2013 turned out to be one of my best years, as I was able to hit many of the early season goals that I had set for myself. Some things that I thought were never going to happen again (sub 5 in the mile, sub 17 in the 5km and sub 2:50 marathon) all came to fruition at the culmination of a long season of sticking to a strict training schedule.
I still haven't determined what I will attempt in 2014, but looking back at this year I am very happy. I owe much to Rachel who put up with me during the long hours and the constant fatigue of training. She never wavered once in her support for me. I feel very blessed to have her in my life.
2013 Season Highlights
- 2013 Huntsville Track Club Open Male Gran Prix Series Winner
- Broke 2:50 at Chicago Marathon (2:49:12) and now have run under 3 hours at all 3 US Marathon Majors (2009 2:56:17 at Boston and 2011 2:54:44 at New York). Was also my 3rd fastest marathon ever and 3rd time under 2:50
- Broke 5 minutes in the mile (4:57.61) for the first time at the HTC Track Meet
- Won McKay Hollow Madness 25km by over 7 minutes
- Broke 17 in the 5k for the first time in two years - 16:57 at Spooktacular
- Ran under 6 minute pace for a half marathon - 1:17:48
- Two-time Krispy Kreme Challenge winner, 29:55 in 2013 and 28:53 (course record) in 2011
- Ran 3,600 miles in 2013* (300 per month) - (projected)
- Three-peat overall winner at Care Center 5km
- Summit of Mount Whitney (tallest peak in contiguous United States at 14,497')
- 13 overall wins, 23 total top 3 finishes and only 3 times finished lower than 8th overall
- 39 races (average finish in top 1%)
- 28 times 1st overall in age group M35-39
- Won two HTC races (McKay Hollow Madness 25km, Fund Run 8km)
- Logged over a hundred hours of volunteer time for local area races, the Huntsville Track Club or for Fleet Feet events