Finishing what I started
A year ago I was panicking as my second Richmond Marathon neared and I was battling an ITB injury. I had a strong year only to see things unravel in the final 2½ months of 2010.
After the marathon, I closed out the year at the lowest point since I started running in 2004. Sure I hit 1,000 miles, which was my huge goal for the year, but I had to do it in what felt like such an uncelebratory way. In December, I set a goal for 2011 to end it stronger than I begin it.
And now, all of a sudden, that time is here. I’ve thought about it since I wrote about it. I’ve been trying to figure out what I meant all year – sure it sounded good, but how I hit accomplish this goal is so open-ending.
In some ways, I’ve already accomplished it. In the second half of the year I have set a PR in the 5k twice, the 5 miler and the marathon. I’ve also already ran more miles in the second half of this year than I did in the first 6 months – 412.3 from January through June; 463 since July 1.
I’m finding myself in unchartered terrority with my running – two marathons ended with injury and an overall lack of interest in running. Now with a little more than two months left in the year, I remain excited about running after my third marathon.
It’s time to focus on finishing what I started this year … and last year. In these last two months I want to hit 1,000 miles in a meaningful way. I don’t want to force it just because I’m close to it. I want it to be fun.
I also want to close the year off strong race-wise with a course record at my “home” course – the Bedford Christmas Classic. I enjoyed watching my friends run strong in that race last year, but it hurt me to miss it.
I ease back on my mileage a bit and get rested up before I prepare for the next big training cycle with my fifth Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach in March. But that’s 2012. I have some things to take care of in the next 67 days.
Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Hey David,
Nice post and good luck with the rest of the year. Right or wrong I have decided to run the Richmond Marathon - want to fix a few things from Baltimore! I have a 1/2 planned in December and a few 5k's sprinkled in between the remainder of the year.
Take care and Run on!!
You never know how your body will react to doing 2 marathons closetogether until you try, so if you're feeling good now I say go for it.You'll find Richmond to be easier with less gradual hills. It's agreat experience - much less congestion than Baltimore, that's forsure. I hope the weather cooperates!
Hi David, I'm glad I stumbled across your blog - lots of interesting stuff. I look forward to following the next 67 days and beyond.
My recent post Exciting news, I have a new running project
The one thing that's consistent in your blogging is that you are able to analyze all that's been done & recognize the accomplishments.. something I should probably learn to do.
And juts 67 days? Wow.
To me, it's all a learning experience, both good and bad. And my blogpost from last December about finishing 2011 stronger than I startedit is one of the most important things I've ever written.
I’m strongly considering the Christmas Classic myself. Won’t be ready to commit till much closer to race day though.
It's a great race! Hope you can make it.
I ran my first half marathon just over a year ago. I followed an online training schedule I found on http://www.prepareformarathon.com. The site is a little commercial, but there are some really good products!