Friday, December 31, 2010

USATF 10-miler, Mercer County Park, NJ

I started this blog a couple of years ago, because I had been running for a little while and felt that my experiences and lessons learned may be worth writing about. If no one else read them, I could at least look back on them at some point in life and laugh/smile/cringe. I wanted to document races especially, though I never imagined I would be running more than a couple a year. I have gotten way more out of my blog than I ever bargained for. I never imagined my virtual life would become almost as important as my real life. I've been introduced to several remarkable runners and have learned a great deal about running. Blogging has had to take the back seat over the past few work-filled months, but it's great to be able to return to it once in a while and be part of this wonderful community.

This year, I've raced more than I ever have before. Racing has become more fun because I signed up with USATF and ran a few races for the club. While training, I usually have a marathon in mind. This year, after a few injuries finally forced me to face the reality that I will have to stop running long distances for a while, I have focused my efforts on shorter distances. Tempo runs and intervals now give me a rush of adrenaline instead of sheer terror.

My last race for the season was the USATF 10-miler in Mercer County Park on December 12. It was one of my most miserable race experiences, because it was a longer race than I had run in a while and double digit mileage had been unfailingly causing tendon issues over the past couple of months. By Mile 8, the troublesome tendon started acting up. Anyway, sparing you my misery, I managed to complete; 1:15:16 a 7:31 pace, 15/84 women and 8/28 in the open category.

And finally, it's the time of the year to look back on older posts, rest on laurels however briefly, and compare goals. My 1st post in January 2010 said, Goals for 2010? I don't have any. I just want to continue to be active and have fun with it. Looking back, boy have I had fun. I have not totaled my miles for the year, but who cares? I have completed 13 races in 2010, one of which was a triathlon. I have made friends through running, have hiked, swam, biked, run and raced at paces I never thought I was capable of. Pretty good show, even if I say so myself.

Goals for 2011? I repeat...continue to be active and have fun with it. Because fun is what it's all about.

WISH YOU ALL A FABULOUS NEW YEAR. Keep running!

7 comments:

zzz said...

Happy New Year Kavi. You have inspired me to start running and leading a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to you.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

It's good to see an update from you, Kavi - I always look forward to your posts.

I start up in NJ again in a few weeks. I'll send you an email once I settle into the semester - hopefully we'll b able to connect!

Lindsay said...

happy new year!

so i'm curious about the usatf - is this a local club you officially signed up for, or are you signed up with the actualy usatf? i've considered registering w/ the usatf but it kind of confuses me.

I Run for Fun said...

Lindsay, I signed up with the New Jersey Association of the actual USATF. You can specify when you sign up that you are a member of a particular local club. That way, when you race at USATF races, you earn individual or group points (depending on whether the race is designated as an individual, masters or team event). The scoring system is a little complicated, and it is also age-graded. But as there are a number of members of our local club members who are also USATF members, we have loads of fun at these events. It can get really competitive too.

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had an awesome year. I love your outlook on running and look forward to reading more.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Emily said...

Congrats on your race finish..and hope your tendon is healing, too.

Sounds like 2011 will be a great year! :)

Beth said...

I'm so glad you had a fun year! I hope you heal up quickly and can enjoy a fabulous 2011!