2012 Preview

As promised a few weeks ago, we're going to take a closer look at what I have in store for 2012. This year isn't going to be like years in recent memory, as my plan is to return more towards my ultra-running roots. This is a decision I struggled with over the final months of 2011, but am assured that this is exactly what I'm on need of. What I've really discovered over the last year or two is that my interests in Ultra-Running had brought me to some of the more popular races. Races with large entry fees, a large running field and a whole lot of flair. But when I entered this sport, I entered as an explorer. A lover of mountains, wilderness and solitude; simply out there looking to push myself and discover what truly is possible while exploring the nations most beautiful locations.

So, as we look ahead to what I hope will be an exciting year; you'll notice that I'm regressing back to my roots. I'm heading back to the mountains. Signing up for the lower key races, where I am rest assured at my entry fee is going to greater causes and not someones pockets. Where I know that these grass roots, scenic and memorable experiences will lead me back to a time when Ultra-Running was still niche, humble and personal.

Winter Expeditions/Fat Asses
This year is going to start off with my annual series of Winter Fat Ass Adventures. Each of this years planned adventures is either a classic route here in Boulder, CO or something a little less travelled. Either way, each adventure features the no fee, no aid, no awards, no whining policies. We'll start our journeys next weekend in the Southside 50K held in Superior/South Boulder, CO. This 50K loop along the mesas south of Boulder will be run by nearly 30 runners. Next is what is more commonly referred to as the "Sanitarado," The Frozen Front Range Marathon tackle the seven peaks that make up the Boulder Colorado backdrop. Sanitas, Red Rocks, Flagstaff, Green, Bear, S. Boulder and Eldorado Mountains make up my 23 mile run which boasts over 10,000' of elevation gain! February will play host to our Frozen Dead Guy 50K which is my title for the classic Nederland to Boulder (Ned to Boulder) on trails and dirt roads. This mostly downhill run will entertain us with some of Boulder Counties most remote mountain space. We'll top it all off in March with the High Line Canal 100K. This run will take us from Waterton Canyon south of Denver 64.3 mils to the Northeast Corner of the city near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

Races

Courtesy - K9Runner

1.) Collegiate Peaks 50 Miler - April 28, 2012
Our race schedule will start in Buena Vista, CO with the Collegiate Peaks 50 Miler. This race is a grass roots event put on by The Buena Vista Optimist Club to support local area youth. Everything about this race, that I've uncovered, truly resembles one of my favorite East Coast events in the Vermont 50. So it's with great pride and excitement that I signed up to run in this event.

2.) Big Horn 100 - June 15, 2012
Our first, and maybe our only 100 miler in 2012, will be the Big Horn 100 Miler in Dayton, Wy. I'm actually really very excited to be heading 6 hours north of here to explore another new range of mountains, during a time of year when the wildflowers should be breathtakingly spectacular.

3.) Wasatch Front 100 Miler - September 7, 2012
It's not confirmed yet as I'm awaiting for the Wasatch Lottery to be held near February 4th. I was selected in this races lottery in 2010, but bowed out of running the race due to my failed attempt at the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. In 2011, I returned to finish Leadville and did so successfully. In 2012, I'd love to complete the races in the slam by heading to the Wasatch Range of Utah and exploring the many ridge lines and valleys of this magnificent landscape. Hoping my lottery luck will welcome me to Utah once again.. though if it doesn't, I may opt to run a local 50 miler here in the Front Range instead (see Bear Chase).

Journey Runs
All of this years journey runs are maybe's and I've listed them in the order of their probability of happening. These runs are what truly sends me back to my roots as an endurance/trail runner. Long days in the mountains, bagging peaks, and trying to see as much of the land as I can in a day.
Pawnee-Buchanan Loop (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
High Lonesome Loop (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
Maroon Bells Four Passes Loop (Aspen)
Moffat to Winter Park and Back 100K
Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim
Kokopelli Trail
Pfiffner Traverse (Continental Divide/RMNP - Berthoud)
And a little something I call - Rocky Mountain Sky. (super secret mission)

I'd also like to start my journey in peak-bagging Colorado's 14ers.. and it also sounds like I'm about to begin the greatest ultra of my life in the coming year as well.

So as you can see, I'm stepping away from the "ultra-scene" a bit this year and focusing more on the journey. After all, sometimes it's not the destination right? I joined this sport because "so few people we doing it" and much of what I'd like to accomplish this year, is the things that so few people do. Colorado is an enormous state with countless opportunities and many stories to be told. I hope you'll continue to join me on this trek called life. I'm excited and feeling reinvigorated with my sense of adventure. I can't wait to get back out there and see what magic lives beneath the trees and a deep blue sky. Join me...

Happy Trails in 2012.
Sherpa John