2011, a review.

As I write this I am in shock/ amazed by how fast 2011 has gone. Going into 2011 I had several goals for running: get a new PR in the marathon (under 2:39), win a few marathon races, and run more consistent in races.  I set those goals on December 31,2010, I called them my "Running Resolutions."  Could I accomplish them in 2011?

Maple City Indoor Marathon 2/26/11

February marked my first race of 2011, the Maple City Indoor marathon . It is a marathon that is put on by GC XC coach Doug Yoder.  The marathon is on a 4 lane, 208 meter indoor track. To get the 26.2 miles you have to run 204 laps, and every 30 minutes you switch directions. This was the 3rd year of the race.  I had won the previous 2 years.  I was hoping to be a 3-peat champion.  The first half of the race went pretty smoothly, I felt great, and I was in the lead.  However, suddenly with about 60 laps to go I started to struggle. I was running slower and slower each lap.  With about 35 laps to go I got passed. I tried to respond, but my legs just couldn't move fast. I limped to a 2nd place finish with time of 3:05.

Rockford Marathon 5/15/11

My next marathon race was Rockford Marathon on May 15.  I ran it in 2010, and had won the marathon. I enjoyed the race, and course that I wanted to run it in 2011.  The race conditions were perfect except for the wind.  I ran good considering the conditions. I barely missed breaking 2:47. I was 2:47.01 with a 3rd place finish. I was happy that I finished faster in 2011, than in 2010 when I had won.

Kona, Hawaii Marathon 6/26/11

Hawaii was a neat place, as long as you can handle the heat, which I couldn't in 2011.  I started the marathon very well, I was in 2nd at halfway, and 2nd at the 20 mile marker. The last 10k was terrible, I was dehydrated, dizzy, and struggled into the finish line.  I finished in 3:11, and my first marathon in Hawaii. Maybe in the future I can go back and try to redeem myself and run faster in the state of Hawaii.

Fox Cities Marathon 9/18/11

Fox Cities worked out great for my fall schedule. Plus, it was a Wisconsin marathon, a state I haven't ran a marathon in yet.  The course was nice, with some rolling hills, and it went through some neat small towns.  I ran with a pack for the first 10 miles then left the pack. I ran by myself in 5th place until mile 20 when I caught the 4th place guy. With 1 mile to go I saw the 3rd place runner.  I kicked it in to try to try to catch him. I was able to get him and finished 3rd place with time of 2:46.07.

Friends of the Falling Waters Trail - Wild Life Marathon 10/9/11

The Wild Life marathon is one of the hilliest marathons I have done. The race is on a bike trail, then hilly paved roads, and hilly gravel roads. I was fimilar with the course since I ran it in 2010. I got the lead at mile 4 and ran smart through the hills. The last 5 miles I struggled a bit, but I still got 1st place in time of 2:52.24

Summit Credit Union Haunted Hustle Marathon 10/29/11

Haunted Hustle marathon was a really neat race. It was Halloween themed since it was the weekend of Halloween. The course was nicely laid out. It had a mixture of different surfaces, road, gravel, and bike path. I struggled for about 6 miles in the race, but I didn't "give up." Last 3 miles I was able to catch the 3rd, and 2nd place guy. I ended with 2nd place finish time of  2:47.23

Veterans Marathon 11/12/11

Veterans marathon is a nice small town marathon. It was my 3rd attempt at this marathon, and I was hoping for a better race than previous 2 attempts. Struggled with the wind from miles 14-19. Was able to maintain a 3rd place finish with a time of 2:48.14.


Was my "Running Resolutions,"  successful?

I would say about 50%, an F in school terms. I didn't get a new PR and won only 1 marathon race.  However I was more consistent in races (especially the 2nd half of 2011) than in 2010. In the coming days I will reflect and make new "Running Resolutions," for 2012. I know one that will be on the list and that is setting a new marathon PR.

-Jake Gillette