Here goes another year. It’s amazing how time speeds up the closer we get to the end of the year, isn’t it? I know, it’s all perception, but perception also is all we have.
2016 was a pretty good year for me personally, but of course, on a larger scale, 2016 was peppered with some rather unpleasant events around the world. Countless untimely deaths, a migrant crisis, war, terror attacks… I mean, I could have really done without all that. And then, to top it all of the election of he-who-should-not-be-named. Here’s a good article to sum up my feelings.
I know, lots of people on social media have been asking for 2016 to just go away, but you know, every year has good things and bad things and I am always, always trying to focus on the good (without ignoring or discounting the bad). All we can do is work towards making the future better than the past, right?
I created this little infographic to kind of summarize my year in a visual sense (hat tip to Alycia for the idea).
January
In Janurary, I chose a new word for the year. I shared a bit about our 2015 finances.
February
I talked about the books that I read in 2015. My blog got a little makeover. In my ‘Daily Life’ series, I shared 11 ways to save (some) money at the grocery store. I showed you the knitting project I was working on.
March
I made bread in the Dutch Oven. I talked about 10 things that I learned in my 30’s. I made a list of my travel essentials before heading off to Germany to celebrate my birthday with my family. I shared 16 apps that I use (almost) every day. I talked about Val Gardena and 8 fun Instagram accounts that I follow.
April
I checked back in with you in April. I shared 9 of our favorite weekly meals. I finally got around to writing down our red Thai Curry recipe. I recapped my time home by sharing a bit more about my hometown. I told you about my love for Ikea and about the wonderful week I spent skiing in Wolkenstein, South Tyrol with my family. At the end of April, I went down to Socal for a long weekend.
May
I looked forward to the month of May. I set a new goal. I recapped our time in Munich in March. I bought a KitchenAid! I shared some Awkward & Awesome things. I went kayaking for the first time with my friend Susi. I made my own granola. I participated in the Davis Pride Run for Equality 10k. I recapped our Memorial Day + Anniversary weekend.
June
I blogged about Global Running Day. I shared my love for my (almost) hometown Cologne. I talked about my half-marathon training. I shared my frustrations about the ongoing violent attacks that keep happening. I shared some of my quirks. I started a new blog series about things I bought at Trader Joe’s. I linked up for Tuesdays on the Run and talked about how often I run races.
July
I welcomed yet another new month. I shared how I pick the races that I sign up for. In my ‘Daily Life’ series, I told you about what my work week looks like. I also shared about that time when iron deficiency landed me in the hospital (don’t recommend). I ran the Davis Moo-nlight Run 10k. I baked twisted overnight spelt-rye rolls. I shared more things I bought at Trader Joe’s. I ran the San Francisco Half Marathon. My Mom had kidney surgery, which left me a bit worried.
August
In August, I finally gave you a little tour of our home. I made protein waffles. I went to Colorado for the first time for a workshop. I talked about race memorabilia. I shared my love for National Parks in honor of the NPS’ 100th birthday. I blogged about the 13.1 lessons I learned from running a half marathon.
September
In September, I shared my Labor Day Weekend recap. I also reminisced about the fact that I came to California 15 years ago. I shared a recipe for broiled veggies and parsley rice. Because some people asked, I talked about how I experienced 9/11 as I had just arrived in the country as an exchange student. I blogged about the best running advice I have received. I met up with my long-time friend Cathy from Australia in Vegas. I also talked about meatless things to get from Trader Joe’s.
October
J and I celebrated our 15-year meet-aversary. I talked about what time I work out. I shared some thoughts on self-care and then lamented the fact that it’s hard to get back to a normal routine after your family leaves after a 2-week visit.
November
November marked the start of NaBloPoMo, which means I blogged a lot that month. I wrote some recaps of my parents’ visit. I shared five things people might not know about me. I posted my blueberry crumble muffins recipe. I was devastated by the election results. I blogged about 5 sports/activities I wish I had more time for, then shared more thoughts on the election. I cooked Rhineland Potato Soup. I shared more German idioms (because they’re so fun!). I talked about five favorite holiday foods. I told you how we prepare our Thanksgiving Chicken. I blogged about my official 1-year race-run-niversary. For Thanksgiving, I wrote about the things I am thankful for. I shared my all-time favorite holiday movies. I shared my thoughts on lifelong friends. I made Bavarian potato salad and contemplated who I was (at the moment).
December
I welcomed the last month of the year. I recapped our quiet Thanksgiving weekend. I shared my wish list. I participated in a Holiday Ornament Exchange. I shared some more vacation recaps. I suggested 5 holiday gifts for athletes. I hosted a Secret Santa Mug Swap. I blogged about 5 holiday items I picked up at Trader Joe’s, posted a Christmas Survey, and recapped our quiet Christmas. I looked back at my year of running and shared my December favorites.
How was your year? Was it good, was it bad, or a mixed bag (like for everyone else)?
Happy New Year, friends. I hope 2017 will be good to you and all of us!
Best run: The ones where body and mind agree and it feels like you can keep running forever.
Best running advice you’ve received this year: 
Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat: San Francisco. Next time the halfmarathon that crosses the Golden Gate, I think.
How was your year of running?
