Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017 Year in Review

Amazingly, another year of running done.  A few thoughts on what ended up being quite a good year.

Here's my mileage graph for this entire era of running, 2004 to 2017.   The total for 2017 was 1,724.7 miles (can't forget that point seven...a big deal...).



I'm encouraged by the consistency and growth this year.   A little lower than 2016 but I'm not sure I'll ever top 2016.   Plus, I did a lot more speed work (using the term "speed" loosely, mind you...a 64 year old guy doesn't really do "speed"...) and I think that quality work made a difference in getting to my objective.

The weekly miles looked like this for the year.  More ups and downs than I'd like but that's how it worked out.  



Without a doubt, the highlight of my running year was at the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on November 4.   On this day, training, weather, course and race execution all came together and let me run a time which qualifies me to enter the 2018 Boston Marathon.   You can read the details here.   It was an amazing day and this photo at the finish captures it all.



I ran from start to finish with Tim, the 4 hour pace leader and it all worked.   I'll be at Boston on April 15, 2019.  

Beyond that major accomplishment, I did enjoy racing, finishing 21 races overall, including 1 ultramarathon, 8 marathons and 3 half marathons.   I just enjoy the atmosphere of racing.

It was also a big year for my wife and I as our youngest son got married, we moved to a new house and generally were grateful for good health and good family.

And we move on to 2018...it'll move by quickly.

Persevere.


.