2015 Races

I can't believe it is June, and I have yet to run a race this year. Since seriously taking up running in 2009, when I ran my first 5k, the latest I have ran a race is April. Typically, the Earth Day races in St. Cloud are my first run of the year. With everything else going on this year, I bailed on running it this year.

Though not feeling like I am getting back in shape as quickly as I'd like, I need to keep going. I've been browsing website and race calendars trying to get a mostly fall race schedule put together.

I was aiming for a start up race around July 4. The Austin Hog Jog is held in combination with Freedom Fest, and since I like to stay home the 4th, that was my initial plan. Then my friend, Heidi, who lives in Singapore and comes home every summer, invited me to her parents over the 4th. I couldn't say no. I did find a 5k up that way, but haven't decided yet if I am going to run it or not. Since I'll have Ava with me there are just extra logistics involved. Plus that whole feeling of not being in race shape. I need to decide soon.

Other races I'm contemplating include:

August 29: Women Rock 10k (I ran their half in both 2012 and 2013 - my first two half marathons. I would only plan the 10k as a training run for a fall half)
September 12: Graniteman 10k or half
September 20: Med City fall half this is not an accurate  line - I just saw advertised on Facebook tonight that they are having a fall half. This will be their inaugural fall event.
October 18: Mankato Marathon (half) I rocked this half last year, and would love to return. I also plan to run the full some time - but maybe not this year.
November 1: Rails to Trails Marathon (found randomly by looking for races as late into the season as I could find, though I'm seriously doubting my ability to run a full this year). There is a half option, and this race occurs in early November.
November 8: Madison Marathon is another November race, with both a half and full option. I would not try to do both November races.

I am not sure if I should be planning on that many races - might be an overkill given I'm just getting back into it, but I also have the urge to make up for lost time and lost opportunities. I'd likely need to choose between the two September races (unless I do one shorter distance and one longer) and one November race - putting me at four or five races. Plus maybe one summer 5k. Doable - just gutsy after my recent hiatus?

Decisions, decisions. Hoping to have a final line up soon, so I can work on putting together some sort of official training plan.