Thursday, December 18, 2025

2025: A YEAR IN REVIEW

 

Dear RWM Readers,

I honestly can't believe we're here again. But, alas, it is so. Every year I wonder, will this one be my last?  Are blogs a thing of the past? But then I find enough stuff to ramble on about and then, boom, we're in December. So, to all of you who have continued to follow along, thank you.  It means a lot.  This was a huge year for our family. My youngest graduated from high school and in August Jeff and I became empty nesters. I won't lie to you. I am not a fan. I miss having my girls around. But, they're both happy and healthy so I can't be too upset. It was also a big year for the Lexington Women's track and XC teams. The girls won both the indoor and outdoor State Championships for track and then the XC team came back this fall and won both the Divisional and State titles, capping off the most successful year the LEX XCTF team has had since I started coaching at LHS back in 2011. And what an absolute privilege it was to be a part of that journey with them. Not that we're done. We're rolling right into indoor as we speak. Stay tuned. As far as my own running....I had fun? I ran two marathons. They didn't go as planned. But I guided two amazing athletes, Jared Broughton for Boston and Cindy Kuhn for NYC and it was such an honor to help them achieve their goals. I also did a bunch of racing with my Whirlaway teammates and those are always a blast regardless of the outcome. Again, I won't lie to you.  I was definitely hoping for more. But, all things considered I have zero complaints. I'm lucky. I'm grateful. I'm so full of joy for so many things.  And that, my friends, is more than enough.  To all of you, I hope you had a wonderful year and wish you all the best in 2026. Hopefully we'll still be sharing stories and laughing about all the craziness. There never seems to be a shortage of either. Thank goodness. 

All the best,



RUNNING WITH MUSIC 2025

JANUARY
Lex Girls Indoor Track take the Middlesex League & 
Div 1 MA State Title

SONG:CHANGE YOUR MIND - SCOUT
ALBUM:EVERYBODY NEED A HERO - ORLA GARTLAND

FEBRUARY
50th Birthday Celebration in Quebec
w/ the Zimmermans

SONG:WANNA START A BAND - SLEIGH BELLS
ALBUM:HALLUCINATING LOVE - MARIBOU STATE

MARCH
McKirdy Marathon - 3:02 (with a fall in mile 6)

SONG:FUNNY - BRONCHO
ALBUM:MICHIGANDER - MICHIGANDER

APRIL
Boston Marathon as a guide for Jared Broughton

SONG:COME CLEAN - TENDER
ALBUM:BUNKY BECKY BIRTHDAY BOYS - SLEIGH BELLS

MAY
Lex Girls Outdoor Track take the Middlesex League & 
MA State Titles

SONG:JUMP (FOR MY LOVE) - SYCCO
ALBUM:LUCIUS - LUCIUS

JUNE
Grace graduates from high school

SONG:BETWEEN FRIENDS - CHEVRON
ALBUM:THE CLEARING - WOLF ALICE

JULY
Trachsel family trip to France

SONG:HAMMER - LORDE
ALBUM:ALFO - BRONZE RADIO RETURN

AUGUST
1 MILE ROAD RACE with Whirlaway

SONG:BETWEEN FRIENDS - CHEVRON
ALBUM: THE CLEARING - WOLF ALICE

SEPTEMBER
Hall - Marks Wedding

SONG:WORDS - BIG THIEF
ALBUM:LIKE PLASTICINE - GORDI

OCTOBER
Lex Girls XC take the Middlesex League & 
MA Division 1 & State Titles

SONG:BONFIRE - LAANDS
ALBUM:TERRIBLE NEWS - MIDDLE KIDS

NOVEMBER
NYC Marathon as a guide for Cindy Kuhn

SONG:FREEDOM - CAMPTHEHILLS
ALBUM:BLINK BOB MOSES

DECEMBER    
And that's a wrap.  Putting 2025 behind us.  
Rollin' into 2026!

SONG: AVALANCHE - GRACE IVES
ALBUM:SHISH - PORTUGAL. THE MAN.


LISTEN TO THESE: SIX MINUTE MILE WEEKLY SONGS

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

SMM GIFT GUIDE & RWM GIVEAWAY

"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."
~ Mother Teresa

Tis the season, my friends.  And like your favorite holiday cocktail, I am mixing things up this year.  Rather than craft my own list of goodies to share here on RWM, I have joined forces with Six Minute Mile and together we have created an epic gift guide with a ton of awesome suggestions; most of them tried and true by someone on our team.  We cover multiple options in multiple prices ranges.  Gear, fuel, fluids, electronics, recovery tools, books - yes and yes.  It's all there.  For the runner, reader, hiker, biker, flip-flop wearing outdoor enthusiast.  There is something for everyone.  So, first head over to SMM and check out our guide as I'm guessing we will be saving you some valuable time during this very hectic month.  And, let's be honest, we'd all rather be running or drinking coffee or sleeping or....I digress.  Now, the best part, I have handpicked a few of my favorite items from the guide and listed them below.  And then, because sharing is caring, I will be giving away one of each of these treats.  For you or your loved one or....you.  Do what you want.  I won't tell.  To enter just share the best, worst or weirdest gift you've ever received in the comments on this post.  I feel like this could go in many different directions.  Bring it on.  To all of you, have a wonderful holiday filled with love and joy.  And coffee.  Obviously.  Merry Everything!


TRAX'S TOP PICKS & HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY


FuelGoods RunnerBox, $38/Box 6-Month Subscription

This is a gift that will keep on giving. The RunnerBox is a subscription box that’s been going strong for over 10 years as a trusted companion for runners nationwide. Powered by Fuel Goods, it’s designed for every type of runner — from marathoners to weekend joggers — and comes with some perks that include lifetime discounts on sports nutrition, highly vetted, pro-approved products curated and sent every other month, access to the Fuel Finder personalized shopping feature, and more than $50 in value.
* Note: RWM giveaway includes one 2025 Limited Edition Holiday Box

Paradis Sports Natural Fiber Thong, $29

Made for women by women, Paradis Sports Natural Fiber Thong is made from a premium four-way stretch PFAS- and BPA-free and Oeko-Tex certified plant-based fabric that moves freely with you in all directions, wicks moisture, and dries fast without riding up or chafing.
Note: RWM giveaway includes one Paradis Sport 4pack gift box

Smell Well Shoe Inserts, $17

These little magic pouches, made of bamboo charcoal, are designed to absorb moisture and thus eliminate the wet environment for bacteria that leads to stinky shoes. One day, that’s all it takes. When you get ready to hit the road again your shoes will be fresh and dry.  The inserts last about a year, so for the price they are almost too good to be true.
Note: RWM giveaway includes one Smell Well set of two

Gorewear Concurve Windbreaker, $120

When it is going to be chilly or drizzling on race morning, the lightweight and easy-to-stow Gorewear Concurve Windbreaker is a great solution. Remarkably soft, supple and highly breathable windbreaker for runners features a specially woven 3D fabric structure that creates amazing next-to-skin comfort. The low air permeable fabric combines wind-blocking protection with breathability to help prevent overheating, plus a DWR treatment that repels light rain.
 Note: RWM giveaway includes one Gorewear Windbreaker Jacket, size and color or your choice

Kiprun 5 L Trail Running Bag, $70
This 5-liter trail running bag has loads of storage with seven handy pockets and a 1-liter hydration reservoir, plus the option of carrying two 250ml soft flask bottles in the front pockets (not included). While this could be a smart choice for a first-time road marathoner, it’s also an ideal pack for running a marathon on the trails.
Note: RWM giveaway includes one KipRun 5L Running Bag

Rabbit Low-Light Cocoon 2.0, $135

Be warm and stay toasty while having options of thumbholes, a secure hood, and built-in turtleneck that can be pulled high over nose and mouth, keeping you protected from whatever the weather throws your way. The Cocoon 2.0 is upgraded with a new fleece-lined poly/spandex blend fabric that has a non-PFC DWR finish that gives you extra protection from the elements.
Note: RWM giveaway includes one Rabbit Low-Light Cocoon Top, Size of your choice & color TBD depending on stock

Listen to this:
"I Got A Feeling" by Wintersleep