Sunday Runday: Year in Review

This year I was going to take a little financial break from races.  Which means, of course, I ended up running more races this year than in any year prior, 14 races not counting the fun runs I snuck in there.  But I ran some races this year which are now some of my new favorites.  And I met my New Year goal of racing a sub-30 5k! 

Races I loved:

UT 10/20 - This one takes the place of the Rock and Roll series for me.  10 miles is a great distance, the course is great, and there is so much more music than the Rock and Roll Races.  I haven't decided about running this one next year yet, but it still goes on my favorite list.

SeaWorld Pole to Pole 5k - I did a lot of family races this year, but this was my favorite!  It was great to meander through Sea World before it opened and then spend the day at the park.

Bay to Breakers - My new favorite race.  This is the best reason to run bucket list races, sometimes they really live up to your expectations.  I raved about it so much that my inlaws are running it next year.  I'm skipping out, but 2016 I will be right there, running up hills and through Golden Gate Park.


Disneyland 10k - My new favorite Disney distance.  And I'm looking forward to running it next year with Thatmom!

Grape Day 5k - I love little neighborhood races, and this certainly is one. Plus a PR helps make this one a happy memory for me. I definitely forsee me making this an annual event.

Beat the Blerch - Sure, it was a virtual race, but it was my first.  And if you're going to do a virtual race, this is the one to do.  With all the fun stuff they sent, it was like being there.

Surfing Madonna -  Gotta love a race on the beach.  With the family!  I hope to make this another annual family event like the Jingle Bell Run.

Fit Foodie 5k - Gorgeous, fast course and the foodie festival after make this a new favorite of mine.  It's more than a race, it's a total event.


Jingle Bell Run - Well, this is a cheat, because I always run this race and love it.  But at least it wasn't a disappointment!




Races I won't be running again:

Neon Run - These races just aren't fun for me.  I always think they will be, and I am always disappointed.

Safari Park Half Marathon - To be fair, I don't really have a choice since they're not doing this race again next year, but even if they were, I don't think I'd run it.  Because I'm a wuss.  And this race is hard!  See, even a PR doesn't necessarily guarantee the race goes on my favorite list.

San Diego Rock and Roll Half Marathon:  The Rock and Roll series is fantastic, and obviously San Diego will always hold a special place in my heart, but the course is hard and hot!  And with so many great half marathons in San Diego I don't have a desire to do this again.

Aloha Run - Really, I just hate running Mission Bay.  Even with a PR it's not enough to draw me back.

CHOC Walk - I hate saying this, because it's such a great cause, but from now on I think I'm back to putting money toward it, and staying away from the park.  It was too frustrating, crowded, and unorganized.


How did your year go?