Mark Dowds

The Plan for 2011

It is that time again to publicly communicate my plans and goals for 2011 as I see them today. I will likely add to this list but hopefully not subtract anything. This past year was full of accomplishments on the sports and adventure side. I came 1st in the ultra distance Coastal Trail Blazer Awards for winning and placing on those stupid long runs. I feel good about that and that the 14 ultramarathons actually won me something. I am going to continue to run ultras but not as many this year. I still have to choose which ones I am going to take on in between my other racing schedule (below).

Here is what I have set out for this coming year:

1. I am going to be a better husband and father.

2. I am going to lead Brainpark to become very successful.

3. I am going to do my first Ironman in Cozumel Mexico on Nov 27th.

To accomplish these 3 significant goals is going to take even more discipline in my life. The old adage of early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise is going to be a mantra this year. I have already taken steps to formalize this discipline by spending $900 to join a Masters Swim class that starts every morning at 5.30am. I plan to swim and run 5 days a week before work then bike every day before dinner. I bought myself a very nice Kestrel bike a few months ago which I am really enjoying. This year will have a lot of mountain bike and road bike racing. Here is the schedule so far:

1/23: Pacifica 21k trail run (may upgrade to the ultra)

1/29: Dam Run in Lafayette

2/6: Chanoko Duathlon

3/13: Dublin St Pats run

3/19: Mount Diablo Challenge 50K Trail Run

4/2: Boggs 8-Hour Mountain Bike Challenge

4/30: Napa Valley Vintage Triathlong (Half-Ironman Distance)

5/15: Bay to Breakers

5/22: 12 hours of Weaverville

6/18: Best of the Bay 125 Mile ride

7/9: Downieville Classic

8/7: Shasta Summit challenge or Howell Mt Challenge

8/13: Tahoe Sierra 100 Mile Mountain Bike Ultra ride

Sept: Tour De Tahoe

10/2: Whiskey Town 9-5

10/16: Diablo Challenge

11/27: Ironman Cozumel

12: Hark the Harold 25K

This time I have a couple of friends who are doing most of the races with me (except the Ironman). I am excited to build up the bike skills and have some fun. If any of you are interested in joining me for any of the above races please let me know. I am going to tie a bunch of this together to raise some more money for my friends in Haiti. The details on that will follow on MileASmile.

 

St Patrick

Saint Patrick not only drove the snakes out of Ireland but he gave us an excuse for a good party every year. This year the celebration will take place on Friday 16th at the usual location in the Toronto Convention Center. There will be approximately 1300 people at the celebration of whom a significant portion are Irish. It is one of those events that gives everyone the opportunity to be Irish. Basically as long as you like the Irish you will be welcomed

I take responsibility to fill a table every year. So far there are 7 of us going and I am looking to find another 3 people who would be looking for something to do this Friday. The event starts at 11am and in many ways really never ends...

The event is sponsored by Diaggio (Guinness). It is the only day of the year where starting into the dark stuff before noon is acceptable. If you would like to join me for one of the best days of your life please email me.

I am a board member of the Ireland Fund of Canada who runs the event

Help me raise money on Givemeaning for a friend in need

A good friend of mine called Jason Hildebrand recently fought against death after intracting a flesh eating disease. He is a solo performance actor and his livelihood depends on him being able to be up and about and doing his shows. He has been in hospital for about a month and is now starting to recover at home with occasional surgery.

Jason's shows are world class and can be seen on his website. I am calling out to those who know Jason and also those who do not yet to participate with me in raising and donating some money to help him and his family survive this ordeal. In order to help at this stage all I need is your vote that this is a worthy and viable cause on Give Meaning. Please use the link below:

Vote Here