As 2016 comes to a close I thought I’d recap my top 10 favorite runs of 2016. All for different reasons why they made the list and not in any order (although maybe they’re in date order now that I look at it).

1. There was my first time running a 10 miler…

The Cherry Blossom 10 miler in Washington D.C. Jane, Amy and I got into this race via lottery and while it was cold and windy we all did really well and had a fun girl’s weekend. The Cherry Blossoms were post-peak but I was fortunate last year to experience them during their peak so I wasn’t too bummed about that. I left that weekend with this desire to want to run more 10 milers. Of course there just aren’t a ton of 10 mile races so I haven’t run one since.

2. And a half marathon in Philly for the 3rd year straight…

The Love Run. I set a PR (in the pouring rain) at the 2014 Love Run, the first year I ran it. This year I had a solid run. My fastest of my 4 half marathons of 2016.

3. A Meaningful run to honor someone’s memory:

On April 19, 1999 my husband died. I always find a way on that day to remember him and this year it was with a 4.19 mile run.

4. A 5 mile race Memorial Day Weekend that ended with waffles

The Spring Lake 5 Miler medal was so pretty this year. And I got to catch up with Jane, Lisa and Lisa’s cousin Bill. But the real reason this made my top 10 was for the delicious waffles that I had afterward.

5. The discovery of a peaceful and scenic canal tow path for some TGIF Trail Running

I made my 2 month full-time gig (between May and July) more palatable with the discovery of the Delaware and Raritan Canal tow path just a few minutes from my office. I created a routine of doing a long run on Friday evenings after work before driving home. These were some of my favorite evenings….usually around 6 or 7 miles and mostly filled with the intoxicating aromas of honeysuckles and roses. I listened to podcasts sometimes. And other times just the sound of my feet. The perfect way to unwind after a stressful work week.

6. The smartest treadmill run

When there are grizzly bears around, all of a sudden the treadmill seems like a smart idea.

Even though it was rainy, the views weren’t too hard on the eyes either. I loved everything about my 8 day vacation to Seattle/Vancouver and Banff National Park and wasn’t about to have it end abruptly at the paws of a big ole grizzly. I want to go back to this lake now!

7. The 10th running of my hometown half

The Staten Island half marathon was my very first half back in 2007 and I have run it every year since.This year it felt more like running a Tough Mudder because of the rain, wind and mud! I couldn’t feel my fingers I really enjoyed the day. It was my slowest half of the year. I was happy to spend a few quick minutes in the corrals with Lisa, Mike and JD, some of my running buddies.

8. The race I ran just to see Jane and eat at the Firkin Pub

I guess I like to repeat races because I ran the Trenton Half for the 3rd time this year.

I hadn’t seen Jane in about 5 months so when she texted me just a few days before the race to see if I was running I decided I better register 🙂 She reminded me that they were going to be refueling at the Firkin Pub again like we did in previous years and that really was the deciding factor for me. Plus I got to see Amy who I hadn’t seen since the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in the spring. #winning

9. When I discovered the real meaning of Conversational Pace

I ran the Fall Flat, a local (and so scenic) 5k on Staten Island last month.

Got to catch up with my friend Gina who I hadn’t seen in a while and I gabbed the entire race wishing it were a 10k or half marathon just to keep the conversation going.

10. And a special holiday 5k to give to those less fortunate.

Mr. SOTSS and I ran the Big Chill 5k just a few weeks ago.

I love this race because instead of paying a registration fee, they ask you to purchase an unwrapped toy for a child (value of $15 or more). The impact of seeing all the toys that are ready to go to kids this holiday who might not have received a gift due to economical reasons really warmed my heart.

And after running a 9:39 pace during the Big Chill, I decided one of my goals for 2017 will be to get down to a 9 minute pace so I can run a 5k with Mr. SOTSS (9 minutes is probably the slowest he’d run lol).

I ran somewhere between 650 and 700 miles this year which is about what I ran in 2014 and 2015. Still can’t wrap my head around the 1,000+ miles I ran in 2013.

Do you have any favorite runs/races of 2016?

Have you met your goals this year?