The end of the semester is always a tad bittersweet as classes wrap up, and the new year looms on the horizon. Although January 1st doesn’t signify much in the higher education world, the last few weeks of December certainly mark a time of transition. These are the weeks when I have the chance to catch up on all the tasks that have eluded me for the past 4 months, and I look forward to the change of pace every year. This year, that was especially true as I wrapped up my first semester working full-time on top of teaching. It was a test for me to see how my new job, teaching responsibilities, running and training, and maintaining a home life would all balance out. I’ve always thrived on being busy and the past 4 months have certainly given me that. I may have had to make a few adjustments and compromises to my schedule and life along the way, but I’m ultimately quite happy with how I spent my time and balanced everything along the way. The idea of “chasing42” has taken on various meanings over the years, and it continues to be an evolving quest to understand life, the universe, and running!
Chasing42 Log: 20161212- 20161219
Run: With classes done for the semester, and projects at work winding down, I have been able to maintain a bit more structured training schedule as I look forward to our yearly trip to Arizona and ease into the new year. I’ve been out for some more consistent runs, despite the cooler weather and the darkness that seems to come earlier and earlier. I’ve done some quality bonding with my headlamp and discovered some new running routes near campus along the way. Perhaps the highlight of this past week was a freezing-rain filled past Saturday morning. You’ve heard me mention before my extreme hatred for the treadmill. I haven’t done a significant run on the treadmill in will over 5 years, and I’ve never been able to run more than 14 miles without boring myself to death. However, this Saturday forced my hand, as freezing rain and slippery roads constitute the one weather condition I won’t run in. I obtained a free guest pass to the local YMCA and made my way there in the wee morning hours on Saturday. I was determined to overcome this mental challenge, and to get in a much-needed long run along the way. I fell into a rhythm after a while, discovered the joys of adjusting the grade for a greater challenge, and occupied my time with ESPN, people-watching, and some chatting with a friend. When it was all said and done, I had knocked out 22 miles and 5100 feet of climbing. I may not have enjoyed the experience, but I valued the mental challenge and know it’s just one more piece of the ultra-puzzle!
Embracing the darkness!
Thought: Well, like most folks, I didn’t get into the Western States 100 or the Hardrock 100. Mind you, this was the first time I’d ever had the opportunity to enter either lottery, but I couldn’t help but get my hopes up at least a little bit. I had put some other plans on hold as I knew getting into either race would be a significant financial and training commitment. Now that my schedule is a bit more open, I can begin thinking about other races I’d like to add to my calendar for 2017. I already have the Umstead 100 on my list (April 1st), and I hopefully applied to the Laurel Highlands 70.5 mile race, but I’m waiting to receive notice either way. Beyond that, the sky is the limit (well, and funding, and time, and the good graces of the beautiful epicurean), but I’m determined to have my schedule cemented early on in January so I can get on to the business of training. I’ll be adding a second class to my teaching load in the spring as well, so making excellent use of my time will be that much more important. Do you have races locked in on your 2017 calendar yet? I’d love to hear where you’ll be chasing42!