Birthday Thoughts

Today is my birthday. I celebrated that occasion by... running of course! What else did you expect? In the final week of being a 37 year old, I ran three races of different lengths.

The Cupcake Classic 5K

ZOOMA Women's Half Marathon

Monster Dash 10K

This means I have lot of race recaps to write!

When I was in my twenties, I used to look forward to birthdays. Not so much anymore. I feel like I'm coming dangerously close to a pivotal point in life... you know when things start falling apart getting harder.  This past year was really really good to me. My family is at this perfect "frame-it, bottle-it, just pause it" stage. I'm learning how to prioritize activities/people in my life better. And my running definitely got faster. Mind you, running is not all about about speed for me, but it does give me great satisfaction when I'm constantly improving. I broke all my PR's this past year and now I chase them...

Marathon - 4:18:56  (May 5, 2012)

Half-Marathon - 1:56:44  (May 26, 2012)

10K - 54:01  (March 17, 2012)

5K - 24:48  (August 25, 2012)

These will not be easy to break. I can't help but wonder, "When do I stop getting better? When do I hit the peak and start the slow deterioration?"  That is such a sad thought for me. My body feels so good right now (despite the extra 20lbs that I continue to carry).  In fact, I feel the youngest I have in the last decade. I'm still learning about how my body reacts to training, racing and how best to recover. Each training cycle gives me new insight and methods to the madness. I'm pretty sure this next year is gonna ROCK, but I'm also realist enough to know that one injury can sabotage it.

A couple things I've learned this past year...

• Every run should not be a training run. At least once a week, run simply for the fun of the sport. No watch, no music, no distance goal. Just run and love the freedom of the road. 
• Cross training will not only prevent injuries, but it will make you a stronger runner. It's ok (and kinda cool) to be a multi-sport athlete.
• Listen to your body. When you're tired, sore or training stressed, take a day off... or two. 
• The 'right shoes' are not always the ones that the so-called-experts tell you to wear.  Run in what feels good and causes you no pain. 
• Surround yourself with people who make you a better person... just by their presence. Let the others go.
• When you get a 'little twinge', stretch it, roll it, ice it... but by all means, don't ignore it.
• Most importantly, constantly strive for balance. Adjust accordingly... daily. Running is not the be-all, end-all. Embrace all aspects of your life to the fullest.

So CHEERS! Here's to 38! The best is yet to come, right?!?! After a busy race weekend, I will spend today catching up on the homefront and giving my body much needed rest. Perhaps tonight I can convince my hubby to grill up a juicy steak in my honor... 

How do you like to celebrate your birthday?