2013: A Year In Review

It's that time of the year: The time when every blogger on Earth seems to write a 'Year In Review' post.  I'm not usually a fan of following the herd, but this is one bandwagon I'm willing to jump on since it's kind of fun taking a stroll down memory lane as I sift through my archives.

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2013 was another damn good year for me.

I raced.

Favorite Race: Pewaukee Lake Sprint Triathlon
2013 was the year I made the big leap into the world of triathlon and I'm really glad I did it.  I met some wonderful people, learned a lot, and was forced to confront one of my greatest fears: open water swimming.  I can say, without a doubt, that every moment (even the ones that sucked) of training for and racing my first triathlon was worth it and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

Proudest Racing Moment: Shoreline Duathlon
I ran the first run leg like I was on fire, roared through T1, and had the best bike leg I've ever had - right up until the moment I crashed.  That crash damaged my bike, banged up my body, and pretty much scared the living $#!% out of me.  My whole body hurt, I had blood running down my arm, and there was gravel lodged in my elbow and my leg.  It would have been so easy to quit when I made it back to T2, but I didn't. My mind overrode my body (something I've struggled with a lot) and I finished that race - and I was only 2 minutes behind Mr. R&R!

I traveled.

Low Key: Mountains, and Ziplines, and Bears! Oh my!
In August, Mr. R&R and I hopped in the car, drove through a few states, and ended up at our favorite little North Carolina mountain hideaway.

It was a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. There were horses, books, rafting, long soaks in the hot tub, zip lines, and a bear!

The trip was made extra awesome by our overnight stop in Louisville, Kentucky on the way to North Carolina because I got to meet one of my online friends in real life!

High Class: Isla Del EncantoI'm  not usually one for beach vacations, but Puerto Rico may have turned me into a convert.

Between beautiful scenery, warm waters, and amazing food, I'd be hard pressed not to want to make a return trip next winter!

And of course there was the wedding - the whole reason we went to Puerto Rico in the first place!  I love a good excuse to get dressed up, but this wedding had me feeling like I was in the middle of a James Bond movie!

I cooked.

Favorite Food Post: Food In A Flash
For one week in March, I blogged about every dinner I made in an attempt to show that it is possible to eat somewhat healthy meals at home without slaving over the stove.  I'm hoping to do more posts like this in 2014.

Runner Up: Fuel The BurnThis post detailed what I was eating in conjunction with my Raise The Bar Challenge.  These healthy meals have become more than just part of a challenge. They've become a cornerstone of the way I eat.

And of course Rabbits And Runs wouldn't be the same without my boys, Walter and Spot.

Favorite Spot Picture of 2013:

 
Favorite Walter Picture of 2013:

Favorite Dual Picture of 2013:

I can't wait to see what 2014 brings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!