Looking for Redemption

After an emotionally difficult start to the year, I was unable to make it to my first two races in January. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Reddick and Joslyn families. As families and communities move forward together, it is time for me to refocus on my running goals as well.
Last year I was able to accomplish many things within in my short running career, but there were a few hiccups along the way. In February of 2011, I was able to enter an amazing 50k in Arkansas. My friend and I drove the nine hour trip to a remote Northwestern Arkansas region littered with scenic views of small mountains, valleys, rocky cliffs, and clear blue streams. I was in aw of landscape that surrounded me, and also nervous about running through the difficult terrain. I though that this was going to be my fresh start to the ultra running season after getting lost in the desert in Arizona in January (finishing, but not with a great time), but once I reached the 25+ mile of the race I had to drop out. I had one misstep through a slippery rocky section that caused me to hobble and hop the next three miles until I reached an aide station where I swallowed my pride and opted to not run the last 5+ miles of the course.
After I returned back to Iowa I learned that I had fractured my foot, which only led me to believe that I needed to train more on that type of terrain (which is hard to find in Eastern Iowa). So, like the previous two years I have set my sights high for the 2012 ultra-running season and I am looking for redemption this weekend. Kelsie and I are preparing to drive that nine hour trip to not only see that beautiful landscape, but run through the streams, along side the rocky cliffs, and over the mountains along the way. Tomorrow morning   I will relive those first twenty five miles, but I will also finish last six miles of that course and I will let you know how it ends :).

You only ever grow as a human being if you're outside your comfort zone. Percy Cerutty

A New Year, A New Goal!

As my world has been increasingly busy with life and work, and coming off a Christmas break 10lbs heavier :), I will resort to what I know works best to relieve stress and improve my health~ RUN! I am embarking on my third year of running and continually trying to achieve goals that I have never imagined. First and foremost, I am helping Jake and Steph Maine to start an annual Run/Walk-A-Thon for their son, Kalen, and the Chiari Foundation. This event is scheduled to take place here in Wilton on May the 19th. We will be releasing more information and details of the event as our committee finalizes the details. So set the date in your calendars and stay tuned for ways in which you can help!
Second, based on our efforts for Team Kalen and Chiari Foundation I will be dedicating this running season to raising money for them. My 2012 race schedule is announced here on my blog and it includes a multitude of new challenges that I have not faced. I am participating in the Gnarly Bandit Series that is put on by the Upper Midwest Trail Runners Club, which I am now a member of. This series includes four 100 mile races and one 100k race. The end result of this series is more than just perseverance, pride, and achievement as it has cash prizes for the top finishers. I will work relentlessly to earn a top finisher spot and donate all of my earnings to Team Kalen and the Chiari Foundation.
Lastly, I am looking forward to another blessed year of running on my own two feet and experience new places across the Midwest and Central US. There are so many beautiful places that we pass unknowingly in our cars that are begging to be explored by foot. I cannot wait to meet and be mesmerized by the other talented ultra-runners in which I will encounter along the way; and to listen to their stories.
2012 is here and it’s time to get prepared for another adventure! As always, please contact me if you would like to join me for a training run, run a race together, help be a pacer, or help crew one of my runs! Hope to see you on the road or trails soon!

"If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it."
-Priscilla Welch