Running a Dozen Dozens

Last year I did a thing.  I set a goal to run/hike a half marathon every month in 2024.  That's 13.1 miles, just a smidge over a baker's dozen.  Shockingly, I actually accomplished it!  I ran my first half on New Year's day and finished the last on New Year's eve.  Nothing like the last minute, but I made it.

Just for the record, here are my runs and the blurbs I wrote about them in Strava.

January Half Part 1 (4.64 miles)

Date: January 1st, 202
Location: The Pipeline Trail up Millcreek Canyon

"Icy, muddy and glorious.  Clocked this first part of my run on my watch before switching to my phone because I was short on battery."

January Half Part 2 (4.85 miles)

"My slow run back along the pipeline trail.  Full of New Year's resolve, I realized that if I added one more segment, I could run a half  Heck, I could even try to run a half every month in 2024.  This seemed like a good day to get started."

January Half: The Final Slog (3.65 miles)

"4.65+4.85+3.65 = 13.15!  Just don't ask me how long it took me to do it.  This is where my brilliant idea to run a half without training started to seem less smart.  Between the lack of breakfast, no water, and elevation gain, I definitely suffered.  But gotta admit--it was pretty."

February Half

Location: Emigration Canyon

"If I'm going to try and run a half every month this year, I either need to train more regularly or pick an easier route.  The snow pack at the top was both pretty and pretty much a skating rink."

March Half Marathon

Location: Jordan River Parkway headed south to Gardner Village

"Oof, this goal to run a half every month is HARD.  Legs were tired from the start and all the way through.  Grueling.  Plus, I didn't start Strava until 0.6 miles in but then I felt obligated to run extra because I wanted my watch to show the full distance.  Anal, I know, but I'm guessing many of you relate.  On the bright side, the yarn art made my day!"

April Half on the BST

Date: April 30, 2024

Location: Bonneville Shoreline Trail north of our home

"One of the hardest runs I've ever done, but one of the most beautiful as well.  Also, happy birthday NomiAnn!"

May Half

Location: City Creek Canyon

"Figured I should get 'er done earlier in the month since I'm supposed to ride a century on June 1st.  The wildlife kept me company.  The coyote was SOOO close!  No zoom in that picture and that was after it trotted farther away and I caught my breath enough to take a photo."

June Half: Round Valley Rambler

Date: June 8th, 2024

Location: Park City, Utah

"Blech.  Had a free race promo cod from volunteering, but I should have waited to use it.  My legs were still dead from last Saturday's century ride.  Plus my dad's back in the hospital so I was feeling worried about that.  On the positive side, at least June's half is done."

July Half: Lone Peak

Location: Lone Peak Wilderness

"So beautiful and fun to achieve this epic summit with my daughter.  But ouch, my feet hurt!  The trail may have cost me a couple toenails, but it was worth it.  Also, totally counting this as my July half." (17.3 miles, 5512 ft)

August Half 

Location: Mormon Pioneer Trail

"Pretty jog/hike along the Mormon Pioneer trail."

(13.16 miles, 2212 feet)

September Half: Feeling Fall on Timp

Location: Mount Timpanogos, Aspen Grove Ascent

"So fun to hike this with my sister and friend!  Beautiful leaves, but gosh, this is a tall peak.  Actually hiked 16.3 (including and extra detour to retrieve a lost phone.)  Saw the sun rise and set, plus a hoard of people taking photos at Aspen Grove."

October Half

Location: Pipeline Trail plus spur up Grandeur Peak

"I've run full marathons in less time than it took me to trot, hike, walk this.  But hey, another month down!  #onlytwoleft"

November Half: Millcreek Home

Location: Millcreek gate back to our Avenues home.

"November Half finished!  Hallelujah.  Only one month left of this madness."

December Half: I Can Do Hard Things

Date: December 31, 2024

Location: Sugarhouse and Liberty neighborhoods of Salt Lake

"On January 1st, 2024 I ran 13.1 miles up Millcreek on a whim. Inspired, I set a goal to run/hike/trot a half marathon every month for the rest of the year. Today I accomplished my goal with twelve hours to spare.

156+ miles—I’m proud of myself! I’m even more proud of myself for sticking with it when it was hard. When my daughter was admitted to Primary Children’s to wait for a transplant on December 2nd, I really didn’t think this month would happen. However, she received her new, shared heart on December 14th and came home this weekend. We feel so blessed.

Starting today’s run, I knew it would be really hard because I am so out of shape. However, the courage of my daughter inspired me. When I wanted to stop and walk, I thought of her and kept going. We are stronger than we think and can do really hard things, one step at a time."