Top of the World

And now we enter a new year and, with it, new goals. In closing out last year, I managed to hit many of my goals which is rewarding. The first was obviously running a marathon, even if I didn’t BQ. At times I get such a warm feeling knowing that I did that and that I am a marathoner. It was a lot of work, but there is a lot of joy that came from it.

The new goal, as quickly posted, was running over a thousand miles (I ended at 1039.9 - how much do I wish that was 1040 now...). This is something I’ve had wanted to do in the past, but injuries always held me back. It’s not surprising I managed to do it this year and, one goal for 2018, is to do it again.

And my last goal that wasn’t a goal until I thought about it was placing in races. Post-marathon I realized I could probably do well at a local 5 miler and I did. Then the husband and I signed up for a 5K shindig at my parent’s house and I realized I could probably do well there... and I did! First in my age group (2nd overall for females) in the last race of 2017! It was such a rush and I really enjoyed the 5K race. It was a fun mental game of when do I push, when do I breathe, when do I follow and when do I pass. It hurt but because you can think the whole time I found I really liked it. I don’t think the 5K will be a race I focus on but I like the idea of adding a few small ones in. I will add my first race of 2018 was 12:10 had my finish second overall for the females (no age groups) and I lost to someone I beat in the prior race. It was a good run and I needed to try a move sooner, but now I know and liked the mental and physical thought process I took from in.

So, in 2018 here are some of my running related goals:
Run Baystate again and BQ
1:45 or under half marathon. I think I can go faster but I’ll start with this time.
Focus on leg strength and agility at least one a week to improve flexibility and strength.
Try a local race (besides my turkey trot) and look for a place in age group.
Run 1,000 miles plus.
And enjoy! Keep having running be that thing you love that is an identity and a positive impact on your life.