I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by! Bring on 2012…
My cross-training has been going great, and it has been very exciting to once again get back into some distance running. After several marathons and an ultra in 2009, I unfortunately broke a metatarsal bone in my right foot, and it has not really healed properly since. I have been cutting back on the weight, so maybe the lesser impact with each stride is allowing me to keep on going.
Today, I took part in the 1st Annual Duff Park 50K Run in Murrysville, PA. Duff Park will always hold a special place in my heart since it is my primary training ground for my trail running adventures! The elevation gain/loss for this race is very similar to the average mile/elevation of the Leadville 100; so needless to say, it was a tough one! This run, staged by a couple ultra-distance friends, definitely tested my “mettle” since I have not been training enough for 31-miles of trail, but I know it would be an awesome challenge!
15 runners hit the trails just after 8AM this morning, and Aaron, Lucas and I (pictured) were the three finishers of the race! It was a warm day by “almost December” standards in western Pennsylvania, and the trail got a little slick toward the end due to some rain from above. Felt great throughout, and I was very excited to finish my first 50k since 2009! Lucas, John and Aaron did a great job putting this event on!
It was a beautiful day of great friends and awesome trails! Lucas set the blistering fast new trail record of 5:13:41… a record I’m sure will stand the test of time (or until Lucas runs it again next year, ha!) Although I am ready to get back into swimming for the 2012 season, I hope to finish the season out with another long one here again soon…
CHEERS TO ADVENTURE!
