With the end of every successful race season comes the ultimate question…What’s next?
As 2012 winds down, I have to look back and first be thankful for a healthy race season, but also take a look at where to set my sights going into 2013. Having finished every race I entered, placing in my age group for the fist time at a local Tri, completing an Ironman and an Ultra in the same season and better understanding what I’m capable of mentally and physically is a tremendous blessing for one season…But what’s next? If I’ve proven to myself that I can complete the distance, why shouldn’t I venture into uncharted territory? Take a step back and commit to being a faster, leaner more dangerous athlete. I can hang my hat on being an endurance athlete, but if 2012 taught me nothing else, I saw how much potential I have to take my racing to the next level. After all, I have the best training weather, the best support staff and the work ethic to make it happen!
With that said, I have made the decision to complete the Michigan Olympic Circuit through 3 Disciplines racing with hopes of qualifying for the Age Group National Championship in 2013. No Ironman’s, no ultra’s and complete focus on one distance. I’ve never been fast and I’ve never been able to pick one distance, but I’ll never know till I try, right? We live in a special state with lots of wonderful racing and the “what if” is entirely too enticing.
I’ll have a lot of work to do, but what else is there to do in the winter months? As an able bodied young man, I have the obligation to continue trying to get better and finding new ways to take advantage of what I’ve been given. What’s on tap for you all this next year? Are you a couch to 5k-er or are you trying to qualify for Kona?
The sky is the limit and that’s what’s made racing so special to me. What makes racing so special to you? Happy trails and here’s to what lies ahead!!!
4 Comments
Good luck on the singular focus. It sounds like a great plan and I am sure special things are in store for you in 2013 as a result! The running season is still in full force but looking forward to 2013, I would like to run a sub-20:00 5k, and a sub-1:40 half marathon. If I do one, both, or neither is really immaterial. The point is without dreams and aspirations, we would never push ourselves to achieve that which seems improbable. Such as you completing an Ironman and Ultra in the same season, or me completing my first marathon. See you, out there!
Like your thought process on what’s next for you. Great goal!
Couldn’t agree more Rick! Good luck with your new PR’s and keep us posted on any progress. Planned any races for 2013 yet?
The Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon on Grosse Isle in March, possibly the 5/3 25k River Run in May, The Detroit River Days 5k in June, our own Priority Health Arts in Motion 5k in September, and the Grand Rapids Marathon next fall. Of course I would also like to run a million 5k’s but probably will have to settle for a dozen or so!