This was the year of the marathons for me...my first and last race of the year was a marathon and both were my fastest equivalent race of any distance (best VDOT)...what an great year to reflect on.
Rave Runs of 2008......
- Houston Marathon - 16 minute PR in 2 months to a 2:40.....Master's Win
- Boston Marathon - good but not great.
- Sub 5 minute mile at a track meet.
- 20 mile treadmill run where I PR'd every distance from a 5k up to 30k in the one run (finally figured out how to turn on the turbo-charge at will).
- Anchorage Marathon - by myself for ~20 miles of it - everything just worked out for this quick layover - and met a moose at mile 22.
- Yakutat, Alaska Training runs - never been so scared running trails - thought there might be a bear around every corner - perhaps not rave but memorable.
- San Antonio Marathon - sub2:40 and an awesome finishing photo....another Master's Win (kinda).
The Awards:
2008 Finishing Medals and Awards:
Most Cherished (and useful):
vs 2007
The Improvements:
- Best Equivalent Race (VDOT) - 2008 - San Antonio Marathon 61.7, 2007 Turkey Trot 10k 58 - 3.7 Improvement over 2007.
- Marathon - 2:39:26 - 17:11 Improvement over 2007
- 1/2 Marathon - 1:18:11 - 4:34 Improvement
- 10M - 1:00:17 - 4:37 Improvement
- 10k - 35:10 - 1:01 Improvement
- 8k - 28:57 - 2:12 Improvement
- 5k - 16:54 - 0:34 Improvement
- 1 mile - 4:53 - 0:11 Improvement.
The Totals
- Marathon 5 -2 PRs
- 1/2 2 - 1 PR
- 10M 1 PR
- 10k 1PR
- 8k 1PR
- 5k 4 - 2PRs
- 1M 1 PR
- Plus 3 Relay Races
Total 15 races, 3 relays, 9 PRs including a PR in every distance raced for the year.
Mileage
- Total - 2905 at an average 7:17 pace per mile, average heartrate 149 - 354 hours of running.
- Max Month 324 miles (September)
- Max Week 83 miles
- Max Day - a 5 way tie at 26.2
Summary
For this year it was about both the destination and the journey. Many special moments in training runs and races along the way as well as some incredible highs at some pretty high peaks.....it will be tough year to top.
