frozen in time
2025 will be my fourth consecutive year of running. I’ve now completed four marathons, seven half marathons and nearly 30 total races. Running a marathon takes courage and training. Discipline and consistency is needed to achieve your goals. When you develop those skills, it will not only make you a long distance runner, but it can also change your entire life. No matter how much I’ve learned, marathons do not get easier based off the nature of the challenge. However, I’ve learned to train smarter while keeping it simple. One cross training day a week. One long run on the weekend and mix in a speed session when I can. I’ve become more consistent after learning from previous training blocks and understand my body better now. I know when I can push and when to not overdue it.
What keeps me moving, pushing, and setting that early morning alarm? Running is a personal journey. Sometimes I need quiet space in this noisy world. Every step is a reminder that the hardest battles are won from within. Work ethic eliminates fear. I perform my best when I set goals. It’s important to give myself extra motivation. My main goal of 2025 goal is to run another marathon and stay healthy..no injuries! While I set goals and push myself during workouts, always try to remember to run with joy because that’s what it’s all about.
Race 1 – Frozen Oaks 5K
The 6th annual Dundee Township Park District – Frozen Oaks 5K was one the more difficult 5Ks (actually 3.3 miles) that I have ever ran. My younger brother Brian joined me for the suburban race finishing in 19th place. The tough course was full of twists and turns through the scenic Randall Oaks Golf Course. The record amount of participants weaved up and down the golf cart path which was surrounded by fairways and sandy bunkers. A couple steep hills really burned up my legs. However, even with a painful side cramp – I was able to stay toe to toe with the lead runner for the first two miles. In the end he pulled away and I finished in second place. I was really happy with my performance in the cold temperature. After the race we sat in the banquet hall for the award ceremony. I ate a bowl of chili and drank my first beer of the year after completing dry January.
Race 2 – Carmel Half Marathon
Race 3 – Ravenswood Run
Race 4 – North Shore Classic
RUNNING BOOKS I’VE READ THIS YEAR
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Kevin Doellman
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by Kevin Doellman