I have always been a big fan of recap shows. Every year I look for shows, news broadcasts, 60 min., 20/20, any of those types of shows that look back at the major happenings of the last year or the last decade. It is interesting to me to see the trends and remember what happened, who did what, who passed away, etc...
It is a lot like how I view goals in my life. I suppose many people, if not most people set goals for themselves. I also suppose that many, if not most people abandon their goals, forget their goals, ignore their goals after some period of time. At the very least, most people likely do not evaluate their progress on their goals on a regular basis. Looking back at the year or decade or week or month, etc. is my way of evaluating my goals. Did I achieve my goals? Did I exceed my goals? Are my goals unrealistic? How did pursuing my goals affect my world? Was it a worthwhile goal to pursue? Should I put more time and money and effort into a particular goal? Or is it more appropriate for me to quit or shift gears or delay? Do I find this goal important anymore? -- You get the idea.
I also like to look at statistics. I always find it interesting to see how the numbers add up and to see what info I can pull out of the trend data. So, I like to look back at my year and ask and answer lots of questions. This is primarily a running blog with a goal of running 50 half marathons in 50 states in 50 months, (of course there are numerous mini goals mixed up in there as well) so I will keep this blog focused to my goals as they pertain to that one main goal. -- I have lots of goals in lots of areas of my life -- I'll spare you those -- your head could possibly explode.
I'll start with 2017 statistics.
Miles run 2017 750miles
best 5k 22:56
best 10 47:28
best half 1:42:20
longest run 13.35miles
Just for the year 2017 as it relates to the 50 in 50 in 50 goal, I will have to start in Oct. 2016 because that is when I ran my first half marathon. Actually, the first time I had ever run more than 6 miles at a time.
With a very simply goal of getting in better shape and helping lead my family to remain active, I started running a couple of miles here and there. As a family we ran a couple 5k races and started making plans to run a few 5k's each year. I had an idea at one point while I was looking for the next race I would propose. I thought it would be unique and interesting and fun to run a 5k in all 50 states. That has to be unique, right? I mean, who does that? Well, as it turns out LOTS of people do that. It is not at all unique. There are clubs and teams and blogs and sponsored events and sponsored athletes, etc. Who knew. Oh, well. So, I decided to abandon that idea, but I was still interested in running some 5k races, so I kept looking. One day, I found a half marathon in Cocoa Beach. The I Dream of Jeannie Half. It happened to run right by my mom's house and I was due for a visit. I thought, "What the heck. Maybe I'll sign up for this half and see how I do." So, I tried to register, but registration was closed and the race was "sold out". I had contacted the race director via email because I could not figure out how to register online, not yet understanding that the registration was closed. So, I thought, "O.K. Fine. I won't run this one." Well, I then got an email that informed me that I could get a charity entry that could be purchased at the Expo. The short story is that I called my mom and she bought the $100 charity race entry for me at the Expo and I was officially registered for my first half marathon.
Up to this point, I had never run more than 6 miles at once and mostly ran 1-3 miles on my intermittent runs through the week and I only had a few days to "prepare".
October 2016 Cocoa Beach, FL
I ran in my normal running shoes, cotton socks, racquetball shorts. I suffered from blisters and chaffing. Painful!
After returning home from this race, I needed rest. I was sore and chaffed and tired. I did not run for a week. While not running, I began looking at different races, thinking that maybe I would consider doing another one. At some point, I thought it would be a good idea to run a half marathon in all 50 states. I was aware at this point that it was not unique, but still a challenge and a goal that would force me to train and continue running, so I proposed the idea to my wife. She was not super excited about the idea at first.
November 2016 Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Route 66 Half Marathon This one was different for me because it was a plane flight away and it was cold and hilly. Still I ran pretty well and had a decent race. 1:47:07 8:10/min.I had upgraded my shorts and shoes and learned that "cotton is rotten", so I got some new socks. Still chaffing was an issue, but no blisters.
I was now a bit more savvy about the whole race scene. I was learning what to do and what not to do as far as what to wear and how to manage the traveling and lodging and other logistics.
December 2016 Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island Half Marathon My wife and kids drove up with me to this one. We really had a nice road trip. It is always enjoyable when the whole family can get together and spend time with each other without the many distractions of life. I really like my family.
My race was terrible. I have lots of theories and excuses, but I just had a terrible race. I was not happy. 2:10:23 9:57/mile.
I walked multiple times and my family was afraid they had missed me because they expected to see me at planned spots, but I was nowhere to be found. I was just way behind my "normal" pace. It was ugly.
Jan 2017 Tempe, Arizona
Rock N Roll Arizona At the last minute my mom decided to join me on this trip also. She used to run marathons and I road my bike along with her, so now she has the opportunity to ride along with me. I rented a tiny little AirBnB and she slept on the couch. I don't think either of us slept too much, but got up and went on to the race never-the-less. We were able to go out to dinner with my friend Sheila. It was very sweet of her to take us out and show us a great time... and very nice to see her.
Mom and I had a nice time. I began to recognize that my performance in the race relatively determines how much I enjoyed the race.
Feb 2017 New Orleans, LA
I struggled through the race and walked at mile 8 and I was plagued with blisters and had to walk 2-3 miles back to my room after the race. I finished 1:46:51 8:09/mile, but not happy about it.
March 2017 Little Rock, AR
Little Rock Half Marathon It was really nice to see my cousin Natalie and her husband. Valerie was with me for this one. We were able to go out to dinner with them and have a time. The race itself was cold and wet, but that was not the biggest issue. I had injured my calf a few weeks earlier and had really been babying it. My training was almost non existent. Each time it began to feel better, I would "tweak" it again. Having said that, I felt great in this race up until about mile 5. I hobbled the rest of the way.The medal was huge and it is always nice to spend time with my wife. Valerie rented a bicycle and road along with me, as much as she could. The course was not so conducive to riders. I was able to finish, but not too happy with my performance. 2:04:35 9:30/mile.
April 2017 Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City Half Marathon I was really pretty pleased with this race. My time was not good, but my calf was feeling better. My goal for this race was to finish without injury. I really wanted to finish sub 2 hours, but more than that I wanted to finish uninjured.The course was very pretty with the mountains as a back-drop and it was more downhill than uphill, but I walked all of the uphill sections because I did not want to injure my calf. It was also quite cold
I finished 2:03:31 9:25/mile.
May 2017 Indianapolis, Indiana
One America Mini Marathon This was a cool race because it ran into and around the Indy 500 race track. I thought it was really cool. In fact, I have enjoyed the different aspects of different races as they run through interesting areas of the host city. It helps me have the appropriate sense that I am in a different town. Valerie came with me on this one and she ran the 5k. Although the start was cold and windy, it turned out really nice. I struggled a bit around mile 7 and/or 8... maybe 9 also, but finished 1:54:03 8:42/mile. I also really enjoyed the city of Indianapolis. Pretty cool place.
June 2017 Duluth, Minnesota
Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon Duluth was a nice town and the race was pretty well organized. I enjoyed this race, although I did not feel like I raced very well. My calf felt fine, but I just could not keep my race speed up. I do not know if I was sick or getting sick or if my training and diet were poor. I really felt like my calf was better now, so I should be able to put up a good time, but maybe my cardio took a hit because of my inability to train well? Or maybe my nutrition was not so good. I don't know. At this point I was beginning to wonder if I was "settling in" to run this pace. I was definitely hoping not, but it sure seemed like I was falling into a rut. I ran 1:57:44 8:59/mile. Not happy.
July 2017 Ennis, Montana
Big Sky Half Marathon This was a tiny race in a tiny town on and up a big mountain. I was very concerned about the altitude, but it did not seem to be much of a factor. My goal for this race was sub 2 hours. I really did not feel like the altitude affected me too much, but my time was not stellar. Now I am really wondering if I am dropping into a slump. What changes am I going to have to make to get these times faster. BTW. The race was in a nice area, but this was a no frills race, not much exciting about this one. Keeley went with me and that was nice. I had a good time with her and we have a memory together. That was the best part.
August 2017 Mesa Falls, Idaho
Mesa Falls Half Marathon This race was cute. The town was cute, the people were sweet. The race was scenic and nice. They were all very hospitable. A pre-race spaghetti dinner in the elementary gymnasium, post-race pizza and huckleberry milkshakes and home-made medals. It was just cute. This is one that I would have liked to have some family with me. I ran 1:58:37 9:03/mile. I attributed the poor time to the hills. It was very hilly... still hoping I can figure a way to get faster again.
Sept 2017 Chicago, IL
Chicago Half Marathon My friend David lives near Chicago and he picked me and Noble up from the airport and showed us around. We went sight seeing, and had a Segway tour of Chicago. We went for a bicycle ride or three. We had a real nice time. The race was terrible though. It was 95F and humid. I was dying. Not a good race. I was seriously happy to finish. Many people had to be carted away with heat stroke or something. Crazy weather and left me with a great excuse. I finished 2:10:09 9:56/mile -- Terrible!!! It was nice spending time with Noble and my friend David.
October 2017 Detroit, MI
Detroit International Half This one was really cool as it ran from Detroit to Canada and back to Detroit. I felt much better than Chicago, but still a bit sluggish. I could not get my legs moving even though I felt good. I would tell myself to speed up, but my legs just would not respond. I enjoyed the race and the scenery and the uniqueness of the race and the swag was nice. I finished 1:57:19 8:57/mile. Am I stuck here?November 2017 Naggs Head, NC
Southern Fried Half Marathon. We drove up for this one with my mom on her motor home. The whole family. Valerie and Noble ran the half marathon with me and my mom rode her bike again. That was nice. The course was nice. The city/town was nice. The people were nice. The big bridge was not so nice, but actually Valerie loved it because she was able to stop and look around and see how pretty everything was... perspective. I felt great. The only problem I had was a little nine year old girl beat me. lol. I finished 1:43:58 7:56/mile. Hey, I finally made it back down to sub 8:00/mile. What happened?
December 2017 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Seashore Half Marathon I enjoyed this race. It was in a cute little beach town. It was organized well and the weather was perfect. The scenery and the course was very nice and I had a PR. I finished 1:42:20 7:48/mile and felt very good most of the race. I really like the ones when I run well, and now it appears as if I am getting faster.
So, year in review. After starting fairly well the first two races, I tanked a race and then got injured and took too long to recover, and now it looks like I am getting back to improving. It has been an interesting journey. I am not usually an enjoy the journey type of guy. I am more of a destination guy. That is part of why I like to look back at the year and see the journey. As far as how this has helped me, I have noticed some unexpected results. I have noticed that I like to spend time with my family. I enjoy the journey of traveling with them and experienceing with them. I enjoy the scenery. I enjoy the race when I perform well.
I have also noticed that there are changes in my body. In the first three months, I lost 30 pounds. I put 10 pounds back on purpose, then with the injury, I think I gained it all back. Then, with the ability to train again, I have noticed that my body looks different. I have less bulk in the face, in the neck and shoulders and chest. My thighs are thinner. I still carry too much weight around my waist, but I am wearing Large shirts instead of XL. I have not weighed myself, but I think I have lost some weight.
With my additional goals, I think it is going to be imoortant to lose more weight. My immediate goal is to run 1:40:00 7:38/mile. My longer term goal is to run 1:30:00 6:52/mile. I think I need to be skinny for that.
I have also committed to running at least one mile every day for 2018, and to run at least 1000 miles in 2018.
Next race Jan 20 in Redmond Washington and Jan 27 in Pebble Beach CA. Happy New Year Everyone.
That was fun to read :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it!! ;)
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