2016 was a GREAT year with the birth of Cannon but I am ready to start a new year and focus on training and racing again. Life will never be the same as it was before I got pregnant and all I needed to worry about was working and training but I feel strongly that it is still okay to chase dreams that are just for me. Cannon will always come first but I am ready to put some energy back into myself as well.

I spent some time the last few months debating what goals I wanted to chase. Ironman is always in my heart, I love so much about training and racing Ironmans but I also really liked the idea of tackling a longer ultra. I contemplated if I should do an Ironman or ultra back in September, I decided to just let it stew and see if an obvious answer would show up. And I believe it did. As the weeks unfolded I seemed to be able to get out running but biking and swimming just weren’t happening as much. Part of the reason was that I could more easily get a run in while Cannon was napping or take him along in the BOB stroller.

I could bike but only on the trainer and it was hard to find time to always get to a pool. So fairly naturally it seemed that an ultra marathon was the correct choice. I still would like to bike and swim but not enough to get ready for an Ironman. One day I will be back, Ironman Boulder is still calling my name. I haven’t given up on triathlon completely, I would still like to do a few short races this summer.

The next big question was how long of an ultra, the Leadville 100 is a dream of mine that I very seriously contemplated throwing my name in for. I had the page up on my computer to enter the lottery many times with my heart racing and palms sweating. I struggled to stay strong and NOT enter because when I thought about it rationally I just don’t think it’s wise to jump to the 100 mile distance yet. If I had ran through my pregnancy, had an easy delivery and bounced back to running then maybe I could toe the line of a 100 mile race a year later but that is not my story. So instead I have set my sights on Run Rabbit Run 50 mile trail race in Steamboat Springs. It will definitely be a challenge and one that I am excited to tackle. Training I am certain will need to be creative with a little one that needs caring for and that I don’t like spending too much time away from.

So most of 2017’s training will be focused on Run Rabbit Run and trying not to get injured. The fun part is filling in the rest of my 2017 race calendar. Happy trails everyone!

What are your big goals for 2017?