Lean Mean Running Coyote

Operation Lean Mean Running Coyote (LMRC) started yesterday! I am focused. I've spotted my prey and I'm stalking it. Just like this coyote...

(I swear it looks like she was smiling at me. Don't you think? I think it was 2 kindred spirits recognizing each other. At least, I'd like to think so. :) )

So what do I mean by LMRC? I mean that I'm going to get serious about doing all the little things like strength training and eating properly and doing speed work again. I am going to work on getting my speed back! I miss it. :( I want to be the girl who did this just one year ago at the Lovell Canyon Love Me Two Times challenge (back-to-back halfs)...

"Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I want to learn to run fast." ~Emil Zatopek

I didn't worry about speed or anything while I was training for the New Years One Day or the 50Ks. I was thinking finish not fast. Well, that's changed. I want to finish AND be fast! So tempos, intervals, hill repeats...they're coming back!

I have a Half in less than 2 weeks and I don't think I can do a whole lot to get speed back by then but I hope to by the next one on May 6th - the San Diego Safari Park Half Marathon. Not only do we get to run a half marathon thru the park but our registration fee includes entrance to the park for the day. I haven't been there in forever so I'm looking forward to hanging out with my camera after. It's also relatively flat so I'm wondering what I can do there. Hmmm.

I also signed up for the Nanny Goat 12HR at the end of May. Yep, another loopy course. This time with a twist. I can start at 8am or 8pm. The 24HR and 100 milers start at 8am on Saturday so I can run with them at that time or I can start at the later time and do a night run. Right now, I'm thinking night run. And not just because there will be a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. Ok, yes that did have a little bit to do with it. Fine. A lot. What can I say...I run for pancakes! Or burritos. :D

The Nanny Goat raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project and I'm hoping to raise a little money for my run for it. We are supposed to be able to accept pledges per mile but it's not active yet. Right now, it's just straight donations. I have a late start since there's just over 6 weeks til the race so I put a goal of $300. I hope I can raise at least that much. Crossing my fingers. This is my page:
Wounded Warrior Project

2 weeks after the 12HR, I hope to do another Half and then do the Firecracker 5000 on the 4th of July. I want to be speedy for those as well. So, no more playing around. I'm bringing spreed back. At least til mid summer. After that, we'll see.

But by golly, I'm going to make wearing my Run It Fast shirt be a call to arms if it's the last thing I do!

Did I just say "by golly"? Sigh.

Do you have any big race plans? Anything big or fun on the horizon for you?