Year #1: Finish Line

What started as a friendly challenge after I made a claim that I could run forever, has turned into something quite a bit bigger than I had ever imagined.  I have spent the last 8 months becoming a runner, and it has really become a huge part of my life.

2010 Stats:
Total Miles: 810.68
Total Elevation Gain: 9,476 ft
Average Speed: 7.3 mph
Average Distance: 6.24 Miles
Longest Distance: 26.2 Miles
Calories Burned: 97,738
Max Heart Rate: 194 bpm

2010 Race Stats:
Beat Coach Pete 5k : 22:45 (Unofficial)
Great Potato 10k: 48:51.50 - 4th in division - 39/716 overall
Fit For Life Half Marathon: 1:44.32 - 3rd in division - 36/222 overall
Y-Not Triathlon: 49:58 - 4th in division - 173/414 overall
Payette Lake 30k: 2:37.36 - 2nd in division - 56/170 overall
City of Trees Marathon: 3:47.32 - 5th in division - 60/211 overall
Zeitgeist Half Marathon: 1:39.06 - 8th in division - 79/1024 overall
Light the Night 5k: 20:00 (Unofficial) 1st in division
City of Trees Road Race Series - Long Division - 1st

I would like to think that I had a pretty successful year.  I made it through the year with, for the most part, no injuries.  My left knee was a little iffy for a bit after Zeitgeist, but it really didn't keep me down too long.  In fact, it was probably something that I needed.  I was really worried about taking any sort of recovery time away from running, but I've learned that my endurance doesn't fade much when I take a break.  As far as my race results, I am mostly pleased.  I don't care a great deal about the shorter distances, although I would like to improve my PR's in the coming year.  I know that I can get sub 20 in the 5k, and I would like to run a 10k in sub 40.  I am very pleased with my 1:39.06 at Zeitgeist for the half marathon.  The hilly course and minimal training really gave me a ton of confidence going into my upcoming racing season.  My only real disappointment comes from my marathon time.  I am very happy that I was able to finish this race after a relatively short training period.  However, I know that I am capable of running a much faster time.  I think that if I train properly over the several months, I should be able to qualify for Boston in October if I stay healthy.

2011 Tentative Race Season:
3/5: Les Bois Trail 10k
4/2: Dry Creek Trail Half Marathon
4/9: Beat Coach Pete 5k
4/16: Race to Robie Creek Half Marathon
5/14: Great Potato Marathon
5/21: High Desert Trail Half Marathon
7/9: Fit For Life Half Marathon
8/6: Wild Idaho Fifty Mile Endurance Run
9/4: Payette Lake 30k
10/9: City of Trees Marathon

I may add some additional races in at the beginning and end of this schedule.  It just depends on what comes up, and how I feel.  My main focus is  WIFMER in August, so I will make whatever adjustments necessary to complete this goal.  I know that I have the guts to get through this race, and it really means a lot to me to have the opportunity to do this as a tribute to my Grandpa.

For 2011, my mileage goal is 1800 miles.  Let's just see exactly what my body can take.