Run: 10K loop at moderate pace

Distance: 6.2 miles

Time: 56:12

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★

Energy ★ ★ ★ .5

Mind: ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall: ★ ★ ★ .5

Soundtrack: Disturbed, Indestructible

Happy New Year, running fans! 2016 is here, and it's time to talk resolutions. This is probably too much info, but my 2015 resolution was to floss more, and I did a great job of that. Cleanest teeth ever! For this year I have several resolutions, but one is to be much better about blogging after my runs. I was great about this in 2014, but the work-life balance of 2015 kept me running, but blogging about it a little less often. This is the year!

One of the reasons that this is going to be easy is that I am coming into this year feeling great! If you recall, this time last year I was JUST getting back into running after an annoying left ankle tendonitis from the Hartford Half Marathon the fall prior. This year I ran maybe 5 or 6 minutes slower, but felt great after the race, and have been able to run steadily ever since. For the first time in a long time my ankles, knees and hamstrings are all good!

Another big win has been the crazy warm weather that we have had in Connecticut this winter. I ran this same run last week after Christmas and it was 70 degrees outside. Seriously, shorts and tee shirt, on the road, the week of Christmas - crazy. But this has kept me off the treadmill and on the roads, and I am starting off this in the best condition in a long time.

So big plans for this year: I'm looking to run 3 or 4 or maybe even 5 half marathons, rather than just the Hartford Half in October. We have one coming up in April, and I think that I will be able to get up to the distance for it. After that it may end up being determined by the night call schedule at the hospital, but my legs feel up to the challenge. On the speed end, I'd love to see this year be the year of the 23:30 5K. We've got a bunch of those coming up, and with my kiddos starting to like these races, I think we will be out there on the weekends more. And last resolution - more running with the kids. Weekends, evenings, races, whatever. It's just great to see them getting into it!

Today's run was stellar, and it's got me very motivated. Great weather, great pace, and just feels like the whole year is ahead of me. I hope everyone is having a similar start to 2016. See you for the next run.

Run: 30 minutes hilly distance with a 0.5 mile tempo run kick at the end

Distance: 3.6 miles

Time: 30:53

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy ★ ★ ★ ★

Mind: ★ ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: Godsmack, 1000hp

Happy New Year to the R.O.B. faithful! What a better way to ring in the new year than a little road run on a chilly and crisp New Year's Day afternoon. I usually don't like running in under freezing temperatures, but it was so bright and clear today that the 30oF mercury level was no problem for today's run outside.

Most running blogs on New Year's day are probably going to want to get into New Year's resolutions. There are probably lots of us out there making plans for more distance, more training, more races - which is awesome. My actual New Year's resolution is to floss more, but I do hope for more racing this year than last. I wish all you runners out there the best of luck with your running resolutions.

Since I was running my regular 3 mile hilly running loop today, I did have some time to reflect on the runs from 2014. This past year was a major one for my running, and I'm pretty psyched to be where I am today. I'm going into this new year probably 15 - 20 pounds lighter than last year, and despite my achy left ankle, in much better running condition. This is all due to this web site, a great runners guide and a lot of good hard work. With some smart training, and continued dedication, I think that 2015 should pan out to be even better.

As I hit the down hill part of my run today, I started remembering some of the starlit morning runs with Venus popping up on the horizon, the beautiful fall vistas of downtown Hartford, and some of the close calls with the crazy drivers at the one major intersection on the run. I remember figuring out the time splits for some of the landmarks along the way on the three mile run. And most of all, I remembered how the time on this hill helped me to figure out a new career path, and get me to a job this upcoming year with so much opportunity.

All in all 2014 was a great running year for this Running Obstetrician. Like the year or two prior, it really was a half year of serious running. Since I am hitting 2015 with a good run, good pace and (fairly) healthy legs, I am thinking that 2015 will be even better. I guess my first goal will be to beat my 28:00 5K from last year at my conference coming up in 2 weeks. After that, I will look for some local 5K's. There is a half marathon around town in March, but we'll see about that! If you enjoy this blog, and enjoy the Races page, keep an eye out because there is going to be lots to come in 2015.

Happy New Year everyone, and let's make this one to remember!