Friday, January 20, 2012

Slow Start to 2012

Even with the Rock n Roll USA Half in DC looming (less than 2 months away), motivation is still lacking. Not really sure what it is, maybe its just the cold weather. Don't get me wrong now! I am in now way complaining, I'd much rather have it this cold than in the 90s with 90% humidity. But still, running in any kind of extreme weather is not very pleasant, but I'll take the chill over the heat/humidity as the lesser evil.

So its only been 5 measly runs since the new year, totaling under 20 miles. Got the ball rolling, with 9 weeks left, on the "serious" training last week, doing one hills session and an EZ run. Was going to do one more "long" run, but got scared away by the cold (did i really just say that?). This week so far, its been one hills session, a short EZ run, and I have 7 miles planned for tonight. That will put me around 13 miles for the week, which I guess is not terrible for week 2 of training (though is terrible if you consider I'm only a little over a month removed from the Half in vegas).

Otherwise, nothing spectacular on all fronts. Just trying to get the ball rolling again and find that same motivation that got me up to 12 mile long runs for Vegas. I guess I should just be happy that I'll have done 3 runs this week. I've yet to get myself to cross train, which I wanted to break out Yoga, Plyo and Core from the X. Or even some swimming at the Aquatic Center, which I payed $75 membership for. Until next time!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2011: A Year in Review

As quickly as it came, 2011 is already in our rear-view mirror. Definitely a lot of running/racing highlights for my second year of this whole running craze. So I thought I'd throw this up to recap the events of the year, good or bad, but mostly good. First, some numbers:
  • 12: The number of events I participated in this year, of which included my first triathlon, my second half-marathon and the Urbanathlon.
  • 9+1: I completed NYRR's 9+1 for guaranteed entry into the 2012 NYC Marathon. I'm still undecided if I'm actually going to follow through with it.
  • 8: the number of PR's (personal records) I achieved in 2011. 
  • 490: the total number of miles I ran for the year. 
  • 9:20 my fastest pace for any race over 3 miles. 
  • $530+, the amount I spent on race fees (YIKES!) 
DC was probably the highlight of the year, naturally, being my first Tri. Getting that first one under the belt definitely will make it easier on the ones that follow. I was hoping to do another this year, but couldnt fit one into the schedule. Had my battle with plantar-facsiitis in the months approaching the Tri as well. Thankfully was remedied (for the most part) from taking some time off after the Tri and getting new shoes.

Although Vegas was much hyped, did not turn out to be the experience we had all expected. From the crowds, to the disorganization, to more crowds, it was just a really disappointing experience, with the only redeeming value being that I did better than my time in Chicago. Though not the time I was hoping for, given how my training was going. Thankfully, of the 13 races, there was only 1 where rain was truly an issue. Sloshing through 4 miles of Central Park was certainly an experience! Though it was raining during Urbanathlon, it really wasn't coming down hard enough to have an effect.

What a year of racing, huh?

Oh yea, some bling!

As I think back to when I started this whole craze, I can't believe how far its come. To think I was crazy enough to tackle a Tri? Only to realize how much fun it is?? Haha....Definitely made a lot of progress through the year, which only means I'll have to work that much harder in 2012 to match it! And speaking of 2012, I'm already registered for 2 events: the Rock n Roll USA Half Marathon in DC on March 17th and the Rev3 Triathlon (Olympic Distance) in Maine on August 26th. Here's to a great 2011, and an even better 2012! Happy New Year everyone.