I recently completed a teambuilding survey for work that asked me to identify my primary personal interest. I chose running. I have many hobbies and curiosities, but with a demanding career and a young child in the house, I’ve been forced to prioritize. I still make time for leisure reading and games and digital tinkering where I can, but the only way to ensure growth as a runner is to give running my precious few free hours each week. And so, I think, I am a runner (albeit a slow one).
So, how was running in 2024? I ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon much slower than I wanted, I ran a better pace at the Little Miami 10K, I saw some physical therapists and doctors, I found new trails and paths, and I ran rather inconsistently. A few numbers:
- Total Distance: 462 miles (vs 416 last year)
- Best Month: 68 miles (in March)
- Worst Month: 3 miles (in November—the month of flu)
- Best 5K: 27:52
- Best 10K: 57:53
- Half Marathon: 2:34:02 (slooooow)
At this time last year, I was sure that racing in 2024 wouldn’t be viable, and yet I ran in two races (and plan to do the same this year). I also, however, set two unrealistic goals for 2024: 600 miles total and a 26:30 5K. I now know better than to set a mileage or speed target for 2025. My son is three and exists in a sea of common colds. He seems to average a cold a month, which means I average a cold every other month, which in turn has wrecked many of my training plans. I doubt that will change as he enters pre-school this year. Instead, my 2025 goal is to stick to consistent work when healthy. If that means I continue to hover in the 400ish mile range and 28ish minute 5Ks, then so be it. For me, the joy is the challenge and the work.
Gear
Here’s what I used in 2024 (which is quite similar to what I used in 2023):
- Shoes: New Balance 1080v13. I switched to these after the 880s didn’t work well in the half-marathon (I think the 880s were undersized). Before the 1080s I ran about 30 miles in Asics Nimbus 26s and returned them to my local running store after they gave me terrible blisters on the inside of my foot. The 1080s are—fine. I get a few small blisters when I run more than six or seven miles, but nothing like the problems I had with the 880s. Regardless, I plan to audition new shoes this spring. I’ve visited two local running stores and both have suggested the Brooks Ghost 16, but I’d rather try a New Balance FuelCell, Asics NovaBlast, or Saucony Endorphin Pro.
- Watch: Apple Watch Ultra Series 2. I continue to stick with the Ultra for its cellular capability. Apple’s Workout app is fine, and I like to run with an Apple Music playlist, but Apple’s Workout metrics are terrible. Instead, I send use HealthFit to send my data to intervals.icu for planning and analysis. If Garmin released a watch with full cellular capabilities, I’d switch tomorrow.
- Headphones: I use the Shokz OpenRun Pro for outdoor runs, and I use Beats Fit Pros for indoor treadmill runs. Both are great.
- Lights: This year I added the chest light to my NoxGear Tracer2, and it’s fantastic for early morning runs. I usually see a few other morning runners, and everyone is using the Tracer2. It’s a great product.
- Hats: This year I started running with Patagonia Duckbill Shorty trucker hats, and they’re perfect: lightweight, sweat-absorbing, and easily packed.
- Fuel: I moved from UnTapped maple syrup gels to Tailwind powder, which is easier to store and consume: it goes into my Salomon vest for outdoor runs, and a water bottle for the treadmill. The cola flavor is awful; the dauwaltermelon is pretty good.
In Summary
As I said above, I’m not setting goals for 2025 other than to do and enjoy the work. Midlife has taught me many things, but nothing more important than living within and enjoying each moment. That sounds trite and cliche as I write it, but it’s true. I enjoy running because of the challenge, the rhythm, and the repetition. It encourages me to focus on each new step, staying mindful of the body and the horizon. Running has helped me bring that mindset to my work and my family, and I hope to learn more from it in 2025.
