2008: Charlie's Year in Review

"Recognize your victories." JOAN BENOIT SAMUELSON


In looking back over 2008, it would be easy to say that this was a year of failure for me running wise, but upon further thought....it wasn't.

My racing was highlighted my two 10 mile races - the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and the Soldier Field 10 Mile. While running them, I wouldn't know that those would be the longest races of the year. A bad IT Band, and coping with an arthritis diagnosis would be my challenges.

So what were my victories? I was able to get back to running. That is a major victory. I am beginning to get my running stamina back.

Athletes always have an off year. We are going to chalk this year up as an off year.

Looking ahead.... I start training at the end of January for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I would also like to run some cool races during the year in preparation for the big one in September. I have a sound training plan. If I learned anything this year that I can take into the next is patience with my running. A 32-week marathon training plan will take patience.

So I am going to take a deep breath, and "run" into 2009! Happy New Year!!!

Coming next - the year in running around the world.

Charlie