From different running groups to new accomplishments, 2024 was a year to remember! As my grandmother would say, “This was the best year yet.” And there have been 53 of those so far!!!
2024 The Word
The word for 2024 transformed over the first few months. What started out as Quiet quickly became Rest.
Before we dive into the word Rest, I think it is important to look at the word for 2023 and see what started it all. In 2023, I was in need of a change and a discussion about running over the New Year holiday led me to picking a word for 2023. The word was Intentional. It began as being intentional in my training. Well the more I thought about it, it was to be more intentional at work, with my family, with my faith and in reading. Being intentional is definitely hard to measure, but it can easily be seen in the category of reading where I went from one book read in the last 5 years to reading/listening to 22 in 2023. Hopefully those around me can speak to me being intentional in other areas.
Back to 2024 and the word Rest. As stated above, it started out as quiet, but that did not seem right. Then it became peace, but I really felt that I had that. So the word became Rest and that is what I felt I needed. Rest may not look the same to all of us. For me the Rest was found on the trail listening to scripture (All 66 books by June) as well as sermons from several different pastors I enjoy. The Rest I needed was not physical, and I was able to find that peace and quiet while I ran.
My Year in Running
Over 2,525 miles ran. Ran for over 400 hours. Climbed over 175,000 feet of elevation. Ran over 300 times.
Listened to all 66 books of the Bible. Listened to the Ultrarunners Mindset Podcast and the Rest is History Podcast. Listened to sermons from Downtown Presbyterian Church and lots of music.
Races
Each year, my wife and I agree that I should do two races. One that is a half-marathon distance and one that is an ultra distance. And although I do my best to stick with the plan, I am not sure I have been successful in the last five years.
Faster for Foster 5k
This was a fun race to start the year and was for a good cause. Loved running with so many friends from so many different running clubs on the Preservation Park trails near my house.
Sgt David Hierholzer Memorial Day 50k
The second race of the year was not one that was on my radar and my training was not where I felt it needed to be. It was a Memorial Day Race/Run to support/honor a local military individual who gave all.
Little Dog’s Backyard Ultra
The next race was my “Big Race” of the year, Little Dog’s Backyard Ultra. A race format I was familiar with, but had yet to try. With four trail running friends competing, I thought I would give it a go. I was hoping for 24 hours, but due to some pain that would not let me continue settled for 12 loops (12 hours; 50 miles).
Nashville Tough Mudder
The next event for me was a Tough Mudder. Why? Because my employer gave me two free passes. Who does those kind of obstacles? Crazy!! Managed to complete all but two of them. Great time with my daughter. Will not do that again!
RunNash Half Marathon
Well, when your employer offers you a bib for a half marathon, it is hard to say no. The RunNash Half was a great race, but I learned I would not run another road race alone. Missed the camaraderie you experience on the trail or having someone to share the experience with when it was done. It was my 2nd fastest 13.1 miles though.
Harlinsdale Hustle 12 hour
A friend of mine put this race together for several of his trail running friends. We started at 6am and ran a 3 mile loop for 12 hours. I loved running with the different ultra runners and then with three of my kids. Longest distance over 12 hours at 53.65 miles.
Bell Ringer 25k
I have run the Bell Ringer five times (2x25k, 1x15k, & 2x50k). Last year was great running with two of my daughters and this year trying to finish the 25k before my youngest finished the 15k was a crazy challenge. She finished faster by 20 minutes.
Some additional pictures from the year:
2024 was amazing and I am excited for 2025. I know that it will look different but that is a part of the journey to learn and explore new things and teach others along the way.
#honeystingerhive #teamnuun #squirrelsnutbutter #trailrunning #ultrarunning #skratchlabs
Country Road Runner 