January 1, 2011 marked a 10 minute "test run", as I was recovering from a torn quad that happened in the fall of 2010. All of those hours of rehabbing on the trainer paid off, as I felt both strong, and pain-free. Of course, instead of coming back and being smart, I ran the Derry 16-miler only 2 weeks after those first steps, which has the below course profile. Yeah, wicked smart.
I obviously had a terrible showing, crashed and burned, and put myself in a terrible mental space. I passed on running a spring half marathon, as I was in serious training for Big Sur Marathon.
On May 1, 2011, I flew across the country and ran the second slowest marathon of my life (anyone sensing a trend to this year yet??). Since part of Highway 1 fell into the Pacific Ocean early in the spring, they changed the course to make it an out and back. On what remained of Highway 1. The course was crazy hard, it was warm, and had lost the race mentally before I even toed the line. However, I checked the race off my bucket list, and still had a crazy fun weekend in Monterey!
I had 5 months to put together some decent training for Chicago, with this little Half Ironman thrown in the middle. In my mind, that meant volume. If I could run a million miles a week, bike a little and throw in some open water swims, I could do it all! Yep, that'll do it!
I beat the snot out of myself over the next couple of months, culminating with my worst "race" of the year in the form of a 25K in early September. It came exactly ONE weekend before my 70.3 and about a month before Chicago. I threw the white flag and realized I needed some serious triage to even START Chicago, nevermind finish. It was too little, too late, but I needed to get smart. Stat.
But first, The Pumpkinman 70.3. By far the best day (athletically) of the year. It was unquestionably the best race of the year - I loved every minute of those 6 hours. It made me want Ironman more than ever.
One month later, I toed the line for the Chicago Marathon. I had put my broken body together enough to attempt a sub-4 and stop the marathon slowing slide. It just wasn't to be - it was hot, and my body didn't have it on that day. I crossed that finish line disappointed, but hungry for 2012.
I closed on 2011 with a 5K that went better than expected. It was the product of some new training, and made me REALLY excited for what 2012 holds in store.
2011 taught me a lot about myself, all of which I can carry over into 2012. I've already made a lot of progress, and I'm looking forward to turning over the calendar tomorrow.
Happy New Year Friends!
I didn't know you ran Big Sur. I really want to do that one. And way to go on the half ironman, I can't wait to knock that off my bucket list. I see an amazing year for you in 2012. Eugene is gonna be awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh I love reading this in part because i haven't read your blog much until recently (yet feel like I KNOW you so much already!! Can't wait to meet you!!), and wow, you had SOME year...half ironman, too? You are a rockstar, I am so impressed with your drive and determination and if I can carve out just a piece of that, I'd be thrilled :-) Cheers friend!
ReplyDeleteYou have learned a TON about yourself, your body, your goals and your limits (there are none, right??) this year. I have NO doubt you're going to put all of this to good use in 2012 and will KILL every race goal you have...particularly that ironman dream (you'll be my hero even more than you already are when you tackle that puppy!). cheers to 2012, an incredible year ahead, I think :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you a kickass 2012!!!!
ReplyDeleteSome years might not produce the best race results, but they do produce learning moments. Sounds like you've had your lessons, learned from them, and are ready to tear it up in 2012! Go get it.
ReplyDeleteOh my what a year! Coming back from injuries can be so so difficult!!! It is never ever easy! Let's do 2012 right we have races to run and 5k PRs to do. Where is your body at this point? Do you have Caitlin this coming weekend? Will you come to the 5k or do 8 miles on Sunday or the wellness day? Either way can we get together soon?
ReplyDeleteI love the name "Pumpkinman"! I totally relate to your marathon experiences... training a ton and then not having the race you expect. Hopefully 2012 is injury free!
ReplyDeletewow, lady, I didn't realize you had such a crazy year! whew! happy 2012!
ReplyDeleteWhat a year! Those hard ones make the great finishes that much sweeter. Can't wait to run Big Sur ... here's hoping Highway 1 stays intact for me!!
ReplyDeleteYou are super-fast and primed for a great 2012, I just know it. Are you going to do Chicago again? It may be my fall marathon this year and it would be fun to meet you (prior to trailing in your wake :^) ). Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! You had a great year!! I sure you will be even greater in 2012!
ReplyDelete2012 will be even better because of everything you accomplished and learned last year!
ReplyDeleteThe lessons you learned in 2011 will carry you through 2012! Can't wait to watch it!
ReplyDeletehmmm. Ironman 2012? :-D
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