Back in the Game!

After a LONG period of silence, both in running and blog writing, I am finally back with more resolve than ever and in pursuit to qualify for the Olympic Trials. A brief recap:

Yes, I have joined the United States Army. See posts below. Since entering Basic Combat Training, I have completed and attended several military schools including, Basic Combat Training, Officer Candidate School, Adjutant General Basic Officer Course, Ranger School (Did not complete), and finally Airborne School. "Quiting" Ranger School left a very sour taste in my mouth- shame on various levels, disappointment, anger and loss of self-worth. About a month after getting back home, I made a strong resolve to make up for the failure, to prove to myself that I have worth and can "be all I can be". At this point, I decided to do all that is necessary to face my fears and not shirk them. Perhaps that is what attempting Ranger School is all about, learning to face fear rather than run from it. Unfortunately, sometimes lessons are not learned until after deep reflection after being thrown into the refiners fire.

For the last 5 months I've been back to regular training. In those short months, I've trained very hard. I've had a very successful base building period. My body is currently responding well to 90-100 mile weeks with some fantastic workouts! Of recent to note from the last week and half:

Saturday- 22 Mile Foundation Run at 6:30 pace
Monday- 3x 2 Mile Repeats: 10:22; 10:12; 10:02
Wednesday- 13 Mile am, 13 Mile PM easy efforts
Saturday- 12 Mile Steady State Effort at 5:25 AVG pace (2:22 marathon pace)

The mileage is coming along well. My plan is to peak at somewhere around 110 miles/wk from mid-September to late early November, then taper for the California International Marathon. My goal time is 2:19-2:22. If I run this, I have a great shot at being accepting into the US Army World Class Athlete Program.

Below is my tentative racing schedule:

12 October- Army Ten Miler
12 November- Charlotte Half-Marathon
4 December- California International Marathon

I'm in the process of gathering a number of sponsors to assist me in my training and funding my races and travel. A website is coming as well. More to follow... Stay tuned for daily updates!