It’s August, and I’m back to blogging, after a long hiatus. I’ve been around, and busy, even writing a lot, just haven’t felt the urge to write here.

No urge to blog? Why, Jeff? Why?

Well, it was partly due to my DNF at Tahoe last June, which, while disappointing, was still a grand adventure. I will write about it, I promise. It was just that during July I stepped away from racing and training for a much-needed physical recovery and mental decompression. I’m feeling good in both areas now, and even ran a race last weekend. So let’s get right to it.

Physically, I feel great. My feet hurt so badly after Tahoe it took a week for me to stop walking on my toes. Let’s just say flying home with all those bags and airport changes was a challenge. All healed up now and back to running with no pain, and enough energy to take on the Pines to Vines 30K trail race last Sunday. Conditions were – interesting – with temps over 90 degrees and high humidity, making for a sweltering run even in the woods.

A very welcome water stop. (Photo courtesy Jennifer Fike.)

I used my standard trick in such conditions, a wet towel under my hat, which kept my head cool enough that I could keep running the entire way. I even finished ninth overall, due in part to several folks ahead of me who flamed out and had to walk it in. Experience made the difference, as my trainer Skip said today. (Here’s another “experienced runner” tip: For a hot day’s race, freeze a bottle of Gatorade the night before and have it waiting at the finish line. Worked like a charm.)

Finished! Glad I didn’t choose the 55K today. (Photo courtesy Jennifer Fike.)

What’s next? Don’t know yet, but I’m already looking at a couple of possibilities for fall ultras. But no 100-milers until next year, most likely. Want to ease back into it, and most importantly, have some fun.

And before I attempt triple-digit runs again, I need to up my nutrition game. There’s more than one reason why I had a DNF at both my 100-milers this year, but one was not eating enough during them. I have to train myself to eat even when I don’t feel like it, and to take in calories between aid stations as well as at them. The time to start is right now, as I begin a new training cycle. More on this upcoming, as I work with my coach, trainer, and doctor to put a plan together.

On the work side, it appears I may actually have succeeded in retiring from my job at the medical software company I’ve had since 1996. It was a great 30 years, and they didn’t want to let me go, but it was time.

And speaking of time, it’s been quite an adjustment since Tahoe ended and my retirement started. I can actually sit on my deck and just look out at my garden, with nothing immediate to do. This takes getting used to. But I’m slowly accepting the idea that I have some actual slack time. Feels great.

Finally, a word on my novel in progress, World of the Blue Jasmine. After finishing my first draft and getting a brutally honest developmental edit, I’m working hard on the rewrite. As I told my editor, I’m ripping up a lot more concrete than I thought I would, but she assured me the story was worth the effort to revise. Not sure when I’ll have it done, but a little progress each day will get me there.

Coming up in this blog: what happened at Tahoe, and stories from my crew, all of whom got a chance to pace either me or another runner. All said it was a great experience. As well as more of what I’m up to now. Good to be back!