At the beginning of each year, I have one simple goal. To be better then I was the year before. This applies to every aspect of my life. A better husband. A better person. A better friend. Better mentally. Better physically. etc....
Focusing in on running, last year January, I literally limped into the new year. Nursing hip flexor and knee bursa issues that impacted my running for 2+ months. This year I start out the year feeling damn good.
Running is simple and I try to keep my training as simple as possible. This year I tweek it just a bit. Going back to what I've done in the past. Last year's focus was on getting in the miles and completely ignoring leg turnover. This year I want to re-focus on this speed work. I'm also focusing on my fueling while on the run. Hydration, calories, all that good stuff that's so important when on the feet for long hours of a day.
My 2011 Schedule is as follows:
20th-ish February 2011 - The birth of our child.
Priorities are pretty simple here. Family comes first. My training comes a distant second. I'll be running as much as possible till the birth and I have no idea what to expect after that. With Michele and I both working most of April and May till she's off for summer break, the following event is tentative even though I'm signed up and plan to race.
07 May 2011 - Collegiate Peaks 25M (R)
Once summer break starts at the end of May, Michele being home full time for the foreseeable future will make training much easier to take on.
04 June 2011 - Golden Gate Dirty Thirty (R)
17 September 2011 - Steamboat 50 - This ain't about redemtion or finishing what I started last year. It's about building on what I've learned over the past 2 years of tackling distances greater then 26.2. It's about putting together a strong race from beginning to end at the 50M distance. This will be my main focus this year.
The following are events I'm seriously considering.
25 June 2011 - Double Dipsea - I'm heading back home to show off baby and this would be a fun race. I've ran the course a few times. If the weather is nice, the family can chill at Stinson Beach. If not, then the family won't be thrilled with me.
08 July 2011 - Hardrock 100 - If Scott K. is lucky enough to get in, then I'll be spending a few days crewing and pacing him. Wife and baby would be spending the long weekend down in Dgo with friends.
16 July 2011 - North Fork 50K - If there's no Hardrock, then I'll put this race on the calendar.
31 July 2011 - San Francisco Marathon - Similar to the Double D, I'm heading home at some point and running this tough route would be enjoyable. Logistically would be easiest as parents live 15 minutes away from start/finish line.
Not included are 5Ks that I plan on running and other events that I might squeeze in.
I also have a goal of running fattie (aka Bisbee) more constentantly this year. While living in Durango, he ran a good 10 miles a week. The past few years, he's maybe ran a mile a week. He honestly hates it when the distance exceeds 1 to 2 miles. So plans are to run him as part of my cool down. Figure a goal of 250 miles for the both of us can't hurt.
19:29!
1 day ago
I hope to see you at CP. And all the best in these weeks leading up to your family's addition.
ReplyDeleteI completely resonate with your 1st paragraph thoughts. Good stuff. That's a nice schedule you've got. One month til showtime?!? I'm stoked for you Jaime.
ReplyDeleteThanks you guys! Look forward to see the both of you at CP.
ReplyDeleteQuick question Jaime. I'm considering Golden Gate as my last long run before SJS. I don't think I'd go all out at GG, but the plan would be to go 31, taper for 2 weeks, and then hit SJS. As an SJS veteran, do you think this is a good idea considering the effort needed at SJS?
ReplyDeleteTake my 2 cents for what they're really worth (which is likely less). I ran Jemez 50K pretty hard 4 weeks prior to SJS. My legs were pretty tired and zapped of any real speed during the SJS. Thankfully I had a good fitness level to get me through.
ReplyDeleteNow you will have a hell of a lot more miles logged in by this time period then I did. Don't go all out, mix in a smart taper and I honestly think you'll be feeling good for SJS.
That SJS course is up and down (not technical at all) and I gotta imagine the GG course would be a good training route. Now if you can get to some higher elevations instead for a long run, that would likely pay off better. Obviously always tough to do that time of year.
Always happy to share my thoughts.
Thanks man. I would love to get up to higher elevation, but you're right, it's tough with the snow in early June. Last summer, I tried a run in Frisco above treeline in late June and there was still a ton of snow. That's why I thought GG would be good because at least I could get in some nice ups & downs. Well, you may see my name pop up on the list soon. Thanks for your input!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the upcoming addition to the Family...that's an exciting time, and it definitely takes top priority. I think Steamboat will probably be my focus 50 miler for the year also...its a great event.
ReplyDeleteSo, I've decided to pass on GG this year (although I may come up for the 12 miler). SJS will be a goal race and I know I'd have regrets if I went into it less than 100% rested and ready. I would no doubt have a difficult time holding back and going easy at GG. As you mentioned, I need to get up to higher elevations, so that is going to be my focus throughout May & early June. Thanks again. The baby countdown is on....4 weeks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Aaron. Steamboat is a great race and hopefully we'll cross paths around Boulder before then.
ReplyDeleteWoody, I'm so with you on the difficulty of holding back in any race. I take it you got in the SJS. You are so going love that race. I'm tempted to add my name to the wait list just in case I'm in decent shape come June.