2017 Running Year in Review

Now that 2017 has come to a close, I paused to reflect on my running year – the good, bad and the depressing:

Some of my favorite things that happened in my running and racing life this year are:

• Running 4 Ragnars in 4 states, I feel so lucky to have had those experiences
• Picking up a new half marathon state  - GA
  
• Running 4 half marathons this year
  
• Finishing my 50th half marathon filled with joy
  
• Captaining my Ragnar Michigan team again and having and even more amazing time!
  
• Survived the year with no injuries - amen!
  
• Running with so many friends!
  

And saw some incredible scenery along the way!!!!!

Once again, the year also brought challenges:

• Significantly slower finish times as a result of weight gain. Running around with an extra 20-25 pounds really makes a difference. I’ve started taking many more walking breaks and really struggle with endurance.  I know that I’m putting unnecessary stress on my already fragile knees. So enough is enough!
  
• Struggled with the right strategy – should I be taking more rest days? Or pushing myself?  Overall I think that less is more if I want to do this for the long haul. I tried a RunStreak in December but I don’t think I’ll be doing it again for awhile.

Things I’m looking forward to in 2018:

• Ragnar Arizona & Ragnar Michigan again
• Ragnar Tennessee
• Getting to a healthier weight
• Completing my first 50k!  As everyone knows, I’m turning 50 this year, so it only seems like an appropriate time (if my knees can take it) to finally cross a 50k off my list. New mantra below!
  

Here’s a video of my race highlights this year. Happy New Year, Everyone!

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