Weston Rotary Half Marathon

This is the second year I have run this race, and I really like it.  The race is extremely family oriented.  They have all sorts of stands for business, a couple of bounce houses, and shows after the race.  I really like the kid karate show.  Those kids are good.  The race itself is good to.  100% flat course with a casual setting.  There are not very many speedsters that show up, everybody is just there to have fun.  There is also plenty of room to run.  Nobody is bumping people over or yelling.  The first aid station wasn't set up, so the first water stop was 3 miles in.  I don't believe I heard a single person complain.

Today was the first time I can say I ran a half marathon where the hardest part of the race was the first 5K.  I went out to go warm up before the race.  I made it about 1/8 a mile before I realized there was no hope there, as I wouldn't be able to do much of anything anyway.  That was it for my warm up.  The first mile of the race was horrible.  I was tight and breathing heavy at a slow pace.  Nothing hurt, it was just not working right.  Jodi was also running the race and she also ran the all night run Friday night/ Saturday morning.  I am pretty sure I would have turned around after the first mile had I not know she was in front of me.  She said she would be running over a 2:00 marathon.  I figured if I could just keep 9:00 I would see her.  That carrot worked for me through the second mile.  Except, I didn't quite get the 9:00, but close enough 9:04.  Mile 3 was a little better but it was still a bit hard to actually run and not walk.  By the end of mile 3 I was feeling great.  I had a 5 hour energy in my pack waiting for me at mile 5.  I figured I could hold off until mile 7.  I chilled with a couple of guys that where hoping for under 2:00.  When I hit mile 5 I was starting to kinda feel it again.  I decided to go ahead with the 5 hour energy as planned at the 5.  It took about a mile to hit.  Mile 7 I was back in the game and feeling great.  I was keeping 8:30ish after this and it was feeling easy.  The race was easy again.  I wasn't going all out because I didn't want to hurt anything and because of the first 3 miles I was nowhere near doing anything cool.  I decided to become a motivator.  Every person I saw slowing down or walking, I'd get them back going and then take off until I found the next victim.  This was a lot of fun.  My favorite was the girl I saw in the last mile.  She was doing well, but I could see that she could run faster.  I told her to come on and she sped up.  She stayed on me for the next 1/2.  One part of me was ready to take off, but that wasn't what I was out there for.  With a half mile to go I decided to part a bit.  I created a bigger gap and she followed closely but not completely.  The final sprint was my full attempt at running in the race. I did it in a 7:07 pace.

I feel that I am finally getting faster again.  I averaged 8:36/mile on the race and it was an easy race (out take the first two miles).  I think a lot of this is due to the push-ups, core and pull-ups I have added to my every day routine.  It sure isn't my lack of running.  I think I would have been able to run a lot faster had I had muscles ready for work.  Now to a good week of training.

FUR - Full Moon Maniacs All Night Endurance Run on the Beach

I know I shouldn't have, but I couldn't resist.  I don't regret getting out there and having fun with other ultra runners.  I am not sure why, but some people have this delusion that I am fast. I like to enjoy running.  I also had no reason to hold back I have been training for a full marathon to run a race with Kenny.  Except it is looking like his shin isn't holding up and he might not be racing it.  I needed something to occupy my head.  The lack of running has been too nice, lol.

The Garmin stats are pretty cool.  I can point out each of the sections.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/133759200

Miles 1-6 or 7ish I ran with Jeff.  He was just getting back from the same injury that Kenny is struggling with.  I originally thought that I would be keeping a 9:30 pace.  I even felt like I was keeping that pace, but nope I was pretty close to 9 with some sub 9.  Remember that my latest and longest run was 18 miles and I averaged 9:20 and I remembered it being tough.  Why not go faster and longer?

Honestly, it hasn't even been a day but I don't remember who I ran with next.  I remember it was guy and he was running the pace that I wanted to be running.  Jeff dropped back and called it a day to keep his injury astray.  I felt comfortable for the next section.  It was a lot shorter.

When I came back for the South loop I ran with Chloe.  I really just wanted to chill so we had some conversations and a great time.  This section we did a walk run.  Her goal was to get in 40 miles today because last time she got 35.

Craig didn't arrive until after 10:00 or something.  I picked up him as a running partner for the next loop.  However, he was playing catch up.  He wanted to get in 50 miles and be 2 hours late at the start.  He had some Nutcracker thing.  He was going faster then I wanted.  Add talking and running sub 9:00 wasn't working out for me.  Plus I knew he wanted to try and catch up to where I was at. He didn't believe that I would let him. I told him I had no intention of trying to get the most miles in.

 I had a 10 mile lead on Craig when we met up.  At this point in the race I only had a 30 mile run in my mind.  I have a half marathon tomorrow that I wanted to race.  I also don't want to mess up any speed workout next week.  Having to do any recovery after this was out, plus stating again... my longest run was 18 miles and that was last weekend.

I ran the next section all alone.  It was just me and my music.  I kinda like this part as well.  I just got in my zone and sat comfortable, plus I love music.  My stomach got to some point that it did't like me.  The other end didn't like me either.  Eric, helped my find an emergency bathroom.  I had to stop and walk a few times here to make sure I had my butt squeeze on.  Not the Lap 10 and 11.  Yeah they kinda sucked.  I decided right after this it was also time to take out the caffeine.

Out came the caffeine... and nothing.   That was really odd.  It wasn't nothing, it just kept my pace to what I was doing earlier in the day.  Generally I can but off a massive amount of time.  Eric decided to give me several espresso chocolate beans.  I caved after a few pushed.  This stuff is dangerous.  I took off and didn't stop for 10 miles later.  I don't think anybody could stop me if they wanted to.  I was flying.

Then the rain came.  The rain wasn't bad, but I didn't like being out there in the lighting by myself.  I tried to drag several FURbies out in the rain and everybody declined.  Eric got nominated because he was the host.  He did a South loop with my while I hid under his armpits every time I saw lighting.  He didn't like me much for this.  He was nice and cozy before I brought him out in pain in the rain.  I hope later looking back on it he partially enjoyed himself.

Instead of going out for another loop.  I figured it would be a great time to take a nap until the lighting went away.  The rain was gone, but the sky was still lighting up.  Except, I was freezing cold.  It was windy, I was wet, and yes 72 is freezing cold.  After my horrible attempt to a nap I decided I wasn't going to run any more because I still wanted to race a half marathon Sunday morning.  I was going to walk for two reasons:  keep warm and make those out on the course not feel like they are the only ones out on the course.

I dragged Tim O'Maile and wow I totally forgot his name, but he did lots of drinking and running.  I think dude two had the record number of drinks in the evening.  He was great, it was awesome.  We did 10 miles of walking together.  I tried one lap of walking and it was just wayyyy to boring.  When you are walking and it pain it isn't so bad, but walking just to stay warm.  Not cool.  The shortest distance take forever to cover.

The last 10 miles Jodi Samuels joined Tim, dude, and me.  We separated the last 8 because we just started walking faster.  I was getting bored of the 16 and the pace was dropping to 18.  I wasn't into that, and Jodi followed me.  Sorry guys, my bad.  At least we didn't start running.  I was feeling really bad.  Jodi was totally fit to run.  She was as fresh as a cucumber.  I was lacking in the fresh department here.  Running just a 9:30 seems to make my heart rate just hate me.  You know that feeling that it is working hard, but isn't really?  It was one of those and that makes me nervous.  It isn't a high heart rate or a low.  The effort just doesn't match the heart rate.

I like Jodi.  She is doing the Croom 100k and she is going to do great. Her focus on training is great even without a coach.  I kinda have to have a coach to keep me focused. My focused just goes back and forth with too much running and no running.  I need help at both spectrums.

11 minutes to 7:30 and I was 2 miles short of 50.  Dangit, that isn't going to happen at walking speed.  Eric said since we both showed up really late that if we ran the last 2 he'd let us count it.  Jodi booked it, and probably kept a pace of sub 9.  I really had to push to do a run walk with the small run sections at 9:30.

The day ends with some yummy drink that makes everybody smile and go home.

Now 8:00pm Saturday night, and I haven't slept since Friday night.  I am heading off to bed to see what can happen at a half marathon tomorrow morning.

Another dilema

I should be on a Ultra Marathon break.  I am training for the Miami Marathon January 29.  My running is actually going really well.  My speed is coming back and I can still keep my distance.  Except, these fun things keep coming up.

The all night Sun of a Beach run is this Friday.  However, the Sunday after, I have a half marathon that will determine the pace I should be running the full.  If I run the all-nighter, I can't race a half marathon two days later to my full potential.  With it being a race, which I want only to determine how fast to run a marathon, it makes the race useless.  However, since I am running the half marathon at whatever Kenny is running I could just spectate the half and bring my girls and I still have the pace I will be running the full marathon.

So the thought: to all night or to not all night.

The Lottery of Ultra Running for 2012

This year I have made a few plans, and back up plans, all of which include getting accepted into an unrealistic lottery. The question to be answered by the end of September is the lottery the unrealistic part or are my 2012 goals the one with the issue.

My lottery races include Western States, Squaw Peak 50 Miler, HardRock, and Wasatch Front.  My paid for races include Palm 100 - 100K Individual, Vermont 100, and Leadville 100.

Regardless of the lottery I will be starting my season with the Palm 100K March 24. * Means even with that plan I may or may not get in via the lottery.  Wasatch Front gives you a partial entrance if you are registered for the Grand Slam, but I am not sure if they do the same thing for the Rocky Mountain Slam.

Common Set Races:

• Palm 100K:  March 24
• Squaw Peak 50 Miler*: June 2
• Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay with my family:  June 15-16

Choice One (< 10% chance): Western States Entry (Grand Slam)

• Western States : June 23-24
• Badwater Pacer:   July 16-18 Pacing my buddy and coach Scott (dependent on his entrance as well)
• Vermont 100:  July 21-22
• Leadville 100: August 18-19
• Wasatch Front:  September 7-8

Choice Two (7%-15% chance):  Hard Rock entry (Rocky Mountain Slam)

• HardRock 100:  July 13-15
• Leadville 100: August 18-19
• Wasatch Front*:  September 7-8
• Bear 100: September 21/28?

Choice Three (Reality Check):  My lottery luck was bad and didn't get slam race but I still intend on having a fun year.  This is what I should do anyways.

• Badwater Pacer:   July 16-18 Pacing my buddy and coach Scott (dependent on his entrance as well)
• Leadville 100: August 18-19
• Wasatch Front*:  September 7-8
• Bear 100: September 21/28?

The story here is costly and I better get my running legs back into gear and be careful with every race. I think this means an end to doing free things for people and to start charging.

I am committed

I know I am little behind on my blogs.  The truth is, they are sitting in a Word Document waiting for pictures and reduction, and I planned to re-write my whole blog but I have taken on other project that consume my time.  I will continue to use this for a little bit longer.  Once I have the Bear site up and running it will be time for my new blog, and my other idea to be reveled when I get to be 80% done :)

Anyway, I have decided that I am ready to eat right to run well instead of run to eat whatever I want.  I have been gaining weight fairly consistent since my first marathon.  I lost over 30 lbs when I started running and got to 120 and stayed there until just after my second marathon.  I met my goal of qualifying for Boston and my focus went away.  I then got into ultra, and well that doesn't help you loose weight.  In fact you gain 10 lbs running ultras, I did anyway.  I think it is because you have to eat while you are running instead of running every morning on an empty stomach.  Long Story short, I am now sitting at 135.  That is fat for an ultra runner.  Problem is, I feel sexy and think I look good.  Motivation to eat right was gone because I could still run well.

Today my running suffers and I think it is time for me to transition from being the fat ultra runner to a runner.  I still am going to run ultras because that is what I like to do.  I don't like running fast, but I like suffering.  I can suffer for a long time and actually enjoy the suffering.

No amount of running is going to make me thin, when I live on a sea food diet.  I am going to actually commit to eating right.  I am also going to work on my core strength.  There is a six pack in there waiting to come out.

Goodbye ice cream, pizza, candy, donuts, bagels, pasta with extra cream sauce, and pretty much everything I eat now.  Hello, meat, vegtables, and fruits.  I am going to pretend that my kidneys still don't function.  That worked really well after my kidneys failed.

Bear 100 Crew Support

I have finally done what I have wanted to do for years thanks to the help of many. I wouldn’t have had the desire to do it out of nowhere, nor would I have been able to do it without them.

Kenny has been there supporting me in my decisions, even though I don’t think he necessarily thinks it is the best idea. He picks up all my slack, which is just about everything. Especially with spending quality time with our girls CJ and Sienna during the week when I am working or running, and during my long runs on the weekend. He does all of this while still maintaining the lead in his cycling for Cat 3.

I would like to thank Andy and Jim for putting the desire there in the first place. I got to be Andy’s first pacer on his first 100 miler, which was Wasatch 100. This was eight years ago. As he said it, it was about time. I let a couple things get in the way. Like the fact that I didn’t run, and well I lived in Florida and still wanted my first to be in the Utah Mountains. I was a little late in the process of registering so Wasatch 100 was out for my first, but Jim recommended doing the Bear, it would be a little bit easier and just as beautiful.

I would also like to say thanks to my coach Scott D’Angelo. I searched around for about a year to find the perfect coach to get me going on my first 100. In the mean time I was playing around with marathons. There would be a couple things that wouldn’t be the easiest and I needed somebody special. I could have easily just downloaded a training plan and I would have followed it. The motivation to follow a plan was there and I would have done most of it even without a coach. I needed somebody that would adjust my plan accordingly. I wanted them to be experienced in running ultras in the mountains yet living in the flat land. All too often you read, if you want to run an ultra in the mountains you need to train in the mountains. That wasn’t an option. I wanted to do my first in the mountains and I wasn’t getting out of Florida any time soon. Seriously, where do you find a flat lander that is a rock climber and prefers running in the mountains? I also wanted somebody fun and happy to be around, yet a serious tough guy. You can’t be around Scott without his nice content happy smile, yet Scott gave me large amount of fear about coming home without the buckle. Every time I was thinking, oh man this is hard; I would think about my explanation on why I didn’t finish. He told me just before the race, if I don’t finish, it better be something good, which was clearly defined as a broken leg. I didn’t break anything. However, I will admit at one point in the race I did experience pain that was instantly sharp and painful that I thought I broke my toe, and still had quite a bit of miles to go. Scott has been with me since January and got me through my first 100 exactly how I wanted it to be. I will admit that I took his training programs religiously. I did 98% of the workouts exactly as he described.

Jennifer Vogel has been a huge part of my motivation and inner strength. I like to think, what would Jen do and it always makes me push harder and training and racing. She is an inspirational athlete and a great friend. Her abilities are beyond grasping; at least I can’t really put a handle on it. I’ve written about her experience at Badwater and just in ah I was the whole time. Even though she did encourage a different selection of my first 100 for a couple of reasons (cough, couch… kidney failure three months prior, and the fact that I can’t run up hill), when I made my decision she helped me with everything I needed to finish the race. This race in particular I was able to move on past a blister issue because I could imagine it possible after watching her do it during Badwater. I know a blister sounds like such a minor thing, but I can tell you, it hurts really badly when things go bad with a blister. Okay, fine I’m a baby, even ice on my feet is too much.

The biggest thanks go to my crew and all they did for me to get me through the race. My dad was my crew chief, and my crew-pacers where Kevin, Johanna, Andy, and Jim. I also got Mark as an additional support crew in the middle of the race. He started the race in the morning, but decided that it was more important to spend the remainder of the race being a motivator. They all put up with me and motivated me during the course. There were times in the race, that I wasn’t the nicest. I think Jim got the meanest me. I guess I am not a morning person. I even yelled at him for feeding me, and balancing my hydration because I was tired of eating and peeing. He kindly said I can either do exactly as he says or DNF, I followed and well finished.

Dad, thanks for putting up with me, taking care of me the whole way, and not listening to what I wanted and instead giving me what I needed. I ran 100 miles, while he got to drive over 200 going into and out each of the ten aid stations. He only skipped one aid station where crews where allowed because there wasn’t going to be anything that I needed and the race director said that aid station was busy because crewing is allowed at that point. Sorry, you didn’t get any time for reading or sleeping. Even though I was very adamant about not stopping at any of the aid stations and just go in and out, he did an excellent job of stalling me. The Franklin Trailhead aid station was one of the critical points. I guess I wasn’t aware that I was tired. I thought I felt fine at this point. They had a nice big fire and comfy chairs available for sitting. I had no interest in sitting by any type of warm fire, or a chair. Instead I was eating my soup shivering like crazy standing feet from the fire waiting for them to get me my pack. They were great at each of the aid stations, except this one. They had nothing ready. Johanna radioed in a full mile before the aid station exactly what was needed. I was upset that nothing was ready. I would ask for each thing one at a time and they would go to the car to get it and bring just that one item. I finally caved in and sat by the fire to dry my soaking wet feet after crossing a river. I could only imagine what my feet would have done had I not done this. I was really upset that he didn’t listen to me and got me sitting and not just sitting but sitting by a nice warm fire. I was even more upset when leaving because I felt even colder even though I had just added an extra layer of clothing. I came to find out later that I was slurring my words and my reaction time to everything was delayed by several seconds. He knew I wouldn’t leave without the items I needed so he was prepared but did everything he could to delay me from going out too soon. My race plan and his race plan for me where completely different. I had no intention of stopping at any of the aid stations or sitting for any reason other than changing my shoes. At night he had me stop and eat soup at each of the aid stations. I tried eating the soup standing up the first time but I spilled on myself. Given that I didn’t have an aggressive time goal, the stopping turned out okay. I still think I didn’t want to stop, but hey I finished and my body is still functioning perfectly fine afterwards. Here I am in the airport about to get on my second flight home within 12 hours of finishing, while still eating and drinking normal. Thanks again dad for helping me finish healthy.

My first pacer was my little brother Kevin. He started running last year and he has gotten fast very quickly. I am betting some day in his future he will embark on the same challenge. He is 15 right now, and I don’t think it is a good idea for him to do long distance yet, because he should be focusing on speed, but someday in his life I bet he does it. He doesn’t agree, but we will see. He started pacing me at mile 45 at Temple Fork. This isn’t a fun section. I told myself before the race that if I can make it past this section, then the buckle is mine. I felt bad for him with how slow I was going the entire way, but the good news I warned him in advance. Night set in 30 minutes into the run. The second the sun goes down the temperature drops about 30 degrees. I was grateful for bringing head lamps and a jacket, and that cup of Mountain Dew. I generally run with caffeine, but did the entire day part without so it was nice to get my first jolt of caffeine. His flashlight was much cooler than mine. It was really bright, but mine was sitting by my eyes and the RD said to wear it by your eyes so you can see the reflectors on the trees. Kevin, also got my second to last section. This was after I realized I could walk a 30 minute mile and still finish with my time goal. I walked this whole part, including the downhill. I was tired, wanted caffeine, and my feet hurt. It was also another uphill section where I was mentally prepared for all downhill. There was only one mile of downhill in all of the running with Kevin. Good thing he is a good hiker. He was much nicer than he promised to be. He was my only pacer that allowed me to walk. My other pacers would start doing a dance if I ever stopped and walked. I think I made him afraid after puking three times. I didn’t puke due to stomach issues; it was because of the inability to cough out all the dirt clogged up in my throat and my lack of controlling my gag reflex.

I met Johanna when I was visiting Utah back in July. I was out on a run in Payson canyon, while she was out on a bike ride. What other chic goes out in the woods with a Bear notice by themselves. I knew she had to be cool and I wanted her part of my crew, plus my crew was missing chics and it needed at least one. She joined me right after, what I think is the hardest climb. Night was in full affect and it was freezing cold, being from Florida, anything below 70 fits into this category. It was actually their warmest night. This section was nice. The stars where amazing. I never stopped and checked them out, but I would look up for a couple of seconds and they were so bright they could night blind you. I loved running with her. Every time she would trip on a rock or root she would laugh, we did a lot of laughing. She also helped me on the last leg of the race. I think she wanted to laugh at my hill climbing abilities on the first steep climb of the last leg. I wanted her there on the last leg because I didn’t want to break down crying just before I finished with a guy. That would be foolish, and I wouldn’t be able to deny it later. I loved pacing with her, even though I don’t think I got close to crying. I was much more emotional when I qualified for Boston in Victoria. She made me feel like such a powerful person. I am constantly around people that I admire and dream to be like, and she made me feel like I was a dream for her. She will realize that she is a great person and I can’t wait to see her again. I will miss her until my next return to Utah.

Andy is my third pacer. Thank you for being tough for me when I sat down and pulled my sock off to check out a blister. He truly has the mind of an ultra-runner. Mile 65 or something, I stubbed my toe and about a minute later my foot was killing. I had to look at it because I couldn’t walk another step. It looks like a blister just opened up and the skin on my toe was still pretty good. A little blood and gross stuff, but not nearly as bad as it felt. I got my sock back on and went forward not being able to walk. He said just hop for a bit, then eventually you’ll be able to walk again, then later run again, and then finally something else will hurt worse. It didn’t work at first so I just put my headphones on and did my best to shut everything out. Then by the time I got to the aid station I was all better. I didn’t dare to fix the blister, so I just continued like nothing happened. I had no idea where I was going the entire time Andy led. I didn’t look for a single reflector or tag. I just followed, and boy did that make the stress of running get reduced drastically. It was worth all the dust inhalation for the remainder of the race. Too bad, since he was so good I followed my pacer for the rest of the race. I really thought I liked my pacers behind me.

Jim, the expert helped me on my most mentally difficult leg. I know some have issues at night. I slowed down at night, I was cold, I had ups and downs, and I hurt my toe but all in all I felt pretty good. I got to the lodge with Jim, where it was supposed to be night still but instead it was morning and the sun was coming up. I had 11 hours to go and less than a marathon. In my head the finish was in the bag. I could walk the entire way and still be good. Except, I got a little dizzy coming into the lodge and Jim fed me some ginger tea. That was yummy. We took off and headed to the coldest part of the race. My food balance was starting to get off at this point and Jim knowing how to balance what you eat kept feeding me stuff. He had coffee; which I have never had, nor did I ever intend to have, which he handed me. He would make me take my electrolytes every 30 minutes, when I like taking three every aid station. He also had me eating some food stuff. I was peeing every 15 minutes and it was getting annoying, but it did bring down my bloated belly. I would refuse everything he told me to do, until he finally said I can either eat it or DNF. I think he got a lot of entertainment in my hill climbing abilities, which by the way are none. I could swear what he was calling flat was uphill. Too bad he didn’t do a lot of downhill with me, and then I could have shown him my master downhill skills. Jim helped give my crew lot of information that helped me finish. I think if I maintained the goal of a 36 hour race I would have given out on the pain in my feet. By feet, I mean toe. After he finished the two legs, he let my crew know that they had to get me to run the downhill in order to finish. I was running out of tolerance and the time wouldn’t matter. Sorry Jim, for you getting my grumpy section, I promise I think I was better for the rest of the race. I really enjoyed all of our conversations. I was out of music on this section and had a great time talking. It also helped with the course. I love mountain biking so when you got to mark the course on your mountain bike, it made the running really easy because I would think about mountain biking the course. There are a lot of sections that there would be no way I could mountain bike up. I think I would have been walking my bike for at least 1/3 of the section we ran. I love how you let me refuse to move over for a stupid dirt biker again. I just wish we did that before, wait never mind I think they would have just run me over and killed me.

Thanks again for all the support at the race from everything. You got me there to the start and the finish.

Sun of a Beach All Night Run

I love Facebook, it is a great way to meet a lot of other runners that live in the same state as you but no where near you. It is also a great way to find out about a fun get together with a lot of experienced ultra runners greeting us newbies with their presence. I learned about an all night run on the beach 45 minutes from where I live. Starting time was Friday, 7:30pm and Goal time was Saturday 7:30am. This would be perfect training for my first 100 miler. I would be able to train running through the night and get a decent amount of miles on my legs. After 12 hours of running I would be able to experience running through the night on tired legs. Plus there would be plenty of people to push me. It is so much easier to push yourself when you are not alone. Everything was perfect and I was in. Then I met with my coach and the race was out. He knows me well enough that I like to over do it all the time.  After lot of begging, it came back in with a plan to follow.  Training through the night and training through fatigue, but not put all the miles on my legs.  I ran for two hours, stopped for three, ran two, stopped three, ran two.  I ended up getting in 40 miles in the six hours of running.

I got the meet a lot of ultra runner in the area, and I love them even more.  Especially when I am not competing and instead I am just training when they are racing.  It was great.  Until the next day.  Apparently my mind wasn't racing, but I my body was racing.  I hurt the next day more so than when I did my 100k.  I like the FURbies :)

Speed goat Race Report

Coming Soon

The week before Speedgoat Training Runs

There is more to this race than the race itself. I am going to write a bit a about my training runs prior to the Speedgoat 50K, as I feel they have great experiences like the race. I could not enjoy life any more than race day and the week before the race. The week before consisted of running up West Mountain a couple of times, Payson Canyon, Bonneville Shoreline trail, and finally being able to run up Mount Timpanogos. I spent time running with my family; with Kevin and Celeste joining me on one of my West Mountain adventures. I met an amazing girl named Johanna while running single track in Payson Canyon. She joined me running up Timp and for the final five miles of Speedgoat. Andy brought me to a sunset run on the Bonneville shoreline trail. I have written up separate posts for each trail

West Mountain Running

The first couple of days in Utah after the epic event of pacing Jennifer Vogel in a second place female finisher at Badwater I took it easy on the trails. There is a nice dirt trail just up from my parents house where I was staying. I believe it is the canal road. It is less of a trail and more of a dirt road. Just like my Everglades running. Getting there is a nice climb. By climb, I mean a small hill to my family members. I chose to walk the first half mile to avoid dieing before the workout. I started my clock every time once I was on the trail/dirt road. I of course kept the clock running for the return to the house since it was a fast downhill. The first run was with Lisa, Celeste, and I running. My mom and sisters Tiffany and Kellie quickly walked the trail. I did this trail pretty much every day. Including the days of my single track and hiking trail days.

The West Mountain canal running got me looking at West Mountain. My first thought was I want to run straight up that. The first day I went out I decided to head South before jumping over the canal. I got lucky and didn't have to jump over the canal as there was a path that I could cross the canal and go in an open field which lead to the top. I warmed up for a mile on the canal road and returned to the crossing. I started running up the hill and my speed quickly deteriorated. It became more of a fast walk. Progressing up the mountain and lack of breath turned into a couple of steps, catch my breath event. I was going to make it up to the Cell Tower. However, I had to be back for church at 12:00 so I would have 15 minutes to shower, do my girls hair and be ready to leave the house. I didn't have time to spare because of how slow my climbing abilities proved to be. It took me 40 minutes to make it one mile up. Every time I thought I was at the top, another peak showed its face. I turned around just when I got to the spot where I didn't have to climb another peak and could easily get to the tower. Time was gone and I returned home. Going down the hill took me 20 minutes for the mile. It was that steep. This was my first climb, and it didn't go so well.

The second climb was with Kevin and Celeste. We started North and decided to do ridge climb, which had a bit more gentle climbing grade with a few more miles. Instead of 1 mile to the top it was 5 miles to the top. It still lacked switchbacks and an actual trail. I was glad at the moment to be wearing compression socks as nothing was itching my legs. Celeste broke out in hives on her legs. There was one section of the run where we where almost stepping on sage bushes because they were too tight to go around. I didn't really like that part of the trail. Kevin and I went ahead and did a couple of runs up and down, while Celeste made her way up the mountain. I thought Celeste was going to hate me after convincing her to come with us. She didn't enjoy it during the moment, but I think she had fun after everything was over. The view of the city was nice. It was a little more hazy then my last climb, but I still loved the view. We were in the middle of nowhere and there was still a little city down below. The final 1.5 to 2 miles was on a four wheeler track and was a really easy run. Kevin and I ran this section then stopped to check out the view from the top. It was about the same as the first peak. Except now we had a view for both sides. I liked the view of the lake. Celeste had a 3 month old at home waiting for her and we where already a couple of hours into the run as we mostly hiked it with a couple of sprints here and there. We decided that we could descend the face of West Mountain faster then returning down the ridge. I also didn't want to bush whack through the sages as I would prefer to avoid any unhappy tics. This required fresh legs and lack of fear. You couldn't really go down it without taking one step and sliding about three in the rocks, grass, or gravel. It was a great mix of all three. There where also sections where we got to climb down. I thought that the descent was a lot of fun. We also stopped by a big hole and a cool little cave on the way down. The cave was fitted with a couple bones to add to the freaky factor. Kevin went in first so I followed and Celeste came in as well. Then we exited and returned down the mountain. We encountered one almost unhappy rattle snake, but he left us alone and just let us know he was there. Another successful West Mountain hike.

The after affects of both West Mountain hikes consisted of a couple of bruises on the ankles from the sliding rocks and hours of tweezer picking time from my socks and shoes. I also decided that the trail running shoes would not be sufficient for the Speedgoat. They did not provide much support. Steep descents hurt my ankles because they slid all over the place. However, I decided that it would be better to go with the shoes that wouldn't be good over ones I had never tried. Besides, I didn't want to go into town and try and shoes. I could have done it since I had plenty of days to try the shoes before the race. I figured the race would not be as steep as West Mountain because it was at a ski resort and they would be concerned over vegetation and anything that steep would be done via switch backs. I like my shoes anyways, they are really light and pretty.

Payson Canyon Bennie Creek Trail

The next day I decided to go running up Payson Canyon. There was a mountain biking trail that I have rode down several times. I have never biked up it. I only go down. We (Robert and I) generally park a car at the bottom and start at the top. I have also parked a car at Robert's house and bike all the way down the canyon. This trail would give me a good solid five miles of uphill at once. I can't get that in Florida. It actually ended up being just under 4 miles. It was a nice single track trail with a few people. There where no cars at the bottom so I figured I would be pretty alone on the trail. I ended up coming across two guys coming down on their bikes together, and a girl biking alone. I chatted for a long time with the girl. Her name is Johanna. She was deciding on which path to take, and ended up taking the path I was running. Good for her, I don't think I would have made it up on a bike. I offered her a ride on her return if she didn't feel like climbing. She is an awesome chic and didn't take up on the offer. We switched numbers and would meet up again. Running up the trail was easier. There was also two people on 2 stroke dirt bikes that stunk. I stopped and waited until their dust settled before going back up. The trail was a perfect combination of views. The entire trail was single track. The views changed from covered trees with a river, to open views of the mountains, and even a prairie view of colorful wildflowers. I didn't remember it being this pretty when I mountain biked it. This is one of the things I enjoy more about running. I really didn't think I would be running as much in Utah because how much I loved mountain biking. I actually didn't get on my bike once. My shoes stayed in their suit case. I wanted to the last two days but ran out of time. The Payson Canyon trail was better than West Mountain because the view was better, there was a trail, and I could actually run the trail as it was not as steep. The elevation was higher because the starting point was higher than the West Mountain, but the actual terrain was not as steep. I think, I would need to check the stats.

Bonneville Shoreline with Andy

The next day, which is now day four of extreme hills, consisted of a run with my friend Andy on the Bonneville Shoreline trail. The timing of the run was perfect. We got a view of the city of Provo during the sunset. The trail was easy to navigate and had a good amount of ups and downs. He brought his dog along, which was great at staying close. There was only one time where she wandered too far and we waited for a good amount of time for her to return. Andy was a little concerned because she had blood on her mouth but we continued our run. The trail is along the bottom of the mountain there is not a really big climb, there are just constant ups and downs. The first part of the trail was a good uphill. I was glad Andy let me walk it at the beginning. The next difficult part was running up Rock Canyon to the fence. I don't remember if the fence was green or yellow, but I am pretty sure it was a green fence. Once we hit the fence we chilled for a bit and let his dog have some fun in the river below. The return was much easier. It felt like all downhill. During the return we found a dead squirrel where we stopped last. Andy and I made the assumption that his pup was the culprit. There was definitely a look of guilt. The rest of the run was nice. I have missed spending time with Andy. I have known him since he was so young. Kenny has known him even longer than I. After the run we then stopped by his parent house and picked up some trekking poles that I could borrow for the race. I got home about midnight, which was bit late since I had planned to get up about 4:00 to summit Timp. I'd figured it would get me use to running hard with little sleep. It was planned, well actually that is a lie. I get carried away talking from time to time.

... Timp report to come for now I am going to bed.

Badwater Pacing Jen Vogel

... Report Coming

Fort Clinch Summary

The course was beautiful. You get to run along the beach and see a Fort, which has a lot of history. The trees create a very nice shade to keep you out of harms way of the sun. You also get to run along the beach. This year the rain from the day before made it easy to run and it felt hard packed. The navigation of the course is fairly easy. There are not too many obstacles to have to run over or under. However, it is not flat. The trail is either going up or going down. The one section of trail that is flat comes with warning signs for alligator crossing. I didn't get to encounter any alligators. The snakes where also missing for the 50 miler. They may have come out at night, I was passed out before then. The support was excellent. This included fellow runners/pacers/and volunteers. Find something you like about the pier. It is going to feel like the longest section of the race. You will do better if you don't dread it.

Florida has a great set of ultra runners, and I am thinking next year I am going to be doing a lot more in Florida. I am also going to include more Oleta trail running before the race. Running in the Everglades didn't cut it for running a hilly course. It sure helped with heat training. I didn't feel nearly as hot as Palm 100K in March.

Note for future races: DO NOT be on antibiotics if running a 50 miler that is over your limit. This is unless you think it is fun to spend a couple of days in the hospital for kidney failure and have nothing more than a DNF with 2.5 miles to go. Some may say the kidney failure was the heat. I am having a hard time with this, because I didn't feel hot and when I got ice, it didn't make me feel much better. I think my muscles where just beat, then adding a little dehydration didn't help the matter.

Fort Clinch Race Report

Fort Clinch 50 miler sounded like a good idea when I saw somebody post something about a fun race in June. It would keep me motivated to run my planned races of the year. I could have fun and get experience racing on a real trail. I have hiked and I have mountain biked single track. Many years ago I paced Andy on Wasatch 100, and I died at an 8K at Snowbird three years ago. Other than that I have not run on a trail that doesn’t mimic a dirt road. Why not try on a 50 miler?As a warning, if you don't like long winded race reports read my summary instead. I talk a lot here.

Since this race was not one of my pre-planned races, financially we took it to the minimum. We camped at the campgrounds close to the starting line. It was only $5.00 a person and it was beautiful. I think I would have done the camping method even if the choice of a hotel was available. Within the first ten minutes we where there setting up the tent, I had two ticks crawling up my legs. Scared me enough to run to the car and cover myself in two types of bug spray. Tick collection on the neck was avoided. The tent went up just in time for a lightning storm.

The first person I met at camp was Brooke while Brad was out testing the trails for a couple days before the race. There where there three days early. I loved chatting with her and her two little ones. Kenny made me a delicious chicken, white sauce, pasta thing. After eating, we drove to the starting to get to know where everything was the next day. We came back and everybody else at the camp site starting showing up. I got to meet a guy Matt that was running this race as he was moving. I met JJ and his girls. JJ explained how easy it is to trip on a stick once you get tired, and how suddenly it will hit at mile 40. I also met Ashley. Ashley was the first to head to bed and the rest of us followed at about 9:30 for a good night sleep, as the morning was going to start at 4:00am.

Race morning started and I was feeling pretty good. Not too nervous and full of energy. I was excited for a trail run. Met some more friendly runners that where just happy to be there. The race director was up and ready with everything a good hour before the race. The bathroom was nearby. Somebody left the sink running all night, they’re not very water conservative. I must have been a bit over hydrated, or more nervous than I thought. I can never tell the difference. Three bathroom breaks later with the final one being my monthly horror. Oh well, at least I will get experience racing with cramps because I’m not into having ibuprofen during a long race.

Three minutes to go so I made sure my watch was ready and my pack was on, then we where off to a slog. Second ultra event and I still don’t understand the whole delayed start and sure why not go the clock has started. Everybody starts off at an 11:00 pace for the first couple seconds then we settle into about 8:45 where I felt comfortable. I kept this for another two miles with Kellie and Ashley. Ashley pulled back about a mile and half into the run to a more intelligent pace. Once we hit the trail Kellie pulled back a tiny bit, and I kept about the same pace as the road. I caught up to two runners in front of me. I then remembered my coach saying keep it at 10:00 so since I got stuck at that pace I figured it was best for me to stay there instead of asking somebody to pull to the right and stop. About 15 minutes into the first trail there was a log in the middle of the trail. I was tempted to move the log because I didn’t see myself wanting to move it later nor wanting to walk over it later. I continued without moving it. This was a good choice because the race volunteers moved it before I hit the section on my second lap. The five mile water stop everybody stopped to refill. I was carrying enough for my 10 miles so I was back in front of this small pack of runners. I kept this spot for the remainder of this lap and the next lap. Everybody reassured me that they didn’t want to go in front and my jog was just right. I have the feeling they were thinking what I was thinking before. In others words, yes it feels too slow but it is probably the right thing. My problem was it didn’t feel slow for me. I would say it was more of a comfortably hard. Kenny greeted me at the end with a new pack all ready to go. He let me know that the other runners are carrying half the weight as I am carrying. I assured him that I wanted the water full but it was okay to drop the extra Hammer gel. The first lap was completed in 1:39:03 which puts me at a pace of 9:54/mi. This is exactly where I wanted to be on pace. Except, not what I wanted it to feel like. It was not the easiest 10 I have ever done. I was ready for my 5 hour energy shot to get my second lap in, and at this point I knew the 8 hour goal was not going to happen. Sorry coach, my legs just aren’t going to have it today.

Second lap in and we get to skip the pier. I was glad we only had to do on the first lap. Ten minutes into the lap and the 5 hour energy is doing its tricks. I could run fast and it would feel like a piece of cake. I lost a bit of energy trying to get my electrolyte pills out of my pack then swallow the four, but figured it was worth staying hydrated. Every time after this I will be taking my electrolytes from the aid station. Shortly after taking off on this lap Kellie and I realized that Krystle was behind us. We knew we didn’t pass her, so we came to the conclusion that the turnaround was wrong and we had to go further down the road to a second sign, and that we would make that up on this lap. When we got to the turnaround that said turn around we concluded that we didn’t need to go further. We didn’t cut the course, Krystle added to her course. I got to spend a lot of time with Kellie as we were still chatting during the second lap. We had a couple of entertaining chats, especially when she got to see me almost eat it several times. Yes, I tripped quite a few times even during my first lap. Being naturally clumsy I have the catching myself in my nature. I never fell to the ground. I didn’t even get to the point where I had to put my hands out. My foot always came around to catch myself. Sure enough every trip was my left foot and every catch was my right foot. I found my weak foot. My left foot big toe nail will be missing in another two weeks. At least they grow back. Hopefully, I didn’t affect the matrix (Brooke knowledge). Kellie and I also talked about how nice it was for Caleb to section off and groom the trail just for us. Running the first lap we made a note to walk down a steep section of cobbles, especially if it was raining. It looked rather dangerous to run down when tired. I walked it on the second lap as planned. Nobody fell. My excitement about not doing the pier was quickly smashed at the end of the lap. We had to do it twice in a row. Once for lap two, then right after for the beginning of lap three. Not cool. The completion of the second lap was much slower as I expected I finished it in 1:48:35 which is a pace of 10:51/mile. I guess you can call that running, but I wouldn’t. Kenny was again there to greet me with a new pack. I only drank 40 oz on the first lap and just 60oz on this lap.

I realized how badly my last lap went and knew that it wasn’t going to get any better. I also knew that Jen was going to be pacing me on the two laps after this one. I gritted my teeth and ran to the half way point. My head went through a bit of shock at the half way point. I thought no way can I do the second half faster, and I know I am not going to get any slack once this lap was finished. I did what I should not have done. I added walking into the steeper uphill sections. I needed to recover on this lap so I could pound out the last two with Jen. I knew I didn’t have any other choice in my future. I took advantage of my recovery moments. I walked in a 50, what a shame. Kellie was running with her pacer and was doing a great job. I was a little jealous that she had a pacer during the third lap. She stayed in front of me during this whole lap. I didn’t catch up until the end where I stayed right behind her for the last 2.5 miles. I got to run a section with Brad. He said Kellie thought I got lost. I informed him that it was just me going a lot slower and I haven’t gotten lost. Just thinking about me going slow made continued on my running and went through the hard section. I think the hardest section of the race is the last bit on the counter clockwise section. The hill sections are steeper and long enough to where my run real fast down doesn’t push me up the hill. It haunted me on my last lap. I should have never put this in my head. The completion of my third lap was 1:53:33 with a drastically slower pace of 11:21/mile. I did feel recovered and ready to run my fourth lap with Jen. It was nice to know two things. First, I knew Jen would be a great pacer and I would run just to avoid the embarrassment of lameness. Second, I already did the pier for this lap.

Start of the fourth lap began and not only did I have Jen, but I downed my second 5 hour energy. My magic potion was ready for use. I had another load of energy. The beginning of the lap I was in the lead (female 50) by 3 minutes or so, and I could tell that Jen was getting excited. I fell in love with the trail on this loop. I felt like I was riding a mountain bike, and got really into running. I didn’t look down at my watch for my pace because I wanted to feel like I was going fast, but I knew in reality I wasn’t even going fast enough for it to count as a jog. I think I only tripped once during this lap. I even had a squirrel moment. I think every time I see a squirrel it will always make me laugh. If you have ever seen UP, I am sure you are in the same boat. It is also funny if you have seen that utube video of horrible parents that let their kids play with a dead squirrel. I was exhausted before I started this lap. I couldn’t believe I was actually running at this point. Had it not been for Jen pacing me, I am positive I would have been walking by now. The end of the trail was coming and I was barely keeping up my slog. I was feeling really bad for Jen. I was destroying any attempt of a workout for her, but extremely grateful to have her there with me. I am sure she appreciated it, but since I was worked my talking was almost nonexistent. So I may have ruined her workout, but at least she didn’t have to listen to my chatter mouth. She alternated between being in front of me and behind me. It is pretty amazing how in tune she is with things. She quickly found that I did better with her behind me, without me saying a word. By the time we hit the end of the trail I was back to my third lap mentality. I started doing a walk run/ but not wanting to run. Jen again helped me focus. She had me keep my feet moving regardless of the pace. I settled into an easy pace. I even continued to run (pace of walking) on the uphills with my tiny baby step runs. It kept me from mentally having to start and stop. Everybody talks about how hard it is on your stomach to start and stop. I still haven’t gotten to the point where the stop wasn’t worth it. It is more of a mental issue for me. Once I stop I want to keep stopping. Starting again seems to be just fine. Or at least I will keep telling myself that so it never is an issue. I was able to keep this slow for another mile and half. Getting my mileage down was good because I ran out of water a good two miles before the aid station, which was at mile 36. I am still at this point trying to figure out how I ran out of water when I should have been starting with 70oz. I could easily have 70 oz last me two and half hours in hotter weather. Then we got on the road to the aid station, and I was told that I get to run the pier twice. Jen stayed back at the aid station with Kenny to get everything ready for my final lap. By the time I hit the aid station I had made a gain and was now over 6 minutes ahead. However, running the pier by myself didn’t work as planned. I walked. I didn’t speed walk. I slowly walked. My last mile was a stupid pace of 15:00/mi. This got rid of my lead completely. I was now in second and I didn’t care. Lap 4 done in 2:01:56 with an average pace of 12:11. There goes that fast pace I did at the beginning.

Final lap to go and I am in second, and again I didn’t care. I was toast and Krystle looked awesome, especially for having getting lost during the first lap for a good amount of time. I think she added like 3-5 miles to her first loop. As I was leaving my “I didn’t care” quickly changed. Kenny knew how upset I got when Ryan Hall would lose by like two seconds. I didn’t get it why he didn’t just push. At the aid station Kenny shouted out “two seconds”. That reminded me that I didn’t want to lose by two seconds, or lose by one lap. I start running to catch her. Then Brad was coming in from his fourth lap and he said something like “now this is getting interesting”. I interrupted that as yeah Krystle is going to win and you are going to lose. I quickly responded to him with foul language. Sorry about that again. Except, if you ever want to motivate me, be mean, or put me down. It will always get me going, and you never have to worry. Even if you do completely offend me and piss me off. I will be over it by the next day. I will come for anybody in the angry mental state regardless of how tired I am. I now cared. I was going to win. Second mental issue which got me going again is Jen wanted to get me out of the aid station as quickly as possible so she took off with my pack. I followed because I wanted more water. She was booking it fast, and I was thirsty already. I knew I would have to catch her if I wanted to drink. I got my pack back shortly after leaving the parking area, but I really thought she was going to make me chase her the entire lap for every drink. I was too tired to complain so I just went with it. I didn’t want to tell her that I was thinking that she would do that, because then when I got my pack back I thought she would take it back so I would chase her down for a drink. Off to the final lap with ambition.

Jen ran ahead to help me gauge my required performance. I would encounter a couple mountain bikers. After realizing she was gone for a very long time, I realized that Krystle must be way ahead of me and I was losing ground. I asked the next group of mountain bikers how far ahead the previous run was located. They said she was a good 100 yards ahead and that I would have to run fast if I wanted to catch her. I booked it as fast I could at this point. In other words, we are seeing some 11 minute miles going down. I got to the section where we are running along the beach and I could see Krystle just ahead of me with Jen running with her. If I ran for 30 seconds I could catch her. They then both turned around and realized I was just behind them. I was speed walking at this section because it was fully exposed to the sun and running this section seems to drain my energy the most, and since it was flat I could speed walk at a 12:00/mi. I deemed this as the best use of my energy. I know knew I was close to her and needed to push 100% at this point. I started getting wonderful calf cramps shortly after this. However, a couple seconds of running on it without caving to a limp would get rid of it quickly. Then I would start getting random dizzy spells. I drank more Hammer gel, and ate several peanut m&ms. The m&ms seems to revive me the most. Then I could not eat them anymore, they were disgusting and tasted like powder. We then got to a section where you cross the street to the trail. I looked down the road and Krystle was running off path. I shouted down because she was going the wrong way. I felt horrible. I wanted to stop and wait for her. Jen got me going forward on the right path. I was now in front and she was right behind me. Not only was she right behind me, but I knew she had a better finishing sprint than I could have. If it came down to a sprint finish I would lose. I had to create a pad. I ran as fast as I could. We then got to the half way point. I knew my water was almost gone at this point and that I should refill. However, I also knew that it would take time. I decided to try and make it last at least until two miles to go and I would start reducing my drinking. I should have handed Jen my pack and just go the one mile stretch without water and be greeted with a full pack passing the mid aid station again. However, that thought process came a little too late. I was still thinking go. Sure enough mile 6ish into the trail I was out of water, but this time four miles to go. I continued to drink my Hammer gel when I wanted water. My dizzy spells where no longer going away because I couldn’t drink it away. My vision was also not that cool. There was a tree that I loved going under. Every time I would laugh thinking about how others have to duck and I can run without ducking. Except this time it looked like it was going to hit me right in the face. I went with my mental state and decided not to duck. It was hilarious. This tree went from about to hit my face to over my head instantly. I started laughing and couldn’t really stop. This led to me a little hyper ventilating. It went away but kept coming back. Jen kept trying to tell me to control my breath. Take deep breaths instead of shallow. Yeah, I didn’t do a very good job at listening, but really I tried, except deep breath just led me to hold my breath.

Then my brain took over. Just as I saw the section in the road where you go down the road and back, you then have to enter what my head was telling me was the hardest section of the race. I decided I needed a break. I wasn’t getting a break from walking. I needed to sit for just a second. I have now learned that sitting is not a good thing when you are dizzy and out of breath. I later found out that I passed out and Jen had to slap me in the face to bring me back, then I passed out again and she dumped my ice on my face and brought me back again. Then she just told me to keep talking. My race was over with 2.5 miles to go. I officially suck. So what if I passed out. I still consider this giving up. I know what my mind was thinking. It was thinking about that hardest 2.5 miles of the race and I didn’t want to do it. It was going to be hard.

The rest of my evening and the next day where spent in the hospital getting 8 bags of IV into my arm. I ran myself into rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. I pretty much felt like that as well. If you are ever curious, you can have these issues without being nauseous nor have any pain in the back. I would think that if my kidneys where failing I would at least feel kidney pain. This isn’t true. Today is day nine after the race and is officially the longest I have taken off running in years. It sucks. It is worse, because I feel fine now and want to be running. However, what I want more than running now is being fresh for pacing Jen at Badwater. I can’t wait to be part of the best race with the best racer.