Is it just me or does time seem to be going by faster and faster? 2024 is just a few days away and now is the time to make a plan to make the most of every second.
Below is my 2024 Adventure Plan. There is always room to add more so please do let me know what you have in store for 2024!
PR (or just have fun) at the Sawmill River 10K Run
I love locally organized New England road races. These events are usually low key races organized by locals who are passionate about their community and / or supporting a great a cause. Events like this have an abundance of positive vibes without the hype or stress that you will find at those huge events. The Sawmill River 10K is a perfect example of this. It happens in Montague, MA on New Year’s Day which makes for a chilly run. However the scenery, camaraderie and post race food more than make up for that! I got my PR here back in 2020 and it will be fun to see if I can beat it this year or at least have a good time trying!
The 7 Sisters Trail Race is a an event like no other. This race is an out and back rollercoaster of pain that subject runners to 10.5 miles and relentless ups and downs with never ending technical terrain that doesn’t stop until you cross the finish line.
You might wonder why anyone would pay to subject themselves to this type of pain and the answer is simple; it is the community. Beast Coast Trail Running organizes this event to welcome and celebrate runners of all abilities and backgrounds. This creates one of the most supportive and fun race experiences that I have ever seen. This explains why this race sells out within two hours after registration opens.
This event was also my first trail race back in 2001 and since then I have racked up the second most finishes. This might have something to do with why I keep coming back year after year!
photo from: https://www.daybreakracing.com/
My wife and I went to Oregon way back in 2015 and we have wanted to go back ever since. Life has a way of getting in the way of these kinds of things since it is almost 2024 and I haven’t been back yet. This is the year to make happen! While I am out there I want to take in the pacific northwest trail running experience and the Tillamook Burn 50 Miler, organized by Daybreak Racing, looks like the perfect way to make it happen! I am registered, the flight and hotel are booked which means all I need to do now is train!
photo from: https://runthealps.com/
Run the Alps organizes guided and self guided trail running adventures in some of the most beautiful places in Europe. They handle all the logistics, route planning and every other detail so you just need to show up and run; what could be better than that? I have wanted to join one of these trips for years and 2024 is the year to make it happen!
D2R2 180K
I whole heartedly believe that the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee aka D2R2 is the premier gravel cycling event anywhere on Earth. I say that because it takes place in Western MA where you will find endless gravel and this event’s many routes show you the best of the best. The event offers a lengthy selection of routes from 20 miles to 100+ miles to challenge riders of all abilities. It also benefits the Franklin Land Trust. This event is not a race but it is an experience that shows everything that is special about gravel cycling. I have ridden the 100k and 160k in the past; this year I am coming for the 180k!
Enjoy the moment
I saved this one for last for a reason. Adventure goals don’t need to always be Euro adventures, 100 mile bike rides or anything like that. Adventure and joy can be found in everything that we do and I don’t want to forget that in 2024. Whether it is walking the dogs, going for a group run or taking a hike at a new local trailhead I hope to find the joy and adventure in everything that I do everyday.
What is your 2024 adventure plan?
There is my plan for 2024. I can’t wait to let you know how it goes! What are your 2024 adventure goals?
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