Life is a constant state of change. Giving us opportunity
for growth and adaptation.
Last year I made the leap into racing 100 mile trails after
adapting to trails the year prior to that. I’ve had a lot of fun learning about
myself in ways that only pushing through 100 miles of mountain trails can
afford the opportunity. I’ve appreciated the encouragement of my friends,
family and the community that supports this sport.
Before I decided to go all out in trail and ultra running, I
was a student for many years. Working and attending classes full time left
little time for training the way that I needed to. Running was for fun and only
happened whenever time allowed. I thoroughly enjoyed school and educational
fitness to me is something that I appreciate just as much as physical fitness
accomplishments.
A few weeks ago, I received the opportunity at the
University of Utah to attend the Doctorates program for Physical Therapy…
joining the ranks of such inspirations as Nikki Kimball, Kaci Lickteig and
Scott Jurek. I'll be packing up and heading back down south to SLC, birthplace of my love for running and trails. Back to the campus that began my thirst for knowledge of the human body to lap up and satiate that thirst even more.
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| Foothills above the U of U... my new playground |
Unfortunately it’s going to affect my trail running
abilities and the time I’m able to dedicate to my mountains. Who knows what the
future will bring in terms of competing and trail running adventures. But
that’s kind of the beauty in life… we don’t know. That’s what keeps it an
adventure.
I’ve always made it a challenge in training to take the
higher trail and embrace the difficulties in order to gain a better perspective, stronger endurance challenges and, if nothing else, a better view.
I don’t compete in races because it’s easy or because I’m good at it, because
they aren’t and I’m not. I compete and train and run and climb and summit for
the challenges they offer and for how it changes me for the better. I’m excited
to take on this next challenge and look forward to seeing how I can implement my new
found knowledge into my training.
I look up to such great examples as Jason and Andy Dorais and
how they were able to properly balance doctorates programs, families and
training in the mountains. Fellow teammates, the Puzey brothers (Jacob and
Rivers) are doing the same thing right now. And of course another semi-local
inspiration, Luke Nelson did the same thing through his PA program. Although I
have a hard time comparing myself to these amazing athletes, I know it can be
done.
So what does this all mean in the end? Likely that I’ll have
to make compromises and it won’t be easy to balance all things in life. I have
a supportive wife who deserves a little doting and I’ll need to be cognizant of
life beyond running and work towards a career as a Physical Therapist.
Competition will have become a tamed desire. I’m not walking away, but I’m also not
chasing aggressively for the next couple years.
My mountains will now be my therapy. My quick escape from
the workloads I’ll be muscling through. The trails where tempo sessions and
hill repeats once became my sole focus will now become my playground to have
fun and enjoy. I’ll never give up my wasatch and the intrinsic sustaining
satisfaction of a hard effort will still be a reason for lacing up my shoes. They
are my lifestyle and so beyond just a hobby or passion.
I’ve been extremely blessed to have those who’ve
supported me and continue to show support through this change. Adventures in
life are meant to be reflected upon and spark a memory or thought provoking,
“how did I survive that”.  |
| Repeats up U Hill anyone? |
This is no different. Life will change, I will adapt, and adventure will ensue.
