2009 done

A good year for running for me. I was out of running for a few months in the winter due to a minor foot surgery and ended up with 1200 miles for the year, down from 2000 last year. On the bright side, the reduced running saved me from buying two pairs of shoes to cover the 800 mile deficit. :-)

My best race this year was the Twin Cities Marathon. What went right is that I ran it relaxed as if I were out on a long run with friends, and I also drank enough water and took enough shot bloks. I finished with a 3:37 PR.

My favorite race was the Door County Fall 50 team relay. Five (or less) runners, 50 miles, and beautiful Fall colors in Door County. In 2009 we were down to three runners and still had a great time! Can't wait to run that one again.

I have confirmed time and time again that with the training I do, if I get over 45 miles per week, I tend to break down. In the past few months I have switched over to doing a cycle class on Mondays and Fridays and running 30 to maybe 40 miles per week. I'll see how that changes my performance for better or worse in 2010.

I like race shirts. My favorite long sleeved this year was the bright blue Trail Mix shirt and my favorite short sleeve one is from the Keweenaw Trail Festival. It's soft organic cotton and very comfortable.

I'm looking forward to 2010 and my big races will be the Eau Claire Marathon where I will try for a sub-3:36 Boston Qualifier, the Afton 50K, and the American Birkebeiner Trail Marathon in Cable/Hayward, Wisconsin.

Happy New Year everyone!
--Mark

Superior Trail 50 mile race

In a comment to my previous post, I stated I was considering doing a longer than 50K Superior ultra in 2011. This morning on my 12-mile run, I met Brian Peterson and we talked for a minute, specifically about the Superior Trail 50 mile race. It's destiny, and now I have 20 months to prepare. I plan to enjoy the journey from now to the race.

--Mark

my 2010 race plans

My plans are starting to shape-up. My Spring will be busy and then just a few races through the rest of the year. I've been searching for an alternative to the Twin Cities Marathon and I think I have it! The new Birkebeiner Marathon in Hayward, Wisconsin. I grew up in that area and spent a lot of time XC skiing there so it will be good to get on those trails again. The Birkebeiner marathon is on September 25th - a week before the TCM (and half the entry $$$).

3/21 Human Race 8K
4/3 Ron Daws 25K
4/17 Trail Mix team (12.5K)
4/24 Get in Gear 10K
5/2 Eau Claire Marathon
7/3 Afton 25K
9/25 Birkebeiner Marathon
10/23 Door County Fall 50 (5 person relay)

That's it. I may add a few races here and there but not many.

--Mark