Wednesday, December 29, 2010

2011: Bring it on!

Let's call December a wash, shall we? I think I ran maybe ... three times? Or four? During the whole month? That's pretty pathetic.

As a non-competitive runner, it's all too easy to let other things get in the way of my running. Fortunately being a non-competitive runner also makes it easy for me not to beat myself up over it. I didn't run much in December, because I was busy doing other things, and that's okay.

It's okay because I know I will run again, and soon. My legs are itching for it, and my lungs can't wait. I'm not going to worry about it too much until next week when everyone in my house is back at school and/or work, but then, then it will happen. I just know it.

I'm going to spend the last couple of days of our winter break finding some new music for my running playlist, and then on Tuesday when the kids are back at school and the husband is back at work (he works at home, but still) I'm going to hit the ground...


... wait for it ...


... RUNNING!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Races on my mind

First, I feel like I should confess this right up front: I have not run at all this week so far. I have every intention of running tomorrow on the treadmill, hopefully for more than a mile (which is all I've been doing lately), but holiday shopping and decorating and baking have taken priority right now. And I'm okay with that; although as I was driving home from dropping my daughter at school this morning and saw how perfect the conditions were along my usual non-treadmill route, I felt a distinct pang. I wanted to be out there running! But I had an oral surgery appointment this morning (very minor procedure, but it did cut into my running schedule) so it was a no go. Sigh.

That being said, my head is full of race goals right now! There is a 5K coming up the day after Christmas that looks super fun -- the Zilker Holiday Tree 5K. I told my daughter about this one and she wants to run it with me, but it would be $50 for both of us together and I'm not sure that would fit into our holiday budget. Plus it's a trail race, which would probably kill my knees. And my allergies are terrible this time of year, so running through Zilker Park for 45 minutes or so is not the smartest idea ever. But the shirt is so cute! And it's not chip-timed -- it just has a clock at the finish. And I could run it with my best girl! Argh. Not sure what to do here. I have until next Friday to decide, if we want the reduced registration rate. Right now I'm 60% in favor, 40% opposed.

Looking much further ahead, I am still planning/hoping to run the Capitol 10K in 2012. Surely I can prepare for a 6.2-mile race by then? More than a year from now? I sure hope so. The Capitol 10K is kind of an iconic race here in Austin, and I would feel such a sense of accomplishment if I could legitimately wear that shirt! (Gee, this is beginning to sound like I'm just in it for the wardrobe. Maybe I should re-evaluate my priorities/motivation? Nah! Whatever works!)

Looking even further ahead than that... I'm not sure a full marathon is ever in my future, but I would really like to run a half-marathon someday. My son graduates high school in 2014, which will be 30 years after I graduated myself. Wouldn't it be awesome to run a half that year? Could I make the leap from 6.2 miles to 13.1 miles in two years? I think maybe I could if I really focused my efforts and didn't set a lofty finishing goal. There are several half-marathons going on all year long near here, so I haven't picked a specific race yet, but it's definitely a goal I'm keeping in mind.

And on the subject of half-marathons, I really REALLY want to run a Rock 'n' Roll half. Maybe in 2014, or maybe in 2016 when I turn 50. There's one in San Antonio every year, which would be pretty convenient from a travel standpoint. There's also one in New Orleans that coincides with Mardi Gras, wouldn't be completely out of the question travel-wise, and would no doubt be an absolute blast. And there's one in Nashville, where my brother and sister-in-law live. I would absolutely love to run that one if I could talk one or both of them into running it with me. Whatta ya say, Andy and Tav? Rock 'n' Roll half marathon in 2016? You guys up for it? I think it could be pretty awesome! If not, I'll plan on the San Antonio race and I'll treat myself to a margarita and some awesome Tex-Mex afterwards. Or the New Orleans race with a post-race sazerac and etouffee. Gotta replace those calories somehow, right?!

So yeah, no immediate races in my future (except maybe that Zilker one -- still deciding!) but keeping my eye on some long-term race goals is really fueling my motivation right now. Every time I get on the treadmill from now on, I'll just picture myself crossing the finish line at my first half-marathon!