The plan for 2015 is simple, summarized by answering just a handful of questions:

What ideas or principles will guide your running for the next year?

 

My guiding scripture for running in 2015 is Romans 5:3-5:

…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. 

Perseverance is often translated “endurance,” so this seems perfect for a distance runner training for a race whose slogan is “Pain you enjoy!”

I have no doubt that training and racing with perseverance will build my character, and I hope it leads to a spot in the Boston Marathon for 2016!

What do you need to stop doing?

In order to focus on speed, I’m going to give up the 20+ milers for a few months.

What do you need to start doing?

Run more miles at or below my BQ pace (8:23).

What do you need to keep doing?

Stay focused on God and train my spirit even more hours than my body. 

What races do you want to run?

I’d like to race about once/month.  Here’s the tentative list:

Jan – New Years Day Marathon (single race at the New Years Double)
Feb – Hot Chocolate 15K
Mar – Rhythm & Blues Half Marathon
Apr – TBD. Hopefully a half marathon with my brother.
May – Disco Run 10K (and hopefully a 5K with my best friend from high school!)
June – Utah Valley Marathon
July – El Scorcho 50K
Aug – TBD
September – Tour Des Fleurs 10K
October – Chicago Marathon with my brother (his first!)
Nov – TBD
Dec – TBD

I’d like to fit a 5K or two in there, but we’ll see how things shape up as the year goes by.

What are your goals?

– Qualify for Boston
– PR at every distance

– Volunteer for at least one race (maybe Cowtown in February)

That’s it.  Bottom line: Run smart, fast, and happy!