END OF THE YEAR BLOG TAG

A bunch of us Ultraholics tend to "tag" each others blogs with a list of questions. Since we are nearing the end of 2008, I thought I'd get the game started. The questions I posed to each Ultraholic is listed below, along with my answers. I am tagging Rajeev Patel, Michael Kanning, Peter Lubbers, Chihping Fu, Clara and Lisa Bliss (even though she hasn't joined our Ultraholics group.....yet).

1. What was your 2008 running highlight and running low?
For me, my highlight had to be my Badwater 135 run. Keys 100 was a close second as it was my P.R. 100 and I was first male overall (small race so don't be impressed), but Badwater was just perfect. The challenge, my crew, the support, the race, the other runners, everything. Hands down, my lowest running moment in 2008 (and all years) was my first and only DNF ever at mile 80 of Rocky Raccoon 100 thanks to piriformis.

2. What race are you secretly planning on doing (or contemplating) for 2009 but haven't made it known to the public....until now.
For me, that would be the Barkley. I always saw that as a never-will-I-do-that event. But that was exactly the way I felt about Badwater. I am definitely going to try and enter that baby for 2009.

3. Where would you like create and direct an ultra that (to your knowledge) none exists?
My choice would probably be the Markleville Death Ride course. I have semi-joked that I would run this bike ride in 2009. The climbs, the scenery, the altitude and the miles (200km) all add up to a heck of a challenge and event.

4. What is your "primary" race for 2009?
I want to go back to Badwater and try to run it as fast and as hard as I can.

5. What is the most exciting thing about your upcoming race schedule?
Well, if I get into Barkley or Spartathlon or, of course, Badwater I would be stoked. But for me it is the fact my fiance Cori has stated that she will be doing her first ever ultra in 2009!!!!

6. List your planned races for 2009:
Me: H.U.R.T 100 (but because my injury slowed my training will probably give a waitlister a gift and instead do Rocky Raccoon 100); Old Pueblo 50; (here I would add Ruth Anderson 100km - but think I will be honeymooning in Italy at the time - sorry Raj); Keys 100; Badwater 135; Spartathlon; Vineman Triathlon; Cactus Rose 100; Fear & Loathing 100km; Sunmart 50.

OK - tag!!