Practice Races

Last year at this time, I was preparing for my first official race.  A few seasoned runners suggested that I enter some local events to get the feel for racing before my main event--the 2012 Disney Princess Half Marathon.

I was terrified!  What should I wear?  What should I eat?  How early should I get there?  What exactly is this "bag check" thing?  These were some things running through my head.  As you know, I did great.  The race was a blast.   After just one race, I was hooked.  Doing the Baltimore Women's Classic last year was great practice.  I felt so comfortable at my first race that I have done so many local races that I have lost count.

I am so thankful for the advice that I got to run some local races before my goal event.  It made me so much less nervous.   It was so nice to figure out what worked for me long before my goal event.  I got to the Disney Princess Half still feeling very nervous, but feeling comfortable in the race environment and feeling like all the pre-race stuff was routine for me.  I can't wait for Sunday to run in the Baltimore Women's Classic again. 

Did you have a practice race?  Did it make you feel better about your goal race?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy


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My Goals for 2012

2011 is the year I become a runner.  2012 will be the year I become a distance runner. Yesterday I did a year in review, so now it is fitting that I tell you about my goals for next year.  My New Year’s goal for 2012 is to run five half marathons.  I had considered the goal of doing a half marathon each month, but that might be a bit much for my first year as a distance runner—maybe in 2013.  So, what half marathons do I have planned for 2012?  I’ll tell you!

1)       TheDisney Princess Half Marathon on February 26.  I can’t believe this has been my goal for almost a year.  This is the goal that got me started with running.   I am a girlie girl and love all things princesses.  This goal brought me so many new friends and a reason to get fit.  I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

2    2)    The Movie Madness Half Marathon on April 7.  This race looks like so much fun!  The volunteers will be dressed as movie stars.  The race starts on a red carpet with the words “lights, camera, action!”  The course is along the picturesque Susquehanna River.

        3)  Myrtle Beach Diva Half Marathon on May 20.  This will be a family event!  My three sisters and I will travel from Pennsylvania to South Carolina and all run in this race together.  We will spend the rest of the week celebrating on the beach.

       4)     Disneyland Half Marathon on September 2.  I love Disneyland even more than I love Disney World—and that is saying a lot!  My plan is to do TNT for this one.  It’s a lot of money to raise, but it’s such a good cause.  It will be my first trip across the country alone. 

     5)    The Baltimore Half Marathon on October 5.  I have lived, worked and went to school in Maryland for a large part of my life, plus it’s only an hour away from my house.  Knowing the route might give me a slight advantage. 

What a year I have planned!  Besides these half marathons, I have lots of shorter races planned too, like the Baltimore Women’s Classic.  I am so excited about what 2012 will bring me!  What do you have planned for 2012? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

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