2011 was a big year for me. I ran 22 races, breaking both my my 5K and half marathon PRs twice and getting a new PR in the 10 miler. Dorothy Beal (Mile Posts) recently did an Athlete Bio on me and asked me to outline where I started to where I am now - listing my first race time and then my current PR. I like the trend. I am running faster and I am stronger at 36 than I was at age 30. I don't plan on slowing down either.
5K: 28:07 in 2006 - Current PR: 22:02
10K: 54:38 in 2007 - Current PR: 45:49
10 Mile: 1:33:07 in 2006 - Current PR: 1:14:35
Half Marathon: 2:04:35 in 2005 - Current PR: 1:41:48
Marathon: 4:35:21 in 2005 - Current PR: 3:39:45
50 Mile: Current and forever PR: 9:12:07
The best thing is that the PRs I have posted are not a reflection of my potential and that is so exciting to me. There is no reason why I shouldn't be running sub-21 5Ks, sub-45 10Ks, sub-1:14 10 Milers, a Half Marathon in 1:3X and a Marathon in 3:30. All of these times are totally within my reach. Now that I am training with CAR and George - adding a little structured discipline and race strategy into the mix - there is no doubt that I will hit these goals. My race "strategy" for any and all distances up to this point has been to get to the START and run as fast as I can for however long I can. It's worked? Maybe? Because I still posted some PRs? I list these statements as questions only because I am not sure it has worked and it probably held me back BUT I am learning and growing.
I put together a Race Schedule for the first part of 2012. It seems light, but I haven't done a Spring Marathon in years so instead of racing a lot of the shorter distances, I will be doing long runs. That only means I will have the opportunity to cheer others on, which I love as well!
- New Year's Day 5K - Reston, VA - January 1, 2012
- Love the Run You're With 5K - Arlington, VA - February 12, 2012
- Rock'n Roll National Half Marathon - Washington, DC - March 17, 2012
- Boston Marathon - Boston, MA - April 16, 2012
- Capitol Hill Classic 10K - Washington, DC - May 20, 2012
- Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon - Leesburg, VA - June 2, 2012
*There may be more shorter races added after Boston*
There will be bumps in the road, no doubt. I tend not to let the bumps get me down. I believe in my training and I am confident that I have surrounded myself with the right people to help me get there.
Your improvements are really impressive!
ReplyDeleteI like your race season, except it's missing trail runs! You should consider the North Face Endurance series in June at Great Falls Park. They have all distances and it's REALLY well organized and supported. :)
Exciting Schedule! You are going to crush your PR's! Are you on our CAR team for Wine Country!?!? Hopefully I'll get to cheer you on at some of these too!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your improvements is incredible! I can't wait to see your PRs this spring. A New Year's Day race - you're a better woman than I!
ReplyDeleteI really love seeing your progression as a runner in all these distances. So inspiring, so amazing. I love it!! So ... not planning on another 50 miler, eh? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt whatsoever that you will continue to gain strength and speed! I'm excited to see you at the Reston 5k on Jan 1st - what a great way to ring in the new year! I just know that 2012 is going to be a great year in running and in life!!!
Those are huge improvements. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThe race schedule looks great. I'm sure that now that you're training with CAR you'll only get faster and stronger!
Wow! You should be really proud of the progress you've made. You're proof that hard work and dedication will pay off. I'm looking forward to following your training in 2012! looks like you have a good race schedule on tap (you'll love Boston!!)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fantastic line-up! I agree that PRing even more is totally within your grasp!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for you!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great schedule for the first half of 2012! I have no idea what I'll be doing, but hopefully I'll be able to run or spectate some of these!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have defined your 50 mile PR as "current and forever."
I'm pretty psyched to run with you, and to see what you do in the new year!
ReplyDeletedon't forget the cherry blossom ten miler and the tarheel ten miler
ReplyDeleteI'm behind on your blog, but looks like your topping off at 50 miles for now, eh? Nothing longer in your blood right now?
ReplyDeleteI know this post is like over a week old but I'm just catching up. You're totally right on the PRs and potential. I think about that all the time and get excited by the possibilities. Looking forward to training with you in the new year!
ReplyDeleteHuge congrats! Hope you come run some other trails in the area this year.
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