12 in 2012!

This is my favorite day of the week because its the one day I have entirely off! No school. No work. Win. Since it's my favorite day of the week I thought it would be perfect to share my exciting news with you guys:

Finally! I've made my first challenge for myself: 

12 Races in 2012! 

If the title isn't obvious enough, my goal is to successfully complete 12 different races in 2012. I think this is a completely realistic goal for a beginner runner such as myself. I want to stay injury free (getting RID of these shin splints asap!) while continuing to grow as a runner and I believe this challenge will help me do that.

Now that I've shared it with you guys, there's no turning back now! I thought about signing up for 12 half marathons in 2012 but after thinking about it, I realized that my body probably isn't ready for that hefty of a challenge. I do think 12 races (a mix of 5ks, 10ks, and halfs) is definitely doable though!

Completed Races: 2/12

What's on the menu for 2012?

I've signed up for 6 half-marathons this year. 

Tinker Bell Half-Marathon - January 29, 2012

Half-Marathon of the Harbors - April 1, 2012

Ojai to Ocean Marathon and Half - June 3, 2012

Disneyland Half-Marathon - September 3, 2012

Rock'n'Roll Los Angeles Half-Marathon - October 30, 2012

Santa to the Sea Half-Marathon - December 11, 2012

If you do the math, you can see that I need more races! If you know of any races in Southern California (large or small!) please e-mail me at danielle@fitgirldaily.com and let me know! I'd love to come out and support a race and work towards my goal.

This page is where you can stay up to date with what races I have coming up and how far I am into completing my goal. If you would like to support me in my challenge you can always post words of encouragement on that page.

--Don't forget to get in on the BIC Bands contest! 

Do you have any challenges for yourself this year?

Any tips you can give me on staying injury free while having a plate full of races?