I’ve been thinking about my 2012 Race Schedule. I love racing most of the time, but I think I want to take it easy in 2012, especially since I will need some time to recover after running the Goofy. I want to focus on training and making each run count – whether it is a race or not. I am choosing to run races that are familiar to me and therefore, near and dear to my heart. I’ve also been very fortunate the last couple of years to experience several destination races, which as you all know, can be very expensive. I plan to stay mostly local this year to save some cash too. And, of course, there is a chance a random 5K or 4 Miler might pop up that I wasn’t anticipating running, but for at least the first half of 2012, I am keeping it light in terms of racing.
Goofy’s Challenge January 07-08 (Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida)
Yup, that’s this weekend! In fact, I’m probably either on my way to or already in Florida as you are reading this. 39.3 miles over two days! I am running this race in memory of my mom. I’m nervous and excited and want it to hurry up and happen or just never happen at all. Uptight ball of emotions here!
St. Patrick’s Day 4 Miler March 10 (Local)
After a nine mile training run with my MIT crew in the morning, I plan to volunteer at this race. I’ve really enjoyed volunteering at a race the last two times I have done it and serving is how I want to give back to the running and racing community.Glacier Ridge 5K April 22 (Local Metro Park)
This race is part of the Greenswell Wellness in the Woods Race Series. Their series showcases the sustainable activities at local metro parks while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle by getting out and getting moving! These are all smaller, family-friendly events, and I really enjoyed the one I ran last year. From now until January 31, all races in the Wellness in the Woods series are only $19.99.
Cap City Half May 05 (Local)
What can I say? I have run the Cap City Half twice and the Quarter once and it is definitely one of my favorite Columbus races. This event is truly a celebration of athletes, young and old, fast and slow. And since Columbus is celebrating its Bicentennial this year, Cap City is a party you will not want to miss out on. In fact, the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line Party will lead the celebration with “Champagne and Chocolate,” a signature element of the Capital City Half Marathon, along with food, drink, music and much more. Plus, Cap City is the official spring Half Marathon of MIT so I am looking forward to running it with my Lucky 13 team. Come celebrate the Bicentennial with over 12,500 of your closest friends – including me!
Race for the Cure May 19 (Local)
I try to run this race when I can because breast cancer has and will effect so many women in my life and the lives of people I know. I plan to run-walk this race with my mother-in-law this year, who is herself a survivor of breast cancer.
Emerald City Half September (Local)
I love this Half Marathon too! I ran this race in 2010 and PR’d it so it also has a special place in my heart. Last year, I ran the Quarter with Mandy and we agreed to run the half together this summer! I can’t wait!
Columbus Half Marathon October 21 (Local)
Columbus is the Fall training race for MIT and 2012 will be my fourth year in a row running it. This is a great fall race – a flat course, full of entertainment and a great tour of Columbus. Someday I would like to run the full marathon, but that will just have to wait a few more years!
Batelle Darby 5K November 04 (Local Metro Park)
Another Greenswell race that I plan to check out. This is one of my favorite Metro Parks near me and can be rather challenging to hike with hills and steep ravines. Absolutely gorgeous in the fall so I am really excited to run this 5K!
Flying Feather 4 Miler Thanksgiving Day (Local)
This race has become a family tradition that I look forward to every year. 2012 just might be my year for a PR!
So that’s it for now. How are your race plans shaping up for 2012? Anyone have a race to recommend that they just can’t help but run every year?
Until the next mile marker,
Follow
I’m also trying to take it easy – as in not a lot of long races. I’ve got a few more races lined up, but they are going to be training runs to break up the monotony of the trail every Saturday.
Jan 1 – River Run 5K
Feb 12 – ORRRC Winter Run (Granville) – 7.5 miles
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day 5K at Flanagan’s
April 22 – Earth Day half
May 5 – Cap City half
Not sure after that – although I will be doing a sprint tri this summer! I’m aiming for Wendy’s but am not going to sign up until I know I’ll be ready.
I’m considering aiming for the Batelle Darby Greenswell as my comeback race, but I’m really not sure. Depends on how I heal and stuff.
so fun!!!!!! such a great schedule! cant wait to hear how much of a blast you had and how much you dominated goofy this weekend!
Sounds like a great schedule! It looks like we’ll be at a lot of the same races! 🙂
Looks like a great 2012 race schedule Sara! Good luck with all of your races!