the adventure lives on: January 2013

As we're almost a month into 2013 I figure it's time to update my race schedule from last fall through this month. One thing that was reinforced last October and earlier this month is that you can't fight weather. You just gotta take what you get and adjust your expectations accordingly.

The first of my 3 scheduled 10 milers last fall (10 was the new 13.1 last fall) was scheduled for September 1st in Madisonville, Louisiana. The SEC 10 miler was cancelled after the course went underwater during Hurricane Isaac. I have a discount code somewhere to use for next year's event. We'll see if I can remember to use that.

Up next for me was Ten for Texas October 13th. I ran strong for the first 6 miles but ended up giving in to the heat and humidity the last 4 miles. Although I was almost 20 minutes off my 2008 PR pace, I still finished in a decent 9:12 minute per mile pace. It was great to make it back to The Woodlands to visit with the old running group.

Just 2 weeks later I had a nice cool morning to run my 3rd Jazz Half in New Orleans. With the cooler weather I was able to maintain an 8:19 mpm pace for the entire 13.1 miles.

November 17th was the 2nd 10 miler of 2012 for me. This was my first Middendorfs Manchac Run. Middendorfs is known for its thin strip fried catfish. Probably not the smartest thing to eat post race but I think it was definetely worth it. Another cool race morning and I was able to run a steady 8:17 pace for this race.

I had no more races for the rest of the year and almost no running. I had a 2012 goal of logging 1,000 miles of running. I entered December needing less than 100 miles to reach my goal. I ended up falling short of the goal due to a non running hip issue early in the month followed by the flu the week before Christmas. I ended up with 965 miles; my 2013 goal is back at 1,000 miles and should be attainable as 2012 had lots of gaps in my running due to back and other injuries.

I have run half marathon on consecutive Sundays already this month. January 13th I ran the Gulf Coast half in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The 10 day forecast started with lows in the 30s creeping through the 40s and 50s to get to the 60s a couple of days pre race. Temperature at 5 am race morning was 68 and humid. I was running around a 2 hour 1/2 pace through the first 10k. At that point I knew recovery would take longer if I kept pushing that pace so I backed off to an 11:00 mpm pace for the rest of the race.

Wrapping up race in Gulf Shores. You have to look close to see how wet I am.

Last Sunday I ran the 2nd annual Louisiana 1/2 in Baton Rouge. I was impressed with the inaugaural events last year and this year they picked up right where they left off. I definetely plan on running this event again. 2 year running they've had morning lows in the 40s with sunny weather. I ended up running an 8:38 pace for this race even after slowing the last 3 miles.

Up next Saturday is the Louisiana Riverfront 1/2 in Kenner, Louisiana. The course is an out and back course on the Mississippi River levee. Hopefully there won't be too much wind.

I finally got the medal rod set up for my 2012 medals and 2013 to date. Looks like I've got lots of room for many races to come.