2019 was my year of running “yes.” After finding the joy again in running in 2018, I rode the wave into 2019. When people asked if I wanted to run a race, lead a running group, check out a new route or head to a running retreat, I said “yes.” It was a really fun year in running and I think I may have set a personal record for smiles per mile.
You can see my quarterly reviews for race summaries and products I loved (Q1, Q2, Q3).
Here is my 2019 running year in review:
# of Miles Run – 2365.9. Average 6.5 miles/day and 45.5/week. [Note: I don’t run every day.]
# of Races Run– 22 –four more than last year! 22 races broke down to: marathons (4), half marathons (8), 10 mile (2), 8k (1), 10k (3) and 5k (4).
# of Miles Run in Races –265.6- 150+ more miles than last year! (WOW!)
# of Age Group Awards– 8. I won the local CARA circuit for my age group again this year. I was pleased with my times but also have to admit that some of my main female 45-49 competitors were still no where to be seen this year!
Fun Race Destinations– Carlsbad, CA, NYC (3), Ojai, CA, Sacramento, CA, New Jersey and Milwaukee
Coolest Non-Race Runs: – Greece, Boulder, Los Angeles, San Francisco/Berkeley, New York City
Best Race– Tie – NYC Marathon, Chicago Marathon and Mountains2Beach Marathon. I had so much fun in all of these races and met my goal of running with joy full on!
Worst Race– I didn’t have any truly bad races this year. The F3 was really, really cold and I left my jacket at home accidentally. Lucky for me, I had some warm layers and it worked out fine. My slowest half was Rock n Roll Chicago but given the heat, it worked out just fine. It was also a fun time pacing SJ and Scott.
Personal Records (PRs)- 0. No surprises here.
Star Sightings: I met/saw Carrie Tollefson, Alexi Pappas and Deena Kastor at Shamrock Shuffle events. I met/saw Stephanie Bruce, Amy Cragg and Alexi Pappas at Chicago Marathon events. I met Kara and Adam Goucher at the Podium Retreat. I hugged Meb at the end of NYC Marathon. So many great sightings this year.
Number of Sidelining Injuries– 0. Whoo hoo! No bad injuries this year. I tweaked my foot playing tennis but that was a lucky one. I only took a few days off and I was good as new.
Best Running Advice I Received This Year: Find your “why.”
Best New Running Product(s) I Tried: This is SO tough – like picking a favorite child, friend or pet. The list is long and I recommend you check out all of the awesome products I checked out this year! Go to giveaways and check out my reviews.
I LOVE my gear from GoLite. It’s made from recycled bottles – it looks great and wears well and it’s totally functional. The capris and sports bra top are some of my fave pieces! Check out GoLite online. Get 15% off on your order with code ERICAFINDS.
Popular Running Posts:
- Quarterly Round Ups (Q1, Q2, Q3)
- NYC Marathon
- Chicago Marathon
- Mountains2Beach Marathon Recap
- Post Marathon To Do List
- Rebound Book Review
- Summer Running Must Haves
- Top Running “Hacks”
For a blogging runner, that’s a lot of running blogging! I’m hoping to continue running with joy and gratitude in 2020 and beyond. I also have some marathon and half marathon time goals in mind. I didn’t meet them in ’19 so they’re still out there.
I’m starting 2020 with a Janji Running in Retreat in Mexico City. Super excited. I’m running the F3 Half, NYC Half, Milwaukee Half, Mountains2Beach Marathon and the Hood to Coast Relay (another #neversaynever). I’m signed up for the Chicago Marathon, NYC Marathon and CIM again. We’ll see if I do all three again. I’ll keep you posted on anything else I hatch. Let me know if you have any ideas for me, too!
How was your year in running?? Please tell me about it in the comments.
Here’s to a healthy, speedy and happy 2020 and beyond!