12/31/11 at the "Over the Top" run with the IMTR group
After not getting into Umstead 100 this year I decided to change things up a bit. Since late December I have been doing more marathon training than ultra training. Averaging mid 80's most weeks with more quality runs and fewer really long runs. I realized after the New River 50k that I might have one more decent marathon in me having gone through the marathon mark in about 3:12-3:14 very comfortably and continuing on for 5 more miles. So the plan is to run the Mount Mitchell Challenge in 2 weeks then taper for a late March marathon at either Tobacco Road in Cary or Wrightsville Beach (same weekend).
During the first two weeks of July I'm entered in the Tour de Virginia, a 560 mile stage race the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. 14 Stages, 14 Days, 137,000' of climbing, 560 Miles. 6 runners have entered thus far and should be an exciting adventure.
I hope to run the Iron Mountain 50 and a 3rd Mountain Masochist in the fall. I'm sure I will find the starting line at a few more races but nothing set and on the calendar yet.
A few more photos from late 2011...
