Glancing back and looking forward

2011 will go down as a rather unqiue year of running. I felt neither driven, nor very motivated at any given time, and yet somehow I still managed to run more than expected. For the most part, I did very little of what anyone would call training, but still completed a few fun local ultras, and one big enchilada of a race. The highlight of my year also happened to be one of my greatest running memories, the completion of the Western States 100. As severly undertrained and unmotivated as I was to run all spring leading up to the Big Dance, I still fought my way through an injury to keep my dream of a sub 24 hour Western States finish alive for over 90 miles. That in itself was something to be proud of. I only wish I could have been in the shape I know I can be in, the kind of shape that could have possibly seen me crossing the finish in 21-22 hours, not over 25. But, so it goes, and life has many opportunity cost trade offs. So as it is with running.

Ironically, it was only towards the end of 2011 that I started running more out of pure enjoyment. Perhaps it was simple redemption from the draining hot summer, but once the cool October weather hit, it was game on. I found out that my legs can still recall their former endurance, and that the days of sub 8 hour 50 milers hasn't come and gone.

Onto the next year!

Nothing like starting 2012 with anything but an ultra. I'll be running the super low key VHTRC Red Eye 50k to ring in the new year. Then again, it depends on how much I celebrate the night before. Two weeks after that I'll be revisiting the race course I love to hate at the now named Willis River 50k. I'm only running it because I'll be in Richmond for a party, and it's only $25. It's always been a convenience race, and not a run I ever really enjoyed. Close to family and cheap. My only goal is to stay on course. I lost 20 minutes at the '09 50k, where it was below freezing at the start, and lost 5 minutes at last year's 35k. Third time's the charm right?

Beyond this winter, it may be too far ahead to know what I'll be doing. Yes, even March and April are too far off. I'd love to take a final stab at MMT, but if I'm living in, let's say Colorado, then my eyes might drift towards the sleepy little town of Leadville. Who knows, maybe 2012 won't be a year for 100's. Then again, who know's what it'll bring?

Happy early New Years!