Early in 2011 I set three running goals for my second year of plodding along:  1. Run my first marathon in a sub-4 hour time; 2. Set a new personal record in a half marathon; and 3. Join my local running club’s 1200 Mile club by running at least 1200 miles in 2011.

Goal number one was a success.

Goal number two?  Ain’t happening. I somehow managed to screw up the whole marathon recovery thing. The summer heat hit right after the marathon and that combined with diving back into things too quickly led to some leg issues which persist to date. A visit to the physical therapist is in order, but I can’t quite push myself to make it happen.  Maybe I’m afraid of what I’ll hear.  Maybe I’m just hoping things magically get better.   Either way, a speedy half-marathon is not in my near future.

Despite my leg issues I’ve managed to feel well enough to keep running for basic fitness. I like beer way too much to stop exercising. The mental health benefits of getting out and about can’t be overrated, either. Though it took more than a month longer than I thought, I crossed over the 1200 mile threshold on November 10.  I reached the mark on an 8.5 mile run with the last 2 miles along the course where I ran the marathon back in July.  Corny?  Heck, yeah. But it’s just those kind of things that keep you motivated to push through and put a smile on your face.  I celebrated with a big glass of water and a fish burrito.  Hey, it’s not always about the beer.  

The predicted onslaught of a second straight La Nina winter in Missoula has been a bust so far.  A couple inches of snow have created some slick spots on the streets. Yet, plenty of bare and dry terrain remains, leaving only the cold to deal with.  And let me tell you, a drop from 28 degrees to 18 degrees is a much bigger deal than going from 38 to 28. Watch your parts.

Run long, be merry and drink happy.