Here are a few things I've been doing since my last post.

The last couple of years have been pretty good in the quality of places and races I've done.  Below is a video of what I've been up to.

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