Race Report – 2015 Scottsdale Challenge Half Marathon

             As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, I’m a big fan of the running shoe store, Road Runner Sports. The main thing I like about them is how active each store gets in the running community surrounding it. They put on a lot of great, free events, are a great resource to look for local races, and occasionally they support a local runner/blogger who is looking for help to achieve his goals (cough… me… cough). I’ve been involved with the Scottsdale and Tempe locations for more than 3 years now and the experience has been great.

Race Report - Crown King Scramble 50K 2015

             I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but some of the best races I’ve ever participated in have been those that Aravaipa Running puts on. This local company in Phoenix, Arizona really focuses on providing a good experience to the runner and it’s obvious that the races are put on for runners, by runners.

            That being said, I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about their Crown King Scramble 50K and I was extremely excited to be able to participate in this race after years of hearing about it. Between the challenging course, the breathtaking views, and the incredible volunteers and race staff, this year’s Crown King Scramble will definitely go down as one of my favorite races of 2015.

Race Report - The Lost Dutchman Marathon

            I woke up even earlier than my typical 5:00 AM rising time on Sunday, February 15^th, to get dressed and ready for the 14^th Annual Lost Dutchman Marathon. While washing my eyes out and getting my brain going, I felt a little strange. Here I was, on the morning of a full, 26.2 mile marathon and I didn’t feel the pre-race jitters typical of race day. I didn’t have any gear laid out or prepared, except for the race number that I attached to my race belt the night before. I got dressed the same way I get dressed for a long run and I decided, last minute, to bring along a hand-held bottle. I stuffed some Honey Stinger Energy Chews into my belt, threw on my Road Runner Sports hat and headed out the door.

I’m Back! Sorry About The Break…

             It has been a pretty long while since I’ve posted anything and for that, I need to apologize to anyone who might read this blog. I went back to school to finish my degree in Exercise Science and between that, coaching for Racelab and getting all my running in, I haven’t had much of a moment to sit down and write. But since life is all about finding a balance, I have carved out some time to update you, my tiny audience, about my training and my journey.

            The training for the 7 Dirty Thirties is going really well. I am getting all my long runs in, recovering well, and feeling stronger and stronger every week. Currently, I am averaging between 60 and 70 miles a week, with easy weeks at around 40-50 miles. This will continue growing over the next few months, and I am very excited to see what I am capable of.

Honey Stinger - My First Sponsor!

I have really exciting news!! This morning I got an email confirming my first sponsorship! Honey Stinger has been kind enough to show their support of me and my journey to the 7 Dirty Thirties. 

Training for 7 Dirty Thirties - Part 1

Up the Ante - Finding My Next Challenge

“Endurance sports are about finding a challenge and conquering it. When the challenge has been conquered, you must raise the bar or get bored.”

            Until recently, I was training for a marathon in February. I know, full well, the challenge involved with running a marathon and I will never diminish or discount it. However, I did not feel the excitement or energy that I usually experience when I start to train for my next goal. I did not feel challenged or pushed with the concept of training for a road marathon. I hadn’t fully realized this until I attended an event recently, called the TrailRunning Film Festival, which showcases short films about trail running, trail runners, and trail running races. During this event, I came to the realization that I needed a bigger challenge and that the marathon I was planning on doing was not enough.