The last few months

As you are fully aware, I have not blogged in a while.  There have been a few life events that have taken place, and a few races.  I will offer an update here. 

My last race that I posted was Waitsfield, Vermont back in July - state #41.

Since that race I have travelled to Seattle, WA twice, Park City, UT, Omaha, NE, Milwaukee, WI, Hill City, SD, Huntington, WV, and LasVegas, NV.  and run 5 other half marathons bringing my state tally to 46. 

In Nebraska, I travelled alone, but had a friend drive over from Grand Island and take me out to dinner.  I raced fairly well, finishing 2nd in my age group.

I travelled next to Milwaukee, WI - again alone - and ran through the Brewer's stadium toward the finish.  That was pretty fun.  Also had a decent race.  It was chilly, but not COLD.  I placed 2nd or 3rd in my age group there as well... and just off my PR.

Next up was Crazy Horse, South Dakota.  It was freezing, literally.  29ºF.  Valerie went with me on this one and we did some sight seeing.  We had a good time and I raced a PR.  1:34:54.  Also 2nd in my age group.  I was not supposed to run this one hard, but it was so cool and very few uphill segments.  I'll take it.

Then came Marshall University, WV.  I piggy backed this trip with a work trip to Seattle.  I messed up the flights, so it cost me an extra $900 or so to get there and back.  I was angry, but I am over it now.  This one was also a nice cool race,  Raced well and placed 1st in my age group.

Then came Vegas.  It was a night race down (or up) (actually both up and down now that I recall it) the Las Vegas strip.  That was fun.  It was a huge race.  There were 30,000 people in this one.  I had a bad race (for me).  I just did not feel good while running.  I wasn't sick or anything, just felt poorly.  My knee hurt.  My calf hurt.  My thigh hurt.  My IT band hurt.  I  started out OK, but quickly and steadily deteriorated.  Still finished in the top 5% (3.9), but I was not pleased with my race.  I suppose ya cannot race your best at every race. 

4 states to go... and Washington D.C. 

I won't present all of the details here, but I mentioned a few life events.  These events have not and will not help me to improve the way I had hoped.  We lost my dad in October.  Lost my mom in November and her husband six days later.  We moved, renovating the old house, making the new house a home, and we are getting a house for Keeley in Tallahassee as she goes to college in December.  Oh, and did I mention that I crashed my bike on my commute to work last week and broke my elbow?  ~ a few life events, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am compelled to say that God has been ever present in all of these events and happenings.  He has been gentle and merciful and faithful through it all.  He has provided for us at every step.  I am tremendously thankful. 

This sphere on which we reside continues to spin around in circles, so we too will press on.

Next race is Dec 15 in Maryland.  My surgeon has not told me that I cannot race, but then again, I did not ask him.  Wish me luck.