At the close of each year, I always enjoy compiling a list of accomplishments and positive memories from the year. To be bluntly honest, pessimism comes more naturally for me and its a character trait I strive to diffuse through simple exercises such as this. Reflection is a powerful tool that helps uncover the many blessings, achievements and memories in a year. It is also the first step that I use to create new goals and excitement for the coming year. With that being said, 2013 was an amazing year of travels, accomplishments, health, and firsts for both Mallory and me.
Family First: Though Jameson (dog) was technically born in 2012, he was the size of a bread loaf and mostly slept or used the house as his bathroom. So, 2013 is really where we recognized how lucky we got with a healthy and adventurous dog. This year, we risked it all, driving to Montana, hiking in the mountains, paddle boarding, fly fishing, and tent camping with him for over a week. True testimony to how awesome he was, we didn't sell him on the way home! In all honesty though, we couldn't be happier with our golden child!
Additionally this year, we truly became comfortable and tackled many things on the home front with our relatively new home purchase in Minnetonka. We not only enjoyed our backyard surroundings, but traveled to Montana, Arizona, the North Shore, experiencing many more adventures together. Having a wife that (mostly) enjoys active adventures and the outdoors as much as I do is awesome!
Additionally this year, we truly became comfortable and tackled many things on the home front with our relatively new home purchase in Minnetonka. We not only enjoyed our backyard surroundings, but traveled to Montana, Arizona, the North Shore, experiencing many more adventures together. Having a wife that (mostly) enjoys active adventures and the outdoors as much as I do is awesome!
Job Front: From a work perspective, this year was huge as I made the switch from Bicycle Retail to the "suit and tie." Though I am not much for a corporate career and don't see myself doing retail strategy long-term, the switch has afforded us the freedom to enjoy the weekends together, live a more unrestrained lifestyle, and branch out socially. It has provided me with a more robust set of skills that I can utilize in the future. Additionally, you wouldn't believe how crazy I can get with an Excel spreadsheet...not that you care!
Lastly Trail Running: Typically, I have a pretty simple approach to measuring success when it comes to running. Improved personal times and health have always been at the top of the list. After finding this hobby 6 years ago, I have only recently chosen to be as competitive as I can at each race. My largest thought coming out of 2013 is "man, this year will be hard to replicate!"
This year was the first year that I truly switched to a 100% trail focus with races in Arizona, Montana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. I finished no worse than 8th on the regional level, finishing 6th in one of the Midwest's most competitive 50-mile races. Additionally, I shaved an hour off of my 50-mile PR, set a new 50k PR, gave my first 100-mile attempt a solid go, and also broke into true mountain running as a flat-lander. Nationally, I started the year in March, racing in the mountains of Arizona, running into 8th place in a field comprised of "fortunate" Southwest trail athletes. In August, I had the opportunity to race in the Bridger Ridge Run, scaling over 17,000ft in 20 miles over mostly unmarked technical terrain. Although this race came 2 weeks after my 50-mile PR, I finished and remained within the top 30. At first this was my most disappointing result, but given my recovery and the fact that I drove out the day before, I felt pretty good above 9,000ft of altitude!
More importantly, it was the first year that I have had the opportunity to run on the TC Running Trail Team and become an ambassador athlete for Fitsok. Only recently, at the close of the year, did I find out that I will also be an athlete for Hammer Nutrition in the upcoming season! Although reducing expenses is a great touch, the thing that comes as the true blessing is the camaraderie that these opportunities offer. Sure, gear support is nice, but the friendships and experiences that go along with it are what I truly value. Being blessed with new friendships, running partners, and people that push me to be a better human (and runner) is what I feel blessed for in 2013. In the end, above everything else, I would have to change friendship and health as the ultimate reward for the year!
Looking Forward: I can only hope that 2014 brings great results on the home front and within running. With so much success this year, I have set very challenging but realistic goals for 2014. Without higher expectations, growth cannot be truly realized. Although there are thousands of recaps out there, I encourage you to reflect and then share your accomplishments from 2013. Even if the year wasn't glamorous, reflection will encourage a recognition of positive achievements, excitement for a new beginning and the foundation for new goals when the new year arrives this evening.
Cheers!
This year was the first year that I truly switched to a 100% trail focus with races in Arizona, Montana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. I finished no worse than 8th on the regional level, finishing 6th in one of the Midwest's most competitive 50-mile races. Additionally, I shaved an hour off of my 50-mile PR, set a new 50k PR, gave my first 100-mile attempt a solid go, and also broke into true mountain running as a flat-lander. Nationally, I started the year in March, racing in the mountains of Arizona, running into 8th place in a field comprised of "fortunate" Southwest trail athletes. In August, I had the opportunity to race in the Bridger Ridge Run, scaling over 17,000ft in 20 miles over mostly unmarked technical terrain. Although this race came 2 weeks after my 50-mile PR, I finished and remained within the top 30. At first this was my most disappointing result, but given my recovery and the fact that I drove out the day before, I felt pretty good above 9,000ft of altitude!
More importantly, it was the first year that I have had the opportunity to run on the TC Running Trail Team and become an ambassador athlete for Fitsok. Only recently, at the close of the year, did I find out that I will also be an athlete for Hammer Nutrition in the upcoming season! Although reducing expenses is a great touch, the thing that comes as the true blessing is the camaraderie that these opportunities offer. Sure, gear support is nice, but the friendships and experiences that go along with it are what I truly value. Being blessed with new friendships, running partners, and people that push me to be a better human (and runner) is what I feel blessed for in 2013. In the end, above everything else, I would have to change friendship and health as the ultimate reward for the year!
Looking Forward: I can only hope that 2014 brings great results on the home front and within running. With so much success this year, I have set very challenging but realistic goals for 2014. Without higher expectations, growth cannot be truly realized. Although there are thousands of recaps out there, I encourage you to reflect and then share your accomplishments from 2013. Even if the year wasn't glamorous, reflection will encourage a recognition of positive achievements, excitement for a new beginning and the foundation for new goals when the new year arrives this evening.
Cheers!