My #PlotTwist of a Year - 2017 in Review

It was the best of times, it was (almost) the worst of times.

Somehow, it flew by ever-so-quickly. 2017 is now in the rear view mirror, and it took me on an interesting voyage around the sun.


Care to hear what all went down?

There were a lot of races to be run, 18 in fact. Unlike recent years, I ran more 5K's than anything in 2017 (five!), and only four half marathons. There also were a couple 5-milers, three 10K's, as well as a 10-miler, a full marathon, a stair climb event, and a 76-mile team relay.

2017 race bibs

There was a lot of bling and swag to be brought home. A lot of my races had finisher medals, and event shirts. The 1/4 zip jackets continue to be a popular swag item, and I was happy to score a few of those.

2017 medals

There were some humbling events. My favorite race every year is Dam to Dam (Recap), and this year its course was rerouted due to construction, and the weather soared to record highs without much warning, making for a difficult race and my slowest D2D finish time ever. And, let's not forget Grandma's Marathon (Recap)... a festive event in a beautiful setting (and I got to run it with a fun running gal pal none the less), but also on an especially hot day (the temps climbed 20-degrees as we ran). Although I managed to squeak out a course PR, I still finished a good 30 minutes slower than I was hoping.

There was a huge setback. A bursitis flare that turned infectious had me (unexpectedly) on the operating table 12 days following Grandma's Marathon. That followed with a week-long hospital stay, several weeks of continuous IV at-home infusions, and a 6-inch suture scar that needed lots of TLC with minimal bending and movement. And, let's not forget the 3-month sabbatical from running to allow the suture to properly "seal and heal." Complete details are on my Road to Recovery page (HERE).

My 2017 summer reality

There was growth, discovery, and perseverance. As much as I love running, I realized (thankfully) that I was not codependent on it for my livelihood. Instead, I did a lot of strength-training and walking (LOTS of walking...like 289 miles of walking) during those hot summer months when everyone else was running, training, and racing.

Lots (and lots) of walking

There were several proud moments. I'll never forget crossing the finish line at the Kickoff to Kinnick 5K (Recap) because it was my first race back after that forced 3-month sabbatical. A few weeks later, I earned a 3rd place AG finish, and received a personalized etched glass stein from the Mercy Live Up Loop 5-miler (Recap). And, in November, I ran the R'n'R Las Vegas Half Marathon (Recap), which brought tears to my eyes in realizing I had officially rallied back from my recovery.

Finally, the year ended with the annual Runner's World Winter Streak.This was my fifth year doing the Streak. Ironically, this Streak seemed to be the easiest one for me (in comparison to the previous four other winter streaks I have done), but it also was the longest with its 40-day commitment. My main goal was to do every (daily) run outside (Thanksgiving Day through New Year's Day), and (hopefully) pass the century mark with my streaking mileage. Momma N made a last ditch effort to derail my plans with the Artic blast she sent my way, but I was able to finish strong. Although I had to layer-up to endure the sub-ZERO "feels-like" temps in those final 10 days, I completed every run outside, and my streaking mileage tallied up at 105. Mission accomplished.

I beat Momma N at her own game, and finished the run streak outside

It was, indeed, a most unique year. My mileage totaled out at 1,030. Although that number is a bit skewed (to include the 3-month sabbatical of exclusive walking), it is a mileage PR none the less.

All things considered, I am grateful to be able to look back at 2017 with no regrets. There were some frustrating moments (and a couple of DNS's due to the untimely surgery/recovery), but those shadow in comparison to all the good times spent with family and friends. I also had a huge network of running and blogging friends who lifted me up and encouraged me as I rallied back. I was reminded (yet again) that being a runner is a privilege, and every run is a gift. There's no need for complaining when you're doing something you love.

Stronger, better, wiser

So, that's a wrap on 2017. Look out, 2018...I'm ready for some action!

How did your 2017 play out? Any big accomplishments? Setbacks? Significant memories?

***this is the second part of a 2-part series. The first part, My #PlotTwist of a Year - Races & Bling, is HERE .

I'm linking up with my gals, Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. This weekly check-in is such a great place to connect with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Please join us! 

**I'm also linking up with Marcia and Patty and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.