Last year was full of amazing changes and growth! I ran A LOT, Garmin says about 1,450 miles. Looking back at 2019 is a great way to reflect and be grateful for all that you accomplished. Here are my running reflections for last year! Don’t forget to make your own running reflections list and feel proud of all that you have achieved!
For non-running related reflections, check out “The Best of 2019 for Foodie and Travel Lovers”!
Best Race
Urban Cow Half Marathon – Sacramento, California
I was registered to run a marathon in June but ended up not running it due to the fact I got married five days before the race. After skipping my marathon, I refocused and trained for the Urban Cow Half Marathon. During my training I moved to a new state, moved in with my husband, and left my long-time running group. All those changes were tough, but I was SO HAPPY to get the chance to run! It really was a fun race and being able to explore so much of Sacramento was a treat! Check out my race re-cap here for the full review!
Best Runs
8.5 Mile New Year’s Run – Austin, Texas
This is reaching all the way to January 1’st of 2019. I ran a new route near my apartment, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I ended up running that route many times until I moved, it was a bit more “nature-focused” than my typical suburban runs. I had lived in my apartment complex for 8 years and only discovered that trail 8 months before I moved. You never know what gems you will find if you just take a new path!
21 Mile Training Run – Clarksville, Tennessee
A few months ago, I ran my longest run of my Walt Disney World Marathon training cycle. It felt great, and I ended up feeling fine the next day! Feeling good the day after a 21-mile run is rare! I certainly remember that run fondly and hope it is a good sign for my race!
Best New Running Gear
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
My husband treated me to this beauty for Christmas. In the past, I ran with a Garmin Forerunner 35. This newer Garmin 245 allows me to ditch my iPod shuffle and stream music directly from my watch! It also has many interesting metrics, I am still discovering new features. The run-data nerd in me loves all the graphs and insights. I recommend this watch; it makes running just that much more enjoyable!
Best Running Related Change
Running in Nature
After moving to Tennessee to be with my husband, my running routes obviously had to change. In Texas, I ran mainly around neighborhoods and downtown areas. Now I run in greenways and nature paths. I have fewer routes now, but the ones I do have are much more scenic. It’s almost a guarantee on my runs that I will see deer, interesting types of birds, and chipmunks. It’s so special running by a group of bright red cardinals, or a few tiny chipmunks scurrying off the path!
Most Unique Run
Running in Ireland
I ran in Ireland only a few days as I got sick in the middle of our trip. The times I did get in a few miles were very unique! I ran around St. Stephen’s Green, which is a gorgeous park in the middle of Dublin. I also did a short run in Killarney through Killarney National Park. I saw some gorgeous deer and wished I had felt better so I could have explored more of the stunning park.
Best Running Related Achievement
Starting a Blog!
I may not have run as many races as I would have liked to this year, but I did start this blog! I am so proud of what my blog represents, and I hope that I can inspire and encourage others to get out there and RUN! =)
Now it’s your turn to look back at 2019 and reflect on what you are grateful for! Remember, it’s not all about PR’s (personal records) or mile splits, it’s also about the journey! What did you love about running last year? How can you make it better this year? Happy New Year and enjoy the ride 😉
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Thanks for getting remotivated to start walking again and prepare for another 5K walking marathon! A few years ago I got really into walking and fitness and enjoyed participating in my first ‘Turkey Trot’ here in Dallas, TX. After reading this, I’ve decided to go back and start the walking process again and I will do it again! Thanks.
That’s great! Walking is so amazing for you! =)
This was a very motivating post!
You are inspiring!
Wow, what an exciting year you had! Ireland is still on my bucketlist. Sorry you fell ill on your trip, that sounds like my kind of luck.
So many impressive accomplishments here! I always joke that I would only run if being chased by bears. 🙃 I enjoy following your blog and wish you the best of luck and great things in the upcoming year. ♥️
I wish I started running when I was younger. You are such an inspiration.
It’s helpful to reflect on the past year. You’ve done some fabulous runs. Congratulations! Amazing annual total mileage! My biggest accomplishment in 2019 was running my first full marathon. I am a cancer survivor and started running to get healthy. Never intended to run a marathon. I ran the Twin Cities Marathon on the 5th anniversary of my survivorship. Anything is possible. Thank you for your post and the reminder for us all to look back to see how far we have come.
You are an inspiration! Have a fabulous 2020! =)
I loved to read about running in nature and in Ireland! 3 years ago I was also running through different forests and nature. After moving to Germany, I needed to do that in a more modern city with better infrastructure and then I started to miss my runs through nature..
Natural runs are awesome! But I bet running in Germany is amazing too!