2010: A Look Back

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I began running in September of 2008 using a couch to 5K program and walking a lot of those 3 mile training runs. The main idea was to get in shape to better enjoy my life and especially my son who was getting ready to turn one.

I'm too young to run, what's your excuse daddy??

I was 218 pounds, had medium bad cholesterol, worse blood pressure and was looking ahead to 43 years old. I wanted to do something about it. So I started running and joined a local group that ran on Saturday mornings. There I met Lauren who introduced me to the blogging world. Several blogging awards and book tours later, and I find myself at the end of my second year of recorded running. In January 2009, I ran 22 miles including a 2:39 1/2 marathon. My paces were somewhere in the 11:00 range on average. I ran just over 300 miles in 2009. In 2010, I ran 586 miles and shaved a minute off of my pace average.

I also set some 2010 running goals:


1. Eat better, more healthful food (healthy food is food that isn't sick) in my daily diet. This really means eating a regular healthful breakfast and eating more frequently with smaller portions. And not eating after 7pm.
Not completed. Some improvements, but still an undisciplined hodgepodge of half-hearted attempts to improve the diet. Goal stands for 2011.


2. I would also like to switch from coffee to green tea and other teas. No more coffee.
Ha ha haaaaaaaa haaa ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaa, cough cough gagging and choking, ha bwaa bwaa ha ha haaa. I think I actually doubled my caffeine intake this year. 2011 goal is to not let this habit slide into Spice Smoke, Ecstasy, Meth, or tennis.


3. Include a genuine warm-up, cool-down, and post run stretch session into each run.
Define "warm-up". I think it's there. I actually think I warm up until the end of the run then rationalize my way out of the cool down. Cool down and post run stretch mostly fail unless you count entering data into Garmin Connect/Daily mile while slapping down goal #2. Goal stands, though I remain skeptical.


4. Run on a plan. This means utilizing several different run types each week: long, tempo, interval, and speed, etc.. Also, at least one run per week will be a natural run with no electronic gizmos, no time, speed, distance, route plan --just run for fun. Strict adherence to 10% rule!
Mostly not completed! I utilized plans, but never 'to the end'. I did mix in different types of runs, and actually ran twice 'naked' (no electronics and no shorts) in the year, but nowhere close to once per week. I do realize though that I enjoy the data and will not attempt that same frequency. My 2011 goal is to run 4 times per week with one of the runs being a 'long run'. Some naked running (No Garmin), and some trail running with the hound.

Norman the Hound

5. Build in cross-training including bike spinning.
Hmmmmmm. Spun 2 or 3 times, swam 5 or 6 times. Would like to build in the swimming this year. I really like it and it feels like it's good for me. And I think I could keep up with SUAR in the pool if I were in a kayak.


6. Find and develop a running partner/group.
Runners Den Sat mornings, and Suzanne. Ok, I'm calling this one good. Keep it going for 2011.


7. Volunteer at a race (at least one).
Runners Den 5 and 5, February --Done! Will repeat this goal in 2011.


8. Health permitting, complete a marathon.
June 6 San Diego RnR --Done! Perhaps never again, at least no plans for 26.2 in 2011. We'll see how it goes.


9. Health permitting, complete a stride and ride or similar biathlon event.
Nope. Who writes these goals?? Jeesh!!


10. Continue to blog and be thankful for followers.
Got it. Not as regular as I would like, but better than the previous year. Thanks to the 49 Followers for continued loyalty! And lurkers---- you are just creepy! I truly enjoy the online friendships and also the laughs. We are a unified lot and I get most of my fitness support from you. And I've been able to meet up with several of you and have become pretty good friends. Thanks Adam.


11. Spend more time with my son. Can always improve, but we are pretty tight and he still runs with me from time to time (Tempe Arbor Day 5K). This is a standing goal as long as I remain on this side of the dirt.


Happy New Year!!