- February: Paint the Town Pink 5k; though they still haven't updated registration information? PTTP is a annual extravaganza with a month of activities and fundraisers meant to raise money to fight breast cancer. All money raised at these events go to the Hormel Institute, right here in Austin. They've expanded from a simple Paint the Rink Pink even to start, to many events county-wide now. 5k, polar plunge, ice fishing, high school pink-out games, etc. This is an untimed fun-run, but something is better than nothing.
- April: Earth Day Run half-marathon. I was registered for this event last year, but didn't run it. I never started my training when my mom got sick. This will be my sixth Earth Day event since 2009; it was my first ever race, a 5k, in 2009, skipped in 2010 because I was pregnant, 2011 ran the 5k, 2012 ran the 5k, 2013 (no recap from that race that I can find?) ran the 5k, and 2014 finally ran the earth day half. Looking forward to returning for 2016!
- May: Med City Marathon. Yes, maybe this was an impulsive decision when I came back this summer/fall and ran two half-marathons on inconsistent training to register for this race. I wanted to keep my base and challenge myself. Do something to make me feel like I had overcome 2015. I do think I can do it, but I wish I had a better base built up leading to official training beginning. Getting excited, yet nervous to be in official training mode!
- July: Hog Jog 5 mile. A local race that I've done twice before - in 2012 and 2014. I haven't seen this year's date posted yet, so I hope they are just behind on advertising; I feel like in the past the date is out for sure by the winter Y brochure release date. I'll keep my eyes peeled to the summer brochure for sure! Assuming we are home for this race (last year we weren't) this is a fun and easy one to add to the schedule.
- September: Graniteman 10k or half. I've done one Graniteman event in the past; in September 2014. The 10k I did that year is actually my 10k PR. It usually falls the weekend after Labor Day, so right after a busy summer and the start of school. I don't always feel up for traveling that weekend, but it is always fun to see friends up in that area. I liked the route when I ran it last, but I know they changed their course last year. I believe we have a wedding the day this is set for this year. That is both good and bad; we'll already be up there, but I'll have to see what time the festivities start.
- September: Med City fall half. I ran the inaugural fall half in September and really enjoyed the course and the atmosphere. Fall can be a busy time for us; this is currently scheduled for the weekend we had a family reunion this year. I guess I'll have to see where dates land and take it from there.
- October: Mankato Marathon. I've ran the Mankato half-marathon two years in a row now, and it is absolutely turning into one of my favorites. They seriously have some of the best cheer zones I've experienced, a great route, and a fun atmosphere. I would love to make the jump up to the full for this race; but honestly likely won't decided until after May. After my first marathon in 2014 (and only thus far) I thought about sticking to 13.1, my training was hard! Yet after finishing felt I could do better, and knew eventually there would be at least one more. Will there be a third? I don't know, but either way I hope to return to Mankato!
One thing is for sure; 2016 can't be worse than 2015. I pray, anyway.
There are two other fun races I wouldn't mind trying out:
- July: Rochester Eco-Tri Adventure Races. I found this race last summer when I was browsing the Rochester Track Club website. I have a sister who owns a kayak, a sister who does triathlons, and me. So if first came to life as something fun for us to do together. I'll have to give them the date and see if they want to plan for it!
- September: St. Croix Valley Triathlon. So, secretly, I wouldn't mind trying a triathlon. Last year, I was browsing website - this one happened to be Final Stretch - who puts on Med City and Mankato. I was looking for additional 5k or 10k races, and came across a link to triathlons they put on. They posted about a rookie experience, which may or may not help me. There are a few things that I just don't know about. I suppose a lot like my first running race, I feel very hesitant, timid, and unqualified. I love water, can swim, but not good at the technical aspects of swimming. I enjoy biking, and own a mountain bike, but have never even thought about biking competitively. I don't want to feel odd if I am the only one out there with a mountain bike, but am not ready to commit to a road bike. So, there is a lot of thought to put into this one. I don't know!
What are your 2016 race goals? Do you like a tightly planned schedule or register freely?
Ever tried a tri? What would be your words of wisdom?
What are your thoughts on being part of a track club? Worth the benefits or a waste of money to do what you already do?
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