Little did I know all the amazing motivation and people that my blog would bring into my life over the years. Thank you to each and every one of you for following my journey the past three years. You and been there through my successes, tough training runs, and of course my many crazy adventures!
Hands down Peachtree Road Race on July 4th is my absolute favorite Atlanta race. Period. This race is everything that I love into one - America, running, friends/family, amazing course support, and more! Granted this year was a bit of a soggy mess due to an absolute monsoon going through that morning, but that didn't ruin our fun! Remember, Atlanta Track Club members (as of 2/1/18) receive guaranteed entry from March 1-14 - otherwise the lottery is open from March 15-22 for non-members. |
It was so awesome to go back to Pittsburgh in May to run the Pittsburgh 5K and Half Marathon! The entire race weekend was awesome and full of sightseeing, family, and friends. Oh yea, and 16.2 miles of running some of the iconic bridges and parts of Pittsburgh as I take on the Steel Challenge (5K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday)! I am crazy excited to be returning to Pittsburgh again in 2018. If you want to join me and several thousands other awesome runners, use code GILBERTDSGPM18 to save $10 off of registration for the marathon or half marathon. |
As much as I might have complained about the switching from Dumbo Double Dare to Disneyland Double Dare and the changing of the medal theme, my 2017 Disneyland Double Dare Medal is my favorite of 2017. When I signed up for my first Dumbo Double Dare Challenge in 2013 (my first race challenge ever), I went into it with a goal to run five "Dumbos". Well, four Dumbos and a Pixar lamp later, I completed my goal in 2017. This medal represents a five year long goal, many magical memories, and countless friendships over the last five years. With runDisney taking a west coast hiatus, I will deeply miss this race weekend in September and hope it returns soon! |
One my favorite new (to me) races of the year was the Savannah Women's 1/2 Marathon and 5K. There is nothing better that spring in the South and Savannah is the perfect setting it. The race weekend kicks off with a small, local expo featuring great local shops and businesses of Savannah on Friday followed by the 5K and 1/2 Marathon on Saturday morning. This is hands down one of my absolute favorite race courses! After crossing the finish line there is no shortage of great places to refuel in Savannah, shope or sightsee the rest of the day. The weekend then wraps up with a free yoga session on the square on Sunday morning. I mean, PERFECT WEEKEND! |
After chasing an elusive 10-Miler PR for about 3 years, 2017 was FINALLY my year. In October I toed the line of the Atlanta 10 Miler with my goal in sight and pushed myself to make it happen. The last mile was not pretty at all, but I knew my friends were all about to be cheering me on at the finish line and my PR was waiting for me. I SMASHED my goal that day and the best part was that all my friends did too! I mean, PR'ing is awesome, but it is even sweeter when you can celebrate with your friends...and that is what we call a "PR-ty!". Don't worry, I already have my sights set on my 2018 goal for this race! |