2008 Review & Awards

2008 was the year of the PR in the Caba house. Despite our aging bodies, both Katie and I set PRs in the marathon, dirty half and 10k. It also brought victories in the Cascade Lakes Relay, Lithia Loop Trail Marathon and Turkey Trot, amongst several other podium (just out of the money) finishes.



2008 CLR Champions Left to Right: Ryan "Hobbit" Rein, Jeff Caba, Katie Caba, Kory Bright, Ryan Shaffer, Michael Dennis, Jill Gozdowski, Laura Fritz, Jen Sventek, Ahna Jura, Andy Martin. Missing from photo, all-star JJ Howard who was busting out a 10k leg.

2008 was also a year of discovery. Arm warmers became a new fixture in the wardrobe rotation. Although they had nothing to do with my speed, they at least made me feel fast, especially my Superman blue ones. Also wore running tights, the girly kind, for the first time. The jury is still out on this one but I kind of like them. Does that make me girly? Hobbit Rein introduced me to the Garmin 405, which is without question the best running watch invented to date...as long as you aren't wearing gloves, sweating or running in the rain. I also had my shoes screwed by the Footzone (sheet metal screws drilled into the sole). It's definitely a nice alternative to Yak Traks, but in new snow I think Yaks are better. I was also introduced by RWR, although not formally invited to wear, Stinger racing flats. Never knew there was such a shoe. Springs in the midsole? Really? Are they legal?

2008 was the year Runtopia.com almost happened. Still have the $800 logo to prove it. I think the domain is still reserved by the running Hobbit and one day, I tell you, one day we'll get it up and running. Until then, we'll enjoy the other hundreds of running websites and social networks available.

So what's in store for 2009? Hoping for a solid off season of casual running and skiing. Plan on picking up training again in February. Eugene will be my first major. Of course will run in the annual Dirty half and try to PR. No hope of winning that one with Martin and Max King running. Hopefully we can pull a team together and defend our title in the Cascade Lakes Relay in August. Probably will run a fall marathon, Chicago or Twin Cities would be nice, although that still needs wife approval. Might also venture back to Ashland for the Lithia Loop Trail marathon where my course record should get obliterated as the USATF marathon championship will be run on the course next year.

2008 AWARDS

Best memory of the year: Many great memories this year to choose from, including a weekend in Ashland for the Lithia Loop Trail marathon, 24 hour Cascade Lakes Relay and road trip to Sac town for the CIM, making this a tough decision. The winner... seeing Katie in her final 1/4 mile push towards a 2:58 marathon in Portland.
She didn't look this happy. What an awesome accomplishment. My wife is definitely faster than yours...unless you are married to Lisa Nye or Kami Semick.

Most improved: Another tough one. Sean Meissner put up some pretty good times, gaining victory at the Spokane Marathon and capping off his 2008 season with a 2:39 CIM. He's now a legitimate threat. The nod however goes to E. Stiles. 3:02 to a 2:49 marathon in 8 weeks! Are you kidding?

Most disappointing season: Difficult decision but Andy Martin's injury plagued season edges out Ryan Rein's fall from grace after the Cascade Lakes Relay. During late October Ryan was most easily found at his law firm's vending machine, shaking it violently while attempting to get two moon pies to fall from a single purchase. Meanwhile Martin was fixed to the couch, licking cookie dough off a wooden spoon, fading in and out of consciousness watching daytime talk shows and soap operas. Latest report is they are both shedding pounds and putting miles on their legs. Both runners should be fit and fast for 2009. Look forward to their return.

Best race of the year: Caba vs Martin in the high profile Turkey Trot. It was a back and forth duel to the finish. Definitely a running classic. Martin is still wondering what happened on that chilly November morning. Apparently delivering an early race stiff arm wasn't enough to overcome a recent foot operation. He discovered he needs two healthy feet to beat a true second tier runner like myself. I've already accepted my name will never again appear above his in the race results. CIM 2:36 was a close second.

Caba #64 forced to run wide by Martin #63 who is clearly cheating. Sean Meissner (singlet in 30 degree weather) receives incidental clothesline

Happy new year to all. Or at least the one or two people that will actually read this.