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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

2008 in Review: A Numbers Game

Running Numbers:

# of races run this year: 14 (6 half marathons, 4 5Ks, 1 4 miler, 1 15K, 1 10K, 1 10 miler)
  • Favorite race of the year: Colorado Colfax HM in May. It wasn't a PR, it had no significant or special meaning, but for some reason it just stands out as one of the best runs of the year.
  • Least favorite race of the year: Boca Raton HM in November. Poorly designed course, too small, crappy medal.
  • Thoughts: As I wrote previously, this has been an immensely satisfying year in running. I'm pleased with the race variation, the number of races, the PRs, and most of all the experiences. I think 2008 has been the best race calendar to date.

# of miles run this year: 786

  • Thoughts: Missed the 800 mark, but I don't mind. Mileage goals for the year will always be a goal to challenge myself with. 2008 won't be the only year to meet or exceed 800 miles.

Other Numbers:

# of books read this year: 38

  • Favorite book of the year: "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
  • Least favorite book of the year: "Cell" by Stephen King -- not sure why I wasted my time on this one.
  • Thoughts: This is the first year I've ever tracked how many books I've read and when I read them. I actually thought the number would be higher for the year end tally because I thought I read about a book a week, but it's interesting to see my peaks and valleys in reading (kinda like with my running). When I'm really busy with work, I get little time for pleasure reading, but when I am on break, or during the summer when I have a lighter class load, I read (at times) several books in a week.

# of bowling games: 74

Highest bowling score: 203

  • Thoughts: I don't even want to add up the number of beers associated with these numbers. Let's just say it's immeasurable.

# of blog posts for the year: 407

Bringing the total number of blog posts in 3 and 1/2 years to a grand total of: 1,233

  • Thoughts: Man alive, I am a blabbermouth!

Non-Numbers:

2008 has, of course, been a great year in non-measurable ways as well. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a great husband, a cute dog, wonderful friends and family. And I feel fortunate in my life in many, many ways.

Looking ahead to 2009:

Check back tomorrow for my New Year's Day unveiling of the "2009 Plans": I guarantee they're gonna blow your socks off!

25 comments:

X-Country2 said...

That does sound like a great year! I really want to read more, so I may start tracking my books too. Great idea.

Unknown said...

You should post your books you're reading and your thoughts on them. I love to read and am always looking for books people love. I haven't read Water for Elephants yet, but it is on my to-read list.

Carolina John said...

Sounds like a very sucessful year! I hope your 2009 is just as good, if not better.

Aka Alice said...

I absolutely loved Water for Elephants . I like the idea of keeping track of the books I read. And wow...407 posts? That's impressive!

Can't wait for the 2009 report. Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

2008 was a great year for you! I'm amazed at everything you kept track of (#books, for example).

Best to you in 2009!!

MN Mom said...

Water for Elephants was my favorite book this year too not counting the Twilight series which I loved, although tecnically I read those last year, so Water for Elephants it is!

Give us your top ten list if you can. Then I will add them to our book-club pics! Thanks in advance.

Marci said...

What a great year Jess. Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great year. Have you tried Goodreads? I really like it and it makes it so much easier to track books.

TonyP said...

I was so looking for a total # of beer stat. Congrats on a great year. Hope 2009 is even better.

TNTcoach Ken said...

You're keeping track of that stuff? Number of BEvERages I drank:384,382,323.
Have a great 2009.

Aron said...

such a great year!! congrats and happy 2009!

Anonymous said...

You really broke everything down! Great job in all areas. Have a fun New Year's Eve.

Unknown said...

I was going to ask you for the number of beer you had for 2008. You already pointed out that it is not worth doing the count. Point well taken.

Happy New Year !!!

Wes said...

I happened to really like "Water for Elephants" as well. Great book. Happy New Year to you, Jerry, and Scooter :-)

SavvyFitChica said...

A year recap in numbers... I love it. Great comparisons! Great year! Your race calendar for 2008 is incredibly impressive... I was with you during all of 2008 and it didn't seem like that many at the time, but man, you did do a lot of races! And yes, dear Jess, you are a blabber mouth, but a very creative and interesting blabber mouth so people don't even notice! ha ha!

teacherwoman said...

I think it's been a good year! I look forward to 2009 and all it has to offer!

Now, I must get back to reading "New Moon". Later.

Crissy Rae said...

You busy little beaver!

Anonymous said...

That is a lot of half marathons. Nice job. Also, impressed with your books - maybe I'll track my books this year because now I'm curious. Can't wait to hear about 2009

RunningLaur said...

You had a busy year!

I love the tracking of the book you've read. I read about a book a week as well, and I think tracking them a little bit more would be a great addition.

Kevin said...

Knock our socks off eh?

Cant wait,

Happy New Year!!

J~Mom said...

I can't wait for the new plan!

ws said...

hope you and Jerry had a happy new years, Jess. Looking forward to the 2009 plans.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year. You definitely had a productive year all around. YOu should only count the "new" beers you try this year.

Anonymous said...

Great running year! I loved Water for Elephants as well.

Happy New Year!

Shoe Running said...

Congratulations on a wonderful year! I hope 2009 is super to you as well :)