2023 Running Focus and Goals

Ask Yourself if what your are doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow

I am determined to complete another 100-mile trail race before the end of this year. The last time I was in shape to truly have a chance to run 100 miles was in 2019. My one and only 100-mile finish is at the Rocky Racoon 100 in 2017 at the age of 48.

 

For me, I have found the best way to achieve a big running goal is to break it up into several smaller and progressively more challenging goals over time. With each completed goal I become more confident and capable of completing the next bigger goal that I am soon to face. Each new goal requires additional time and training to accomplish thus preparing my mind and body to ultimately be ready to take on the challenges of the big run goal of a 100-mile finish.

 

Goal 1 on the way to Ultra 100 – My first small goal is to complete the 11-mile trail race Running the Rose in Tyler Texas on January 28. I will measure success by simply completing the 11 miles with a secondary target of finishing in under 2 hours and 15 minutes. This race winds through amazing East Texas pine forests among 100-foot-tall trees. The single-track trail runs along rolling hills and through some root-filled and pine needle-carpeted trails that climbs about 1,000 feet over the 11 miles. My current base milage is at about 30 miles per week and I regularly run long runs of 8+ miles