Just peeking in
Forever the best view
I lie, this one is pretty spectacular as well
But this? The best race hands down
I cannot believe it’s eight years this week. Simultaneously feels like eight minutes and eighty years. Linking up with Deborah and Kim, but really all of you who have been a huge part of this running journey.
Oddly, started 2025 much the same as I did 2017, bouncing from Rochester to South Florida, although this was just a few days. I have to go through Old School Square when the tree is up because it’s just so wonderfully ridiculous at 100 feet tall. When I don’t “need” a full beach run, it’s also the easiest brain free loop because it’s a square.
Probably the best runner gift to myself this past year was prescription Goodrs. Especially down there, the polarization is a magical difference. Can’t read shit with them on, but thankfully not typically an issue when running.
The Frozen Penguin doesn’t need a full recap as it’s the same course since it returned post snow & ice cancellation (still hysterical!) and all the other NYCRuns Central Park 5Ks. It’s an easy warm up 1.5 miles to the west side of the reservoir. I didn’t time it perfectly and cooled down more than I’d have liked with a 15 degree wind chill, but manageable. I couldn’t believe my watch on the downhill mile registering an 11:xx. What goes down must come up especially in CP and I took a moment to try and get a pic of the frozen water cups, so mile 2 was 13:xx. I was SHOCKED when I saw a 10:54 in mile 3. I don’t run in the 10s anymore and don’t care, but apparently I can when there’s penguin magic in the air. I love this race. It’s the only reason I didn’t DNS after a delayed flight and an early alarm with a 15 degree wind chill. Not quite as cold as that first Penguin.
I never did set goals “later” in 2024 and know I won’t do it this year if I don’t do them now so here are some thoughts.
- Consistency. I’m not going to put a number goal against it because there are a lot of work moving pieces (of the good variety), but there were too many skipped runs in 2024. I can’t always safely run after work but I need to reinstate the run commute and get back to getting up earlier. This also applies to strength training which has fallen off aside from my PT.
- No new injuries. I managed this mostly in 2024, although my Achilles flared more than I’d have liked.
- 125 Books. That’s not a non sequitur, I’ve pivoted back from Spotify to audio books on the run. I came in at 109 in 2024 and know I can increase that.
I don’t have any running specific goals, but I would like to work on speed in the summer when I don’t want to run long anyway and can use the treadmill for the AC and easier hydration. We’ll see how that goes.
Here’s to a strong 2025.
Congratulations on eight years of running! I love how much the Frozen Penguin 5K means to you. Penguin magic indeed!
Goodness, that’s astounding, well done you! I’ll always love how our friendship segued from books to books AND running!
Congrats on 8 years of running! What a milestone! The Frozen Penguin would be on my to-do list if it was local.
Great job on all the books! I’ve never listened to an audiobook–I much prefer to read the words than listen to them.
Yay for eight years!!!! Go you, and onward to many more 🙂
I need to incorporate focused speed work back into my routine. I do a lot of (accidental) intervals, and spontaneous “tempo” runs at the weekly group runs…but nothing really official. It’s been working for me, LOL, but a little more discipline would be nice.
Why do I feel like I have known you for so much longer than 8 years?! A fun milestone to celebrate. No new injuries is always a goal for me. Happy running in 2025
8 years=rock star with so many great run/race experiences. Traveling Cari lived up to her name.
So happy to have been a part of some of them and at least many ice cream and dinner dates.
Hope to have more of the same and if I don’t get to NYC, we’ll just have to plan them elsewhere.
Here’s to a great 2025 for us both and to doing what makes us happy!!!!!!!!