2008--A Year in Review

At the end of each year, it is a time of reflection of what we have done. Below are some of the highlights of my 2008. I'm not quite done for the year as I will post once more before Christmas.

Overall: I ran 14 races this year. Sometimes it's hard to look at yourself objectively but I think I had an off year this year. It has been mainly due to being injured more than I have been before. I was off my feet for about a month's time in June/July and am now nursing an unidentified ankle injury which I sustained in late October. I did well in the spring Bucks 5k Series and had a half-marathon PR in the Philadelphia Distance Run in September. My ability to run was too inconsistent to say I had a good year.

Best Race: It was not my fastest time. But, it was my best race all year. The Dead Harriers 5k in August. I didn't expect to run a race that day. But, it was a Wednesday and I had a bad day and I wanted to 'blow off some steam'. What better way than to run all out like a 5k? I started the race with Chief White. And, when it was all said and done, I had a 'one for the ages' race against him throughout the entire event. Back and forth. Strategy in play. In the end, it was as much a mental win as a physical one. We still talk about it when we see each other. By far, it was the best race I ran in for 2008.

Worse Race: Penn Relays Distance Classic 20k. As much as I liked the idea of still being part of the Penn Relays and doing a lap around the track of Franklin Field, I don't think I would do this race again. The field was too small to be enjoyable over a longer distance. Most of the race was on MLK and Kelly Drives, which I have run many times before in the Philadelphia marathon and Distance Run. I finished far back in the pack and yet had a time that would have been close to breaking a 2 hour half-marathon. I remember feeling very sluggish in this race. Not one of my better days.

Biggest surprise: I started doing a cross-training program in the beginning of the year. I was doing it to be a little stronger in case I did get a Boston marathon invite. I was doing some stretching, cardio, etc. exercises. Thirty minutes a day. Two-three times a week. After two weeks, I saw a vast improvement on my hill runs on Wednesday nights. I mean vast improvement. So much so that someone mentioned to me, months later, about how well I was running hills in the beginning of the year. I was surprised, after two weeks, I would see that much improvement. I was going to continue to do the training for Falmouth. But, Steve didn't get in and lost interest in continuing the improvement. I'm hoping next year to do it in 'spots' for upcoming races.

Proudest moment: I was not feeling well during the Philadelphia Distance Run. It was not a day to set any records. I wanted to finish around 2 hours and would have been satisfied in just doing that. I almost dropped out of the race. But, it was a day I convinced myself, that, if I keep moving my legs, good things will come. And, with less than 1/4 mile to go, I picked up the pace enough to set a PR for a half marathon distance. I was proud, in the fact, I have finally learned my lessons from the past. Don't just run a race. Finish a race.

Biggest disappointment: Looking back on my blogs for 2008, I wrote a lot about possibly getting in the Boston marathon this year. Though I was disappointed I didn't get an invite, in reality, I didn't deserve one so it was a short-term disappointment. One of my goals for 2008 was to break my 5k PR. All through the spring, I was knocking on the door. Central Bucks 5k was around 25 minutes. New Hope-Solebury was under 25 minutes. I was ready to breakthrough. Just looking for the race to do it in. I was not expecting to do it (or come close) in the Doylestown 'Red, White & Blue' 5k. I felt good that day. I pushed myself hard but, temporarily let up at the end, when I miscalculated what my potential finishing time could be. I shouldn't have let up at all. And, paid the price of not 'finishing' the race and missed my PR by 1 second. I still remember, crossing the finish line, convinced I had done it and then look down at my watch, only to realize how close I had come. Though it was a good effort, I was disappointed that I convinced myself I couldn't do it in the middle of a race.

Biggest thrill: Hawaii. In every way. Running on Waikiki Beach in the mornings. Running around Diamond Head with Frayed Laces and her boyfriend one afternoon. Taking surf lessons in Honolulu. Visiting the island of Kauai for the first time. Everyday, since I left, I think about some part of that trip. I hope it will not be another 20 years before I can visit again.

Scariest moment: Swimming in Kauai and stepping on an unidentified object. Having the foot doctor, weeks later, say, 'this could be serious'. I was scared. But, not as scared as your own father telling you he has cancer. That happened in August. And, you freeze. Not knowing how different your life might be from that moment on. Thankfully, my father has recovered and he is doing well. Well enough that he and my mother are able to travel and will visit during the Christmas holidays.

What I will remember most from this year: I challenge you to do this exercise. Write down what you think you will remember this year. Then, next year, look at it again and see if that's still the thing you remember most about that year. Last year, I said I will remember the Ocean City Half marathon the most because of the weather. This year, when I think of the half marathons I have run in my lifetime, I have to remember that I did run that race. It's not quite as important in memory as I thought it would be.
This year, I think, I will remember the Harrisburg marathon the most. Not because of my awful performance. But, because of friends who set PRs that day. And, the fun we had that weekend at the 'expo', the pasta dinner, the race itself (and my friends cheering me on at the end) and sitting around having breakfast at Perkins afterwards. There is a lot of joy of sharing moments with friends. It's something I come to appreciate more and more through the years.

(Notes: If you want to hear 'bad acting' (and who wouldn't!), take a listen to SteveRunner's Fdip episode 165. I have a small part in a skit that Steve performs. I have all the range of acting skills as a B-movie extra. Steve and the rest are great.
I go to the doctor today for my ankle. It has been bothering me since before the Harrisburg marathon so I guess it's time to find out what is really wrong with it. I'm anxious to get back running. I think it's when you can't is when you most want to.
Update on December 16, 2008--I had X-rays yesterday and it doesn't show a stress fracture (which was my biggest fear). I need to consult with my doctor on next steps. )
Update on December 19, 2008--I have Achillies and Peroneal tendonitis. So, no running for the next three weeks. I will need to go to physical therapy. I can cross train and play racquetball so will start doing that. If I'm not cured by the end of January, then it's the boot for me! (I will need to shut down everything and stabilize my foot/ankle. Also, found out that my right leg is a half inch shorter than my left. So, am I 6'3" or 6' 2 1/2"? I guess it depends on which way the winds blowing that day.)