January 1 and Done

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The coveted MMJOD (Madmayo January One & Done) trophy. Join us next year and this could be yours!!!Our local running group, the MadMayo Runners, hosted a January 1st One & Done New Year's Day walk/run. We posted fliers around town but weren't sure what to expect. I was floored--and thrilled--to discover 18 people and 4 dogs gathered at the starting line. (I have to say, the dogs seemed a tad more psyched about the run then the people.) A smaller group came back to our home after the mega-event for coffee and snacks. Great way to kick off the year! Visit the MadMayo site for a full recap and photos of the run. 

My 2009 Recap is as follows: 

  • Miles Run = 1242.3
  • Miles Biked = 570.1
  • Yoga classes attended = 90
  • Weight Training Sessions = 66

Pounds lost - probably 0. But memories gained? Priceless... 

New Year's Resolutions for 2010

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Long time readers of this blog know that I LUV ME some New Year resolutions. Really, anything in list-format gets me excited and New Year resolutions are the mother of all lists. So without further adieu, here are my resolutions/goals/hopes/dreams for 2010:

REDUCE TV VIEWING. This is a carryover resolution from last year. It worked beautifully until about October, when we slid off the wagon. But we're back on and more strict than ever. We'll record So You Think You Can Dance, Glee, and Modern Family and watch back with no commercials. We're cutting out Biggest Loser (maybe- I waver on this) and Big-Bang Theory. Otherwise, no TV except to watch the occasional movie or football game (Blair) and absolutely no channel flipping. 

SOUP. Yes, you read that right. Soup. Soup is my goal for the new year. I have a Vita-Mix which is the world's coolest blender/food processor all in one and I want to start using it more. Specifically, I want to make healthy, homemade soups to eat before each meal, ideally filling myself up so I eat smaller portions at lunch and dinner. It's also a great way to get in my servings of vegetables, which I'm bad about eating. So, 2010- year of Soup. 

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Training for the 2010 Boston Marathon Starts TODAY

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Today's the day. I am officially 16 weeks out from the April 19th, 2010 Boston Marathon, which means training starts TODAY. I've blown the dust off the Furman Run Less, Run Faster training book and am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new treadmill. 

Unlike this past July when I was pumped to begin my training, I find myself struggling mentally with the task that lies ahead. I trained really hard this summer for Chicago--mentally and physically. I was religious about sticking to the training plan and not missing a single workout. And it paid off. I shaved 31 minutes off my PR (personal record) and qualified for Boston. But I had a goal in July. I desperately wanted to run under a 4-hour marathon and--once the training took hold and I realized what I might be capable of--to qualify for Boston.

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Does A Runner Pee In the Woods?

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I've been told you're not a "real" trail runner until you use the great outdoors as your toilet. I've put off becoming a member of the club for years but today, finally, nature called, and I am now an "official" trail runner. 

As my running partner Dave and I started the Wild Turkey trail this morning at 7, I was already regretting not making a quick pit stop on my way into town. Especially as I was wearing a water belt which pushed on my bladder with every move. Dave had pulled a hamstring the day before, so he started walking around mile one, and I went on. 

"Suck it up, suck it up, suck it up," I told myself with each step. "It's mind over matter. You only THINK you have to pee." 

Nope. I really had to. REALLY had to. So I ducked behind a tree and let loose. Frankly, you haven't experienced the meaning of the word "vulnerable" until you lower your pants on the side of a wooded trail and pray a stray jogger or biker doesn't come barrelling past you. 

I will say I enjoyed the second half of my run MUCH more than the first part. 

Did I mention it was 34 degrees out this morning? 

I'm glad to be a legitimate trail runner, but I still prefer a flush and hand soap, thank you very much. 

Merry Christmas.