Monday, December 31, 2012

Here's Lookin' at You, 2012: a year in review


Hi again!  I saw so many year in review posts these past few days that I decided to take a look back at my own 2012 and see what I've done.  So, here it is!

And also, it was a good chance to let you all see my new header and tell me what you think!

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2012, the year of the comeback!

In January,  I was still on the injury list, working on all my physiotherapy goals.  I was wearing my fancy calf-stretching boots to bed nearly every night.



In February I had worked my way back up to some short runs and ran a 5k!


It was a chilly day.

After that I started training for a half marathon and decided it was high time to start some proper speed work.  I began with fartleks.



They were tough.

I then added tempo runs.



They were, well, a challenge.

While I continued to build my running skills through the spring, I sprinkled in some different exercise.  Like yoga.



I never did get the hang of it.

In June I ran my A race with Ann Marie, the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon!



That was the same weekend I got to meet so many bloggers from near and far!


Some of the best peeps!

Once I'd tucked away my big comeback race, it was time to start thinking about my July triathlon!  With very little preparation, I enjoyed an incredibly fun weekend of watching TriGuy race his first Half Ironman, watching Ann Marie run another half marathon, and slogging my way through my sprint tri.


In case you didn't know, I really love high fives.

I ran another half marathon in September, putting on record my smashing personal worst as I was struck with illness right before the race started.


That was not the most fun race I've ever had, but I hope to run it again next year in better health.

In the late fall I went back to physiotherapy for some nagging pain in my left shoulder that had been getting worse.  I learned that there were some muscles I didn't use at all, and that others were tighter than my favourite pair of jeans from 1990 (just the part below the knees...you know what I'm talking about.)


The good news is that I'm better now and maybe I'll actually learn to balance on my bike and swim in a straight line!

Finally, I celebrated 2 years of blogging in December!


Is it odd to link to a retrospective post in a retrospective post? It's like Inception.

My plan for 2013 is to focus on running, but I won't rule out a sprint tri and perhaps some new workouts;  for example, my friend Jenna wants to take me to a TRX class! Lord help me.

*Don't forget, you can still enter for a chance to win the book 7 Years Younger!


Questions:

1.  Did you notice the new header I made? (Thank you to everyone who weighed in on making a new one.)

2.  How was your year?  Do you have big plans for 2013?

3.  Thoughts on the "Pin It"s next to the pictures?  Helpful or too much clutter?

I'm linking up with "Yeah Write".  There are so many great writers there!  Just click on the button below to check them out.


68 comments:

  1. Hahaha, it's like Inception. :) So great.

    1. Love the new header!
    2. I had a great year but no plans for 2013. I don't know what I'm doing.
    3. No opinion on the Pin-Its.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hehe, glad you agree about the Inception comment! Thanks for the header feedback, I think we need to plan another get together in January so we can discuss your goals :P

      The 'pin it' buttons are now live.

      Delete
  2. Love the new header, will it be making it's way onto a t-shirt soon.

    I had a great year and have big plans for 2013. Three triathlons and so far 4 running events on the calendar

    I like the pin it buttons

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    Replies
    1. See, this is why I should get some marketing know-how. That's a good idea!
      Wow, 7 events on the calendar already-nice!

      Thanks for the 'pin' feedback :)

      Delete
  3. Totally Inception. That movie has joined The Matrix and The Truman Show as the "something about this situation makes me feel really weird" trifecta that I mention all the time.

    1. Love the new header
    2. 2012 rocked, and 2013 is scaring me already. that must be good.
    3. I am forcibly ignoring Pinterest, as I am already a master at the art of time suckage. : )

    Happy New Year, dollface!!!

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    Replies
    1. Oh The Matrix. We went to the theatre 3 times to see that movie...still one of my all-time favourites. It changed everything!

      1. Thanks!
      2. Yes, it must be!
      3. Well, ok. Never mind then :)

      Happy New Year to you as well!

      Delete
  4. Yayy I love these retrospectives! I forgot about my favorite name, "FARTleks." (Yes I am mentally 8 years old, why do you ask?) Also, I only like high-5's during a 5k (the only competitive running I do).
    Love the new header (but now you've created nostalgia for the old one) I don't plan ahead very well, and the Pin button doesn't bother me, but I know most people have the Pinterest button on their browser so doesn't it make the button redundant? Love what you're doing and I look forward to your tales in 2013.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You should really start running more so you can do fartleks :P
      About the pin button, that is actually what I'm hoping to find out: do most people actually have the button on their browser or do they only pin if there is an embedded button. If the majority tells me they use their browser (and I don't see a change in pin stats) then I will not keep them. So thank you for your input on them; it's exactly what I'm looking for!
      I look forward to your posts too!

      Delete
  5. I blame Google reader for my lack of comments on your posts. But then, I'm so far from being a blogging RUNNER that it's probably appropriate!!! AND ... 1) Love the header; 2) Plans for Aussie Travel world domination in 2013; 3) Anything that makes it easier to share your stuff is good!!

    Happy New Year!!!

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    Replies
    1. Curse Google reader! ;) Love your responses--thank you! Happy New Year to you as well Red!

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  6. As always, I love your illustrations! I think your header looks great. Also, I'm going to start running vicariously through you.

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    1. Thanks Bee! I'll keep you in mind on future runs :D

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  7. The first thing I noticed was your new header. I love it! I also like the pin it buttons. Your illustrations are the best.

    You will like TRX. It is a great workout and fun too. I miss not having a gym membership so that I can take the classes. I thought about purchasing one to have at home, but I still haven't taken the plunge yet. I think that running and crossfit are taking up enough of my time right now.

    I have BIG plans for 2013, like HUGE plans. I cannot wait.

    I am glad that I got to meet you in June too! I hope that I will get to see you in March when I make the trek over to run the Hot Chocolate 15K.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool-thanks for the input on the the header and pin buttons!

      I worry with TRX that I will fall...on my face. I don't think they have it at my gym yet anyway.

      I'm excited to hear more about your big plans! Yes, I've thought about doing the Hot Chocolate, but even if I don't run it maybe I can meet up with people before or after!

      Delete
  8. Ahh, your stick people tickle me!

    ReplyDelete
  9. 1. I love the header!
    2. I just plan to survive 2013.
    3. If I were a running blogger, I'd totally pin your illustrations, so I think your Pun Its are appropriate.


    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Great-thanks!
      2. Good plan!
      3. Excellent-I'm glad to get feedback!

      Happy New Year to you as well :D

      Delete
  10. I actually didn't notice the "Pin It's" so I guess they're not too much :)

    Souds like 2012 was a great year for you, you overcame much. I hope that 2013 will be even greater. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to know! Thank you! It was a good year, all things considered. I hope 2013 is greater too!

      Delete
  11. I don't think the pins are to much clutter at all! Sounds like you too had a great year aside from the injuries (I too had my fair share of those!).

    Let's hope for an injury free 2013 for us both! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good-I'm glad they're not clutter-y! Here's to an injury-free year; we can do it!

      Delete
  12. Love the retrospective! I am so happy that I found your blog this year, and I'm looking forward to reading more about your athletic adventures :) Happy running in 2013!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Samantha! I'm glad Yeah Write brought us together :D
      Btw, I did lots of cold runs this week-they were quite good!

      Delete
  13. Love the header, and the pin it buttons are really helpful. They are tiny - no clutter at all.

    So a lot happened this year! I'm looking forward to seeing Tri-Girl's antics in 2013. Maybe you could teach me your tempo run ways?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the input, I really appreciate it! I have to think there are better ways to do tempo runs that won't leave you green around the gills!

      Delete
  14. I like the header. Congratulations on achieving so much after recovering from an injury. It sounds like you had a great year.

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  15. I always enjoy your posts and illustrations. The Header looks great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm always happy to hear people enjoy my posts-thanks!

      Delete
  16. You had quite an active year! And yes, i noticed and like the new header. Woohoo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suppose it was pretty active. Yay, glad the new header is a hit!

      Delete
  17. Love the new header and all your pics. Pin It doesn't bother me and may be helpful to others. It's subtle enough. I, like you, will be learning to swim in a straight line! Good luck in 2013!

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    1. Thanks Alison! I'm glad to get others' feedback on the buttons since I'm not sure if I like them or not. Maybe we will both figure out swimming this year!

      Delete
  18. Happy two year Blogaversary! You have been busy this year. Keep on runnin'! I like your blog header and the Pin its are a good idea. Small. Uncluttered. ;)

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    1. Thank you mod mom! And I appreciate the feedback.

      Delete
  19. I adore your blog. 2 years is awesome. Go you!! Keep it up. Love your spirit.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I only run if a Grizzly is chasing me. I love yoga, though.

    I think your blog is great! The illustrations make it so vibrant and funny!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really try to like yoga, but I just don't. Thanks so much for the kind comments!

      Delete
  21. I noticed the new header and the only exercise related goal I have is maybe start working out again.

    Maybe it's time to stop being a stick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, go to the gym, but don't get too big! We sticks need to stick together :)

      Delete
  22. YAY!!! I love the recap! and LOVE LOVE LOVE the new header :) it's so cute and so you!!! I am so excited for another year in this great community. We are all so much fun :)

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  23. LOVE the header- it's wonderful and perfect!!!
    I have no idea what 2013 will bring - kind hard to top the year I had in 2012 but I will try!
    I don't mind the Pin it - it's not distracting at all. I didn't even notice it at first :)
    Looking forward to fun adventures in 2013 with you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You did have a pretty unbelievable 2012! This can be the year of mellow races for you :D
      Thank you for the feedback about the pin buttons--good to know. I'm looking forward to a fun year with you too!

      Delete
  24. Love the header!! Great job!! And great 2012...hope to see you out there running in 2013!

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    1. Thanks for all that! I plan to run a lot this year, so hopefully we will see each other!

      Delete
  25. Love the new header! You had a great year!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I really like your new header and the pin buttons. LOVE the fire in your eyes drawing - I was always in awe of your drawing skills, and they just keep getting better and better.

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    Replies
    1. THANK you Azara! I really don't get tired of hearing compliments about my blog :P (But none of us does, right?) Thank you for the pin button response too!

      Delete
  27. You said "fartlek." Heh, heh... Happy blogoversary and very cool new header!

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    1. Come join the other 3rd graders in the corner over here :P

      Delete
  28. You have inspired me to get my butt in gear! I am doing a virtual 5k in March, but do you think I've been running??? NO maam! But seeing all you did this year makes me want to get moving.

    Great year! And I love the header :)

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    Replies
    1. Really? That is exciting! I usually feel like I inspire people to slink away from exercise :)

      Delete
  29. What an incredible year for you! I love you recap and of course, the drawings. They are fantastic. Here's to a happy and healthy 2013!

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    1. Thanks Christine! I hope you have a great year too!

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  30. Mazal Tov on your blogiversary.

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  31. yay you!! what a year! so impressed and i really love your humor and drawings. :)happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks so much icescreammama! Happy new year to you as well!

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  32. The 'dreadmill' looks really funny. Good luck on your marathons for 2013! BTW, I love the new header.

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  33. Holy crap you really had a busy year when it's all splooged together like this. Splooged? I don't like that word but can't think of another right now.

    I like the new header! I think it looks great and the pin it's are so teeny you barely even notice them.

    New Year's Eve was spent driving back to Salt Lake from Bishop, CA with Erik. So exciting I didn't even post about it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I don't splooge things together like this often, so it does look like a lot. Thank you for the feedback--I do love when people respond to specific questions I ask. Your New Year's sounds absolutely stellar (at least you got to spend it together :D)

      Delete

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