In September we received each Runner's World cover with our sister hero, Kara Goucher, on the cover. We gathered around the meeting table and laid them out by date. We got Kara on the phone, put her on speaker and we oo'd and aww'd over each, asking which one was her favorite. There are so many memories behind each of these years - from running, becoming a mother, changing coaches, changing hometowns, and joining new run families along the way. We asked Kara to tell her highlights and challenges of each year, reflecting on the past as she takes on a new challenge at the NYC Marathon this Sunday!
JUNE 2008
Highlight
This was the year that I made my first Olympic team and won my first national title, winning the 5000 meters at the Olympic Trials. It was also the year that I ran my first marathon, which was a life changing experience for me.
Challenge
The Olympics. I had been dreaming my whole life about this experience but I faltered under outside pressure and personal expectation.
MAY 2009
Highlight
I won my 2nd national title by defending my 5000 meter track title.
Challenge
I was 3rd in Boston after leading with a mile to go. I felt as though I let my coach, Nike, and entire country down. It took me years to get over this.
MARCH 2010
Highlight
Pregnancy! I found out in January that I was pregnant with Colt!
Challenge
Watching from the sidelines. Although I never regretted taking a year away from racing to have my son, I was totally envious of all the races I watched while I was pregnant.
MAY 2011
Highlight
Returning to competition! From getting 3rd at the NYC Half, 5th in Boston with a PR of 2:24:53, and taking 2nd in the 10,000 meter to qualify for the World Champs in Dageu, it was great to be back!
Challenge
The start of an injury cycle brought on from returning too quickly to hard training and realizing that I no longer was comfortable in the training with the Oregon Project.
SEPTEMBER 2012
Highlight
Making my 2nd Olympic team! And also breaking training barriers with Shalane.
Challenge
A foot injury that bothered me heading into the Olympics and shut me down from hard training in November.
MAY 2013
Highlight
Asking Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs if I could move back to Boulder to be trained by them.
Challenge
Having to tell my coach Jerry Schumacher and Shalane Flanagan that it was nothing personal but that I was no longer happy in Portland. Being injured and not having full fitness when I ran Boston. Dealing with the trauma of Boston. Breaking my foot in July and having to miss out on the rest of the year.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Highlight
Joining superpower Oiselle, kicking off Podium Retreats, and having my passion return under Mark and Heather.
Challenge
Yet another setback when I had a sacral stress fracture and pelvic stress fracture at the same time.
