Hello! How are you? Are you going to go hard for NYE or keeping it chill? I can’t decide what to do. Before I start thinking about my New Year’s Resolutions and goals for next year I want to share the BEST and WORST posts / runs / eats / fails / recipes / PR / travels / fun / tears and more from 2016. When I began putting together this post I didn’t really think I did a lot this year. I guess that’s why it’s good to stop and think about what we’ve accomplished. It turns out I had a lot I wanted to highlight and share. It’s a long one… hope you have snack and a beverage!
This year I ran in San Jose, Napa, Israel, Florida, was mentioned on Oprah.com, spoke on a panel about Instagram at Shiftcon in New Orleans and continued to grow RER into a great community, resource, blog and business. I’m proud of that.
I also had some moments I’m not necessarily proud of, but still want to note for the memories…
I drank an entire bottle of wine for the first time.
I shared my struggles with life, love and health:
HPV Doesn’t Stand For Hungry Person Virus
I did a whole week on Runner Safety and hope it helps keep you safer out there.
I created some delicious recipes:
I ran half marathons and full marathons and a 10K with my mom!
Here are all my Race Recaps and Results from this year:
Southern California Half Marathon
Run Disney Tinkerbell 10K Race Recap
Tinkerbell Half Marathon Recap
Laguna Hills Half Marathon Recap
Rock N Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon
Revel Canyon City Half Marathon PR results <- I got a surprise PR in there too!
I shared a lot of running tips, tricks and advice. I love your questions about all things running, racing and training so please keep ‘em coming.
Running Tips:
Best Advice if You’re Anxious or Scared to Run
VLOG – How To Get Back Into Running After Time Off
The BEST thing that’s ever happened because of this lil running blog
When I started to think about this round up post I immediately knew what was my BEST moment of the year. Actually, it’s not just the BEST thing I did this year, but I think it might be my favorite opportunity to come out of Run Eat Repeat ever.
First, I’m super grateful that RER is at a place that would put me on such a press list. (There were authors, writers, journalists and runners from all around the world that covered the race and travel.)
The best thing I did this year was go to Israel and run the Jerusalem Marathon. It was the most amazing, special, intimidating, emotional and powerful trip I’ve ever taken. Actually going and seeing and touching the places Jesus walked was unlike anything else I’ve ever done.
My First Falafel and Cat in Jerusalem
The race was VERY hilly and challenging. Traveling alone to a county I didn’t really know anything about on a press trip was a little scary. I didn’t feel super ready to tackle such a challenging marathon, but I really wanted to run the full if I was going all the way to Israel and I wanted to make that trip, that race and the entire experience last as long as possible and just soak in every minute. I’m so grateful I got to do that and it’s definitely the most awesome opportunity that’s come my way thanks to this lil ol’ running blog I started to document dieting and running my first marathon.
I never thought it would have grown into the business it is today. I realize I’m very very lucky to be able to write a blog and share my life, running, eating and randomness with you everyday. Every single day I appreciate you for reading and following along. Whenever I get an email, message or comment from a reader I’m happy to help where I can. Whenever I get contacted by a company with a new sponsorship opportunity I am grateful.
Thank YOU for reading this year! I hope you’ll follow along next year too! I have a really exciting Run Challenge coming up in January that will get you on track to be a faster, stronger, better runner in 21 days. Happy Running!
The best thing I did this year was run Reykjavik Half Marathon. Such a gorgeous day and a lovely holiday!
That sounds EPIC!
Great post! I think the best thing I did this year was we bought a house in our new home state. Also ran some super fun half marathons (in 3 different states!)
Happy New Year Monica 🙂
I love this post. Congrats on a great year and such an awesome trip. I’ve been a reader for several years now and look forward to more.
My BEST of the year happened early in the year when I had my second baby. He’s my sweet, happy, squishy guy. I’m really hoping 2017 brings me the ability to focus on my health and running.
Happy New Year! I’ll be reading in 2017. I think the highlight for me for 2016 was my trip to Banff/Jasper National Parks in September. I saw a grizzly bear right on the side of the road (thankfully not while hiking), the most beautiful lake ever (Lake Louise), a glacier and a small avalanche all in the same day. I spent 8 days straight with my boyfriend on that trip which was the longest span we’ve had together in the last 2 1/2 years.
Happy News Year, Monica! I check in daily to read what you and Vegas are up to. I’ve really been slacking lately, so I look forward to your 21 day running fix.
Hi Deb! Thank you for reading 🙂 Glad you’re going to join the challenge!
The best thing ever for me was my first long haul flight, my first time in Europe and my first time travelling solo when I went to London! Oh, and of course I’m also glad I found your blog because I love your recaps! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Traveling solo is scary, especially the first time. Good for you!! (I still get more nervous solo than with someone I know.)
Thank you for reading!
You have had quite the year!! Congratulations on all of your success and I wish you continued success for 2017!
Thank you Al! You too!! All the best in 2017!!
One of the first running blogs I ever read and still one I love to come back to. Keep growing it but don’t change you and how you write your posts! Happy Holidays!
Thank you for reading Lauren. I really appreciate it 🙂 Your name/email is like seeing someone I know too!