This is something I've asked myself many times in the past few months before and after registering for the race and something I've been asked at least as many times by other inquiring minds. It seems like a simple enough question on the surface, but the honest answer goes deeper than that. First, what is the Vol-State 500k? From the race website: "The Vol-State is not just another ultra-marathon. It is much more than that. The Vol-State is a journey, an adventure, and an expl

It was several years ago that I was first introduced to the idea of running the Boston Marathon not once, but twice in a day. This was well before my first ultra and before my first ever Boston Marathon...but something in me said "I want to do that one day." April 17, 2017 was that day. After qualifying at the 2016 Quebec City Marathon, 2017 was set to be my 4th running of the Boston Marathon. Though, at the time when I signed up for it, I didn't realize I would be racing a 2

(Post republished from previous blog www.ironzoom.com) The very first thing that I did when I woke up this morning, the morning after the 2013 Boston Marathon was cry. I’m not exactly sure why, but I was just overcome with sadness from everything yesterday and I guess it finally hit me. Hard. The very next thing I did was put on my running shoes and my marathon shirt and went out for a run. I held my head high and ran proudly in memory of the people who lost their lives yeste

(Post republished from previous blog www.ironzoom.com) I’ve been meaning to sit and write about one of the worst runs I can remember ever doing for a few weeks now since it happened; but apparently “life” got in the way… A few weeks ago my training plan called for a 90 minute zone 1 run on Thursday then a 120 minute run on Friday which included a 45 minute zone 2 push to finish it off. No big deal…or so I thought. I went out Thursday night and banged out the 90 minute run wit

(Post republished from previous blog www.ironzoom.com) I personally find that it is best for my personal life and training schedule to do my long runs during the week and a medium length run during the weekend sometime. This helps to get in a few more miles, as well as makes some extra time for some biking/swimming (or drinking) on the weekends; whichever the case may be. However, it does mean that I find myself going to bed about 9pm on Wednesday nights, and waking around 4a