Thoughts on 2016 Running Year

I posted another solid running year.  W and I were very busy planning a wedding and honeymoon, plus we recently purchased a house.  We have more things on the horizon, so I think there will probably be fewer races in 2017.

Although it was a busy year, I still had many highlights.  I PR'd once again at the Ohio River Road Runners Half Marathon in April, ran a solid 20:00 5k in November, hit my 60th half marathon, and had fun traveling to races with W.

2016 Race Totals

5k- 7
10k- 1
Half Marathon- 9
25k (plus a bit extra to make it 16.2 miles)- 1
Grand total of 162 miles in races

Favorite Races

• ONU Polar Bear Indoor Half Marathon- Who would think 105 laps on an indoor track would be so much fun?  The organization and enthusiasm from the school's athletes made this one a must-do.
• Alamo Half Marathon- This was well worth the trip as San Antonio is a gorgeous city in which to run.  I had a solid outing and enjoyed all the historic sites and parks.  
• Ohio River Road Runners Club Half Marathon- Yes, this is on my list every year.  $25 and a great race experience make it my favorite race.  I'll be running it for the sixth time in 2017.
• Flying Pig- I have a blast doing the 5k with W on Saturday and turn around to do the half marathon on Sunday.  I somehow ran a sub-1:40 in the half this year.  The food and atmosphere after the race makes this one of my favorites.
• Medina Half Marathon- The heat and humidity was an issue this year, but I still had a fun time at this race.  W and I both love the farmer's market in the square after the race.
• Mid Ohio 13er- Spectacular organization plus the fact that it's in our backyard make this one well worth it.  I ran a great race and was so encouraged by the great people volunteering.  I will definitely run it again in 2017.
• Wooster Brick Run 25k- I got turned around a few times, but I really loved this cheap ($10) low-key race.  The organizers, Vertical Runner, did a great job in this one.

Let's look at my 2016 goals and which ones I hit.

2016 Goals

• Set a new half marathon PR.  My current PR is 1:36:24.  With that in mind...

          I did hit a new PR of 1:35:26 at the ORRRC Half.

• Break 1:35 in the half marathon.

          Not quite there yet.

• Set a new 5k PR.  My current best is 19:42.  This one may be a bit too unrealistic, but I think I can do it on the right course in the right conditions.

          I did run one 5k at 20:00.  I'm thinking 2017 is going to have more focus on the 5k, so this goal is certainly possible.

• Run 7-8 half marathons.  We have a wedding to plan but I think this is still realistic.

          Somehow I got in 9 half marathons this year.  

• Run a trail half marathon if my schedule allows.

          I would still love to do this some day, but there are very few trails in my neck of the woods.

• I would love for FW to set a new 5k PR.  She made some excellent strides this year.  She'll be good if the plantar doesn't keep coming back.

          FW (now W) had a tough 2016 and couldn't keep the same pace as in 2015.  She's determined to come back and train consistently in 2017.

• Find a 5 miler (or above) for FW.  She came very close by running the Shawshank Hustle 7k and that was in miserable conditions.

          This one will probably have to wait another year or so.

2016 Goals

• Set another new half marathon PR.  I am signed up for the ORRRC Half again.  I've PR'd three times at that race and I know the course like the back of my hand.
• Break 1:35 in the half marathon.
• Set a new 5k PR.  Let's try this one again.
• Run 6-7 half marathons and start to focus more on local 5ks.
• Find a trail 5k in the area.
• A new 5k PR for W.

I start my 2017 schedule at the end of January with a fun race at which I finished in second this year.

Next race: ONU Indoor Half Marathon- Ada, OH