It’s that time of year again — for my annual running recap!

This year was an eventful year for running and working out. A lot is different than last year – fewer mileage (thanks a lot, TWO injuries!) but new cross-training habits. Here’s a look at the good, the bad and what’s coming up in 2025. 

Let’s start with the not-so-good:

Two injuries AND a low mileage year: I had 2 injuries this year, which hurt my running. I started off January 2024 feeling great – so great in fact that I ramped up my mileage, doing 7 miles a day for a few days in a row… and then my hip started acting up. I kept running on it for a few days when suddenly I could barely walk without pain. So, I took one month off. During that time, I was lucky enough to be able to ride my indoor bike and rowing machine and do some hip strengthening exercises (lots of clam shells!) and then came back in February feeling strong!

The second injury was the beginning of September – I ran into a door and broke my toe. I kept running on it (not realizing it was broken), but then once I realized it was, I was off it for 6 weeks. And at the same time, my daughter broke her arm on the monkey bars! We were both injured for the beginning of the school year.

So between those 6 weeks and the 4+ weeks off with those two injuries, my mileage this year was less than stellar. I had my lowest mileage year in several years. I barely beat how many miles I ran the year GM was born (1379.6) – even with the time off from running after giving birth plus my slowing down before he was born (I ran through 38ish weeks pregnant. My last run was the 13th and he was born the 22nd).

And now, the good:

I actually started cross training! Every year I make it an informal goal to cross train. In 2023, we invested in an exercise bike and rower, and I would sometimes go on those for 15-30 minutes at a time in between runs or when I was injured. But this year, I started something completely new – weight training! When my foot was broken, I started a weight training program where each day I focused on a different body part. I used kettlebells to start, and on Prime Day, we invested in some free weights. I went back to running in October, but my weight training hasn’t stopped! I’m actually enjoying lifting weights most mornings and while it sometimes is hard to fit it in PLUS running, I know it’s good for my body and my bones to keep getting stronger. This is a big deal for me and I’m so proud that I’ve been able to keep it up!

How it started – with my boot and some kettlebells.

I ran a great Cleveland half marathon! I had no speed goals this year, but ended up running it faster than I have ran it the past few years. Was it sub-2 like I had been in the past? No, but it was 2:02 and 4 minutes faster than 2023 and 9 minutes faster than 2022! And I had a ton of fun! Race recap here >> https://icrashedtheweb.com/2024/05/19/cleveland-marathon-2024-challenge-series-recap/

I’m a Cleveland Marathon ambassador again! I’m once again an ambassador for the 2025 Cleveland marathon race events. If you’re thinking of running any of the events, I have a 20% off coupon code for you! Use SAVE20MELCARN on any of the events – 5k, 10k, full, half, or even the challenge series!

Also good for this year, I did several races with my kids! My 8 year old seems to enjoy doing 5Ks, and we’ve run a few together, including the recent Turkey Trot where he got a trophy for getting 2nd place in his age group! I’ve loved running with him and hope he continues to enjoy doing races. He never runs outside of the races (unless it’s at a sport like soccer or basketball), but maybe some day he will enjoy going for a run with me.

All smiles after a 5K in the pouring rain – but look at that trophy!

Total mileage in 2024: 1,385.7 miles run … plus countless miles on the indoor bike, a few on the rowing machine (I can’t seem to get into that), and lots of weight training (18 weeks so far!)

Questions for you:

• How did your 2024 go? Did you start something new with your workout routine?
• Any goals for 2025? My 2 goals are to 1) not get injured and 2) keep up my weight training!

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.