Albert Einstein once said "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".

I wanted 2010 to be different running experience for me. I committed to focus on three areas of improvement to break through some PR barriers that have plagued me the last few years. Try something different.

1. Increase my weekly mileage average of 35-40 miles to 45-55 miles a week. I'm happy to say that my mileage is up (I've topped out at a 65 mile week).
2. Give it all I have on my hard days. Refocus on my tempo, hill and speed work.
3. And finally - To ignore the voices. Trust in my training, stay positive, know that it will hurt and ignore the rest.

My first test in 2010 was March 27th during the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon in Kansas City. My half best was 1:30:51 which I accomplished two years back at the ripe age of 46. On a cold, windy, rainy morning (not sure I've ever been that cold and wet during a run) I ran a 1:29:35; a new PR! I felt I was on to something.

One week later, on April 3^rd, I ran the Wichita Easter Sun Run 10K. Previous best was 40:52 back in 2004 sometime. With my confidence at an all-time high from the half, I ran a 39:25. OK, now I know I was on the right track. I was rocking the PR world... so I thought.

April 25^th. The Johnston's Wichita Half Marathon. I was still training but my life was a little more chaotic with coaching middle school track, things picking up at work, and all-day meets on Saturday's. But... I did do well in KC under difficult conditions so the Wichita half would be another PR with my goal of breaking 1:29. I cross the finish line in 1:31:45. What? 1:31:45? Not even close.

I've added number four to my 2010 list of improvements. Cherish the PR. All of us experience the ups and downs of training; and we're always subjected to the unexpected. We're in control, but only to a point. I think the smart runner recognizes this fact and adjusts not only their training, but also their expectations to best suit the current conditions in training, family, and life. Work hard, train hard, be a good person and when the PR comes around, don't look a gift horse in the mouth; be proud of the moment knowing it doesn't come easily.