2014 proved to be a difficult year for me on the trails. I felt strong most of the year but ended the year without an Ultra finish in 2 attempts. I learned/re-learned a lot and am excited about 2015.
My first DNF of the year was at the BigHorn 50 miler in Sheridan, WY. I felt good all day but missed the time cut-off at mile 35 by 11 minutes. I missed this cut in 2013 as well. I have missed it twice by a combined 17 minutes. I love the Bighorns and will be back and WILL finish.
My second DNF was at the Wasatch 100. I missed the time cut-off at Upper Big Water (Mile 62). While my official DNF status was "timed out", I was in bad shape. I had been battling a sore hip all day, couldn't stay awake and was in general emotionally exhausted. Earlier that week my father-in-law Victor Nielsen passed away. My race status was in question until the Monday before the race when funeral plans were solidified. I had many guests at my house the week leading up to the race and was unable to get the sleep that I needed.
In addition to all of the aforementioned contributing factors, I was broken hearted. I had spent the week watching my wife mourn her father and my kids missing their Grandpa. I had my own emotions to sort through. In some respects I felt guilty/selfish for wanting to run. I decided to run but never felt right physically or emotionally.
I also feel like I trained somewhat incorrectly. In 2012 when I DID finish the Wasatch I had spent so much of my training focused on vert. Climb, climb and climb some more was my motto. In 2014 I did a lot of long runs but lacked focus on the vert. I felt that lack of focus particularly on the climb to the Bountiful B. I struggled mightily!
In the end 2014 was discouraging from a results perspective but proved to be a great year for learning running and life lessons. I had some great pacing duties and spent my summer in the Wasatch Mountains. A great SUCCESS!!
2015 is going to be an epic year! I already feel great about my training and my race agenda has me excited and optimistic. The first win of the year was getting into the Wasatch 100 via lottery for a third time. I so badly wanted to get in and to hear my name called was a true victory!
My race schedule is as follows;
- Antelope Canyon 20K : I ran this in February with my 12 year old son Cooper. Race report soon to follow.
- BoSho Marathon (April)
- Big Horn 50 (June) I am calling this "The Stand at BigHorn"
- El Vaquero Loco 50K (August)
- Wasatch 100 (September) "Round 3"
In addition to these races, I will have some great pacing/crewing duties. I will pace Jeff Stowell at Western States. I am most excited to crew my wife Sarah at the SpeedGoat 50K. This is an incredibly tough race and will be her first ultra.
Here is to a new amazing year of running in the mountains.
