The Return To The Canyon!

Getting pretty excited. Getting set to head back out to the Canyon for a little Rim To Rim To Rim run in October. Previous race report here

Publix Georgia Marathon 2012

I continued my trend of one road marathon a year by running the Publix Georgia Marathon on 3/19. I say that because I used to run a ton of road marathons (or other road races for that matter). But the last 3-4 years I've migrated to the trails and ultras. I think it for a couple reasons;

1) I love the community around trail running and racing. Not that it isn't there for road running, but it's a tighter group of amazing people IMHO
2) The roads hurt more! I can go run a 5 hour trail race and be fine the next day. Sometimes I can't walk for two days after a road marathon. Just what you are used too I guess
3) I love the love key and quieter parts of trail running. My life has tons of noise and it's nice to get away from it all sometimes

After finishing as the second masters runner last year, the race sent me an offer about 3 weeks before the race to come run on a complementary entry. If I was looking for an excuse to run a big event road marathon, that's all you need. I decided at worst it would be a good opportunity for a long training run.

I admit I was only marginally excited about this race in the several weeks I had to prepare. Not much time for any changes in training but I also couldn't get very excited about the race. But there is nothing like stopping by the expo on Friday to get you pumped up! After leaving there I was excited to get out there and give it what I had......no expectations just run and have some fun!

Working at Coke has its benefits, including getting a perfect location to park within a short walk to the start with no hassle. I jogged the 1/2 mile over to meet some of the Flying Ace's running group at 6 am for a quick picture and some good-lucks then headed over to the "A" corral. I'd been assigned race number #3. That made it quite entertaining as some of the faster guys were sizing me up trying to figure out whether I was their competition! One of the perks of a #3 bib was that I was in the front corral and had my toes on the line when the race started. Chip and Gun time were the same for me.

Scott Meckert and I had run the half course a few weeks before, so I was very familiar with the first 6-7 miles of the course (same for both races) and then the last 2-3 miles. But it'd been a year since I ran the race and didn't have a clear picture of the rest of the course in my mind. I went out somewhat more relaxed than I might have in the past but was still dropping 6:00-6:15 min miles for the first 3 or 4 miles. I fell into a more relaxed and somewhat easy feeling pace of around 6:30 for the next few miles until we separated from the halfers. Then it got lonely out there. I figured I was in 10-12 place around then and pretty happy to be feeling good. I love this next stretch of the race. Running towards and through Decatur is one of the highlights of the course and made the miles fly by. I hit the half mark in 1:25 and started to feel like a sub-3 was within reach. I always run the second half of a race slower (not a negative split guy) so I knew I could give up 10 minutes on the second half and squeeze under 3.

After the square in Decatur, the course was much more exposed, the temps were rising, and the sun was beating down. Definately the low-point on the course for me. 13-16 were some tough miles and I knew the hills were only going to increase. After Emory, there are some beautiful but hilly stretches and I found a second wind and powered through the next few miles. Passed a few people (in addition to getting passed by a couple) but felt like I was still pretty strong. I knew that the last 6-8 miles were my home turf as I run those roads a bunch in the mornings. I was also very much looking forward to seeing my friend Kim Pike and her daughter that I knew would be around the 22 mile mark. People were really starting to suffer in the heat. I passed a guy that was cramping real bad. I happened to have some S-Caps so I offerred him a few and he gladly accepted. I brought 6 S-Caps and ended up giving all 6 away to his guy and two other runners that were hurting pretty bad. I didn't feel like I needed them so no big deal for me but the guys sure were appreciative.

I hit Piedmont Park for a quick out and back and got to see Kim and her daughter.....really lifted my spirits with 4 miles to go. I also knew my lovely wife was going to be at 24 cheering. I can't say that the last 2 miles were exceptionally fast, but I managed a decent 8ish min/mile clip and cross in 2:58. 9th OA, 1st Masters. Plenty happy with a sub-3 on a hot and hilly course.

Another road Marathon? Maybe I'll consider this one again in 12 months......

Grand Canyon Rim To Rim to Rim Run Report

I've never really been one of those "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" kind of guys. I don't tend to come home with a shot glass saying remember the Alamo. And I don't need to go to the touristy spots to say I saw the worlds oldest slurpee machine.

I'd heard about people running "Rim to Rim to Rim" at the Grand Canyon, but it wasn't until my first visit to the Canyon in April that I knew I had to give it a go.

Delane and I had taken a short trip to Arizona in April. During the trip, we spent 2 ice cold and rainy/snowy days staring at what was mostly cloud cover blocking the views. I had promised myself this was time with my wonderful wife and I wasn't going to make this a running vacation. But I took a bit of time during a particularly nasty storm, bundled up, and ran a couple miles down the Bright Angel Trail. After a mile, I dropped below the cloud cover and got an unbelievable view. That place is truly a wonder of the world.
All along the touristy areas, there are signs advising people to watch out for the dangers of the Canyon. There were warning signs about not attempting to go from the rim to the river and back in one day had me hooked. I wanted to do well over twice that.
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When I caught wind of a few of my GUTS running friends planning a November trip, I knew it was time for me to go.

I've been jazzed about this experience for a long time. Ever since I booked the flight, I've been excited and nervous about R2R2R.

Things have been busy at work, so this trip couldn't have come at a better time. Except for the weather. Apparently, the heat is usually the challenge. It can get amazingly hot down in the Canyon. But the weather forecasts 10 days out called for a much different story. Each day, the predictions got worse. The day before we left, the forecast for the South Rim was 18, a high of 57 at Phantom Ranch, and 15 on the North Rim.
Was I nervous about the distance; not a bit. About the time on my feet; a little. About the cold; much more so.

We were planning a pretty typical route. We planned to leave before sunrise from the South Rim and take the South Kaibab trial 7 miles down to the Canyon floor. We'd take the the North Kaibab Trail from Phantom Ranch, past Cottonwood, and up to the distant North Rim. The return trip would bring us back N. Kaibab to the mighty Colorado but we'd head out the longer but more forgiving Bright Angel Trail.

The weather forecast had the group reconsidering the start time. We ended up starting around 6:45 as the sun was coming up.

John and I took off for the fairly quick trip down South Kaibab. It's a 7 mile trail that drops extremely quickly. We took our time heading down, stopping to take some photos and to enjoy the beautiful sunrise hitting the canyon walls. The first view of the Colorado river was exciting and beautiful.

We arrived at Phantom Ranch after about 1:20 and started removing some clothes. It warms up a bunch in the bottom of the canyon and the cold temps up top had given way to some really nice 40's down at the bottom. Top off my handheld (I had 2 liters in my hydration pack, but had started the run with an empty handheld).

John was only planning to go to Cottonwood and then head back, so I met up with a few other guys that were going all the way to the North Rim and John and I decided I'd run with them. I was excited to have company up but quickly realized these three guys were on a much different pace than me and I left them behind after a mile or so.

The 7 mile stretch between Phantom Ranch and Cottonwood was my favorite stretch of the run. It goes up slowly through the Box Canyon and is the one place where you can really find a nice stride.

I made fairly quick work of this stretch given all the stops for photos and arrive at Cotonwood right at the three hour mark. I hadn't yet consumed any of my hydration pack water, so I topped off my handheld and got mentally ready for the 7 mile push to the North Rim. I knew there was no water waiting on me until I returned to the campground (14 miles later). They cut off water sources as the weather gets cold, so make sure to check in advance with the rangers office so you know where water will be available. I had my first bite to eat here.......a slice of cheddar cheese......and moved on.

Sally had warned me that there are some narrow stretches here where the drop-off will ruin your day. While they were wide enough for me, some of this stretch will leave those squeamish of heights a bit dizzy. With about 4 miles to go, I passed a couple of guys that had started super early. They said there was some good snow on the rim and that it got super cold after the Supai tunnel (2 very difficult miles from the top). Sure enough, as soon as I got to the tunnel, the temps began to drop quickly. This stretch is steep and slow and it took me around 35 minutes for the last two miles.

I spent 15 minutes looking around the N Rim and getting some calories in me (a Balance Bar). And I had to snap the required picture to prove I'd made it to the top.

I started the steep and snowy trip back down. While it was downhill, I had to take it a bit easy as the snow and terrain doesn't make for a rapid decent. About 2 miles down, I passed Sally. Was super surprised and excited to see her, as I thought she was turning at Cottonwood. She never stops amazing me about how darn tough she is. After a quick exchange about whether I should wait for her at the bottom, we were both off.

I got back to Roaring Springs and shortly after realized that the Rangers House had water. While I wasn't out, my bottle was dry and I'd used a decent bit of my hydration pack. Topped off my handheld and was off for the short stretch to Cottonwood. I spent a fair bit of time here, as some  issues needed addressing and I wanted to make sure I was ready for the last 16 mile push.

At this point, I knew I was super low on calories and needed to get refueled. Phantom Ranch has a canteen (warning, it closed at 4) and I knew I could take a break and refuel there. Back through the box canyon (and mostly downhill this time!) and I was back to Phantom Ranch. Took a few more breaks here including eating a Gel.

I popped in the canteen and ordered up two postcards and a king-sized double snickers. There where 6 or 8 people in there and I enjoyed chatting with other hikers about their experiences. Definitely take a few dollars for a postcard. They have a special stamp on them that says they were transported by mule. A nice touch. After writing my postcards and devouring the snickers, I topped off my bottles and got mentally prepped for the 9 mile trek out.

After a half mile you reach the Colorado again on a bridge just downstream from the one you crossed off S. Kaibab. A super nice site to see and it meant only 8.5 or so miles to go!

The first couple of miles of Bright Angel were a bit disappointing. The trail is sandy and follows the Colorado downstream for a good part of that. The main issue was that I wasn't yet gaining much elevation and it meant the last few miles would be much steeper.

Once I started climbing, it was no joke. I ran a decent bit of the next couple miles to Indian Gardens but there were certainly more walk breaks getting thrown in. I arrived at India Gardens campground at about 4:10 in the afternoon and was completely tapped. My legs were screaming and I had almost no energy left. I ate a gel and a piece of cheddar cheese, drank a ton of water, and started the long last 4.5 miles to the top. This was the last water I'd have available, as the 1.5 and 3 mile aid house water faucets were closed. I will estimate that I ran maybe 30% of this last stretch, the rest being hunched-over power hiking. I was ready to get out before the sun dropped and the temps plunged. I knew I had about 2 hours of light left.

I will not say the last stretch was pretty, but it was 5:30 when I rounded the last turn and popped out less than 50 feet from my room. I'm certain that the tourists I stopped to take my photo at the top of the trail had little idea of the challenges and personal growth I'd experienced during the day.

Total Food Consumed: 3 slices cheddar cheese, 1 king sized Snicker bar, 2 gels, 1 PureProtein bar, one mini LaraBar (probably not enough). Just learn to fuel a bit better.

Total Water Consumed: 4x20oz handheld + 50ox from my hydration pack = 130oz (probably not enough)

We should take a little something away from everything we do. What did I learn?

I have the most amazingly supportive wife. She didn't even blink when I told her I wanted to go. And even though I'm sure she was worried, she still knows more about what is good for me than I ever will.
I've got some amazing friends. Both those encouraging me and especially Sally, Janice, John, Reece, and Trevor who were will for me to tag along and flooded me with details on the trails.

The Canyon is a rare piece of beauty and can also be an extremely unpredictable environment that needs to be respected. But what a blast!

More Photos

Mystery Mountain Marathon

I've had this race on my calendar the moment the 2010 race ended.........it's a beautiful course, extremely challenging, and extremely well run by GUTS. It also delivered a beating unlike many other races. No way I was gonna miss it. I wanted revenge on that course.

I packed the bags early Saturday morning. I went down to Oakland Cemetery early in the morning for a photography class field trip then hit the road at noon for the couple hour drive to Chatworth GA and then on to Fort Mountain State Park.

The GUTS crew was busy prepping the course and I had fun marking the "Tower" loop with a few other friends. We made it back in time for the Pasta dinner and social time. Met some nice people coming to pick up their numbers including a couple who came up from Charleston for their FIRST marathon. In the back of my mind, I thought "this ain't a good first marathon" but I gave them some course tips and wished them luck. More on that later...........

I was lucky to get an offer from John to crash at his place 20 minutes away so Kate, Aaron, Anna, John, and I headed back around 8. Was able to get some decent sleep after my Auburn Tigers were getting pounded and I didn't feel the need to stay up for the last bit of the game for the beating.

We were up bright and early so Kate could get to the start to prep for her volunteer duties. Fine by me, as I got to grab an excellent cup of joe courtesy of Drew and get the blood flowing a bit. Race Director extraordinaire Kim Pike asked if I'd lead the race out for the first 1/4 mile as it's kinda tough to mark the road where we start. Great, pressure already! :)

It was a flawless day for a race. I felt just a touch chilled in a singlet and knew it was my ideal temps. It would get hotter later, but I knew I'd be done before the heat hit too bad. And we are off..........

First mile is flat around the lake and I was a bit shocked to see a mid-6 ring up on the GPS after the first mile. It didn't take long for the course to show it's true colors. I had an awesome time running most of the first 7-8 miles with Drew. He and I battled it out last year and I suspected it might be the same again this year. He was running very strong. Around mile 9, he fell back a bit and I was on my own until the aid station at 11 before we split with the 12 milers and started up the dreaded Power Line hill. I started up the huge hill and a guy blew past me with relative ease. It was Jason Hanlin who I'd met at Sweetwater H20 50K earlier in the year. I had a blast running with him from 11 till about 18. I saw his easy stride and knew he'd have to blow up badly for me to hang. It was all I could do to stay with him and finally I had to let him go at 18.....the huge climb was coming up and I needed to bank a little or it was gonna be a tough last 8 miles.

The mile 19 and 20 climb is hard to describe other than to say it is never-ending, steep, and takes all the will you have to keep moving at more than a snails pace. I ran/speed-walked but knew I was loosing plenty of time to Jason. I felt good but was ready to be done. Even after the massive uphill, the course is still very challenging until you get to 25.5 and get to barrel DOWN the power line. I arrived at the 25 mile aid station and yell at Sarah Tynes "how much farther"? She confirmed 1 mile to go. A quick glance at my watch said I had 5:30 to make it under 4 hours and I knew it was a bust. I had no goal for this race other than to run strong, but I could almost taste a sub-4 and I blew through the last mile with everything I had. Came across 4:01:05, 2nd place, and 3 minutes faster than last year. Very pleased with a solid effort.

Oh yeah, back to the first time marathoners: I heard later than Jason Rogers was driving back towards Chatworth about 8 hours after the race started and saw a couple people with race numbers walking down the road. Apparently my Charleston friends missed a turn and ended up on a paved road somewhere way out. He gave them a ride back to the park. Feel bad for them.

Great GUTS event and a ton of fun with friends!

Hot to Trot - An 8 Hour beatdown!

I don't know what has me coming back to this event. It's an 8 hour run, in Atlanta, in the heat running a 1.18 mile loop as many time as you can until the clock hits 8 hours. Actually, I do know what keeps bringing me back........

1. A very well organized event - Sarah Tynes and all the volunteers do an incredible job
2. It's an extreme challenge (love that)
3. Lots of great local runners...a great social time even while you are suffering

Last year, I took off like a crazy man on the first 10 laps.....like under 7 minute miles. While it is only a minimally technical trail, it's still a trail. I promised myself to not repeat that this year. 8 hours is a long time. Pace yourself, Jim.

I had been on vacation on the Island of Bonaire and had just arrived home at 9:00 pm the night before the race. I was well rested and well fueled from a week away from the normal hectic days. But I was also under hydrated from a long day of air travel and flight delays. Not a good start.......

The day started out with some light drizzle......I had high hopes that the promised rain would keep the temps and therefore the body temps down. The gun goes off and BAM....crazy Sean takes off like a bear was chasing him! I did not get suckered in and kept it sane for me.

What do you say about an 8 hour 1.18 mile looped course in the heat? Lap 1 was.....lap 2 was....

After about 3 hours, I ran through the aid station and someone asked if I got stung by bees. Being HIGHLY allergic to stings, I was immediately on edge. But I have to admit, I had a quick thought of "gee, if I get stung I can drop out of this heat!". I got back around to the hill and there was a strong smell of wasp spray and a couple people unloading a can of the stuff on a nest on the ground. I can only guess that was my fastest stretch of the course for a few loops! Multiple people got stung 3 and 4 times each. Glad it wasn't me!

All and all, it was a decent race. I had Joe Fejes running hard and I thought he'd come around and catch me as I started to fade. While my pools certainly dropped off, I held on pretty well. Walking certainly became a more frequent occurrance as the day progressed, but mostly just for short stretches. Ended up with the OA win and a bit over 50 miles for the day. Less miles than last year, but I was pleased to have held up reasonably well.

Great day to run with friends and very nice to have my lovely wife come support me in the second half of the run.

Landsford Canal 50K - A Fresh Start

My reasons for picking the Landsford Canal 50K run:

1. It was my “comeback” run. I’d been laid up injured for most on May and some of June and I needed to get back at it. Nothing like a long race to help with that!

2. It was near my hometown……my wonderfully supportive Mom and younger sis’ would get to come hang out.

3. I’ve always wanted to meet the RD-legendary Claude Sinclair

4. There were a ton of GUTS runners already signed up. A long run with friends!

My plan was to head North to Spartanburg SC Friday afternoon to hang out with Mom and then get up extra early Saturday am for the 70 mile drive to the race. Things were shaping up nicely as Mom and I had a picnic out by the pool Friday night and I almost needed a sweater….it was down right cool! A nice break in the brutal temps promised a cooler race.

The drive over Saturday morning was uneventful and boringly entertaining. For a guy living in Atlanta, I rarely get to drive 30 miles at a stretch with barely a stop light. Mom and I started to play the game of “guess how many stop lights or stop signs there will be in the next town”! Places like Chester, Landcaster, and several other dots on the map. I love the backwoods!

This is a small but well run race…..after getting there and introducing myself to Claude, I got to work helping unload some gear and helping organize the aid station before the pre-race routine started. I was well fueled, well rested, and feeling good but severely undertrain after so much time off. No expectations, I just wanted to run the best I could and enjoy the day.

BAM! I knew it was coming and I still wasn’t prepared. Claude starts this race in the beautiful Landsford Canal State Park with a musket shot out of a rifle that must be 4 feet long. That gunshot had my ears ringing for at least the first 1.25 mile out and back. I got a good peak at the hill I’d have to run up 8 times during the day. 1.25 miles up and back down a pretty long hill, followed by 7 4.25 mile loops. The course breaks down link this:

1. First mile: Very long and reasonably steep jaunt up the entrance road of the state park. There were a few breaks, but after a time or two up I wondered if I’d be dreading that hill after a few more times

2. Second mile: Long straight flat and fast improved road. You could see for almost the entire mile. It was fast and fast an awesome transition from the hill. You can fly here

3. Third mile: Finish up the long straight road and take a hard left and start to a big downhill then a hard left onto the trail.

4. Fourth mile: A long and winding fairly flat and perfectly beautiful run along the Landsford Canal. Perfect and other than the turns could be run pretty hard.

I started out pretty hard and planned to run as long as I could at a reasonably stout pace and then hang on towards the end. Joe Fejes had discussed running a 7:15 pace together for the first 26 then all bets off. But anyone that knows me knows I like to run like I feel. Usually fast at the start and then hang on for dear life at the end. Probably a good choice that before the race it was decided we wouldn’t try to run together. I felt good out the gate and trying to stay consistent at 7:15 would have been tough for me.

The loops came and went. I was basically hitting a bit under 30 minutes a loop. Little slower up the hill, flat out on the flats and downhill, somewhere in between on the trail. Never got really tired and even after loop 6 I still felt like I could drop a pretty good time on loop 7. Finished up in 3:36 and 1st OA. I didn’t really expect to run that fast, but I think a couple months of little running had me fresh and hungry.



Great hanging out with Andy Bruner, Jason Sullivan, Schick, Aaron D, Joel T, Beth, Greg, Candy, and a bunch of new friends from the upstate. Fun race. Somewhere between a fast trail race and a road ultra.

Back to the future

I've had 4 stress fractures (or possible stress fractures) from running. What have I learned?
-I typically come back stronger
-I miss running when I can't
-It teaches me a balance........for a while anyhow
-I can stay fit even without running. Biking, walking, and spinning are good substitutes

It's been 4 weeks since I've been back running. The first two were not great and I considered having to take another extended break. But a quick trip to the doc reassured me that I was getting there and just needed to be a bit more patient.

The last couple weeks I've felt 99%. Some really solid workouts and I'm back to my somewhat normal running level.

Next up..........I am dying to get back on the trails, so I signed up for Landsford Canal 50K on July 16th! Here is to coming back to the race circuit!

Enjoying time on the DL

I had huge plans for the first quarter of the year.
I ran huge miles.....training hard and racing
I broke

The Georgia Marathon was the last straw. I was sore for a week after running my first road marathon in 2 years. In racing flat. Bad choice? Probably.

My lower left leg hurt even after the soreness faded. But I somewhat ignored it as "normal" pain. But it wasn't normal. It got to the point that it hurt every step. I decided I couldn't miss the SweetH20 race, so I hit the trails for a tough 50K. The softer surface made it somewhat less painful, but I knew I had an issue that wasn't just going to magically disappear.

So I quit running. I quit for a week, tried again, and learned that a week wasn't going to heal me. I've had 3 previous stress fractures and I am confident I had another. It's been over 4 weeks since SH20. I'm giving it another week or so. I'll be healed, healthy, and hungry.

I'm usually so bummed when I can't run. But I took a different approach this time. Embrace the down time as an opportunity to try new things. So, I've been riding and spinning and the elliptical. And weights. And I feel great. I'm stronger. I bet I've lost only a touch of fitness but hopefully will be healed of all those little things that tend to bother me.

Happy to not be able to run? Nope. Excited about learning and coming back stronger? You bet.

Georgia Marathon - The beat down

It never stops amazing me how much I still have to learn about running and racing. It seems so simple: Lace up your shoes, place one foot in front of the other, and go! Oh but how much more there is........

I signed up for the Georgia Marathon almost a year before the race. Right after the 2010 race, they lost their sponsor (ING) and offered some incredible deals to go ahead and sign up for the 2011 event. I think I paid 25 bucks.........too good to pass up.

Fast forward 11 months. Gee, I guess I gotta run this thing! You see, I haven't been running many road races. Actually, it'd been like 18 months since I had run a road marathon. A few shorter distance races and lots of longer trail runs, but road marathons had kinda fell outta favor with me.

The great thing about the location is that I can park at work and just walk 1/4 mile to the start. A perfect day to run.....mild temps and slightly overcast skys promised a fun day. I was equally excited to hear that Delane was going to come down and join me at the finish.

Back to the learning thing; What was I thinking choosing racing flats for a 26.2 mile road marathon? I hadn't been training in them. I hadn't even been doing that much road running. I am used to running 4-5 hour races and feeling good enough to go for a recovery run the next day. I couldn't barely walk for 4 days after this thing! Those flats really put a hurtin' on me.

As for the race; Excellent day for me. I really like this course! It isn't easy, but I like the changes in terrain (down, up flat) and the trip through the scenic areas of Atlanta are amazing.

Very pleased with my time, however. 2:55:59, 10th OA, 2nd Masters. Even won some prize money.....a nice surprise!

A not-quite a Race Report - Georgia Reactor Run 100M (or less)

Certainly the next day questioning has begun......

1. Could I have kept going?
2. What did I do so wrong to have things go so bad?
3. Do I ever even imagine I could attempt another 100 mile race?

I can say with complete honesty......I was as mentally ready for this race as any other ever. I knew what the course was going to be like (muddy even without rain). And I knew for a week that the forecast called for some pretty strong rain and cool temps. Scared? Nope. Physically, I was pretty healthy of late. I've put in, for me, insane mileage this year....700+ in the first 8 weeks of the year. I'd missed a couple key 20+ mile runs that I'd planned, but I was not at all concerned.

I'd lined up a A-Team of support. My wife was going to rough it out for the entire time. Nils Pedersen volunteered to pace me from 60-80. Matt Grund accepted my invite to take the late miles 80-100. Even my good friend Ron Steiger decided to come up and put in 40-53 with me. I've got some good friends and have to admit I'm a little bummed.......feel like I let them down.

.....I dropped out at the 42.5 mile aid station. At the time, I had ZERO doubt it was the right choice. I was barely able to run 20 yards on flat terrain without stopping. Now I've run longer than that distance plenty of times. So for me, the mystery is; Why did my body (and with it my mind) shut down so dramatically?

I am a reasonable fast runner and a pretty skinny guy. Why does this matter? Well, it starts to lead me to one theory on my demise. It was raining and high 40's at the start. My outfit of choice? A thin long sleeve, shorts, and my thinner mitts. No hat. No jacket. No thicker gloves.

My strategy going into this run was to avoid my frequent tactic of going out really hard and hanging on for dear live. For me, it works in marathons and 50ks, but was gonna be a smart move for the hundo. So at gun-time, I went out easy.....for me. I ran in in first/second with Eric Gilbertson (the eventual 50M winner) from Auburn for the first 20 miles. It felt easy. I wasn't working hard. But the hint of trouble to come might have been that I was feeling cold. I came through the start/finish at 13 miles and told Nils I was cold and to get me some hand warmers ready after I returned from the 7 mile loop. He asked me if I wanted to stop and change clothes. I mean, I had a huge inventory of high-end running gear in my drop bag. I declined the offer.......no since in stopping for an extended stay this early. The next 7 miles the rain lightened up and the temps warmed a bit. I blew threw the start/finish again declining the offer of clothes and only grabbing the hand warmers.

The next 13 miles were the beginning of my demise. I got really really cold. I was wet. It was 50 degrees. I was running through rivers of water and mud on the trails. I was chilled to the bone. I stumbled into the aid station after 33 miles in a pretty bad way. I'm used to running hard and generating body heat. Delane and Nils took one look at me and knew I needed some serious attention. A whole slew of the awesome GUTS people helped get me dry clothes, some warm soup, and about 25 minutes in front of the heater. Doc Shick came over and took my temperature......94 degrees. He said I wasn't going anywhere till it got up to 98.

By the time I warmed up, my mind said time to get back on the course, but my body was pretty much done. I took off for the 7 mile loop. My mind said let's roll but my body was toast. Ruined.

I made it back to 40 and Ron was ready to roll with me. I really hoped I'd rally and I didn't want to let him down. In the course of the next 2.5 miles to aid station 1, I spent more time walking than running. The mind followed the body. About half way to the aid station I told Ron I was dropping. Was it hard to say? Nope. I was 100% confident there was no possible way I was going to make it another 60 miles much less 100.

I made the declaration that I was dropping to the volunteers. It was surreal. I was not tired. I just couldn't move forward. I spent 15 minutes fueling, laughing, and declining offers of rides with the great AS1 volunteers. Then I told Ron it was time to head the short way back to the finish. We had some great conversation and laughed a bit while we mostly walked the 2.5 miles back to the finish.

I wish I knew what happened. I was ready, mentally and physically. Was it getting so cold so early? Maybe. Was it something else? I wish I knew. Will I attempt another 100? Honestly, I don't know. I have, for a long time, had reasonable success in almost any distance. I might have found my weakness. But I've run much longer and never felt like this. So, there is a sparkle of hope. It was the cold, or a bad day, or the weather.....maybe. I feel great today. Legs are fine, mind is in a happy place. I'm really hoping the story of my first hundo is "to be continued.....".

A huge thanks to the entire GUTS crew, my wife, friends, and a slew of other volunteers. It was an absolute horrid day out and the race was still chock full of people to help. The course was a mess. I mean really really bad. The weather made a tough course almost impossible. But it wasn't impossible. There were some really hardy runners that braved the conditions for 30 hours and got their buckles. I wasn't stong enough yesterday, but I have no doubt I am that strong.

Now that is some mud!

Mountain Mist 50K

A bucket full of rookie mistake..........that probably sums up my first Mountain Mist 50K. Let's see what I didn't do:

1) Didn't research the course (or ask any of my many friends for details)
2) Went out with some guys WAY out of my league
3) Was too cold to drink, so I didn't
4) Actually TRAIN with a focus on a 50K

....kinda figured I knew this distance, but this is a big league race with some seriously strong runners and some seriously difficult terrain.

I really wanted to go up and get settled the night before, so Joel Tapley and I rode up Friday afternoon and reported to the Lodge in Monte Sano State Park for packet pickup. The GPS gave us a few bad turns, but right when we thought it we were there, there are barracades across the road.......with 2 miles to go. We both knew the alternate route would be a long drive around the mountain, so after sitting there dead-stopped in the middle of the road for like 2 minutes, Joel throws it in drive and we weave around the blockade. It didn't take long to figure out why it was there.......they had gotten some snow and ice the night before and the back entrance was totally iced over! It was an interesting 2 miles, but we made it up.......

Was pretty happy to see the logistics......the Lodge was a beautiful place and I could tell it'd be nice to hang out there nice and warm before the race started

Finally made the plunge......Georgia Reactor Run 100M Race

Pretty excited to have finally committed to my first 100M race........now to get to that training thing........

Race Info:
http://www.getguts.com/e-grr.shtml

Snow run at Vogel State Park on the Coosa Loop!

What started out to be a long day of running 2 loops of the difficult Coosa loop at Vogel State Park turned into something completely different...and amazing!

How do you explain to people that you managed 12 miles in 3 hours.....not a typical hard run, but today was much different. Sean, Matt, and I arrived at Vogel to find there was no way my car was getting down the road to the parking lot. The snow from a few days earlier had made the drive in impossible....and was foretelling of things to come.

After parking on the side of the road, we made our way to the ranger station to check in....which is required for people hitting the trails. Needless to say, at 15 degrees and a ton of snow, the park staff were mildly curious as to our plans. The questions were; Do you have food and water? He wrote down minimal. First aid kit? No. Cold weather gear? He sized us up (Sean was wearing shorts!) and wrote down minimal! It was gonna be that kind of day!

We hit the trail and almost immediately the snow got deeper.....maybe 6-10 inches to start. We got in about 2-3 miles and the drifts got deeper....in some places 2-3 FEET of snow. Needless to say, running was opportunistic at best! The 3 mile climb up to the top of Coosa started.....it's steep and even on a good day takes 45 minutes.....and it took us an hour and a half! Ice chunks were literally forming on my shoes and tights. Falling was frequent and comical.

After enduring some pretty cold temps and lots of SLOW going, we decided to bail off the trail and run the road back down to the park.....skipping the final climb and descent of Slaughter Mountain. The distance was much less than we had planned, but an overall AMAZING day of fun in the snow and incredible views of North Georgia from the top of Coosa Mountain!

Mystery Mountain Marathon

The GUTS crew held the 3rd annual Mystery Mountain Marathon on 10-10-10....cool date and with the name it was officially M cubed on 10 cubed. Cool!

After three weeks of constant travel I was, to say the least, well rested! I'd maybe averaged 40 miles per week leading up to the race with zero runs over 10 miles...OUCH. So expectations were low low.

The race was one of the best organized I've ever seen! For someone that has gotten lost on plenty of trail race courses, I think Kim (RD) made sure nobody would get lost....one of the best marked trail courses I've ever seen.

Dealing with the pain.........

The NY Times published an interesting article that very much aligns with my thinking.....you gotta be ready to feel the pain and suffer a bit!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/health/nutrition/19best.html?pagewanted=all

A few good quotes:
“Mental tenacity — and the ability to manage and even thrive on and push through pain — is a key segregator between the mortals and immortals in running,”

“I was given a body that could train every single day.” Tom said, “and a mind, a mentality, that believed that if I trained every day — and I could train every day — I’ll beat you.” and he added “The mentality was I will do whatever it takes to win,” he added. “I was totally willing to have the worst pain. I was totally willing to do whatever it takes to win the race.”

GUTS Hot to Trot 2010

August 7th, 2010........8 hours. 1.17 mile loop....Atlanta August weather.....

For those that know me, I hold myself to very high standards in almost everything I do....work and play. So my reaction of others to the upcoming Hot to Trot was interesting. I'd had a good year of running......I'd gotten 4 or 5 overall wins including in last years Hot To Trot, my first 100K at Iron Horse, and the SweetH20 50K. But I am still a rookie. Certainly not a rookie at running......I can't even calculate the number of races I've run over the past 20 years. But a rookie at really long time/distance running.

I found myself in the unusual position of feeling pressure about a race. Some of my running friends had high expectations of me and this really shook me. When it comes to racing, my promise to myself is that I always give it everything I have on that particular day. I can't even remember sandbagging a race and have never had a DNF. When I'm done, I want to feel like I left 100% of me on the course regardless of the distance. But I am human and have good days, bad days, and am sometimes very well prepared and sometimes not so much.

I went into the Hot To Trot pretty well prepared. I am not someone that goes crazy on training for a particular race. I log 50-70 miles every week regardless and have not, for several years, done much terribly special to prep for an event. This approach has served me pretty well in the past but has limits.

It felt like a family outing when I showed up at Sweetwater Creek State Park for the race. I knew many people and made some new acquaintances as well. The ultra community is an amazingly cool group of people.

This years race was billed the "Clash of the Champions" as it was the 10th year of the event. All past winners were encouraged to attend and even got complementary entry. But looking over the entry list, I knew the race would be between myself and Jon Obst. He is an amazingly strong runner and I barely edged him at last year's event.

I had taped an 8 minute and 9 minute pace chart on my arm. I proved worthless for the entire race. I finished the first loop at 7:10 for a 1.17 mile loop.....and proceeded to keep that pace for almost 10 laps. It was gonna be a long day for sure. The hill on the back side of the loop that I plowed up for the first 10-15 laps started to feel like a real hill....which it was.

Managed to get a full lap up on John after about 25 laps but I knew it was going to be a touch day for me when I finished 30 miles in the first 4 hours. Not appropriate for August heat, my condition, and the terrain. After about 5 hours, I was hurting like I'd never hurt before. I had taken a small spill and it caused a massive knot in my left quad. That and a far too aggressive pace brought my pace to a shuffle instead of a sprint.

Back to that pressure thing. I finished on loop and told a good friend and GUTS member that I was close to done. With nothing but good intentions she said something to the effect of "come on, I've got money on you". I admit I about lost it. I was struggling, hurting, and ready to call it a day. This comment was the last thing I wanted/needed to hear. I wanted to hear "hang in there....you are doing great". Got plenty of those, but the pressure comment just didn't sit well.

After 3 more hours or struggling and a little reflection, I can honestly say I am more proud of my performance at Hot to Trot than any other race ever. I didn't win, it wasn't a time/distance personal best. But I fought off a huge number of demons to finish the race. It took more mental and physical effort than any other race and 53 miles and 2nd place felt like one of my best performances ever.

GUTS Site

Twisted Ankle Marathon 2010

Can't quite figure out what to say about this years race.....
.....was it a huge disaapointment?
.....was it a race I can be proud of?
It was really somewhere inbetween.

The Twisted Ankle course is hosted by RD Becky at James "Sloppy" Floyd State Park outside of Summerville GA. While much of the trail is very runnable and fairly good footing, Becky has designed a course that makes this both a great run and one that will put a serious hurting on ya!

Met up with Nils bright and early for the drive up. I'd had a tough few weeks at work and wasn't really mentally stoked for the run. But I always know my attitude tends to perk up when the race number goes on! Plenty of GUTS runners up representing both the half and the full marathons!

I'd had a decent race up there last year and was hoping for a good repeat. At the start line, I see the incredible Malcolm Campbell and ultra-stud Dewayne Satterfield lined up for the full marathon and I knew I was in for a tough day!

The course starts with a nice loop around a lake then it's time for the first surprise of the day......Becky's Bluff. It's an insane mile stretch that goes very sharply up! Needless to say, there are periods of walking required! I had started out with Malcolm and another guy running the half and soon both were out of my sites. At the top of the ridge, the marathon takes a sharp right and goes for a couple miles before starting a gradual but long decent back down most of the mountain where it turns around and sends you right back up. I got a good measure of how far up Malcolm was at this point and he was about 5 minutes ahead by mile 8 or so. I figured he'd take me by 20+ by the end of the race!

After a return to the place you entered the ridgeline, you go the other way out and back. This is where the trail gets really nice! Beautiful rolling singletrack for 3-4 miles before you are dumped out on a gravel road for a mile to the turnaround. Got another look at Mlacolm and figured I was not only about 3 minutes back......some excitement started.....could I find enough to catch him???

The return trip was nice since I got to see a bunch of friends on their way out to the turnaround......lots of good cheers going both ways! Nils told me Malcolm was slowing and that I was maybe 2 minutes back. I made it back to the top of the mountain in pretty decent time and the aid station folks told me he'd just left 45 seconds ago! It was largely downhill from here.....not my strongest suit but I was refreshed and ready to try to make up the 45 seconds!

Half way down, I came to a 5 trail intersection and stopped dead.....I didn't know which way to go! Panic sat in. I collected my thoughts and looked for markers. There....a blue flag! I set out and soon started heading up. I certainly didn't remember that from last year, but then again it was a year ago. After about 7 minutes I realized I was headed BACK up the mountain.....not good. Turned around and flew back down to the 5 way....but still didn't know where to go! I picked the next best choice and plowed forward. My choice was again incorrect and ended up on a road a mile later. I could see the finish, but I hadn't run the right course. Given that I still didn't know the right way, I headed towards the finish. Crossed the line in 3rd about 13 minutes behind the winner. and told the RD I had not followed the proper course....but that I had certainly run extra. Becky was kind enough to give me third anyhow.

Disappointed.....a bit. I really deserved a DNF but had more than earned 3rd. Happy with the effort....I gave it all I had!

Jonquil City Jog 5K - The Gremlins Continue!

I remember laying in bed 6 years ago on a Saturday morning, tired from a late night out Friday. I had intended to get up and run the Jonquil City Jog 5K right up the street, but sleep called heavier than the race and I turned off the alarm and slipped back into a deep sleep.

8:00 am....I heard the bullhorn announcing the race then the gun firing......and the guilt sank in! I vowed to not skip a race within walking distance of my house ever again!

5 years later, the same result......a 2nd age group finish. While I am in no way displeased with finishing 2nd, the rub is this; They give Key Lime Pies to all AG winners. I've missed one 5 years in a row!

A couple years back, my bud Ron (the the 40-44 AG) finished a couple minutes back of me and got a pie....and I have yet to live it down!

The 2010 edition might have been my best shot! While I'm not in stellar short distance shape, a series of strong storms rolled in overnight and up until 6:30 am it was pretty nasty out. I thought this may keep a couple of the speedsters away and I might have a chance....

Race time approached and the roads were slick and heavy with rain. It was coming down lightly but the wind was kicking pretty good. I ran into a few ATC guys right before the race start and new my chances just took a turn for the worse! As always, they put on a great event here......good organization and a fairly fast course.

I ran well and after the first 1/4 mile didn't get passed and picked off 3-4 people along the way. Finished feeling strong in 8th place at 18:04....and 2nd AG! No pie again this year!

Life isn't all about pie (I probably wouldn't eat it anyhow).....but one day!

Sweet H20 Race Report

Love this photo........during SweetH20.....

My first time running SweetH20 this year. Johnny puts on a great event!

The Course:
Very pretty trails at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithonia Georgia. Some nasty hills. Like many ultras, it was....um....close to 50K (I swear it was 2 miles long!).

Iron Horse 100K Endurance Run

I have come to realize that there is very little personal accomplishment without friends and family there to provide support and encouragement. So while this might be a report out on my first 100K, it's really a reflection on all those who make each of us who we are.

About 2:30 Friday, I started to wonder what I was getting myself into! Delane picked me up at work and the snow was coming down hard.....and we had a 360 mile drive down to Orange Park Florida.....the hotel location for the Florahome, Florida Iron Horse Endurance Run 50M, 100K, and 100M event. After 4 hours of driving snow and sleet, we finally popped out of the severe weather and I was able to think about the fact that that I was running my first 100K in 12 hours.

I started the year with the goal of running 100K and began looking for suitable events.....and realized quickly that many were already filled. A GUTS member pointed to the Iron Horse Endurance Run. My first thought: Florida should be nice and flat. Somewhat a distant second was the realization that the race was like 4 weeks away and my long run in the preceeding 2 months was a leisurely 13 miles on the Silver Comet trail. Never claimed to be real bright! A quick email to the race director Chris confirmed there was still space and with little thought I stuck and stamp on the envelope and my fate was sealed.

My friend Nils pointed me to another GUTS guy, Ryan Cobb, that was running the 100 miler and I was happy to have someone to meet up down at the race. We both arrived too late for the race briefing at the hotel and after a brief 5 hours of restless sleep I tapped my wife on the shoulder and told her time to roll! It was a good hour drive to the start (Florahome is not close to much) and I cruised in around 6 with an hour to prep for the start.

The Iron Horse is held on an old railroad bed. The tracks are gone but not much else in the way of improvements. Lots of gravel...more on this later! It was a simple route....out 1.75 miles, turn around, back to the start/finish, then a long 11 mile out and back for a 25 mile round trip. I'd do the full loop twice then cover 12 miles to get the 62 mile distance.

Lots of nice people milling around before the race and a warm fire to help out with the chilly 38 degree temps.

And we are off.......after the 3.5 mile out and back I realized that flat didn't always mean easy! The trail was somewhat rocky and LOTS of spots with gravel that played havoc on the legs.....always had to watch the footing and I knew the uneven terrain would only get worse as the body tired! The first 25 mile loop came and went with little fanfare. Got to see Delane at a few aid stations (very friendly course for spectators) and it brought a smile to my face each time. But I knew it may be a long day when I realized that my watch said 3 hours flat. That was marathon pace, not 100K smart. I made a mental reality check and backed off to a more sane pace. Loop 2 was a much more sane 3:38 time. I was beginning to really look for my beautiful wife at each aid station for that smile and word or two of encouragement. Much needed. I was at 50 miles and knew it'd take all I had to do the final 12 miles. I was still running at this point but the pace was dropping fast!

I never thought I could hate something the size of a gold ball, but I started to really dislike the gravel! It had beat up my feet and legs for 50 miles and I swear I stepped on every errant stone the entire rest of the run! I took a few brief walking breaks to try to muster the energy for a decent finish and when I realized I had a mile to go there was much renewed energy....something about finishing my first 100K gave me new found strength. I can't describe the pleasure of crossing the line with my wife's big smile and the RD handing me my first belt buckle. It's something maybe only ultrarunners might know. I'm usually pretty interested in how I placed, but in this race it seemed almost secondary that I'd managed to cross the line in 1st place in 8:38. Happy with the win, but more excited about the finish.

I was so pleased to see Ryan Cobb wrapping up his first 50 miles and heading out for the next 50 looking fresh and energized. I had no doubt he'd bring it home! He finished his first 100 miler in 22:11. DWD Ryan!

A huge thanks to my training partners, friends, family, and especially my wife. She spent her Valentine's weekend standing out in the cold for 9 hours...her strength is my strength.