2015 in Review: Goals

HappyNew Year, friends!

January 2, 2015, I declared my goals for the year. I was, at the time, about halfway through my unemployment stint and though I was enjoying some gigs substitute teaching here and there, I really had no idea what 2015 would have in store for me. I ran a lot to escape the monotony of job applications and interviews, ran to escape the feelings of failure and self-doubt, and I worked hard at everything else to make sure that I didn't fail in other arenas of my life. 

I put these goals out there, intentionally leaving them small and focused with the purpose of keeping them realistic and attainable. I narrowed it down to five key goals for the year, rather than a bunch of minute ones that wouldn't really matter to me anyway. 

How'd I do? Here goes! 

√ 1,000 miles: 757 in 2014, 554 in 2013, 664 in 2012. And 2015 brought my highest mileage ever at exactly 1,000. I did it! With exactly one day to spare, I ran 9.4 miles on December 30 to knock it all out in one shot because I didn't want to be finishing on the last day of the year. I upped it from just 757 in 2014 (which I thought was a lot at the time), and busted out my full 1,000. Heck freaking yes.

Ya think I was excited?

√ Marathon PR: I had originally said that although I was only registered for LA at the time, that I was eye-balling a fall full, too. Well clearly I never got that far and only ran LA this year, and despite not meeting my goals for the race, I still PRed. Six minutes is six minutes, and in 100-degree heat, that is absolutely nothing to scoff at. Besides, I've got some chances coming up in 2016! More to come. :)

Marathon #2 in the bag. PR on the books.

√  New states: My goal was to cross off at least two new half marathon states (a big goal was three, but again with job hunting, I didn't even know if two was realistic!). Lucky for me, I was able to achieve both of those, largely in part to two ambassador programs I was able to be a part of! Portland, Oregon gave me state #8 for my birthday weekend with Doug, and just a few days later, I was off to New York for state #9 and some continue birthday fun with my sister! Coast-to-coast weekends, all while achieving some goals. I'm a lucky girl.

Portland in October. Oregon, check!

√ A job: Like I said, I was struggling with starting the new year, still unemployed and still wondering when my chance would come. I wanted to continue my career in higher education, in a field that I loved, but I struggled after six months of interviews with no bites. In the back of my mind, I was wondering if I was supposed to stay in the field - maybe there was something else I was supposed to consider. Honestly, after a few months in substitute teaching, I pondered the idea of going back and working on my credential and going into teaching like I'd imagined when I first started college. However, March changed all that when I got the magic phone call and on April 1, my goal was achieved. 

I am in a job that I love, at an institution I am proud to be a part of, and am looking forward to saying I've been there for a year already! Time flies when you're having fun!

√  Reduce debt by 50%: That's a big percentage for anyone, let alone a girl who was unemployed for three full months of the year, on top of the five months at the end of the year prior. Come writing this goal last year, I had had my student loans paid off for a year, so I was just working on paying off credit card debts. I know that a new car is in my future, so working to get these nagging card numbers off my monthly budget will continue to make that easier. I am really excited to say that I've narrowed down my debts by nearly 70% and blew this goal out of the water. 

For once, I've achieved every goal I've set out to achieve. Again, I think keeping them smaller and thereby more realistic, I set myself up for success with them. But I did! PR in the bag, states checked off the list, a job I love... 2015 treated me pretty well. On to new goals, a new year, and new achievements! Happy New Year!

Did you achieve your goals for 2015? What are you most proud of?

Friday Favorites #9: 2015 Medal Faves

With 30 races completed in 2015, it's hard to come up with the idea of even having a favorite medal. One is impossible, even five is hard, so I rounded it up to thirteen (because odd numbers are better) and chose some of my favorite medals from the past year to share with you. Some of these are favorites solely for the medal (because who doesn't like a good-looking piece of hardware?) and some are the memories, races, and adventures tied to them! 

In no particular order, but you might guess my ultimate fave, I bring you my most favorite 13 medals of 2015. Race recaps linked below too! 

San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

This race has become one of my favorite ways to wrap up the year - San Diego, sunshine (even with 30 degree temps at the start) and a finish at the beach. I love this year's medal, as it encompasses everything about the race I love: San Diego, the holidays and glitter. Because duh. 

Ventura Half Marathon 

The race was alright (who doesn't get bummed when you run an extra .6ish miles?), but this medal is everything. The 5K version was slightly smaller, the marathon a larger pair of sunglasses. Love, love, love. 

Revel Canyon City Half Marathon

This medal makes the list for a few reasons. A) It's huge. It literally takes up the entire palm of my hand. B) Pacing Team 2:10 that day was a blast with Patty and Bear and I can't wait to pace with them again! C) It reminded me that running - and yes, even racing - can and should be fun. Who skips to the finish line? Looking at race photos from that morning show me what this is all about - achievement, yes, but community, laughs, and some personal fun, too!

Portland Half Marathon

Portland is obviously on the list and again for a few reasons. State #8 for me, so that's always fun, but because this medal is gorgeous. If you click on the photo to open it, you might also see that there are two runners in the center of the rose. Portland is an amazing race, so well done and so thoughtful. Roses and trees at the finish line and just a great event altogether. This was my birthday racecation weekend with Doug, so definitely worth throwing on this list! 

Beach Cities Challenge

The race recap above is for OC, since I claimed my BCC there, but run any of the Long Beach, Surf City, OC races in order and you can claim your medal at the third and final race. I'll be claiming another (a golden sand dollar) in 2016, but this one was just about getting it done! It was my first race challenge, though a long series, and I was excited to finally be able to pick up my bonus bling at the end!

Ragnar Del Sol 

Apparently I only got around to recapping part 1 of Ragnar Del Sol. Ragnar is one of my favorite, ridiculous running events ever and this was on a total and complete whim - hooray unemployment?! I joined the team for Del Sol (Phoenix) about a week in advance and had an absolute freaking blast with Tina, Erica, and Mandy and other new friends! There is no better way to get to know your friends better - and make new friends! - than 35 hours in a van or sleeping on a high school soccer field. No better. I hope I can achieve a Ragnar each year - so far, so good!

Citrus Heritage Half Marathon

Citrus is my most favorite local race, sponsored by the Riverside Road Runners, and one that is done so, so well. I'm a legacy for the half marathon (started in 2014) and hope to continue as long as possible! In 2014, I was under-trained and really just doing the race for that medal (just as pretty) but kicked my own butt and finished in a terrible 2:32. My goal for 2015 (after 2.5 pre-race miles) was just to run better, smarter, stronger, since I was in the middle of LA training. Mission accomplished with a 2:08. The orange in the center is covered in glitter and spins and is a pretty great way to greet you at the finish line!

Rock 'n Roll Brooklyn

State #9 and just a week after Portland, Brooklyn was the extended birthday race-cation. I got a few days to play in New York and visit my sister, all while running this inaugural race. I love Rock 'n Roll races and loved being a part of the #RocknBlog team this year! 

Tinkerbell Half Marathon

I apparently never got around to recapping Tink, but probably because it was such a weird race for me. Due to work on Saturday, I had to sprint down to the expo on Thursday evening and didn't get to participate in any of the fun social happenings going on all weekend, so I literally came to Disney to run and go home. After representing Sparkly Soul at so many Disney races prior, it was a little surreal. Regardles, I rocked a 2:12 finish after being on my feet literally all day Saturday, got to see tons of friends, and had a blast running through the parks. This pearlized beauty doesn't hurt either! First west coast Disney race in the books! More to come?

Golden Snowflake Challenge

This beauty is the bonus medal for running the Holiday 5K on Saturday and the Holiday Half on Sunday, As a part of their ambassador team, I was gven the opportunity to participate in both, and complete the sold-out challenge. I am beyond grateful. Despite a twingy back muscle, I rocked a 1:58 finish (way more than satisfied), got to run with so many IERC-ers, and had a freaking blast. This might be another new favorite holiday race in So Cal!

Lace Up Series (10K/Half Marathon)

I was an ambassador for Lace Up, so yes, I'm a little biased, but these medals are legit. Much like Revel, they're also the size of your palm, and don't change in size between the 5K, 10K or half! Ribbon colors chance the race distance/city, but the hardware is the same! I was fortunate enough to run 3 out of 4 events (if you ran all 4 you got a bonus medal too): the Irvine 10K, Palos Verdes 10K and ran/paced the Riverside half marathon! An amazing Southern California series I will definitely be back for! 

Rock 'n Roll San Diego Half Marathon

Probably the story of the year - the race where I ran in someone else's shoes. Read the recap. It's a good one, so for obvious reasons, this baby made the list. Solely for the story behind it!

LA Marathon 

As I was celebrating my 30th birthday this year, I thought it was only fitting that I run a marathon that is also celebrating ITS 30th birthday! Best yet, they made sure that their medals acknowledged the fact so that everyone knew you ran its 30th birthday. LA turns 30, Megan turns 30. Perfection. Though the race didn't turn out as I wanted, given race day temps, I still PRed this race and given it was my only full of the year... it's my standing PR. 4:52 will be destroyed in 2016. I feel it. But above all, this race stood for a lot and meant a lot and is absolutely gorgeous and I will officially declare it my favorite medal from 2015. 

I had an amazing year and can't believe all the adventures I got to go on! Two new states, another Ragnar adventure, and lots of fun miles inbetween! 2016 is going to have a lot to top... 

What's your favorite medal from 2015?

For this post, I'm linking up with Smitha and Dani for their #YearInReviewLinkUp!

2015 in Review: Running

Though I've been running for a few years now, and racing for just as many, I feel like I really took off as a runner this year. Between training and running another marathon to PRing my half time again to convincing Doug to participate in my shenanigans, I feel like this year was just a whole different game when it came to my fitness and running life.

18 Half Marathons
Yeah, you read that right. Before you get all 'don't do too many or you'll burn out', it's important to note that almost half of them were raced I paced, so were at times that are super comfy-casual for me even on my worst day. I got to race a few, pace some more, and truly just had a freaking blast.

I PRed my half marathon time by just about six minutes at Fontana in June. This was pretty unreal and totally unexpected and a fantastic way to wrap up racing before heading into summer.

I ran with Doug at his first half in January at New Year's Race and then watched him get totally caught up in the competition and accomplishment, so he went on to finish two more this year (OC and Long Beach), and is going to finish his Beach Cities Challenge at Surf City in February. He says he's retiring in February... I think he'll hang on for a few more. I am way proud of him and though I know he blames me for this, I think deep down he enjoys it. Just a little.

1 Marathon
One was enough this year. LA was the best distraction possible during my unemployment stint and IERC and training certainly got me through some terrible, terrible months. Though my time didn't turn out to be what I wanted, race day always has other plans in mind. Sometimes, I'm still angry but deep down I know that I have those goals (4:20) ahead of me. Maybe 2016 is it.

Pacing
Pacing was a new venture I took on this year, with West Hills being the first race I've paced officially. Aside from pacing Monica to a PR at Long Beach in 2014, I'd never paced anyone to anything! All the races I've paced this year, with the exception of one (OC), are with Beast Pacing, an incredible company started up by an amazing ultra runner. I've had such a blast and am so grateful for the opportunities - pacing has allowed me to become a better runner, but I love getting to see folks finish their first half or knock out a 10-minute PR and then come up to you to thank you! Hey, sometimes I'm just out for a morning stroll, I just happen to do it with a stick in my hand and a medal at the end! Pacing really has allowed me to give back to the running community and runners everywhere.

Pacing at Surfers Point. November.

I paced 8 races this year, 7 of them half marathons and one 15K. I've already got quite a few lined up for 2016 and am stoked to check out some new races to boot! Thanks, Beast!

2 New States
One of my goals for 2015 was to get two half marathon states crossed off my list. Many thanks to two ambassadorships, I was able to do just that! I wish I had gotten to do more, but between unemployment and then jumping head-first into a new gig, I am so lucky I even got to make these two!

Brooklyn and Portland were part of my #30halfsfor30years shenanigans, with Portland being #30 and Brooklyn and Long Beach just follow-ups for fun - so yes, three halfs in 8 days. Portland gave me Oregon for state #8 and New York for state #9 just a week later. How lucky am I? So, so lucky.

This was my first back-to-back weekend ever, Brooklyn on Saturday and Long Beach on Sunday. It was tiring, to say the least. But I'm looking forward to more double weekends in the future to knock out some more states. Who wants to travel with me?

1,000 Miles
I did it. Yesterday morning I busted out a 9.4 mile run to knock out the very last of my mileage needed for #1000orbust. My only goal was to not be finishing my miles on New Year's Eve, and with December giving me a heck of a time between a pulled back muscle and a nasty cold, I ended up a few days behind and needing to make up for it. Lots of high mileage in the last week - but no complaints! I did it! 

Major goal for the year completed. This is super ups from just 757 in 2014, and even less the two years prior so to say I am elated is just an understatement. A minor one at that. ;)

Ambassadorships
My year would really not have been as fun, nor rewarding, as some of the amazing races and companies I was beyond forunate enough to represent this year! I got to continue my love affair with Sparkly Soul and continue wearing all these sparkly from coast to coast.

Playing around at Star Wars weekend for Sparkly Soul!

I was fortunate enough to be selected as a Rock 'n Blogger for the Rock 'n Roll race series, an ambassador for the Lexus Lace Up series, Portland Marathon, Long Beach and Holiday Half races, and represent Beast Pacing at a slew of others across Southern California. These race folks and incredible teams put on amazing races and events and I feel so honored that I was able to represent them and what they stand for this year. Thank you to all of you!

2015 Long Beach & Holiday Half ambassador team. <3

Favorites
It's hard to choose medal favorites, but I've pulled out some of my favorite medals from this year. Some are solely because the medal is super awesome (let's be real, half the reason we do this craziness are for super fun medals, no?), but also because of what the races meant for me. A post on this next week as I reflect on 2015 and look forward to racing in 2016!

An amazing year. I am so grateful and proud of what I've done this year. PRs in all distances (my 5K twice!), I've had two amazing race-cations, #30halfsfor30years accomplished, a blast pacing and check out all kinds of new races all over Southern California. Races in two new states, but runs in even more states! I am beyond lucky, and ready for what 2016 has to offer!

What was your biggest running accomplishment for the year? 

For this post, I'm linking up with Smitha and Dani for their #YearInReviewLinkUp!

November Recap

But seriously... how is it December already?

Total run mileage: 123.69. Goal demolished. New highest monthly mileage ever! 

Highest weekly run mileage: 48.9. Holy cow, no wonder I was so tired! Highest weekly mileage too!

# Runs: 23

# Rest days: 11 

# Cross-training workouts: A few walks. Not enough that I should be doing, given this month's mileage.

# Races: Lots of races! Pacing mostly, but a few for fun. More to come in December! :)

     - Revel Canyon City Half Marathon

     - Lexus Lace Up 10K Palos Verdes

     - Surfers Point Half Marathon

     -  USA Invitational Half Marathon

     -  Riverside Turkey Trot 15K

Favorite run: Revel Canyon City. I seriously had such a blast that day and though I was in it for fun (pacing), I've never had that much fun running a half marathon, nor pacing, before! It was a beautiful day, a gorgeous course, and a new race for me, so all things stacked up to be a pretty fantastic Saturday morning. 

Hardest Run: Not a run, but that Baldy business was a little real. I'm working on a post all about it, but 15 miles round trip of a hike, working muscles I kinda forgot that I had, and 15 degrees at the top of the mountain? 

There's a Six Peak Challenge coming around Southern California next year and I'm half tempted to do it - just as another way to ensure I'm doing some extra training outside of running. My quads haven't felt that worked in a long time. But for the beauty, the serenity, and the sheer satisfaction of making it to the top of So Cal's third-highest peak? Priceless.

Current need: Officially, a new Garmin. My baby is well over three years old and is starting to die quicker and quicker, despite being on the charger all night. I'm already eye-balling my new one and am gifting it to myself once I hit my #1000orbust goal (1000 miles on the year) -- 117.63 miles to go and she's mine! Can't wait! 

Current favorite: Christmas at Disney. Duh. 

Current goal: There are exactly 117.63 miles that stand between me and my reaching 1,000 running miles in a year for the first time ever. I am way freaking stoked and ready to earn that IERC pin! Bring it on, December.


Month Goals: I made most of my November goals, or at least made good progress towards them, so I am super pumped about that. 

• 115 miles: Demolished. 123.69, woot woot! December goal: 117.63 to finish #1000orbust and do it before December 27 so I'm not cramming all the miles in between Christmas and New Year's. And then extra mileage is just fun. 
• Strength train at least one time per week: I didn't do anything. Seriously. I need to get on it to get strong for some spring races. December goal: strength train at least one time per week.
• Keep up 95oz water per day / 1-2 sodas per week: I'm doing better at this and have definitely watched my soda intake while eating out. Water + Gatorade. Holiday season time is hard with all the wine (!) but I know that if I keep up on my water, indulging in wine and holiday cocktails won't be the end of me. December goal: Keep up 95 ounces per day. 
• Pay card minimums + pay off half of Denver trip with remaining budget: Denver isn't quite half paid off, but I have some major financial planning to do this month between Christmas and budgeting for the new year. However, I've chipped away at it as best as I am able and that's all I can do! Progress. December goal: Pay off one more credit card (already in the works) and create financial plan for the new year. Big things coming in 2016! 

November was awesome, especially with all the races I got to squeeze in between pacing and running with my bestie. December's got a few exciting things coming up between races, my sister coming home for the holidays (and Disney with her!) and other general life fun. I can't wait - it's my favorite time of year!

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?

October Recap

Sitting here watching the NYC live stream on a gorgeous Sunday morning, cheering on elites and friends! One day I'll get there! 

Total run mileage: 110.2! Mission accomplished. 

Highest weekly run mileage: 34.6 -- you know, two halfs in a week will do that to you! Let alone the three halfs in 8 days I did... :)

# Runs: 23

# Rest days: 10. 

# Cross-training workouts: Lots of walking - around Portland, around New York, around Denver... lots of walking and exploring this month. I've been lucky. 

# Races: Lots of races! And lots more in November! 

     - Portland Half Marathon

     - Rock 'n Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon

     - Long Beach Half Marathon

     - Lexus Lace Up 10K

Favorite run: A super fabulous Halloween run yesterday with my run club ladies. Alice, the Queen and of course the Tweedles all checked in for an amazing 10 miler to round out my 110 mile goal - done and done! I love this run club and loved seeing how much people get in the spirit of Halloween, costumes, and all things fun! 

Hardest Run: That back-to-back #BKtoLB madness. See recaps for more, but man! As awesome as I felt in Brooklyn and having a 55-degree race start, going from that to a 100+-degree finish in Long Beach was difficult. I had a great time during the last 5K at Long Beach, but that was no joke! My legs were tired, and I definitely got to the point where it was just about the finish line, not the finish time!

Current need: Honestly? No needs. I'm making my mileage goals, survived the madness that October was (I spent nearly half the month away from home in three different states) and am feeling PUMPED to get through November and December and blast my 1000 mile goal out of the water. I. Got. This.

Current favorite: Spending Halloween with this guy at Disneyland. He got his costume for work on Thursday night (he was a banana), I had no costume, and we really had no idea what we wanted to do. A concert was thrown around, the idea of Disney post-run club and post-football for him, but we really couldn't make up our minds. Disneyland was a most excellent choice. T-minus 12 days until Christmastime at Disneyland (my absolute favorite!). 

Current goal: Now that I hit that 110-month goal, I've got my eyes on 1000 and I know it's actually in reach. I need to hit 113 in both November and December, but hoping that between the four half marathons I have in November, I can blast way past 113 and have an easy December. Time will only tell, but now that I know it's in sight, I'm really excited to get there! 


Month Goals: I made most of my October goals, or at least made good progress towards them, so I am super pumped about that. 

• 110 miles: Done and done! November goal: 115. 
• Start Strength Training: I didn't do anything. Seriously. With this fall running + pacing calendar, I need to get on it. November goal: strength train at least one time per week.
• Cut Back on the Soda: I'm doing okay at this still, but need to be better about sodas when I eat out. I'm upwards of 95 ounces of water a day, but still let myself indulge. That's okay, but would like to cut down a bit more too. November goal: Keep up 95 ounces per day / 1-2 sodas per week.
• Pay Off One Credit Card!: Done! Technically, this card is temporarily paid off, as I got a cash advance on my travel for my upcoming conference in Denver for work, but it still feels good to be collecting 0% interest on it for a few weeks! Still a win. November goal: Pay minimums + pay off half of Denver trip with remaining budget. 

An awesome October. I accomplished one of my year goals of running in two new states this year which was awesome (Oregon and New York make states #8 and 9).  I got to spend my birthday weekend in October with Doug, then fly to New York to visit my sister and run some more, and come back to run Long Beach and see Doug finish his 2nd of 3 races to finish the Beach Cities Challenge! I am excited and roarin' up for the fall and winter racing and pacing season (lots coming up!) and am feeling pretty psyched about it all!

Oregon, done! 

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?

September Recap

Total run mileage: 83.41. Far shy of my goal, but that's okay.

Highest weekly run mileage: 40! Woot woot. I haven't seen that since marathon training in the spring.

# Runs: 18

# Rest days: Too many. 13.

# Cross-training workouts: Errrr... 1. Whoops?

# Races: Just Ventura for that awesome pacing gig on a too-long course. Womp.

     - Ventura Half 

Favorite run: Claremont Loop trail runs with these beauties. These have become a favorite so much, just to shake up things between roads + treadmills.  I wish had gotten more in over the summer, but schedules didn't allow that, and now that it's getting dark earlier, the park closes earlier and there's no way we'll make it. We were there in practical blackness the other night and that ish was scary. 

Current need: I need to get packing for Portland because we leave TOMORROW. And I need to get in on that strength training goal  I had last month (see below) because I haven't actually done that. Oops. I know, I know - epic fail, and if I'm going to be doing all these races in the fall/winter, and looking at a spring marathon, I need to get my butt on a weight bench and start doing things.

Current favorite: This birthday blog giveaway that's going on over here --> WOO! You DON'T want to miss it! I feel so grateful that I've been able to build connections with so many products + brands that I adore, especially when it comes to running and fitness, and that they're trusting me to a) continuing to spread the good word but b) are willing to let me give out awesome new prizes to you, too! Get in on it! 

Current goal: I've just got my eyes on my 1,000-year goal. I need to average 3.5 a day for the rest of the year, but with enough halfs, I hopefully can easily manage that. I want it so bad - first 1,000 mile year ever? Yes please!


Month Goals: So I didn't achieve all the goals I set up for September. And that's okay, as hard as it is to swallow a bit, I need to realize that sometimes life doesn't account for all you want to do.  So, let's see where I came in:

• 110 miles: Didn't make it, but 83 is a good upswing from where the summer was, so I'm going to take it and just keep on keepin' on with this in October. 110 or bust! 
• Start Strength Training: I didn't do anything. Seriously. With this fall running + pacing calendar, I need to get on it. 
• Cut Back on the Soda: I've certainly upped my water intake thanks to Waterlogged, where I track each day. I've cut back on soda and Starbucks, but have some room to go. Goal halfway met. 
• Pay Off One Credit Card!: One done! Two cards with a $0 balance feels good. Technically, this card is temporarily paid off, as I got a cash advance on my travel for my upcoming conference in Denver for work, but it still feels good to be collecting 0% interest on it for a few weeks! Still a win.

All in all, not a terrible September. Classes started last week on campus, so I'm looking forward to getting into a routine with everything -- running, blogging, Disney, work, you name it! October is going to be super cray-cray with all this travel and FUN, but I'm looking forward to continuing my work on the above goals and getting to work. 

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?