See ya, 2021… – Shez Runs an Ultra

Last year was something else. I started the year with the holdover goal from 2020 of consistency (still not my strong suit) and ended the year with a strategy of racing, endurance, and consistency goals for 2022 that has me scratching my head and wondering if I’ve lost my mind. Mind you, these goals are something I cooked up… and my coach is totally on-board with all of it. I’ve had a change in my mindset and along with a change in coaches, it’s time to challenge myself to grow as a runner.

No more virtual races

Covid wreaked havoc on our lives for 1-1/2 years (it’s still ongoing, btw) and it torched racing season last year. We were able to start racing (with certain considerations) earlier in the year. By summer, the racing season returned with a vengeance. It was so exciting to do in-person racing again! I did one last virtual race – 100 Miles to Auburn (the buckle is spectacular)! BTW, this is the only way I will EVER get a buckle for a 100-mile race!!

Looking back

I volunteered… a lot last year, especially for Singletrack Running (I’m a member of their racing team). I love volunteering. I course marked the Cardiac Loop and Overlook to No Hands Bridge route, captained the Gate 142 Aid Station and worked the finish line for FourMidable; worked the Singletrack Running Aid Station at Pointed Rocks in Cool for the last Western States Training Run (hoo boy, it was a hot day); camped out, helped set up, and worked at the Robinson Flat Aid Station (sponsored by Singletrack and The Aid Station) for the Western States Endurance Run (what an amazing experience); did crack of dawn runner check-in for Singletrack’s Ruck A Chuck 50k; and worked the middle of the night to the final cut-off shift at the finish line at NorCalUltra’s Rio Del Lago on the day the clocks went to standard time. You haven’t lived until you watch the time go from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.! The best part of that race was watching my dear friend complete her first 100, cheering her to the finish and giving her a finishers medal and a big hug! I will be starting 2022 volunteering (as I do every New Year’s Day) for Singletrack’s Resolution Run. I’ll be sweeping the 10k.

To be honest, I haven’t felt all that accomplished. I didn’t do as much racing as I had hoped but then I looked at the races that I did do (one was a short, super difficult course that was awesome), at the races I volunteered for, and the 50k I did with an injured shoulder. I spent most of my time last year training to be a better, more consistent runner/athlete, started training for a 50k, DID the 50k (albeit a different one), and then took time off to heal my shoulder. I began a regular yoga practice on January 1, 2021 (Yoga with Adriene), and I slowly bounced back into training and started planning/setting goals for the new year.

You know what, I did ok, after all.

Cheers to new goals, races, and running with friends in 2022.

Here’s a snapshot of the races I volunteered for in 2021. Had a blast, can’t wait to do it again!