What Was, Is, And Is To Come

Recently I was reflecting on my short running adventure. I really got into running early in 2009. I started running about six months prior to that merely to get in better shape and lose some weight. To date I have lost 50 pounds from running and cleaning up my diet. My first trail run was 9 miler in April of 2009. Then I didn't race again until September 2009 when I ran the North Face Endurance Challenge half marathon in DC, in which I placed 13th overall. My friend Paul finished in 8th place. Then in October of 2009 I ran my first ultra (yes I skipped the marathon distance and have not run one as of yet). My friend Dave and I ran the Mountain Madness 50k and we both placed in the top ten with me being merely seconds ahead of Dave. Then, almost a year ago to the day, I ran the JFK 50 miler, my first 50 miler. I started logging my mileage in late March of 2009 and by the end of the year I was at 1,400+ miles.

I feel like in 2010, even though race wise it was a mixed year, I really started hitting my stride so to speak. 2010 began with a top ten finish at the Watchung Winter Ultra 50k, even though I bonked badly on the third loop thanks ot a lack of training prior to the event. Then my next race was not until June. It was the Laurel Highlands 77 miler. I felt like I was well trained but going out to hard on the early climbs in the high humidity led to a drop at mile 31...my first DNF. Then In August I ran the Mahlon Mayhem 75k (46.5 miles). This was my best race to date. I ran strong and won, beating the second place finisher by 32 minutes. Then it was the focus race of 2010, the Oil Creek 100 miler. Again I felt like I was well trained for this race. My weekly mileage peaked at 102 miles and my monthly mileage peaked at around 312 miles. But, it was not to be as I dropped at mile 76. Even though it was a mixed year I feel like I learned much during my two DNF's. I probably learned more in those races than in the two others from this year. Also, as I type this today my yearly mileage so far for 2010 is at 2,400+.

This is also the time of year when runners start to formulate their schedule for the next year. Perhaps many are hoping to win a lottery spot in some of the big races like Western States, Hardrock or Miwok. Whatever race one decides on, there are so many options out there. As of now I plane on running four race in 2011. They are:

1. Watchung Winter Ultra 50k - January: This is a great loop course that is close to home for me. It is also a nice way to stay motivated through the cold days. Lat year I ran a 5:17, I would like to get under 5 this year.

2. North Face Enurance Challenge 50 miler, Bear Mt., NY - May: This will be my focus race for the first half of the year. From what I hear this is a difficult course but it is close to home and I would like to run sub 10 hours at this point. I'll reassess that as it gets closer.

3. Mahlon Mayhem 75k - August: A loop course which I love and a well run race. This will be primarily long training run but I'll see if I can improve on last year's 7:32:05.

4. Grindstone 100 miler - October: This will be the focus race for the second half of the year. It will be my second attempt at the mile distance. This course is a 50 mile out and back style course with 23,000 feet of total climbing. It should be tough.

As I look back over this time I am so grateful. I am grateful for the ability and opportunity to run. I love the long runs. I oftne find myself doing a lot of praying while running. I thank God every time I head out the door. Not only has running been a tool for getting physically healthy, it has also been a tool that has brought some good friends into my life. Thank you God for this gift and these great friends.