2014 in Running: Lessons and Growth

Here it is the final day of 2014 and time to take a minute and look back at my strange year in running. I can sum it up in 2 words: Injuries and Growth.
Injuries struck me down starting from day 1 as I continued to push through to my goals but quickly realizing this was not happening. After a disappointing (but wonderful) experience at Boston I took my first break and learned a lot. I tried new things: Cross Fit, P90X3, PiYo, Pilates, Yoga, Rowing. I got back to running less miles and feel much better but still had an odd finish in October when my body shut down with about 4 miles to go at a marathon, I was on pace for a 3:25 but soon changed focus to staying upright and finishing leading to a 3:40 finish. An odd ankle/foot injury 1 week later meant another 6 weeks off running and rethinking my 2015 plans. I am back to running 4-6 miles now 2-3x a week but realizing my body does not like the uneven ground outside in winter and really likes the mix of cross training!
2014 Running
  • Dopey Challenge: fun but too tough on my body!
  • Completed marathons 24, 25 & 26!
  • Actually DNS at multiple races rather than push through pain
  • 1888 Miles (lowest years since I started!)
  • No PRs
  • I met Meb at Boston!
  • Found more great running friends
  • Coached more great runners
  • Learned a lot about what I can do to be a better runner!
  • Learned I enjoy things other than running!
  • Traveled to Florida, Massachusetts and Georgia to run



How was your 2014? What did you learn? What was the best part?

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 31, 2014 at 10:13 AM

    I learned that I needed to give up a time goal for a marathon. It was causing me to never want to run one ever again! I ran by heart rate in Nov and finished feeling amazing and only 7 min off of my best time on a more difficult course! I was stoked! I'm running my next one the same way!

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