Looking Back to Push Ahead
I look back at 2009 with a feeling of growth — personally, spiritually, physically and professionally. I know that running has contributed significantly to all these areas, making me a better me to both myself and others.
It was when I decided to take my training up a notch, and not settle for that same boring loop at Balboa Park day after day, year after year, that I immediately accrued all kinds of plans and goals. Before I knew it, the year was over, I was happy and truly loving all the people in my life. I even managed to get in two half’s and ultimately, my only real running goal, California International Marathon (CIM).
All the hype surrounding that marathon – the training programs, new friends, PR’s…EVERYTHING, gave me the courage and motivation to push myself further to run 12 marathons in 2010. At that point, I couldn’t want it more and I knew I might regret verbally expressing that goal to others without thinking it through, but I didn’t care. I felt invincible. That’s what the marathon does to you (or to me), and I loved it, and now I need it.
So here I am. I know my goal is achievable — it won’t be a “run” in the park, I’ll have to race according to how I feel, avoid injuries and most importantly, I will have to keep my ego in check. Not the ego you may be thinking of, I am talking about the ego that tells me to run faster when I know I shouldn’t, or the ego that keeps reminding me that I shouldn’t do such a thing if it’s going to prevent me from going after a PR. I have to remember that at the end of the day, this is my goal, my race, the only one I am competing against is me.
2010 is going to be amazing and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you.
Trace B. 
I am totally impressed with your goal – run on!! Really interesting to read how you got there – makes the route to a marathon seem possible, even though I’m still just trying to do 25 miles a WEEK, as opposed to in a single run. 🙂
Thanks!
January 8, 2010 at 7:47 am
Thank you Sara! I will surely share my path and hope you find it helpful to achieve your running goals. Good luck with your training — every mile counts!
January 8, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Excellent site Trace, and admirable goals. I’m looking forward to following your adventures here and on Twitter. I’ve remcommended you to a few fellow UK runners.
Pop in over at Running Commentary some time; it’s a free site (no ads) for runners who write or writers who run.
http://www.runningcommentary.net
You’ll find my diary in the forum.
Good running!
January 14, 2010 at 10:56 am
Awesome! I will def. check it out. Thanks for the #ff
January 15, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Go for it Trace..there is nothing like setting goals ….it is achievable..i recently set a goal to do 70 marathons by 70 years old..that is 5 a yr for the next 13 yrs!!!
January 26, 2010 at 11:36 pm
THank you! Wow – that is a goal. I wish you the best. See you at Sat practice.
January 27, 2010 at 12:41 am