2013 Plans

Well, I haven't followed through very well with my plan to blog more. Work, family, and life in general just gets in the way and it is hard to make it much of a priority. That's just the way it is and that is okay. More importantly, my return to running is going relatively well. With only a few exceptions, I've stuck to 30 miles/week for somewhere around 2 months. I wanted more long runs in there, but I did get one 16 miler and there have been plenty of 10-12 milers. I feel like its a pretty solid base. I just need a goal now.

I definitely miss the ultramarathon scene and need one big race.  Given my 2010 DNF at the Hallucination 100, I think that would be an excellent place to start.  Also, I heard from Dirt Dawg that the organization and aid provided at Hallucination is much better than it was in 2010.  The thing is, I have two ways to ramp up to that.  My first option is that I schedule a few marathons such as the Trail Marathon, the Martian Marathon, and the Carrollton Maraton leading up to the Hallucination.  Option two is that I run Hallucination as the fourth race in the Midwest Grand Slam, a series of four 100 mile races throughout the Midwest.  I think that option one is definitely doable.  The Midwest Grand Slam would definitely be a challenge both in terms of physical effort and logistics.  But gosh, it just sounds like fun...

I'll decide for sure next year.  Happy New Year everyone!

Two weeks in...

Running continues to be a bit irregular.  Any miles are better than no miles though.  Last week I only ran twice--one 7 mile run and one 6 mile run.  I've also started a pattern of push ups and sit ups.  I really liked doing Cross Fit this winter and even though I'd rather spend my time running, I thought it would be good for me to mix it up a bit.  I've changed some of the gear that I use also.  After years of running in Brooks Adrenaline, I started running in Hokas this year.  I did a marathon in the spring wearing them and they seem to be working out.  I've also dropped the Garmin GPS and the mp4 player and started carrying my phone and using a Bluetooth headset.  I now track my miles with the Endomondo app, although I am still posting to www.dailymile.com.  Remodeling our basement is still eating up a lot of my time, but it is good to be getting some miles in.  Weather is good today so I will definitely be hitting the road with Oliver, Casey, and the good old Tike Tech stroller this afternoon.  I wonder how many thousands of miles are on that thing by now?  Still going strong.

Running again

After a summer of essentially zero running, I am at it again.  Between traveling to China, taking care of two kids, and finishing the basement running was just not much of an option.  In the scheme of things I think it was probably good for me to have some time off.  Still, running has always been one of my favorite ways to relax and do some thinking so I am glad to be back at it.  I don't have any particular race goals or training program so we'll see how everything plays out.  I do like the idea of another ultra in 2013...

Blogging again

I've been on a bit of a running hiatus after a spring marathon. However, with school starting again and, in particular Elliott headed for the 1st grade, I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things. I also miss blogging and am thinking about making it part of my running routine again. Stay tuned...