2021 didn’t find me toeing the line at as many races as in most years, but you can bet that I appreciated each race that was held live after running 100% of my races virtually in 2020. In fact, I spent most of 2020 rehabbing from an injury which resulted in me walking all but one of my races, making me extra appreciative that I could not only run, but push myself at all of my 2021 races.
2021 RACE STATS
5 5K’s
5 Total Races
2 Virtual Races
3 In-Person Races
5 Local Races/0 Destination Races
2 Age Group Placings
15.5 Racing Miles
2:09:49 Spent Racing
8:21 Average Pace
Endless Fun
2021 Virtual New Year’s Day 5K
My 2021 racing season started off with a bang when I virtually ran the New Year’s Day 5K. I chose to run the race on my little neighborhood circle where I run most of my pre-dawn training runs. Like a familiar race course, I knew how to pace myself on its two hills and hoped for a good performance on my very own course. Sticking with tradition, I opted to run the race on New Year’s Day even though I had a three-day window for completing the race.
How did I do? I don’t know how I finished within my age group because age groups weren’t broken down (nor were ages published), but after a mostly injured 2020, I was thrilled with my results.
- • 25:33 (8:10 pace)
Courage Day 5K
Wanting to support my friend’s non-profit organization, The Courage Closet, which provides support for sexual assault and abuse survivors; and run in my first live race in seventeen months, I happily registered for the Courage Day 5K.
The trail course was a rarity for a 5K and while the course was hilly, it wasn’t technical and I loved every second of running it. Seeing so many of my running friends was such a treat and I left feeling quite happy.
How did I do? I was the 7th female overall to finish, but still finished 4th in my age group – my age group was 11 to 99. LOL If there had been a 60-69 year old age group, I would have won it.
- • 25:23 (8:11 pace)
2021 Firecracker 5K
I held off on registering for the Firecracker 5K until I got approval from my dermatologist to run the race just two days after having a squamous cell carcinoma removed from the top of my left shoulder. He gave me his blessings as long as I didn’t swing my left arm while running and I tried my best to follow the good doctor’s orders.
How did I do? Running conservatively cost me a second place age group finish, but I happily settled for third.
- • 26:31 (8:32 pace)
2021 Virtual Kickoff to Kinnick 5K
I’d assumed that virtual racing was behind me since in-person races were once again common place, but when the opportunity to run the Virtual Kickoff to Kinnick 5K with Kim became a reality, I jumped at the chance. Not only would I be able to run with my friend, but I’d be able to help support children diagnosed with cancer at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a win-win.
How did I do? This race was all about having fun and Kim and I chatted the entire time, and even so, we finished with a very respectable time.
- • 27:26 (8:50 pace)
2021 Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving Day 5K
Thrilled to be back at one of my favorite annual races, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. It was cool and crisp, by body felt great, and I ran strong. Even though I had to stop and retie my shoelace just after the first mile, I didn’t let it upset me and kept my head in the race.
How did I do? Despite the shoelace debacle and losing 24 seconds while stopped to retie it, I finished with a 7:59 pace on my Garmin (affiliate link) (3.08 miles versus 3.1); however, a speedy 60-year-old ran a 7:14 pace putting me in second place in the 60-64 age group.
- • 24:56 (8:03 pace)
Final Thoughts
This look back at my 2021 year of racing has brought the second year of our pandemic into perspective with many races still being held virtually. I was lucky that I didn’t have my heart set on running an in-person race that turned virtual at the last minute. Who knows what 2022 will bring, but hopefully it will bring mostly in-person races with an option for running virtually. Whatever the case, I’ll continue to register for my favorite races and hope to see my friends doing the same!
Questions
- • How did your racing year end? What was your in-person versus virtual ratio?
- • How many races do you plan to run next year?
- • Are you running in a New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day race?
That was a successful year, Debbie!
I love how you summarized the stats at the very beginning, that’s a great idea.
I have a 10k race this evening! I think it will be my last race of 2021. Fortunately, all my races this year were in-person.
I’m planning a number of races for next year – there will be at least one marathon and one ultra trail race. It’s so exciting!
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Thanks, Catrina! My summary was a little more boring this year with all of my races being the same distance.
Good luck on your 10K this evening and yay for all in-person racing in 2021! I can’t wait to follow along on your marathon and ultra training and racing next year. I miss running those distances and will love living vicariously through you!
What a great year. And some really cute medals.
I ran 22 races. Only a few virtual ones.
Yes I plan on a New Year’s Day race. Luckily it starts at noon.
I hope we both have an injury free 2022.
Thanks, Darlene! Wow 22 races in 2021 – you are the queen of racing!
I haven’t signed up for my NYD race yet. I need to get on that!
And yes, here’s to an injury-free 2022 for us both!
I’m so happy that you were able to enjoy some of your favorite races this year, Deb, in person and virtually! You did great in all your races — I’d be happy to finally nail that 30 minute 5k, LOL, but it’s probably not happening since I’m not racing.
NYD was a long tradition for me, but the Pandemic broke that (and weather one year, too). My plan right now is most likely to spend that time with my mom, even though I probably can’t attend any parties they may have. It might be a NYD walk. 🙂
Congrats on a great come back year, on so many different levels.
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…5 Simple Tips for Running through the Holidays
Thanks, Judy, it was great getting back out there and racing with friends. What a bummer that your NYD race tradition was broken by the pandemic and I completely understand missing the race this year since you’ll be visiting your mom. I missed my favorite holiday race two Sunday’s ago since I was driving to see Mom.
You had a nice variety, Deb, and your finish times were great (even with misbehaved laces). It was so fun running the K2K5K with you!
Thanks, Kim! And yes, it was great running the K2K5K with you. Thanks for suggesting it!
I was determined not to run any virtual races this year–I did have one live race go virtual but that was it. Then I broke my ankle and foot…
Nice job and let’s hope that 2022 brings more races back! I’m not holding my breath, tho.
Actually, I’m quite hopeful that 2022 will bring more races back to in-person. Most of our local 5K’s and 10K’s are already in-person with a virtual option.
That looks like a good mix of races. I love that New Year’s Day medal! I’m hoping for more in person races but I’ll have to see. I get so excited and sign up for races which then turn out to land at not so good times with other things in my schedule. Hopefully 2022 will be a good racing year for both of us!
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Yes, I hope 2022 is a great racing year for both of us!
So happy you were able to get all these races done, especially those in-person races (and that you were able to run with Kim for one of them!). Sadly, we didn’t have any in-person races here so it was a dry year for me. But very hopeful that in 2022, races will return to Botswana!
I hope you’re able to find in-person races in 2022. Good luck!
Great job on all your finish times! You are quite speedy.
I had 2 10k’s and a half, in person. No virtuals.
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Thanks! Here’s hoping all races have in-person options in 2022.
It sure was a weird year for racing. I am glad you got a few in there and had fun with them. I managed to squeeze in a few the 4th quarter of the year. Looking forward to next year
Perhaps we can meet up for a race in 2022!
A very good year, congrats! 8:21 is a fast pace, brava!!!!
Here only 3 races, 2 virtual and 1 in person. After the 2nd virtual, in February, I made the decision not to race virtual anymore in 2021. However this kind of events helped a lot to stay in activity and be part of the running community.
My plan for the next year is not less than 1 race every month even I don’t succeed in finding again an interesting race around here in January.
Thanks! I hope you’re able to find races for each month next year. Good luck!
You had a great year of racing! Some fast finish times- I wish my “returning from injury” pace were that fast!
I like the 11-99 age group, ha ha. That is a vast difference in ages, and finishing fourth in that is a huge accomplishment!
Yeah, that 11-99 age group cracked me up, too.
Such a fun year of racing for you! I love that you had a great mix of virtual and in-person races. I’m hoping to get back to in-person races in 2022
Yes, here’s to lots of in-person race choices in 2022!
You had a great year! Definitely more than me. 🙂 I did zero races. I hope next year is even better for you!!
Thank you for linking up with us!
Zenaida Arroyo recently posted…Tuesday Topics: Tips for treadmill running
You have a big race coming up this year, though!