2006: Running year in review
My memorable moments of 2006 included a few running moments (completing the Vancouver and Seattle half marathons) but I felt that since running was such a big part of my life in 2006 it deserved its own summary post. Plus it was an excuse to make some graphs …
The above graph shows my total running mileage for 2006. I ran a total of 752 miles / 1210 km over the year. My average weekly mileage (including races) was 14.5 miles / 23.3 km and the average for all non-zero weeks was 17.3 miles / 27.9 km. My maximum weekly mileage was 26 in the two weeks prior to the Seattle half marathon. I think it’s interesting that the weekly mileage graph very clearly shows the year’s three training cycles: Vancouver, Torchlight and Seattle.
I ran a total of 6 races in 2006: 2 5K’s, 1 8K, 1 10K and 2 half marathons. Amazingly, every race was a new PB. That’s part of the fun of being new to this sport – improvement comes more easily in the beginning. Below are my “age graded”/WAVA percentage race results. According to this metric my 23:56 in the Shoreline 5K last August was my best result of the year. I have to say that I’m more proud of my 1:59:56 in the Seattle half marathon though.
Racing aside, I learned a lot about running during 2006 and what sort of training works for me. I’m happiest running 3-4 days a week and cross training another 1-2 days. I’ve learned that while I might take a women’s size 9.5 in casual shoes I need a men’s size 9.5 in running shoes to keep me from getting a blister on the end of my left second toe. I’ve also learned that running in the morning works best for me and that oatmeal is the perfect pre-run food.
I was mostly injury free during 2006 although at the end of year I developed a set of tight hip flexors and a tight left piriformis muscle. Yes, apparently I hold my tension in my butt! So my sports medicine doctor perscribed a set of relaxation exercises and I’m much improved. This is something I’m going to have to keep working at during 2007: the year of the marathon.