It wouldn’t be the end of another year without the requisite medal haul pic, would it? I won’t bore you with race details, just a few highlights. Of course 2019 will go down as the year I finished my 6th and final World Marathon Major. A goal I spent 10 years working toward and really had no clue how I’d accomplish. The universe works in crazy ways.
The 2019 medal haul. It was a quality over quantity kind of year.
Hardest Race. That has to go to the Tokyo Marathon. Because of the course sweeps every 5k, calculated on gun time, I had to run the first 10k faster than I would have otherwise. 40 degrees, pouring rain, and increasing winds, coupled with standing in the start corral for 90 minutes already soaked and shivering put my race in serious jeopardy. By mile 15 I felt my body start to slide toward failure. I’ve run in plenty of adverse conditions but this is the only race where I knew I was in serious physical trouble. It was a very careful push/walk/will to the finish. Looking back now, I’m so proud of the way I managed that race. I knew I’d never get another chance.
Most fun race. London Marathon. Unlike Tokyo, we were blessed with perfect weather. I used to live in England so this was like “coming home” in a way. London feels like one giant street party and I couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect place to finish off the 6 World Marathon Majors. Running past Buckingham Palace and making the turn on the Royal Mall is one of those holy shit, out of body experiences.
Friends. All epic races aside, the very best part of running for me are the friends I’ve met along the way.
The first time Wendy and I met in 2014. The rest is history!
Jill, Tara and I have enjoyed too many girls’ weekend shenanigans to count!
Cheering on Kim from the Blogger Press Box at the Chicago Marathon.
So much fun at Empower Camp!
Civilian Life Highs and Lows
Sad. Saying goodbye to Carlo the Wonder dog last January. At 19, he had the fullest of full, wonderful lives so of course no regrets there. it’s just always so very hard to say goodbye.
Scary. Seeing my dad’s condo building burning on the evening news. He had to be rescued from his third floor balcony but he and his wife were uninjured. Sweet Jesus though.
Proudest Moments. Running and seeing the world is amazing but at the end of the day, it is my role as a parent that makes me most proud.
Sending Thing 1 off to Georgia Tech last August (and holding my shit together during the final goodbye) was a bittersweet milestone we’ve saved for and anticipated for 18 years. When they’re little it seems like you have so much time…until you don’t. It all flies.
Thing 2 continues on an amazing trajectory with her musical gift. It’s been so exciting and scary too, to navigate the opportunities that have emerged for her. I never got that flute playlist I asked her for for my birthday, but I’m still her biggest fan.
I’m going to end it here and wish you all the very best as we forge ahead into the New Year. I hope our paths cross in 2020!
What stands out for you about 2019? The decade?
You’ve had an amazing decade Marcia, and of course watching your girls grow is such a large part of that. See Thing 1 take all she’s learn from you and test out her wings just means you’ve done your “job” well — I know it’s not easy, though.
Can’t wait to see what you go after in the 20s.
I never get tired of seeing that awesome six star medal!
Seeing you and Marcia at the Chicago Marathon was a highlight of my year for sure! Hope I can see you again in 2020 🙂
Great year, Marcia! Congrats, again, on all those World Marathon Majors! I’m so glad London was the perfect ending of that journey…and what an epic journey 🙂 Best wishes for a fab 2020!
You sure did have some epic running adventures the past year! Cheers to a happy and healthy 2020
You did the London Marathon! One of these days I would LOVE to do that marathon. You have had a great running year and getting that 6 star medal is awesome!
I don’t have children but I can imagine it must be bitter-sweet to see your children grow up and become independent young adults. But you will always have a special place in your childrens’ hearts.
I’ve so enjoyed coming along for the ride with you! You are definitely the yin to my yang. Here’s to making more memories! Happy New Year!
I am still surprised the Tokyo Marathon is so strict with their time. Why does it have to be based on gun time? Well, you did great with that pressure and the weather conditions. The 6 Star medal is gorgeous!
Wow. What a year. The world majors is a big one.
I’m an empty nester. Big difference. Less cooking and cleaning!!
So what the next big goal?
I’ve told the story of your Tokyo Marathon so many times, I feel like I was the one running it! What an awesome year you’ve had, and not many can say they’ve managed those 6 majors!
I loved reading along with you for Tokyo and London. Congrats on finishing the world majors, that’s a huge accomplishment. Here’s to 2020!
Congrats on a great year! I loved reading your recaps of Tokyo and London, what an amazing accomplishment! Cheers to 2020!
I have heard that Tokyo is tough and that sounds awful. I’m so glad you pulled through and overcame.
I lost my best girl (pup) this year too and I am still so lost without her.
Happy New Year! Let’s have a fabulous year!