2013 Goals
- Run 1750 miles: Due to a hamstring injury, this didn't happen, but I will still manage to hit just over 1200 for the year.
- Run my first marathon - hopefully in under four hours - and my second marathon: I had to ditch D.C. due to my hamstring injury, but I ran NYCM. I ended up at 4:02:09 which was only 5 seconds per mile off my goal.
- Run a sub-50 10K and a sub-7 minute mile: I didn't get a chance to really race a 10K this year, but I did get a 6:59 at the Fifth Avenue Mile in September
- Lower my bib time even further: I didn't really do any short distance NYRR races other than Coogan's, which was when I was barely running. So my bib time is still 7:52
- Win an AG Award: This actually happened in the Van Cortlandt Urban Environmental 10K challenge. Although it was not a time I was proud of, having a small field was to my benefit as I got 3rd in the 20-29 AG
Here is a summary of my races from 2013, courtesy of Athlinks, from most recent to least
Although I did not have many fast races, I was proud of each of my efforts for different reasons, and learned valuable lessons along the way. I also learned that I had my limitations, and while it's good to skirt the line, there are consequences for crossing it entirely.
In my mind, my greatest achievement this year is FINALLY finishing my first marathon. Despite being just over two minutes off my goal, I was very happy to be able to finally get the opportunity after three years of running. My mile time comes a very close second.
2014 Goals
Now that a new year is about to begin, it is time to set new goals. But after lots of thinking, I am still not sure exactly what I wish to accomplish now that the marathon has finally been achieved. For the time being, here are a few that come to mind:
- Mileage Goal: 2014 Kilometers / 1251.44 miles
- HM Goal: Sub-1:45
- 10K Goal: Sub-50
- Mile Goal: 6:55
- Enjoy running - there's no point in doing all of this otherwise
I also intend on doing the marathon again, but I would rather not sign up for one until I am sure that I can achieve a sub-4 hour time.
While I would be thrilled if I could achieve these goals, I find that I do much better when I don't put pressure on myself. Although I want to be the best runner I can be, I don't want to do it at the price of injury or no longer enjoying the activity. Next year will be about finding a balance, discover what parts of running I enjoy the most, and sticking to them.
I would like to thank my family and friends for being so supportive of me this year, especially during marathon season. I have been fortunate enough to make many new friends this year, and look forward to expanding my social circle with even more crazy people runners in the future.
This proud middle-of-the-pack runner would like to thank everyone for following her blog over the past year, and she looks forward to recalling her running adventures in the future. Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate, and have a Happy New Year!
