September 5, 2013

Looking back and ahead

I finally organized my  "Upcoming races" and "Race results" pages. My upcoming races make me excited. I really love running half marathons, and I can't wait to start in October (in a costume)! But, it really made me sad because it doesn't have the St. Pete Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on it. I received the news on Wednesday that one of my favorite races is cancelled. I'm still sad about it, but it's time to find another February half marathon.

Some options:
  • Best Damn Race, Feb. 1, 2014: I'm already signed up for the 10K (because I love this race), but I'm thinking about upgrading to the half. For anyone interested in this race (and you all should be), there is currently a discount code, ROCKROLL, for $5 off. It is active until Sept. 17.
One of the best damn races from 2013
  • Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans, Feb. 2, 2014: I love Rock 'n' Roll, and I adore New Orleans. This seems like the perfect combination. Well, except for the fact that I live in Florida. And the fact that it's the day after the Best Damn Race that I'm already registered to run. But, if I could swing one of my favorite race series in one of my favorite cities, it would be pretty sweet! 
  • Gasparilla Distance Classic, Feb. 23, 2014: I've never run this race, and I hear good things ... but something keeps me from really wanting to do it. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe because I work a few blocks from the start line, and I want to keep my weekends away from work? I don't know. 
I'm not ready to make a decision yet (or say goodbye to Rock 'n' Roll St. Petersburg), but I do have some quality options when I am ready to move on.

While the "Upcoming races" page made me excited, the "Race results" page made me kind of sad/mad/determined. I was kind of upset looking at my half marathon times for the past year. I don't want to sound whiny or overlook accomplishments (because I did get a personal best, and I did run eight half marathons). But, I really think I could of and should of done better. So, that's what my goal is for this half marathon training cycle: become a faster half marathon-running turtle. 

How am I going to do that? Good question. I'm still working on that. But, I am going to start posting about my training weeks again. I need to see how I'm doing and for accountability. And, I'm going to get serious about some cross training. And, I'm going to work on silencing that pesky voice in my head that says, "I can't." I think that will do it. 

Have you ever run any of these races? What do you recommend? Have any other races for me to consider? Any tips for getting faster?

8 comments:

  1. I haven't run any of them but I am going to do the New Orleans Half. I figure a nice level route should be a good intro for my first 1/2.

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    1. Yes, I like the idea of flat courses! New Orleans is definitely flat ... and fun!

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  2. ...so I you don't know anyone else doing it, and if you can't make it to the packet pick up due to your race the day before I could get it for you.

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    1. Thank you so much for offering! I will definitely take you up on that if I end up doing!

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  3. The Best Damn race makes me laugh. I love a race with a sense of humor:). Sorry about your favorite race being cancelled that is a bummer. I think core work really helps with feeling stronger and like you can pick up the pace and is supposed to keep you injury free- that seems like a lot of pressure for my tiny abs. I am trying to do more of that anyway-we will see how it goes. I think you can get faster no problem-sometimes all it takes is believing that you can!

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  4. Posting my comment again - grrrr.... I am so bummed about the RnR Half not coming back tomSt Pete. I was really looking forward to running it a third year in a row. Ah well.... So, I'm going to do the Best Damn Race Half instead. Take that RnR!! I'll definitely do Gasparilla again - I've done the 8k two years in a row now, love it. I'm thinking I might do one of the challenges this time (eek!!!). Then I'll do the Sarasota Half again, I loved loved loved that one last year. If Iron Girl is in Clearwater again, then I'll do that half as well. But first, I still need to figure out how I'll pay for the races I want to do this year, lol. Hope to see you out there somewhere!

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    1. I think I'm doing a Gasparilla challenge, too! I love all the bling. Hopefully, I'll see you there, as well as other races!

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  5. Oh the RNR New Orleans sounds like it would be such a good time! I hear you on the frustration on half marathon times. I am trying so hard for the sub 2:30 that keeps eluding me. I'm looking forward to following along with your training!

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