Trying Something Different

For about three years now my running shoes have always been Brooks Adrenaline. Then after making the transition from road runner to trail runner I finally decided that I needed to get a trail shoe. Naturally I got the Brooks ASR that was practically just an Adrenaline with a sole more suited for the trails. I’ve been very happy with the ASR, but earlier this week I bought a pair of Montrail Continental Divides. I took them out for an eight mile test run at Eagle Creek and I think I’m going to like them.

Ran about 21 miles today at Eagle Creek with Tom. I’m pretty sure I had plenty of fuel, but I think I could have used a few endurolyte capsules. Anyway, during the run I hit the 1300 mile mark for the year. My goal at the start of the year was 1200 miles. Next year I’m shooting for 2000.

What a difference a year makes

This is the MRI of my brain. To make a long story short, in December 2006 I passed out at home. It was obviously a result of flushing caused by the niaspan I was taking to regulate cholesterol levels. Of course the doctors had to cover their butts so they ordered all kinds of tests. Most of the tests came out OK with one exception. They found a small leak in my aortic valve. Other than that as health goes I have truly been blessed. Anyway, I no longer take and will never again take niaspan.

2007 has been my most productive year or running. I ran two road marathons, one trail marathon taking 20 minutes off my PR for that course, a trail 50k, and a 43 mile trail run. OK, I had a weak moment and ran 43 miles of a 50 mile run. I lowered my PR for the half marathon and shaved 16 minutes off my PR for the Knobstone Trail half marathon. By the end of the year I'll have run around 1,300 miles. Not a lot by ultra runner standards, but I'm happy with it, think quality not quantity. Next year I'm planning to do one road marathon, one trail marathon, one 50k and two 50 milers and Lord willing I'll reach the 2000 mile mark next year.

Prologue

I intend to mostly post about running, but there’s no telling what might show up in here. Heck, I may be the only one who reads it anyway so I guess it doesn’t really matter.

At the finish of the 2007 Tecumseh Trail Marathon. Everything came together to make for a great run, training, health, weather, trail conditions, re-fueling, etc. I ran a PR for the course 4:32:55 about 20 minutes faster than my previous best.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9