2015 in Review – 2016 in Preview

January 1, 2016

It has been quite a year! To give some perspective, here are my numbers for 2015:

-1,400 miles run

-Two 50 milers completed (Sun Mountain race report and Mt. Hood race report)

-Two 50Ks completed (UltraPedestrian Wilderness Challenge race report and Baker Lake race report)

-One half marathon completed (Beat the Blerch race report)

and…

-92 whiskies tasted (Online log here)

I have to say that I’m really pleased with how it all turned out. I’ve been lucky in having the opportunity and support (thanks, Adam!) to run all of these crazy races.

Also, I couldn’t have done it without my coach, Alison Naney, from Cascade Endurance. I never thought I’d get a coach because it’s not like I’m going to be competitive in any of my races (just aiming to finish here, people). I have no delusions of grandeur about being an Olympian. I used to think having a coach was something for other people. Adam has a great perspective on it, though, “You’re protecting the investment of signing up for those races. I think it’s a smart thing to do.” In 2015, I finished all my races, got stronger, and I remained injury free! That, to me, demonstrates success.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned from 2015 is to only sign up for races you’re actually excited about, and don’t get talked into someone else’s excitement. At these distances, you really have to want it yourself, otherwise it’s a taxing slog mentally and physically, and that just isn’t the point. Enjoy the run, enjoy the scenery, and enjoy the people. Do that, and it’ll be it worth it!

Since Adam’s Baker Lake 50K in 2015 went so well, he’ll be continuing his ultra journey with me this year, and with higher mileage. I’m so excited that we’ll be training together for this amazing experience. The extra accountability to each other is helpful (particularly on those low-motivation days), and now I have a built-in partner for those long runs. Perfect. 🙂

So, my major goal this year is to complete (and heartily enjoy) the 53 mile Highland Fling with Adam, and then happily recover with tasty whisky and ruggedly beautiful scenery in Scotland. I’m planning on a 50K for training, and then I really want to run more UltraPedestrian Wilderness Challenges. Other than that, I’ve got no solid race plans but to enjoy some great trails (and great whisky, of course!)

Let’s lace up and get moving!

Let 2016 begin!

 

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