Why does it seem like I just wrote my year end report just the other day? I guess it’s true that the older you get, the faster it seems to go. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about my running.

It was certainly a banner year as far as running events were concerned, but there was nothing record breaking about my actual running. Considering I suffered with a bout of adrenal fatigue, and the repeat injury on my inner left tibia, it is surprising I pulled off as much as I did. But once again, every year is a learning experience. This one held no exception to that rule. There is no doubt I’m getting older and it is beginning to show in my failure to PR and my lack of age group awards. Maybe turning 50 in 2016 will bring about a resurgence in both these categories.

I can’t complain, though. I managed to squeak out another Boston qualifier at Chicago, plus, that time can be used to ensure my entry into the New York City marathon, should I choose to run it. My total mileage for the year easily surpassed 1000 miles, with the help of my Zero Runner, which I have utilized quite a bit this month alone. I always say I’ll take it easy every December, yet it never happens. This month, however, more miles were spent on the Zero Runner than on the road. I have to think this might translate into “taking it easy”.

2015 Running Summary

Which were my most memorable events? Well, the early winter ones for certain. I actually finished as first female in a 5K event in February of this year (yeah, it was a small turnout), but for me it was notch in the old running belt.

High fiver from the first place male!

Running the Hot Chocolate 15K in April, in memory of Carina Benson, the schoolmate of my daughters’ who passed from Lymphoma back in 2013, was another. I raised over $1000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities!

All done!

Plus, I ran two Team Ortho Challenge races. The Polar Dash Yeti Challenge included a 10K, a 5K and a 1500m in one morning, and the Women Rock Super Starlet Challenge included a half marathon, a 5k and a 1500m over a 24 hour period. Then there was the Minneapolis Half Marathon on June 1, which was the first event I ran representing my IRun4 buddy, Delaney!

What did I miss this year? Running the Belle Plaine Half Marathon. By far, that is the most challenging run of the fall season. In its place, I ran the Chicago marathon. Of course, I have no complaints, but I’m certainly hoping not to miss it this year despite my already full running schedule.

Chicago Marathon

Yep, I’m signing up for events as we speak. It probably isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done…but what the heck. Keeping my calendar full will keep me in training mode all year long. I’ve vowed to do much of it inside this winter, to avoid the cold weather injuries that always seem to plague me year after year. I plan to wing most of them. So far, here is what I am registered for through June:

• 2016 Polar Dash Yeti Challenge
• Securian Winter Half Marathon
• Team Ortho Get Lucky Half Marathon
• Goldy’s 10-Mile Run
• The Boston Marathon
• Lola’s Half Marathon
• Grandma’s Marathon

Yeah…overkill. Plus, there are a few more in between the lines, I’m certain. But this should be a good start to the season.

Yeah, I have a goal to finish Boston in less than 3:45:00. But more than that, I would like to remain injury free so I can give it a good college try! I’m looking forward to avenging that run.

In the end, though, as I turn 50 in May, I want to stay on top of my game to the best of my ability. This means keeping up with my low carb, no sugar lifestyle, not overdoing the training, playing it smart, and keeping my head firmly attached to my neck and shoulders. I’m also encouraged to keep Charmed Running up and running to the best of my ability. Being able to provide shoelace bling to the masses has been very rewarding. And donating part of the proceeds to charity is priceless.

It’s been a topsy turvy year to say the least. I hope that 2016 levels out some and will be a bit more stable and predictable. It might mean taking a few more scheduled deep breaths…

and not taking anything for granted.

Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year. Thanks for listening!

Be seen and run happy.

#Neon