Eye on the Start Line(s)

I wrote a post this morning and Ecto (my blogging software) ate it, which is fun.

I also wrote a post for work about how I took an hour off my marathon time. I’m really proud of both accomplishing that, and the post. And I talked to my buddy Mr. Bart Yasso for the piece, too. Go read it.

We’re about 2.5 weeks post-marathon, and my credit card has gotten the best workout of all.

I tried really hard after the marathon to not sign up for more races. I really did. I gave myself a good week…

And then I just couldn’t help it.

I have entered so many lotteries that I better buy a lottery ticket to pay for all of them if I get in.

I’ve also verbally committed to friends (and just need to put credit card number to screen) for some more races. I just need to put a bib on and go. I love races.

Here are the start lines I plan to toe soon:

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Dick Meighan 5K (aka Turkey Trot)

I ran this one last year, and it’s just a solid little local 5K in Upper Saddle River, NJ.

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Prospect Park Jingle Bell Jog

I ran this one in 2011, and it’s totally worth the running the hills and hacking a lung up in the cold to say you ran with bells on.

Ted Corbitt 15k

I hate this race. I ran it in 2009 and 2010, and both years, I ran way slower than any other race I’d run around then. My PR pace for that race was a 10:26. My marathon PR pace is a 9:01. So…yeah. I think a PR just might be possible here? But I hate the race…

Hot Chocolate 10K

This is the same weekend, so I likely won’t do both, but this one sounds fun. Let’s be real, were it not for the whole PR thing, I would just do this one and not even consider that damn 15K, but…

NYC Half Lottery

I ran this race in 2010 and 2011 and loved it. Then, it became way more popular and more expensive, and I got disillusioned and started running the D.C. Half instead, but let’s be real: running through a closed-down Times Square is magical.

Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

Last night at #runnerhappyhour, Abby turned to me and asked if I wanted to do the lottery for this. I guess they have a team option, where you either all get in or none of you get in. “Sure,” I said, putting as much thought into it as if she’d asked me if I wanted another drink. Obviously the answer is yes to both questions. I’ve always wanted to run this race but never wanted to deal with the lottery. Also, my current 10-miler PR pace is 8:58. Again, given my marathon PR, I think I’ve got this one.

Nike Women’s Half

This race is expensive and crowded…but I hear it’s fun.

I think I have enough races on my mind right now to keep me occupied.

What races are you signed up for/in lotteries for? How long do you give your credit card a break for after your goal race is over and you want to sign up for all the races?

22 comments on “Eye on the Start Line(s)

  1. MCM Mama

    I’ve been going crazy with the sign ups lately. Seems like all my race prices went up at the end of October or they go up at the end of November, so I’ve been “saving money” LOL.

    Reply
  2. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast

    Exciting! I love planning out what’s next. I’m going to check out some of these links since we’re new to the NYC area and I’m looking for a few more races. I already put my name in the lottery for NYC half, hoping to run that one!

    Reply
  3. Liz

    I am doing NWM DC Half (I did it last year – so fun!) and crossing my fingers for Cherry Blossom! I LOVE that race and would be so sad if I didn’t get in through the lottery this year!

    Reply
  4. RFC

    THIS is why I’m glad I no longer have credit cards, I used to be SO bad at this! For the first time in my entire running career (7 years) I have ZERO on my calendar. Nothing. I’m in shock myself, but it is kind of great to be running and training without a goal, other than simply to improve. It has kind of re-sparked my love for running!

    Reply
    1. Theodora Post author

      I don’t really have any goals yet, just lots of races for fun…although one of those halfs will probably turn into a goal race.

      Reply
  5. outsidetime

    I am having the exact same problem! I gave myself a cooling-off period of two weeks before I registered for anything else, but I broke down today and added a few things to my calendar…

    Reply
  6. Veronica

    I’m a fairly new runner and races are what get me going! I signed up for the NYC half lotto and I’m really really really hoping I get in so it could be my first half! I’ve signed up for the Hot Chocolate 10K- hope you decide to do it 🙂

    Reply
  7. Dori

    Is there any way I can convince you to get your credit card out (before the price increase Dec 1) to run Eugene with me?? SPRING TRAINING! I’ll run long with you! Think about it.

    Reply

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