Training-wise, I guess the main thing that I experimented with this year was having real periodization, in the sense that I mostly stuck to my usual varied training (weekly run mileage in the 60s, two strength sessions, a weekly swim) but switched to a high mileage (100 mpw) block focused on just running for 6 weeks leading up to my goal race. That seemed to work well. Also returned to the track fairly consistently for the first time in a few years. Speedwork and strength work seem increasingly important as we age.
I wonder, Sarah, whether you’ve had a year (or a period of any length) where you deliberately sought to change as little as possible. As a break from having to adapt to things, perhaps, or just because you liked certain things the way they were. I’ve always appreciated your thoughtfulness, and would love to read your thoughts on that subject, if you have any. (You said we can ask you questions!)
That's an interesting question! No, not really. Every year, every month, every day is different. Part of this is from having kids who grew up and I, as their mother, always was helping them to adapt to new grades or new schools. Also, as a freelancer and a coach, my assignments and clients were always changing. Moving and building a home was a multi-year project. I took a part-time job nearly two years ago (substitute teaching) that is different every time. I could settle down now, but why? I guess the fact I've stayed married to my high school boyfriend means that I do like to keep some things the way they are :-).
Yah!!! Another podcast for my long run. I use training peaks too but I’m new to it. I try to stay away from social media in general but you make strava sound interesting. You are such an inspiration I appreciate you. So nice to have someone of a similar age to look to for advice and guidance. Thanks run Yoda
I agree with the name change! I'm from Ohio, so the CO part wasn't what was meaningful to me (though I do still like your local stories/history segments).
I am in the hate phase of my love-hate relationship with Strava - tysm for your fresh eyes {reframe}.
And those environmental bits!! Big bits! I am going to read that to my 10 yo Caroline bc its beautiful and brilliant and she dreams of becoming an activist. I think I'd like to steal some of the dedication to local producers. Really meaningful. Plus what you say here is now why I am now officially a paying subscriber to your newsletter... aligning values with investments. Yep! Watch out 2024...
And house plants and HIIT - I relate to both these themes in my life currently. My goals lately have been not so running focused and more cross-training a la HIIT and yoga!
I killed a plant on Christmas {oops so sad} but am grateful that even though I struggle big time with pets, I seem to do okay with the once-a-week needing water schedule that is cute green things. :)
I also did listen to your podcast at the gym {only since you mentioned here otherwise would have totally missed it in the pod-o-sphere}. The title doesn't really do it justice imho. You brought so much to the dialogue in the way of how to- and inspiration... AND way to shout out Ann Trason! Literally why do we not talk about her more often? That was huge and I admire your wisdom and generosity in how you showed up in that pod, gave so freely from your experience - and all totally aligned and authentic with how you write.
CAN.NOT.WAIT for what you cook up in 2024! Oh and that Memoir... Big things!! <3
I felt UD was positioned the best 10+ years ago to be the vanguard for the rise of mid-size packs and what became known as fastpacking. I wanted to stay with their designs but I couldn't continue to limit myself.
I would be very interested in reading about what happened inside that brand during that time period for them to go from being innovative to losing the pulse of the community so quickly.
Happy New Year SLS. IMO Good call excising Colorado for purely practical reasons and that’s coming from a non biased perspective since Colorado is a place I have great memories of etc etc. But since trail running is egalitarian (mostly?) and you certainly reflect the inclusiveness and spirit of being outside it’s a genuinely savvy and gentle pivot. For all the right reasons. Cheers.
I have yet to hop on the Strava bandwagon (I’m a pen and paper tracker), but maybe I should give it a try
Training-wise, I guess the main thing that I experimented with this year was having real periodization, in the sense that I mostly stuck to my usual varied training (weekly run mileage in the 60s, two strength sessions, a weekly swim) but switched to a high mileage (100 mpw) block focused on just running for 6 weeks leading up to my goal race. That seemed to work well. Also returned to the track fairly consistently for the first time in a few years. Speedwork and strength work seem increasingly important as we age.
I wonder, Sarah, whether you’ve had a year (or a period of any length) where you deliberately sought to change as little as possible. As a break from having to adapt to things, perhaps, or just because you liked certain things the way they were. I’ve always appreciated your thoughtfulness, and would love to read your thoughts on that subject, if you have any. (You said we can ask you questions!)
That's an interesting question! No, not really. Every year, every month, every day is different. Part of this is from having kids who grew up and I, as their mother, always was helping them to adapt to new grades or new schools. Also, as a freelancer and a coach, my assignments and clients were always changing. Moving and building a home was a multi-year project. I took a part-time job nearly two years ago (substitute teaching) that is different every time. I could settle down now, but why? I guess the fact I've stayed married to my high school boyfriend means that I do like to keep some things the way they are :-).
Haha, I love that, what a wonderful constant to have! Thank you for the reply and for all your writing.
Yah!!! Another podcast for my long run. I use training peaks too but I’m new to it. I try to stay away from social media in general but you make strava sound interesting. You are such an inspiration I appreciate you. So nice to have someone of a similar age to look to for advice and guidance. Thanks run Yoda
Thank you for reading, and for all of your positive feedback!
I agree with the name change! I'm from Ohio, so the CO part wasn't what was meaningful to me (though I do still like your local stories/history segments).
thanks for the feedback & for reading!
I love this post. What a great way to capture & share both tips & reflection from 2023.
Thanks and happy new year! I look forward to reading your newsletter again.
I really love this post! For so many reasons...
I am in the hate phase of my love-hate relationship with Strava - tysm for your fresh eyes {reframe}.
And those environmental bits!! Big bits! I am going to read that to my 10 yo Caroline bc its beautiful and brilliant and she dreams of becoming an activist. I think I'd like to steal some of the dedication to local producers. Really meaningful. Plus what you say here is now why I am now officially a paying subscriber to your newsletter... aligning values with investments. Yep! Watch out 2024...
And house plants and HIIT - I relate to both these themes in my life currently. My goals lately have been not so running focused and more cross-training a la HIIT and yoga!
I killed a plant on Christmas {oops so sad} but am grateful that even though I struggle big time with pets, I seem to do okay with the once-a-week needing water schedule that is cute green things. :)
I also did listen to your podcast at the gym {only since you mentioned here otherwise would have totally missed it in the pod-o-sphere}. The title doesn't really do it justice imho. You brought so much to the dialogue in the way of how to- and inspiration... AND way to shout out Ann Trason! Literally why do we not talk about her more often? That was huge and I admire your wisdom and generosity in how you showed up in that pod, gave so freely from your experience - and all totally aligned and authentic with how you write.
CAN.NOT.WAIT for what you cook up in 2024! Oh and that Memoir... Big things!! <3
I am so stoked to have you here! I really hope we can run a race together again or maybe I can pace you sometime somewhere, hit me up.
Great recap and thanks for your newsletters this year. All the best for 2024!
I like the name change, and look forward to your continued writing in the new year!
I felt UD was positioned the best 10+ years ago to be the vanguard for the rise of mid-size packs and what became known as fastpacking. I wanted to stay with their designs but I couldn't continue to limit myself.
I would be very interested in reading about what happened inside that brand during that time period for them to go from being innovative to losing the pulse of the community so quickly.
Really love the capacity for reflection, change and innovation!
I'm picking up two new plants today! I can't help myself 😂
Kudos on the name change, and thanks for all the great writing this year, Sarah!
Thanks for reading and for all your writing!
Happy New Year SLS. IMO Good call excising Colorado for purely practical reasons and that’s coming from a non biased perspective since Colorado is a place I have great memories of etc etc. But since trail running is egalitarian (mostly?) and you certainly reflect the inclusiveness and spirit of being outside it’s a genuinely savvy and gentle pivot. For all the right reasons. Cheers.
Thanks Mark!