2011 Goals

I've heard it said that, "Goals are a list of things you never complete" - kinda self defeating I think.  Some coach once said, "Goals are just limitations you put on yourself" - hmmm, really ambitious I suppose.  But whether good or bad, I am a "Goal Oriented" person.

I met most of my running goals for 2010, but there are several things I want to do in 2011 that should be attainable with enough commitment, focus, and hard work...

2011 Running To Do List
     1.   Run the Boston Marathon ...
I was one of the lucky ones that got registered on opening day, and we already have our hotel reservation.  Now all I have to do is not get hurt - steady as she goes mates.

     2.   Run 2,500 Miles ...
This is not a super critical goal, I ran 2,466 in 2010 - but it should be well within my reach. It's just something I would like to legitimately say I did one day.

     3.   Run 8 marathons ...
I ran 5 marathons in 2010 and my body felt really good.  There were several dead periods where I felt like, "Man, I wish I had a race this weekend".  Hopefully I can add some in the new year.

     4.   Run back-to-back marathons ...
This will be my toughest goal of 2011, but I've always wanted to do this and I think with enough training I have it in me.   I plan on doing the KC Marathon & Des Moines Marathon on back-to-back days in October.

     5.   Run 30 miles or more in a training run ...
As I gear up for more marathons, I want to incorporate more mileage into my long weekend runs.  I want running a marathon to be "no big deal" based on my long weekend runs.  Right now they are still a very big deal for me.

     6.   Set PR's in 5K, Half-Marathon, & Marathon ...
My 5K goal is something under 6:00/mile.  Half-Marathon goal is sub 1:30.  My marathon goal time is 3:15.  A career marathon goal is sub 3:00, but I'm not sure I can get there this year - but as my wife is quick to point out, I'm not getting any younger - so I better get on it!

     7.   Win my age group in a race ...
This is pretty relative to race size, but just once I would like to cross this finish line after being the best in my age group.  I've finished 2nd several times, but can't seem to catch the lead guy.  But this year ...

2011 Tentative Race Schedule
  1/30/11  Kansas City Groundhog Run 10K ... with my daughter
  2/20/11 Austin Marathon (TX)
  4/18/11 Boston Marathon (MA)
    5/1/11 OKC Memorial Half-Marathon ... with my daughter
  5/19/11 Fargo Marathon (ND)
  7/10/11 Missoula Marathon (MT)
    8/?/11 Legacy Park Night Flight 5K
    9/3/11 Michael's Triathlon Nationals - Des Moines, IA
    9/?/11 Kansas City Royals 5K
    9/?/11 Sioux Falls Marathon (SD)
10/15/11 Kansas City Marathon (MO - repeat state)
10/16/11 Des Moines Marathon (IA)
11/20/11 Tulsa Marathon (OK)
12/20/11 Rocket City Marathon (AL)

It goes without saying that the main goal of 2011 is good health and continued running - that's true for all of us.  If I focus, I think I can take the next step in my running evolution.  Good luck to everyone on their goals for next year, and ... Be Great Today!

2010 ... My Best Running Year!

Running fell in love with me a long time ago.  It did so many nice things for me - worked my heart into shape, made me thin again, and tried with all it's might to keep me young - just to name a few.  But it really wasn't until this year that I truly fell head-over-heals in love with running.  I'm now just as committed to running as it always has been to me. 

Running fills every second of my thoughts that aren't previously occupied with stress, work, and family.  I think about the workout I just completed.  I think about how to get better tomorrow.  I wonder why my leg hurts like it does.  I count the weeks until my next race.  I wonder if I drank enough water.  I compare my time today with the last 6 months.  I measure hills.  I eat a ton of protein bars.  I count my steps over the course of a minute and a mile.  I track how many times I go #2 in a day.  I think to myself, "Man, I shoulda put on more BodyGlide in certain areas". I wonder if I look like a runner or a ballet dancer in my running tights ... the former preferably.  I obsess over every little detail.

Running has allowed me to accomplish more athletically than I ever thought possible.  Even more than that, it has confirmed in me that I can do anything with enough hard work and effort.  And even though running is really about the journey, anyone who knows me knows that I am cruelly competitive.  I compete with myself mostly, but also others even though they might not know it.  It keeps me sharp and moving forward.  It makes me get out of bed in the morning.  It makes 2 degree wind chills seem tolerable.

Following are my list of running things I accomplished in 2010.  It was my best running year ever ... but I ALWAYS want to get better!  Hopefully 2011 will be as wonderful and injury free.

• QUALIFIED FOR THE BOSTON MARATHON!!!!!!
• Ran 2,466 miles (wanted 2,500, but fell a little short)
• Completed 5 full marathons in 5 different states
• Ran a marathon in 17 degree weather ... brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
• Ran through the Kentucky Derby's Church Hill Downs at a race
• Ran a race in the Utah mountains 5500 ft above sea level
• Finished a race in the Kansas City Royals Kauffman Stadium
• Set PR's in the 5K, half-marathon, and marathon
• Finished 8th overall & 2nd in my age group in a 5K
• Finished 75th out of 5,217 runners in a half-marathon
• Started wearing running tights ... hmmm?
• Didn't get attacked by a wild animal
• Ran at least 20 miles 18 different times
• Went through 7 pairs of shoes
• Cheered my wife as she completed 3 Triathlons
• For the most part stayed injury-free
• Ate a whole large pizza before almost every long run
• Started running with my daughter

Good luck to everyone with all of their running goals in 2011, and ... Be Great Today!