Courage: 2016

CONNECT 2016: Run with others!

In a change from previous years, I've been slow and deliberate in deciding my run goals for this year. In part because I just returned from a long vacation abroad and had to re-acclimate myself to work, routine and the timezone. 

I've also taken my time because of my end of the year, season-ending injury and my desire to come back strong yet remain injury-free. 

I needed to balance my desire to not let fear stop me from achieving or seeking #WomanUp2016 type goals vs. being smart about my return to running and what my body is capable of {at this moment}. 

Courage. It's my word for the year. The word that will guide me, that will push me. Courage to challenge myself, to grow, to be uncomfortable. It's the word that will drive me to achieve my goals and it is also the word that will help me ask for help when I need it. It's the word that allows me to step back, reassess and know that achieving my goals is a journey and it's the path I take that's important not the outcome. {especially important for me and my history of injury}.

2016 Goals

• Connect with other runners: Last year I spent too much time running alone. Not only do I enjoy running with others, I also learn a lot and it helps me be a stronger runner. 

Group run with the Runegades:
I could hang!

There are two local running groups: The Lopers and The Runegades. I've participated in the past with the Lopers. They're the group that helped me train for my first marathon in 2010-2011. The Lopers are an inclusive bunch with lots of different pace groups. I've participated off/on through out the years and they host group runs on Sundays and speed training on Tuesdays. 

The Runegades are a speedier bunch. I've known about them for awhile, but didn't join because of my fear that I wouldn't be able to hang. I finally joined at the end of last year, but because of my injury didn't run with them until this past weekend. They host group runs on Saturdays. They also have mid-week runs/speed training on Tuesdays, Wednesdays (track), Thursdays. 

I've also partnered up with my friend and fellow Oiselle Volee teammate, Dani for the 6-week #runlovechallenge. We're both participating in a weight-lifting/strength-training workshop on Monday mornings. And as of this morning, we now run together prior to the class to warm-up. 

Goal: Participate in at least one group run a week. 

• Develop a routine (make it a habit) for essential non-running activities for running: This includes core work, keeping up with my physical therapy/glute strengthening exercises, pilates/yoga, strength-training, sleep and stretching. This also includes setting aside plenty of time to rest and recover.

• Run a sub-4 hour marathon: My goal race is the 2016 California International Marathon on December 4th. I pretty much have the whole year and I am going to take this time to develop a strong base. I deferred the 2015 race due to injury and I don't want that to happen this year. Marathon-specific training will start in August and until then, I will focus on getting stronger.

• Run a sub-1:45 half-marathon: My primary goal is the sub-4:00 marathon but I will also attempt this goal this year at a half-marathon (actually, at multiple half-marathons) not yet determined.

That's all my run goals. I debated adding a mileage goal. Last year I attempted to run 2,015 miles in 2015 and ended 300 miles short. I thought about joining the 2016 challenge. I thought about making a goal to run at least one more mile than I did last year. I came to the conclusion that for me, I need to focus on quality miles and not quantity. If I end up running more than last year, hoorah!