The Running Couple

Well, we’ve finally reached the last day of 2010. It is definitely a time for reflection and a time to get excited for a brand new year! Last year we were planning a year of running. We completed 4 half marathons, 1 full marathon and a hand full of 5k and 10k’s. 2011 is going to be all about the baby and hopefully some races here and there when we can. Below is a list of our resolutions that we made last year that definitely apply to this year.

• Do it for a cause: We can’t think of a more rewarding goal than this. There are thousands of organizations out there that would love to have you help raise awareness for their cause. Some of our favorite races this year are the Austin Gorilla Run 5k and Race for the Cure.
• Volunteer for a race: We think that every athlete needs to experience the other side of the event. Race organizers and volunteers do a TON to make sure you have a great experience. Take a little time and give back.
• Introduce someone to your sport: Inspire someone else to take up  your sport. You can usually do this without even trying. Just speaking to your friends about the benefits and joys can be motivational fuel. We plan on taking some of our friends trail running and for some sprint triathlons.
• Make it social: Get out there and meet fellow athletes. Join a running club, go to a group class, or head out to a “Tweet Up” for athletes. The bigger your network grows, the more you will learn about the sport and the better athlete you will become by training with others. Fellow athletes can also share their favorite products and give you the motivation uplift you need when hitting a low point in your training regime. Better yet, get your family involved…it works for us. In fact, our big goal this year includes bringing a new runner into the world!
• Set a PR: ‘Nough said. Nothing like breaking your previous records to feel a sense of accomplishment in 2011.
• Injury-proof your body: This is a big one for us this year. We  haven’t had an injury that has taken us out of running yet, but we have seen a lot of my friends go on the IR this year. We plan to really strengthen any weak spots and insert a higher level of cross-training in our training plan. Wouldn’t everyone like to make it through 2011 with no injuries?
• Switch it up: Competing in the same event or one race length over and over can get boring. Add a little variety this year by switching up the distance, terrain, or sport! This year Lee will be pushing his limits by trying a couple ultras, including a 50-miler, while Isis is focusing on finishing a sprint triathlon after the baby comes.
• Enter an event at a dream location: What better motivation than competing in an event at a dream location? Not only do you get to accomplish a resolution, but you get your reward instantly! This year we plan on traveling coast to coast. We’ll be in Orlando for the Walt Disney Marathon and Los Angeles for the LA Marathon.
• Take up yoga/Pilates: We know, we know…yoga/Pilates is for girls right? WRONG! Not only do these exercises help increase flexibility, they can also reduce soreness, increase balance and help speed up recovery. Here is a great sequence of yoga poses from Runner’s World to help you increase your flexibility in 2011. Lee is currently scheduling a 1-on-1 Pilates session each week at Pilates at DanceScape to make sure he’s ready for Rocky Raccoon in February.
• Better nutrition: You are only as good as the food you ingest, so take care in selecting your diet for 2011. This resolution can span all activities. Nutrition decisions include hydration, electrolyte replacement, eating for recovery, fueling up for your race, etc. A great idea is to keep a diary of foods that you consume and the corresponding performance of your following activity. Experiment and try new things…you just might find your new favorite.

What are your goals for the new year?

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