Reflecting on the Miles of 2017

2017 was probably the most eventful year in my running history. Yet, it’s also the year since I began running in 2009 that I’ve clocked the least amount of miles and races. It was a year that injury claimed the final four months of the year and a few races, too. But it’s also the year where I got my registration confirmation email to Boston. It’s a year where I really understood what self-care means. In my reflection of the miles run (and not run) this year, here are a few things I learned.

1. Run Smart. Racing hard isn’t always the right answer. I learned this lesson at the Chevron Houston Marathon.  The weather was hot and humid and my body was still fatigued from my BQ at CIM. I took the race easier and enjoyed the experience. From drinking beer at mile 20 to smiling across the finish line. That race taught me that running smart doesn’t always equate to a PR. 
2. Be of Service. The 2017 ABB 5K was my first time volunteering with Achilles as a guide. Something I will 100% do again. The lesson of service was also brought to light during Hurricane Harvey when our community completely stepped up to support one another. 
3. Listen to Your Body. A stark difference from the 2017 Chevron Houston Marathon was Seawheeze in Vancouver where I didn’t race smart. I took it out too fast and ran through pain. Pain that continued for weeks following the race and turned out to be a stress fracture. 
4. Running Isn’t Everything. One of the best things I learned was how fun it was to be involved in a race weekend without running the full race! At CIM I volunteered, taught yoga, watched the finish line, and even ran the first 7 miles of the race. And I had a blast!
5. Be Patient. When I was told I had to be on crutches for 6 weeks, I was devastated. But, the rest paid off. After a successful couple of months of PT (including running on the amazing Alter-G), I was cleared to run again. I may be slow right now, but I’m running again pain free. #WorthIt
6. Celebrate the Wins. Every little accomplishment is worth celebrating. Enjoy the wins no matter how big or small they are (in running and in life).

Another year, plenty more lessons learned. Cheers to 2018 and many more healthy miles ahead!