This year I’m compressing my running and biking review posts down to just one post and talking broadly about the trackable activities I did over the year.

Broadly, this was a MUCH lower intensity year than I’ve had for a while.

I got in just over 2100 miles throughout the year across running, biking, walking/hiking, snowshoeing, and canoeing/kayaking. This puts me in the middle of the road of my last 15 years of tracking, so I shouldn’t complain too much, but there is a bit of disappointment when you look at the numbers. Especially when you see the relative effort number as low as it was.

It’s not like I had a bad year, just not great when comparing it years 6-7 years ago. Between busy schedules, injuries, general aging, and a healthy dose of lack of motivation, this year just kinda did what it could, and so I should be happy with that.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom though as I had some solid bike races early in the year with Granny’s Gravel Grinder and Le Grand du Nord. And then my big trail race of the year at Philmont was going really well till I sprained my ankle. Those are all things I’m proud of this year and happy to see that I accomplished.

I also still have enough base fitness that I was able to jump in to pace Mike at No Business 100 for his final 25 miles, and for the most part can still hike out a half-marathon without much difficulty, even when pulling a sled in winter.

I’m not going to spend much time navel gazing in this wrap up post, as I’ve done that a few other times in posts earlier this year, but I’ll just say that even though I didn’t accomplish as much in the sporting world, I felt like I had some amazing adventures this year, and that’s feeling more meaningful to me at this moment in time. After so many years of trying for giant ultra marathon distances, it’s nice sometimes to not have to spend an entire Saturday out on the trails, and instead do somethings spur of the moment.

As I head into 2026 I do have a couple bike races on my radar, and maybe a running event or two, but I’ll still probably try to have a more balanced approach next year. Trying to keep adventuring at the forefront until I’m ready to mentally step back in the racing ring seriously.