2011... the year that was.

Hello! It has been ONE YEAR since my last blog post. A lot happened this year, even a lot of blog-worthy things. I ran 3 marathons, Aaron and I sold our condo in the city and bought a house in the burbs, we honeymooned and celebrated our first anniversary, we even got a new little puppy, Diego. Although 2011 was action-packed, I'm glad to close the door on this year and move on to the next.

Athletically, the year was a big, fat disappointment. In February, I ran the Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans (my 12th marathon). The trip was a 60th birthday gift to my mom, she ran the half and killed it! I didn't have any expectations for the race, I had not trained much since the Ironman, so I just wanted to finish. The race started off slow. I felt pretty good, although I occasionally had some hip pain which forced me to walk for a few minutes at a time. I even enjoyed a martini at mile 19! I finished under 3:40, qualifying me for the Boston Marathon. I ran Boston in 2005 and loved it. I started to get a bit excited that I could be heading back in 2012. More on Boston later...

In May, I ran the Colfax Marathon in Denver, number 13. I believe my longest run leading up to the race was 10 miles (this is a big no-no in running world!). I knew the race was going to hurt, but again just wanted to finish. I did just that, although it was mighty slow and mighty painful. Thanks to Kerri and Aaron for being loyal cheerleaders!

As if I hadn't learned my lesson during the Colfax marathon, in July I ran a marathon in Salt Lake City with little to no training (marathon #14). For this one, my longest run was a whopping 8 miles! Again, I knew it was going to hurt, but just wanted to finish. The course was a screaming downhill the first 15 miles. I know what you're thinking, that sounds amazing! But, it was pure hell. By mile 10, my quads were on fire, all 10 toenails hurt and I doubted that I would finish. The good news, I did finish and had a great weekend exploring SLC and Park City with my mom. The bad news, it was one of my slowest marathons to date and it hurt A LOT.

After SLC, I had no race, no goal, nothing on the horizon. Although I qualified for the Boston Marathon for 2012, their new entry system takes only the fastest runners that registered. Sadly, I did not get in, which stung. I spent a few months casually running, mostly being lazy. Needless to say, I'm in a funk!

So, here's the plan for the New Year...

First, I know that I am unmotivated without a goal. So, here is  my tentative 2012 race calendar:
April- Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR
May-Rocky Mountain Double Marathon, Cheyenne, WY (My first ultra!)
July-Vermont Marathon (depends on whether AA and I take a trip to CT)
November-Ironman Arizona, Tempe, AZ (my second Ironman)

Second, I need to stick to my training that I've outlined for myself. I've played roulette with my body during marathons too many times and for the sake of my health, I need to train! With a new challenge of a 52 mile race on the horizon, I don't think I can train too much.

Lastly, I need to remember why I do all of this in the first place! Not only does exercise make me feel insanely sane, but I feel like my efforts help keep those around me fit too. I won't be the only person in my family running the Eugene Marathon in April, Aaron has committed to running the full and my beautiful mom will be running the half. My best friend, Kerri, ran her first 10k in May and did a fabulous job. You all motivate me every day and I'm so lucky you all are in my life!

Here's to a great 2012, come along for the ride! Cheers!