I love looking back and thinking about all of the amazing things that I’ve accomplished and all of the challenges I’ve overcome! I think we can all agree that 2020 was a VERY UNIQUE year!! I’ve reflected for the last 7 years and now it’s time to reflect on 2020! You can look back at my previous posts if you’d like: the Best of 2013, the Best of 2014, the Best of 2015, the Best of 2016, the Best of 2017, the Best of 2018, and the Best of 2019. Now its time to reminisce my favs from 2020! 🙂
Best race experience?
The Hillbilly Hike 1/2 marathon was my first race in 40 weeks due to the Covid shutdown of so many things this year. I was SO GRATEFUL that I GOT TO race and race safely! You can see my full race report here, which includes all of the Covid precautions that were taken.
Best run?
The Hillbilly Hike 1/2 marathon, while not my best 1/2 marathon finish time, was definitely my best run! After such a long hiatus from racing, I was SO full of gratitude that I was able to race again! This was my best run…possibly ever. It was the first time EVER that I ran the entire 1/2 marathon race without one walk step! So not only am I grateful for the opportunity to race, but I’m incredibly grateful that my body allowed me to push it by running every single step!
Best bike?
This is SUCH a tough one! I covered over 7000 miles on my bike in 2020 giving me the most bike miles in one year that I have EVER had by over 3500 miles. This provided lots of opportunities for the “best bike” ride. We completed 8 century rides this year. We got to ride in 2 states. We even explored some new roads. All in all, I can’t pick just one ride that was the best this year! Anytime I GOT to ride my bike outside on the open roads with my fav was the best bike ride in that moment…and I’m grateful there were A LOT of them this year!
Best swim?
Since we had a 10 week hiatus from the pool due to the Covid shutdown, the first swim back in the pool in May after being away from the water for 10 weeks was pretty amazing!
Best finish line?
Getting to cross the finish line at the Hillbilly Hike 1/2 Marathon was a dream come true this year with cancellation after cancellation of all things in 2020! It filled my heart with joy in those moments! It gave me hope for the future!
Best training weekend?
Getting away to train in Madison with my fav and Coeur Sports teammates in August was a MUCH needed break from reality! We swam a bit in Lake Monona, ran some, and rode all of the miles! Getting to do what we love somewhere else and with others (safely and outdoors) filled my heart with joy and helped me keep plugging forward in this year of complete uncertainty.
Best moment out of my comfort zone?
I have been out of my comfort zone more than I have been in it this year, so I am not sure I can pick just one moment. When you step out of your comfort zone, this is where learning occurs, where you grow, where the magic happens. I have been learning and growing SO MUCH in 2020!
Best 100 mile bike ride support crew?
We were SO lucky to have two of my amazing Coeur Sports teammates ride a big part of one of our 100 mile rides with us in early July! Wow was it was a HOT + HUMID day, but they didn’t complain (at least not to us)! They were so supportive and encouraged us to keep going for the last stretch when they were done. It was great to have others to ride with!
#secondcenturyof2020
Best new gear?
Coeur Sports fitted run shorts and performance tights. The pockets in both of these are AMAZING! I can hold SO much in each of them. They are even flexible enough for me to carry a water bottle in the pocket if I want. They don’t move or chafe no matter how wet you get. These are a MUST HAVE!!
Best way to stay healthy?
Wear a face covering!
Best piece of racing advice you received?
“Just be ready to feel rusty.” ~Steena
Best addition?
JERSEY! We are SO blessed to have been chosen to adopt Jersey right before the pandemic initiated shutdown mode. She is so sweet, loves to play, enjoys every moment, is a strong runner, wants to go everywhere we go, and has a key to each of our hearts.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Challenging, courageous, uncomfortable…and of course dumpster fire!!
Tell me about your 2020 year!! What are your “bests” from 2020?!
PushMyLimits 
Those are such amazing highlights!! Especially adopting Jersey 🙂 I can’t believe how many miles you did on your bike–wow.
My word to describe this year is: Emotional. I’m heartbroken for the people who are losing their lives due to this virus, I’m proud of my kids for being awesome about lockdown and homeschooling, I’m grateful that my husband kept his job, but can be jealous of those whose spouses can work from home. It’s been ALL over the place this year–I’ll be very happy when this roller coaster comes to an end!
I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy New Year-cheers!
Jersey has definitely been a highlight and yes…I’m quickly approaching 7500 miles, so it has been a year full of rolling on two wheels!
Yes, 2020 has been emotional! I hope the roller coaster ride ends sooner rather than later for everyone! Hugs to you!
Cheers to you and your family on a happy and healthy 2021!