Peace Out, 2019

I suppose we're overdue for an entry, eh? I mean, it is the last day of the year and it's been two weeks. I may or may not be still listening to Christmas music. Judge me, please.

So, my feed is filled with 'top 9' posts and people reaching milage milestones. Maybe you're one of the few that doesn't care about any of that. Please, step into my corner. Someone tweeted on my feed recently regarding this and said: "Just run or rest as you ought to in order to stay on the trajectory of adding fitness every day." Finally, my thoughts put into an actual proper sentence. If you hit a million goals, PRs, and ran 8 million miles in 2019, that's great! If you didn't hit a single mark, guess what? You're still improving whether you think you are or not. No one wrote a handbook on what's expected of someone to be classified as a "proper runner". You aren't required to sign up for x-amount of races, achieve one specific finish time, or run a set amount of miles. Run because you want to. Run because maybe it's a great form of therapy that comes at no charge other than maybe feeling sore. Run because maybe someone you know can't and you want to for them. Now, I'm not saying don't set any goals. They're a great way to have something to work toward. I'm saying if you do have goals and you don't make them, your life will still commence. You will wake up tomorrow into a new calendar year and it doesn't change a damn thing. Maybe make 2020 the year where you take a load off your shoulders and stop being hard on yourself when your performance lacks. I've been exceptionally more positive with myself since I've changed my tune but that doesn't mean I don't have doubts on myself ever. I just texted my coach and go-to for honest feedback a few days ago and told her this is the least prepared I think I've ever been for a race. You know what she said? "You have 6 weeks and a lot can happen!" Stop doubting and start doing.

Alright, reflection time. Queue the music. 2019 has been eventful! Let's start with the non-running related things. We settled in on our first full year living in Arizona. I still wouldn't trade it for anything. We survived our first summer with 115-120 degree days. I graduated from college (again). We went to Disneyland and it literally was a dream come true just like the commercial makes it out to be. I became a certified Registered Health Information Administrator. Don't ask me to explain it because I can't in normal terms. We flew back to Michigan twice on unwilling occasions and spent a weekend in Vegas. My dad survived his first major surgery and was benign of cancer. I finally bit the bullet and got my wisdom teeth out at the age of 31. Seriously, why did it take me so long? I dove into adopting a vegetarian lifestyle and more recently transitioned into trying to be more vegan. Lots of car shows, museum visits, new restaurant finds, and art shows. We did some great hikes and I peed out in nature for the first time. Bet you wanted to know that. I learned to crochet and I don't completely suck at it like I did at knitting. Brittany Runs a Marathon, Downton Abbey, and Star Wars were seen. Oh yeah, and Game of Thrones ended which still really sucks. 

Shall we move on to running now? I started the year slow, coming off of injury from the fall. I trained for a 5K in February and an attempt at a PR. I failed. I joined the club of having a hydration vest (Osprey Dyna 15) and it literally was a huge game-changer. I don't know how I ran with a belt before.  I went on my first proper trail run. Like, one with actual inclines and declines. Not just a flat gravel path like Michigan has. I joined Team Nuun, Honey Stinger, Squirrel's Nut Butter, and became an ambassador for the Mesa Marathon. I started training for a half marathon PR attempt and ended up with major knee issues putting me out for almost two months. I started physical therapy (still in it) and am so blessed to have the best team of therapists helping me become stronger and build my endurance. After being a faithful Saucony shoe owner for years, I switched sides to Hoka One One. The Clifton 6 has been my lifesaver not only for my feet but just overall everything. I learned that my actual foot size was smaller than I thought and my overpronation wasn't as bad as previously suspected. I deferred my fall race plans in favor of putting my marathon on the front lines instead and I'm glad I did, despite having serious FOMO. I spectated my first ultra race (Javelina Jundred) and boy, did that light a fire under me. Having Kaci Lickteig within an arm's length and talking with Catra Corbett are memories I'll never forget. Just typing that sentence gave me goosebumps. Lots of highs and lots of lows but the most important turn of events was mental. I finally let go of trying to fight for faster speeds and personal records and just run because I love the idea of reaching for the stars. My training has become so much more positive and I look forward to setting out. I can't wait to run this upcoming marathon with no expectations but to just finish and have fun.

2020 brings a lot of the unknown. Do I have races in mind? Yes. Of friggin' course I do. The Mesa Marathon will be my last road race for a long time unless someone tugs my arm to join them in a fun run. I've enjoyed my miles on the road but the trail is calling and I'm answering on the first ring. I encourage you to try something new and out of the ordinary. Maybe you want to do that aerial silk stuff. I saw a woman do that in Vegas and it was mind-blowing not to mention her back muscles were amazing. Maybe you want to learn how to cook more meals as opposed to eating out. Maybe ride your bike to work or learn to stand up paddleboard. I don't know. The possibilities are endless when you open up your mind more instead of having tunnel vision. 

Shall we raise a glass? Whether it's an adult beverage, coffee, tea, or whatever you like; cheers. We'll see you next year.