Half-Marathon Ants in the Pants

I am jumping out of my skin to run my first half marathon on Sunday.  I'm so excited to get out there and see what my time is so I can set a benchmark for future races. 

 I can't believe I waited so long to do this!

And I am trying to be very very good and not train myself to death in these last few days leading up to it.  I've done a couple of easy 3-mile runs, a couple of 5-milers, and planned to do 7.5 miles this morning but opted for the elliptical instead to try and keep some chest congestion at bay so I am not sick on race day.  But I have to admit - taking it easy when I thrive on going all-out really cramps my style. 

I definitely have ants in my pants. 

And this weather - OH MY LORD THIS GORGEOUS WEATHER - just begs for running.  It feels like a sin to not go run when it is this nice outside. 

I just might have to log a few miles at lunchtime.  I don't want to be a sinner.

Anyway, to distract myself I have started looking at the race calendars for next year and daydreaming about which ones I will do.  The idea of traveling to big races so I can run in new, exciting towns seems like a lot of fun, and the Twin Cities Marathon, next October, looks like it would be a great goal....for 2012. LOL  I do want to do a marathon in 2011, but I think it will be one a little closer to home.  After that all bets are off.

So here are my race goals for next year:

• 1st Quarter: one half-marathon, one 10k, and two 5ks
• 2nd Quarter: one half-marathon and maintain with some 5ks
• 3rd Quarter: summertime - icky running weather - so just maintain with some 5ks
• 4th Quarter: one triathlon and one marathon

Got ants in your pants for a great 2011?  Take some time today to put pen to paper and commit yourself to some stretch goals!  Check out this goal-setting guide for tips on how to get started.

Good day!