This is one of my favorite times to write on this blog. A healthy reflection on what the past year encompassed and the exciting unknowns of the upcoming year. Exactly one year ago, I ran up and down Mt. Wilson and got injured at the end of the run. That lingered and affected the first half of the year (running-related) for 6 months afterwards, mostly due to my procrastination in dealing with it. I was determined to start this year on a different note. First a look back on 2013:
-I stopped working at the orthopedic clinic I had been a part of for the past year and continued full-time with home health allowing me to dictate my schedule and allowing for time to be spent elsewhere. That is something that I treasure above most things.
-An underwhelming effort at the Los Angeles Marathon in March, and subsequent passing over of the Backbone Trail race I was signed up for a few weeks later.
-The realization that not everything you read or see gives the whole story. Megan went to Sri Lanka after the marathon after soundly beating me and I didn´t want to because I didn´t think it was worth it. After she told me about the trip and I saw her photos, I was dead wrong.
-I payed off all my student loans on my birthday. It took less than a year of work and that was a major victory for me. Thanks to the low tuition of the Cal State system (although now the tuition is MUCH higher), FAFSA grants for easing the burden throughout the years, and the ability to be extremely frugal with money.
-I turned 30. Looking back on my 20´s, I can say without any doubt it included the biggest turning point in my life. I went from being lost, out of school, and working odd jobs to discovering my passion in life and working hard (along with the fortunate doors that opened at the right time) to allow myself to live my life through those passions. Maximizing the time that I have on this earth became priority and I intend to continue that trend.
-Pacing my good friend, Marshall, to his first sub-24 hour finish at Zion 100. Running that Guacamole Loop with him was like a slow version of Space Mountain ride in Disneyland.
-Spending the late spring and early summer hiking, running, and hanging out with friends in my most favorite of mountains: the Sierra Nevada.
-Backpacking the JMT for the 3rd time, and the quickest for me so far, with another good friend, Chris. I suffered quite a bit at times, but it was wonderful to share these mountains with another mountain-lover.
-Pacing Chris the final 18 miles at Hardrock 100. That was one of the most fun pacing jobs I´ve ever had. He had enough confidence in me to give me that privilege and he ran a spectacular race.
-Having amazing friends that flew and drove from all over the US to crew and pace me at Leadville Trail 100. On top of that I was able to come away with the sub-25 buckle. However, still loads to learn and actually implement in regards to running and training for 100´s. Those same friends are coming out for my Western States 100 attempt in June and I cannot wait to be in top form for them.
-Backpacking ¨The Walker´s Haute Route,¨ a 115 mile trail from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. Mile for mile the toughest trek I´ve been on, with 43,000 ft in climbing (same amount descending too). It was a highlight-filled trek that included day hike/runs in both Chamonix and Zermatt. Simply spectacular. Highlight of the year.
-Able to break 3 hours (2:57:45) in the marathon for the first time at CIM in December. This was my fifth marathon (in 6 attempts).
-Spending 5 weeks in Patagonia; first with my original backpacking partner, Joel Peach, and soon with my girlfriend, Megan.
As I ran along Punta Arenas´ version of a boardwalk and looked out into the windswept ocean I was able to contemplate what 2014 will shape up to be (in no particular order):
-Run WS 100 as well as I could possibly run it. I have a goal time in mind and with the right lead up and perfect race it can be achieved. This includes a nutrition plan, training plan etc.
-Backpack a long-distance route solo in the Arctic Circle. I am super excited about a particular one. It will be revealed when plane tickets are confirmed.
-Break my marathon PR. I'll probably attempt one in the fall, but not too sure yet.
-Backpack the splendid Sierra High Route in its entirety in August and in one push. I have backpacked most of it (200 miles) but broke it up into 2 seasons. It´s the big brother to the JMT. Mostly above 10k ft, with 20+ passes, and 75% off trail. One of the best I´ve ever backpacked. This years trek would mark my 10 year anniversary/love affair with backpacking. An idealistic kid with dreams of the wilderness in the Sierras back in the summer of 2004. I owe a lot to that solo experience. This would be an appropriate way to celebrate it.
-Finally, run the length of the Backbone Trail. I´ve been ignoring the one long(ish) trail that´s in my own backyard!
-There are a few other backpacking and running trips this year but they are not set in stone quite yet. Probably some 3 dayers in spring and potentially a thru hike. Maybe introduce some friends to what backpacking is all about?
-Sub-24 at Angeles Crest 100. Not really my style to run two 100 mile races close to each other so this might be the only year I do it.
-Be a more thorough therapist. I occasionally see runners at my place from time to time and I usually give the basic stuff but I frankly think it needs more day to day evaluation and treatment. In light of that I´m going to start seeing patients weekly until I feel their issues are either resolved or I´ve given my best effort. I´ve received way too much good in this short life so far to not give back. I can only take a couple at a time to be effective with my current schedule but it will be pro-bono. So contact me if you´re interested. I´ll start at the end of the month.
-And one more thing I can´t reveal quite yet. Hopefully soon though.
So a great morning run with no injuries. Just cold wind, skeletons of rusted ships right on shore, and the first rays of light of 2014. Alright, time to get on this. Happy New Year!
-I stopped working at the orthopedic clinic I had been a part of for the past year and continued full-time with home health allowing me to dictate my schedule and allowing for time to be spent elsewhere. That is something that I treasure above most things.
-An underwhelming effort at the Los Angeles Marathon in March, and subsequent passing over of the Backbone Trail race I was signed up for a few weeks later.
-The realization that not everything you read or see gives the whole story. Megan went to Sri Lanka after the marathon after soundly beating me and I didn´t want to because I didn´t think it was worth it. After she told me about the trip and I saw her photos, I was dead wrong.
-I payed off all my student loans on my birthday. It took less than a year of work and that was a major victory for me. Thanks to the low tuition of the Cal State system (although now the tuition is MUCH higher), FAFSA grants for easing the burden throughout the years, and the ability to be extremely frugal with money.
-I turned 30. Looking back on my 20´s, I can say without any doubt it included the biggest turning point in my life. I went from being lost, out of school, and working odd jobs to discovering my passion in life and working hard (along with the fortunate doors that opened at the right time) to allow myself to live my life through those passions. Maximizing the time that I have on this earth became priority and I intend to continue that trend.
-Pacing my good friend, Marshall, to his first sub-24 hour finish at Zion 100. Running that Guacamole Loop with him was like a slow version of Space Mountain ride in Disneyland.
-Spending the late spring and early summer hiking, running, and hanging out with friends in my most favorite of mountains: the Sierra Nevada.
-Backpacking the JMT for the 3rd time, and the quickest for me so far, with another good friend, Chris. I suffered quite a bit at times, but it was wonderful to share these mountains with another mountain-lover.
-Pacing Chris the final 18 miles at Hardrock 100. That was one of the most fun pacing jobs I´ve ever had. He had enough confidence in me to give me that privilege and he ran a spectacular race.
-Having amazing friends that flew and drove from all over the US to crew and pace me at Leadville Trail 100. On top of that I was able to come away with the sub-25 buckle. However, still loads to learn and actually implement in regards to running and training for 100´s. Those same friends are coming out for my Western States 100 attempt in June and I cannot wait to be in top form for them.
-Backpacking ¨The Walker´s Haute Route,¨ a 115 mile trail from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. Mile for mile the toughest trek I´ve been on, with 43,000 ft in climbing (same amount descending too). It was a highlight-filled trek that included day hike/runs in both Chamonix and Zermatt. Simply spectacular. Highlight of the year.
-Able to break 3 hours (2:57:45) in the marathon for the first time at CIM in December. This was my fifth marathon (in 6 attempts).
-Spending 5 weeks in Patagonia; first with my original backpacking partner, Joel Peach, and soon with my girlfriend, Megan.
As I ran along Punta Arenas´ version of a boardwalk and looked out into the windswept ocean I was able to contemplate what 2014 will shape up to be (in no particular order):
-Run WS 100 as well as I could possibly run it. I have a goal time in mind and with the right lead up and perfect race it can be achieved. This includes a nutrition plan, training plan etc.
-Backpack a long-distance route solo in the Arctic Circle. I am super excited about a particular one. It will be revealed when plane tickets are confirmed.
-Break my marathon PR. I'll probably attempt one in the fall, but not too sure yet.
-Backpack the splendid Sierra High Route in its entirety in August and in one push. I have backpacked most of it (200 miles) but broke it up into 2 seasons. It´s the big brother to the JMT. Mostly above 10k ft, with 20+ passes, and 75% off trail. One of the best I´ve ever backpacked. This years trek would mark my 10 year anniversary/love affair with backpacking. An idealistic kid with dreams of the wilderness in the Sierras back in the summer of 2004. I owe a lot to that solo experience. This would be an appropriate way to celebrate it.
-Finally, run the length of the Backbone Trail. I´ve been ignoring the one long(ish) trail that´s in my own backyard!
-There are a few other backpacking and running trips this year but they are not set in stone quite yet. Probably some 3 dayers in spring and potentially a thru hike. Maybe introduce some friends to what backpacking is all about?
-Sub-24 at Angeles Crest 100. Not really my style to run two 100 mile races close to each other so this might be the only year I do it.
-Be a more thorough therapist. I occasionally see runners at my place from time to time and I usually give the basic stuff but I frankly think it needs more day to day evaluation and treatment. In light of that I´m going to start seeing patients weekly until I feel their issues are either resolved or I´ve given my best effort. I´ve received way too much good in this short life so far to not give back. I can only take a couple at a time to be effective with my current schedule but it will be pro-bono. So contact me if you´re interested. I´ll start at the end of the month.
-And one more thing I can´t reveal quite yet. Hopefully soon though.
So a great morning run with no injuries. Just cold wind, skeletons of rusted ships right on shore, and the first rays of light of 2014. Alright, time to get on this. Happy New Year!
