Hope you all had a very merry Christmas! I had a great day with my family and am looking forward to some fun family hang out time this week.

I’m also planning to steal some quite time figure out my goals for 2016.  But first, as I did last year, today I want to take a look back on the top 5 posts for 2015:

5 tips for running with kids — This was actually a post from 2014. I’m so lucky to be able to share my love of running with both my boys, and glad others continue to find these tips helpful.

I Heart Fridays — I declared my love of Fridays and clearly many of you agreed!

Meditation Tips and Benefits — If you’ve been around here for any length of time then you know I’m a big proponent of meditation.

Running Pet Peeves — Ah yes…you know we all have them!

5 Tips for Returning to Running — After a long layoff it’s tempting to want to jump right back into running, but you’re better served to ease into it….slowly.

Thanks for sharing in the fun around here this year! 

Hope you all had a great Christmas! Ours was wonderful and I’m still enjoying some great family time this week.

Of course it’s the natural thing to spend some time reflecting as the year winds to a close. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my plans and goals for 2015….more to come in the next few days. But today’s post is inspired by a year-end blog report I just received so I’m sharing my top five posts from 2014.

I heart 10-mile races — I declared my love of the 10-mile distance and many of you agreed!

Cold-weather Running Tips — Hopefully some of these tips will help you get through the cold winter months ahead.

Running Unplugged — Shared a few tips on running tech-free – something I’ve been enjoying a lot for the past few weeks.

Working with a Running Coach — I believe there is so much to be gained from working with a running coach!

Race Day Prep — While I didn’t get to do a lot of racing myself this year, these 5 tips will be top of mind as I get ready for my first race of 2015.

A huge thanks to all of you who have shared in the fun around here this year!

Recently Amanda posted for her annual look back on the year of running and invited others to join in and answer a few questions about their year:

Best Race Experience?

Ah well, if you’ve been around here for a bit, then you know there wasn’t a lot of racing for me this year. But I was lucky enough to race two races through the streets of Boston – always a good thing! So yep I’m picking two experiences 🙂 Up first in April was the BAA 5K – the kickoff to an amazing, emotional Marathon weekend in Boston. Made better by being a family affair as both J and our oldest son also ran it.

Then in May I returned to one of my all time favorite races, Boston’s Run to Remember, running the 5-miler for the first time. This is a big race with a local feel, and it’s always a good time.

Best Run?

My running this year was really all over the place – at times feeling like such a battle with my body. So, honestly, I’d say any run that was pain- and frustration-free was a good run!

Best new piece of gear?

This is a tough one but I think I have to give the nod to my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s.  Any shoes I can run 9 miles in straight out of the box are going to end up high on the list. They’ve quickly become my go to shoe since arriving on my doorstep.

Best piece of running advice?

Came from Coach Bennett – to let go of the watch and run by feel.

Most inspirational runner?

I’m going to go with two here also — Meb and Kara Goucher.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?

Frustrating. I had had such high hopes for this year, but unfortunately the running gods had other plans. This was definitely my most challenging year since I’ve started running. But, that won’t stop me from setting big goals for 2015.

So how would you answer any of these questions?

Amanda aka Miss Zippy recently did her annual post looking back on her year in running and invited us to link up and do the same. So here are my answers to her questions:

Best race experience?

Without a doubt running with my son for his first 5K!

Best run?

I always enjoy my long runs with my running buddy E – even the ugliest of runs is better with a friend 🙂

Best new piece of gear?

I bought a couple of YMX’s fabulous tanks and they became instant race favorites!

Best piece of running advice you received?

To keep a long-term view. In a variety of ways Coach Bennett has reminded me to not let one race define me and the importance of taking a long-term view of both running and racing goals.

Most Inspirational Runner?

I draw inspiration from so many runners I could never pick just one! I am inspired by those who step outside of their comfort zones; by those who dream big and dare to go after those dreams; by those who come up short on their goals, but never give up; by those who are motivated to become a better version of themselves.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” — This was definitely a roller coaster year for my running – challenging in many ways. But I have learned a lot about running and myself and I can’t wait to see what I can do in 2014!

Now it’s your turn – how would answer any of these questions?