Off My Rocker? 2017 Race Planning?? What the Hell??? Week of 6-20 to 6-26

I'm gonna state, for the record, that my 2017 race list does not include smaller local races yet, or anything below a 1/2 marathon distance (except 7 Sisters, but it makes the cut because it's the damn 7 Sisters).  It's a rough draft.  Subject to change.  It's streamlined, like me at 149 pounds after the 50!  If it weren't for the beer, I'd be downright waiflike...(insert gratuitous Eurotrash supermodel photo here)...

I'd also submit this:  I really, really like the longer distance races and anything with elevation, even though I'm a completely average and "middle of the pack," runner.  The races are spectacular and way too much fun...and the destination races rock!  Something about getting way outside of your comfort zone for events like these...

So yes, I'm looking at a 100-miler.  The question, though:  start out with a relatively easy, rolling loop or out/back course, just to get one under my belt (Ghost Train, TARC, Umstead), or shoot straight for a gnarly, kick-your-ass mountain race (MMT100, Eastern States)?  I have to consult some of my people, the ones who have completed the distance, and get a feel for what the Hell I should expect.  I did learn from the CT50 that running the entire time is not an option for me, but that I can walk/run for a long time after the first 25-30 miles, and I think I can build on that base...and I may have some company on the local level, which would be very, very cool...

Monday - 0 Miles! - On the other hand, I'm officially on the waitlist for the Ghost Train 100...gonna have to reclaim my headlamp from the wife, who's using it when she's knitting...

Tuesday - 5 Miles.  Hot Mystic Run.  I got done working in Wallingford and it was already 85 degrees, but a quick check of the Weather Channel showed Mystic clocking in at 74!  Beat the heat, right?  Wrong, sucka!  Hot all around today.  I banged out 5 miles, ran out of fluids and got the Hell outta there.  Tons of tourists, too.  Mid-run, I heard the bells go off for the drawbridge, and I tried to get there in time to cross, but it didn't happen.  Great place to run though!

 Wednesday - 1.5 Miles.  Lower Lantern Hill trail run with my daughter.  She is, apparently, serious about being ready for soccer season, and specifically requested a trail run to kick things off.  Who am I to say no?  So I opted for the easy, gravelly lower Lantern Hill trail, with an option to hit the harder trails if she was up for it.  1.5 miles in 80-degree weather and she was all set, and I didn't push.  Hope this turns into a regular thing!

Thursday - 0 Miles.  Travel day.

Friday - 7 Miles.  Potsdam, NY trail/campus run.  Weird that I was born in this town, and haven't been here in 43-ish years?  I was in town for a burial service for my grandparents.  They met and went to college at St. Lawrence University in nearby Canton.  They passed away last year, and last week my cousins picked up their ashes and a granite bench with the family tree inscribed on it, and drove them from Oregon all the way to upstate New York (where they were laid to rest in the family burial plot.  An incredible journey.  I could say more, but let's just say that it was an incredibly moving tribute to two very special people.  Military service for my Granddad, who was a P-51 pilot in WWII, with 21-gun salute.  Badass.  I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the veterans who volunteer their time to honor one of their own with a solemn ceremony that hasn't been lost through the years.  It was also really awesome to be there with 20+ family members from all parts of the country to recognize and celebrate the lives of these incredible people, whose thirst for adventure and travel led them all over the world, and to live in every region of the country during their time together.  Incredible.

Oh, and I ran 7 miles.

Saturday - 0 Miles.  Travel day.  North NY through the Adirondacks, Mass., and CT to home.  Would love to check out the Adirondacks it's a 6 million acre state park with a kazillion miles of trails and lakes and mountains and cool shit to see, and I'm the only one in this house who appreciates it...Grrrrr...

Sunday - 6 Miles - Beach run, Misquamicut.  High tide and warm, and tons of people, but hey!  At least I didn't run any little kids over, right Mike?  Hahaha...