The year that was & the year that will be

After an amazing 2008, running trails on the Nth Shore Mountains of Vancouver and surrounds, tripping across Canada and running in the New York Marathon, 2009 has been all about settling back into life in Aussie and reassessing goals and ambitions. Having already been through the experience, both Tanya and I knew it would take time to settle back in after being away for nearly 2 years and it has been the case.  I must admit that I did have withdrawals from running and living in Vancouver, missing the amazing trails, big selection of races and most of all the group of amazing runners I met. In saying that I have been able to compete  in some local trail runs in Brisbane and surrounds, with the biggy being my first ever Kokoda Challenge (KC), a 96km trail run in the hinterland of the Gold Coast.

I am lucky enough to have a group of running buddies here in Brisbane that keep me motivated and honest and was privlidged to join with 3 of those mates to compete in the KC as team Fighting Koalas. Having never run in a team event, it was a new experience and one that I gained a lot from. Our main goal of finishing as a team meant a lot of time and effort was put into preparation and planning for the event and ensuring we were ready to go on the day. The event threw its fair share of challenges at us, but the the boys rose to the challenge and out of 300 odd teams, we were the 8th team across the line with all four teamates together (our main priority). The satisfaction of sharing the experince with good mates was special and I was  very proud to be part of the Fighting Koalas on this day.

After sorting out some career issues and settling back in to Brisbane life (not really that tough!!), my passion is back and stronger than ever. I am starting to talk Tanya’s ear off again about all the events I want to run in 2010 and getting excited about what lies ahead. I am planning to mix up my running with other stuff, such as swimming mountain biking and include plenty of core and stretching work. I have been going to Pilates once a week and finally got talked into joining a small swimming squad, meeting twice a week.

After an extended time away from my blog, I am planning to keep it a bit more updated and use it as a source to motivate me for a big 2010. I love hearing what others are up to and reading blogs from friends in Canada such as Pricey and Ellie, keeps me in the loop and continually jealous. 

I will leave you with my plan of attack so far and hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and may 2010 be a great year for hitting the trails.

Mt Glorious – Sun 7 Feb – 32km mountain trail run

Six Foot Track Marathon (Blue Mountain, NSW) – Sat 13 March – 45km

Pinnacles (Brisbane State Forest) – Sat 10 Apr – 18km/all hills

The North Face 100 (Blue Mountain, NSW)   – Sat & Sun 15/16 May – 100k

Lake Manchester – Sun 20 Jun

Glasshouse Mountains Flinders Tour – Sat 24 July – 50km

Flight Centre Epic Mountain Bike –Aug – 100k

Glasshouse Mountains Trail Runs– 12-13 Sep – 100k or 100 mile (depend how I am feeling!)

Lamington National Classic – 23/24 Oct – 22km x 2