Twelve in 2012

I made my New Year’s resolution for 2012 back in August. My husband, Chad, and I had just finished the Minneapolis Duathlon as a team relay and realized we really enjoy doing races and competitions together.

Since it was the end of the busy race season at that time, we decided we would set a goal to do 12 races in 2012.

I did three races in 2011 — the Wingman Triathlon (my first triathlon on my own), the Minneapolis Duathlon (he ran both legs and I biked) and the YMCA Turkey Trot 5K.

It’s time to step it up in 2012.

What I’ve learned about myself over the years is that I work best when I have a goal or event to train for. Chad and I both did a lot of running back in 2000 and 2001 when we were training for the Las Vegas and Twin Cities marathons, but I haven’t done much running since.

My workouts these days are usually on the elliptical machine at the YMCA or biking one of the trails during the summer. And my consistency is spotty at best.

Unfortunately, Chad and I both have very irregular schedules that don’t make a consistent workout schedule easy.

We decided that trying to schedule races and competitions throughout the year would be our best bet at staying active.

We kicked off 2012 with the Polar Dash 5K in the Twin Cities on Jan. 1. Despite the overnight snowfall and strong wind conditions, the event had a record turnout. We bundled up and joined the crowd hoping to start the year off on the right foot.

There was a half-marathon, a 10K and a 5K. Chad has been dealing with a knee injury the last few months and decided to run the 5K with me (normally he runs at a much faster pace than I do!) We finished in 35:08, which probably shows you that running is definitely not my strength. I would much rather swim or bike.

But it was a great race and great start to the year.

I’m looking forward to filling out my schedule with fun races and competitions. Other races I am considering include: the other races in the Team Ortho Monster Series (Get Lucky 7K, Minneapolis Marathon relay, Minneapolis Duathlon, Monster Dash 5K), the Fourth of July, River City Ramble and Turkey Trot runs in Red Wing, the Wingman Triathlon, the Tour of Saints bike ride, the Warrior Dash or Go Commando adventure races, an indoor triathlon and maybe the Iron Girl Duathlon.

Feel free to email me at cbray@republican-eagle.com with any comments or suggestions. Best of luck on your resolutions.

Tags: lifestyle, health