2011 was an awesome year, complete with a lot of races travel, love & fun!  And while I’m sad it’s over, I’m really looking forward to what {2012} has in store! 

• Traveled to New Zealand with BJ.  We spent 19 days over both the South & North Islands – we hiked a glacier, ran up a mountain, went boating through the Doubtful Sound, biked through vineyards, dined on great food & wine, and relaxed.  It was such a cool trip – New Zealand is an amazing country and if you are thinking about going, I highly recommend the trip.
• Ran my 1^st marathon and qualified for Boston.  Had the most amazing support crew a girl could dream of: my mom, BJ, Annie, Allison, Jared, Julianne, Erika (and her dog, Tucker), Kathy, Matt & Julie
• Celebrated one year of marriage to my favorite (and very supportive) husband in the world, BJ
• Selected to run on Nuun’s Hood to Coast team (and ran HTC) – one of the coolest experiences of my life
• Became a certified running coach, USATF
• Ran a 10 Miler PR at the Army 10 Miler – my favorite race of the year – in 1:08:39 (6:51 pace)
• Took at part-time job (in addition to my full time-job) as Director of Volunteers for the Dominion Trail Mix – a 3 part festival & race dedicated to the W&OD trail
• Ran a 5k PR  -placed 3rd Overall Female – in 19:11 (6:10 pace)
• Became a certified personal trainer
• Landed my DREAM JOB with Brooks Running, as a Tech Rep in the Mid-Atlantic region
• Spent a lot of quality time (and wine) with family and friends
• Committed to Bikram Yoga
• (Finally) Joined Capital Area Runners & Coach George….
• And, started training for Boston Marathon (April 16, 2012 – I’m coming for you)

2011, thanks for a GREAT year.  Can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2012 (I’m guessing a lot of running, wine, travel & good times)

What made your 2011 wonderful?

Cheers!

Last week I hosted a Brooks Nightlife event at my local running store, Pacers.  I brought a ton of gear (vests, jackets, hats, wrist/ankle bands), had everyone pick out a few pieces and test it during the 5.5 mile run.  22 people showed up to run & we had a great time!  My first Brooks event was a success.

Brooks Nightlife event at Pacers

This event got me thinking about nighttime running, especially during the winter months.  3 years ago I ran in ‘90’s cotton with no form of reflectivity {with the exception of a little tiny strip on my running shoes.}  Now that I think about it, I was terribly unsafe as a 24 year old runner.  Now, I won’t leave the house without 360 degrees of reflectivity – including a very serious blinking light.

Since I’m not a treadmill runner, I spend a large majority of my winter running in the dark of night.  But, I’m not the only one – I always see runners, bikers & walkers on the trail, too.  My biggest piece of advice: play it safe during low-light hours.

Follow these simple steps to BE SEEN & Run Happy!

• Be visible – wear bright colors and reflective gear during low-light hours
• Run against traffic – help cars see you & you see cars
• Obey all traffic rules – signal to cars where you are going
• Open your eyes – wait, watch, and listen for cars at intersections
• Keep your I.D. on you – and carry your cell phone with you
• Stay on well lit paths – run with a buddy

What’s your GO-TO form of reflectivity for low-light/nighttime running?

{I don’t leave home without my Essential Run Vest & Power Flare}