Looking back - a year of racing :)

As we head towards the end of yet another year, on reflection, I've had a good year of racing, with 12 races completed which resulted in 2 race victories - the first at Survivorfest 24 hour in the "track n trail", and the second at the River's Edge Ultra 50k trail race. I did my first marathon in over 7 years and placed 3rd in the ladies race, and then I had podium finishes in my age group at another 3 races throughout the year. I also did two more backyard ultras, one of which saw me representing Team Canada at the World Team Championships back in October.

I was struck down with Covid twice which hampered some of my racing goals, and the hubby being stuck in Korea for near on three months earlier in the year made things tough for training.

There's no denying that I had hoped for faster times or longer distances, but as I head towards my 50th birthday in February, and after 40+ years of being a competitive runner, I have no real complaints. Over the years, I've had so many fantastic results in races in the UK, the US, Canada, and beyond, and the fact that I'm still running with the same passion, competitiveness and desire that I felt as a teenager makes me happy and wanting more.

Whilst this year focused on shorter and faster races, including a return to road races, next year my focus will be on the longer races, and I plan to spend lots of time on the trails as I prepare for what will be my biggest challenge yet - my first 200 mile race.

For now though, I'm going to enjoy a nice relaxing Christmas with my husband and three pups, and I wish you all a most happy and healthy festive season, and all the very best for 2023.

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