There is something special about reflecting during this time of year. Perhaps it is because the new year feels like a clean slate – we can start over again. Or perhaps it is because things are slowing down as winter begins to settle in – at least for some people.
Now is the time to think about what you might want out of 2024. What is left on your bucket list? Is there someplace special that you want to revisit? How do you want to continue to challenge yourself? Or simply, what do you need to get by?
Whatever your questions are, I hope that you have many wonderful adventures in 2024 that fulfill you and bring joy into your life.
For me, there are several new adventures planned out the year, and hopefully, even more, that are not yet discovered. One thing is for certain, I plan on spending more time out on the trails and in the woods.
Here are some of my new adventures for 2024.
Trail Weekend 50K
In 2020, I had signed up to run my first-ever marathon. It was the Trail Weekend Marathon, located in Pinckney Recreation Area. We all know what happened that year and so I never got to experience that race. In 2023, I decided to use it as a tester race to see how my body would handle up after a many-month-long injury. I ran the half marathon.
In 2024, fully healed, I will be returning to complete the Trail Weekend 50K. The course follows the same course as the half marathon, twice, plus an additional 5 miles of trail.
Georgia
I will be taking a spring trip to Georgia to visit some friends and family, and hopefully spend a little time in the northern mountains. There are currently no set plans and I am open to suggestions of hikes to take. I will only be there a short time and plan on making the best of it. Stay tuned.
Camping Trip to Hocking Hills
I will finally be heading to Hocking Hills in Logan, Ohio this summer. This beautiful bucket list location has been on my mind for the past few years. I’ve been eager to find time to get there and check out the amazing rock formations, epic caves, and stunning waterfalls.
Tahqua 25K
New to my list of races is the Tahqua 25K located in Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Not only will I be returning to the park for a wonderful weekend of camping, but I will also get to experience the park in a new way. The course begins 4.3 miles west of Whitefish Bay in eastern Lake Superior. Shortly after, the course jumps onto the NCT and that is where runners will remain. The course goes past the Lower Falls, follows the Tahquamenon River, and ends at the Upper Falls.
Run Woodstock 100K
Also a new race on my list this year is Run Woodstock. Run Woodstock begins in Gregory, Michigan. It is primarily a single-track course with a stretch on gravel. It follows a similar route as the Trail Weekend 50K, which I plan on becoming very familiar with this year. This will be my first 100K and will certainly be an adventure.
A Return Trip to the Smoky Mountains
To end the new adventures for 2024, I will be returning to the beautiful Smoky Mountain National Park for the wedding of two of my very good friends. There will most definitely be hiking and exploring as it has been several years since I first visited the park. And fell in love with it, might I add.
The Usual Places
And of course, I will be returning to some of my favorite usuals to re-discover favorite adventures or experience new ones. These places have a special place in my heart and keep me returning year after year.
So here’s to another year of adventure. May your 2024 be filled with joy, love, and all of the camping and hiking you could ever want.