We asked our running community on Facebook - "What is your proudest running or walking accomplishment of 2017?" and we loved reading the amazing responses! From race finishes to overcoming injuries, here are just a few of the incredible things our runners and walkers accomplished this year.
"I'm most proud of my commitment and consistency throughout training. It hasn't always been easy to stick with it, especially as both a full-time mom and teacher, but I'm about to have my first 1,000 mile year. I owe much to the support and accountability of Catonsville MRTT(Moms Run This Town). Those ladies get me out on the pavement even when it feels tough." - Jenn G., Catonsville MRTT Chapter Co-leader, Catonsville, MD
“I had been training since January for various races and faced my longest distance yet at the Baltimore Running Festival in October. I was doing the 2nd leg of the relay so approximately 7 miles. I was nervous that morning waiting for the race to start and texting my family that I didn’t know what I was thinking and only real runners run 7 miles. My 14-year-old son responded to me by saying, ‘you’ve been training for months, running 3-4 times a week....Don’t you think you are a real runner now?’” – Laurie W., Perry Hall, MD
“I'm most proud of running the both the Boston and Baltimore half marathons in October.” – Tricia L., Severna Park, MD
“Joining the CCR Monday morning runs from the Fell's Point store! I never thought I could wake up early on a Monday and run, especially in the cold, but now I really enjoy it!” – Lisa S., Baltimore, MD.
“In March of this year I realized that there was something missing in my life. Day after day it was always the same routine and I was starting to become depressed. I didn't know what to do so I decided to put some shoes on and take a little walk around my neighborhood. Little did I know, that walk would end up saving my life. It gave me a little time to myself to think and next thing I knew I had made my way across 3 neighborhoods, not just my own. I turned around, walked home, and by the time I got home I felt better about myself and my life than I had in a very long time. I was ready to conquer the world! Now here I sit 9 months later and can't wait for my daily walk. I try to push myself a little farther each week and am very proud to say that I am up to almost 3 miles a day now.” - Thomas G., Kansas City, MO.
“I started running in 2017 as a way to overcome depression and axienty. I set my goals pretty high by setting out to complete the King Crab Challenge. I successfully ran the Frederick Half Marathon, the Baltimore 10-Miler and the Baltimore Half Marathon and completed the King Crab Challenge.” – Denny K., Frederick, MD
“I was thrilled to complete the NCR 20 miler. It was the longest run I had completed alone.” – Tim S., Manchester, MD
“My biggest racing accomplishment in 2017 was getting to run the B3 series for the first time. This accomplishment was even more special to me because I was able to “fund-race” for Back On My Feet Baltimore, a group near and dear to my heart. In total I was able to raise $2,200 for BOMF and earn a few PRs along the way!” – Katie V., Baltimore, MD
“My most rewarding feeling this year was sharing my favorite form of exercise with my 13 year old daughter while participating in a 5K together. She had run in the same 5K the year before and had her sights set on a medal this year. At the end of the race, she was convinced that she was not in contention with a time of 26:21. I was already announced as the first place winner of the over F50 age group, and as the announcements for medal winners for F11-14 age group were being made and we heard her name as the third place winner, we both hugged each other. I was so proud that she accomplished what she set out to do that morning and was so happy for her.” –Myra L., Baltimore, MD
“On July 12th 2017 I suffered a stroke and was told I would never run again. I could move my right leg for weeks. But I was determined to drive them wrong. I had one goal and that was to run again. Four months after my stroke I ran the Rock and Roll half marathon in Vegas. It was tough and it still is very hard. I don't have feeling in part of my leg and my right foot no longer moves properly but the moment I put on my running shoes I feel like I can accomplish anything. Some days I feel like I am bring my leg out for a run but it gives me the feeling of freedom, accomplishment, and courage. Life has changed a lot for me and will never be the same, running gives me back some of my normal life. It gives me the courage to keep trying.” – Carol M., Dagsboro, DE
“As a goal for 2017 I wanted to lose the baby weight (my youngest is now 2.5) and start running consistently. I signed up for a few races to keep me motivated and started running on the weekends with friends and treadmill runs during the week before my kids woke up. I lost 20 punds and finished the Charles street 12 in 1:49. I figured I could finish the Baltimore half in under 2 hours. I felt great the day of the race and was incredibly surprised with my time!” – Elizabeth P, Towson, MD
“I am proud that in a few short months of training with Coach Kate I have gotten into a regular exercise regimen, become stronger, and my 5k times are better.” – Georgianna A., Silver Spring, MD
What is your proudest running or walking accomplishment of 2017? Tell us your story in the comments below!
