2017: My Year in Bling

Wow. What an incredible, amazing year it has been for this road warrior. Even in spite of having a huge obstacle thrown in my path (hello, RA!), I am saying goodbye to 2017 with a huge smile on my face. I found a way to make peace with those run/walk intervals, integrating them into my races and saying goodbye to the frustration of struggling with my paces.

This year, I ran 3 half marathons, a 10 miler, a 15k, a 10k, and 2 5ks.

I also DNS'd a full marathon and a half marathon and DNF'd a 10k. That DNF was my wake up call to check my ego at the start line and embrace those run/walk intervals. Which I did with gusto.

Guess how that turned out for me?

Wintrust Lakefront 10 miler

My first race of the year was a familiar one. This was my 4th running of the Chicago Area Runners' Association kick off to the running season. Kim from Running on the Fly came to Chicago to join me. It was a cold, windy morning and I earned that Lagunitas at the finish. This race is never easy as the field is fast! But it's a favorite and I'm hoping to run it again in 2018. Because, Lagunitas at the finish line is the best incentive.

Door County Half Marathon

North meets South. My dear friend Holly, from HoHo Runs traveled all the way from the Deep South to the North Woods of Wisconsin to run this race in my most favorite place in the world. Thankfully, she was no stranger to hills as we conquered those of Door County. Amazingly, we crossed that finish line at the exact same time. She also got to try cheese curds, walleye, and cherry pie. Oh, and the band at the post-race party sang Sweet Home Alabama for her.

Rock 'N' Roll Chicago Half Marathon

This was one incredible experience. I was interviewed with running legend Kathrine Switzer to talk about aging and running with RA. And as if that were not enough, K Swizz was at the finish line and handed me my medal. The race was hard--it was hot and humid--but the memories made this hometown race one worthy of a repeat. I'll be back in 2018!

Hot Chocolate 15k

This race was one of those spur of the moment decisions. I was at the RnR expo, there was a discount code, and yadda yadda yada, I was signed up. As it would happen, Karen from Fit in France was in town and convinced Marcia to join us! This was the race that showed me that things were coming together for me and that yes! I could run a race using run/walk intervals and finish with a respectable time.

Schaumburg Half Marathon Turkey Trot

When I couldn't make the trek to Panama City Beach to join my #hotlottafun friends, my training partner Steph convinced me to join her to run this one. This race has always been a favorite of mine and for me, the third time was the charm--even though it was my slowest finish for this race, it was my best half of this year. I finished with a smile on my face, knowing that I gave my best effort and was rewarded with my fastest half of the year. 

I can't discount my shorter distances because I AG'd in all 3 of them. Sure, they were small races, but I am so proud of those finishes and the bling I received. I never expect bling from a 10k or a 5k, and so it's especially meaningful when I receive it!

Stampede 10k

It wasn't my fastest finish for this 10k, but my nemesis moved up to a new age group! No bling here, but I did get a cool pint glass for my first place AG finish. Every time I drink out of that glass it puts a smile on my face! 

Shake and Bake 5k

On my visit with Holly, I ran my first Alabama 5k and snagged 1st place in my AG. I was awarded a medal for my efforts but even better was the peach cobbler we ate on the way home. 

Jingle Bell 5k for Arthritis

I don't run 5ks very often, and certainly not in downtown Chicago, but when my rheumatologist recruited me for this race, I couldn't say no. I'm so glad I didn't, because I ran the race I knew I had in me and was rewarded with a 1st place AG medal. Even better was the hug I got from my doctor. She's a keeper.

If you would have told me at the start of 2017 that I would have such a great year of running, I wouldn't have believed you. I had no expectations at all. In fact, I didn't set goals for 2017. I had 3 intentions: finishing is winning, having fun, and if all else failed, saying f--that and moving on. Mission accomplished. 

And here we are. I'm still me. I'm still running. Life goes on. 

See you on the road.

I'm linking this post with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for Tuesdays on the Run as well as Debbie, Lora, and Rachel for Coaches Corner.