The Year in Bling: 2023

The year was 2023.

It was a year of fun, and it was a year of challenges.

It also was a fabulous year of self-discovery, milestones conquered, new experiences and plenty of laughter along the way.

What's more? There's plenty of bling to show for it!

Tough Races Make For Tough Runners

 

That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.

Have you ever been caught in an especially tough race, training run or competitive/endurance event? Were you able to dig deep and persevere to the finish line? Did you have enough grit to keep that proverbial white flag from flying?

I have had races where everything fell into place... the weather was optimal, my energy was on-point, the race course wasn't especially hilly or difficult. And, there have been many other races that took more work than usual to stay on course (no pun intended). These were challenging races that forced me to tap into my "grit reserve." 

Thankfully, these tough races have made me a much tougher runner...and stronger for the fight.

Here are some of them...

Who's Your Real Competition?

Who should we really be competing with?

Often times, it's difficult to know just where one belongs in the field of fellow runners. Whether you're just starting out, or have been running for awhile, it's tough to know just where you belong. 

Pin on a race bib, and it can get even more complicated.  All of these fellow racers toeing the start line; all from varied life experiences, genetic lines and training regimens...are any of them actually realistic competition for you or  me?

I have given this plenty of thought. After all, I have been lacing up my running shoes for 16+ years. Here's my take on who we (realistically) should be competing with....

8 Tips to Ease that Race Day Anxiety & Fear

You've (hopefully) done all the necessary training. Preparing for the big race day, though, involves more than just logging miles in your running shoes. 

I've been running (and racing) for 16+ years. Needless to say, I have learned a lot through trial and error (emphasis on the errors).

A little planning ahead of time can ease the race day stress. It may not eliminate the start line nerves, but having a lot of the details ironed out before the big day will make getting there a little easier. 

Running & Racing; Then & Now

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Well, not exactly...at least in terms of my experience as a runner.

A lot has happened since my first-ever race. Physically, I have definitely gotten faster, stronger and more consistent. Emotionally, it's been a bit of a roller coaster (but in a fun, adventurous way).

Shall we take a jog down Memory Lane?

Blinging It in 2019

The year was 2019, and it served me well.

Lots of races run, 19 in total. And, there was a nice haul of bling brought home.

Shall we play a quick game of Show and Tell?