Ultra-Running Boy is Back!

Well that might be a bit of a stretch. But I am wearing my Leadville sweatshirt as I type this.

I'm really having more fun than that picture suggests. 

So anyway. I also have now signed up for TWO ultras in 2017. First in January I just signed up for a 6 hour trail race. So technically it might not end up as an ultra if I only run 26 miles or less. BUT still. The intent is that I'll be doing an ultra. Then the next month, I am doing the Harbison trail 50k race. I am excited about that one. Kenny and I have been out there a few times and I really like the trails out there. Supposedly it's 20 miles of singletrack and 10ish miles of fireroads. I am sure I'll be happy to see those roads. 

All this is build up for my 2017 A race which is March's Columbia Marathon. I really am going to try to PR/win it and know I'm more likely to get in my necessary mileage training if it's in the form of a race. Plus I miss racing and it's a good way to meet like-minded people down here. 

Okay well, I better get running so I can live up to my name again.

Until next time,

Danny

Settling in to Columbia

Oh hello again. Sorry my blogging has been erratic. But I'm just having so much fun down here in South Carolina!

Now that may sound sarcastic but it's true. I love my job and the kids I work with. I recently volunteered to head up the Wednesday Walkers afterschool program which I modify to more of a Girls on the Run program(but for both genders). If you haven't checked them out, you should: here.

In addition to really liking my job, it's nice to finally feel settled in with Kenny after the year apart and actually decorating our place and making it our own. We do miss our friends and family but have plans to make it home multiple times as well as have some of them visit us. And finally with an extra bedroom we can actually invite people to come down and stay with us for a while.  We have just started really getting a chance to explore Columbia but we like what we've seen.

The Capitol

Oh! And I just had a week off of work. That's right. Little ol' Hurricane Matthew apparently blew by and school was canceled from last Wednesday to this Wednesday. With perfectly clear skies for all days but Saturday. That gave me plenty of time to make it to Congaree National Park-one of the few NPs I had never heard of until I started researching Columbia. It was actually very cool. Some of the last remaining old growth trees on the east coast, a 2 1/2 mile raised boardwalk over a swamp, 30+ miles of single track, plenty of Cypress Trees and biodiversity and even an encounter with a wild boar. What's not to love?

Congaree

Kenny and I also found a cool running store and have signed on for their weekly track workouts. While not as intense as Amber's, it's great motivation to get out on a weekday and do some speed work. Plus, there is an all you can eat Sushi place right around the corner so that is even better motivation ;)

What also is motivating is that Kenny and I have signed up for the Columbia half and full marathons, respectively in March. I've looked at the winning times for the last 3 years so of course my plan is to win. Which I think I can do. Which means I've just jinxed myself. Oh well. It still gives me motivation to get out there and train hard.

Tonight we head to the South Carolina State Fair where they have pig races, dog tricks and local live music. Tomorrow we head downtown for the extended Farmer's market, and Oktoberfest. And Sunday we are going to see if we can find a church that has a good community service program that we can help out with. All in all, we are having a wonderful time down here and are happy with our decision to try somewhere new.

Hope you all have wonderful weekends.

Until next time,


Danny