2011 adventure roundup

after coming off my first ever DNF at my 12th official ultra, the mendon 50k, i figured i'd wrap up my adventures for the year and address the question on every athlete's lips this time of year: "what's next?"

the year kicked off with a great start when Mind The Ducks filled up quickly. i was running less than usual, but in peace. i had fun completing my 3rd BPAC 6 hour in april, by running every cold, icy, windy step with my husband. it was around then that we began dreaming of the mountains and forming a plan to visit the adirondacks to see if we liked the business of mountain hiking. after BPAC it was time to focus on MTD and all the work to be done. once it was through i was free to begin practicing for the fingerlakes 50s. in july i was able, with the help of my friend, to finish 50 miles in the fingerlakes forest and vow to never return (and change my mind a month later. silly ultrarunner.) my 5 year old also completed a marathon over the summer as well as some long hikes with the rest of the family. in august jim and i slept for 3 hours in a moldy lean-to before summiting Mt. Marcy, the highest peak in NY, and it's adjacent little (but somehow more brutal) cousin, Phelps Mt. and find out what the back country is about. no sensible groomed trails or short cut out here - no sir. that was real lightning on the top of a bald mountain. i was crippled for days after, but hooked on the challenge and self sufficiency required to day hike in a wild place. in september we made our way to north carolina for the hinson lake 24 hour and had fun running in sandy circles. a race where i learned to honor my own voice. in october i had a fun weekend of running and food and stories with my running pal where i covered 100 miles for the first time and rediscovered WHAT happens when i don't honor to my internal voice. which leads me to my DNF in mendon - where my first real and legitimate injury prevented me from completing the race. after a week of no duty and 3 more of light duty, i am healed! and wondering, like everyone else does: now what?

here is what i know for 2012: if i don't bring my "tally" of races up, and PRs down i am okay. what i really want to do is to have new adventures. i've been dreaming appalachian trail dreams for 2 years now, with 13 more to go..but there is nothing stopping me from pressing more into the world of backpacking and long distance hiking while i wait. i am sure it is only a benefit. also, i would like to do more giving back - pacing, crewing, babysitting - helping other runners meet their goals, who like me, can't do it without help. i also want another crack at those high peaks. there are 46 of them, and i've got 44 more to go. and this time, i'll be better prepared. i am staying open to whatever adventures become available, whatever time and family and other facets of life allow. i am excited and at peace about 2012, about my waxing and waning fitness. i am young enough that, with God willing, i can get faster or go longer in the future. right now, it's enough to keep it up and enjoy what i can get my hands on while my children are young and need me so much.
one thing is certain: i spent a lot less time this year arguing about shoes, thinking about what other runners are doing, the races i am missing out on, suffering through a workout that is going badly and worrying i am not good enough - and that is one hell of a blessing itself.

i hope your 2011 athletic season was satisfying, and that you are now able to relax, cozy up to the fire in these shorter, colder days and dream happy memories of sunlit forests, laughs with training partners, and an ice cold drink on the right side of the finish line. if your 2011 was not great, or fraught with injuries - good news, there's nowhere to go but up! if it was stellar - good news, you can try to top it! whatever adventures lie ahead, i wish you tireless legs and a full heart in your pursuits.

run on.