What's next?

What's next? Being without a goal when I train is refreshingly weird. I took my bike to work on 3 days this week (nothing exciting, about 1 hour each time) and it was quite refreshing to be riding just for fun. Leisurely riding along reconnected me with why I love it so much. Not having to worry about times and effort lifted a big weight off my shoulders and let me concentrate on enjoying the moment for what it is, instead of pushing harder and harder.

That being said, I need a new goal. I don't remember the last time I was training with no goal in mind. I know that my next race is a running race. I know I will run in the Ottawa race weekend next year but I have to wait until the sponsor is announced before I decide which distance since I pledged to run the full marathon if Rogers decides to be the title sponsor!! And I want something a bit sooner... Does anyone know of any fun events in Ontario/Quebec between late November and March?
One option is the Winterman. That event has always puzzled me, a full marathon in the middle of winter. Should be fun. Then I found out that the marathon course is an out and back course. I hate out and back courses. Not only that but it is only 5km, which you repeat 8 times for the full marathon. I don't think I have the mental stamina to run the same 2.5km stretch 16 times.

Another fun option would be a race somewhere warm. Something like the Arizona Rock and Roll Marathon could be fun. I even found a Caribbean cruise with a running twist where you can share the experience with famous runners like Bart Yasso.

I don't know why I'm focusing on marathon courses since I haven't decided for sure that I want another crack at the distance. I'm pretty sure most of these races feature shorter distances such as the HM or 10k.

What I know for sure is that I will be going to the Terry Fox Run in Kanata this Sunday and that I gave my name to volunteer for the Army Run on the 20th but I am still awaiting confirmation.

It's funny that I wrote most of this post this morning but had to leave it in draft when I ran out of time. Then just before I got off work, I received an email from a colleague about a 5k race for Charity on October 1st. I guess that is my new goal. The race is a friendly just for fun (and charity!) contest between a few government departments. I hope I can make my department proud!