Beer Geek says I’m happiest when I have something to obsess over. I say I’m happiest when I have goals and am working toward them. Either way, I don’t do well when my life is in “wash, rinse, repeat” mode. I find myself unmotivated and just sort of blah. Things are fine here and even pretty busy, but I don’t have any major goals right now. I suppose I could start a project on the house (it certainly needs it) or maybe start preparing for my eventual return to work by volunteering or taking classes or something. But, no, I’ve decided to obsess about a new running goal.
As I mentioned last week, I joined the Half Fanatics. Right now, I’m at the Neptune level. I don’t want to stay at that level. As RunningLaur mentioned, staying at Uranus doesn’t sound pleasant LOL and I’m all about efficiency. So, what’s the fastest way to move up? Back to back half marathons. Yep, I’m planning to run a half on Saturday and a half on Sunday in either April or May.
Right now, I have two different plans. The first is to run the Charlottesville Half on April 17, 2010 and the Run for the Shelter Half on April 18, 2010. This has the definite benefit of being relatively local. However, the C’ville Half is hella hilly. Not sure I want to run a really hilly half and then run another the next day. The second plan is to run the Capital City Half in Columbus, Ohio on May 1, 2010 and the Pittsburgh Half on May 2, 2010. The plus side to this is that I would gain two states on my 50 state quest. The downsides? 6+ hour drive each way. We’d need to get my parents to watch the kids, as I don’t like taking Jones out of school. Beer Geek prefers the first option, but I’m pushing the brewpub and weird geography angle.
Either way, I need to come up with a training plan that leads toward back to back long runs. I do well with flexibility, but I figure I need to come up with a plan that slowly builds both long runs. I’ll likely create my own, if someone knows a plan that trains for something like Goofy, I’d be interested. Of course, I also need to figure out how to not race the first HM of the weekend…
I had a nice run yesterday. It didn’t start off well. I was cold and extremely stiff, but suddenly at the 2.5 mile point, I hit my stride. Unfortunately, I was only planning to run three miles. I ended up running 4 just because it felt so good I wanted to keep going, but I only had a small amount of time to run. My first mile was 10:09, my last was 8:50. I think I’m starting to get the negative split thing down.
Hi– I'm a long-time lurker, but wanted to help your case by mentioning the Church Brew Pub in Pittsburgh. I was there a few years ago for a conference and it was really cool–and different. Good luck w/your races. You're definitely an inspiration!
Oooh, sounds kinda fun and kinda crazy! 🙂
I would make a badge and wear it proudly if I were at Uranus level.But then again, I'm not right in the head. 🙂
sounds fun! both options sound great! Good luck with your choice 🙂
Is Pittsburgh hilly? I know the area can be. The double sounds like a great idea though! Maybe you need to set a pace zone on your grmjn for the first race, so that you get lots of annoying beeping if you go too fast.
I'm the same way about needing a goal and something to work toward . . . I'm no good if I feel lost!I love the two halves in a weekend idea. So fun!
Cari beat me with the rec for the Church Brew Works in Pittsburgh. And yes, Pittsburgh is hilly.Any chance of convincing the grandparents to coming your direction to watch the kids? So they wouldn't have to miss school.Alrighty, back to lurking.
"staying at Uranus doesn't sound pleasant" i had a hard time digesting the rest of the post – still laughing out loud about that…
Would it be possible to do all 4? Then, you'd truly be a fanatic!
I definitely the same way about needing an obsession/goal. I think your new idea sounds fun! good luck figuring out which races to do.
What's wrong with Uranus?Sounds either option would have benefits, though I agree that running your Saturday on a hilly course would be ROUGH on Sunday.
I also feel lost without some type of goal. That's probably why I ended up being a student for so many years after high school- LOL! Both options sound like fun adventures!
I know, free style training with no end in mind/race/goal is tough. I'm looking forward to it in a few but it will get old too.Uranus…you said U R anus….
Good luck with the plan and coercing Beer Geek into agreeing to it.
wow. I think you're officially my new running hero if you pull that off – two halfs back-to-back?? Amazing.
That sounds like a really fun goal, and definitely needs a unique training schedule. I think I would vote for the long drive for flatter races:)