Keeping with the trends - Like nearly every other ultra runner this week, I too am posting a recap of the past 12 months. Each one was filled with many highs and a few lows. In the end though, I feel like things turned out pretty good. If I can continue to build on my 2012 fitness, then this coming year should yield some solid results. I have a new focus, with running being my top priority these next 12 months, and a clear vision of the goals I want to achieve. My race schedule is nearly complete, and I am eager to get back into training after a month or so of relatively low mileage and lack of direction. Cheers to 2012, and welcome 2013!
Major High & Major Low:
I have wanted to be my own boss for some time now, and in March of 2012 I gave it a go. I opened Run CB, a specialty running store focusing on teaching proper biomechanics and carrying only natural footwear (near zero drop, wider toe boxes, light weight, etc). It was an exciting time, but was short lived. Due to investor issues, I was forced to spend my entire summer searching for funding, and eventually, had to close before getting fully up and running.
I have wanted to be my own boss for some time now, and in March of 2012 I gave it a go. I opened Run CB, a specialty running store focusing on teaching proper biomechanics and carrying only natural footwear (near zero drop, wider toe boxes, light weight, etc). It was an exciting time, but was short lived. Due to investor issues, I was forced to spend my entire summer searching for funding, and eventually, had to close before getting fully up and running.
Definite High:
Collegiate Peaks Trail Run. In April I opened my 2012 season with a 25 mile race in Buena Vista, CO. Without dong any early season workouts or shorter races, I was unaware of where my fitness was. After leading from the start, and racing my watch, I knew I was on course record pace.
In the end, I finished a full 9 minutes ahead of the previous best time on that particular course, and also nearly 5 minutes ahead of Mackey's old course record. (they chanced the course slightly in 2004).
On top of all that, my two friends Marshall Thomson & Stevie Kremer also won their races & set course records that day. Marshall in the 50 miler, and Stevie in the women's 25 mile. It was a great day for Crested Butte!
Collegiate Peaks Trail Run. In April I opened my 2012 season with a 25 mile race in Buena Vista, CO. Without dong any early season workouts or shorter races, I was unaware of where my fitness was. After leading from the start, and racing my watch, I knew I was on course record pace.
In the end, I finished a full 9 minutes ahead of the previous best time on that particular course, and also nearly 5 minutes ahead of Mackey's old course record. (they chanced the course slightly in 2004).
On top of all that, my two friends Marshall Thomson & Stevie Kremer also won their races & set course records that day. Marshall in the 50 miler, and Stevie in the women's 25 mile. It was a great day for Crested Butte!
A Promising Low:
The San Juan Solstice 50. This was my second race of the year, and due to some poor training, I was not ready for what I tried to fore my body to do.
I went out with the leaders, and ran at the front for the first half. I felt relatively good, but by mile 35 the lack of training became clear. I remained in 2nd until mile 40, then crawled my way in to the finish. Making it in just under 10 hrs, and in 9th place.
The San Juan Solstice 50. This was my second race of the year, and due to some poor training, I was not ready for what I tried to fore my body to do.
I went out with the leaders, and ran at the front for the first half. I felt relatively good, but by mile 35 the lack of training became clear. I remained in 2nd until mile 40, then crawled my way in to the finish. Making it in just under 10 hrs, and in 9th place.
A High For Sure!
In June I picked up my first sponsorship. Vi Endurance. A brand new energy gel company based in Estes Park, Colorado. The company was created by Michael Hodges, Mike Poland, & Alan Smith with an ultra endurance focus.
I can't thank these guys enough for signing me onto their team, and providing me with Vi Fuel for all of my training and racing throughout the year. It truly is a great product and I highly recommend to everyone.
If you are reading this now, check out their website and place an order! You will be glad that you did.
In June I picked up my first sponsorship. Vi Endurance. A brand new energy gel company based in Estes Park, Colorado. The company was created by Michael Hodges, Mike Poland, & Alan Smith with an ultra endurance focus.
I can't thank these guys enough for signing me onto their team, and providing me with Vi Fuel for all of my training and racing throughout the year. It truly is a great product and I highly recommend to everyone.
If you are reading this now, check out their website and place an order! You will be glad that you did.
Highlight? I Vote Yes:
Crested Butte to Aspen (aka Grand Traverse Run). A group of us set off early one morning to run to Aspen from CB via the winter GT Backcountry Ski Race route. This run was a pilot run for a planned summer trail race (which will be held in 2013 - take note now).
This is going to make for a great race in the future, and I am excited to be a part of it. Contact Bryan Wickenhauser for more details.
Crested Butte to Aspen (aka Grand Traverse Run). A group of us set off early one morning to run to Aspen from CB via the winter GT Backcountry Ski Race route. This run was a pilot run for a planned summer trail race (which will be held in 2013 - take note now).
This is going to make for a great race in the future, and I am excited to be a part of it. Contact Bryan Wickenhauser for more details.
Highest High, Lowest Low:
I met a girl who was, and still is, awesome! Unfortunately, she lives 2,000 miles away... and that obstacle was not going to change. March - July contained more good times than I have space to mention.
I credit a lot of my consistency in training throughout the summer to the motivation and encouragement I received from Adrienne. She may have thought what I do is crazy, and probably still does, but she never doubted it. Thank you for that.
I met a girl who was, and still is, awesome! Unfortunately, she lives 2,000 miles away... and that obstacle was not going to change. March - July contained more good times than I have space to mention.
I credit a lot of my consistency in training throughout the summer to the motivation and encouragement I received from Adrienne. She may have thought what I do is crazy, and probably still does, but she never doubted it. Thank you for that.
Running Highlight of My Life!
The Cascade Crest Classic - My first 100 miler, and I finished 2nd!
This race was my big race of 2012, and the focus of most of my training throughout the year. I am stoked that turned out the way it did. I
I had an awesome crew: Adrienne flew out from NYC, and my college teammate Andy came out to help crew/pace as well.
I also have to give a shout out to my sponsor Vi Endurance for supplying all of my nutrition. Their product is amazing and it kept me energized and focused for 20 hours. Vi Fuel, H2O, and SCaps... that was it!
The Cascade Crest Classic - My first 100 miler, and I finished 2nd!
This race was my big race of 2012, and the focus of most of my training throughout the year. I am stoked that turned out the way it did. I
I had an awesome crew: Adrienne flew out from NYC, and my college teammate Andy came out to help crew/pace as well.
I also have to give a shout out to my sponsor Vi Endurance for supplying all of my nutrition. Their product is amazing and it kept me energized and focused for 20 hours. Vi Fuel, H2O, and SCaps... that was it!
An Epic 26.2 High:
My 26th Birthday... after 3 full marathons and 10 solid hrs, I was satisfyingly exhausted.
I decided to put in some birthday miles, but "just" running a marathon did not seem epic enough. Instead I turned it into a "Marathon Triathlon".
A full 26.2 mile skate ski, followed by a 26.3 mile road bike rid, and finished with a 26.2 mile trail run. That's just how I roll.
My 26th Birthday... after 3 full marathons and 10 solid hrs, I was satisfyingly exhausted.
I decided to put in some birthday miles, but "just" running a marathon did not seem epic enough. Instead I turned it into a "Marathon Triathlon".
A full 26.2 mile skate ski, followed by a 26.3 mile road bike rid, and finished with a 26.2 mile trail run. That's just how I roll.
Hurrah! Another High!
The "Utah Hurrah" will forever be remembered. Just two days after my birthday adventure, I got to traverse Bryce Canyon NP (26 more miles) with a few friends: Brandon, Brendan, & Andy.
We then followed that adventure up with a full 51 mile traverse of Zion NP.
It made for an epic week, and a 7 day running total of 137 miles in singles... not to mention the skate skiing and road biking.
The "Utah Hurrah" will forever be remembered. Just two days after my birthday adventure, I got to traverse Bryce Canyon NP (26 more miles) with a few friends: Brandon, Brendan, & Andy.
We then followed that adventure up with a full 51 mile traverse of Zion NP.
It made for an epic week, and a 7 day running total of 137 miles in singles... not to mention the skate skiing and road biking.
High, Higher, Highest:
This year I bagged 26 different peaks, and had 39 total mountain summits. It was definitely a great year for it too!
I'm sure that the accumulated vertical gain greatly benefited my running and I look forward to besting these numbers in the coming year(s).
Climb ever higher, run longer and faster, & always live pure! Peace out 2012!
This year I bagged 26 different peaks, and had 39 total mountain summits. It was definitely a great year for it too!
I'm sure that the accumulated vertical gain greatly benefited my running and I look forward to besting these numbers in the coming year(s).
Climb ever higher, run longer and faster, & always live pure! Peace out 2012!
With 2012 passing by with the turn of the calendar, it is time to finalize the upcoming 2013 race schedule and set goals for the coming year. Over the past few years, my training has been extremely up and down. Its time that I step up my focus, and change that. Here are some goals for 2013, followed by my tentative race schedule.
1. Run every day during 2013, with my minimum "run" being either 30 minutes or 3 miles.
2. Stand on top of 50 different peaks, and have 100 total mountain summits.
3. Get additional sponsorship to provide performance incentives and product for training/racing.
4. Win 3 ultras, and place top 5 in every running race I enter.
5. Run Pure & Live Pure!
1. Run every day during 2013, with my minimum "run" being either 30 minutes or 3 miles.
2. Stand on top of 50 different peaks, and have 100 total mountain summits.
3. Get additional sponsorship to provide performance incentives and product for training/racing.
4. Win 3 ultras, and place top 5 in every running race I enter.
5. Run Pure & Live Pure!
2013 Race Schedule
January 19: Colorado Snowshoe Champs
February 2: Alley Loop 42k (Nordic)
March 9: Run Through Time 26.2
April 20: Desert RATS 50
May 11: Quad Rock 50
May 27: Sage Burner 50k
June 22: San Juan Solstice 50
July 4: Gothic to CB 1/3 Marathon
August 17: Leadville 100
September 28: UROC 100k
February 2: Alley Loop 42k (Nordic)
March 9: Run Through Time 26.2
April 20: Desert RATS 50
May 11: Quad Rock 50
May 27: Sage Burner 50k
June 22: San Juan Solstice 50
July 4: Gothic to CB 1/3 Marathon
August 17: Leadville 100
September 28: UROC 100k
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