Being an unconscientious blogger is not a good thing. So I apologize for my lack of updates
over the past few months.
Sorry.
Radio silence aside, it’s been a good few months since the
last update. When you last heard
from me I was down for the count with a stress fracture in the sesamoid bones
(who knew those even existed?) of my right foot. Well after four weeks of cross-training and chomping at the
bit, I was able to start training again!
Albeit, cautiously at first.
After a few light weeks, I was able to ramp it up and
get in some workouts, and actually stick to most of my fall racing schedule that I set
up pre-injury.
First, I was honored to be able to compete in the Run 10Feed 10 event in NYC on September 21st. If you don’t know what Run 10 Feed 10 is, then look it
up (or check out the link above). Essentially, it is an awesome series of
races that raised millions to feed hungry children across the country. I was partnered up with Chocolate Milk
for the event, and was honored to be able to promote smart recovery as well
being able to attend a fantastic event. If you haven't seen it, look for yours truly in the December issue of Men's Health.
The Rock and Roll Savannah Marathon was next on the
schedule. Post Run 10 Feed 10, I
was able to really put together a solid block of training, which led me to
believe that I was ready to handle the marathon distance once again. The point of Savannah for me was to
erase the memories of Eugene from my brain, in order to line up at my next
marathon ready to go after a fast time.
I must say, it was certainly a successful venture. I ran 2:21:33, not a PR, but a very
good day considering my build up.
I spent much of the race running 2:17-2:18 pace feeling very
strong, which I think bodes well
for my future marathons.
Along with running well and feeling good, I was also able to take him
the victory and course records, which to me were the cherries on top of a
positive day. There's a good article on the event linked above. Post race interview HERE
The people of Savannah were incredible, and I was fortunate
enough to spend some time talking with the crowd and taking pictures, along
with sharing our stories from the race.
Always good to connect with other runners. Thanks Savannah!
Post Savannah was all about recovering and trying to run
some easy workouts to prep for the next race on the schedule. For me this was a big one. I cut my post-collegiate running teeth
in Northeast Pennsylvania, and had to opportunity to meet many great people and
run some awesome races in the greater Scranton area. First was Dino Oberto’s Run for the Cannoli, second was the
Berwick Run for the Diamonds on Thanksgiving Day.
I lined up that day ready to run hard, and I did, but got
out kicked in the final mile of the 9 mile race and lost by under a
second. It was the closest finish
in the race’s 100+ year history. Ouch.
After that, I knew I would be back to secure that win.
I went into the race this year with the mindset that I was
going to run hard, and not give anyone the chance to outkick me. I pushed the first four miles, opened
up a gap, kept pushing, and was able to feel the glory of crossing the finish
at the Run for the Diamonds in first place. To me this was a big one, and one that I’m incredibly
grateful to experience.
Now, I’m back in Flagstaff, looking forward to the next
event. For me, it’s the 2014 USATF
Club Cross-Country Championships, which will be held at Lehigh University. This event is incredibly important to
me, because it is one of the rare occasions that my club, Team Run Flagstaff
Pro, gets to line up and competes as a team.
We’ve been spending a ton of time together on the roads,
trails, and off getting ready for this event, and there is some really positive
energy on this squad. I absolutely
can’t wait to line up next to these guys.
That will all go down on December 13th.
Thanks to the incredible outreach of support following my
wins at Savannah and the Diamonds.
I can’t truly express what it means to me to hear from all you guys, and
how it continues to motivate me to keep pushing my limits. Thank You.
Nick Hilton
