With 2010 drawing to a close I thought I would revisit my 2010 goals post that's been hanging out in the sidebar all year...as far as accomplishing the things I set out to do running-wise this year, I surpassed pretty much all of my wildest expectations. The only PR that didn't fall was my 5K track PR and no worries...I'm coming for you in 2011! I learned what a cruel mistress the marathon can be, even with what seems like impeccable training, at Boston, and I learned the utter joy of having things come together perfectly at Baystate.
Time Goals:
5K
A- PR [sub-19:54] FAIL (but just you wait...)
B - sub-21 DONE! 20:12
*Providence Women's Classic, I had a great time at this race with my GBTC teammates even though it was 2 weeks before Baystate and I thought I was in no shape to run a 5K. Turns out...I was!
C - road PR [sub-21:48] DONE! 21:17
*Mystic River Herring Run, which I ran when I was antsy after Boston...I think I was 4th overall female and I won a $50 gift card to an Italian restaurant.
10K
A - PR [sub-46:30] DONE! 44:20
*Super Sunday 10K, only 10K I ran this year, and a big PR. Very fun race on probably the coldest day of the year!
Half Marathon
A - sub-1:40 DONE! 1:38:34
B - PR [sub 1:42:25] DONE!
*Both accomplished at the same race, New Bedford HM, during which I really enjoyed myself, ran perhaps my most evenly paced to date, and heard 'Don't Stop Believin'' being played out of a body shop at mile 8.
Marathon
A - sub-3:30 DONE! 3:22:10!!!!
B - sub-3:35 DONE
C - PR [sub 3:39:15] DONE
*All accomplished at the same race - Baystate Marathon 2010, a day which I will never, ever, ever forget.
Other Goals:
Race at least 2 new distances DONE - 12K, 25K, bonus 30K!
*I actually had a really fun time racing a bunch of new distances, especially the longer 25K and 30K that fall somewhere between the HM and marathon. Especially when they're 2 exceptionally hilly races, and run in the same week. Heh. :)
Race at least once in XC DONE - USATF-NEs [3 weeks post marathon, haaah]
*Pretty confident the only reason I ran this race was to cross this goal off the list. It was absolutely awful but that's why I set the goal as "just race" for this one, right?
Do abs/strength/yoga at least 3x per week FAIL
*This was a pretty epic fail. I was doing pretty well with yoga ~ once a week through the winter, and got back into it a little this fall, but strength training? abs? mostly nowhere to be found. This is something I really want to do better on in 2011!
Fuel better DONE-ish
*I'm giving myself this one because I feel that in general I've eaten quite a bit healthier this year than last - more "real" food as opposed to the college staple of Pastaroni, some fun cooking endeavors with the BF, and many less late night drunk food runs. Still a work in progress but I'm getting better. I also nailed down my marathon fueling strategy, which is certainly a plus!
All in all, 2010 was pretty incredible, running wise. I ran the Boston Marathon, PRed by 17 minutes at Baystate, set PRs or road PRs in every road race I ran except Boston, and ran 2 5K's, a 6K, a 10K, a 12K, a half marathon, a 25K, a 30K, and 2 marathons. Pretty fun assortment of distances and I'm pretty proud of them all.
So what's up for 2011? Well...that will have to wait for a future post :) I only have so much to write, ya know. Happy NYE!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Some new gear, and a shoe rant
First off, I'm sort of in the process of crafting a "2010 in review" standard post...but it's most likely going to take a while so I figured I would tide you over with some brief and useless ramblings....
I had a delightful Christmas break in Wisconsin, which involved a mildly sprained ankle, 3 runs during the entire week I was home, an absurd amount of beer and food, and some running-related Christmas goodies! Behold, my new most favorite piece of running apparel:
You see, I have greatly benefited from the new visibility trend because my very favorite color is orange. When I opened this jacket, my sister told me that it looked like it was meant to go hunting...in all seriousness though, it is a GREAT jacket...nicely fitted, lots of pockets, wind/water resistant, fun little LED light that can be recharged by sticking it in a USB port, and perfect for my night running habit.
I also received my 5th pair of Nike Tempo shorts (best. shorts. EVER.) as well as some running gloves, some sports bras, and a running log. Yay for Christmas...thanks parents!
However, something that I'm less thrilled about? This:
[warning...rant ahead]
One of these things is not like the other...
I've been running in the Mizuno Wave Inspires for the past 6 years and have LOVED them. The updates from 4 to 5 to 6 were pretty minimal aesthetically and fit-wise, and I've been especially happy with the 6's which fit me really well and have got me through the two hardest/highest mileage training cycles of my life thus far with zero injuries. So it was with great unhappiness that I saw the 6's go on closeout on runningwarehouse, which could only mean one thing...a dreaded 'update'. I anxiously awaited the release of the new shoe, hoping that I would see on the page something that looked just like my beloved shoes. And then I see these yellow monstrosities, and my heart sinks. To be fair, the basic outline of the shoe doesn't look THAT different. But first off, they're ugly! Second, and perhaps most important to me, they are half an ounce heavier than their predecessors. One of the things that actually drew me to the Inspires in the first place was how light they were, even though they were somewhat of a stability shoe, so the fact that after all these years they decided to add some (obviously unnecessary) weight is frustrating to me.
And then I hunted down a couple of reviews of the new shoe, which all pretty much have the same theme among people who happily ran in the 5's and 6's...a) they feel cheap, b) they fit poorly and come up too high on the ankle, c) they feel nothing like either of the previous shoes. People, I am FURIOUS! If there's one thing I hate it's trying to find a shoe that really fits me well and I've been so happy with these shoes for so many things that I figured Mizuno would know they had a good thing going. So now I'm going to have to go back out on a quest for a shoe I like...and I already know that I don't like the Asics model that is supposed to be similar to these because it feels clunky and heavy...and I don't think after running in a really lightweight model for 6 years that I'm going to be able to switch to anything heavier. Grr...Mizuno...you're on my shit list. For now, I'm going to keep buying the 6's while they still exist and wait for you to realize that you effed up and change them back when you come out with the 8's.
[end rant]
Sigh. That's all for now. I have 102 posts in my Google Reader, which I suppose is what I get for dropping off the internet for a little over a week. 2010 in review will be appearing sometime before January 6 I would imagine...my projected mileage total for 2010 is ~2233 MILES [currently sitting at 2220, and planning on ~8 today and 5 tomorrow]...that's 378 miles more than last year which I would say is pretty significant. Happy new year to all, and you had all better be cheering for the BADGERS in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. :)
I had a delightful Christmas break in Wisconsin, which involved a mildly sprained ankle, 3 runs during the entire week I was home, an absurd amount of beer and food, and some running-related Christmas goodies! Behold, my new most favorite piece of running apparel:
You see, I have greatly benefited from the new visibility trend because my very favorite color is orange. When I opened this jacket, my sister told me that it looked like it was meant to go hunting...in all seriousness though, it is a GREAT jacket...nicely fitted, lots of pockets, wind/water resistant, fun little LED light that can be recharged by sticking it in a USB port, and perfect for my night running habit.
I also received my 5th pair of Nike Tempo shorts (best. shorts. EVER.) as well as some running gloves, some sports bras, and a running log. Yay for Christmas...thanks parents!
However, something that I'm less thrilled about? This:
[warning...rant ahead]
One of these things is not like the other...
I've been running in the Mizuno Wave Inspires for the past 6 years and have LOVED them. The updates from 4 to 5 to 6 were pretty minimal aesthetically and fit-wise, and I've been especially happy with the 6's which fit me really well and have got me through the two hardest/highest mileage training cycles of my life thus far with zero injuries. So it was with great unhappiness that I saw the 6's go on closeout on runningwarehouse, which could only mean one thing...a dreaded 'update'. I anxiously awaited the release of the new shoe, hoping that I would see on the page something that looked just like my beloved shoes. And then I see these yellow monstrosities, and my heart sinks. To be fair, the basic outline of the shoe doesn't look THAT different. But first off, they're ugly! Second, and perhaps most important to me, they are half an ounce heavier than their predecessors. One of the things that actually drew me to the Inspires in the first place was how light they were, even though they were somewhat of a stability shoe, so the fact that after all these years they decided to add some (obviously unnecessary) weight is frustrating to me.
And then I hunted down a couple of reviews of the new shoe, which all pretty much have the same theme among people who happily ran in the 5's and 6's...a) they feel cheap, b) they fit poorly and come up too high on the ankle, c) they feel nothing like either of the previous shoes. People, I am FURIOUS! If there's one thing I hate it's trying to find a shoe that really fits me well and I've been so happy with these shoes for so many things that I figured Mizuno would know they had a good thing going. So now I'm going to have to go back out on a quest for a shoe I like...and I already know that I don't like the Asics model that is supposed to be similar to these because it feels clunky and heavy...and I don't think after running in a really lightweight model for 6 years that I'm going to be able to switch to anything heavier. Grr...Mizuno...you're on my shit list. For now, I'm going to keep buying the 6's while they still exist and wait for you to realize that you effed up and change them back when you come out with the 8's.
[end rant]
Sigh. That's all for now. I have 102 posts in my Google Reader, which I suppose is what I get for dropping off the internet for a little over a week. 2010 in review will be appearing sometime before January 6 I would imagine...my projected mileage total for 2010 is ~2233 MILES [currently sitting at 2220, and planning on ~8 today and 5 tomorrow]...that's 378 miles more than last year which I would say is pretty significant. Happy new year to all, and you had all better be cheering for the BADGERS in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. :)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Fa la la la la
Hi. It's me. I haven't posted in a month. I'm still alive.
As it turns out, finals when you're in graduate school are, well...intense. Like on Wednesday, I went to a class, took a practical, and then went to the library for 10 hours to study for another practical the next day. It's been rough and has not left a whole lot of time for blogging, and especially since my running has been somewhat uninspired lately as well, there hasn't been much to say on that front either. I've been hitting 40s in terms of mileage until this week, when I was completely derailed by a wicked bad cold + the whole 3 practicals of death thing. Needless to say, despite the fact that I have been getting in 10-12 milers every weekend and running fairly regularly, I am not even close to track shape. I did run a random night 5 miler at 6:45 pace one night, so there's that. But I also was fueled by massive amounts of caffeine and pseudoephedrine...so take that for what it's worth haha.
SO...because I really have nothing exciting to say but I wanted to post because I realized it had been a month, here's a fun little quiz thing I stole from Lacey...enjoy learning some exciting and random facts about my life. I'll (hopefully) be back to your regularly scheduled blogging program...or at least more than once a month...after finals are over...
If I could say one thing to myself 20 years ago…
Hah, well at the tender age of 3 I doubt I would have understood many of my own words of wisdom. But it's never too early to be told to never apologize for being who you are.
As it turns out, finals when you're in graduate school are, well...intense. Like on Wednesday, I went to a class, took a practical, and then went to the library for 10 hours to study for another practical the next day. It's been rough and has not left a whole lot of time for blogging, and especially since my running has been somewhat uninspired lately as well, there hasn't been much to say on that front either. I've been hitting 40s in terms of mileage until this week, when I was completely derailed by a wicked bad cold + the whole 3 practicals of death thing. Needless to say, despite the fact that I have been getting in 10-12 milers every weekend and running fairly regularly, I am not even close to track shape. I did run a random night 5 miler at 6:45 pace one night, so there's that. But I also was fueled by massive amounts of caffeine and pseudoephedrine...so take that for what it's worth haha.
SO...because I really have nothing exciting to say but I wanted to post because I realized it had been a month, here's a fun little quiz thing I stole from Lacey...enjoy learning some exciting and random facts about my life. I'll (hopefully) be back to your regularly scheduled blogging program...or at least more than once a month...after finals are over...
If I could say one thing to myself 20 years ago…
Hah, well at the tender age of 3 I doubt I would have understood many of my own words of wisdom. But it's never too early to be told to never apologize for being who you are.
My favorite place in the world...
probably the Memorial Union terrace at sunset on a gorgeous summer night
The lesson I keep learning over and over...
No matter how much water you drink or food you eat, if you go out drinking you're not getting anything done the next day
The movie I watch when I want to laugh...
Anchorman never fails to crack me up
The most scared I've ever been...
Hmm...this is actually hard. Probably when I was about 10, there was a tornado that touched down about 10 miles from where my girl scout troop was camping in A-frame tents...especially at that age it was pretty terrifying.
No one knows I...
Belt out Broadway songs when I'm alone
Unhealthiest thing I've passed off as dinner...
A Mountain Dew and a bag of gummy worms, followed later by half a huge bag of chips (this was like, last week. thanks finals.)
Personal philosophy...
Find your passion.
Book that changed my life...
Once A Runner
I unwind by...
Having a good beer and watching a movie
Proudest moment in my career...
Since I do not yet have a "career" (only 2.5 more years though! Haha) I'll say the proudest moment in my running career (thus far)...which is without a doubt, the entirety of the Baystate Marathon this year.
What keeps me up at night...
Thinking too hard about all of the stuff I have to know for school, figuring out how to fit everything in
I define "downtime" as...
Time when I'm NOT in class or studying!
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. No contest.
Guiltiest pleasure...
Dark chocolate...and imperial coffee stout. Ideally together. :)
My mom was right about...
Hard work will get you far, and sometimes you need a little constructive criticism to really be your best
My mom was wrong about...
Thinking I would always live in Wisconsin
The last time I lost my temper was...
Hmm...probably with my mom over something stupid, we fight plenty but it's usually out of love
My favorite moment of the day...
In the winter, probably snuggling into bed and getting all warm. But obviously this is very dependent on the day. Like today, my favorite moment thus far was running down Heartbreak in the pouring rain...which is pretty much the polar opposite of being warm in bed haha.
I wish I had more time for...
Dance & acting...I miss ballet dearly and would love to do a musical again but there's just no time
I always make time for..
Running! (well, MOST of the time I make time for it...) My one hobby that's stood the test of time :)
I'm currently reading...
Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, & Intervention....oh yeah, don't act like you're not jealous
Home means...
Love
Well that was fun. Now back to bone and connective tissue disorders of the wrist & hand, yay!?
probably the Memorial Union terrace at sunset on a gorgeous summer night
The lesson I keep learning over and over...
No matter how much water you drink or food you eat, if you go out drinking you're not getting anything done the next day
The movie I watch when I want to laugh...
Anchorman never fails to crack me up
The most scared I've ever been...
Hmm...this is actually hard. Probably when I was about 10, there was a tornado that touched down about 10 miles from where my girl scout troop was camping in A-frame tents...especially at that age it was pretty terrifying.
No one knows I...
Belt out Broadway songs when I'm alone
Unhealthiest thing I've passed off as dinner...
A Mountain Dew and a bag of gummy worms, followed later by half a huge bag of chips (this was like, last week. thanks finals.)
Personal philosophy...
Find your passion.
Book that changed my life...
Once A Runner
I unwind by...
Having a good beer and watching a movie
Proudest moment in my career...
Since I do not yet have a "career" (only 2.5 more years though! Haha) I'll say the proudest moment in my running career (thus far)...which is without a doubt, the entirety of the Baystate Marathon this year.
What keeps me up at night...
Thinking too hard about all of the stuff I have to know for school, figuring out how to fit everything in
I define "downtime" as...
Time when I'm NOT in class or studying!
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. No contest.
Guiltiest pleasure...
Dark chocolate...and imperial coffee stout. Ideally together. :)
My mom was right about...
Hard work will get you far, and sometimes you need a little constructive criticism to really be your best
My mom was wrong about...
Thinking I would always live in Wisconsin
The last time I lost my temper was...
Hmm...probably with my mom over something stupid, we fight plenty but it's usually out of love
My favorite moment of the day...
In the winter, probably snuggling into bed and getting all warm. But obviously this is very dependent on the day. Like today, my favorite moment thus far was running down Heartbreak in the pouring rain...which is pretty much the polar opposite of being warm in bed haha.
I wish I had more time for...
Dance & acting...I miss ballet dearly and would love to do a musical again but there's just no time
I always make time for..
Running! (well, MOST of the time I make time for it...) My one hobby that's stood the test of time :)
I'm currently reading...
Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, & Intervention....oh yeah, don't act like you're not jealous
Home means...
Love
Well that was fun. Now back to bone and connective tissue disorders of the wrist & hand, yay!?
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