I ran 100+ miles every month of 2021 for a total of 1,301 miles. All miles run outside.

In high school it took me 3 years to pass the 12-minute mile running test. When I turned 50 I cheered on my daughter as she ran her first half marathon —it looked like fun. She encouraged me to lace-up and run by signing me up for the Navy 5 Miler in Washington, DC in September 2015; for the last 6 years I’ve tried my hand (feet) at this solo sport. I’ve discovered that I don’t run fast (see above comment on the 12-minute mile test), but I am consistent. Plus, I benefit from being outside, every day —I can breathe and organize my thoughts. In January 2021 I ran over 100 miles and wondered: How many months in a row can I do this this year? Turns out to be 12! I ran over 100 miles a month, for 12 months in a row, in 2021. CAN YOU IMAGINE?!? I’m still processing this feat. I can tell you that I learned some things along the way. In no particular order: wear ice spikes when it is slippery; poop before running, take tissue for emergencies; wear layers; talk to the cows; early morning running is my favorite; say hello to others on the path; fear loose dogs; fear dogs that owners have no control over; run different routes, sameness is wearisome; I sweat in all weather and temps; pockets are the best; I can run for miles with no music, but a good podcast will get me through the doldrums; habits are exercise forming; wear good running shoes and replace them often; have a cheering section—my family is the BEST!

The hours will go by, how will you spend them? According to STRAVA it took me 299 hours and 40 minutes to run 1,301 miles this year. That works out to about 12-and-a-half days of just running. Which makes me wonder about the number of total days I spent in front of a screen….

I don’t know what new challenge I’ll take up in 2022. I will wait to see what January shows me.