The Little Chemist That Could: Obligatory 2025 in review

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Obligatory 2025 in review

So, one thing is for sure - I did not keep up with my blogging this year. Started off strong with a training plan and a goal (which I met!) and then fell off with... life, things, etc. I've been sick more this year than I can remember... mostly allergy-like symptoms, but probably a few bouts of flu and cold mixed in. Need to focus on more consistent schedules for sleep, good meals, hydration, etc... (don't we all??). I could dwell on all the things that I could have or should have done better, but I'd rather focus on all the amazing things from this year...

The Good Stuff

Over 1,300 miles of running this year
Achieving a lifetime half marathon PR of 1:37:52 (Greenville Half Marathon in February)
Completing the GORUCK Bragg Tough and Basic to earn my Cadre Barbarossa V Patch
Earning my first 100-mile buckle at the Country Mile 48-hr race
Running a few races and doing some rucks with my little dude #SuperD including the Greenville Turkey Day 5k where he ran the entire way (he was so proud of himself!)

Turkey Day 5k

BWM 2-Mile

Pumpkin Ruck

Cadre Dan's Light Challenge

ZF 5k on his 10th Birthday
Running several night races (the most difficult for me): Mountaineer Rumble 12-Hr (completed 50k), Sadlers Creek Stumble 32-Hr (completed 100k), Long Night in Lanford dusk to dawn (completed 17 miles), and volunteer overnight sweeping at the Virginia Trail Running Festival (covered 32+ miles between biking and running)
Third year of the Blue Ridge Relay
Bringing the fun back to some running events aka don't take things too seriously - Ville to Ville Relay, Reaper Relay, Cottonmouth Beerlay (solo), and more random group runs and run clubs than I can count!
Reaper 50k relay team "Nutty Butties"

Fruitcake Relay

There's a ton more good, but even just thinking back on all of it makes me feel pretty content with how the year went. Here's to more miles, more smiles, and chasing more trail sunsets in 2026....