I set myself a secondary goal to complete at least one run of full-marathon length (or longer) each month of 2024, and I reached that goal today.
Half #150!
So excited for this one! Mark Goodro and I set out together for the first 7 miles, as we ran to our usual run group and were met with a larger-than-usual number of runners for the final 7 miles. Special shout-out to Representative Greg Nance, founder of the Run Far Foundation, for joining us on the run.
When I initially conceived of this project I never thought I’d see this milestone, and I am so thankful.
Half #149: set for Wednesday
I pushed a little harder (or at least it felt that way, given the hills) than the previous run, and my leg was less noticeable this time. So I think I should be fine to run #150 on Wednesday!
Half #148: my first 2,500mi year!
It is so funny that my friend and running buddy, Mark Goodro, posted his own 2,500mi year for the first time exactly a week ago. He’s had a heck of a year, so I’m thrilled to be in the race!
For this run, I took it easy, as Wednesday’s run got my hamstring a bit angry again. Luckily, it felt better as the run went on, so I’m hopeful.
Half #147: South-end cross-Island
My leg felt better than in the previous run, so I allowed a slightly faster pace in the second part.
Half #146: cautious return
This was my first run in 5 days, as I was carefully seeing what my bothered hamstring was willing to accept. It wasn’t bad! Bonus: I ran into my friend Ben Kerby and got to welcome him back from his extensive months-long travels!
Half #145: Hamstrung
My left hamstring tightened up pretty badly around mile 12, so I cut a couple miles from my planned 16 and slowly made it home. Hoping it was just a cramp, but it is the hamstring that bothered me for a while back in June/July, and still hurts hours later, so I may need to ease off for a bit.
Half #144: South Island coast half
Windy again from an upcoming storm, so I chose the coast route to minimize risk of fallen trees/branches. Somehow, the Crystal Springs/Point White area always seems to have a headwind in both directions (I think the wind was rushing up the middle of the Point). Ran this one with a slight progression, but largely at at sub-7:30min/mi pace.
Half #143: damage assessment half
Yesterday a bomb cyclone came through our area, so today’s run gave me the opportunity to survey the damage on our local trails. Trails with sizable downed trees were Veterane, Kojima, and Lost Valley. Trails that were basically clear: Gazzam main, Peter’s, “Quiet Valley,” Knudsen, Westwood Shores, and Springridge.
Half #142: South-end cross-Island
Keeping a (fairly) consistent pace and aiming for the top of my “zone 2” heart rate.