Looking Ahead...

I want to start by giving you folks an update. After the official results were released from this past weekends Pittsfield Peaks 54 Miler, I officially finished in 8th place. For only the 2nd time in my ultra-running career, I have a top 10 finish. I cannot tell you how elated this makes me heading into Western States and the rest of the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running. I want to acknowledge those of you who have shared excitement and support these last few months with your positive affirmations. I whole heartedly accept your support and appreciate it very much. Of course, it goes without saying that there are still a few cowards out there in the world who love to try to bring a man down when he's high. Not going to happen here pup. While at times I have felt undertrained, I have stuck to my game plan heading into the summer. Lower miles, more concentrated training and allowing each race to be a stepping stone for the next. Finishing a loop at Barkley, having the maturity to bow out of McNaughton in May and then to pour it on in June. You can say what you want but I'm ready and I'm still standing tall.

I am about to embark on one of the most amazing summers of my lifetime, one epic run after another from now through September, with what I hope to be an exclamation point in October. I'm super pumped, beyond excited and feeling ready to roll on this adventure of mine, this adventure in ultra-running.

With that being said, we're going to start taking a closer look at the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run coming up on June 26th. It took me four years of qualifying and entering the lottery to even get into this race, and given then once again changed entry procedures, who knows how many years it will be before I get in again. Given this harsh reality is why I'm most excited to be able to run in the Grand Slam this year.

As Western States gets closer the interviews are starting to appear across the web. On websites, other runners blogs, in race programs, podcasts. But per the usual, the only people getting interviewed are the front runners. This both bores me and frustrates me to no avail. In my mind and in my eyes, the real stories come from the middle and the back of the pack. The folks who fight for every step, are out there nearly twice as long as the winner and those who fit running into their lives when they can. Between work, family, etc.. these are the resilient runners. While I know the front runners lead normal lives as well.. I do not think that just because they train more, have big sponsors and are gifted genetically makes their stories any more interesting or impressive. So.. in the next 2 weeks I'm happy to be bringing to you candid interviews with some of my fellow mid-pack runners. Jeff Genova from Arkansas returns to Western States to duel with a course that left him on the ground in 2009 with mere miles to go. Christian Griffith from Georgia is a first time runner, super stoked to get his legs under him on those hills and David "Sniper" Snipes, a grizzled ultra-veteran who will take on the Western States course himself. I'm also working on Jan Welford, if I can contact him, about his 1st time running in the event. Jan hold the record for hiking the Adirondack 46ers the fastest. Very interesting runners with compelling stories and a lot to share. I hope you'll tune in and read what they have to say.

We'll also be taking a closer look at not only this races but the rest of the races in the Grand Slam. I am the youngest runner entered in the Slam this year and the youngest runner since 2006 (21). With much excitement, we'll talk about how these races compare, what to expect, entry and all the other facets of what makes this series a unique sporting event.

SJ