agreed. 2012 (at least running-wise) sucked for me as well.  Got injured on Dec 30th of 2011 and spent half the year figuring that out before having a bunch of knee issues the rest of the year.

I finally got something going now, trying to keep it rolling.

I'm running pain free now for the first time in ages and looking forward to a year with a lot of time on the roads and (hopefully) a bunch of PRs.

 

Hope you all are feeling as optimistic as I am.

Great to hear!  The optimism you carry now is a great feeling.  My only two cents from being there one too many times is to be patient as you grow your running.  It's easy to go out there and overdo it when you feel good.  Knowing when to keep things in check is the hard part.  I hope you can find that balance and keep things healthy for 2013.

mbehr said it well.  I'll add that it might help to get the thought of a bunch of PRs out of your mind completely.  Just concentrate on good, solid training and, when you race, concentrate on racing to the best of your ability and training on that particular day - not so much on PR'ing.  Have a great 2013.

Glad to hear things are on the upswing!

I have to say, one thing that's really helped me with training balance has been working with a coach.  I make note of how the run went, how I felt, and any physical issues; he log-stalks; and I get a (much more experienced) second set of eyes reviewing things and making sure I'm not doing anything too stupid.  Getting a schedule that prescribes easy stuff and workouts also helps me keep in mind the purpose of each day's run, so I don't get carried away and start pushing that "6mi easy" workout just because I feel frisky.

Went back this morning to really look how bad 2012 was.  It's pretty sad when the total mileage for the last four months of the year are almost greater than the prior 8 months.  And I really only had one real race (February).  There were only 3 others I "participated" in throughout the year.  Had no business being there but I did them any way.

All I know is that where I'm at now in the first 10 days of 2013, I'm already ahead of where I was in 2011.  This is the year to put some hurt in the hurtlocker.  Legs feel good and there's been NO pain in the morning!

2012 was a year of over-racing and mediocrity for me ... Good riddance.

But on a happy note - With the amount of time and effort put in and the lackluster results, it has pushed me to make changes to by training goals.  I have come full circle from 2005 ...