Running Down the Dream: 2022 Running Year in Review

Quick stats:

Miles run: 4,241.7
Teams/Support: rabbitELITE, UCAN, Nike, Miles from Mentor
Races run: 14
Races won (OA female): 8
Races won (masters female): 12
PRs:

6 hour - 42.575 miles (13 x 3.275 mile loops)
Longest training run at 30.2 miles
Yearly mileage at 4,241.7 (just 73.5 more than last year)
Weekly mileage at 116.5

Records:

Missouri state road racing record for 20k for females age 41
Missouri state road racing record for 25k for females age 41
Kansas state road racing record for 50k overall female
Prairie Spirit 50k female course record
Missouri state road racing record for 10k for females age 41

Highlights:

Being inducted into the OMRR Hall of Fame
11th fastest North American female in the 50k in 2022
6th best North American female performance in the 6 hour in 2022
Running in the professional field at the Boston Marathon
Zero injuries!

I ran this race sick because I won't
ever have this opportunity again!

Longer impression:

My running evolves every year, and I'm not sure how to concisely sum this one up! Consistency in training was my strong suit, and I continued to enjoy masters running. I really appreciate having masters records and titles to chase, though in most races I enter I'm still hunting an overall female win.

I was happy enough with all of my races considering the circumstances, except for my marathons. While disappointing to have two rough marathons this year, I am still thankful for the experiences and I know that if/when I run another good marathon I will appreciate it more. I am definitely more amazed at all of the good or just slightly off marathons I had before this year now. I had good shorter races and good ultras, so I can't really blame the distance or the pace for my marathon bombs.

I treasure all of my training with my local group, Miles from Mentor. Really every workout is a memorable one with them! I did the big 10 miles at MP+1:00 then 10 miles at MP workout that I've heard about for a couple of years for the first time this year, though I did 4 more miles after the 10 at MP for 24 on the day. My 4 hour training run was also pretty memorable, since I've never done that before! Even the speed workouts and track reps that aren't my forte were extremely fun this year. The every day easy runs always include inside jokes, fun facts, laughs, a lot of randomness, and a ton of endorphins. Running friends truly enhance my life.

I continued coaching several of my running buddies this year, and I love seeing their break throughs! Casey ran a long-awaited huge half PR at Bass Pro (1:21:58, also breaking my age 38 state record) and moved her marathon PR down a notch in Chicago (2:50:59). Colin blazed a 2:41:20 in the Des Moines marathon, even running most of it solo. Amy knocked out super impressive mileage and an age 50 state record in the 25k. Ann ran her second fastest marathon a week after having COVID, and we know she has a faster one in her, because a week off COVID! Spencer PRed with 2:58:24 at GO St Louis and was ready to run a 1:18ish half at Bass Pro but was derailed by illness. Sierra is now training for Boston, Sarah is conquering PA school, and Elise is practicing having two children, with the arrival of a new baby boy on Dec. 22!

I love running just as much as, or maybe more than, ever before. I don't know if I'll ever improve my current PRs, but that doesn't really change anything; I'll be running just as much, because performances are not what get me out there every day. I genuinely love every bit of training, and my marathons especially this year reminded me how valuable training is to me - I loved the process more than I can express, even though I was highly disappointed in my marathons. You'll find me running a ton and giving my all - and whatever that gets me on race day I will try to be happy with...even if I just know I have a better one in me, haha!