Here we are, two weeks into 2018, and I guess what? I have no idea what the year will bring. At this point in time, I’ve registered for 1! race – the Frederick Half Marathon. I’ve bought no plane tickets and made no travel plans. While I am far from a type A personality, I usually at least have things planned and I feel like most of my life, including my running, is like nailing down jello right now.
Since the topic for today’s Tuesdays on the Run is “2018 Predictions”, I’m going to read the lines in my palm and tell you what I see (or something like that…)
Things I see as definites:
- Somehow I WILL manage to run (or at least finish) the 2018 Marine Corps Marathon. I know that I have options to get in, so somehow I’ll get in and somehow I’ll figure out a way to train. Must.achieve.runners.club. And it likely will be another hot one.
- I will continue to strive for at least 100 miles per month. The way that January is going so far, I’m afraid I might have some really long runs ahead of me, but I’m not giving up yet.
- I will buy more Happy Girl skirts. (I am not a hoarder, I’m a collector.)
Things I see as likely:
- Despite my lack of planning, I will hit half marathon #75 this year. I only have four to go. My expected races: ZOOMA Texas (use code ERIKA2017 for 10% off and join me), Frederick Running Festival Half, at least one RNR race, and Navy Air Force Half Marathon. If all the stars align, I’ll get to run the other 3 ZOOMA races as well.
- I will get to the Mothership (AKA Skirt Sports) for the 13er in June, but I’ll be running a 5K again. (I’ve run 2 half marathons in CO already – I just want to hang with friends.)
- I will run some random race at some point that I sign up a few days beforehand because of FOMO. The big question is when, where, and what distance LOL.
Things that will not happen in 2018:
- I will NOT PR at any distance. It’s just not a goal this year – I’m more focused on getting strong than I am on running fast.
- It’s unlikely that I will race a half marathon in a new state. It’s kind of a bummer that all of ZOOMA races are in states I’ve done and the very few of the RNR races work with my schedule. I still have my fingers crossed that the stars will align and I’ll find a cheap ticket and a free place to stay in a new state, but I’m not counting on it. And you know I want to run in Australia or New Zealand…
- I will not use Hansons this year. There’s only so much time in any given day. Right now, high mileage running 6 days a week is just not in the cards. Maybe I’ll give Run Less Run Faster a try LOL.
I have no predictions about the general running and race world. There are some shakeups going on – too many races and many have gotten too $$$. But I think in the end the well organized races with good courses will do fine. One trend I hope to see more of is the ability to transfer bibs. Marine Corps now offers it for many of their races and a local company offers it under certain circumstances. I’d love to see this become the industry norm. That and “free” pictures. But the lines on my palm are a little cloudy on that one…
What are your predictions for 2018? Do you think there’ll be any big changes in the running world? A new elite American? The end of a big race? And what about your world – what do you predict?
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Haha for more skirt sports!!! Haha that’s a good one that I am in line with – though maybe not Happy Girl. More like pocketopia! I’m jealous you are going to the mothership in CO! The timing won’t work out for me this year again ?
I would LOVE to see transfers, free photos AND deferrals at all races! I have far less states, but this year I find myself repeating one too. I’m doing it with a friend, though, so should be fun.
Just by thinking you won’t PR, and taking that pressure off, you just might surprise yourself. 🙂
How great would it be to have more free race pictures?! I think your predictions sound pretty good. I am also feeling a little lost as to what the year will bring. I feel like its already been off to a rough start between the weather, getting sick, and now being on vacation!
Every January I wanna sign up for RnRNOLA and every year the air is so pricey I don’t. I’m doing RnRCarlsbad though so I can’t complain. Hey if the Happy Girl skirts make you a happy girl I say go for the gusto!
I’m not predicting anything about my running except that things will happen as my body allows. I’m thinking there are no more marathons in my future, barring me finding the fountain of youth. I have a few halfs that I’m considering, including Zooma Great Lakes. I saw they are having a 50% off special but I’m hoping to be picked for an ambassador ==nothing like crazy, cockeyed optimism, right?
After reaching a a huge PR last year, running a PR is not in my future for this year either I am going to try to still hit my 100 miles a month has well, but the cold months are so hard to get it done. Lots of miles on the treadmill I suppose.
That’s a lot of skirts!! I didn’t have any idea they came in so many different colors!! How long have you been “collecting” them? lol
And sometimes, not shooting for a PR is the way to go. Building strength will likely make you faster anyway but you’re taking the pressure off. That should make it more fun!
I would LOVE to see more availability for race transfers and “free” photos are always my favorite perk!
I just want to continue running, though I’m forming a plan for next February. Being in accounting means I have to skip races I want to do because of big reporting months. I want to do the Oiselle weekend in Seattle one year, but April is a no-no right now.
OMG YOUR SKIRTS… <3 <3 <3 <3
Also, I love that you have a "this won't happen in 2018" section. I think I should throw a few things in that column for me, too.
Bib transfers and free pics would be amazing! I like that more and more races are doing both of those things.
You know how people say when you give up on looking for Mr. Right, that you’re about to fall in love? Well, that’s what I thought when you said there will be NO PRs this year and that you’re focusing on strength. My first thought was, well, she’s gonna PR this year without trying. LOL
Hope you have a great year!!