This past week marked six years since I turned the lights on here at runladylike.com. It’s quite remarkable how much has changed in six years. Back in July of 2012, I lived in Atlanta, was married with no kids, worked downtown every day and was training for my first half Ironman (Augusta 70.3 recap) and my fifth marathon (Marine Corp Marathon recap). Running and triathlon consumed a huge part of my life (probably a little too much if I’m being honest). Today, I live in a different state, have a daughter, own my own business and am simply training for life.

Though my relationship with running has evolved during the past six years, the miles continue to enrich my life in the ways I need it to on this ever-changing journey. Today, I’m continuing the tradition of answering questions about my sixth year to take a jog down memory lane.

What were the three most popular (most viewed) posts I wrote during year six?

10-Day Road Trip to Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park

Transformation Tuesday: Six Months Postpartum

An Attack on My Running Safety

What were my favorite three posts I wrote during year six?

The Hidden Simplicity of Running

Clarity in Chaos

Running it Forward on Global Running Day (this is a tough one)

What was my first post ever? What was my first post from year six?

My first post ever was And Along Came rUnladylike, and my first post from this past year was Transformation Tuesday: Six Months Postpartum.

What six moments stand out most from my sixth year?

1. Our family trip to Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks when Baby rUnladylike was seven months old
2. Evacuating to Chicago for a week when a hurricane was coming straight for Tampa, and our immense gratitude when our city was completely spared
3. My first postpartum half marathon in New Hampshire with some of my favorite running friends
4. The last-minute Holiday Halfathon I ran at close to 12 months postpartum, which was the first race Baby rUnladylike was present for
5. My daughter’s first birthday
6. Going to South Dakota to be present for my friend’s 50th state race and going to Mount Rushmore with my mom

What was my best rave run?

The run that stands out most from rUnladylike’s sixth year was in Jackson, Wyoming. I ran along a gorgeous path twice, once solo and once pushing Baby rUnladylike in the stroller.

What has been the most challenging aspect of the past year?

The most challenging aspect of this past year has been coming to terms with what I’ve always wanted from running and what I want from it today. Life has changed. Priorities have changed. Today, I need running to simply be a friendly companion I can turn to at any moment … not a looming goal wrapping my heart and head in pressure. Deciding to take a pause from coaching was hard but really needed. Also, bombing the Savannah Half Marathon after feeling more prepared than ever for a goal race was definitely a turning point during the past year. The rut that followed is one I’m honestly still digging out of. Since then, I’ve realized that I don’t want to train for a big fall race and want to simply run and exercise for the joy of it and not to beat a time on the clock. It has been hard trying not to compare myself to my past self, even the runner I was in February and March is not the runner I am now in July. For the first time I’m not completely sure what, if anything, I want from running other than just running for fun with the women in my neighborhood. I’m ok with that. It’s always here for us when we are ready for it.

What were my most unladylike moments from year six?

If you’ve been reading runladylike.com for a while, you know I love sharing the unladylike adventures of running and training. During the past year, I didn’t have nearly as many inappropriate moments that previous years have brought. I suppose my most unladylike moments have come from talking OVERLY openly and honestly with my training partners about discomfort “down there” from postpartum running and the need to hightail it to a bathroom or portapotty mid-run while others have to wait for me to handle my business *wink.*

Six ways to connect with rUnladylike

1. Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/runladylike
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runladylike
3. Twitter: @rUnladylike
4. Follow on Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4066335
5. Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JesicaD
6. Email: runladylike@gmail.com

My wish for the year ahead is many healthy and meaningful miles for each of you. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey and for taking the time to read these pages and share your experiences.

Are there any topics you’d like me to write more about during runladylike.com’s next year? Do you have any questions you’d like me to answer in an upcoming post?