New Year

After a great November, December was a bit of a challenge.  Between the cold, new baby and bad back I failed to reach 100 miles for the month.  I'm not overly disappointed.  I feel recharged and have been training well the past week.  2013 was a good year for me.  I've connected with several runners through Sherpa's FA runs and I am coming into 2014 motivated and healthy.  Below lists some highlights from 2013.

Zane Grey 50 - DNF

It wasn't my day.  I fell and ankle got bad.  I dropped at mile 24.  Very tough course.  My first and only DNF.

Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim to Rim

I finished! I pissed blood!  I knocked one off my bucket list!  Amazing run and met some people who have become some of my friends and training partners.

San Juan Solstice 50 - Finished

Amazing race, course and experience.  Hardest 50 I've run.  Spectacular country.  Can't wait to run it again.  David and I after David left me in the dust the last 3 miles.

Tetons - Paintbrush and Cascade Canyon Run

During our vacation to the Tetons and Yellowstone I broke free for this amazing run.  The Tetons are a special place and pull at me.  I can't wait to go back and explore some more.

Evans/Bierstadt/Greys/Torreys

One of John's torturous runs.  We managed the first two peaks but were turned away by weather after peaking Argentine.  To be honest, I felt spent.  We hope to get our revenge this year.

Run Rabbit Run 50

I PR'd on this run hitting my goal on the dot.  10:30.  Sub 10 hours seemed like a possibility after turning at 5 hours but I hit a tough spot.  It was still one of my best races.

Zodiac Ridge - Red Peak

This was a fun run in the Gore Range.  This was a special run for me because I had been scouting the route throughout the year on other training runs.  The Gore Range does not disappoint.  David and I knocked this one out.  I feel like I've just hit the tip of the iceberg in the Gore Range.

Yep, 2013 was pretty great.  I sometimes forget how lucky I am to have these experiences.  This of course only represents my running life.  My personal life had many great moments as well capped off with the birth of our 3rd child, Ryder Cairn Olsen.  My running life would not happen without the love and support of my wife and family.

I got the most satisfaction and enjoyment on the adventure runs.  Grand Canyon, Tetons, 14ers and the Gore Range were all awesome.  The races are great but my true motivation is to explore and experience  new and majestic places.  I will focus on these types of runs more in 2014.  I have only signed up for 2 races, Gemini 100k and Silver Rush 50.  

Here are some of my other goals for 2014.  This might be a bit ambitious but I plan on putting a big dent in this list.

Zion Traverse

Evans/Bierstadt/Greys/Torreys

Assist John with his Tommy Knocker 50/100k

Pace Tim F at Leadville

Peak 10 to Peak 1 on 10 mile Range

Wetterhorn/Uncompahgre combo

4 Pass Loop (second time running)

Leadville bootcamp with Tim F - Elbert/Massive Combo and Buchanan/Pawnee Pass loop

White Rim Trail - 100 miles

Gore Range exploration - East Thorne, Gore Grand Traverse(recon needed) 

Knock out 5 new 14ers