What's Next?

Now that the dust has settled from my fall marathon season, I can turn my attention to my next set of goals. After a lot of thought and careful introspection, I decided not to plan for a spring marathon. Running a spring marathon would have meant starting another training program in January. I decided that it would be too much of a time committment for my family, and it would probably burn me out out from running in general.

I have decided to approach an interim set of goals that would carry me through mid-year, when I would start preparing for my fall marathon (which I expect to be NYC).

• I would like to spend some time focusing on speedwork, and improving my performance in the shorter races (anything from 4 mi to the half marathon). I plan to rejoin the NYRR Running Classes in January so that I can get back to speedwork on a regular basis.
• I plan to collect my 9 + 1 races to secure entry into the NYC Marathon in 2011. I'm not sure that I'm going to want to run NYC in 2011, but I may as well give myself the option.
  
• I would like to start developing a base of cross training, particularly cycling and swimming. I just joined a local gym, with the goal of using their facilities for cross training, and possibly weight training.
• I would like to find a more regimented program to use for my next marathon. I'm starting to think that the FIRST program is a good program for me, since I don't see myself hitting the high mileages that other program require.

These are my goals for now - I hate to think of them as New Year's resolutions...but if I pause to reflect on the last year - I have come to realize that I have gained a tremendous amount from running...whether it's increased fitness, new friendships, some great experiences or just an overall positive self image. It has been a great year, and I look forward to continuing on this path.