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2017! Go time!
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2017, here we come.
This post has been what I’ve been most excited to share. My writing is nothing to get psyched about but hopefully it will strike a nerve and inspire you to climb bigger mountains, to be more passionate, and live life to it’s fullest through whatever you do. It’s going to be a crazy and exciting year. I’m stoked on so many levels beyond just my race schedule that it’ll be hard to get everything down in one post.
Race Season is upon us But, just to get it out of the way, let’s start with the race season. Obviously always a big part of what the year is about this year is no exception. With the rough 100 miler last year, I wanted to take a step back so-to-speak and go harder, more intense. Here’s where we get into bigger mountains. Classic mountains and mountain races. Like Zegama, The Rut, Sierre-Zinal, Glencoe Skyline, and Mt Blanc Marathon. I’ve never gotten a good handle on how to excel at these big mountain races and traditionally they’ve been some of my biggest flops. See Zegama 2012. Ouch.
Before Zegama
After Zegama Now I’m hoping to turn that around. Many of these races I’ve done before and some are new, all have big climbs that are tough for me.
There are a couple races more in my wheel house like the USATF 50k champs now on the schedule as well as the USATF XC Champs in Bend. Both coming up very fast in February. Needless to say, I’m super inspired to get this year rolling and run some of the most incredible courses in the world.
Max King TRC Last year I went out on a limb and started a running camp. This was a big new project for me. Forming your own running camp is a lot more work than I really thought possible, but on the flip side, it’s also so rewarding that I’d never want to go back to not doing it. So, this year we’re continuing the journey with two more camps. One adult and one youth. Just to keep me on my toes (and more interesting for returners) we’ll be in two new locations. I wanted to be able to share my experiences in trail running and inspire a set of people passionate about getting outside into the wild and give them the tools to do that safely and comfortably. What this camp isn’t is your typical running camp that’s all fluff. I wanted to make sure we’re giving participants some quality valuable information along with the epic trail runs. Check out www.maxkingtrc.com for dates and info. It’s been such cool new project that I’m looking forward to continuing to explore new trails, meet stoked trail runners, and inspire them to push their limits. And who knew you could make your brain bigger with a map and compass. Read This. New Projects A new year wouldn’t be complete without a new project and an added mission. Turbulence on the political front has turned an idea that shouldn’t be political into just that. I don’t know too many people who don’t benefit from our public lands in the US and know many more people around the world who are quite envious of them. I’ve benefited and used public lands from when I was just a young tyke running around out through the woods, developing my sense of adventure and love of the outdoors. My first backpacking trip was in the Desolation Wilderness with my dad at the age of about 13. Since then I’ve been inspired by the lands around the West that have been protected through both preservation and conservation. I’m able to get to places using my two feet where I don’t have the fear of trespassing and know that I own the land as much as the next guy. As an American I’m fortunate enough to be able to enjoy these landscapes through running and want them to continue to benefit our communities. This year I’ve added that to my mission. I’ve partnered with ONDA (Oregon Natural Desert Assoc), one of the great local environmental groups that help protect our public lands. The project is to become more involved in the lands we often take for granted and to have a voice, even if it’s a small one. There’s too much at stake to just sit on my butt. I want to continue to run through the forest, across the desert, and up and down mountains. I’m inspired by these places and I want my children to be inspired by them as well. No sense in thinking small this year. We’ve all got a big year ahead and many exciting goals. Time to get to it.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the folks helping me do what I love to do. You can think of them as enablers J
And the race schedule: (tentative)
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