Catching up – Looking Ahead at 2015

January has come to a close and it’s been a little bit of a whirlwind with getting my running schedule set for 2015. I once again joined the Charm City Run Ultramarthon training group and I’ve made a couple new crazy running friends. The training runs with the group have been pretty awesome and I’m loving every moment being with them. They’re definitely my kind of crazy.

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A couple of weeks ago we had a training run at the Susquehanna and had quite a few falls because of the ice, including yours truly. Thank goodness no one was seriously injured. And during times like these, I’m glad I have a little more padding in the back end than most. The best part about the ice…not having to go through the water.

susquehenna part 2

I’ve also been taking Zoey out for the shorter runs. I’m finally getting used to having a dog in the house and she’s been great company on the trails. She’s able to run up to two hours now and I know that she’s ready to go a little longer. Depending on the weather we get this weekend, I might take her to about 2.5 hours.

zoey trails

Last Sunday was especially fun with the group. We headed out to Loch Raven for a flatter trail for about 12 miles and had to deal with mud (or shit mud as we called it) during the second half of our run. Ya’ll know how I feel about mud, but all in all, it was a blast. No major falls…always a bonus on the trails…and no twisted ankles. We even stopped for a moment to play Tarzan on some of the vines on the trees.

loch raven run

The only bad thing about last week was this horrible chaffing that I got in the derriere. WTH? I have never had chaffing like that before and I didn’t do anything different. I just don’t get it. I was cringing at the thought of getting in the shower and when I finally got the nerve to do it, it was as hellish as you could imagine. Totally took my breath away…and not in a good way.

not the chafe

So what’s on tap for 2015? Well, a ton ultras, including my first 100-miler! Right now I’m registered for:

That’s right…a 100-miler people! We are going all the way this year. I’m sure I’ll be adding a few more races as soon as I can, but I’m currently getting a lot of flack from my husband about what’s on tap now. Also, my friend Tom has secured a spot in the Leadville 100 (so jealous) and I have the opportunity to pace for him there! I think I might be just as excited about that as I am about my 100 Miler.

On another note, I’ve been trying to get the root of all of my bronchitis and asthma issues. Turns out that I have allergies…tons of them. Grasses, trees, cats, dust, cockroaches and a few more that I can’t remember right now. That’s right…cockroaches. They test for that?? I had no idea! Anyway, my Asthma and Allergy Specialist is putting me on weekly shots for the next year and then we’ll go to monthly shots for another year. After that, I should be good to go! Why didn’t they figure this out two years ago?!

allergies

OH! I did not forget about my Taiwan Marathon review!!! Just need to put pen to paper….or fingers to keyboard. I will get to it…really…I will.

With all that I have lined up so far, I’m sure I’ll have some amazing stories to tell. Tell me, what’s on your 2015 running schedule this year?

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12 thoughts on “Catching up – Looking Ahead at 2015

  1. I like how color coordinated you are!
    And I’m stunned at your race schedule. If it were me, that 100 miler would be the only thing on my list, but then again, I’m not the one doing a 100 miler, so I wouldn’t know what I would do. That’s really cool.
    My dad has similar allergies and is just about done with his weekly shots. They’re a pain, since the small doses cause some allergy symptoms 24-48 hours after the shot and one wonders why one has them done, but he says his general symptoms (not shot induced) are better, so once the shots are done, he’s a happy camper. 🙂 hope the same works out for you!

    • Thanks! Good to know about the allergy symptoms. I was planning on getting them done on Fridays, but since I do my long runs on the weekends, perhaps I’ll change it to earlier in the week. Thanks!!!

  2. That’s an impressive list of races right there. 100 miles – I can’t even imagine. I know a couple of people that have gotten those allergy shots and they have totally worked. It’s a bit of a pain (human pin cushion) but worth it if you can be outside on the trails without worrying about stupid allergies. Good luck!

  3. You are a rock star, Sandy. I don’t know that I’ll ever even consider a 100 miler but I will live vicariously through you. I’m looking forward to my misadventures in the Blue Ridge Marathon, with a smattering of half marathons and hopefully that illusive 50k.

  4. I hope the shots take care of things for you. And a 100 miler? Wowza. I’m only in my 2nd year running, so I’m looking forward to doing my 2nd and 3rd half marathons. Good luck!

  5. Wow what a line up! I sat this morning reading this, with coffee in hand, and told my hubs that im so jealous! Haha. I need to just take the plunge into the ultra distance. Its been on my heart for as long as i can remeber. The Grand Canyon sounds absolutely incredible as does Woodstock. I luaghed at the name. Cant wait to follow along and hear about them!
    And good luck with your allergies. Glad you know. Hope that all works out. Shots tho!! 😩

  6. Love it Sandy! at least you dont have to give youreslf the shots, but know you have a nurse readily available if you need it! 😉 looking forward to running some trails with you hopefully this year!!!

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