2017 has been a goal crushing year for me. I don't think I have accomplished so much in any year before. Picking highlights on such a fantastic year is a tall order, but here are nine that come to the top of my list.
Noquemanon Podium
For one day in January, I was a professional skiier! The Noquemanon in Marquette, MI is the largest, most competitive race in Michigan (outside of collegiate races). It typically is a 50km classic race, but because of poor snow conditions in 2017 it was shortened to 30km. Classic is my technique, and after getting 4th, 5th, and 6th over the last 3 years, I had the best ski race of my life (and some pretty stellar skis) and managed to get 3rd place. The giant cowbell still has a place of prominence in our household.
Illinois Half-Marathon PR
Running has always been love-hate for me. It comes pretty naturally, but I don't enjoy training to run unless it's perfect conditions. After my half marathons of 2014-2016 putting me so close to a 1 hour 40 minute half marathon that I could taste it, I decided to truly dedicate my training to breaking that barrier. In April, after 13 weeks of training, I took on the Illinois Half Marathon in Champaign, IL and smashed my previous personal best. I finished in 1 hour 32 minutes and 34 seconds, and it has me seriously considering a Boston Qualifiying marathon in 2018.
World Pork Expo
In June, the Barton-Davis clan went to Des Moines, Iowa for the World Pork Expo. The last time I attended was in 1994, so this was an eye opening experience. We talked to industry experts, other producers, and sales reps, all while collecting tons of free goodies, and eating So. Much. Pork.
AuSable River Canoe Marathon Record
2017 had me challenging myself more than ever, racing the AuSable as part of a women's team (something I love), and in the bow (something that terrified me). My partner, Edith MacHattie, is one of the best paddlers (and people) I have ever raced with, and I never dreamed we could have such a historic race. We tipped over within the first minutes of the race, but the water was high, and we were fast.... So fast that we broke a record I never thought would fall, the women's record set in 1994. We assumed after our rough start that any chance we had was firmly out of reach, and didn't realize that we were close until the final portage. After 15 hour 17 minutes ans 120 miles we crossed the finish line 9 minutes under the old course record.
Paddling on the Mississippi
It's funny to think that Iowa is a flyover state for most, but it was one of my favorite places of 2017. In August, the USCA Nationals were held on the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. The River is "small" that far north, but it felt legendary. Seeing the freighters, bridges, lock, and beauty of the Mississippi brought up a deep respect in all of us that were lucky enough to paddle it. As a bonus, I was able to race there with my Mom.
Top 10 Catalina Crossings
September had me crossing the continent a few times, and a quick trip to Catalina via team Hui Wa'a was definitely worth it. This was my third crossing, and two years of past experience left me much more confident on the ocean. The women's team finished 6th, and the men were able to week out a 10th place finish after taking an unplanned swim. For a full race re-cap, check out my prior post (I will link when I get back to the computer).
"Real" vacation to Washington
It's hard to believe- Mike and I traveled somewhere, and didn't race once! Our week in Washington took us to 3 National Parks, 30 miles of hiking, kayaks, and the Seattle Barton's. It was the trip of a lifetime and we can't wait to go back. A full trip recap will be linked here once I get back to the computer.
Girls take Louisville
I am always ready for a good girls trip, and Louisville was epic (look here once linked for full recap). I seriously doubt we will ever top it for girls weekend, but we have agreed to try in 2018, probably in Nashville.
Paddling in Rain
I started and finished my racing season of 2017 in 45 degree rain. I suppose it usually goes that way, but this year it had such an impact that I asked for TWO raincoats for Christmas. I realized in Canton, NY that I don't melt and managed to have a 6th place finish with Mike in the General Clinton on Memorial Day in the rain. Fast forward to Halloween Weekend, and Dad and I were able to grind our way to a 2nd place finish in OC2 at the Chattajack in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I don't know how we had Michigan weather that far south, but it must have kept us in our comfort zone.
With this last weekend of 2017, I plan to ski as much as possible and squeeze every bit of fun out of the year. Happy New Year to all- see you in 2018!
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