Thursday, January 20, 2011

2010 was the year of races on Meals and Miles.

I trained hard, I raced hard, and I accomplished fitness goals I never imagined possible.

I completed FOUR Marathons

• 12/5/10 – Palm Beach Marathon 03:59:36 (PR)
• 10/10/10 – Chicago Marathon 04:15:43
• 02/28/10 – Gasparilla Marathon 04:26:21
• 01/10/10 – Walt Disney World Marathon 04:12:26

ONE Ultra Marathon

• 04/03/10 – Crooms Fool’s Run 50k 06:19:32

TWO Triathlons

• 07/18/10 – Moss Park Olympic Distance Triathlon 02:57:23
• 05/23/10 – Baldwin Park Sprint Triathlon 1:29:29

TWO 15ks

• 09/25/10 – 2010 Miracle Miles 15k 01:20:31
• 02/27/10 – Gasparilla 15k 1:26:35

ONE 10k

• 10/23/10 – Bad to the Bone 10k 50:58

FOUR 5ks

• 11/13/10 – Saturn 5k 23:39
• 09/11/10 – Autumn Rock n’ Run 26:50
• 08/28/10 – Get Up & Go 5k 24:08
• 02/27/10 – Gasparilla 5k 35:27

And followed three amazing training plans along the way

• 2010 Palm Beach Training Plan
• 2010 Chicago Marathon Training Plan
• 2010 Michelob Ultra Challenge Training Plan

2010 was all about time and goals – I had a blast, but I also burnt myself out. For the last month or so I’ve taken a break from hard core training and have found myself enjoying all of the other amazing forms of exercise out there. Running is still my #1 love, but I’d love to find a balance between running and everything else to keep both in my routine.

I think that balance – for now – includes throwing all of my time goals out the window in 2011. Who knows how I’ll feel in a few months, but for right now the idea of racing for fun and not for time is a welcomed one. Lately I haven’t felt the need to push myself with speedwork or tempo runs and until I feel the need, I’m fine with just casual runs for fun. Because running is fun and I would like to keep it that way.

With that in mind, I am registered for a handful of races in 2011 and a few that are ‘tentative’ for the time being. Some people may ask what the point of races are if you’re not going to win or beat a previous PR, well those people aren’t real runners. There’s something about running a race that is just fun – time goal or not. There’s a thrill to running alongside few thousand of your closest running friends who love doing what you do. It’s a community that I’m happy to be a part of it.

Meals and Miles Tentative Race Schedule for 2011

January 30th – Miami Half Marathon

I’ll be running this one with Derek and my family. My only goal will be to run the entire race with my little brother and become his running cheerleader when he needs it.

February 28th – Disney Princess Half Marathon

I’m going all out for this race. Pink, Pink, and More Pink. Plus a tutu and a tiara. I also want to run with my my camera and take pictures with all the princesses along the way. I will NOT be taking this race seriously in any way.

April 30th – Country Music Half Marathon

My little brother will be running his first FULL marathon for this one. I want to run the half and circle back to cheer on Ben where he needs it.

June 12th – Dunedin Beach Triathlon (Tentative)

I’m looking for triathlons in the Tampa Area for the summer months. Anyone have any other suggestions?

September 25th – Augusta Half Iron Man (Tentative)

Oh, yes. Remember it will be for fun and I will also be competing with my Sister and Little brother.

November 5th – Rock n Roll Savannah Full Marathon (Tentative)

Not sure why I’m attracted to this marathon, but I am.

There’s no 15ks, 10ks, ok 5ks on this list because I’m moving to a new area in March and I’m afraid I know NOTHING about that race scene. Anyone in Tampa want to help me out? Google can only take you so far when it comes to researching races!

So, whose with me for any of these races? Anyone?!?!

Back to lunch.

Today was easy. I knew I wanted a salad for lunch, but I also needed a protein. What to do? What to do?

A quick dig in the freezer uncovered a package of salmon patties that have been there longer than I care to mention, but were still ‘fresh’ enough to do the trick. I grilled one on the George Foreman and pieced together a salad of spinach, grated carrot, mushrooms, and tomato while it cooked.

When the salmon was done I placed it on top of the greens, crumbled some blue cheese, and drizzled it all with bbq sauce (yes, bbq sauce makes a fine dressing).

Plus, my last corn muffin.

Sad they’re gone, but even I was getting tired of seeing them on here.

I’m late to a conference call. Gotta go!

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