Now what?

Last week was spent in recovery and I was a lazy bum. I didn’t even cross train or go for a walk. Bumbum. Reminds me of this game I used to be addicted to.

I might have spent a few many hours last week lamenting and debating about where to go from here. What are my goals next year for running? Annnnnd while we’re at it, for life. Ha! Granted, I’m coming off my marathon high so I’m obsessed with all things running. Last year, I gave it about a month before I decided to run another marathon in 2011. This year, well, before I’d even completed the second one, I had already signed up for my third. (Did that make sense?) Plus now I want to do the Portland Marathon again in 2012. I’ll probably just do the half in Vegas (November 2012) instead of the full since I’m not at a maniac level of running just yet.

I’m sooo much more in love with running than I was a year ago, even 5 months ago. Right before my marathon training was to “officially start”, running was a chore. It was like pulling teeth, I tell ya. Danielle had to threaten me to get my going. I guess there’s something to be said for training properly and setting a new PR. I feel almost like a legit runner. I don’t know where I’ve set the bar for myself to consider myself a “REAL” runner…I mean is a real runner one who “Has to get out there and run.” ? “I’m just going to go cuhraaazzzyyy if I can’t get a run in today.” Cuz that’s not me. I guess that’s what I think a real runner is…for myself. I don’t give a rip about anyone else. If you are out there running, you’re a runner. Yes I subscribe to and drink that kool-aid – it just doesn’t apply to me. Haha! I’ll let you know when I feel like a real one, k? K!

So looking ahead, I’ve thrown a few goals together for my running in this next year:

Don’t stop running in the winter because of snow and hating treadmills.

Add a fifth day of running to my workouts.

Run some local 5ks. Even if I have to break down and buy some Yak Traks and heavier gloves.

My goal 5k is the 2012 Pear Blossom Run which I plan on running in under 30 minutes. Would love to set a new PR coming in under 27 minutes.

If I run the PB in under 30, my hubs has agreed to run the Portland 2012 marathon with me. Whaaa??? YES!

Reach out to the local running club here and join in some of the group runs. I love my “imaginary” running friends and can’t wait to meet a bunch of ‘em in Vegas 2012 for the REALLY BIG free marathon.

Consider running the Eugene Half on Mother’s Day? Or around there? Figure out when the Eugene ½ marathon actually IS.

Try and get myself hooked up with some runners to attempt my first relay. (I feel like I should be faster before anyone would want me on their relay team.)

Get faster.

Oh and lastly, drop 15 pounds. Ha!