2018 Running in Review and What’s Up 2019

As this year comes to an end, thinking of training, races, and other exercise related activities play back in my head.  What to do, what not to do, what I want to do and what, realistically, can I do. As much as the time in between marathons is enjoyed, I like having a plan.  Since CIM earlier this month, I’ve been running when, where and what I feel like.  It has been nice and leaves me wondering if I really want to embark on another rigid schedule for Boston in April. I know I will.

In 2018, I ran 253 times over 2067 miles at an average pace of 9.56 for average daily miles of 5.7.

Miles per month: *Marathon months.

Another memorable year of races. There was Boston in April which was the coldest, wettest, windiest race I’ve ever run.  I chose to run when quite a number didn’t even start. I finished with a medal when a lot of runners DNF’d. It wasn’t my best time but finishing a marathon in those conditions felt like a major accomplishment. I wouldn’t give that up for anything and I would do it again (I’d just dress smarter for the weather).   Every race is a learning experience and Boston 2018 certainly was that.

April was the first race, Boston Marathon

July was the Utica Boilermaker 15K. I ran about what was expected this year although still chasing that 70 minute finish.  I remember laying on the couch thinking how much I did not want to run. This happens every year. I really have to work on pre race anxiety.

September was the Old Forge Half Marathon. First time running this one. It was mostly unpaved, somewhat rocky terrain. First in age group.

November was TCS NYC Marathon. A long training run to get ready for CIM. Goal pace was 9.0 to 9.40 and I ran a 9.22 pace for 137 of 1166 in age group for women. The best part of this race was that Richard, Debbie and Eddie joined us (In-laws). Love having family and friends at my events.

November, one week after NYC marathon, I ran the Syracuse half marathon. I have never run back to back distances like that. Although I would have liked more from myself at Syracuse, I ran the pace suggested by my coach and got a 4^th in my age group.  It was a bit blistery at the start so there were challenges but once again, I saw it through. 1:49:52 finish.

December brought on the key race of the year, California International with a 3:53:06 finish at a 8:54 pace. 1386 out of 3653 women. I was hoping for under 3:50 but still got my BQ. Considering the mental burnout I suffered this past summer, I’ll take it, learn from it and move on to 2019.

I enlisted the help of a training coach in May to get me through the summer’s Boilermaker 15K, New York City in November and finally my key race of 2018, the California International Marathon on Dec. 2^nd.  I was disappointed with my performance at NYC because I just fell outside a BQ but on a positive note, I stayed the pace my coach suggested.  NYC was not my key race but a long 26 mile training session.  The CIM was not what I expected by way of location or course.  Again, not completely satisfied with my performance but I did achieve a BQ for 2020 which was the ultimate goal.  Back to CIM and my expectations.  I had imagined a very scenic route with the feeling of running downhill for 26 miles. This was not the case. I’ve run much more scenic courses.  Very few times during CIM did I have a feeling of running downhill. The course was rolling.  As for effort, can’t say I was overly exhausted but maintained a steady pace the entire race with a good push the last mile when my running coach jumped in to run with me.  That was AWESOME and something new.  I’d love to have someone at the final mile for all future races.

When I think of my training, I want to run more and faster. Maybe I could if my mind will stick the goal but I burn out easily and then begin to struggle daily with each run. There weren’t the mental challenges brought on by the loss of loved ones as in previous years although when things get tough, that depression raises its ugly head and slows me down.  At this moment, I’m ready to attack 2019 with power, strength and motivation. When it comes time to fight the mental fight in late February, I’m ready with two books in hand to get me through, to remind me of my purpose.

2019

I’ve completed my training plan which is a melding of my old McMillan Running plan and the Boston Intermediate to Advanced plan.  I would like to max out the miles to 70 for a couple of weeks, have a longest run of 26 miles with 2 to 3 long runs at 20 – 22 miles. I want to incorporate a few key weeks of running twice a day to get more miles.  Those are some lofty goals especially when the weather gets challenging and I’m well into my training cycle.  I’ll hold onto positive thoughts and remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to run, to be able to run the Boston Marathon. Bring on 2019 and bring on the determination to succeed.

Happy New Year!

Joanne