Notes
A morning run even colder than yesterday, but I'm glad Drew was willing to run. We just went West on Ingersoll and ran through some neighborhoods I've never seen before. My muscles are sore but happy to run.
***Season Review**
Probably about time I did this. In June I wrote down 3 goals.
First, improve for All-American. This I could not accomplish as it was cancelled.
Second, <1:14 half or < 55 10 miler. Nearly accomplished with a 55:11 (though accomplished using GPS data if I get choosy).
Third goal was a LHF goal, which I was not even close.
So on first glance I did not accomplish any of my goals. But let's focus on the positives. I started the season with a very enjoyable Headwater's Relay. I ran my fastest time ever at the Eager Beaver (a consolation success to All American, though I've done Eager Beaver only 3 times). My 10 milers were successful, and I think I was in 54min shape. Drew and I still won Governor's. I got to run a lot of trails with a lot of people (many old, some new). So I can confidently say I didn't take a step back this season.
As for my late season breakdown. I have a few thoughts in hindsight. First off, it's worth noting I went all-in for my Army 10miler in October. I tapered, I took time off from climbing, I took care of the little things, and I felt good. The rest of October wasn't great I remember. I wasn't sure how to train (just miles? keep doing workouts?). I also started thinking ahead to winter. Mostly, I was excited to climb again, but I had other goals in the weight room as well. So not only was I not physically 100% invested in running, but mentally I was not even close. And that led to me not doing the stretching and rolling every night that I'd been doing for months. I believe that's how my hip troubles began and made apparent at LHF. So my takeaways are to still be confident and make sure I take care of my aging body.
Like last year, I finished fall racing with a poor performance, after which, I did not make any goals for spring 2016. I'm not sure of making any goals now as I still am undecided on where my focus will be (more track, or maybe Grandma's Marathon, or maybe Superior 50k?). But regardless of track or road racing, I'll hope for a PR or 2. Actually, I will make 1 official goal, a re-attempt from this fall: <1:14 half.