So, it’s been a year. (We all know that, right?) But the latest news about a potential vaccine for Covid means, at long last, we can start to see hope again. So it got me wondering: is there anything you want to do in running, a dream you want to realize, a goal you want to achieve, or a place you want go next year that you’ve been putting off this year? What do you want to do if there are no obstacles in our way? — Terrell
I'd like to run in England, and to break 2:10 in the half. I did a 10k in England in 2019 and it was such a fun and different experience that regular touring. Next time I'd like to go to a different part of the country, or maybe Wales or Scotland. If Wales, I'll look for a race in a town with no vowels in the name! I'm only a few minutes from my other goal and working hard to achieve it.
My running goal is to run a half marathon. I was originally training for one, but then I plateaued and stopped building up my mileage when COVID hit because I figured it would get canceled. While the in-person race did get canceled, they made it into a virtual race. So next year, I would like to be able to run a half marathon virtually. I would also like to visit Taiwan and Singapore when it's safe to travel again.
I’d love to visit both of those too. Which half did you sign up for? We may — emphasize “may” — be able to run more in-person races by this time next year, too. Here’s to hoping 🙏
My goal is to keep running,and keep the pace of training like we just did
I ran a half and didn't get injured!! Woot woot!! I think in the past I didn't train long enough and thus injuries were common. I'm looking forward to our New Years Day Hangover Race here in Idaho, and then the Superhero race in February for starters. Doing one last virtual run with St.Jude Children's Hospital in December..love St.Jude!!!
Continue in my goal to do 50 states half marathons. I try to get about 4 a year. Was registered for 4 new states in 2020 but got none in. Did get some Michigan trail races done though. 🙂
L.A. County has an increase of COVID cases so I will continue to stay put for awhile. I already washed 2020 off my calendar, so I'm okay. There are a few local races in San Diego County, but I'm not going to participate. I will keep hiking; patience is a virtue.
Use ALL the sports massage gift certificates I got for my December birthday as I was training for a spring marathon. I got so many! It was the best gift ever...
To get back to in person racing in the Spring! Already signed up for the Philly Love half marathon in March and hoping to follow with the Rutgers Half in April and the Brooklyn half in May (held my place from last year). And of course finally getting to run the Boston Marathon, which I qualified for, in September!!!! RACE RACE RACE !!!
My dream is to return to in-person racing sometime in 2021. Nothing beats the excitement/nervousness of the fellow runners and the cheering of the spectators!
I know! Nothing beats that feeling of being at the starting line, right before you start running. It's all fresh and new, a blank canvas waiting to be painted. Hopefully we'll start seeing more coming back in the spring! When was your last in-person race?
Yes, the sooner the better, so long as safely. I think in California, we won't realistically see them return before Fall-assuming a vaccine goes well, but fingers crossed. My last in-person was Cal International Marathon Dec 2019, after that, everything went virtual.
Next year I want to run in in Dublin Ireland for the Rocco racing something my first half marathon overseas I was supposed to do it this year but next year it's going to be better year and all my race is been canceled will be back next year I hope and I probably have one or two races to my agenda
Key West 1/2 marathon. I have wanted to do this race for going on 3 yrs. The first year I wanted to do this would have been on my 60 birthday; I thought that would be an awesome celebration. So 2021 is now upon us, Covid probably won't allow the trip from KY, (logistically, there is no quick way to get there, it will be an adventure). As I've gotten older, my knee issues have increased and may be my primary 2021 corrective mission to enable me to take on Key West 1/2 in 2022. A girls gotta have a dream!
Yes! I haven't been and thought it would be beautiful and a great break from the cold KY January weather. A destination run is a great way to see/experience new places.
Run the Indy Mini with my daughter. I was scheduled to return to Indiana to run the Indy Mini this year as not only my first half marathon but also run it with my daughter. Hopefully that will be able to happen in 2021.
Loaded question...like most, I want to run a real a mini/full marathon. I was supposed to run the race at Niagara Falls...hopefully they will schedule it again for 2021. Would love to run a race in Hawaii, and if I could get to a 8 or 9 minute mile, that would be freaking awesome.
The Honolulu Marathon is great! I recommend that one. It is in December, weather is good, and they have have fireworks at the start (you start in the dark) and showers across the finish line! Super fun race.
No, I don't have one in mind. My husband keeps saying we should run a race in Hawaii, and I remind him that "we" aren't running....I am. Gotta love his support. Thanks for responding and I will definitely research these races. Have a beautiful day!
Real races! I am scheduled for a half marathon in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin that I was supposed to run last May and am now hopeful that I will be able to run it May 2021!
I had meniscus surgery August 2019... rehabbed, started running mid November... Mid January... A snowy, icy Sunday morning I fell on a grated lift bridge...27 stitches, loss of teeth 😥, bad knee bruise....back to running, but ups and downs with residual knee discomfort from both events.... Hopefully getting out from under this gray cloud!
Oh wow, Nancy! My heart goes out to you. Even though it's been almost a year, I'm sure it's not easy to come back from. It takes a lot of courage to get back on that horse, so to speak. Hopefully those knees will keep healing!
Last year I had just started my goal of running a half marathon in every state, so I'd like to make some progress toward that goal. I also want to qualify to join the Half Fanatics!
So I just turned 70 and am energized to try for an age group "podium" in a half marathon (hopefully actual rather than virtual). The last couple of years as a 68, 69 year old going against 60 year olds it just wasn't happening. Hoping we may be running together again by next fall.
I know I’ve said this before, but, since you asked, I want to run the Marine Corps Marathon in person. I just did it virtually on Monday.
Also, I would love to do a 50K in Anza Borrego State Park. I have been going there for more than 25 years and it is one of my favorite getaway spots. The 2020 race was cancelled and so far, I don’t see one scheduled for 2021. It was a small race, so hoping it didn’t go away for good.
Focus on speedwork! and not sign up for longer races. I'd also love to do a destination race, which got nixed this year thanks to covid and some ankle inflammation.
Me too! What's pushing you away from the longer races, by the way? (I'm actually in the same boat; it's tough for me to train for anything beyond a half with kids, job etc.) Do you have a destination race picked out that you want to run?
I am not enjoying the longer distances as much these days; I think maybe a little burnout, and focusing on distance seems to prevent me from being able to work on speed (though some improvement happens from the stronger aerobic base built by distance). I also see the speedwork as a long-term investment of sorts to help me be able to get more miles in faster, more bang for my buck. No kids yet here, but hubby would be happy to have one on the way yesterday, so trying to plan ahead, ha!
We both love national parks, and some of them have half marathons and 5ks, so I like the idea of going to one and running the 5k together then doing our thing hiking and whatnot.
I do a half marathon a month for charity and each year I choose a new charity. There have been so many struggles for everyones mental health during this pandemic. In 2021 I will be running for a charity called Mind in the UK.
This is amazing. And how generous it is of you to do it! Do you follow a training plan for these, or just go out and do your normal running in between races?
I am so naughty ~ I have cut down my training recently to speed work Monday and Wednesday and the longish run on a Friday, alternating from six to nine mile. Then before you know it you are back to a half run... I do cross train and weights on other days of the week.
Break 4:00 in a marathon, and then aim to get under 3:45 thereafter - break 1:45 in a half, & shoot for sub 1:40 - love the first world problems - run NY marathon next November:)
I want to do a "Run Wild Retreat". After this year's events (now including a major bridge shutdown of indeterminant length, increasing my commute to the hospital where I work), i need a running retreat more than ever!
Trail running retreats for women! See runwildretreats.com for info. They sound like the perfect destination run vacation for me and many other stressed out nurses!
After farting around with the idea for a LONG time, I have decided that I am going to run a marathon next year. It has been my goal to run a full marathon before I turn 30, and I'll be 29 next May!
I ran one half (one coming up soon), and dozens of 5k's and 10k's! I think as long as my head is in the game and the training is right, I can do it! I'm hoping to run the Towpath Marathon in Cleveland, OH!
Yes - less coffee the week of the race, better hydration in terms of water & Gatorade (less sugar one) more longer runs, and pacing the actual run - I went out too quick the first one - I spaced out my pace - I followed the 95, 85, 55 model - two 10 mile runs, & a 10k at the end - hope that helps
That is hugely helpful! I was acutely aware of the carb-starve/carb-load idea, but I hadn't thought about decreasing coffee (yikes). I'll give this a shot. Thank you for the advice, and good luck with your races!
Believe me, the coffee thing was rough - I didn’t really change too much about eating - I actually ate less the two days prior concentrating on more water - good luck, you will do great - I took almost 30 minutes off my 1st time because I cramped at mile 18 the first time - that was awful lol
I am hoping to get and STAY healthy for running.... After surgery for a meniscus tear and then a very nasty fall while running I have been struggling to resume any quality of running in my life. Working with a fantastic physical therapist has been a godsend and I'm hoping that by the time 2020 ends I am healthy enough to run and our world is safe enough to get out there and do it!
I am hoping that we will be able to go to Germany to run the Berlin Marathon and then partake of Oktoberfest. We may even extend our trip and visit another location or two after that. The vaccine announcement earlier this week is offering some hope that this may happen.
No, this year would have been my first Berlin and third World Major Marathon. If I get Berlin done then I will have London, Tokyo, and Boston left to get my 6 stars. Oktoberfest is a bucket list item for my husband. He and a friend are also running Berlin.
I'd like to run in England, and to break 2:10 in the half. I did a 10k in England in 2019 and it was such a fun and different experience that regular touring. Next time I'd like to go to a different part of the country, or maybe Wales or Scotland. If Wales, I'll look for a race in a town with no vowels in the name! I'm only a few minutes from my other goal and working hard to achieve it.
I would like to run in Europe. Was looking at Berlin or Helsinki half marathon.
My running goal is to run a half marathon. I was originally training for one, but then I plateaued and stopped building up my mileage when COVID hit because I figured it would get canceled. While the in-person race did get canceled, they made it into a virtual race. So next year, I would like to be able to run a half marathon virtually. I would also like to visit Taiwan and Singapore when it's safe to travel again.
I’d love to visit both of those too. Which half did you sign up for? We may — emphasize “may” — be able to run more in-person races by this time next year, too. Here’s to hoping 🙏
I signed up for the SF one!
My goal is to keep running,and keep the pace of training like we just did
I ran a half and didn't get injured!! Woot woot!! I think in the past I didn't train long enough and thus injuries were common. I'm looking forward to our New Years Day Hangover Race here in Idaho, and then the Superhero race in February for starters. Doing one last virtual run with St.Jude Children's Hospital in December..love St.Jude!!!
Continue in my goal to do 50 states half marathons. I try to get about 4 a year. Was registered for 4 new states in 2020 but got none in. Did get some Michigan trail races done though. 🙂
The Great Ocean Road race in Melbourne, Australia.
Oh, I'd love to run that one too, Belle. Definitely on my list. How are things out in California?
L.A. County has an increase of COVID cases so I will continue to stay put for awhile. I already washed 2020 off my calendar, so I'm okay. There are a few local races in San Diego County, but I'm not going to participate. I will keep hiking; patience is a virtue.
Use ALL the sports massage gift certificates I got for my December birthday as I was training for a spring marathon. I got so many! It was the best gift ever...
That *is* the best!
Finish what I started! Maui and Tahoe, here I come!
Love hearing this, Nilima!
To get back to in person racing in the Spring! Already signed up for the Philly Love half marathon in March and hoping to follow with the Rutgers Half in April and the Brooklyn half in May (held my place from last year). And of course finally getting to run the Boston Marathon, which I qualified for, in September!!!! RACE RACE RACE !!!
Right there with you, Janine!
My dream is to return to in-person racing sometime in 2021. Nothing beats the excitement/nervousness of the fellow runners and the cheering of the spectators!
I know! Nothing beats that feeling of being at the starting line, right before you start running. It's all fresh and new, a blank canvas waiting to be painted. Hopefully we'll start seeing more coming back in the spring! When was your last in-person race?
Yes, the sooner the better, so long as safely. I think in California, we won't realistically see them return before Fall-assuming a vaccine goes well, but fingers crossed. My last in-person was Cal International Marathon Dec 2019, after that, everything went virtual.
Next year I want to run in in Dublin Ireland for the Rocco racing something my first half marathon overseas I was supposed to do it this year but next year it's going to be better year and all my race is been canceled will be back next year I hope and I probably have one or two races to my agenda
Hillacious Half in CT to support our Troops & then train for a Marathon ... maybe the Baystate in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Key West 1/2 marathon. I have wanted to do this race for going on 3 yrs. The first year I wanted to do this would have been on my 60 birthday; I thought that would be an awesome celebration. So 2021 is now upon us, Covid probably won't allow the trip from KY, (logistically, there is no quick way to get there, it will be an adventure). As I've gotten older, my knee issues have increased and may be my primary 2021 corrective mission to enable me to take on Key West 1/2 in 2022. A girls gotta have a dream!
I'm in my 60's too and also have "sensitive" knees. I found that running on dirt and cinder rather than pavement made all the difference. Good luck!
Sounds great!! I'm in my 60's too, and I'm so thankful to be able to do these runs!!! Hope your knees hold up and don't give you problems!
Love that! I've been to Key West but haven't run the half there. I'd love to -- it's such a gorgeous, amazing place.
Yes! I haven't been and thought it would be beautiful and a great break from the cold KY January weather. A destination run is a great way to see/experience new places.
Run the Indy Mini with my daughter. I was scheduled to return to Indiana to run the Indy Mini this year as not only my first half marathon but also run it with my daughter. Hopefully that will be able to happen in 2021.
Awesome! Is that the race in May, that runs around the track where they race the Indianapolis 500?
Yes, starts downtown then heads out to the speedway for a lap around the track before heading back downtown
Loaded question...like most, I want to run a real a mini/full marathon. I was supposed to run the race at Niagara Falls...hopefully they will schedule it again for 2021. Would love to run a race in Hawaii, and if I could get to a 8 or 9 minute mile, that would be freaking awesome.
The Honolulu Marathon is great! I recommend that one. It is in December, weather is good, and they have have fireworks at the start (you start in the dark) and showers across the finish line! Super fun race.
That actually sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks and I will definitely research it for 2021.
That would be VERY awesome! Do you have a Hawaii race in mind? (The Kauai Marathon & Half has always been in my sights.)
No, I don't have one in mind. My husband keeps saying we should run a race in Hawaii, and I remind him that "we" aren't running....I am. Gotta love his support. Thanks for responding and I will definitely research these races. Have a beautiful day!
I BQ'd at a real, live marathon in September. I'm REALLY hoping to run Boston in the fall of 2021 or spring of 2022.
Awesome, George! 🙌
Real races! I am scheduled for a half marathon in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin that I was supposed to run last May and am now hopeful that I will be able to run it May 2021!
I can't wait for those too, Nelda!
I had meniscus surgery August 2019... rehabbed, started running mid November... Mid January... A snowy, icy Sunday morning I fell on a grated lift bridge...27 stitches, loss of teeth 😥, bad knee bruise....back to running, but ups and downs with residual knee discomfort from both events.... Hopefully getting out from under this gray cloud!
Praying you will keep getting back to your 100% healing!
Oh wow, Nancy! My heart goes out to you. Even though it's been almost a year, I'm sure it's not easy to come back from. It takes a lot of courage to get back on that horse, so to speak. Hopefully those knees will keep healing!
I trained hard this year. Especially for a covid year. I’m 62. Wheelchair racer. I want live races and one please along a beautiful beach 😊
Where are you based, Dave? Or is there a place you want to go and do a race? Let me know and I can find a few for you 👍
From western pa I’ve got Pa covered. Thinking north or South Carolina or maybe northern Florida
Last year I had just started my goal of running a half marathon in every state, so I'd like to make some progress toward that goal. I also want to qualify to join the Half Fanatics!
That group sounds crazy fun!
I have never been, but I want to go for a run and do some scuba diving
So I just turned 70 and am energized to try for an age group "podium" in a half marathon (hopefully actual rather than virtual). The last couple of years as a 68, 69 year old going against 60 year olds it just wasn't happening. Hoping we may be running together again by next fall.
Great idea!!!
I'm hoping so too, Jim! I think you're right about the 70 age group -- you'll be on that podium for sure.
I know I’ve said this before, but, since you asked, I want to run the Marine Corps Marathon in person. I just did it virtually on Monday.
Also, I would love to do a 50K in Anza Borrego State Park. I have been going there for more than 25 years and it is one of my favorite getaway spots. The 2020 race was cancelled and so far, I don’t see one scheduled for 2021. It was a small race, so hoping it didn’t go away for good.
The Marine Corps Marathon is wonderful!!! USMC, 1971-77
Semper Fi!
Hope you do the MCM! It will be unforgettable.
Focus on speedwork! and not sign up for longer races. I'd also love to do a destination race, which got nixed this year thanks to covid and some ankle inflammation.
Me too! What's pushing you away from the longer races, by the way? (I'm actually in the same boat; it's tough for me to train for anything beyond a half with kids, job etc.) Do you have a destination race picked out that you want to run?
I am not enjoying the longer distances as much these days; I think maybe a little burnout, and focusing on distance seems to prevent me from being able to work on speed (though some improvement happens from the stronger aerobic base built by distance). I also see the speedwork as a long-term investment of sorts to help me be able to get more miles in faster, more bang for my buck. No kids yet here, but hubby would be happy to have one on the way yesterday, so trying to plan ahead, ha!
We both love national parks, and some of them have half marathons and 5ks, so I like the idea of going to one and running the 5k together then doing our thing hiking and whatnot.
He hates running, but he can do a 5k. He runs up to 3mi with me once per week, maybe twice if he's feeling extra sacrificial, LOL
Costa Rica
That's on my bucket list too. There are SO many races that look amazing in Costa Rica -- have you ever visited there/run there before?
Today was my 60th half marathon, I am looking forward to getting back to the real ones!!!
Esther that is nothing short of amazing!!!! Sixty half marathons -- I am in awe.
I do a half marathon a month for charity and each year I choose a new charity. There have been so many struggles for everyones mental health during this pandemic. In 2021 I will be running for a charity called Mind in the UK.
(And are you based in the U.K.?)
Yes Terrell :)
This is amazing. And how generous it is of you to do it! Do you follow a training plan for these, or just go out and do your normal running in between races?
Thank you :)
I am so naughty ~ I have cut down my training recently to speed work Monday and Wednesday and the longish run on a Friday, alternating from six to nine mile. Then before you know it you are back to a half run... I do cross train and weights on other days of the week.
Break 4:00 in a marathon, and then aim to get under 3:45 thereafter - break 1:45 in a half, & shoot for sub 1:40 - love the first world problems - run NY marathon next November:)
That's my dream race too, David. Not sure when I'll make it there, but someday :)
I want to do a "Run Wild Retreat". After this year's events (now including a major bridge shutdown of indeterminant length, increasing my commute to the hospital where I work), i need a running retreat more than ever!
So what is the Run Wild Retreat? I've gotta hear more about this.
Trail running retreats for women! See runwildretreats.com for info. They sound like the perfect destination run vacation for me and many other stressed out nurses!
After farting around with the idea for a LONG time, I have decided that I am going to run a marathon next year. It has been my goal to run a full marathon before I turn 30, and I'll be 29 next May!
That is so awesome, Haley! Have you run a half before? Or a 10-miler? And, do you have a marathon picked out?
I ran one half (one coming up soon), and dozens of 5k's and 10k's! I think as long as my head is in the game and the training is right, I can do it! I'm hoping to run the Towpath Marathon in Cleveland, OH!
That race should be perfect for a first-time marathoner -- it's flat nearly all the way, and it's on a gentle surface. Great choice!!
Do it - it’s awesome - just hydrate correctly - that was my issue the first one - my second was completely different
Thanks for the advice! Did you have a different fueling strategy the second time around?
Yes - less coffee the week of the race, better hydration in terms of water & Gatorade (less sugar one) more longer runs, and pacing the actual run - I went out too quick the first one - I spaced out my pace - I followed the 95, 85, 55 model - two 10 mile runs, & a 10k at the end - hope that helps
Hi David. What's the 95, 85, 55 model? I tried a web search, but I only got results about seniors running!
95 the first 10 miles, 85 the next 10 & 55 for the last 10k - I found by breaking the race up both physically & mentally was exceptionally helpful
Oh, ... the numbers are minutes! Gotcha. I've gotten in the habit of running negative splits, so that makes good sense to me.
That is hugely helpful! I was acutely aware of the carb-starve/carb-load idea, but I hadn't thought about decreasing coffee (yikes). I'll give this a shot. Thank you for the advice, and good luck with your races!
Believe me, the coffee thing was rough - I didn’t really change too much about eating - I actually ate less the two days prior concentrating on more water - good luck, you will do great - I took almost 30 minutes off my 1st time because I cramped at mile 18 the first time - that was awful lol
I am hoping to get and STAY healthy for running.... After surgery for a meniscus tear and then a very nasty fall while running I have been struggling to resume any quality of running in my life. Working with a fantastic physical therapist has been a godsend and I'm hoping that by the time 2020 ends I am healthy enough to run and our world is safe enough to get out there and do it!
Hi Nancy—-I had a meniscus repair 12 years ago —-some complications following —-however, following great PT, 10 half marathons since.
Yikes! When did your fall happen, Nancy! I'm really glad you've had good help recovering. I hope so too (about our world)!
I am hoping that we will be able to go to Germany to run the Berlin Marathon and then partake of Oktoberfest. We may even extend our trip and visit another location or two after that. The vaccine announcement earlier this week is offering some hope that this may happen.
OMG that is one of my bucket list races and one of my bucket list celebrations!
I hope so too, Stacy! Really hoping that next year will bring us a much different landscape than this year. Have you run the Berlin marathon before?
No, this year would have been my first Berlin and third World Major Marathon. If I get Berlin done then I will have London, Tokyo, and Boston left to get my 6 stars. Oktoberfest is a bucket list item for my husband. He and a friend are also running Berlin.