Reflection on my 2024 Running Season

It’s been a long while since I have written a post and a lot has happened!  As October rolls in, I find myself reflecting on my running season for 2024. After struggling with some niggles over the past year, I decided It was time to switch my mindset and schedule in some fun races for the year ahead.
Raven 24 Hour Elite Track Invitational

I kicked off the year with the Raven 24 hour Elite Track Invitational, my most focused event of the year. After some recent procedures on my heel, I had to decline my invitation to Desert Solstice 24 Hour Elite Track Invitational in 2023, so I was eager to heal and be well for the Raven.  Representing Ornery Mule Coaching was a highlight, and I loved spending time with Coach Jacob and his wife, Riley. at the beautiful track in South Carolina.

The day started well for me, but due to my niggle I had to stop short of 24 hours. I managed to earn 2nd place overall female, though I fell short of my mileage goal. The thing about running ultra events is you meet so many amazing people and get to witness great accomplishments. That day,  I met Adam Popp who set some world records and became a friend and coaching collaborator. I ran near him for many, many laps and was inspired by his performance.

Thumb Coast Ultra Relay

 

After Raven, I looked forward to the Thumb Coast Ultra Relay. My running friends and I formed a female relay team named MILF (Miles in Life Friends).  The race was a point-to -point 50- mile relay with each of us running 2 legs.  Being part of a team is always a blast, and despite the cold and windy weather, we had an incredible time. Our team finished 1st place overall for females!

Cocodona 250 Pacing and Crewing

In May, I had the honor to support my friend, Randy at the Cocodona 250-mile race. Being part of his support team was a privilege and I cherished every moment of crewing and pacing him through this tough event. I began pacing Randy at Whiskey Row, around mile 78 and continued with a section at Dead Horse and out of Sedona over Mount Wilson. Each segment offered  an amazing experience from single tracks to roads, to steep descents and accents, to river crossings. My favorite part was climbing Mount Wilson, surrounded by breathtaking mountains. I love helping people and I am so proud of Randy for pushing his limits.

Glass City Marathon

In April, I unexpectedly signed up to pace at the Glass City Marathon in Toledo just a day before the event. This was my first time being a marathon pacer.  I paced with my friend Jeff. We had the 4:10 pace group which was a super comfortable pace. It felt rewarding to help others achieve their goals, and we crossed the finish line with 30 seconds to spare. Thanks to Jeff’s knack for numbers, our pacing was right on point!

San Diego Marathon and BolderBoulder 10k

Last minute, my son, Riley invited me to run the San Diego Marathon just three weeks out. I couldn’t resist.  Then my daughter,  Madde invited me to stop by and run the BolderBoulder 10k with her the weekend before. I was beyond excited for my trip to see both of my children and participate in these events.  BolderBoulder 10k is a super fun event with the streets lined with spectators, slip and slides, even shots and beer!   Madde and I embraced the fun enjoying everything from the slip and slide to mystery shots while running with the view of the stunning mountains surrounding Boulder.

Next was the San Diego Marathon. I was excited to run the same race as Riley and to see my friend Lindsay. Although I started the race with Lindsay,  the crowd made it tricky to stay together. I had a great first 20 miles, but the steep downhill triggered some heel pain which impacted the rest of my race. Still I managed to finish with a Boston qualification!

UP5k at Copper Mountain

In September, Madde invited me to run UP 5k at Copper Mountain in Colorado, starting out around 10,500 feet elevation. We took a ski lift to the start and the course climbed about 1,500 feet to a max elevation of 12,000 feet before we ran back down. It was the hardest yet easiest 5k race I have ever completed. Breathing at this elevation was a challenge for this flatlander, but was happy to finish 9th overall female, especially knowing the runners ahead of me were younger locals from Colorado.

Looking Ahead

After this fun time of races, I did some soul-searching. While I considered tackling a 100 mile race, I didn’t feel the pull. I know 100 milers are hard so my heart needs to be in it to get to the finish line. Since 2020, I’ve dreamed of running across the state for the fastest known time. Reflecting on my experiences running in the mountains and along my van life journey to Colorado and back in August, I realized one thing that I truly love about running is the freedom, independence and empowerment it brings.

So I am now planning for a fastest known time attempt starting November 8th in South Haven,  running the Great Lake to Lake Trail to Port Huron.The route is primarily rail trails with road connectors, covering about  270 miles with 5,000 of elevation.  I am excited to push my possible and become the first person to complete this route by running.

Overall, I can say 2024 has been one of my most enjoyable racing years in a while, where I took the pressure off and focused on enjoying the day and the company around me!  Sometimes, we just need to change our mindset and pursue what our hearts truly desire!

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