A Season Clear As Mud

So dates for a variety of races and series out and I'm still not sure what the hell I'm going to do.

The M.A.S.S. folks have thrown in some Marathons, but not sure what that means right now? Is it the 6 Hour format again, XXC, or what? What is the MASS team relay and can you do it Solo?

Not to mention all races in the NUE series and the Michaux Endurance Series. I've never raced Michaux, but I hear it's a real kick in the f'ing junk!

Not sure that I'll do any 24s due to the cost, but IF I do one will probably be The Hardcore 24 or Seven Springs. I'd LOVE to do the Big Bear 24 again, but I think it may be again due to entry $$$$. And the fact that I can do TWO Ultras for the price on one 24. I thought about doing Nationals, but really don't see that happening either.

It pretty much boils down to cost vs. travel time vs. race experience/fun. The 100s are great. Cool atmosphere and I dig the format. Michigan is a lap format, and 8 hours away, but doing it would mean I could get a 4 race minimum and get a ranking in the series (how far down in the standings is any one's guess of course).

I also dig the M.A.S.S.races since I was getting to know some folks and I never felt too "alone". Not sure what this year's format will be, or the costs though. Some races like the one in Delaware would take me 5+ hour to get to too. Not good.

I'd like to get back to Lodi Farms again too, but 5+ hours to race at night, then come home right after, is a bit much with Wifey and B-Man. The format isn't conducive to me doing it all on my own either, like I might be able to do at Leesburg. I know so many good folks though, I'd hate to miss it after doing it 3 years in a row.

For my abilities etc., I just do the races as personal accomplishments. I'm not on the same talent level as the big guns. I don't go into a race with podium goals. I just do the best I can do, and enjoy pushing myself to do better than I did the last time. If I do well so be it, if I suck a big hairy one, there's always "next time".

Now here's a list of the races that are on the radar right now for 2007. Out of all of these races I'll probably only do 5 to 7 of them. With BIG races like these I need to make sure I have proper recovery time to avoid getting sick, or DNFing. Plus with all schedule conflicts, build times, recovery time, travel time and race fees it's impossible to do this many races.

04.07 MASS Team Relay Race (Solos or just team?) Format, Cost, Travel Time???
04.21 Leesburg, Bakers Dozen 13 Hour Race, Leesburg, VA, Solo/$75.00 (3+ hours away)

05.06 12 Hours of Lodi Farms, Fredericksburg, VA, Solo/$35 (5+ hours away)
05.06 Michaux Endurance Race #1, Michaux State Forest, 50 Mile Race/Cost N/A (3+ hours away)
05.21 MASS Marathon @ Granogue, DE, Format, Distance, Cost?? (5 hours away)

06.02 Mohican 100, North Central OH, 100 Mile Ultra, $125, (5 hours away)
06.09 24 Hours of Big Bear, Hazelton, WV, Solo 24/$300, (1.5 hours away)
06.09 MASS Marathon @ Rothtrock Forest State Park, PA Format, Distance, Cost?? (2+ hours away)
06.16 Hardcore24, Naples, NY, Solo 24/$175, (5 hours away)
06.16 Lumberjack 100, Manistee National Forest, MI, 100 Mile Ultra, $125 (9 hours away)

Why is this time from 6.16 to 7.15 so void of races? Do I have to do a regular XC race or what?

07.15 Michaux Endurance Race #2, Michaux State Forest, 50 Mile Race/Cost N/A (3+ hours away)
07.29 6 Hours of Power, Ellitcotville, NY, Solo 6/Cost?, (about 4 hours away)

08.04 Wilderness 101, State College, PA 101 Mile Ultra, $125, (about 2 hours away)
08.18 MASS RB Winter Marathon, Location, Cost , Format???

09.01 24 Hour Champion Challenge, 7 Springs, PA, 24/Solo, $225 (50 minutes away)
09.03 Shenandoah Mountain 100, Harrisonburg, VA, 100 Mile Ultra, $130, (4+ hours away)
09.15 Michaux Endurance Race #3, Michaux State Forest, 50 Mile Race/Cost N/A (3+ hours away)
09.22 WVMBA, Big Bear Lake Ultra, Hazelton, WV, Format, cost? (1.5 hours away)
09.29 WVMBA, Revenge of The Rattlesnake Ultra, Davis, WV, Format, Cost? (about 4 hours away)

10.06 MASS God's Country Marathon, ?????, PA, Format, Cost, Travel Time???

Wow that's a LOT of races, and I even left a few off and I'm sure more will pop up.

Oh well, not much else going down. Did an easy spin tonight for an hour.

Later.