Races and group runs returned with a vengeance in 2022 after two years of Covid-related chaos and uncertainty.
It was as if someone pushed a giant red go button on everything. Adventures, races, trips. It’s was all systems go.
Without a doubt the highlight of my year was running the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim. It’s been a few months now and I still can’t believe I did. (Yes there was a little puking involved but that’s was just one minor hiccup.) The point is … I did it.
Right up until I stepped onto the trail at 5:30 in the morning, I was still having doubts that I had the physical ability to do something this bucket-list worthy.
I know bouts of self-doubt in anything you do is normal. The key is to not let the self doubts take over your life. That’s a hard lesson to learn and to live by. I think this year, it finally sunk in a little deeper and I gained the confidence to step out of my comfort zone in many areas of my life.
Leading up to the Grand Canyon in October, I spent every weekend adventuring solo or with trail friends in the mountains. Some notables included my Skoki, Glasgow and Assiniboine Pass (Wonder Pass loop) adventures. Nothing beats being out in the mountains with good people with big hearts.
I reached my elevation goal of 100,000 in November, and finishing first overall in the challenge with something like 108,000+ from just running and hiking. Strava told me I did 112,000 for the entire year. I have really enjoyed tracking my vert since I started three years ago. It’s even more fun with the vert challenge on Strava.
Collecting stamps in the Eastern Rockies Passport was so much fun this year. I crossed off 11 of the 20 trails/mountains in the book. Watch me complete the passport in 2023.
Races in 2022
What was the highlight of your year? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.