New Shoes

Oh boy, oh boy. I have new shoes. These shoes are going to be perfect. I'm sure of it!! I am coupling the Altra Superior 2.0 with the Keen TR86.







The Keen shoe is fairly minimalist and quite cheap; the Altra has lots of cushioning but still flexes. I think switching these two off during Bighorn 100 will be the perfect strategy. I will start with the Keens, and wear them during the first 50 which has some nasty uphill sections.

At the half way point, I'll switch into the Altras. More cushioning and a big ole toe box will be like heaven. They will be fantastic for the downhill sections

I am going to be so ready this year!!!!

But first, there's a 50K (Sugar Loaves) down by Los Cruces on January 31. Then I have the Quad....I think I'll go skiing tomorrow. Gotta get used to the new skis. I am going to be awesome!!

I wish. I hope. Oh please......

Physical Therapy!

Jenny, a running coach, said my broken ankle may have been a blessing in disguise. I did not feel blessed; I felt damned unlucky!

But, I have finished up my physical therapy at Peak Motion http://www.peakmotionpt.com/. Their theory is that movement is the best medicine. They set up a program that kicked my butt. Seriously, I spent 2 hours there, twice a week for six weeks. I worked out....hard. I had to carry a towel around to mop up the sweat.

Now I am running again and I feel stronger than I have in years. My knees are better, my ankles are better, I am faster, I can (almost) jump. I am pretty excited!!

So what's on the schedule for the spring? Lots of fun. First is the Mt. Taylor Quad. I want my Doubler scarf.  Last year, I made a really stupid mistake. I left all of my food in the wrong drop bag. It took me over 7 1/2 hours to finish the race and I did it with only a banana and one gel. I was ravenous by the end. I thought it was going to be an Alferd Packer finish.

This year I will have my  own bike and I WILL HAVE CALORIES!

But the big event is Bighorn 100. I am focused on it. There will be a number of races along the way as preparation: Behind the Rocks 50 miler in Moab the end of March. Cedro Peak in April....I just need to decide whether 45k will be enough, or should I do 45 miles??? A new race in New Mexico, Cactus to Cloud 50k in May. Will probably do Jemez 50k towards the end of May. And then I will RETIRE!!! And play and play and play! And complete Bighorn!!!

I will complete Bighorn!