My First Marathon (x2)

2016 was the first year of training for Ironman in 2018.  For the most part there was a lot of progress and improvement, with a few sidesteps. In March I broke 2:30 for the half marathon for the first time.  It was truly anticlimactic.  I hadn't come closer than 2:32 in several years of trying to break 2:30.  Then it happened.  With a 2:28.  In Dallas.  With no one there.  I've done it three times this year.  So I guess I am a 2:30 half marathoner now.  I am also able to consistently pace 2:45. May was the most awful Olympic distance tri ever at Bonkers.  Paired with the irony of "earning" an invitation to AG nationals based on that race.  Small races are weird that way. Early June is Monumental Mile.  I always think I'm going to break 10:00 and never quite get there.  Until I ran 9:41 this year.  Still not sure how to feel about that. In June I was anxious about the Grand Rapids tri/Athena nationals . ...

It seems like everyone is doing a gift list for runners, cyclists, triathletes, etc.  I've been enjoying them, but they don't necessarily include my favorite things, so I thought I would share my own. 1. Feetures elite ultra light no show tab socks - https://feeturesrunning.com/product/elite-ultra-light-no-show-tab These are my hands down favorite running socks.  For running I will basically only wear them, they are the best socks ever.  They are lightweight and don't feel like they're taking up space in your shoes.  They wick water from even my sweaty feet.  I haven't had a blister wearing them (except when running hills in an utter downpour/thunderstorm, but that doesn't count). 2. Saucony Guide shoes on the Everun platform - http://www.saucony.com/en/womens-best-sellers-guide/ I used to run exclusively in Brooks.  No, I didn't have some cool sponsorship, they were just the best shoe for me for a long time.  Then Saucony came out wi...