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Ran a 10k - Official Thread (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ned
- Start date
tri-man 47
Footballguy
tri-man 47
Footballguy
ChiefD
Footballguy
Zasada
Footballguy
I was eyeing this 100K just under a month from now, but with da COVID I'm not comfortable running it. Case volume in TX makes it just too risky for me to infect my immune-compromised wife.
Reason I was considering it is that I feel like I'm in good shape (butt issues aside). Who knows if it's "100K" shape, but I'll never know until I try one.
Maybe we should build the 2021 FBG Race Calendar as a sign of optimism?
ETA: To actually answer your question, "no".
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Juxtatarot
Footballguy
Even the FFA? I know shutting down the PSF has been considered but I’ve assumed the FFA will be around as long as Joe owns the place and the company is profitable.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Woof. Tired legs.
But gorgeous day here...clear skies, no wind, low 50s...December 13?!
JShare87
Footballguy
JShare87
Footballguy
bushdocda
Footballguy
Not sure on specs relative to what you want but next 3 versions of Peregrine coming out in January 2021.
tri-man 47
Footballguy
11th Annual Year-End Reports
In this most unusual Covid year, follow Juxt the Rebel's free-form approach or use the following to organize your thoughts:
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
Race activity (if any)
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
In this most unusual Covid year, follow Juxt the Rebel's free-form approach or use the following to organize your thoughts:
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
Race activity (if any)
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
SteelCurtain
Footballguy
I was thinking the forums have really slowed down in the past few years. I hate to say it but I think it coincided with not being able to even post anything about females. It changed the overall vibe.
I'm not one to complain, but I certainly am in the FFA much less than in the past. Only because it was a better time-waster/mind-diversion in the past.
I figure if this got shut down, we would try to reconnect somewhere else by communicating through FB and/or strava. We may miss a couple people who aren't on there, but unless we identify a place now, I'm not sure what the alternative is.
El Floppo
Footballguy
tri-man 47
Footballguy
Catching up on the past month:
- Covid guys, sorry to hear about that! Hopefully you're all in the process of a full recovery.
- @SayWhat?, good to see your efforts to establish new routines. See if you drag @The Iguana along with you.
- @ChiefD, bummed that my butt went out on me just as I was trying the Shovel HM. I owe you one. But I can offer this from earlier today:
Planks:
2:00 straight
:40 left
:40 right
1:40 straight
5:00 total
- Covid guys, sorry to hear about that! Hopefully you're all in the process of a full recovery.
- @SayWhat?, good to see your efforts to establish new routines. See if you drag @The Iguana along with you.
- @ChiefD, bummed that my butt went out on me just as I was trying the Shovel HM. I owe you one. But I can offer this from earlier today:
Planks:
2:00 straight
:40 left
:40 right
1:40 straight
5:00 total
gianmarco
Footballguy
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gianmarco
Footballguy
gianmarco
Footballguy
gruecd
Footballguy
For the record, I have my Peloton account set up to automatically post my rides to Strava, so it does it for my other activities, too, and it's not worth the effort to go and delete them. I'd tell you guys what you can do, but I don't wanna get banned again. 
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El Floppo
Footballguy
Would it involve signing up with peloton for a nap class with a hot trainer? Sign me up if so.For the record, I have my Peloton account set up to automatically post my rides to Strava, so it does it for my other activities, too, and it's not worth the effort to go and delete them. I'd tell you guys what you can do, but I don't wanna get banned again.
gruecd
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
gruecd
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
gianmarco
Footballguy
gruecd
Footballguy
I ran 14 on the tread last night while watching Steelers/Bills. Wasn't terrible at all. Key is fan placement. One aimed at your face, the other at your body.
With the baby coming literally any day now, I'm guessing there will be more of these treadmill long runs on my agenda, too...
El Floppo
Footballguy
Hey... Really excited for you guys. If you don't have it already, I can't recommend The Happiest Baby book any more highly for new parents.
It's been a while, but the 5 "Ss" are lifesavers at 4am trying to calm the thing when you don't know which way is up. Swaddle....slap...shake...samurai... succotash? I'm pretty sure that's right.
gruecd
Footballguy
ChiefD
Footballguy
You should see some of the bike trainers...
This is gold. Pure gold.
Zasada
Footballguy
Nice setup. Looks similar to mine.
Couldn't help but notice -- do you have a brick foundation?
gruecd
Footballguy
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MAC_32
Footballguy
11th Annual Year-End Reports
My priority is me right now, so I’m taking a page out of @Juxtatarot's book and writing the below with a me focus. There will be a time in which I can shift focus away from just me again, but unfortunately that time is not right now.
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
I have been between 2,016 and 2,085 miles for 4 consecutive years. @Steel Curtain motivated me to set a 2,500 mile goal for this year, but if that ship hadn’t sailed by July 19 it certainly did that day. I’m currently sitting at 1,904 and I am more confident now than I was this time last week that I’ll top 2,000 and keep the streak alive. That said, I used the phrase threading a needle recently and that’s still true as I hit submit right now. There isn’t any contingency in my RoY plan.
And I have absolutely regressed this year. Although (mostly) not self-inflicted. This year has been about responding to blind side blows to the jaw. Am I going to let occurrences outside of my control knock me down? Or am I gonna get back up again?
I think the only time I had ever been in better condition than I was March 1 was 4 months prior. Absolutely cruised through a 20 mile progression workout on the back end of my first weekly trek up to 60. My HR rarely elevated much over 140 at a sub 7:30 pace for 13 miles before cranking it up for the finish – culminating in a 6:09 mile 20. I don’t know where I would’ve ended up BQ day in May, but I was clearly on a trajectory to one-up my conditioning as of Nov 1, 2019. Then it all went to hell.
I laughed it off at the time, but that overall race win March 8th was just the start. To not find out I had been disqualified until after I didn’t hear my name during the awards ceremony…woof. Then the NBA cancelled three days later starting the avalanche of cancellations we all remember. I remained in denial and soldiered on with (most of) my plan anyway, but as other races began meeting their doom over the next 2-3 weeks I accepted that it was only a matter of time before mine got the hammer too.
Thankfully we created the race series to distract me because I’m not sure how I would have responded had I not had that to fall back on at that time. My volume dipped significantly but not to concerning levels, especially considering all of the race specific quality I was doing. I was a little banged up after the series was over, so I took my time getting going again. Then I set out for a long run on a sweltering Sunday morning for my second consecutive week over 40 miles, which would have been the first time since April when BAM. Ran over by a car.
I think I am obligated to mentioned that, so when I look back on this report in a future year I am reminded of it (not that I'll ever forget it) but I don’t really want to go back into the details of that recovery. If future me is interested it’s chronicled throughout late summer in this thread. It was 3 months until I was structurally sound again and another 6 weeks before I was in any sort of racing condition. It was nowhere near A racing shape though. Part because I was 10-15 pounds overweight, but part because as I tried to reintroduce quality various ailments have surfaced as a result of not doing any quality over the last 3-4 months. I’m glad I raced and had a positive experience, but I have a lot of work ahead of me in order to get anywhere near the shape I was in this time last year.
Race activity (if any)
St. Paddy’s 10K – DQ, on pace for something just north of 37 (6 flat pace) and would have won had I not taken that wrong turn.
Down & Dirty 5 (Nov) – 5th overall, age group win. Given the terrain the time doesn’t matter to me. I think I ran just about as good of a race as I could give the shape that I was in, the type of course, and the hangover I ran through.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
Like I said before, having that race series to fall back on was necessary. It provided a distraction for both our sudden new reality as well as softened the blow of not knowing when I’d get another shot at a BQ. And I wouldn’t change a thing about my full shtick approach. I needed it for self-serving purposes. The more manufactured distractions I could come up with the better. So, find the biggest downhill within 30 minutes of my house then KAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHNNN!!! I don’t care that they came with an asterisk I’m taking full credit for those times cause covid:
5K – 16:59 (2016 PR – 16:27)
10K – 36:32 (2017 PR – 36:22, but not a race)
Mile – 4:35 (2017 PR – 4:42)
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
Somewhere between not good and hopeful. It’s going to be difficult to find time during daylight to run between now and January 9th, which is usually the beginning of the worst of winter. I say ‘hopeful’ above because think I will be in a better headspace come February if I find a way to get there in no worse than the condition that I am now. That being so far away is why I categorize my current mood as ‘not good’ though. In the meantime I am trying to remain hyper focused on the day in front of me rather than thinking about the big picture. Successfully do that about 50 more times and I will be where I need to be to begin to ascend again. That’s a lot of needed successes though.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
Nothing tangible. I think I responded to last spring’s BQ attempt going up in virus induced smoke about as well as I could, but I also don’t think I would respond well to a second Charlie Brown and the football okey-doke. So I am not setting any actual goals for 2021 - nor will I consider preparing for anything until at least February. This year has proven to me that I don’t need that racing carrot in front of me to keep going, but I am curious how well that’ll hold through the cold, dark, and gray period that lies ahead.
In a perfect world I do the race I was supposed to this past May – only I’ll do the half. Then use that as a springboard into a BQ attempt in November. There isn’t anything perfect about our current reality though. Nor will there be over the coming months. I will race something and possibly somethings this spring. I won’t gameplan accordingly in advance nor consider what’s next until at least that time though. My priority is getting to spring no worse than I am now, so in order to accomplish that I don't think I can think about anything other than that until I get there. And that gloomy outlook seems appropriate being on the back end of this absolutely dreadful year.
My priority is me right now, so I’m taking a page out of @Juxtatarot's book and writing the below with a me focus. There will be a time in which I can shift focus away from just me again, but unfortunately that time is not right now.
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
I have been between 2,016 and 2,085 miles for 4 consecutive years. @Steel Curtain motivated me to set a 2,500 mile goal for this year, but if that ship hadn’t sailed by July 19 it certainly did that day. I’m currently sitting at 1,904 and I am more confident now than I was this time last week that I’ll top 2,000 and keep the streak alive. That said, I used the phrase threading a needle recently and that’s still true as I hit submit right now. There isn’t any contingency in my RoY plan.
And I have absolutely regressed this year. Although (mostly) not self-inflicted. This year has been about responding to blind side blows to the jaw. Am I going to let occurrences outside of my control knock me down? Or am I gonna get back up again?
I think the only time I had ever been in better condition than I was March 1 was 4 months prior. Absolutely cruised through a 20 mile progression workout on the back end of my first weekly trek up to 60. My HR rarely elevated much over 140 at a sub 7:30 pace for 13 miles before cranking it up for the finish – culminating in a 6:09 mile 20. I don’t know where I would’ve ended up BQ day in May, but I was clearly on a trajectory to one-up my conditioning as of Nov 1, 2019. Then it all went to hell.
I laughed it off at the time, but that overall race win March 8th was just the start. To not find out I had been disqualified until after I didn’t hear my name during the awards ceremony…woof. Then the NBA cancelled three days later starting the avalanche of cancellations we all remember. I remained in denial and soldiered on with (most of) my plan anyway, but as other races began meeting their doom over the next 2-3 weeks I accepted that it was only a matter of time before mine got the hammer too.
Thankfully we created the race series to distract me because I’m not sure how I would have responded had I not had that to fall back on at that time. My volume dipped significantly but not to concerning levels, especially considering all of the race specific quality I was doing. I was a little banged up after the series was over, so I took my time getting going again. Then I set out for a long run on a sweltering Sunday morning for my second consecutive week over 40 miles, which would have been the first time since April when BAM. Ran over by a car.
I think I am obligated to mentioned that, so when I look back on this report in a future year I am reminded of it (not that I'll ever forget it) but I don’t really want to go back into the details of that recovery. If future me is interested it’s chronicled throughout late summer in this thread. It was 3 months until I was structurally sound again and another 6 weeks before I was in any sort of racing condition. It was nowhere near A racing shape though. Part because I was 10-15 pounds overweight, but part because as I tried to reintroduce quality various ailments have surfaced as a result of not doing any quality over the last 3-4 months. I’m glad I raced and had a positive experience, but I have a lot of work ahead of me in order to get anywhere near the shape I was in this time last year.
Race activity (if any)
St. Paddy’s 10K – DQ, on pace for something just north of 37 (6 flat pace) and would have won had I not taken that wrong turn.
Down & Dirty 5 (Nov) – 5th overall, age group win. Given the terrain the time doesn’t matter to me. I think I ran just about as good of a race as I could give the shape that I was in, the type of course, and the hangover I ran through.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
Like I said before, having that race series to fall back on was necessary. It provided a distraction for both our sudden new reality as well as softened the blow of not knowing when I’d get another shot at a BQ. And I wouldn’t change a thing about my full shtick approach. I needed it for self-serving purposes. The more manufactured distractions I could come up with the better. So, find the biggest downhill within 30 minutes of my house then KAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHNNN!!! I don’t care that they came with an asterisk I’m taking full credit for those times cause covid:
5K – 16:59 (2016 PR – 16:27)
10K – 36:32 (2017 PR – 36:22, but not a race)
Mile – 4:35 (2017 PR – 4:42)
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
Somewhere between not good and hopeful. It’s going to be difficult to find time during daylight to run between now and January 9th, which is usually the beginning of the worst of winter. I say ‘hopeful’ above because think I will be in a better headspace come February if I find a way to get there in no worse than the condition that I am now. That being so far away is why I categorize my current mood as ‘not good’ though. In the meantime I am trying to remain hyper focused on the day in front of me rather than thinking about the big picture. Successfully do that about 50 more times and I will be where I need to be to begin to ascend again. That’s a lot of needed successes though.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
Nothing tangible. I think I responded to last spring’s BQ attempt going up in virus induced smoke about as well as I could, but I also don’t think I would respond well to a second Charlie Brown and the football okey-doke. So I am not setting any actual goals for 2021 - nor will I consider preparing for anything until at least February. This year has proven to me that I don’t need that racing carrot in front of me to keep going, but I am curious how well that’ll hold through the cold, dark, and gray period that lies ahead.
In a perfect world I do the race I was supposed to this past May – only I’ll do the half. Then use that as a springboard into a BQ attempt in November. There isn’t anything perfect about our current reality though. Nor will there be over the coming months. I will race something and possibly somethings this spring. I won’t gameplan accordingly in advance nor consider what’s next until at least that time though. My priority is getting to spring no worse than I am now, so in order to accomplish that I don't think I can think about anything other than that until I get there. And that gloomy outlook seems appropriate being on the back end of this absolutely dreadful year.
lumpy19
Footballguy
bushdocda
Footballguy
gruecd
Footballguy
tri-man 47
Footballguy
Naps and baby books. No wonder the mods don't worry about monitoring this thread.
ChiefD
Footballguy
11th Annual Year-End Reports - ChiefD
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
2019 - 1326 Miles
2020 - 1023 Miles (with goal of 1100 by years end
2019 was inflated due to training for the Carmel marathon. The original plan for 2020 was to go balls out for my April half marathon to try and come in somewhere in the 1:3x
x range. If this was successful my plan was to fully launch into Operation Carmel Spring 2021 to see how low I could get my marathon time.
Alas, Covid happened so I have been throwing a pity part for myself for the last 9 months.
Race activity (if any)
The BMF Race Series. I didn't really work that hard at all to be honest. But, that was my first 10K ever, and I achieved PR's in all three distances:
1 Mile: 6:23
5K: 22:34
10K: 49:17
The regret is that I know I can be faster, but once again with running - you get out of it exactly what you put into it.
I was also lucky enough to get into an official half marathon race right when things were getting shut down in early March. I ran the Creve Coeur St. Paddy's Day Half Marathon with @gianmarco and mrs. gianmarco.
Finished in 1:52, but it was a beautiful day with good company, and I ended up with a sweet pint glass and pull over running shirt thingy.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series
No
Other 10K Thread moments
I thought there were some great moments still in 2020 for this group:
1. @gianmarco and the missus completing their first marathon. This is a big deal no matter when or where it happens. And I'm glad to see they are jumping right back on that horse for another run. The marathon can either crush you or invigorate you, and quite often it's both. But it's cool they are using it as a springboard for another try.
2. @gruecd - this guy wasn't phased by Covid and 2020 one bit. He made his own races, and holy hell did he execute those. Unreal the challenges he laid in front of himself and just blow them out of the water. Serious BMFery here.
3. @Juxtatarot - Just runs and runs and runs and runs and runs and runs. There is a reason why you are so good at this: your level of commitment even when there is nothing to race for is incredible. But you will be well positioned going forward when racing returns.
4. @El Floppo - it's just been cool seeing you getting back into a groove and just kicking ### every week.
In addition, just seeing more and more people joining Strava this year has been pretty cool. I know a lot of you guys have done some good things during the FBG BMF Race Series in the spring, and there are too many of you to mention because everyone did awesome there. So kudos for everyone here for participating and getting off your butts and just keep moving.
A special thanks goes to everyone who participated in the Thankful For My Blessings Half Marathon Run. And of course to you guys that donated money in honor of that.
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
I'm sad for our world. I'm sad for all of those people struggling with Covid and the aftermath of that.
For me, my plan is to live day by day. Try and wake up each day and not let the weight of the negative overpower the positive. I think it was @Brony or maybe @bushdocda who posted something along the lines of: "try and think of three positive things each day" to keep your mind in a positive light.
So that's what I'm going to try and do.
As for my running, I'm going to try and do at least something every day and try and build a better base this winter.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
The only goal I really have right now is mileage. Try and hit 100 miles a month at a minimum and go from there.
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
2019 - 1326 Miles
2020 - 1023 Miles (with goal of 1100 by years end
2019 was inflated due to training for the Carmel marathon. The original plan for 2020 was to go balls out for my April half marathon to try and come in somewhere in the 1:3x
x range. If this was successful my plan was to fully launch into Operation Carmel Spring 2021 to see how low I could get my marathon time.Alas, Covid happened so I have been throwing a pity part for myself for the last 9 months.
Race activity (if any)
The BMF Race Series. I didn't really work that hard at all to be honest. But, that was my first 10K ever, and I achieved PR's in all three distances:
1 Mile: 6:23
5K: 22:34
10K: 49:17
The regret is that I know I can be faster, but once again with running - you get out of it exactly what you put into it.
I was also lucky enough to get into an official half marathon race right when things were getting shut down in early March. I ran the Creve Coeur St. Paddy's Day Half Marathon with @gianmarco and mrs. gianmarco.
Finished in 1:52, but it was a beautiful day with good company, and I ended up with a sweet pint glass and pull over running shirt thingy.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series
No
Other 10K Thread moments
I thought there were some great moments still in 2020 for this group:
1. @gianmarco and the missus completing their first marathon. This is a big deal no matter when or where it happens. And I'm glad to see they are jumping right back on that horse for another run. The marathon can either crush you or invigorate you, and quite often it's both. But it's cool they are using it as a springboard for another try.
2. @gruecd - this guy wasn't phased by Covid and 2020 one bit. He made his own races, and holy hell did he execute those. Unreal the challenges he laid in front of himself and just blow them out of the water. Serious BMFery here.
3. @Juxtatarot - Just runs and runs and runs and runs and runs and runs. There is a reason why you are so good at this: your level of commitment even when there is nothing to race for is incredible. But you will be well positioned going forward when racing returns.
4. @El Floppo - it's just been cool seeing you getting back into a groove and just kicking ### every week.
In addition, just seeing more and more people joining Strava this year has been pretty cool. I know a lot of you guys have done some good things during the FBG BMF Race Series in the spring, and there are too many of you to mention because everyone did awesome there. So kudos for everyone here for participating and getting off your butts and just keep moving.
A special thanks goes to everyone who participated in the Thankful For My Blessings Half Marathon Run. And of course to you guys that donated money in honor of that.
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
I'm sad for our world. I'm sad for all of those people struggling with Covid and the aftermath of that.
For me, my plan is to live day by day. Try and wake up each day and not let the weight of the negative overpower the positive. I think it was @Brony or maybe @bushdocda who posted something along the lines of: "try and think of three positive things each day" to keep your mind in a positive light.
So that's what I'm going to try and do.
As for my running, I'm going to try and do at least something every day and try and build a better base this winter.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
The only goal I really have right now is mileage. Try and hit 100 miles a month at a minimum and go from there.
gianmarco
Footballguy
tri-man 47
Footballguy
Oh @gianmarco, you wonderful human being. I fully respect and value your opinion on this matter. Have a great day, OK?
Zasada
Footballguy
It's easier to get up at 0300 for a 20km+ run after Jackson pushes one's team into the FF playoffs.
And on top of that, knowing the pros have to take mid-game poop breaks shows me that my athletic poop disorder (APD) can be overcome as well! Thank you, Lamar, for teaching me to embrace APD and not cower in the shadows because of it!
And on top of that, knowing the pros have to take mid-game poop breaks shows me that my athletic poop disorder (APD) can be overcome as well! Thank you, Lamar, for teaching me to embrace APD and not cower in the shadows because of it!
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Dr_Zaius
Footballguy
After my fun frolic in the snow last week, the dark side of winter running making its first appearance this week. Going to get out over lunch, but there definitely appear to be some icy spots left over from our 2" yesterday. Forecast for Wednesday-Thursday is 12-24", so umm...yeah 
bushdocda
Footballguy
2020 Year End Report
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
1700 miles through November and then I got shelved. Was in a shape decent spot pre covid and again in fall. Would have been ready to kick off a proper block under normal conditions. Clear from covid now so I do think I’ll end up with a handful more runs this year but not many. Spent more time on a bike and on core/bodyweight training this year and will continue for variety and durability. That will be the key to my comeback and next steps to improvement. I can find a volume sweet spot around 40 miles per week where I include the all important other stuff. I was enjoying some consistency until recently and I will bring it back again. My second to last run before covid got me was the @ChiefD gratitude half. Funny I wasn’t feeling that grateful on the run, I was more distracted by the other people on the trail. I felt rough the days after but assumed it was from a harder effort and 15 mile day. Turns out I was most likely sick already. So my gratitude comes in the aftermath where I’m thankful my family and I had a relatively mild experience. So sad for the families that have not been as fortunate.
So progress or regression, I’ll say both.
Race activity (if any)
Sad clown, all cancels and I didn’t seek one in the fall. 2021 will be awesome as in person events become more prevalent and safer.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
That sure was fun and got a high effort out of me knowing I was representing the team @gruecd. Might have been more than I had put into races in the past. So that was a learning experience and really has me rethinking what’s possible with a couple good training blocks and a good day. The crew here is a bright spot in my life and it helped during a dark year. Very special and I thank you all for the support and kindness and friendship.
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
Before my covid case I was hitting good volume and a few workouts on the way to a planned hard effort over holiday break. Now I don’t know how my body will respond but will ease it back in Q1. On shelf this week still and then will work back with very easy and low volume. Build in body weight/core work. Plan to get some more proper strength going in about a month barring setbacks. Trap bar deads, swings, presses will be my main movements. Core and flexibility work supplementing. Hope to be back to 30 miles per week in Feb. HR and oxygen levels appear ok, will see what moderate activity does here in a few days. Hopefully I’m just paranoid.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
I need to see the status of numerous deferred 2020 races, not doing the MCM 17.75 virtually so that’s out for March. Will pay attention to the local club race calendars to get some start line options. First target race probably will be in St Michael’s in May or maybe a Guinness brewery run if it’s rescheduled before summer. I figure they may try to hold it in person. Will have to see how I come back into training to determine if a 2021 marathon is wise. Will see how my anniversary on the 8th works with Indy marathon on the 6th. Might be able to get a anniversary celebration the next weekend. I want a sub 20 5k and a marathon PR in 2021 for results goals. Process goals will be working my recovery plan, getting miles under me, staying diversely active and seeing if I can chase for 2,021 miles in Dec 2021.
On my long road to Boston, I’m pulled off in a rest stop but I’m loading up on snacks. I’ll be ready for the next push. I’m going to follow this template to give me flexibility and have scheduled cross training time for bike/weights. Big fan of Roches and I need their shot of positivity in my life and training.
12 weeks
Sorry for the lack of shoutouts but know I respect and appreciate your personal grind/effort/dedication/camaraderie/struggles/victories. I look forward to joining a future race gathering of the crew.
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
1700 miles through November and then I got shelved. Was in a shape decent spot pre covid and again in fall. Would have been ready to kick off a proper block under normal conditions. Clear from covid now so I do think I’ll end up with a handful more runs this year but not many. Spent more time on a bike and on core/bodyweight training this year and will continue for variety and durability. That will be the key to my comeback and next steps to improvement. I can find a volume sweet spot around 40 miles per week where I include the all important other stuff. I was enjoying some consistency until recently and I will bring it back again. My second to last run before covid got me was the @ChiefD gratitude half. Funny I wasn’t feeling that grateful on the run, I was more distracted by the other people on the trail. I felt rough the days after but assumed it was from a harder effort and 15 mile day. Turns out I was most likely sick already. So my gratitude comes in the aftermath where I’m thankful my family and I had a relatively mild experience. So sad for the families that have not been as fortunate.
So progress or regression, I’ll say both.
Race activity (if any)
Sad clown, all cancels and I didn’t seek one in the fall. 2021 will be awesome as in person events become more prevalent and safer.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
That sure was fun and got a high effort out of me knowing I was representing the team @gruecd. Might have been more than I had put into races in the past. So that was a learning experience and really has me rethinking what’s possible with a couple good training blocks and a good day. The crew here is a bright spot in my life and it helped during a dark year. Very special and I thank you all for the support and kindness and friendship.
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
Before my covid case I was hitting good volume and a few workouts on the way to a planned hard effort over holiday break. Now I don’t know how my body will respond but will ease it back in Q1. On shelf this week still and then will work back with very easy and low volume. Build in body weight/core work. Plan to get some more proper strength going in about a month barring setbacks. Trap bar deads, swings, presses will be my main movements. Core and flexibility work supplementing. Hope to be back to 30 miles per week in Feb. HR and oxygen levels appear ok, will see what moderate activity does here in a few days. Hopefully I’m just paranoid.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
I need to see the status of numerous deferred 2020 races, not doing the MCM 17.75 virtually so that’s out for March. Will pay attention to the local club race calendars to get some start line options. First target race probably will be in St Michael’s in May or maybe a Guinness brewery run if it’s rescheduled before summer. I figure they may try to hold it in person. Will have to see how I come back into training to determine if a 2021 marathon is wise. Will see how my anniversary on the 8th works with Indy marathon on the 6th. Might be able to get a anniversary celebration the next weekend. I want a sub 20 5k and a marathon PR in 2021 for results goals. Process goals will be working my recovery plan, getting miles under me, staying diversely active and seeing if I can chase for 2,021 miles in Dec 2021.
On my long road to Boston, I’m pulled off in a rest stop but I’m loading up on snacks. I’ll be ready for the next push. I’m going to follow this template to give me flexibility and have scheduled cross training time for bike/weights. Big fan of Roches and I need their shot of positivity in my life and training.
12 weeks
Sorry for the lack of shoutouts but know I respect and appreciate your personal grind/effort/dedication/camaraderie/struggles/victories. I look forward to joining a future race gathering of the crew.
parasaurolophus
Footballguy
Learned last night that a kn95 mask is pretty great for the cold. Face was perfectly warm and I like how it kept the mask off of my mouth.
The Iguana
Footballguy
2020 Year End Report:
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
Mostly regression and somewhat depressingly so. As my high school track/cross country coach use to love to tell us, "excuses are like butt holes - everyone has one and they all stink!" And that's about all I have are excuses. After making so much progress with getting in shape and doing some fun stuff running, I just totally fell off the wagon this year. I can blame all kinds of things but really it's just about lack of mental toughness. I enjoy running but just skipped doing it a lot.
For the year, I am at about 612 miles, down from 1227 last year. Just a real bummer. But what is done is done. Now it's time to suck it up, forget about disappointment... actually don't forget about it - remember it but make it motivation to not keep doing nothing and move forward to become better, more mentally strong and more focused to do some fun stuff.
Race activity (if any)
I did a couple of virtual events - ran the Indy 500 Mini marathon in May, Chance for Hope 10k, and a couple other virtual 5ks for charity. Also ran a couple of 5ks at the beginning of the year.
The only real 'races' that I did were 2 trail half marathons. The first was just before the world shut down in March and was actually 23K (14.something). That was pretty fun. Finished 34th out of 232 overall. The other was at the end of October. Struggled mightily on a tougher course and with far less volume/training. Finished 52nd out of 144.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
BMF series feels like a lifetime ago! Mostly remember the camaraderie, a little bit of trash talk, and a lot of bmf performances. I had started falling off the wagon already but the series kept me moving more than I did after it was over.
I set strava PRs in the 5k and the mile - ran both faster in high school but not since. Missed a 10k PR which was set in the middle of running a HM in October 2019.
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
Current mood is improving. Trying to get back out there and be more consistent. Trying to make myself run just to run. To remind myself that I love it once I'm out there no matter how much I want to make excuses to sit on my butt or do other things. There's time for other stuff and running and I'm happier and more productive all around if I'm getting out to run. But knowing that and living it are two vastly different things. I've put on about 15 pounds this year and am still having trouble ending the trend of adding more. Had gone from almost 240 down to about 193. Currently at about 208. That number going the right direction would be evidence of me doing the work I should be doing.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
Get out and run. Would like to get in at least 100 miles per month, that was my goal going into 2020 before going back to being a sloth on the couch. Hope to run the Monumental Marathon, assuming it happens, and the Fort Ben HM again. I guess we will see what happens...
Overall training and progress (or regression) for the year
Mostly regression and somewhat depressingly so. As my high school track/cross country coach use to love to tell us, "excuses are like butt holes - everyone has one and they all stink!" And that's about all I have are excuses. After making so much progress with getting in shape and doing some fun stuff running, I just totally fell off the wagon this year. I can blame all kinds of things but really it's just about lack of mental toughness. I enjoy running but just skipped doing it a lot.
For the year, I am at about 612 miles, down from 1227 last year. Just a real bummer. But what is done is done. Now it's time to suck it up, forget about disappointment... actually don't forget about it - remember it but make it motivation to not keep doing nothing and move forward to become better, more mentally strong and more focused to do some fun stuff.
Race activity (if any)
I did a couple of virtual events - ran the Indy 500 Mini marathon in May, Chance for Hope 10k, and a couple other virtual 5ks for charity. Also ran a couple of 5ks at the beginning of the year.
The only real 'races' that I did were 2 trail half marathons. The first was just before the world shut down in March and was actually 23K (14.something). That was pretty fun. Finished 34th out of 232 overall. The other was at the end of October. Struggled mightily on a tougher course and with far less volume/training. Finished 52nd out of 144.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
BMF series feels like a lifetime ago! Mostly remember the camaraderie, a little bit of trash talk, and a lot of bmf performances. I had started falling off the wagon already but the series kept me moving more than I did after it was over.
I set strava PRs in the 5k and the mile - ran both faster in high school but not since. Missed a 10k PR which was set in the middle of running a HM in October 2019.
Overall mood and training status heading into 2021
Current mood is improving. Trying to get back out there and be more consistent. Trying to make myself run just to run. To remind myself that I love it once I'm out there no matter how much I want to make excuses to sit on my butt or do other things. There's time for other stuff and running and I'm happier and more productive all around if I'm getting out to run. But knowing that and living it are two vastly different things. I've put on about 15 pounds this year and am still having trouble ending the trend of adding more. Had gone from almost 240 down to about 193. Currently at about 208. That number going the right direction would be evidence of me doing the work I should be doing.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
Get out and run. Would like to get in at least 100 miles per month, that was my goal going into 2020 before going back to being a sloth on the couch. Hope to run the Monumental Marathon, assuming it happens, and the Fort Ben HM again. I guess we will see what happens...
Last edited by a moderator:
gianmarco
Footballguy
11th Annual Year-End Reports
I'll do some free form as well as some of the bolded items from the template.
As others have said, I'm not going to list a lot of names on here but that is in no way meant as any slight or lack of recognition. Obviously this was a tough year for a lot of people and everyone here played a part in helping each other out. It's why I love this thread so much.
For me, personally, this was an interesting year to say the least. I had some big ups and downs and it's crazy to look back at how things played out. I'm going to break my year into periods
Period 1 -- Jan/Feb/Early march -- This was, by far, my best block of running since I started 3 years ago. It actually began in December, but it was the first time that I consistently trained with good volume (35-45 mpw). I completed a couple 15 mile runs last December which was a first for me. And during this 3 month block, I focused on at least one double digit mile run per week, sometimes two, worked on elevation to get strong, and worked on finishing runs strong at the end. But, as I mentioned recently, I didn't have any formal plan and mostly just ran how I felt like running that day. By the time end of Feb/early March rolled around, I felt so strong and in shape. Traveled to Atlanta where I met up with @gruecd and @AAABatteries, PR'd my 5K on a really tough route that I ran really well, picked up my Covid, and then followed that up with a HM PR the next week where I got to run with the Mrs. and @ChiefD. It was one of my best racing experiences ever both because of the company as well as the execution. I felt so in control and helping pace the wife for the first 10 miles without coming out too fast and watching her crush the final 5K and destroy the race was so, so satisfying. It really was one of the biggest confidence builders for her entire year and it's one of my most proud moments looking back. Along those same lines, having been reminded how much it sucks to run/race when not in shape, I'm still amazed at how Chief was able to run as well as he did for the first 8 miles of the race. I was in ridiculous shape and he stayed with us for most of it despite minimal training at that time. I highly doubt I would have come close to what he did if our positions were reversed. Little did I know how lucky we ended up being with things shutting down literally days later.
Period 2 -- March/April -- This really sucked. We had amazing weather, I was in perfect shape to build on my upcoming marathon training, and then I ended up getting sidelined for 6 weeks with knee pain. Even more frustrating was that it was due to a new shoe and it took me that long to figure out. These 6 weeks ended up affecting a lot of how the rest of my year went. It was especially tough watching my wife get out and train while I sat at home and couldn't. As the pandemic started getting out of control, I was fortunate enough to have plenty of time and beautiful weather to take advantage of and it was the exact opposite. I vented to a few of you here at that time and all I can do now is look back at what could have been.
Period 3 -- April/May/June/July/August -- My return to running started with the FBG 5K. For the month leading up to that race, I ran less than 20 miles total with 2 1/2 weeks of zero running right before it. While it was on a downhill, the fact that I came in just 5 seconds off my PR that I had just set in the best shape of my life after that time off is amazing to me looking back. I don't think I appreciated that performance enough at the time. I'll talk about the FBG races more a little bit later, but that was an epic weekend. Unfortunately, my success didn't continue to follow that 5K. It was a reminder how hard it was to get back to where I was after the time off. While I had hoped things would come back sooner, it took almost 2 months to get any semblance of fitness back. On top of that, by the time I started feeling better, the heat/humidity kicked in and made the rest of my training such a bear. The one thing I'll remember about this block was trying to figure out my hydration problems. Ultimately I found a solution but I also learned that training for a marathon in the middle of the summer is hard. Very hard. I was legit bummed for a lot of this time because I ended up so behind in my training and ended up just trying to piece together whatever I could to get me from the start to the finish line. I was able to get some 40 mile weeks in, but also a lot of 30 mile weeks in, and ultimately I never got fully prepared for my first marathon. This entire block I always felt like I was behind, trying to catch up. Of course, our July marathon in Washington got cancelled and a lot of this time was also spent trying to figure out contingency plans to get my wife to the start line of the race she worked so hard for. Ultimately we ended up in Minocqua at the start of September, which afforded me more time to keep training, but I don't think it mattered much. The one bright spot from my training was my 20 mile point to point run to the Arch. I look back at that run and find it more satisfying than my marathon itself. I know that's probably not the right way to look at my first marathon, but it's true. I still don't know how I nailed that day like I did, but I have very fond memories of it and will play it back in my head at times.
Period 4 -- September/October -- This starts with our marathon up in Minocqua. Enough can't be said how special that weekend was and big thanks to @gruecd for being a big part of that. It was needed. While the results didn't bear out as hoped (for me or for my wife), it was an incredible learning experience and a culmination of a lot of time and effort. After it happened, I needed a full reset. I shut my running down for almost 2 months. While I now never want to go through that again knowing how hard it is to get back, I really needed it at the time, which is strange considering my time off just a few months earlier. But this was more of a mental reset than a physical one. I relished not having to figure out when to run. I was able to focus on my kids again. And I knew I'd get back to it eventually so I don't regret it. When the decision came for me to sign up for another marathon in February with my wife, it was the perfect time to jump back in.
Period 5 -- November/December -- I'm back. And this time, having the experience of everything I learned this year, especially with what worked and what didn't, I'm doing it right. These first few weeks back were rough. None of the running was fun. I was often questioning why I'm even bothering to race anymore. I'm happy just running a few miles a few days per week. But, I went back to the formula that worked last winter and I'm starting to feel like I'm close to that spot back in Feb/March. I'm "loosely" following Hanson's, but mostly as a guide to get some mileage and some workouts. I'm not stressing if I need to add something or take something away. So right now I'm in a great spot both mentally and physically. I feel strong again and in better shape than any time during my marathon training block this summer. I feel right now like I could probably race the marathon better than I did with less training (likely not true, but still). I know with another 2 months of doing what I'm doing, I'll be far more ready to race well and enjoy this one much more than I did the first.
I'll end up with about 1400 miles for the year. That's a (short) career high and one I can still build on next year. All things considered, I'll take it. So, I completed my first marathon. That's a plus. It didn't go well at the end where I had to walk/run which was a buzzkill for me and makes me feel like I didn't REALLY run a marathon yet (yes, I know I still finished). I'm going to take care of that in the next few months. And I now know I'm capable of it which is more important to me. I had a decent HM PR (and I know I'm capable of more) and one I'm happy with. I'm really pleased with how both of my 5Ks went. And, as I'll get to in a moment, my mile PR was another highlight this year. All in all, I learned more this year, by far, than any of my previous years. It's good to see how it all starts to come together the more you do this. I'm finally getting a good feel for what works and what doesn't.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
The FBG BMF race series is a mixed bag for me. Personally, my 5K and my 1 mile races were awesome. As noted above, I still have no idea how I pulled off that 5K. That was all heart. As for the mile, yes I know the downhill was a significant factor, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I was capable of a 5:40 mile even with that benefit. Not sure I've been more pumped about a running moment than looking down at that time. And on the flipside, my 10K was a complete utter disappointment. It showed my complete lack of fitness and I'm surprised it didn't show up in my 5K as well. That was tough and I let our team down with it but I really had nothing more I could do that day. It was a stark reminder of how much training matters.
As for the bittersweet part, I talked about it earlier, but the whole tone of this thread changed for a while during and shortly after that race series. So, while I think it was a great experience, it helped a lot of people set PRs, and more importantly it helped a lot of people get through some tough times, it also soured a great place to visit for a period of time and that bothered me for a bit. That may have been more me than others, but I hope that never happens here again.
Aside from that, that first weekend with my wife's race ending it and the excitement that was surrounding all of that was something I'll never forget. It was truly epic. I wish we could relive that again somehow.
Along the same lines, it's a bummer that our relay race ended up having to be canceled. I was looking forward to meeting a few more of you and getting together to race. I hope we can still do so next year or beyond.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
Well, this one is pretty easy.
February marathon in Mesa, AZ -- It would be nice if this happens. I'm training for it as if it does. I'm against the clock here but I'm also further along in my training than I expected to be at this point so I think I have a good shot at arriving at the finish line in a good spot if it happens. If not, it'll be ok. My goal here is to enjoy the race. I'm shooting to break 4 hrs, which I naively thought would be a given for me the first time and now realized how nothing is easy at this distance despite already knowing that. I do think I have that in me, though. I mostly want to get through it in good shape, hopefully run all of it, and most importantly enjoy it. I will absolutely be starting it slower and then picking it up as it goes.
July marathon in Washington -- I feel good about this one going off and I want to see just how much I can push myself here. Assuming Feb goes off and goes as planned, I'll be aggressive here. If not, then I will dial that back. Either way, this is my A race for the year.
Along with both of those, I'm also not sure I'll end up doing more marathons after those. If I can hit those goals (have fun, get in under 4:00, not walk), then I'll have satisfied what I could ever want out of that distance. But the 4 months of training required for the distance isn't enjoyable to me. Despite having the time given my home/work situation, it's a mental drain that I don't want to invest in again after I complete these. At least I say that now and I realize that may change. But I truly enjoy shorter distance races. I don't even have a desire to set a new HM PR as I'm quite happy with my performance there this year. I do want to get under 22 min for a 5K and believe I have that in me.
It would be nice to hit 1500 miles for next year. I could see myself getting closer to 2000, but that's not going to be something I actively shoot for.
So, once all this marathon training is done, which is going to take up half of the year anyway, I'm going to likely settle into 25-35 mpw of running when I want and how I want. All I know is that I want to keep running. I'm getting to the point where I realize I'm not going to get much faster unless I put significant time/effort in and, right now, I'm just not interested in doing it anymore. But I feel better when I run and I want to keep that up. I'm more interested in experiences with running than faster times. Running when I travel. Running with guys here. Running with my wife and kids. Running fast when I want to. I'm in a good spot now looking at what I've accomplished in just 3 years since I started. So now I just want to let time pass and see if/when those desires to run faster change.
Anyway, that's my 2020 report. Way long, but a lot happened for me and felt like putting some of those thoughts down.
I'll do some free form as well as some of the bolded items from the template.
As others have said, I'm not going to list a lot of names on here but that is in no way meant as any slight or lack of recognition. Obviously this was a tough year for a lot of people and everyone here played a part in helping each other out. It's why I love this thread so much.
For me, personally, this was an interesting year to say the least. I had some big ups and downs and it's crazy to look back at how things played out. I'm going to break my year into periods
Period 1 -- Jan/Feb/Early march -- This was, by far, my best block of running since I started 3 years ago. It actually began in December, but it was the first time that I consistently trained with good volume (35-45 mpw). I completed a couple 15 mile runs last December which was a first for me. And during this 3 month block, I focused on at least one double digit mile run per week, sometimes two, worked on elevation to get strong, and worked on finishing runs strong at the end. But, as I mentioned recently, I didn't have any formal plan and mostly just ran how I felt like running that day. By the time end of Feb/early March rolled around, I felt so strong and in shape. Traveled to Atlanta where I met up with @gruecd and @AAABatteries, PR'd my 5K on a really tough route that I ran really well, picked up my Covid, and then followed that up with a HM PR the next week where I got to run with the Mrs. and @ChiefD. It was one of my best racing experiences ever both because of the company as well as the execution. I felt so in control and helping pace the wife for the first 10 miles without coming out too fast and watching her crush the final 5K and destroy the race was so, so satisfying. It really was one of the biggest confidence builders for her entire year and it's one of my most proud moments looking back. Along those same lines, having been reminded how much it sucks to run/race when not in shape, I'm still amazed at how Chief was able to run as well as he did for the first 8 miles of the race. I was in ridiculous shape and he stayed with us for most of it despite minimal training at that time. I highly doubt I would have come close to what he did if our positions were reversed. Little did I know how lucky we ended up being with things shutting down literally days later.
Period 2 -- March/April -- This really sucked. We had amazing weather, I was in perfect shape to build on my upcoming marathon training, and then I ended up getting sidelined for 6 weeks with knee pain. Even more frustrating was that it was due to a new shoe and it took me that long to figure out. These 6 weeks ended up affecting a lot of how the rest of my year went. It was especially tough watching my wife get out and train while I sat at home and couldn't. As the pandemic started getting out of control, I was fortunate enough to have plenty of time and beautiful weather to take advantage of and it was the exact opposite. I vented to a few of you here at that time and all I can do now is look back at what could have been.
Period 3 -- April/May/June/July/August -- My return to running started with the FBG 5K. For the month leading up to that race, I ran less than 20 miles total with 2 1/2 weeks of zero running right before it. While it was on a downhill, the fact that I came in just 5 seconds off my PR that I had just set in the best shape of my life after that time off is amazing to me looking back. I don't think I appreciated that performance enough at the time. I'll talk about the FBG races more a little bit later, but that was an epic weekend. Unfortunately, my success didn't continue to follow that 5K. It was a reminder how hard it was to get back to where I was after the time off. While I had hoped things would come back sooner, it took almost 2 months to get any semblance of fitness back. On top of that, by the time I started feeling better, the heat/humidity kicked in and made the rest of my training such a bear. The one thing I'll remember about this block was trying to figure out my hydration problems. Ultimately I found a solution but I also learned that training for a marathon in the middle of the summer is hard. Very hard. I was legit bummed for a lot of this time because I ended up so behind in my training and ended up just trying to piece together whatever I could to get me from the start to the finish line. I was able to get some 40 mile weeks in, but also a lot of 30 mile weeks in, and ultimately I never got fully prepared for my first marathon. This entire block I always felt like I was behind, trying to catch up. Of course, our July marathon in Washington got cancelled and a lot of this time was also spent trying to figure out contingency plans to get my wife to the start line of the race she worked so hard for. Ultimately we ended up in Minocqua at the start of September, which afforded me more time to keep training, but I don't think it mattered much. The one bright spot from my training was my 20 mile point to point run to the Arch. I look back at that run and find it more satisfying than my marathon itself. I know that's probably not the right way to look at my first marathon, but it's true. I still don't know how I nailed that day like I did, but I have very fond memories of it and will play it back in my head at times.
Period 4 -- September/October -- This starts with our marathon up in Minocqua. Enough can't be said how special that weekend was and big thanks to @gruecd for being a big part of that. It was needed. While the results didn't bear out as hoped (for me or for my wife), it was an incredible learning experience and a culmination of a lot of time and effort. After it happened, I needed a full reset. I shut my running down for almost 2 months. While I now never want to go through that again knowing how hard it is to get back, I really needed it at the time, which is strange considering my time off just a few months earlier. But this was more of a mental reset than a physical one. I relished not having to figure out when to run. I was able to focus on my kids again. And I knew I'd get back to it eventually so I don't regret it. When the decision came for me to sign up for another marathon in February with my wife, it was the perfect time to jump back in.
Period 5 -- November/December -- I'm back. And this time, having the experience of everything I learned this year, especially with what worked and what didn't, I'm doing it right. These first few weeks back were rough. None of the running was fun. I was often questioning why I'm even bothering to race anymore. I'm happy just running a few miles a few days per week. But, I went back to the formula that worked last winter and I'm starting to feel like I'm close to that spot back in Feb/March. I'm "loosely" following Hanson's, but mostly as a guide to get some mileage and some workouts. I'm not stressing if I need to add something or take something away. So right now I'm in a great spot both mentally and physically. I feel strong again and in better shape than any time during my marathon training block this summer. I feel right now like I could probably race the marathon better than I did with less training (likely not true, but still). I know with another 2 months of doing what I'm doing, I'll be far more ready to race well and enjoy this one much more than I did the first.
I'll end up with about 1400 miles for the year. That's a (short) career high and one I can still build on next year. All things considered, I'll take it. So, I completed my first marathon. That's a plus. It didn't go well at the end where I had to walk/run which was a buzzkill for me and makes me feel like I didn't REALLY run a marathon yet (yes, I know I still finished). I'm going to take care of that in the next few months. And I now know I'm capable of it which is more important to me. I had a decent HM PR (and I know I'm capable of more) and one I'm happy with. I'm really pleased with how both of my 5Ks went. And, as I'll get to in a moment, my mile PR was another highlight this year. All in all, I learned more this year, by far, than any of my previous years. It's good to see how it all starts to come together the more you do this. I'm finally getting a good feel for what works and what doesn't.
Memories from the spring FBG BMF Race Series and other 10K Thread moments
The FBG BMF race series is a mixed bag for me. Personally, my 5K and my 1 mile races were awesome. As noted above, I still have no idea how I pulled off that 5K. That was all heart. As for the mile, yes I know the downhill was a significant factor, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I was capable of a 5:40 mile even with that benefit. Not sure I've been more pumped about a running moment than looking down at that time. And on the flipside, my 10K was a complete utter disappointment. It showed my complete lack of fitness and I'm surprised it didn't show up in my 5K as well. That was tough and I let our team down with it but I really had nothing more I could do that day. It was a stark reminder of how much training matters.
As for the bittersweet part, I talked about it earlier, but the whole tone of this thread changed for a while during and shortly after that race series. So, while I think it was a great experience, it helped a lot of people set PRs, and more importantly it helped a lot of people get through some tough times, it also soured a great place to visit for a period of time and that bothered me for a bit. That may have been more me than others, but I hope that never happens here again.
Aside from that, that first weekend with my wife's race ending it and the excitement that was surrounding all of that was something I'll never forget. It was truly epic. I wish we could relive that again somehow.
Along the same lines, it's a bummer that our relay race ended up having to be canceled. I was looking forward to meeting a few more of you and getting together to race. I hope we can still do so next year or beyond.
2021 goals, if any (with Covid still lingering)
Well, this one is pretty easy.
February marathon in Mesa, AZ -- It would be nice if this happens. I'm training for it as if it does. I'm against the clock here but I'm also further along in my training than I expected to be at this point so I think I have a good shot at arriving at the finish line in a good spot if it happens. If not, it'll be ok. My goal here is to enjoy the race. I'm shooting to break 4 hrs, which I naively thought would be a given for me the first time and now realized how nothing is easy at this distance despite already knowing that. I do think I have that in me, though. I mostly want to get through it in good shape, hopefully run all of it, and most importantly enjoy it. I will absolutely be starting it slower and then picking it up as it goes.
July marathon in Washington -- I feel good about this one going off and I want to see just how much I can push myself here. Assuming Feb goes off and goes as planned, I'll be aggressive here. If not, then I will dial that back. Either way, this is my A race for the year.
Along with both of those, I'm also not sure I'll end up doing more marathons after those. If I can hit those goals (have fun, get in under 4:00, not walk), then I'll have satisfied what I could ever want out of that distance. But the 4 months of training required for the distance isn't enjoyable to me. Despite having the time given my home/work situation, it's a mental drain that I don't want to invest in again after I complete these. At least I say that now and I realize that may change. But I truly enjoy shorter distance races. I don't even have a desire to set a new HM PR as I'm quite happy with my performance there this year. I do want to get under 22 min for a 5K and believe I have that in me.
It would be nice to hit 1500 miles for next year. I could see myself getting closer to 2000, but that's not going to be something I actively shoot for.
So, once all this marathon training is done, which is going to take up half of the year anyway, I'm going to likely settle into 25-35 mpw of running when I want and how I want. All I know is that I want to keep running. I'm getting to the point where I realize I'm not going to get much faster unless I put significant time/effort in and, right now, I'm just not interested in doing it anymore. But I feel better when I run and I want to keep that up. I'm more interested in experiences with running than faster times. Running when I travel. Running with guys here. Running with my wife and kids. Running fast when I want to. I'm in a good spot now looking at what I've accomplished in just 3 years since I started. So now I just want to let time pass and see if/when those desires to run faster change.
Anyway, that's my 2020 report. Way long, but a lot happened for me and felt like putting some of those thoughts down.
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ChiefD
Footballguy
The Iguana
Footballguy
While funny and all, it reminds me of one of my biggest disappointments of the year - that is not really being around here leading up gian's first marathon, including having no idea it was happening to follow along as it occurred. Gian is to "blame" for you guys being stuck with me being around and not getting to witness his work leading up to that and only seeing the results well after they happened was a huge bummer.
ChiefD
Footballguy
I wouldn't sweat it. This year has been such a weird year, and I've found myself just getting lost in certain areas and forgetting things and just being out of sorts.
While funny and all, it reminds me of one of my biggest disappointments of the year - that is not really being around here leading up gian's first marathon, including having no idea it was happening to follow along as it occurred. Gian is to "blame" for you guys being stuck with me being around and not getting to witness his work leading up to that and only seeing the results well after they happened was a huge bummer.
The key now for me is to just shake it off and start building again. One day at a time.
