2022 A YEAR IN REVIEW

 "The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all."
~ Josiyah Martin

Dear RWM Readers,

Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who followed along on my journey again this year.  With Covid somewhat behind us, life got back to normal in many ways or perhaps we got into our groove of whatever the new normal is and found a rhythm there as well.  Not gonna lie, it was a heck of a year.  Rosie and Grace entered Senior and Sophomore year in high school which, as you can imagine, completely blows my mind.  We started and have officially ended the college process with Rosie who is now waiting to hear back from all of the schools she applied to.  That was a hell of a challenge for both of us, but mostly for her.  And she handled it beautifully.  Grace ran cross country this fall and successfully knocked two minutes off of her 5K time by the end of her season.  If you ask her today, she'll tell you she still hates running and does it purely for the social.  I know, however, there is a small part of her that enjoys the challenge even if it's not while she's running but when she's done and reflects on her effort and what she has accomplished.  Stay tuned on this one.  I think the passion is rising, albeit slowly, and I will obviously be reporting back.  That said, I will say nothing at all that puts pressure on Grace or to indicate how thrilled I am that she is running because that would be very not cool of me and I need really to be the chill mom on this one.  The Lex ladies absolutely slayed as usual both in track & field this past spring and in XC this fall and are continuing to build on that now as winter track begins.  Not a day goes by that I don't realize how lucky I am to be a coach for this incredible group of humans.  And, last but not least, I was able to squeeze 11 races in this year.  Two marathons, two halves, two 10ks, a 5k and a sprinkling of other random distances.  I had an absolute blast in both my training and my racing as I really just embraced each moment for what it was and gave everything I had for that particular day with the main goal across the board being to have fun and not take competing too seriously.  I ran personal bests in everything from the 5k to the marathon at the spritely age of 47 so I must have done something right.  I'm super grateful to my coach and teammates who have supported me along the way as I know I wouldn't have gotten to this next level on my own.  And, of course, to my family who never questions my crazy and always has my back.  I hope all of you had some experiences this year that brought you joy and perhaps changed you for the better.  Best wishes as you embark on this next year.  May we all have another wild, crazy and wonderful ride. 

All the best,

RUNNING WITH MUSIC 2022

JANUARY

Ran the Super Sunday 4 Miler. By far the coldest I've ever been while racing.

JANUARY ALBUM:OMG I MADE IT - PRONOUN

JANUARY SONG:STEPPED ON A BEE - MISTERWIVES

FEBRUARY

Grace turned 15 and remained sassy

FEBRUARY ALBUM:DEADPAN LOVE - CAUTIOUS CLAY

FEBRUARY SONG:SURVIVE VHS COLLECTION

MARCH

New Bedford 13.1 & new half PR & yes I look like I am going to puke.

MARCH ALBUM:LP3 - HIPPO CAMPUS

MARCH SONG:NEXT TO ME - JIM-E STACK

APRIL

Cheap Marathon & new marathon PR which I owe to a stranger with licorice.

APRIL ALBUM:PAINLESS - NILUFER YANYA

APRIL SONG:TIEBREAKER - THE HEAD AND THE HEART

MAY

LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Middlesex League Champs

MAY ALBUM:GIVING THE WORLD AWAY - HATCHIE

MAY SONG:BIGGER LOVE - MILKE & BONE

JULY

BAA10K & new 10K PR & came very close to puking

JUNE ALBUM:INSIDE OUT - TOURIST

JUNE SONG:TURNED UP - MIKE POSNER

JULY

Cape Cod & hottest summer on record which was super fun for marathon training

JULY ALBUM:SHAPE & FORM - TWO FEET

JULY SONG:THUNDER - JAGUAR SUN

AUGUST

Falmouth Road Race & no PR but, again, very close to puking

AUGUST ALBUM:ALL WE'VE EVER KNOWN - JAGUAR SUN

AUGUST SONG:EVERY NIGHT - FLOR

SEPTEMBER

First day of school #sniff

SEPTEMBER ALBUM:FORMENTERA - METRIC

SEPTMEBER SONG:LIFT OFF - LABRINTH

OCTOBER

Chicago Marathon w/ my girl CB

OCTOBER ALBUM:COOL IT DOWN - YEAH YEAH YEAHS

OCTOBER SONG:BEEP - M.I.A.

NOVEMBER

Rosie turns 18 and the girls agree to take a photo with me

NOVEMBER:CRYBABY - TEGAN & SARA

NOVEMBER SONG:WATCH HER GO - BIEN

DECEMBER

MILL CITIES RELAY - TEAM CHAMP & last race of the 2022

JANUARY ALBUM:NO RULES SANDY - SYLVAN ESSO

JANUARY SONG:GRATEFUL - MARTIN LUKE BROWN

Listen to these:

RWM SONGS OF THE MONTH 2022

2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE & WINTER GIVEAWAY

"It's not how much we give, but how much we put into giving."

~ Mother Teresa

If you've been following this blog for a while you probably know that the holiday season is far and away my favorite time of year.  I love everything about it.  The lights, the festivities and most importantly the giving of gifts.  I get ridiculously excited to dig deep and find goodies for my family and friends that I think they'll like. I also have a really, really hard time keeping them a secret.  It's something I've always struggled with since I was little.  My sister could always get me to crack and tell her what I got her no matter how hard I tried to keep it to myself.  But, I've gotten better.  A little.  Not really.  Just don't ask me, ok?  This year I am somewhat on the ball and have my annual RWM Gift Guide ready to share with you on the early side for a change.  So, as you're making your lists of things to give or that you might like to receive, which in my humble opinion is both acceptable and encouraged, perhaps these suggestions will help spark some ideas.  As always, I've tried to include a bunch of different treats that I think the runner, music lover, brother, aunt, sister's best friend's cousin....basically almost all of you will like.  I personally own, use and enjoy each item myself so I can pretty much guarantee that you or your recipient will be thrilled with any of these.  I've also put together another awesome WINTER GIVEAWAY that includes products from some of my favorite companies.  See all the details below and head over to RWM on Instagram to enter if you'd like.  Happy shopping.  And Merry Everything!

********* RWM HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE *********

ORORO Quilted Heated Vest

Retail price:$189.99*

*Use code rtrax20 to save %20

Ok, so yes, an Ororo heated vest was on the list last year.  But this one is a little bit different.  It's quilted as opposed to puffy so it's softer and more fitted.  It also comes with a smaller battery that lasts longer and a charger that charges quicker.  So, it's basically last year's version but better.  I can't put into words how big of a game changer this is for all outdoor activities during winter.  It is a staple in my wardrobe and I never leave home without it.  The quilted vest comes in multiple colors and sizes and there is both a men's and women's fit.  Make sure to click on the above link & use code rtrax20 to save on 20% on your order.

RUNNERBOX 2022 Limited Edition Holiday Box

Retail price: $40

Runnerbox is best known for their subscription service in which one receives a monthly box that is chock full of products and accessories specifically geared toward runners.  The subscription in and of itself would be an awesome gift for the running enthusiast in your life who loves high quality gear.  They also offer several individual gift boxes and the 2022 Limited Edition Holiday Box is at the top of my list this year.  It comes with all the goodies you see above; basically all the stuff you want and nothing that you don't.  Click here for a full list and details on all of the specific items in the holiday box.

ATHLETIC BREWING Non-Alcoholic Beer

Retail Price:$14.99 for most six packs

*Use code RTRACHSEL20 to save 20% on your first order

If you love beer but you don't love messing with your sleep then your problems are solved.  Thanks to Athletic Brewing Co. you can drink good beer and then sleep like a baby.  These guys make insanely delicious, non-alcoholic beer that tastes as good, if not better, than most beers out there.  These are a daily treat for me when I'm marathon training and I want to have a beer with dinner but I don't want to compromise my health and recovery.  This is the perfect gift for the beer drinker, athlete or for anyone who enjoys treating themselves to a high quality beer. Make sure to use code RTRACHSEL20 to save 20% on your first order

LANDGROVE COFFEE

Retail Price:$16/pound

Coffee.  Because coffee.  And Landgrove Coffee has been and will always be on my list because in my humble opinion it is far and away the best.  It's also fairly traded, sustainably grown and purchased direct from the grower.  Basically, you know what you are getting and can trust that grower and his/her employees are receiving the benefit of all sales.  And the flavor of their beans is incomparable.  Who doesn't love coffee and won't want this as a gift? I can't think of one.

TIME LIFE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME: IN CONCERT
Retail Price:$119.96

So this is for the music fan in your life who wishes they could have gone to every Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony that's ever taken place.  Or who just appreciates good music from some of the most notable artists of our time.  This set combines the best performances of the past 34 ceremonies including performances that have never been heard before by artists including Stevie Nicks, The Cars and The Cure.  It also includes unique collaborations by artists such as U2, Fergie and will.i.am that will blow you away.  Or, at least, they blew me away.  I literally can't....stop.....listening.  You will win best gift giver with this one.  I promise.

NUUN Holiday Wellness Bundle

Retail Price: $22.50

Everyone needs this gift.  Athletes, music fans, moms, dads, teenagers; all of us.  This set has three tubes of NUUN specifically made to help you stay healthy and sleep well.  Need I say more?  I think not.

Raised On The 80s by Chris Clews

Retail Price: $19.95 on Amazon

I was so excited when I discovered this gem by Chris Clews.  I can't lie and say a lot of it isn't because I am a child of the 80s and have a special place in my heart for the music and movies that I grew up with. But for the young and old alike, there is so much funny, relatable wisdom in this book and I could not put it down.  I suggest you gift it along with a pen or highlighter as there was a lot of underlining for me as I went through it.  Fair warning, I laughed out loud.  A lot.  Like, embarrassed my daughter on the airplane, a lot.  Sorry.  Not sorry.

 ************* STOCKING STUFFERS ************

The items above are some of my favorite little treats that can be thrown in the stockings in addition to the things that Santa puts in there.  Obvs.

Landgrove Coffee coffee clips - keep your coffee fresh with these clips that seal your bag after you open it.  Then scoop our your beans with the spoon on top.  

Rumpl Beer Jacket - use it to keep your hands warm when you're enjoying a cold drink, beer perhaps, or in my case, iced coffee.  I use it every single day and keep it on my keychain so I don't lose it.

Squirrels Nut Butter - Because winter.  And chapped skin.  And chafing.  Which absolutely sucks.  And is not at all necessary.

Lexon Mino Speaker - tiny little speaker that doesn't sound like a tiny little speaker.  I keep mine in my travel kit and take it everywhere.

JellyBelly Sport Beans - quick, delicious energy on the go.

❄️❄️❄️❄️ RWM WINTER GIVEAWAY ❄️❄️❄️❄️

And last, but definitely not least, the RWM HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!  There are SO many great things for you to enjoy and/or to share with someone you love.  Because sharing is caring, right?  I'm going to hold this giveaway over at RWM on Instagram this year as it's easier to have all the entries in one place.  All you have to do to enter is "like" the post.  Then throw an emoji down in the comments that best represents your current state of mind to lock in your entry.  Yep, that's it.  I'd love it if you'd follow all of these companies, too, as I think they're amazing and worth your time to get to know, but I'm trying to keep my rules to a minimum as we all have enough stuff on our plate at the moment.  If you're not on Instagram, that's ok.  Just shoot me an email and I'll add you to the drawing manually.  Huge thanks to all of the companies that contributed to this giveaway.  The vest will be shipped directly from Ororo.  The beer will be shipped directly from Athletic Brewing Co.  If the winner lives in one of the states listed below they will ship a different product.  Retail value of this prize package is about $500.00. US Residents only for this one.  Good luck!

2 lbs of Landgrove Coffee

1 Landgrove Coffee T-Shirt

1 Landgrove Coffee Clip

2 Landgrove Coffee Visors

1 Ororo Heated Vest (M or W any size)

2 Tubs of Squirrel's Nut Butter 

1 Raise On the 80s Book

2 Athletic Brewing Co. Six Packs*

2 Packs Sport beans

1 NUUN Holiday Wellness Set

1 Rumpl drink blanket

1 Timelife Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:In Concert Set (see photo above)

1 Runnerbox Holiday Box (see photo above)

*cannot ship beer to Idaho, Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska, Kansas, or Michigan. 

Listen to this:

Grateful by Martin Luke Brown

Martin Luke Brown · grateful