Tonight marked the first night in a few weeks where I have been able to do something for myself during the course of a weeknight that wasn’t work related. 

So, I ran. I ran so far away. It may mark the last time that I get a chance to run before I embark on holiday travels to my home state of Pennsylvania. In realizing this, I checked on my records for the past year of my miles. Before I get to that, a slight backstory…

In 2010, I began doing a lot of hiking on the weekends. Most of my trips were solo treks across the Carolinas (and on occasion I went with some friends). At one point it seemed I was going 2-3 times a month and logging some serious miles.

So, at the beginning of 2011, I set a goal and decided to log my miles. I had planned on hiking at least 100 miles during the course of the year. In January and February I was well on pace. I was easily going to meet my goal (and then some). Then, I started training for 5k races and got a little sidetracked. And then, I started a “relationship” in March with a pretty awesome girl and became really sidetracked. 

My weekends were filled with travel and fun - but, not as much time available for hiking. I would still go when I could (of course). I was also concentrating more on running as much as I could during the spring and summer months (so I wouldn’t look like a fool during the races). Blah blah blah. So, the numbers you ask (instead of my rambling) - well, here you go:

Approximate miles (hiking): 69.3 mi.
Approximate miles (running): 136.99 mi. 

Bam! I never thought I would see the day when I would run my ass off that much. But, I have. I did. I ran four 5k races this year. And now, when I decide to go out and run, I’m running a 5k just for the hell of it. It boggles my mind. Guess I will have to set some new goals for 2012 huh?

I have a feeling the hiking numbers may go down - but, those miles run could use a little uptake.