As you’ve no doubt gathered, I spend quite a bit of time researching and reading about gear and races, among many other running-related topics. I’ve accumulated quite a diverse pool of resources when it comes to looking at potential races in any given timeframe. This is great because it means I’m able to read multiple reviews before deciding to run a new race. Unfortunately 
, I really like to travel and get excited about new races. Naturally, I want to run them ALL. Right now! Thus, setting up my race schedule for the year is as much about patience as organization and motivation. I’ve indicated in the past how important it is for me to have a tangible goal in the form of a race. However, I’ve realized this year that it’s equally an importance exercise in patience. Running is a life-long sport (hopefully!), so I have plenty of time for all of the running experiences I want to have. Thus, I need to remember how important it is to balance this out with non-race trips and exploration, which I equally enjoy. The beautiful epicurean reminds me of this rather frequently!
On the heels of my most recent adventure in Arizona, I am feeling strong and would like to maintain the level of fitness and endurance I’ve achieved to this point. Thus, I’m making an attempt to increase some of my race distances, sprinkle in a bit of travel yet again, and also take advantage of some amazing local races that I still haven’t tackled. So, without further adieu, I give you my 2014 race schedule, in all of its tentative, subject-to-change glory!
March 15th- Hawkeye 50K (Lake Macbride, IA): I’m currently on the wait-list for this event, but the odds sound like they are in my favor. It’s a local trail race that I’ve never run before, and I’ve heard plenty of good things about it so I’m hoping to run it!
April 26th- Flatrock 101K (Independence, KS): This will be my first heavy endurance test of the year. I seemed to skip over the 100K distance with Across The Years, but that certainly doesn’t mean I’m taking it for granted. This should be a challenging course, and certainly offer me much more variety of terrain than a 1-mile track can offer
May 13th- Market to Market Relay-Iowa: The relay was a blast last year, and I’m on board with the same group of friends for the upcoming installment!
May 24th- Backroads 100k (Booneville, IA): This is the very first 100K race in the state of Iowa, and I’m very excited to be running it! The course winds through the bridges of Madison County, and while I may not be a fan of the book, it should still be an adventure worth having!
May 31st- Dam-to-Dam Half Marathon (Des Moines, IA): My feelings are still rather mixed here. For the first time in 35 years, Dam-to-Dam has moved from a 20K race to a half marathon. This was my very first distance event, and I loved the unique nature of a 20K race. I’m sure it will be just as much fun, and full of friends as past years. Just give me a bit more time to get used to the change
June 6th -8th- Relay Iowa (entire state): I’m pretty sure I’ve been pestered to run this race in 2014 since the race was in progress last year. Several great friends participated in this relay, which is the longest continuous relay run in the U.S. (339 miles), and haven’t stopped talking about it since. Thus, my expectations are high, but I have no fear that they won’t be met!
September 5th- Hallucination 100 (Michigan): This will be my “A” race for the year! The RunWoodstock festival in Michigan includes the Hallucination 100, as well as a 50-miler, a marathon, and numerous other races, all sprinkled throughout a weekend of camping, yoga, and relaxation (well, after running 100 miles, anyway). It just so happens that this race starts on my birthday as well, and I can think of no better way to celebrate than to just keep running!
October 5th- Portland Marathon (OR): The epicurean’s college roommate now lives in Portland, which is providing the perfect impetus to head out west and visit a new state, and cross it off my 50 states quest!
November 23rd- Route 66 Marathon (Tulsa, OK): I’ve heard nothing but great things about this race, including loads of positive reviews from fellow maniacs, so I figured it was a great race to end the season. My task now is to convince as many friends as possible to tag along for a running road trip!
So, there you have it. Obviously, these races aren’t set in stone, and there will no doubt be some additions as well. However, it’s always exciting for me to have a plan in place for the year. Now to get out and keep logging the miles to make sure I’m ready!
What races are you running this year? Have you run any of these races before and have reviews or suggestions for me? I’d love to hear about them!
