End of the Year

I'm ending the year 2010 with 551.7 miles. Turns out it was not as impossible as I thought even with a rather lackluster November and December. However, I've learned some important things and some were even about runnng:

- the hardest part is always gonna be getting out the door

- no matter how bad I feel, I never feel worse after the run (note I just stopped short of saying I feel better)

- my body isn't nearly as strong or persuasive as my mind, but it's getting there

- goals are paramount to success for me

- I know I can do so much better

With all that in mind I'm formulating my new goal for 2011. Happy New Year!

What was I thinking?

After a lazy November, I'm gearing up for the P.F. Chang Rock N Roll Half Marathon Relay which is Jan 16th. I'm running with Janice and I think we're undecided who will run the longer leg........I ran 5.7 miles one day and 5.5 a few days later-- slow pace but without stopping. Trying to get my legs (and brain) used to some longer distances. Weather is in the high 70's with very cool mornings, can't ask for much better training weather.

After the milestone

It's a little harder to feel motivated to run since I've met my goal. But I'm determined to keep at it because I'm still deciding on my 2011 goal and it's gonna involve running. (No sense in wasting a perfectly good blog title.)
During the last race and today my legs felt leaden. Don't know what's up with that. Some new ploy no doubt to derail my efforts. Mind and body, can't we just work together?

Made my goal!

Well, it's been a long month and I've not run consistently but long story short, I went over my 500 mile marker today at the 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run at the Peoria Sports Complex. A great way to start Thanksgiving and although I didn't run my best time, it was better than last year when I did this race for the first time. But the most awesome part was that Brigette ran the 10 miler and finished in 1 hr 28 min and 24 seconds. That's faster than a 9 min mile, for 10 miles! (Yes, running is fun, but running vicariously, can't be beat!)

Gotta have that

Brigette ran a 5K in 27 min with a 19 lb vest. And I'm thinking, hmmmm....I need a weighted vest. But I soon come to my senses. There are a few steps to take before I consider adding "accessories" to my running. Such as: maintanining an even pace during runs, bypassing the water stop on a 5K, incorporating sprints into daily runs, strength training. In other words, running for non-police officer types. (At least until the next gadget catches my eye.)

The numbers game

My Sept total (54.5) beat August (43.9) which had beaten July (33.3) but the Oct total (45.2) bucked the trend. So I really need an all-time monthly high in Nov. Currently I'm just over 475 miles for the year.

Taking a dive

Today while running I tripped on the uneven pavement and went crashing down. I literally dove into the patch of grass bordering the sidewalk cushioning my fall. But then my first instinct was to think, I'm glad I'm not timing this today. (Not who saw that or what's the fastest way to get my bruised ego back home.) And that roughly translates into "I'm a runner." Maybe it isn't about distance or speed but a frame of mind.