back in iowa

So happy to be back in Iowa!  I have one final post in the works about our two week European vacation - but that will have to wait a bit.  Today I have to do something I haven't done in over three weeks: WORK.

Today also marks day 1 of my Fargo Marathon training schedule.  I still don't have a plan in place yet, but did manage to slip out of bed this morning for a 5.2 mile run, followed by a 30 minute weight session at the Y (NROLFW style).  Even though I am sick as a dog right now, this run + weight session is just what I needed to start my week back at work.

Another thing to check off my list is to come up with some goals for 2011 (as well as to re-visit my 10 in 2010 list).  One thing I have been thinking about for 2011 is making a move towards becoming a vegetarian. The past year or so I have dramatically decreased the amount of meat I have been eating and when I do eat it, have been trying to eat organic/locally grown meat.  Not sure how set on this I am yet, especially since I am planning on running as many races, if not more, than I did in 2010.

What do you guys think?  Anyone out there a "No Meat Athlete"

to Fargo or not to Fargo...

(source)

That is the big question that I have not been able to get off my mind.  For the past two years, Nic and I have made the nearly 10 hour trek to Fargo to visit our good friends Laura and Josh.  Last year, I decided to run the Fargo Half Marathon while we were visiting - and then vowed to make that an annual tradition.

So this year, we are for sure going up to Fargo the weekend of May 20-22. The big question is - should I register for the full marathon or the half marathon?

Scenario One - Register for the half marathon
Official training would start February 26th.
I would most likely follow HH's Advanced Half Marathon training schedule.

Scenario Two - Register for the full marathon
Official training would start January 10th (two days after we return from Spain).
I would most likely follow HH's Intermediate II Marathon training schedule.

Fargo's course is described as flat and fast - which would hopefully lend me a better chance to qualify for Boston - or if I am going to set realistic goals - finish sub 4 hours.

One thing is for sure - I need to register for one of these events to keep my butt running this winter.  I've found that if I don't have something to train for, I am far more likely to skip workouts.

So vote - full or half?