1.15.2018
2017...a year of highs and lows.
Like most years, I entered the year hoping to eat better, drink less, train more, race less.
I'd raced 43 times in 2014, 52 times in 2015, 48 times in 2016...would this be the year I scaled back??
I began my Cowtown Ultra Training in late 16, and, was running more than ever. I found significant value in training with a group, especially for long Saturday runs.
I had a few new goals for 17: Run my 1st Ultra, run the Chicago Marathon (again!), and complete 2-3 70.3's.
January:
- I was training 5-6 days a week, including 3-4 runs. My long Saturday runs took me up to 20+ miles.
- My weight was good, and I felt light and healthy.
- I completed only one race, the Texas Half 13.1. This race was just 1 day after 1 19 mile training run. I had a decent day, but, vowed to never race with Mellew again (they have since gone out of business).
- For the first 3 weeks of the month, I booked 22, 26 and 40 miles on foot. I wasn't cycling much, but, I was swimming and weight training 2-3 times per week.
February:
- Life got heavy(er) in February, as Lindsi and I separated, I was carrying the weight of selling my mom's house and transitioning her in a senior living center, etc. As a result, my training suffered too.
- I made a late decision to run RnR NOLA, and was glad to spend time with good friends, and racing buddies. It was a quick trip, but, I had a decent day, and, set a (still standing) marathon PR.
- As per usual, I raced at the Fast N Furious Du, and had an "ok" day.
- Cowtown! A 5k run pushing a 6 year old on Saturday and a LONG 50k on Sunday, I might be "one and done" on the Ultras.
I was hopeful that my training and racing would improve in March.
March:
- A COLD day at St. Patrick's Day Tri.
- RnR Dallas 13.1
- My training improved slightly until the last week of the month, as I was moving
April:
- I finally got back to 5-6 days of training per week, including ramping up on the bike. My bike training had been lacking all year.
- a 5k, 10k, sprint TRI, and my 1st OLY TRI,
- I was getting back on track
May:
- My training continued to be strong, as I was gearing up for TRI FW.
- TRI FW! my 1st complete 70.3. Solid Swim, mediocre bike, slow run, but, done!
- Memorial Day 5k - a 7:54 pace, which would be my fastest of the year. The whole family did this one, including Gage!
June:
- The solid training continued.
- I bought a new bike...finally one that "fits".
- The Trinity 5000 series began. This would lead to 12 stright weeks of racing with freinds, and, my #1 racing buddy, Griffin.
- Buffalo Springs 70.3. My best 70.3 to date.
July:
- The T5000 series continued. It was a fun summer racing with friends and Griff.
- Mayor's TRI #5! frustrating swim, fast bike, decent run.
- The Wildfire Half...stop racing with Mellew...
- TRI Waco Sprint - a great race and fun with friends. My fastest bike split to date at over 20 mph.
August:
- My bike time was increasing, as we'd purchased a bike for Lindsi, so, she and I were riding some together, I was using Zwift and a smart trainer, and, I rode in 3 bike rallies, including HHH 100k.
- Old College Tri...my fastest time ever on this course.
September:
- Cox Labor Day Weekend 10k with Griff
- FWRC Labor Day 15k
- Disco X50 - a mess!! I had some work to do before Austin.
- The Rahr 5k...again!
October:
- I got my butt kicked at Chicago Marathon, but, had a blast with friends
- A really tough day in Austin, but, loved the support from Lindsi and the boys!!
November:
- At this point, I was officially out of shape. I put up a pathetic 2:27:39 at FW Marathon 13.1.
- I planned to run a 13.1 the following weekend at the Azle Lake Run, but, rolled my ankle badly at the race site. That injury would lead to several weeks of no running.
December:
- Although registered, I skipped RnR SA 13.1
- Griffin kicked my butt at the Candy Cane Speedway 5k.
- 2017 Event Total: 42
- 3 40+ mile bike rallie
- 18 5ks
- 2 10k's
- 1 15k's
- 1 duathlons
- 5 sprint triathlons
- 1 oly triathlons
- 1 X50 triathlons
- 3 HIM triathlons
- 4 half marathons
- 2 marathons
- 1 ultra marathons
- 2016 Event Total: 48
- 2015 Event Total: 52
- 2014 Event Total: 43
- 2013 Event Total: 21
- 2012 Event Total: 7
My hand will be forced in '18, as I've registered for IMTX. The serial racing will have to come to an end.
