What was your favorite athletic highlight of 2023? Perhaps it was PR’ing in a 10K or crossing the finish line of your very first marathon. Maybe it was something simpler, but oh-so-sweet, like a scenic hike with your family or that first pain-free run after dealing with a nagging injury. Whatever the moment, we’re showcasing several from folks in our AMR community, offering a variety pack of peak moments. We hope they inspire you to celebrate your own athletic high points—and motivate you to go after even more in ’24.

“I completed the Catskill Peaks, a challenge in the Catskills that includes doing four peaks, all in the winter months. Hiking up mountains in snowshoes is something I never thought I would do. I learned to navigate unmarked trails, improved my orienteering skills, and trusted my judgment on how to get to the top of the mountain. Next up might be an overnight backpacking trip by myself.”
—Jan, North Carolina

“After a bad sprain and fracture in 2022, I made a comeback this year at my local Parkrun 5K, which is held every week. Over the course of the year, I worked my way from walking the entire 5K to run-walking, gradually chipping away at my time. By November, I was able to run the whole way and set a new PB [personal best] of 26:18. I’m so excited about what comes next.”
—Jillian, New Brunswick, Canada

“When I was deployed earlier this year to Kuwait, I did a race during which I carried 12 kilos (about 25 pounds) of weight for 15 miles—in full uniform, in the desert. I beat out so many of my male counterparts and felt so badass doing it.”
—Mary, Virginia

“2023 was meant to be the year I took up ultra running. Unfortunately, I tore my hip labrum and was out for eight weeks. After some rest, PT, and plenty of patience and trust that I could still do it, I started running again and set my eyes on a 100K again. With some solid training, I got to the race and did the ultra! It was absolutely glorious.” —Jamie, Oklahoma

“After years of always wanting a best running friend, I finally convinced one of my dear friends to train for a half-marathon this year. She was my partner for long runs every Sunday morning, and it’s so much fun having someone to talk to and pass the time with and commiserate with.”
—Paige, Georgia

“Although I battled an injury this year, I found a way to foster and spread my love of running by coaching a cross-country team of 29 middle schoolers. We had a lot of fun covering miles together, and I was able to incorporate a lot of strength moves and training ideas that I’ve picked up from following AMR programs.”
—Samantha, Texas

“My athletic highlight for 2023 was actually my daughter’s: She joined her middle school cross country team and found a community and a love of running. I’m so excited that just like me, she has a lifetime of running and athletic competition ahead of her.”
—Kara, Massachusetts

“I started racing for the first time ever in 2023! I did my first road race, a 10K, then worked my way up to a half marathon. Along the way, I developed a healthier relationship with food and my body, and I’m better at taking care of myself. Seeing the progress is really cool, and I’m proud of myself.”
—Emily, Nebraska

“I turned 30 in April and I wanted to do something big to celebrate this achievement. I was planning on doing a marathon, but I found out I was pregnant. Instead, I ran the Tar Heel 10 miler at 34 weeks pregnant, and I did not walk the entire way. Thanks to my mom, who kept me going.”
—Hillary, North Carolina

“I had the most amazing trip to the Ragnar Trail Appalachians. As the captain, I was lucky enough to get eight women to travel many miles. I am 60 years old, there was another 60 year old on the team, and the rest were mostly over 50—and we took first place in the women’s Masters division! It was absolutely the most wonderful race experience I’ve ever had.”
—Renee, Michigan

“ My highlight was the Grand Circle Trail Fest, which I completed with my husband. It’s three half marathons in three days on the trails in Bryce, Zion, and Horseshoe Bend national parks. Oh my goodness, it was challenging and beautiful. There were tears and joy and laughter and it’s just all the good things.”
—Sandy, Oregon

“I participated in the Longest Day Marathon, running from sun-up to sundown on the longest day of the year. I made it about 55 miles and in the process raised the most money that I’ve ever raised in a year for World Vision, a group that provides clean water projects around the world.”
—Emmy, Minnesota

“Prior to the Marine Corps Marathon, I had to get an iron infusion due to very low ferritin levels. Then, I found out I had corneal scratches on my eye and couldn’t wear any corrective lenses during the race. Not to mention it was very hot on race day, and about 74° when I finished. Still, I was able to persevere and finish the marathon.”
—Sue, Maryland

Tune in to the Many Happy Miles podcast to hear even more highlights!