This year started out with so much uncertainty which made planning for races quite challenging. Running, again became a way to have some control and achieve a sense of accomplishment. With races in flux for at least the first part of the year, I made my focus on building a strong base and staying injury free. Here is a snapshot of my year in running 2021.
Year in Running 2021
January
We got very little snow this year so when we do, it’s a running photo op!
February 2021
An unusually mild day gave us a great opportunity to get our virtual for the love of it 10K done. We even won for best photo from the local run store.
A second “Kiss My Mask” Valentine’s Day themed 14K felt fun to accomplish.
March 2021
A mild day and a chance to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a St. Pat’s day run into DC for coffee and treats. Things were still pretty locked down and we had to grab and go our treats but always a fun route to run.
April 2021
With the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler race postponed to fall, we set out to find a few of our own.
May 2021
I had the fun opportunity to run in Chicago with Erica. She gave me a fabulous tour of the city in our running shoes.
June 2021
Things were starting to feel normal again and I was lucky enough to head out for a 4 day running and hiking tour in California with one of my besties. We hit the trails and saw some amazing views while covering about 50 miles.
July 2021
We escaped for a long weekend in Nantucket, Mass. I took in the sights and had some super scenic runs. This was the first summer that I made a concerted effort to really keep up my miles despite the heat and humidity. It really paid off for me in the fall.
August 2021
I had a few epic runs in NYC with City Running Tours. Running across the Brooklyn Bridge never gets old.
September 2021
Finally an in person race! The Cherry Blossom 10 miler finally happened in September (instead of the usual April). I was so happy to be racing again. My hot summer miles paid off. Nothing like race day!
October 2021
I had been training for this race for almost 2 years due to all the cancelations. The Wine Glass Half Marathon was worth waiting for. I was really proud of my training for this race and was able to beat my PR time from 8 years ago using run/walk intervals. Training through the summer was tough but so rewarding.
November 2021
How fun to head back to Chicago to visit my daughter and be able to jump into the Hot Chocolate 15K. Even better, Kim was there to run with me and help pace me to a huge PR.
December 2021
I was able to squeeze in one more low-key race. The Chutzpah Channukah 8 miler was lots of fun to do with my crew.
Despite the fact that many of my races were canceled the first half of the year, I was able to finish the year strong. Knock on wood-I had an injury free year, trained hard, and earned myself 2 new PRs. I credit this to a few things. Religious strength training and stretching via the Peloton app. I warmed up before each and every run and stretched daily. I trained through the heat of the summer with a purpose that translated into a strong fall run season. Finally, I figured out how to dial in my nutrition to work for me which translated to me feeling stronger on my runs. This also reignited my passion for nutrition and I became a certified nutrition coach. I am now working with other runners to dial in their nutrition to help them reach their fitness and wellness goals.
So, while my year in running 2021 may not have been what I expected, I managed to finish the year feeling stronger and fitter. I am looking forward to seeing what new opportunities lie ahead in 2022.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
You had a fantastic year, Deborah!
Finishing a year stronger and fitter than you started is a great success. You have a great fitness regimen with the right mix.
I’m not surprised that you won for the best photo from the local run store – your photos always capture the atmosphere very well!
Thanks so much Cat. I do feel stronger than last year and that’s a great feeling
Congrats on a great year! I think for many runners the downtime from racing paid off because they were able to build a strong base and work on any weaknesses. It was amazing to see so many runners get huge PRs this fall! Can’t wait to see what 2022 brings for you!
That is a really good point about having more downtime between races. It is so easy to get swept up and sign up for a ton of races through the year without enough rest in between
Your hard work really paid off! You know how I feel about strength training–it really pays off. Getting PRs at our age is amazing. The other thing that stood out to me from this post is how much of your running is spent with friends. It’s great that you have such a large group of running friends.
I would say 99% of my runs are with my friends and that made all the difference for me this year as well. They are really a true gift in my life. I agree that strength training is the key to aging strong and healthy!
Just love your pictures. You look so happy in each one. Congrats on a great year of running. PRs we’re just icing on the cake.
Agreed! I really am happy running with friends and that is what it is all about right?!
Way to go on spanking 2021! Lots of accomplishments and great runs (in many great places), what more could one want? Oh, yeah, a few shiny new PR’s…and you snagged those as well. I’m honored I was able to be a part of it 😉 Cheers to an even better 2022!!
Thanks Kim! Hope we have the chance to run together next year at some point
You had a great year in running, Deborah! Congrats on figuring out how to run strong & on your two PRs!
thanks this year turned out to be a good one for running
You had such a great year of running and it was fun to look back at all of your adventures! Here’s to 2022 being another fabulous year of running!
Thanks! Hoping we both have a fabulous 2022
A fantastic year with great races, scenic runs and many accomplishments.
It’s too beautiful to make the tour of the cities in running shoes. Some blogger friends came to visit me and my family before going to Rome and I was their touristic running guide.
Wonderful photos!
And now a fabulous 2022 full of PR!!!!!
All the best.
That is the best kind of guide! I am sure they appreciated the tour
What an awesome year of running for you! I love that you were able to do so many races and travel to different cities.
thanks it turned out to be a pretty good year of running and travel. Now, we need to find a race to do together!