I’m planning my 2014 racing calendar! I need some goals, people. I think having some races in mind will help motivate me to set those goals. I do, so far, have one for the first part of the year and it is to PR in the 5K. But first…
Hot Chocolate 15K on March 2
Running this with friends. I have not been training for longer distances, so I just plan to “run and see.” I’ve heard this race is super fun, though! (Plus, chocolate. Duh.) If you sign up, check (Just) Trying is for Little Girls first–she has a promo code for a cute free mug.
5Ks
I want a 5K PR. (I am aiming for a sub-24:00 5K and I think that is realistic. I got a 25:04 at the Santa Runs at the beginning of December and I didn’t even train. It was all strength training.) I have a few 5Ks on my radar:
Ruston Way 5K on April 19: Could I PR here? Who has run this before?
Or
Bellevue 5K on April 28th: Looking at the map, I know there’s one big downhill. Trying to remember if Bellevue Way from 112th up to Downtown Park is slightly uphill. I feel like it is. It may not be a PR course. Would be fun to run there, though, as I worked in Bellevue for many years and even lived there for a few. Anyone run this before?
And
Seahawks 12K/5K on April 13: Ack! Why are all the races in April? I definitely have to do this one after they won the Super Bowl! I suspect a huge crowd at this one, though, so probably will not be great for PR. Because of that, I’m thinking I’ll just run the 12K so I can wear my costume longer. Who’s doing this one this year? Do I even need to ask that?
Are there any good 5Ks in June? I’d prefer to stay away from downtown Seattle.
Triathlon
Women’s Triathlon on June 14 (formerly Dilettante Tri): My first tri last year, I feel like I want to redeem myself and not spend 5 minutes in the first transition.
Half Marathon
You Go Girl! on September 14: This is my absolute favorite half marathon around here. Could I beat my PR, which I got there in 2011, of 1:52? I might want to try. It will depend on if the hubs wants to drive aaaalllll the way to Pullman for a football game against Portland State. I’m thinking I might get to run this! I’ll make it my birthday present to me.
Edited to add:
I always consider the St. Paddy’s Day Run in Tacoma on March 15. The 5K, not the half.
I forgot to add the Rainier to Ruston Relay on June 7. We always do this one!
What races are you running? Any MUST RUN races I should look at?
5 comments
I’m doing the Seahawks 12K, it’s so much fun! But yes, don’t expect to PR and you HAVE to do the 12k because then you get to run through the practice facility and players hand you water…the 5k doesn’t get to do that :). I might run the Hot Chocolate but just can’t decide if I want to shell out the $$ yet. Hope to see you soon!
Sounds awesome. Good luck!
The best part of running is to lay out a race plan for the upcoming year!! This is soo exciting! Good luck with your training and I’m sure the 5k PR is in the bag!
The only race I’m signed up for so far is the Shamrock Run 15k in Portland. I’ve been coveting the race medal for several years now (so practical) and am excited to finally fit the race into my schedule! Plus, chowder. After reading Lauren’s comment, my crystal ball is telling me that I’ll be signed up for the Seahawk’s 12k by the end of the day.
My favorite 5k around here is the Shorerun. (Shorerun.com) It’s on June 8th this year. It may not be a potential PR as it has a few small hills, but it’s a really pretty course. I know the Seattle Marathon goes through here, too, but it’s much nicer in June!
Yep, that stretch in Bellevue is a gradual uphill. It felt huge at the end of a half, but it might not be so intimidating at the end of a 5k.
For a flat 5k, I was going to suggest the White River 5k in Buckley in June, but the website (http://whiteriver5k.com/) is still showing last year’s date. Hmmm. I also like the Parkland Pace or Race near PLU in August, but dates aren’t out for that either. It’s tiny but super fun.