Why I’m running 12 races in 12 months

In 2016, our blogger Susan is getting in shape by training for the 12 races she has signed up for.

I have set the goal for myself to start moving in 2016, hopefully inspiring others to do the same. A seemingly small goal, I’ve committed to 12 races in 12 months.

All of them are short distance set in Ontario, with the exception of the grand finale in Cleveland, Ohio at the Christmas Story house– a house I’ve always wanted to visit. (Maybe I’ll even hide under the kitchen sink like Ralphie’s brother or admire the leg lamp in the front window, in all of its fish-net stocking glory.)

A big part of this 2016 project is going to be getting the people in my life to participate alongside of me. New Year’s was kicked off in high gear with race one of 12 being completed on Dec. 31 in Guelph with the Running Room’s Resolution Run. My friend Bridget joined me and we walked for most of the event talking about our goals for the year ahead. I have a blanket disclaimer for those who join me in running: since I’m writing about this challenge, our conversations are not off-limits.

I’m a beginner level runner. In terms of my training plan, my goal is to walk-run or complete another form of exercise three times per week. I ran for fun in university and was amazed at how quickly my body responded in creating a full-body lean look. I’m 41 and my body has had two children, multiple surgeries, years of sedentary desk work and is on hormone replacement so I recognize that this time around, it may take me a little bit longer.

I know that by sticking to my plan, I’ll be able to run the full distances of my races by the end of 2016. And I’m going to have some fun stories to share along the way. So far, I have pieced together a running outfit based on items I half-halfheartedly picked up over the years. I also invested in a new pair of pants and shoes. As one running friend has always told me, “There’s no such thing as bad weather for running, only bad clothing choices.” I know that I still have a lot to learn.

Here is what I have mapped out for this year’s races, pending any unforeseen circumstances. Follow along with me as I blog about my experience bi-weekly for Canadian Running.

February 14, 2016:  Valentine’s Run, St. Catharines

March 13, 2016:  Achilles Run, Toronto

April 24, 2016:  Mercedes Benz, Oakville

May 8, 2016:  The Mother’s Day Chocolate Race, St. Catharines

June 25, 2016:  RattleSnake Point 5-Peaks, Milton

July 23, 2016:  Albion Hills 5-Peaks, Caledon

August 13, 2016:  Foam Fest, Wasaga Beach

September 24, 2016:  Oasis Zoo Run, Toronto

October 10, 2016:  Thanksgiving Road Race, Guelph

November 20, 2016:  Santa Parade Run, Guelph

December 3, 2016:  A Christmas Story Run, Cleveland-Ohio