No. 1: Carlsbad Marathon, January 27

The Carlsbad Half Marathon is one of my favorite events, but I registered for the marathon instead because of the Marathon Finisher's Jacket. The thought of zipping the Jacket and showing it off kept me motivated to train. I tried persuading others to train with me, but the Jacket was not a strong enough selling point for them.

Jacket, tech tee and bib

The drizzly start gave way to perfect marathon conditions on this flat and scenic course. I started out with a few friends, but became disappointed when I learned of their intentions of a four hour race. I joined a slower pace group and enjoyed witnessing the excitement of first-time marathoners. I anxiously looked forward to my husband, daughter, and a girlfriend stationed at mile 18 with whiskey, tequila, beer, and a chocolate protein shake. Until that day, I never thought tequila with a protein shake chaser could taste so good.

My high spirits turned dark along four slow miles. I was on the verge of tears when I saw my cousin waving at mile 22. Another friend awaited at mile 25 with rum, but my only desire was to finish the race. I cannot remember what my cousin said to me or what we saw those last miles, but I am grateful she accompanied me to mile 26 for a strong finish.

Mile 25 with Rachelle

Post-race, I proudly donned the Jacket and arrived at my good friend's baby shower. I wore the Jacket to work the whole week after the race. A colleague asked, "You're showing off your jacket again?" Damn right.

2012 Carlsbad Marathon Finisher

2013: 13 x 13.1

I am a nerd. I once celebrated Pi Day, 3/14, by eating pie. I track my finishing times, workouts, and caloric intake in Microsoft Excel. I snorted with excitement when I realized the numerical charm of thirteen 13.1 mile long races in 2013. Lucky or unlucky, the number thirteen appeals to me. I adjusted my glasses, pulled out my wedgie, and announced my goal on Facebook. Then, I drafted a plan:

I am not alone in this journey. A woman who blogged her twelve races in 2012 is continuing with thirteen races in 2013. You can view her blog at jillconyers.com. There are hundreds of people, mostly female, striving for thirteen races this year. Fortunately, we connect and encourage one another via social media. Thankfully, I have had friends and family present at three of the four events I have completed this year. I am discovering that achieving my numerical-based goal is more tolerable with company.