Oops, Where Did October and November Go?

This past 2 months have flown by.  I ran the Grand Rapids marathon and had a great experience at that site.  The venue was great and the spectator involvement was huge.  I didn't expect to see so many people out on the course cheering.  At the 18 mile mark (they typical area where people "hit the wall") there was such a huge crowd!  My finish time was 3h42 minutes - which was just over my "Perfect Race" goal of 3:30.  I won't complain at all since it was my first marathon.  Post race recovery was awesome!  (Beers)

Another great aspect to this race was that Becky and a few of her coworkers also ran the marathon as a relay.  Becky ran a leg longer than she has ever ran in a race before.  She did great and said that she felt great during the run.

Since the GR Mary I took a 2 week time of minimal training in order to recover.  I had hoped to run an Ultra Marathon in middle December but I opted to let my body rest and to take care of a small nagging injury to my right foot.  November became a month of rest.  I didn't plan to take the month off, but as time progressed it was a nice break.  Over the last 2 years I have taken November off to recover.  So not a big deal.

This month I will be starting my new training plan back up.  December and January are prep months - basically a way for me to get back into a regular routine without the specific demands of high intensity training; not that I won't be doing some high intensity stuff, but it won't be a mandatory part of the training plan.  During this time I'll be doing regular aerobic base building which means long and slow.  That means it's time to catch up on some movies while riding the trainer and going out to enjoy the cold weather for some runs.  Swimming hasn't been in my regular routine lately.  Why, you ask?  Good question... to which I have no good answer.  In part because I haven't had any specific event that forces me to stay in shape for the water.  In January I will be back in the pool regularly building that base back up.

I have a handful of races that I'd love to consider for next year.  There's not a chance that I'll be able to do every race that I want to do, so it'll be a slow selection process.  My A race of the year will be Ironman Racine 70.3 again.  Last year it was a great race experience and I'm stoked to go back and see what I can do!  I'm also considering Rev3 Cedar Point, also a half Iron distance race.  I wasn't able to go last year while several good friends did, and it sounds like it was an awesome venue with outstanding race support!  Races the I'm considering: 3D Motor City Oly, 3D  Racing for Recovery Half Iron Distance (yes, that would make 3 70.3's), and 3D Lansing Legislator Oly.  Also on the list would be Hawk Island Sprint Tri and, of course, another marathon - either Grand Rapids or Detroit.  I'd like to think that I could consider an Ultra next year, but my schedule is quickly filling.

I have decided against running with the RACING GREYHOUNDS team this year.  The last 2 years have been fun, but next year I will be racing for Team Motiv8.  Craig and I are starting this team as a non-profit with the main focus in educating young children about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition.  We plan to take our team out beyond the schools into the corporate world to encourage adults into the multisport world.  We will be leading a "Your First Triathlon" experience where we will help guide individuals into a successful first triathlon.  We will invite anyone and everyone to participate with our team during the year.  We will be raising funds for other charities during several races throughout the year.  We hope to be able to offer a special incentive to individuals who raise the most money during each event.  Details will follow soon, so check back here regularly and start frequenting our website.

Team Motiv8 is currently seeking out sponsorship opportunities.  So if you or someone you know would like to financially assist us in making this team a reality, I would love the opportunity to talk to you.  Our main focus will be in the programs that we will take into the elementary schools.  Sponsors will be listed on our print material, website and given promotion at multisport events.  We will be making a big impact and we would love the opportunity for you to join us.

I have finally decided to become a certified personal trainer.  About time, right?  A lot of the study material is review given my background.  I then hope to also become a USAT certified coach.  Good things in the mix for next year!

A huge Thank You to Fluid for their sponsorship this past year!  What a great product and a great company.  Rich and Dave, you guys rawk!  Check Fluid out for the perfect blend in a muscle recovery drink mix.  The new chocolate flavor is my favorite!

Thank you for all of your support over this race season!