Races (and other things)

Never too old to be average at something new

I am still a work in progress, but I am proud of where I am today. I have raised 2 boys, established a rewarding career, and worked a lot on myself as a person.

I used to brag about friends who were cycling epic distances, running ultramarathons, or taking on other physically demanding events. I felt like I could never keep up with these superhumans who were able to balance life, family, work, hobbies, and exercise.

Until one day after thinking my usual, "Wow. I could never do that!" I finally joined my friends in asking, "Why not?"

It was easy to start dabbling in adventure on a different scale when 98% of the people around me said, "Of course you can!" So here are a few examples of what's transpired since then.

I'm proud of these things that I've done
(AKA the brag page)

Many times since 2010: Vermont 50 Mountain Bike Race

A MTB race I've done 11 times - with finish times ranging from under 7 hours (thanks to Coach Wenzel - my cycling partner - who whipped my lazy butt into shape) to nearly 11 hours (after Hurricane Irene and a week of rain leading up to the race - I wanted to drop, but hung in there and pushed that damn bike through shin-deep mud. And no, I'm not happy I finished, it was not rewarding at all)

Vermont 200 on 100

Twice! First time I did this with Heather in 3 days, and the second time we recruited another cycling friend, Val, to join us for a 2-day traverse.

2021: Bel Monte 50K Endurance Race

In 2021 I ran my very first ultra marathon. I had overtrained and ended up with some extremely sore hip flexors and groin muscles. I hobbled the last few miles because my knees couldn't handle running without buckling. I smiled the entire time.

2021: Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultramarathon

Shan introduced me to the backyard ultra, last man standing race. Every hour, on the hour, runners start a 4.167-mile loop. They have to finish within the hour or DNF. Last man standing wins. 24 hours/laps = 100 miles. My best so far is when I timed out on the 9th lap.

2021: Erie Canal Trail Traverse

My first bike-supported run (Me on the bike, Shan on foot). Nearly 400 miles over 9 days.

2022: 24-hours of Great Glen Mountain Bike Race

I finished this 24-hour MTB race in NH as part of a 2-person team with my friend Katie

2022: South to North USA Crossing

Shan and I completed a traverse of the entire East Coast on the trail network called the East Coast Greenway in order to bring awareness to the East Coast Greenway Alliance

2022 Vermont 50 Ultramarathon Relay

Maybe one day I'll run the entire thing, but in 2022 I ran 20 miles as part of a 2-person team with Shan.

2023: Bel Monte 25K Endurance Race

In 2023 I had planned to come back and run the 50K as training for a 50-miler. Unfortunately, in trying to avoid injury again, I didn't get enough training. I was able to pull off the 25K, though, finishing 2nd in my age group! I also fell on the descent and got a nice rush of adrenaline

2023: North to South USA Crossing

In 2023, Shan and I completed a West Coast traverse on the Pacific Coast bike route traveling from Vancouver to Mexico. We enjoyed so many sunsets and romantic dinners along the way, it was a glorious honeymoon!