Tomorrow morning I will race for the last time in 2013 at the Holiday Half Marathon in North Portland. I also ran this event last year and recall it being a very wet, windy and cold morning. The extreme frigid and icy weather that we’ve been experiencing the last week or so was making very extremely nervous for the prospects of this year’s race, however, things seem to be easing up. Thank goodness! When I went for a training run last night, the 37 degree temperature felt like such a warm relief compared to the days prior!
Heading in to this last race of the year, I’m finding myself having some mixed emotions. I’ve been training consistently, and have noticed myself getting a bit faster, but I probably haven’t focused on specific training patterns as much as I should have in order to really deliver a peak performance. Due to this, my confidence in delivering a PR is not super high, though I find myself still hoping that I might be able to achieve one, nonetheless. I’ve also been having some weird pain in my left foot that I’m not super happy about. I don’t think it’s anything serious, but it feels like it needs some tending to after tomorrow’s race is said and done.
I’ve been a bit tired lately and am looking forward to finishing the season strong, and then allowing myself some more relaxed running and cross-training for a month or so to rest and recuperate from this past year. During this time I will also work on planning out my major 2014 racing events – so I’m sure I’ll be posting more about that soon. I’m excited to think about what the coming year will bring for my running.
If you’re up and about Sunday morning and think of it, please feel free to send some good running vibes my way! I’ll, of course, report back about how it goes next week.
Anyone else preparing for their final races of the year?
Move Eat Create 
Good luck
Thank you!
I’m sending early good vibes your way. I love the half-marathon distance. What a great distance to finish off the race year.
Thanks! I appreciate the good energy!
I totally understand 37 degrees feeling warm! It’s why I’m so excited to go to Utah! Good luck on your race tomorrow – I’ll be thinking of you!
Thanks so much, Laura!
Best of luck tomorrow! My last race was last weekend in Sacramento. Enjoying some recovery time.
Ah, I hope it’s totally rejuvenating for you! And, thanks for the well wishes!
Good luck! I’ll be there for the 5K. Fingers crossed that the weather cooperates!
Thanks! And, good luck to you, as well! Fingers crossed, indeed! 🙂
Good luck!!!
Thank you!!
Sending good running vibes your way!
Thank you! The write up will come in a day or two, but I missed a PR by 8 seconds – Grr!! It was a good race though and a fun morning!
Ugh don’t you HATE that!? At least it was fun – that’s really what counts 🙂
Glad all went well – I look forward to seeing what you have planned for 2014!
Thanks! I’ll be posting a race recap this week and then my thoughts on 2014 probably next week. I almost can’t believe the year is nearly over! Time has sort of been flying by this year.
My last race was on the 8th and now I have no idea what to do with myself until like February. I hope you had a great race over the weekend! Looking forward to your recap!
Thanks! I hope to have it up tomorrow! And, I hope you enjoy some of your downtime!
My last race of the year was Sunday, too… Funny, my year has been much the same. Training consistently and ready for a break over the next few weeks. Right down to the weird and unhappy pain in my left foot.
Sounds like the run went well, so happy planning (and resting)!
Oh no! I hope your foot heals quickly thoroughly before your next training cycle comes around!
How exciting!! You’ve had such a good year in races!! I’m sure you’ll finish out 2013 with a bang!
Thanks, Joanne! 🙂
I don’t think I’ll be running until the new year. I tend to slow down and want to stay inside at this time of year (it’s around -10F here!). But I’ll have to kick myself in the butt in January so that I don’t fall off the wagon! 🙂
-10!! Eek!!
By now you’ve completed the Holiday run. Congratulations! I’m training for a figure competition, so I won’t be able to run any farther than 3 miles until after May. I miss it. Anyways, I’ve been reading your posts for a few months now and I enjoy your blog. I nominated you for the Liebster Award!! To accept, follow the link http://wp.me/p1xtW9-BU Happy Holidays to you!
Thanks, Lexa! That’s so kind of you! And, yes, I have run the race (the recap is FINALLY going up tomorrow). Good luck on your competition! 🙂