Monday, October 19, 2009

What's Next?

This was a question that I have been putting off for a while now. I wanted to stay focused on Long Beach. I didn't want to stop and think about next races and next training plans until the one at hand was done. But now it's time to change my "Next Up" sidebar.

First off, it's time to meet Magazine Smiles, Run DMZ, and aka Alice and the rest of the Herd. I've been a big fan of all of them for a long time. We've been passing each other like ships in the night at various races up and down the coast between Orange County and San Diego (about 80 miles apart). I've never had the pleasure of meeting them. akaAlice was thinking about coming up for Long Beach, but after some thought, decided against it (she has been fighting some nagging injuries for several months and made the wise choice). I made her a promise that if she skipped on Long Beach, I'd sign up for a race near her. So, I signed up for the Shelter Island 5K in San Diego on November 8th! It looks like a great course around the harbor! Of course, as aka Alice pointed out to me, the Champagne Brunch doesn't hurt either.

Thanksgiving Day is causing me some heartburn. Normally I run the Dana Point Turkey Trot 10K. But this race has just gotten bigger and bigger and bigger over time. Last year it was so crowded that I couldn't really "run" until mile 4. I hate not doing that race (I've done it 3 years in a row now), but the crowds are making it not fun. So, I think I'm moving down the coast a little ways (about 20 more miles) and running The Oceanside Turkey Trot 5K instead.

December is also up in the air. Last year I ran the Make Room for Santa 10K in Irvine and had a great time. It is *definitely* under consideration as a repeat. I'm also eyeing something a little different - a trail race. I've told you about my running at Crystal Cove State Park - well there is a 17K trail race that is part of the Xterra Series. I'll flip a coin in the next couple of weeks.

For January I need to make up my mind whether I want to race or not. The obvious choice for me would be the Southern California Half Marathon, run in nearby Irvine. I ran it last year. The course is flat and fast and definitely on the list to be run again. But, I just want to make sure that it's something that fits into my training schedule and that I feel physically ready to do it. I'll postpone this decision until early to mid December.

February is easy. Superbowl Sunday it will be the Surf City Half. Can you say Tweetup?!?!? After our Long Beach tweetup, plans were put into motion for this race. This one fills up quickly, so I will be registering in the next week or so. And, if you are on Twitter, are thinking about running this race, and the sound of an awesome tweetup sounds interesting, follow us on Twitter at @runsurfcity. Guaranteed fun for all attending!

And that leaves March. Let's call it goal month. Long Beach was such a positive experience, I think I was about mile 24 when I made up my mind. I'm running another one of these things! The only question was which one. I am very fortunate to have many many races to choose from all within a couple hours drive from home. In November it's the Malibu Marathon. In January it's all about Carlsbad. In February it's Surf City or the Pasadena Marathon. In March it's Catalina or Los Angeles. In April it's the Camp Pendelton Hard Corps Marathon. In May it's the Orange County Marathon. In June it would be time for San Diego Rock n' Roll. Choices choices choices. The most convenient is the Orange County Marathon, which starts less than a mile from home. The least convenient would be the Catalina Marathon, which would require a 2 hour boat ride to get to the island. Bottom line is they are all top notch races within easy traveling distance.

But I have to choose one, and the winner this year is going to be the 25th Los Angeles Marathon. There is a new course this year that will start near downtown L.A. (actually at Dodger Stadium) and run through Downtown, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, West L.A. and finally ends at the ocean in Santa Monica. As a native Los Angeleno, it just seems like such a neat idea to run through so many neighborhoods that I grew up around!

So there you have it. Decision made. I start a 4 week recovery plan today. From there it's onto Los Angeles Marathon XXV!

12 comments:

  1. Holy cow Glenn! I can't believe how far in advance you have got planned. LOL! I can barely see tomorrow. I have my next marathon planned in Feb. but that's as far as I have gotten.

    Glad you are still running and hope you are still getting your recovery on.

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  2. You are a planner Glenn-- Wow!

    Can you throw some of that thought process and planning my way!!

    I like it! It's good to have goals and keep them in sight!

    Hope the recovery is going well!

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  3. All the best laid plans of mice and men?:) Glenn, I am with ya on the planning and having the race goals in advance. It gives you structure and purpose in training. Yet, after registering for events well advance, I find things just pop up in life that keep me from them. Frustrating sometimes.

    LA Marathon? I have heard some complain about the course in the past. I have a friend from Seattle thinking of doing it this year. Hmmm? Might have to think about this one as well?

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  4. Another fun thing after a marathon, plotting out the next training cycle and racing plan.

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  5. Loved hearing your plans! I'll see you at the Shelter Island race and the Turkey Trot in O'side...maybe the X-terra too! How about the Carlsbad Half, although you seem like you're going to be very busy already!
    Hope you're recovery is going well.

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  6. It's going to be a blast at Shelter Island!

    It looks like you have your 2010 run schedule plannned out! I'm not that organized...

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  7. Hahaha. Well, clearly I read your blog in sequential order. You've already chosen your next marathon! Can't wait to hear about the training. Let's get that 4:45 this time!

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  8. I am thinking of doing the Oceanside Turkey Trot too! And if you haven't signed up for Carlsbad, do so soon. Race officials posted a message earlier saying the half will sell out by November.

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  9. And I thought I was a planner. You've got me beat!

    We are blessed to live in a place with so many good choices. I'm torn between doing Carlsbad (again) or Surf City. I won't do both, they're too close together, and if nothing else, I learned about recovery time this year!

    Can't wait. It's gonna be a great year!

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  10. What a great race lineup. Lala land isn't going to know what hit them! I'm super jealous that you get to race through the winter. :(

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  11. good lord! i don't know what this is like b/c i don't even have that many options available to me unless i consider driving 3+ hours to a race ;) must be nice!!

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  12. Well this is good news that you will be doing another marathon! Sounds like a good choice! You could have done one each month! That would have been fun!

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