Happy New Year’s Eve! We made it to the last day of the year. It’s a great feeling to have a challenging, energetic year with a little variety, some travel, and always a few surprises. Some things went well, some not so well. Adjusting to changing circumstances can stabilize things when needed.
What went well? I ran the Des Moines Marathon (full) and Lincoln and Golden Gate (virtual) Half Marathons. I enjoyed finishing the Amerithon Challenge this year, a 3,521 mile adventure combining running, biking and swimming miles. It took me quite a while but I made it. It was also fun to finish the Run the Year challenge with a team that was able to reach the finish line (and solo). And yes, I did run-walk the Galloway 2018 in 2018 miles this year too. Reaching the 5-year runstreak is a total surprise. I didn’t think I would still be run-streaking but with the run-walk Galloway training that I do, it seems to keep me healthy, allowing for a little recovery time.
What didn’t go so well? A persistent glute injury caused me to reduce the Lincoln full marathon to a half. I was able to finish it but not as fast as I would have liked. For months, this injury caused me to adjust my training to allow my body to heal. And finally, months later, it has healed. And the imbalance or whatever caused it seems to have disappeared. Running through the tragic loss of a close family member has been very difficult too. But running through grief always has a restorative healing effect, not always immediately, but over time.
Sometimes we become preoccupied with mileage so much that we forget to appreciate and savor the quality of each mile, of each footstep. Running is a gift, we cannot take it for granted. I am very thankful for my health.
Traveling to San Francisco and Iowa and being able to run with some group runs was very fun. Also fun: the Zwift virtual running adventures on the treadmill lately.
Not every year can be perfect or wonderful. We cannot reach all of our goals or expectations all of the time. But was can reach most of them if we try and persist. Just show up every day.
We finished today with a zippy 3.52 mile run, negative splits, frozen and frosty fun. It can be a struggle to keep up with an excited running dog at times but she has her days she feels more restful than me when we run as well.
We’ve balanced sunrise runs with sunset runs, learning to adjust to different light, temperature, and precipitation challenges.
When necessary, we have moved exercise to the treadmill and cross-training. And prioritized rest to heal and recover from tough workouts and that glute injury.
Pausing for a moment to thank Brilliant Reflective, one of my sponsors for whom I am an ambassador. You have helped keep me significantly to stay safe on the run (and walks) from head-to-toe and our dog with her illuminated leash as well. We’ve had some close calls this year with safety and we are very grateful for your assistance in keeping us safe. Want to try Brilliant Reflective? Here is their website, check it out: BrilliantReflective.com
When you hark back, what do you remember? What did you accomplish this year? And how will that embolden us for next year?
Happy New Year! May you and your families have a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year! Blessings to all of you! Thank you very much for your support and encouragement! I appreciate all of you!
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