My 2022 running year didn’t really turn out to be what I expected, but then again I didn’t really have any huge goals either. My one running goal was to PR in the half. I did run a half-marathon (my only race of the year), but it wasn’t a PR. The rest of the year took some twists and turns and I kept “waiting” to do another race and it just didn’t happen. I’ve come to realize that this is just the season of life I am in right now! Staying consistent with my running is a win in itself.
2022 Running Year in Review
Winter 2022 Running
The year started out a bit rocky, with 2/3 of us testing positive for Covid. (I tested negative 3 times, but still had a nasty cold). Once we were all finally recovered I did get in some decent runs, but the winter weather seemed to stick around forever!
It was also another year as part of the Brooks’ Run Happy Team, and we got to kick off the year in January!
In early February I ran a 1 mile time trial on my own. I mapped out an exact 1 mile route in my neighborhood so I knew exactly where to stop and start, which was good because I accidentally set my watch to treadmill run! My time came in as a 6:20, so I counted it based on my map of the distance since I knew my watch was wrong.
Finally spring came and we were able to get outside more. We also changed Grayson’s daycare/preschool at the end of February which led to a much longer commute every day (but more consistent childcare).
Spring 2022 Running
I spent most of the spring training for a May half-marathon. I was sick a few times and my training just wasn’t where I wanted to be, so I knew going into it that I probably wouldn’t PR.
On May 1st Rob and I ran the Frederick half. My stomach was a mess and my piriformis kept cramping up. It wasn’t my day!
Summer 2022 Running
In June we went on vacation for the first time in 3 years and I got to run on the beach!
During the summer Rob started training for the Baltimore Marathon. Early on I was was still able to get in my long runs on Saturdays, but eventually I moved them to Fridays. (Then I did a stroller run with Grayson on Saturdays and we did a family run on Sundays).
Fall 2022 Running
September came and it felt like my running really fell apart. We moved Grayson to a toddler bed because he was climbing out of his crib, and it was a really tough transition. We spent many nights up all night with him. Still, 3 months later, he wakes up most nights. So I ended up skipping quite a few runs when I had sleepless nights. Most of my long runs were during the week on the treadmill.
Then my office location moved at the end of September and my commute got even longer. Most days I now spend close to 3 hours in the car. We have to leave earlier and get home later. It’s been quite an adjustment!
In October we watched Rob run his marathon!
He didn’t PR but ran one of his faster times on a tough course.
Then, in November, Grayson ran in his first race! It was a 1/4 mile race for 3-4 year olds and he did great!
In December I just tried to do the best I could, while still not sleeping enough, trying to get ready for the holidays, and getting sick a couple of times. I did get to sneak off for a couple of trail runs on some random days off, which was nice!
2022 Coaching
Even though I didn’t personally have a great year of running, I had the privilege of coaching so many amazing athletes this year. Between watching my athletes reach their goals and supporting my family in theirs, this year really wasn’t about me. Despite the challenges of this year I was able to successfully grow my coaching business and I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings!
2022 Lessons
I think I’ve come to accept that right now I am not in a place where PRs and huge goals are really in the cards. I know I will get back there one day. For now, I am happy that I was able to stay consistent this year despite the challenges. I don’t even feel the need to set goals for 2023, other than to continue to do what I can. Maybe one of these days I will get back into a normal routine and catch up on sleep, and then I can consider my next goal!
You may also like:
How to Plan Your Strongest Race Year in 2023
5 Strategies for Achieving Your Running Goals this Year
Running Goals To Keep You Focused Without A Race
How did your 2022 running year play out?
Did you accomplish any running goals you set?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Oh, that sounds tough, Lisa! Working, running/blogging and raising a family can be quite stressful. A three-hour commute sounds like a nightmare!
But you did so well despite the challenges. Your husband got to run a successful marathon and your athletes did well, too!
I hope that 2023 will be a calmer year for you!
Tough year with sickness and a kid!! I can’t imagine training with a child to take care of. I didn’t start running until my kids were out of the house. I still struggle to fit it all in.
So I think you are right to not focus on big goals but do what you can… Grayson will not be young forever.
Running will be there.
Your time is really not your own when you have kids under 5. I was not working when I had kids that age and I still felt like I was a mess. I started running and focusing on myself once they were in school full time. Life is challenging when your kids are so young!
Yes, what Deborah just said! I didn’t start running until the last one was in school because I was just busy doing other things all.the.time. (I know, bad excuse, but that was my reality as a non-athlete at the time, LOL). The fact that you stayed consistent is key, though!
I’m sorry you had such a tough year. Having a young child brings much joy but also many challenges. Fresh germs from daycare? Check. Sleepless nights. Check. You did great to overcome those challenges and kept up the running. This will be a better year.
Sometimes the goal really is just surviving! And having a kid Grayson’s age is not easy – I remember with my two how hard some of the days/weeks/months were especially when we were going through a transition. And I wasn’t even running or blogging then, so the fact you’ve been quite consistent with your running (and listened to your body where needed) – that’s commendable. Hopefully Grayson settles down in his new bed and you start to get more consistent sleep in 2023.
PS: Congratulations on growing your coaching business and on Grayson’s first run!