On the Road Again

My last attempt to train for and run a half marathon resulted in a turn-around and torn off number at the 2 mile mark, whereupon I ran back to the hotel and enjoyed a hot shower instead of continuing in the crowd of miserable people slipping and falling in the pouring rain.

I can now say I've *started* the US Half Marathon every year since 2005. I've finished it sub-2-hours 3 times, sub-2:15 once, and bailed at the 2 mile marker once (so far).

Overall, 2010 was a medium running year. I totaled 1067.7 miles, or about 20 miles per week. But, I didn't complete even a single race with a sub 10-minute-mile pace. When I look at my logs, the years I felt best in my running, I was doing marathons and totaling between 1200 and 1400 miles.

So, that's the goal this year. I'm working on my speed, and I've registered for two spring races and a memorial day marathon. By the time I toe the line at the marathon, it'll have been more almost 3 years since my last marathon, and 3.5 years since my marathon PR.

Ideally, I'd love to set a new PR. That will require much hard work and some luck, but it's good to have goals.

In fact, as a result of my renewed commitment to running, yesterday, I joined a Beer Run through Golden Gate park. Gorgeous weather, good post-race beer and food at Social, and new friends.

Not a bad start to the return to running.