Without a doubt 2009 has been an epic running year for me. I ran more marathons, more miles, and more meaningful PR's than any other year. For the first time I followed training plans with speed work and saw great gains in my running.
I finished off the year with 1,529 miles. That is 427 more miles more than I've ever previously run in one calendar year. I also pulled this off running 4-day-a-week marathon training plans vs. the 5-day-a-week plans I usually followed.
With the exception of the last month I also had a relatively injury-free year. I'm not sure if it was the hip strengthening exercises, compression sleeves, 4 days-a-week running plans, ice bucket soaks, shoe rotation, or just plain dumb luck. But I'll take it.
I dropped my marathon PR from 4:35:39 to 4:14:09. After three years of wishful thinking, I finally sub-2'ed in the half.
So what's planned for 2010? Honestly, I don't know yet. I still haven't really thought about what that 4:14:09 marathon PR means for me. I would like to run a slightly faster half marathon time, but I don't know if 2010 will be the year I tackle that. A part of me wants to run lots of marathons in 2010, but I haven't committed to the idea just yet. I unwittingly ran more than 1500 miles this year (some sort of landmark I've wanted to hit for a couple of years) and I'm not sure I really care if I ever beat that mileage PR, either. Basically, I've achieved all sorts of running goals this year I never thought I would and I'm left with a big, "So what's next?" hanging above my head.
I'm leaving for 9 fun-filled days in Orlando this Sunday. I've got a three-punch 5K, half marathon, and marathon challenge to tackle. I am really looking forward to having a lot of fun at these races. I love Disney races! I am a little undertrained for this sort of thing at the moment, so hopefully I emerge intact!
I am going to try to stock Blogger with some posts before I go since I have a lot of updating to do. I haven't forgotten that I owe you all a Honolulu Marathon report and just what is that injury I have been dealing with the last month? I have a couple other posts I want to get up and I will be sure the "Monday Marios" are ready to go, too. I'm not sure if I'll be updating the blog live from Orlando, but I will be able to read comments.
I hope that everyone (and everybun) has an awesome new year!
11 comments:
Congrats on a great training and racing year!
Happy 2010 and all the best at Disney!
What a year for Roadbunner!!!!!!!! 1500+ miles that is AMAZING!
I'm excited to see you at the finish line of at least one marathon (big sur)! Maybe at CIM too.
Here's to a great trip to Orlando.
You've had a great year and I hope 2010 is even better. Happy New Year!
Have fun! We think Mario should come stay with us while you are away, can he please? Happy New Year!
Wow, 1500+ miles? Can I have your autograph? Congrats lady and good luck at Disney - not like you need it :) Cheers to 2010!
What a year! Inspiration to all!
Stay healthy ...
Yay, RoadBunner! You had a great year--love the PR's, distance and time!
Best of luck for whatever 2010 brings you!
Congrats on all your achievements in 2009! I'm sure you'll have a magical time at Disney and do just fine with the "Dopey". I look forward to reading about it when you get back.
congrats on a great year of running.
the way youve been running marathons the past month seems like you could rack them up pretty fast if you wanted ;-)
2009 was SO amazing for you, it was so fun to watch it too :) have a great time in FL!!
Hi,
We'd love to write a spotlight on you for the Headsweats blog www.headsweats.blogspot.com.
Drop me a line - becky.astrop at googlemail.com if you're interested.
Becky
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