wow Sherie! I didn't realize you ran so many HM's! That's great!
At the beginning of 2007, these were the goals I wrote down in my running journal:
1. To run a 5K in the 25 min range
2. Stay consistent with weight training to develop stronger legs
3. train slowly and not flare-up ITBS
4. run a half marathon in a sub 2:10
5. run a marathon
6. annual mileage of at least 800 miles.
I have achieved most of these goals. These are the races I ran this year:
1. Shamrock Run 5 miles (3/17) 46:20 (missed a PR by less than one min.)
2. Pear Blossom 10 miles (4/14) 1:37:45 (PR by over 5 min)
3. Avenue of the Giants HM (5/6) 2:11:43 (PR by default)
4. Evans Valley Duathlon (6/16) I ran the 2 5K's in 26:53 and 27:30 (neither was a PR)
5. Rooster Crow 5K (6/30) 26:28 (PR)
6. Hellgate Challenge 12K (8/11) 1:03:45 (PR)
7. Harvest Festival 10K (9/8 ) 55:17 (PR & 1st AG)
8. Redwoods HM (10/21) 1:54:48 (PR by 16+ min)
9. Pioneer Run 5K (11/10) 24:48 (PR)
So, I surpassed goal #1 of running a 5K in under 25 min.
With Goal #2, I didn't always do regular leg strengthening exercises, but I certainly developed better toned legs and the muscles are more in balance. Goal #3 was met as I have not had any ITB issues in 2007. I think in part this is due to my leg muscles being better balanced, and also by training slowly, increasing mileage in very small increments, using my foam roller, having better fitted shoes and just being a smarter runner this year than I was last year.
I surpassed my expectations on goal #4 by running my 2nd HM in not only under 2:10, but also under 1:55.
I didn't attempt a marathon in 2007. I decided I'd wait another year so I could have more running as my base before increasing the mileage necessary to train for a full.
And in respect to annual mileage, I've already gone over 800 miles and will probably end up the year somewhere around the mid 800's.
I'm pleased with my 2007 running year and looking forward to the new challenges I will set for myself for 2008 . . . . when I come up with them
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