While 2017 did not turn out to be the year I had hoped with my running, there were still plenty of successes and accomplishments. Each year seems to teach me another lesson about patience and letting go of control.
When I think back on what I hoped to achieve in 2017, I actually think I was pretty successful. As I wrote this post last year, my goals were not about setting PRs or running high mileage. They were about accepting what the year gave me and making the most of it. This is how I ended that post last year:
“So my intention for 2017 is to be able to carry over this training style and mindset. I want to be able to continue running and enjoying it. Maybe that will involve training for more races or maybe it won’t. I still have time goals I want to achieve but this year has taught me that I would rather run 3 slow miles feeling good than fight with myself to run a specific workout. If I could figure out a way to prepare for a race using this laid-back style that would be great. However, it’s so new for me that I would fear getting caught up in my old ways.”
At the end of 2016 I had just gotten back to running after (part 1 of) my foot injury, and had managed to get back to 10 miles at the end of the year. My training approach at that time was more laid-back than ever, with zero expectations. I wanted to carry that over into 2017.
Unfortunately my foot drama was not yet over at that point, and the rest of the year was quite a roller coaster. Rather than focusing on those challenges, I feel like I was able to focus on what I could do, like strength training and cross training. Ultimately, my injury led me to begin working with Drew and Tina, which was one of the best decisions I could have made for my running.
Even though I spent about 7 months of the year dealing with my foot, I still got to run two races! In October I randomly signed up for the Baltimore Half Marathon, one of my favorite races and the first race I did 10 years before. This felt like it signified a true comeback. I also ran a Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving morning.
Even though I was back to running regularly by September, there were still factors interfering with my runs, like chafing and humidity. One run that stands out is my long run progression run in mid-November. I did 11 miles at an 8:11 pace. I felt strong the whole time and the weather cooperated.
I think I would have to go with the Brook’s Levitates. These shoes fit like a glove from the moment I put them on my feet. They are light with just the right amount of cushioning. I generally prefer a lower heel to two drop so I still alternate between these and the Pure Flows, but they are perfect for easy runs, recovery runs, and long runs.
I think just about everything I learned from Drew has been helpful running advice! Belly breathing, tucking the chin, how to warm up properly, mobility exercises, random tips to resolve just about any complaint I throw at him….It seems like when I put all of his advice together (and actually use it when I am running) I feel like I am running taller and stronger with better form. (I don’t know it I actually am, it just feels that way!)
I’m gonna jump on the bandwagon and agree with everyone else who has said Shalane Flanagan.
The Baltimore Running Festival had free race photos this year which was awesome. I like this one, right before the finish line. I remember how tired I was but also how proud I felt for being able to run that race after such a long injury.
I also like this picture, which was taken at the start line of the race. The start line of the Baltimore half always makes me emotional because it reminds me of all the feelings I had when I started that race in 2007. This time I was nervous for different reasons but also such a different runner than I was back then.
Out of the two races I did this year, I don’t think I would repeat either of those experiences. The Baltimore half was really hot and hilly. The Turkey Trot 5k was cold and hilly. Both were challenging and could have gone better. Regardless of how they went, I was still happy to be out there running.
Have patience and trust the process.
How would you sum up your year of running in 2017?
What did you learn this year?
What was some good running advice you received this year?
[Tweet “Despite some setbacks in 2017, it was still a pretty good year of running! @milebymilerun #yearofrunning #tuesdaysontherun”]
I’m linking up with Courtney for the Year of Running link-up, and Patty, Erika, and Marcia for Tuesdays on the Run!
this year went so fast when I stop to think about it! I didn’t run a half this year which is sort of weird to realize but overall, it was a good year. I’m glad your foot is now better for you to build up running again!
It did go really fast! I actually feel like it was just this year that you were running the LI half- I cant believe that was almost 2 years ago now!
It was beyond great to see you overcome nagging injury and finish out the year with some great races. For me I learned that it’s no longer about finish times. Running has always been about health for me but now it’s my main source of adventure too.
I definitely agree, running is about so much more than finish times.
It’s been great to witness your comeback this year. Here’s hoping that 2018 will be your year!
Thank you! I really appreciate all your support:)
Even with the setbacks and foot drama this year, you definitely finished the year very strong!
I hope that 2018 is a great year for you and that you get to run #allthemiles!
Thanks- I hope so too!
I always love reading your blog – the hard work that you put in is so inspiring. I’m glad to hear your coaches have helped you so much, I can’t wait to see what you do in 2018! And congrats on the 2 races you ran this year, you were awesome!
Thanks so much! I’m hoping that it all comes together in 2018!
I’m glad to hear that you finally got back to running consistently by the second half of the year. Those strength programs you have been doing has really helped. Hopefully this coming year you will be able to add more races to your calendar(if that is what you hope to do) and stay injury free!
Thanks! I am hopeful I will be able to do some races this year, at some point!
I agree have patience and trust the process. I’m not patient by any means, but I’ve had to be to keep running with my ITBS. Patience and smart running means progress. I’m happy to be out running whenever I can.
Its so hard to be patient with running, but it definitely pays off!
Sounds like you had a pretty good year, despite the issues with your foot. Hope 2018 is awesome and injury free!
Thanks! There were definitely some setbacks but it turned out to be a good year overall!
Sounds like you had a great year of running, even with the injury!
And you take awesome race pictures!
Haha, thanks! I try not to post the terrible race pictures on my blog:)
High-5 for making a come back! I think the both of us took turns in our rallies back LOL I came up with the word Onward in the midst of my setback…and it stuck. To me, it represents moving forward and not being stuck (dwelling on stuff that cannot be changed). Here’s to a great 2018!
Yes, that is such a great word for what we went through! Hopefully we will both continue making progress next year!
You had such a strong comeback in 2018 – congrats! It’s always fun to watch your training, especially this year, because you are so smart and in touch with your body about it. I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings!
Thank you! I just hope I can continue on the right track next year.
You did make a strong comeback this year and it looks like you are a much stronger runner for it. Can’t wait to see you crush it 2018. It’s been fun to get to know you better this year
Thanks! It’s been quite a year. It was fun following along with your running as well!
It’s so hard to be patient when recovering from injury but you persevered and because of that …finished the year strong, healthy and poised for 2018!
And now the focus needs to be on staying injury free!
2018 is going to be epic for you – my prediction. And Shalane, right??
Thanks so much! I sure hope so.
I really love the format of this. Look forward to reading you more in 2018.
I learned that change is okay! I’ve gone from running pregnant to running postpartum, both of which have brought on changes and challenges. I’m hoping this next year will bring on a sub 2 hour goal for the half marathon! 🙂
Good luck with your goal this year! Im sure you have learned alot about yourself and will only be a stronger runner moving forward!
I know you had some ups and downs this year and had to overcome some injury related issues, but I am so happy to see that you recapped your year in such a positive way, because you still had a great year of running! I am hoping 2018 will be a little less injury and much more running 🙂
Thank you- I hope so too!!