A new chapter in my running.....

At the start of the NYCM

My previous blog, Addicted to Asphalt, isn't going to apply too much in the year 2016.  I'm trying to matriculate over to dirt and eventually, more triathlons.  So I'm starting up Trails and Triathlons in hopes that I can keep this blog updated with my adventures on the trails and down the road in triathlons.  First up?  Discussing my indecisiveness regarding the Tahoe Rim Trail 55k.  Last fall, I had toyed with the idea of making this my first ultra distance race.  But I opted against it for two reasons:  one, I was simply scared to take on such a difficult course as my first ultra and two, I really wanted to race the Donner Lake Olympic triathlon again to better my time and conquer that damn bike course.  The triathlon is a mere two weeks after TRT and even if I *thought* my legs would be ready to propel me up Donner Pass so soon after the 55k, I knew there was no way in hell my coach would go for it. And these days, I listen to that woman.  She knows what I need whether I agree with it or not. I would not have been at New York without her guidance, experience, knowledge and most of all, her heart.

Caolan, Sandra and I at the NYCM Finish

So, I signed up for an "easy" 50k around Folsom Lake in April, figuring that would give me enough time to recover from the 50k and still be able to do Donner.  I like to have my cake and eat it too!  I was fine with this decision and went ahead with registration for the 50k, as well as a trail marathon five weeks prior as a last long training run. Fast forward a month or so and I join this Facebook Ultra/Trail running group. Discussion rolls around the TRT as the registration period is coming to a close. I start to feel sad that I didn't go with my first instinct, which was to do an ultra for the first time in my own backyard, so to speak.  For the April 50k, I won't have nearly as much time on the trails as I would like due to our winter season.  And it's in Folsom so there is travel involved.  It's also a much smaller scale race.  Anyone who knows a little about TRT knows they are somewhat famous for their aid stations and overall fun atmosphere.  And of course....it's Tahoe.  Enough said.  Add to that my physical therapist has inquired a few times with a smile on his face about whether I'm throwing my name into the lottery.  My answer is always "hell no" with a nervous laugh. 

TRT is a beautiful course

What happened next is still cause for some head scratching. I think I deliriously entered the lottery.  No, actually I decided I would put in God's hands. I mean, 2015 was left up to my Higher Power and turned out amazingly well.  I followed the guidance of my coach, tried not to manage and control things too much and was rewarded greatly. I figured if it was meant to be, I can always put off Donner until the following year when I can use it as a training race for a possible 70.3.  They offer a good portion of your registration fee back towards future races so I wouldn't be out a ton of money. And really, what was the chance my name would actually be picked for TRT??  I'm not a lucky person and never win anything, especially if it involves drawing a name out of a hat and such. So the night before registration for the TRT lottery closed, I entered.  Then I had to wait.  That was the worst part. They were to draw names on New Year's Eve, which is all fine and dandy but I had to be up at 4:30am for work the following morning.  A sane, rational person would have shrugged their shoulders and just checked for the names in the morning.  At times, I am neither.  This was one of those times.  I anxiously waited for that email to come. Or for my card to be charged.  At around the stroke of midnight or shortly therafter, my card was charged. A few minutes later, I received the email congratulating me on entry into the 2016 Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run. Holy sh*t, I was in! 

 

So, I head into the new year with new goals. And dreams. Big dreams.  Should I get through these goals and dreams, there are even bigger ones around the corner.  My coach is teaching me to challenge myself and do what scares me (but not being stupid at the same time).  So that's what I'm doing.  And I like it.  It's keeping me fired up inside and excited about what the future holds for me as an endurance athlete.  Me. An endurance athlete.  That just sounds so.....weird.  But I think I can rightfully call myself that now after three marathons and a longer distance triathlon. Especially with another marathon, 50k and 55k on the horizon.  Now, it's time to get to work on making myself healthy and strong for the upcoming race season.  Off to a good start in 2016!