New Years Resolutions

I guess it's time to commit to paper-or at least to Blogosphere what my 2009 running and fitness goals are. I'm going to try to keep them simple, but I know I like to multi-task and take on lots of different things to keep my interest level up so bear with me.

Of course, what would New Year's be without a weight resolution?. I was pleasantly surprised to come back from Holiday to find that I had not gained any significant weight. I remain at the 178 level, and overall that is up from the summer, where I was at one time 174, but I was 178 in the height of my marathon training and I'm not putting in near the miles I was in September and October.

My goal is simply to get to 172 and maintain it until December. That's six pounds. I can lose that it six to eight weeks with a focused effort.

My second goal is to run a 4 hour, 15 minute marathon. This remains a high priority for me. I have determined that running a spring marathon is not the best action plan for me because of the warmer weather and winter training needed. I will focus my efforts on training for a flat and fast fall marathon in October or September.

Under consideration:
Chicago
Marine Corps
New York
Steamtown

Tangential to that goal would be to run a sub 2 hour HALF marathon in the spring. I have several to choose from-The Brooklyn Half put on by the New York Road Runners, the Lake Compounce Half, which is a tiny half marathon which is run in June right near my house, or any other local half that is in April, May, or August. This secondary goal will be a good gauge of my spring or late summer fitness.

Under consideration halfs:

Brooklyn Half (May)
Boston's Run to Remember (May)
Lake Compounce Half (May)
Iron Horse Half Marathon in Simsbury (June)

Lastly, I want to get more involved with the local running community. I miss my running buds that I used to run with in Avon. I moved further away, they got a lot faster than me, etc. I miss them and I miss the comradery of sharing goals, tips, opinions, injury complaints, air hankies with fellow runners.

I enrolled with the Hartford Track Club last year and haven't felt really part of it yet. I ran a race they sponsored last year and reached out to a local club officer, but never got a response or direction. I'm going to give it another try and also try to create some work running opportunities to bring back the "running lunch" to work.

I'd love to hear comments or suggestions on my goals and any success (or failure) stories you've had in getting to similar goals.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous 2009!