Happy 2012! Reign in Change!
I am very excited for now, and for this coming year. It’s shaping up to look like a year of explorations…
Black bear track near Bear Notch, of course!
Explorations into new forms of “being” outdoors, new forms of competition, and new forms of travel. All very neat.
The new forms of “being” that I mention really relate to the way I see myself as a runner. I put a lot of energy this last year into a scattered arrangement of competitions, from short distance to long, from road to trail. It was rewarding and educational. I am looking forward to focusing my attention on long distance trail and adventure racing this year. I believe that by narrowing my focus, I’ll do better in regards to my own satisfaction and results-wise. Also, having moved to the White Mountains this past fall, I am now constantly surrounded by ideal training grounds for long distance trail and adventure racing. There’s even a trail that leaves from my house and cruises along the ridgeline of several mountains before dipping down into the valley where I work. That will make for a beautiful and muddy commute come springtime.
Spring now seems like a time far off in the future. It wasn’t looking that way a couple of weeks ago, but for now the mountains are covered in snow, and the temp is low. I’ve been using GoLite’s Nimble Lite to traverse my favorite local trails, with great results, especially in fresh snow. I had the fortune of making first tracks on Table Mountain recently, but not if you count the bear who preceded me in my exploration. I wonder now if said bear has finally settled in for the winter nap.
Winter napping seems popular amongst most mammals. I know that I have definitely slowed my training down. I feel that it’s a good idea to not always be training. I know my body appreciates some down time. Down time that I can use to rest or go to a ski mountain, or go backcountry snowboarding.
The UTMB! 2011.
I am looking forward to traveling to Chamonix, France this summer to volunteer at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), and also possibly run a race while I’m there. I’m still setting my sights on competing in the UTMB in 2013. This will be my first “running trip” outside of the country. On my bucket list I have a lot of places I’d like to run, and the UTMB is right up top, along with Peru’s Inca Trail.
In the spirit of change associated with 2012, I’m giving vegetarianism a more serious try. In years past I have been vegan and vegetarian at different times and dropped the lifestyle for various reasons. But now, environmentally, socially, morally, and healthfully (most poignant to me)- I feel like everything is lining up for me to be a vegetarian. I’m really enjoying planning our garden.
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/eat-like-a-poor-person/
Happy trails, happy eating to us all in 2012 
Near home, but not that near...
