Now that 2016 is coming to a close I find myself reflecting on the races I completed over the past year. It had it’s ups and its downs, but overall it was a great year of running that even included a new half marathon PR. Now I am starting to look ahead to 2017 and achieving some new personal running goals. I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow running friends as they work towards their own personal bests.
In 2016 I ran three half marathons and a leg in the Sir Walter Miler Relay. The Sir Walter Miler was a team effort and a lot of fun. I’d like to do it again next year if the opportunity arises. My three half marathons in 2016 were the All American Half, Richmond Half, and Race 13.1 Durham. All three were great races and special in their own way, but Richmond was my favorite this year. It was my first true destination race where I traveled and stayed with friends. It was also perfect running weather on race day and it set me up for a new half marathon personal best with a 1:49:21 finish.
As I look ahead to 2017 I am gearing up for another PR attempt at the Rock-n-Roll Raleigh Half Marathon on April 2nd. Actually that race is just 100 days away so I am already planning my training for when I return from the holidays. As I write this it occurs to me that I have a lot of work to do before that race to achieve my goal time (1:45), but I am looking forward to the challenge.
I’m also planning to run the Tar Heel 10 miler in Chapel Hill on April 22nd. So April is already shaping up to be a busy month for running! By the way, if you are planning to sign up for the 10 miler you can use the code JOHNTH10 and save $5 on your race registration. It’s a great race. I’ve done it once before and I’m looking forward to having another go at it.
So as I log my last few runs of this year here is a quick snapshot of my running goals for 2017:
- Run 1,000 miles by the end of the year
- Complete a 6 minute mile
- Run a 5K in under 24 minutes
- Run a 10K in under 50 minutes
- Set a new half marathon PR with a finish time under 1:45
If you are looking for some fun half marathons (or even a full) around the Triangle I recommend checking out the following six races (listed in no particular order):
- City of Oaks Marathon & Half
- Bull City Race Fest
- Tobacco Road Marathon & Half
- Race 13.1 Raleigh & Durham
- All American Marathon & Half
- Rock-n-Roll Raleigh Marathon & Half
Here’s to a great year of healthy running and reaching your own personal best in 2017!
The Triangle Explorer 