Originally posted on my Drake University-sponsored blog on Jan. 21Do I have any running readers out there? I’m not only talking to the track team, I’m talking to the casual racers out there, the ones who dream about doing marathons just for fun.

My response to you is to get off your butt and get to work. I’ve done two marathons and one half marathon since I was 18. Despite all the sweat, nipple bleeding and occasional cold shakes, they were COMPLETELY worth it.

I didn’t run any race last year and I really regretted it. So this year, I’m back on the training horse and hard at work, although my approach and my goals are somewhat different than they have been in the past.

This year, for example, I want to earn a solid marathon time, not just finish the race. To do that, I’m planning on running two races beforehand, and using those results to determine my final marathon time.

The first race takes place in late February: the red flannel run. And you have no idea how excited I am for it!

It’s five miles. In red flannel. And I’ve got the plaid to pull it off (even suspenders… This is gonna be great). It’s sponsored by the YMCA in Des Moines. I’m running it with a friend of mine, Mary Bess Bolling, who is a fellow News-Internet major who also works at the Y. She just started a great little blog here if you want to check it out.

My plan for this sharp little five mile run is 8 minute miles, so 40 minutes or less. For some of you established runners that might seem like a breeze, but I’m fat so back off. I’m thinking this goal is pretty realistic for me.

The next race I plan to do: the Drake Relays half marathon in April. During my freshman year, I did the 5K, which was a blast, and it only feels natural that I should finish my college career with the largest of the available races. In that race, I hope to finish in 1:45:00 or less. It’s a steep goal–but two summers ago I finished a half in just under two hours, and I think that while this will be a challenge, it’s completely within my ability.

Following that, I plan on running a marathon. I haven’t settled on a final location of choice yet– although I will say that Duluth hosts a great one in the form of Grandma’s Marathon. The whole process should keep me moving and active in 2012. Should be a good time.