2012 plan (First Half) and Goals

Running Related Goals for 2012:

-Run at least 1500 miles.  This should be easy to achieve as long as I don't have any injuries throughout the year.  I ended 2011 at 1460 miles.
 -PR in all distances.  Might sound aggressive, but I should be able to do it.
-Become more comfortable and experienced running on trails.  See plan, I've pretty much gotta do it!  
-Run an ultra longer than a 50K.  Got one scheduled, see the plan.
-Run with the dog(s) a minimum of 2x/week.  This should be very easy.  Sometimes I slack in it and just walk the dogs.  They get a walk every single day.  Sometimes running with them can be a bit of hassle and I just venture out on my own but I'm going to work on this -- for 2 of the 3!
-Strength/Cross-train at least 2x/week.  Self-explanatory so hopefully I don't destroy myself in attempting the above.

I'm going to spend the first half of 2012 trying to figure out if ultras are for me and then figure out what to do with the rest of the year.  But, the first half of 2012 is already jam packed and I'm committed to the following.

The plan:

3/10/2012 - Chambersbug Half - This is a given, have to do it.  It's five minutes from my house and the scene of my first half in 2010 and in 2011, I ran it and was the first time running a half under 2 hours.

3/24/2012 - HAT Run 50K.  Signed up for way back in September, before I'd tried any of these crazy trail ultras.  It sells out very quickly.  Luckily, I decided I still wanted more after those...even if it's partly for revenge and to prove I can do it better than what happened this past year!

4/29/2012 - Gettysburg Marathon.  It would be nice to say I signed up for this because I liked the whole concept or was looking forward to running in a location with historical significance...but, that would all be lies.  This fits in well with the schedule, gives me a chance to get in another long run and is an quick, easy 30 minute drive to the start line from my house.  The one reason I considered NOT signing up was it's a 'No Headphone' race.  I like music on long runs on roads but can certainly live without it.  A race is more fun than just another long run around my normal routes.

5/19/2012 - Capon Valley 50K.  Another chance to get in some quality trail time and I've heard this is a good one.  

6/16/2012 - Highlands Sky 40 Miler.  This is pretty much what all the above is leading up to if it isn't obvious.  I've had my eye on this one for quite some time (if I'm being truly honest, I have many that I have my eye on and may or may not have some possible tentative schedules for the next few years).  I wanted to do it in 2011 but knew I needed more time to truly prepare for it so I've pretty much been planning on signing up for this for a long time.  It's not going to be easy but as the site says, the course will try you and equally reward you when finished.