I'm back... and still running

Climbing Oscar Pass

As I wait for my fifth start (and hopefully third finish) of the Hardrock 100 in Silverton, CO, and contemplate my journey here over the last many years, I thought now might be a good time to update my blog.

I have spent the past ten days in Silverton acclimatizing, something I did in 2012 and 2013.  The first week was spent hiking around the Hardrock course helping to mark the trails and doing trail work.  This week is mostly rest/relaxing and making final preparations for the race starting this Friday morning.  I've met with many long time friends and have made new friendships while here.  I feel that Silverton is becoming my second home in the summer.

A lot has happened since I last updated this blog in 2009 (when I started to post pictures and send updates to Facebook instead of blogging), but here are some highlights over the last several years:

• 2009 I went on to complete the Rocky Mountain Slam with finishes in Bighorn 100, Hardrock 100, Wasatch 100 and Bear 100.
• 2010 I had my first DNFs with Hardrock and Wasatch, but finished Bighorn and Bear
• 2011 I didn't get into Hardrock, DNF'd Wasatch but Streaked the Bear (2007-2011 consecutive finishes)
• 2012 was my low point, with DNFs in Bighorn and Hardrock, and I cancelled Wasatch and Bear
• 2013 was my return, with 45 lbs lost and a better plan I finished Zion 100, Bighorn, Hardrock, Leadville 100 and Bear.  Zion and Leadville were my first two sub-30 hour 100 milers.  Also my second Rocky Mountain Slam finish

So far 2014 has been great, with finishes at Kahtoola Bigfoot 50k in January, Moab Red Hot 55k in February, Buffalo Run 50 in March, my eighth consecutive Squaw Peak 50 in June, and Bighorn 100 also in June.  I PR'd my times at Bigfoot 50k, Moab 55k and Bighorn 100 this year.

Overall I have now started 57 ultras and successfully completed 51 of them.  My DNFs include some of the toughest races:  Hardrock (2010, 2012), Wasatch (2010, 2011), Bighorn (2012), and Kahtoola 50k (2012, finished marathon).

In my defense for my bad seasons, I finished a Masters degree in 2010-2012, went on to become and EMT in 2013 and Advanced EMT in 2014.  I have advanced to 2nd Degree Brown Belt studying American Kempo and hope to soon be ready for work on my Black Belt.  My four children range in age from 17 to 10, and I have full-time job!  You could say I have been a little busy over the last five years.

Descending to Telluride

My weight has been a constant struggle, being as high as 230 lbs in 2012, but getting to the low 180's now.  Hopefully I can avoid this year the post season gain that has been plaguing me.

My goal is to finish Hardrock in under 42 hours, then go one to finish Kat'cina Mosa 100k, Wasatch 100 and Bear 100.   With Bighorn, Hardrock, Wasatch and Bear I will have my third Rocky Mountain Slam finish.  

I'm feeling good today and the conditions appear to be favorable for Hardrock this year.

(Photo credits:  JoAnna Lynn Hestilow Brand)