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Sunday, March 28, 2010

Ze Plan

After the Disney Princess Half on March 7th, I was ready for a training break. I ran 3 HMs in 3 months, and I was looking forward to a bit of down time in a training cycle. But after about a week, I began feeling dissolute without another immediate race on the forefront of my schedule, so for the past 3 weeks, I have been running, but as I mentioned earlier this week, it has felt less meaningful.

I have been scrutinizing the race calendar for South Florida for awhile and, as I said before, there's really nothing out there but 5Ks until October (and travel for race purposes is not within our budget this year). Granted, I could focus on the short distance races and perhaps work on a new PR, but truth be told, I don't feel much motivation to run a 5K, even for a PR try, and I feel even less motivated to pay $30 to run a 5K.

So, I was again feeling "meh" about the running schedule, but then the clouds parted, rays of sunshine beamed down upon me, and my mind was flooded with brilliance: Why not train for my own 13.1?

That's right. Set a date, select a route, create a training plan for it, and then, come "race day" go run my own 13.1!

I was immediately excited about the idea, so I set to outlining the specifics for myself: I decided on a date, I created a training plan, and while I haven't confirmed a route, I have a few good ideas and I am definitely keeping it close to home so there's no "race day" driving, parking, etc. I think I may even try to create my own shirt for it and I asked Jerry if it would be possible for him to either machine or laser cut a medal for me, and he said, "maybe," which I took for a "hells yeah!"

So, I proudly present to you Jess' 1st Annual:

My Own 13.1
When: Sunday, May 23rd
Start Time: 6 am
Location: Tamarac, FL
Entry Fee: $0
Registration: Open
Expo: Nope

Already, I feel more excited to run! Training starts tomorrow.

40 comments:

teacherwoman said...

Great idea Jess!

Emily said...

I love this idea! I totally approve of ze plan.

Anonymous said...

Are you going to make yourself a t-shirt?

ajh said...

You could (only if you want) host a virtual half marathon the day you do yours. I have noticed a lot of virtual races lately. Or keep it simple and just do your own!

Marlene said...

Aw, what a fun idea! Someone I run with wasn't able to make it to any of the local marathons, so he created his own 26.2. I thought it was awesome!

Kevin said...

sOUNDS LIKE A GREAT PLAN

Alison said...

What a fun idea! I may run a virtual 10K along with you. :)

Jes said...

What a great idea!!!

~ Jill said...

Awesome! I have a marathon schedule attached to my refrigerator that I was considering following just because but your idea sounds much more exciting!

Unknown said...

awesome idea.

I hope Jerry can construct some meaningful bling for you. :-)

Anonymous said...

Great idea, why didn't I think of that!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Your next post should be a mock "website" for your race. Maybe you could open registration to others and hold a virtual half. That would be fun!

James said...

Awesome! A very creative way to solve your lack of good races. I absolutely think you need to make a shirt and medal. How about a finish line with the family waiting on you at the end?

I second the mock website!

Sarah said...

Love it! Can't wait to see your medal. :)

Aka Alice said...

Great idea Jess! I'd run a virtual 1/2 with you that day, but I think I'm running an actual 1/2 a week later.

Monica said...

Don't forget to call the press, I guarantee YOUR picture will be the one in the paper.

TNTcoach Ken said...

Ha, O love the idea......

Carly said...

That is a great idea. You can't beat the race fee. What kind of schwag are you going to give yourself?

Erin said...

Great idea but you are a dork. LOL! Maybe your fans will get up and meet you at the finish line to cheer you on. I said maybe...

Christina said...

But you've got to have an expo- like maybe a trip to the running store?

heathermareed said...

love it!

Sarah said...

That is an awesome idea! Can't beat that entry fee.

JojaJogger said...

Awesome idea! I think Jerry and Norah should drive ahead every 2-3 miles and set up a folding table and set out paper cups of water and Gatorade.

X-Country2 said...

I bet you'll win! (That's why I always hosted my own races. :o)

Jess said...

So what's the prize for first place? You'll totally clean up!

Heather @ Side of Sneakers said...

I LOVE this idea!!!

Wes said...

I like that. Manufacture your motivation! Have a blast!

Midwest said...

6:00 AM start time? Your race director is tough!

Katie A. said...

I love ze plan! What a blast!
You could totally host a virtual race, too! Maybe have the "race" fee go to a charity you like - I loved the Tall Mom virtual race this weekend, some how knowing others were doing the same thing made it that much more fun!

Anonymous said...

Good luck! I appreciate the lack of an Expo - nothing to tempt my hard earned cash away from me!

Heather said...

That is an awesome idea! You could do the yogurt cover medals with paperclip chains like in the office . . .

lifestudent said...

no swag bag? you're gonna have to make yourself a swag bag. Perhaps, if Jerry isnt gonna do it ... you can nominate him as race organizer and suggest he do a swag bag for you :)

Anonymous said...

That's a great idea. I've been looking for a half to run that isn't a fortune. Maybe I should do the same!

Krissy said...

I love your new running plan and how very economical it is!

RunToTheFinish said...

ohh if you wanted to do saturday maybe I could drive up and do my 18 miler with you!

N.D. said...

Aww that sounds fun! I'll be a volunteer for it and cheer everyone on. :)

Carolina John said...

very cool!

MNFirefly said...

Nice!

SavvyFitChica said...

GENIUS! Wow! Good thunkin'!

sRod said...

Ha! Love it.