If you read my New Year’s Resolutions post, you already know that 2012 is going to be a year of chasing down dreams for me. In running, that means quite literally chasing down a 2:30 half marathon. So when I started thinking about my 2012 race schedule, giving myself some opportunities to meet that goal was a priority.
The other priority in my 2012 racing season is to return to this.
Happy and bursting with pride at the finish line of my first triathlon in 2010
Brightroom racing photography sent out e-mails this week that were all, “Hey, check out photos from a race you did a long time ago! Maybe you want to buy them now?” And while I didn’t buy any, the photos from the Trek Women’s Triathlon in 2010, my very first triathlon, made me smile. In each picture, I look so happy to be there, racing, and so proud of myself for taking on a new challenge.
I think as we (endurance athletes, and myself in particular) get really invested into our sport, it’s easy to forget that it’s supposed to just be fun. We focus on time goals and getting better and faster and stronger. And while all of that is good, something that I do as a hobby that I invest this much time in sure better be fun, too. In 2012, I still want to push myself and set time goals and get better, but I also want to return to the girl who is just so proud of herself for being out there and getting it done. I want that kind of smile at every single finish line.
I’m sure I’ll add to this list, but for now, in 2012, here are the races where I will be smiling through the finish line. (You can find the list at right, too.)
February 12: Cupid’s Dash 10k – Chicago, Illinois
March 25: Shamrock Shuffle 8k – Chicago, Illinois
April 28: Illinois Half Marathon - Champaign, Illinois
May 27: Madison Half Marathon – Madison, Wisconsin
August 4: Minnesota Half Marathon - St. Paul, Minnesota
August 26: Danskin Women’s Triathlon – Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
October 7: Chicago Marathon – Chicago, Illinois
I’ll also be at the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon in July and Las Vegas Half Marathon in December for work, but I’ll be cheering my head off and not running!
What about you guys? Who has racing plans for 2012? Anything I can’t miss?
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I want to run a 2:30, as well. Actually ideally it’s be 2:15 just because I’ve got this asinine vision of my first marathon being Vegas. I’ve got my work cut out for me, huh? haha.
Kace recently posted..New Years Fears
Let’s chat some time about that Vegas for a first marathon thing, huh? It was definitely a course for half marathoners and not so well-designed for the full, in my humble opinion. Of course, you’d totally rock it and you should chase down whatever dreams you like, I just want to make sure you have an awesome first marathon!
Amazing race schedule for 2012! You will totally grab that sub 2:30! Oh and um can you please hold my hand through training for a tri?? I am terrified and excited to “tri” something new in 2012…
Amy @ Juice Boxes + Crayolas recently posted..2011 Reflections &2012 Resolutions
YES! Do the Danskin with me! Do it do it do it do it!
You can do it Lauren! I belive in you!
tn
Awesome race schedule & goals! You are def gonna chase them down!
Betsy recently posted..2011 Blog Review
danskin tris are awesome! it is so fun to be racing with all women – super motivating and encouraging! i have no doubt you will chase down that 2:30 half. happy new year.
Kim K recently posted..Is That Your Final Answer?
I’m doing the Illinois Half in Champaign as well! My friend wants go sub 2:00 so I am training for that pace. Quite a bit faster than my last one!
I’ve been debating doing the Chicago Marathon but am too afraid to commit! I also really want to do the Racine 70.3 this year!
Alyssa @ Don’t Look Down recently posted..Remember that one time…you can talk to me but I’m not here
[...] of a lazy slug for a while after Las Vegas, but I’m back in gear this week, getting ready for my 2012 race season. I’ve got a 10k coming up soon, and I’m thinking it’d be nice if the first race [...]