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 2019

When I start to think about how my year of running in 2019 panned out, I’m very happy with it. It was my first year in a very, very, very long time that didn’t have me injured for a significant amount of time. I had some niggles that I addressed and I had my fair share of ankle sprains but nothing was severe enough that a couple days of rest and/or cross training did the trick.

My year of running in 2019 has me excited for the possibility of what’s to come in 2020 and beyond.

Best race experience

Without a doubt, the Vermont 50k was my best race experience of 2019. It was my first venture into the ultra racing world so that alone made it memorable. But the vibe of the race, the race course, the perfect weather and finally crossing that bucket list item off made my year. I could have done without the bee stings but I think that just makes the story of my first 50k even more interesting. I would absolutely go back and do the Vermont 50k again.

Best run

My last long run before Vermont 50k was my best run of the year. Not because I felt amazing for the whole thing. More so because I crushed a lot of doubts during that run. I literally ran into a bear while descending Mt. Roberts solo and still having to run 6 miles by myself – it scared the shit out of me but I’m very proud of how I didn’t even hesitate in my reaction. I practiced repeating my race day mantras – I am strong. I will not fall. I can do anything. Guess what?  I didn’t fall that day or any day since then. And I ran 25 miles all on trails that day. It was my farthest run in almost 5 years and the farthest I’d ever done on trails.

After that day, I went into the taper feeling ready to tackle anything.

 

Best new piece of running gear

Oh, this is a tough one. I really love every single pair of Athleta Contender tights that I picked up this year but I’m going to go with my Suunto Spartan GPS watch (affiliate link). It does have some hang ups that I don’t like but I love the look of it, the ease of getting a signal and that I can track so many things besides running.

BUT…mostly I really, really love that it’s so pretty.

And technically I wouldn’t call him a piece of running gear but I have to say that having Max as my running buddy this year has been pretty awesome too.

 

 

Best running advice you’ve received this year

You have to accept that things are going to hurt. Welcome the hurt and know that it will get better.

This applies in running and in life, right?  This was the best advice that I got from my ultra friends on what to expect during the 50k. It’s absolutely true.

Most inspirational runner

There was a lot of inspiration in running this year. Breaking 2 hours in the marathon?  Pretty spectacular. For me, one of the biggest stand outs in the running world this year was Maggie Guterl when she became the first woman to win Big’s Backyard Ultra. She was the last runner standing after 60 hours straight and covering 250 miles. What I love about this race is that she wasn’t the women’s winner. She was the overall winner. There was no men’s or women’s division. Her simple mantra that got her through it?  “Don’t quit”.

Favorite picture from a run or race this year

This pic from the Mt. Washington Road Race has two of my favorites – running and mountains. It kills me that there’s a road to the summit of Mt. Washington but I’m so glad that there’s a race to the top. If you ever want to feel amazing, finish a race on top of the world.

Will I try for my 3rd Mt. Washington in 2020?  Stay tuned!

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat

Vermont 100 on 100 Relay. It had been a few years since I did Reach the Beach Relay. I had a blast and loved it all but my least favorite part about it was that it was an overnight. So when Sandra brought up running the Vermont 100 on 100 on a girls weekend away at Allie’s condo, I was intrigued. All the fun of running a relay but no overnight?  SOLD!

I’m so glad Team Air Supply was formed. Even if there was an overnight, I’m sure it would have been a great time. I mean, what could be better than running in Vermont with some of your favorite friends from the blogging world?  Of course, earning a 2nd place overall all women’s team finish helped make it a great experience too.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?

Fun, confidence-building, strong

How was your year of running in 2019?

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