"Still In The Murder B'ness"

After a pretty good early 2014, that soon turned disastrous with a lot of personal family tragedy, I was really beginning to wonder if my fastest days were behind me.  Of course running naturally took a backseat during those days. Plus, I'm turning 46 years old next week, and I just don't know how much faster my legs can go.

But let me proudly proclaim here an now ... IN 2015 I WILL KILL IT!  I make no apologies for announcing loud and clear that I plan on making next year the fastest version of me ever.  I WILL murder my 5K time and maybe finally run in the 17's. I WILL slaughter my half-marathon mark in pursuit of my goal of 1:25.  And I truly believe I can PR in February at the Phoenix Marathon.  When I'm finished ... there will be only a trail of previous personal bests lifeless on the ground surrounded by a white chalk outline.  Mark it down.

Why so confident you ask?  Well, for starters I had a great 16 mile run today that I'm still pumped from ten hours later.  I averaged a 7:12 overall pace even with two potty breaks, and multiple water stops, all without stopping the clock in 35 degree damp windy weather.  Plus I ran the middle 13.1 miles at about 1:30, which would have been a pretty decent stand alone half-marathon time.  I just felt so free, and light, and fast again.  It was a huge confidence booster.  Here were the splits ...

8:19   8:29   7:33   8:04   7:04   7:12   7:00   6:44   7:04   6:39   7:07   6:45   6:49   6:37   6:26   7:36

Secondly, I've recommitted myself to overall body strengthening.  I think I run better when I'm strong and healthy from head to toe.  Last year I backed off the upper body workouts and it really seemed to have an adverse affect, even though I thought it would help conserve energy.  I'm going back to my old training habits in 2015.

And thirdly ... because I'm small like this ... one of my blog followers decided to run his mouth about my speed and ability in a recent race and it really motivated me.  I know that's petty and ridiculous of me, and he probably didn't mean anything by it - but the first time I qualified for Boston, I used motivation from one of Michael's coworkers who said I would never qualify because "I ran too many marathons".  I've qualified five more times since and he can shove all six up his ass!  Yes, I'm incredibly insecure and simplistic like that, but sometimes it just takes one little doubting or disparaging comment to get me going.  So thank you sir, I'll think about your ignorant words all Spring.

I have twelve weeks until Phoenix and I plan on getting faster than I've ever been.  I'm recommitted and refocused and WILL make it my best year ever.  Yeah, like everyone I'm getting older, but days like today make me feel like I'm aging backwards.  So bring it 2015 ... nobody's seen the best me yet.

... Be the one!