I can think of no better way to start a new year, or celebrate a birthday, or mark any important event in your life, than by going out for a run. For me, running offers a chance to clear my head, and reflect on the past, as well as focus my thoughts on the future.
The Elmhurst Running club hosts an annual New Year's day run, that I was able to join last year. This year, it was my wife's turn to run while I stayed home with the kids. So she got a chance to do the group run, and take a few pictures, while I ran solo a little later. For her, that offered a chance to talk to some of the other runners about her goals for the coming year, which include further improving her 5k time. Track workouts are the key for that, and she found some people to run with on the track.
As for me, I'm still considering my goals. I gave it some thought during my run, but am still undecided. There might be a spring marathon in my future, or I might just try to run a fast 5k. Who knows? I've probably gotta decide soon. Right now, though, I'm more in the reflection mode. The last year has been a really enjoyable one in the sport of running, and for me personally.
It was a year of memorable experiences for me. As has been my tradition since starting this blog a few years ago, I will mention a few of mine, and invite you to comment on some of yours.
As I look back on my year in running, first I am grateful that, despite some aches and pains, I've been relatively healthy and never missed a weekend long run all year. I managed to maintain a minimum of probably at least 25 miles a week all year. I don't know whether that is really important for racing success, but it's definitely a plus for my mental health!
Other highlights for me included running with my friend Greg Sanchez for a really enjoyable Boston Marathon. Our chip time was a bit better than the clock shows in the picture. I got a chance to go on an easy run with Ryan Hall before the Rock-N-Roll Chicago half marathon, and a couple days later enjoyed the race as well. Other memorable races included the Soldier Field 10 miler, and the Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10. There were also at least half a dozen 5k's on the schedule this year, including a spur of the moment addition in Park Ridge that was the subject of a story by the Runners Ultimate Net that aired on Comcast Sportsnet. I know I work on TV, but it was fun to be on the other side of the story for a change. And it was also my fastest 5k of the year.
There were lots of other races on the schedule this year, and plenty of really enjoyable saturday group runs with some of my regular running partners as well. I've been blessed to have running as part of my life for more than three decades now, but this year ranks among the most memorable.
Now, moving on to another topic. I've lived in the Chicago area most of my life. I grew up here. So I know it snows every winter. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. And after a couple weeks of running in the snow and cold, I've reaffirmed my dislike. Ok, so it really is beautiful running in a winter wonderland. And it's good for your stabilizer muscles that get little use when you aren't having to keep from sliding all over the place. But I still have a few fleeting thoughts of moving to Florida shortly after winter arrives every year.
Hey, I can dream right? The reality is, I'm not going anywhere. And I hope you had a great year in running, and an even better one next year.
See you on the roads....
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