2012-2013 Race Calendar

So, I threw out all the races that I want to do...warning...its a lot!

• 2 5Ks
• 2 4-Milers
• 2 5-Milers
• 9 Half Marathons

The 5K's are local and I think these are simply traditions in the making. Robinson Preserve is 3 miles away from my house and my first "trail" and Canes Classic is about 2 miles away and is a speedy cross-country race (and the first race of the season) for lots of runners in the area (lots of times under 20 minutes is not unusual here).

There are two 4-milers. UPCC is beautiful...the only time you can actually run ON a golf course.  Its about 70% grass/trail and 30% paved, by my recollection.  The spread afterwards is gorgeous...really classy.  The other 4-miler is the Ringling Bridge.  Its an intimidating bridge, but its a great little race to judge your "hill" stamina, and its a great predecessor for the Sarasota Half since it runs the same bridge.

The two 5-milers are put on by Bradenton Runners Club, and extremely well done.  The Turkey Trot one is no-fee (bring food to share and donate) and timed.  Amazingly organized for a free race...I would seriously pay for this one if I needed to.  The Manatee River Run is their annual fundraiser. 

The one 10-miler I want to do (Tower of Terror 10k in September)...just don't think it will be possible.  Joe may be at Oktoberfest this year for a big boy's trip (mind you, its with my brothers and father).  While I can appreciate the idea of a boy's-only vacation, I must say that I'm a tad jealous that he gets to go to Germany before me.

The half marathons are aplenty, but pretty well spaced out (except January-March).  That is going to be hectic, but at least there are only two back-to-back weekends.  So, as long as I stay healthy, I can do them.  As for the summer, maybe I should try a mud run or two?  Just to keep busy!

Drumroll please....

• 9/3/12 Canes Classic 5k*
• TBD University Park Country Club 4-Miler*
• 9/29/12 Tower of Terror 10 Miler – may have major schedule conflict
• 10/28/12 Florida Halloween Halfathon
• 11/18/12 Women’s Running Half Marathon
• 11/22/12 BRC Turkey Trot 5-Miler (my club)*
• 12/9/12 Florida Holiday Halfathon
• 12/31/12 BRC Manatee River Run 5-Miler*
• TBD Ringling Bridge 4-Miler*
• 1/20/13 Disney Tinkerbell Half Marathon or Clearwater Halfathon
• 1/27/13 ING Miami Half
• 2/10/13 St Petesrburg Rock-n-Roll*
• 2/24/13 Disney Princess Half Marathon*
• 3/17/13 Sarasota Half Marathon* or Florida Beach Halfathon*
• TBD Robinson Preserve 5k*
• TBD Iron Girl Half Marathon*

The races above with asteriks are being run in the 2011-2012 race season, so race report links are/will be available here.

The biggest obstacle I have is knowing how to train once racing season begins.  I completely get how to train for a half marathon...knowing what I have to do and why.  But, once race season starts, how should I handle those weeks in between races?  Over the summer, I really need to nail down that part.  I "get" what I need to analyze...I just need to analyze it!

So, am I going to kill myself in the process?  I hope not!  I just need to be smart and diligent, so the schedule keeps me from injury and keeps my family sane!