My 2013 running schedule was laid out recently when I was (un)lucky enough to have my name pulled in the Hardrock lottery.  I’ve been picked five out of six times now and have become the subject of various conspiracy theories on how I continue to beat the ever increasing odds of running that race.  I’ll never share those secrets.

But I will share what goes into getting ready for a race like that.  It’s a pretty huge undertaking for a mediocre athlete such as myself.  Hardrock is a 100 mile run through the San Juan mountains.  The course changes directions every year, and this time we’ll run from Silverton to Lake City to Ouray to Telluride and back to Silverton.  The loop tops out just above 14000 feet as you run up and over Handies Peak, and then I think there are nine other mountain passes that hit 12,900 feet or higher.   It’s a doozy, and I’d like to run it in about 34 hours this year.   

There are several Hardrock alum in the Pikes Peak area (Harry Harcrow, Paul Smith, Jason Koop, Neal Taylor, and I’m sure I’m missing one or two) but none that got into the race this year.  I am rooting for Neal to get in off the waitlist this time.  It would be nice to get that five time finisher jacket with him.

Just like the New York Road Runners Club, I haven’t been doing much since the NYC marathon was cancelled in early November.  Short runs here and there when the dog gets restless, but that’s about it.  It’s been a nice break.  But if I want to have a good shot at finishing number five this July, it’s time to get to work.