Steeplechasers recently took to the Frederick Steeplechasers Facebook group to share their 2022 running accomplishments and 2023 running goals.
Recapping the 2022 Season:
Many steeplechasers shared news of PR’s, new distances (particularly the half marathon, and marathon), and new volunteer roles within the community.
Barbara Smith Meely shared “I have had some bigger races this year but my biggest achievement was volunteering more in 2022 at races, with several jobs with the Steeplechasers, a fundraising campaign for a friend and bringing the joy of trail running to others.”
Newer runner, Ryan Fields, trained and completed his first ever marathon (as well as his second!). He also managed to log 1000 running miles for the year. An impressive feat, considering this is only his first full year running!
Despite dealing with an injury for most of the year, Robert Kelley finished strong with a sub 2:00 half-marathon! He also completed the JFK 50 miler, shaving more than an hour off his 2021 finish time.
Caren Clark shared the love of running with her family, and ran with her oldest son as he completed his first marathon. Since they ran the Honolulu marathon together, the race had the added benefit of a vacation with beautiful scenery.
Coach Crystal Tressler received her level 2 coaching certification and began coaching professionally with Charm City Run.
Rob Prokop PR’ed both the 5k and 10k distances and ran his 9th Marine Corps Marathon!
Looking Forward to 2023:
2023 Running goals included mileage goals, key/goal races, efforts to volunteer more, and a desire to have fun and spend time with other Steeplechasers!
Mary Bellamy shared, “I want to volunteer at some additional races, for example, at the Run for the Pie 10K.”
Ben Hemler said, “My goal is to use a more structured training plan for my half marathons so that I can avoid injury from trying to do too much too quickly.”
Ainsley Cain shared a number of different goals including running more trail runs, running more “for fun” and making more time for cross training.
After a difficult 2022 season, rehabbing an injury, Robert Kelley shared specific time goals for the Salisbury Marathon (Sub 3:50) and JFK 50 (Sub 10:00).
Paul Lively is aiming for simplicity and a lot of fun. His goals are “Run a lot. Talk while running a lot. Race without time goals. Enjoy it all!” Paul has also recently taken up the initiative to start organizing regular group runs with the Steeplechasers!
Justine Miller shared goals of running 1000 miles this year, taking a rest day every week, and running at least one race every month!