As much as I can’t believe it, it’s that time of year again.
Time to look back and reflect on the past 12 months that were 2018.
I know there’s still 19 days left in the year but I have zero running plans other than to have fun and enjoy the miles. Ironically, I’m taking a little bit of time off from running this week since my Achilles decided to swell up on me after my run on Sunday. I had my PT friend look at it and he seemed to think it was normal until he felt my left Achilles. He wasn’t too alarmed…but of course I was. He told me to take a few days off, follow the usual RICE protocol and he’d check it again later this week. It seems less puffy already so I’m taking that as a good sign. An even better sign is that it never hurt. The last thing I want is an angry Achilles. I’ve had it before and it’s not easy to get rid of!
Anywho, let’s get back to my year of running 2018.
Best race experience
After being disappointed with not getting into Mount Washington this year, I shifted my focus to two other mountain races, Cranmore and Loon Mountain. Last year was my first time running Loon. I loved it and could not wait to go back this year. It was even more special this year because it was the U.S. Mountain Championship. That meant the men and women started at different times. This year I trudged up the mountain surrounded by nothing but badass ladies. It was super rad to be racing and commiserating together. The final count was nearly 50% female participants, which is HUGE for trail and mountain running. There were tons of whoops, “lookin’ strong ladiesâ€�, and “great job, girlâ€� throughout the race. Women supporting women – the way it should be.
Besides being really run, I felt strong for the duration of the race. Climbing is my strength. I had zero expectations for the race other than to have a good time. I did that and was shocked to see that I knocked off 11 minutes off my finishing time from 2017 and over 2 minutes off my Upper Walking Boss climb at the end.
It was just what I needed for a confidence boost after the shitty year of 2017!
I’ll be back in 2019 for sure!
Best run
Earlier this year I started running with Kyle. Our kids go to the same school but we had never met until she reached out to me over Instagram. We run at least once a week together and have become great friends even outside of running. I’m very fortunate to have found a running buddy who runs a similar pace and is up for running no matter what the weather brings. I’d have to say our early morning runs have been some of my best of the year.
Best new piece of running gear
I just got these tights from Athleta but I am in L.O.V.E! They are so cute and fit like a glove. I wish they had more colors. And Goodr sunglasses. Why did it take me so long to get a pair…or five?
Best running advice you’ve received this year
You’ll never know unless you try. It’s the same advice I got last year but it still rings true for this year. A lot of time I push ideas and dreams to the back burner because I think it’s too far fetched or I’ll end up injured again. Or I compare myself to where I was in previous years. Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. I will never know unless I try.
Most inspirational runner
I still get chills watching Desi cross the finish line of Boston this year. And it was so inspiring to see Courtney Dauwalter crush the year in Ultras. She’s super rad by doing her own thing.
Favorite picture from a run or race this year
As someone who takes A LOT of photos from every run, this is a hard one. But this one makes me laugh every time I see it. It’s like we are a gang of misfit superhero runners. I want to photo shop an explosion behind us. And my hang time is pretty awesome too. 
Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat
Loon Mountain for sure. Give me all the ups.
Finishing a race on top of the world and hanging with friends? Worth all the climbing!
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?
Fun. Steady. Solid. Confidence building.
It was a fun and confidence building year of running in 2018. Read all about it here! #yearofrunning2018 #running
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Linking up with Coaches Corner and Wild Workout Wednesday.
How was your year of running in 2018?
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