At the beginning of the year, I just wanted to focus on what I had scheduled through February before I decided about races for the rest of the year, but now that February is almost over, I am forced to start thinking for really-reals in terms of what I want to do the rest of the year, in terms of racing.
First of all, I've discovered that I like the half marathon: great distance, relatively easy to train for, challenging yet satisfying. So, I'd like to run at least two more this year. My choices? I'm thinking first and foremost of The Colfax Half in Denver, CO on May 18th.
It's a good opportunity because it gives me plenty of time to train; plus, I could stay with my family there in Denver. Additionally, my sister, who is 16 and a cross country runner, might join me so it would be a good opportunity for the two of us to do something together. I don't know if I could expect a PR outta this one though -- partially because of the altitude and I don't know how that will affect me, but mostly because of running with my sister (we could run really well together or not -- I have no idea).
The other half, I'm tentatively putting on the calendar, is Palm Beach -- but that's not until Decemeber so I have a long time to consider that one. I'd love to do Virginia Beach, but I doubt the cost quotient will allow for that one.
Aside from halves, I'd like to do a few other unique distances this year. I have my eye on the WDW Minnie Marathon on May 4th, which is a 15K up in Orlando. Disney always knows how to put on an event, so I think it would be fun; plus, it's an all-women event so that might be interesting -- I've never done anything gender-specific before.
And lastly, I'm considering the Army 10 miler in DC in October. Again, this could be another good family opportunity. I could stay with my dad, and in talking with him, I may even be able to convince him to run it with me. He already runs pretty regularly, but he keeps his distances short; however, I know he could train for this and I know he could do 10 miles. It's been almost 2 years since I've seen my dad, so a visit is really due -- a race would just be icing on the cake.
So, those are my thoughts. In between, certainly I'll sprinkle other distances in (March 8th, I have a 4 miler, for instance) but those are some of the bigger things on my horizon. I'll let you know when I make final decisions and I put them up on my sidebar, but until then, I welcome your opinions, thoughts, and even criticisms on the potential races -- especially if you have run any one of them -- whatcha think homies?
20 comments:
Watch out on that Colfax Marathon, last year they made the marathon course about a half mile too long! I posted about it here.
Any chance you'll stay in Denver through Memorial Day and run the Bolder Boulder? All the cool people are doing it (read: me).
You should try a trail race. I would imagine you've got some good ones in FL what with all the cougars and alligators and such. Good motivation.
You know I am to wet behind the ears to comment on 1/2 being my first has not happened.A race with you sister should be nice and the Minnie Martathon well that just sounds real cute :-)
* too
I should try to be on my best grammar behavior here.
Running at altitude is teh suck. I stick to flat land.
I think those are great choices. It's neat to schedule out races. I like the half too and want to focus on that distance this year. Although, I gotta say I'm quite disappointed. We really would love for to join us in VA beach. Thinking of cutting costs by getting a big house for everyone. I understand though. :-( But, the invite is still open. If you could get to SC, maybe someone there would get you to Va beach. :-)
BTW, Thanks for comment!
I think you should do a full marathon too :) I want someone else to be as miserable as me:) haha
I've never run any of those particular races, but your calendar sounds good to me!
Those all sound like great races! What ever you decide, I know you'll have a blast :-)
Looks like a great list, and a variety at that! It's always nice to keep your options open too!
Nice ideas. There's also that outting with Nancy in April. While technically not a race, it should still be an event. :D heehee
Great list of races. If you choose the race in Colorado, make sure you take some time to acclimate to the high altitude.
I did the Army 10-Miler last year, the Year of the Heat Wave. The organizers can't help the weather, of course, so we'll disregard that.
The expo was terrific – lots o' bargains – but get there early if you need gels or BodyGlide.
One cool piece of swag was a disposable camera, a nice touch, I thought.
The course is great – no hills to speak of, and you get to see the DC sights sans traffic. I thought it was so cool to have the city to ourselves. And Pentagon City has a great mall, lots of restaurant options (California Pizza Kitchen – mmmm) and bus service is, of course, excellent.
You should come to VA Beach with all us cool-folk! You can laugh at the chubby Michigan girl crawling across the finish line (oh wait, that would be me :-)).
Sounds like a great plan and like a lot of fun. I'm with you on loving the half! It is much more manageable.
I'm going to have to throw in the VA Beach. It's going to be the place to be this summer ;) Actually, your races sound awesome. That Army 10-miler would kick butt to get to see all the DC sites. I am going to have to put that on my wish list for future races :)
I'm with Lori! VA Beach anyone? ;-) I believe Mary (Attempts At Middle Age Fitness) ran the Colfax. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure she did and I don't remember her saying anything negative about it . . .
The list looks pretty sweet otherwise :-)
And yeeeeeah I totally have high hopes for my kids :P (I'm kidding!) You know what they say "The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree" Oy, oy, oy. Bless their little hearts and hope they end up like their Daddy :P
Looks like a great plan!! I am hoping to get to VA as well if the fundage falls into place. If I get to go it would sure be sweet to see you there!!
army 10 miler doesn't allow ipods, if you care about that kind of thing.
and i agree with debbi. the expo is fan freaking tastic!
Very nice. I think running a race with your sister would be just great.
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