Running in the Shadows of Giants

Based on my Garmin Connect website, it looks like I have managed to run a little over 1600 miles this year. I think that's pretty good. I didn't maintain accurate running logs until I bought my Garmin Forerunner after Christmas last year, so I'm not sure if that is a substantial improvement for me or not. I think it is. But all accomplishments are relative in their significance. My good friend, Lisa Smith-Batchen, logged 2500 miles this year in only 62 days. And she broke her foot badly in the process. Actually, she broke her foot about half way through her journey and kept on running--because she had a purpose. Here's an article about Lisa in Runner's World. I'm more than a little annoyed that it is so short given what she accomplished in her Run Hope Through America project. But at least it's a shout out in recognition. I plan to run a lot more next year. I think 2000 miles is a realistic goal. Spread over the whole year, of course. I am no Lisa Smith-Batchen, for sure! I need to stay healthy. No more stress fractures. I also need to dedicate myself to consistency--running at least 5 times a week and trying not to dip below 40 miles per week. More importantly, I want to continue to improve. In the last year, I made significant improvements. I got PR's in every distance--5K, 10K, half marathon (2X), and marathon. I'm only 25 minutes away from a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Let's hope they don't make it harder for next year! I'm running the Miami Marathon at the end of January with a goal of getting 3:30 (10 min slower than a BQ) and then plan to work hard through the spring and summer to give myself the best chance of getting 3:20 at Steamtown, PA in October. Realistic goals and hard work are the keys to success, I am sure.

Goals cannot overshadow the importance of achieving balance in our lives. So, my greatest challenge for the year will certainly be to keep pushing myself on the roads, track, and treadmill without giving even an inch of the rest of my life. My kids, my friends, and my career all expect a lot from me. And I am not one to disappoint. I think that prevents burnout and in general keeps the running feeling good. My best runs are achieved when my mind is clear of other obligations.

So, here's to looking forward to a new year abundantly filled with love, running, achieving goals, maintaining balance, and being completely fulfilled.