Saturday, January 3, 2009

Love Affair: Rekindled

Almost one year ago, Hollie, Erin, and I took a spinning class together on a little girls weekend. We had a blast! One thing that the instructor kept saying was, "No excuses!" It came in handy this past summer while training for The CRIM. As long as I am able to run, I need to.

Those two words have been forgotten somewhere along the way. It's been too cold, I have been too tired, the treadmill is too boring. There is always some excuses. It's not okay with me anymore. This past week, I ran everyday but New Years Day and it felt good...relationship restored. I missed it.

So, in honor of my love affair rekindled, I planned out my racing year. God willing, I will be running these races in 2009 (Pending Dan getting a job, I would also like to do my first half-marathon in VA):

May 2009 ~ Lake Geneva 10K
June 2009 ~ Milk Days 10K
August 2009 ~ The CRIM 10mile
October 2009 ~ The Pumpkin Fest 10K

Along with with adding another race this year, I also have made goals for each race. My goals for the 10K's are to beat the time I had in 2008. My goal for The CRIM is to run the whole entire 10 miles...no walking! Looking forward to it.

6 things to add:

Anonymous said...

Hi!

I found your blog through my cousin Becki's last night... I just started running and I was wondering where do you go to find what races are in McHenry County?

I'm doing a 5K (my first race) at the end of March in the City with my sister. Do you have any advice? It seems like you are a big runner and would really appreicate all the advice. For my first race, I don't really care about the time, I just want to be able to run the entire 3 miles.

Thanks, Skyra

Beth said...

Skyra~

Becki's cousin, right? Welcome! I found the race I am running in May in my Runner's World Magazine. If you don't get that you can go to www.findarace.com or just google 5K's in McHenry County.

Congrats in advance on your first race. My first race was last June. I was really nervous and started way too slow. However, for my 10 mile, I started way too fast. My advice would be to start taking a watch with you on your runs and find a pace that feels comfortable. That way you know and you can kick it up a bit or slow down on race day. You don't want to burn out and then kick yourself because you couldn't go the distance. Also, do some hill work. This will be good preparation. Lastly, I would tell you to have fun because it should be!

Hollie said...

Man... I was JUST thinking about that spinning class and the "No Excuses" motto. I was even thinking about blogging about it! Anyway... I'm sitting here writing on my calander all the races for this year! I'm getting really... really excited! It feels good to be back! I think I'll go get on the treadmill right now!


Skyra: I get the honor of being Beth's running buddy so I've picked up a few things along the way.
My advice to you is to just concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. Take it one step at a time. You'll have good days and bad days but just keep going! It's good that you are doing the race with someone, if you can train with your sister I would. I can't tell you how much it helps to have a "running buddy"!
Set a goal for the race; whether it's a certain time you want to finish or just to finish the race without walking. You need something to set your sights on during the run. Believe me... it helps!
Most of all HAVE FUN... Keep at it and welcome to the wonderful world of running!

Beth said...

Great minds think alike. :-)

I also wanted to add something I read in my new RW. A girl in there dedicates every mile to someone so that she will keep running...she will not let herself walk on someone's mile. I thought that was a great idea for race day!

Anonymous said...

Yes, Becki's cousin.

Thanks to both of you for the advice. I really appreicate it!

Skyra

Brittany said...

I LOVE that idea of dedicating a mile to someone!! WOW that would be such an encougement!!!! I really do wish I could be up there with you guys training!!