Yes, even though I’m a Floridian, I spend time mapping out my winter running plans. In fact, this recent weather does feel pretty wintery, so I feel like I fit right in. What’s on tap for the rest of this season? Come check it out!
January Race Plans
Unfortunately, January is a crazy month. How did that happen already? We’ve barely started! The big name races for the month all seem to fall on weekends that we are away or where I already have plans, but there are two viable options for me. One is the Winter Beach Run, and the other is the Little Big Run. Honestly, it’s not a hard choice. The Winter Beach Run is five miles, on the actual sand, at 1PM, while the Little Big Run is a morning 5K on the road. If you know anything about me, you know which one sounds more appealing!
February
State #10 is in the works, as we head to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras 5K! One thing about me is I’m always down for a theme, so there will be matching Mardi Gras shirts for me and Mr. PugRunner, and I plan to go all out for this one! I’m extra excited for the after party and full events surrounding this race, so it will be a good one for sure. Will I add in anything else? There are a few more fun races in town, that I’d like to check out, but no pressure.
March
March is a big month. I’m going back in for another crack at the Gate River Run 15K, and then a week later, I hope to be at the Raptor Run 3K. I’ve run both multiple times, and both are incredible and fun events. As a 3K, the Raptor Run is more of a fun run, but the Gate? It’s in my head. The last few years I’ve phoned it in because of recovery, injury, and illness: I show up, but I’m not necessarily in a place to do my best. This year, I want to push. My training is going well. I feel strong. There’s no reason I can’t give it my all.
April and beyond
And then there’s the rest of the year. I’m kind of taking things one day at a time. I would love to figure out another state to add in to my tally, but I’ve kind of conquered everything in driving distance, so these will be longer trips. A half marathon is also in my sights. It’s been two years, and it was awful with torrential rain, wind, cold, and illness, so redemption is in my sights!
What does your winter running or race plan look like?
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
This year, I am joining up with Zenaida, of The Running Teacher for Tuesday Topics! I am so honored to be carrying on the role from Kim, at KookyRunner, and I hope that I live up to her running blog shoes! Check out our new graphic!
We’d love for you to be a part of it! Just join the link up, comment on your hosts’ posts, and then comment on at least two others. It’s a great way to share the love!
Oh, a 5-mile race on sand at 1pm in Florida? Wow, that sounds tough! I’d be going for the early 5k on the road too!
Your plans sound solid! I’m looking forward to seeing how you do on the 15k Gate River run.
I hope you get to snag another State later in the year!
Of course, I’m making a list of states I’ve done and race ideas for states I’d like to do. Just gonna slide that on over to the hubs and see what happens lol.
The Gate and I are really not friends. I had one really stellar year, and then it’s been injury or weather or anxiety ever since. Sometimes a combo of the three. It’s a hard race, but there’s a lot of FOMO around it, too. I’m just going to register and then we will see what happens.
These are great races. And fun plus challenging. Can’t wait to hear how they go.
Obviously I had great plans that are now stalled.
Life goes on. Stay tuned.
I know. But you will be back!
Looks like you have some good races coming up on the docket! I run on the sand when I’m at our beach house because I have to, not because I want to so I totally understand not wanting to run in the race on the sand. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for your Mardi Gras shirts!
I don’t MIND the sand for a 5K, but 5 miles is a lot. And it’s midday, which is weird for here. And I’m just a complainy thing. But I signed up for the other option and that will be just fine.
The shirts came in and they are so cute! Mr PugRunner was on the fence because it will be cold, but he finally gave in. I told him he could wear a long sleeve under it or just wear it for pictures.
You have some fun races thought out and planned. I am trying to take things slow and see how it goes!
Absolutely valid!
You have some fun races coming up! It will be a fun couple of months for you.
I am excited!