Confession: I haven’t run a half marathon since August. In fact, the only race I’ve run is Marine Corps Marathon. And I only have one more race on my calendar for 2016 – the 5 mile Chocolate Run.
I am absolutely OK with how 2016 is wrapping up. In fact, I’ve actively chosen not to do a local half marathon or any of the other holiday races. But it’s time to get the planning started for 2017.
I have 17 states left. No, I’m not going to announce that I’m going to knock out all 17 in 2017. Although, how cool would that be? Instead, I’m going to focus on knocking out that chunk in the midwest and the southern east coast. That will just leave me with the western third of the United States, Hawaii, and Alaska AKA all the expensive races for me because of travel.
2017 Half Marathon Plans
April 9 – Go St. Louis Half Marathon OR April 15 – Go Girl Run Springfield
I’d really like to snag Missouri this year. Otherwise I’ll be leaving a donut hole in the midwest. I’d really like to to do the first one, but it’s a long drive and I’m not sure I can get there in time since I can’t leave until the boys get out of school on Friday.
May 28-June 1 – Mainly Marathons Heartland Series
You all know I love a Mainly series and I’ve been wanting to do the Heartland Series for a while. It will feel weird to not do the entire series, but I’m only planning to do the races I need: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa.
After the Heartland Series, I’m heading back where it all started:
June 3 – ZOOMA Annapolis
I really don’t need another Maryland half marathon with 8 already in the bag. However, it’s the 10 year anniversary of ZOOMA Annapolis and my 1st half marathon was their 2nd race. ZOOMA 2017 will be my 69th or 70th half! (Hmm, now I’m feeling the need to make sure it’s 70 LOL)
I’d like to knock out another state during the summer, but we are considering heading to the west and taking the opportunity to see the Grand Canyon. I have no idea on dates for that and I’m not seeing a lot of half marathons during that time. So, my quest may take a summer break.
October 13-15 – Mainly Marathon Appalachian Series
This is the wildest of wild cards. Pretty much all the starts would need to align to allow for me to head down to run South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. I’ve been trying to do this for a couple of years now, but October is cray cray around here between soccer and birthdays and work conferences.
If my plans work out (and I’ve had great luck in the past!), I will knock out 8 more states and have only 9 left to go (and 3 years to go until I’m 50 LOL).
Then I just need to win the lottery to finish up.
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Wow! You have some great goals to tackle in the upcoming year. I would love to do just a race in each state. I have always wanted to do one of the Zooma race series. Maybe next year that will be mine goal!
I have started to think about 2017 too. I am fully enjoying my down time at the moment, and my next race is mid Feb, but I am already eyeing halfs in April & May… now I just need to be sure my husband will be on board to make the road trip.
Wow, sounds like a great plan! I would imagine this would be really expensive. My husband wants to run a marathon in every state- I think he has done 4 so far. He has a long way to go!
That sounds like a great plan. I hope it all works out.
Want to go splitsies with the lotto? You or I win, we share?
You’re making great progress!
Tell me more about those Mainly Marathon races in Illinois! Kind of curious.
Get it girly!!!
This is sooooooo impressive!!!
My half days are over but I think I may consider a race/tri in each state. We will see.
Wow! I didn’t realize you were so close! I mean, 17 is still a lot of half marathons to run but that’s pretty amazing that you’ve hit as many states as you did.
Would work conferences be in any of the expensive states in the next couple years? It’s always nice to go some place that work pays for. When they asked me to represent the university at our spring conference last year at Disney World, they didn’t need to say anything else. I’m there!
I wish I was as organized as you for my 2017 race calendar! I just can’t decide what I want to focus on – another marathon? half marathons? shorter distances? There are just too many options!!
I hope you get all 8 states you have planned for 2017!
Good luck with your racing plans.
I have no lofty goals.
I only have one half planned in early March.
I am sure that there will be more.
That will be a perfect way to celebrate 50! Wrapping up all 50 states 🙂
I’ll be working on mine for many years to come! If I’m lucky, I’ll be up to 15 by the end of 2017.
Good luck!
You’ll be busy in your running shoes! I need to look into the Heartland Series…being in Iowa, I’m curious what city hosts the Iowa race. Good luck!
I really want to do the Choc 5 miler but it’s the morning after our holiday party for mrtt. hmm…
Sounds like a great plan! I’m just starting to mull over 2017 – there are too many races I want to run and I need to narrow it down! LOL!