Checking In

It's been a while since I've posted.  It's been a down year for my running.  A lot has been going on with my family, a new position at work, moving into a new house and switching my stride and shoe.  I've come to accept that my focus has shifted.  I'm still running and enjoying it but I'm not in my typical shape for this time of year.

I don't have much interest in suffering and have cut runs short.  I've had several runs of 20 miles but my longest run to date is only 22 miles.  I rarely feel fresh.  My diet has not been great and I've struggled to keep momentum.  I still have a lot I want to accomplish but I realize that this time in my life has other demands.  I can't give the focus to running right now as I have in the past.

That said, I'm gearing up for North Fork 50k next weekend and Never Summer 100k in about 6 weeks.  I have some work to do the next few weekends and I'm dedicated and excited to get it done.  After that I hope to climb some new 14ers and do a backpacking trip or two.

I'll check back in after my races.

January

Plain of 6 Glaciers, Victoria Glacier, Canada

 January started off awesome.  Brady had successful surgery to remove his tumor and he won't need chemo or radiation.  We went from some of the worst days of our lives to some of the best in a matter of a month.  I don't think it has truly sunk in.

Fairmont Hotel, Banff Canada

January running was about two things.  I was part of a group that committed to running a minimum of 2 miles every day.  I ran 31 days straight.  My previous streak was 14 days.  This was a great way to start the year.  My mileage was low.  I only ran 123 miles but that was also part of my plan.

Changing my stride was my other focus.  I have successfully converted from being a heel striker to a forefoot striker.  I also lowered the drop on my shoes to 4mm.  I was running between 8-10mm.  This has been a challenge.  My achilles and calves are still adjusting and I have a long way to go.  Patience is key so the streaking was good for me.  I was able to set a goal of running every day and allowed my body to adjust to the new stride with low mileage.  I'm interested to see how things progress.

I was fortunate enough to go to Essilor's National Sales Meeting this year.  It was located in Banff.  I got out for a run every day and spent a couple of hours cross-country skiing.  Next winter I am going to commit to cross-country skiing as part of my training.  It really opens up my hips and it's a great workout.

I need to remain patient in February and slowly increase my mileage.  I'm hoping to make another step in my progression.  We move into our new house in March.  I'm looking forward to being back by the foothills.  My goal is to get my strength up for running in the hills

Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, Canada

Year in Review

December rocked my family in 2014.  Meg's father died suddenly of cancer and our 2 year old son was diagnosed with cancer.  We received a great prognosis for my son on New Year's Eve.  We feel that Meg's dad is watching over him.  Last month put life in perspective with a brutal cold slap across the face.

I debated even writing a review for this year but running has helped me through many of the problems in my life.  It is something that brings me a lot of life joy and satisfaction.  The trail brings a lot of highs and lows but nothing comes close to matters of the family.  A few lines from the song "Life" from the Avett Brothers has connected recently.

Oh, and you and I know all too well

About the hell and paradise

Right here on earth

With that, here is my running year in review.

Attempt on Quandary.  Turned back by windy conditions at 13k feet.

I came into 2014 with lofty goals of 2,000 miles and 250,000 vertical.  I also wanted to run the White Rim Trail in under 24 hours.  There were some some accomplishments and disappointments this year.

I'll start with the disappointments. I did not finish the WRT run.  I came short of my mileage goal and I dealt with some nagging injuries.

There were some high points this year as well.  I finished the year with a personal best 1,904.31 miles and 267,451 vertical feet.  I had a personal high mileage week of  90 miles and 100 miles in 8 days.  I had one of my best races at Silver Rush 50 in Leadville.  I finished in 9:47.  I ran a good race at The Rut 50k and ran the bulk of the Zion Traverse.

I look forward to 2015 and my goal is to simplify things.  I have changed my stride from heal strike to forefoot.  I am also trying to minimize the drop in my shoes.  This is a process.  I am dedicating myself to daily core strength training and preventive maintenance.  The second half of last year my diet turned south.  I'm committing to a healthier diet.  I am also trying to specialize my training for my races and not be concerned with monthly totals.

Here are my 2014 highlights.

24 Hours of Moab 100k.  Kept up with David Hill for the first 30 miles.  This race tested me mentally and physically.

Zion Traverse was the highlight of the year.  It was an unbelievable run through parts of the park that most people don't get to see.  Ran it with a great group of friends.  I'd love to go back.

Previewing Sherpa John's South Park Trail Marathon course.  If things work out I'll run the race this year.

View off back side of Mt Massive.  I look forward to when Tim F comes out to Colorado for a training weekend.  We hit Elbert the day before.

Tim F and I made the snowy trek up to one of my favorite places.  Willow Lake is surrounded by the Zodiak Peaks.  It's awesome to see it in all it's different seasons.

10 Mile Traverse.  Knocked this 19 mile classic out by myself.  The route is challenging with some technical spots.  I was pumped to knock this off.

The family took our first trip to Telluride this summer.  This is the amazing view of Wilson Peak from our cabin.  I was able to sneak away and climb the iconic peak famous for being the Coors logo.

A cool shot coming down after the first climb of Silver Rush 50.

We ran another classic Colorado loop crossing over both the Pawnee and Buchanan Pass.

I paced Tim F for the back 50 of the Leadville 100.  He ran a hell of a race and got a big buckle.  Inspiring stuff.

The Rut 50k at Big Sky, MT.  Awesome and tough mountain race.

Brandt, David and I before the WRT attempt.  Brandt drove a jeep and crewed us.  

I made it 52 miles before dropping due to some heat stroke.  Disappointing but glad I made the attempt.  David made it 100k before dropping.  He would have finished if I didn't drop.  Instead he stopped and we camped in a very remote part of the canyon.  The silence was unlike anything I have experienced.  Canyon country is an awesome and unique experience.

Muscleman Arch

We live in a beautiful county.  Running has allowed me to see some of it's greatest treasures.  I look forward to 2015.  Happy New Year!