2016 in Review: Run Oregon’s year of running – Part 1

Matt: My 2016 was the epitome of a pendulum. I started off 2016 on a high note, adding more and more miles with each passing day, week, and month. Things were progressing so well in fact, that I decided that May’s Eugene Marathon was attainable, even with no “real” training. I had a blast and the rest of the summer was really solid as well. However, with the birth of my 3rd girl in October (early and emergency-based), things took a dip. The terror and chaos from the delivery, followed by the subsequent stress of being a proud parent of 3, probably should have got me out the door with more vigor as a counterbalance. Needless to say, it didn’t. So that leaves 2016 as relatively disappointing on the running side and happy and proud on the fathering side. This can’t continue forever, as the outdoors are calling me, this time with a little more aggressive voices. 2017, I can’t wait to get swing back in the other direction.

Anthony (AKA: The Beerded Runner): So, personally and running-wise 2016 has had its shares of up and downs (pun intended). I have many accomplishments on running and in life personally. I have run some beautiful trails in some beautiful places, and also did some fun and challenging races. I failed at my goals several times, but I wouldn’t give up any of the experiences.  I have oh so many race memories to choose from, but I think I would have to say my favorite was from the start of an attempted 50k at Siskiyou Out & Back (SOB). The race started at the Mt. Ashland Ski Lodge and arrived there early for a gorgeous sunrise view of Mt. Shasta – a place I have visited a few times growing up. I still think about that morning. A bonus running moment was getting to the top of Stevens Pass Ski Resort and looking at the gorgeous Cascade Mountain Range. Those memories will last forever.

Annette: 2016 was a year of struggle for me. I was getting back to running after several interruptions and I really struggled with motivation and a change in my running schedule. In the past I consistently ran 3 days per week. This year I spent a lot of time in the 1-2 days per week category. I chose to keep my maximum distance at a 10K, due to my lack of running. I still participated in races, but simply as a motivation to keep running and because I enjoy the race environment. My times were definitely not PRs, but it was about getting out there and trying to regain my running mojo. As the year comes to a close, I am improving on my running motivation and working really hard at running 2-3 days per week. I’m confident that 2017 will see me back to my consistent 3 days a week and improved times.