Because the year-end is speeding toward us, it’s time to take a look back and remember all the new things and experiences that were encountered along the way. Did you try new products? Run in new places? Meet new people? Tell us about it.
Places
First full marathon run on foreign soil: The Berlin Marathon. Getting a fourth World Marathon Major checked off is huge and I was ever so grateful to be able to run this one in 2017. Now when will London and Tokyo happen? It’s anybody’s guess.
New State: Utah. Wow this was a fun girls’ weekend.
New Country visited (and run in): United Arab Emirates
Products
Hot Shots. Effective for preventing leg cramps, although this is not a problem I typically have.
Run Gum. I like it for those late, struggle-bus miles in a race.
New Hydration Pack: Ultimate Direction Jenny Pack. Cannot say enough good about this one. Love, love, love!
New Handheld: This was the year I tossed my too-tight Fuel Belt in the bushes (literally) and resorted to a handheld. I went through two Nathan handhelds (hated) then an Amphipod. Not thrilled with this one either. Will 2018 be the year I find a handheld I love?
New Marathon Shoe: Mizuno Wave Sky. My feet felt so great after wearing them to train for and run Berlin. If you’re a neutral runner, I highly recommend you check these out.
New GU flavors: Chocolate Mint (love), Toasted Marshmallow (tasty but ugh on the tummy issues in Vegas were brutal).
Races
New Races: Utah Valley Half, Hot Chocolate 15k, Tower Triathlon
New Race Distance: The Hot Chocolate race was my first ever 15k so automatic PR!
People
Meetups: Finally meeting my TOTR co-hostess Erica after we’d both been blogging for a billion years was pretty sweet.
What was new to you in 2017? What new things are you hoping/planning to try in 2018?
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You tried alot of new things this year! I kept things simple most of the year although I did start using the strength training program.I also got to try samples of lots of products through Stridebox!
This year I became really into a skirt sports! They pretty much own all of my running clothes right now. Those new.shoes look great! I’ve been looking for new options….
So yesterday I saw 2 families who are going to Dubai this week! Of course, it isn’t 117 this time of year…
You made a lot of great memories, that’s for sure! Hoping to make a few with you in 2018!
Sounds like a pretty great year of trying new things. I’ve heard lots of good things about UD packs. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you in 2018!
It was a big year of NEW for you! It keeps things exciting, yes? Congrats on the 4th World Major. Fingers crossed for Toyko and London! Hopefully we can share something new in 2018! Thanks for the linkup,
This year I discovered my new favorite GU flavor Smores. I just recently got a new handheld. It is soft so you can roll it up when it is empty and put it in your pocket. But there isn’t any handles while you are holding it though unfortunately.
I cannot do GU, but the flavors do sound yummy 🙂
I still cannot find a handheld that I like either. Not sure I could chew gum and run and talk at the same time 🙂 You had some great travel this year!
I’m the opposite when it comes to water bottles. I tried handhelds in Texas and threw one away when I couldn’t stand it anymore. Now I have a fuel belt and a big water bottle in the back, and I love it.
I tried Run Gum this year and love it – a really great find for me this year!
I have really enjoyed seeing all of your journeys and adventures this year. You definitely got a lot of travel in this year!
Wow, you did a LOT last year! So cool running in different countries. I’m funny about handhelds too. I’ve got at least 5 different ones stuffed in a drawer somewhere. :/
Congrats on a great year! I will say this year had a lot of firsts for me since I ran in so many different states and in Montreal this year! I am definitely going to need a new hydration pack in 2018…don’t know where to begin!
I added 4 states this year: LA, WA, UT & NY — yes, my husband can stop ribbing me about not doing a half in NY.
I would love to add 4 more in 2018, but I don’t see that happening.
Probably my favorite handheld is Camelbak, but most often I put the small flipbelt water bottles in my pockets because I REALLY like having my hands free while running.
You had quite the year of adventures & I totally can’t believe you’d never run a 15k before!
You have definitely squeezed in some nice “NEW” people, places, races and things this year! I’m glad you were one of the “new” faces I had the privilege of meeting this year as well!
Oh the handheld search ….I’ve been on that one as well. I’ve about narrowed it down to a soft collapsible one by SLS3 that has a soft neoprene holder with zipper pocket and thumbhole! I’ve only used it this past week and so far, so good!
I found a handheld I liked this year. Ultimate Direction Fastdraw 600. Nice size, doesn’t leak, and I like the spout. I’ve been looking for a long time.
You had a good year! I want to go to Utah, it is on my wish list, it looks so pretty.
Do you run with bottles in the Jenny vest, or have a pack with hose that fits in it? I tried a pack with bottles that sit in front and it was a disaster, but if I could find one that sits and doesn’t bounce I would love it.
Yay for a great year…lots of travel and adventures! Hope to run another race with you…in 2018? #fingerscrossed 😉
Lots of great memories Marcia!
And, please tell me why it is so hard to find a good handheld? I’m on a quest for one too!
Wow! What a great year for you – hoping that handheld that works for you makes an appearance in 2018! For me, what was new was running itself – I said I would run 17 races and have done 16 so far. The whole training and racing experience was so new and so fun. I ran in Gaborone where I am from but also ventured out to Palapye and Kanye and did 3 races in South Africa! Learning from all of you more experienced runner bloggers was also new and has been so amazing. 2017 has given me so much 🙂
Cheers to 2018! and new races and new adventures!
You and Erica were two of the first bloggers I started following 5 years ago… so cool that you got to meet. And I love this recap of the experiences of the year!
It seems like you had an awesome year. I hope that 2018 will be even better for you. Great you got to visit UAE. What did you like best there?