List addendum and training update.

In my last post I made a list of my possible top 10 events I would like to compete in and a relative timeline for each.  I was pumped that the list overlapped pretty well with what my buddy Ryan has in mind as well.  We may even tackle the Knoxville Marathon this coming spring! That is assuming my body does not fall apart during my 70.3 in Branson (or before then).

After looking over my list for the past week or so I can't believe that I left out adventure races, tough mudders, and the Spartan Race series!  So there may be an addendum to my list, but at least it is a start. I have been rock climbing a few times while out here in AZ and that reminded me that I need a little more adventure in my life.  It would definitely make for some fun training, anyway.  Not to mention some sweet blisters on my hands.

These alternative endurance events would also be more enticing to some of my friends to coax them into competing with me.  If you're going to do something extreme you might as well do it in a group!  What is the saying? Misery loves company!

I am excited that my training is going very well.  My physical therapy is really paying off for my hip.  I am moving better than I ever have which is leading to running faster times with less effort!  However, I am bummed to say that I am having some insertional achilles issues due to some altered foot mechanics and weak hips (I am working on this, though).  It seems like as soon as one thing gets better something else starts to bark at me.  Maybe one of these days I will put it all together.

As long as I can keep training I am happy.  I am definitely one of those runners who feels better in general when I can run.  There are very few things in life that I get such a high from as I do getting in the zone running.  It is a feeling that I can't really describe, except that everything feels right.  I feel like I am doing exactly what God designed me to do.

I recently went back to my Brooks Launch shoes.  I don't know why I ever switched.  Probably because I am a sucker for advertising.  The Launch is a light weight running shoe that fit my feet perfectly.  As long as Brooks keeps making this line I plan to stick with them.

I hope to be able to say my heel is feeling better sooner rather than later.  Stay tuned for updates and such over the next few weeks.

Top 10 Races on the Horizon

My friend, Ryan, and I are always discussing what's next on our race wish list.  This list is fluid, but here is my top 10 choices of races I would like to do in the next few years.  Ryan is also compiling his list and then we'll compare to see where we overlap.

1) Ironman Kona - October 2014.  This would be the ultimate race and be tough for other races to follow.  I have wanted to do this one ever since I was introduced to the world of triathlon.  The only chance I have of making this race is through the Lottery System.  http://ironmanworldchampionship.com/

2) New York City Marathon - November 2013 or 2015.  We had already hoped to have finished this event, but scheduling, funding, and moving all got in the way.
http://www.nycmarathon.org/

3) RAGBRAI - July 2013.  This one is pretty much locked in on the schedule.  I think this one may be the most fun of all the races.  Riding along side good friends for seven straight days, camping, and experiencing different towns each day will be quite the experience.
http://ragbrai.com/

4) Knoxville Marathon - April 2014 (2013??).  Rocky Top will always be home sweet home to me!  It's a no-brainer that I have to do a race at my alma mater finishing in Neyland Stadium.
http://www.knoxvillemarathon.com/Participant_Info/raceinfo/marathon.htm

5) San Diego Rock'n'Roll Marathon - June 2015.  San Diego is on my short list of places I could live.  The weather and scenery is amazing!  I definitely want to do this race.
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego/register

6) Ironman 70.3 Austin - October 2015.  Austin is also on my short list of places I could live.  I loved my visit to Austin last summer.  It was great to stop in to Lance Armstrong's bike shop Mellow Johnny's.  This race would definitely be a highlight.
http://ironmanaustin.com/

7) Chicago Marathon - October 2016.  I have heard this is a fun marathon to run.  After the awesome deep dish pizza I had tonight I figure I will add this to the list.  I need a race in every state, so why not.  It would be pretty awesome to run with 45,000 people.
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/

8) Indianapolis Marathon - October 2017.  Another race that comes highly recommended by friends.  I have some good friends that live in Indy so it would be great to see them.
http://www.indianapolismarathon.com/

9) Ironman 70.3 New Orleans - April 2017/New Orleans Rock'n'Roll Marathon February 2015 or 2018.  I loved my one visit to New Orleans.  I think a race in NO would make for a great trip.  It's just a matter of finding the right race and the right time.
http://ironmanneworleans.com/
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans

10) Ironman Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene, ID - June 2015 or 2016.  I have had a couple of patients who have told me this is a very challenging and great race.  The course profile looks challenging and I don't know how a 2-loop swim course works functionally.  Seems like a lot of swimmers in one spot at the same time.  Maybe Idaho has some other adventure races or mountain bike races if I don't feel up to an ironman.
http://ironmancda.com/

Quite an overwhelming list as I sit back and look at it.  Lots of hours training.  It seems crazy to look out five years and realize I would still have 35 states that I will have to do!  I guess that is all part of the adventure.  I am blessed to have a supportive wife and family and glad to have good friends who are willing to motivate and participate with me.

I am excited to see how this list plays out and where my list overlaps with Ryan's list to see what we need to tackle first.

If anyone has thoughts on races I need to do I would love to hear about them.