Run Like the Dickens/2012 Review

I realize that I never updated my blog with the results from the Run Like the Dickens 5k here in Tiffin.  The race was early in December and there's not a whole lot to report.  I ran a decent race but certainly not my best effort.  The race ran on the north end of town along the Sandusky River on a simple out and back course.  The second portion didn't feel the greatest but I still finished in 21:10, good enough for second in my age group.  A rather ho-hum finish to a very good year.

2012 was a very good running year for me, despite the move from Dayton to Tiffin taking up a lot of my energy halfway through the year.  I completed ten half marathons, six 5ks, and three races of other various distances.  I also broke my half marathon PR on three separate occasions.  Here's a look at my thoughts on 2012:

Favorite races

ORRRC Half Marathon- This is one of the best (and cheapest) races you will ever find.  The organization is top notch and I set a huge PR when I ran this in March.
Twin Creek 10k Trail Run- I was covered in muck from all the rain during this extremely difficult trail race, but it was an absolute blast to compete in this one.
Capital City Half Marathon- I love running in Columbus!  This was the second PR I set during the year, but I'm certainly hoping for cooler weather at this one next year.
Old Port Half Marathon- I traveled to Portland, Maine for this one and didn't regret it one bit.  The course was gorgeous and the post-race atmosphere was the best I've seen.
Carey Twilight 5k- Running outside in a thunderstorm?  Why not?  This was actually a blast of a race and one I plan to do each year.
Houston Half Marathon- It's always fun to visit family in Houston.  The race itself was very well organized and smallish for one in such a big city.  Running through downtown Houston as the sun was rising was a definite highlight.
Cleveland Fall Classic Half Marathon- I set my PR of 1:41:50 at this one, despite forgetting my timing chip and starting the race a few minutes late.  The course was decent with a double look and I was in a zone.

Toughest races

Somerset Stampede Half Marathon- Hands down the toughest half marathon I've ever done.  Up, down, up, down for 13.1 miles.  And these weren't easy hills.  Running a solid 1:50:06 gave me the confidence to run three straight sub-1:50 half marathons in the fall.
Twin Creek 10k Trail Run- See above.  Slipping and almost falling for about an hour.

What's planned for 2013?

I'm signed up for the Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon in Lexington, KY, Capital City Half in Columbus, and Rock 'n' Roll Cleveland Half.  I'm considering going to Florida in either March or sometime in October, which will probably involve a race of some type.  I also plan on running half marathons during the summer in an effort to stay in shape rather than taking those hot days off.  We'll see how it goes.  My main goal is to break 1:40 in the half.