2020 in review and looking towards 2021.

(In February before Covid hit)

At the end of 2019 I was very excited for 2020 and the potential it had.  I was easing up on racing and focusing more on running and finding the joy again along with taking it easy on my hip.  I only had a handful of races that I was signed up, which I was excited.  January started and ended up back at Physical Therapy as I prepared for my race in Atlanta in February.  Closer to the race a report about Covid came out and Tokyo Marathon cancelled for general entries.  I was a little afraid of Atlanta cancelling but the closer we got the more assurance I had that it would go on. Atlanta was an amazing experience I was attempting a sub 2:30 goal which I hadn't run in about 5 years and reached 2:29:29.  As we headed back to the hotel we stopped by the Olympic rings and found out the winner of the Olympic Marathon Trials (Aliphine Tuliamuk) was taking pictures so I got to meet her and get a picture.  That was amazing.

(Picture with the Olympic Marathon Trials winner)

Once I got back from Atlanta and races were getting cancelled I decided to see if I can get the surgery to fix my hip.  Due to Covid I had to wait about 2 months but the day eventually came.  This was my first surgery ever and it was weird being in a hospital by myself.  The surgery lasted maybe an hour and a half and then headed home.  It was a long journey to recovery and something nobody really talks about.  It was nice being at home as I could focus on my recovery and thankful to great friends that helped me get better.  It was the best year for surgery. And kind of happy more races got cancelled as recovery took longer than expected and didn't have to rush the process, which I still did haha.

(First PT session after surgery)

July came around and adulting became even more real...I was buying a house.  That was super stressful, I learned so much in a small time period but thankful to have my brother and friends to help me through it.  I closed in August, which was a weird experience because I never thought I would buy a house any time soon but had the opportunity so might as well.  I looked a one house and bought it, I'm not super picky.  The moving process and getting everything situated took a long time and still taking time but not running a lot gave me time to be able to fix the house up a bit.  I painted all the walls and most of the doors.  Once we are able to gather I will have a party.

(I got the keys)

September rolled around and it became the most emotional month.  I lost my mom to cancer and because of Covid and not being in LA it was harder to be able to be with her.  I was able to see her before her passing.  I'm thankful to the hospital staff that took care of her and see her for the last time.  I know she is with me and will continue to run for her and keep her in my heart.

(Throwback family picture)

As I am writing this, we are few days away from 2021.  There is so much hope that things may go back to normal and that we can gather soon.  I know we have more months of social distancing and staying 6 feet apart but we are getting closer.  Right about now I would be planning goals for 2021 but I'm leaving 2021 open for anything. I would like to run more half marathons and potential marathon but mainly I want to stay healthy and continue to run.   I'm tired of hearing the word Covid and I know many others are too, let our Doctors, Nurses and Health officials do their job and we will be back to normal.  I pray that 2021 bring more happiness for everyone and that people that have lost their job can find other ones.  It's been a stressful year for everyone different ways and hoping that we are all able to live together in peace and thrive.  Happy New Year.