Post-Marathon Goals

on December 1, 2009
in All Posts

Searching for that perfect gift?  Check out my favorite Holiday Gift ideas!

 

Morning!  :)  How are you? 

 

Since a few of you didn’t believe me/didn’t know what I meant when I said I have a block of frozen credit cards, here is the proof:

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The theory is that I have to let them thaw out before I can use them.  Perfect for the Responsible Spending Challenge!  🙂

 

Breakfast was divine:

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I made Flax French Toast (just regular French Toast, but dusted in ground flax before hitting the skillet).  Yum!

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Plus, syrup and a banana:

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Once the Husband arises from his beauty sleep, we are going to go on a 3.0 mile run together.  He has tentatively agreed to run his VERY FIRST RACE with me while we are in England – a 10K on January 1!  Don’t worry – it’s a full 9 days before my marathon, and I’m going to take it easy (i.e. run with the Husband and not for time).  I am so excited!

NYD 10k course map

Speaking of which….

 

Post-Marathon Goals

 

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to my post-marathon goals.  People keep asking me if I’m going to run another marathon.

 

The answer is NO (at least, not right away).  The marathon has been fun to train for, but it’s really exhausting, and it takes up a LOT of time.  I just prefer “shorter” races, and will probably keep  myself in shape to do spur-of-the-moment half marathons.  Also, I miss biking a lot! 

 

Post-Marathon Goal #1:  Ride a Century

 

I have completed a Metric Century (60 miles – here’s the recap), but I really want to do a whole Century (100 miles)!

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I don’t have a particular race in mind, but I’m thinking I’ll start training for a Century once I’ve recovered from the marathon.

 

Post-Marathon Goal #2:  Do an Olympic Triathlon

 

I tried to do a triathlon in the summer of 2008, but I freaked out during the swim and was disqualified (you can read about that here).

[i_really_hate_swimming[3].jpg]

I really want to do another triathlon to PROVE to myself that I can do it.  I’m planning to do one on March 14 – it’s a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 5.6 mile run.  Yikes!

 

Post-Marathon Goal #3:  Crooms’ Fools Run (Without Dying)

 

Last April, I ran the Crooms’ Fools Run (recap), which is a 15.4 mile trail race through the middle of the forest. 

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The course took me 2 hours and 56 minutes, and I was utterly SPENT by the end.  I want to run the race again in April 2010 and feel STRONG at the end.

 

What are your current fitness goals? Are you trying to get into shape, try something new, or take it to the next level?

{ 102 comments }

 

  • Jess (Fit Chick in the City) December 1, 2009, 8:45 am

    Those all look like fun post marathon goals! I hope the hubby enjoys his first race! When I rarely get the opportunity to run with my husband, I totally love it! Have a fun run today!

  • Runeatrepeat December 1, 2009, 8:48 am

    I just signed up for a half marathon a month after the full. I don’t know how fast I’ll be, but I really want to PR!

    I have always wanted to do a tri and actually bought a wet suit and bike to train for it a few years back. But it was senior year of college and way too crazy to train. I will rock one out someday 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 1, 2009, 8:51 am

    I think it is awesome that you are already planning out your goals. And even cooler that you are running in England! My goal is most likely to do another fitness competition in the Spring. Training the for the routine portion is really difficult and time consuming, but totally worth it in the end. 🙂

  • SweetiePotato December 1, 2009, 8:52 am

    I love that heart shaped dish!

    All I’m working on right now is increasing my daily running milage! Gotta take baby steps 🙂

  • Megan December 1, 2009, 8:55 am

    It’s so so so smart to plan out your post-marathon goals. I didn’t do it after my first three (how long does it take a girl to learn her lesson?!!) and found myslef “recovering” for about four months before getting back in shape. I’m running Disney Marathon in Jan, so I booked a flight to New Orleans in late Feb. for the Rock ‘n Roll half marathon there. I’m shooting for a PR so that I make sure to keep training! Then…who knows?! Maybe you’ll inspire me to do my first tri!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 1, 2009, 8:55 am

    I’m going to run another half marathon in the Spring. I did the same on in 2008 but took a break from running this year, just sticking to shorter distances. I can’t wait!

  • Erica December 1, 2009, 8:56 am

    Hi! How are you? That is so fun that you two are running a race together on your trip. You must be getting really excited to go. Great goals. You are def an inspiration 🙂 Right now- I want to finish my first half on December 20! After that…not sure yet???

  • Mellissa December 1, 2009, 8:59 am

    I think its good to have goals established for after a big event, it gives you more to look forward to. I am currently working on getting into yoga and it has been about a month and a half and I am really liking it so far!

  • Brittney December 1, 2009, 9:00 am

    My fitness goal is very small when compared to your’s 🙂 I would really like to take up running. I go in spurts where I run on a regular basis and then quite for awhile. The longest distance I’ve ever run was 3 miles back in the summer and I would like to up that. I’ve started to get back in to running recently so hopefully I can stick with it this time 🙂

  • Susan December 1, 2009, 9:00 am

    I think those sound like perfect post-marathon goals!!! Although, I bet once you finish, you’ll conveniently forget about the training part of one and want to do another 😉

    I’m on a bit of a race “hiatus” for the winter. My current goal is to concentrate on weight training and “beef up” a little. Now that my weight has finally stabilized, I want to add some muscle tone.

    As for long-term goals, I want to do my first half-marathon in May, a duathlon in June and a metric century in September! I’m tempted to do another sprint triathlon this summer, but it will have to be one in a pool. I just can’t do the lake swim again.

  • Meredith December 1, 2009, 9:01 am

    Good morning! I studied abroad in London during the summer of 2005 (including during the terrorist bombings). I ran in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park at least three days a week. I LOVE LONDON! Can’t wait to read about your trip.

  • j.l. December 1, 2009, 9:03 am

    I just did my first half marathon last sunday.now it is wintering in philly (booo!). i hate being cold, so i might shelf outdoor running for a while, but come spring, i have a bunch of 5ks and the broad street run (10 miles).

    but my big show for 2010: riding the multiple sclerosis society’s city to shore ride – two day 175 miles bike ride from philly to ocean city, nj and back with my special guy friend. it’ll be his 4th year riding (and 10th with ms — he kicks major ass!)

    if my legs don’t fall off…i want to revisit that philly half marathon again! coming full circle, baby!

  • Britt - Runnerbelle December 1, 2009, 9:03 am

    Right now I’m taking it a bit easy after the NYC Marathon, but trying to maintain around 30 miles a week. After the holidays I’m back into training mode for the Boston Marathon and lots of other local races, including a series that starts on Jan 1st.

    2010 goals – ski more this winter, run 3 marathons, break 20 min 5K, do my first tri, start biking more!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) December 1, 2009, 9:03 am

    delish look breakfast! I love the plating 😉

    So excited live vicariously through you on your trip! I LOVE London!

  • Amanda December 1, 2009, 9:04 am

    Thanks for the link/reply to the holiday gift ideas! I even read that post when you published it…

    Is there anyway to get a better memory? haha

  • Amanda December 1, 2009, 9:04 am

    I’ve been thinking about this alot lately too. I’m running my first half in January and was wondering what I would do after that. I have no desire at all to train for a marathon, although I would love the experience with a full time 12 hour shift job and a toddler thats just not possible right now. I haven’t quite decided what will be next on my agenda.

  • RhodeyGirl December 1, 2009, 9:05 am

    Post-Marathon Goal #4: Do the Sprint Triathlon with PB and I in New Jersey July 24!

  • megan December 1, 2009, 9:06 am

    I never seem to make fitness goals over the winter, except to just in general stay in shape. I’m trying to convince my husband to run his first ever race with me in the spring. just a 5k (unless he wants to do the 10k). I have no doubt he could do it, he’s in better shape than I am, he just doesn’t want to run a race. plus races are so expensive when you both run in them. but anyway, that’s my goal…convince my husband to run a race 🙂

  • kilax December 1, 2009, 9:07 am

    How cool that you are going to do a race in England! I think that is so neat.

    Great goals! I would like to do a tri sometime. For now, my goal is to not get injured! I may take up yoga this winter, too. We are training for the Disney Half Marathon on 1/9, but cannot afford to go. So once that training ends, I will move my running days so I can attend a yoga class.

  • Kath December 1, 2009, 9:09 am

    Freezing credit cards wouldn’t work for me because I have my numbers MEMORIZED 😉

    • Julie @savvyeats December 1, 2009, 11:18 am

      Ha, I was just thinking the same thing…

  • Erin December 1, 2009, 9:10 am

    My parents used to do the London Marathon every year — gorgeous course! 😀

  • Lindsey @ EatReadRun December 1, 2009, 9:12 am

    Love your post-marathon goals. I hit a bit of a slump after my marathon. Once my runner’s high was gone, I was like “What now?” It’s good that you’ve got some other goals to keep you moving and focused. My new goal is to qualify for Boston in 2011. Until then, I plan to run a few half marathons, 10ks and 5ks to better my times. Goals are great!! Best of luck with your marathon.

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans December 1, 2009, 9:13 am

    My boyfriend just ran his first 5k and now he’s hooked! I’ve got a couple of smaller races, a 9k and another half on my radar for this season…

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers December 1, 2009, 9:16 am

    what amazing goals. i would love to feel like i could just go out an run a half marathon at the drop of a hat!

  • Beth December 1, 2009, 9:18 am

    Doing a race in England sounds like so much fun! Totally different scenery to run through :O). Best of luck to you both!!

  • Lee December 1, 2009, 9:21 am

    Haha, love the frozen credit cards. That’s awesome.

    I’d like to eventually run another marathon. I ran one in 2007 and haven’t done another. Or to do a sub 2:10 half.

  • Erin December 1, 2009, 9:25 am

    Oh my god, that is seriously hilarious! All I could think of was Confessions of a Shopaholic when she is trying to thaw out her cards. I think that was my favorite part of that movie…

    I’m starting training for a half marathon in May! I’m terrified/excited!!

  • VeggieGirl December 1, 2009, 9:26 am

    Current fitness goal = move LESS and be kinder to my body.

  • Caroline December 1, 2009, 9:26 am

    Oh my gosh I’d love to run a race through Hyde Park! Or anywhere in England really… I got to spend Christmas in England a few years ago and loved it.

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner December 1, 2009, 9:28 am

    Love your heart-shaped bowl! So cute!

    I have felt a little lost since my half-marathon is over….going to work on a faster 5k for this spring. And more yoga!

  • Kara December 1, 2009, 9:28 am

    Training for a full marathon is my major current fitness goal, but my current mini goals are to run a sub-2:30 half marathon and work on my speed in shorter races (5Ks and 4-milers).

  • Gloria December 1, 2009, 9:28 am

    That race route looks awesome! I *heart* London.

    My goals are to stop making crazy fitness goals and just have fun with it. I get so caught up with my training schedule that I don’t leave myself time to breathe. I have a metric century coming up in 2 weeks and I had a 25 mile ride that I was so stressed about fitting into my busy day yesterday. My mom called and wanted to hang out, but I had to turn her down. Then I was listening to the radio on my ride home and heard my favorite DJ in tears about his mother who had shockingly passed away this weekend. Life is too short. I ditched my ride, called my mom back, and we sat on the floor of my living room making Christmas cards, watching Elf, and eating ice cream all night 🙂 Best.decision.ever.

    …but don’t get me wrong, a century ride is on the top of my list too!! Lake Tahoe 2010?! 😉

  • Gracie December 1, 2009, 9:29 am

    Wow, good for you to have so many goals lined up! And ambitious ones, too! I love that you get to race in England – and great way to stay motivated during the count down to the race too!

    http://complicatedday.blogspot.com/

  • sarah (ghost world) December 1, 2009, 9:30 am

    post-race plans!? torn between picking a spring race and trying to qualify for boston and retiring from marathons altogether (at least for a few years). we’ll see!

  • Ashley December 1, 2009, 9:32 am

    I watched my friend complete a triathlon once. The swim portion looked out of control as in – unsafe. I’m sure they are- but to me it looked like pure chaos.

    Since I’m just starting out my goals aren’t as impressive as yours- but I would like to run a 5k and then a 10k next year.

  • Emily Eats and Exercises December 1, 2009, 9:35 am

    I’m so jealous that there is a triathlon in March. Here in Boston I have to wait until warmer weather. I’m most excited for more triathlons (I’d like to do a few more sprint distance before going for olympic) but in the meantime I’m working on my running. I’d like to sign up for a 10K and I’m hoping for a 1/2 marathon in July.

  • Teacherwoman December 1, 2009, 9:36 am

    Those look like some great post-marathon goals! I would like to try some different distances and events this coming year. I am hoping to get in another half marathon, my first olympic triathlon, a century ride, and a few other odds and ends as well.

  • Jessica (Mile High Jess) December 1, 2009, 9:41 am

    I think those are great goals. It’s good that you’re going to do some things other than running after the marathon. Since I couldn’t run for an entire month after mine I did lots of crosstraining too. After my break it was time to slowly start training for my first 1/2 marathon (yep I did it backwards). I have to say though, don’t push yourself too hard right after the marathon. Give those knees some time to recover.:)

    • Jessica (Mile High Jess) December 1, 2009, 1:39 pm

      I forgot my fitness goals…duh. I would like to finish my next 1/2 under 2 hours and my next marathon in 4.5 hours. As long as I remain injury free I think they are totally attainable.

  • alli December 1, 2009, 9:42 am

    how cute! i bet he gets hooked and you two are the running power couple! i love it!
    i’ve been working towards a marathon, but since my stress fracture i’ve been biking instead of running. it’s fun and a really tough workout, i feel like i am going fast but i end up around 12 mph. do you have any tips?!
    next year i’d like to have completed a marathon and my first triathlon. other than that, not sure 🙂
    good luck with your goals!

    • Caitlin December 1, 2009, 10:14 am

      gaining speed on the bike is the same as gaining speed on foot – you must do speed work! i try to do 0.25 mile sprints on the bike occasionally. http://www.bicycle.com has great resources.

  • Abby (Nibble, Nourish, Run) December 1, 2009, 9:42 am

    That’s a GREAT 10K! I’ve been in London lots on Jan 1 (parents live there) and seen that race before…you’ll have such a great time!

  • Julie December 1, 2009, 9:46 am

    WE have a lot of the same goals. I was scheduled to do Disney in Jan but I’m nursing an injury so I’m doing the Eugene Marathon in May. My 2010 sounds a lot like yours. I’ve done two marathons but I’ve actually never run an official 1/2 marathon before so I would like to have one or two of those under my belt soon. I am also doing a 15.5 mile trail run in Feb called the Mud Run -it is soooo much harder than road running, isn’t it?! I’ve done two 1/2 Ironmans but I’m planning on mostly olys this year so I can focus on getting my run faster. I have some serious swim trouble every year in open water until I get used to it. My advice is to just keep getting out there for the open water practice and you’ll do just fine come race day.

  • Evan Thomas December 1, 2009, 9:47 am

    I would love to run a marathon some day! I’ve built my milage up to 70 or so per week and 15 is my longest run yet, so it’s just a matter of time

  • Julie December 1, 2009, 9:49 am

    That is sooo awesome you are running a race in London! How cool!?! I bet it’ll be a tiny bit colder than the Florida temps you’re used to 🙂
    My current fitness goals are to keep up my running through winter, which is hard for me when it gets cold. I’m a little baby in the cold. I have a 5 miler Dec 19th and I’m hoping to get into the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC in April, meaning…must.keep.running.all.winter! I eventually want to run a half and maybe even full. I have been increasing my mileage to about 8-10 miles per run…just for fun, and to see how far I can run. So addicting!!

  • Rose December 1, 2009, 9:49 am

    That frozen credit card back is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. And smart!

  • Kate December 1, 2009, 9:50 am

    I am training for my first half marathon! The Disney Princess half in March then hopefully the Cherry Blossom 10 miler!! Best thing I did was sign up for a training program – 20 weeks of scheduled runs!! I do have to work on getting more runs in on my own but I have no desire to get out of bed to run in sub freezing temps 🙁

    • Caitlin December 1, 2009, 10:15 am

      you and julie (#43) should talk – you both are doing the cherry blossom 10 miler!

  • Whit December 1, 2009, 9:56 am

    Honestly? I’m just looking to get through my marathon. I CANNOT wait to have Saturday mornings to myself again.

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life December 1, 2009, 10:05 am

    Run a half marathon this March. And run a Whole Marathon by 2012!!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) December 1, 2009, 10:05 am

    Great goals! I think a triathalon would be SO cool to do.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 1, 2009, 10:11 am

    The credit card in the frozen bag is too cute!

    It reminds me of the movie “Shopoholic” 🙂

  • Kara December 1, 2009, 10:14 am

    Those are some great goals! I love the frozen credit cards, not a bad idea. I’ve actually done these things myself recently, but I think some of my grad school text books are too old…no offers 🙁

    My current fitness goals are to ride a century and to increase my yoga practice from 2 to 4 times per week…

  • skinnyrunner December 1, 2009, 10:15 am

    i love your different post marathon goals. my goal right now is to run my first marathon this weekend in vegas!
    how cool to run a race abroad! that would be awesome.

  • Jen Carder December 1, 2009, 10:16 am

    I’ve been doing Tris for a couple of years now and I’m actually training for an Ironman now. However, I totally understand about the open-water fear. I wrote a little article about how to overcome that fear:

    http://www.experiencetriathlon.com/helix/?q=node/26420

    It might help you with your post-marathon goals. Good luck with your marathon! It’s all about picturing yourself at the finish line…

  • Lisa December 1, 2009, 10:17 am

    Happy December to you! I’m running a marathon at the end of March so that’s big goal number 1 at the moment. Post marathon: Mountain to Valley Relay Race – this was one of the best races I’ve ever done and I think you and your friends would have a blast if you did one. Over a 24hr period, each team member runs a leg of the 200km course (averages out to a total of 17-27km per person over three runs). I ran two legs at night, one of them at 2am and it was the best experience ever. Just have to finalize my team!

    Next goal, also a triathlon, in May – I think it’s 750 meter swim, 25km bike, 10km run. I’ve been taking swimming lessons for this over the past few months and once the weather gets warm again I’ll have to get into the sea to overcome any fears about that.

    I’m am definitely psyched about these goals – but most of my friends think I’m nuts!

  • Alison December 1, 2009, 10:21 am

    love all your goals. i bet you’re definitely interested in some races that involve more than running. i wish i could get into swimming but i don’t really enjoy it. that’s great that you’re signed up for a race in england. i’d be so focused on tea time i’d forget.

  • Kristie Lynn December 1, 2009, 10:21 am

    I need to currently keep myself in “spur of the moment” half marathon shape, as you put it 🙂 I am signed up for my first marathon, but it isn’t until the end of May, so until my official training starts I just need to make sure I’m not slacking off (which I have been, sadly)!

  • Allison December 1, 2009, 10:27 am

    I have always been active but recently (due in part to reading your blog) I have decided that I want to challenge myself to start running. I’ve been practicing the Galloway method and really enjoying it! My goal is to run a 5k race without walking in January! Thanks for all the inspiration:)

  • Courtney December 1, 2009, 10:28 am

    I did my first sprint tri this past summer, but at the end of the season so I just got a teaser taste of what a tri is like! My goal is to get in even better tri shape and do a few next summer…at least one sprint and possibly an olympic distance. I also want to run a 10k which will be a new PDR for me. Gets me all giddy talking about meeting these goals! Maybe this is what I need to break my rut…on my blog today I talk about the rut I’m in, probably cuz I have no events scheduled right now.

    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • Anne@ the doctor takes a wife December 1, 2009, 10:42 am

    I think all of your stories about training are so inspiring!! I just read about your triathlon and am amazed at your strength and good sense to finish things that you start.

    I’m trying to shape up and be healthier and am doing the Couch to 5k to try to run my first 5k in the spring. I’ve never been a runner, but am trying to change it with babysteps.

    After that 5k, I want to keep going and do a 10k, and then whatever comes after that.

    Thanks for all the awesome stories!!

  • Deirdre December 1, 2009, 10:54 am

    I’m not really a runner but I made the goal that in 2010 I WILL run in at least one 5K race.

  • Jason @ Cant-Coach-Desire December 1, 2009, 11:00 am

    Run my first marathon next fall and qualify for Boston. Its ambitious, but within reach based upon my half PR. I’m not built for marathon running so I don’t have many of them in me and Boston is an ultimate goal of mine. I had planned to run one this fall, but decided to work on my base longer. Also, to lose 10 lbs. to assist with the marathon goal, but to maintain current strength & muscle mass along the way.

    Maybe, a half-ironman someday.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 1, 2009, 11:03 am

    That’s a great list of goals. That trail run looks awesome…and intense!!

    Your credit cards in ice made me laugh– it reminded me of Confessions of a Shopaholic 🙂

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries December 1, 2009, 11:08 am

    I think your goals are much more interesting than simply training for a marathon. I say simply like that’s an easy thing haha but you know…

    I’m just trying to stay interested in/committed to fitness during this season of the bessssssst eating 🙂

  • Emily Eats December 1, 2009, 11:09 am

    Hello! ~
    Unrelated for the most part, but since you’re going to be in Hyde Park, I just wanted to mention this http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

    Good for you with the finance month too. I started my own finance spreadsheet and it’s being great at helping me plan in advance. We split the bills so we’re each responsible for different ones. I prefer it to a joint account where I felt like I needed to ask permission to spend. I applaud your honesty once again 🙂
    Have a great day.

  • Courtney December 1, 2009, 11:12 am

    Half marathon May 8! It will be my first in 5 years. I’m excited. I’m not sure what my plans are from there…..I REALLY want to do a tri and would love to do a 100 mile bike race. I have lots of issues with being a very busy person though!

  • brandi December 1, 2009, 11:18 am

    that’ll be such a fun run in England! What a fun experience 🙂

  • Julie @savvyeats December 1, 2009, 11:20 am

    Those are some intense fitness goals!

    Right now I’m focusing on building up my strength, training for my half (Disney Princess in March), and training for our honeymoon bike ride (avg 40 miles a day for 7 days!)

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life December 1, 2009, 11:30 am

    Right now, I’m focusing on discipline to get up and exercise!

  • Meg C. December 1, 2009, 11:31 am

    Isn’t the point of a race to feel spent at the end? That means you gave it your all and did the best you could. I always thought if I finished feeling strong it meant I had more to give that I didn’t use.

    • Caitlin December 1, 2009, 11:32 am

      hmm good point. i mean, id prefer to feel like i did my best but not that i want to die… which i seriously wanted to die at the end of crooms, and not because i was in awesome shape and super pushing it… because i was in mediocre shape and super pushing it. dont know if that makes sense!

  • Lindsay December 1, 2009, 11:34 am

    Those are awesome goals!

    Although, you could not PAY me to run anything on January 1st 😀
    No New Years celebrations for you?! hehe

  • Traci December 1, 2009, 11:55 am

    I love setting goals. So important to me. I talked about it a little on my blog today too. Last night I completed day 30 of my 30 Day Bikram Challenge. Felt so good. On day one I set goals for myself to accomplish along the way. I think it’s so important to always be working towards completing a goal.

  • Vicki December 1, 2009, 12:04 pm

    Great goals! I’ve been thinking about this a lot the past few days. My big goal the past several weeks has been to be ready for a half marathon this coming Sunday. After that, I think I just want to do a few more half marathons trying to improve and then start training for a full.

  • Jordan @ Salt Sweat Sugar December 1, 2009, 12:07 pm

    I love that credit card idea. I just paid my American Express off, but it offers just good perks, it’s the one I actually want to keep around, but it has the high interest rate until January 2010. Boooo.

  • Katie F December 1, 2009, 12:12 pm

    My goals are to increase my mileage and run my city running club’s “trail series.” 4 races, each a month apart, 5k to 10k to 15k to 20k! If you do them all you get a Survivor shirt. The downside is that it’s cold, wet northern Illinois and the races are Dec, Jan, Feb, March on trails! I’m kind of nervous about falling or twisting or otherwise injuring myself.

    As far as finishing a race and feeling strong, I’m totally with you! Feeling like death at the end of a race is not appealing, though my HS xcountry coach used to nag us if we managed to sprint the end, because it meant we could have put forth more effort during the race! He said if you have enough energy to sprint the end, you weren’t running the race to your fullest ability.

  • Erin December 1, 2009, 12:22 pm

    I used to do the frozen credit cards thing, and let me tell you, it WORKS! I’m not terribly proud of myself when I think back to the one or two late nights I spent on the floor of my kitchen, trying to break the giant block of ice surrounding my visa…oy.

    Good luck!

    • Kelly December 3, 2009, 10:28 pm

      I hate to burst the frozen credit-card bubble, but…you know you could run that block of ice under running water and have it free to use within about 2 minutes?! I guess I am too cynical to use this trick! And also my numbers are memorized, like Kath’s, so I guess I’m maybe just jealous I haven’t found a trick that works for me!

      • Caitlin December 4, 2009, 8:06 am

        hahahha this made me LOL. it’s more about them NOT being in my wallet I suppose. it’s hard to lug around a block of ice 🙂

  • Kelly December 1, 2009, 12:23 pm

    Gain speed in shorter races, duathalon, triathalon, metric century, century. We should train for the century together! 🙂

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run December 1, 2009, 12:25 pm

    I wish I was @ your house for breakfast this mornin’! : )

  • Allison December 1, 2009, 12:29 pm

    How long of a break from running do you plan to take after the marathon before you start training for other things?

    My goal is to run another 1/2 marathon and to break 1:50! I was 1:53 at my first one two months ago, so I think this goal is definitely attainable!

    • Caitlin December 1, 2009, 12:30 pm

      i think i wont want to run for at least a week, and i’ll probably take it easy for another week… just need to see how i feel, basically!

      • Allison December 1, 2009, 1:05 pm

        I’ve heard that it takes 1 day to recover for every mile of a race. That may not be true for everyone, but I think it was pretty true for my half. I could run after a few days off, but it took about 2 weeks for me to get back to feeling normal and running full speed.

      • Jessica (Mile High Jess) December 1, 2009, 1:38 pm

        I’m with you Allison. Both my coaches and physical therapist told me not to run for 26 days. In that time I was more than welcome to cross-train but not run.

  • Ellen December 1, 2009, 12:33 pm

    That’s so cute that you and the hubs are running together in England! My boyfriend is from London…I’d LOVE to do that with him one day. As for my fitness goals, I want to push myself harder. I’m athletic and I know what my body is capable of, but I have a hard time motivating myself to take it to the next level. I want to feel like an athlete again, not just a girl who works out so I can justify the slice of pizza I had for dinner!
    (http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/)

  • Tay December 1, 2009, 12:41 pm

    So very inspiring 🙂 I think it’s a great idea to get variety in your goals and not just aim to run marathon after marathon. I really want to race in a tri someday, but first need to buy a bike and get into biking. A trail run would also be awesome 🙂

    I love the fact that you guys are running together in England!! I ran around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens while there and it was so beautiful and just a great experience!

  • Mel @midwestmomtris.blogspot.com December 1, 2009, 12:48 pm

    Great goals!! I can’t imagine having my butt on a bike for 100 miles!

    I don’t have any races planned till summer of ’10. I’m going to do a 70.3 tri & an olympic distance. I have performance goals for each of those. Maybe I’ll throw in a late season half marathon,too. I keep getting injured when I train for half mary’s though. Ugh.

  • Jenna December 1, 2009, 1:40 pm

    great goals!
    jenna

  • Wendy December 1, 2009, 1:44 pm

    Good for you for wanting to try the not-so-good races again!

    I’m currently on a running semi-hiatus (meaning: I’m too darn busy to run!), but I’m eyeing two half marathons this spring – one in April, one in May. A month is enough time to recover between races, right? I hope?

    Long term, I really, really, really want to do a full marathon sometime in the next two years, and someday I’d like to try a triathlon. I’m really worried about freaking out on the swim, though! Even though I had swim lessons all through my childhood, I thought I was going to drown the first time I tried snorkeling! I’m better now, but I can barely make it the length of the pool without getting water up my nose and having to stop.

  • Hethir December 1, 2009, 3:04 pm

    I am currently training for a half marathon on Feb. and hope to enjoy it. I would love to do a 15mi trail run though. That sounded like it was a great challenge. I too am training for my first triathlon (may), but am having trouble getting motivated about the bike. Did you ever go through that or have you always loved riding the bike?

    • Caitlin December 1, 2009, 3:06 pm

      i was kind of forced to heart my bike because at the time, i couldnt run. i think its fun to do sprint workouts on the bike- that kept me interested!

  • ashleigh December 1, 2009, 3:56 pm

    your husband sounds awesome! he’s vegetarian AND he runs with you- you are one lucky gal 🙂 I bet that run would be a lot of fun to complete together.

    It’s awesome to see you still into biking even though your knee is healed. I am sure you will one day finish that triathalon up!

    my current fitness goals are to keep running so that I can compete in a 5k soon. I can run 2 miles, but not quote 3.1 yet!

  • Maria December 1, 2009, 4:23 pm

    Sounds like your head is in the game! I’d love to do a triathalon someday but I’m nowhere near ready!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 1, 2009, 6:37 pm

    That credit card trick doesn’t work for me because I use them mostly online and have them memorized. 🙂

    I have a 10K planned for the spring and a 1/2 marathon for the fall. I also want to run a 4 mile race on 4th of July so I can improve my time.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 1, 2009, 7:21 pm

    Great goals!!! I have just started triathlons (only small ones) and completely know how you feel re the swim! I still get nervous before every swim. My ultimate goal is to compete in a half ironman….. 🙂

  • Cyn Marie December 1, 2009, 7:25 pm

    My goal is to get in good enouh shape to do the shorter versio of the MS ride. My company has done it numerous timess and from what I hear it is a blast and you get to camp out in between days!

  • Jess December 1, 2009, 7:31 pm

    I have my first marathon (Big Sur) in April, Calgary 70.3 tri in August, a couple other tris and the MS Bike Tour (180k). Unfortunately I live in a very cold area so there’s pretty much no races from November to March. I miss racing.

    I also want to get more into barefoot/minimalist running (especially on trails) because I believe it’ll get me to an ultra one day.

  • Nicci@NiftyEats December 1, 2009, 9:13 pm

    I’m working on abs and losing some more weight!

  • Carolyn December 1, 2009, 10:54 pm

    I think it’s fantastic that you’ve even attempted so much!

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