Well, I just finished off another week of training. I don't really know what to talk about, but I feel like I should update this, so here goes nothing. This week I ended up running 98 miles, probably a bit overboard. I was shooting for around 90, but I ended up going much further Saturday then I anticipated. Oh wellllll. My calves were pretty damn sore to say the least. Needless, to say next week is a RECOVERY week. Which means, I wanna drop the mileage down to around 75. The goal for the week is to get a medium long run in and also to start upping the long run for Kal-Haven. I'm thinking 22 miles for Sunday, as I would like to top out at around 28 miles for the week.
I'm going to focus more on getting into the gym this week, stretching, and yoga. Also, focusing on getting 8 hours of sleep at night will be a BIG goal. I did a great job of that the week before last, but struggled last week. Lately, I have really begun to realize the importance of this. Continuing on with the mileage buildup, this will be more and more key. This means getting to bed EARLY, which may not be that difficult, due to the exhaustion of the high mileage.
On another note, I am looking forward to my next race. It seems like it's been forever, although it's only been 3 weeks. I signed up for the Yankee Springs Trail Marathon in June this week, which I am hoping to win this summer. That is going to be one of my focus races of the year. Well, anyways, I'm outta here. Not much on my mind today. Until next time.....
"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win."
Sir Roger Bannister
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Developing an Ultra Training Program
The last few weeks, I have just been going out each day and kind of running really whatever I have felt like in terms of mileage. Pace hasn't even been something I've monitored really at all. It's been a nice break from the typical grind of training, but it's time to put some puzzle pieces together and get a program kick started. Now, typical Marathon programs are 18 weeks long, but since my main focus is the 50 Mile North Country Trail Run, I am going need to develop a very strong base, which will involve lots and lots of miles and I am pondering throwing in some speed work as well. With that being said, I have kind of developed a plan in my mind. My next race is the Kal-Haven Ultra, a 33.5 mile run Kalamazoo to South Haven. Honestly, in terms of difficulty, the two 50ks that I did on trails should (keyword) be more difficult than this race. That is because if you've never run on the Kal-Haven Trail before, it is very flat; especially the route from Kzoo to South Haven.
So, the plan is for me to get a solid base together for when I tackle Kal-Haven. Before the race, I'd like to be consistently running 100 mile weeks, which include long runs of up to probably 28 miles. Anything longer than that I don't think is really necessary in training for that distance. Also, I am thinking about adding in a bit of speedwork in my training, however, I want to be careful to not overdo it. I know that if I am training consistently with such high mileage I must be careful with the inclusion of speed. It's going to be much different than the training I am used to now.
Anyways, after Kal-Haven, I will definitely take it easy the following week. After that, I will have hopefully built a solid base where my mileage tops out at around 100 miles per week. At this point we will be at the end of March. The 50 miler is August 25th. That gives me almost 5 months to train my ass off for the 50 miler. Now, I have been thinking very seriously about this race trying to determine a realistic goal. I have never done a 50 mile race before. I have done two 31 mile races, but that's it. Although, I know it's going to be a whole new ball game, I strongly believe I am going to be as ready as possible to destroy this race. I don't want to just finish, I want to put down an awesome time and heck it would be kind of cool to win it honestly (although, it just depends on who shows up). Last year, the winner finished in just under 7 hours, which is absolutely unbelievable. That means he ran 8:24 minute miles for 50 miles. I did the marathon last year and finished with a pace of about 7:40 for 26.2 miles. Honestly, I think I am definitely capable of running 50 miles somewhere in the 8:30ish range. Being at that base mileage of 100 miles, with some solid long runs and a few races past marathon distance as experience should give me the confidence.
In the 5 months from the beginning of April until the race, I want to increase my base mileage. Honestly, I would like to get upwards of 130 miles per week. This is going to include some two a days as well as back to backs on the weekend (long runs on Saturday and Sunday, with Saturday's being the longer of the two). I think this is the best way to prepare for the race because I will constantly feel fatigued, which will simulate how I will feel in the race. Mental prep is just as, if not more important. Running 130 miles a week consistently should be a huge test of mental toughness, especially in the hot and humid days in Michigan.
This is going to be a tentative schedule leading up to Kal-Haven:
Week of
1/16: 92 miles
1/23: 85 miles
1/30: 95 miles
2/6: 100 miles
2/13: 90 miles
2/20: 100 miles
2/27: 100 miles
3/5: 90miles
3/12: 100 miles
3/19: 35 miles + Kal Haven
Seem reasonable? Right now I have a solid 80+ mile per week base. I think this is definitely a viable training plan. I am going to incorporate several two a days per week (probably 2 or 3) and include a lot just general runs to pile on the mileage. On Tuesdays I am contemplating adding speedwork. I will definitely emphasis listening to my body, which is very very very important. I'm looking forward to this:)
Here's a good quote to end on by an awesome endurance athlete: “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. – Lance Armstrong
So, the plan is for me to get a solid base together for when I tackle Kal-Haven. Before the race, I'd like to be consistently running 100 mile weeks, which include long runs of up to probably 28 miles. Anything longer than that I don't think is really necessary in training for that distance. Also, I am thinking about adding in a bit of speedwork in my training, however, I want to be careful to not overdo it. I know that if I am training consistently with such high mileage I must be careful with the inclusion of speed. It's going to be much different than the training I am used to now.
Anyways, after Kal-Haven, I will definitely take it easy the following week. After that, I will have hopefully built a solid base where my mileage tops out at around 100 miles per week. At this point we will be at the end of March. The 50 miler is August 25th. That gives me almost 5 months to train my ass off for the 50 miler. Now, I have been thinking very seriously about this race trying to determine a realistic goal. I have never done a 50 mile race before. I have done two 31 mile races, but that's it. Although, I know it's going to be a whole new ball game, I strongly believe I am going to be as ready as possible to destroy this race. I don't want to just finish, I want to put down an awesome time and heck it would be kind of cool to win it honestly (although, it just depends on who shows up). Last year, the winner finished in just under 7 hours, which is absolutely unbelievable. That means he ran 8:24 minute miles for 50 miles. I did the marathon last year and finished with a pace of about 7:40 for 26.2 miles. Honestly, I think I am definitely capable of running 50 miles somewhere in the 8:30ish range. Being at that base mileage of 100 miles, with some solid long runs and a few races past marathon distance as experience should give me the confidence.
In the 5 months from the beginning of April until the race, I want to increase my base mileage. Honestly, I would like to get upwards of 130 miles per week. This is going to include some two a days as well as back to backs on the weekend (long runs on Saturday and Sunday, with Saturday's being the longer of the two). I think this is the best way to prepare for the race because I will constantly feel fatigued, which will simulate how I will feel in the race. Mental prep is just as, if not more important. Running 130 miles a week consistently should be a huge test of mental toughness, especially in the hot and humid days in Michigan.
This is going to be a tentative schedule leading up to Kal-Haven:
Week of
1/16: 92 miles
1/23: 85 miles
1/30: 95 miles
2/6: 100 miles
2/13: 90 miles
2/20: 100 miles
2/27: 100 miles
3/5: 90miles
3/12: 100 miles
3/19: 35 miles + Kal Haven
Seem reasonable? Right now I have a solid 80+ mile per week base. I think this is definitely a viable training plan. I am going to incorporate several two a days per week (probably 2 or 3) and include a lot just general runs to pile on the mileage. On Tuesdays I am contemplating adding speedwork. I will definitely emphasis listening to my body, which is very very very important. I'm looking forward to this:)
Here's a good quote to end on by an awesome endurance athlete: “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. – Lance Armstrong
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Transitioning to Ultra Running
I knew the night I went to see the movie "Unbreakable" was a bad idea, or a good idea. Depends on how you look at it I guess. The reason for this is that I have a very addictive personality. For that reason I completely stear clear of drugs and have alcohol in moderation on occassion. However, when it comes to running, needless to say, I've gotten pretty obsessed. After I saw that movie, which starred four of the top Ultra Distance Runners battling it out at the premier 100 mile race (Western States), I unquestionably was truly inspired. At that time, I knew it was time to take the next step in my running and that direction was going to lead to trail/ultra running.
My love for running and racing hasn't changed, it has just evolved over the years. From the beginning, where I thought over 40 miles was a huge significant achievement, to where I am now, logging 70 miles per week on an "easy" week. As I continue my journey through the years, I know my running is going to continue to evolve. I will always run with my heart and never get so caught up in racing and training that I forget the real reasons why I run, which for the most part is the love and passion that I have for it. How I came to enjoy trail running and have an urge to do Ultra Marathons is something I never really imagined would happen. I just kind of went out there and ran and realized that I like running on trails and I have a strong desire/interest in pushing my body to its limits and achieving things I previously thought were unattainable. I used to believe there was a cap or a limit on one's potential. However, I don't believe that is true anymore. As cliche as it is, I think the sky's the limit. Now, that's not to say that I am one day going to go out and break the marathon record or anything like that, but I do believe that if you keep training and keep putting in the effort, you will get faster and stronger and your times will continue to drop.
Running has always intrigued me in a way that it is so welcoming to all types of runners in the sport. There are beinners trying to run their first 5k, individuals shooting for PR's in all distances, people running across the Sahara, etc. There is no sport in my mind that is more welcoming. There are however huge differences between training for a 5k and running 100 miles, obviously. To me the difference is that instead of running being a hobby, it becomes a lifestyle, a way of life. That is kind of the direction that I see running taking me. For many different reasons, I love the countless aspects of exercise and pushing my body to the limits, etc, more so than most I believe. Some may consider me to be obsessive and selfish, but it keeps me fulfilled and it makes me happy, so I am going to keep doing it. I guess it's a sense of accomplishment and completing things that a very, very small amount of people have that I love so much about it. How many people can say they've run 100 miles? I know, I can't, but I will some day.
Now, long ago, I used to attempt to explain to friends (non-runners) and family (non-runners) why I liked running, but I gave up on that long ago. They didn't understand and still do not and they clearly think I am a nut job! It's kind of sad in a way, because I know there are only very few people that will truly ever understand me. Who I am on a daily basis is a very, very small portion of who I am, but I don't believe most people realize that. To truly understand me, you must first understand what running does to me internally and that is something very difficult to explain. The only real way to do it, is to experience it for yourself. As Michael Arnstein (a Fruitatarian runner) said, "Ultra running is kind of like my religion". Some might attest to that, but I actually kind of agreed with him. It's a time for me to think clearly, meditate, and even pray. I'm hoping that through my running career, I am able to be an inspiration to others and provide a positive impact on the running community. And, although I have just sort of inched my way into theUltra Running scene, I know I am here to stay. I'm an excited and nervous to experience my first 50 miler this year and to see where it leads me from there. And I leave you with this bible quote: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of rightousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.-Hebrews 12:11-13
My love for running and racing hasn't changed, it has just evolved over the years. From the beginning, where I thought over 40 miles was a huge significant achievement, to where I am now, logging 70 miles per week on an "easy" week. As I continue my journey through the years, I know my running is going to continue to evolve. I will always run with my heart and never get so caught up in racing and training that I forget the real reasons why I run, which for the most part is the love and passion that I have for it. How I came to enjoy trail running and have an urge to do Ultra Marathons is something I never really imagined would happen. I just kind of went out there and ran and realized that I like running on trails and I have a strong desire/interest in pushing my body to its limits and achieving things I previously thought were unattainable. I used to believe there was a cap or a limit on one's potential. However, I don't believe that is true anymore. As cliche as it is, I think the sky's the limit. Now, that's not to say that I am one day going to go out and break the marathon record or anything like that, but I do believe that if you keep training and keep putting in the effort, you will get faster and stronger and your times will continue to drop.
Running has always intrigued me in a way that it is so welcoming to all types of runners in the sport. There are beinners trying to run their first 5k, individuals shooting for PR's in all distances, people running across the Sahara, etc. There is no sport in my mind that is more welcoming. There are however huge differences between training for a 5k and running 100 miles, obviously. To me the difference is that instead of running being a hobby, it becomes a lifestyle, a way of life. That is kind of the direction that I see running taking me. For many different reasons, I love the countless aspects of exercise and pushing my body to the limits, etc, more so than most I believe. Some may consider me to be obsessive and selfish, but it keeps me fulfilled and it makes me happy, so I am going to keep doing it. I guess it's a sense of accomplishment and completing things that a very, very small amount of people have that I love so much about it. How many people can say they've run 100 miles? I know, I can't, but I will some day.
Now, long ago, I used to attempt to explain to friends (non-runners) and family (non-runners) why I liked running, but I gave up on that long ago. They didn't understand and still do not and they clearly think I am a nut job! It's kind of sad in a way, because I know there are only very few people that will truly ever understand me. Who I am on a daily basis is a very, very small portion of who I am, but I don't believe most people realize that. To truly understand me, you must first understand what running does to me internally and that is something very difficult to explain. The only real way to do it, is to experience it for yourself. As Michael Arnstein (a Fruitatarian runner) said, "Ultra running is kind of like my religion". Some might attest to that, but I actually kind of agreed with him. It's a time for me to think clearly, meditate, and even pray. I'm hoping that through my running career, I am able to be an inspiration to others and provide a positive impact on the running community. And, although I have just sort of inched my way into theUltra Running scene, I know I am here to stay. I'm an excited and nervous to experience my first 50 miler this year and to see where it leads me from there. And I leave you with this bible quote: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of rightousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.-Hebrews 12:11-13
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Yankee Springs Winter Challenge 50K and a time to recover and revamp
Yesterday, I finished my second 50K and also my second in just 3 weeks. I'll have to admit, the body is starting to feel a little worn right now. I've pushed myself to the limit pretty hardcore since probably the end of 2010, when I started training for Boston. It's now time to let the body recover and get stronger because of it. That is a very important part of recovery. However, I did want to recap my 50K from yesterday and I plan on trying to stay up to date on all of my races throughout the year. This race was different from the Huff I ran 3 weeks ago, in that it was a much hillier course, however it lacked the mud and waist deep water. So, it is pretty difficult to compare the two and deem which was harder. Personally, I guess I'd have to say this one was a bit more difficult, just due to some of the hills.
Race Summary-Myself and Geers started the race and ran pretty conservatively throughout the first 5 mile loop, which I was concerned about going into the race. I always like to run races at a reasonable pace, that I am going to maintain and in this case maintain for 31 miles. With that being said, I didn't try and stick with the leaders as I have known from past experiences that I will often catch them later in the race, due to them going out too fast. We finished the first 13.1 mile loop and were at 18.1 miles total and my body was feeling pretty good. I was pleased with the fact that we maintained a reasonable effort and I felt that I had a good amount of energy left for the last loop. I really concentrated on eating a lot more than I have in the past, particularly "real food", as opposed to just gels. I think this may have been helpful in retrospect. My philosophy on that is to eat and drink early and often, but sometimes eating and drinking too much can be a problem too. Actually, my stomach was hurting for a mile or so in there, but it ended up going away. After around mile 22, I really started to feel good. I knew I had 9 miles left, which is and isn't a lot. I knew I'd only run this far once before and was a bit nervous about testing myself. However, I felt good so I went with the pace that felt comfortable at that time, which was low 8 min miles. At that point, they felt like 7 minute miles. I was feeling really strong and didn't hold back. I was running with a guy for the last 4 miles and we were kind of pushing each other as we took turns exchanging the lead. That helped keep up the pace as well. He did take off on me for the last 3/4 of a mile or so, but unfortunately went down the wrong way by the finish. My calves started cramping a little bit in the last few miles, but I am trying to figure out how to deal with that problem. I have to know when and how hard to push the body in these instances. As I neared the finished the calves were completely locking up and my form was pretty hilarious. However, I booked it in at 4:08:03 and took 2nd overall.
I have really taken a liking to these trail and ultra races. There seems to be a larger sense of accomplishment, due to the difficulty of the terrain and the distance, but strangely enough not as much pressure as road races. In a 50K trail race for instance, they are all so different, so comparing times is pretty much impossible. You really don't know how fast you are going to be going on race day until you get out there and start running. I just like to throw on the country music and hop on for the ride. It's also great to have some good friends to run with on the trails as well. I had a blast running with Ryan Geers and Brandon Wise during the race. It makes the experience that much more fulfilling.
As I alluded to earlier, it's now break time for me. Since April of 2011 I have run 8 marathons and 2 50Ks and countless other races. For the next few months I have a few things I want to focus on which I think will ultimately lead to me getting stronger and more successful in races down the road. First of all, I am going to take the rest of January "easy". Easy differs depending upon the person, but coming from myself that has consistently been running 80+ miles a week since June of last year and including racing and speed work in most weeks, 50-60 miles with mostly easy runs will be me giving my body a rest. I have for the most part had a structured plan, which I have for the most part stuck to on weekly basis. Not for January. I am just going to run whatever feels right for that day. I think this will allow my body to recover physically, my mind to revamp mentally, and will allow me to get through a good portion of this nasty winter as we head towards Spring.
Since I have some big goals ahead in 2012, I am going to really start kicking it into gear come February. I will at that point start to up the mileage. With the Kal-Haven Trail Ultra just around the corner in March, I would like to get some good long runs in to prepare for that and start building some foundation base mileage to prepare for the 50 miler in August. I want to be as ready as possible for that. The plan for the 50 for me is HIGH mileage. With that comes responsbility in listening to my body and knowing when to back off. However, I think it will be best to get a lot of long runs in and a lot of back to back long runs in. I'm looking forward to the year and getting ready to have some fun on the trails in 2012. Until next time......
Here is a photo from the Yankee Springs 50K:
Race Summary-Myself and Geers started the race and ran pretty conservatively throughout the first 5 mile loop, which I was concerned about going into the race. I always like to run races at a reasonable pace, that I am going to maintain and in this case maintain for 31 miles. With that being said, I didn't try and stick with the leaders as I have known from past experiences that I will often catch them later in the race, due to them going out too fast. We finished the first 13.1 mile loop and were at 18.1 miles total and my body was feeling pretty good. I was pleased with the fact that we maintained a reasonable effort and I felt that I had a good amount of energy left for the last loop. I really concentrated on eating a lot more than I have in the past, particularly "real food", as opposed to just gels. I think this may have been helpful in retrospect. My philosophy on that is to eat and drink early and often, but sometimes eating and drinking too much can be a problem too. Actually, my stomach was hurting for a mile or so in there, but it ended up going away. After around mile 22, I really started to feel good. I knew I had 9 miles left, which is and isn't a lot. I knew I'd only run this far once before and was a bit nervous about testing myself. However, I felt good so I went with the pace that felt comfortable at that time, which was low 8 min miles. At that point, they felt like 7 minute miles. I was feeling really strong and didn't hold back. I was running with a guy for the last 4 miles and we were kind of pushing each other as we took turns exchanging the lead. That helped keep up the pace as well. He did take off on me for the last 3/4 of a mile or so, but unfortunately went down the wrong way by the finish. My calves started cramping a little bit in the last few miles, but I am trying to figure out how to deal with that problem. I have to know when and how hard to push the body in these instances. As I neared the finished the calves were completely locking up and my form was pretty hilarious. However, I booked it in at 4:08:03 and took 2nd overall.
I have really taken a liking to these trail and ultra races. There seems to be a larger sense of accomplishment, due to the difficulty of the terrain and the distance, but strangely enough not as much pressure as road races. In a 50K trail race for instance, they are all so different, so comparing times is pretty much impossible. You really don't know how fast you are going to be going on race day until you get out there and start running. I just like to throw on the country music and hop on for the ride. It's also great to have some good friends to run with on the trails as well. I had a blast running with Ryan Geers and Brandon Wise during the race. It makes the experience that much more fulfilling.
As I alluded to earlier, it's now break time for me. Since April of 2011 I have run 8 marathons and 2 50Ks and countless other races. For the next few months I have a few things I want to focus on which I think will ultimately lead to me getting stronger and more successful in races down the road. First of all, I am going to take the rest of January "easy". Easy differs depending upon the person, but coming from myself that has consistently been running 80+ miles a week since June of last year and including racing and speed work in most weeks, 50-60 miles with mostly easy runs will be me giving my body a rest. I have for the most part had a structured plan, which I have for the most part stuck to on weekly basis. Not for January. I am just going to run whatever feels right for that day. I think this will allow my body to recover physically, my mind to revamp mentally, and will allow me to get through a good portion of this nasty winter as we head towards Spring.
Since I have some big goals ahead in 2012, I am going to really start kicking it into gear come February. I will at that point start to up the mileage. With the Kal-Haven Trail Ultra just around the corner in March, I would like to get some good long runs in to prepare for that and start building some foundation base mileage to prepare for the 50 miler in August. I want to be as ready as possible for that. The plan for the 50 for me is HIGH mileage. With that comes responsbility in listening to my body and knowing when to back off. However, I think it will be best to get a lot of long runs in and a lot of back to back long runs in. I'm looking forward to the year and getting ready to have some fun on the trails in 2012. Until next time......
Here is a photo from the Yankee Springs 50K:
Monday, January 2, 2012
2011 Recap and Goals for 2012
Well, 2011 is now behind me and I have to say that is was an amazing year for running! I got pretty into the sport and realized really just how much I love it. The year topped off some amazing accomplishments for myself. I was able to set PR's in every distance 2:58:51 for the Full, 1:19:54 for the Half, 36:22 for 10k, and 17:37 for 5k. I also was fortunate to win a marathon, half marathon and a few 10ks. Throughout the year, I started running more and more and realized that running for me really became more about my love for the sport as opposed to racing and training. I do love the challenge that races bring and getting to experience different courses and terrain, but just being out there everyday for a good amount of time is what really excites me. I finished the year with over 3,600 miles, which averaged out to almost 70 miles a week. In looking ahead to 2012, I have come to realize that I got a little obsessed with the mileage. Sometimes, it was just fun to go out there and see if I could hit 100 miles in a week or something, which I did once this past summer. However, I don't think that high mileage is necessarily optimal for achieving prime results when preparing for a race. I have decided this year that I am going to try and focus on what is best when training for a particular race and not worry about missing a day here and there; taking a rest day or cross training more when the body is feeling worn down. I think I will benefit more from that mentally and physically anyways.
For 2012, I have several races in the horizon that I want to shoot for. First of all, I think I am going to scale my overall races back for the year. Last year I ran 1 Ultra, 8 Marathons, 5 Half Marathons, 6 10ks, 1 7k, and 4 5ks. That was probably a bit overboard in retrospect. This year I am going to put my overall focus on the Ultra. Although, I still believe I have a lot to prove in the Marathon as well and that in some of my most recent performances, I have not fared as well as I would have liked. With that being said, I am shooting for a couple of target races this year, some of the longer races (Marathons and Ultra's) will be used as tune-ups and some will be races I am shooting for. I am going to ease off of the shorter distance races quite a bit this year and instead volunteer more at some of the local races (as I would like to try and give back more this year as well). Here is a tentative 2012 race plan with some races that are already on the schedule and almost definite and the ones with a star are being considered. Also, those in bold are target races.
January 7th-Yankee Springs Trail Run Ultra 50K
January 28th-The Snowman Half Marathon*
February 25th-The Ice Cube Half Marathon*
March 17th-The Shamrock 5k*
March 24th-Kal-Haven Ultra Marathon 33.5 miles
April 22nd-Glass City Marathon
April 28th-Running Fit Trail Half Marathon*
April 29th-Running Fit Trail Marathon*
May 5th-Indy Mini Half Marathon
May 6th-Kalamazoo Marathon (pacing 3:15 group)
May 13th-Ice Age 50K*
May 13th-Oaklawn Hospitality Classic 10k and 5k*
May 20th-Cleveland Marathon (pacing 3:15 group)
June 2nd-Yankee Springs Trail Run Marathon
June 16th-Kalamazoo Klassic 10K and 5K*
August 25th-North Country Trail Run 50 Miler
September 15th-Oktoberfest Spring Lake Marathon
September 22nd-Park to Park Half Marathon*
October 21st-Grand Rapids Marathon
November 3rd-Indy Monumental Marathon
November 11th-Valpo Half Marathon
November 17th-WMU Turkey Trot 5k
December 29th-Huff 50K
There are about 14 races that I am strongly considering doing and then the rest of them I am considering and more than likely will just do a few of. The ones in bold I am going to be shooting for as target races with my main goal of the year being the North Country 50 Miler. Kal-Haven is going to be the first one, which I am hoping to run in under 4 hours, but we'll see what happens. Then, I would like to try and set a pr at the Indy Mini, but we'll see how the legs are feeling as I ramp up the mileage for the 50 miler. The 50 miler is my main goal as I hope to really gain some Ultra experience this year as I anticipate hopefully doing a 100 miler in 2013. I would like to finish the 50 miler in under 8 hours and preferably faster. It just depends how the training goes and how the body reacts to running that far, considering I have never done it; who knows I might hate it...which I probably will during the race lol.
2012 looks to be a great year for running and racing and I am hoping to learn more about my body and become a smarter runner. I have always tried to keep in tune with my body to see how it feels. I always have felt that that is the best way to prevent injury and insure that I can be out there as much as possible. Besides all of the races and all of the training, I would also like to help out volunteering at the local races more, especially since I plan on putting a lot of the 10k and 5k races on the back burner in leau of the longer distances. I can't wait to see what happens in 2012, but look forward to sharing it with great friends!
Quote by Anton Krupicka: "For the most part, we exist in a numb, dead society. I’m doing my best
to be alive and running in the mountains is the best way I’ve found to
do that. And because I love the effortlessness that sometimes occurs
while cruising down a cushy pine-needle singletrack or even while
grinding up a switchback above tree line. I love how I can run up and
into a mountain cirque or over a pass and be completely dwarfed and
humbled by the sheer immensity and grandiosity of the landscape and I
love flying down the other side with the breeze in my hair and the
gravel in my shoes and the burning in my quads and the branches in my
face and then when I'm finally all worn out there's nothing like
peeling my shoes off and just sitting. Just being at rest. Running
sharpens the focus on life and intensifies the emotions. Is there any
better reason to do anything? "
For 2012, I have several races in the horizon that I want to shoot for. First of all, I think I am going to scale my overall races back for the year. Last year I ran 1 Ultra, 8 Marathons, 5 Half Marathons, 6 10ks, 1 7k, and 4 5ks. That was probably a bit overboard in retrospect. This year I am going to put my overall focus on the Ultra. Although, I still believe I have a lot to prove in the Marathon as well and that in some of my most recent performances, I have not fared as well as I would have liked. With that being said, I am shooting for a couple of target races this year, some of the longer races (Marathons and Ultra's) will be used as tune-ups and some will be races I am shooting for. I am going to ease off of the shorter distance races quite a bit this year and instead volunteer more at some of the local races (as I would like to try and give back more this year as well). Here is a tentative 2012 race plan with some races that are already on the schedule and almost definite and the ones with a star are being considered. Also, those in bold are target races.
January 7th-Yankee Springs Trail Run Ultra 50K
January 28th-The Snowman Half Marathon*
February 25th-The Ice Cube Half Marathon*
March 17th-The Shamrock 5k*
March 24th-Kal-Haven Ultra Marathon 33.5 miles
April 22nd-Glass City Marathon
April 28th-Running Fit Trail Half Marathon*
April 29th-Running Fit Trail Marathon*
May 5th-Indy Mini Half Marathon
May 6th-Kalamazoo Marathon (pacing 3:15 group)
May 13th-Ice Age 50K*
May 13th-Oaklawn Hospitality Classic 10k and 5k*
May 20th-Cleveland Marathon (pacing 3:15 group)
June 2nd-Yankee Springs Trail Run Marathon
June 16th-Kalamazoo Klassic 10K and 5K*
August 25th-North Country Trail Run 50 Miler
September 15th-Oktoberfest Spring Lake Marathon
September 22nd-Park to Park Half Marathon*
October 21st-Grand Rapids Marathon
November 3rd-Indy Monumental Marathon
November 11th-Valpo Half Marathon
November 17th-WMU Turkey Trot 5k
December 29th-Huff 50K
There are about 14 races that I am strongly considering doing and then the rest of them I am considering and more than likely will just do a few of. The ones in bold I am going to be shooting for as target races with my main goal of the year being the North Country 50 Miler. Kal-Haven is going to be the first one, which I am hoping to run in under 4 hours, but we'll see what happens. Then, I would like to try and set a pr at the Indy Mini, but we'll see how the legs are feeling as I ramp up the mileage for the 50 miler. The 50 miler is my main goal as I hope to really gain some Ultra experience this year as I anticipate hopefully doing a 100 miler in 2013. I would like to finish the 50 miler in under 8 hours and preferably faster. It just depends how the training goes and how the body reacts to running that far, considering I have never done it; who knows I might hate it...which I probably will during the race lol.
2012 looks to be a great year for running and racing and I am hoping to learn more about my body and become a smarter runner. I have always tried to keep in tune with my body to see how it feels. I always have felt that that is the best way to prevent injury and insure that I can be out there as much as possible. Besides all of the races and all of the training, I would also like to help out volunteering at the local races more, especially since I plan on putting a lot of the 10k and 5k races on the back burner in leau of the longer distances. I can't wait to see what happens in 2012, but look forward to sharing it with great friends!
Quote by Anton Krupicka: "For the most part, we exist in a numb, dead society. I’m doing my best
to be alive and running in the mountains is the best way I’ve found to
do that. And because I love the effortlessness that sometimes occurs
while cruising down a cushy pine-needle singletrack or even while
grinding up a switchback above tree line. I love how I can run up and
into a mountain cirque or over a pass and be completely dwarfed and
humbled by the sheer immensity and grandiosity of the landscape and I
love flying down the other side with the breeze in my hair and the
gravel in my shoes and the burning in my quads and the branches in my
face and then when I'm finally all worn out there's nothing like
peeling my shoes off and just sitting. Just being at rest. Running
sharpens the focus on life and intensifies the emotions. Is there any
better reason to do anything? "
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