My last three runs have been races.

And actually, four of my last six runs have been races.

It’s not like I’ve been racing all that much, either. I just haven’t been running!

But I’m OK with that. I’ve had choir rehearsals or performances for most of the month, and I was happy to give myself a break. It was good to have a few low-mileage weeks for my foot — by the way, the doctor guessed was either metatarsal inflammation or a neuroma … pretty much what Dr. Google told me.  All she suggested was to get new orthotics, which I planned on doing anyway.

I also had developed what I’m guessing was shin-splint pain shortly after my marathon. I think that’s gone now, so the rest has helped!

As for the races:

Nov 25: Camp Letts Turkey Chase 10K
This race is a Thanksgiving-morning tradition. It almost always rains, or has rained and is muddy. The course goes over gravel roads, trails, fields and a little asphalt. I didn’t expect much, and was happy to come in just under an hour.

Dec 5: Las Vegas Rock n Roll Half Marathon
This was my first trip to Vegas, and I was excited to run up and down the strip! I was looking forward to the flat course, too, wondering if this would be my time to beat two hours. But early on, I knew it wasn’t my day. I felt like I was struggling to pick up my pace — maybe it was a little too flat? Or maybe I was still a little tired from the marathon, walking all over Vegas,  and just not ready for a long, speedy run yet. (It’s not like I’ve been doing any speed training!) My 2:05:20 finish is good enough to be my third-fastest half marathon.

Dec 12: Annapolis Striders Anniversary Run 15K
This was the last run in this year’s championship series, a double loop in a park. It was rainy, but fortunately not too cold, though I was a little overdressed. I felt like I was struggling again, and started slowing down after only three miles. But it turns out I was only about two minutes slower than last year.

Dec 18: Celtic Solstice Five Miler
This race in Baltimore is another one we do every year. It’s usually really cold, but it’s a nice course and the premiums are always fantastic. It seemed more crowded this year, but maybe we just let ourselves start too far back in the pack. I couldn’t move too fast for the first mile (it took over 11 minutes!), but managed to pick up speed each mile (well, except for mile three where I figured I might as well stop for water since this wouldn’t be a PR race, anyway!). I ended up finishing in 49:25. Sure I can run much faster, but I was happy to come in under 50!

I’m going to be — gasp — going for a run tomorrow after work. My first weekday run in weeks! While the holidays might still mess up my schedule a little bit, I’m anxious to get back out there!