The year 2016 marked my first full year of serious training. It has now become a big part of my life. My non-running friends make fun of me, and strangers think I’m crazy. For me, it’s a way to get away, collect my thoughts, and push myself. And most importantly, it’s a social event. I estimate that 75% of my miles are run with another person.

Here are some 2016 highlights:

• 3,690 miles
• 466 hours
• 175,000 feet gained
• 6 races
  • 5th at Psycho WyCo 50k
  • 9th at Illinois Marathon (2:39:44)
  • 2nd at Mines of Spain Trail Half Marathon
  • DNF after 41.5 miles at The North Face 50 – Wisconsin
  • 3rd at The Runner’s Flat 50k
  • 1st at Valhalla 12.4
• 3 miles with Pete Kostelnick during his record run across the US
• 2 Colorado Trips
• 1 Summer of Field Trips

Final Thoughts of 2016

2016 went great. I competed in my first ultra and immediately decided that I prefer trail and ultra running to marathon and road racing. I also visited Colorado for the first time and immediately fell in love. Lastly, I began working with a coach, David Roche, in October. He will prove to be a valuable asset to my running. He has provided me with smarter training, accountability, and a sounding board for questions and ideas.

I may have only won one race in 2016 (and it wasn’t a “real” race), but I’m not concerned with that. More wins will come later. My goal was to see progress and learn how to run ultras, and I accomplished this. I chose competitive races where I would be forced to push myself, and I will continue to select races based on competition level as I move forward.

Looking Forward to 2017

My early 2017 race schedule is as follows. The rest of 2017 will be determined as the year plays out.

• Feb 25: Psycho WyCo Run Toto Run 50k
• Apr 17: Boston Marathon (fun run, not race)
• May 13: Ice Age 50 mile

I’m also hoping to do more traveling in 2017. I’m making a quick trip to Colorado this weekend and visiting Bend, OR in August. If you want to go on any running trips with me this summer, let me know! My summers are super flexible.

It seems weird for me to say, but as of now, I don’t have any specific goals for 2017. My main focus is executing Roche’s training plan and having fun. I trust that he will put me in the best position to improve. Of course, once I get closer to Ice Age 50, I will take a look at my fitness level and begin making race specific goals.

Thank you to everyone for such a great 2016. Let’s have some fun in 2017!

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