Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!


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:

EndorphinBuzz said...

Congrats on a great training and racing year!

Happy 2010 and all the best at Disney!

Alisa said...

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.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

You've had a great year and I hope 2010 is even better. Happy New Year!

d. moll, l.ac. said...

Have fun! We think Mario should come stay with us while you are away, can he please? Happy New Year!

rUntoNamAste said...

Wow, 1500+ miles? Can I have your autograph? Congrats lady and good luck at Disney - not like you need it :) Cheers to 2010!

RG said...

What a year! Inspiration to all!

Stay healthy ...

Mica said...

Yay, RoadBunner! You had a great year--love the PR's, distance and time!

Best of luck for whatever 2010 brings you!

Lisa said...

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.

chris mcpeake said...

congrats on a great year of running.

Aron said...

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!!

Becky said...

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