New Year New Me?

Alright, so that's highly inaccurate. It is a new(ish) year and this page hasn't been touched since my incoherent ramblings about Boston 2014. The truth is it has been a new three years, where I had all but forgot that this page existed. The excuse list is long but distinguished, it includes MAJOR family changes, four years of worldwide deployments with the Coast Guard, a couple nagging injuries, and overall lack of competitive running. Here's what's new:

-First and most exciting my family and I welcomed a new addition on February 8th at 4:12PM. Brycen Audy Hamilton, weighed 7lbs 6oz and made his late arrival at Southern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

Photo Courtesy of Amanda Taft Photography

-I have received orders to depart the Atlantic Strike Team, and return to Coast Guard Station Merrimack River in June 2017.

-Mom beat cancer....for a third time!

Since the Strike Team kept me away from home, and away from the mountains my fitness level suffered and I have found myself spending more time on the treadmill and pavement than in the woods. The shift back to Newburyport, MA should allow more time with my family and more time to train for future ultramarathons. 

Despite, the slow activity of the last few years I was fortunate enough to be a competitor in some fantastic events,run some great trails in around the country including Colorado, Alaska and Washington, and even got to race abroad in Motta St. Anastasia, Sicily for an MWR sponsored event. Here are some Highlights and photos!

Charlotte Amalie, USVI

30 Day "deployment" Silverton, CO

Sixth Overall finish at MPF/RNR event Water Gap 50k (4:22)

Completing a section run of the Batona Trail by headlamp with Jeff Blough

Touring San Juan Puerto Rico on foot, during a cruise ship fire response

Third Place Male at the Black Rock Races 10 summits 25k, and Fifth Overall at the "Great Schunemunk Traverse 20 Miler"

So that is the update, and from here I will begin a face lift of this blog. It once served as a platform to not bore my non interested friends on social media. The namesake, will likely change since I do not anticipate racing the Spartan Ultra Beast again (2 finishes is enough). My focus going forward will be about goal setting, enjoying the trail, and time management as a new father! Thanks for checking out my page, I look forward to more frequent, and shorter posts in the future!

Dave