Running The Race

2007 was an interesting year. I “ran” or should I say participated in three marathons: Country Music, Chicago, and Rocket City. I strained a tendon in my foot that forced me to take 2 weeks off in February but also pushed me to spend time in the pool. Consequently, I did my first tri in May.

I switched training plans and used the Pfitz plan or some variation thereof and really like the results. By the end of the year I have seen my pace increase. resulting in 4 PRs this year, 5k @ 23:30, 10k @ 51:32, Half Marathon @ 1:55:01, and the Marathon @ 4:28:21.

• Total miles: 2,009
• Average monthly mileage: 167
• Average weekly mileage: 38.6
• Races: 9
• PRs: 4

As 2006 was drawing to close and with the prices going up on several Spring races, I plopped my money down. I have decided to go with the familiar this Spring, so I signed up for the Tom King Half Marathon and the Country Music Marathon. I plan to save my “travel money” for the Fall. I’m considering going back to Chicago in October.

In looking at the past year, I proved to myself that I can put in the mileage. But I don’t feel like I’m making much progress toward completing a marathon anywhere near my potential.

So this time around instead of doing a modified Hal Higdon plan, I’ve decided to go with Pfitzinger’s 18 week program as outlined in his book Advanced Marathoning.

One thing that I am doing is using my heart rate monitor to set the pace. I feel that way I might be able to run at an optimum pace rather than basing my targets on past performance. Time will tell. This is the start of the second week and today was a rest day.

Back from our semi-annual tour of the Southeast where we spent time with family in North and South Carolina, and ready for the new year.

Ran 1,959 miles in 2006, including two marathons and two half-marathons.

Set PRs in the Marathon (4:43:52), Half (1:56:52), 10K (52:09) and 5K (24:30).

All in all, not a bad year.

As the new year dawns, I find myself looking over my log from last year and what I want to do in 2006.

In 2005, I ran two half-marathons, Tom King and the Country Music. My PR was is 2:01:28 in the Country Music. Also, I ran my first full marathon in Chicago in October (4:48:07).

My goals for 2006 include braking 2 hours in the half and running the full in under 4:30.

As always, it is only one foot in front of the other and one run at a time….