This ones going to be a tough one to write. Not because there’s anything revolutionary to report but just because so much has happened in the last year and there are so many big plans for next year.  It’s mostly to bring you (and me in 20yrs) up to speed.

It was one year ago that I announced signing with Salomon and what a year that proved to be. I mean, there were trips galore that I couldn’t have even imagined I would be lucky enough to be a part of and places I never thought I would see in my lifetime. Signing with Salomon was, to say the least, a very good move. We’ve worked on product together, I’ve designed custom footwear that I would never have the opportunity to do with anyone else. I’ve asked for spikes in a Fellcross outsole with the upper of a Sonic and they delivered a shoe to my door two weeks later. If you don’t realize it, that’s absolutely incredible, and something no one else can do.  I’ve been able to hang out with some of the best athletes in the world, some of which we haven’t even heard of yet in the USA, like Remi Bonnet. And it’s a team, and I mean a real team, a family team. I haven’t felt like I’ve had a team relationship like this since college. We support each other, cheer for each other, and there are so many genuinely good people. It’s awesome.

https://www.facebook.com/salomonrunning/videos/10156405010485346/

Strava says I ran 3811mi in 510hrs with 540,151ft climbed in 2015. I visited 7 countries and raced 14 times (a little low for me actually).  There were countless road miles getting ready for the LA Marathon and Comrades and some epic mountain adventures in the Wallowas and Cascades just getting away from “training”.  I wrote 15 articles for RaceCenterNW and Competitor and spoke to hundreds of athletes about how to run, why to run, and where to run. From those same athletes I heard many stories that inspired me to keep doing what I’m doing and wanting to do even more.  I took my wife to France for an amazing vacation in the Alps and took the kids camping, boating, and skiing (probably a few more things in there too).

I ended the year at The Endurance Challenge in December on a particularly low note while in possibly the best shape I’ve ever been in. Something I’ve noticed as you go up in distance the ability for me to predict how I will race has gone down. It’s still a learning process with every race. There are highs and frustrating lows. This is true of any job/sport/goal and the point isn’t to let these define you but to let your response to these outcomes be the keyhole into who you are as a person and athlete. In particular to let your response to the frustrations show your true self and to show others that while frustrating, we can use them as learning experiences and a chance to be a gracious “loser” and keep what we do in perspective.  

In the past it’s been more about the outcome, the win really, but as I age (gracefully I hope) it’s less about how these races go (though I still want to win) and more about how I can teach and inspire a new generation of athletes into champions and good people. Using what I’ve learned through winning and losing and training and researching to inspire a change in someone to be a better person whether they’re 55 or 18, or to work toward a goal whether it’s a first 5k or a 3000mi long journey.

This year there are big goals of racing well at the Olympic Trials in February, Comrades in May and maybe, just maybe Leadville in August. The idea is to make a roadtrip out to Colorado and live there for a month and prep for Leadville at high elevation. We’ll see what pans out. Wow, there are too many races to list and too many adventures to undertake. It’s a good thing I have a few more good years left.

We’re also working on a high school trail running camp because I think it’s needed. It’s an area that is underserved and I think it would be super cool to be able to teach kids why we’re all so passionate about running through the woods. More to come on that front later on.

Along with the running races I’m planning on a skimo race or two later in the winter. I’ve skied all my life and to be able to combine two passions with a new sport is pretty cool. It’s not only great cross training for mountain races it’s a ton of fun as well. The goal is to get into the Powder Keg this spring for my first big skimo race and go against the big guns in the US. I’m going to get my butt kicked but that’s part of the fun and will give me a goal for improvement next year. Afterall, that’s what it’s about, small incremental improvements to make yourself better from year to year.

Last year was amazing and this year is shaping up to be just as incredible. I’m so lucky to get to do what I do and I would be remiss not to give shouts out to those around me that allow me to do what I do like sponsors and my wife that’s puts up with all the running around on a daily basis (pun intended). Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos, vids, and other random adventures throughout the year to keep up on a daily basis. Hopefully you’ll find it inspiring, maybe you’ll learn something, or at the very least it will help you get out the door for your next run.

Thanks to Salomon, Swiftwick, GU Energy Labs, Flora Healthy, Footzone, Recharge Sport, and REP Lab.

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