2011 Goals

The last day of 2010. This is the day where we runners tally up the 2010 mileage, our achievements and the race reports. Then we turn our thoughts to the upcoming year: a blank slate!

I have to say I've learned a lot in 2010. Some of the lessons:

• I'm not flexible.
  
• If I want to run long distances, I have to stretch, do yoga and visit my physiotherapist every 6 weeks.
  
• Listening to my body prevents injury.
• Running without music is, suprisingly, more fun that running with Lady Gaga blasting in my ears.

My 2010 mileage was 491.62km (I'm still mastering the GarminConnect reports feature). Not too shabby given all I went through!

So, now here come the 2011 goals:
1. Run the Ottawa Half Marathon.
2. Expand to running 4 days a week.
3. Set a new course PR at Emilie's Run 5K in June (current one is 30:08).

I'm registered for races up until the end of July. After that, who knows. I might be travelling with my husband in the Fall, or I could do the Army Run HM... I would love to do a marathon next year but I want to finish the half first before I commit to 42.2!

The Annual "Looking Back" Post

I apologize profusely for not posting the last couple of months. Work went absolutely bonkers in early September and didn't stop until right before Christmas. The new year promises to be just as bananas... Hooray! I think.

I've managed to continue running and have only needed to drop the occasional run here and there. I've built my base back up to where it was this time last year: 26K/week. I'm running 7/7/12 and I hope to migrate that to four runs a week in the new year. I just need to remember to watch my pace on the long run. I kind of get carried away, especially when I'm cold. I need to warm up somehow!

Last year I did the whole year in review post. It's been a handy one to look back on, especially when it comes to that motivation and optimism that I had a year ago. It's too bad that it all went down the tubes only hours after I wrote the post.

As for my 2010 goals, here's how I did:

1. Finish the Ottawa Half Marathon

Didn't even start the 2010 Ottawa HM. But I won't let it win...

2. Drink more water

Doing much better on this one. It's a little less measurable than the other goals listed here, but I can definitely feel the difference in my body when I'm hydrated, whether it's first thing in the morning or during a run.

3. Improve my 5K and 10K times.

Improve? Ha, I was lucky to run 5Ks and 10Ks. No new personal bests were set this year, but I came pretty darn close on the 10K. Hopefully next year I can improve.

4. Run 1300 km.

The loss of five months of running and my base totally set me off course in my pursuit of this goal. I'll end up with just over 500KM run as I have one more run to go tomorrow.

Soon I'll have to turn my attention towards my 2011 goals. I have a few in mind...

Looking back and looking forward

It's January 1st. Hubby and I are cuddled up on the couch, with the cat under the blanket, watching the Winter Classic on TV. I've been wanting to write this post for awhile now, so today seemed like a good day to do it.

2009 was a pretty good year for me. The highs include:

• my first race at the inaugural Winterman event in February, where I ran the 5K in -7C and snow.
• running the Ottawa MDS Nordion 10K in May. The crowds and race experience were incredible!
• Setting repeated PRs in the 5K throughout the year, finishing with 28:09 at the Cookie Run in November.
• Running over 750 KM in 2009, more than double my 2008 total.
• Getting married!

I capped off 2009 with the Running Room's Resolution Run last night. The temperature was -11C, but it had snowed most of the day, so the footing was pretty treacherous. There was no PR for me, but I had a lot of fun. Saw a guy wearing gold tights, while others wore Christmas lights or New Year's Eve party hats. I can't wait to try out the fancy new jacket I got for entering.

Now for looking forward. Well, 2010 promises to be equally great! Some of my goals for this year are:

• Finish the Ottawa Half Marathon (time goal to come later).
• Drink more water.
• Improve my 5K and 10K times.
• Run 1300 km.

Cheers! And Happy New Year!