Earlier, I posted my overall goals or thoughts about the new year. I gave up resolutions long ago because I never really took them seriously. I learned that to make any “resolution” or goal stick, they must be specific and I must have a plan of action. For 2013, I have a few running goal races, but my one overall goal for running 2013 is to just actually RUN and run healthy. I have missed it tremendously. I have had to take a longer break from running a few years ago due to a nasty ITBS and hip injury, but I was able to substitute other forms of cardio like swimming and biking. For the past few months, I have not been able to do much of ANYTHING other than walking required with my job. I’m so ready to put on new shoes and pound the trails.
1. Begin the Couch to 5K program.
I’m starting all over again. I do have some running strength left after being sick for half the year. However, my cardio fitness is in the tank. Pneumonia really took a toll on my lung capacity. Having the broken rib forced me to breath shallow for so long. Instead of crying over it (it didn’t help…..I tried), I decided to just go back to the start. The Couch to 5K program is excellent and I am starting that on the weekend of January 5-6th.
Goal races:
1. Tuscaloosa Run Toward Recovery
Tuscaloosa is having its very first Run Toward Recovery half marathon in March. I am going to participate in some manner, either running what I can and bowing out or doing a run-walk format. This race benefits tornado recovery efforts, which are still very much on the hearts and minds of our town, 2 years later. The race course will follow the path of the tornado and will showcase the City Walk, a 5.5-mile meandering greenway recreational trail which will connect both ends of the tornado’s course across the city. That walk will go right through our church parking lot, which is now being rebuilt! (but that’s another post for another day).
1. Twisted Ankle half marathon. This is in May and this will be my 4th year to run it! I have no goal times because my previous 3 were all over the spectrum. I just plan to run and run healthy!
Plan: My training for this actually starts with Couch to 5K. My last two weeks of that program will transition to the Hal Higdon half training plan. I have used both of these training plans in the past and have had great success with them. Meaning, I finished 
.
2. St. Jude Marathon. I had to bail on it last month. I have the rest of the year to get in marathon shape for my 2nd marathon.
Plan: After our trip to Colorado, where we will do multiple climbs and hopefully a race for me, I will transition to a 5 month marathon plan. Once again, I’m going with Hal Higdon. I just love his approach to training with cutback weeks and flexibility with cross training and easy runs.
That’s it. I will of course do a few local races because I love the racing community. I love racing. I just love running. And 2013 will be the year of a great return to it!