2027 racing plans

I'm getting down some thoughts on how I want to run and race in 2027.

The race per month has been a great experience for 2026. Huge thanks to Paula and my family for the support.

1. Winter 5K. The January 16, 2027 Detroit Auto Show 5K is a fun and convenient one to do as it coincides with my in-laws' birthday celebration. An alternative would be the Riverbend Park 5K run in March down in Jupiter Florida if we visit my parents. Or a local Jan-Mar race if those don't work.

Plan: stay consistent in November and December, consistently adding in speed intervals*.

2. Barry Roubaix bike race, April 17, 2027: hopefully go with Jon and Eric again. Rope others in? Maybe Luke would go? I bet Dillan will be able to this year.

Spend time in the winter building power in my legs on the trainer with the power meter and trying to match my cardio capabilities with my legs. See if I can move up from the middle of the pack with some more time in the seat in my shop.

3. Tulip Time 10K on May 1, 2027: fun local race with a strong field.

Build some speed* in while it's still cool and nice weather to run.

RACE BREAK

Summer months, Jun-Aug: run races with kids or just for fun if they come up. Don't worry about speed, just keep running.

4. Fall race, September - October (5K, 10K, or half marathon): Family schedule dependent.

Start building some speed* as the weather cools and run hard in October or maybe even the Bay2Beacon half marathon in Alpena. Preference toward half marathon.

5. Zeeland Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day: with Disher colleagues and usually Jeff is up for the challenge. See if we can entice the Vails.

Do some intervals and hills* to prepare for the trot.

Enjoy the winter training block.

*This just means adding some intervals to the 4-5 mile runs I do with colleagues at lunch. Between 1K-1Mile at 6:15-6:45/mile pace.

PB from 2026 for the 5K was 21:42 and 10K was 45:23. It would be cool to improve upon them. Still chasing the under 2-hour half marathon but I really just need to enter a race at this point. I think my consistent running has me there. Best chances for PBs are going to be the May and October races. January and November are tough due to wet and icy running surfaces outside.