2025 Recap (Running and Beyond)

One thing I know to be true is that running has never been about the number of miles I run, nor how fast I get from point A to point B. Running has always been about who I spend it with, and the energy it gives me, not drains from me.

I ran a lot this year and while I had both a disappointing DNS and DNF, my heart led me to where I needed to be. I accomplished what I could and despite some very devastating circumstances, I am still proud of what I was able to accomplish, but I am really REALLY grateful for those that showed up for me in the times of utter sadness and despair. My family, my friends, and now how indistinguishable the two are now - my FRAMILY, THANK YOU! These people I know were put in my life for a reason and I am eternally grateful to each of them.

Besides running and grieving the loss of my Momma, I did have some good moments of 2025 and I know she'd want me to continue to find joy. Here are a few of my favorite things from the year of the snake:

Favorite Concert:
HAIM at Merriweather on 9.10.25 - FEMALE power!!!

Favorite Album:
Tunde Adebimpe's "Thee Black Boltz"

Honorable Mentions:
Lucius "Lucius" for their emotional serenading
David Byrne "Who Is the Sky?" for his continued brilliance

Favorite Movie:
Rocky III (I know, not a new movie but my favorite of all the Rocky movies)

Best Music Documentary:
Lilith Fair

Favorite TV Show:
Loot - a complete cast of friends, I mean characters. Everyone needs a friend like each of them.

Favorite Book:
Hands down, Cameron Crowe's "The Uncool"

Other Memorable Reads:
Dessert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
How They Named the Stars Andres N. Ordorica
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Bread of Angels by Patti Smith

Favorite Running Shoes:
The Classic: Clifton 10
The Hype is True: R1
The Unexpected: Puma MAG MAX

Favorite Trail Shoe:
TBD since the HOKA Mafate 4 is no longer.

Races:
Those with the best communities, two of them were free and accessible!
Rocky 50k
Juneteenth Half Marathon
Bull Run Run 50-miler

The One and Done Race:
Marine Corps Marathon - It was fun to run this race with a dear friend as her first marathon, but road races are tough! And I'd never run a race with this many people. I prefer the woods!

Best Travels: (might be all?)
Grand Canyon and Sedona
Outer Banks with family
Dogfish Inn for our anniversary
Boston with the Brandts
Great Wolf Lodge with Fiona and Lucy

Brag Moment:
Won Striders Ultrarunner of the Year (I don't know how since so many in our community who are way more worthy?)

Comments

Bull Run Run 50-miler

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Michelle Runs With It

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