13 in 2013 Review

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Having completed my 13th Half Marathon for 2013 just over a week ago I thought I'd review the 13 races I ran in the last 6 months!

1. Running from an Angel Half Marathon - Lake Mead, NV
The one where I ran up a mountain... but then we went to Vegas so it was okay!

In all honesty this was one of the most beautiful courses I've ever run and even though it was painful I don't regret a second of it. Would I ever run the twin race, "Running from the Devil"? Let's see, Nevada in June, hell NO! The race was actually cancelled this year due to an extreme heat warning.

2. Disney's Tinkerbell Half Marathon - Anaheim, CA
The one where I ran in a tutu through Cinderella's castle!

This was my first race with my mother in law and I had a great time!

3. Vancouver First 1/2 Half Marathon - Vancouver, BC
The one where I had to contend with the Sea Wall AGAIN!

Despite my love/hate relationship with the seawall I made new friends here so it will always be remembered for that!

4. Fort Langley Historic Half Marathon - Fort Langley, BC
The one that I ran in my hometown!

This race means much more to me now knowing that we aren't going to be living in Fort Langley for very much longer (more news to come soon!). I love it here and even though this race is known for its hilly course, a friend helped me get through it and made it that much more awesome!

5. The NYC Half Marathon - Manhattan, NY
The one where I ran through Times Square! This may have also been the coldest start to a race that I've ever experienced.

This was a huge moment for me, first getting into the lottery and then actually going to New York City with my sister to run the race!

6. The Jelly Bean Virtual Half Marathon - Anywhere...
The one that I did all by myself!

No spectators, no water stations (does a gas station count?), no course marshals... I just ran a half marathon by myself and it was a great day!

7. The Sunshine Coast April Fools Half Marathon - Gibsons, BC
The one where I didn't think I would even finish and then I PR'd!

This was a fun race and I was so glad to see my hubby standing at the finish line!

8. The BMO Vancouver Half Marathon - Vancouver, BC
The one where I really had to pee!

The bathroom break and the weather killed me on this race but I finished with a new blogger friend and the post-race slurpees made my day!

9. Portland Rock n' Roll Half Marathon - Portland, OR
The one where I fueled up on donuts!

 I loved our trip to Portland and for the most part I loved this race!

10. Run for Water Half Marathon - Abbotsford, BC
The one where I had the stomach flu but still PR'd by 5 minutes!

This race was amazing, I still don't know how I got that PR and I'll be chasing it for a while I think!

11. Whistler Half Marathon - Whistler, BC
The one where I was really, really tired of all this racing...

Though it was a beautiful course and a pretty nice race, I was exhausted and knew that I wouldn't be beating my PR from the previous week.

12. Seattle Rock n' Roll Half Marathon - Seattle, WA
The one where I decided to try something new...

Great run with a friend but probably not the time to try not wearing my fuel belt with water! The time reflected my lack of planning.

13. Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon - Vancouver, BC
The one where I completed my first double race weekend!

I was tired but I don't regret it for a second, I'd love to do this race again, hopefully with some more energy next time!

So that's it, 13 races in 6 months! Will I do it again? Probably not, it was a one time challenge and challenging it was. What now? More focus on the marathon training. Up until now I've just been trying to get myself to the next race day because they were all so close together. Now it's time to focus on quality of training for my first full marathon in September!