The Run for the Fund

The purpose of this blog is to keep folks updated about my Rocky Raccoon training, record random thoughts about running, and to keep up with my fund raising efforts for the DREAM Fund.

I hope to inform you about what I am doing, possibly have you understand why I am doing it, and maybe offer some tips for anyone else considering such an endeavor.

I am running this race to help raise money for the DREAM Fund. The DREAM Fund has helped so many people over the years - many of whom I have personally known. Whether someone is struck with a sudden illness, tragic loss, or other life changing event the DREAM Fund has been there to help. That's why the DREAM Fund exists - to help people when the truly unimaginable strikes.

I have roughly 7 more weeks to get ready for the Rocky Raccoon 100. It is now crunch time! If you are not familiar with this race, here are some quick details.

* Held in Huntsville State Park - Huntsville, TX on February 2nd, 2008
* 100 miles in length
* Up to 30 hours to complete the race
* Running surface is single track trail - no super tough climbs, but lots of tree roots to trip on.
* Last year's race featured a 100 yard mud bog we had to navigate about 10 times.

I ran this race last year in the 50 mile category. While the 50 mile race was a tremendous accomplishment for me, as soon as I finished I knew I wanted to do the 100 miler. However, I waited a couple of months to break the news to my wife. Training for these races is not just a commitment for me -- it is a complete family commitment. Everyone has to be in on the deal, or it's just not going to get done. Thank God I have a wonderful and understanding family.

The holiday season is the absolute hardest time of the year to get in quality training. Trying to balance everything lately has been a tough juggling act -- just ask my wife!

I ran 40 miles last Sunday. It was my longest training run to date. I ran from my house in Lake Highlands to the American Airlines Center and then ran the White Rock Marathon where I paced my buddy Josh. It was Josh's first marathon and he had a tough day. We stopped at a porta potty at mile 1 (I was extremely hydrated) and Josh stepped off the curb and sprained his ankle. His ankle started to swell immediately and no amount of ibuprofen or icy/hot was going to fix it. He had to drop around mile 16, but lives to race another day. In fact, he signed up for the Cowtown Marathon as soon as he got home! It was his first marathon attempt and he had worked extremely hard. While I am disappointed that he could not finish White Rock as we had planned, I know he'll have a terrific Cowtown race. I'll be there with him on 2/23.

This past week was a recovery week for me. I only ran 21 miles this week. My body is still recovering from the 40 miles last Sunday. My IT Band around my right knee is acting up so I am planning on taking a couple of days off early this week. I am hoping the rest will enable me to hit it hard next weekend. I am working in some decent trail time on Saturday and I need my knee to feel good for that run. I am planning one more 40 mile run the first week of January and then begin tapering down my mileage from there. I need to go into the Rocky Raccoon well trained, but also with enough rest to be able to run well. It's been a long summer of training and I can not wait for this race!