Holy smokes, where did 2019 go? I feel like it was January 1st, 2019 just yesterday and, somehow, the year has come and gone. In previous years, my running goal centered around a number: I either wanted to run 365 days or run x-amount of miles in the year. There was no numerical goal for 2019; instead, 2019 was the year of feeling solid with running and whatever highs and lows running presented to me. Let me tell you, there were plenty of highs and plenty of lows. Part of my goal of feeling solid with running was being more open about my struggles and successes with running. I’ve had some fantastic runs and some incredibly awful runs and many, many just-OK runs. Most of the time I didn’t want to run, but all the times left me feeling stronger and better for starting and pushing through a run. One thing that has not changed in 2019 is my absolutely love of running. Thank you 2019 for all the miles and the memories.
Running Recap:
2019 Running Motto: Stay Strong. Finish Stronger.
Total Miles: around 1420 miles
Highest Mileage Month: August (155.82)
Lowest Mileage Month: March (94.38)
Total Number of Races: 11
Number of Half Marathons: 6
Number of 10Ks: 1
Number of 5Ks: 4
Fastest Times of 2019: 25:26 (5K), 57:47 (10K), 1:54:44 (Half Marathon)
Slowest Times of 2019: 30:46 (5K), 2:11:58 (Half Marathon)
Newest Running Location: Richmond, VA
Favorite Running Moment of 2019: Take the Bridge in December. Unsanctioned night race that covers a bridge and finishes with a post-race party featuring vegetarian-friendly eats? I’m all in. This race was all about pushing me out of my comfort zone and trying something new while supported by my lululemon family and the Miami running community.
Most Challenging Running Moment of 2019: Miami Half Marathon in January. I always go into this race hoping that my experience with it will give me an upper hand and it never quite works out how I hope it will work out. This year, the race kicked my ass and left me feeling very disappointed in myself and what my body can do. So many irrational thoughts crossed my mind during this race and it took quite some behind-the-scenes work to remember my gratitude for the ability to run and for a training cycle that built the confidence needed to know that, despite what happens during a race, finishing is never in question.
Here’s to everything 2019 taught me about showing up, giving my best on every run, and letting go of each run, regardless of how ok, great, or bad each run went. I’ll be sharing my 2020 goals next week! Before then, let me know how you felt about your 2019 running journey in the comments.