2010 In Review

Last year (2010) was a breakthrough year for me. On all fronts, it was easily my best year of running to date.

Highlights:

I ran 1,651 miles in 2010, which is the most I've ever done in a year (averages of 31.75 miles/week and 4.54 miles/day).

I ran 239 miles in December, which is the most I've ever done in a month (averages of 53.95 miles/week and 7.71 miles/day. I also ran on every day in December, which was a first.

I completed two marathons (Missoula 4:02; Green Mountain 3:53).

Monthly mileage totals:

Jan 47.8
Feb 77.8
Mar 77.8
Apr 101.0
May 156.1
Jun 145.8
Jul 97.2
Aug 170.1
Sep 184.5
Oct 144.3
Nov 209.5
Dec 239.2

My 2010 running goal was to finish two marathons, which I did. To reflect on the training and the marathons themselves: I don't know how I got through the Missoula training alive. I went into that training thinking that I was a lot more fit than I actually was and paid big time. I finished the marathon but in some 12 minutes slower than my finishing time at Hartford in 2007 (on the same training). I lost those 12 minutes in training way too hard for my fitness level. The Green Mountain training went much better, but again, I made some mistakes. The first mistake I made was running on only four days/week and overemphasizing strength training. I'm training to become a better runner not weight-lifter. I also ran my tempos way too hard and paid on marathon day, improving over Missoula by only 9 minutes. I thought I was in much better shape than that.

My 2011 running goals are much loftier but not unrealistic, based on my training as of late. I'd like to run at least one mile on every day in 2011, run 100 miles in a week, and qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ran an easy three miles today. 364 more runs to go.

Happy New Year!