2022 was the year I started making some bolder choices regarding my fitness, after surgery and the pandemic. For a while, I found it hard to really commit myself to things that were going on, but I finally pushed through that (self-created) obstacle.
I Ran A Half-Marathon After Injury
Sometimes, it’s terrifying to return to things you used to do without a second thought, and that half marathon distance was one of those things. It happened in February at the 26.2 with DONNA, and it was awful. Freezing temperatures, rain, wind, and just a series of misfortunes plagued the day. But I did it. And I think I want to do it, again.
I Didn’t Shy Away From The Gate River Run
The Gate River Run 15K is a hometown staple. It was one of the hardest for me to run, because I never felt I deserved to be there (it’s a fast race, drawing elites from around the world, but it’s also incredibly inclusive). The field is huge, in the thousands, and once I put the pause on participating because of my ankle and then cancelations, it was terrifying to go back. On a Saturday morning in March, I put myself in the car, and forced myself out on the course, to speed walk 9.3 miles (thanks to a little tendonitis). It was just what I needed.
I Streaked For Almost 500 Days
I joined the Streaking With The Cool Kids Challenge in June of 2021, and made it past a year of walking/running/jogging one intentional mile every day. Breaking my streak was difficult but I needed the break and it was necessary. I have pretty well resumed that streak but I think I will start the official counting again on January 1.
I Conquered A Plank Challenge
Planking is absolutely not my jam, so to complete 30 days of plank-related activities was a pretty big deal. I can now do a low plank for several minutes (like three), which was way out of my abilities before. High five to me.
I’m Giving Myself Grace
My body has not be super cooperative this year, and the old me would have been super upset and despondent over it. Now, I’m not embracing the changes, exactly, but I’m also meeting myself where I am, and not getting too down on myself. This is huge win for my overall mindset, and I’m proud of myself for not beating myself up over things that aren’t quite so easy to control.
Do you have any fitness victories to share from this year?
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Congrats. These are great.
Let me see. I had a free gym member for 12 weeks and went most days.
33 races.
8 half marathons. One virtual.
1000 miles run.
Not bad.
These are great victories! I especially love giving yourself grace when your body doesn’t cooperate – that was something I tried to be better about.
Ah, I feel like we need to sit down and talk over a festive cup of coffee (or tea!). I’ve spent the last couple years basically feeling like my body hates me. What you’re doing is great- getting yourself back out there but at the same time giving yourself grace. Sometimes you can only push so hard. But- congratulations on the plank challenge! That’s a huge accomplishment. I’ve done planks in the past so I know, three minutes is HARD. I definitely couldn’t do it right now.