I had no sooner given out the last piece of Halloween candy and boxed up my orange and black decor when November came roaring in. I know, I know: Every year November immediately follows October, but why does it suddenly feel like there are just a few days left in 2024?

The start of the year back in January feels like eons ago. The fitness targets I had for myself—so fresh, so optimistic—resulted in mixed outcomes. Some goals have a bold check mark next to them, like my overnight ultra. Others dangle at the bottom of my list, partly forgotten and mostly impossible at this point. 

One of this year’s goals: many miles of trails!

Perhaps you’re in a similar spot, staring down the end of the year without succeeding at some of your intentions. Rather than wallow in self-recrimination, take the advice of fellow mother runners and give yourself some grace. Whether it’s a pivot or reframing your current situation, take heart in knowing you’re not alone.

“After a crushing accident that led me to have surgery and miss out on the National Championships and World Championships for Triathlon, I decided to focus instead on my recovery to get me back on the bike and running again.  I look at my injury as a speed bump in 2024—one that does not define me at all but instead makes me more excited for 2025 and what lies ahead as part of my comeback to training, racing, and more importantly, myself.” —TLAM Club Triathlon Coach Jenn

“I just finished my last marathon ever (#6) and did not hit my goal time, despite training for five months through the hot summer. I knew from last year to have a Plan B when things went left, and most importantly to be ok with that.” —BAMRbassador Suzanne

“I started the year with the goal of getting a guaranteed spot at the Chicago Marathon in 2025. I was good to go…until they changed the qualifying times. So I pivoted and committed to raising money for a worthy cause and going to Chicago as a charity runner.” —BAMRbassador Kerry

“I’m learning to embrace being proud of what I did, not what could be better.” —BAMRbassador Lindsay

“Right now, my body needs TLC. I’ve known that for a long time but am finally acting on it. Because of stubborn stenosis-based sciatica that feels like it electrocutes both legs down to my calves anytime I walk for more than 3-4 minutes or stand for 5-10, I am intentionally regulating my exercise. I still teach spinning twice a week and swim laps in the pool, but I keep my resistance levels very low. I teach strength twice a week for Many Happy Miles and Boot Camp at our Y, but I only do approved exercises (read: very few) and demo the others. Is it hard? Yes. Is it necessary? Yes. Can and will I do it? Yes, because I want those athletic goals pinging around in my head for many decades to come.” —Coach Dimity

Did I manage strength 4 times a week this year? No. Did I enjoy ice cream on vacation? Yes.

“After moving earlier this year, I’ve struggled staying strong. This fall I’m focusing on giving myself grace and permission that running is not priority #1 right now and, instead, working on PT moves, mobility, and very low mileage just to be out there.” —BAMRbassador Rebecca

“I had a goal of getting into better running shape this year, but running has taken a back seat to Peloton rides, dog walks, hikes, and strength sessions. I know that running will always be there for me, so I’m ok with it not being in the forefront right now.” —TLAM Club Support Specialist,  April

“My advice is to create monthly goals that can adjust to your life. I liked the challenge of a yearly goal, but days when I wasn’t feeling well or got busy, I needed to figure out how to give myself grace versus staying strict.” —BAMRbassador Leah

I hope this helps you look back on the past 10 months with pride at what you did accomplish, no matter how small. And if a sense of urgency or defeat is washing over you as the year winds down, you can kick that to the curb. I’m so proud of every day you put one foot in front of the other.

Looking for more community and motivation in 2025?
Sign up for the Many Happy Miles waitlist!