New Year - A time to look forward with excitement

I am always excited to enter a new year, but even more so as we move into 2010. In January, I have my U.S. Citizenship interview and hopefully will become a citizen of the country i moved to in 1991. I also turn 39 in January. 2010 will be my last year before moving into the masters ranks. As many runners experience at this age; I feel a renewed level of excitement for the sport I have competed in since 1984.

As you can see, I have posted a race schedule for 2010 which has some pretty difficult races listed. Some are extremely competitive on a National level, while others are either difficult courses, long distances or both!

So what are my goals for 2010? I would love to be able to represent the U.S. in competition. My best chance is probably the World Trophy 50K Champs. The date and location for this race will be announced in late January. I am also entered into the US Hill Running Champs on Mt. Washington (http://www.mountwashingtonroadrace.com). I have always enjoyed the challenge of hill running and feel like I am quite good at it if I train on the correct terrain. I am also hoping to run some fast times over the shorter distances, especially 5 & 10k.

As 2010 approaches, I reflect on 2009 and look at what I could have done better, as well as things to learn from in the coming year. One of the better aspects of 2009 was the 2650 miles I put in despite several small lingering injuries, which did their best to derail my plans. I am hoping to get closer to 3500-4000 miles in 2010. I think I have corrected several issues that should enable me to stay healthy and be more competitive in 2010. I should be much stronger this coming year due to all the strength work I put in last year.

Happy New Year to All

Brasstown Bald Buster Hill Climb 5k

I am getting ready to drive up to Helen for the daunting 5k that goes up 2600ft over three miles. The word is you run equivalent to your 8k time.