Running Report: 2nd Quarter 2010 (aka The Halfway Point)

Another quarter has flown by and it is time to pause and take a look at the numbers, evaluate progress, and refocus on the next quarter. The end of the second quarter also marks the halfway point for my annual goals, so I would also like to take a look at the numbers and make sure that I am still on the right track for the year.

My running goals for 2010 are to:
1. Run 10 half marathons during the year 2010.
2. Record new personal records (PRs) in each distance.
3. Run 1,000 miles in 2010

Goal number 1: Run 10 half marathons during the year 2010.
The brisk racing schedule of half marathons slowed a bit in the second quarter. Most marathons and half marathons are held in the winter months here in Texas as it just starts to get too warm by the spring. This was reflected in my schedule as there were only two half marathons in the second quarter. This brings my total for the year to six--right on schedule for the halfway point. The first half marathon of the quarter was the Big D Texas Half Marathon held on April 11. I found it to be quite challenging with several hills in the mid-section of the race and warmer temperatures (for the spring anyway). Despite the hills and the humidity I managed personal record (PR) time of about 3 minutes! The second half marathon is a favorite of mine, the Heels and Hills Half, held on May 2. I knew that my chances of getting another PR were good as I had raced this course before and remembered it being fairly flat. I stuck with the 1:55 pace group and got a little extra guidance from Mark O. during the last 5K. I was completely shocked and amazed to see that I had gotten another PR by over three minutes. Mark provided me with some excellent pacing and showed me that I was capable of far more than I realized. We are in a bit of an off season for half marathons right now, it is just too hot. The next one on the schedule is the Hottest Half in August and then the schedule will pick up again in the fall/winter. I am really looking forward to it!

Goal number 2: Record new personal records (PRs) in each distance.
I can't say that I have had alot of opportunities for PRs this quarter. I raced two half marathons and got a new PR each time. I also raced a 20K (12.4 miles), technically a PR since I have only raced that distance twice but it wasn't one of my more stellar runs and certainly nothing to write home about. I'm not totally sure that I am fond of that distance--another half mile and you have the glory of a half marathon but otherwise it is a "whipping with a t-shirt." So for the halfway point I have PRs in 10K, 15K, 20K, and half marathon--the only distance missing for that goal is the 5K. I will be racing a 5K on July 3 (more about that later) and hope to record a new PR during that race. I am looking forward to the chance to "redo" my 10K PR in September. I have made some adjustments since that one was recorded and know that I can do it better. I am racing a 15K in July, but do not expect any PRs from that race. My goals shift in the summer and I begin to think about surviving the heat rather than blazing any new trails.

Goal number 3: Run 1,000 miles in 2010
While goals number 1 and 2 were my focus in the first quarter, I would say that goal number 3 became my focus in this quarter. It is always hot here in the summers, but it got hotter faster this year. If you know me, you know that I am not a fan of summer running--it is just hard and slow. I have drawn on this goal several times this month to get me out of the house and out on the trail. The exercise/social networking site Daily Mile helped me reach my 80 mile goal for June. I joined a challenge to run 80 miles in June and picked up a couple of extra miles at the end of the month just to ensure that I made it. See, peer pressure can be a good thing! My totals for each month were: 86.29 in April, 90.62 in May, and 81.47 in June. That brings the total for the quarter to 258.38. Add that to the first quarter (251.2) and you get 509.58--putting me just ahead of the halfway mark. I will continue to draw upon this goal during the hot summer months because it keeps me going when it is so hot.

So there you have it! I am ready to focus on the third quarter and second half of the year. The next quarter will be challenging as it includes the two hottest months of the year. I can guarantee you that I will whine and complain about the heat, but I will not let it stop me from getting out there and getting the work done.