Crunch Crunch Crunch Crunch

2:20:00 in 2010

I am on day 3 of 100 of my hopeful running streak. So far so good. I am following the plan for my

spring half marathon and am looking forward to each run. Knowing that I can just log in a 1 miler makes me feel good and I always end up going longer once I start out that door.

I have two goals for the Martian Half Marathon this year. First and foremost - enjoy the race! My second goal is time related. I want to go sub 2:30 this year, preferably at Martian. I would really like to end 2010 around 2:20. That would be a just under a 15 minute improvement over 2009. So enough of liking... I am setting my sights on a 2:20 2010.

The First Two Steps

It really is just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other at a rate of turnover which will help propel me to the finish line 13.1 miles away in a certain period of time. While every step counts... the first two steps, I feel, are most important. Not the first two steps of the race. No. The first two steps of training.

Once you have done that you pretty much just keep going. Good days. Bad days. These days will certainly happen. I hope for more of the good, but am prepared for whichever comes my way knowing that when things get bad the good is sure to follow. I also have to keep this as the reality check for when things are going stellar as to not to get too far ahead of myself and over train just because I feel good. That my friends is the recipe for burn out right there. Failing to follow the plan and forgetting that each and every run is a gift. Each and every run is a blessing.

I had a lot of thoughts on the run tonight, and I feel it only appropriate to share with you the latest edition of my TSJoR.

The Simple Joys of Running - January 12th, 2010 edition:

• I have found that when you run the same route a lot, your tracks become indistinguishable from those of your kin. My yak trax, his yak trax, those with small feet, that one guy with the huge feet, those running in the very identifiable Nike Shox with a dog companion... I see us all now, but by tomorrow we shall not be able to know who left which tracks.
• I love that each step leaves just as much of a mark on the earth as it does your soul.
• Running is a great way to self improve. I listen to some neat podcasts from NPR. I love that I can listen to a conversation while feeling my body fall into its rhythm.
• I enjoy exploring my new surroundings through running. I am able to connect with the streets I now call home. Personally, I feel that experiencing new places on foot is the best way to do it. I never knew how hilly Farmington Hills was until I ran it. Now I am seeing how flat Berkley is. For the first time in years I need to find hills to run!
• I see that training and nutrition go hand in hand. I want to eat better because it will only help my running, as well as keep me around longer to enjoy this life ahead of me.