While most people view the new year as a time to look forward, I prefer spending some time reminiscing about the previous year's accomplishments. Knowing where I came from is a great way to project where I am going. 2011 was a fantastic year for me in many ways, and I would like to focus this blog post around my athletic endeavors. If the Caleb from five years ago would have been able to see the present Caleb, he would not have waited so long to make the change. Below are the top ten highlights of my 2011 running.
10. I ran my first international race - a half marathon in Tijuana, Mexico.
09. 2011 was my first year running two marathons in the same year.
08. September 2011 became my highest running mileage month ever with 301 miles.
07. I ran a new half marathon PR of 1:24:17 on a challenging and hilly course - The San Dieguito Half Marathon.
06. For the first time I won my age group in a race at the Coronado 4th of July 5K. This day was also special because my best friend Matthew also won his age group and my wife Carrie set a new 5K PR for herself.
05. I won the Temecula Turkey Trot 5K. I was not thrilled with my time because it is my slowest 5K time ever, but a win is a win!
04. During a combined long run and speed work session in December, I ran 400 meters (1/4 of a mile) in 75 seconds, which is a sub 5 minute/mile pace. This, I believe, is a sneak peak of what is to come in 2012.
03. In June I ran the Bonita 5000, a 5K (3.1 miles), in 17:54, finally breaking the 18 minute barrier. In this fast race I only placed 39th overall. I'm aiming for even better next year.
02. I had the extreme pleasure of running the 115th Boston Marathon. This is the marathoner's SuperBowl, and I ran it in 3:02:04, which was 8 minutes faster than my previous marathon best. This race also holds the unofficial record for the world's fastest marathon - 2:03:02. One day I want to take on those Newton hills again.
01. Without any doubt in my mind, my favorite running highlight of 2011 is running my first sub 3 hour marathon. I ran the Long Beach Marathon in October in 2:57:55, averaging 6:47 per mile for 26.2 miles. I still get chills when I think about it.
In total I ran 2,437 miles. I addition to my running accomplishments, I also participated in a 3+ miles ocean swim from La Jolla Cove to Scripps Pier and back. I also saw my first shark!
I am really excited about 2012 for many reasons. In the running world I hope to improve my 5K time significantly and run more than 3,000 total miles. I also am looking forward to pacing the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon in June, and I am excited about running 30 miles on my 30th birthday in July. Hopefully everyone else had a fantastic 2011. Take some time to reflect on all of the great things 2011 brought you, and then out do yourself in 2012.
Happy New Year!
