IAT 50 mile result = 7:19 so looks like a fail on my first goal of the year.

Well, I think I can check off the second goal of the three.  "PR at distances > 5K and < marathon".  This morning completed that one with a 10K PR.  That makes 4mile, 10K, 12K and 10mile PR's this year.  This is thanks to our  Pace Bunny who is doing a fine job keeping up that 10 miles per day.  Thanks guys for helping to motivate me to up my training this year - it's helped me quite a bit.  Onwards!

Technically, I failed the 2nd goal as well - 2:56:38.  My racing schedule and ultra goals didn't really allow for much marathon specific training so this was not a typical goal race.  That said, I'm pretty satisfied with the performance, it was definitely hurt locker effort and I was actually competing for a top 3 spot.

Now on to the 100 miler.  Serious training starts next week, just in time for the heat.  I will eventually choose a time goal but it is way to early for that.  Depending on who shows up, a top 5 finish my be possible as well.

1. Top 5 at States XC

2. 15:18 5k

3. Kill David Yarborough

I haven't been really posting at all, because running, work (teaching--insert giant excuse about having two more preps this year plus a ton of extra paperwork from the new teacher evaluations system), and attempting to sleep have pretty much blown out my free time.

I do read and log-stalk, though.  Most of you are more inspiring than you realize.

I did have a great training cycle for my fall goal race.  Consistent mileage, decent workouts, and a ton (for me) of strength training.  I can bench over my body weight for the first time since I was 16.

My original 2013 goal of sub-90 was officially too soft--this most recent half was a 1:24:27 on a rough, windy day, so that goal is long gone.  I'm also counting myself done with the sub-40 10K goal, as I did that in the second half of the half marathon.

I still have not run a sub-19 5K, though.  Heck, my 5K PR is a 19:50.  My most recent was a 19:52.  Given my half time...this is sort of hilarious.

I should probably sign up for a 5K.

 Well 2013 is still young, but I don't think 100M < 20:00 is going to happen. That was supposed to be Rocky Raccoon, last month, but I ran just under 22. M < 2:55 was supposed to be Boston, but that won't happen either. Can't get over this hamstring thing.

 

There's a chance for both in the fall, marathon more likely than 100M. If I run another 100 this year it will probably be Cascade Crest, and no way will I run that under 20 hours.

So yeah, I made neither of those goals. Funny thing, even with the hamstring, I still did PR at Boston (2:58:14). That was before the hamstring totally shut me down.

In addition to the below goals for 2014, I am tentatively planning on a sub-20 100 miler, at Umstead, in April. But if it's not easy, I won't push it; it's primarily training for Western States.

 

So yeah, I made neither of those goals. Funny thing, even with the hamstring, I still did PR at Boston (2:58:14). That was before the hamstring totally shut me down.

A bipolar year. I had that in 2011. As odd as it sounds, somehow I think the time off gave me space to reflect on how to be a better runner and eventually paid off. I hope you are able to find something positive from your time off too.