So many races, so little time...

It feels like it is post-birthday and I have money to spend.... It's not post-birthday, and I don't have money to spend, but when it comes to consideration for next year's race goals, that's how I feel. Like a kid who has received money for their birthday and now doesn't know what to buy, I look at next year's race schedule and there are so many options from which to choose, I don't know what to pick.

This year was a busy year for me race-wise. Some might say I went a little overboard, and while my knee would certainly agree, I feel it was a busy, good year for running for me. Big goals were, of course, the Door County Half Marathon, Ice Age Trail Half Marathon, Pikes Peak Ascent, and the Lakefront Marathon. Mentally and physically, I had no way of knowing if I could do all of these until I did them. It was a year of some of my best (and worst) running, and I wouldn't change it for anything. And, while I do have a half marathon beer run coming up next weekend, which is more just for fun, this year is done race-wise. Now, it's time to concentrate on next year.

I already have signed up for a crazy Swiss marathon for the fall, so that is taken care of. As for the spring, I am considering doing the Ice Age Trail Half again if they hold it. I ran that while burned out and sick this year and finished in around 3:15. I need to redeem myself. Plus, it is just hands down the prettiest course I have ever raced on. Two other races I had considered - the Door County Half again and the Green Bay Half - will open registration in a few days, but I am still not sure if I want to do them. Door County is awesome, but my family has gone there in one way or another for the past three years. Now, there is a reason for that; we always have a great time and the race is a lot of fun. But, three years is three years, and I don't know that we want to do a fourth. We had talked about possibly doing something new in that same timeframe, but so far no research has been done. As for Green Bay, I have never done it and was really looking forward to it. However, due to construction at Lambeau Field, they won't be running through the stadium this year, which is a bummer. That's the whole reason I wanted to do it, so now I am thinking I might wait until 2013 when they add that feature again.

So, where does that leave me for spring races? Thinking, I guess. My hubby wants to run the Trailbreaker Marathon in March, and they do have a Half. Maybe I'll shoot for that. It would be nice to have a goal that is set a bit earlier in the spring than usual, I suppose.

Some might think my lack of determination is stemming from a general burnout. I did do a lot this year, so maybe my waffling is a sign that I don't really feel up for doing anything. I don't think so, though. I tend to think that this is more indicative of the "too much" syndrome. I have a limited amount of funds to spend on races, and there are too many to choose from. What to do, what to do? Sign up is soon. Must start thinking...

What elements influence you in the races you choose to do? Please leave a comment! I'd like to know!