2025 kicked off to a fun start with a recovery from a stress fracture and return to running! Leading into December, I had been at about 25 – 30 miles per week that quickly reduced down to 0. Ironically, what derailed me was running a long run in a new pair of shoes which turned out to be a rookie mistake.

Now, back to the new year! My first goal was to continue marathon training for the Irving marathon at the end of March. I had to work up from a base of 0 to marathon ready in about three months. It looked like my goal back in November of sub 3 hours would change to 3 hours and 30 minutes and now to hopefully under 3:50 (A PR for me).

I steadily built up from a couple runs a week of about 2-3 miles each to 15 miles per week by the end of the month. The monthly total was just under 50 miles coming in at 48.8 miles and about 4300 feet of elevation gained. In Texas, that isn’t too much elevation so I would not be attempting any mountain running in the near future.

The goal for January to return to running injury free was a success! My shins still felt a bit angry and were manageable so I couldn’t complain too much. I’d compare it to a tiny rock in my shoe that bugged me a little bit when I ran but I would be too lazy to take the ten seconds to stop and get it out of my shoe.

After an uneventful return from the injury and one month under my belt, I felt the need to put in a long run to see how much I could get sunburnt in winter time as well as get an idea of my base for the upcoming marathon. February, it was game on!

I hit 36 miles on the dot to kick off the new month and that was the most mileage my body had put into shoes in 6 months. I felt every single one of those miles the next couple of weeks…Ouch!

Sure was fun though! I had a 13 mile run that highlighted that I could complete half of my upcoming goal. Now if you could rest for 48 hours during your marathon, I would have my attempt in the bag.

The rest of February continued with the weekly mileage around 24-25 miles per week. Highlights included getting the opportunity to start running with my wife who is training for her first half marathon at the end of March! She wisely choose a smarter distance and looks to be able to attain her goal. That’s half of our family on track for success.

Overall, the month ended with 110 miles run and a little more elevation gained of about 6700 feet. Not too shabby and hoping to continue building upon both the miles per week and the feet gain!

With February finished up, March has been off to a good start! It’s under a month before the marathon and half marathon family attempt so we have our fingers crossed, at least I do.

I hope you had an awesome start of the year to running and wishing you great running in March!