2022 found me toeing the starting line at only two races even though I was mostly injury-free and able to run comfortably using a shorter-distance and fewer-days running schedule that I adopted a few years ago. When I first started this blog almost ten years ago I declared that I wanted to run forever – I just didn’t realize how drastically I’d have to cut my mileage in order to stay on track with my dream. But continue to run I am and I feel like I’m living the dream to be able to run strong, albeit shorter distances.

 

2022 RACE STATS

2 5K’s
2 Total Races
0 Virtual Races
2 In-Person Races
2 Local Races/0 Destination Races
2 Age Group Wins
6.2 Racing Miles
52:20 Spent Racing
8:26 Average Pace
Endless Fun

 

 

2022 New Day New Year 5K

What better way to start off the new year than to run in a race and with friends, especially back in person after so many virtual races in 2021. The New Day New Year 5K provided the perfect opportunity to hang out with friends before and after the race at a local brewery even though I’m not a fan of beer. Not only does this race offer unique swag (this year a blanket), but age group prizes were House 6 Brewing Company growlers.

How did I do? I was very pleased with my race performance considering it was rainy and 54° which is unusually high for New Year’s morning in Virginia. I won my 60-69 year old age group.

  • 25:25 (8:12 pace)

 

2022 Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving Day 5K

In traditional fashion, I started my Thanksgiving with friends at our community’s Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving Day 5K. The weather was perfect and the cheer was aplenty before, during, and after the race.

How did I do? I didn’t quite meet my time goal of paces in the low 8:00’s, but was thrilled to win my new age group of 65-69 year olds.

  • • 26:55 (8:41 pace)

 

 

Final Thoughts

This look back at my 2022 year of racing reminded me that I missed two staple races. On Independence Day I chose to go on a super fun covered bridge bike ride with friends instead of running the Firecracker 5K. And apathy led me to not register for a Christmas themed race which resulted in regret when I started seeing race pictures on social media.

Next year, I’ll let my heart lead the way when choosing whether to register for a race or planning a bike ride. Whichever I choose, I’m sure to see lots of friends and that’s what’s most important to me!

 

Questions
  • • How did your racing year end? ~ I only ran in two races, but had fun at both!
  • • How many races do you plan to run next year? ~ That’s hard for me to answer because the more involved I get in cycling, the more adventures I have to take me away from running races.
  • • Are you running in a New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day race? ~ I won’t be able to join my friends for a New Year’s Day race this year because of a family commitment.