What a year of running

Okay, so I spent last year running.  I really started training for distance running about 2 years ago now - approximately October in 2014, but didn't get into the real commitment phase until the Run Through the Woods in Thanksgiving that year, which led to my running the Galveston Half Marathon, being my first half marathon, and the start of my love/hate relationship with distance running. 

Last year I completed 5 half marathons, which means I paid money 5 times for the right to run 13.1 miles each time, for a total of 65.5 miles and 5 medals. 

This year, my goal was to finish 5 races as well, and I've gotten most of the way to my goal.  I have run as many miles as last year, but in fewer races.  I completed the Rain Run in Redmond in January, which was as advertised.  I then ran the Tacoma City Half Marathon in May, which, due to an error at the start had me run about 13.4 miles instead of 13.1.  In July, I completed my second consecutive Rock and Roll Seattle half marathon, which was a great run and about 30 minutes faster than the previous year. 

To put a cap to the progress so far this year, last month I completed the Portland Marathon - a full marathon!  26.7 miles of pure unadulterated running (and walking, because my training was for garbage, what with mom dying, my plantar fasciitis, and my muscle strain on my calf).  Notice I said 26.7 miles - the Portland Marathon this year had an error that affected the route for several marathon runners.  This means that I've actually run almost a full mile farther than I did last year, and I did so in one fewer race!  Rock it!

I still endeavor to get one more run in before the end of the year, but I'm not sure which one.  I'm looking at the Donner and Blitzen 21k again, but after last year's hypothermia experience, I'm not as keen on that.  Still, I know the route, and I should be better situated than last time...