Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year!!

Saturday 8.5 miles/1:19:12/9:19 average pace

Went up to Walnut Creek with Zach on Saturday for a long run. It was cold and drizzly- about 44 degrees but it felt really chilly. He was doing 12, so we ran about 7 together at an easy pace (well easy for him, normal for me at this point). Then he picked it up a bit and I finished out my run at that pace. It felt GREAT to get in a "real" run! My legs felt good but I had an odd knee twinge about halfway through. I'm keeping my eye on that, of course. I had a great time though. I'm actually feeling a lot more comfortable on my runs than I did before my marathon. My body feels relaxed and my stride natural.


Yesterday, Sunday, we went for a beautiful hike in the Tennessee Valley in Marin. We hiked the 2 miles down to the beach and back up. It's not too steep or anything though- in fact I saw a lot of runners and made a note to go there sometime for a run!



So that's it for 2007! It was another interesting year- some good and some bad. I got a PR in both the half and full marathon distance, which is sweet. But I also dealt with a real pain-in-the ass injury back in January/February. But that lead me to cross training which led to my first triathlon, so that's good! Just shows how it all balances out.

In 2008 I have a few goals. First, I am running the Boston Marathon again. In fact, I am going to register today! After that, I am doing a triathlon - the Showdown at Sundown on June 7th.

After that, I think I am going to train for an Olympic Distance Triathlon this fall. I haven't picked one yet. This is the first step in my long-term goal of completing an Ironman in 2009. I have thought about that for a long time, it really appeals to me. I want to do some kind of crazy endurance event and I don't yet want to run an ultramarathon. I know it's a huge goal and I want to train properly so I'm starting now (with the sprint tri in June). I could easily ignore this goal of mine but I am a little burnt out on marathon racing and need a change of pace. Plus I had this whole "I'm going to be 30 soon" (well, in a couple years but still) realization and decided I need to get my ass in gear if I want to achieve some of my big goals. Don't worry, I have many more big goals for the rest of my life, but there are some things I have always seen myself accomplishing before I have kids and what not. And I guess I just thought they would all just magically happen to me. Turns out, that's not how it works. Well, I better finish what little work I have today and then I'm going to start planning our big trip to Europe. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

13 comments:

GB said...

Yaaay, I hope I get to see you in Boston! Glad you're feeling good on the run. :) Happy New Year!

Willis said...

Love the recent pics. You had an awesome year, and now have a great record of your fabulous accomplishments! Keep this year in your memories - you earned it! Congrats on finishing strong in 2007!

Petraruns said...

beautiful photos! When are you coming to Europe? And where are you going? Would love to meet up. Also .. am heading to San Francisco and Marin county in April - if you're around it would be wonderful to run on one of those beautiful trails of yours?

Happy new 2008 and what fabulous goals you have!

miss petite america said...

u guys know all the great places to run!!!

happy new year chica! i look forward to reading about your 2008 adventures!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year. It sounds like you have some great goals and I can't wait to read about you accomplishing all of them.

Arcane said...

Happy New Year!. Ironman eh? You're turning into quite the triathelete!

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Happy New Year Jen You had an awesome 07' Look forward to following ur 2008 season!

Donald said...

Happy New Year, Jen. If you're looking for a fall Oly, the PG Tri is pretty awesome.

Good luck with your Boston training!

jahowie said...

Beautiful pics!! Happy New Year to you also!!

21stCenturyMom said...

Happy New Year, Jen and Zach!

I pussed out on running yesterday because it was too cold. Must.stop.being.a.baby. I some strength training instead.

The Showdown at Sundown sounds great! I'm doing Vineman.

Goals are good. You have many, many years to look forward to setting and making them.

Hope to see you on the course over this year!

Paul said...

Happy New Year! Nice pictures. I love that area. Marin is such a nice place to go hiking.

SavvyFitChica said...

Happy New Year to you! Wow, you PR'd both a half and full marathon in 2007?!?!? that's an amazing accomplishment not to mention that you did your first tri! Wowsa!

I look forward to reading your blog during 2008 and seeing you get closer to all of your other goals!
Kelsalynn

SavvyFitChica said...

I finally linked your blog to mine. I've been meaning to do this for a really long time and just kept forgetting... Just thought I would tell you! It's under the "Inspiring Blogs" section!

Kelsalynn