2021 Highlights: The Bling

2021 was an interesting year, especially in terms of racing.

Covid appeared to be dwindling, and many runners welcomed the return to live races. For myself, there wasn't as much racing, in comparison to previous years (with the exception of 2020), but all of my races were significant to me. A few were virtual, but the majority were in-person.

And I've got the bling to show for my efforts.

My "racing season" had its own twists and turns. Don't forget, I was still in recovery mode from my first-ever stress fracture when the ball dropped on the new year. Paranoid about re-injury (those itty-bitty bones in ones feet have to absorb a lot of impact, after all), I had zero grandiose goals when 2021 began. 

Here's what went down, in terms of races and the bling brought home:

The Illinois Criss Cross virtual challenge

This challenge practically fell into my lap, just before 2020 came to a close. The challenge went from November 2020 through early May 2021. Participants had the option to do the east-west route (224 miles), or the north-south route (435 miles) OR they could take on the Double, and do both (659 cumulative miles). Walking and running miles counted, and I also was able to add in my elliptical miles as well (but I only counted half of those since the effort wasn't as technical). This challenge had me moving and grooving on the daily, to keep the miles coming in. It proved to be a great non-threatening means of staying active without over-doing it on my recovered foot. 

Allstate Hot Chocolate 5K ( Houston, TX virtual...January 30)

While many runners were over and done with virtual events, this event came along at an opportune time to test out my endurance. Obviously, there were no PR goals, but my hope was to run the entire 5K at a strong and steady pace. Mission accomplished! Although it was just a virtual endeavor, the medal symbolized my return to distance running.

Leprechaun Chase (Papillion, NE...March 6)

No medal from this long-time favorite event, but a glass stein with the event's name and logo on it. This particular race, on that particular day, was my official return to a race course. Yes, there was all kinds of Covid protocol in place, and a few elements of this race (the lads vs. the lasses) had to be altered, but it was a joyous day. I literally had tears in my eyes, as I crossed the start line, because it felt so good to be back doing what I love. And the glass stein? There was the requisite green beer at the finish line (even though I didn't indulge).

Chocoholic Frolic 5K (Iowa City, IA...March 27)

A couple weeks later, I toed the line again, this time in Iowa City (an hour from my hometown). Again, no specific race goals other than to do what I know best...run by feel. How did that work for me? Well, no 5K PR's (as if, LOL), but I did manage a 1st place AG (out of 12) and a 3rd place overall female finish (out of 56). I was totally good with that.  And, a medal that resembles a box of chocolates? I'm good with that, too.

Drake Relays Road Races Half Marathon  (Des Moines, IA...April 18)

It had been a long time since I'd run a half marathon, and this race offered participants the option to run it live or virtual (I'd registered back in December knowing there was a chance the event would be able to be held in person). This race went especially well for me, too. Did I mention the course is hilly? Or that I ran it without the "crutch" of music? My official finish time was 2:05 and change...less than a minute from a course PR (and that was with a potty stop). Indeed, this half marathon really assured me that I was back in racing action.

  

Fight for Air Climb (Des Moines, IA...May 15)

I've been a  fan of the Climb for numerous years. This year, to make things much more Covid-compliant , the event was head at Principal Park (a baseball stadium in downtown Des Moines). It wasn't as challenging (not even by a long shot) as the usual 80+ flights of stairs, in hot and stuffy stairwells, of the downtown towers...but the event was able to happen, and that's what mattered. Rumor has it that the 2022 event will be held in the same location, but participants will have the option to climb the steps of the stadium 1, 2, 3, or 4 times! 

Sully Freedom Fun Run 5K (Sully, IA...July 5)

Another must-do event on my racing roster every summer, this time I was able to snag a 1st place AG finish, edging out another gal who has always finished ahead of me. The thing is, I didn't even know she was there until the awards ceremony. It made me proud to know I simply did it on my own, without the quest of beating someone else. By the way, it was a hot and humid morning, so I was totally in my element, LOL

 

Midnight Madness 5K (Ames, IA...July 10)

I've done this race a few times as well. In previous years, we had the option of doing both the 5K and 10K, since they're held at different times (but on the same evening). This year, the event changed locations, and racers had to choose either the 5K or the 10K, since both would start at the same time. I was all set to do the 10K, only Momma N had other plans, and dropped some heavy rain and lightening on the scene. The organizers, decided to just have the 5K race, but moved the start time back an hour (to allow the storm to pass). Ugh. I'm not a fan of the 5K distance, especially when I'm prepared for a 10K. But, I ran the the 5K, and made the best of it...and finished with two third place AG awards. For those who are Iowa residents, the two-medal-bling is because this event is held in conjunction with the Summer Iowa Games...essentially , it's like running two races simultaneously (I know, #UniqueSituation).   

DAM to DSM (Des Moines, IA...August28)

Most everyone knows DAM to DSM is my favorite race every year. It had to go virtual in 2020, and got bumped back to late August (instead of its usual early June date) due to Covid (there's that word again). Only, I wasn't able to run it virtually in 2020 because of my stress fracture (so I biked it, just for the sake of participating, in some capacity). To say I was giddy with excitement, this year, would be a major understatement. Unfortunately, the race didn't go as well as I'd hoped, and I had to walk a lot (due to the heat, fatigue, and inefficient fueling). BUT, I got to experience the famous point-to-point course that I love so dearly, so it still was a day I'm quite grateful for. The medal symbolizes all the grit and perseverance I had to draw on to get to the finish line.

Air Force Marathon 10K (Dayton, OH...run virtually on Labor Day)

I was training for the AFM 26.2 when the race officials decided to make the entire marathon weekend go virtual (again, Covid). I was disappointed, but also supportive of their difficult decision. I do still want to run this marathon, someday, but on the actual race course at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (not on the streets of my hometown). So, I opted for a refund, and ran the virtual 10K instead. Not ideal, but it worked. This 10K medal will have to do until I get the opportunity to bring home a 26.2 companion for it.

Kickoff to Kinnick 5K (Iowa City, IA; virtual, run in Virginia...October 2)

Another favorite event is the K2K 5K. It not only reps my University of Iowa Hawkeyes, but also benefits the children's hospital...you know, the hospital all the Hawkeye fans (and team players, opponents and referees)  wave to during the home football games in Kinnick Stadium. I was out of town, in the DC/Virginia area on race weekend, so I did the next best thing and ran the 5K virtually, with Deb (who became a Hawkeye for a day).

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon and MercyOne 5-Mile Run (Des Moines, IA...October 16 & 17)

Another live event that I was eager to return to was the IMT Marathon Weekend. I ran the MercyOne 5-Miler Run on Saturday, then ran the Half Marathon the next day. Both races went well, especially the half marathon...with tired legs (from the previous day's 5-miler), no music, nor a working Garmin. I can do hard things, LOL. 

Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K (Chicago, IL...November 7)

Finally, having made last-minute arrangements to be in Chicago (another Iowa Hawkeye football game, on a Saturday evening), I was able to meet-up with Deborah and run this race with her the next morning. We had a blast chatting and laughing as we made our way towards the chocolate-infused finish line. Great memories!

So, yeah. I guess I did do quite a bit of racing, most of which was in-person. I had a great deal of fun pinning on all those race bibs, and testing out my legs (and recovered foot). I'm a sucker for a great medal because I cherish all the lessons learned, accomplishments achieved and obstacles overcome in getting to the finish lines. 

How did your 2021 year play out in terms of racing? Any great bling? Memories made? Lessons learned?

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie, Deborah, Lisa, Laura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

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