Looking ahead.... whats next?

First of all, I want to say a huge thanks for all of the lovely comments. I certainly don't consider myself anyones hero tho! There are so many that are so much better than me out there (obviously!) but running is just such a passion, I absolutely love participating in events and am very determined and focused when it comes to competeing. I expect to give 100% to every event I enter and would be disappointed by anything less. Thats just me... I'm not afraid to push myself and don't lack confidence! Also, I have been doing this running "thing" for quite some time (off and on) and experience does give you an "edge".

In saying that, I would love to keep improving further and have been thinking about what I would need to do to achieve this and if I am prepared to do what it would take... Things like, for example - joining a club, getting a coach, spending more time training, doing specialised sessions, etc. More on that later, but I will say this - my goal for 2006 was to stay injury free (after the shocker that late 2004 & most of 2005 was) and complete another HM. My goal for 2007 is going to be all about improving over all distances up to and including HM. I have given it some thought, but don't think a full marathon will come into the equation until 2008 - as much as I want to do one...

I have also been thinking about what I want to do in the next month or two, running wise. While I am definately going to be taking it easier for a while in that I won't be racing, I want to maintain the fitness level and also keep up the long runs, even if it is once a fortnight or so. There are no events on the horizon, not until about Feb, but I have no intention of slacking off altogether. Therefore I am considering whether I should do a bit of cross-training over summer and possibly even look at entering a couple of tri/du athlons... Would be a good motivator to get on the bike and back in the pool, even if on a very basic level. I do not have the same passion for these activities as I do for running, but do still enjoy them.

Well I don't have any running to post about - I can't remember the last time I went 4 days in a row without running - but intend to get back into it tomorrow. Its not that I didn't think the legs could handle it - but I do want to ensure they recover fully. My quads have been rather sore until today, but I know that stretching and easy running would actually help more than doing nothing. I am amazed at how great my calves feel - not sore at all. But I guess thats indicative of the course - more downhill than up. I am very conscious of getting the muscle strain right too and had physio on it yesterday and will do so again tomorrow. It is still quite sore in this area at times and she was a bit puzzled as to why it is taking so long to recover...

Anyway, just to update - they have since posted category results for the Kerikeri HM. According to the results page I was 3rd in my category (Women 30-39yrs). However on the "Runpix Results" page it says 2nd! Anyway, its quite cool how they show yours stats in pictures! Heres a link:

http://www.runpix.info/kke06/21/finord.php?LastName=943&lan=&aset=0

There are 3 pages showing different stats, so click "Next". And check out the cute oranges running! Being in sunny Northland, Kerikeri is famous for oranges!

What I am surprised at is how long Supersport Images are taking to get the photos up. Still says "coming soon". Oh well, better be worth waiting for!