No resolutions from me. Hopes and dreams and goals? Absolutely!
Running-wise, my hope is that 2010 will be a better year than 2009, or 2008 for that matter. 2007 was my best year ever as a runner. I ran my personal best in the marathon (4:16), which was faster than I ever dreamed possible when I first started running. I completed my first 50 mile race. I met a ton of runner friends and felt a part of a community, both online and in person. The abrupt stop to my running in early 2008 felt like an end to all that. But now I feel like I'm on track again and there's no looking back at what could have been or what was missed. I'm focused on what I'm accomplishing now and what's ahead.
That said, here's the obligatory accounting of my 2009 running. My progress since July has been steady as you can see by my mileage below.
July: 21.6
August: 22.6
September: 13.9 (this probably would have been in 30-40 range if I hadn't dropped some lumber on my foot.)
October: 52.2
November: 76.6
December: 94
Total for 2009: 280.9
I ran one race, a 5k. Despite it being far from a PR for me, I earned an age group ribbon. I surely can't complain about that.
Last week I started my official training for the Tacoma City Marathon on May 2nd. I'm following a NYC Marathon beginning training program. I've used their intermediate program in the past. I like their programs because even the beginning program schedules more than one 20 miler. I think the last time I actually followed a training program was in early 2006. Under the circumstances, it seems prudent to have a plan for my first marathon back. A great resource I've found and which I'm using for this program is the interactive RunWell training tool on the New York Times website. You can choose beginning to advanced programs from Jeff Galloway, Grete Waitz, Greg McMillan, etc., log your runs and modify the programs if necessary. Very cool.
My maxim for 2010 is to not be greedy. There are many, many races I'd like to complete and maniac stars I'd like to obtain. But some of those might be for other years. After Tacoma, I'll likely run the Pacific Crest Marathon in late June. And of course, the Forest Park 50k is a strong possiblity over Memorial Day Weekend. But I'm going to wait until I'm further along in my training to decide on that one. I really want to enter the Mt Hood PCT 50 mile in July, but I think it may be too early. I go back and forth on that one. Heck, Marc has run it on little to no training. Why can't I? But Marc is his own special kind of crazy. I'm leaning towards waiting another year for that one.
Speaking of Marc, we'll be at the Pac Rim One Day in March again this year. I'll count laps, the little guy will keep RD Fred on his toes, and Marc will go for 24 hours. Marc is also planning to complete at least one Olympic triathlon this year and is thinking about a 100 mile race to enter. Or maybe he'll enter Waldo. Or both. And he needs another 50 mile qualifier because he still has the Western States bug.
So there are many things to look forward to in 2010. It feels good to be back.
Running-wise, my hope is that 2010 will be a better year than 2009, or 2008 for that matter. 2007 was my best year ever as a runner. I ran my personal best in the marathon (4:16), which was faster than I ever dreamed possible when I first started running. I completed my first 50 mile race. I met a ton of runner friends and felt a part of a community, both online and in person. The abrupt stop to my running in early 2008 felt like an end to all that. But now I feel like I'm on track again and there's no looking back at what could have been or what was missed. I'm focused on what I'm accomplishing now and what's ahead.
That said, here's the obligatory accounting of my 2009 running. My progress since July has been steady as you can see by my mileage below.
July: 21.6
August: 22.6
September: 13.9 (this probably would have been in 30-40 range if I hadn't dropped some lumber on my foot.)
October: 52.2
November: 76.6
December: 94
Total for 2009: 280.9
I ran one race, a 5k. Despite it being far from a PR for me, I earned an age group ribbon. I surely can't complain about that.
Last week I started my official training for the Tacoma City Marathon on May 2nd. I'm following a NYC Marathon beginning training program. I've used their intermediate program in the past. I like their programs because even the beginning program schedules more than one 20 miler. I think the last time I actually followed a training program was in early 2006. Under the circumstances, it seems prudent to have a plan for my first marathon back. A great resource I've found and which I'm using for this program is the interactive RunWell training tool on the New York Times website. You can choose beginning to advanced programs from Jeff Galloway, Grete Waitz, Greg McMillan, etc., log your runs and modify the programs if necessary. Very cool.
My maxim for 2010 is to not be greedy. There are many, many races I'd like to complete and maniac stars I'd like to obtain. But some of those might be for other years. After Tacoma, I'll likely run the Pacific Crest Marathon in late June. And of course, the Forest Park 50k is a strong possiblity over Memorial Day Weekend. But I'm going to wait until I'm further along in my training to decide on that one. I really want to enter the Mt Hood PCT 50 mile in July, but I think it may be too early. I go back and forth on that one. Heck, Marc has run it on little to no training. Why can't I? But Marc is his own special kind of crazy. I'm leaning towards waiting another year for that one.
Speaking of Marc, we'll be at the Pac Rim One Day in March again this year. I'll count laps, the little guy will keep RD Fred on his toes, and Marc will go for 24 hours. Marc is also planning to complete at least one Olympic triathlon this year and is thinking about a 100 mile race to enter. Or maybe he'll enter Waldo. Or both. And he needs another 50 mile qualifier because he still has the Western States bug.
So there are many things to look forward to in 2010. It feels good to be back.
6 comments:
Yay, welcome back! I like your maxim about "don't be greedy." that can be a tough one to stick to, but very wise. Good luck with all your goals, and have fun!
What an awesome post, Sarah... I'm so very happy for you. You have truly persevered. Those monthly mile totals are wonderful.
Your perspective is really good. Indeed, "don't get greedy"... you are a young woman and there are many years of running ahead of you. Shoot, you can even adopt some of Marc's kind of crazy...you won't have to do it all on your own!
Happy New Year!! It'll be a great one!!!
92 is pretty darn good, girl. More than many many do. You are back:)
great blog.
good luck with your training in 2010
I'm glad you've hung around even during those times when you didn't feel like a runner.
Don't be greedy are wise words we could all live by.
Yay! So glad you are back at it! And even better to think you'll all be at Pac Rim again. It's like a homecoming. Here's to a great 2010 for you and the boys!
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