This post is one in a series about my personal running; training and racing. For other posts like this, click here.
I recapped my 2012 running season the other day. Here’s looking ahead to 2013; the races I hope to do and some goals I have.
(Some dates aren’t official yet and I’ve guesstimated). Updates in are blue.
Main Goals:
1) Run a sub 3:05 marathon (BQ) (Complete!)
2) Run sub 6hours on the Knee Knacker (if I get into the race) (Didn’t win lottery)
3) Run my first 50miler (Complete!)
4) Log over 2,400km of training (Fail – Ran a total of 2,144km)
5) Run first snowshoe race (Fail)
6) Following Tom Craik as inspiration, try a Cyclocross race just for fun. (Fail)
Yeti Snowshoe Race: Whistler – March 2
Distance: 12km
Previous time: 2:49:46 (2011), 2:36:19 (2012)
2013 goal: Just to beat 2012’s time. I’m also going to do the relay this year which should be fun!
Update: Ended up moving houses this weekend, wasn’t able to run.
Dirty Duo 25km – March 23
Distance: 25km
Previous time: 2:49:46 (2011), 2:36:19 (2012)
2013 goal: Just to beat 2012’s time. I’m also going to do the relay this year which should be fun!
Result: 2:26:18 – although officially not listed in the results as I did the relay.
Full race report can be seen here.
Cap Crusher – March 9
Distance: 8km
Previous time: N/A
2013 goal: A new race
Result: 43:47 – 1st place overall finish!
Full race report can be seen here.
Vancouver Marathon – May 5
Distance: 42.2km
Previous time: 4:14 (2010), 3:29:56 (2011), 3:16:22 (2012)
2013 goal: Sub 3h 05min (Boston Qualifying time)
Notes: In 2012 I shaved 14 minutes off my marathon time but was nowhere near a BQ time. This year this is my primary goal for the first half of year. I really want to get into Boston.
Result: 3:02:43, 12/300 Age group, 60/2815 Males – BQ!
5 Peaks Trail: Golden Ears – May 11
Distance: 14km
Previous time: 1:12:21 (2011), 1:10:15 (2012)
2013 goal: One week out from Van Marathon I’m not expecting to set any course records
Result: 1:08:18, 4/11 Age group.
Buckin’ Hell: May 18
Distance: 20km Solo
Previous time: N/A
2013 goal: None
Result: 1:47:46, 4th overall
North Shore Triathlon – May 20
Distance: Sprint (~26km)
Previous time: 1:36:02 (2011), 1:25:05 (2012)
2013 goal: To get out of the pool in under 18 minutes (ie, 5 minutes faster than last year!). A total time of ~1:19 or faster
Notes: My third stab at this tri. The first two times I embarrassed myself in the water
Update: I still can’t swim and I don’t have the time or desire to spend hours and hours in the pool. I’m putting the idea of becoming a triathlete on hold for the foreseeable future.
5 Peaks Trail: Squamish – June 8
Distance: 11km
Previous time: 1:01:33 (2012)
2013 goal: To be faster than last year
Result: 56:36, 4/19 Age group, 9th overall Mens
As always, a fun 5 Peaks race. Was surprised to shave so much time off last year’s effort considering how little running I had done since the marathon. However, part of the reason was they delayed the start of the Sport course runners by 20 minutes this year. This left the amazing downhill stretch down Credit Line trail wide open when we got there this year, and I’m sure I saved a few minutes just from not having to dodge other runners. Awesome course!
Seek the Peak – June 15
Distance: 16km
Previous time: 2h 45min (2009), 2h 17min (2010), 1:50:59 (2011), 1:46:39 (2012)
2013 goal: Be faster than last year, a top 15 overall finish
Notes: In 2009 this was the first race I ever ran (with no training). Super fun race from Ambleside to the peak of Grouse.
Result: 1:40:41, 8/82 Age group, 15th overall
Love this race. My grind time was PR at 39:06. I was a little bit faster on the last 3 legs, and a few seconds slower on the first leg compared to last year. Finally, there was good weather for this race, and I’m sure that helped my time a bit.
North Shore Knee Knackering Trail Run – July 13
Distance: 48km
Previous time: 6:29:00 (2012)
2013 goal: To finish sub 6 hours
Notes: Last year this was my first ultra. I was completely under-trained, and not sure what to expect for my first 30miler. I think with the experience from last year and by joining the weekend training runs, sub 6 should be very doable.
Update: Didn’t get in via the lottery. I now have a 33% success rate with this race.
5 Peaks Trail: Cypress – Jul 20
Distance: 14km
Previous time: 1:30:06 (2012)
2013 goal: Beat last years time
Notes: Last year, this was a week after the Knee Knacker and my body was broken. I ended up walking the final 5k because my calves were torn. Not expecting much different this year.
Result: Tore my groin playing soccer. Did not race.
Squamish 50 – Aug 10
Distance: 50km
Previous Time: n/a
2013 goal: To finish
Notes: The 50miler sold out before I even considered registering. Luckily there’s a 50k option this year, so this will be a great ‘warmup’ for MYM. Really looking forward to this one.
Result: 6:40:12, 4th Age group, 10th Men
Full race report is here.
5 Peaks Trail: Whistler – Aug 25
Distance: 10.6km
Previous time: 1:15:29 (2011)
2013 goal: To beat last 2011’s time
Result: Wasn’t able to race due to parental duties :)
Meet your Maker – Sep 1
Distance: 50 miles
Previous time: N/A
2013 goal: Survive my first 50mi
Result: 12:01:24, 3/13 Age group, 32nd Overall.
Whoa, was not ready for my first 50miler. Was a great learning experience and overall fun day though.
Coho Run – Sep 8
Distance: 14km
Previous time: 1hr 05min (2010), 1:01:52 (2011), 59:16 (2012)
2013 goal: Under 1hr again if I run – however 1 week after my first 50miler, this may not be wise (or possible) to even race.
Update: Did not run, friend’s wedding.
5 Peaks Trail: Buntzen Lake – Sep 28
Distance: 15.5km
Previous time: 1hr 28min (2010), 1:17:53 (2011), 1:33:20* (2012)
2013 goal: Beat last year’s time
Notes: *Last year this course reverted back to the original, longer course
Update: Did not run, travelling.
Okanagan Half Marathon – Oct 13
Distance: 21.1km
Previous time: 2hr 08min (2009), 1hr 41min (2010), 1:37:15 (2011), 1:30:44 (2012)
2013 goal: sub-90 minutes!!
Update: Did not run, friend’s wedding.
Hallow’s Eve Trail – Oct 20
Distance: 21.1km
Previous time: 2h 10min (2010), 2:08:01 (2011), 2:04:59
2013 goal: 2hr
Update: Did not run, was running the Grand Canyon!
