As 2021 draws to a close, we can say with certainty this year has been a marathon, not a sprint. We wanted to take the month of December to look back at the milestones, miles, and memories that shaped the past twelve months. We put a call out to our staff and the AMR community, asking for their highlights—from PRs to first races to life changes. Here are just some of their inspiring responses.

Running is about so much more than posting PRs, but there’s just something amazing about nailing that perfect pace, figuring out your fueling, or doing whatever it takes to finally have a breakthrough race. 

We should revel in crossing every finish lineafter all, simply putting yourself out there and getting to the start line is a victory in itself.  But when you run faster than you thought you could (or, even better, faster than ever before)? Now that’s cause for celebration.

Ginny E.: This year, I posted my 5K PR! I ran 8:13 per mile, and the last time I ran faster than that was 18 years ago. This is the first race photo since eighth grade where I actually look like I am running strong and not falling on top of a hip with each step. I was thrilled to be able to push the entire way. Fingers crossed I feel the same at the Houston Half in January!

PRs and Fast Times

Ginny E. cruises to a 5K PR.

Sarah S.: I worked with a physical therapist for a year after experiencing some serious spine and biomechanical issues. I also finally discovered race day gels that sit well in my gut. The result? PRs in both of my marathons and a half marathon this year, even while doing a whole extra mile at the Detroit Marathon!  

PRs and Fast Times

Sarah overcame obstacles to set three new PRs in 2021.

Robin M.: I crushed my half marathon PR by 10 minutes at the Space Coast Marathon/Half Marathon. I chased a Galloway pacer I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up with—but I did! And for 10 miles! I kept saying, “just one more interval, just one more interval.” Stronger than I thought!

PRs and Fast Times

Robin exceeded her expectations with a half marathon PR.

 

Veronica O.:  This is what a half marathon PR looks like!

PRs and Fast Times

Veronica is tutu excited to set a new 13.1-miler PR.

Suzanne R.: I ran a 10 miler that I hadn’t done since 1997 and I BEAT MY TIME! Although I didn’t hit my PR, for reference I was 30 years old and pre-kids in 1997. Here, I am in the middle flanked by my two coaches. 

PRs and Fast Times

Suzanne R. stands with her proud coaches after a big breakthrough.

Courtney O: 2021 was the year I returned to marathoning post babies. Qualifying for Boston always seemed like a pipe dreamsomething I could maybe do if I aged faster than I slowed down. But you know what, with the help of the expert coaches (Jenny Parker Harrison and Elizabeth Waterstraat) and the support of BAMRs… I DID IT! (I should probably say we did it). It’s really hard not to get emotional about what achieving this goal really means to the unathletic little girl who is still very much a part of me. I never thought this was actually possible until I started with the Train Like A Mother Club two years ago. Thank you is just simply not enough.

PRs and Fast Times

Courtney soaks in those finish line feels (and a BQ!).

Leanne L.:  I may have missed a BQ by 24 seconds at the Calgary Marathon, but then again, I never dreamed I could get that close. Here’s to getting under 3:40 in 2021!

PRs and Fast Times

42K…or 26.2 miles? Leanne crushed it either way.

Deanna T.: This wasn’t my PR, but it was still a win to see my 10-year-old son run his fastest-ever 5K with a 27-minute race. Even better? We ran it together, alongside my daughter.  All told, my kids and I finished five races together this year. I love that they love to run with me!

PRs and Fast Times

Deanna’s son’s PR was a win for the family.

 

We want to know: Did you PR or hit a goal time in 2021?