With how low I’ve been feeling lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. People keep pointing out what an amazing year I’ve had, but it’s hard for me to feel accomplished when all I focus on are my failures. I decided to put it into writing so I can look back at it when I need a boost.
2014 was a year of firsts. In order of this year, I did: my first trail race, first 10K, first 10 Miler, first Tough Mudder, first (and second and third) Spartan Race, first half marathon and first GORUCK. This was among other road races and OCRs for a total of 20 races on the year (click tabs to the right to see all races).
Normally, at this time, I’d already be scheduling my 2015 events. I’d like to do less this year. My first two years of racing have seen me do 15 races in 2013 and 20 in 2014. It’s very busy and very costly and I think I need to cut down for both of those reasons. I need more focus. I can’t just register for every race I have the desire to run.
On my radar for this year is the Marine Corps Marathon. That’s it. There are a few others I would like to do, but I need to see how my weeks are going to line up. I’d like to do the Ragnar Trail Relay with my team, plus I have a free entry to Battlefrog OCR that I’d like to use. Other than that, I need to develop a take it or leave it attitude. I’ll be spending much more time supporting friends at races and events instead of running them. I’d like to keep rucking with Carry The Fallen, as well as become a shadow for GORUCK events that include my teammates and friends.
I have high hopes for 2015.
Don't blink. Just run. 
Beautiful.
You’ve done a lot this year- now is a good time to reflect and I like how purposefully you are choosing your races and goals this year. I’m so excited to see where 2015 takes us and to watch you continue to grow as an athlete and a strong, determined woman.
Atgos
Xino
You had a great year! And there is nothing wrong with scaling back and focusing on what is most important! Here’s to a great 2015!
Thanks Betsy 🙂
You have had a great year and there is nothing wrong with taking a step back! Focus on the marathon and the training and if something comes your way that you want to do, then do it too!
Thanks Des 🙂
2014 was certainly a “go-go” year! 😉 Great job on all of your accomplishments! It was great getting to meet you this year and hopefully we’ll run in to each other again in 2015!
Definitely great meeting you! We’ll definitely connect sometime soon. 🙂
Wow, that’s an impressive year! *high five* But I hear you… I’m feeling pretty burned out after so many races too. And an upcoming marathon is nothing to shake a stick at! Here’s to an awesome 2015 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
I am glad that you are focusing on the positives of the year – and I agree that it makes sense to slow down in 2015, but have more focus, if that makes any sense. Sending hugs your way! 😀
Thanks Biz ❤
Wow – you had an awesome (and insanely busy!) year! Congrats! I think the more experienced we get as runners/athletes the more you learn what works for you and what you enjoy doing. Scaling back and focusing on goal races is a great idea. And you are such a great cheerleader for your friends and team-mates!
SO busy! lol
Thanks 🙂
You had a great year! Here’s to 2015 and you crushing it!
Thanks buddy 🙂
You did have a packed year. Sometimes it is nice to step it back a notch and take things as they come.
That’s gonna be my philosophy 😉
You accomplished some amazing things in 2014! I am sure 2015 will be great no matter what you do!
Thanks 🙂
❤ ❤
TAKE A BREATH AND WALK.
Thanks Carla
I love this post. I ran a LOT more races than I had planned in 2014 and I’m thinking of running less races next year. BUT…I have to say: although I agree with your downsizing, I DO think you should continue to do a few races in 2015 to help you continue to build on MCM in Oct/Nov of 2015. I’m not saying every month or anything (don’t be as crazy as me) but I think you need to know where you’re at with your race times. Walking in blindly to my first marathon is what I did..I don’t want this to happen to you!
I have a rough idea of my pace, which is generally the same for all races. I aim to finish, I don’t aim to “race”. I think I’m OK with what I’ll be doing (or figure it out as I train) but I still am going to be doing some races here and there. Just need to see what strikes my fancy. 🙂
That’s an awesome, but extremely busy, year of racing!
Good luck with marathon training this year; i think it’s a lot easier to focus on a big event with fewer races on the mind/go!
That’s my hope anyway! Thank you!
First, congrats on all you have accomplished! Racing can be expensive. I only have two races lined up for 2015. One 4 miler and one marathon. I plan on more volunteering. Kudos to you for taking a step back to reevaluate. Here’s to a fantastic 2015!!
Thank you! And yes, I made the mistake of adding it up and it made me sick. You don’t really think about it. Good luck in your races this year.