This and That

The week started off a bit shaky but has been grooving progressively.  Got the Iniside Trail Racing Team put together with some talented runners.  Race uniforms are being printed this week along with a bunch of additional clothing that will sport the ITR logo.  Tim S. picked us up a big, custom ITR finish line banner and some smaller banners and signage; it all arrived today and is, well, awesome.  We bought and/or secured race equipment for our Jan 22nd race (Brooks Falls).

This morning we solidified six new events for the year, which puts us at 21 (with a few more just awaiting final approval before we post them on our calendar, which will end up at 27-30 events total).  We also inked the deal with La Sportiva this morning.  They'll be partnering with us for the entire race season with a presence at our events and a ton of shoes provided to us to give away (and sponsoring my personal racing shoe needs!!).  We can't express how proud we are to have La Sportiva involved.

I love start-ups and small businesses.  The energy and creativity is addicting.  This is the third business I've started: Phoenix International, Inc. (a telecom company in Boston started with a partner), Racescapes Events, Inc. (a race management and timing company I started alone in N. Carolina), and now Inside Trail, Inc. with Tim S.  Out of the three, I see ITR as having unlimited potential.  Tim's and my strengths compliment one another perfectly, right down to the diverse hours we work (we can cover 20 hour days comfortably).  Really exciting time and I'm grateful for the opportunity and the support we've received is humbling.

Personally, I'm pretty happy with things.  Currently looking for a new place to live and settle down for a bit - plenty of options.  My running is off the hook right now.  I've tweaked my diet over the last four months and have abundant energy, a leaner frame, started lifting again (mostly to enable me to schlep around all the damn-heavy race equipment).  I'm holding paces substantially faster over hilly courses than I've ever been able to.  Hopefully it'll transfer over to my racing.  Last year was a test of mileage and endurance.  This year is about distance AND speed.  The Brazen Racing half marathons will help too.  Have another one coming up on the 28th.

This and that, indeed.