2011 Recap: Part 1
One thing I learned in 2011 ... you can't PR at every marathon!!! That should be obvious to a 43 year old man, but apparently I'm just now figuring that out. I have a little tendinitis right now in my right hamstring that I've struggled with for most of the year. Why? Over-striding from trying to run too fast. One thing this dummy is gonna focus on in 2012 is limiting my "A" races where I "go for broke"! I'll probably just try to set PR's in two races (maybe one). That being said, I was really happy with my average finish time for the 9 marathons I ran this year. If you take out Kansas City, which I intentionally ran a little slower because of the Des Marathon the next day - the average drops to 3:25:39.
9 Marathons ... Average finishing time 3:27:31
2/20 ... Austin Livestrong Marathon - Austin, Texas ... 3:29:01
4/18 ... 115th Boston Marathon - Boston, Massachusetts ... 3:20:35 (former PR)
5/21 ... Scheels Fargo Marathon - Fargo, North Dakota ... 3:22:52
7/10 ... Missoula Marathon - Missoula, Montana ... 3:22:32
9/11 ... Sioux Falls Marathon - Sioux Falls, South Dakota ... 3:21:15
10/15 ... Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon - Kansas City, Missouri ... 3:42:25
10/16 ... Des Moines IMT Marathon - Des Moines, Iowa ... 3:30:47
11/20 ... Route 66 Tulsa Marathon - Tulsa, Oklahoma ... 3:20:03 (current PR)
12/10 ... Rocket City Marathon - Huntsville, Alabama ... 3:38:06
I really felt in control of all races except for Rocket City where I kinda gave up (I was just worn out). Looking back, I think I really began to figure out "how to run a marathon". I still have A LOT TO LEARN. But I think I made some pretty significant progress. I also PR'd twice ... first at Boston in April, and then later at Tulsa in November ... so that was cool! In 2012 I really want to qualify for Boston again with the new qualifying standards. But I've gotta get to 3:15, which realistically I'm not sure will ever happen. (I'm glad I qualified and ran it when the times were a little slower - ha!) Hopefully I'll have another year of good health and I'll get 9 or 10 more under my belt! Have a great weekend!
... be great today!
What a great year you had, Jim! You are an inspiration!!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas & I can't wait to hear what you accomplish in 2012!
9 Marathons.... Wow! I dont see myself doing that many by 43.... maybe by 50 if I'm still healthy.
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have found your blog before you ran Boston..... I was at heartbreak hill cheering the runners on. Would have been cool seeing you run by.
Hope you and your family have a great Christmas!
Congratulations on a great year even though you are a Missouri boy! :)
ReplyDeleteYou had a great year and I am doing the same as you in that you cannot PR every race and have to make sure that you are picking your A race.
ReplyDeleteYou had an AMAZING year and should be incredibly proud. Also do not discount your abilities because you are absolutely capable of 3:15!!
ReplyDeleteI am still planning to run pokey in August so let me know if you decide to do it. It is only $50.00!!
Do you ever sit back and think about what a HUGE accomplishment this year has been?? No setbacks. I mean, you're a lucky guy! You need to go down to the gas station and buy yourself a lottery ticket. Buy me one while you're at it!
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational and awesome to read! Can't wait to hear what 2012 holds...
ReplyDeleteTo repeat what others have said, you really are an inspiration! Great year! I have a feeling things will only get better in
ReplyDelete2012.
Hi Jim! Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comment. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a pretty stellar year!! That's a lot of marathons, with consistently strong finish times. Nice job on two PRs, one being at Boston!!
Take care of that hamstring so you are ready to go after that 3:16 next year. ;)
Impressive. I don't think 3:15 is out of your possibilities.
ReplyDeleteWho cares if you can't PR in every one of your 9 marathons. Just stepping up to do each of them is a huge accomplishment. Doing 9 in a year is unbelievable (unless you're the mighty Mr Karnazes) Congratulations on such a successful year and I hope next year is just as great for you.
ReplyDeleteI think you are amazing babe!!! You inspire me daily to keep getting out there no matter what. I'm still waiting for your speed to rub off on me in our sleep or something but it doesn't seem to be working.
ReplyDeleteThose are some amazing times. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteLook at those marathons and those times. When are you coming to VErmont to run VCM?
ReplyDeleteI think you can do a sub-3:15! Definitely! I've loved following your blog--you're a great example for me. See you again in 2012!
ReplyDeleteYou had a fantastic year, 9 marathons is a ton! And I'm with Terzah, I think you can get that 3:15!
ReplyDeleteAnd when you get a chance you might like what you see on my blog, haha
and THIS is why I named YOU on Miss Zippy's post!
ReplyDeletesee...I am RIGHT!