Of course the first thing people ask once you finish a big goal is – what’s next?! I was asking myself the same question after I finished Chicago. I don’t have the whole answer but I do have a pretty good picture of how the next 6 months or so will look like running wise for me and I’m ready to share my running update.
I have a couple of half marathons coming up in the next couple months. On December 3rd, I’ll race the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Half Marathon. Then on January 29th, I will race the Phoenix Women’s Half Marathon. Most likely the Phoenix Women’s Half will be a part of a marathon training cycle. I am currently looking for a spring marathon. However, this is all dependent on some news I’ll have coming in late November. If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen that I signed up for the Berlin Marathon lottery this week – on a total whim. I just saw the lottery was open and decided to go for it. A lot will depend on if I get in to Berlin or not. I had to defer my Richmond Marathon entry this year to 2017 because of work and a wedding. So I already know I’m heading back to Richmond in November of 2017. If I get in to Berlin, that means I’ll also race a marathon in the end of September. If that’s the case, I won’t train for a spring marathon, rather I’ll try to PR the half in the spring and then start marathon training over the summer.
If however, I don’t get into Berlin, I will train for an early spring (March / April) full marathon and seek a PR. Then I’ll take a couple months off and move into training for both Berlin and Richmond. I think that whatever road I end up taking, I’ll probably invest in a coach. I have really loved the Hanson Marathon Method and plan to continue using it. However, since I’ll be having an unconventional training period (either a shorter marathon build up in the spring or training for two marathons in the fall), I’d like to utilize the Hanson private online coaching to help me get to the next level and to plan smart for 2017’s races. I am super excited about this!
What’s next for me in terms of shoes are the latest Mizuno Wave Riders. I’ve worn Wave Riders for the past few years and love how light they are while still feeling supportive. I was thrilled to be ask to try out the new Wave Riders 20 since I’ve loved all the updates to this shoe. In case you’ve not tried them, the Wave Riders are a neutral shoe but have great cushion. They are my go to shoes both for long runs and for speed work because they perform well in both scenarios.
These shoes just work. They are easy to love and although Mizuno sent me my pair for free, I would’ve bought the new Wave Rider 20s anyway and I’ve purchased many versions of the Wave Riders with my own hard earned cash. I just love these shoes.
What’s next for you, fitness or running-wise? Anyone run Berlin? I really hope I get in!
I am so jealous that you are running the Rehoboth Beach half! Ever since I visit there a month ago, I have regretted not signing up for it. I hope you have a great race. I just signed up for a custom Hansons plan myself as I needed something to keep me going from Chicago to my half in January, and so far I really like the plan I purchased.
I’m really looking forward to it – I’m not racing it, but hoping to come in around 2 hours.
Sounds awesome!! Fingers crossed for you and Berlin! Which sprung full marathons are you looking at? I’ll be in DC in March doing a half with my dad, hope to see you!
Undecided yet on the spring full. I won’t decide until I know it’s happening but potentially looking at something in NC or SC (flat and fast)!
Raleigh, NC has an awesome running community and lots of races, but just be careful- it’s CRAZY hilly here so definitely not a flat and fast experience!
Oh I know. I’m not looking at Raleigh – considering wrightsville beach!
Yes, come to Wrightsville Beach. It’s a great race and you will love Wilmington. I probably can find someone to run with you too if you are interested. Tons of my friends are running the full. And it’s a fast race too!
It’s high 0n my list if I don’t get into Berlin!!
Hey Courtney! If you end up doing a spring full or half then the Tobacco Road here in Cary NC is a great flat fast one on a light packed trail surface . Also many local ‘Birds’ usually do it and we would love to see you !
Tobacco Road is actually on my short list! 🙂 NC birds are a big plus!!
Sounds like some exciting races on the calendar for you next year! I have no idea what I am doing next year yet 🙂 Trying to get into the Napa Valley Ragnar through lottery for next November.
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Oh that would be really fun! I really need to do a Ragnar.
Last week I wrote down all the races I want to do next year – more of a dream list then reality list 🙂 However, it’s fun to plot them out and see what you can accomplish. I’m really hoping to run a few half marathons next year.
Love your race dream list idea!!
Fingers crossed for you and Berlin!
And how did I not realize you were a Wave Rider Girl too? Those are my shoes!
I run mostly in adidas and mizuno with the occasional new balance thrown in here and there!
Here’s a thought…if you don’t get into Berlin, come to northern Minnesota and run Grandma’s with me, Gina, and Kim. It’s in June, and the temps are usually pretty decent! Think about it!
I’m already signed up for a November marathon (Richmond) – and I have lots of travel in June. So if I don’t do Berlin, it’s early spring for me! But I’ve heard excellent things about Grandma’s!!
Those are great plans for 2017 – whichever ones come to pass. I have a friend who ran Berlin a few years ago and LOVED it. I always love my Mizunos too!
My fingers are crossed! 🙂
Sounds very exciting! I bet running Berlin would be amazing! I look forward to seeing what happens and following your training.
I’m a fan of the Mizuno Wave Rider’s but I’m holding onto the 19’s right now. They have been really great shoes for my races this year 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Philly Marathon Training Week 15 Recap
I don’t have anything until the Bolder Boulder. I was itching to sign up for a turkey trot because I haven’t worn my Oiselle singlet yet, but no race jumped out at me. Too bad. I just started running in Brooks, and I ordered another pair of New Balance since my feet really liked my old ones. I have enough shoes now to see me through training for BB.
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Ooooh fun! Bolder Boulder is DEF on my list 🙂
I entered Berlin on a whim too! I really hope it will work out and can be my fall goal marathon for 2017. I love Chicago and I can’t imagine not going back but if I get in to Berlin I will look for something later like Richmond or even NYC (again!). I love racing halfs in the spring! It’s so much fun! Can’t wait to see where you are headed next 🙂
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Oh how fun about Berlin. We will know soon enough! I also loved Chicago but now want to race all the world majors! 🙂
2017 will be a great year for you! I hope you get into Berlin! When will you know? Very cool that you’re joining the Hansons online coaching group. I’ll be joining too for next year’s training instead of doing the personal coaching. It’s a great community!
I actually wanted to get your opinion on the coaching. I’m having a hard time deciding which option! I’ll hear about Berlin in two weeks! 🙂
Wow, so exciting Courtney. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you that you get into Berlin. The one and only race that I have on my calendar right now is Chicago. It feels very weird to have an almost empty race calendar. I plan to run at least one half in the Spring, so hopefully I can figure out soon which half that will be.
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Thanks! I am hopeful I’ll get in – it would be amazing!!
Rehoboth Half is a great race! Enjoy! I also put in for the Berlin lottery – fingers crossed!
Eek – that would be awesome!
So jealous! Berlin would be amazing-I have my fingers crossed for you! School is pretty crazy for the next year so I really can’t travel much boooo. I wanted to do a spring longer distance race but right not it’s all dependent on how my foot heals. I definitely have a half at the end of March that I’m running and registered for but everything else is tentative!
Yes – rest that foot! How long are you in the boot?
Your halves sound fun and hopefully nice cold weather so you can enjoy racing them, Maybe we will both being Berlin next September. I also tried to get into that race. We shall see. I’m backing up with Marathon Tours so hopefully I will have a spot.
That would be great if we were both there!!
Wow! I am also doing the Phoenix Half, looking for a Spring Marathon, and waiting to find out about the Berlin lottery! Can’t wait to meet you in Arizona – and see what the rest of 2017 brings!
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Ahhh that’s so awesome! See you in a couple months 🙂
whoa whoa whoa whoa…you’re coming to PHOENIX??!!!??????
Yes! Running the Women’s Half the last weekend of January. It’s a big Oiselle team meet up. Will I see you there? That’d be AMAZING!!!!!!!
Hope you get into Berlin. If not, there is always Paris & there is no lottery. Still first come first serve.
After having finished NYC marathon, I have no running goals besides taking some time off. I didn’t like much marathon training through the winter last year, so I am glad I don’t have to do that. But I admit, I am feeling a bit lost, not having a race goal. Spring is when I do so much work travel so its kind of hard to plan….
If I don’t get into Berlin, I’m going to try and PR the half in the spring. April is too late for me – I am traveling a ton – similar to you!
Good luck getting into Berlin!!! I just visited Berlin in October and loved it, such a cool city. (And finally got around to recapping it yesterday, there was so much to write about!) I entered the London Marathon lottery and didn’t get in, so I signed up for the Paris Marathon in April. I’m coming back from an IT-band injury so crossing my fingers and toes that I’ll actually be able to train for it, since my mileage is very low right now!
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Oh that’s awesome about Paris – going to read your Berlin recap now 🙂
I’m excited to follow your next journey! I hope that you get into Berlin. It’s on my marathon wishlist.
I also hope to utilize a coach for my next training cycle. I’ve toyed with the idea for about a year. I think it’s the next logical step to make.
Keep running and writing you’re a big inspiration to me!
Aw, thank you Dodie – I’ll find out about Berlin soon!!
Even though I don’t usually run in the winter, I am 85% sure I’m doing a late March marathon!!
Which one are you looking at running? I’m still considering a few.
Queens!
Courtney, what about Eugene in May (pending Berlin, of course)? I hear it’s flat and a great marathon for time; would that be too late for you? It’s kind of a long trip, but I’ve had several local friends travel there to run the race and they really enjoyed it.
Hmm – that timing could actually work out. It would probably end up being too expensive but without the Berlin trip, I’d have more $ for a spring race. Thanks for the suggestion!