Last year will be tough to beat. I'm sure I've said that before but 2011, marked by meeting an amazing collection of running friends, some real solid races with even more memorable training runs, and ousting JT as the unofficial Cherry Picker of the Year, has been unforgettable. But the generous period of holiday indulgences, including a trip to Mary's Mountain Cookies for the TurDucken dessert equivalent of edible cookie dough sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies, has offered enough downtime to begin planning 2012.

     Leadville 100, my first shot at the distance, will unequivocally be this year's A-race while I plan to use other events like the Salida Marathon, Quadrock 50, and San Juan Solstice as tune up opportunities. In addition to these traditional trail runs, other aspirations include:

-Trying my hand at burro racing (this is of course contingent upon actually finding a burro to train and race with)

-Completing a Pikes Peak run at least once a month, although a recent NYE attempt was thwarted by 100 mph gusts and less than ideal weather

-Coming away with Amy P's Plank Competition Title (Daily planking with a minute added to the time each week. We're currently at 7 painful minutes of lower ab spasms a day!)

-Running a multi-day Nolan's 14 (plan courtesy of Sean OD)

-To continue blogging as I've found that composing these accounts has given internet immortality to, and ultimately enhanced adventures like the Epic BBQ at Altitude and R2R2R.

So sure, 2011 was a fantastic year, but it's out with the old, in with the new. Time to pack up the holiday decorations, get out the door, and make some new stories!