2007 Wrap Up & Ocean Beach 50k
Wow, I haven’t written anything in awhile. I was going to write a race report for Whiskeytown and never got around to it. Brad has been on me to update this blog too. I wanted some time after Whiskeytown to wind down and rest a little. That hasn’t exactly happened. While I have scaled my miles back a bit, I haven’t been a complete sloth.
My main reason for wanting to take a break is because while this is my first year for running ultras, I’ve also ran A LOT of miles. I’ll start from the beginning of 2007 and list my ultras:
January 14 – The Ghost Town 38.5 10:04
February 3 – Woodside 50k, 5:46
March 10 - Uncool 42 M 8:50
May 20 - Ohlone Wilderness 50k 7:36
July 7 – Angel Island 50K 5:32
July 28 – Mt Hood 50M 10:14
August 5 – Skyline 50k 5:56
August 25 – Headlands 50k 6:12
September 28 – Rio Del Lago 100 Miles 26:53 (that’s hours and minutes!)
October 13 – Firetrails 50M 10:53
October 27 – Whiskeytown 50k 6:11
I decided late in the year that I would concentrate on PAUSATF runs and I placed 7th overall in the 40-49 year old age group, that on the strength of 6 runs and a finish at Rio Del Lago.
My second reason for taking a break was the fact that I started the year with a bout of ITBS and finished with PF. In fact my ultra debut at The Ghost Town was after recovering from ITBS and next to zero training. I then had a DNS at AR50 after running a 30K at Pirates Cove and injured my psoas muscle. Thus I was back for the Ohlone 50k with again very little conditioning.
Things were getting better during the summer as I ran a PR at Angel Island. Then about a week later I began experiencing symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. I was determined to finish a 50 miler this year and I thus ran Mt. Hood in Oregon. Considering my little time running ultras I was happy with my finish. August was busy as I completed two more 50k’s and paced Barbara Freedman to a finish at the inaugural Headlands 100. With all the miles in August, I signed up for and finished Rio Del Lago.
What a year is has been. It’s not over yet though. As I said I’ve scaled my miles back but I’ve also incorporated more cross training; my favorite activity being group cycling or a twice-weekly Spin Class. Usually my miles are done in the morning, when I get up and before I leave for work. This week has brought rain to the City. I love running in the rain. I also like to get miles in by running home from work. While it’s all on pavement, I do get some hill training.
So next up is my own invitational run, the Ocean Beach 50k on Sunday December 16th. It is truly a beautiful course, incorporating 5 miles out and back on the Great Highway then a trek through Lands End, the Seacliff neighborhood and across the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ll then continue into the Marin Headlands for a 12 mile loop then head back. I’ve got a few spots left and for those willing to participate, I’m offering up a T shirt to commemorate the event. Shoot me a comment if interested.
There’s your update Brad! Cheers, jeff
