Closing Out 2016, and Setting Goals for the Coming Year: Slacker Blog Update 12-31-2016

So that's a wrap for 2016's running, and while I didn't run nearly as much as I'd hoped for, I feel like my runs were quality over quantity.  I've been switching over to almost all trail running from roads, and unless it's a run with friends or for some special reason, I really just prefer trails!  In fact, I closed out the year with back-to-back 10-milers on wet, icy trails with friends on this holiday weekend.

I was fortunate enough to be able to do some minor traveling for races, and the plan is for that to continue into the New Year!  I've already entered (and booked lodging for) every big race I'm planning for?  Already???  Yup, all the way through late September, my dance card is full, including a Skyrace and a 100-miler :)

So...here's some quick stats to sum up 2016:

Miles:  1197 vs. 1022 last year (Way low, hoping to fix that)
Runs:  233
Hours run:  236
Elevation gain:  126,299' vs. 68,402 last year (Very proud of this number!  When you consider that almost all my running is on hilly, technical trails, getting this amount of vertical gain on such a low number of miles is pretty cool.  It's also way higher than any other year by a longshot!)

Races:  18 (6 road, 12 trail) - 8 less than 2015.  Every road race I did was for a specific reason (RD is a friend, great cause, etc), and I'll continue that trend for the coming year.  Otherwise, it's all trails!

Longest race:  50 miles.  The Cayuga Trails 50 was my first 50-mile attempt, and I did it!  It was very warm, and a long day with many DNFs, but once I got through the mile 37.5 aid station, I knew I had it locked in.  Awesome day on a beautiful course, made new friends, drank from a waterfall mid-race, and the volunteers were incredible!  Already signed up again, and now I know what to expect...

Toughest race:  Kismet Cliff "Beast of the East" 1/2 Marathon.  Almost 5,000' of technical climbing, it kicked my ass, and caused me to withdraw from my next two races.  Brutal!

Best performance:  Breakneck Point?  Another tough race, I managed 3:37 for the 1/2 Marathon, with 4500'+ feet of climbing.  Felt really good at this race, and comfortable with the terrain...

Worst performance:  Ghost Train 100.  I went in undertrained, didn't judge the conditions right, and it all fell to shit after mile 20.  I made it to 45 miles and pulled the plug.  Not a good day, although I did meet some really cool people and got to see my friend Claire destroy the course!

Sooo....

Predictions for 2017:

1500+ miles.  Needs to happen.
Sub 6:00 mile.  Maybe?  I've been close, but not in a while.
Sub 20:00 5k.  Have to check this box, I've been close enough that it has to happen.
7 Sisters sub 3:00.  Yes.
CT50 Course PR.  It's a go!
Complete first 100 mile race...not giving up on this, I know I can do it...

I've also spaced out my races enough to allow for recovery, and scheduled everything accordingly.  Gonna be smarter about training! (Beth rolls eyes, says "yeah, right!")

Race tomorrow!

---Crutch