With today marking the 28th day of my break from running, I've had plenty of time to think about my goals for 2011. I'll start training again on November 1, so that means I'll have a solid two-month base in my legs once New Years rolls around and I start to look for some tune-up races. The Big Question is, what races should I run? Odds are I won't get into Western States or Hardrock (both lotteries have steep odds), so my focus 100 miler for the spring most likely will be the Massanutten 100 (I have much better odds in that lottery). Since I have some unfinished business at MMT100, I'll be more than happy to return there in killer shape to make things right. As for my other first-half-of-the-year races, I'm pretty much looking for ideas from other people. I know the 100 mile world pretty well, but I've only run two 50 milers, and two 50Ks, so any suggestions anyone has for great races to run, I'm all ears!
Once summer rolls around, I'll be super-excited to head out to Death Valley and crew for my buddy Chris Roman at Badwater. I'm very much looking forward to seeing that course up close and running as much as Chris needs me as a pacer. After I return from that race, I'll focus on making a splash at the 24 Hour National Championship (it'll probably be in Ohio at NorthCoast again), and then find something fun to run in the fall (also looking for suggestions for races in October-December).
No matter where I end up toeing the line, I know I'll be in a "different" kind of shape next year. I've had plenty of time to plan out a new training schedule, and hopefully this plan translates into a little success for 2011. I haven't really focused on any "speed work" since I started running ultras, but I think this is as good a time as any to see what remains from my old 4-minute mile days. It's been a while, and I know it's gonna hurt like hell, but I'm also pretty darn excited to see what I can do with this new speed/distance hybrid training plan I've cooked up. It all kicks off in one week...in the meantime, how about some race suggestions?!
15 comments:
You should consider doing the Oil Creek races in October. They have 50k, 100k, and 100m so plenty of options to choose from. I did the 100m last weekend and the course is nice and is pretty much all trail. It is very well run, especially considering it is only the second year. Good scenery this time of year as well! Although, all those leaves are pretty but the ones that make it on the trail make things a little tricky in terms of footing.
ps. that was my last race of the year and am now getting out of shape...coincidence that the word verification to post is fater?!?!
Hi Dan!
I hope to see you at MMT! That is my goal spring race, although I have to rely on the lottery to help me out. I'm planning on running a loop at TWOT (and then crewing for Jim Harris) and the Reverse Ring to get in some good training for MMT.
I also have Bull Run (lottery) as another spring race prior to MMT.
After MMT, there is also Laurel Highlands, have you ran that before?
Nick- I saw you had a solid run at OC100. Talented field there, so I assumed it was a great course that already has a solid rep after just a couple years. With it being a 'driving distance' race for me, you can bet I'll head out there either this fall or next.
Enjoy your off-season! I know I'll miss my junk food and beer when I get back to training next weekend. I hope you can enjoy those treats as much as I have while you're resting up!
Kim - I guess I'll be seeing you a bunch next year. After this year's 'snow out', I'll be heading back to the Reverse Ring in Feb to complete my induction onto 'The Fellowship'. I'm also planning on running a 'special' time at Bull Run too. I've yet to run Laurel, but I'm definitely considering it since it has such a great reputation.
i recently saw an old Garfield comic. the text explained everything.
"Garfield, do you want to go running with me?"
"Why? Is there someone after me? Does he have a spear?"
good luck Danny boy. and for the love of Pete, come bring your wonderful wife and visit me next time you're in MA, will ya?
I do hope we head to Death Valley together, can't imagine a stronger pacer to have on my team.
May not fit the schedule but you should consider LOST 118 end Feb. I will likely be there in some capacity if you would need help :)
Stace Face- We'll be up in MA for Thanksgiving. I think we should all have a relay race. I'll pick JT as my teammate, dude looks like he can fly.
Chris- Badwater will be amazing, I can't wait. LOST will definitely be on my schedule for a year when I'm focusing more on loooong races. I think 2011 is going to be more about speed.
I think you should come down and run a spring marathon in North Carolina. I'd be happy to discuss it more with you...
Sounds like a great plan, Brad! I'll be looking for more fast tune-up stuff like that early in the year. Let's touch base when you have your schedule in place for the spring and see if we can't pace each other in a race near you. Thanks!
Hey Dan
Have you run Capon Valley 50K? It's on May 7th, just over the border in WV, not far from Front Royal, and looks fun. I'm thinking of doing it as my first 50K.
Coincidentally enough, one of the two 50Ks I've run was Capon! I did it as a rehab run a couple months after knee surgery. You'll certainly EARN your first ultra finish on that course - It throws a little bit of everything at you: hills, stream crossings, hills, some rough trail, and more hills! They do a great job organizing it as well...and I just may see you out there as I tune up for MMT100!
Thanks, Dan. I like a little variety and I LOVE hills so may just sign up. Would be great to see you out there! Alison
I would like to suggest the first annual Amelia Greenberg 54 mile run around Central Park. Sure the scenery is not quite as varied as one might hope, since you'll be doing 9 loops of the same park, but the entry fee is very reasonable and the aid station volunteers could not be friendlier.
Dan,
Plan is set for a marathon on March 20th. The only quandry now is which one...Tobacco Road or Wrightsville Beach.
I'm leaning towards Tobacco Road because it's close and it's on a nice rail-trail course. We would put you up for that one.
Brad
Hey Brad,
Tobacco Road looks perfect! A nice tune-up a couple weeks before Bull Run. Count me in!
Sweet! We'll coordinate travel and other arrangements early next year. Enjoy your last weekend of no running, I know you're itching to get back at it on Monday!
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