2018 Year-end Report
Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?
from 12 months ago: "Not a goal per se; just want to run regularly without being ‘that one guy with the bum calf’ If I can do that, we’ll see what we can accomplish."
Didn't really make great progress on this, but it was beyond my control.
2018 was the year I finished doing many months of physical therapy (dry needling, core strengthening, massage/release). Diagnosis changed mid-year to TFJ arthritis with empirical therapy of steroid shot into the joint. Seems to have moved things in the right direction.
New accomplishments or PRs in 2018:
Not much to speak of. Happy to have gotten mileage up to over 25 miles per week for a lil while there. I haven't got the base to attack anything over 5K just yet. Here are the results from 5 races:
May 5K 20:15
June 5K 20:22
September 5K 20:40
October 5k 20:40
December 5K 20:13
No PRs.
Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race):
The 5K in May was probably highlight for the year in that I actually went out slow as I intended and then methodically improved pace, picking off other runners and was in a great groove for the last mile. That was a good feeling.
Total training volume during 2018:
828 miles in 2018 vs. 866 miles in 2017. Seems about right. The body allowed me to do more back-to-back days in 2017.
Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:
For many years (decades actually), getting back to running seemed a binary outcome: can run or can't run. After 4+ years(!) on this rehab journey, I'm now seeing my running as either in a happy spot or going through a setback (rather than re-injury). Subtle difference, but the mindset has shifted to knowing that I will be constantly running even if I encounter some setbacks.
Also, if my working diagnosis of Tibiofibular joint arthritis is correct, then this gives me confidence in terms of what I can/can't do to push the leg. It's still gonna be frustating at times, but it's the beast that I know.
Aside from running, I'm currently going through exploration of what I want to be when I grow up. I'm also pondering other life goals and inclusion of exercise, stretching is and will always be a key component of life and well-being. Not sure if running will always be my thing, but lessons from running spill into discipline in other parts of life.
Best memories of other guys’ training or races in 2018:
Many other reports have pointed out the specific accomplishments of this community and I don't want to leave anyone out. I will say that 2018 was the first year where FFA was not one of my first internet destinations in the morning routine. After checking out other forums/communities, it's pretty tough to beat the group here and still the first thread I pop into when on FBG now that yoga pants is dead.
Doing race events with Juxt and Tri is always great and I hope we have the opportunity to do more in 2019.
If we kept track of race times, this would be the place where I would congratulate my fellow runners on their achievements, but since we just run for fun and hugs, I will just offer everyone a virtual high five.
Other experiences or comments (about your year or any of the other guys, including funny memories):
Thanks to anyone who mentioned my persistence in the face of pain/injury in their year-end report, but mine feels like nothing compared to
@JShare87 . That BMF knows a thing or two about running through pain.
Goal(s) for 2019:
Would like to be involved in the St. Louis relay thing in some capacity that doesn't involve foot rubs or any other body part rubs. Get KOM for one of the segments on the lake path by my house. More tempo runs. Get back to running back-to-back days.