2008 Wrap Up

The “what I did with my year” post seems to be all the rage in running blogs, and wanting to be one of the cool kids, I’m copycatting.

I’ve been feeling a little hopeless about my career as a Middle Aged Running Goddess the last few weeks.  But I ran 670 miles this year, my first year of running in 20+ years.  I averaged about about 65 miles a month in the months I ran (I didn’t really start until the very end of January, and have taken a good chunk of this December off).  So, you know?  Not too shabby.  I’m on my fourth pair of shoes, just about to start the “shoe rotation” hokey pokey dance with a fifth.

I went from being someone who could not run a mile to someone whose longest for the year was 10 miles.  I finished six races (five 5Ks and a 10K), setting PRs in three.  I dropped close to 20 pounds (although I’ve picked 4 back up…I’m working on that, now).  My butt and calves are vastly improved, shape-wise.  My resting HR is in the low 50’s, and was all the way down to 50 back in October.

Not too shabby.

I have learned that I cannot maintain a decent level of fitness during the last third of a semester, and will budget time and race planning accordingly in 2009.  I have learned that it really does help to take a break between trainings/races.  I’ve learned that injury and illness sneak up on you, and it behooves you to prevent them by being smart, and not by waiting until they knock you flat.  I’ve learned that there are well-run races and badly-run races, and nothing is worth running a badly-run race.   I’ve learned that running with my dog is dangerous (don’t ask).

For 2009, given the time constraints of the rest of my life, I’m hopeful that I can complete one half marathon (early fall is most likely time for that) plus a variety of 10Ks and two particular 5Ks (these are well-run, fast, easy for me to get to, and fun competition…one has the bonus of providing a massive home-made Greek feast afterward, while also being small enough that I can have a good shot at medalling this year).

In short, it’s been a great year, and I have high hopes for the next.