All of a sudden I have a 2012 race schedule…

Run buddy Darren asked me if I wanted to run the Moose Mountain Trail Race. Sure, why not. The only reason I actually got in was someone posted on Facebook that the registration was open. I got in, then it was sold out. All 140 spots. I am going to do the 29k version.

This race is Aug 25th.

I was then on facebook – again – and noticed a runner say “We’re in”. Naturally I was curious so I checked what all the hoopla was about. Lo and Behold it was Melissa's Road RaceOut in Banff. This one has a cap of 1500 runners for the 22k (of which I registered) and 2700 ish in the 10k. That’s a lot for Banff townsite. I’ve not run this one before, but we as a family are able to get out and enjoy more time away, I figure a weekend in Banff with a nice little run is perfect. It’s on Sept 22nd. this is an old profile and the route is subject to change, but it’s pretty darn hilly!

I was graciously invited to be included in the K-100 relay again! Woot! So much fun. Again it will be a great time, but this year we will be spending the weekend out there. Also we received corporate sponsorship from Mayfield Toyota in Edmonton, so that means we get an automatic entry and don’t have to rely on the draw. This race has many more applications than capacity so anyone that doesn’t raise a certain amount of money for the HI-Hostels charity may not get in the race. Very disappointing for people. I wrote 2 days worth of stories last year from the event. Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. and a little Part 1.5 interlude is here. It’s all about Joyce Jackie. Don’t drool at the pictures too much. This was the only race that I was counting on being in my calendar. So thanks to the team organizers for inviting me back. I am planning on being much faster this year.

This was the elevation profile of my 14k leg 4 from last year. As I stated in my race report from last year the uphills were pretty tough. Tough enough that the flats really felt like downhills. All good fun tho! The people at this race are amazing, great support from my team and other racers and spectators! I think this year i’ll be getting one of the 2 trail legs at the end of the race. Fine by me, as long as I don’t get legs 5 (straight uphill for 18k) or leg 6 (Seriously downhill for 9k).

This K-100 race is on June 23.

This is one of my favourite race photos I have taken. This is Joanne who ran our Leg 1 for us.

The one that I am REALLY excited about is a new race that is a point-to-point half  marathon event that will run from Black Diamond through amazing foothills scenery all the way to Millarville, where the Famous Farmer’s Market will be celebrating opening day for the season! We love the market and this area of the world and it’s a perfect opportunity to have Andrew and Traci at the finish line cheering me on, then enjoying natures bounty along with great entertainment. The Millarville Half Marathon will be a popular event to be sure! Did I tell you it was Point-to-point! Woo! Here is the MapMyRun route.

Now, how’s this for a pleasant elevation profile! I can get with that for sure!! This race is on June 16th, so only a week before K-100, but I am pretty sure I’ll be focused on a relaxing run while taking pics and videos as I go! Can’t wait!

On top of these races I’m sure I'll get involved in others. I do love to race. I want to run the Harvest Half Marathon this year. I am the Facebook admin for the race and watching it being run last year instead of being in the race was kinda disheartening. I think Org will let me run it for free if I want. Free is good. This race is on Sept 29th this year. So 1 week after Melissa’s but it would for the pure enjoyment. Here is why I love this race so much, it’s my 2010 race report. It was pretty much the day I realized how much I loved running and the day I ran an entire 21.1k non stop for the first time. Also, here is why I love volunteering for the race. And here is my spectators report from last year’s race.

I also volunteer for the Calgary Marathon Org as well. This year the race is on a new route, so it will be interesting to see how it all comes together, but the committee is the best I have experienced so I have no doubt it will be an amazing event. This was my first half marathon back in 2009. My volunteer report from last here are here. Parts 1 and Part 2. This event is an amazing weekend, with a fantastic Race Expo. 8,000 racers can’t be wrong that’s for sure! Calgary Marathon is May 27th This year.

 

May 31 2009 was my first (and fastest) Half Marathon at this race. I was a rookie, I was injured, I was full of bravado. I look back fondly on the race but I am much different person now. I now appreciate every step I take out there, looking at it as a blessing, enjoying the struggle and the triumph. I’m glad I was naive then. It gives me a real perspective to where I’ve been and where I can go again.

The smile was delirium. I was in agony.

If I wasn’t so stupid in training and so injured after that race I may never have become Barefoot Neil (I am better person and runner since I started running barefoot. It kind of grounded me and taught me to appreciate each step)

What are you doing this year?