Happy New Year, friends! As the calendar flips to 2026, many of us are setting intentions, making resolutions, and looking forward to what the next 365 days might bring. For me, choosing a “Word of the Year” has become a powerful tradition: a single guiding principle to navigate the unexpected, celebrate the small wins, and stay true to my evolving journey. Past words like “Worthy,” “Consistent,” and “Persist” have shaped significant chapters. This year, my word is…
ADVENTURE!
What Does Adventure Mean To Me?
When you hear “adventure,” your mind might jump to scaling mountains, backpacking through Europe, or trekking through remote jungles. And while I certainly dream of those grand expeditions (ok, maybe not trekking through remote jungles), for 2026, I’ve got my eye on some fun adventures that may be a little less extreme! It will be fun to travel to new states and try new events, in addition to spending some quality time together.
The Running Adventure
As you know, I have a goal to run 50 races in 50 states. The purpose was always twofold: to continue running, and to see new places. While it’s been slow going, Mr PugRunner and I are already looking at the calendar to consider options. In some cases, we are even investigating races in two states on one weekend!
The Adventure Of Exploration
I’m the kind of person who likes to learn and do new things all the time. If I’m not moving and trying things, I’m not happy. Over the past years, as I’ve recovered from injury and come to terms with some traumatic experiences, it’s no longer enough to hold the line and maintain. I want to be out there, making the most of all kinds of experiences, each and every day.
The Transitional Adventure
2026 is the year A turns 18 and embarks on adventures of his own. I will always be his mom, but I am also in a time of transition where my role as a human is shifting quite dramatically. I’m sure it will be bittersweet in so many ways, but I’m also excited to lean in to the change in dynamic. As an individual, a partner, and a business owner, so many worlds are opening up and I can’t wait to explore!
Why Did I Choose Adventure Now?
After years of persisting and overcoming, 2026 feels like a pivot. It’s about moving from pushing through to actually enjoying. It’s about actively seeking joy, embracing curiosity, and trusting that even when things feel uncertain, there’s always an adventure to be found. It’s about building a life that feels expansive, exciting, and deeply authentic. This is what I need, and where I plan to thrive.
Join The Adventure
What’s your word for 2026? Or what does “adventure” look like in your life right now? I’d love to hear your thoughts and dreams as we embark on this new year together. Let’s make 2026 an unforgettable adventure, one step, one smile, and one moment at a time!
Join us next week —> How do you reset your routine after the holidays?
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
You know I’m all about adventure! Here’s to many adventures for us both in 2026!
Happy New Year, Jenn! “Adventure” sounds like great fun!
Your goal of running 50 races in 50 states is so inspiring, and doing TWO states in one weekend is going to be an adventure in itself.
A’s transition when he turns 18 will be bittersweet, but embracing it as a new adventure is a beautiful way to look at it.
Here’s to an exciting year ahead!
I love it!!! And you know what’s funny, I was considering “adventure” for my own word at one point!!! Mostly in the sense that you talked about in your “transitional adventure” section- I want to greet changes as adventures, rather than problems to resist.
I think this is a great word for you, and I agree- let’s all make 2026 an unforgettable adventure!
Jenn I love your word choice and thoughts behind your choice! I agree that 2026 does feel like a pivot and I for one am ready to embrace the shift. Cheers to a great year of adventure ahead!
Adventure is a great word for the year, Jenn, and can mean so much in so many different contexts! I knew that running would be a huge part of adventuring (love your goal of running in 50 states), but having your child turn 18 is a big new adventure, too!