On Sunday I returned to Flagstaff after a great four week stay in Simi Valley. I have not been able to jump back into training with my teammates, as I am still fighting a sore knee. The good news is that I got an MRI and there is nothing serious — no tears. Basically there is some inflammation behind the patella (knee cap) that is causing the pain. When the swelling goes away, the pain should follow suit.
My last post I mentioned setting resolutions, or goals, for the new year. With this minor setback, I may have to alter a few ambitions, but hopefully the big picture remains the same.
2010 Goals
- Continue to improve my running by logging high mileage weeks.
- This track season I really want to improve my 5000 time of 14:50 and my steeplechase of 9:09.
- Compete at NCAA Cross Country Championships once again and improve on my 95th place finish of 2009. The ultimate goal is to be an All-American — top 40.
- Improve my swimming.
- I will try to get in the pool at least once a week for the entire year. Obviously, when time and running permits, I will spend more time in the pool.
- Seek out coaching to improve my stroke.
- Compete in some of the Ventura Splash and Dash aquathlon series events, assuming the series continues in 2010.
- Compete in more triathlons.
- I had a great time competing in the Breath of Life triathlon last June, and will likely do this one again.
- As of now, the San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island in July is on my calendar. As I understand the rules, if I am one of the top-3 amateurs I will earn my elite license.
Now for a shout out: Congratulations to my girlfriend, Tina Johnson, for her first Half Marathon last Saturday! My parents and I went down to Irvine to watch Tina compete in her first race over 5k! She did a great job and I am so very impressed and proud that she has become a runner just like me.