2011

I've not been very careful of taking care of my plantar fasciitis this year. I looked back in my log book and saw where I wrote down signs that I was getting it as early as February. Well, now my running has dropped to a low...about 0.0 miles per week. Now I need to take measures to get over this injury.

Here is what comes to mind about my 2011:

1. I made a goal to qualify to run the NYC marathon and I met that goal in May at the Minnetonka Half Marathon. That was the first time I stuck to a pacer and he got me through. It was amazing to run with a pacer who could hold a rock-solid pace up hills, down hills, and in 30mph winds. 1 hour 39 minutes. Thanks again, Pacer Dave. I have no intentions to register for NYC but I am happy to have met my goal.

2. I ran the Bighorn Trail Run 50K in Wyoming in June. I took the day as a way to enjoy being out in the beautiful scenery all day long. I walked up every hill and also down some of the steep ones. 7 hours and 44 minutes which was my slowest ever 50K. Loved every minute of it!

3. I always enjoy the Door County Fall 50 team relay race. Third year in a row for me and had a great time. We had a little issue with our car at one of the exchanges. I didn't realize that laying down in the mowed brush at the edge of a field, to look under the car, would give me a nasty case of poison ivy. I get itchy thinking about it.

Looking ahead to 2012.

1. Swimming. I'm still on the edge of learning to swim freestyle and I have a goal of being a swimmer by Spring.

2. Get over plantar fasciitis. My friends have given me a lot of information on the topic and some names of good Docs. I've been avoiding seeing an expert but it might be time just to do that.

3. Volunteer at races. I would like to volunteer at some trail races this year. 4. Keep the race schedule light. I may sign-up only for the Door County Fall 50 (October 2012) and only add earlier races as my feet and fitness permit.

Happy New Year, everyone! I look forward to seeing some of you on the roads or trails in 2012.

--Mark