What can I say about 2025, except that it's passed by so quickly, and it doesn't seem like two minutes since we were last celebrating Christmas and New year!
All in all, it's been a good year and I feel like I've achieved lots, although there are a few things that I wish we could have done more of.
From a running perspective, I've had a good year - a couple of podium finishes both overall and in my age group, although in all fairness, I've tried to enjoy racing this year rather than putting pressure on myself and trying to race flat out, or to meet the expectations of others. A win at the Frozen Ass 50k, second place at Hill of a Race and Blackfoot Ultra 50k, then another win at Survivorfest 24-hour track race made me realise that I've still got it when my training goes well and my mind's in the right place, but then I'm not too bothered about the wins so much these days.
I then did a couple of trail mountain ultras - Sinister 7 50k and Canadian Death Race. I had great runs at both of these, but I was most happiest with CDR due to finishing in 21 hours and not being sick for the entire race. I'll never be a champ or a "crusher" on the mountains, but I do love the challenge and adventure of these races, and being able to run in the more remote locations of Alberta - that's really the reason that I do them.
The biggest thing for me though in 2025 was being selected to represent Canada in the 24 hour World Championships. I've still not yet got around to writing about that, but in short, it was incredible to be there after so many years, and to see some familiar faces from times gone by. I ran just over 100 miles, not hitting my goal due to having a cold in the days leading up to it, but I refused to give up before the 24 hours had elapsed. When the final gun sounded, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, and I was so proud to be there representing Canada. The team camaraderie was wonderful, the support from the team was the best, and whilst it's unlikely I'll make the team again due to the ever increasing talent amongst female Canadian runners, there's still a part of me that believes that there is still a slight chance that I will.
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| 2025 Races |
Looking forward to 2026, my plan is to not get carried away with ultras. Much as I love the long distance running, now I'm not as quick, the long miles take up a huge amount of my time, and it's time I would rather be spending with the pups and Andy. I always say that time is the most precious thing, and we should spend it with those we live doing the things we love. In saying that, I do have ultras in my race plans for next year, and those plans include the following races:
Hypothermic Half
Calgary Marathon
Survivorfest 24-hour
Sinister 50 miles
Rivers Edge Ultra 100-miles
Other than Survivorfest where I will hopefully be chasing an age group record and maybe the team selection standard again, all of the other races are purely for fun, and I have no particular goal other than to have fun and finish with a smile.
At the beginning of this year, I also set myself some running goals, some of which I achieved, others than fell by the wayside. Those achieved include reaching my 50th parkrun, getting better on hills, running a sub 5-hour 50k, and generally just having fun! I'll do the same again for next year and will share my goals at some point once I've decided what they'll be. I like them to be challenging but not unachievable, hard enough to make me work for them, but not so easy that it doesn't take much effort to succeed.
Looking at life in general, Andy and I are happy, the pups are all happy, and despite the occasional road bumps that we all get in life, life is treating us well. I started a new job back in May with mixed feelings - happy to learn new things, but not really wanting to leave my old job. As a result, I don't feel fully settled where I am despite enjoying the work, and I've a sneaky feeling that should the opportunity arise, I'll be starting a new job again within the coming months. Whether that will be in the Edmonton area or further afield I don't know, but I definitely feel the need to be happier in my professional life and will be casually looking for those opportunities.
So all that now remains is to thank all of you for sticking around this past year and beyond, and for all the support and encouragement you may have given in one way or another, no matter how big or small. I'm finding that social media is not what it used to be, and the original intent has been lost, along with many friends and past acquaintances that I had who no longer use it. But love it or loath it, it is a good way of staying in touch and letting others know how things are going. I'm definitely not here for the likes or the comments or the followers - I'm here to laugh, smile and cry with you, to celebrate your achievements and successes, to hear about your holidays or your pets or your families, and to stay in touch with those people I care about, but don't get to see very often. If we still see each other's updates, to me that means we want to stay in touch, and I for one am interested in the things you share.
So here's wishing you all a happy, healthy and peaceful 2026 - let's make it a good one!
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