Now that we’re starting to slide into the holidays — it’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away — my thoughts are starting to turn to next year and what I’d like to do. So that made me wonder: what is a big running dream or goal you’d like to achieve in 2020? — Terrell
(In the photo above, runners make their way along the Pacific coastline at the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, one of my dream races.)
What I am about to write will probably seem silly to younger runners but some of you seniors will understand perfectly. My big goal is to run a half at 63 yo as fast as I did at 60. If I could shake the last year trend of injuries I think I can.
It can be done. I have run eight half marathons this year at age 70, and have improved my average time (2:14) by three minutes from when I was 60 (2:17). Consistency in training, cross training, and force of will are the keys to success.
I'm 63 too, and staying injury free is more and more difficult, isn't it? I would like to run a 50k. I don't care if it's flat as a pancake or minimal vertical, trail or road. It would be a great adventure.
Since I started running seriously the past 4 years, I have wanted to run the 50 miler in MI. (We lived in MI for 4 years in the ‘90’s) It is in the Manistee Nat’l Forest. They are called “The Hungerford Games.” (1/2, Full & 50 miler) Right now I have to scale back until I can figure out a scar tissue issue from 2 yr old surgery. But I still have a someday hope of that race. Manistee has fantastic scenery. Keep dreaming and reaching my friend.
If you're in the NY area, try running the Livingston Manor Half in the Catskills in the Fall. I ran it last year - it was on the HalfMarathons.Net list of "all downhill" half marathons. It has some slight uphill sections, but it is mostly manageable downhill. If you can keep your stride light and steady (to minimize joint impact and maintain your balance), it is a very fast run. :)
I am 65 this year and have posted PBs on both 5K and 1/2's. I thought I'd never see that with increasing age, but commitment to a training plan and nutrition and hydration plans have kept my body honest. As a late comer to running at 53, I have enjoyed and regret not doing it earlier in life...but that is the value of kids and family commitment to stick together and enjoy their interests as well. I recently had a friend tell me he thinks he couldn't possibly post any faster times because of age. Don't believe that! Always looking to improve and test myself, regardless of age! My Garmin info tells me I'm as healthy as a 20 year old. Maybe at 66 I might be able to be as healthy as a 21 year old?🤣 I found regardless of age you can still push yourself to limits you thought never possible! Keep enjoying the beauty and freedom of running!
(nods) I found in the last year that keeping my easy days easy and adding strength training on the hard days makes an enormous difference. After some niggles during the last marathon buildup, I am going to be adding some balance work as well for lower-leg and ankle strength. Amazing how much we lose as we age :(
Thanks for this Steph. I am still trying to find some balance myself. I have been going to the gym for almost 6 months. I am on Day 169 of my streak. The problem is that I am too internally competitive. So if I have a good run one day I go back out the next and try to match or beat it. I hear people say to have balance like you are describing but I have not gotten there yet. So I will keep trying. I have a 10K on Thanksgiving Day. My 5th year in a row. Excited because it is fun but also know that after improving my times each year for the past 4, I will be pushing myself to do it again.
BTW, looking to run several 1/2s this next year. A couple out of state, maybe NC or CA. Would really love to run the Napa 1/2! Maybe even another marathon.
To remain healthy and continue my 50-state half marathon quest (just reached state 24 two weeks ago in Utah), knock 10 or 11 more states off the map, in between 3-month checkups and scans for Stage 2 NonHodgkins Lymphoma. #EveryMileIsAGift.
I began running at 50 years old. I began racing 5K races at 52 years old. I ran my first Half Marathon at 57, and ran two each year for a total of eight so far. I am no longer able to maintain the level of conditioning to feel comfortable and healthy running the longer distances, so I have "retired" from distances longer than ten miles.
My goal is to keep running regularly, and find a new healthy equilibrium - a "steady state" I can maintain to keep my heart and lungs strong, and to remain mobile as far as possible into my old age. It is hard to push myself each week, to find or make opportunities to run, when I have no lofty goal of a "big race" ahead.
I wonder how many others find this to be their challenge. Running long distances might not be maintainable, so how do we keep our interest and motivation going?
I have a similar story. I began running in 2007 at the age of 42. I have ran 17 marathons, almost 30 halves (I lost count, but know it is close), a 50 miler and several distances in between along with numerous 10k and 5k races. It is hard to make time to run after working all day and now that I am a Grandma. My plan is to not run any distance longer than 15 miles. I agree with finding a running group for camaraderie & accountability. All different paces/ages in these groups. Even if you are running every other day a few miles is enough to keep a steady state. Add some cross training on your off days (gentle stretching,light weights, elliptical, brisk walking, etc). Best to you in your quest to maintain good health!
Nathan, do you run with a group? That can be very motivating. I run with Fleet Feet Cleveland and we have coaches that can help us with setting goals. Everyone in the group supports one another and we encourage each other to keep going on those tough days.
Leadville 100 or bust. Attempted in 2016 was 20 behind cut off @ 60 miles & got pulled. Was in best shape of life @57 years old. If I don’t get in via lottery I am prepping to race my way in one of the qualifiers. Good luck to all in 2020.
You got this, Mike! A buddy I work with DNF'd in 2018, but finished it this year. He proudly wears the jacket all the time. Sounds like a terrific race. I can only dream of such a distance!
i want to run the philly marathon! there i said it out loud:) i haven't run a full since 2002. been feeling really good and like i finally have it in me!
It's been since 2001 for a full marathon for me, but watching all the coverage of the NYC Marathon earlier this month made me want to do another one too.
Main goal for 2020 is to finish the full SF Marathon. I did the first half in 2018 (my first 13.1 ever!), the second half in 2019, and both times thought, "I can't imagine doing another 13.1 miles right now." Now, having finished the 'hilly' NYC marathon, I start the work toward SF. My mantra for the next several months: "I eat hills for breakfast." RAWR!
Astounding. The noise of it... Indescribably energetic. My time was not the ideal I hoped because I started too fast (seriously, I'd have to wear earplugs not to get pulled along by the energy in Brooklyn!) but I ran across that finish line -- and yeah, entered the lottery to do it again because why not?!
My goal is to run again! In 2018 I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition. My last 1/2 marathon was in 2017 and I finished 2nd in the 70-75 Women's Division. After 43 years of running, I miss the exuberant feeling of training, running, and the excitement of the 1/2 marathon. It has always been my distance and it's hard to believe I won't feel that again. So now I'm setting a goal to run a 5K and be grateful at the end.
I notice that several posts are from folks in my age bracket, so here goes... I turned 66 last week and completed my 82nd half last Saturday, my 65th since recovering from cancer five years ago. My first post-chemo race was in November 2014, and I also did one in December that year. I set a goal of completing at least one half marathon per month for as long as possible. So far, so good 😎. I’m currently registered for 10 in 2020. Half crazy?
Thank you, Terrell. I live near San Diego, so most are around town: Carlsbad, San Diego, Encinitas, SD Beach&Bay, SD Rock’n’Roll, America’s Finest City. Outside of town: Death Valley (cool in February), Yosemite, Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay, Revel Big Bear. I found some of these from your website, of course.
I don’t have any for June, July or December yet. Probably do the SD Holiday in December.
I’m running my first marathon at Disney World in January! I started my running journey with a 2018 St Paddy’s 5k, and completed my first half last November. I’ve done three halves since and really like that distance, but figured I should challenge myself with at least one (fun!) full marathon! Best of wishes and prayers to those healing and in their respective running journeys!
Thank you so much! My first half was the Kona Coffee Run in Kona, HI. I was inspired to attempt it after volunteering with the 2018 Ironman World Championship! That was super inspiring to watch and fun to be a part of! I’ve also run the Fort Collins Spring Equinox and most recently SLO Ultra half (San Luis Obispo, CA) at Lake Lopez. That was my first trail race and first with significant hills. I have found the running community to be super supportive and fun to be around! I’m thankful for you all!
I’d like to! Probably nothing crazy, just some color schemes to pay tribute to some character. Trying to figure that out now so I can start running in whatever I decide on. :) You should try it sometime! If/when you go, would you dress up? What character would you do?
If you want something simple, I got my wife to attach a pair of kids scissors to a baseball cap a few years back. A few along the course will get the joke.
I will totally dress up when I do it!!!! I'd pick a princess but I probably would let my niece make suggestions rather than going with my own faves. So many options for cute Disney running outfits on Etsy... I'll have to watch for the sign-up dates for January 2021.... :)
That's so sweet that you'll run with your niece's choice of character! (pun intended ;) ) Yes, if you want a spot you'll have to stay vigilant for the sign ups! The 5K filled up within hours of it opening and the marathon within the first week or so. You can sign up for email updates on the runDisney website. Thanks for letting me know about Etsy! I'll definitely have to check that out!
I'm planning to run my first marathon in 2020. The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. I have aspirations to run another marathon in the Fall. Anybody have a favorite fall marathon recommendation?
The Pig is one of my favorites, especially the “pump and run” feature. The day before the run you are tested on the bench press with a weight based on your age and body weight. Each pump takes one minute off your run time. 30 reps gets you a gold medal in the strength component and 30 minutes off your run time. It’s a great way to evaluate your overall fitness program for both strength and endurance, and the train up really reinforces the goodness of cross training.
I ran the TIM Horton Half Marathon this October in Niagara Falls, Canada. Great weather, scenic, flat. I can recommend it. Will be there in 2020, signed in already.
I'm pretty sure that my husband and I will be running the Flying Pig half this year. We did Chicago this year and I highly recommend it. The application for the lottery is open until 12/3.
I need to get that one on my list. In a previous life I raced sports cars, and my car was called the "Flying Pig." I still have an affinity for flying pigs and wore one (a pin) when I ran NYC Marathon last week. SO thanks for the reminder... gotta get it on the schedule! As for fall... I'll be watching this one as well. I've put my name in for Chicago but odds are good that I will need an alternative ;)
Flag on the play. Overuse of 20. 20 yard penalty and repeat 1st down. ;-) Please keep us posted on the 20 things. I'll bet many of us will be motivated by them and want to take on some of them too!
1) To keep rehabbing my ankle back to running health
2) We're taking a trip to the UK in May and I'm considering doing the Snowdonia Half...it would be a bucket list race for sure! I wouldn't race it, though, just leisurely jog and enjoy the scenery.
I think my number one goal is to stay healthy and get over this plantar fasciitis that has plagued me for almost a year. The second would be to arrive at the starting line of the 2020 Boston Marathon healthy.
I did at first, but it got unbearable. At the present, no running, only walking and cross training. It's one of those injuries that heals on its own time.
2016: 1st half marathon (Parks Half); 2017: 1st marathon (NYC baby!); 2019: 1st 50K (the very awesome Blues Cruise). So for 2020...goal is first 50 miler, Stone Mill 50 in my own lovely Montgomery County MD backyard. Have definitely swallowed the Kool-Aid! Good luck to everyone with all goals -- distance, speed or otherwise!
I actually have a list of 10 races I want to try to run. A combo of 10ks and halfs culminating in my first marathon. It sounds nuts but I feel great and want to take advantage of that and see what I can accomplish.
Gretchen, you sound like me. I have 3 half’s planned (+various 5k & 10ks) with my first full in October and then a fun half relay with my son - Beat the Train-where you race against a steam train. It’s a crazy schedule and I have a lot of strength training I’ve started working on with a running coach to help me be a better runner and better prepared for next year. I did my first 2 half’s this year on my own and did ok, but a marathon is a different animal!
I'm going to do a ton of strength training too in the "off season." I have a half in about a week, then I'm going to back down my mileage and get some extra gym time in. I'm like you, as well. My first two halfs were this fall and I'm excited to see what I can do next year. I am going to need some more muscle to pull this off. That train race sounds so cool!! What a great thing for you and your son to do together!
I started this crazy goal of running halfs throughout all 50 states last year! So far #13 will be in Las Vegas. So the goal is to continue to run improving time and posture while visiting new places.
The 50-state quest has been an amazing opportunity to visit parts of the US we've never been before and some - to be honest - we might never had made the time to travel. Good luck and enjoy!
My goal is to complete my second marathon. Aiming for the Marine Corp which takes place near my 60th birthday. (My first was the NY Marathon which I did on my 50th).
I had so wanted to do the Key West 1/2 on my 60th birthday; didn't happen, so I'm shooting for my 65. Go for it. The big 60 needs to be a milestone. Go for it!!
I have entered the lottery for the Berlin Marathon. If selected I would be running my 3rd world major marathon. I love that Berlin allows you to sign up as a team of up to 3 people. My husband and a friend will also be running if we get in. If that doesn't happen I may decide to run a fall half instead and am considering Rock & Roll Las Vegas or Niagara Falls.
I am signed up for the Dublin Half Marathon in August 2020. I am pretty excited for this one.. I have been lucky enough to run some pretty amazing races... NYC Marathon twice, Big Sur, Marine Corps, a bunch of Disney Worlds.. Anchorage Alaska. But the fulls just aren't in my lifestyle any longer.. So I do half's now. You can still travel- I ran the Capitola to Santa Cruz in Cali a year ago, and that was pretty awesome.
What I am about to write will probably seem silly to younger runners but some of you seniors will understand perfectly. My big goal is to run a half at 63 yo as fast as I did at 60. If I could shake the last year trend of injuries I think I can.
It can be done. I have run eight half marathons this year at age 70, and have improved my average time (2:14) by three minutes from when I was 60 (2:17). Consistency in training, cross training, and force of will are the keys to success.
I'm 63 too, and staying injury free is more and more difficult, isn't it? I would like to run a 50k. I don't care if it's flat as a pancake or minimal vertical, trail or road. It would be a great adventure.
Since I started running seriously the past 4 years, I have wanted to run the 50 miler in MI. (We lived in MI for 4 years in the ‘90’s) It is in the Manistee Nat’l Forest. They are called “The Hungerford Games.” (1/2, Full & 50 miler) Right now I have to scale back until I can figure out a scar tissue issue from 2 yr old surgery. But I still have a someday hope of that race. Manistee has fantastic scenery. Keep dreaming and reaching my friend.
I wish for that too but one step at a time for me
Comeback greater than the setback!! Best to you!
If you're in the NY area, try running the Livingston Manor Half in the Catskills in the Fall. I ran it last year - it was on the HalfMarathons.Net list of "all downhill" half marathons. It has some slight uphill sections, but it is mostly manageable downhill. If you can keep your stride light and steady (to minimize joint impact and maintain your balance), it is a very fast run. :)
The beer party afterward was great, too! ;)
(I ran it at the age of 60.)
I am 65 this year and have posted PBs on both 5K and 1/2's. I thought I'd never see that with increasing age, but commitment to a training plan and nutrition and hydration plans have kept my body honest. As a late comer to running at 53, I have enjoyed and regret not doing it earlier in life...but that is the value of kids and family commitment to stick together and enjoy their interests as well. I recently had a friend tell me he thinks he couldn't possibly post any faster times because of age. Don't believe that! Always looking to improve and test myself, regardless of age! My Garmin info tells me I'm as healthy as a 20 year old. Maybe at 66 I might be able to be as healthy as a 21 year old?🤣 I found regardless of age you can still push yourself to limits you thought never possible! Keep enjoying the beauty and freedom of running!
Love it, thanks for the inspiration and vote of confidence!
(nods) I found in the last year that keeping my easy days easy and adding strength training on the hard days makes an enormous difference. After some niggles during the last marathon buildup, I am going to be adding some balance work as well for lower-leg and ankle strength. Amazing how much we lose as we age :(
Thanks for this Steph. I am still trying to find some balance myself. I have been going to the gym for almost 6 months. I am on Day 169 of my streak. The problem is that I am too internally competitive. So if I have a good run one day I go back out the next and try to match or beat it. I hear people say to have balance like you are describing but I have not gotten there yet. So I will keep trying. I have a 10K on Thanksgiving Day. My 5th year in a row. Excited because it is fun but also know that after improving my times each year for the past 4, I will be pushing myself to do it again.
Go for it.... At 59 yo and coming off a 6 month setback.... I totally understand!
BTW, looking to run several 1/2s this next year. A couple out of state, maybe NC or CA. Would really love to run the Napa 1/2! Maybe even another marathon.
To remain healthy and continue my 50-state half marathon quest (just reached state 24 two weeks ago in Utah), knock 10 or 11 more states off the map, in between 3-month checkups and scans for Stage 2 NonHodgkins Lymphoma. #EveryMileIsAGift.
You are my hero, Judy. 😊
That. Is. Awesome x 50! Very inspiring!
You can do it!
Same here. Between marathons and halfs, I am about half way there. I am 55 and would like to have it completed by age 60.
Judy, I haven’t run a half in Utah yet; would you tell me about yours?
I began running at 50 years old. I began racing 5K races at 52 years old. I ran my first Half Marathon at 57, and ran two each year for a total of eight so far. I am no longer able to maintain the level of conditioning to feel comfortable and healthy running the longer distances, so I have "retired" from distances longer than ten miles.
My goal is to keep running regularly, and find a new healthy equilibrium - a "steady state" I can maintain to keep my heart and lungs strong, and to remain mobile as far as possible into my old age. It is hard to push myself each week, to find or make opportunities to run, when I have no lofty goal of a "big race" ahead.
I wonder how many others find this to be their challenge. Running long distances might not be maintainable, so how do we keep our interest and motivation going?
Peace & Good Health,
Nathan
Way to go Nathan. You're a badass in my book. :)
I have a similar story. I began running in 2007 at the age of 42. I have ran 17 marathons, almost 30 halves (I lost count, but know it is close), a 50 miler and several distances in between along with numerous 10k and 5k races. It is hard to make time to run after working all day and now that I am a Grandma. My plan is to not run any distance longer than 15 miles. I agree with finding a running group for camaraderie & accountability. All different paces/ages in these groups. Even if you are running every other day a few miles is enough to keep a steady state. Add some cross training on your off days (gentle stretching,light weights, elliptical, brisk walking, etc). Best to you in your quest to maintain good health!
Nathan, do you run with a group? That can be very motivating. I run with Fleet Feet Cleveland and we have coaches that can help us with setting goals. Everyone in the group supports one another and we encourage each other to keep going on those tough days.
Leadville 100 or bust. Attempted in 2016 was 20 behind cut off @ 60 miles & got pulled. Was in best shape of life @57 years old. If I don’t get in via lottery I am prepping to race my way in one of the qualifiers. Good luck to all in 2020.
You got this, Mike! A buddy I work with DNF'd in 2018, but finished it this year. He proudly wears the jacket all the time. Sounds like a terrific race. I can only dream of such a distance!
Literally as I was typing my response below, I happened to stumble across this -- really good article by Alex Hutchinson on running ultras: https://www.outsideonline.com/2405298/ultrarunning-prediction-study
Wow. Now THAT's impressive, Mike. Have you done many ultras in the past?
i want to run the philly marathon! there i said it out loud:) i haven't run a full since 2002. been feeling really good and like i finally have it in me!
It's been since 2001 for a full marathon for me, but watching all the coverage of the NYC Marathon earlier this month made me want to do another one too.
Write it down & put it up where you will see it every day. It's great (scary but also insipiring) to have a big goal stare you in the face every day!
it's a great course (I ran the half in 2017). stick with your training plan, stay focused on your goal, and you will *crush* it!
You go, Kel! Train for that sucker and crush it.
Main goal for 2020 is to finish the full SF Marathon. I did the first half in 2018 (my first 13.1 ever!), the second half in 2019, and both times thought, "I can't imagine doing another 13.1 miles right now." Now, having finished the 'hilly' NYC marathon, I start the work toward SF. My mantra for the next several months: "I eat hills for breakfast." RAWR!
That's awesome, Steph! How was New York?!
Astounding. The noise of it... Indescribably energetic. My time was not the ideal I hoped because I started too fast (seriously, I'd have to wear earplugs not to get pulled along by the energy in Brooklyn!) but I ran across that finish line -- and yeah, entered the lottery to do it again because why not?!
Steph = beastmode Enjoy the training and crossing that finish line!
My goal is to run again! In 2018 I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition. My last 1/2 marathon was in 2017 and I finished 2nd in the 70-75 Women's Division. After 43 years of running, I miss the exuberant feeling of training, running, and the excitement of the 1/2 marathon. It has always been my distance and it's hard to believe I won't feel that again. So now I'm setting a goal to run a 5K and be grateful at the end.
All the best to you!
I notice that several posts are from folks in my age bracket, so here goes... I turned 66 last week and completed my 82nd half last Saturday, my 65th since recovering from cancer five years ago. My first post-chemo race was in November 2014, and I also did one in December that year. I set a goal of completing at least one half marathon per month for as long as possible. So far, so good 😎. I’m currently registered for 10 in 2020. Half crazy?
That is seriously awesome and inspiring, Dale! What are some of the 10 you’re running next year?
Thank you, Terrell. I live near San Diego, so most are around town: Carlsbad, San Diego, Encinitas, SD Beach&Bay, SD Rock’n’Roll, America’s Finest City. Outside of town: Death Valley (cool in February), Yosemite, Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay, Revel Big Bear. I found some of these from your website, of course.
I don’t have any for June, July or December yet. Probably do the SD Holiday in December.
Just the right amount of craziness, Dale.
I am 64 now and going to retire in February or March after being with the same company for 43 years.
My plans are to start knocking out more of the 50 states ( half marathon distance) . I plan to do more of these with the Mainly Marathons group.
I also like Mainly Marathons for checking off the 50 states' half marathon distances. Go for it!
I’m running my first marathon at Disney World in January! I started my running journey with a 2018 St Paddy’s 5k, and completed my first half last November. I’ve done three halves since and really like that distance, but figured I should challenge myself with at least one (fun!) full marathon! Best of wishes and prayers to those healing and in their respective running journeys!
I forgot to mention, I’m running the marathon with my sister! It’ll be the first marathon for both of us!
How awesome is that, Colleen! I love the ambition and the dreaming big. Good luck at Disney! Which halves did you run?
Thank you so much! My first half was the Kona Coffee Run in Kona, HI. I was inspired to attempt it after volunteering with the 2018 Ironman World Championship! That was super inspiring to watch and fun to be a part of! I’ve also run the Fort Collins Spring Equinox and most recently SLO Ultra half (San Luis Obispo, CA) at Lake Lopez. That was my first trail race and first with significant hills. I have found the running community to be super supportive and fun to be around! I’m thankful for you all!
Nice!
That should be a great first marathon! What fun! That one is on my list, too. Are you going to dress up??
I’d like to! Probably nothing crazy, just some color schemes to pay tribute to some character. Trying to figure that out now so I can start running in whatever I decide on. :) You should try it sometime! If/when you go, would you dress up? What character would you do?
If you want something simple, I got my wife to attach a pair of kids scissors to a baseball cap a few years back. A few along the course will get the joke.
I will totally dress up when I do it!!!! I'd pick a princess but I probably would let my niece make suggestions rather than going with my own faves. So many options for cute Disney running outfits on Etsy... I'll have to watch for the sign-up dates for January 2021.... :)
That's so sweet that you'll run with your niece's choice of character! (pun intended ;) ) Yes, if you want a spot you'll have to stay vigilant for the sign ups! The 5K filled up within hours of it opening and the marathon within the first week or so. You can sign up for email updates on the runDisney website. Thanks for letting me know about Etsy! I'll definitely have to check that out!
runDisney races are superb. You will have a blast! Congrats on your quick run up to a marathon from a 5K. Great job, Colleen!
Thank you so much!
I really want to give that one a try sometime. It is on my bucket list!
I'm planning to run my first marathon in 2020. The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. I have aspirations to run another marathon in the Fall. Anybody have a favorite fall marathon recommendation?
The Pig is one of my favorites, especially the “pump and run” feature. The day before the run you are tested on the bench press with a weight based on your age and body weight. Each pump takes one minute off your run time. 30 reps gets you a gold medal in the strength component and 30 minutes off your run time. It’s a great way to evaluate your overall fitness program for both strength and endurance, and the train up really reinforces the goodness of cross training.
I shall check this out!
I ran the TIM Horton Half Marathon this October in Niagara Falls, Canada. Great weather, scenic, flat. I can recommend it. Will be there in 2020, signed in already.
The full Marathon starts in Buffalo.
I ran the Mighty Niagara in September of this year. There were some really nice views. Difficult finish!
Mount Desert Island marathon (or half) in Maine!
Marine Corps Marathon in DC would be a good one.
Twin Cities is a good one.
I'm pretty sure that my husband and I will be running the Flying Pig half this year. We did Chicago this year and I highly recommend it. The application for the lottery is open until 12/3.
I like Chicago. It's worth a shot at the lottery!
FP next year, not this year.
Very cool, Jason. Flying Pig... for some reason that makes me think of BBQ. I'd better look that one up!
I need to get that one on my list. In a previous life I raced sports cars, and my car was called the "Flying Pig." I still have an affinity for flying pigs and wore one (a pin) when I ran NYC Marathon last week. SO thanks for the reminder... gotta get it on the schedule! As for fall... I'll be watching this one as well. I've put my name in for Chicago but odds are good that I will need an alternative ;)
Marine Corps Marathon is a splendid race, can't beat the finish line where a young Marine places the finisher's medal around your neck.
That was my first marathon in ‘16. Then I ran my second at the Air Force marathon in Sep of ‘16. I ran AF again in ‘18 but those are my only ones.
I don't have 20/20 vision on my eyesight lol. However, I plan to do 20 things I have not done before (running related) in the year 2020.
Flag on the play. Overuse of 20. 20 yard penalty and repeat 1st down. ;-) Please keep us posted on the 20 things. I'll bet many of us will be motivated by them and want to take on some of them too!
Amen!
Yes indeed!
1) To keep rehabbing my ankle back to running health
2) We're taking a trip to the UK in May and I'm considering doing the Snowdonia Half...it would be a bucket list race for sure! I wouldn't race it, though, just leisurely jog and enjoy the scenery.
Oh wow... I just checked it out and it looks absolutely stunning. Very jealous here!
Definitely do the destination race. It will make the trip that much more enjoyable and memorable. You'll meet some great folks too. Go for it!
I think my number one goal is to stay healthy and get over this plantar fasciitis that has plagued me for almost a year. The second would be to arrive at the starting line of the 2020 Boston Marathon healthy.
Do you run even with the pf? I’m bothered by it currently.
I did at first, but it got unbearable. At the present, no running, only walking and cross training. It's one of those injuries that heals on its own time.
2016: 1st half marathon (Parks Half); 2017: 1st marathon (NYC baby!); 2019: 1st 50K (the very awesome Blues Cruise). So for 2020...goal is first 50 miler, Stone Mill 50 in my own lovely Montgomery County MD backyard. Have definitely swallowed the Kool-Aid! Good luck to everyone with all goals -- distance, speed or otherwise!
Dang, Katrina! One can't help but wonder what you will do in 2025?! Keep running. :)
I'm just resuming running after being out for 6 months due to meniscus injury and surgery 😢
I'm looking forward to keeping up with all my PT exercises, resuming a full running schedule, AND running my fastest 5K and 1/2 marathon ever💪
Way to go, Nancy! And, as Christiana said below, the "comeback is greater than the setback"! We'll all be rooting for you!
It will feel so great to hit those goals.
I actually have a list of 10 races I want to try to run. A combo of 10ks and halfs culminating in my first marathon. It sounds nuts but I feel great and want to take advantage of that and see what I can accomplish.
Very cool! Do you have a specific marathon in mind? It doesn't sound nuts, though I'm sure you'll revisit that from time to time as you train!! :)
There is an Akron half and full marathon at the end of September. I ran the half this year and thought it would be cool to run the full next year!
Gretchen, you sound like me. I have 3 half’s planned (+various 5k & 10ks) with my first full in October and then a fun half relay with my son - Beat the Train-where you race against a steam train. It’s a crazy schedule and I have a lot of strength training I’ve started working on with a running coach to help me be a better runner and better prepared for next year. I did my first 2 half’s this year on my own and did ok, but a marathon is a different animal!
I'm going to do a ton of strength training too in the "off season." I have a half in about a week, then I'm going to back down my mileage and get some extra gym time in. I'm like you, as well. My first two halfs were this fall and I'm excited to see what I can do next year. I am going to need some more muscle to pull this off. That train race sounds so cool!! What a great thing for you and your son to do together!
I started this crazy goal of running halfs throughout all 50 states last year! So far #13 will be in Las Vegas. So the goal is to continue to run improving time and posture while visiting new places.
The 50-state quest has been an amazing opportunity to visit parts of the US we've never been before and some - to be honest - we might never had made the time to travel. Good luck and enjoy!
My goal is to complete my second marathon. Aiming for the Marine Corp which takes place near my 60th birthday. (My first was the NY Marathon which I did on my 50th).
I had so wanted to do the Key West 1/2 on my 60th birthday; didn't happen, so I'm shooting for my 65. Go for it. The big 60 needs to be a milestone. Go for it!!
I ran Key West at 58 I need to do it again
That's great, Bill. This post inspires me as I approach age 50 in 2020 and want to do my first marathon.
I have entered the lottery for the Berlin Marathon. If selected I would be running my 3rd world major marathon. I love that Berlin allows you to sign up as a team of up to 3 people. My husband and a friend will also be running if we get in. If that doesn't happen I may decide to run a fall half instead and am considering Rock & Roll Las Vegas or Niagara Falls.
Fantastic! (My hidden bucket list / dream is to run the Berlin some day. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone.) Best of luck with the lottery!!
My husband has Oktoberfest on his bucket list. He will have to run a marathon before he gets to celebrate though (if we get in of course)!
I am signed up for the Dublin Half Marathon in August 2020. I am pretty excited for this one.. I have been lucky enough to run some pretty amazing races... NYC Marathon twice, Big Sur, Marine Corps, a bunch of Disney Worlds.. Anchorage Alaska. But the fulls just aren't in my lifestyle any longer.. So I do half's now. You can still travel- I ran the Capitola to Santa Cruz in Cali a year ago, and that was pretty awesome.
All of those sound amazing, Gaile. I'd love to hear more about the Capitola to Santa Cruz race -- how was that?