2020 Running

At the end of 2019, I was burned out on running. Really, seriously burned out.  Not sure what I needed to do, so of course, I signed up for a race.  A 5k on New Year's Day in Knoxville, Tennessee, yep, that's the ticket.  The race was sponsored by Calhoun's, which has the BEST steak anywhere.  The start and finish were at Calhoun's on the River, an out an back that took us past Neyland Stadium, home of the Tennessee Volunteers, twice.  I enjoyed this race for a few reasons. One, Calhoun's, period. Two, we got a blanket instead of a shirt, awesome! Third, short and sweet! Forth, there was wine glasses for the first 200 finishers, of which I was not, oh well. Fifth, breakfast provided by Calhoun's afterward. Lastly, Calhoun's, like seriously! I tried their ribs for a nice change. They were amazing!

Race number two this year was on Leap Day in Elkmont....with Ludavine!  I love the Hound Dog Half!  I think I should run all races named for animals!  Especially, when said animals get to make an appearance.  I wasn't really ready to run a half, still burned out, I hadn't trained properly. I finished with a respectable time, but I hurt. If you want to run out in the beautiful boonies of North Alabama, this is your race! The last 5 miles are "trail", an old railroad path.  Of course, Ludavine is at the finish for all racers to get some love.  They serve the best food after this race! One year we had brunswick stew, another, pancakes. This year was local BBQ. Oh, My, it was good! 


My last race of 2020 was the UAH 8k, which was the day after Hound Dog.  I was hurting, so did not plan to race this one at all.  Ran with a friend, did her intervals, and had a wonderful long chat. 

There was supposed to be more, lots more. However, China had other ideas.  I did find my motivation again.  Focusing on training for Tupelo and then Tahoe marathons.  I did a couple of virtual races, but I miss my running friends!

The first of May I found a challenge. I was four weeks into marathon training and there it was, run 100 miles in 12 days.  12 Days of Hurt they called it. Could I do it? 8.4 miles a day? Seemed reasonable.  First two days I felt great! On day 3 I felt a shin twinge, stopping at mile 3.  Deemed it a muscular pain and not the dreaded shin splints, so slowed down and soldiered on.  12 days of hurt was an appropriate name!  On day 8, after 70 miles, all road, my feet said, nope, no more.  I came home after two miles, put my recovery shoes on and walked the rest.  I finished those 30 miles in recovery shoes and just walking.  BUT. I. FINISHED!  This achievement felt bigger than the 12 in 12 somehow.  I proudly wore my shirt, because, now I am a badass!  hahaha

So now, back to marathon training.  I did get some new shoes, Hokas. They are very comfy!


Keep running free my friends!