A good year for running

It was a good year in terms of running. I learned a lot, I ran a lot and I performed well. I keep track of training miles and was surprised to find out that I ran 76 times and 325 miles over the course of the year [for an average of four and a quarter miles per run]. And there have been times with huge gaps between runs. I didn't run for a month in late summer. I suppose training for and running a half marathon helped that high mileage. The half marathon was a lot of fun and I'm looking for another one this spring/early summer if you dare to join me. In October I ran the Trinity homecoming five-k, I had a goal of finishing near 24 minutes and amazed myself by running just under 23 minutes, though Graham still kicked my ass. And in November I ran the Living History Farms run and made my way through cold, mud, creeks and hordes of costumed runners. My time wasn't great, but it was a lot of fun, it would have been much better had any of my running buddies joined me. Next year, right?

Speaking of next year, I've been thinking of my running goals for oh-nine. Tentatively I want to run another half marathon and another race in the spring. Maybe a fifteen-k. And then hopefully I won't wuss out over the summer and keep my miles up. Then a couple of five-k's in the fall, plus another shot at the Living History Farms run.

I'm excited for the new year and I'm pretty sure that I can over five hundred miles next year if I stay healthy, motivated and not too busy. It'll be a great year if I do, but even just trying will make it a good year. I'm gonna make a sales pitch here: I used to hate running, I made the decision to start running for health reasons, I started with slow, short distances and grew to love it. Running has become a beautiful release and a way to spend more out in nature. So if you want to get in shape next year buy a good pair of shoes, start slow and with low mileage [as in, less than a mile and don't be afraid to walk], and I hope that you learning to enjoy it as much as I do. I hate selling stuff, but really - running is worth it. you have my love.

Also, don't forget to stretch. Though maybe not as much as Brandon.