We’ve been back in Zurich for the last ten days, and it’s been a whirlwind. Family lunches, coffees with friends, long walks, conversations that start mid-sentence because you’ve known each other forever. Being home when everyone is off work is wonderful – and wonderfully intense.
I love the walks with my parents!
And the runs with Kai!
Running-wise, my goals for 2026 are clear: I have the London Marathon in April which will be my goal race of the year. This will be followed by the Cape Town Marathon in May. With only five weeks between the two, the Cape Town race will be based on best effort.
I do have other goals floating around in my head (yes, that handstand is still pending), but this year I tried something different. Instead of jumping straight into new goals, I wanted a proper reflection on the year that’s passed, to help shape what comes next.
I created my own list of 15 reflection questions across five areas: experiences, learnings, people, feelings, and looking ahead. Some were easy. One was: “If you had to capture your year in one day or one photo, which would it be?”
Without hesitation, I chose this photo below from our Wild Coast hike in South Africa in June. I was scared and deeply grateful to Andreas and Andrea, who guided us safely through tricky terrain. That moment captured so much of the year for me: challenge, trust, and a quiet sense of awe.
Another easy one was: “Who was your most important support this year?” That was Kai of course: the best possible race manager and life coach I could wish for. Steady, practical and calm when I’m not. Boston in April, Comrades in June, he showed up in every way that mattered. He also tolerated me when I’m in panic mode, which is heroic in its own right.
Other questions took more thought. “Which small moment unexpectedly stuck with you?” After some reflection, I think watching my dad enjoying the view of the sea in Germany in September lingered long after the moment passed.
And then there are the trickier ones. “What drained the most of your energy or tested you emotionally?”
Uff. That’s a hard one to answer unless you’ve been keeping notes during the year, because whatever is annoying me right now always feels bigger than it really is.
For example, when we arrived in Switzerland a few days ago, I was shocked to discover that my Swiss phone provider had quietly deactivated the number I’ve had for 15 years. Gone! Apparently irretrievable. An epic administrative battle is already loading.
But how will this feel in 12 months’ time? Will it still count as “emotionally draining”, or will it be filed away as a minor inconvenience of 2026? I’m sure it will be the latter.
And that’s exactly why tracking is so important if you want a real picture of the year.
So for 2026, I’m trying to improve my tracking with two new things:
- First, I’ll schedule a regular review of these 15 questions throughout the year, keeping track of answers as they happen.
- Second, I’ll create a dedicated 2026 photo folder and add images that capture a moment, a feeling, or a story. By year-end, I should have about 180 best-of photos, without digging through thousands of near-identical shots.
More perspective along the way – and let’s hope 2026 gives me a more complete recap!
- How do you remember a year without drowning in notes, photos, and half-forgotten moments?
- If you could capture one photo from your 2025, what would it be?
I am linking up with Jenny from Runners Fly and Jenn from Runs with Pugs for Tuesday Topics as well as Runners’ Roundup with Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs!
Guten Morgen von der verschneiten Ostsee in die Schweiz !! Bei euch sehe ich gar keinen Schnee !!
Dein ” Bericht ” strotzt nur so vor Vorfreude auf das, was in diesem Jahr auf dich zukommen wird und auch vor Freude über das vergangene Jahr, kann eigentlich nur positiv weiter verlaufen !!
Alle Daumen sind gedrückt, wir werden hier hautnah über deine Abenteuer erfahren, wünsche dir und Kai ein tolles, zufriedenes, glückliches und auch erfolgreiches 2026.
Bis dann -liebe Grüße von der Ostsee, habe gerade Schnee gekehrt, auch eine Art, sich fit zu halten !!
Guten Morgen an die verschneite Ostsee! ❄️
Naja, wir haben hier genügend vereisten Schnee dass wir gestern unsere Intervalle auf der Bahn nicht machen konnten. Vielleicht finde ich heute dafür eine schneefreie Strasse. Du hast Recht, Schnee schaufeln ist ein super Krafttraining!
Danke dir für die lieben Worte! Genau diese Mischung aus Rückblick und Vorfreude fühlt sich im Moment richtig gut an. Und ja, ihr werdet sicher wieder hautnah dabei sein, ob bei Abenteuern, Umwegen oder kleinen Alltagsdramen.
Liebe Grüsse in den Norden und ein gutes, Fitness-bewegtes 2026 auch für dich!
Die Frage nach den Energieräubern hat mich sofort gepackt! Obwohl ich die Redewendung „to drain energy“ vorher nicht kannte, sah ich spontan ganz bildlich eine Drainage am Körper liegen, die Energie abfließen lässt bzw. in unerwünschte und unnütze Kanäle lenkt.
Nun soll so eine medizinische Drainage ja eigentlich Schadstoffe aus dem Körper leiten und nicht Nützliches rauben und ich denke mir, dass es dabei wie so oft kein schwarz-weiß oder eindeutiges gut-schlecht gibt weil die Grenzen zwischen „nützlich“ (weil aufrüttelnd, aktiv machend, warnend, erleichternd …) und „schädlich“ (schwächend, in Panikmodus versetzend, Hirn ausschaltend, depressiv machend …) ganz schnell verschwimmen.
Dabei die Mitte zu finden und genau die richtige Menge an Energie, die zum Einsatz kommt … das ist die Kunst des Lebens, oder? Und nicht nur beim Laufen – aber da natürlich ebenfalls.
Bei der Frage an mich selber, was aktuell die größten Energieräuber sind … stelle ich mit ein wenig Erstaunen fest, dass ich zwar für viele Jahre / Zeiten im Leben … einiges zusammentragen kann. Aber gleichzeitig feststelle: es wird weniger Energie, die abgesogen wird in Privatumfeld, Beruf und sonstigen „Turbulenzen“. Da wird doch nicht etwa sowas wie erste Altersweisheit Einzug halten und/oder die Meditationspraxis Früchte tragen? Könnte natürlich auch daran liegen, dass wegen zunehmender Energie-Austrocknung keine lohnenden Energie-Drainagen mehr legbar sind. Da fließt nix mehr 😆
Aber mal im Ernst: danke für diese Anregung, die ich als Bild-Gedanken-Mantra mit in den Tag nehme 😘
Danke auch für diesen Jahresrückblick ohne Zahlen-, Daten-, Faktenlastigkeit! Denn du hast ja recht: die wenigsten werden – egal, was sie nach außen präsentieren – diese Daten als Erinnerungsmarken in sich tragen sondern ganz was anderes. Bei mir wäre ein wichtiger Marker: meine Schwester und die Erleichterung darüber, dass es sie noch gibt. Mitsamt Foto(s 😉
Oh, das ist ein wunderbarer Kommentar, liebe Lizzy! Dein Bild mit der medizinischen Drainage ist absolut faszinierend und hat mich wiederum zu Nachdenken gebracht. Es stimmt, die Grenze zwischen dem, was uns “reinigt” (indem es uns aufrüttelt) und dem, was uns einfach nur Energie raubt, ist oft hauchdünn. Die Kunst liegt wohl wirklich darin, diese Mitte zu finden – im Leben wie beim Laufen.
Weisst du was? Ich glaube, du hast Recht, mit dem Alter lernt man, klare Grenzen zu setzen gegenüber Dingen, die uns unnötig Energie entziehen. Das bemerke ich auch bei mir selbst immer deutlicher. Und ich denke, deine Meditationspraxis ist sowieso eine gute Sache. Weniger ‘Turbulenzen’ aussen dafür mehr Ruhe im Innern sind doch das schönste Geschenk, das man sich selbst machen kann.
Und dein persönlicher Marker, die Erleichterung über deine Schwester, hat mich sehr berührt. Genau das sind die Momente und Menschen, die ein Jahr wirklich ausmachen, weit weg von allen Zahlen und Fakten. Ich hoffe, dass es ihr jetzt richtig gut geht!
Ich wünsche dir einen wundervollen Tag mit deinem neuen “Bild-Gedanken-Mantra”!
Hey Catrina. Just so weird about the phone. That is huge! Suddenly all contacts are gone and perhaps even lost. Have they given the number away yet? Not sure how I would have reacted? 🤔 Probably not happy and then move on unless I could get it back😅💦💦
So I still have to ask. How was the Christmas day flight? Were people unusually kind, generous or just the same? What happened that the flight was cancelled? Storm? Mechanical breakdown? 🤔🤔🤔 So many questions 😅💦
My year was calm as ever. We are more or less hermits and love it. We don’t really care about dealing w most people tbh.
The most bothersome event for 2025 and it will continue in 2026 is the 🍊🤡 situation south in trumplandia. Hard not to be affected. One can stick their heads in the sand but unfortunately there is too much at stake like WWIII !!! It is hard to take any meaningful action except to contact our government reps.
Apart from that, the high points of the year were RADAR and Dune training. Every day is a pleasure w them. Imagine communicating w another species and they understand the interaction. Now that is simply amazing.
RADAR earning his title of Companion Dog Excellent is no small feat and is the culmination of years of consistent work. Three separate judges assessed him and he for top marks everytime that one weekend in September. We tried eight times before and came away empty handed😅💦 Now on to Utility Dog title. RADAR is now ready . We just have to find an every where he can show his stuff. UD is even more difficult than CDE as you can imagine. You can Google to learn about what happen “CKC Utility Dog” or “CKC Companion Dog Excellent ”
Dune too is learning new skills in obedience and scent detection. He enjoys it and loves getting the treats!😅💦💦
About the photos. Yeah that is exactly what I do. Take a few rep pics to sum things up. I have tens of thousands of photos. I still store them as I also enjoy photo editing, creating posters and info boards. I enjoy learning more about photo editing too. I don’t know if you do that but you can enhance photos and really transform. It is art really.
You are very organized! Way more than me as you can see in that you have a consistent blog. Me nada!😅💦💦💦 Only Strava!🏃♀️🏃♂️💨🤚
🎊ll the best for the new year & hope your marathons go well.🎊 Lots of health,🏥 love💑 and money💰 like they say!
Greetings to Kai!🤚
Hey Yves!
Yes, the phone saga has been wild! The contacts are safe… as long as nobody else is assigned my old number. Can you imagine the chaos?! With everything digital these days (banks, logins…), that number has become shockingly important. Luckily, I made some headway today: a super confident guy at the phone company thinks he can sort it out. When I told him he’d be my hero if he succeeded, he replied that I was lucky to have him on the phone because he’s one of the best employees. I laughed out loud! We’ll see this week if he really lives up to the hype!
The Christmas-day flight was quite the adventure. The crew got stuck in Colombo due to a medical emergency on board, and then fell out of duty time. So the plane never made it to Zurich or Cape Town. We were rebooked on a Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt and then Zurich. Surprisingly, it was quite nice: half-empty despite the extra passengers, plenty of chocolate and wine, and everyone unusually friendly. The empty seats made me wonder… was it really cancelled for the reason they said? 🤔
I’m with you on the Orange situation – what next, Greenland? Canada? History does have a way of repeating itself, and it’s hard not to worry a bit.
Your year sounds wonderfully calm and full of RADAR and Dune adventures! I love following along on when you post about them on Strava. Companion Dog Excellent is such an achievement, huge congrats again! That takes real consistency and teamwork. Utility Dog will be a new challenge, but I can totally imagine RADAR is ready. I’ll definitely Google the UD/CDE info. And Dune sounds like a little superstar too, I love how much fun he’s having with obedience and scent work.
I also love your approach to photos: capturing just enough to tell the story, then enhancing them. I only crop my photos, but editing is something I’d like to learn, it could be useful for the blog! You really have so much going on, Yves, it’s no wonder you don’t blog. Spanish, dog training, handiwork, building projects… and running on top of it all!
Thanks for the kind wishes — sending all the best back to you for 2026: health, happiness, and plenty of RADAR- and Dune-filled adventures. Kai says hi too!
Great to hear that you have the best phone technician on your side. Hope he is as good as he says. Maybe he also expecting chocolates as a reward?😅💦
As far as editing photos go, I have a hot tip for you. You don’t need Photoshop and pay them a monthly subscription. I use AFFINITY and it is NOW free. I paid a one time fee before but no more. You need to download the app on your laptop. Don’t try it on a phone. 😅💦 There are plenty of Youtubes by Affinity & others to get you started. If you want they also have inexpensive courses to pay for. I bought some of them a while back. They are truly worth the $30 .
Did you find that multilingual dictionary that I showed you a month or so back? Excellent book! Highly recommended for academics who don’t want to call things thingamabob or gadget!😅💦💦
Well, it’s Thursday morning and I STILL don’t have a phone connection… So yes, I’ll be phoning them again today. The “best technician” may indeed need some Swiss chocolate to keep the motivation up 😅
Thanks for the Affinity tip! That’s really useful! Free is an excellent price, and I like the idea of a one-time investment instead of subscriptions. I’ll definitely check it out on the laptop (not the phone, noted 😄).
And yes! I did find the multi-lingual dictionary (this one was written “under the direction” of Jean-Claude Corbeil) here in Switzerland! New it’s a rather eye-watering CAD 110.–, but I’m pretty sure I can get a second-hand copy. Otherwise it’s officially going on my wish list (so Kai knows what do get, haha!)
Thanks for all the great tips, as always! 🤗
Christmas day flight! So it was special! Lots of room and treats and you even landed in Zurich! I am glad it was a pleasant experience. I love that the plane was almost empty. I have traveled on Christmas days and found this exact experience! Now if people could be pleasant all year round. Why not & does not take that much effort? It is more enjoyable & I bet everyone would be healthier!😅
Yes, exactly! A flight with space, treats, smiles and even landing in Zurich! It felt like a small miracle.
You’re right, it really makes you wonder why we don’t manage that the rest of the year. It wouldn’t take that much effort…and everyone’s blood pressure would be healthier for it!
Liebe Catrina,
oh das klingt alles ganz wunderbar nach Heimurlaub, Rück- und Ausblicken, schönen Momenten! 😀
Meine jährliche Klausur ist so was ähnliches, wie dein Rückblick. Nur nicht mit speziellen Fragen, sondern mehr Einkehr, um zu sehen, welche Themen aufkommen, wenn keine Ablenkung von außen kommt. Und durch den Rückblick entstehen dann oft Pläne für das Neue Jahr, wenn ich reinspüre, was soll weniger passieren und was mehr.
Euch noch eine tolle Zeit i dr Schwitz!
Um deine Klausur-Tradition beneide ich dich jedes Jahr! Mehrere Tage ohne irgendeine Ablenkung, keine physische oder digitale Störfaktoren – das wäre mal ein schönes Experiment. Oft kommen die wichtigsten Themen ja erst dann an die Oberfläche, wenn es um uns herum still wird. Dass daraus dann ganz natürlich die Pläne für das neue Jahr entstehen, indem du einfach ‘reinspürst’, ist ein toller Ansatz.
Danke dir, liebe Doris! Wir geniessen die Zeit hier in der Schweiz in vollen Zügen (noch eine Woche!) – obwohl es das Gegenteil einer Klausur ist!😅
That hike looks really tricky. Did you get your feet wet? I hope you get your phone sorted; that is a real pain.
I used my monthly good things post to pick my 100 top things for the year. My blog is probably the best jog for my memeory.
Yes, in end I did! But the weather was warm and I was wearing sandals for that part, so it was no big deal.
The phone number is attached to banking apps and all kind of other things… but I’m making progress! At least everyone I talk to is very understanding and trying to be helpful, that’s already something.
Your lists are a fabulous tool for remembering! And yes, the blog is great to jog the memory, especially thanks to its search function.
This is such a beautiful post and i love how that pic captures your 2025, and the gentle awe feeling that comes unexpectedly. Can you share the list of 15 questions for reflection? I would love to use them to reflect too.
I’ve started to write down something every day for this trip that is still few days left and I am surprised to be enjoying the practice. It’s the reflective part that is soothing and slows down the emotions and thoughts.
Please share your training plan for London. I’ll aiming to run it next year (even if means I need to pay for the tour packages).
Thanks, Coco! I was so scared in that picture, but the situation taught me a lot!
I love what you describe about writing something every day on your trip. Slowing down and reflecting is exactly what I’m hoping for. Tracking things along the way has so many benefits.
THAT IS SO EXCITING ABOUT YOUR LONDON PLANS, Coco!! 😀 I only regret that we’re not meeting up!
I will try to share as much as possible about my London training plan.
Here are the complete 15 questions:
Memories & Experiences
1. What experience defined your year – positive or negative?
2. Which small moment unexpectedly stuck with you?
3. If you had to capture your year in one day or image, which would it be?
Challenges & Learnings
4. What was your biggest challenge, and what did it demand of you?
5. Which decision required the most courage?
6. What didn’t go as planned but taught you something valuable?
People & Relationships
7. Who was your most important support this year?
8. Who do you wish you had spent more time with?
9. Was there a person who left a lasting impact on you?
Feelings & Self-Reflection
10. When did you feel truly calm or free this year?
11. What drained the most of your energy or tested you emotionally?
12. What did you learn about yourself?
Achievements & Looking Ahead
13. What are you proud of, even if no one else notices?
14. What do you want to leave behind as you enter the new year?
15. Looking back a year from now, what do you want 2026 to say about you?
THE PHONE NUMBER THING.
Catrina, I was reading along, happily admiring the photos and thinking of your two big (BIG OMG) races, remembering that Wild Coast hike with awe, thinking how nice it is for you to be back in Switzerland, and THEN THE PHONE THING. Honestly, yes, looking back it’s going to be a minor thing. BUT RIGHT NOW IT ISN’T. I would be very overwhelmed and I’d probably cry. Of course you’re right, this is not going to derail your year or anything, but it is a big bother.
As for your question – the blog! I often refer back to my blog to see when things happened. I am also on my fifth year of a five year, one line a day journal and it’s interesting to see what things happened. I’m definitely going to start a new one when this one is filled.
Nicole, YES! That’s exactly it. You’re happily reading along, in reflective mode, feeling all calm and wise… and then BAM: admin chaos. And you’re absolutely right, it freaked me out, as all my banking apps are linked to it. And it could have been so easily avoided!
That said, I have some good news today – I’ve made headway! One very competent guy now thinks he can actually retrieve my number. When I told him that would make him my hero, he replied – completely deadpan – that I was quite lucky to have him on the line because he is, in fact, one of the best employees the company has. It was quite funny! But he sounded so confident, I’m feeling quite optimistic.
And yes to the blog as memory anchor! That’s exactly how I use mine too, the search function has helped me more than once. Your five-year one-line-a-day journal sounds like a perfect counterbalance: small enough to keep up, solid enough to look back on when perspective inevitably shifts. I think I’ll need to search your blog for that keyword!
Happy New Year, Catrina!
I well remember that picture from your Wild Coast hike in South Africa in June! I remember that it terrified me thinking you could have fallen and been swept away at sea. I have great respect and a big fear of the ocean and that would have me trembling in my hiking boots!
What a year you have to look forward to with the London Marathon in April and Cape Town in May! I look forward to following along with your training for London and then how recovery and maintenance go as you prepare for Cape Town. Running by feel at Cape Town sounds smart and I suspect you’ll have a very good race there as well. I’m eagerly anticipating having a “reader’s-eye-view” of your spring racing season and plan to live vicariously through you, Catrina!
I’m sure your phone number debacle is a huge inconvenience while in Switzerland. I assume your friends aren’t able to get in touch with you unless through Kai or your parents. You’re right, though, how will it pan out at the end of the year as compared to other nuisances.
Thanks, Debbie – and happy New Year to you too! 😊
That Wild Coast moment was genuinely scary, and being swept away at sea was on the top of my mind! I was very glad not to be dealing with that section on my own. It’s amazing how much it helps to have calm people around you who are unfazed.
London and Cape Town feel exciting in very different ways! London as the focused goal race, Cape Town as more of a “let’s see what’s left in the legs” experiment. I like your phrase “running by feel”, that’s exactly the plan. You will hear all the details about the training and the recovery and all the chaos in between.
As for the phone saga: yes, I was really worried for a few days, especially as the phone number is connected to banking apps and the like. People could get to me, but only when I was on the home WiFi. But here’s some good news: I think I’m getting closer to getting the number back. One very confident support guy seems determined to make it happen, so fingers crossed! 😀
I really like your approach of the reflective questions – too often I think we race ahead into planning new goals without stopping to pause.
Exciting to have the London Marathon on the horizon – best of luck with your training!
Thank you, Michelle! I completely agree, it’s so easy to rush straight into the next goal without pausing to take stock. These questions really help slow things down and notice what actually mattered.
London is exciting (and a little intimidating!), but I’m enjoying the training so far. Four months to go!
Wow- this is great. THANK YOU for including the questions! I want to try this. I agree that it’s important to reflect back on the year before diving into new goals. I think I’ll probably have to look back through photos on my phone to help prod my memory- otherwise everything is just a blur.
Zurich is looking cold but beautiful, as always! I have friends who just returned from a trip to Switzerland (part of the time in Zurich) and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Thanks, Jenny! I found the questions quite useful, I put them together myself after googling around and not quite finding the right fit. It’s nice to slow down and actually notice what stuck from the year. Looking back through photos is such a smart idea, otherwise, so much really does blur together.
Oh, I’m curious to what your friends will say about Zurich! It can be a very dull city in winter… we envy the mountain resorts with their sun and snow. But when the skies are blue, even Zurich can be nice in winter.
I thought of you when I heard about the tragic fire that took place in Switzerland on NYE. It was so horrific and I had to turn away when there was news coverage about it since I still can’t handle seeing big flames… 🙁
But back to the topic at hand! I love your list of reflections! My end of year survey post is my version of the 15 questions but I don’t think about them until I write that post at the end of the year. I do kind of rely on my blog as my memory keeper. I also have a 5-year journal where I record what we did/what I was thinking or feeling/etc. But it would not be efficient to read through it!
2025 was quite an uneven year for me. It was hard (hand surgery) then kind of hummed along and then it was hard again (fire incident). The fire is probably going to be a before/after kind of experience and it has been sort of clarifying in ways. Like it’s made me think about what I’m willing to put up with from certain people in my life, how much I want/am able to travel for work/etc. So I think it will push me to set boundaries I might not have felt motivated/entitled to set previously. As far as a picture, my favorite picture was the family photo from Thanksgiving. It represents the people who are most important to me – my little nuclear family – that got me through a really hard year.
Oh yes, Lisa, in fact, I was thinking of YOU when the news hit about the tragic fire in Crans Montana. They were talking a lot about how hard it is to overcome trauma. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to go through something so intense and then have the news hit you like that. It’s completely understandable that hearing news like that is unsettling.
I really admire how you’ve used reflection, like your blog and your 5-year journal to hold onto memories and make sense of the year, even when it’s uneven. That kind of tracking is so valuable, especially when life throws major challenges your way. Your posts on 2025 were very reflective.
Of course, your fire incident stands out and I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. It’s heartbreaking and clarifying at the same time, and I love how you’ve turned it into insight about boundaries and priorities. I remember that family photo! Such a nice one of the four of you! A great reminder of what truly matters when life gets difficult.
You’ve clearly handled 2025 with incredible resilience. I hope 2026 brings more calm, more joy, and plenty of moments with your little nuclear family that make your heart light again. 💛
I am so glad you listed your entire set of questions. Is it okay if I post these on my blog with my own answers??? I LOVE how reflective they are; just yesterday I was trying to cobble together something like this and didn’t manage to pull together the right questions and them BAM, you did it to PERFECTION.
Your time in Switzerland sounds wonderful. Such a great mix of adventure and outdoor pursuits mixed with time with friends and family.
Now the phone debacle is another story and is literally part of my worst nightmare. How could this happen???? Argh. I hope there is some way for you to salvage the data/information, and get the number restored. When I really stop to think about how much of my life (MY MONEY!) is “online” it’s a bit terrifying. Yet, there really isn’t any other way to do things now.
Oh, Elisabeth, of course you can post the questions on your blog with your own answers! I’d be delighted! I didn’t post all of them because I didn’t think that it would be of much interest, but I’m so glad they resonate. It’s funny how the right questions suddenly make everything click, isn’t it?
Switzerland has been wonderful! The mix of adventure, outdoors, and time with friends and family has been exactly what we needed. Except the freezing cold! Oh my goodness! But I guess your winter in Canada is even colder!
The phone debacle! It was my own fault! 😳 I usually cancel my subscription and tell them to put it on prepaid when I’m in South Africa. I forgot to tell them to switch to prepaid and that’s how my number was returned to the pool of free numbers. Nightmare!! It’s terrifying how much of life is tied to a single number these days. Today, I made a bit of progress, I’ve found a very confident guy at the phone company. Fingers crossed it will be resolved by the end of the week. It’s a stark reminder of how much we rely on the online world!
Eek! I can’t imagine all of the places that I would need to update if I lost my current (since 2021) phone number. Yes it will end up being a small thing when you look back but it sounds very annoying now.
Yay for London! April will be here very soon!
It really is one of those things that sounds minor in theory and is hugely annoying in practice 😅 I’ve had mine since 2016 and every login seems to be tied to that one number…
So looking forward to London!
Liebe Catrina,
ja, genieße die Zeit und deine Lieben in der Schweiz in vollen Zügen. Auch wenn es jetzt anstrengend ist, obwohl du das vielleicht erst später merkst, so kannst du es dann in Cape Town sicherlich wieder besser steuern!
Vielen Dank für die schönen Bilder und auch dafür, dass du uns an deinen Überlegungen teilhaben läst!
Interessant zu lesen, mit welchen Reflexionen du aufs alte Jahr zurückblickst und wie du ‘ins neue’ schaust! Ungeheuer umfangreich, darf ich es so ausdrücken, was da auf dich einstürmt. Viele Fragen, Bilder und Erinnerungen auf einmal!?! Aber ich find’s auch wieder wichtig, dass du dich dem stellst! Insofern find ich’s sehr gut, dass du es auch festhälst, festhalten willst!
Ich mache das nicht alles zum Jahresausklang. Da ich meine Termine, aber auch (teilweise) dann meine Erfahrungen in einem ‘Rentner-Planer’ 😛 notiere und auch dort immer wieder reinschaue, kommen solch reflektive Gedanken regelmäßig übers Jahr verteilt. Auch meine Aufzeichnung in meinem Lauf-Tagebuch, lassen mich ja regelmäßig zurückblicken und auch Gedanken aufs Kommende festhalten! Zudem hat für mich als Kirchgänger fast jeder Gottesdienst etwas Kontemplatives, stellt so eine Art Klausur dar! Von daher ‘stürmt’ 😉 das nicht alles z. B. am Jahresende auf mich ein. (… auch zu deiner 1. Frage passend)
Weiterhin bin ich ja eher ein Optimist und denke nicht sehr viel über Kraftraubendes nach, aber 2 Ereignisse waren in dieser Richtung zuletzt heftig für uns. Die Frau eines uns sehr nahestehenden jungen Ehepaares beendet plötzlich die 16jährige Ehe, sie sei ein Fehler gewesen. Und eine uns sehr nahestehende, liebenswerte und sehr aktive Person erkrankt ganz plötzlich an einer unheilbaren Krankheit! 😥 😥 😥 Das entzieht einem fast den Boden unter den Füßen!
Ein Bild wäre ein Bild von unserer glücklichen jungen Familie (z. B. aus dem Urlaub), oder von uns allen, z. B. zu sechst unterm Weihnachtsbaum glücklich vereint!
Aus dem leicht verschneiten Darmstadt
liebe Grüße Manfred
Lieber Manfred,
vielen Dank für deinen so aufmerksamen und tiefgehenden Kommentar. Du beschreibst das sehr treffend: Dieses geballte Reflektieren zum Jahresende kann sich tatsächlich wie ein Sturm anfühlen, und genau deshalb finde ich deinen Ansatz so schön, alles übers Jahr verteilt festzuhalten. Genauso möchte ich es zukünftig auch machen. Dein “Rentner-Planer”, das Lauftagebuch und auch die kontemplative Seite der Gottesdienste wirken wie kleine, regelmässige Anker. Das nimmt dem Jahresrückblick sicher viel von seiner Wucht.
Die beiden Ereignisse, die du schilderst, gehen sehr nahe. Solche plötzlichen Brüche und Erkrankungen sind echte Erschütterungen und rauben einem fast den Boden unter den Füssen – vor allem wenn es so unerwartet ist. Es tut mir sehr leid, dass ihr das erleben musstet. Ich bin sicher, diese Freunde schätzen eure Unterstützung.
Das Bild eurer glücklichen Familie klingt nach einem starken Gegenpol dazu. Schön, dass ihr diese Momente erleben konntet und das Föteli als Erinnerung habt!
Liebe Grüsse aus dem bedeckten Zürich!
That’s really nice to go back to Switzerland and spend time with your families. A change of scenery and weather is always nice! London will be so fun and I’m looking forward to following along on your adventures
Thanks, Deborah! It really is wonderful to be back in Switzerland, seeing family, catching up with friends, and just enjoying the change of scenery and weather.
London is definitely exciting, and I’m looking forward to sharing the adventures along the way!
I love your reflections on the year! We do often live in the moment, and it’s a good idea to look past what’s currently annoying you–I have a tendency to ruminate of things–and look at the big picture! You had a wonderful year, but it’s that scary hike that stands out to you–and I totally get that.
If I look back on this year, yes, we had a big wedding and it was wonderful…but my favorite moment is when my youngest and i were in northern Wisconsin in October, hiking the Blue Hills. It was so quiet, so beautiful, we had nowhere to be, we were ‘off the grid’, just the two of us in the middle of this amazing spot. This was the toughest segment I had hiked yet, but it was our adventure and it was amazing. I can’t put it into words. He is the best companion for these types of adventures. I didn’t want it to end. I feel so lucky to have had that weekend with him. It was so special!
PS Don’t tell my oldest son I shared this with you lol!!
Wendy, your Blue Hills hike sounds absolutely magical! I remember you talking about that amazing hike with your son. I completely get that feeling of being “off the grid” with just the person you love adventuring with – those quiet, intense moments really stick with you.
It’s quite a contrast: a big, wonderful wedding versus that deeply personal, unforgettable weekend. Your youngest sounds like the perfect adventure buddy, I can imagine how hard it must have been to leave that spot.
(Haha, and yes, your secret’s safe with me! 😄)
This is so lovely. I honestly don’t take that much time to be so reflective, but you’ve got me thinking ….
Coco, you live such a busy life! I hope you get a chance to reflect during your Scooby runs!
Liebe Catrina,
du hattest einen mit lauter schönen Dingen und Begegnungen gefüllten Jahreswechsel! Zuzüglich als Zugabe schönstes Wetter (das wollten die Zürcher wohl nicht mit den Bernern teilen…) Und bald fliegt ihr wieder ab in den Sommer ;-)!
Das sind sehr interessante Fragen zum Jahresende, da lohnt es sich, in Ruhet drüber nachzudenken. Und wie du schreibst, was manchmal im entsprechenden Moment sehr nervig erscheint, wird im Rückblick dann wieder unbedeutender oder nur eine Randerscheinung. Aber ich hoffe, doch deine großen Läufe bleiben eindrücklich im Gedächtnis.
Außer Daumen, deswegen ist 2025 für mich das “Daumenjahr”, das wäre dann wohl auch das Foto des Jahres.
Ansonsten ist für mich auch der Blog immer eine gute Quelle der Rückschau. Neulich las ich den Rat, wenn man gerade einen Glücksmoment hatte, soll man den auf einen kleinen Zettel schreiben und diese in einer Dose sammeln, die einen am Jahresende an das viele Schöne erinnert. Das gefällt mir!
Liebe Grüße aus dem eiskalten Rheinland
Elke
Liebe Elke,
Ja, wir hatten wirklich sehr schöne, abwechslungsreiche Tage… sehr voller Menschen und Essen 😂, zum Glück ist auch viel Bewegung drin. Wir haben erstaunlich viele sonnige Tage gehabt, und heute soll das Thermometer mal über 0°C steigen, zumindest hier in Zürich.
Genau! Das Aktuelle dominiert immer das Gedächtnis, aber bei dir war das Thema “Daumen” in 2025 durchgehend dominant! Erst beim Skifahren in Februar, dann nochmals im Dezember beim Autotür-Zumachen – wenn das kein Jahresmotto ist, weiss ich auch nicht! 😅 Daumen drücken bekommt da eine ganz neue Bedeutung 😉
Die Idee mit den Zetteln in der Dose gefällt mir übrigens sehr… ich frage mich gerade, ob ich das in Angriff nehmen soll. Im Englischen nennt man das eine “Jar of Joy” – ein schönes Bild für all die kleinen Glücksmomente, die man sonst viel zu schnell vergisst. Aber was mache ich mit den Zettelis, wenn das Jahr vorbei ist? Zeremoniell verbrennen? Aufbewahren ist auch blöd. Vielleicht hast du eine kreative Idee?
Herzliche Grüsse ins eiskalte Rheinland!
Jar of Joy – wunderbarer Begriff! Verbrennen keinesfalls. Das wäre meiner Meinung nach der Weg für eine Bottle of Bother oder so ähnlich. Die könnte man auch in einen Fluss werfen, der den Ärger fortspült. Und irgendwo kommt die Flasche an Land, Doris findet sie und schreibt aus all den Ärger-Zettelchen eine muntere Geschichte!
Die schönen Momente haben doch erst dann ihren Reiz, wenn man sie irgendwann später nochmals nachliest. Also nicht wegwerfen. Habe aber gerade noch keine zündende Idee…
Oh ja, ein Fluss ist auch eine gute Idee! Dann müsste man halt biologisch abbaubare Zettelis dann nehmen, wäre ja auch gut. Wir wollen ja kein Bottle of Bother! 😂
Doris – und vielleicht auch Lizzy – könnten sich dann zusammentun und kreativ werden, die Idee gefällt mir!!
Du hast sehr viel Fantasie, Elke, ich bin sicher, eine super Idee kommt dir in den Sinn!
I love this! I’ve been doing daily journaling which helps me to keep things in perspective. Something may feel like a big deal but when I write it down I realize its not the end of the world.
Lisa, I love that. Daily journaling really does that, doesn’t it? Putting things on paper has a way of shrinking them back to their real size – what felt huge in the moment often turns out not to be the end of the world after all. It’s such a grounding practice, especially when life feels a bit uneven.
This is such a good way to reflect on the previous year. I mostly just move on and don’t think too much about it. 2025 was tough in so many ways, my running has been challenging, we’ve had a few health issues (including for my dogs), and politics in the US have been, to say the least, an upheaval. And yet, we march on.
Debbie, that really resonates. It’s so easy to just move on and not look back, especially after a tough year. And 2025 does sound like it threw a lot at you – running struggles, health worries (for you AND the dogs), plus everything swirling otherwise. That’s a lot to carry.
“And yet, we march on” says it perfectly. There’s so much strength in that quiet persistence. I hope 2026 gives you a bit more ease along the way.
What a great reflective post, Catrina! I well remember that Wild Coast hike! I totally agree that many things seem much bigger than they truly are… but in the heat of the moment, it’s tough to remember the “big picture” aspect of everything else. Wishing you a fab 2025!
Thanks so much, Kim! Yes, that hike definitely left a mark 😅
And you’re so right – in the heat of the moment it’s incredibly hard to zoom out and see the bigger picture. That’s exactly what this reflection made me realise, too.
Thanks for the good wishes, wishing you a great 2026 for you as well!
Wow. This was so powerful I read it twice.
I love how you looked at the moments that held the most power and weight, and I love reflecting on things that may seem like a huge deal in the moment, but also might not be such a big deal in days, months, or even a year.
I’m so glad Kai is such a huge supporter! That’s so important in this life journey! And I continue to be so proud of all your adventures and challenges!
Enjoy your time in Switzerland and with your parents!
Thank you, Jenn! That really means a lot. I love that idea too, zooming out and seeing which moments actually keep their weight over time and which quietly fade away again.
I’m so glad to have Kai as a rock-solid supporter! It’s so nice to see that you have your family around you too. It does help to feel grounded.
Switzerland with my parents has been special, full days, lots of conversation, and lots of good food, too! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Wow. That’s odd about the phone.
I love those reflections.
I do like to capture pictures for my memories.
No marathon or trip or grandchild.
Lots little things.
It really is odd, one of those things you never think will happen until it suddenly does 😅
I love what you say about memories, Darlene. Not every year needs a marathon, a big trip, or a grand milestone. Often it’s the accumulation of lots of little moments that quietly make a year what it was.
Happy New Year Catrina! Switzerland must be so lovely this time of year (though it is lovely all year).
Your post has taken me back to when one of my best friends and I, towards the end of the year, when we had all the time in the world and had little responsibility, we would ring each other and speak for 2 or 3 hours reflecting on the year. We would randomly have categories/topics… Best food, best meal, best new treat, best dance party, best conversation, best book read, best festival… etc. We would then describe experiences to each other based on the response. We would just go on and on until we lose steam.
As for your photos, do you ever think of putting your year’s photo in an album – from digital to print (like Mixbook or Papier)? I find these photo books so fun to make so all of the year’s best are in one album, not just on phone or computer.
Looking forward to reading about conquering London and Cape Town!
Happy New Year, Monica! Yes, Switzerland really is special at this time of year – crisp, calm, and somehow extra cosy.
Oh, I love that tradition you describe with your friend. Those long, unstructured calls with playful categories sound like the perfect kind of reflection, light, funny, and deeply meaningful at the same time. Best food, best dance party, best conversation… that’s such a lovely way to let memories surface without forcing them.
And yes, I’ve thought about photo books! A friend of mine does that (she’s also the one who gave me the idea to save my digital photos throughout the year in a dedicated folder). I agree, there’s something so satisfying about turning a digital year into something you can actually hold. Your comment is nudging me in that direction. It would pair beautifully with this whole reflection idea.
London and Cape Town both feel exciting and a little daunting, but I’m very much looking forward to the journey. Thanks for coming along for the ride!
Ein fast philosophischer Jahresrückblick, wie schön!
Und du solltest Kai vielleicht mal eine “Best-Partner-of-the-world”-Medaille basteln, er hat sie offenbar verdient 😉
Deine Fotowahl find ich toll, das Bild passt und hat alles wie du es beschreibst.
Die wichtigsten Ziele hast du auch bereits im Blick, ich glaube tatsächlich dass der Cape Town-Marathon noch eine sehr positive Überraschung wird, du wirst megafit sein und das Ding wegrocken.
Mein 2025, besonders das zweite Halbjahr, lass ich mal da wo es ist, nämlich hinter mir. Das eine, das besondere Foto, das könnte ich nicht wirklich benennen, es waren zu viele. Vermutlich aber eins mit Otto am Meer, also einfach nur Entspannung, davon hatte ich zu wenig letztes Jahr.
Aber ich schaue eh lieber nach vorn, alles was war, ist ja im Blog (oder Micro-Blog) protokolliert, das muss reichen 🙂
Dir und Kai wünsche ich ein wunderbares Jahr 2026 und eine Menge Spaß beim Erreichen deiner Ziele!
Ha, zum Jahreswechsel wurde ich vermutlich von der philophischen Atmosphäre angesteckt… ein Versuch, etwas Ordnung ins Chaos zu bringen. 😄
Stimmt, Kai verdient wirklich eine Medaille – wie überhaupt alle geduldigen Partner von Läufern. Es sind ja nicht nur die Events, wo sie uns unterstützen müssen, sondern das ganze Drama davor und danach auch. Überhaupt, es müsste an jedem Wettkampf eine “Partner-Medaille” geben.
Deine Einschätzung zum Cape Town Marathon nehme ich sehr gern mit….”megafit” und “wegrocken” klingen nach einem Plan! Wir sprechen uns danach wieder 😉
Dass du 2025, zumindest das zweite Halbjahr, bewusst hinter dir lässt, kann ich gut verstehen. Immerhin konntest du deinem Körper physisch etwas Ruhe gönnen, und das ist NICHT NICHTS! Mental ist die hohe Arbeitslast natürlich eine andere Baustelle. Ich hoffe sehr, dass sich das bald entspannt.
Ein Bild mit Otto am Meer als Inbegriff von Entspannung trifft es perfekt. Und ja, davon kann man wirklich nie genug haben.
Danke dir für die guten Wünsche, Oliver. Dir und Otto wünsche ich für 2026 viel Meer, einen weiterhin brav mitspielenden Hamstring – und diesen angenehm klaren Blick nach vorn. 2026 wird ein spannendes Jahr für dich!
How wonderful that you were able to spend time with family and friends in Switzerland over the holidays. And I don’t think you need me to say this, but you and Kai are just an awesome team jetsetting around the world together 🙂
I am sorry about your the thing with your phone number. That is… *crazy*… why would they just disconnect it? GAH! I hope you get this sorted out. Yeah, in the grand scheme of things it’s probably just a litlle blip in retrospect, but I totally get how right now it’s a major hassle!
2025 was a difficult year over here and usually I look back on my blog to remember things but my blogging was also haphazard last year, so I am relying on key dates, photos of where I was, and little notes in my planer.
I know you can relate – it’s so nice to be home to spend time with friends and family! I’m so grateful that we can fly home regularly… torn between two worlds is not always easy, as you well know. Will you be going to Germany this summer?
The phone number thing…yes, completely crazy. I STILL don’t have a connection, although at least I have my number back. I will have to call them again today. It’s such a hassle in the moment, but hopefully it will be just a blip in the end. Fingers crossed!
I hear you on 2025 being tricky. I do the same with my blog, but I hope that collecting the “best of” photos throughout the year will help. Wishing you a better 2026, San!
I really enjoyed this reflective read with the questions you have listed, Catrina. So much can be said with a photo. Your photo on the Wild Coast hike in South Africa is incredible. You always post such amazing photos to accompany your adventures. And I always love the photos of your mom and dad.
I was given a journal by the staff at the Hillsdale school with the cover reading, “Good Things Happen”. So far I’m keeping up with it.
Happy New Year, Catrina. Hope you and Kai have an incredible 2026. 🤗
Thanks so much, Carl!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the reflective read. Photos really do say so much, and that Wild Coast hike one still makes me pause when I look at it. I appreciate your kind words about my parents’ photos too, those quiet moments really stick with me.
Your “Good Things Happen” journal sounds wonderful! I love the idea of keeping track of little joys like that, they really do add perspective over time.
Wishing you an amazing 2026 filled with memorable moments and lots of good things! 🤗