My Year in Running 2014

This post is a little late, as last year or I guess 2013 I did it before the new year turned over.  As I have started back up running in August of 2013, or at least gotten a lot more serious about it, I think this post is necessary to reflect on the progress I am making as a runner.  Below is a list of things that have defined my running for the past year.

1. Long Distances: This year I set out on a few challenges.  In 2013 I started my training for an ultra marathon.  I completed the Triple D Winter Race in Dubuque, IA in January (50k or 31 miles) and the Hawkeye 50k in February.  After finishing those two races it was time to put my training to the test and run the Zumbro 50 miler in Theilman, MN.  After one loop of 17 miles on the most grueling terrain I have ever run on my body was in pain.  I set out on the second loop and mid way through felt like my body was going through hell.  The bottoms of my feet were bruised, my knees were aching bad, and my calves were screaming.  I was exhausted from starting the race at midnight with minimal sleep before hand and then running through the night on minimal light and company.  After I finished the second loop (34 miles after I started), I dropped out.  Though I didn't finish the race itself my journey to completing 50 miles(and potentially more in the future is far from over).  I ended up running Dam to Dam and running 1:26 for a half marathon, and then completing Marathon to Marathon in Storm Lake with a finishing time of 3:04 which was 45 seconds from my PR.  
2. Short Distances: During the summer and fall I ran quite a few short distance races like 5k and one 10k.  Every once in awhile it is nice to see where I am at for these distances.  Competing in races in Fort Dodge to support local groups is always nice.  
3. Injury: Sometime shortly after my failed attempt at 50 miles I decided to set out again and train for another one, this time in Savage, MN in October.  I was well into my training in August when I felt a sharp pain in my calf.  I went to the doctor where I was told I had a slight tear in the calf and would have to be in a boot for up to three weeks.  My training was put on hold and there was no way I could give up three weeks of training and still complete 50 miles, so the plan was put on hold.
4. Training: Crazy is something runners take as a compliment.  I told myself I would not try to do Zumbro again because the course is brutal.  I want to finish 50 miles though and I don't want to wait, so I started training again in November.  I am registered for the 50 miler and this time I will finish it.
5. Passion: To many people running any distance is an accomplishment.  I never judge the first time 5k-er.  I applaud any sort of effort or passion towards the sport of running and to me it's always about getting more people involved in road races and just the activity itself.  It takes a lot of motivation and passion to become a true runner.  For a long time the marathon has been the ultimate distance for people to complete.  It's an event that is on a lot of people's bucket lists.  Running a marathon is truly an accomplishment.  You push your body to unfathomable limits, through exhaustion and pain.  Some people will approach me knowing I have run a few 50k's and completed 34 miles and assume 26.2 is a breeze.  It's not a breeze, I still hit a wall at about 18 miles.  I still have moments where I want to give up.  I have trained my body and my mind for such distances, and it's still painful in every aspect.  Passion for this activity isn't easy to come by.  I have coached a few athletes and all of them are great in their own way.  I applaud their efforts and their achievements.  One of my athletes completed Marathon to Marathon with me this past summer at the age of 16.  He was the youngest runner to finish and even register for the full marathon.  He finished in, right around, 3:40, which is a phenomenal time for a person who is used to training for and running 5k's.  When I was 16 I thought running a 10k was far.  This is a great accomplishment I was happy to be a part of that achievement.  I give all credit to that athlete, because running a marathon is a lonely endeavor, that is only accomplished through self motivation and sacrifice.
6. Shoes: As I moved to running in more minimalist shoes I decided to go full bore and try out a zero drop shoe.  A zero drop shoe means basically that their is no heel lift.  I went for the New Balance Minimus 10v2 Trail shoe.  I bought the shoe at Brown's Shoe Fit Company in Fort Dodge, where I am now employed part time.  I love the shoe and I love running this way.  On top of that, since I started working for Brown's, I was also exposed to a wider variety of running shoes and have been able to try out a lot of new shoes.  I bought the following shoes this year and have run in them: The On Cloudracer, Vibram FiveFingers, Salomon Speedcross 3.  The On and Salomon are not minimalist shoes, but I still love the shoes.  Good form is good form and that is hat I have found.  Shoes do make a difference, but what makes more of a difference is running form.  I am still able to forefoot strike with my Salomons even though the shoe is a little more bulky than what I am used to.  I have sensitive feet so running more than 15 miles in my New Balance 10v2s starts to get painful, so it is nice to have a little cushion on those longer runs and those recovery runs.  My advice to anyone is don't stick to one shoe, mix it up a bit.

A lot of great things happened this year pertaining to running.  The 6 things above highlight what my year was all about when it comes to running.  Even though 2014 was great I am positive that 2015 will be even greater.