2010 Review in Pictures

How can we already be in the last week of 2010? The older I get, the faster time seems to go by. Looking through this pictorial year in review has been therapeutic for me. I came a long way in 2010. My base mileage is higher than ever, I've finally got a handle on caring for my IT bands and am on my way to racing to the best of my abilities. Thank you 2010 - I learned a lot from you.

1/10/10 - First Marathon; Disneyworld, FL (Official time 5:36 in 28-40F degree weather)- PR!

Less than 1/4 mile after crippling IT pain
almost caused me to drop out of the race. 

Hubby's first marathon too

3/27/10 - Great Race of Agoura Pacific Half Marathon (Official Time 2:09) - PR!

Despite a little lingering IT pain, I set an unexpected PR on this very hilly course by 11 min;
My best Half time since the 2008 Disneyland Half thanks to careful training and a solid IT rehab plan

6/6/10 - San Diego Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon (Official time 2:01) - PR!

Dying in the final stretch (look - no IT wrap!!!). I remember a feeling of disbelief when I
realized I was coming in 3.5 min faster than planned; and so close to 2 hrs!!

7/4/10 Village Runner 4th of July 5K (Official time 23:51) - PR!

Even though I missed my goal time by 21 seconds (because I went out too fast),
 I shaved 57 seconds off my 2009 time. I finished in the top 10 in my age/gender group!

7/22/10 - 7/25/10 Comic Con International (San Diego)
Totally unrelated to running but worth mentioning here because it was so much fun - and we deserved it!

I heart Smallville.
We waited in line for 4 hours to see the cast panel (lining up at 6 am!)

Who doesn't remember Geordi La Forge (aka Levar Burton)?
Super nice guy, acting cool for the pic. Reading Rainbow anyone?

Master Chief from the Halo game series for XBox.
 I am a self-proclaimed video game addict. Don't bother me - I'm playing Halo!

8/19/10 - 8/22/10 - Family vacation to La Grange, GA
Our first lessons learned about running in terribly high humidity and heat. My first time becoming disoriented and scared on a run. Nevertheless, a great vacation!

Hubby and nephew at Calloway Gardens

Fun times on a pontoon boat

9/5/10 - Disneyland Half Marathon (Official time 1:57) - PR!

On the heels of a terrible flu, I managed to PR by 4.5 minutes over the SD RnR Half.
My fastest time on this course was 2:20 in 2008 as my IT injury held me back to 2:28 in 2009.

My fave Finish pic of the hubby to date.
After a challenging year, he PR'd!

11/6/10 - Santa Barbara International Marathon (Official time 4:57) - PR!
My 2nd marathon. So different from Disneyworld. I over-analyzed, recapped and followed up with lessons learned. While I did break 5 hours (38 minute PR), I was expecting a 4:50 finish and beat myself up over it for days. I'm over it now. :-)

11/14/10 Calabasas Classic 5K and 10K
One of the best times I've had during a race. A fun run with our best friends who were visiting from St. Paul. All 4 of us ran both races. No time expectations, no pressure, just FUN!  It was a good great day! We love you guys!!!

2010 Milestones:

1. As of 12/31/10, I will have run 976 miles this year. Wow.  Almost 1,000. I had no idea.
2. Understanding IT pain triggers, early warning signs and irritants 
3. Mental trickery and visualization - I can override my left brain like never before. Bring on the challenging times!!
4. Form "a-ha's" (midfoot, careful not to overstride) - transitioning to Lunar Glides this month.
5. Consecutive PRs

 Goals for 2011:

1. Break the 1,000 mile mark by the end of 2011
2. Stay healthy and injury free
3. Galloway training group - inspire more people to run and love it!
4. Continue building base-mileage - according to most predictions, I'm still under-performing (in fear of injuring IT?)
5. Cross train more frequently (yoga, strength, cycle)
6. Run Surf City Half in 1:55 - Feb 6
7. Run Grandma's Marathon in 4:30 - June 18
8. Fingers crossed I get into the ING NY Marathon

Happy New Year everyone!

2011 is looking great already!!!