2013: A Year of Patience, Perseverance and Perspective

After a 2012 that saw me break beaucoup barriers and dream of crossing the marathon finish line with a 2-hour-something time, it would be easy to assume that 2013 was a letdown year for me. I didn’t come close to my goal time for 26.2. I suffered through a long recovery from ITBS. I got a nasty case of Achilles tendonitis.

But just like in any other discourse, life is what you make it.

So, positively speaking:

I started my own business.

I negative split the marathon for the first time while simultaneously experiencing triumph through tragedy.

I played in the woods with my friends.

I paced two other friends in two different but equally epic 100 mile races: Kettle Moraine 100 and the iconic, granddaddy of them all, Western States 100.

Despite the heavy rain and relentless terrain, I answered the bell for all 50 miles of the Minnesota Voyageur and had a kickass time doing it.

I PR’d the half marathon in one of my favorite local races.

I played in the woods with my friends, again.

I was reminded to be grateful for what I have, to live in the moment, to enjoy every second of life as it comes.

I volunteered at the Earth Day 50k, the Des Plaines River Trail 50 Miler and the inaugural Naperville Marathon, perfecting the art of cowbell ringing in one hand while handing out aid with the other.

I had another race report published in Ultrarunning Magazine (October issue).

I spent hours and hours pounding pavement, traversing trails, meditating through movement.

And I fell in love.

Thank you, 2013. My graciously heartfelt smile remains from ear to ear.

Happy New Year!

This entry was posted on December 31, 2013 by therunfactoryblog. It was filed under Injury, Philosophy, Training and was tagged with Achilles, Batavia, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Community, Des Plaines River Trail, Earth Day 50K, Half Madness Half Marathon, Half Marathon, HalfMadness Half Marathon, Ice Age Trail, Ice Age Trail 50K, Injury, Iron Lung Fitness, ITBS, Kettle Moraine, Marathon, Mental toughness, Minnesota Voyageur 50 Miler, Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultra, Philosophy, Psychology, Run Woodstock, Training, Ultrarunning, Western States.

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8 responses

Nikki M

sounds good to me! bring on 2014!

December 31, 2013 at 11:52

Reply
- therunfactoryblog
  
  Yes!
  
  January 9, 2014 at 11:33
  
  Reply
Dan

It’s funny how we sometimes don’t see the forest for the trees (or in this case, the badass accomplishments from the pale comparison that we often make when we look backward). I’m sure the Jeff Lung you were at the end of 2012 might not have guessed everything you’d do this year, but it sounds like your year went amazingly well, even with the hiccups along the way.

Glad to see you have your head held high going into 2014. There might be some ultra plans for me next year, so our running paths will likely converge when it comes to long runs.

Happy new year, Jeff!

December 31, 2013 at 12:23

Reply
- therunfactoryblog
  
  You bet! I’m ready when you are, Dan!
  
  January 9, 2014 at 11:33
  
  Reply
glenn

This sounds like a fantastic year, Jeff! Congratulations on all your accomplishments in 2013. Your attitude and perseverance are inspiration to so many – probably a lot of people who read your blog that you may never know about.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2014!

December 31, 2013 at 14:13

Reply
- therunfactoryblog
  
  Thanks, Glenn! And Happy New Year to you as well! Looking forward to when our paths cross again!
  
  January 9, 2014 at 11:33
  
  Reply
Minoring In Baseball

All the best in 2014, Jeff!
-Mike

January 2, 2014 at 05:50

Reply
- therunfactoryblog
  
  To you too, Mike! Let’s hope for that STL-DET WS rematch we’ve all been waiting for the last couple of years!
  
  January 9, 2014 at 11:34
  
  Reply

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