3 Race Recaps In 1? Sure, Why Not?

Chugging along in the Panerathon EXPO 10K

Yes, it has been forever since I posted an update. What can I say, life's been crazy. But just because life's been going a mile a second doesn't mean I have not been running.

I had some slow going following the Knoxville Marathon, not really logging the miles I'd like. Apparently, the marathon took a lot more out of me than I had realized at the time. That's OK. I PR'ed so the tradeoff has been worth it.

Over the past couple months, I did run 3 races. Nothing spectacular but fun nonetheless. I had a pair of 5Ks and a my first-ever 10K. (Yes, I know I've ran 8 or 9 half marathons and 4 full marathons. Guess I like to do things out of order.)

The first race was the Ultimate Climb 5K on May 3, while the 10K was the EXPO 10K on May 24. Lastly, I ran the CoSIDA 5K on June 10. All 3 were very different races, but all 3 were fun experiences.

Life's A Lot Faster At Sea Level

Myself, Judy and Blake before the 5K.

Had the fortunate luck of getting to go to San Diego a couple weeks ago. If you need an escape from your wintertime blues, I highly recommend going to San Diego in January.

The weather was perfect. Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s with clear blue skies.

While I was there, I was able to get in some running. 20-plus miles to be exact. And it was wonderful getting to run along the marinas and take in the beauty of a new area.

In addition, there was a 5K as part of convention I was at, so naturally I had to take part.

Since the race was on a Thursday, I really wasn't sure how I do. I am in the middle of a marathon training cycle, and trying to switch gears midweek to race does not compute to me mentally.

PRs All Around: Jingle Bell Jog 5K Recap

At the start line.

This past Saturday, my bride and I ran in a local 5K - the Jingle Bell Jog, and neither of us knew really what to expect. We were two weeks removed from running the Secret City Half Marathon relay, I was in wrapping up week 1 of marathon training, and the weather was ... well, let's just say it wasn't ideal. (At least it wasn't according to my bride.)

It was a cold and rainy day.

The temp was in the mid-30s, but there was a light rain when we showed up to pick up our bib. As if being wet wasn't bad enough, the slight breeze was chilling as we waited for the start.

Fortunately, the rain stopped just prior to start and stayed away for much of the race.

Even with good weather, I highly doubt my bride and I would have intentionally shot for PRs. I was just beginning marathon training and focused on that, and she had not had much opportunity to run in the two weeks prior since we ran the half marathon relay. Work and life has been busy for us.

Who Knew Running Would Take Me So Far?

Cindy, Kelcey, Dave and I at the Golden
Gate Bridge in July of 2010.

Earlier this month, I hit a milestone: 5,000 career running miles.

Since I began running back in April of 2010, I have now logged 5,107 total miles. (Editor's Note: I had planned to blog about this sooner, but life has been getting in the way.) I 'think' I hit the 5,000-mile mark on my 42nd birthday. It was some time around then, but like I said, life's been hectic.

Yet, not too hectic to keep me from running. :)

Truthfully, when I began my running journey, I never imagined I'd become of the runner I have. With the mileage I've racked up, I could've ran to the Golden Gate Bridge and back home - which by the way is one of my favorite places I've run and I ran there very early in my running career.

Shooting For The Moon In 2013

2012 was a big year for me. Nearly 1,600 miles, two full marathons under my belt and a shiny new PR in the half marathon.

Also, in 2012, my bride started running. Yes, I know I've mentioned several times on this blog about how thrilled I am about this, but I'm very proud of her for running her first 5K and now training for a 10K. Love having my soul mate as my No. 1 running buddy.

I'm really looking forward to bigger and better things in 2013. After all, 13 is my favorite number in the world!

So without a further ado, here are my goals for the new year.

My 2012 Races In Photos

2012 was an amazing year for me running-wise.

It has been nothing but incredible. And while I will have a year-in-review post coming in the next few days, I wanted to relive with you my races this year in photos.

It was a low race count for me this year as I ran in only four races. However, two of those were marathons, so the excitement, milestones and sense of accomplishment were high for me.

So without a further ado, let's look back.

My 2012 Running Goals

Another year has come and gone, and 2012 is quickly underway.

2011 was an amazing year for me. I can't believe all that I was able to accomplish running-wise. From running over 1,250 miles in the year to becoming a half fanatic to posting not one but three sub-2:15 half marathon times, let's just say I impressed myself.

I am not a fan of the 'New Year Resolution.' Resolutions always seem to easy to break as if it's an ideal to strive for. I really liked what one of my new Twitter follows called her list: a Bucket List for 2012.

But I won't steal her name. Rather, I'll go with goals.

I like using the term goals for a couple of reasons. First, a goal is something to shoot for, something which might appear daunting can be attainable. Secondly, viewing these as goals is enough motivation in and of itself to make me want to work hard to check it off my list.

Seriously ... Just Go Out And Enjoy The Run

Folks, I have a confession. Now, before I reveal this truth, let me just say it has taken me a lot of soul searching and some wrangling with my emotions.

This was not an easy revelation to come to grips with.

But I've finally accepted this fact. So, without a further ado, here's it is.

I, Jay Stancil, am not and will likely never become an elite runner.

Whew! That felt good to get off my chest.

Truth is, I've never since eternity I'm not an elite runner. Speed has never been one of my strong suits, and the odds of me BQ'ing aren't very good ... until I hit age 80. (Of course, they doesn't I want try to continual improve my times.)

2011: My Year In Running

Man, what a year!

Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought I'd take to running like I have.

2011 was my first-full year as a runner, and it was a good year to say the least. I set out the year with four goals and reached all but one. (The last remaining will be crossed off the list in the coming months, however.)

I've got a long list of goals for 2012. But before I share those with you, I want to take a moment to look back at the year that was 2011.

C'mon! Let's Race! ... Virtually

Looking for a fun race to participate in? Well, you are in luck because I've found the one for you!

Last week, fellow runner and blogger Doug Cassaro posted he was holding a Twitter Road Race!

If you're like me, it can be difficult to find a race to run in January. Oh, there are races out there, but you usually have to travel, and the cost of registration fees plus travel can add up ... quickly.

Enter Doug's #TwitterRoadRace!

Sometimes I Surprise Myself

Saturday, I ran my first 5K in who knows when. Now I know some of you are thinking, "Wait? You've run two half marathons in the past year but can't remember when you last ran a 5K?" Yeah, well, I do things a little differently.

It's been over 20 years since I've ran in a 5K. Honestly, I don't remember what race it was or when it was. All I know is that it has been a long time.

But after my last half marathon I wanted to find some other races to run before my next 13.1-miler as well as find some local races to participate in. The first one I came across was the Thin Mint Sprint 5K, a race to help raise support for Girl Scouts.