Planning to Stay Injury Free

I was asked over Christmas when my next marathon would be. As of this moment I do not have one planned. The past few years I have had good intentions when it comes to marathons and training and I either get injured or am unable to complete my training because of a past injury. I have learned more about my body and what it is feeling and right now what it needs is some rest from long distance racing. 

This year my plan is to focus on running shorter distance races. I have scheduled a half marathon on April 27 and July 27. My goals for these races are to train without injury and achieve a sub 1:50 PR. I am also planning on running a few 5k races and really pushing myself to run fast at these events. 

A new race for me this year is the San Francisco Half Marathon (and Marathon) on July 27th. I had the privilege of becoming an ambassador for this race and am looking forward to running across the Golden Gate Bridge! If you want to join me - sign up for the event here and enter my ambassador code: DSC10TSFM2014A41 for $10 off registration. I'd love to see you at the race running the bridge with me. 

Training for races can be time consuming and often quite challenging. This year I will be focusing on not skipping planned workouts and seeing how far my training can take me. I am committed to making 2014 my best year for racing yet and staying injury free. 

How are you planning your 2014 race season? What distances and goals are you tackling?

Nike Blog Feature

Nike did a special feature on my half-marathon run this last weekend with them. You can check it out at the blog on NikeWomen.com. They were kind enough to feature two runners participating in the virtual race and I was one of the lucky ones chosen! Not only did I receive a Nike+ kit, but I also got the chance to share my experience with all of you great ladies who follow Nike Women. 

This half-marathon was great and I hope you all get a chance to participate in one at some point. The feeling of accomplishment when you finish those last few miles just can't be beat. I have been resting some this week, I only went running once, but I have been working a lot on my strength training and stretching. I have also been keeping up with my Nike Training Club workouts that I love so much. If you haven't gotten the app yet you should really check it out! 

I've also been watching a lot of tennis this week with the Australian Open going on so that has cut into my workout time. The final is Saturday and I couldn't be more excited. I'm ready to get my cheering mode on and cheer for Rafa Nadal and Maria Sharapova. Time to make every move count! 

Nike+ Women's-half Marathon

It's coming up this weekend - the Nike+ Women's Half-Marathon. I am getting so excited. I am looking forward to running this marathon in my town and on my terms. There are so many opportunities to make this marathon my own, and it is a Nike event, which makes it that much better in my book. Yes, I am a little bit addicted to Nike! If you haven't signed up yet there is still time to make this weekend count and benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I thought this race couldn't get any better, but then I participated in a question and answer session on why I am running the Nike+ Women's Half-marathon and am featured on the Nike blog! This is so exciting for me and I am looking forward to this weekend so much now!

If you haven't checked out what is happening with Nike lately check them out on Facebook or Nike.com. Nike is an endless amount of inspiration for me and I get inspired every day by their professional athletes and inspirational campaigns. Check them out today!

Nike Women's Half Marathon

Nike had a great idea with this one. What better idea is there than to give the gift of fitness? Now you can gift your running friends the chance to participate in the Nike Women's Virtual Half-Marathon taking place on January 15. All you have to do is sign up online and then sync a run with your nike+ enabled device totaling 13.1 miles. Best of all, 25% of your entry fee goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and will make a difference in many lives.

To gift this amazing race to your favorite Nike athlete just go to the Nike+NHM Gifting page and sign her (or him) up! This race can be run anywhere and with anyone. So recruit your friends, recruit your relatives, maybe even recruit some enemies, this race is just too good to pass up.

Oh, and every finisher gets a Hurley Finishers bracelet! How fun is that?

What do you Run to Be? Come race with me on January 15, 2012 and find out.