84 Miles by the New Year?

While logging my morning spinning class on my DailyMile account I realized I have run 1916 miles thus far in 2012.

 

 

 

Am I the only one who thinks this is completely unacceptable? Not because of the actual distance... I mean... take 1916/365 and that averages out to just over FIVE MILES A DAY, everyday for the entire year. That's pretty crazy when you start thinking about it. Anyway-- I don't think it's bad because of the actual amount... it's more because of the number itself. See, I'm crazy. We've already established that, yes? OK. Well, since you know that this next part shouldn't be that much of a stretch.

 

I like nice, round, even numbers (or at least my definition of nice round, even numbers). I'm a little OCD about it. I have to end a run on increments of .25 (unless it's an intentional 5K or 10K, half, etc.). I have to keep the volume on the TV or on my computer in increments of 5 (15, 25, 50, etc.). I have to stop the gas pump on the dollar or $.50 (this one drives the Hubs crazy). Weirdly, I don't have to make a restaurant bill an even number when tipping... though that might just be because math would be involved. Anyway-- the list goes on. Alarm clock (usually... unless it really is just THAT important for ONE MORE MINUTE), timers, cooking times, number of reps in a set, number of sets... it goes on and on. I'm a freak.

 

Anyway-- so, that brings up back to the problem at hand. 1916?? No, no. I can't handle that. No, obviously that wouldn't be what it'd end at as I have no intention of not running the rest of the year... but, now that I see the number-- I have a GOAL. I mean-- look at it. It's SCREAMING at me to make it a nice, even 2000. Right?!?!? Or, should I say-- at LEAST 2000.  Wouldn't it be sweet to hit 2012 miles in 2012?? 2012 isn't the most even/round number... but, it's kinda a certain something since it matches the year. Either way-- the challenge has been set. Reach at least 2000 miles for 2012, leaving the window open for 2012 in 2012, if things go well.

 

I don't want to set myself up for getting hurt or anything, especially seeing as how I'm still far from 100% as it is. As the Hubs so kindly reminded me...

Ignore the "Im crossing my fingers for you." text. That was in response to that the University I work for had a power outage and I told the Hubs I might get to go home early. Oh, and that # has since changed because I ran last night... hence me asking him about 91 mile and not 84 miles. I'm so confusing! Sorry!!!

  

Can I run 84 (maybe even 96) by 11:59pm on December 31st? Sure. SHOULD I?? Well, while the Hubs isn't so sure-- I am! I totally think I can/should and can/should SAFELY. I won't push pace. I won't increase long runs by crazy amounts. I've been doing about 30-ish miles/week lately. That'll already get me to my goal. So, I just have to stick with it. Promise. And, if things hurt or something goes wrong, I'll listen to my body. Really. I will.

Oh, and for the record-- my reply to the Hubs was VERY loving.

I'm such a good wife.

So, there we have it. 2000 (maybe even 2012?!?!) miles by December 31st at 11:59pm. GOAL SET. Challenge accepted. So, while all of you out there may be doing that little RunnersWorld challenge where you do something like run a marathon everyday from now til St. Patty's Day or something crazy like that... I'll be doing my own challenge. I heard a quote today: "Don't measure yourself my someone elses ruler." Seems fitting for me today.

T-minus 84 miles...