New Year’s Eve often finds many people reflecting on the past year and making resolutions or promises for the upcoming year. While I’ve heard many deride the whole review of the past year, and making resolutions for the upcoming year, what’s wrong with evaluating your life and looking at how you can better yourself and add further enjoyment to one’s life? Here are just a few thoughts from my 2013 and looking forward to 2014.
Starting off the New Year right with a RMR group run up Green Mt, Happy 2014!
2013 started with me on the road to recovery after being hit by a car in October 2012. My race season was filled with highs (50mile PR in Mississippi, 7:29:07) and lows (my first DNF at UTMB). My running season ended on a high note with two new speedy PRs at the 10k (37:41) and 5k (17:38) at the Pleasanton Double. I was also fortunate to have several fantastic adventures in the Utah deserts, to share in the marriage of two of my best friends, to see the White Mountains for the first time and to travel Europe (France/Switzerland/Italy) with my family and see many amazing sites. While work has been busy; my lab’s research into HIV disease has produced several peer reviewed journal articles in 2013 and we have several other successful projects in progress.
Trail running outside Zermatt, high in the Alps where I belong.
Showing off my hardware after two PRs at the Pleasanton Double 10k/5k races, 22nd overall, 3rd age group.
But now its 2014 and I’m looking forward to all the amazing things the next year will bring and to learn from all the experiences of 2013 to make myself better and stronger. I already have several races on the calendar for 2014; Mississippi 50 in March to defend my title, Miwok 100k in May, Hardrock 100mi in July (finally!), and I’m still awaiting the UTMB lottery for a possible chance at returning to Chamonix for redemption for last year’s DNF. Additionally I’m excited to announce that I’m continuing as an Athlete representing Vfuel and as an Ambassador for Hind Activewear. Soon I will be an uncle as well, congrats sis! I’m looking forward to starting 2014 healthy and with a renewed dedication for whatever comes my way this year.
Happy New Year to all of you out there, may your 2014 be filled with fun, adventure, great friends and personal growth. Never forget to see the good in everything and to relish every experience that presents itself.
2013 Stats
2642.8 miles; 580,700ft elevation gained; 646 hours on feet; 4 Ultramarathons completed; 3 New PRs (50mi, 10k, 5k); 7 US States visited (Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah); 3 Countries visited (France, Switzerland, Italy)