PR's and PW's in 2009 and plans for 2010

This year has been filled with ups and downs in running .

So far in 2009 I have succeeded in PR-ing in every distance I have run from 5 kms in April (White Oak Classic) to my 100 miler in April (Umstead 100) as well as the 50 miler in Feb. (Rocky Racoon), marathon in May (Frederick Marathon), 50 km in October and now half marathon in November.

Sadly this year has also included my worst performances for many distances as well with a 14 hour marathon in July, 29 hour 40 minute 100 miler in July, 42 minute 5 km in August, 10 hour 50 km in September and of course my recent DNF at Javelina Jundred 100 miler as well as several other memorable dismal performances.

I am optimistic that I can use my successes and failures to my advantage in future events by learning and maximizing what I did to succeed as well as minimizing what I did in my failures. I definitely know I need to rest and taper before endurance events (well at least 100 milers) which I have already implemented for Umstead 100 (which I was going to run immediately following the national marathon). And of course if I want to do well, I need to recognize I am better suited for a humid environment.

I am getting close to having my 2010 race calendar filled up; however, I do have some gaps. I want to challenge myself in 2010, but I also want to make sure I have fun. I plan to repeat several of my favorite events but also want to see new places, experience new races and do new events. I am still debating trying a half ironman or international triathlon (there is one right near my dad’s house…the only problem is he has no air conditioning as discussed in my self transcendence marathon race report!). I also would love to run an ultra or two out west.


My mother-in-law lives near Marin Headlands so I am trying to get up the courage to consider a race in that area. The only thing is that I fear earthquakes more than I fear rattlesnakes, scorpions, gila monsters, puma’s and bears combined. And for some reason San Francisco in my mind at least is a hotbed of tectonic action.


Tristan and I may head out to the Pacific Northwest in August so he can climb, I can run a marathon and we can spend some time in the cascades hiking. The crater lake marathon would work for this although it has a stringent time limit of 6 hours and is at altitude.


In the winter I will be doing essentially the same races as in 2009. In 2009 these events helped me with a PR (by over an hour!) at Rocky Raccoon 50 miler and subsequently another 1 hour PR at Umstead 100 miler. I figure if it isn't broke, don't fix it! Also it does help that in the MD/DC/VA area, there are 5 marathons from Feb-Mar. These marathons are some of my favorites and I have the luxury of sleeping in my own bed with my critters and spouse (well assuming he is not on some mountaineering expedition).


After Umstead I have many of the same marathons as last year as well as a few new marathons in MD/VA. These should help me prepare for VT100 miler which I am signed up for. After VT100, I have marathons and ultra's that will help prepare me for a rematch at Javelina Jundred. I will make a decision if I am aiming for the 100 km or 100 mile as October approaches but I have a full fall that should adequately prepare me for either decision.