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@AGeraldi

Tomball, TX Raving since 2023 Boston Marathon finisher, 50 States hopeful/finisher, IRONMAN, World Marathon Majors Six Star hopeful/finisher Endurazone Active 1 day, 1 hour ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Ultraholics

  • Rave race:

    Badwater 135

  • Race that's calling my name:

    Comrades

  • I run because:

    I can do it anywhere and when traveling it has let me see numerous states and countries.

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

50 States Map
image/svg+xml FL TX NM AZ AK CA NV UT CO OR WA ID HI OK MT WY ND SD NE KS MN IA MO AR LA MS AL GA SC IL WI MI IN OH TN KY NC WV VA PA NY ME VT NH RI CT NJ DE MD MA DC

Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (18)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Ironman Whistler, Canada Aug 25, 2002 10:16:30
Half Ironman Waimea, HI 2003 4:54:34
Other triathlon distance San Francisco, CA 2002 2:34:22
12 hr San Francisco, CA Oct 26, 2006 53.9 mi
500K James Bayou Township, MO Jul 11, 2024 197:58:42
135 Miler Lone Pine, CA Jul 16, 2008 41:41:17
168K Chamonix, France Sep 1, 2008 42:48:42
100 Miler Key Largo, FL May 17, 2008 25:37:16
100K Needville, TX Apr 9, 2022 11:40:44
50 Miler Folsom, CA 2008 8:52:00
40 Miler Wartrace, TN May 6, 2023 9:45:18
50K San Francisco, CA Oct 14, 2007 3:53:47
28.4 Miler Mill Valley, CA Nov 25, 2007 6:15:40
Marathon Folsom, CA Dec 8, 1985 2:49:12
20 Miler Clarksburg, CA 1985 2:15:00
Half Marathon Cotati, CA Oct 16, 1985 1:17:32
12K San Francisco, CA 1986 41:04
10K Monte Rio, CA Jun 21, 1987 33:47

Future Races (1)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
500K Dorena Landing, MO 2025

Past Races (77)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Marathon Portland, ME Oct 6, 2024 5:00:18
500K James Bayou Township, MO Jul 11, 2024 197:58:42
Marathon Bluefield, WV Mar 28, 2024
Marathon Bluefield, VA Mar 27, 2024
Marathon Bristol, TN Mar 26, 2024 5:31:00
Marathon Mills River, NC Mar 25, 2024
Marathon Seneca, SC Mar 24, 2024
Marathon Macon, GA Mar 23, 2024
Marathon Eufaula, AL Mar 22, 2024
Marathon Salina, KS Nov 4, 2023 5:04:08
Marathon Laketown, UT Jun 10, 2023 5:37:15
Marathon Cokeville, WY Jun 9, 2023 5:26:22
Marathon St Charles, ID Jun 8, 2023 5:41:22
40 Miler Wartrace, TN May 6, 2023 9:45:18
Marathon Houston, TX Jan 15, 2023 5:49:26
50K Mineral Wells, TX Sep 10, 2022 6:56:02
Marathon Fort Worth, TX Jul 9, 2022 5:41:36
100K Needville, TX Apr 9, 2022 11:40:44
50 Miler Huntsville, TX Feb 12, 2022 11:40:44
Marathon Houston, TX Jan 16, 2022 4:24:55
Marathon Dallas, TX Dec 11, 2021 4:43:45
100 Miler San Martin, CA 2011 28:50:13
50K Clayton, CA Jun 6, 2010 8:52:11
100 Miler Key Largo, FL May 1, 2010 31:10:52
100 Miler Key Largo, FL May 1, 2009 29:57:59
50K Mill Valley, CA Mar 21, 2009 5:29:01
50K San Francisco, CA Oct 1, 2008 4:14:27
168K Chamonix, France Sep 1, 2008 42:48:42
135 Miler Badwater, CA Jul 16, 2008 41:41:17
100 Miler Key Largo, FL May 17, 2008 25:37:16
100 Miler Leadville, CO 2008 28:57:35
50 Miler Folsom, CA 2008 8:52:00
Marathon Dallas, TX Dec 9, 2007 5:14:12
50 Miler Huntsville, TX Dec 8, 2007 9:06:04
28.4 Miler Mill Valley, CA Nov 25, 2007 6:15:40
50K San Francisco, CA Oct 14, 2007 3:53:47
100 Miler Granite Bay, CA Sep 22, 2007 27:46:30
100 Miler Carson City, NV Jul 21, 2007 27:50:45
Half Marathon Basel, Switzerland May 20, 2007 1:27:36
50 Miler San Jose, CA May 12, 2007 10:09:17
Half Marathon San Francisco, CA 2007 1:19:42
50K Los Altos Hills, CA 2007 5:40:01
Half Marathon Murren, Switzerland 2007 3:13:17
Marathon Staten Island, NY 2007 3:09:50
12 hr San Francisco, CA Oct 26, 2006 53.9 mi
Half Marathon Murren, Switzerland Aug 19, 2006 2:50:26
Marathon Folsom, CA Dec 1, 2005 2:59:40
Ironman Lake Placid, NY Jul 27, 2003 12:16:51
Half Ironman Waimea, HI 2003 4:54:34
Ironman Klagenfurt, Austria 2003 11:00:00
Half Ironman Desaru Coast, Malaysia 2003
Ironman Whistler, Canada Aug 25, 2002 10:16:30
Other triathlon distance San Francisco, CA 2002 2:34:22
Half Ironman Waimea, HI 2002
Ironman Panama City, FL Nov 10, 2001 11:26:29
12K San Francisco, CA 2001
Half Ironman Geyserville, CA 2001
Half Marathon San Francisco, CA 2001 1:22:11
Marathon San Francisco, CA 2000
Other triathlon distance San Francisco, CA 2000 2:51:46
Marathon Hopkinton, MA 2000 3:11:55
Half Marathon San Jose, CA 2000 1:21:46
Marathon Hopkinton, MA 1999 3:06:12
12K San Francisco, CA 1999
Marathon San Francisco, CA 1998 3:10:03
Marathon Folsom, CA 1998 2:55:18
10K Monte Rio, CA Jun 21, 1987 33:47
12K San Francisco, CA 1987 41:36
12K San Francisco, CA 1986 41:04
Marathon San Francisco, CA 1986
Marathon Hopkinton, MA 1986 3:24:40
Marathon Folsom, CA Dec 8, 1985 2:49:12
Half Marathon Cotati, CA Oct 16, 1985 1:17:32
Marathon San Francisco, CA 1985 2:54:13
20 Miler Clarksburg, CA 1985 2:15:00
Other triathlon distance San Francisco, CA 1985 4:16:58
Marathon Folsom, CA Dec 1, 1984 3:35:33

My Raves

I had been/visited 49 of the US states and DC. I decided to enter Maine to get my states-visited count to 50. I also entered New Hampshire Marathon for the … MORE

I had been/visited 49 of the US states and DC. I decided to enter Maine to get my states-visited count to 50. I also entered New Hampshire Marathon for the day before (but because of airline difficulties the Friday before, I missed NH….oh well, that left Maine).

I opted for race morning bib pick-up. I got there early as they did allow an early start and I had broken my left foot pinky two 10 days earlier so I was a bit concerned. But after I got my bib, I decided to just stay in the official start time.

The crowd was a bit larger than I expected but still easy to find a spot. I saw a few pacers – from 3+ hours to 5+ hours. I decided to stand next to a 4:45 pacer but never latched on or ran with that pacer.

The gun went off and we started running. As usual, it was a bit crowded at the start and it took me a bit of time to cross the starting mat. We ran along the shore. Weather was cool – but very comfortable (actually, almost perfect running weather for me).

First part of the course was mostly flat but then we started a small series of “rollers” that continued to the 1/2 way turn-around point (and back). The run took us through quaint neighborhoods, farm areas, and some wooded areas. Crowd support was almost constant and the aid stations well staffed. Volunteers were great.

I hit the 1/2 marathon at around 2 hours and was satisfied. My broken toe hadn’t bothered me too much. I decided to mix jogging and fast walking at around mile 14-15. I continued that way.

I chatted with other runners and was enjoying the race. At mile 25.75 I was looking at my pace, estimated the time it took me from start gun to cross the start pad, and estimated the times I stretched my legs at about 3 water aid stations and thought I had 5 hours in sight. I crossed the finish line in 5:00:18….close enough.

All in all, a very good race, very well organized, great volunteers and a beautiful location. Plus it got me my 50th state visited and 20th state with a marathon or longer finish.

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I came across this one and saw the entry fee was $5....yes, $5. I couldn't pass that up (and a few times it dropped down to free!). Plus, I have … MORE

I came across this one and saw the entry fee was $5….yes, $5. I couldn’t pass that up (and a few times it dropped down to free!). Plus, I have never been to Kansas before (or Oklahoma which I would have to drive through to get there) so that made it even better.

I found an inexpensive hotel only a few miles from the race start/finish so I was off. Race check-in/bib pick-up was easy and fast. I was set to start….but I slept pretty poorly. A headache kept interfering with me sleep and I finally woke up an hour early than I wanted almost throwing up. Luckily, I had packed my migraine meds and took those.

The race start was again pretty convenient – plenty of free parking. I waited inside near race day check-in and just leaned against the wall rubbing my head. This wasn’t going to be a lot of fun with my head but I was determined to try.

I lined up next to the 4:30 pacer but by the start had moved up to the 4:20 pacer. My only goal at this stage was to finish. But I ended up doing pretty well and was on 4:10 pace through mile 17. Then the wheels came off. I decided to walk/jog.

I really like how the course is a blend of asphalt and trail (most asphalt). Went through some nice parks. It was certainly flat – yes some ups & downs and one “hill” (you hit that twice) but certainly could be a p.r. course.

I came to the finish area, missed the turn for the finish chute which cost me/added a few more city blocks, but corrected myself and crossed the line a bit over 5 hours. I was happy with the finish, a new marathon or longer state for me (#12), and the medal.

Volunteers were great and a LOT of crowd support. I recommend this.

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Well, I had finished the prior legs in Idaho and Wyoming, now to finish the third leg in Utah. One problem - as you will recall the soles of my … MORE

Well, I had finished the prior legs in Idaho and Wyoming, now to finish the third leg in Utah. One problem – as you will recall the soles of my race shoes wore through and began coming off my shoes. I couldn’t get to a shoe/sport shop so my choice was to try and go with the damaged shoes and hanging flopping soles….or to wear the pair I had brought as my walking around shoes. the plus side is those walk-around shoes were an older pair of Hoka shoes that I had worn in a few prior races. I opted for those Hokas.

I had spent the night again in Wyoming at The Antler hotel so had to get up a little early to drive to Utah. It was actually a nice drive and I made it to the start without issue. But, during the night, it had rained pretty heavy and the race directors decided they had to eliminate a flooded/muddy track of trail. They substituted an out and back off the course to maintain the marathon distance. It was both wise of them to take no chances with a route that could be inaccessible in case of emergency and to come up with a replacement portion of the route.

So off I went on leg #3 in Utah. This one stayed along the shore of the lake for most of the run except for that new added out-and-back. When runners did the out and then back (it was a loop) they reconnected to the main loop and continued to the turnaround. That route also went through Utah and Idaho again (I think…pretty sure anyway). Must of the run was on rolling roads along the shoreline.

After the first out, runners turned around and ran back to the start….where they turned around again and went and did that double out-and-back again.

Once again, the aid stations were fully stocked and volunteers were fantastic. Soon, I was nearing the finish line for my third marathon, in three states, in three days. I finished this one in 05:37:15.

The Trifecta was simply awesome in my opinion. i am already planning on a possible retreat next year. I highly recommend any of the marathons…or ALL three!

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This was stage two in the Bear Lake Trifecta. I chose to stay in Kemmerer which was about 15/20 minutes away from the start. If you are into fossils, you … MORE

This was stage two in the Bear Lake Trifecta. I chose to stay in Kemmerer which was about 15/20 minutes away from the start. If you are into fossils, you will like Kemmerer – dinosaur themed and fossil shops. Anyway, stayed at a motel (I think it was called something like The Antler). Clean but like all my hotel stays in the trifecta – it was no Ritz ๐Ÿ™‚ I found a good seafood pasta at a restaurant called The Kettle (good enough I had it the next night too).

Race morning I drove to the start of the race in Cokeville. Check-in was again easy and soon we were off running. My legs were a bit tired from the day before Idaho marathon (coupled with the lingering remnants of the 41 mile Strolling Jim 2 or 3 weeks before.) The run was nice – but despite the name, I never saw Bear Lake (too far away). Was out in the country-side and it was a nice run.

After running on the rolling pavement we turned onto a dirt road. As I ran I began to hear an interesting noise. I kept looking around thinking it might be a car. Then I decided it was sprinklers as we were running past farms and fields. Finally, it seemed very close to me. I looked down and realized my soles on my shoes were starting to peel away. Yes, I had some training miles on the shoes but assumed they would last…..I was incorrect. I had no choice but to keep running.

Soon, I was getting to around 20 miles and I stopped to stretch my calves and get some water. I was wearing one of my Badwater 135 finishers shirt and the volunteers were asking me about it. It was a nice rest – but off I went.

Soon, I approached the finish line. I crossed it in 5:26:22 and 26th out of 50 runners (5th in my AG). Second leg down…..but you can checkout the soles of my shoes in the attached photo ๐Ÿ™‚

Again, I will stress that the race organization, volunteers, and race directors were fantastic.

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In May, I ran the Strolling Jim 40 miler technically, it is about 41.3...Laz, the RD, isn't too particular ๐Ÿ™‚ Shortly afterwards, I heard about the Bear Lake Trifecta. Three … MORE

In May, I ran the Strolling Jim 40 miler technically, it is about 41.3…Laz, the RD, isn’t too particular ๐Ÿ™‚

Shortly afterwards, I heard about the Bear Lake Trifecta. Three Marathons, in three consecutive days, in three states (Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah). We used to live in Idaho Falls and were in those three states often so it really appealed to me (plus, I needed all three states for my hunt to run a marathon or longer in each of the 50 states). So, I applied.

I ended up flying into Salt Lake City as the most convenient airport. It was a decent drive to Bear Lake – but once I entered Cache National Forest, it became very beautiful. I snapped a great photo of Bear Lake from above as I headed towards the race packet pick-up. It was very relaxed and organized. I got my three race numbers, three t-shirts, and a few race decals. Then off I went to my hotel

I had decided to stay a bit outside the Idaho start – so I stayed in Montpelier, ID. It was pretty convenient (30 minute drive maybe) and, as a huge Butch & Sundance fan, I loved finding a Butch Cassidy Museum and toured it (former bank that was one of his first robberies).

The next morning I got to the start line. It was on the shore of Bear Lake in a grass and dirt lot. We received some instructions and soon the race started. I managed to stay pretty much in the front half of the race for a good amount of time. The terrain was rolling hills that stayed basically along the edge of the road. If I recall, we did cross the border into Utah at one point. Then eventually we got to the turn-around and went back on the same rolling route. The sun was out and the air was heating up. Thankfully, the course had plenty of aid stations (usually with water, electrolyte, and snacks….I recall popsicles at some).

I kept running, my legs getting a bit sore as the recent 41 miler was still in my muscles’ memory.

Soon I turned a corner and crossed the finish line. I ended up #22 out of 51 runners….and third in my age group.

I will say, I really enjoyed that marathon. Race directors were very nice and supportive too.

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I was coming off of health issues and almost cancelled this. But I tried it anyway and was glad that I did. RD Laz (of Barkley and Vol State fame) … MORE

I was coming off of health issues and almost cancelled this. But I tried it anyway and was glad that I did. RD Laz (of Barkley and Vol State fame) put on yet another great event.

I decided to try the first marathon part of the run around a 5 to 6 hour marathon pace. That worked out well. Then I slowed to walk/jog and eventually made it “home” to cross the finish line.

Temps did get warm for the second half, but it was never miserable. I certainly felt the hills even when it was written in chalk “This is not a hill.” on the hills. Wartburg humor.

Photo is of me and RD Laz.

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I ran this one in 2022 and decided to do it again this year. But, unlike 2022 when I was going for a time - I wanted to take this … MORE

I ran this one in 2022 and decided to do it again this year. But, unlike 2022 when I was going for a time – I wanted to take this one slower and incorporate walking into it. Why? Because I was entered into the Vol State 314 mile race across Tennessee. Since I knew I’d be doing a LOT of walking in Vol State, I wanted to condition my body for walking. Add to that I was certainly not at top condition or shape (I had been sick for a few weeks and was just starting to feel a bit better).

The marathon expo is always nice. It was an easy check-in and I got my bib and shirt. Shopped around a bit – but actually made it would without purchasing anything.

The race always starts off a bit crowded and runners are separated into various starting corrals, so it takes a while to get to the actual start line. But chip time takes care of that (although one is still not really able to run freely at their preferred pace).

So, I Ran/jogged the first half and came through it at 2:15:52. This is on an overpass (actually one end of it). The area isn’t what I would describe as beautiful, but it was OK. Then I shifted to jog/walk. The route goes through Memorial and it become more green and quite nice. There were speakers along the route playing music – some actually quite nice (I like rock and it had some tossed in).

The route also takes runners through downtown areas – you are running by office buildings. Soon, I am approaching the finish line. I could see that despite my walk/jog strategy, I had a comfortable cushion for the 6 hour cut-off.

I ended up crossing the finish line in 5:49:26. I really enjoy Houston’s marathon – even if I am not going for any p.r.

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I ran a 50k trail race in Mineral Wells, TX. I wasn't sure how I would do as I simply haven't been doing a lot of trail training, my runs … MORE

I ran a 50k trail race in Mineral Wells, TX. I wasn’t sure how I would do as I simply haven’t been doing a lot of trail training, my runs have been mostly flat, and my base distance not as high as I normally like – but I paid the entry fee about 8 weeks ago, so I did it.
The whole race thing didn’t go as planned. I wanted to take a 1/2 day and hit the road around noon (it is a 4+ hour drive to Mineral Wells). But because of work demands, I didn’t even get out of work until 3:00. Then on my drive there, the low air signal came on – my right front tire had a leak. I tried to deal with it when I got to Mineral Wells but because of the time, best I could do was free air from a Chevron station and a bottle of green sealant goo from an auto store. When I went to bed it appeared OK. The hotel on the other hand did not…what a dump! But I went cheap for a one night stay and I got what I paid for. (Disclaimer: it was not the race’s hotel where they checked in runners….I got there too late for that and this cheap hotel was about 3 miles away).
The next morning I went to load up my car and the tire was flat. Great…put the rest of the sealant in it and refilled the tire. It appeared to hold when I parked it at Mineral Well Lake. Then I jumped on the shuttle to take me and other runners to the starting line.
I met some really nice runners there and we chatted a bit. As we lined up I thought of Eliza Fletcher and how she will be missing so many running opportunities.
Soon, we were off. The race was 4 loops of about 8 miles each. I kind of held back a little at first but soon found myself in third place following a couple other runners. Around mile 5 I felt another runner gaining on me and he soon passed me. But only a short time later, all three stopped at an aid station so I moved into first place. That was nice, fun, and very short-lived. By mile 7 I had been overtaken and as we approached the end of loop one I was #5. OK…let’s see how this goes and how long I can hang on.
Temps started rising a bit and my shirt was drenched in sweat, but overall I kept a decent pace. By the end of loop 2 I was still in the top 10 but my legs were feeling the trails. The trail was actually overall flat with some sections of many rocks, a lot of sand (think of running on the beach), and a few muddy troughs but definitely a possible PR course for some.
Then I started loop 3. I wanted to see what kind of marathon time I could post with not maximum training on a trail and did a 5:15 one. Not even close to my best but I was satisfied. I kept running but ended up mixing a lot of jogging and walking in.
At the start of the last loop, I knew this would not be a PR race for me but I kept moving on. But decided to do more walking and jogging.
I ended up crossing the finish line with a 6 something hour finish (almost 7 hours) and second in my age group (first in my age took 4th overall and smashed my time…but he was at the young end of the AG while I am cresting it.) Turns out he was one of the two runners I “paired up with” on the first loop and ended up passing….he got me back.
Got back to my car…..and the tire was so completely flat pancakes laughed at it. So, a ranger was so kind to fill up the tire enough for me to make it to Walmart. A few dollars later, I now have a new front passenger tire.
Now, after a 4+ hour back home, I am tired! A shower helped as I was covered in dust but the warm water mixing with my red shoulders from today’s sun wasn’t the most comfortable. It was nice though to drive home with a huge full moon (at least I think it was full) in a bright orange color.
The race director Ultra Expeditions did a fantastic job putting on this race. The park’s rangers were genuinely thankful for the runners coming out, and my favorite sparkling mineral water Crazy Water’s 1877 supplied all aid stations with their water (flat) so that was really great.

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Well, yesterday was another marathon in the books. No PR for me and no Boston Qualifying - but I suspected and expected that. Temps were hot (not Badwater hot but … MORE

Well, yesterday was another marathon in the books. No PR for me and no Boston Qualifying – but I suspected and expected that.

Temps were hot (not Badwater hot but the bit of humidity tossed in tried to contribute to the pain). At least by the race start it had dropped a few degrees to near 100 F. The path was pretty nice along a river, mostly rolling, but little shade.

I said I wasn’t going to race it – but my mouth and my brain (what’s left of it) don’t always agree. So I went out trying for a sub four hour marathon. But, by the half marathon I was so drenched in sweat – I honestly don’t recall any race, other than a swimming one, where I was that soaked. So the second half marathon was just a death march to get that coveted t-shirt (because I don’t have drawers and boxes….and a quilt, full of them). I also used my new Hoka Mach 5 and I’m not sure if the heat made my feet swell but by mile 14 the shoelaces were killing me. I had to stop and loosen the laces three times during the run. Maybe I should have stayed with Cliftons.

I did win my age group….thankfully I was the only guy in it ๐Ÿ™‚

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I have run 50km races, 50 miles races, 100 miles races, and even a 135 one. But I have never run a 100km one. So I tried running the Brazos … MORE

I have run 50km races, 50 miles races, 100 miles races, and even a 135 one. But I have never run a 100km one. So I tried running the Brazos Bend 100km today. Of course I slept like crap and was working this morning at 3:30 so that burnt time, and then headed out 30 minutes late. But got to Brazos Bend State Park for the race. The car in front of me entered the gates first and must have been a tad bit late too as the rangers lights went on and pulled him over (I thought it was going to be me as I was following him).
Anyway, my legs just never felt great. Tired, heavy, (manly though), and not as responsive as I would have hoped. Then, after the first 25km/15.5 mile loop the sun came out. Wasn’t blistering but definitely warm.
Saw at least a dozen gators during the run (pretty cool I think) and stopped for this photo of one….she had two babies on her back but they jumped off before the shot. She is behind me keeping an eye on the people watching her and her babies.
Finished my marathon split almost identical to my Dallas Marathon split (4:45-ish) and my 50 mile time almost the same as my Rocky 50 miler last month. But then I realized I had no chance of finishing the 100km before the 15 hour 30 minute cut-off so I called it day at only 50 miles. So I have yet to finish a 100km (although this was my first attempt at that specific distance.)
The RD was cool…gave me the 50 mile finisher medal on his own initiative (nice wooden one with a gator) because he said I did 50 (and within the time limit). But I still DNF’ed the 100km. Will have to try that distance again one day.

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I think it was about a month before this race, I had come to Huntsville to pace a friend in the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler (which I had DNF'ed years … MORE

I think it was about a month before this race, I had come to Huntsville to pace a friend in the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler (which I had DNF’ed years earlier….my first ever DNF). As I was running with him, he mentioned that a friend was going to be doing this 50 miler later and that started me thinking. So….a few days later I also entered this race.

I got to the race start and found parking (one has to pay to park – but you can pay in advance on-line which is what I did). I found parking and checked into my race.

All runners lined up for the start. It was dark so, of course, I had a flashlight. I often un with a headlamp but decided to just use the flashlight here – and that worked (it got light enough in the first loop that I didn’t need the flashlight any more). I had a light day-hike backpack on (I had worn it in Leadville, Mont Blanc, and a few other races – a nice REI one).

The course is loops and almost all trails. The trails have many roots in them so footing can be challenging. Plus, it had been raining before the race – so there were puddles and mud. But, still it was a nice trail – sometimes with “bridges” which were flat stretches of wooden planks.

I felt pretty good early on and was keeping a nice pace. But near the end of my second loop I actually considered dropping at the 50km point. However, as I came into the start/finish area I saw the runner that I had paced earlier. We chatted for two minutes and I looked at the time and decided that absolute worst case, I could walk my final loop and still finish. So I continued. I kept looking for our mutual friend who had registered for this first and 9unkown to her at that time) got me into this race. But I never saw her.

I was able to strike up some conversations with other runners. Going through some aid stations (some had vegetarian food which, for me, was very important and helpful) there was often some music being played which helped.

Into my last loop, I was starting to get a bit cold. It was also getting dark so I had my flashlight out again. But even with the light – I went down three times due to roots. Luckily the ground where I landed was soft enough each time I bounced back up.

Finally, in the distance as I was crossing a levee I could see where the finish line was. I kept going and soon rounded the final corner and crossed the finish line. Wow! 50 miles down and a nice medal. I was pleased.

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I had run the Dallas Marathon the month before this race. At Dallas, I was hoping to get as close to 4 hours or under as I could. But it … MORE

I had run the Dallas Marathon the month before this race. At Dallas, I was hoping to get as close to 4 hours or under as I could. But it didn’t work out that way for me (finished….but a bit closer to 5 hours). So, I decided to do Houston Marathon as Houston was our new home. Again, I was hoping for 4 hours-ish.

My wife, daughter, and I went to the expo. It was nice with plenty of exhibitors. I got my number and purchased a couple pairs of Injinji socks. Our 12 year old daughter liked getting a few of the free give-way promo items. I grabbed a Houston poster for my office and home (my garage is wallpapered with running/triathlon memorabilia). We grabbed a bite of lunch in a restaurant in the exhibition center lobby. Then we headed home.

The next morning I drove the 25 minutes from our home to the starting area. I exited the highway and found a parking lot pretty quickly. I paid and looked at the street sign and buildings to remember where I had parked. Then I wandered to the start.

I found my starting corral and lined up with others. As the clock wound down, I removed my old shirt I had brought to stay warm and I tossed it into a pile of clothes other runners had also helped create (I understand the clothing was collected and distributed to those in need – so that was nice).

The, after listening to the corrals ahead of us starting, we were given the signal and off we went. The roads were basically downtown area and some had descents or inclines. Not true hills, but one could feel them a bit. We ran past areas that I had visited before – sometimes for a shopping excursion or to catch a concert downtown. After a bit, we were out of downtown and more in the neighboring communities (although still Houston…..like Los Angeles, the city is huge).

My minute per mile wasn’t sub-4:00 but I still felt OK so I kept at that pace. Soon, we were in an area that kind of reminded me of a city park. It could have been Memorial. There were speakers lined up along the route and they actually played some decent music.

My legs started tiring around mile 20 so I slowed a bit. The next part, as we were passing some very nice homes, my pace was a mix of jogging and fast walking. Soon, I knew we were getting closer to the finish line – both the downtown buildings showed that….as did the mile markers ๐Ÿ™‚

Crowds were getting larger and their noise was getting louder. Finally, we turned a corner and down the finishing “chute” I went. Got my finishers medal (just like the prior month’s Dallas marathon, it was the 50th anniversary of the race).

Then I went to the expo area and got my finisher shirt and a glass finisher mug. I decided to head back to my car….only to realize I had forgotten the street name and the location. I borrowed someone’s phone and called my wife. She was good-natured but can’t say “overjoyed” to drive downtown to find me. But, as she exited the highway, right in front of her she saw my car. So she picked me up and drove me back to get it. That was a nice resolution to that issue.

I knew I would run this one again in 2023. I did – but my strategy was different due to a unique race I would be training for (although ended up not doing). That 2023 Houston Marathon report is here in Race Raves too.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
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4
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I first ran Dallas Marathon in 2007 the day after I ran Sunmart 50 Miler. Needless to say my legs were tired....and I was so chafed in body parts that … MORE

I first ran Dallas Marathon in 2007 the day after I ran Sunmart 50 Miler. Needless to say my legs were tired….and I was so chafed in body parts that NO ONE wants to be chafed. But, I decided to try Dallas anyway…and it was slow. But my buddy Erick with whom I had run college cross-country and track suggested I join him for the 2021 Dallas Marathon I decided it would be my first attempt at another marathon in years ๐Ÿ™‚

We met in Dallas and went to the expo. It was nice – got my race bid which, instead of my name, I had say “Go Raiders!” for my football team. They also gave out an extra free t-shirt too (I guess because it was the 50th year anniversary).

Race day morning was cold…I mean COLD. Erick and I took a Dallas metro train from the hotel to the start and stood their freezing for a bit. Then the gun went off. Maybe nerves….but less than 3 miles in I had to go pee so I turned off under an overpass….Erick had to do the same … and two other runners followed us to also “shed” some body weight. Then it was back running.

The race was going pretty well and soon I separated away from Erick. We went along the shore of a body of water (I assume the lake) and it started to warm up. At times the route took us past some very expensive looking houses – other times it was kind of in the country.

Soon, I came to the two hills on the course known as the “Dolly Partons”. I was starting to tire and between the hills, Erick caught me. After a while I told him to go on as I was running out of steam.

I ended up walking and jogging much of the last 6 miles….guess I had hit that darned wall. Soon though, I got to the finish line and crossed. Sure wasn’t my best marathon time – but a marathon finish and my first in many years.

At the finish line, they had water, bananas, pizza, and other snacks.

I found Erick who had bested my time by a really good margin but we were both satisfied with our runs. I was eyeing the upcoming 2022 Houston Marathon in about a month to try and improve my time.

DIFFICULTY
3
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4
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4
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Race Director supreme Rajeev Patel puts on fantastic races. Run-de-Vous is no exception to that rule. The race offers 50k, 50 miler, 100k, and 100 mile options. It is very … MORE

Race Director supreme Rajeev Patel puts on fantastic races. Run-de-Vous is no exception to that rule. The race offers 50k, 50 miler, 100k, and 100 mile options. It is very flat and goes around a loop of about 2 miles in Harvey Bear Ranch Park in San Martin, California. I ran one of Raj’s prior races there and decided I wanted to try the 100 miler. But this time, my wife Cori and our sons Brandon and Connor were going to join us. The boys decided to use it as a fund-raiser for the high school they just started: Archbishop Riordan HS in San Francisco. The four of us decided to don Riordan track singlets and off to the race we went.

Race day morning though wasn’t perfect. Connor woke up feeling ill and never really got better. The first few loops were constant stops for him at the port-a-johns. Finally, he had to retire back to our tent we had set up (runners are allowed to set up their own “camps” at the race course).

Cori, Connor, and I kept going. Race support is amazing as every two miles runners come across the timing mat, main aid station (FULL of food and drinks), and first-aid. I have worked that aid station a couple times and made my special wild mushroom risotto.

As the race continued into darkness, Brandon and Cori decided to take a nap in the tent. I kept going. In the very early morning hours, Brandon, Cori, and even Connor got back into the race.

We all re-grouped and finally, the four of us crossed the finish line together. Connor survived to finish a 50km, Brandon clipped the 50 mile mark, Cori completed her first 100km, and i logged my 100 mile finish.

Great memories and a great race.

DIFFICULTY
3
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5
SCENERY
3
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4
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I decided to do one last race before the Western States 100 mile Endurance run. I was trying to decide between Auburn Trail 34 miler or the Mt. Diablo 50k. … MORE

I decided to do one last race before the Western States 100 mile Endurance run. I was trying to decide between Auburn Trail 34 miler or the Mt. Diablo 50k. I asked around and most people suggested the Diablo run so I would get more hills and heat. So I decided to do that one.

Saturday morning started hot and it got even warmer as the day progressed.

I got to the race start and checked in. Sarah Spelt from PCTR was there and we exchanged a hello. Then I got my gear together. As I was placing my gear in my waist belt, it slipped down the trunk lid of my car. I didn’t notice this and tried and to close the trunk, slamming it on the waist pack. Later I discovered that my camera, stored in the waist pack, was caught in the pack and the trunk lid cracked the screen. So I had no idea if it was still working but decided to bring it and just aim in the general direction and snap photos.
Soon we gathered at the starting line for last minutes instructions.

Then we were off.

The run started with a common theme of the day……a climb up in the heat.

In the beginning I ran/jogged when I could but often find myself in a power hike. Five minutes in the sweat was already pouring down my forehead. I was using this a testing grounds for certain possibilities to use such as a new Ultimate Direction two bottle waist pack (that fits oh so nicely between the trunk lid and the trunk) and two sets of shoes – Asics and La Sportiva

As we went on, we went higher up the mountain. This gave us views of the east bay….and soon the San Francisco skyline and the south bay.

I was feeling pretty good at this point. I was trying to maintain a strong hike without pushing too hard. The sun was really beating down though. I was drinking plenty (water and Clip) and downing a S! Cap per hour.

After awhile, the uphill climb became a downhill. This felt good. I love downhills and went tearing down. This felt good and was a nice change from the uphills.

I was definitely getting the heat training I wanted. Soon the downhills leveled off and became uphills again. The sun was high overhead and the temps were increasing.

Soon I reached the aid station. It was in a camping ground parking lot. The aid station workers were very nice and helpful, filling up my bottles. Then we were off again – the trails wrapped around the mountain, heading up to the peak of Mt. Diablo. Soon, the lead runners from the 25km and Chikara leading the 50km came tearing down the mountain.

Suddenly the visitor center at the top of Diablo came into view – the turn around was just past the last trail section. As I approached it, Mountain Man Steve Ansell came racing down the mountain and we exchanged high fives. I went up through the trail and reached the turn-around. The views from the top were unbelievable.

Then it was back down. And I mean down. This race had uphills….but it had an equal amount of downhills. As I went down, I was tearing down a trail and, like at Quad Dipsea, I was concentrating so much on my footing in front of me, I missed the trail juncture to the right. Not knowing this, I kept running down the wrong trail. After about a quarter mile things did not look right. I stopped and looked around. No trail marker ribbons could be seen. I saw some hikers coming up the trail and asked if they had seen any runners. They said “Yes” so I felt relieved. Then they said “We saw two, but they seemed lost and confused.” No I didn’t feel relieved any more. I turned around and started trudging back up the hill.

I found the trail again and got back on track. I tore back down the mountain. But now my lower back was acting up. Each footstep downhill caused pain in my lumbar region and then down my legs. But I continued and reached the turn-around point. Time was 3:35.

I changed shoes (into my La Sportiva) and switched into hand held bottles. Then it was back up the trail. I was feeling pretty good and moving pretty strong. The trail did have some nice scenes such as waterfalls, trees and flowers.

Soon however, my back started throbbing and my pace slowed down. My stomach wasn’t feeling so great either. But I kept climbing and soon went through the aid station again. Then it was up on to the summit again. Soon the summit sign came into view.

Then it was at the summit again.

My return trip down was slow. My back hurting and my legs feeling empty. But eventually I finished. My time was unbelievably slow – 8:54 (I have done 50 milers faster). But with the high temps and almost 9000 feet of climb over 31 miles (by comparison, Vermont 100 has 14,600 feet over 100 miles!) I am thankful my last WS100 training gave me what I was looking for: heat, hills and time on my feet.

Sarah and PCTR put on a great race and as I relaxed and looked at the Mt. Diablo dust on my legs, I looked forward to Western States 100 in a few weeks.

DIFFICULTY
4
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4
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I returned to Florida to attempt my third straight Keys 100. I had managed to buckle the race in 2008 and 2009 and was hoping to earn my third buckle … MORE

I returned to Florida to attempt my third straight Keys 100. I had managed to buckle the race in 2008 and 2009 and was hoping to earn my third buckle in the third year of the race.

After touching down Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, I drove to Miami and checked in my hotel – trying to work while reading race updates from the 24 Hour World Running Championships till 2:00 am. Then on Friday morning I went into my company’s Miami office for a while to get some work down. I like to get there a couple times a year at a minimum, but other travel had kept me away for well over a year so this was a good chance to reconnect with colleagues.

Afterwards I started to drive north (yup, not south to the Keys) to West Palm airport to pick up Bob Cicalese. Bob was a friend that I had met on an ultrarunning e-mail exchange called the UltraListServ. About 6 weeks ago or so he and his family were in California on holiday and I took him on a couple training runs. During one such run I suggested he consider Keys 50 as a good warm-up for Vermont 100 which we are both entered to run. Later, I upped the suggestion and said he should consider doing the Keys 100 instead as it is plenty of time to recover for Vermont (July) and any mileage he gets will be a great base for Vermont. I also promised him that if he did, we would toe the line together and I would help pace him to his first ever 100 finish and buckle. I could see this thought taking root in his mind ……similar to the way visions of a sweet young White House intern takes root in Bill Clinton’s mind. Soon he embraced the concept, was hooked and in. So I had someone to run the Keys 100 with from start to finish….so I thought.

Anyway, after sitting in traffic for an hour, finally got Bob at West Palm and we began a comical drive to the Keys. There are toll roads (a bit foreign concept for a California driver) but I had driven them before so thought I knew where to go. But once we went through the Sunpass/pre-paid lane by mistake (without any such pass we thought until a call to the rental car company confirmed the license plate did the same thing) and once a slight wrong turn ended us up in a neighborhood of Miami that was not on any tourist destination maps. We locked our car doors and got the heck out of that part of town before were became extras in CSI Miami.

We finally made it to Highway 1 and drove past Florida City through the Everglades. I kept seeing signs announcing Croc Crossings yet never saw any gators. Bob and I were running a tad bit late so we drove straight to race check-in and the pre-race meeting. This year it was in a community center.

The check-in was very organized and we got our bags and numbers rather quickly. I managed to meet some fellow ultra friends and runners such as Christian Griffith from Atlanta, Bill Andrews (he and I did Badwater together and based upon advice we received from DC at ZombieRunner, walked the first two miles of BW together – he was also at AR 50 with me as well as Barkley) and Molly Sheridan. Bill was the guest speaker at the race meeting speaking on the very interesting topic of life extension through telomere extension (being a science major in undergrad and overall a geek – I truly enjoyed his topic that has led to 3 Nobel prizes….for more info go here: Sierra Sciences ). Bill’s speech had as a central point that exercise helped slow the aging process and that extreme exercise had the best effect at slowing aging…..for some coincidental reason he had a receptive audience to hear this message.

Race director and friend Bob Becker did a great job opening the meeting and describing the event and answering questions.

It was during this meeting that a thought hatched in my head….it was one of those “OMG you are such a dumbshi!!” thoughts. This year, the Keys 100 allowed non-crewed runners. This means runners who opted for this more challenging race format would not have a car driven along them with a crew handing them supplies…instead drop-bags would be placed for them about 10 miles apart. Bob and I were non-crewed. Also meaning (dumshi!!) that the car would not be at the finish line 100 miles later! We scrambled trying to see how we could get our car down there when these super nice distributors of this new vitamin and antioxidant drink called (click here to go to their site) Yoli offered to drive the car and have it waiting for us in Key West. That was a relief. By the way, the Yoli drink is quite good and tasty – I joked I would mix the citrus flavor with vodka. You should give it a try.

So Bob and I headed back to the hotel and checked in. A quick bite to eat (where Bob watched his Flyers win game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs) and then back to the hotel. We spent about an hour or so organizing drop bags and contents. We decided that for the first 50 miles we would drop one at Mile 20, one at 40 and one at 50. Then after that every 10 miles. 50 miles drop was our biggest drop with the later ones having nighttime gear and supplies. Then it was off to bed.

The alarm went off a bit too early it seemed (thanks to some partying kids) but we were up and soon out the door to the starting line. We parked the car grabbed our bags and headed to check-in. Our friends from Yoli were checking us in so we gave them the keys. Then I proceeded to put our drop bags in the right boxes: 20 mile drop bag in the box reading MM 20; 70 mile drop bag in box reading “MM 70” and so on. This little instance would revisit us later.

Bob and I started walking to the starting line and as soon as we got there heard “One minute to go”. Wow! Time flies when you are running late! We barely had time to wish each other luck when we were off. The 2010 Keys 100 had begun.

I had told Bob that we should follow advice I received from DC for Badwater. We walk the first two miles. After that we would develop a run/walk strategy and suggest 10 minutes running & 2 minutes walking through mile 25. Then we would see how we were doing and continue at that pace or adjust the run time down and walk time up. He agreed. But after 12 minutes of walking we said…OK let’s start the 10 and 2.

During the early part of the race we came across some runners we knew such as Bill Andrews, Molly Sheridan, Christian Griffith and Bry Gardner. We chatted a bit with them but soon various race strategies spread us out and Bob and I were just two guys running our race.

The 10 and 2 was working quite well and pretty soon we came to the first ice and water stop for non-crewed runners (each spaced 10 miles apart…or so).I had already developed a hot spot on the bottom of my right foot. Bob was also developing a blister. So we took some time and tended to those. After refueling and re-hydrating, we were off.

By Mile 20, the sun was definitely up and I had put on my Moebens, OR sun hat and my Kool scarf (hollow so it can be filled with ice). Bob had a tank top on and a visor type cap. Pretty soon I could tell the sun beating on his head was getting to him. Somewhere around mile 22 he spotted a small white hand towel on the ground. He grabbed it, shook it off and plopped it on his head under the visor – presto: a sun hat! Bob swears that lucky towel saved his race for him.

Soon we were slowing a bit. The 10 minute runs were decreasing and the 2 minute walks stretching a bit longer but I told Bob we didn’t care – we would take a little more time during the heat and recoup it as the day cooled down later. At the marathon check-in we found out we weren’t exactly in last place (barely) so that made us happy. We grabbed more ice and water were soon out on the hot road again.

The Keys 100 follows Highway 1 down the Overseas Highway to Key West. That means bridges…a lot of bridges. I enjoy the bridges. My first year at Keys I saw porpoise, turtles, a barracuda, and a lot of other fish. Last year I saw turtles. This year I saw one turtle, a bunch of sting ray, and one barracuda.

As Bob and I continued to run we approached mile 30 and I noticed my lower back was tightening up a bit and my piriformis was flaring up. My piriformis was what knocked me out of Rocky Raccoon 100 at mile 80. Damn – this is not good. I massaged it as we ran and walked. We would stop and stretch also. About this time the temps were definitely hotter and Bob, who had spent his last 6 weeks of heat training in the highs of 45 degrees F in Philly was not a happy camper. I could tell he was wondering why he ever listened to me when I suggested the Keys 100…that sweet young White House intern was beginning to look a bit more like Hillary on a real rough day.

I happened to glance at my watch that has a thermometer – a cool 100 degrees F! After the race I have heard reports that temps hit the 90’s in the shade and 108 on the asphalt. Not quite Badwater but neither was it the Antarctic marathon. On the bridges it was cooler….but some of these bridges seemed to never end:

As we neared mile 30 my back and piriformis were really tight. At home I use a Physical Therapy ball (or a kid’s T-ball ball) to massage the piriformis in my glute. But here no such items were lying along the Overseas Highway. There were however coconuts. So I grabbed a small baby one (already hollowed out by crabs) and brought it with me to the drop bag station. There I sat down and used the coconut to knead and massage the tight piriformis muscle to relieve the pressure on my sciatica.

Bob and I got our drop bag and Bob noticed that they were mile 70 bags. Damn! How did I screw that up? Then we realized that the boxes I put the bags in were marked for Mile Markers. The Overseas Highway has a mile marker in descending order down to MM zero in Key west. So we were 30 miles into our race….but at Mile Marker 70. I had put in our 70 miles bags into MM70 box meaning all our drop bags for later in the race were actually spread out earlier in the race!!!!

The two volunteers told us we weren’t the only idiots (well I wasn’t since it was my mistake). The volunteer Marshall would take our bags and would drop them off as he made it down to Mile 70 at MM30. That was a relief. So we refueled (I opened a packet of tuna fish and shared it with Bob).

Soon we were shuffling down the road in some of the hottest parts of the day. When there was cloud cover I didn’t think it was too bad…and when there was cloud cover and the cross or tail winds it was actually nice in my opinion. Bob thought it was simply brutal. I am not sure, but I would think at times it was hotter than 2009 (not sure about 2008 as that was HOT) but at other times the weather was actually pretty conducive to a fast time (for someone else).

Well, we hit that stretch between mile 30 and 40 that included bridges. I really enjoyed this and kept trying to push the pace as much as possible. After stopping to get more ice and water at mile marker 60 (mile 40) we pressed on. This stretch had a lot of telephone poles. I made a deal with Bob. We run one length then we walk one length. Then repeat. We kept this up for some time and I could see us recovering some time.

At one point we were side-by-side and heard a honking. Through-out the day cars had honked either cheered at us or shouted stuff like “Get running!”. This time it was a motorcycle driven by a cool biker dude while his girlfriend/wife/sister/mom flashing us her boobs as they sped by. We both chuckled at this and yelled a quick “thank you” as we moved on down the road.

But then tragedy hit…..the BIKE PATH!!!!!! The bike path has been for me one of the worst parts of the race. It is down off the side of the road pretty sheltered. There is no wind, no water, no nice view, nothing. And it goes on and on and on. Time stands still. Tree sloths have been known to commit suicide from boredom there. Jewelery melts and drips to the ground from the heat. Satan needs a iced tea when he visits it. The path is made of the melted soles of prior runners. Etc.

Anyway, we entered the depths of Hades….I mean the bike path and continued our march and that is what we did. Except for a few short bursts of slow jogs, we were in power marching time. Simply going forward with deliberate strong and fast steps.

After what seemed like an eternity we exited the path to Marathon. Marathon was the location of the mid-way point. Bob and I caught another runner and the three of us moved toward the 50 mile check-in at the Marathon airport. The other runner told us he was done and dropping for the day. Bob and I grabbed our gear and took a good 20 minutes resting, stretching, refueling, and hydrating. I also took that opportunity to apply a crap-load of Hydropel to chafing that was developing in places no human should ever be chafed.

Then we were off again. We headed to the next little challenge – the Seven Mile Bridge. The sun was starting to set so Bob and I put on our reflector vests and donned headlights and flashlights. Bob had loaned me a blinkie light but that popped off my vest and shattered on the ground so we went on without (sorry RD Bob Becker….we improvised with swinging the flashlight back and forth).

As we continued over the bridge the temps definitely cooled and Philly Bob was getting back into his element. I mentioned to him that once we hit the top we should run down the other side. So we did. Maybe we shouldn’t have. By the bottom of the bridges “hill” my legs were tired, bottom of feet sore and my back was killing me. But we kept going, taking a couple rest stops to stretch on the side of the bridge.

Once we were on the other side we began looking for Mile Marker 60 and our next drop bag. There we found it and settled down into a couple of chairs as we chatted with the two volunteers who were crewing it. They were nice and one, a reporter, started interviewing us on the spot. After a bit we were off again and moving down toward Big Pine key – home of the endangered Key Deer. Last year I had seen one Key Deer, the previous year none. This year I clearly saw two Key Deer eating and near the end saw a herd of them consisting of about 10 deer in the brush on the side of the road….only their eyes visible reflecting our head lamps. Both Bob and I were actually feeling pretty good at this point and were picking up our pace (not actually running mind you but power marching at a good clip).

The miles seemed to pass and now it was my turn to get a second wind. Bob was attempting to sleep walk – that is he kept right on moving but would shut his eyes for a couple seconds at a time. Usually I do the same thing and this year I really thought sleep deprivation would be bad for me (especially after staying up till about 2 in the morning Friday watching the 24 hour running championship updates). But this time I never really had a strong urge to fall asleep. So I kept pushing reminding Bob we had to keep going.

About this time I started doing math. I would tell Bob – OK we are at this distance at this time. If we average 15 minute miles, we still have a 27 hour. If we average 20 minute miles around 30 hours, etc. He kept saying OK. Our goal was never to allow our cushion between a finish time and the 32 hour cut-off fall beneath one hour.

Soon we reached mile 70 at mile marker 30. To my surprise it was being crewed by Will, one of my crew members from my 2009 Keys 100. He commented that I looked a lot better than I did in 2009…..wow I must have looked like a corpse in 2009!!!!

Bob and I kept moving. All the time I kept telling Bob that if we do X pace we should finish at Y time. After awhile Bob seemed to move ahead of me. Either I was slowing, he was speeding up or he just got tired of hearing my mental calculations. By mile 75 my back was killing me. Bob got there a minute before me, but as we agreed, we were just going to blitz this stop to make up time so he just barely stopped.

But when I got there I had to stop and stretch. I tried to take some aspirin for my back. But it dissolved instantly on my tongue and when I went to swallow it got stuck and started burning. Next thing I knew I was throwing up. Tim a volunteer tried to help me. I must admit I felt so disgruntled with my aching back and slowing pace I probably was not the most appreciative. But I tried to thank him and move on.

Bob had, per our plan, kept going. I didn’t think I could catch back up with my lower back cramping up but I kept trying. After two miles I stopped on the steps of a store and stretched some more – using a round rock as a massage ball. I kept the rock and ended up using it probably 8 of the next 12 miles. I was now on my own as there was no chance of me catching Bob – and I was thankful he did what I had told him to do “Keep going and get your buckle if I can’t keep up.”

Soon with the sun lighting up the morning sky, I hit Mile 80. Mile 80 is a major mile for me in 100’s. It gives me a mental boost knowing I only have to take a step and then I have less than 20 miles to go. So that is what I did. I took one more step so I had less than 20 miles to the finish……and then dropped to the ground and stretched out. Tim from mile 75 was there dropping off some drop bags and he asked if he could do anything. I told him my piriformis was killing me but that there wasn’t anything he could do. So I got up and put my power walk into high gear so that I was averaging around 17 minute miles. I kept power marching, dropping to the side of the road and stretching my back and massaging my piriformis. The miles came and went….slowly. But I was moving closer to the finish line.

Around mile 86 or 87 the skies opened up. I was along a bike path and the rain was coming down so heavy. The wind was blowing the rain so hard it actually plugged up my ear like I had just been swimming. But it felt GOOD! I actually started running again. The cool water made my legs feel better and actually seemed to help my back. But the heavy shoes were not helping my feet.

As the rains cleared the humidity from the evaporating water increased. I kept moving but was being passed by runners every so often. All were very friendly and supportive. I began to think that I might get the DFL award! This award, for being the Dead F____ing Last runner to officially cross would be a new one for me….but so well earned.

As we approached the Naval Air Station we began to climb what appeared to be Mount Everest (funny…..as tough as this “mountain” seemed at the time, as we later drove out of Key West I couldn’t even find an incline there). The heat was very high and all my heat gear was on again. But finally, around Mile 94 of the race, I stepped on the Bridge leading to Key West.

I had about 3 hours and 20 minutes to go 6 miles. At 20 minute miles that would be just right – but way to close for comfort so I tried to push the pace. Soon I was off the bridge and onto Key West…..but that stretch along the road to town seemed to go on and on and my back was really killing me. The bottom of my feet were sore too….I think from the rain water.

Anyway, soon the golf course appeared and finally a Mile Marker 4 sign. I turned the corner and saw the sea wall ahead. I had plans and intentions to run the last 3 miles, but instead I immediately sat on the side walk and stretched. I stayed there for about 5 minutes stretching my back and piriformis.

Finally I stood up and started a slow jog along the beach wall. I jogged and power walked until Mile Marker 2. Then I just sat on the wall to catch my breath. A truck stopped and two runners who had finished the relay the previous day jumped out and asked me if I wanted some company for the final stretch. I accepted and we joked and talked as I did a very slow walk towards what seemed like a very distant finish line.

Finally, 31 hours and 10 minutes later I crossed the finish line to claim my third straight Keys 100 buckle – the only person with all 3! Bob was there full of praise. He had finished his first 100 miler more than an hour earlier cracking the 30 hour barrier!

So we cheered on a few more finishers (there went my DFL award) and then headed back to the hotel in our rental car that was so kindly driven 100 miles for us by the cool Yoli crew! We missed the awards ceremony but showered and caught about 2 hours of sleep. I treated my blisters (not too bad this year).

Then we went to Duvall street for some food. Neither of us were feeling great but I managed to down some conch fritters and have an alcoholic slurpie.

The next day we raced back to Fort Lauderdale to catch our mutual flights home. All in all it was awesome ….painful…hot….humid….painful…..but awesome! Now that my hat trick is complete….my goal is to Four-peat in 2011!!!

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4
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5
SCENERY
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Once again, I ran the Keys 100 Ultramarathon. To date, it is the only 100 miler I have run twice. But race director Bob Becker, co-race director Jared Knapp, and … MORE

Once again, I ran the Keys 100 Ultramarathon. To date, it is the only 100 miler I have run twice. But race director Bob Becker, co-race director Jared Knapp, and all their volunteers put on such a high quality and unique event it is impossible not to come back.

That said, for a while I believed I was to do the 50 mile option instead. My crew volunteers (having lives of their own) slowly decreased until I decided the 50 miler was my only option. So the final training and tune-up was geared toward a 50 mile race. I even went down to Death Valley the week before to run a training run of 20+ miles believing that would be a good combo with the 50 miler. Then Friday morning before the race, Bob Becker writes to tell me that he found 3 brave souls willing to crew me. So I was in the 100 miler.

I got down to Key Largo and attended the pre-race meeting. The check-in, number distribution, everything went very smoothly. I was able to finally meet people face-to-face. I had exchanged many e-mails and blog/Facebook posts from other runners who I had not met in person. I got to meet Christian, Lane, Bob, Chris, Joe, Jen, and others.

Then Bob gave his informative pre-race speech and a runner, Sister Mary Elizabeth Lloyd who was planning on running the full 100 miles of the tropical heat in her habit, gave a presentation of orphan children due to losing their parents to AIDS. With her was Lisa Smith-Batchen who was helping her and 4 first timers attempt a 100 mile race. Her cause is very worthy and the statistics very grim. I was moved and pledged to help.

Then it was off to final pre-race prep (buying some supplies, packing bags, etc.) I got to meet two of my crew members then. William (Will) Reynolds was a serviceman in the Navy based in Key West. This was his first introduction to the world of ultramarathons. The other was Bob Gentile, an experienced ultramarathoner. Bob was to crew me the first 50 along with Will. Then my third crewmember, Floridian Karen Maas, an experienced marathoner, was to relieve Bob and crew me the second half.

I was pretty nervous and not too confident about my conditioning. I predicted coming through 50 miles between 10:30 and 11:00 hours and hoped to hit my 100 mile average time of between 27 and 28 hours (well slower than my last year 25 hours and some change at Keys).

Then it was off to sleep before the alarm clock went off. In the morning we all packed the van and headed to the start line. The start was staged in the parking lot of the local Publix supermarket. Then we walked about a quarter mile to the actual starting line at mile marker 101 (the keys have mile markers counting down to mile 0 in Key West).

Bob gave a brief talk, I gave a brief prayer, then we were off. I started running a relative easy pace – somewhere around 9 minute miles I believed. Soon the sun rose and lit up the Florida sky. Despite thunder storms the previous day, the skies were quite clear and it was already in the 80’s and humid. As I ran, I saw some faces I knew such as last year’s winner Alyssa Spellmen who was ahead of me (I knew this year I was no threat to her and soon she disappeared ahead of me). I also saw Brian Krogmann, a former SF Bay area resident (a fellow USF alum too) who had blazing speed.

Around mile 5 I noted that my legs were feeling very tired and actually sore. But I was still running the same pace (probably not smart). Next to me was Chris Roman a sub-24 hour 100miler and Joe Lasky, another fast runner. We chatted for a bit and soon Chris headed off into the sunset. Joe and I leapfrogged each other a bit and I met his wife and two young children (his crew). But after awhile he too went ahead.

Bob and Will drove along side me in the crew vehicle with #30 all on it (my race number) – Will’s pick-up truck. By mile 18 my legs were so sore and tired I actually slowed and walked. I was getting very frustrated and worried about the race. By the time I got to Will at Mile 20, I threw my water bottles in the back of the truck and started swearing. I crawled into the cab and just sat there. Soon, I realized that although I was drinking water, taking my S!Caps, and drinking my Clip2 – I had ate almost nothing for 20 miles (2 Gu packs).

So, I got out and told Will that my plan was to reel it in a bit, re-group, re-fuel, forget time, and try to salvage the race. I ate some tuna fish (my race fuel), another gel, and some coconut water. Then I started off again. After awhile my legs were feeling better, they were still sore but I was able to run.

Pretty soon I reached check-point #1 at the marathon point in just under 5 hours. After checking in, I grabbed some more fuel and headed off again. As the run progressed I started to crossing more bridges. This was my favorite part of this race. I was able to look over the gulf and ocean. The water was so blue and beautiful. Last year I had seen porpoise, turtles and other wildlife. By this point I had not seen any but the view was still beautiful.

My feet started to hurt and I felt as if I was getting blisters. So I added more lube and went on.

Soon Bob slapped on his shoes and joined me in my run. He was great – always cracking a joke and helping me get my mind off the run. We talked about various races we had run, mutual friends and other topics. I mentioned to him that I was disappointed that we had not seen any sea life yet and right as I said those words, a huge sea turtle floated right underneath us. Bob took a video of it (I will post it soon). We continued running past people fishing along the bridges. At one point a boy about 6 or 7 ran alongside us and tried to outrun us. He stayed ahead abit then stopped and smiled as we passed him. I joked with Bob that if he had kept outpacing us we’d have to toss him off the bridge and see how fast he swims ๐Ÿ™‚

My slower pace, refueling and constant use of my ice filled bandanna was working. I was feeling better. Not great, but better.

Bob was getting hungry and mentioned that he would probably take a break and grab a bite to eat and re-join me on the Marathon Key for a hard point of the race on a bike path. The bike path is down in a low point with little breeze and it bakes the runners. But Bob never left – he stayed with me and soon we approached the bike path at around Mile 40.

The bike path was long and hot, but not nearly as hot as last year.Bob and I would mostly powerwalk it with some running. We came to Will at a couple of points and got more water and food and electrolytes.

Finally the bike path ended into the “downtown” section of Marathon. I will have to say that this is not the prettiest part of the race as we run past motels, dealerships and fast food joints. But after passing them we came to the Marathon Airport and the 50 mile check-in.

I got there at 10 hours 45 minutes – exactly half way between my predicted 10:30 and 11:00 hours. There I met Karen for the first time. I also took an opportunity to check my feet. I had developed some pretty good blisters and proceeded to clean these up. Some were “bubbles” that I drained and patched. Others though, on the sole of my left foot especially, hurt and was white but there was nothing to pop. Oh well, on I went.

Bob decided that he would go on and help Brian in his race as Brian’s only crew up to that point was his mom. He received word that Brian was already at 70 miles!!!! Karen then jumped in the truck with Will and said that she would join me for the run across the 7 mile bridge.

So we kept going at a jog/walk until the 7 Mile Bridge. There at the base, I stocked up on my supplies as there would be no crew help for the full 7 miles. Karen grabbed a water bottle and joined me.

The bridge is wonderful. Some people think the traffic is bad, but the shoulders are very very wide and the view unmatched. We started the flat part walking but soon were jogging up the incline. Along the way we traded places with a few runners, passing a few and being passed. Karen and I also had great conversation as we went on. This conversation and the views really helped get my mind back into the race. I knew that when we reached the other side it would be 60 miles and for some reason that was a huge mental benefit – knowing I would have less than 40 miles to go after going past that point.

As we were approaching the end of the bridge I looked down and saw a few porpoise breaking through the water. Then, all the sudden, a beautiful huge spotted ray floated under us. We watched it as it glided under the bridge and beyond sight. It was sights like those in the crystal blue water that make this a truly unique race.

Finally, we reached the opposite anchor of the bridge and met Will. We refueled and moved along. It was just starting to get dark so after 2 miles more, we put on the reflective vest. After 2 more miles we grabbed flashlights. Karen was still with me. (SPOILER: I did make it to the finish line, details follow, but at this point I wanted to mention that Karen had done 2 marathons and those were her longest events. During this race she logged nearly 50 miles with me!!!)

As the night moved in, we lost the view of the sea. But it was still pretty. My legs were pretty thrashed – I just had not done enough training. But my worry was my feet. They were hurting more and more. The spots were now on the balls of both feet and the heals of both feet. I had tried everything from changing shoes and socks to various lubricants. But nothing helped.

So we kept moving forward and soon dropped down the bridge onto Big Pine Key. This was home of the Key Deer. Despite having crossed that key a few times I had never seen one. I flashed my light around and said to Karen “No deer.” and then turned to our left to see one standing about 100 feet away. We watched it – it actually came closer to us – not really afraid.

Then we moved on. The night was still warm and muggy. When we hit the 70 mile point, I said that I would like to do 2 miles before stopping at the truck and then 3 so we could hurry and get to 75. Then I wanted to take a 15 minute nap as I was really having trouble keeping my eyes open and was staggering a bit. But then we realized the check-in was actually at mile 76, so I took my nap then.

After waking up, I felt much better. Feet still hurt like hell, but I was staying awake. Soon we crossed a bridge and headed to mile 76. This was a gas station and my point of total collapse last year. Although I was getting nauseous a bit and dry heaving, it was 10000000000 times better than last year. But my feet were killing me.

Karen and I checked in and I refueled – staying mostly with gu’s, bars and electrolytes (S!Caps). It rained a tiny bit here and there, but barely even got us wet. Ryan soon passed me looking strong.

Karen and I passed through the remaining Keys all the time I was doing more walking than jogging. Soon, the sun started to rise as I entered the first part of Key West at Lower Sugarloaf near 85 miles into the race. It was around here that Bob rejoined us. He had helped bring Brian in for a 16 hour 31 minute finish!!!

So we kept going. Karen and pushed on until about mile 90 where she took a break. Bob joined me and we continued on. Bob tried to lift my spirits, but I was pretty low. I was moving but so slow and my feet hurt so f’n bad.

At one point we passed Lisa Smith-Batchen. Unfortunately Sister had to drop out around mile 40 (I still gave her $50 as I had pledged her $1 per mile for her cause….and after she dropped she came back and paced a runner for 10 miles). On we trudged slowly passing some runners….who then passed me back as I faded.

Finally, we entered the city and turned left to the seawall. 3 miles to go. I was going soo slow I was worried if I would make the cut-off (32 hours….and I had about 4 hours to make the 3 miles). I had never moved so slowly. I tried to draft off of a snail in front of me but it went to fast and I was left on my own yet again. A slug zoomed up from behind me and told me to get out of its way. Turtles laughed at me. A tree sloth mocked me. It wasn’t pretty.

I came along side Ryan. He was limping too. He and I looked like victims as we barely moved down the sidewalk in our own private death march. I asked him if he wanted to limp across the finish line together and he agreed. I looked ahead and could not see the finish line. I was sure we had less than a mile to go. But when I asked, Ryan pointed off in the distance to two sailboats stating the finish line was there. I was floored – and all energy just left.

I couldn’t keep up with Ryan’s blistering limping and I sat on the seawall. Finally, I got up and Karen urged me to cover small areas “from here to that tree” “just to that parked car” “2 inches”, etc.

Then, Bill Andrews came out to greet me and walk with me the last half mile. Jared also joined me as did Richard (one of the key supporters of the Keys race). I came down to the finish line and crossed with me crew following me. Finally time: 29:57:59. Ouch – that was slow and painful.

Bob Becker presented me my belt buckle. Mandy’s husband Andy handed me a beer which was so cold I downed it….and immediately felt the need to sit down.

I asked if I had the DFL (Dead F’n Last) award…but was disappointed to learn that I did not.

After a shower and a nap, my crew joined Ryan, Brian and a few others for dinner. As is my tradition (well, 2 years in a row now) I celebrated the true Key West Ultra way….conch fritters and a Rum Runner (I think if the bartender knew of my performance he would have invented a Rum Walker drink instead).

Overall, Bob Becker put on yet another unbelievable race. If you have the chance – enter the Keys race (or one of his other ultras). I will….I will be back next year to keep my streak of finishing every single Keys 100 intact ๐Ÿ™‚

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
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I made the last minute decision to run a 50k race today. I wasn't going to blast it as I have the Barkley coming up in 2 weeks, but wanted … MORE

I made the last minute decision to run a 50k race today. I wasn’t going to blast it as I have the Barkley coming up in 2 weeks, but wanted to put a bit more stress on the legs. I looked at last year’s times and figured I’d shoot for somewhere between a 5:30 and 6 hour finish.

Pirate’s Cove is put on by Sarah and Wendell (who is also doing Barkley) of Pacific Coast Trail Runs (AWESOME events – my first ultra was a PCTR event).

Runners gathered and waited for the start of the race. Almost immediately I had to stop and pee…..timing is everything ๐Ÿ™‚

The start is basically up and up and up.

The run in the Marin headlands was beautiful – with views of hills, the coast line and the Pacific Ocean.

The run also goes through groves of Redwoods and Eucalyptus trees:

Along the eastern side of the headlands there were wonderful views of the SF Bay and the city itself:

After finishing the 30k loop, we went back out on a shorter version, past some coves dotting the coastline.

I crossed the finishing line with a time right at 5 hours 29 minutes, so can’t complain I didn’t stick to my plan. It is a great race and offers beautiful views.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
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I entered this year's Ruth Anderson race with the goal of doing the 100km. I thought that after the American River 50 miler 2 weeks earlier, a 62 mile finish … MORE

I entered this year’s Ruth Anderson race with the goal of doing the 100km. I thought that after the American River 50 miler 2 weeks earlier, a 62 mile finish would be a nice stepping stone to the Keys 100 next month. Well, my plans were not to be this year – but with Rajeev Patel as Race Director, the event was still fantastic!

I got to the race start a bit later than I would have liked. I was rushing around, still putting on my shoes when the racers starting walking to the start line. It was cold, so I had my tights on plus gloves, head cover and three layers of shirts (those 3 layers stayed on my entire race). But I didn’t have time to grab my water bottle or camera. I knew the water bottle would be OK as I could get it at a later lap and there were aid stations every 2.5 miles or so (one good thing about a loop course). I never did get my camera so all images here were politely “borrowed” from the works of Peter Lubbers and Chihping Fu.

At the start, Rajeev said a few words and everybody shouted thanks to the wonderful volunteers who braved the cold and very windy morning. I saw a lot of Ultraholics such as Chihping, Yuki, Dr. Mark, Steve, Michael, etc. I tried to do some last minute adjustment on my shoes as they weren’t feeling right.

We lined up and we were off. From the get go, it was Mark, Michael, a very established ultra runner named Jean Pommier, and me. Before the first aid station, Jean opened up a lead. I decided to see if I could follow him. So I slowly started catching up and we entered the second aid station together.

Jean stopped for something and I kept going. I had the lead all to myself, but with runners such as Michael, Jean and Mark “the Machine” Tanaka running, I knew that would be a short lived fantasy.

I kept running right at or slightly under 7 minute miles. That is what I ran the first 4 1/2 laps in last year, but this year it felt much harder. As I was coming up the west side of Lake Merced, the gusts were so strong they literally would stop me in place or push me to the side. And I am not a light runner.

As I approached the “base aid station” I was the front runner. But Jean was merely seconds behind me. I stopped to drop off some gear and grab my iPod, Jean didn’t stop. Soon he had 10 seconds on me, then 30 seconds. By the time I reached the south end of Lake Merced, Jean was on the other side approaching the south aid station. It was as we both had rockets on our feet – but his was pushing him forward while mine were facing backwards ๐Ÿ™‚

Anyway, I kept running. My legs were feeling heavy and sore. I think it was in part due to the 50 mile race 2 weeks earlier, but what really bothered me I believe were my shoes. I noticed it at the American River 50 but put it down to the shoes being too new. However, here again my legs were fatiguing way too early. Later I was discussing this with Peter Lubbers and he suggested that it may be the inserts I have in my shoes as he experienced similar things when he tried them. So I will try pulling the inserts and just using the shoe-issued insoles. Soon I came up along Yuki and said hello. He looked strong and gave me a smile and words of encouragement.

Anyway, I continued fighting the wind and doing my laps. I came through the marathon at 3:30 flat. Not bad, but a tad slower than I would have liked. On the 5th lap as I stopped at the south aid station, Mark Tanaka passed me. I was surprised it took 5 laps – assuming he would have passed me earlier. But he was running a very smart race and went on to win the 100km in a great time. I wished him well and off he went.

I begin to reconsider the 100km. I was feeling fine, but my legs were just plain tired. The wind and cold were not making my day too enjoyable, but everyone had to deal with that.

I came into the “base aid station” to finish lap 5. There I saw Peter Lubbers. Peter and I ran the final 30 miles of TRT100 together where we both completed our first ever 100 miler. Peter is training to try and break the run-through time record for the entire Tahoe Rim Trail this August. He snapped some photos and decided to run with me a lap.

We ran together a bit. Twice I decided to walk a while and we chatted about various things. I learned that Peter had volunteered to be the 50km timer. After a bit we entered the South Aid Station.

Then we started running again. Soon we came up on Chihping. Chihping was in his 5th lap but had decided that he would stop there due to a possible injury. Since he has the Grand Slam coming up, I know he made a smart decision. Chihping snapped some photos too.

As I entered the base station Rajeev asked how I was doing. I told him that I had decided to stop at the 50km mark. It wasn’t anything major such as my dehydration at AR50 or the piriformis at RR100, I just didn’t have a longer run in me that day. So I opted to enter my last lap and promised myself that I would go out and do one final 50 to 62 mile training run between now and the Keys Ultra.

I sat down and changed my shoes for the final lap to see if that helped. Sure enough, the shoes (even though they were an old pair I had with worn out soles) felt much better. I even toyed with the idea of running 50 miles, but decided I would be risking injury doing that in the old shoes. So I pushed the last lap.

I came up on the 50km timing point. There was Peter and Hao doing the timing. I crossed it in 4 hours 14 minutes 27 seconds. I found out that I had taken 3rd in the 50km.

Jean Pommier had decided to stop at 50km too – with an awesome 3:44 time. As I was changing shoes, another runner Ron Duncan passed me to take second.

All in all, I was pleased. I would have liked to have done the full 100km, but some days just aren’t to be. Still, managed a 3:30 marathon, a 50km slightly above 4 hours despite less than stellar conditions, 3rd place overall and 2nd in my age group. I’ll take it ๐Ÿ™‚

Rajeev did an awesome job race directing. The volunteers were unbelievable – suffering through horrible wind and cold. The wind was so strong, it ripped out the tent stakes from the base aid station tent and almost blew the tent into the lake, knocking over one of the great volunteers too. The south aid station had to give up on their tent – the winds made it impossible to stake it down and even with 5 people holding it, they had trouble even trying to set it up. Looking it up, it appears that gusts reach nearly 40mph, while sustained winds averaged between 26mph and 30mph. The temps barely cracked 60 F.

At the finish I saw Rajeev Char who had come down to help with timing the 50 mile event. He is training hard for two Ironman events this year. Our friend and co-Ultraholic Anil was in India at the time, so he did his own self-supported Ruth Anderson 50km run! He ran in Lalbagh Gardens in Bangalore with his wife Rashmi serving as sole crew and aid station.

All in all, this was a great event!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5
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After landing in Zurich, I met Cori and we took a train to Basel and picked up our rental car. The weather was beautiful and we started heading out to … MORE

After landing in Zurich, I met Cori and we took a train to Basel and picked up our rental car. The weather was beautiful and we started heading out to Chamonix.

Because I slept very little on the flight over, I was pretty tired. I usually sleep very well on planes, but this time had troubles. So, I hoped that I could get to bed early and sleep late so I go into the race well rested.

Along the way, we stopped at the city of Bern. Bern is a beautiful city, old architecture and wonderful mountain countryside. Bern means bear and they maintain a couple of bears as their โ€œteam mascotsโ€. After an ale at their in town brewery, it was on the road again.

We headed towards Geneva. But once we hit the city of Lausanne, switched toward the east and passed through the city of Montreux, made famous by the Deep Purple song Smoke on the Water. Looking at Lake Geneva, it was really neat because the sun was setting and there was a haze over the water – kind of smoke on the water and fire in the sky.

The song was playing in my head as we drove by.

Leaving Montreux, the road turned sharply up. The drive was beautiful as we continued going higher and higher overlooking the Rhone Valley.

Then it on to. to Martigny. Once there, it was a turn to the west. Soon we crossed the French border.

Then it was a drive down towards Chamonix.

Chaminox is very beautiful. It is nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, with the mountain peak visible. There were banners for the race all around and many runners.

After that we had a quick dinner of pasta at a local restaurant. There were hundreds of runners everywhere. The atmosphere was very exciting. I decided to turn in early to catch up on my lack of sleep. By 10:00 oโ€™clock I was out. Unfortunately, I woke again at 1:00am and could not fall asleep again. This was bad โ€“ I was going into a race where I would be running through two nights and I already had less than 4 hours of sleep combined for the previous two nights.

I ended up getting to the race expo pretty early. As I waited in line, I was amazed at the number of runners. I think the largest ultra I have done before this was American River 50. This was huge. At check in, after showing ID, I had to have my pack inspected to confirm that I had all mandatory equipment (jacket, tights/pants, hat, whistle, rain parka/blanket, two flash lights plus spare batteries, food and water supplies). Then I received my race shirt, number and chip.

The expo was very large, but made up mostly of other race organizers trying to entice runners into their events.

I popped outside and the official race gear tent was there. While having a wide selection, the prices were quite high (even before taking into account the dollar-Euro exchange). I opted to pass on any additional merchandise and headed back to start on my drop bags.

Along the way, I came across the start/finish area. It was in the center of town right next to a beautiful old church. The inside of the church was likewise old and beautiful.

As I wondered along the cobblestone streets of Chamonix, Mont Blanc loomed ahead. It was a clear day and appeared to be set for a nice race. Everywhere were runners wondering along the town streets.

I bought some water and great local bread and headed back. Once at the room I busied myself setting up my drop bags. There are only two drop bags โ€“ one at the 50 mile point in the city of Courmayeur and the other at around the 75 mile mark in Champex-Lac. In addition to my back pack, I had my waist belt that held one water bottle and my S! Caps.

Because there were just the two drop bags and I was not familiar with the course, I was kind of guessing as to what I would need at each spot. But I figured I would be hitting the 50 mile point in the day light and the 75 mile point around night time and stuffed them accordingly.

The rest of the day was filled with easy sight-seeing and relaxing. We headed over to the gym at 4:00 to drop off the drop bags and then I grabbed a quick pasta dinner at the athlete carbo feed before getting back to the hotel.

Finally, it was time to start getting into my race clothes. I was pretty nervous and still quite a bit tired. But soon we headed off to the start line. It was amazing โ€“ it was as if the town quadrupled in size during the prior few hours. The streets were packed with spectators and runners. There was music and announcements blaring from loud speakers. Helicopters buzzed around the sky and banners were flying everywhere.

The start line itself was even more amazing.2300 runners packed into the small Chaminox street in front of the church. The race was playing music that reminded me of Vaughner โ€“ it was exciting and really was working the crowd into a frenzy. The announcers kept shouting to the runners and crowds who roared back. At one point he said something in French and everyone that owned trekking/hiking poles thrust them into the air at once. I looked around โ€“ it appeared as if I was the only guy there without such poles.

Then suddenly the countdown started and we were off.

Initially it was little more than a shuffle due to the number of runners crammed into the space. Soon however it opened up and we started running through the streets. Crowds along side cheered everyone on. I was keeping a moderate pace, not quite sure how I would do just 2 weeks after Leadville 100. I stayed a steady pace and soon the roads changed to a trail along a river. The path modulated up and down and soon crossed through a camping grounds. After a short bit, we started climbing. The trail went up through a small village where crowds were clapping and cheering. Since each runnersโ€™ bid number has a flag of their nationality, quite often the crowd would cheer or say something reflective of the country. The American flag on my number seemed to surprise many spectators as the vast majority of numbers had French flags with some German, Italian, Spanish and Swiss tossed in. Every now and then Iโ€™d see an Austrian flag, Dutch flag or UK flag too.

The first climb went up La Charme which was a fairly short 800 meter climb up the hill. As we were climbing, to our left was the Mont Blanc mastiff and surrounding areas. The glacier coming down the hill was huge and there were small streams of ice melt coming off the peaks. The skies were clear but it was humid โ€“ I was sweating a lot so I kept a regular routine of popping my S!Caps.

After climbing for a bit we approached our first check point where our numbers were read. Since it was getting dark I stopped and put on my tights, Moeben arm warmers and headlamp. I also grabbed my flashlight.

Soon the climb ended and we started descending down the hill. I like downhills and have always considered that my stronger part of ultras. But my legs were still feeling a bit sore from Leadville and these downhills were quite a challenge. After some long downhills, we entered the half marathon point in Saint-Gervais.

This was a large aid station. I was amazed โ€“ not only was there the standard fruit, energy bars, drinks but tons of cheeses and cold cuts. I opted to pass on the cheese and continued on the run. The climb out of Saint-Gervais continued but my legs felt empty. So I slowed my pace and tried to climb the hill slowly, switching to a power hike. After a long time and entered Les Contamines at the 31km mark. I sat down โ€“ just not feeling too well.

After resting a bit I started on again โ€“ moving along the Notre Dame Gorge. After awhile I started to feel a little better. This climb went up and up and up and up. It made Hope Pass at Leadville seem short. But along the climb, my legs were feeling much better and I was jogging and power hiking on up.

Behind me, I could see an endless trail of lights as runners were coming up from the valley. Before the peak of Croix du Brnhomme, there was another aid station. I grabbed more cheese, some French bread, a couple pieces of dark chocolate and refilled my water bottles. Then it was off again to continue climbing into the night sky.

After an eternity of climbing, we finalized reached the top. Then it was a flat while and then dropped down. The problem here was it was very wet from snow melt and the granite and slate were slippery. I heard many runners slip and twice I went down, once knocking my flashlight out of my hand where it tumbled for at least 10 feet before another runner grabbed it. This made the descent slow, although at times it was too steep to run anyway.

The trail finally left the rocks and entered grasslands as we approached the village of Les Chapieux. There I entered the aid station and had my now standard bread, cheese, chocolate and water meal.

After leaving the aid station, I started to become quite tired. The path from this stop was a paved road that slowly climbed out of the valley towards Col de la Seigne. After climbing and climbing, we dropped down a bit on a dirt path that instantly starting climbing again. It was getting into the early morning hours but was still dark. I kept climbing, not believing how long the ascents and descents seemed to go on in this race. Finally, at one point after barely keeping my eyes open, I stopped and sat on a boulder and nodded off for about 5 minutes. Then it was climbing again.

The climb started to get cold. We were approaching 2500 meters and there were snow packs around. Plus the wind was picking up and my clothes were still damp from the sweat of the earlier climb. Thank God for my tights, Moeben arm sleeves, and my ZombieRunner Head Sweats cap. The sun was just starting to light the horizon.Finally, I got to the top of the Col. There was a check-in station. The volunteers had a fire going and I went to warm myself by it. I started chatting with the volunteers who told me there was a mountain “house” about 10 minutes down where I could pop inside to warm up.

I started down the hill and soon passed the building. The valley was wide open below me. I was going to leave without stopping but a runner came out and mentioned that it was warm. So I popped in to warm up. There was a table and a bench. One other runner was just starting to stretch out on the table for a nap. I decided that I needed one too – I set my watch timer for 30 minutes and instantly dozed off. When the alarm went off, I snoozed for 15 more minutes and then got up.

I felt great! My legs were totally re energized. I was not sleepy at all. I exited the building and started down the trail. I had lost 45 minutes, but I had saved my race. I was feeling so good I was passing people left and right. Soon the sun broke out and I had to peel off all my cold weather clothes and stuff them into my bag.

The bottom of the descent entered a small aid station at the 65km point. I grabbed my food and headed out, running along a rare flat section. The mountains rose on each side of me as I jogged past a mountain stream that became a river.

Soon the path turned sharply left and straight up. As I entered I heard another American voice – the first I had heard in the race. His name was Bogie. We chatted a bit – this was his first 100 miler ever. He mentioned that his knee wasn’t feeling good and soon we became separated. Then a few minutes later I saw my friend Nattu. We too chatted for awhile, but he also wasn’t feeling great and we got separated going up the climb. I then came upon yet another American and we climbed together for awhile comparing Leadville notes (he had paced a runner there 2 weeks earlier). At the top of this climb, called Arete du Mont Favre, I let the volunteers record my numbers and then took off flying down the hills.

My legs were still feeling good and I took advantage of this. I was passing through a valley with the Glaciers in full view to my left. The rock formations were awesome and the mountains beautiful.

Soon, the trail started to drop and we entered a ski area called Col Checrouit at 73 km. It was kind of surreal grabbing my cheese and bread in the shadow of the glaciers and Mont Blanc while two volunteers dressed as belly dancers performed next to the runners.

The next 5km were unbelievable. It was almost straight down. The city of Courmayeur (our first drop bag site) came into site. But it looked like a parachute jump to get down to it. The trail became a wide gravel road. The gravel was so loose and the decline so steep, I felt that I was going to go down any minute. The “road” turned out to be a ski run heading down towards the village. I love descents – but this was a freakin free fall.

Finally, after what seemed to be forever, the paths stopped and I entered the outskirts of Courmayeur. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this was now my first visit to my paternal ancestors’ homeland – I had entered Italy. I passed by a small fountain and ran down cobbled stone streets until I came to the sports gymnasium. This was the 78 km point, nearly 1/3 the race was over.

I grabbed my drop bag and entered the gym. I laid down and rested for about 20 minutes and then changed out supplies in my bag, taking more day time items, leaving some wet items and replenishing my S!Caps, Gu and other fuels. Then I downed a plate of pasta that was cooked right in front of me.

I gathered my stuff, handed my bag back to a volunteer and headed out the door onto the streets of Italy.

After leaving the Courmayeur sports gymnasium, I started jogging up the city streets. They soon turned up a small country road. Now it was starting to get quite warm – I am guessing it was well into the high ’80’s. It was nice as often I would pass an old fountain with flowing water from the Italian Alps. I would soak my bandanna and head sweats rag into it to stay cool.

After a short while, the road ended at a path that looped around a waterfall before starting to climb up.

On the way up, I met the same runner from Denver that I ran with going up Arete du Mont Favre. We chatted for a bit and commented how hot and tough it had become. Then he asked me if I knew what the next cut off time was.

@#$^*! This whole race I had forgotten about the cut-off times. Now I was worried. I started trying to climb faster (I did not know the cut off times) and soon passed some runners. The view of Courmeur from the high trail was beautiful. But it still went up and it seemed to be getting hotter.

I was really sweating with it pouring off my face and back. Thankfully the S!Caps were working great as I had no nausea. Near the top of the climb I looked down at the valley below – wow, we sure had climbed a lot of the Italian mountain. At the top was a small aid station. I re-filled my bottles and took off. The trail was a rolling trail for sometime. Many Italians and French hikers/trekkers passed by in the opposite direction. Occasionally I would run past a group of locals out having a picnic or sunbathing on the mountain side. I could only imagine what it would be like to have this part of nature as my backyard.

I entered two small aid stations between the 82 and 90km marks. They were merely small mountain cottages with fountains fed from the Alps. The ice cold mountain water felt and tasted great. I left the second one (called Refuge Bonatti) and started a long decline towards the 94km mark. The decline wasn’t terribly steep but it was hard on my legs as I was running out of steam and it was still getting hotter. I would stop and soak my headwrap and bandanna in each ice cold mountain stream I crossed.

Finally, after what seemed to be a non-ending descent I arrived at Arnuva the 94km point. This was a decent sized aid station in Italy. It was quite warm and in fact a runner collapsed there from the heat causing Italian paramedics to rush in and help him. I again had my standard bread and cheese, chocolate and water. I also downed a bit of flat coke here. As I sat there looking at the map with my legs feeling quite dead, I thought for about the 100th time that doing MontBlanc 2 weeks after Leadville was probably not my wisest decision.

Finally, I stood up and headed out. On the horizon was Grand Col Ferret at 2537 meters high the highest point of the race. I really doubted if my legs could get me up the climb. The trail seemed to just keep going with runners becoming smaller and smaller until mere dots in the high distance.

But the fear of cut-offs kicked in and up I went. I tried doing a power hike, just moving forward one step at a time. After awhile it seemed that my breathing calmed a bit and I was actually making steady progress. Soon, I was actually passing people. Bit by bit I progressed towards the summit, the valley fading far below me.

Finally, I reached the top of the climb after a series of switchbacks. At the top I was checked in and asked if I was OK. I actually was. There was a O2 tent set up for runners who needed it. I snapped a few photos of the mountain and valleys of Italy from the Col at about the 100km point and then headed down the trail.

The trail down from the Grand Col Ferret was long and usually gentle. I ended up running with a runner from Germany and we chatted quite a bit. It was nice as we kept going forward. The weather cooled a bit and this part of the run was really nice as we kept a nice pace down along the valleys, and descended to La Poule at 102 km (merely a small table with volunteers).

As we rounded a corner I heard a lot of cowbells. Throughout most of the race, crowds and volunteers would ring cowbells to cheer on the runners. I figured it must be an aid station or town getting close as there were a lot of bells. I turned the corner and looked at the source – a large heard of cows heading to the dairy. Their bells were loud and encouraging, even though I don’t think they cared a lot about these crazy runners passing by.

I continued the run along what became a single track trail. Often the path became wet and muddy and required some careful stepping. The trail went down steeper and entered the town of La Fouly. Here I went to the aid station which had a bit of a small town carnival atmosphere as families were out and there was a side area selling food (including raclette!) and beer and wine. I refilled my water bottles and once again had my famous meal of bread, cheese, chocolate and water.

The weather was starting to get a little dark so I opted to put on my tights, Moeben sleeves, headsweat and headlamp.

I left the station and dropped down to the trail. Here the trail started out as quite rocky but I picked my way through actually maintaining a nice pace. After awhile I needed to turn on my head lamp and continue the run. Soon it became dark. Here, my body just started to shut down. I could not keep my eyes open and literally would fall asleep on my feet for a split seconds at the time, each time waking up as I staggered a step to the side.

Finally, I hit a point where a young couple were volunteering at the start of a dirt trail. They had a bonfire going and I asked if I could sit. I closed my eyes and instantly slept for about 10 minutes. When I woke up – I felt completely refreshed. I started running again and soon caught up with a group of about 9 people who must have passed me while I rested. I fell into their pace and we formed almost a pace line as we picked our way through the trail. No one spoke English, but we were for the most part quiet as we made steady progress.

Finally, the trail ended and we came upon a street. Arrows on the street pointed the way to a small town ahead. We went into the town and came to Praz de Fort, a small village. As I entered one section, there was a house with 3 older ladies sitting outside. They had set up their own table with cups of water and bottles of beer and wine for the runners. I started to pass but glanced at their lawn.

Cori and I have been working on our garden and we found a couple of old garden gnomes that we stuck in for fun. Since then, the gnome family has increased to about half a dozen. When I saw this gnome covered lawn – I just had to snap a photo.

I continued to run and the road left the town and soon connected to a trail that went up. And up. And up. I was feeling pretty good and passed about a dozen people on the way up. Finally, we entered the town of Champex-Luc on the Italy-Switzerland border. This was the 123 km point and the second (and last) of the drop bag stops.

I entered the large tent. There I found my drop bag and switched into some drier and warmer clothing, replaced my batteries with fresh ones and downed my standard meal. I also pulled out a miso soup mix packet from my bag and downed it – the hot broth tasted great.

I then decided to head on out. The town, as the name implies, lies along the shore of a small lake. Soon the path left the lake and dropped down a wide rocky road. The road dropped into a valley but then started to climb out. This began the climb up Bovine. Right where it started to climb I met an older French runner. He and I started talking as we climbed up. The trail seemed to cross through some dairy land and then enter a very very rocky section.

It was quite steep and at times there appeared to be no trail at all. As we struggled up, the man mentioned that later “This trail gets hard.”! I almost laughed – here we were, in the dark, on a steep mountain climb, picking our way up towards this river crossing among large boulders….and later it will get hard.

At the river crossing, it did in fact get tougher. The rocks made progress slow and it was very steep. Eventually though, we reached the top (by this time we had caught two other runners). Then we continued along the Bovine Ridge, lights from the villages in the valley far below were visible.

At one point we entered an aid station. I put on my gloves and another layer as I was quite cold. I was happy to learn that this station had vegetarian broth so I downed a couple cups. Then we were off again. We went through a cattle gate and then the trail started to drop – steeply and fast. It was at times very hard to run or even walk. This descent seemed to go on and on. While it was only 6km from the peak to the aid station at Trient, it seemed to last forever. My legs were feeling very sore and tired from the constant downhill with frequent breaking to stop from falling or going too fast.

Finally, we entered the town of Trient. It was this nice little Swiss village. We were directed along the old streets to the rest stop. There I grabbed my standard fare and sat down. I happened to sit next to two British runners. She was still going on, but he had decided to call it a day there.

After resting, I grabbed my stuff and headed out the door. The next climb was to the summit of Catogne. Once again, I started my power hiking and was soon passing people. This climb (like every other climb in this perversely difficult race) seemed to go on forever, through constant switch backs and inclines. Near the top at the 143km point, I finally was able to stop for a breather. What followed was a 6km descent that lost nearly 850 meters down to the village of Vallorcine.

Along the way, the sun starting rising. I had finished my second night of running (if you could call it that). My legs were really tired and I dreaded the downhill. But I was really worried about the cut-off so I pressed on. Once again, the constant and relentless downhill switchbacks continued but eventually I entered a large tent in Vallorcine.

There I paused just long enough to refill my bottles, grab some bread, cheese and chocolate and then head on out. I was on my way to final climb (technically a series of climbs with one heck of one).

I started towards the Col des Montets, a short incline. This was the 152 km point. There was a small crowd there and the trail crossed a road to the base of what looked like a pure vertical climb. This was the final challenging ascent – about 3 miles straight up to the peak of Tete aux Vents. I started climbing, dreading this. But as I went up I began talking with a French runner. He had lived in the states about 3 years ago and we talked about various races such as Leadville and Badwater. This made the ascent easier and I was doing a nice pace. After making it up about a third of the way, I decided to slow my pace a bit.

The view from this climb was amazing as the valley floor faded away below. Once I got about 2/3 of the way up though it became more difficult. My breathing was uneven and I was not having a good time. Other runners were passing me (it seemed as if there would be no runners left behind me) but I didn’t really care. I just was pushing myself forward.

Finally, I reached the top and there waiting was a French goat – staring at the runners. He probably thought we were all nuts (I had to agree with him at that moment).

I was glad to have reached the top and started running a path along the crest of the mountain. Far down below, somewhere, was Chamonix. As I rounded a corner I saw, yet another climb. It was short but it was still a climb. This was La Flegere at the 160km point. I checked in there and headed back out.

Now the descent started. It was only 6km from this point to the finish line, but it appeared to go on forever. After passing through this final point, the trail became a long series of steep switch backs. My legs and ankles were crying out in exhaustion and pain. I tried to power hike it down (running was out of the question).

Soon I met up with an older French runner named Jean Marc. We tried to speak but his English was as good as my French so that went nowhere. But we stayed together. As we approached the town limits, we came across another French runner who spoke a bit of English. The 3 of us decided to run in together.

As we rounded the final corner, 166km (103 miles) behind us, we joined hands and raised them in the air. We crossed the line together. I was glad – because at that moment I really wasn’t sure I had any desire to try that course again….maybe after I rested a bit, but not then.

Overall, with 31,000 feet of climbing, this course was very hard (especially on the heels of Leadville). At times I found the isolation caused by not being able to communicate or even share a joke with fellow runners made it even harder. It did appear that those trekking poles really helped and if I were to do this again, I might consider training on them. While the mountains were never at high altitudes, the constant, relentless and at times perversely steep inclines and declines made this very challenging. But, the scenery was beautiful.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
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Race Day: The alarm went off at around 4:30 in the morning. I was in the 6:00am wave and needed to be at the starting line no later than 5:30. … MORE

Race Day: The alarm went off at around 4:30 in the morning. I was in the 6:00am wave and needed to be at the starting line no later than 5:30. After a quick shower and shave I got into my race gear. For the pre-dawn hours it was simple. I wore my BAR shoes, Kool-Off bandana, sunglasses, REI SPF 55 shirt and shorts. I met Raj, Martin and Carilyn and off we went. Nicole and Lisa were to stay behind and get ahead on their sleep since Raj and Lisa would have to take off after the first 24 hours.

Raj drove us to the starting line โ€“ we noted that the ice in the chest/coolers were melting already and would need to be replaced at the mile 17.5 point )Furnace Creek). Once there, I downed some HammerGel and a PowerBar. We posed for a few photos around Badwater. It was really neat to stand at Badwater itself and look over 250 feet up the mountain to see the โ€œSea Levelโ€ sign.

Chris called all the 6:00 am runners over. He gave a few last minute instructions and the Star-Spangled Banner was played.
Don and Gillian had coached me that, if I listened to nothing else, to heed their words and walk the first 2 miles. I did โ€“ along side me was Bill Andrews and we immediately realized we had the same coaches. We walked a bit with a British runner too. It was so hard to walk โ€“ all the other runners were fading away in the distance. But I kept telling myself that this was not my โ€œraceโ€ โ€“ I wanted that buckle. That meant going sub-48 hours. So, I listed to the ZombieRunner words and walked with Bill through the top of a small hill at mile 2.2 and then broke into an easy jog.

Soon I came up to my support van. Raj and Lisa and Martin jumped out and we re-filled the water bottles (I was doing 1 bottle water, 1 bottle Gu2O). Then I was off again at my easy jog. The van would drive ahead between 1.5 and 2 miles at a time and I would continue my easy jog. I was feeling really good โ€“ the sun was still behind the mountain tops and the temps were only around 90 degrees.

Soon though the sun came out from behind the mountain tops and I could feel the radiation. At a support van stop, I grabbed my OR sun hat and had an extra layer of sun protector sprayed on. After 2 miles, I decided that the hat actually was too hot as the sun kept peaking in and out of cloud cover. But by about the 10km point, I put the hat on for good. Soon, I added the SPF โ€œlong johnsโ€ I found on clearance at REI. The funny thing is that I came across these light weight โ€œpantsโ€ that were on sale. They were perfect โ€“ loose fitting, very light and a high SPF rating. I donโ€™t know who wears spf 55 long underwear, but it works for Badwater! Right before the race I learned that Gundy had been in REI walking around and came across the same item โ€“ so he and I were to be the Badwater Long John Team.

My crew kept their routine up โ€“ stopping every 2 miles or so. Pretty soon I could see Furnace Creek in the distance I passed my crew at the side of the road around Mile 15 โ€“ they were standing by the side of the van. I donโ€™t recall for sure, but I want to say I entered FC at around 4 hours. Once there, my crew were once again on the side of the van. I walked over and they told me that the side door had popped off the track earlier when they hit the remote open button. I struggled with it for awhile – me in my long johns trying to pick this door back up on the tracks as runners passed by. My crew kept telling me to go, but I stayed trying to get the door fixed. I was worried as I wanted to get the van back to my sister and brother-in-law in the same condition as I received it, not to mention I had to drive it back to the Bay Area. But my crew finally persuaded me to go โ€“ I hit the road but stopped at the Furnace Creek Chevron station and asked the mechanic if they could give my crew a hand.

At Furnace Creek, I could now have pacers. I opted to pass on them for awhile, just running at my own pace. Soon, the van came by โ€“ the door was back on (some solid repair bills to follow I am sure, but it was closed). Then Raj decided to join me. We worked out a pretty good pattern โ€“ run 5 minutes, walk 4 minutes. I really wanted to run longer but Raj has this very persuasive way of reminding me not to be stupid. So we followed that pattern. All the while, Raj entertaining me and giving me positive thoughts and reinforcement.

After about 10 or so miles, Carilyn took over and joined me for the run. We stayed true to Rajโ€™s pattern โ€“ somewhat. We ended up following the topography more. We ran downhills, jogged flats and uphills and walked some uphills. We were having a very solid stretch. My legs were feeling good and Carilyn kept and great conversation.

The scenery was amazing โ€“ long open desert plains, mountains that had every hue from a palette of browns and greys. I noticed that we were slowly passing other runners, but at the same time other runners were passing us. It became obvious that most of these were the competitive runners from later waves.

One of the first to fly by was Shanna Armstrong, a triathlete turned ultrarunner. She and her pacer were very upbeat and even offered us some food. Then, as I knew it would happen, came Gundy. He had started two hours after me โ€“ but by 50km he had caught me looking fresh and relaxed.

We chatted a bit and he took off. Soon I came back on him however โ€“ he was the side of the road about to soak in a ice bath! I laughed with his crew (his uncles are hilarious) and then took off again (he passed me once again a short while later).

As we approached the sand dunes before Stove Pipe Wells, the sun was very bright. Soon, Bill Andrews caught up with me. He was looking very string and as I stepped behind a shrub to collect a urine sample, disappeared around a bend. Carilyn was still with me โ€“ she had decided to run into Stove Pipe Wells with me โ€“ the 42 mile check point. She kept my spirits up โ€“ telling me her daughtersโ€™ favorite jokes. It turned out that of my team, I have twin boys, Carilyn has twin girls and Lisa has twins a boy and a girl. We were like the Team Twin!

Soon a truck drives by and honks at us โ€“ Martin and Nicole lean out and smile. I didnโ€™t know who was driving but I realized it was Joe โ€“ my 6th crew member who drove 1000 miles from Colorado to join my crew! By now I had also added my complimentary Moeben arm sleeves to protect me from the hot sun.

As I went up the final climb to Stove Pipe Wells, Jorge came flying by me. He was smoking! Starting 4 hours after me and he made up 40 miles! He was all smiles as he passed. Only a few minutes later came Akos โ€“ also flying by. These guys with the natural genetic ability makes it look so easy โ€“ almost a weightless glide above the road (although I know that in reality they were working).

I enter Stove Pipe Wells and Don and Gillian pull over and snap some photos. I am feeling great and smiling and joking. Raj leads me over to the medical study tent where I gave more samples. Then I have John V check a small blister on my foot. At this point, Lisa swaps out for Carilyn and the two of us start up the long Townes Pass. This is the first major test of the course.

Very early I begin to think that I spent too much time at the stop. I was there almost 30 minutes. My legs didnโ€™t feel as fresh anymore plus, at this point where the race starts the climb, the sun was at its strongest. I decide to walk a bit and soon I come up to Dan Jensen. Lisa and I start to pass, but I say โ€œWait! This is like meeting a movie starโ€ so we slow and chat with Dan and his daughter. They are so nice โ€“ we exchanged a few words and then wished each other luck.

A short while later Lisa and I were walking up a tough section. Lisa was doing a great job โ€“ verbally moving me along. We discussed races and she tells me how she made it to Western States (again) only to be disappointed by the fires. She, like Raj, were doing the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 the following weekend. I kept worrying that their pacing me was to interfere with their TRT run โ€“ but they both tell me not to worry and that it was a good โ€œwarm upโ€. So we continue.

Behind me comes Alicia Springman, the woman who took 1st overall at the Keys Ultra. We all chat for a bit but she (like at the Keys) soon leaves me behind. I am not feeling good now โ€“ my energy has dropped and my stomach was feeling a bit sour. Finally, about 1/3 of the way up Townes I tell my crew that I need to recharge. I climb in the van โ€“ they drive my stake in the ground to mark the spot. They turn up the air conditioner and let me sleep for about 10 minutes. I exit feeling better โ€“ not great, but better.

Then as I am starting to run again, a race car stops and Chris Kostman jumps out. He wanted to make sure we had heard the โ€œnewsโ€โ€ฆwe had not. He explains that a storm had hit around the 100 mile mark completely washing out the roads. The roads would be closed for at least 48 hours so the course was changed. No Whitney Portal, no Lone Pine, but a downhill finish back to Panamint Springs after a turn-around at around mile 100. I was very disappointed โ€“ that was not the Badwater course I wanted (my tired legs and stomach however were secretly smiling).

Lisa and I continued up Townes Pass โ€“ my energy was returning and I began moving, I caught Alicia again and after a few words passed by. Then, all the sudden it started raining. Winds that were non-existent were whipping by at high speeds. To our left was a beautiful rainbow. Near the top, Lisa and Joe switch out โ€“ Joe has decided to pace me over the Townes Pass summit and into Panamint. Then another race car comes back and a race official tells us โ€œThe original course is back on!โ€ So while my body was less than pleased, I was relieved to hear that my race would not be an alternate course.

I start chatting with Joe โ€“ he is a great pacer. Very upbeat and engaging. Next thing I know, we are at nearing the top of Townes Pass. I get a second wind and start running โ€“ leaving my crew behind. Soon we hit the final summit parking lot area. I had decided to take a nap here โ€“ but I was feeling so strong, I opted for some miso soup with my legs elevated on a wheel well. Then Joe and I took off again. It was now solidly at night with stars in the sky and a very bright moon. I love night running and was feeling very good at this stage. Joe and I were in our night vests and had our lights to see the road.

For as much as I had struggled up Townes, after awhile I really did not enjoy the downhill to Panamint. It was steep and it was tough not to โ€œflyโ€ down the hill and burn out my quads. At the same time, the downward grade was causing my ankles to hurt. Joe kept pointing to the distance saying we were close to the flats.

After a long downward walk/jog we made it. The usually dry Panamint valley was now a lake โ€“ the moon clearly reflecting off the surface. Panamint Springs was visible in the distance. Joe and I kept running and we were passing some people. As I passed one runner he said โ€œHi Alanโ€. I turned and found out it was Gundy. He had a bad time on Townes and actually staked out and went into Panamint to rest. But now he had recovered and was looking really strong โ€“ he had a GPS unit and gave Joe and me the correct distance to Panamint and then he disappeared in the distance ahead of me.

The road passed through the now-wet lake bed. The humidity rose rapidly and sweat poured out of us. Soon, after 4 miles of running in what felt like a sauna, Joe and I entered Panamint Springs.

This was a โ€œtime checkโ€ so I checked in with Jack and Meg Dennis. Meg asked if I was stopping. I misunderstood her and thought she meant โ€œWas I quitting.โ€ I replied โ€œNo โ€“ the race was far from over.โ€ But she explained that they have two cottages there for use of runners and crew. She offered to lead me to one (with Jack warning her to keep her hands off of me). I decided that I would take a quick shower and a 20 minute nap. I tell Nicole to wake me up in 20 minutes and, after my shower, crash on a couch in a room with other runners.

I wake up and check my watch โ€“ a little over 30 minutes had passed and it was around 2:00 am. I jump up and grab my gear and run out to the van. There I learn that Raj and Carilyn had left for their long drive back to Vegas (without allowing me to thank them over and over and over for all their help and support). Nicole confides that Raj had tried to convince the crew to let me sleep for an hour โ€“ they had comprised at 45 minutes. I was glad I woke up after 30 minutes though โ€“ as I did not want to lose that buckle.

Martin joined me and we started up the steep ascent out of Panamint towards Father Crowley overlook. The skies were unbelievable โ€“ darker black with brighter stars and planets visible. Every now and then Martin and I would see shooting stars burning up.

We kept climbing. Here, I need to mention how perfect my crew performed. I told them in advance that I am really bad about forcing food into my system during ultras. They made sure I kept putting calories in. Two suggestions by my coaches worked great: chocolate milk and tuna fish sandwiches (sounds gross, smelled gross to my crew, but they were wonderful!). Also, the delicacy that I discovered above all others was a small piece of soy cheese between two saltines. WOW! The food of the gods!

So up we went, Martin and I climbing until the sun appeared over the mountain tops for the second time. In the early morning dawn, we saw a few bats flying around. Soon we entered Crowley overlook and there saw Dan Marinsik โ€“ a local Bay Area runner going for his 6th BW finish. We chat a bit with Dan, but soon I discover a second wind we Martin and I start our descent down the hill.

The views were again, absolutely amazing. Some of the rock formations looked like a Hollywood sci-fi set. Now, the temps were again starting to climb and I found myself donning my hot weather gear again. Martin kept telling me my splits and how I was well within range for a bet buckle. I just could never get confident โ€“ feeling that a late melt down would make me miss the buckle.

So, we kept running and soon hit the plains and exited the Death Valley national park. Here, Martin gave the pacer duties back to Lisa while Joe crewed the vehicle. I donโ€™t know why, but Lisa seemed to get stuck with me in some of the hardest parts. This stretch seemed to go on and on and on. At one point I said, โ€œWow, we must be around mile 100.โ€ only to learn I was still at around mile 94. Ouch โ€“ that hurts. So we went on โ€“ I tried to run as much as possible, but there was a lot of walking. Lisa developed a game where we tried to watch for and count the number of lizards who ran from our path. Soon we reached the Darwin turn-off.

I walked a bit more and soon was reunited with Dan Jansen and his pacer. We chatted some more and discussed pace and goal (we were both going for the buckle). I did some math in my head and thought that I was running out of time, so I started running more. Soon Lisa and I were cresting a hill and a Naval jet came roaring overhead on a training flight. That marked the crossing over the 100 mile marker! I put on foot over the line at 30 hours 17 minutes. Not bad I thought as I finished my 4th 100 mile distance (the difference being is that I still had 35 more to go in this one).

As we crested the hill, we noticed storm clouds behind us โ€“ no doubt people behind us were getting wet. We kept running and soon I saw a patch of green in the distance. I told Lisa โ€œThat must be Lone Pineโ€ (the 122 mile mark). But later, when she switched with Joe, I learned that it was Keeler โ€“ around mile 108โ€ฆ..a patch of green FAR OUT IN THE DISTANCE was Lone Pine. Man โ€“ I could not believe how far away it looked.

Joe and I kept running, at times I would get some bursts and pick up the pace, other times I would slow to a nice walk. Once I realized that the van had pulled about 2 miles ahead โ€“ a thought that worried me at that moment as the toilet paper was in the van and I suddenly needed it. Joe, the pacer extradonaire, pulls out a baggie with toilet paper from his running vest. I disappear over a ridge and deposit two medical study magnets in the Death Valley sands.

When I return, I noticed that two runners had passed by. Soon I come up along side one of the runners. It was Anita Fromm and her pacer. We chatted a bit โ€“ discussed the BAR shoes and then I was off.

As we approach Keeler (which I pronounced Keebler only to be told by Joe that no cookie-making elves lived there) Joe switched out and Nicole started pacing me. Martin took over the driving and we passed by the town. By now, clouds were forming and a ranger drove by and told us that if it started raining to head for high grounds.

I have no idea why, but all the sudden I had this burst of energy. I started running and didnโ€™t stop. Nicole, my pacer, couldnโ€™t keep up and had to be picked up by Martin who exchanged places. I kept running. Soon a car pulls up and Gillian jumps out โ€“ she shouted to Don โ€œHurry โ€“ take his picture! He is running the uphills!โ€ Don jumps out and snaps a few shots. I come up to him and tell him that I am chasing the buckle. He shakes his head and tells me โ€œIt is in the bag.โ€ and asks how I feel. I tell him my legs are a little tired and the soles of my feet hurt โ€“ he gives me a look of mock sympathy and tells me to get going. I do.

Soon I pass the other runner who had passed me earlier โ€“ he was from Germany. I kept going. But after a while, my second burst slowed and I was walking more. Nicole joined me again and we started the long stretch to Lone Pine. Here, my energy waned yet again and at around mile 115 I told them that I needed another rest. I climbed in the van and slept for 5 minutes. Then, Nicole and I started again.

Finally, after a long time, we entered Lone Pine. It was about 2 miles to the time check. As we passed a nice green lawn, Nicole started going straight but I altered my path to the left and sat down on the lawn in the shade. Nicole joined me and we rested for a few minutes. Then we were up and running again and finally saw the 122 mile time check in the distance. I was 22 miles further than I had ever run before, I still had 13 more long and steep miles to go โ€“ but at this point, I ran without stopping.

I entered the time check and met with the full crew again. We chatted and Lisa breaks out two pizzas. Marshall Ulrich then enters the station and I try to grab a camera to get a photo with this legendโ€ฆ.but he disappears without stopping. I quickly down two slices of cheese pizza. My plan was to sleep in Lone Pine for 30 minutes to an hour. But after discussion with my crew we decided to keep going. So we make the left turn and enter the road leading to the Whitney Portal. Only a half marathon between me and my BW buckle!

At this point, Joe takes over pacing duties. We begin to climb. There are wonderful rock formations and even a small stream running past us. I get another burst of energy and start running, passing a few runners. Joe has a good laugh at my pain. Now, it is getting late and the sun sets. With about 10 miles to go Joe and I don our night clothes and lights. The road kept going up and it was amazing how much the soles of my feet hurt. I fell into the van multiple times just to rest my feet. At one point, Joe suggested that I run one wrap of tape around the balls of my feet โ€“ and that helped a lot (for a few miles).

Once it got dark, the road really started to climb. At this stage, Martin takes over for the final pacing leg. We approach a series of switchbacks. We kept hitting them and I was feeling a bit stronger. Soon, we get to a long winding road and I am thinking that the end must be near โ€“ Martin corrects me that we are still a couple miles away. But then the van pulls along side and says โ€œFinal mile!โ€ I couldnโ€™t believe it was almost over โ€“ I start trying to jog and Martin joins me. Then the van returns and they said โ€œ Oopsโ€ฆ.2 miles to go. Sorry.โ€ Ouch!

So we went around another corner to see another switch back. We climb it and I think the end must be near. As we turn a corner we seeโ€ฆ.yet ANOTHER switchback! Staring at this switchback, 134.5 miles behind me, with about half a mile to go in the race, I turn to Martin and say โ€œF— it! Letโ€™s just go back.โ€ He laughs and we continue.

Finally, we round a corner and see the crew. They join us and the 5 of us run towards the finish line. We cross through the banner. 135 miles done. Time 41 Hours 47 Minutes 17 seconds. Chris Kostman congratulated me and hung my finishers medal around my neck and gave me my official finishers shirt. Then he gave me what I had been dreamin of the past 135 miles โ€“ my belt buckle!

Looking back, I can honestly say that this was one of the best endurance events in which I have ever participated. I certainly didnโ€™t set any records (37th finisher out of 80 starters) โ€“ but ended up with my buckle, met my goals and took 3rd place overall from the 6:00 am starting wave (proving that walking the first 2 miles will not set a runner too far back). My crew was amazing! Even more so because except for Rajeev, the first time I met anyone on my crew was the day before the race. They were AWESOME!!!!! My only regret in hindsight was to waste my summit permit โ€“ I had decided that me feet hurt too much and my legs were empty. But I really wish I had tried to sleep for 3 hours and then attempt the Whitny summit. Oh well, next time โ€“ and next time I will try to race this course if I get in (well, race for me โ€“ meaning I will shoot for around 36 hours).

In a book, Into Thin Air, the author discusses climbing Mt. Everest. He states that no one climbs the mountain โ€“ but that one lays siege to the mountain. In a lesser way, Badwater is similar. One doesnโ€™t just race it โ€“ one lays siege to it. From a fully outfitted and supplied support vehicle; to a crew of devoted and experienced runners; to the strategies and plans that are developed; to overcoming various hard ships and twists. It is more than a race โ€“ it is truly an experience.

CONCLUSION: CHRIS KOSTMAN โ€“ WHAT AN AWESOME RACE! LISA, RAJ, MARTIN, CARILYN, NICOLE, AND JOE โ€“ MORE THANKS THAN I CAN EVER EXPRESS!

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On May 17 and 18, I competed in the Keys Ultra 100 mile run. This run started in Key Largo and ended in Key West. My main, and in fact … MORE

On May 17 and 18, I competed in the Keys Ultra 100 mile run. This run started in Key Largo and ended in Key West. My main, and in fact almost my only, goal was to finish and get the belt buckle to redeem myself from my Did Not Finish at Rocky Raccoon 100 in February.

My FANTASTIC, AWESOME, SUPPORTIVE, ATTENTIVE, UPLIFTING AND #1 crew of Mandy, Michele and Teri met me in the lobby of the host hotel and we went down to the Race-Mobile (mini-van). There we drove to the start at Mile Marker 101 (meaning we were starting 101 miles from the finish line in Key Largo).

Then it was off to the start line.

The 100 mile and 100 mile relay started together while the 50 miler started, not surprisingly, 50 miles further into the course. Combined there were around 160 or so racers.

Although it was 6:00am it was already warm (80 degrees) and humidity was around 75%.

I started running and was feeling good. The course ran along the Overseas Highway (Highway 1) so the choice was basically asphalt, concrete or the shoulder (consisting of some grass, crushed rock and coral rock). While running on the shoulder sometimes saved some pounding from the asphalt, I found out later the constant rolling on the rocks along with the slants (most roads had a definite slant in the shoulders) caused problems with the bottom of the feet.

I was running smoothly averaging around 9 minute miles and feeling very comfortable. I was chatting with runners next to trying to find out if people were in the relay or the full 100. I soon was able to learn that if a runner had a low bib number (under 25) they were a solo runner. I met some real nice people and the miles seemed to quickly past.

I left Key Largo and entered Tavernier (around 10 miles) and soon came upon Plantation Key. I was still right under 9 minute miles and feeling good, but my early morning cup of coffee had kicked in and I realized that I needed to find a restroom. As I passed some houses, I was hoping to see a homeowner to ask if I could borrow their restroom. Then, I came upon a public park with large clean public restrooms. I ran in and was very grateful for the timing.

Afterwards, I continued on my way. Every now and then my support crew would drive by yelling words of encouragement.

We had worked on a plan where I would meet them every 3 or 4 miles. As the day wore on and the heat grew, this changed to every 2 miles (actually, this change was very early – probably no later than mile 8). I would reach the van and they either be waiting or would jump out. They were awesome! My hat and bandanna were chilled with ice and water. My two water bottles were filled with ice/h20 and ice/Gu2O. They gave me anything I asked for and got me on my way.

They also decorated the van nicely with cool signs.

Early on in the race I had been wearing a light short sleeve top and a Zombie Runner headwrap. Those lasted less than 10 miles before I changed into a sleeveless running top, sunglasses and my soon-to-be Badwater Desert running cap (which triggered lots of smart ass comments…including from my great crew).

I continued running. The views became very beautiful. We were constantly running between the keys, over bridges. The ocean was so blue. And I would glance down and see all sorts of sea life. Once I saw what appeared to be 2 porpoise swimming and breaking the water. Later I confirmed they were porpoise and saw at least a dozen more throughout the run. In addition, I saw rays, a barracuda and a HUGE sea turtle gliding through the waters.

Soon, the road entered the village of Islamorada, made up of various keys. Around Indian Key or Craig Key, I approached the 25 mile point. This was the first check-in point. As I neared, my crew was screaming my name and as I got there I was informed by all that I was in first place overall in the 100 miler. My time was 4 hours 10 minutes. I felt great – but never dreamed of being in 1st. I laughed and told everyone that wouldn’t last I would rightfully be around 3rd or 4th by mile 50.

My crew mentioned that compared to my estimated splits I had been going fast. I agreed so for the next 25 miles I employed a 5 minute run, 3 minute walk pace (although the walk was very very brisk).

I took off again and continued the same 5/3 pace while my crew would leap–frog ahead every 2 or so miles. About every 2 or so miles I would down a 1/2 bottle on ensure and sometimes some pretzels. Conch Key passed, Long Key passed, Walker’s Island and Duck Key all passed as I kept my pace, feeling very strong but noticing that fatigue was setting in.

After awhile, the road seemed to leave the ocean view as we left Long Key and approached Grassy Key in Marathon. There it dipped down onto a bike path. It was nice to be away from the constant buzzing of cars flying past just a few feet away, but the bike path was sheltered with no shade. It felt as if the temps had risen 10 degrees (Mandy’s husband had called her during Day 1 and reported that the temps there had hit record highs. Since the last record high I saw was 92, that meant at least 93…although I never saw the car thermometer go above 91 myself).

Finally I left the bike path and entered the section of the keys near Marathon airport.

I kept running looking for the 50 mile marker. Soon, to my left I saw my crew jumping up and down. Everyone in the aid station was shouting my name too. I entered and sat down. I was still in 1st place incredibly. More incredible – my 50 hour time was 9 hours 9 minutes! That was my 3rd best 50 mile time ever!

I decided to take a bit of a rest in the shade of the 50 mile check point. My crew had filled an extra ice chest with ice and water. I stepped into it. YIKES!!!!!!!!!! That was cold. Michelle had gone next door to a coffee house and through some unknown manner(but humorous inside jokes were made as to how she got the ice) had come back with a free bag of ice for the chests. After soaking my feet. I took a look at them. I counted 6 blisters total over the feet. I pulled out my handy-dandy blister kits from Zombie Runners (these are must-haves!) and proceeded to clean and dress the 4 largest blisters. It was funny, each foot had exact mirror image blisters of each other.

Up through this point, I had seen a few support vans for other runners but they were all relay teams. All but two – one belonged to the Badwater legend Lisa Smith-Batchen and the other to Alisa Springman, a very experienced and accomplished ultra runner from Pennsylvania. So I knew they were close. Honestly, I never had any dreams of winning the race, but at that 50 mile point, still in first, I now kind of wanted to keep it.

So, after the blister care, off again I went. The run went through marathon and soon approached mile 53, the start of the 7 mile bridge. As I approached the bridge, my legs were feeling pretty tired. I met my crew in a parking lot on the north end. There I saw a man grabbing a woman and pulling her up the embankment. She was only wearing a bra, her jeans falling down and she was holding her belt. It was clear she was intoxicated and I feared the worse. As I neared them though, it became evident that the two were a “couple” as she swore at him to get her another drink and he tried to keep her on her feet. Ah puppy love is so sweet.

I approached the van and the 4 of us watched as the people basically crumpled in the driveway of the parking lot. She tried to stand but fell backwards and on the guardrail, with the ocean under her. The man only held her left hand and she teetered as Teri rushed over to help. She basically pulled the woman back while the guy made some comment like “she does this all the time” and hardly did anything to prevent her from flopping over the rail. The woman then laid on the road and screamed obscenities at the guy telling him to get her a drink. I commented that if she was like that all the time, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to stop her from going over the guard rail either.

I then headed up the 7 mile bridge after a couple of relay runners. My crew called the police who showed up to meet the guy and his lady friend as my crew raced back to Marathon for supplies.

The 7 mile bridge starts flat, then climbs up the largest “hill” of the day. This actually felt great – it was the first time my leg muscles really had to be worked in a new manner for 53+ miles. I flew up the bridge and then down. However, the last few miles were flat and I walked a lot of it as it was actually, despite the view, getting a bit boring. During the length of the 7 mile bridge I counted nearly 2 dollars in loose change, a baby car seat, lots of tire treads, a pair of sunglasses, one glove, some fishing tackle and about a dozen empty bottles and cans along the bridge path.

As I exited the bridge, I saw Alisa’s van drive by. At times I wasn’t sure if they were waiting for her or checking out my lead. Either way, I knew she was closing the gap. Soon I saw my crew off to the right. I jogged over and Lisa’s crew came over shouting to me that I was doing great. One of her crew (I believe he was her husband) offered me some water melon and told me that Lisa had been forced to drop out. I munched on a piece of melon and Lisa appeared. She shouted “You are the man! You are kicking ass!” I laughed and said that I wasn’t feeling that great at the moment. She told me that she had dropped – and that it wasn’t her day. I told her that was unfortunate. I meant it too – knowing how much that sucks.

I then met my crew and got more supplies (since the last 7 miles were without crews as vehicles couldn’t stop on the bridge). They told me Alisa was looking good and was about 3 miles back. Just a matter of time I thought – oh well, I’d hold her off as long as I could. I joked with my crew that if I could at least hold onto second place, I’d have the men’s course record ๐Ÿ™‚

So off I went. 60 miles down, “only” 40 to go. These miles seemed to drag along but I managed to hold my 5/3 plan pretty good. I even hit one bridge around Sunshine Key and felt really good. I ran the whole way, joking with the fishermen below and watching more porpoise playing beneath me.

Soon, I entered the Key Deer reserve area of Big Pine key. This area is fenced and protects an endangered species of deer called the Key Deer. While I saw some droppings, I never saw the deer. I approached my crew at around mile 70 and told them that the last couple of miles I had been feeling like throwing up.

I changed into my night gear (light, reflective vest) and left my sunglasses and hat and took off. I was accompanied by a beautiful Keys sunset.

All this time, I kept expecting to see Alisa come up behind me. I was pretty sure that unless she was fading like me, that she would get me soon. So I made my next goal to see if I could at least hold the lead into the mile 75 check-in. Plus, a sub-24 hour time was still a possibility (although shrinking).

Sometime between mile 70 and 75, Mandy offered to pace me. I agreed and that helped a lot. We chatted a bit, but for the most part just kept moving forward. Mandy is a 7 time Ironman finisher, including Kona. Despite getting in a serious bike crash a few weeks ago and having her hand in a soft cast with pins sticking in it, she was there in the dark night keeping me going.

Soon, we approach Michelle and Teri in the van and they tell us thet the 75 mile aid station is just on the other side of a short bridge. Mandy and I jog the bridge and we come to yet another wonderful group of screaming volunteers. I plopped into a chair and held me head in my hands. I was feeling like absolute crap. It had been more than 5 miles since I was able to eat anything. My “fuel” had consisted of sips of water and an occasional sip of flat mountain dew or red bull. I had the dry heaves a few times.

Finally, I asked where our van was as I needed to lie down. I walked across the parking lot to the van and felt a wave of nausea hit me. I was down on my knees wrenching in the intersection. I was later told my crew and a few volunteers gathered round me to stop a semi truck from driving over me.

I then went to the van. Michelle went to get some tums from a market. I lied down a bit but felt that I better get going. I stepped out of the van and saw Alisa’s crew right next to me. I said hello and asked how Alisa was doing. They informed us she was doing great, but for some chafing and he asked me how I was doing and offered me a chair. I collapsed in it and told him I had better days. I think my crew thought I was Benedict Arnold and was fraternizing with the enemy. But as much as I would have liked to have held on to that 1st place, I knew it was gone – I was more concerned with my sub-24 hour which I felt had almost slipped away. The night had gotten a bit cooler – dropping to 80, but the humidity had risen sharply.

Mandy and I took off and kept trying to run. Soon however my jogging became less and less. After awhile I had to walk the full stretch between stops and finally announced that I needed to take a nap. I went into the van and put my feet up. As I was semi asleep, RD Bob Becker came by and asked how I was doing.

After about 10 minutes, I got up and Teri and I started off. I tried some jogging but my legs were thrashed as I was approaching mile 80 which meant 10 plus miles without being able to keep anything down and the joys of dry heaving. Plus, the bottom of my feet were killing me from more and more blisters. I had learned that the constant unequal footing had caused some bad blistering.

At mile 83 I turned and saw Alisa and her pacer approaching. The soon passed me as if I was standing still (mostly because I kind of was at that point). We exchanged greetings and off they went. Oh well, now to try and hold onto second place. By this time all of us had realized that unless something drastic changed, my sub-24 was not going to happen either.

The night dragged on with me taking more and more rest breaks. The Tums was helping a bit, but every 2 miles or so, another bout of dry heaving would hit me. I could tell that Mandy, Teri and Michelle were getting just as tired. I know it had to be miserable to be without sleep, go a mile, nap for 10 minutes, be woken up by me, get out of the van, attacked by misquitos, and then watch me stumble off at an ever slower pace. Once I took some extra time to dress some blisters and I realized that it was a mistake – I should had waited until the next stop. But my crew never uttered a negative word.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we entered in the single digit zone….less than 10 miles to the finish. Mandy took a couple of miles, and then Teri. Finally Michelle and I crossed the causeway and entered Key West. We got to 1 and 1/2 mile from the finish and all three of my crew got in the van and wanted me to cross the line on my own. This was not an easy task as now I was around 10 hours and 30 miles without any fuel of any kind in my system and very painful blisters.

I tried to jog along the ocean front toward the finish line. I kept looking behind me, expecting to see 3rd place fast approaching. Every now and then I’d see a jogger and fearing the worse, tried to jog.

Finally – the finish line was in sight. I crossed it. My time was 25 hours 37 minutes! This was more than 2 hours better than my previous best. I had taken 2nd overall and set both my age group and men’s course record (both should be easily shattered next year).

After crossing the finish line I gathered with my AWESOME crew for hugs and photos and Michelle put my finishers medal on my neck and I was handed my BUCKLE!.

Then, these great EMT volunteers who had been on the course for as long as the runners came over to help me with my feet (I had 23 blisters spread over both feet!).

Afterwards, I slept in the van and napped and cheered on the other finishers. Out of around 20 starters in the 100 miler, only 7 finished. Two of these finishers basically collapsed and needed IV’s and I needed the blister care. It is without a doubt a very difficult course – the heat, humidity and pavement all combine to present a true ultra challenge.

THE AWARDS

After a real nice shower, and a 2 hour nap we all headed to Hurricane Joe’s for the awards. I decided to celebrate with the appropriate Key Ultramarathon drink – I had a Rum Runner.
The crowds were in a great mood.

Co-Race directors Jared and Bob started handing out awards.

I was called up and got my 1st place male 40-49 and my overall awards!!!

Then it was a raffle where almost everyone walked away with something (I got socks).

Afterwards, Mandy, Teri, Michelle and I watched the sunset at Mallory Square and had a wonderful dinner.

Two full days after the race, my stomach still wasn’t 100%. Despite some conch fritters, mahi-mahi and some seafood paella post-race, I am still down more than 4 pounds since the race start and my digestion is not perfect. But my legs are recovering and the blisters receding. Also, I got two great awards, my buckle and finishers medal and met the best crew possible. We are already discussing about possibly defending our titles next year at the Keys Ultra, plus Mandy is considering joining my Badwater crew! Finally, having met Bob and Jared, I would consider running almost any race they put on. Not only do they take great care of their runners, they put on a fantastic race, and they are just wonderful people.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
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4
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AMERICAN RIVER 50 MILER- THE NIGHT BEFORE Raj and I hit the road and arrived at Fleet Feet to pick up our race ribbons/racers packet. We saw quite a few … MORE

AMERICAN RIVER 50 MILER- THE NIGHT BEFORE

Raj and I hit the road and arrived at Fleet Feet to pick up our race ribbons/racers packet. We saw quite a few familiar faces and managed to decrease the weight of our wallets thanks to a blow-out sale at the store.

Afterwards, Raj needed to call Norm Klein regarding some race directors material. Norm, as many of you know, is the race director of the Rio Del Lago 100 miler. He was for many many years the race director for Western States 100 and transformed that race into much of the present structure including aid stations, food for the racers, etc. He is also a 2 time finisher of the Hawaii Ironman race and one hell of a nice guy.

So we planned on a quick stop over at Norm’s place (he was helping Raj with the Ruth Anderson ultraraces as Raj is now the race director. YOU ALL SHOULD RUN RUTH ANDERSON – fast course, great format of a 50k/50mile/100k options and strong race support see: Ruth Anderson)

Anyway, we stopped by and were met by Norm and his wife Helen. For those who do not know Helen Klein, let me tell you we were greeted by a living legend. Helen is a finisher of multiple 100 mile events (100+ ultra finishes), the oldest person to ever finish the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, a member of a top finishing team of the eco-challenge, top finisher and winner of Marathon des Sables, a finisher of almost ANY race that has ever been run and the holder of over 10 age group World Records! see: Helen Klein The walls of their home were as if an exhibit from the Endurance Hall of Fame.

We spoke with them for a bit and were invited to stay for supper. Helen made a great salad and pasta dinner. We were entertained with stories of Helen’s and Norm’s athletic accomplishments, their lives together and past race directing. Norm also showed us around his home which included his very impressive cactus gardens.

After dinner at the Klein’s house, Raj and I took a quick ride out to look at the finish line area and then checked into the motel. We set up our drop bags and turned in for an early morning wake-up.

The next morning we got our gear together. I taped the bottom of my feet as I was wearing relatively new shoes and I had felt some hot spots earlier in some training runs. Soon we headed to the finish line. We parked the car there and caught a shuttle to the start.

We met fellow Ultraholic Mark Nassi and rode to the start. On the shuttle I was chatting with a guy next to me named Martin. He was from Marin and it turns out he crewed Gillian (from Zombie Runner) at her Badwater 135 event. Really nice guy.

We arrived at the start and stayed in the bus to keep warm until the last possible moment. Then we dropped off our drop-bags. At the start we saw familiar faces and met up with fellow Ultraholic Mark Tanaka.

Soon it it was “3-2-1…GO!” and the race was off. I started mid-pack and began slowly mindful of my piriformis. This had caused my first ever DNF at Rocky Raccoon and limited my training since then. The race started on a footbridge and turned onto a bike path.

I was slowly passing people and around the 1 mile point saw Chihping. Chihping is training for the Grand Slam this year. We chatted for a bit and I headed off. I soon saw the back of the Western States legend Tim Twietmeyer in front of me.

I kept the same pace as Tim for the longest time – we were running between 7 and 7 1/2 minute miles. The bike path was flat with ups and downs here and there.

I was surprised to see a lot of wild/feral turkeys on the route.

I was right next to Tim Tweitmeyer of Western States 100 fame. Then I heard a voice in front say “that is the marathon” – he had some GPS device on. I looked at my watch and it was a 3:16:13. Not bad I thought. But my legs were really starting to feel sore from my new running shoes. I began to wish that I didn’t change shoes that close to a race.

Soon, Tim began to pull away from me. A few minutes later I came across Ray Sanchez. Ray, like me, will be running Badwater 135 this year. We chatted for quite a bit and came into the first drop bag zone together. This was at the 28 mile mark and our time was exactly 3 hours, 30 minutes.

I decided to change shoes and down an Ensure for energy. Ray however took off. He said he had a plane to catch for a southern California race (yeah..like I am the crazy one).

Soon I got up and started running. The first mile was tough, but I got a second wind and took off. The trail now was basically the morning part of the Rio Del Lago 100 mile run, so I knew it pretty well.

I ran/walked up the trails and after awhile I began to realize that the weather.com forecast of a 65 F degree high was WAY off. I was pouring water over my head. It wasn’t like it was 100 degrees, but there was little shade, canyon walls and a bald head to deal with.

Soon I went into a shady trail section and started running faster. Cruised past a carcass that I later found out was a deer that was killed by a mountain lion right along the route. The wildflowers were in full bloom and the course was beautiful.

Then it became a downhill towards Rattlesenake Bar – the 40 mile drop bag station. My legs were pretty thrashed by this point. I realized that I am no Dr. Tanaka or Michael Kanning – I can’t run my 50km pace for a 50 mile race. So I lotioned my feet with some Swiss sports balm that I swear by, slapped my shoes back on and took off.

I started the trail tired, but within 2 minutes realized that my feet/legs felt better. So I took off. Within the next 3 miles, I passed a half dozen people and felt great. I was having so much fun and feeling good, I forgot to make myself drink or take electrolytes.

Then around mile 42 I started feeling not so hot. Next thing I knew, I was bent over & throwing up. A runner whom I passed 10 minutes earlier came pass and slapped me on the back and said “This is a great place – I threw up here a year ago.” Despite being the funniest words I heard in awhile, I couldn’t run that fast. Still, I went off. I looked at my watch and thought that if I really tried, I might go sub 8:30 and get a new P.R.

Once I hit the final climb however, I knew my p.r. hunt was over. I was throwing-up/dry heaving about once every 800 to 1000 meters. By the time I hit the last aid station with just over 2 miles to go, I couldn’t keep anything down. I couldn’t run and even walking I had the dry heaves every 400 meters. God I love this sport!

Nevertheless, with a lot of runners giving me words of encouragement as the passed by, I finally made the final turn onto the road. I saw the Dam Overlook parking lot and walked toward the finishers line. I tried jogging across, but it was just a shuffle. My name was called out, but not by Norm Klein as I was expecting. I found out later Norm came down with laryngitis the morning of the race. Helen was probably very appreciative ๐Ÿ™‚ I crossed the line at 8 hours 52 minute (my second fastest 50 miler).

At the finish line I sat on a chair and had my timing chip removed. When I went to stand up, I couldn’t. A volunteer finally helped me up and I barely remember being lead over to the medical area. The two people there were awesome. One was the lead medical coordinator at Western States. They took my vital signs and the next thing I knew, I had my first ever ultrarunning-induced I.V. My body sucked through it so fast – I was given a second one (you can see my IV hanging from the tree in the attached photo).

God I love this sport!

Chihping finished, going under 10 hours, and came to sit next to me. We chatted a bit. Anyway, about an hour later I was feeling much better. But, after two IV’s, water and 4 helpings of vegetable soup, I was still not peeing. In fact, it wasn’t until after driving all the way back to the bay area and being home for about 30 minutes did I finally need to go. This was actually a valuable lesson for me. With some hot races coming up such as Keys Ultra and Badwater, it reinforces in me the need to really monitor my electrolyte intake. I had some electrolyte pills on me, but I was concentrating so much on running, I only took one pill and that was in the first 10 miles.

After leaving medical, I strolled around and Chihping and I watched Yuki finish the race.

I then saw the ever colorful and fun Dirt Diva Catra Corbett come across the line. I congratulated her and Norm came over to congratulate her and snap some fun photos.

Then it was Raj’s turn. He approached the finish line but the announcers were talking about something else, so he just stopped and did a silly hula-like dance until the announcers saw him and called his name. Norm tried to state over the loudspeaker in his barely-audible voice, “Raj is the ugliest runner in the race today”. LOL

I looked at the results and saw that Mark Nassi did a great finish of around 9 1/2 hours. Michael Kanning, the Ultra wunderkid, did a low 7 hour finish and Mark Tanaka took 16th overall.

My next race was to be the Ruth Anderson Ultras. I had planned on racing the 100km as a final tune-up for Keys Ultra 100 miler, but dropped to the 50km and trying to get a new p.r. That report is posted here as well.

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4
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4
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4
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4
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This was, without a doubt, my most challenging ultra (and that includes Mont Blanc, Badwater and each of my three Keys 100 finishes). I drove up to Leadville from Denver. … MORE

This was, without a doubt, my most challenging ultra (and that includes Mont Blanc, Badwater and each of my three Keys 100 finishes). I drove up to Leadville from Denver. It was a beautiful drive and the city was beautiful I was staying at the Leadville Hostel.

I woke up at 2:30 am with the other 3 guys in my Hostel bedroom (after buying a pair of ear plugs, slept like a rock through the snoring of Mr. Leadville – the 24 time finisher Bill Finkbeiner). We all started the day with the same act โ€“ looking outside at the weather. The sky was mostly cloudy with the occasional lightning bolt flashing across the horizon. Based upon that, we all dressed in our cold weather gear, packed extra gear in our bags (this was my first ultra where I actually wore a pack) and grabbed a hot breakfast (mine was coffee with a Powerbar).

The time seemed to drag for a bit, but soon it was time to walk down to the start. About 5 minutes into my walk, the rain started falling. It continued pretty heavily then started to decrease closer to the actual start.

The line was full โ€“ nearly 500 runners ready for the 4:00am start.
Many were huddled under doorways and awnings to stay dry until the last minute. With the final minute being countdown, I said a quick prayer and joined the crowd. Then we were off. I again based my early race strategy upon the wisdom of my โ€œcoachโ€™ Don of ZombieRunners. I walked the first 5 minutes โ€“ by the time those 5 minutes were up, I was one of the last 3 people.

Then I started running. The course goes down the Leadville city streets at 10,200 feet. Many residents were out cheering on the bunch of crazy lunatics running past their house. As the run progressed, we turned onto a dirt road with scattered rocks. I was actually feeling pretty good at this point โ€“ my breathing was relaxed despite the elevation and I was slowly working my way through the crowd. We then turned up a dirt hill and climbed for a short bit before crossing a street and into some woods.

The path continued past some campgrounds on the right with a lake appearing on the left. Occasionally the morning air would be filled with the sound of creeks running under our running feet as they emptied the rainwater into the lake. I continued my forward progression, slowly passing people when possible along this often single track path. Soon I came up on one of my roommates โ€“ Elwyn. We ran together for a bit but then I went ahead.

Before I knew it, we entered the first crew access point called Boat Ramp. Strangely enough, it was on a boat ramp. Because I had no crew or pacers for this race, there seemed little reason for me to stop so I continued on. In the dawn this was a wonderful run โ€“ the trail winding through trees, over boulders and through the occasional puddle/stream. Soon, there was enough light that allowed me to turn my headlamp and flashlight off.

At the half marathon point, we entered the first official aid station called May Queen. I had a drop bag there, but since this was so early in the race, I merely filled my water bottles, stashed my lights in my backpack, and continued on. A runner came up on me about 3 minutes out of the station. He had missed his crew and suspecting that he would meet them later never filled his bottles. So he was already running on empty. I offered him about ยพ of one of my 3 bottles (I had 1 hand-bottle of Succeed Clip2 and 1 hand-bottle of water and another bottle of water behind my back). We then ran together for a bit before I left him on a nice downhill.

The downhill soon turned to a climb going up through a wooded area.

I was now starting to get quite warm from the run plus the wet weather in the woods was increasing the humidity. So as soon as the climb ended on a wide unpaved road, I stopped to take off my jacket and stash it in my bag. I started running and 15 seconds later the sky opened up with heavy rain and hail. โ€œGreat timing!โ€ I said to a runner next to me and we shared a laugh.

I continued the run up the road without the jacket. This climb went up Sugarloaf and the views were fantastic.

I was feeling really good as I shifted from a run to power-walk. At the summit I paused for a second to put my jacket back on and then continued running.
I passed a huge tower with power lines that were crackling in the rain/sleet. This was the summit called, appropriately enough, Powerline. One could see the valley below where May Queen was located.

Powerline continued along the summit ridge for a bit before descending down some wonderful downhill trails. Some were quite steep consisting of gullies strewn with rocks making the fast descent a bit tricky, but I was enjoying it.

Near the end of the descent the trail turned right and ended on a road. The road climbed to the next aid station at mile 23 called Fish Hatchery. I entered the FH aid station and the wonderful volunteers got me my drop bag. (Note: not only does Leadville have more volunteers than any other ultra I have run, they were all fantastic โ€“ supportive, knowledgeable and quick to go out of their way to get runners anything they needed). Here I decided to try something I learned from my Badwater run โ€“ tuna. I had stopped at the store prior to the race and found some single serving bags of tuna fish so I bought some and stashed some in my drop bags. I gulped down the tuna and headed back out. The paved road was wet as the rain started falling heavy.

The run stayed on a road that turned onto another road. After the junction the skies really opened up again pouring cold rain down. I stopped and quickly pulled a plastic rain poncho out of my bag and continued the run. The road started climbing towards a line of trees on the horizon called coincidently Tree Line. Tree Line, like Boat Ramp, was a crew access point, not a true aid station so I went straight through and continued the now dirt road upwards.

A small stream was to my left and it was flowing pretty fast. This road seemed to go on for a bit, passing campgrounds and some wonderful forested areas. Soon we entered the Half Moon Campground. It was here that the next aid station, weirdly named Half Moon, was located at around the 50km mark.

I stopped here and decided to change jackets for a dryer one. I also changed shirts and grabbed my iPod. One runner who was changing gear informed me that the next section was one of his favorites with great downhills. I left the tent and entered the food tent where I was thrilled to learn they were serving vegetarian broth and vegetarian ramen. In all the races I have run (OK โ€“ not as many as lots of runners, but Iโ€™m not a novice either), Leadville was the first that I have run that offered vegetarian options at every single aid station. In the cold of this run, the hot broth and noodles were a blessing.

I left the tent and continued running looking forward to the promised downhills. Soon the path turned rightโ€ฆ.right up. The climb was pretty steep and, while the rain had stopped, the humidity from the rain was strong. A runner next to me asked me if I knew how long and high this climb was to be. I said โ€œNope โ€“ but it sure is a bitch.โ€. He agreed. We continued climbing and I learned that we were both flatlanders โ€“ me from SF area and he from Wisconsin. He invited me to join him in one of his hard โ€œ500 feet altitude work-outsโ€.

Finally, we reached the top and the trail turned to the right. My legs were burning a bit by now but the trail soon started a descent. I turned on my iPod to some great Faith No More and took off.

I love downhills โ€“ I may not be the fastest, but certainly I attack them hard. I think I have pretty good instinct with my footing, strong ankles and a certain stupidity that allows me to take many downhills pretty fast. Here, it was like I just started the race. I went flying down the trails, passing other runners, leaping over rocks and small streams. I was having a blast. The trails seemed to go on and despite a big smile I knew that I was not going to love this portion as much on the return trip.

Soon, the trails changed from wonderful single-track forested trails to steep rocky roads. This ended at Twin Lakes (yes, it was next to 2 lakes). I entered the 40 mile aid station. Here I contemplated changing my shoes into my lighter Asics, but a wonderful aid station worker convinced me to stick with my original plan and save those shoes for the return trip. As I sipped down some more vegetarian broth and noodles she also massaged my legs for me. (NOTE: all RDโ€™s out there โ€“ with so many runners being so health conscious, please follow Leadvilleโ€™s lead and have options available to those who canโ€™t have the standard chicken broth).

After resting and re-energizing about 10 minutes in the station, I started out. As I left the tent my eyes darted around for two things that I knew were coming up fast. First was the river crossing โ€“ a place where we had been informed we would have to wade across thigh high waters. The second was Hope Pass โ€“ the 12,600 foot barrier between Twin Lakes and the 50 mile turn-around. The first was behind some trees and tall grass. The second was hidden behind storm clouds (Oh goody!).

I ran on through the mountain pastures around Twin Lakes and soon the river crossing became visible. I waited my turn and entered the river. The water was cold and fast but manageable. One of the volunteers advised me to stay to my left as there was a deep hole to the right. As the snow melt waters were inching closer to certain body parts, I opted to listen to him.

Then I exited the river and continued on โ€“ following the path that disappeared into the trees. My legs actually were feeling really good โ€“ I think the icy waters actually helped. I started climbing and began to get pretty warm so I stopped and shed my jacket.

As I restarted my climb, the skies opened up and the hail began to pour down. I have decided that I have a second job โ€“ I will go to areas that have a water shortage and simply take off my rain gear and within minutes the skies will open.

Anyway, I continued up (and up and up and up) as the hail came down (and down andโ€ฆwell, you get the point).

I know for a lot of people hail stones the size of peas and marbles are nothing new, but to me I was pretty amazed to see hail that far surpassed the rice sized hail that I am used to seeing, Oh, by the way, larger hail hurts when it hits a bald head โ€“ just thought youโ€™d want to know. It was also soaking my clothes, so finally I paused and put my jacket back on again.

After awhile the hail stopped but the climb didnโ€™t. I kept going up. Now I have raced at elevations between 8,000 and 10,000 feet and, while feeling it, certainly was never really impacted by the elevation. But here, once I broke through 11,000 feet I was gasping. I am sure all the Colorado natives had a good laugh at my expense, but shi! This was hard.

Finally, I passed through some trees and could see the top of Hope Passโ€ฆ.WAY UP THERE. I continued moving forward and now the sun was breaking through and I was getting hot. So, I stopped and once again took off my jacket (be warned, this is a reoccurring theme in this report).

As I approached the 12,200 foot elevation, I noticed a heard of lamas around me. No, it wasnโ€™t the lack of oxygen that caused me to see this. This was the Hope Pass aid station (yes, to those enquiring minds that want to know, they had more vegetarian broth).

I left the HP station and started up the trail. About 100 feet before the summit, the first returning runner came running towards me. He was followed by another runner and then another. Wow โ€“ this was going to be a tight race for first.

I crested the top of the pass and looked behind me. Twin Lakes was far below and the view was amazing.

I looked ahead and the view was amazing – almost making the climb worthwhile.

Then I started downhill. Finally, back into my environment. I picked up speed as I passed those who had passed me on the way up. The trail down was pretty steep โ€“ sometimes too steep to really run. I almost lost control twice around sharp and rocky turns.

Finally, as I neared the bottom, I again met Darren (the runner from Wisconsin that I met earlier on the climb out of Half Moon). This time we exchanged names. Darren and I decided to move into Winfield (the 50 mile station) together. It was a 2 mile distance from the base of Hope to Winfield โ€“ but it only seemed like 10 miles. FINALLY we reached the aid station and got separated.

I tried to minimize my time at the station. I got there at almost exactly 12 hours. This should have left me 18 hours to do a simple 50 miles. Problem was, it wasnโ€™t a simple 50 (with a climb of 12,600 and two others with one exceeding 11,000) coupled with pretty challenging cut-off times at each station. I popped a couple S!Caps and stretched my thighs and calves. Soon I headed back out knowing that I had a hell of a climb ahead of me.

I jogged the road from Winfield and soon reached the Hope Pass trail head. I started climbingโ€ฆwell, tried to. My thighs were already pretty thrashed, but I kept pushing forward. People were coming down the trail and I happily stepped aside to let them pass (and to let me rest). If I had thought going up Hope Pass on the outbound was bad, the steeper return trip made me wish for it again.

Soon Darren and his pacer caught me. We kept going up together – taking turns resting. After awhile we noted that the runners coming down were out of the race as there was no way for them to make the 50 mile cut-off time.

Near the top of the pass, Darren and I got separated when he needed to take a nature break. I crested the Hope Pass summit and started flying down the hill towards the aid station. Once there I sat down and downed some broth. I also had a peanut butter sandwich and some crackers. Soon Darren and his pacer joined me. After a bit, they took off as Darren’s knees were bothering him a bit. I soon followed and passed them going down the hill.

I was again loving this race as I flew down the muddy path, along the flowing creek and over rocks and roots. Soon I passed Marshall Ulrich. I slowed and spoke with him a bit. I introduced myself, told him about my Badwater experience and how his wife had posted on my blog earlier. Soon though we were separated as I continued my downhill run.

Near the end of the downhill I stopped on some rocks to strip off my tights. With the river crossing coming up, I wanted to have them stay dry for the upcoming night. Marshall caught me there and we basically ran towards the crossing together.

Once again, we grabbed the rope and crossed through the icy waters. Once on the other side I continued my jog/walk until finally hitting the 60 mile point aid station at Twin Lakes. The aid station workers were again fantastic. One lady helped me change shoes and socks, get my rain coat on and repacked everything in my drop bag. After a bit more noodles, I headed out.

Just as I feared, the climb out of Twin Lakes was a real pain. I ended up tagging along with a two other runners. Soon it became dark and I needed to switch on my flashlight and headlamp. The climb seemed to last forever. Near the end of the climb the skies lit up with lightening and the rain and hail started falling fast and hard again. Finally, the downhill towards Half Moon started and I cruised down and ended on the road leading to the campgrounds. The rain was soaking through my clothes and I wasn’t moving fast enough to stay warm.

I got to the tent and sat down in front of a heater. I downed some broth and tried to change into drier clothes. But I started shivering so much, I ended up going to the medical tent where it was even warmer and wrapping a blanket around me for 5 minutes until I stopped shaking. I then gathered my stuff, downed some hot cocoa (at the direction of the med provider – great advice) and started a power walk down the road. Two aid stations to go.

I was only a minute or two into my walk when runner comes up behind me and asks if he could hang with me a bit. “Sure” I said. His name was Matt and his ankle was giving him a real hard time (he injured it 6 years ago or so and it still bothered him). Not only was this his first 100 miler, it was his first ultra. He hadn’t even run a marathon before!

He told me how he and his brother started the race together but his brother was forced to stop at Wynfield. His crew was his mom and girlfriend. I said he was more than welcome to hang with me as my only goal was sub-30 and if he and I could power walk through the finish line under that time, we could do it together. He set forth his timing strategy that would let us see the finish line around 9:00am (29 hours). It was agreed and we commenced.

We chatted a bit and tried to keep ourselves entertained. Soon we came along Tree Line where his girlfriend was waiting. Matt changed jackets and grabbed another water bottle and off we went. The road from Tree Line to Fish Hatchery seemed to have increased in length during the day, but we kept moving. We finally entered Fish Hatchery and I grabbed some broth and some food. The workers filled my bottles. Matt was getting his ankle wrapped so I laid down on a bench next to a heater. But almost before I even closed my eyes, Matt was ready to go – so we left.

The asphalt road leading out of FH eventually reached a point where the flags led us onto the dirt path that marked the beginning of the Powerline march up to Sugarloaf. Matt was actually stronger on the uphills than I so he led the way. Soon a young woman from Toronto joined us for a bit using trekking poles as she ascended the trail.

As the night wore on, we continued up. My thighs were pretty tired but I noticed that I was keeping up with Matt. Soon though, I ended up passing him. He stated that he was really hurting. I tried to talk him into moving forward and he did. But after about 20 minutes he said he just couldn’t and wanted me to go ahead. I tried to tell him that we had plenty of time and he just had to keep moving forward. He said he would move at his own pace and actually asked me to “Please just get going.” So I compromised and told him that we had to be close to the summit and I would go ahead and if I got to it soon, I would wait for him so we could do the downhill together. If I didn’t get there soon, I would go on down to the aid station and tell his crew about him. He agreed and off I went. Man – it was at least 20 minutes before I finally got to the summit so, per our agreement and with time slipping away, I kept moving down the road.

Now I noticed that my headlight and flashlight beams were growing dim. I stopped and changed headlamps with the spare in my bag – but it was dim too. But I continued on and finally dropped down the trail leading towards May Queen the final aid station. The trail was dark and very very muddy. Sometimes I would step down and most of my shoe would disappear in black muck. My lights were so dim, I made one wrong turn but realized it less than a minute later when the path, luckily, ended. I turned around and went back and found the right way.

I entered the May Queen aid station and sat down. To my right was one of my roommates Jonathan being crewed by UltraRunning mag’s Tia Bodington. As we exchanged hellos, I was slapped on the back by another of my roomates Elwyn. I was just thinking how cool it was that 3 of the 4 people staying in the same room were at the last aid station at the exact same time when Elwyn commented that Bill (the fourth roommate) was there also. Wow! What a coincidence! After 87 miles, the four of us were on the exact same pace – must be that Leadville Hostel coffee.

I asked Jonathan if he thought we still has sub-30 hours and he was confident that a nice power walk would bring us in around 29 hours. So, He took off first while a great aid station volunteer found me some replacement batteries for my flashlight. Then Elwyn and I headed out. We started a nice little jog/power walk and soon caught Jonathan. The three of us hung together a bit but soon Elwyn and I went ahead, Elwyn intent on catching Bill who we assumed was ahead of us chasing his 25th straight Leadville finish.

The trail soon became single track as we reversed our way back towards Leadville. We were making a decent pace, jogging the downhills and power walking the inclines and flats. Soon we came upon two other runners. Elwyn passed them by trying to catch Bill. I hung back for a bit content with my pace. Soon though I too passed them by and continued heading towards Leadville.

After a while, it was light enough to switch off the flashlight and headlamp. The trail was winding alongside the lake and soon entered the Boat Ramp crew access. Only about 8 or so miles to go!

The wind was coming off of the lake and my hands were frozen. I was really tired, cold and damp. I mentioned to a runner next to me that I just wanted to get this “F’n thing over with”. He laughed and agreed. After what seemed like an eternity, I exited a path and came upon a road which I crossed and entered the last trail to Leadville. This trail was a mini-Powerline run – straight down with many gullies and rocks.

Once at the bottom of the decent, we turned onto the final dirt climb. This was a wide dirt road that seemed to go on and on. After every rise, there was yet another rise. I passed a few runners here and there, but I wasn’t really going that fast. Between my dead legs and being really cold, my pace had dropped quite a bit. Soon though, the dirt trail ended. I reached the peak at the same time as Gary Wang, a fellow Bay Area ultrarunner. I checked my watch and figured that I might still just barely get under 29 hours.

So I started a slow jog across the street and turned on the final stretch. After cresting a small rise, the finish line was in sight – about 4 blocks away. I kept jogging as fast as I could, having to take the occasional walk break. Finally, I reached the final intersection and shouted my race number to a volunteer. A minute later I stepped on the red carpet and heard my name announced as I crossed the finish line.

My final time: 28 hours 57 minutes 35 seconds. By far this was my slowest 100 miler – but I was so happy and proud. To me, that was one hard race. Between the cold, the elevation, the wind, and the never-ending fear of the cut-offs I felt as if I had overcome the most challenges to reach the finish line. It was my 3rd buckle this year (Keys 100 and Badwater included). It has already been added to my shadow box buckle display.

A few valuable things I learned. 1) I never once was nauseous – I had switched my electrolyte pills over to S!Caps and they worked wonderfully. I think my hydration and electrolyte balance was the best of any race I have run. 2) Injinji socks coupled with hydropel on the feet protected me 100% from blisters. Not even a single hot spot. 3) This was the first race in which I used a pack. It worked, but because it strapped across my chest, every time I needed something or needed to change tops, it took a bit of time and effort – so next time will be a below the back/lumbar bag that I can just spin around.

Back at the hostel, I took a quick shower. Elwyn and I noticed that our hands had really puffed up probably from altitude edema. Soon, all roommates were back and taking a quick nap before the awards. We each were still coughing constantly making our hostel dorm room sound like a typhoid ward.

Then it was off to the awards. Co-race directors Ken and Merilee put on a great show handing out buckles, awards and bottles of Colorado whiskey. Despite the conditions, some people posted incredible times with the top 3 finishers breaking 19 hours. The first place male 50-59 years broke the top 10 overall with a sub 22 hour time!

Bill got a standing ovation when it was announced that he had finished his 25th straight Leadville 100!

As we helped pack up the room from the awards, I met a young man distributing samples of beer from a New Mexico brewery. He had run the first 50 miles with his brother but was forced to drop. We chatted some more and I realized that he was Mattโ€™s brother. Matt ended up dropping at mile 87. Personally, I was amazed that he pushed through so long with a painful ankle never ever even run a marathon before. I know he will be back.

This is certainly one heck of a race – one which every ultrarunner needs to experience.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5
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PART 2: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2007 - THE DALLAS WHITE ROCK MARATHON Since I had to be in Texas over the weekend and had meetings in Dallas on Monday, a … MORE

PART 2: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2007 – THE DALLAS WHITE ROCK MARATHON

Since I had to be in Texas over the weekend and had meetings in Dallas on Monday, a friend of mine with whom I work suggested as a joke that I join him for the Dallas Marathon the day after my 50 miler. I laughed at first, but then thought “what the hell” – it would be good training for my 100 miler. So I agreed.

I drove up to Dallas from Huntsville after the race. It was a tough drive….I was very tired and the scenery got a bit boring. Finally I got to my friend John Beach’s house around 8:30. There we carbo-loaded (beer and pasta). My plan was to hang with John as long as possible (he wanted to go sub-4 hours). But the next morning my piriformis was still aching. I stretched and stretched it and hoped for the best.

The day before I was dealing with 80’s and high humidity. The morning of the marathon was 45 degrees and cold, windy and rainy. We hooked up with a couple of John’s friends and drove to the start. I actually went back and grabbed some gloves and long sleeves. Then we waited for the start.

The first mile went by OK, my legs were stiff and sore. I stopped and stretched the piriformis and caught back up to Beach and snapped a blurry picture of him running.

I ended up stopping and stretching at least once or twice every mile. By mile 5, Beach was just a dot in the distance. I met up with one of his friends, but by mile 7 he too was gone. The run went through some nice neighborhoods and then out around a lake.

I was feeling OK at mile 9 and thought maybe I could try and catch Beach again, but by mile 10 I knew that was not going to happen. My leg was just hurting too much. I thought about dropping out at the half marathon. In fact, for the first time ever I decided to DNF a race. But, when I hit the half-marathon mark I decided to keep going.

Soon I was approaching mile 14 and there was Vinod and his friends! I stopped and chatted with them and they shared this great potato pancake with me. Yum! They always have such great food, I think I should hire them to crew for me in all my races. ๐Ÿ™‚

After leaving Vinod and friends, I continued along the lake. Boy was it cold. The temperature had actually dropped since the race start and fell as low as 39 degrees.

Soon we exited the lake and the wind died down a bit.

At around mile 18 or so, there was an aid station sponsored by Hooters and run by Hooters girls. Shortly after that was another aid station – with beer. Since I wasn’t really “running” this marathon, I decided to grab one.

At mile 23 there was another beer station – and Vinod was helping out there. So he gave me a couple of brews before I headed on. Soon I approached the downtown area.

I crossed the finish line around 5 hours and 15 minutes.

I met Beach and found out he finished well under his goal of 4 hours.

Two days, two races, two very tired legs, 76.2 miles.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4
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PART 1: SATURDAY DECEMBER 8, 2007 - THE SUNMART 50 MILE ENDURANCE RUN (see my Rave for the next day's Dallas Marathon for Pat 2) I had to be in … MORE

PART 1: SATURDAY DECEMBER 8, 2007 – THE SUNMART 50 MILE ENDURANCE RUN (see my Rave for the next day’s Dallas Marathon for Pat 2)

I had to be in Texas for work this past week and it coincided with the Sunmart Endurance Runs – 50km and 50 miler. I decided to run the 50 mile race and see if I could get a new p.r. for that distance (needed to break 8 hours 31 minutes). The course was out in Huntsville State Park in Texas, site of the Rocky Raccoon 100 which I will run in February.

At SFO while waiting for my plane, a guy looks at me and asked if I ran the Ruth Anderson races. I mentioned I did and it turned out that he and I ran some of the race together. His name was Thomas Reiss and he won the Ruth Anderson 50 miler (sub 6 hours). He also won the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 miler (8:10:13) and the Quicksilver 50k (4:04:37) and was a past winner of the Tahoe Triple where he ran a sub 3 hour marathon each day for 3 straight days. He is a German national living in California and was selected to represent Germany at the Sunmart 50’s international ultramarathon 50 mile trail championship. Needless to say, I wasn’t exactly going to threaten him for the win at Sunmart ๐Ÿ™‚ Here is an advertisement in UltraRunning magazine profiling him:

It just so happened that the race headquarters was at the exact same hotel where I stay on all my Houston business trips. So Tom and I went there. The next morning I ran a nice 4 mile run on a nearby trail. Then I checked in. The amount of schwag that Sunmart 50 gives is amazing. You get a gym bag and then proceed down two tables to fill it with shirts, hats, pens, water bottles, stuffed bears, etc.

That night we met back at the hotel (I had to work that day) and there had a fantastic dinner put on by the race. I sat with Tom and his German team mate and coach.

Then the pre-race meeting started with guest speaker Peter Snell, the Olympic gold medal mile runner from Australia speaking to the runners (look closely, he’s in this dark photo).We were informed that the next day was expected to be hot, very humid and generally miserable.

The next morning when I went out to get my car it was hot, very humid and threatened to be miserable. The first 3 seconds outside the hotel, my glasses fogged up and my shirt started sticking to my skin. At 6:00 am it was already 75 degrees with 90% humidity. Fun times ahead!

It was about an hour drive to the race. I had my rental car, but there were shuttle buses too. The international teams were in their own shuttle.

Once at the Huntsville state park, I started to get ready. In addition to hidden roots, loose rocks, heat and humidity….certain signs warned of a possible new risk to the ultramarathoner who ventured off the path:

As I approached the start line I saw Vinod Viswanath who had paced Raj and Anil at Tahoe Rim trail and who had just completed the Cactus Rose 100 miler. He was helping pace a friend through his first 50km. With him was a group of Asha runners.

Then all the 50 mile runners got ready and lined up at the start line (the 50km runners were to start 30 minutes later).

Then we were off. 50 miles of trails, heat and humidity ahead.

The run started with some fun paths that would vary from nearly single track to wide open, often they were covered in leaves which hid roots quite well. In the first mile I saw 3 runners go down from the roots.

My goal at Sunmart was to break my previous 50 mile best time (8 hours 31 minutes) which was also coincidentally my first ever Ultra. I also wanted to go below 8 hours. However, as I approached the end of lap 1 the effects if the heat and humidity were telling me that my goals might be tough ones. According to weather sites, temps broke 84 degrees and humidity broke 95%. I was constantly pouring water on my head trying to stay cool (there was no ice at the aid stations as they did not expect the weather). Unfortunately, the water was soak my clothes and shoes. By the end of the race, I had 5 blisters on my left foot and 6 on my right. Chafing was horrible too…especially under my arms/sides of my torso and along my groin due to the wet liner of my shorts. Ouch.

I expected this race to be flat….after all it was in Texas. Well, it certainly wasn’t the Tahoe Rim Trail, but I wouldn’t call it flat. In fact, it was constant rolling hills. The trail went around the lake and was very pretty in most parts.

The trail also had these “bridges” that were fun to run on, often on the lake’s edge.

At one point, the 50 mile runners converged with the 50km runners. It was here that I saw Vinod and a bunch of his friends.

By the third lap, I knew my goals were shot. But, I was still on pace to finish around 8:45 or so. But during the 4th lap my piriformis started acting up again. This has bothered me off and on during certain races. But this was the first time in a while. It was hobbling me and slowed my pace considerably. Oh well, during my last lap and a half, I met this runner named Larry from Texas. Like me, he will be back at Huntsville in February for the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler.

Soon, I finished the final climb and headed back down to the finish line. I saw Vinod and his friends (and Larry who finished ahead of me) cheering me on. I crossed in 9:06 and promptly fell to the ground. Ouch – that really hurt. My splits are below:

46 Alan Geraldi #82 M/43 AG finish 4 Time: 9:06:04.90 10:55
Lap 1 1:47:44.00 8:37/M 12.500
Lap 2 1:56:59.35 9:22/M 25.000
Lap 3 2:26:42.20 11:44/M 37.500
Lap 4 2:54:39.35 13:58/M 50.000 miles

After the race, I joined Vinod and his family and friends. They shared some awesome Indian food including the best lentil soup I have ever had. We cheered on his friends as they finished their 50km.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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Back in the mid-1980's when I did my first couple of Escape From Alcatraz triathlons, the run was the Double Dipsea. This the 7.1 mile run from Mill Valley, over … MORE

Back in the mid-1980’s when I did my first couple of Escape From Alcatraz triathlons, the run was the Double Dipsea. This the 7.1 mile run from Mill Valley, over Mt. Tamalpias down to Stinson Beach…and back. Each direction has about 2200 feet of vertical climbing plus it starts and ends with about 600+ stairs.
In the Quad Dipsea, as the name implies, it is an out and back and out and back course.

I got to the race start. I had heard this was an informal event, but it was both larger and more organized than I expected. It isn’t so much informal, as low-key and down-to-earth. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. In fact, it was very well organized. At the start I saw a few faces I recognized including Eric Clifton and Mark Tanaka. In the following race starting line shot, you will see Eric Clifton in his trademark loud tights standing next to eventual winner Erik Skaggs of Oregon (who was only the second person ever to run the Quad in sub-4 hours).

The weather was cold, clear and calm. It was perfect. Then the starting gun went off and we took off. Skaggs was flying up the hill with Clifton right behind him. We reached the stairs. These are quad crunching never-ending stairs.

Once we crested the stairs, it was a short run through a cul de sac and then down some stairs to a road. We were told to go about a quarter mile and then re-enter the trail by some mailboxes. Once we re-entered the Dipsea Trail, it was steps leading down towards Muir Woods. We crossed a parking lot and came to a small foot bridge crossing a stream.

The woods were beautiful. By now I had moved up and was somewhere into the top 10 or so runners. I was feeling great. The sun was peaking through the Redwood trees in Muir Woods.

Then it was a climb out of the woods up Cardiac Hill.

The trail got steep, but I plodded on. Every now and then I’d pass some one, but I was also passed every now and then. At one point I was behind a runner from Texas and he missed the trail fork. So I shouted to him and he came back and we ran up the trail together. We reached the first aid station on top of Cardiac hill (about 4.4 miles into the race). The views were stunning .
The trail started to drop back down now. It started with a mild decline, then quickly became steep switch-backs and finally series of stairs that were almost completely vertical at points. I finally reached the bottom. By me was the second place female runner – I found out her name was Jamie (because everyone was saying “Hi Jamie” when they passed her). Then we started up a short incline which Jamie informed me was called Little Insult. After cresting that, we had a full view of the Pacific Ocean and Stinson Beach.

About this point, the lead runners began approaching. Way out front with Erik Skaggs – he was flying and making it look easy. Soon, Eric Clifton came running towards me:I shouted hello and he did the same.

Jamie and I continued on. we were in the top 20, probably somewhere around 18th. Then we dropped down to the second aid station at Stinson Beach. We were 1 hour 8 minutes into the race. Working this aid station (among others) was ultra-legend Ann Trason. I was very pleased with my pace and how I was feeling and turned around to head back onto the trail.

As the trail started back up towards Cardiac, Jamie started to pull about a minute ahead of me. The third place woman came up from behind me. Her name was Kate and we chatted a bit as we ran. Finally, the trail leveled off and I started off to the Cardiac Hill aid station. Again, the views were amazing as the morning fog had burned away:

After the aid station, it was a downhill run. I started flying and was soon picking off runners here and there. Soon I passed Jamie. I kept going and passed another few runners. As I was really tearing down the mountain, I had to keep watching the trail for roots, rocks, holes and uneven ground. At one point I knew that I must be getting close to Muir Woods. The trail kept going down and I kept running. I hadn’t seen a runner for a bit. Soon I crossed a road and continued on a trail. After about 1/4 mile I came to a planked foot bridge. I immediately realized that I had not seen that before – I had gotten lost. So, I turned around and headed back. After 1/4 mile I saw a sign that said Dipsea Trail 0.5 Mile. #$%&*!! That meant I had added nearly 2 miles to my Quad. I knew my race was over at that point. I headed up the trail cursing at myself. I must have missed the fork in the trail while watching my footing.

As I continued up, I looked around. Despite being lost, the scenery was very pretty. One benefit of being so far from the 100’s of other runners, the local wildlife was not scared away (look carefully and you’ll see a mother doe and a fawn):

Soon I came back to the trail and followed it down to Muir Woods. I cursed myself all the way back to Old Mill Park at the start. I saw Eric, Mark, Jamie, Kate and other runners pass me in their direction already on their 3rd lap. When I got to the park, I guess my mood was evident as one of the volunteers looked at me and said “Welcome to Old Mill Park Mr. Cheerful”.

I didn’t know wheter to even continue the race. This was my 3rd marathon or longer race in 5 weeks. I really didn’t have to prove that I could finish the distance. I didn’t know why I would bother bashing my legs now that I was out of “race mode”. But I had never DNF’ed a race, so I decided to move forward. As I headed back up the stairs, a runner passed me and said “Hi there doctor.” I look at him and it was Mario – one of the two runners who had run the last 20 miles of Quicksilver 50 with me. He was fighting cramps, but was still running. I chatted with him for a bit. Soon, we got separated, but I would see him again later as we crossed paths near the top of Little Insult: Mario Sans Shirt means Business!

As I exited Muir Woods and began the climb up towards Cardiac, I passed the point of my wrong turn. I took the Road Less Traveled to the right…others took the Road Nore Traveled to the Left (they did slightly better than I):

Once I got to the Cardiac Aid Station, I decided to stop and sit down.

I stood back up and started running again. It was the downhill section towards Stinson Beach (with the exception of Little Insult) so I was feeling pretty good. Soon the race leaders came towards me. The first woman was Beth Vitalis – the same woman with whom I ran a lot of the Stevens Creek 50km. I saw Mark Tanaka looking strong also. Then I saw Eric Clifton approaching. I stopped and got a good position to snap his photo. He shouted: “You don’t appear to be in a hurry” as he passed. Behind Eric was Krissy Moehl, one of the best female ultra runners in the country.

I reached the turn-around and headed back. By the time I got to Muir Woods (yes, I made the correct turn this time) my legs were feeling a bit tired from the pounding. But I started jogging and went up the last flight of stairs up towards the cul de sac:

I then got to the finishing line after flying down those 600+ steps.Final time: 6 hours 15 minutes 40 seconds. Getting lost sure added time to my run….but it sure allowed me to enjoy the scenery more and take a few extra (and less blurry) photos. Hopefully it also added to my base and speed for the Sunmart 50 miler in 2 weeks.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

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At first, I was entered in the 50 mile option, but due to a training injury I decided to do the 50km option instead. I met a bunch of the … MORE

At first, I was entered in the 50 mile option, but due to a training injury I decided to do the 50km option instead. I met a bunch of the UltraHolics gang at the start. After warming up a bit, we all went to the starting line. This race takes place around Lake Merced in San Francisco. Mostly a paved bike path around the lake, but some “trail” option (unpaved jog path next to the asphalt for parts of the run). The gun went off and we started running. I was in a very comfortable pace and found myself with the lead pack (two faster runners were up front). As I was running past Mile 1, I passed someone who looked familiar. It was John Mintz – the runner who took first place in the San Francisco One Day 12 Hour run (my first Ultra). I chatted with him a bit – he was doing the 50 mile option. After a bit I picked up my pace and ended up catching the top 2 runners.

I ran with both of these guys for a bit. They were going for the 100km option. They were both from Europe. One was training for the Basel 24 Hour run (which I was also eyeing at that time – it is a one day race around a track in Basel, Switzerland which is a frequent business travel destination for me. I ended up doing Quicksilver 50 Mile instead (race report below)). After a bit, one of the runners took off at a pace I decided not to match.

We finished the second loop averaging to the second 7 minute miles. The loops were 4.5 miles long. I was in second place at that time, but then the other lead runner took off to catch the first runner. This left me in 3rd place – a position I maintained almost all the race.

The laps went by and I felt really strong. I came up on Rajeev who was grabbing a drink at an aid station. I shouted “No loitering.” and we started running a bit. He was nursing an injury though.

As I came around the 6th lap, I was beginning to get a bit tired. I passed the race organizers table and told them that I was only doing one more lap (runners can decide their distance 50km, 50 mile, 100km, during the race – but one foot into the next distance and the runner is bound). As I went into my last lap, I was pretty tired. I had pushed a sub-3:20 marathon and needed just one more lap. I had to stop a couple of times to stretch out my legs. I then popped into a port-a-john for a quick stop. When I came out, I saw another runner ahead of me. I caught up to him and we talked a bit. He was going to do the 50 miler, but decided to do the 50km instead. We ran together for a bit but then he picked up the pace. I couldn’t hold on. He came through the 50km in first place – around 3:51. I came to the finish about 3 minutes later with a 3:54 and a second place finish. I was very happy as this was only my second Ultra ever and I achieved a second place overall finish and I went sub-4 in the 50km

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
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The race day started early. Chihping and I were sharing a hotel room. We got our race gear together and met the rest of the Ultraholics in the parking lot. … MORE

The race day started early. Chihping and I were sharing a hotel room. We got our race gear together and met the rest of the Ultraholics in the parking lot. At about 5:30 we all headed off to the Cavitt School starting area. There, we gathered around while Norm gave his briefing for those running in the concurrent 53 mile Sierra Nevada Run.

I joined Rajeev, Anil and others for some race photos – as they were being taken, we noticed the crowd was moving. The race had started! So off we went.

I started up the trail from the school, following the runners ahead of me. Slowly, I started passing people here and there. Soon I saw a green shirt ahead – it was Chihping. He and I had a similar race plan, so I joined him and we ran together for awhile snapping photos of each other. After a bit, I noticed I was pulling away from him. I ended up catching a couple other runners. We ran together and soon exited a trail. I was in the lead but I reached a fork in the path and didn’t know which way to go. A runner behind me said “Left”, so I went left and followed him. He was doing the Sierra Nevada 53 miler (his 5th one) so I figured he knew which way to go.

Pretty soon we got to the first aid station. I filled up my water bottles and headed up the trail. The trail was soft dirt among the trees. Soon, off to the right, the lake came into view (actually, it was in plain view earlier, but it was too dark to see). Then this runner passed me who looked familiar. I said “Is your name Ray?” He told me it was. The runner was Ray Sanchez – he and I suffered miles 50 through 56 together at Tahoe Rim Trail. I joined his pace and we ran together for awhile. Ray is very interesting – a multiple Golden Gloves winner in boxing, he is a former Olympic trialist. Ray was running strong but I stayed with him. At one point, we went through fields that had these plants with bristles scrapping our legs.

As we approached the 10 mile point, I noticed that my joints were hurting. My ankles, my knees, my elbows and shoulders. My small of my back was hurting. Worse yet, I was feeling really sleepy. This was not only worrisome, it was so strange. I have never felt this way before in any race. And here it was only 10% into my 100 miler.

Despite the way I was feeling, I kept pushing forward. After awhile, I let Ray pass me by and disappear. Soon I approached 15 miles shortly after the power station. My stomach was feeling uneasy. Then, at one point I was forced to turn to the edge of the trail and throw up. This was really bad. At Quicksilver 50 I had stomach issues, but I was running while fighting a cold/flu bug then. Here, I just couldn’t explain it. In addition to throwing up, I was getting more drowsy, my joints were throbbing and I had a slight headache. Fun times!

I kept running and soon came to the base of Cardiac Hill. This was a tough climb. A lot of rocky single track with many switchbacks. I was really hurting here and figured that my 5 hour marathon goal would be missed by an hour as I was being passed by runner after runner (I later found out many of these were in the 53 miler). At the top of the hill, I was wiped out. But we ran next to an aqueduct and the scenery was very pretty so that helped (plus, I wasn’t struggling up Cardiac Hill anymore). At the half-way point, there was another aid station. There I fueled up and continue don along the trail. Soon, this exited the trail and entered a paved road in Auburn. My body just said “Enough”. I walked most of the road to the next aid station.

This aid station was the Auburn Dam Overlook and I was weighed in. My weight was 1 pound lighter than my start weight. Then I started running again and dropped down in a heavily wooded area. The path kept dropping down and I started to feel a little better. I passed a sign and noticed that it read “WS Trail”. I was on the Western States Trail! Ever since first hearing of the WS 100 race, I had wanted to run it – now here I was on the WS trail. I thought that was pretty cool.

The trail continued down and was dropping down some steep declines. Soon, near a waterfall, the leader of the 53 miler came back at me. We exchanged “hellos” and I kept running. I had to hop across a small stream (about the 3rd stream crossing, each so shallow my feet were staying dry). I was getting a bit of a second wind now and continued picking up my pace. As I rounded a corner, Peter Lubbers (my TRT100 co-finisher) came towards me in a strong 2nd place in the 53 miler. We high fived and he kept going.

Now, the trail was leveling out a bit and I was running along a river. It was beautiful. I saw two bridges in the distance. I noticed more runners coming back and realized that the nearer bridge must be No Hands. Again, this is a WS 100 fixture so it was kind of a thrill to run on it. I got to the aid station at the end of No Hands. My time was 4:45. This was slightly over a marathon and my goal was 5 hours. Wow! I was surprised. Considering how horrible I was feeling, I couldn’t believe I made my target time.

Another runner joined me and she and I started up the trail. Now, when I say up, that is a bit of an understatement. This was K2 and it was a hell of a climb with about 7 false summits. Luckily it was relatively short (about 1.5 miles gaining over 1000 feet). At the top, I started running again. I was feeling a bit better, but my stomach was acting up again. I tried to take a gu and ended up barfing it along the trail. Gross.

But, I kept going along a trail that went through fields and meadows. At the point where the trail turned sharply right towards Cool Fire Station, the leader (John Olson) came running at me. He gave me some words of encouragement. I told him he looked strong – he was flying and showed little effort. Soon, the path exited the field and woods and climbed a bit towards the Cool Fire Station. As I approached I heard my name. Rashmi was there handing me a sandwich (which I turned down knowing that there was no way it would stay in my stomach). I tried an Ensure and that seemed to work. I was weighed in and was at my start weight.

I then started running on a nice country trail through pastures and meadows called the Olmstead Loop. After about 1 mile though, my stomach was turning again and I almost lost my Ensure. I was forced to walk and jog a bit. But after about 1/2 mile, I was feeling better and started running. I was actually feeling about as strong as I ever felt and began to pick up the pace. I dropped down the trail and crossed a wide stream crossing – again keeping my feet dry. Then it was up to the next aid station. After that station, it was a little over a mile back to the Fire Station. I got back and thought that I should change my shirt as I was getting cold from the constant drizzle. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any dry shirts in my bag. I did pull off my bandanna and my sunglasses as I realized that I would not need those due to the weather. I decided to try some solid food and took 2 slices of cheese pizza without the cheese. This was around 37 miles into the race.

I then started running back. I got back on the path and was jogging a steady pace. So far the pizza crust had managed to stay in my stomach. I was heading up the trail and saw Anil coming towards me. I quickly snapped his photo. Behind him was Rajeev and another runner. I mentioned how bad I was feeling. Rajeev offered me some ginger, but I declined. He mentioned I should back off my pace and we wished each other luck and continued. One high part of 100 milers is seeing your friends and crew. So much of the race is mental, it takes these mental boosts to help one run.

I then reached the point in the trail where I had seen Jon Olsen earlier in the day. Here, instead of heading back to K2, the trail dropped down. It was a fun and very beautiful descent down to No Hands bridge. There it was the 40.5 mile aid station. Then it was back across the bridge and up the trail again. I only made it about a mile up the trail when I began to feel bad again. Once again, I was running out of steam – my legs were heavy and my stomach and head hurting. Soon I was slowed to a walk and jog. Heading back up this trail was tough. After what seemed like forever, I made it up the last miles of the WS 100 trail and entered the Dam Overlook station. Here Anu rushed out to help me. I told her how horrible I was feeling and she looked really concerned. I weighed in (about 1 pound light) and sat down. I put my head in my hands. I could not believe how plain horrible I was feeling. I decided to change shirts into my sleeveless race top. I took off my fuel belt and put it down. I decided to put on my Oakley Thumps to listen to some music and hoped it would help.

After a while I grabbed some aspirin and started running again. I made it up to the aqueduct and was actually feeling a bit better. I managed to run the first section of the aqueduct and thinking how pretty it was. I went to take a photo and then realized that I never put my fuel belt back on – I had left it at the Overlook station! So I made it to mile 46 at Maidu aid station. I told them about my belt and they called back to the Auburn Dam Overlook station to make sure that Anu got my bag. I was really disappointed as now not only did I loose my 3rd bottle (Behind the back – I still had my 2 hand carry ones),my salt tablets and my gu packs, also I didn’t have my camera any more.

After Maidu I finished running along the aqueduct and started down Cardiac Hill. There were portions too steep for me to run, so I had to walk down it. At the bottom I was feeling a bit better again and kept running. Soon I was back on the trail with the thorns. At one point I looked down and saw a HUGE tarantula walking down the path. I saw a runner getting close behind me and expected him to catch me. But after awhile I entered the power station water stop. My time was 10 hours 12 minutes. This was 52.89 miles – WOW!! I had blasted away my 10 hour 50 mile goal. The runner behind me caught up and we started running together. Soon, I passed him and headed towards the next aid station at mile 55 at Rattlesnake Bar. I checked in – the people there were very friendly. I was weighed in (down about 1 pound) and refueled. I grabbed more aspirin and headed out on the trail again. I turned my music up and enjoyed the run along the trail. I saw some deer running to my right (definitely a hell of a lot faster than me).

I was really feeling the best I had felt all day. The time at the Power Station had given me a boost, the aspirin was kicking in, and I hadn’t thrown up for a few hours. My ankles, small of my back and head still hurt a bit though.

I entered the last aid station before the school. This was Twin Rocks at 63 miles. I was told I was around 10th place overall in the 100! Holy smokes! I couldn’t believe this. I started running the last 4 miles towards the school. Now, however, the lows started creeping in. I was starting to get a bit cold. Then, my Thump died when the charge was exhausted. It was also getting dark and I didn’t have my lights yet (they were at the school). About half way to the school the fatigue and general bad physical feelings had returned.

Finally, I saw the school and entered the playground. I was directed to the weigh in station. My time: 13 hours 45 minutes (I had wanted to do 14 hours). Still on pace, but I was already drained. I was offered my half a Subway sandwich (vegi delite – no cheese) which I decided to try. I changed shirts and grabbed my night time lights. I also applied some icy-hot to my feet. Rajeev Char was there and offered me words of support. Soon a runner came in and I looked – it was Ray Sanchez! I could not believe that I was ahead of him. Poor Ray had a crappy day – he had been lost a few times and this time was off the trail for over an hour and half!

After about 15 minutes, I decided that I better hit the trail. I had 10 hours to go 33 miles – a brisk walk and I had my sub 24 hour goal! Or did I?

I headed out of the school and back to the trail. Then it was a sharp right towards the lake. Norm was out there and slapped me on the back and wished me luck. I got to a levee and then headed out. It was dark now and I had my headlamp on and a flashlight in my hand. After a bit, the path dropped down into a forested path. I tried to jog, but often found myself walking. After awhile, I passed by some camping sights – the campers watching me go by probably wondering why all these crazy people were out running at night. Soon, the trail rose and ended onto a paved road. I followed this road as it curved around and entered the next aid station. It was around mile 70. I checked my watch and was disappointed at how long it took for me to get there. So, off I went again.

This time I followed the road (it was actually a very wide and divided lane bike path). Soon, our signs took us off the path and down a trail. It was pretty dark and I had a little trouble finding the signs/flags and glow sticks but eventually was running. Soon I saw lights coming at me and Jon Olson and his pacer came running towards me. I shouted “Congrats. Great Run.” and said some nice words of encouragement and off again I went.

After a short time, Ray came up behind me and we chatted a bit. Then he took off. He was running, I was walking/jogging. Soon we entered the 75 mile aid station. I was disgusted. It took me 2 hours to go 5 miles. My sub-24 was in major danger. I had 8 hours to do a marathon – seems like the easiest thing in the world. But at that moment I had my doubts.

The path then went up into a rocky forested area. The paths were hard on the feet with constant uneven and unsteady footing. Then it dropped down. After about an hour or so, I saw another runner coming towards me. It was Mark Tanaka – one of the Ultraholics! He was in a strong second place and I shouted good luck to him. Then I continued on down the path.

Soon it exited and I was on a paved road. I knew that I would be coming up on Hazel Bluff. I was really thankful as I was shivering – my mesh running top was soaked with rain and sweat. My feet also were hurting and I was looking forward to switching shoes to see if that would help my feet. I was also looking forward to seeing the crew – I needed that mental boost. I kept following the path. As we approached a power station I saw flags on the fence around the bend, so I rounded the bend and followed the flags up under an overpass and then up to a bridge. I kept expecting to see Hazel Bluff. But I never did. I followed the markings across the bridge and dropped down towards this marina type area.

Still, no Hazel Bluff. I was getting frustrated as I really wanted to get warm and get to that aid station. After the marina I rounded a parking lot and entered another trail. As we rounded a bend I was sure that Hazel Bluff had to be there. It wasn’t. “Where the F is it?!” I almost shouted out loud. I kept going on a path. I checked my watch and realized that if I still wasn’t at Hazel Bluff then I was going almost 40 minute miles. I knew I was hurting and had dropped almost to a pure walk. But 40 minutes! That was so disheartening. I simply sat down on the side of the path and dropped my head into my hands. I was so cold, I was shivering, my feet throbbing and I was exhausted. My pace was non-existent and I was forced to sit there and watch runners pass me by.

After about 10 minutes I stood up and continued walking up the path again. The path kept going, driving my spirits even lower. Finally, after an eternity I saw Hazel Bluff in the distance. I got there and the aid station worker said “Welcome to Willow Creek”.!! I just stared at him. “What?” He repeated it and I asked “What happened to Hazel Bluff?” The worker laughed and said that was 4 miles back – and that I was joking. I think he saw the look in my eyes and realized that I was not joking.

I just collapsed on the ground. Sitting there shaking my head. Somehow, I had walked right past the aid station. I kept repeating “How could I have missed it?” I followed the signs, the flags and the lights. I never got lost, there was never a break in the flags and chalk marks.

I was so f’n cold. But if I went back to Hazel Bluff and then came back – that would add 8 more miles to my race. I had no choice – I had to continue. The aid station workers at Willow Creek were awesome. They tried to cheer me up. One called Hazel Bluff and told them that I had passed through Hazel Bluff without checking in – they OK’d it (at least I wasn’t DQ’ed). I didn’t know it at the time, but my crew was very worried as they had no idea where I was and I hadn’t checked into Hazel Bluff. I tried some coke to see if it would help me get some energy and almost instantly threw it up.

I left Willow Creek and slowly headed up the path. I was struggling. My spirits were never so low. Although I now knew I wasn’t doing 40 minute miles, my pace had deteriorated so bad I knew my sub 24 was impossible. But at that point I couldn’t care. My teeth was chattering, I had my arms crossed across my chest trying to stay warm. I was going too slow to generate enough body heat.

After awhile, I saw lights coming down and it was Ray. He asked me how much further to the aid station and I said it was less than a mile. He continued on. I later learned that he later got lost yet again – probably the 4th time and at Hazel Bluff decided to call it a day.

A lot of the trail towards to turn around at Mountain Lion Knoll (83.63 miles) went on and off of paved roads. Finally, it dropped down to a path along the water. I heard voices ahead and climbed a bit to the turn around. Here, I just collapsed into a chair. I knew I had to keep going – I just lost all drive. I was too f’n cold, hurting too much and less than zero energy levels. The aid station volunteers lept into motion – they were unbelievably awesome. I found myself with one blanket wrapped around me, then a sleeping bag. Another worker pulled out a space heater and directed it at my feet. He then took off a thin running jacket and told me to wear it back. I was so overcome with gratitude (and exhaustion) tears clouded my eyes. They offered me food, but I couldn’t take any. My stomach was still dry heaving.

I headed back to Willow Creek. My left foot was really beginning to hurt and I was limping a bit. But I was warmer and eventually made it into Willow Creek. There I was re-weighed (down 2 pounds). I sat down and massaged my legs. I looked at my watch – In theory I had 3 hours to do a half marathon. But I knew I couldn’t do it. There was just too much climbing back to the school. So, I got up and began my death march shuffle back down the hill. Near the marina area, I saw Chihping approaching. We exchanged hellos. He had a day very similar to mine and was walking much of the course too. I told him my 24 hour was gone, but maybe I could get 26 hours. So we said good bye and headed in opposite directions.

I got to the base of the bridge and someone said “Alan?” It was Rajeev Char. He was pacing Gary and they were relieved to see me. They told me that the otehrs were worried that I hadn’t checked into Hazel Bluff. He used his cell phone and we called in to tell them where I was. I told them how bad I was feeling and what my day had been like. Raj offered to pace me back. But I declined – he was there to help Gary and I wasn’t going to take him away. I was very appreciative but headed off. In about 15 minutes I came across Anil and Rajeev Patel. We also discussed how we were doing and then wished each other luck and headed off.

I climbed up the path near the bridge and down the other side. Then I saw the trail that I missed heading up a hill. I climbed it and got to the top. I collapsed in a chair. Finally, I changed my clothes and shoes. I tried to eat, but only downed some pretzels. I teamed up with my pacer and off we went.

So together we headed down the bluff and back to the trails. There, it was a constant stop and go. I kept having to stop. At least 4 times, I leaned against a rock or tree and dozed off for a few minutes. My pacer waited for me and gently prompted me to move forward.

As we approached the long climb up the hill, a runner came up behind us. It was Gordy (the attached photo is me and Gordy – the man who started Western States and basically 100 mile ultras in the US)! Running shirtless he wished us well and headed up the trail. We continued up the trail and soon the path started dropping down to the Negro Bar aid station at mile 95. Again, I dropped into a chair. I got a cup of cola to drink. As I sat there, I dozed off and the cup fell from my hand and splashed all over my legs. After a bit, we went off again. We headed out the bike path and headed to the last aid station. My left foot was really hurting and I kept having to stretch out my leg and adjust my shoe to see if I could relieve the pain.

Eventually, we came into the final aid station at Folsom Dam Park (97.18 miles). We struggled out of the station and headed out to the bike path. Soon, we dropped back down in the path and headed towards the levee. By now, 26 hours was also history. So we decided to see if I could get a new Personal Best. My TRT 100 was 27 hours 50 minutes 45 seconds. That was my next target.

We slowly headed the last 2 miles towards the school. It was a very slow pace (due solely to me). But finally we reached the final trail head leading to the school. At this point, I had about 6 minutes left to break my 100 mile P.R.. We started to jog and we got to the school fence. We round around the two corners and I headed down the finishing shoot – at a very slow shuffle/jog. Finally I crossed the finish line. Time was 27 hours 46 minutes and some change. (40th place overall out of 100 starters).

In hindsight, I am very happy with the race. Through 70 miles, I was dead on my goals. I know for certain I can break 24 hours using my target times in a future race. RDL just wasn’t meant to be for me – it wasn’t my weekend. My body was never in the race – breaking down 10 miles into a 100 miler is a bad way to start ๐Ÿ™‚ I am so thankful for my friends who ran and offered support. We Ultraholics have an unbelievable group of supporters who come out and give us the BEST crew support ever. My pacer’s company and support was and is something I am so thankful for – I don’t know if I could have done those last 9 miles without such support.

About one minute after I crossed the finish line, Michael Kanning crossed. Michael was the 15 year old Ultraholic who finished one place ahead of me at Stevens Creek 50k. He ran RDL 100 to raise funds for cancer research and finished his first 100 miler in a great time. Chihping, Anil, Gary and Rajeev all also finished the race under the official cut-off. What a day! We each got our finishers trophy – an eagle landing on a tree limb. And I got an extra finishers’ gift: a new blood blister on my right heel:

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I ran my first 100 mile race. It was the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 miler. Wow!!!! That is one tough race. The course is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in … MORE

I ran my first 100 mile race. It was the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 miler. Wow!!!! That is one tough race. The course is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Nevada. It has 20,000 feet of climbing (and because it is loops, that means 20,000 feet of quad-crushing descents too). Held at altitudes averaging around 7500 feet (with the high point nearly 10,000 feet) and temperatures ranging from highs in the ’90s (degrees F) to night time colds in the sub-40’s it was certainly a challenge.

Pre-Race: I went for a morning jog on Friday and happened to come by the pre-race booths. I stopped by and they actually checked me in about 15 minutes early – the first official participant! Then, after the run, I met Rajeev Patel and Anil Rao at the race hotel. These two guys basically grab my empty drop bags, start affixing names, numbers and aid-station names. Then, they start filling them for me. Wow! What service! Without their help (or the help of our fantastic crew members), I would have reached certain aid stations completely under-prepared.

We then all went down to the pre-race meeting spot. There we weighed in and I came in at 169.7 pounds. We all dropped off our drop bags. I purchased a small belt case for my camera and then we took off to go pick up Chihping who was just arriving at South Shore.
After that, we all met at the pre-race mandatory meeting. There I saw Eric Clifton and his wife Noni (see my notes about Eric mentioned in my review of San Francisco One Day). The directors gave a lot of information and suggestions. Overall, it was a perfect race organization – there was literally no question left unanswered when they finished. Afterwards, we b.s.’ed with Eric for awhile and then – off to dinner. There was a simple but good pasta feed across the street at a restaurant called B’Sghetti’s.

That night, I put on Running On The Sun to get motivated and fell asleep by 10:00pm.The race started at 5:00 am. We all met in the parking lot and Anil’s wife drove us to the start. There we picked up our race numbers and walked down the hill to the start line. I had my headlamp on as it was quite dark still. I was dressed in my sleeveless race top, with another top over that and arm warmers. I had a head cover on too as it was still a bit chilly. The race starts at Spooner Lake (Elevation: 7000 feet).

The minutes seemed to drag on but finally we were all ready to go. There was a few last minute race instruction reminders and then “Go!”.

THE RACE: The first segment is a 6 mile run (mostly uphill) to Hobart Aid Station. I decided to heed the words of advice that Don (ZombieRunner) had given to Rajeev. That was to walk the first climb. I walked all inclines for that climb, and jogged the flats and downhill sections. For the most part I was with Chihping, but near the top we got separated. The dust was very thick – with all the runners it was like running in a fog. After the top (Elevation 8500 feet), we descended to the shore of Lake Marlette. There we ran around the shore and then up towards Hobart Station. The climb up challenging but offered the first impressive views. By the time I was approaching the aid station it had gotten light enough for me to turn off my head lamp. I actually put it around one of my water bottles but when I got to Hobart A.S. (Elev. 8200), I noticed that it had fallen off somewhere. Damn! I would need that later in the evening.
I checked in and out of Hobart, peeled off my cold weather gear and outer shirt, and headed towards the next aid station. As we climbed out of Hobart we reached a crest that offered a fantastic view of Marlette and Lake Tahoe. There I met this guy from Vancouver who was a member of the Fat Ass Club by the name of Glenn. We chatted a bit and ran down (and I mean DOWN) the peak to the next aid station at Tunnel. Glenn was super nice and we had a great time talking (that is him in the photo climbing out of Hobart).
At Tunnel, we did a quick check and then headed down to Red House A.S. The downhill to Red House was almost as steep as the wall in your house (at least it felt that way). On the way down we met another runner named Keith who had finished Western States 100 a month earlier in sub-24 hours. The three of us ran together b.s.’ing for awhile. Then we got to the Red House station (after a bit a climb back up from 6800 feet). Then it was a tough climb to Tunnel Station. There we got weighed for the first time and I was at 170.5.

We then exited and took off towards Mt. Rose. Here, I got separated from Glenn and Keith. The trail was a steep climb averaging around 8200 feet elevation. About halfway on this 9 mile route there was an aid station at Diamond Peak. The views were, again, fantastic. I started to get a second wind and picked up my pace. I ended up catching a female runner (who I would later learn was named Sharon and she was from Norway). She was running a strong race and we were trading back and forth spots. I stopped momentarily to stretch out my legs and she disappeared. I rounded a corner and was momentarily lost, but found the path again. There it was a downhill and I started down it when this guy comes blazing towards me. It was Jasper in first place (I was still about 2 miles from the turn-around, meaning that he had an easy 4 mile lead over me!). A few minutes later, I saw a flash of bright colors as Eric Clifton turned a granite boulder-covered corner and headed towards me in second place. I shouted words of encouragement and he did the same.

This part of the course took me around a few bends, and then downhill through the tress. As we exited the forest, to my right I saw yet another climb (Yippeeee!!!!) uphill to the Mt. Rose aid station at mile 25 (elevation: 8500 feet). Once I got to the station, I took my time a bit and this was one of my longer rest stops (12 minutes). I had to weigh-in again: 169.5. There I grabbed some more boiled potato (dipped in salt), some gu and some Ensure (this was recommended to me by Rajeev and Anil. I had never tried it before, but it did seem to help). Eric Clifton’s wife Noni was there and she filled my water bottles. As I was putting some balm on my feet she jokingly said “Get out of here.” ๐Ÿ™‚ So off I went.

I went down the hill feeling pretty good. I then re-entered the woods and started running up the path. There, about a mile later I ran across Chihping. He was looking good but complained that his legs were tired. I echoed the statement. I then started running again. Soon, I got another burst of energy and I was really flying – probably one of my fastest times of the day that took me all the way back to Tunnel Aid Station after passing at least 10 people. Along the way, I came across Rajeev and Anil who were running together. We snapped photos of each other and exchanged high-5’s.

Anil running towards me:

Rajeev taking a photo of some ugly guy.

Once at Tunnel I was re-weighed again. This time was 170 on the nose. I grabbed another Ensure and headed off to Hobart. Here, I wasn’t flying. I remember that coming down that peak was a bunch of fun switch-backs, but going back up that climb seemed to go on and on and on and on and on. It was also fairly hot and I was feeling pretty low. Yet, I still passed a few people on the way up. Once I got to the crest, I snapped a few photos of the view and proceeded to run down to Hobart station.

At Hobart I weighed in (170.1) and grabbed some more fuel. Hobart was offering free smoothies for the runners, but as I never tried a smoothie before during a race I decided not to risk it. I left Hobart and headed on a different route than the morning route that initially brought runners to Hobart A.S. This route went 2.7 miles (2 miles straight up) to Snow Valley Peak (a tad below 9214 feet elevation). On the way up, I passed a few more runners and it was here that I (finally) re-caught up with Sharon from Norway. We ran to the top (wow!!!! What unbelievable views) and then to the Snow Valley A.S. at mile 43.3 Weigh-in: 169.5. I only stayed a few minutes and then headed off.

The descent from Snow Valley was fun. At first it was a bit gradual but a lot of granite rocks and boulders to run through. Then it turned down and entered the woods. Here, Sharon and I decided to run to the 50 mile point together. We really started taking off and was keeping a nice clip through the trees. At one point I stopped and stretched but caught back up with Sharon a few minutes later. Then we rounded a corner and a guy standing there yelled: “One mile to the next aid station and then only 1.7 after that to the start/finish.” We really started running then and passed a few people en route to the Spooner Lake Trailhead a.s.

We checked in grabbed some water and took off. We went through some woods (where my right foot caught a stump and I almost went flying on my face but managed to stay up) and then we saw the start/finish line. We crossed a small bridge on Spooner and jogged together to the 50 mile checkpoint. Time: 10 hours 44 minutes. I weighed in (169.4) and sat down for a breather. Next to me was Eric and Noni – Eric had decided to call it a day at 50 miles. He told me I could “easily jog in a 13 hour second half to break 24 hours.” I stared at him like a dazed-zombie and said: “YOU can jog that 13 hour half, not me.” ๐Ÿ™‚

I decided then and there that while I was mathmatically still in a sub-24 hour range, physically it was not possible. So I opted to take on the sub-30 hour mark, meaning I had created a nice time cushion for my second half. I told Eric that I was interested in finishing and would “enjoy” the second half with more jogging and walking. I would concentrate on a time goal in some future 100 mile race.

Then – it was off again to do this a second time. Uggghhhh!

As I left the start/finish aid station I headed back to the initial climb. About 10 minutes into the climb I remembered something: I had forgotten to eat anything at the start/finish. Hmmm….would that matter? 5 minutes later I received my answer. I lost almost all energy. I needed to stop and stretch at least 10 times during that 5 miles and 2 people passed me. I saw Sharon disappear in the distance and settled in for a loooong night.

Soon I dropped back down to the lake shore. I wasn’t feeling that much better but I caught one of the two guys who had passed me – his name was Ray. He and I started up the incline to Hobart. Holy shi!!!! I think the Corps of Engineers sneaked out there between loops and added 1500 feet to that climb! It sure hadn’t felt that long, steep or hot during the first climb. Ray and I couldn’t believe that no one was catching us as we felt like we were moving backwards. Finally, we crested that climb and jogged toward the Hobart a.s. at Mile 56. There I looked into my drop bag and low and behold – my headlamp that I had dropped earlier in the day. Turns out a very friendly and honest ultrarunner by the very name of Chihping had picked it up and turned it in! The a.s. knew I had dropped it so they put it back into my bag! That was a good sign. I grabbed it and slipped it into my back pocket.

In the a.s. I was weighed (I thought I probably dropped a few pounds) but I was at 170.8. They offered me some chicken soup, but being the vegetarian I declined. Instead I grabbed a cup of water and poured in a bag of miso soup mix. That tasted good! I also downed some pretzels, potatoes and some Hammergel. Then I was off to see if I could catch Ray who had left 2 minutes earlier.

I came out of the aid station and this guy comes running towards me. He was the other runner who had passed me on the incline to Hobart but he took a wrong turn. So we joined together and ran on. His name was Paul and he was from Virginia. We spoke a bit but then he had to stop and told me to go on and try to run the downhills. So off I went.

All the sudden the food was kicking in and I got another burst of energy. I passed a few runners and booked down the hill. As I was running down the switchbacks, despite the screaming from my quads, I was smiling. Soon I caught Ray and passed him. About another mile further he caught me and passed me. Eventually we strolled into Tunnel almost together (I was a few seconds behind him). At Tunnel we were again weighed – I had no weight change. I decided that I had just enough time to run down to Red House and return before dark so I didn’t grab any night gear.

I exited the a.s. just in time to see Ray disappear down the hill – he was really moving. I started to go after him but my quads said: “Wait just a minute! What the hell do you think you’re doing? Not on my watch lady.” So instead, I slowly walked down the hill, occasionally even going backwards to rest my quads. The downhill plunge was littered with hundreds of pinecones and there were two “stream crossings” that could be crossed with a short leap to avoid getting wet.

I was almost at the bottom when Paul caught me again. We ran together and got to Red House. There we came to the table All volunteers had left but there was a pen that we had been told we were to use to mark our bib numbers. There was another runner nursing his knees there. We chatted a bit and he joined us. But as Paul and I started jogging again, he told us to go ahead. (The next day I met him outside the hotel and he indicated that he had to drop. He was fresh off another 100 miler and had just not recovered).

Paul and I jogged back to the steep incline. There we marched up the hill with Paul pulling away a bit near the top. We entered the aid station and Paul was real fast and ready to leave – I wished him luck as I started to gather my night time gear. I pulled on some tights, my arm warmers, long sleeve t-shirt, my head cover (with Marco Pantani’s image on it) and my headlamp. I also gathered the Torch flashlight that Rajeev had loaned me….but it wasn’t working. I switched batteries with fresh Lithium ones….still no go. Oh well, I had a spare at Mt. Rose. I then saw that Chihping had entered the tent. He was putting on his night gear for the descent to Red House. He still had sub-30 hours in his sites. We wished each other luck and went on. So off I went leaving mile 64 behind.

At this stage it all the sudden struck me – I had run further than I ever had before. Up until this point, my longest run had been 55 miles. I hadn’t even completed a 100km race. Cool!

So I took off in the night. The race management had marked the course with this awesome reflective tape – so bright it almost looked like flashlight beams. As I ran I heard the occasional noise and assumed it was a hungry bear, cougar or the kiler bunny from Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Unfortunately I was not consumed so I was forced to suffer the rest of the run.

After awhile I came to the next aid station (actually an abandoned table with some water dispensers on it). I passed through as I had enough water and continued up the hill. After awhile, I crested it. Wow!! The view was unbelievable. Lake Tahoe at night was gorgeous. The moon, although only half-full, was bright as a search light. As I continued running, each time the moon peaked through the trees I thought it was a runner’s headlamp coming at me. Then, one time it actually was. The lead runner passed me – he was flying.

I continued running & walking and finally started down the hill through the forest back towards Mt. Rose. As I was passing these people on the side of the trail one said “Hi Alan.” I looked and it was Peter Lubbers of our Ultraholics group. He and I had pretty similar splits and we both had very tired legs. A couple of his friends had met him there. Peter decided to join me and we walked/jogged towards Mt. Rose.

Again, I swear some cruel gremlins added about 1000 feet to the climb leading up to the aid station. But eventually we made it. Mile 75. Weight: 169.8.

Peter decided to have some chicken soup. I grabbed my spare flashlight and stuffed some food in my mouth. I also switched my long sleeve t-shirt for my jacket. Awesome support!

Then Peter and I took off again. we went down the hill and back into the woods. The climb out of the woods took some time but finally we made it out. After a while we met up with Chihping who was now heading towards Mt. Rose. We were at around Mile 78 for us (meaning he was around mile 72). We wished each other luck and headed off. At this point, the brand new batteries in my flashlight gave out.

I had led the climb and march out of Mt. Rose. but my legs were getting pretty tired and Peter had the stronger headlamp, so he took over the lead. I was basically just following his footsteps trying to stay awake. Finally, we reached the Diamond Peak “aid station”. We stopped just for a minute and then headed off again.

Now we were descending the peak down towards Tunnel a.s. Despite it being a downhill, neither of us felt like running. We just kept plodding on. Then, we exited the trail and came to the aid station. Mile 84. Weight: 170. I grabbed a small cup of coffee and some Ensure. I also stuffed some potatoes and pretzels in my mouth. Then Peter and I took off, both of us dreading the climb back up to Hobart.

As we climbed the switchbacks, they did seem to go on forever. But maybe because the fear was worse than the reality, or maybe because the cool night air had replaced the afternoon sun, it wasn’t as bad as I remembered. Finally we crested the peak and was overlooking a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe and Lake Marlette. The sun was just beginning to rise casting an orange hue along the horizon. Wow – despite the pain and exhaustion, it sure beats the hell out of my office desk.

Then we began our descent down to Hobart. For a while, it seemed to me like we must have passed the a.s. as I thought it was closer to the base of the peak, but finally we came upon it. Mile 90! Weight: 170.1

Wow! Only 10 more miles to go. At that stage the a.s. workers told us we were in 18 and 19 place overall! Peter and I knew that we only had one climb (granted a real bitch of a climb, but just one). We stayed at Hobart no longer than 5 minutes and took off up the hill. Again, those damn mountain gremlins were really busy. The higher we went, we kept saying that the peak was right around the corner – but it never was. He and I both had our cold weather gear on as we expected snow peak to be windy and freezing (we heard reports of mid-30’s temps). But instead the morning air was surprisingly still and warm and we kept having to stop to peel off layers.

Finally, we reached that peak. To reward us was one of the greatest views around…..if only we could stay awake to enjoy it. We then ran to Snow Peak a.s. The workers there (as with every other aid station) were cheerful, helpful and simply the best! Final a.s. weigh-in: 169.8.

We grabbed some fuel and then started off down the hill. We walked almost all of this. The fatigue combined with the granite boulders/rocks made any faster attempt a bit risky. Plus, we were still pretty sure we had a sub-28 hour finish.

As the path dipped into the woods I began to experience my first Ultra hallucinations. The trees and rocks at first appeared to be animals or people or houses. On second glance they’d disappeared and become trees and rocks. Wow – was there blended shrooms in that energy gel? ๐Ÿ™‚

We kept plodding down the hill, mindful of our sub-28 hour goal but neither us willing to run. After awhile runners here and there would pass us. I saw some of the guys I had run with earlier. But we didn’t care. We had one goal: finish under 28 hours. We had stopped caring about our final standings.

The distance between Snow Valley and Sponner Lake Trailhead a.s. is suppossed to be around 6 miles. However, due to some cruel trick of nature, physics, and exhaustion (OK mostly exhaustion) it seemed like 60 miles. However, finally we rounded a bend and saw a white tent ahead. The a.s. workers started whooping and yelling and we strolled into the station shouting our numbers. When I said mine, a worker said: “Hey!” I turned and it was Lon Monroe (see my post below about Quicksilver). I ran over to him and we shook hands and then hugged. He congratulated me and asked how I felt. “Tired” I believe was my response. It was really great to see him – he helped me finish Quicksilver which I know helped me finish TRT 100. I will swear that some of the nicest people I have ever met are ultramarathoners. I will go to my grave believing that.

While I was having my reunion, Peter was off again – mindful of our sub-28 hour goal. So I started…yes, drum roll please, I started RUNNING to catch him. When I did we both continued running down the hill. Then we entered the forest area. Here, Peter had more juice left in his engine and was willing to run – I tried and would go 30 seconds to 3 minutes but would have to stop every now and then.

We heard voices of other runners behind us and we picked up the pace – this time I was mindful of hidden stumps. Finally we came to the bridge. We crossed it and headed towards the finish line now in plain view. As we approached we tossed aside our jackets and night gear. Then we came towards the line and counted “One Two Three” and in unison put a foot over the line.

We did it!!!! 100 f’n miles (technically, 100.4) behind us. 27 hours 50 minutes 45 second. Peter and I finished tied (as planned) in 26th place. There were 99 starters, 69 finishers. My friend Chris Mason from Texas had promised to get me a great Ranger belt for my finishers’ buckle – now I had the buckle!

What an experience! Views that one would pay for – pain that one would pay to avoid. Memories that could never be bought.

We were handed our finishers bottle opener and bottle of special TRT100 label lager. Then we left. I really needed a shower and a nap. While I was doing both, Chihping finished his 100 miler in 29 plus hours – smashing his sub-30 hour goal!

Later that day we returned and we were lucky enough to see Anil and Rajeev (and their pacer Vinod) cross the finish line hand in hand.

It was almost as great as when I finished….almost ๐Ÿ™‚

Later that day we all reunited at the awards dinner (great burritos). There we picked up our belt buckles.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
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4
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week after I did the Quicksilver 50 miler, I was again in Switzerland on business. I met my buddy Erick Studenicka (a former track and cross-country teammate with me at … MORE

week after I did the Quicksilver 50 miler, I was again in Switzerland on business. I met my buddy Erick Studenicka (a former track and cross-country teammate with me at Sonoma State University – he was then stationed in Germany and took the train over) to run this half-marathon. The 3 Laenderlauf (3 Lands Run) runs through Switzerland, France and Germany.
http://3land.free.fr/

It started at the Marktplatz in Basel. Erick and I met my friend and co-worker Patrik that morning. It was surprisingly warm. Needless to say, my legs were still pretty thrashed from the almost 10,000 feet of ascent and descent at Quicksilver 50. But it looked like a fun event so I told my friends I’d be happy with a sub-1:30 (I usually go sub-1:20, with my last 3 being 1:19’s including 2007 SF Half Marathon).

At the starting line I got separated from Erick but started running with the mass. After about 5 km (and crossing the Rhein twice) we left Switzerland and entered France. I saw Erick up ahead and ran to catch him. We ran a bit together but then I left him. I had run this area before on training runs during past business trips. I was feeling pretty good and started passing people. At around the 15km point we entered Germany and ran across the Rhein yet again via a newly opened pedestrian bridge. As we charged up an overpass, I was about 20 feet behind the first place woman. The route had a lot of flat sections, but there were many more rolling hills and climbs than I anticipated (or maybe it just felt that way on my tired legs).

At the top of the overpass, the past race miles caught up with me – my legs just died. At around 11 miles Erick caught me. He said that we could just run together, but he looked strong and I felt bad about slowing him down so I told him to take off. He eventually left, but I kept him in my sights almost the rest of the race. Around that time we left this nice unpaved trail and re-entered Switzerland. We ran along the Rhein. I passed a couple people and headed for the last bridge over the Rhein back to the Marktplatz.
It was a downhill run the last 800 meters to the finish. I ended up with a 1:27:36 finish time (24 seconds behind Eric). Erick and I both broke the top 20 overall out of nearly 500 runners and were in the top finishers of our age group. Results:
http://services.datasport.com/2007/lauf/dreilaender/

Afterwards we chatted with some ex pats we met while we waited for massages. Then I met Patrik’s family (very nice) and headed off to watch my friend Mathis (my Inferno coach….see below post) play in a semi-pro soccer match.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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I did this race about a month ago. I didn't get in the training I really wanted, but was coming off some nice races. But, of course, 4 days before … MORE

I did this race about a month ago. I didn’t get in the training I really wanted, but was coming off some nice races. But, of course, 4 days before the race I was on business travel and was hit with the worst head cold. I ended up spending the Wednesday before the race in bed for 20 hours. I tried a 5k jog Friday, but felt horrible. So against better judgement, I started the race Saturday. I never felt good the entire race. It was hot, hilly and hard. I went out a bit fast, probably staying with the 50km runners. I had dressed too warm and was pealing off layers before the 10km mark. The head cold was still with me – I felt tired and was not getting the O2 I wanted. After awhile my friend Chihping came up behind me and we ran together for awhile. But after awhile he left me and I ran by myself.

Before mile 20 I started throwing up. I began to wonder if starting a hot hilly 50 mile trail run while sick and pushing through the heat and hills while throwing up was really all that smart:)

I struggled on and by the time I came to the 50km point, I asked the finish line crew if I stopped would that be a 50km finish, or a DNF for the 50 mile. I was told it would be a DNF…so off I went (knock on wood I have never DNF’d a run). After awhile, this runner comes behind me and cracks a joke. We start joking back and forth – his name was Mario. I started running with him and we had a good conversation that was taking my mind off my pain/illness. About 2 miles later some guy comes behind us yelling “Move aside you youngsters and let this old man through.” Both Mario and I laughed and started talking to the runner. His name was Lon Monroe (he was a runner in the movie “Run For The Soul” stating, as he was cooling off in the river during the Western States, that it was “better than sex…well at this moment anyway”. The three of us ran together. While we each helped each other, there was no doubt I benefited the most from these two super nice runners.

I had wanted to go sub-9 hours, but finished in 10:07. Middle of the pack, but considering I almost switched to the 50km option 1/2 way through the race, I was happy to have completed the whole 50 miles. That also qualified me for the lottery for the 2008 Western States 100.

DIFFICULTY
4
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3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

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Around this race time, most of my training had been for triathlons. I was a co-founder of San Francisco Triathlon Club and was doing a lot of tri training. But, … MORE

Around this race time, most of my training had been for triathlons. I was a co-founder of San Francisco Triathlon Club and was doing a lot of tri training. But, because I had a dream of trying to qualify for Kona Ironman, I was also working on distance running. One day, my former college track and cross-country friend contacted me about doing SF 1/2 Marathon. At that time, I lived walking distance to the start (in fact – I did walk to the start that morning….saw some coyotes running around Golden Gate Park that morning en-route to the start) so I decided to give it a try.

The start takes place in Golden Gate Park. I was wearing my SF Tri Club singlet and racing flats. Soon, the race started. Overall, I ran the race according to my pace (I was trying to go sub-1:20). I was feeling really good. The route wanders through the city a bit and then re-enters Golden Gate Park. There is an out-and-back along the Great Highway that hugs the Pacific Coast line. Going out there, I saw clocks on the side and thought I was too slow to break 1:20. But I kept pushing my pace back into GG Park near the windmills.

As we ran up into the park, we turned right and then right again heading down towards the finish. I hear the time over the loudspeakers and realized my timer was off as it was on gun time – not chip time. I realized I still had a shot at 1:20 so picked it up. I crossed in 1:19 and 42 seconds. In hindsight, had I known about my chip time vs. gun time, I think I would have been under 1:19 but all-in-all, I was very pleased with the final time.

Later, I received a letter from the race committee that my finishing time allowed me to by-pass the lottery for NYC Marathon. So, I entered that (my race report for that race is here in Race Raves too).

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
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I had to travel to Switzerland again on business. Because of the timing I was able to enter the Inferno Half-Marathon. (my 2006 race report is below). This year was … MORE

I had to travel to Switzerland again on business. Because of the timing I was able to enter the Inferno Half-Marathon. (my 2006 race report is below). This year was their 10 year anniversary, so in addition to the grueling morning half-marathon up the Alp, there was an additional 8km evening run up the final climbs of the Alp.

The Inferno starts in Lauterbrunnen, a “valley” in the Swiss Alps in the Canton of Bern at around 1900 feet, runs up the Alps past the city of Murren and finishes at nearly 10,000 feet on top of the Schilthorn (anyone who has seen the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” has seen all these sights including Piz Gloria, the “lab” on top of the mountain that is the actual finish line). The race begins at the base of a famous waterfall (which has a path leading up to the mid-point so people can actually look out through the falls, which we did the night before the race….in hindsight should have saved my legs and forgone that climb).

Leading up to the race, I was still recovering from my TRT 100 mile run. Then, that week in Switzerland, work became very busy and stressful with many early morning and late evening days (see….I am already lining up my excuses).

Basel:

The day before the race, I met my friend Mathis who was my “coach” for the Inferno 2006 (he was from Switzerland and actually suggested the race for me last year. He helped me with training and literally would drive to the top of training hills climbs to meet me with water). On the way from Basel, we decided to stop at Bern to take a look at the city – it was beautiful! Bern means “bear” and they have these two wonderful bears at the enterance to the city (here is one):

More of Bern:

Then we stopped at Interlaken for dinner (a WONDERFUL part of Switzerland):

Then it was off to Lauterbrunnen for the race. The morning of the race, Mathis helped sign me in and get me ready. I was pretty nervous – I knew my legs were still not 100% due to the TRT 100 miles (161km) race. But I thought perhaps I might do OK as last year I didn’t have that 100 mile base. Then again, last year I didn’t have that 100 mile fatigue either. I told friends that I did not expect to do as well as last year due to doing 100 miles less than 3 weeks earlier, but deep down I hoped to improve on my 2006 time.

The crowd lined up at the start at 10:00am. It was a larger field of around 450 runners. Here is my coach and friend Mathis.

At the start, we started running along the streets of Lauterbrunnen and within 2km, entered a tree covered path that snaked back and forth up hill. I decided to try and start faster hoping that my recent trail running would help me hold off challengers on the steep inclines. Mistake! By 5km, I my legs were heavy, I was breathing hard and people were passing me. This was not as fun as 2006.

Soon we entered a forested area and the trail became just barely single track. As we went up that, I knew that today was not to be my best Inferno day. Finally we exited the forested and headed to the 10km mark at the entrance of the village of Murren.

In Murren, I was hurting and thoughts of continuing to run were competing against other options:

But I kept going. Soon, we left Murren and begin climbing the first face of the Schilthorn. Let me tell you – this hurt, it was hard but it was BEAUTIFUL:

Climbing the faces, I was fighting to keep going forward. Last year, it was difficult, but this year seemed so f’n hard. Finally, I just had to stop and breath. My legs had nothing in them. I couldn’t believe it – I had less than 3 miles to run, but it seemed like a marathon.

I kept going up over the faces. Then, approached the base of the Schilthorn peak – a rocky, Mars-looking cap that climbed 1800 feet in about 1 mile. It was not fun.

I pushed on, letting anyone pass me who felt better than me. At this stage, that was probably the whole field….old men and women, children, a three-toed sloth and a couple of granite boulders being pushed uphill by the wind flew past me as if I were standing still…which I was at times. Finally, I approached Piz Gloria, the finish line.

I crossed the finish line and collapsed. I was 25 minutes slower than last year and my finishing place was more than double. After a conference call with my boss at the top of the Schilthorn (yes, even at a James Bond villian’s lab, I can not escape work), I took pictures in front of the Eiger and other peaks and then headed back to Murren for lunch.

After a nice lunch meal of Raclette (kind of hash browns with melted Alpine cheese and apples) and a couple strong beers I relaxed. It was over….or was it? Oops – it was the anniversary year and I had entered the night run too! It started at 8:07 (20:07) and went from Murren to the peak again. I was afraid it was to be chilly at the peak so I layered about 3 running tops, a head cover and arm warmers. BIG MISTAKE!.

Evening run starting gun:

I was surprised, after suffering the 1/2 marathon in the morning, my legs pretty good. I was actually in the top 25 or so by the first face, but my layering was catching up. Rather than being chilly, it was very warm. I started peeling off layers as I gulped water at aid stations. By the time I got 4km into it, I was down to my sweat-drenched bottom layer and losing places like crazy as people passed me. Then, I got a bit of second wind and raced past about a dozen people until the base of the Schilthorn. Up the base went, but that was it for me. My legs had no more. It was a slow jog/walk/crawl as people passed me (even a young kid that was racing). Oh well, after 1 hour 45 minutes (that was over 15 minutes faster than I did the same section that morning) I finished the evening run. All in all a good, if not humbling day of 30km’s of running at high Swiss Alps altitude..

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I ran the New York Marathon in 2007. I actually wasn't trying to get into NYC, but after breaking a 1:20 half-marathon time at San Francisco Half, I was given … MORE

I ran the New York Marathon in 2007. I actually wasn’t trying to get into NYC, but after breaking a 1:20 half-marathon time at San Francisco Half, I was given an automatic entry so I decided to give it a go while on the east coast on business. As there was only 6 days between winning the 50km Fear & Loathing race and the NYC Marathon, I was not hopeful for a fast time. All week my legs were tired and heavy. I predicted my worst marathon time – maybe something in the 3:30 to 3:45 range.

As I was staying in Morristown, NJ I had to take the train to Penn Station. Once there at 6:30am, I headed down to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal….with tens of thousands of my closest friends ๐Ÿ™‚

Then we crowded onto the Ferry (actually, the below decks were not crowded at all.) If you ever go to NYC, the Staten Island Ferry is a great deal – it is FREE and it cruises by Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty plus provides you great city views. Here are some shots I snapped heading to the start line via the ferry.

Once at the start, we headed to the Verazano-Narrows Bridge. There we all waited for a bit. There was plenty of food and drinks waiting for us. The weather was cool, but not cold – it was actually perfect racing weather.

It really was an international marathon. I noticed huge groups of runners from France, from Norway, from Italy, from England, from Sweden and from Japan.

After awhile, the runners headed to the start lines. The start was grouped by race numbers. I was pleased to learn that my qualifying time put me in the very first starting group behind the men’s elite.

Soon the starting gun went off.

I passed through mile 1 at 7:47. Wow – this was going to be a slow marathon I thought. But about that time, the incline of the V-N Bridge flattened and became a decline to the city. I exited and came through mile 2 at 13:15. Much better I thought.

The course took the runners past Brooklyn. The crowds were awesome – screaming from overpasses and along the streets. The crowds here really rival Boston Marathon crowds.

At around the 3 mile point, our group starting merging with other running groups (some runners started earlier on the top of the V-N Bridge). We all continued to run through Brooklyn.

I was really surprised how well I was feeling. My legs were tired, but I wasn’t really breathing hard and was really enjoying myself.

Soon I approached the 10km mark. As I passed over the timing chip I glanced at my watch. 41:00. Wow! I was going about 6 minute 35 second miles. This would be around 2:53 marathon. That would be right around my 3rd fastest marathon. But I knew that I wasn’t going to hold this pace, I could definitely feel last week’s 50km race in my legs.

Soon the course entered a Little Italy area section but can’t remember where. Too early for Manhattan or the Bronx Little Italies – maybe upper Brooklyn?

Pretty soon we approached a bridge. Shortly after climbing the bridge, the Half-Marathon mark appeared. My time: 1:26:47. Again, I was pleased. My legs were tiring, but overall I felt good and wasn’t breathing heavy.

After dropping down off the bridge, we entered Queens. We kept running through Queens and approached mile 15 at the Queensboro Bridge.

The views of the city were nice, but it was starting to get a bit cooler.

Soon we dropped off the bridge, and entered Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Here, the course continued for about 4 miles. Screaming crowds lined the street the entire way.

After running through the Bronx, we re-entered the city at mile 21 – Harlem. Here my time was 2 Hours 42 minutes and a few seconds. That would be a hair under 3 hours for the marathon. But now my legs said enough was enough. So I stopped and stretched a bit. I knew I did not have a sub-3 in me, so I decided to try and keep it under 3:15.

The course then headed up towards Central Park. The cruel part of this race is miles 21 through around 25 are uphill (not a major hill, but a constant incline). Then we entered Central Park.

I continued my run now and approached the finish line. I crossed in 3 hours 9 minutes 50 seconds.

I followed the other runners over and changed into my warmer clothes and to grab a post race meal perfect for NYC – a pretzel.

This was definitely a fun race. I was really pleased with my 3:09 on the heels of the 50km race. Plus, NYC Marathon certainly loads runners up with plenty of goodies.

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I ran this 50km race in the Santa Cruz mountains. I didn't know what to expect as I wasn't feeling 100% and only touched down at SFO from NYC the … MORE

I ran this 50km race in the Santa Cruz mountains. I didn’t know what to expect as I wasn’t feeling 100% and only touched down at SFO from NYC the evening before.

I arrived at the start and paid my entry fee….a $25 donation to the Audubon Society. The race limit was 70 people, but there were some withdrawals prior to the start and I believe around 60 people started the race.

I put together my water and fuel bottles. It looked like it could get warm, so I decided to carry two bottles and slipped a third into my behind-the-back carrier. I also slipped into the pack some Gu’s and a small baggie of electrolyte tablets. In my carrier belt’s case, I slipped my camera. I went to put on my sunglasses but realized I had left my strap at home. The glasses seemed to stay put while I jogged, so I decided to wear them without the strap.

Steve, the race director, gave a good info meeting and we were handed maps. I was looking around for familar faces. Anil was running the race too (he confirmed it the night before at the party). But, I didn’t see him. Soon the runners crossed the road to the official start line. At the last minute, I saw Vinod (who had paced Raj and Anil at TRT100). Eventually I did see Anil out on the course – he had missed the start by about a minute.

The race started with a decline into the valley. I started conservatively but was passing a few people here and there. At the base, we crossed the stream (it was almost dry) and then started up a short climb. By now I was sweating and my glasses were sliding down. Finally I took them off and shoved them into my pocket – next time I won’t forget the strap (I ended up giving them to the race photographer who delivered them to me at the finish line. Thanks Jim).

As we continued to climb, I continued to pass a few runners. Soon, it was a downhill section and I caught up with the lead woman. We started chatting and I found out her name was Beth. Pretty soon, the two of us came up on another runner named Adam. The three of us ran together for a while chatting and enjoying the race.

Soon though we began to climb….and climb…and climb. It was here I decided to back off the pace a bit. I was worried that I was pushing my pace a bit too hard as I still had the RDL 100 mile race to run in 2 weeks. So I slowed down and let Beth and Adam disappear. Soon, 2 other runners passed me – one was the eventual race winner Jun.

After awhile I finally reached the top of the climb and then started running down some switchbacks. It was really pretty in the forest. I was picking up my pace some more. Eventually, I exited the trail and crossed over to a new trail. Here, I started passing the early start runners (runners who predicted a slower time were allowed to start one hour earlier). I came across Padma and asked her if the aid station was ahead. She confirmed that it was and I continued on. Here I started passing a couple other runners too. Finally, I entered the aid station.

The volunteers were great – they grabbed all 3 bottles and filled them. It was starting to warm up so I filled my bandana with ice. Then I was off running again.

I started after this runner Mike. He and I were changing places back and forth. As he moved ahead of me, he saw some friends approaching and went to wave at them. Then his toe hit a rock and down he went – I tried to reach for him but no good. We all stopped and helped him up – he was fine and took off again. I decided to let him go and soon a runner in a bright green top Jim caught me. He and I were also changing places – me passing him on the downhills, he passing me on the uphills.

Eventually I exited the trail a little ahead of Jim – but there were two trail options. I started down the wrong one, but Jim corrected me. So off again on the correct trail. He and I went off up the new trail and exited the forest area into the hills. The trail widened quite a bit and the views opened up.
The view from the hills.

After climbing the open hills awhile, a new trail emerged and down it plunged into another forested area. As I ran down I passed a runner who told me that I was in 7th place! Wow! That surprised me as I had assumed I was somewhere in the top 20 (closer to 20). I took the downhill at a real fast pace and as I got to the bottom, I saw two runners in the distance. One was Mike (who had fallen in front of me) and ahead of him was Adam.

I started off after them and within a mile caught them both on a downhill. I flew past them as we neared a lake and kept going. They shouted at me…I had missed the turn! So, I went back and soon caught up with them again. The three of us entered the aid station together. Again, the great volunteers grabbed my bottles and filled them up. I stuffed down some Gu and some boiled potatoes with salt. I also re-filled my bandana with ice. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this aid station was actually the same check-in table from that morning (top photo). I was just approaching it from the opposite side.

Then Mike took off and then Adam. I grabbed one more drink and followed them. Soon, I passed Adam. I caught Mike and he commented that I looked fresh as a daisy…I replied that he was correct, except the daisy was 10 days old, dried and pressed inside the covers of a book ๐Ÿ™‚

We ended up running together for awhile. Once again, he was faster on the uphills, I was faster on the downhills. I thought the aid station had been around mile 17 – but he told me that it was actually 19.5 miles. As we ran higher, the views became more fantastic and the trail crossed this fenced overlook. I stopped to snap a quick photo.

As we descended to a small lake, I left Mike about 30 seconds behind me. Then it was through a parking lot and up this wide, soft, dusty, open trail that went up. I continued to climb and could see the valley to my right:

At the top of the climb, the scenery changed. It was black due to a recent grass fire. In the distance I saw a runner. I started picking up my pace to see if I could catch him. Soon I did – his name was Michael and I recalled him as the early race leader. He mentioned that he had bonked – I commented that I was probably only a few minutes away from doing the same. Then I passed him and saw 2 more runners in the distance. I started off to see if I could catch them.

The trail went down into a short forested area and emerged at a cross road. I could see no race markings and had no idea where to run. I called out but there was no one around. I had no choice, I turned around and began running back to see if I had missed a turn. Soon Mike approached. He had run this race before and told me where to go – so I followed him.

The trail started dropping down as we headed towards the 25 mile aid station. Two other runners were heading back – not sure if they were on the right trail. Mike corrected them and they all headed off. Soon, Jun came running towards us. Then Beth in second place overall. Since we were about 1 mile from the turn-around, the 2 of them had put up a 2 mile lead on us.

We all entered the aid station together. Again, the great volunteers filled my bottles. I was really getting hot and my legs were beginning to tire. Mike took off running. Michael then entered the aid station – he had bounced back. He left before me. I headed after him.

The trail then started back up the long climb. Wow! It was getting very hot and my legs were getting very tired. Soon Michael faded ahead into the distance as I entered the grass fire area (it was a slightly different path on the way back).

I kept running but I was really hot. I was pouring water over my head to stay cool. I passed the marathon point around 4 hours 30 minutes. Soon, I could see the aid station in the distance. I ran down past a small lake. I was certain that I was going to be passed at this point but could only see one runner behind me quite a distance off.

I started running up the path to the aid station. I don’t know why, but I thought this was around mile 29 or 30. But I got to the aid station and Jun and Michael congratulated me. “Is this the end?” I asked. They laughed and told me it was. Thank God!

My finish time was 5 hours 40 minutes 1 second. I was 5th overall, 4th male …of course, awards only went 3 deep ๐Ÿ™‚

I decided to hang around and watch Anil finish. He came across with a nice smile:

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My first ultra was the San Francisco One Day, a new event put on by Pacific Coast Trail Runs. It was multiple loops around a 1 mile path on the … MORE

My first ultra was the San Francisco One Day, a new event put on by Pacific Coast Trail Runs. It was multiple loops around a 1 mile path on the San Francisco shore. I entered the 12 hour option and was just looking for a 50 mile finish in less than 11 hours. That would qualify me for the Western States 100 lottery.

I got down to the start of the race and checked in. I was wearing my SF Triathlon Club jacket a fellow club member (Mark Nassi) was there also – his wife spotted my jacket and we chatted a bit. At the start of the race, I decided to just run my pace – after all, this was my first ever ultra and I just wanted the WS100 lottery mark. After a while, I noticed that I was in 3rd place overall. About every 5 laps, there was a leaderboard that would be updated. I was behind two runners John Mintz and Eric Clifton. As I was new to this sport, I had no idea that Eric Clifton was an ultrarunning legend. He was profiled in the Badwater Ultra movie “Run on The Sun” (where he won the race). I just knew he was fast and wearing really loud tights ๐Ÿ™‚ (he actually makes the tights and sells them via ZombieRunner …link on this page under my profile. No, I don’t get any commission or kick-back ๐Ÿ™‚ )

At 26.2 miles I was feeling great. My buddy Rajeev Patel had advised me to be sure to take walk stops so I stopped each lap at the aid table and either grabbed some hydration or food and walked a bit. I was holding my 3rd place mark. Then, around mile 35 I noticed that I was catching up on Eric Clifton. We then started talking. He mentioned that he had looked at the entry list and Googled some people and considered me one of his big threats!!!! I couldn’t believe it and laughed. I told him that this was my first Ultra and I was stopping at 50 miles no matter when as I only wanted the WS100 lottery mark.

Eric and I ran some more. He noticed my leg was bothering me and I told him it was piriformis. He said he gets the same thing. Then he stopped mid-race and drops to all fours to show me his favorite piriformis stretch! Here he is, an ultra legend, running in the top 3 of a race and he just stops cold to help me out! I met his wife later and she was just as nice – starting rooting me on too.

Later, I had some friends, Rajeev Char, Tandy, Eric and a few others pop down and cheer me on. Tandy snapped some photos. At around mile 44 I was getting tired and my piriformis was really acting up. I was in solid 3rd place overall then (a position I kept until I ended my run) Then, with Rajeev walking with me on my last lap I came through Mile 50 at 8 hours 31 minutes! I did it – WS 100 lottery here I come (note: my name was not selected so I entered the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 instead).

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In 2006, I had to travel to the city of Basel in Switzerland on business so decided to find a run. I asked my friend Mathis to look on-line for … MORE

In 2006, I had to travel to the city of Basel in Switzerland on business so decided to find a run. I asked my friend Mathis to look on-line for me as he was from Switzerland. He responded with the Inferno Half Marathon. It is actually a few hours outside of Basel, near Interlaken, Switzerland. Mathis became a huge help – actually driving me to local hills during lunch for training runs, pacing me, setting up the arrangements in Switzerland and driving us to and from the race. Basically he did everything. He became my “Coach”.

This is from the race website comments:Lauterbrunnen (795 metres above sea level) – Mรผrren (1640) – Schilthorn (2970).Distance 21.097 km, climb 2175 m).The starting line is at the Jungfrau camping site, directly below the Staubbach falls, the famous landmark in the Lauterbrunnen valley. The first 11 kilometres are quite “harmless” with approx. 800 altitude difference, a mere warm-up. Just after the Sportzentrum in Mรผrren the competitors meet their first challenge at the Hรถhenlรผcke After passing the more difficult, steeper Kanonenrohr, a two kilometre long, flat stony terrain awaits the athletes before they attempt the approx. 1,5kilometre finishing climb up to the Schilthorn-peak, overcoming another fiendish 400 metres altitude difference” The finish is at the “lab” of the villian in James Bond “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.

My comments: There is no doubt this was a tough race. You already start at a higher elevation (granted not Everest, but about 2400 feet higher than I normally train). The scenery was beautiful. But, it was very intimidating. During meetings the week pre-date almost everyone with whom I spoke in Switzerland about the race couldn’t believe it – two outright told me that I would not be able to do it.

If you get a chance, rent James Bond: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The mountain and lab at the top of the mountain was the race finish. That will give you some idea.

The first 10K were tough and it was actually warmer in the valley then I expected. The start took place near a waterfall and then wound up town streets. It then climbed into a forested area with tough grades – about King’s Mountain grade (a local cycling training hill).

After exiting the forest, we ran rocky paths until entering the town of Murren half way up the Alp. There I saw Mathis and Cori and Erika, my support team. They were great – cheering me on. Then, I had to leave them behind as I turned off the streets and up what appeared to be a straight wall up the mountain.

The two walls leading to the peak were very hard. Long, steep, and very rugged with loose rock, cold wind but still direct sun. I was sucking in air/oxygen. Then near the 10 mile part aid stations started having cola – that helped. I actually ended up passing people on the final 1 mile (that gained about 1300 feet). That mile was unbelievable – one actually used hand and feet to climb and, at one point, it was a sheer drop 6000 feet below on either side as runners crossed a rocky “bridge” to the peak. In plain view (although with peaks still a bit high above us) were many famous Swiss Alps as the Eiger.

When I finished, I had assumed that maybe I took around #200 out of I believe over 300. But I was actually 85th (out of nearly 370). That shocked and pleased me.

I had been told that a very good finishing time is about the same as one’s marathon p.r. I was about 60 seconds away from mine so, again, pleased.

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I had started a new job recently and the CEO was a runner. He had found out I was a runner and asked me about my marathon p.r. I told … MORE

I had started a new job recently and the CEO was a runner. He had found out I was a runner and asked me about my marathon p.r. I told him I had barely cracked under 2 hours 50 minutes and he was a bit impressed. Soon afterwards, he started getting some of us from the management team to go out on morning runs together. This got me interested in marathons and I decided to try CIM again – as it was my p.r. course. A few guys put up $50 each if I could crack 3 hours…so that was my goal.

I got to the starting line and noticed there were pacers with target signs there. I saw someone with a 3 hour sign and I chatted with him a bit. Then it was time to start.

CIM starts kind of in a rural area – I believe it was at a school (don’t hold me to that). From there, the run travels on rural roads and a bit in the country. I was feeling pretty good and was on my sub-3 hour pace.

By the time we hit the half-marathon point, I was still on sub-3:00 pace but I was getting a little tired. Now the roads had changed from country-ish to more city suburb-like roads. I kept going but was starting to fade a bit.

Somewhere around mile 21 or so, a group was coming up behind me. It was the 3:00 hour pace leader and his pack. I joined in with the group and hung on. Thankfully, that got me to the sub-3 hour finish (barely).

It was really fun as a local TV station saw us come through with the 3:00 hour target sign and we were all interviewed. I never actually saw the broadcast but I did hear from some friends that they saw it.

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Only 2 weeks after Ironman Austria. My legs were still tired. I did this as a fundraiser to raise funds for my the fight against breast cancer. A disease that … MORE

Only 2 weeks after Ironman Austria. My legs were still tired. I did this as a fundraiser to raise funds for my the fight against breast cancer. A disease that my mom was then fighting (she since lost that fight). The course is beautiful but hard. It rained – and I mean rained – the whole race. My slowest Ironman finish – but was a good experience.
The swim took place in a mountain lake – two loops. There was the normal kicking, but overall my swim was not eventful except that my googles seemed to almost gouge into my eyes – I had to keep re-adjusting them. By the end of the first loop, I almost had a headache. I was very thankful when I finished the swim.

I exited the lake dripping wet and ran down to the tent – getting even more wet in the downpour rain. The bike course is hilly and has some decent climbs. I felt good the first loop, but the second loop I had almost no energy left in my legs. I think the recent IM in Austria combined with the cool rain had sapped me of my energy. I went into the transition tent at the end of the bike looking forward to some dry feet.
I changed socks and stepped outside the tent (through a waterfall of rain water pouring down the tent) and right into a huge puddle. So much for dry feet.
The run is two loops also. It passes by the old Lake Placid ski jump. I jogged and walked most of it finally finishing in a bit over 12 hours. I downed some pizza at the end and headed back to my hotel. That was Ironman #4 for me.

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I did this race in 2003 when it was called the "Desaru International Long Distance Triathlon". It was in Desaru - Johor - Malaysia. I had to be in Singapore … MORE

I did this race in 2003 when it was called the “Desaru International Long Distance Triathlon”. It was in Desaru – Johor – Malaysia. I had to be in Singapore for work and ended up meeting a co-worker and friends and we traveled over the causeway to Malaysia.

I was concerned as I threw out my back – severely – about a month before. I couldn’t walk let alone swim, bike, or run. But I tried it anyway.

I got to Singapore and, of course as I was on business I didn’t have my tri bike with me. But my friends loaned me one. It was my carbon fiber Kestrel, but I was just happy to have one.

We went to the main hotel where the race headquarters were held: Desaru Golden Beach Resort. We checked in and had a bite to eat. As I was walking to my room, my foot went into a small hole and my back spasmed again. This was going to be a tough race.

The swim started in the South China Sea. The water route was marked with floating buoys but they kind of blended in with the water a bit – especially between swells when they were in the troughs. But I managed to finish the swim (probably around mid-pack).

Got out of the sea and rinsed the salt water off the off to teh bike. I was going pretty well for a w while, but it started getting more difficult. More than half-way through I glanced at the rear wheel and noticed the quick-release had come loose and the wheel was rubbing on the bike frame. I fixed this and continued the ride. It was interesting see monkeys all around the course – especially at water bottle stations. The monkeys appeared to enjoy stealing the water bottles and running away with them.

At the end of the bike leg, I transitioned to the run. The run is my specialty and where I usually make up spots in triathlons. But with my bum back and struggling with that rear wheel, I decided to just do my best and finish.

Finish I did. I was very pleased with completing my first Asia race – especially a half-Ironman distance triathlon at that.

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Ironman Austria: I went to Austria on business and decided to do this race. I was training hard and had a sub-10 hour goal in mind. However, the week before … MORE

Ironman Austria:

I went to Austria on business and decided to do this race. I was training hard and had a sub-10 hour goal in mind. However, the week before I was traveling through Germany, Netherlands and Austria…and two days before the race I came down with a horrible cold from airlines and hotels.
Despite that I did my best bike split ever in an Ironman race. The course is beautiful with a ride through the Austrian Alps. At the pre-race meeting, I got to meet IM legend Mark Allen (had him autograph my race program).

The swim is in a lake with a finish in a canal! As you swim up the canal it was full some algae (a little murky). I ended up with a sinus infection from hell after this event – blood and “gunk” flowed out of my sinuses and nose while on a flight to the Philippines about a week after this event. But – I still loved the Race.

The run is mostly flat and is a double loop course. It runs along a beach (topless in true European fashion which converts runners into spectators) and also along a narrow canal in the shade. Then, it takes the runners through the new and old parts of the town of Klagenfurt with cobblestones and a large dragon fountain (the town’s mascot).

I love this race – just wish I had been feeling well for it ๐Ÿ™‚

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
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"Holy Sh........!" These were the first words from my mouth as I stepped out of our plane and onto the stairs leading to the tarmac. Here I was at Kona … MORE

“Holy Sh……..!” These were the first words from my mouth as I stepped out of our plane and onto the stairs leading to the tarmac. Here I was at Kona – the Mecca for triathlons, an Ironman’s Holy Land. Yet, as soon as I passed through the open door of the plane, I was almost pushed back into the fuselage by the force of the wind, a hot wind at that. I came to Kona to do the Keauhou Kona Half-Ironman – held almost entirely within the course of the Hawaii Ironman. This was to be my shot at a Personal Best for that distance – my first ever sub-5:00. Standing there at the top of the ladder as my glasses fogged up from the humidity and my shirt instantly stuck to my skin from the hot wind I told myself “Great choice for a p.r. course Alan. What’s next? Dante’s inferno.” (I also had two other goals – to break the top 100 finishers and to do the half-marathon in a sub-1:30 time. But the sub-5 hour was my big goal. )

The entire Kona airport is about the size of Kezar stadium. I walked over to baggage claim, picked up my bags and my bike case and headed out. I was thankful for my USAT membership. It would have cost $75 each way to transport my bike – but thanks to the USAT, I used both my bike case vouchers and got the bike to and from Kona for free.

I picked up our rental car and headed to our condo. A friend set me up with her timeshare and it was perfect. About 1.25 miles from the starting line at Kona bay, right on Alii drive. After unpacking I did what a triathlete would do: I donned my running shoes, tucked my goggles in the back pocket of my SF Tri Club tri suit and jogged down to the Kona bay. When I got there, after an easy jog, I was already drenched in sweat. I kicked off my shoes and went down to the water’s edge. I could see a couple of swim caps about 200 yards away, so I put on my goggles and started swimming. Wow! This was great. I immediately understood why wetsuits were not allowed – the water was so warm, it was like a bathtub. Beats the hell out of Aquatic Park in the SF Bay. The water was warm and calm. Fish of almost every color swam beneath me – some close enough to touch. I passed over a dark reef of volcano rock and right under my nose slowly glided a green sea turtle. This was fantastic! I did about 800 meters and got out. I started talking with a couple other swimmers next to me as we all dried off. They had done the course before and pointed out a rough outline for me. One, from L.A., had been drawn in the Hawaii Ironman lottery and was using this race as his qualifying race. The other, from the Netherlands, had done the race multiple times.

Afterwards, I jogged back home and after a quick shower I headed out for a bite to eat. I noticed B&L bike shop across the street from the grocery store. I had to stop here at the flagship bike store for IM Hawaii. The staff was very friendly and after dropping a few bucks on some new sew-ups and Gu, said good-bye and headed home.

The next morning I jogged back down to the bay to do another swim. As I was putting on my goggles I looked down at my feet. No more than 6 inches from my toes was a large green sea turtle floating in the water, glancing at me. I couldn’t decide if it was welcoming a fellow swimmer to his bay or telling me to move away from his breakfast. Either way, I stepped over it and went out for a swim. I did about 3/4 mile that day and hooked up with a contributing writer for Inside Triathlon. We swam together for a bit and chatted about the race and our goals. Then, it was back to shore and a jog home. I was amazed just how drenched in sweat I got after a short run.

The next couple of days, I did the normal sight-seeing. When you go there – these are what you should do: Volcano National Park – a 2 hour drive. If you have been to Lassen, this is a smaller version, but still very interesting. On the way home, take the east side of the island and stop at Hilo for a bite. The Hilton – this is located at the bike turn-around, near Hapuna Beach. The Hilton is built right onto the ocean and they have about 10 dolphins, hundreds of fish and some turtles swimming around the grounds. Great pools and even though you are supposed to be a guest to use them, no one seemed to mind when we took advantage of the pools and waterslide. Hapuna Beach, voted one of the top 3 beaches in the U.S. is a huge white sand beach. Great for some fun and easy swim practice. That’s about it. Of course, the mountains are beautiful and you can get the freshest Kona coffee, but to be honest, Kona is a place where you go to either do triathlons or to do very little.
A few days before the race, I got on my bike and headed north on Alii Drive and then up onto the Queen K. This was fantastic. A huge smile was on my face as I pedaled through the black lava fields – complete with names and images “drawn” in the lava fields along the side of the road with white coral pieces. The wind was definitely there, but not horrible. I had certainly encountered worse along the SF Bay. The road had some climbs, but overall it was mostly rolling. I did 6 miles out and then turned around to go home. After I got back, I drove the bike course. I noticed that further out than I had just rode, the course had more climbs and the wind got stronger. Each time I stepped out of our car, the heat, humidity, wind and the course itself made me think again that I had picked the wrong race to try go sub-5 hours.

The next day we headed to the pre-race meeting. This was well organized and I had my race packet in my hand in a very short time. The meeting was held outside on a lawn, the Pacific Ocean about 50 yards to our right. The race directors chatted about the race and introduced a few racers. They announced that Paula Newby-Fraser decided to join the race the next day. One director walked around and just tossed out free goodies to the crowd. Then some USAT reps gave a discussion on rules and penalties. Then we were done. I passed out some SF Tri Club tattoos and we all headed out. That night, I did a final check on my bike. I filled up my Gu flask, filled the water bottles, laid out my race clothes and turned-in early. The race started at 6:30 am and we were expected at the start by 5:00 a.m.

The next morning, I woke up about 10 minutes before my alarm. I crawled out of bed, took a quick shower and did a quick shave on my head and legs (got to cut down on all that wind/water drag you know). Then, I got my race stuff together, got on my bike and rode down to the start. Once I got there, I realized that I had forgotten to place my PowerBar pieces on my bike frame. Oh well – I had plenty of Gu, hopefully that would suffice.

I found my bike space – they were divided by race numbers. Knowing where we exited the water, I set my bike up near the water exit. Then, I laid out my stuff. Race number on the race belt looped on my bike seat. Gloves speared onto my aerobars. Helmet cradled in the aero bars with my glasses inside the helmet. On the ground, I placed my shoes with my socks sticking out of them I dusted the inside of each sock with some baby powder to ease entry after exiting the water. Next to this, I placed a small towel. I then headed over to check-in and got my swim cap and bodymarkings.

I walked around a bit and found some PEPS! We chatted for a short bit and then I decided to go for some practice swims. Along the way, I borrowed some sunblock from another triathlete and covered myself with it – the skies were absolutely clear and blue at 6:00 am. It might be a hot one. I entered the swim course and began to do some strokes. Oh-oh. My right side of my goggles was leaking. I never had any previous problems with this pair, so I figured I could adjust it and it would be fine. Twenty minutes later as we were waiting for the final countdown to the starting gun, they were still leaking. “Screw it!”.

I watched the other swimmers line up. The announcer shouted to everyone to back up – the race was to start from waist-deep water. Still, even at the start, there were a good 50 triathletes 20 to 30 yards in front of everyone ignoring the race announcer in neck-deep water. they never did move back. The announcer counted down and then “Boom!” we were off.

I started swimming and almost immediately my right goggle filled with water. I fell in behind a pair of feet and started drafting. The one plus of being “blessed” with my swim speed is that there were always plenty of feet off of which I could draft – and to lead me since I had trouble seeing where I was going. We were told that the swim turn-around was a BodyGlove boat – but I couldn’t really see any boat so I just played like a lemming and followed the crowd. My breathing felt great and before I knew it, we were swimming around a boat. Then, we headed back to shore. I begin to pass some people and pick up some new feet from which to draft. About 90% through the swim course, I was drafting off of one pair of feet and upon closer inspection noticed that they were sticking out from a San Francisco Triathlon Club tri-suit! So, whoever you were, thank you for the draft.

We entered the channel leading to the finish line on the beach. One unique thing about this course is that the swim-finish is almost harder than the swim. The water gets shallow and it is full of sharp volcano rock/reefs. Everybody slowed down and tried to weave through the rocks without getting sliced. Finally, there was clear sand and I stepped onto the shore. I looked at my watch 37:55. Not bad, I thought. About 4 minutes faster than my Half-Vineman time from last year, but still a couple minutes slower than I had hoped. Oh well, on to the bike. (Official swim time was actually 38:30 – maybe due to the beach run up to the timing chip pad).

I ran up the beach and through some fresh water showers (garden hoses) and to my bike. I grabbed my race belt and tried to slide it on. Damn – that didn’t work. I just unsnapped it and snapped it around my waist. I slipped into my socks (that powder really helps) and put on my shoes. I pulled on my glasses, snapped my helmet tight and headed out the transition area. Total T1: 1 minute 40 seconds.

I hopped on my bike and headed out of town. People were cheering and clapping. We went up a short city block, made a left turn and followed the road towards the Queen K. Right before the Queen K, I passed another SF Tri Club as I started picking up the pace. By the time I hit the Queen K, I had both my gloves on and fell into my aero position. My legs felt good and I headed away from town.

One thing I noticed earlier in the week was the large amount of glass on the race course. I was constantly wiping my wheels with my bike gloves after seeing glass around me. The race day was no different. We weren’t even one mile into the ride when I saw the first flat tire victim. I saw at least 15 others during the day.

I was watching my speedometer. The last few weeks it had been acting really screwy – adding about 10% to my average speed and distance. It appeared to be doing it again – either that or I was feeling really great! Anyway, I rode the first 10 to 20 miles at around a 21 mph pace (adjusted down from the 23mph+ that showed on my faulty cycle-computer). I was feeling good. I was drinking a lot from my water bottles. I had one that was plain water, the other was a mixture of Ultima, RedBull and water (actually doesn’t taste that bad). The water stops were every 5 miles which worked out perfect. I was emptying a bottle about every 5 miles. At each stop I grabbed two bottles . I replaced the empty one in my cages and dumped another over my head. At mile 20 I downed a Thermotab as I was beginning to feel the heat. By Mile 30 I was taking down closer to a bottle and a half each 5 miles.

I had been steadily passing people, probably around 25 riders between each water stop. I didn’t know what place I was in, but it was fun to be actually passing people. Every now and then., someone would pass me – but I counted no more than 10 passes on the way out to the turn around. Then somewhere around mile 20-25 (I think) I saw the leader. Man, was he booking on his way back to town. He had a nice lead on second. Then there was a huge gap before third. I started counting riders. By the time I hit the turn-around, I had myself almost exactly at number 200.

“Time to make up some places” I thought. I made the turn around and started picking it up a bit. The wind, coming from the North West was now a bit of a tail wind. I started picking off people here and there. I tried to count and subtract from the 200, but after about the 40th mile I lost track at around 165. Besides, the times that I was passing people were getting fewer and far between. It appeared I had entered into the group of riders that was riding about my pace so I had only a few passes. I started climbing a hill. I passed this guy who had passed my about a minute earlier and then just started cranking. I could see the airport ahead and knew that I was getting closer to town.

I entered the town and turned off of the Queen K and dropped back down to Alii. There, I was pushing about 25 mph through town, weaving among tourists and cars (speed limit is 15 mph). Then it was a few miles left to the bike-to-run transition. I entered the transition and someone immediately grabbed my bike. Total bike time: 2:36:30.

I ran over the timing chip pad and shouted my race number. A volunteer handed me my bag and I sat down. My helmet and shoes were off and my running shoes on almost immediately. I grabbed my fuel belt and started running. Total T2 time: 40 seconds.

I started up the road and snapped on my fuel belt. God my legs were tired. “Should have done more bricks in training” I thought. I looked down and realized that I was still wearing my cycling gloves. Almost laughing, I took these off and shoved them in my back pocket. I passed a water stop and welcomed the ice-cold sponges and ice water they offered. I was only 100 yards into the run and all I could think was “Sub-1:30. Yeah right.” I had hoped to break a 1:30 half marathon on this race. My P.R. is a 1:17 and I had recently done a 1:19, so I thought 10 minutes was quite a cushion. As I headed up a long gradual climbing hill about a half mile into the run, I began to wonder if I would break 2 hours for the run.

At the top of the hill, I thought I had just finished running out of “The Pit”. The Pit was an infamous climb that had been part of the Hawaii Ironman course for years. But, unfortunately, I was wrong. After nearly another mile and a half, I dropped down into a deep dead-end road. A volunteer greeted me happily with a “Welcome to the Pit.” Then, it was a turn-around and right back up. My legs were really heavy as I left the Pit. I got to the top and picked up the pace a bit. As I approached the mile 3 table, I glanced at my watch. I expected it to read 24 minutes, but was surprised when it showed 22 minutes and a few seconds. Still, this was quite a bit off of my goal of just under 21 minutes. Oh well, just keep running.

I grabbed some water and a cup of crushed ice at the table. I downed the water and dumped the ice down the back of my tri-suit. About this time, I saw a SF Tri Club member running towards me. He shouted “Get some energy.” He looked much stronger than I felt and I assumed that he would be passing me within a few miles. I continued on the run and passed the finish line around mile 4. I believe that it saw the eventual winner run past me at that point. Bastard! I thought – it wasn’t fair that he looked so fast and relaxed ๐Ÿ™‚ Oh well, just keep running I told myself again.