Say What? A Blog Post?

The Year In Review: 

Here I go again. I have been on hiatus for a long time. But like Val Kilmer said in his role as Chris Knight in Real Genius—the greatest film ever made about lasers liquidating human targets from outer space— "... Let's just take a step back. No, I was wrong, I'm sorry, take a step forward. Now, take a step back. Step forward. Back. And then we're ch-cha-ing." 

Seriously... 

Sometimes we need a little reflection. 

Okay, a lot of reflection. 

And like old friends (which you and me are), we should just be able to pick up and get going again at the drop of a hat, or at the very least, the drop of your 10k PR time. 

2012 was insane, or as they say in Insano, Brazil—home of the world's largest 14-story water slide—"insano in the mebrano." 

I have decided that instead of going back and trying to fill in every enthralling detail of my multi-sport life (which I am sure pales in comparison to the ride that one Mr. Lance Armstrong has been on lately), that I will instead turn the page and move forward. I will recap what is important with the type of brevity and succinctness by such filmmakers as George Lucas and Peter Jackson. 

I ran a PR at the Musselman HIM Triathlon this year. I was excited about that. It was my best half run so far and I think it is getting easier still. I attribute a lot of my success to my coach who kept me in line running slowly when all I really wanted to do was motor. 

I went out to Cedar point in September and worked behind the scenes for the Rev3 Half/Full. What I realized working that race is how unbelievably crazy it is from before the sun rises until long after the sun goes down. I have only ever worked this race, but I can tell you that the nine hours I put in working that morning/afternoon were some of the most difficulty fun hours of work I have ever enjoyed. I had to  stock aid stations—ice, bars, gels, meet and greet volunteers. Volunteers are awesome, aren't they?! None of us would have a race if it weren't for these people volunteering their time to hang out part or all of their day making sure you are hydrated, sane, fed, good-humored, and inspired. 

I capped off my official race season with a go at the 31st running of the Wineglass Marathon, a one-way shot from the town of Bath to Corning, New York. The race medals are unique glass medals made by Corning Glass. My training up to the marathon is what I like to refer to as "spotty" at best. I did one 18 miler about three weeks before, but my heart (and legs) were out on the trails more last season than any other time. I did a lot of running and biking on the mountain midway through last season. Unbelievably, not only did I survive this "race," but I felt really great the whole way through. Unfortunately, I decided to go for a 13 mile trail run two weeks after this marathon and injured myself. I do not always make the best decisions. 

My official 2013 race schedule?

I will be doing a ridiculous amount of MTB riding in 2013. I have plans for some epic new races (to me) including a 24-hour MTB race and a six hour race. Little man will be racing all summer as well, so he and I will be getting on the mountain together all off-season to train together. 

I will begin my triathlon season in Middlebury, Connecticut at the Rev3 Quassy HIM. This is an incredibly difficult ride and run. Hilly! Any of you northeastern-ers looking for a kick-ass, difficult test of your place early in the season ought to come out and run this puppy. 

In June, I will be running down to a little place called Buenos Aires, Argentina for a performance. One of the first things I researched when I found out I had a performance in Argentina was where I could go mountain bike riding. More on that later. 

I am going to run my "home" race. The Musselman HIM will happen in July. I will be working or racing at least two other Rev3 races this year as well as killing it on the mountain with my friends from team Crankskins.com. 

Okay, off to the pool. My body should have remembered how to swim. Maybe. 

Train Smart!