Happy New Year! Thank you all for joining me in 2009. My year would not have been a success without your support, and I can promise you an exciting 2010 with new challenges, higher peaks, epic runs, beautiful photos, video and, of course, blogs!
2009 Review
I crushed my “A” race and had fun doing it. How? I strategically designed a periodized training schedule to peak with a sub 24-hour attempt at The Vermont 100 Endurance Run (VT100) in July, rest in late summer/early fall and then peak again late in the season with a back-to-back race weekend.
I got things started with a base training phase, where I worked on pacing at The Diamond Valley Lake Marathon in January. Two weeks later, I ran the Sedona Marathon with my brother. It was a tough course, but absolutely beautiful area! Two weeks after that, I grinded out a PR at the Orange Curtain 50K with a 4:27 finish.
Next I launched the build phase for the VT100 training in April with the Carlsbad 5000 followed by a 26-mile run home from the race. Then I kicked off May with back-to-back races at the Black Mountain Summit 7K Trail Run and a PR at the OC Marathon (3:28) the very next day. After rehabilitating an overuse hip injury (go figure?), I ran the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon and peaked in my training with the San Bernardino Traverse and a weekend at altitude in the Sierra Nevada.
The Vermont 100 Endurance Run in mid-July was flawless; I had the best race of my career and finished in 21:57, well under my sub 24-hour goal. Better than that was sharing the experience with my family.
After some much needed rest, I ramped my training back up and raced the Noble Canyon 50K while raising $1000 for Outdoor Outreach. Then I switched gears to focus on strength and conditioning, rock climbing and enjoyed an epic Thanksgiving road trip.
The season ended with an “endurance challenge” weekend of back-to-back races in December: the North Face Endurance Challenge 50K in San Francisco on Saturday and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – Las Vegas on Sunday.
The holidays with my family were wonderful. Meeting and spending quality time with my new twin nieces was amazing. The downtime also afforded me the opportunity to set goals for 2010. So without further ado…
2010 Preview
My calendar isn’t as racing focused this year, but rest assured that I have a couple EPIC events in the works. My big event for the year is staged for early summer (June/July) and will require months of training and logistics. It will also incorporate a fundraising campaign. I will unveil my official plans as forces align and a few more details are worked out.
The mountains are calling my name, so I plan to climb California 14ers this year. As you may remember, I struggled with route-finding and acclimating last year so I’m going to attempt to conquer my nemesis--Palisades Traverse--again, and try to tick a few others off the list too.
I’m also actively pursuing a credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I want to help athletes achieve their goals while I increase my value in the industry and grow in my own training.
2010 is here and it will be what we make of it. So let’s make it the best year possible!
Yours in Adventure,
~Toby
Best year in review post I've ever read. Congrats on a killer season bud!
Huge year! Wow. Best to you in crushing the Nemesis & in getting certified as a strength specialist (cool!).
great review and i love the pics! With you the best of luck in 2010 and I look forward to following your journey!
killer year man... looking forward to 2010!
Ryan, thanks for that -- much appreciated. Let's get out for a run soon!
Sara, you rock -- it was a pleasure working together last year. Let's find some new ways to work together and engage our community for another great year :)
Adam, we've both got big plans in the mix, so let's keep each other on track this season for sure. You're going to do great in your IM. I think we should also find a way to run together at some point this year.
Thanks James, you've inspired me with your dedication to training and competition, and how you balance it with career and enjoying yourself and the people around you. I look forward to another year of keeping tabs on each other and fitting in some rides and runs together too!
Thanks again to all you guys! Happy New Year :)
Toby, I get dizzy reading about your year. You are superhuman and I find it amazing how you excel at everything you touch! You rock!
If you're looking for some great races in the Desert Southwest (Tucson) check us out at everyoneruns.net. We'd like you to see what we're doing over here, including our mid-level, mid-distance trail runs that always sell out. Next one is the Feb 7Arizona Trail Race and then the April 10 Catalina St. Park Race. Thanks - Steve Landau, Everyone Runs