2017 Year of Running

Look at that elevation! [Strava end of year]

Just like 2015 and 2016, I'm joining Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC for the annual Year of Running linkup. But first, some stats and notes:

2017 Stats

• Total running miles: 930
  I was on track to surpass 1,000 until an injury. I'm proud of my mileage considering I barely ran for 3 months!
• Total hiking miles: 136 
• Races: 16 
• Awards: 1 top 3 AG (2nd) 
• Injury: 1
  I finally have an answer: too much movement in my left knee as a result of one-sided Trendelenburg (hip drop) and PFPS (runner's knee) on my right. My homework includes glute exercises and upping my cadence. 

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Linkup Questions

View over Challis, Idaho during RONR 25k

Best race experience: River of No Return 25k because it was my longest run ever, the views were excellent (above), I flew on the way down, and I didn't die even when hunger and full sun threatened to take me on the 2,500ft climb. The Missoula Half is a close second because I ran a sub-2 when I wasn't prepared and sick. Must have been the lower elevation!

Pretty standard view during my neighborhood runs.

Best run: There were so many great runs in Bozeman that I can't remember anything specific. Thankful I live in such a beautiful place with tons of trails.

Best new piece of running gear: I flippin' love Oiselle's Runner Trucker hat. It folds up and is perfect for travel, camping, running, whatever. I've washed it a billion times and it still looks new. I also like my Osprey hydration pack. Running with a pack is glorious. Hands free! Pockets for everything!

Best running advice you’ve received this year: Any time I complained about being slower in Montana or about how fast people in Bozeman are, I was usually reminded to take time to enjoy my surroundings and stop worrying about pace. A good side-effect of my year-end injury: it helped me appreciate running for fun.

Fangirling with Emily

Most inspirational runner: I have a lot. I had a blast watching Shalane Flanagan kick ass at the NYC Marathon and continue to love Des Linden and Kara Goucher, even if their years weren't too crazy. I'm also inspired by real people I follow on Instagram. I met one of my heroes in January: I saw Devon Yanko at a screening of Life in a Day (watch it!) and was too scared to go up to say hi. Thankfully, Emily was there to take charge.

Downhill is my favorite... and I'm still more comfortable on asphalt.

Favorite picture from a run or race this year: From RONR 25k while wearing my favorite hat (and shorts)! Overall, I had decent race photos in 2017.

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat: Opera Run for fun. Missoula Half for potential PR-ability. River of No Return for the views (and hot springs after).

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be? "Why are Bozeman people so fast?" "When will I get used to the elevation?" Do those count?

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My 2017 Instagram best nine

Review 2017 Goals

Acclimating to altitude and trail running took its toll on my speed, but I had more fun running this year because I enjoyed my surroundings and ran with others. 

• New 5k PR.
  Technically yes, but only by a few seconds on January 1 (in Ohio).  
• New half PR of 1:56 or below.
  Nope. BUT I ran a sub-2 at 3,200ft in July heat, so that still seems like progress!
• 10k PR at the Tenacious Ten in Seattle. 
• Speed work and hill repeats at least once a week. 
  I did a good job keeping this up until I was injured.   
• Consistent stretching and strength training
  Kind of. I signed up for a strength training class at my gym... but not until November. I'm going to continue in 2018, plus I have homework from my PT.
• Longer mid-week runs 
  Only when I joined my new running friends. 
• Keep up my speed in the summer. I need to work on running through humidity.
  Not sure I kept up speed, but I did a good job getting 5-6 runs a week. Also, I didn't have to deal with humidity (!!!), but I did have to deal with wildfire smoke (that sucked). 

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2018 Goals

I have some unfinished business! I think I've finally adjusted to altitude and now have flat routes to work on speed. Pending recovery, here are my 2018 goals:

• 5K PR. All miles under 7:55. 
• Half PR. All miles under 8:59.
• 10k PR. 8:30 pace or better. 
• Keep up strength training. Continue to attend gym classes and potentially add yoga or pilates 1x a week. 
• Avoid injury! 
• Keep running with other people. It's way more fun.