It's unlikely I'll be wearing any other bibs in the coming months so I figured I'd take the time now and look back on the year. Being an engineering dork though, I always have to comb through the numbers...
| 2012 |
2013
|
|---|
| Miles | 1,575 | 1,613 (to date) |
| # of runs | 166 | 137 |
| Time | 275.5 | 327.5 hrs |
| Calories | 195,636 | 180,905 |
| Elevation Gain | 77,600 ft | 141,397 ft |
I'm not sure I buy all that data. How do you run more miles over more hours and burn fewer calories? Run backwards? How about that elevation though?! Holy sh$t. Almost double the amount of climbing over last year.
I couldn't be more happy with this year. Yes it was a lot of work and yes, I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone but for the most part, had great success with everything I set my mind to. I have a quick recap of my 100-milers below along with some closing thoughts.
Black Hills 100 (race report)
I love running in South Dakota. This course has sweeping views, a well-defined trail and great aid stations. The perfect weather made for an overall strong showing and multiple course records went down. I know I could have done better at this course but I finished strong in 28:20.
 |
| 34th OA, 5th AG |
Hom 100 (race report)
Born out of love and hope, I created this run to support my good friend Tony and his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and it was a resounding success. That 100 miles not only raised over $7,000 but it rallied friends, family, neighbors and strangers to be a part of something special. Even though Tony lost that battle on September 19th, I will continue to honor his memory through the Hom 100 as long as these legs will let me.
 |
| 26 hours, $7,000 raised for ALS |
Leadville Trail 100 (DNF) (race report)
Winning an entry to the 'Race Across the Sky' was never in my plans but thanks to
Strava and those friends who nominated me, I got the opportunity to run some legendary trails and become a part of Leadville family. Despite timing out of the race at mile 60, I am proud to say I did my best and had a great experience.
Mogollon Monster 100 (race report)
I can think of no better way to end my year with a home-grown race right here in my own back yard. A true spectacle of mother nature, this course showcases everything that is rugged and beautiful here in Arizona. Given it was just added as a qualifier for Hardrock should clue you in on how challenging this course really is. One of my most memorable finishes after 33.5 hours.
 |
| 14th OA, 6th AG |
Zane Grey (DNS)
Who would have known that shingles in adults under/near the age of 40 is actually pretty common? That's what it took to bring me down and end my race day before it even began. I had a blast though helping crew for the Phoenix boys. After doing the Mogollon Monster though, I'm not sure I want to go back for this :)
San Tan Scramble 50k (race report)
Being my home course, I was clearly stoked for this race. This was also the first year of the new course that incorporated the Dynamite Trail making for a much improved course that mentally allowed you to conquer Goldmine 3 times, rather than 6. The heat (for this time of year) definitely caught me by surprise. I battled some cramping over the last couple miles to come in with a 50k PR of 6:06.
 |
| 18th OA, 5th AG |
Adrenaline Night Run 65k (race report)
I will never forget the pity party I had for myself during this run. I was mad, pissed off and wanted to quit so badly. I would feel good and then feel like crap. I learned a few things about myself that night despite the warm weather and lack of enthusiasm. It solidified my mental toughness and made me realize that I'm stronger than I think I am. 8:52 later, I was more than happy to cross that finish line.
 |
| 11th OA, 2nd AG |
Mesquite Canyon 50 (race report)
I was not feeling great this day (due to allergies) but decided to toe the line anyway. I was literally in my car with my bib considering handing it back to Jamil...that's how crappy I felt. I had barely made it 17 miles when my vision blurred, I lost my balance and just felt crushed. It was yet another lesson in pushing through the mental barriers and sticking with it. I would finish just under 12 hours - 11:51, a 50-mile PR for me.
 |
| 14th OA, 5th AG |
No Regrets?
By any measure, 2013 was an epic year for me. Numerous ultras between 26.2 and 50 miles along with
four 100-mile runs...I can barely believe it myself now that the season is done but there you have it - a new bar has been set and I feel good about my accomplishments. I'm thankful for my friends who have supported and encouraged me in every way along with new friends who continue to inspire me.
I want to particularly thank Jon Nelson for his support this year. He crewed and/or paced me in every single 100-mile race this year and I'm eternally grateful for his support. He is even more meticulous than I am (which has saved my ass more than once!) and a good friend (I adore his family too!)
If there is one regret I have it is the amount of time I've asked my family to give up for me to accomplish these things. My kids don't quite get it - they just know daddy's out running again. My wife however, has set her own endurance record by spending the most weekends
ever as a single mom. I say that with a hint of sarcasm but it's the unfortunate truth.
 |
| Family matters most |
So here's to enjoying some down time and letting my body rest. I'm looking forward to having a few beers with friends at the park or even staying up 'late' to watch SNL with my wife. No training schedule means I can revel in those few extra hours of sleep on Saturday morning :)
Thanks for reading and for following my adventures this year.
I am honestly ashamed that I have been completely absent from this blog over the last couple months. I think it's because my personal race schedule has been pretty low-key (up until now). I'm certain my level of blogging correlates with the number of races on my calendar. No races, no blogs.
