fwd to the adventure for sure!! HNY!!
Yes! Cannot wait to hear all about your crazy Double! You so got this girl! Good luck! Even though I know you don’t need it! ❤
Thx love!
WOW! That is an amazing year of running! Just really amazing!
I´ll take your piece of advice to heart.
My year of running wasn´t a long one… to describe it in a few words: challenging, amazing, frustrating, fun
XOXO
Running is always a beautiful roller coaster ride indeed! Cheers!!!
That is true. Cheers!
Thanks so much for featuring out podcast Chelsea 🙂 Fernandos episode was VERY inspiring! Hope you checked out dick beardsley too, that one was amazing!!! http://runnersconnect.net/running-interviews/dick-beardsley/
Hope training is going well 🙂
Yes that one was fantastic as well! Thanks so much Tina! Have a great week!