2009 Goals

I've scouted the "buffet", and I've set my goals for the new year:

1) Run to Austin, TX (about 1,375 miles of running from where I'll end the year - west of Dunes, CA)

2) Tackle a trail race (on the calendar for February)

3) Run an ultra (I've got my eye on the Timberline marathon or the McDonald Forest 50k in October.  Timberline isn't technically an ultra, but it is technically a really tough trail run, so I'd count it for my own goal purposes.)

4) Focus on being healthy - listening to my body when I need to rest, eating right, stretching

5) Have fun!!

I've been conflicted about trying for a BQ at the Eugene Marathon.  It is within the realm of possibility, but after much soul searching, I would rather focus on the ultra distance and see what happens rather than push myself for the speed to travel that distance in BQ time.  My long term goals are focused on staying well and extending my endurance, not going faster and faster.  Really.  And since goal #5 is to have fun, I'm afraid that putting my focus on that goal will negate much of the fun that I have running.  And if I were to fail in qualifying at Eugene, I would miss the fact that I have the opportunity to absolutely destroy my PR in a huge way.  And that, my friends, is fun : )