Five years ago I was a lazy bum. Four years ago I was a slightly less lazy bum. Three years ago I was making progress and just over 2 years ago I changed my life when I registered spur of the moment to do a 2 day mountain bike ride for charity.

A year ago I was laid up for a full month after a minor surgery with a difficult recovery. When I came back I was determined to improve my running. At the time every run was physically painful and mentally miserable. I went out for that first run post surgery and did around 2 miles at a 13:45 mile and I was beat at the end. I decided to start running more and back off the other tri disciplines so that I could improve the run and maybe like it one day. In September I found a running group to join which helped inspire me. Just a week later my 23 year old cousin passed away suddenly and we donated her organs and tissue saving or changing 18 lives. This group became support and solace as I grieved this loss. Eventually I joined their paid training group in March of this year and have had a fantastic plan from incredible coaches including 2 group workouts a week and a a free group run on Saturday.


While this plan probably has a bit more speed/hill work than some here would prescribe at my mileage level (just on the cusp of 20 miles per week and still building) I've been very careful to listen to my body and have rested and/or treated as needed. Plans have adjusted as needed and I've seen progress in my speed and strength and my long run has increased to 9 miles last week with a planned half marathon in October.

Anyhow, this week was a rough one. I was in a car accident on Thursday (partially my fault) and while I have some soreness I'm okay. The car is not. I missed the group workout dealing with everything.

Today was the Donor Dash for which I organized a team to run in honor of my cousin. I had my coach, 2 running group members and another friend join me to run and 2 more running group members down to cheer. I went in going for a PR and had a butterfly that had been in the flowers at my cousin's funeral in my shorts pocket. I went out too fast, it was hot and I was emotional but was able to hold on in the end for a 1 minute PR. I'm not fast, that PR now sits at 32:43 but I'm supremely proud of the work I've put in to get here. And I'm excited to see where I go from here. Somewhere in the last year I've fallen in love with running.

Hard work. Dedication. Consistency. Passion. Time. Take control of your training and the improvement comes.

Coal Creek Crossing 10 Miler, here I come!

Spring is coming...

As usual the winter got away from me. The ski season had it's highs and lows with not enough snow but so many ski days with friends!

I'm progressing with my 2010 goals though and thought I'd update here. I'm doubtful I'll get to the 1000 miles run goal as I've only logged 129 thus far. It will be interesting to see what happens now that I'm in a plan and have registered for the Denver Half Marathon in October. Nevertheless I'm extremely proud of the dedication I've put into running and how much I've fallen in love with it.

And, well, the nutrition strategy. Not so much. I'm getting somewhat better but as usual ski season does me in. In the coming weeks I'll focus more on this part so that I can maximize me training.

Now, let's see if I can update y'all more frequently...

It's a New Year!

I'm being pestered to do an update so I guess it's about time. Although, I feel like my life is pretty boring and not necessarily all that interesting to read about.

But, looking forward to 2010 I do have some goals. Not resolutions as it seems like resolutions are something we work to avoid breaking while goals one work towards achieving and I like the positive spin so much more. So here they are, written down so you all can keep me honest.

1) Run 1000 miles.
2) Run a half marathon this fall.
3) Improve my nutrition strategy.

I've started working toward the first and the third and I guess by extension that means I'm working toward the second since all base miles will help me prepare for the half-marathon.

You may be wondering about skiing and coaching. Yep, I'm doing that too although the snow thus far this year has sucked the big one so I haven't skied as much as I would like. I have a great group that I'm working with this season and I'm excited to see how far we'll go! In the meantime we're all praying to Ullr the Norse God of Snow to bring more of the white stuff!