Motivation Monday: Race Planning

In 7 days I'm participating in my first marathon relay - so excited - and even though it isn't even the end of October, I'm starting to look ahead at 2013 to plan out some races.

I'd set a goal to run 12 races in 2012 and due to events outside of my control, I won't be meeting that goal.  I don't want to set a 13 in 2013 goal because I don't think it would be realistic.  Or I'd just end up doing a bunch of local 5ks to get my races in and they don't have bling. We all know I love my bling. I also did a triathlon this year and want to do more.  There's so much to think about!

The thing is...racing can get expensive. Especially if you travel for races (and this year, with races at Disneyland and Disney World, I've probably tapped out my travel funds for awhile).  So what's a bling whore to do?  Stay local? Limit how many races I run? I've discovered I need a training plan and to not be injured or I slack of HUGE in my training and then gain 15 pounds.

Here's what I have so far.

January 5, 2013 - Yankee Springs Trail Run 10k - Probably a bit insane since a) I've never done a trail race before and b) it's in January in Michigan, but it's close to home and sounds like fun. I'd have no time goals for this, just a fun run through the snowy wilderness.

February 2, 2013 Groundhog Day Half Marathon 13.1 miles. In the snow. I've clearly lost my mind, but this race sounds like an absolute blast.  Seriously - go check out the website, I'll wait. There will also be a 1/6th Marathon the night before and I'd probably do that one too.

March 16, 2013 Irish Jig 5k - This is a local race and I've never run it. Could be fun.

April 13, 2013 Martian Half Marathon (or 10k) - The bling is an alien head. What more do I need to say?

April ??, 2013 Striders Saturday Classic 10 mile - I missed this one this year too, but at least I hadn't paid for it yet.  It's local and cheap, so it's on the schedule. It's also hilly as hell so it might get booted off :)

May 11, 2013 5/3 River Bank Run 25k or 10k - The 25k was my DNS this year due to my injury and missing out on the 35th anniversary bling really hurt.  I'm not sure if I want to try and redeem myself or not. We'll see how the spring goes.

This is as far as I've gotten on the schedule.  Triathlon season starts up here in June and I'd love to complete at least 3 sprints and maybe an Olympic distance this summer but the dates for those won't be up for awhile. The Grand Rapids Triathlon is June 9th, but I don't know if I'd be ready for the first one that early in the season. It will depend on how much I get in the pool and whether Santa brings me a trainer for my bike for Christmas.

I'd love to travel for at least one race this year.  Maybe Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland. Those are all easily drive-able.  The Detroit Marathon goes into Canada, which would be very cool, and is also a short drive for me.

Feel free to weigh in - pick some races you think I could get to next year (keeping in mind the school year is out for travel).