I think we can all agree this year was a bit… unorthodox when it came to running, races, and life in general. For me, between the surgery and the pandemic, I lost out on months of running, but now I’m back and determined to finish this year strong!
Keep On Doing What I’m Doing
I don’t to toot my own horn here, but the truth is, I am pretty proud of my recovery arc. It’s hard to think that just over a year ago, I was basically bed-bound with absolutely no ability to bear weight on my right leg. In the subsequent months, I stayed the course, remained patient, and pushed reasonably. Was it a slog? Yes, but slow and steady win the race, and my commitment to this path is going to serve me well going forward. I can feel it.
Get Through My One-Year Injur-versary
It may sound ridiculous, but as I close in on one year since my fall, I feel myself getting a bit edgy and anxious. Our local middle school just sent out info for their annual Turkey Trot, which was the last event I completed before the accident, and the sound of banging on stairs is starting to send shivers down my spine again. Who knew so many emotions would be tied into this? My goal is to just keep my head up and keep moving forward.
Complete a (Virtual) Half Marathon
A few weeks ago, FOMO got the better of me and I registered for the Team Nuun Half Marathon. I got absolutely caught up in the excitement of the other ambassadors, and here we are. I am fairly confident that in my current level of fitness, I can complete 13.1 miles in some form or other. It won’t be anything heroic, and I’m just slightly behind in my training, but a finish is a finish, and that’s all I need.
Register For An In-Person Race
Around here, live races have started up again. Like most of us, I MISS live races – it’s been almost a year since I’ve toed a starting line, and I want to be ready. From what I see on social media, race directors are really going above and beyond to ensure everyone’s safety, to the extent of their ability, so now I just have to give myself permission to go out there. I want something on the smaller side, so that I don’t feel physically crowded (for my leg and for any possible virus spread), but also one where I feel confident that I can hold my own on the course.
Maybe this one?
Plan Something Amazing for 2021
While I hate to admit it, but it seems like 2020 is shot as far as plans. We might be able to scoot out for a few long weekends, but in the running arena, I’ve got nothing going on. As a result, 2021 needs to be fabulous and I need to look beyond that end of the year to keep morale and motivation high. My sights are set for something in the Best Damn Race series. It would be good to go back to basics (PS – if you’re looking for a great race, use code RUNSWITHPUGS to save 10% off any distance in Safety Harbor, Orlando, and New Orleans in 2021).
What are your running goals for the end of this year? Any milestones? In-person or virtual races? Challenges to overcome!
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A great set of goals, Jenn!
Isn’t it amazing how well you recovered from your accident last year? Well done!
For 2020, I have my 5k time trial at the end of November which I’m doing with a virtual Garmin coach. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we will have any in-person races for a while.
It really has been a crazy year! But maybe the lack of races caused you to slow down with your return to running which actually helped you long-term? How exciting that you are planning to run a half-marathon!
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Great goals, well done! I want to complete my 1000 miles in the year again for the third time and to beat the last two years (I am 80 and 50 miles ahead at the moment so fingers crossed). I want each month to be a 100 mile month and once I’ve done my half-marathon distance this week, I want to try to to done every month, to keep my stamina up. Otherwise, increase my bravery for doing dark runs, I suppose, as it fits in well with my life to run before breakfast but dawns are drawing late now! Best of luck with your plans. No in-person races around here for a good while …
I’m so glad you’re getting back at it and adding miles to your distance! Fingers crossed that once that auspicious day passes, you’ll be good to go. <3
You should definitely be very proud of your comeback! Keep on doing what you are doing. We have already rescheduled our canceled NY girls’ weekend for next October. I don’t think we will have any in person races here for a while but I hope to be ready when we do
I absolutely get being freaked out a little bit by the anniversary. Last year I fell (the reason why I stopped running in the dark) though thankfully I wasn’t injured I did get a bit beat up and it always makes me uncomfortable to run on the street where I fell. But oh my goodness how far you’ve come and all of the discipline that you put in to keep going but not do too much too soon…you invested in your self and now you get the dividends.
I’ll be running an in person race this weekend!!!! After that I’m going after my 5k time to round out the year.
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I love your goals to sign up for a live race and to plan something exciting for 2021! I can’t believe that in-person races are starting again and I am so happy! My goal is to find one near me too! Also, I love the idea of planning something for 2021. Hoping 2021 is a better year!
So proud of you.
Running has taken a back seat to hiking.
I plan one in person race. But in 2021 maybe get more serious about running.
That’s great how well you have been able to build back! You have made such a strong comeback. I hope the anniversary passes without too much anxiety and that your half marathon goes well!
Great goals! You have done such an awesome job with your comeback – you should be really proud of yourself. I hope your injur-versary passes uneventfully.
I know the significance of a rally-back and the anniversary of when it all began (and now I have two to celebrate). I’m cleared for walking (within reason, nothing grandiose for now), and can start jogging a mile (at a time) next week…so my big goal to finish 2020 with a race under my belt. It may be only a 5K (and it may have to be a virtual one), but I’m not picky LOL
Great goals! I don’t think I’ll be running any races the rest of this year but I went ahead and signed up for the Mesa Marathon in February. I hope that it will happen because I’m just not into running a virtual marathon.
I would think the edginess you feel as your injur-versary approaches is probably a little PTSD. It was a very traumatic experience, after all.