Something I'm trying out lately to stay motivated while injured is thinking about races that I'd like to run next year.
Yeah, I know...it's kind of hard to consider goal races with exactly 0 miles under your belt. I know this is reaaaaaaaaally putting the cart before the horse, seeing as how I still don't know how long I a.) have to wear the boot, and b.) have to wait until I can run again.
BUT
It's motivating and super funsies to think about dominating (or just running, period) a race course that I've been looking forward to.
Witness, friends...me trying to think of (ONLY) five races I'd love to go after for next year!
5. The Wisconsin Half Marathon
I ran this half marathon in 2014 and had a wonderful time! It's within driving distance, the crowd and race support was awesome, and while the course could've been a little less rocky/off-roady, I'd definitely love to run the half again. Plus...cheese.
You can read my race recap from 2014 HERE.
4. Bolder Boulder
Because, why not travel for a 10K? I practically did that all this past year. This looks like SUCH a fun event, I'd DRIVE there!
3. The Philadelphia Marathon or Half Marathon (I can't decide yet!)
This was another race (the half marathon) that I have run before, back in 2011, before The Chi-Athlete existed. And I had NO business being out on the race course. I had a TER-RI-BLE sinus infection, and clearly far too stubborn. I started off fine, but around mile four, I started pulling over for rest stops and...erm...getting sick...at every mile until the finish line. That's my PW, and who knows if I could make the HM my PB?!:)
2. The TCS New York City Marathon
I mean, this one is on my list every single year (except years when I really don't want to run a marathon, bwhahahaa). Sometimes you just have to cross everything and hope you get picked through the lottery.
1. The St. George Marathon
Just look at that elevation profile...
I have read some pretty fantastic race reviews from this marathon, and despite that horrendous hill around mile 7, it seems like a really gorgeous downhill ride. The views are stunning, and the post-race activities look like so much fun! This one's definitely at the top of my list -- fingers and toes crossed!
Thanks to Running On Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 link-up!<3
What are some races on your list for 2017?
How far was your last long run?
What was your BEST race this year?
I'd also like to run a race in NYC and Philadelphia (not necessarily the Marathon though), just through the city to experience it! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSAME! I doubt I'd PR the 26.2 in either one of those, but just going for the funsies would be worth the training.
DeleteThe only bad thing about racing the St.George Marathon was that I didn't run it as fast as I wanted to. With that downhill, it was disappointing. If I had the chance to run it again, though, I'd do it! Beautiful area! My last long run was a 50K race last month. Hope you're back to racing soon!
ReplyDeleteThat's AWESOME, and thank you! Do you have a race recap that I can read/obsess over from St. George?
DeleteYou could always just sit in a wheelchair, have someone give you a push, and then fly down the hill at that last marathon
ReplyDelete"Someone" = you.
DeleteOh, St George! I'm reading ultramarathoner Cory Reese's book and it wasn't enough for him to run it once. He ran it 4 times--all in one day! But it sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteSo many outstanding reviews and recaps for that race. Maybe it'll be my focus for a while.
DeleteYou have a great list of races for the year! I am all for traveling to Boulder for a 10k I did a 5K there last year and it was a blast. So gorgeous out there. Go for it
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! "Gorgeous" is most likely the word I'd use.
DeleteLet's goooooooo, girl! <3
ReplyDeleteHaving a goal to work towards -- even if I'm injured -- it's what keeps me running.
ReplyDeleteNon runners don't get it; they never will -- but we do! The hubs & I just started to talk/negotiate about what's next after my half in NOLA in March. Guess I better get looking!
FUN, lady! I can't wait to witness your training and rocking it out!
DeleteI was a Philly Marathon DNS in 2011. Damn hip. I too have friends with great things to say about St. George. I only have eyes for Berlin next year (so far) and on healing this dang hamstring.
ReplyDeleteWe both ran it the same yearrrr! Maybe you saw me -- I was the one vom'ing on the right side of the course. Always the right side. At every mile.
Delete<3 BERLIN <3 I'm so excited for you!
My goal for next year is to do the Philly full marathon, so you should definitely do that one ;)
ReplyDeleteomg you + me = dominating that course!
Deleteit's a date :)
DeleteI've got one race on my 2017 calendar so far... the Houston Marathon, my 1st marathon. My last long run was 16 miles.
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about the BolderBoulder!
Houston! How fun! That's a great course -- enjoy that, girl!
DeleteSo far I have one race on my 2017 schedule...the New York City Marathon! I didn't rely on the lottery though, I decided to register as a charity runner and am raising money for a group called Team for Kids (through NYRR).
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Maybe I'll SEE YOU THERE?!:)
DeleteSt George was beautiful. It's really uphill-ish from 7 to 11. The downhills can be steep so you need to train for that too.
ReplyDeleteI think I remember telling you that last bit!:P
DeleteDas Boot. Hopefully not too long? BolderBoulder does look totally awesome, I agree! Can't wait to follow your comeback in 2017!
ReplyDeleteI honestly have no idea how much longer mine and Das Boot have together! I'm hoping that my orthotics come in this week, and I'll be out of this guy.:)
DeleteThanks, heart! Love my LL Cool J, but I'm okay with calling it a "Comeback"!<3
These all look like must-do's ;-) I have Grandma's Marathon on the roster (mid June) so far...looking at maybe a fall marathon as well....Maybe Detroit? Or Grand Rapids? I'm in Iowa, and desperately want to find more out-of-state events that don't require airfare LOL
ReplyDeleteI got you! I'd definitely be down for something that's a road trip to, as well! GOOD LUCK, and keep us updated!
DeleteThat looks like a fantastic list! Good luck on your recovery! I hope you can run them!
ReplyDeleteWe are looking at a marathon close to the beach Rehoboth DE, just to try something different.
Thank you! So many fingers and toes crossed for number one.:)
DeleteFUNSIES! I can't wait to see your training and review of the race you choose!