New years' Goals and Weekly Log 12-31 to 1-6

So there are a few goals for 2013 rattling around in my head that I think I'm going to attempt, after being inspired by my fellow WTAC'ers accomplishments this past year:

1.  Hit 1,500 miles for the year.  That's a 30 mile per week average, and totally doable, and would force me to maintain consistent mileage throughout the year;

2.  Run a road marathon;

3.  Do a sprint triathlon;  possibly the Crabman, if I can get my swim on...

4.  Run a 50 mile trail race;

5.  Go sub-6:30 per mile at a 5K.  Again, totally doable...

6.  Host a running event.  Right now, I'm looking at the CT Forest & Parks Assoc. "Trails Day," and thinking about hosting a 5K out/back on a portion of the trail I manage, and most likely the Wyassup boat launch end because it's got plenty of parking and isn't quite as technical as the other end, but is still plenty challenging.  Nothing crazy, free event, and get my feet wet at hosting a race!

Some of these goals seem a bit daunting, and there might be some evolution to the list, but I know that they're achievable and I'm going to give it my best shot...

Monday, 12-31 - 4 Miles (Road)  Slushy run in Westerly with Jim H.  This was fun, interesting and sketchy all at the same time, since half the sidewalks weren't shoveled, and lots of traffic on Granite Street.  This was an expansion of the Schonning 5K route, weather was fine, roads were so-so, good time.  Going to have to go back out later to have any shot at making that 50M challenge...

...Later that afternoon - 4 Miles (Road) - Short out and back from the house, but at a better pace than this morning:

Tuesday, 1-1 - 12+ (Road) - Did it!  Got my 50 miles in for the challenge, and a great way to start 2013.  Almost identical to the loop from last week, done a bit faster.  Good elevation too.  I was determined to finish this challenge, and added a bit extra just to be 100% sure I had it done:


Wednesday, 1-2 - 0 - Karate class this morning, good bruising session...

Thursday, 1-3 - 0 - Too damn cold out!  Was able to do some WTAC business, and submit my paperwork for a CFPA Trails Day event!  Pending approval, I'm going to host a 5K trail race on the Narragansett Trail on June 1, for free!  Did I say "Free Trail Race?" And, going to present fancy awards for top finishers and provide refreshments and such to the entrants :), so ye be warned...running tomorrow...

Friday, 1-4 - 4 (Road) - Short out and back from the house, warmer today but some gusty winds.  Looking forward to Sunday's race...




Saturday, 1-5 - 6+ (Trails/Road) - I'd started scoping out the Westerly Land Trust trails yesterday, and decided to get a trail run at the Champlin Park, which I'd heard mentioned but never run.  Met up with Jeff W., as he runs these trails quite a bit, and he graciously offered to let me try out his Yaktrax, which worked like a charm.  Didn't slip once out there, and immediately picked up a pair afterward.  Great trails, and a fantastic view of Misquamicut Beach and the Ocean from the overlook.  We also ran the Mastuxet Trails, which are located behind my daughter's favorite playground.  Never knew those were there either!  Great day, 40-ish degrees, and a nice easy trail run before tomorrow's Resolution 5K...



Sunday, 1-6 - 3.1 Miles (Beach/Trail) - Resolution 5K Beach and Trail Race.  Jim H., who's been out running trails and some roads with me quite a bit lately, finally gave in to peer pressure and decided that this would be his first race ever.  It was, I have to say, a bit chilly on the beach this morning, with a brisk headwind at the opening 1/3 mile of the race, and the last 1/2 mile.  Great WTAC contingent down there!  Got to chat with the crew for a bit, take a couple of pictures and get ready to run.  After picking Jim up we arrived a bit later than I would have liked, but got our gear on and did a quick, short warmup.  Thankfully, once the race started I warmed up quickly - the trail portion of the course was packed snow and a bit icy, and I skidded a couple of times but didn't suffer any major wipeouts.  Finished with a decent time, and was able to snap a picture of Jim crossing the finish line at his first race.  Pretty cool...and a great way to close out a pretty solid, consistent week of running!