Excitement comes in many forms for me as the 2016 racing season approaches.
As a new Massachusetts resident, a wealth of new-to-me races in the region are tempting. There are so many tough trails throughout the northeast that will challenge my physical and mental limits, and it’s hard to choose between the options.
I’m also excited to be back running with the Honey Stinger Hive for the second year in a row, and to also have Nuun Hydration sponsoring my running. I’ve used their products to help me reach the finish line at numerous races, and look forward to doing so again this year.
I also am eager to attempt to earn four more UTMB points to pair with the three earned from 2015 Vermont 50 in order to qualify for the 2017 CCC 100K in Europe.
Before signing up for too many races however, first things first: I need to get healthy. I tolerated a nagging left foot injury for the last six months of 2015, and the foot has taken a turn for the worse during the past three weeks. I am working with physical therapist Adam Paggi of Paggi Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation to return my foot to full strength and health.
While I’m sidelined from running for the moment, I am using the down time to lay the foundation for an exciting new project, the details of which I’ll share soon. It’s a project that I considered doing during the last three years that I lived in Kansas, but simply wasn’t willing to commit the time. It may succeed; it may fail; time will tell. Either way, I’m excited to see how it goes.
So here’s to a 2016 filled with good health, exciting challenges, and lots of fun along the way. Let’s make it a great year!
Chris Wristen 