4 days until my 10th marathon ever, and 3rd of 2013. I'm happy this whirlwind of 3 marathons in 7 weeks will be coming to an end this Sunday. Don't get me wrong, it's been a blast training for Fox Valley, running Chicago with my L and now running Naperville this weekend with my BFF Kim. I'm just ready to move on to other goals and not have the gray cloud of 26.2 looming over my head.
I've taken a much needed break post Fox Valley as evidened by weeks 39-present. Mentally and physically I'm ready to start tackling new goals and building a good base for whatever 2014 has in store for me.
I've been looking at 2014 marathons, but am trying to not get too consumed by it all. At the end of the day I love running. It's fun. My family comes first. I have some goals that I want to achieve, but my health and family life is more important. Being injury free for almost a year is making my heart and mind jump for joy with all sorts of crazy thoughts. This is the longest I've been without a significant injury. And I need to keep it that way.
I'm viewing Naperville as a spring board towards 2014 and as a "reset" in my life. There's a lot of areas I need to work on in and now is the time to address those deficiencies so 2014 will be the best year to date.
I'm so excited to see some of my favorite people in the world this weekend and have a blast running 26.2 miles through Naperville with a wonderful friend.
Let the next chapter begin!*
*Hopefully full of wild achievements, amazing memories and silly vine videos. All while maintaining a healthy balance.
--Xaar
A year sounds like such a long time for a runner to be injury-free! Mine have all been overuse/I have no idea what I'm doing types of injuries, so I'm hoping next year is a little better on that front for me :)
ReplyDeleteI think we're always evolving, and perhaps always needing to shift focus to different areas (or deficiencies, if you will), so I hope you're able to work on whatever you need to next year.
Good luck to you and Kim on Sunday!
I hope you find that magical balance where you can be injury free too. It's been so frustrating to get an injury each year that requires 3+ months off. So I'm just incredibly thankful at this point :)
DeleteSo thrilled you have gotten through this year injury free! I am in the crippled corner, but will be cheering you on at Naper! Kick some ass, and I pray to get one of your awesome high fives.
ReplyDeleteTell me where approximately you will be and that high 5 is yours! :)
DeleteAlmost here! What a fun way to end a great year of racing for you. On to bigger and better in 2014. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteBeing injury free for over a year is a big accomplishment. Training smart makes a world of difference. I love your positive attitude and I know you're going to have a great 2014!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) it's taken a lot of mistakes to get to this point but hopefully remaining injury free will continue a lot longer :)
Deletecan't wait to hand you and Kim Twizzlers on Sunday. We don't know our location yet, I am going to do a test drive on Saturday and get a better idea.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely post where you'll be the night before and we will be sure to find you and V :)
DeleteLove your marathon analysis table! :) It looks like Ann Arbor might offer the best temps and it is early enough that you have better odds of carrying your current fitness level into that race than one that is later. I am thinking about LA in early March (my PR course) and it is already within the 18 week window, so basically my Chicago Marathon training was my base training for LA. Anyway, remaining healthy is such a spectacular feeling. It's good to remind myself of that when I try to get too fast too early in my training cycle (which is my biggest nemisis!). Have fun this weekend!
ReplyDeleteAww! I love your vines and can't wait to see more in 2014! And until the end of 2013. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited for Sunday even though I have this STUPID FREAKING COLD. No matter what happens, I know it will be good, because, duh, I am running, and duh2, RUNNING WITH YOU!
Being injury free this year is a HUGE deal! Gosh. Now that I think about it, that is almost more important than time goals... or is it? GAH! I don't know! I want you to have both! LOL! Excited to see what you are up to in 2014! :)
late posting, so I guess it isn't 4 days anymore!
ReplyDeleteI hope all your race photos are epic, full of smiles and energy! Run strong!