A Runner's Journey on the Great Highway

Whether You Like it or Not

2008-11-11T05:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, sad but true, Proposition H8 passed! At this time of year I should be getting my ass ready to run Ghost Town in January. Unfortunately life has happened. I'll still be going to New Mexico in January and walk/run/crawl, finish or don't finish.

More importantly right now is the fight for the civil rights of the LGBT community. Please join me this Saturday November 15 10:30 AM at San Francisco City Hall for a peaceful protest against the unfair passage of Prop H8. Isn't it time we put ALL discrimination behind us?

Vote NO on Proposition 8

2008-10-13T09:02:00.001-07:00

11/4/08 vote

2008-07-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

PEACE

Next Up

2008-06-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Runs
Friday 6/20/08 – Saturday 6/21/08

Today is Saturday, 6/14/08. I’ll be doing my last long hike before my 2nd 100 miler, the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run. I love that, what a title!

I haven’t been blogging for quite a while. I’m a little disappointed in myself as I’ve completed some spectacular courses which I’m proud to write about. The excuse? Lazy I guess. The stretch from the beginning of April until now included a 100k, a 50 miler, one of the more difficult 50k’s and a flat and windy 50k in the City. Now I’m sitting here getting ready to meet up with Eldrith for a double dose of the Dipsea Trail.

Bighorn has me a little nervous. Just go to the website and check it out.
http://www.bighorntrailrun.com/

I’m confident in my training miles although the past couple of weeks I’ve probably tapered a little abruptly. After the WS training run a couple of weeks ago, my right psoas is screaming when I run. That concerns me but I keep reminding myself of Bighorn and how much actual hiking I’ll be doing. Hiking up the hills doesn’t aggravate the leg like running does. Then the IT band on the left leg begs for attention as well. So I’ve tailored my last couple of weeks more for hiking than running in hopes of keeping on my feet and moving forward without ripping muscles apart.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

I’ll be doing the Bighorn almost entirely with Brad by my side. We will be driving to Wyoming filling the hybrid up with $5/ a gallon petro. No crew and no pacers. We plan on sticking together. One of my concerns is going to be food or lack thereof. I’ve heard mixed things on the aid stations at Bighorn. It would be nice to have some real food especially before the helacious climb to 9000 feet. Even sitting here typing this, the thought of ingesting shot blocks up that thing nauseates me.

I’ve seen the pictures of the trails: Gorgeous! Finishing would be nice. Coming home would be better. I had to resort to checking with the Wise and Magical Yoda (free with a purchase of $10 or more). First, I gave him the question Will I complete the Bighorn Wild and Scenic 100 Mile Trail Run within the cutoff time? His answer came back: You will know. I was unclear what he meant. Oracles and mystic ones are like that. So I asked him, Will I Brad and I complete the 100 miles together? And his answer was : Yes, it is so.

So there you have it. Shit, I should have clarified that last part. Together does not include a body bag does it?

A DNF and Ribbon Anxiety

2008-02-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

Here I am post training run yesterday and contemplating my upcoming marathon and yikes, doing my taxes! Yesterday I ran at the Marin Headlands with fellow ultrarunners, Buzz and Brad. Originally I was going to be doing just roads for a while. My next three races coming up are definately road races. Then with my focus more on the big price this year, Bighorn, I decided to build some hill strength.

Since my last post, I managed to DNF at Woodside and then I added the Sequoia 50k two weeks after that so I could still get a long run in before the marathon, even if it's on trails. Miles are miles and again, the big prize is not finishing the marathon. Woodside was a little discouraging as I was looking forward to it. In the end, it wasn't my day. Looking back, perhaps I went out a little too fast thinking I could hold on. Then, stomach issues kept me more on the side of the trail than actually running it. A bad case of the Fuck-its came over me and that was it. At 18 miles I waited for another runner's friend to pick him up and I caught a ride back to the finish.

Sequoia turned out to be just a perfect day for running. My experience a couple of weeks before had left me shaken. I really approached the run as a training run but once the number goes on the shorts, the mind set changes, even if slightly. One thing I didn't want to do was just take my time and walk up the hill at the beginning of the run. What kind of training is that? I wasn't out to wear myself out early but still, I could walk up hills or even walk some flat section later. So I sort of scrurried up the hill, like a field mouse. Eventually Brad was there on my tail after about 4 miles. With him was a guy named Ray, from Berkeley or Concord, I'm not sure which. No offense to anyone in particular, but I hope its Berkeley. I was taking my time for the first 8 miles. This is pretty much when I fell apart at Woodside. I got through that part then tried to maintain a pace I felt comfortable with.

Sequoia truely is just a beautiful course. I was having a good day. I made the decision to only carry one water bottle. I probably could have used two. We were about 2 miles from the end of the first loop and yet we haven't descended enough. One just knows its coming. Then the aid station just 1.7 miles from the start/finish. After that it's almost all down hill and some techinical downhill at that! The section took a toll on my unconditioned quads.

The second loop is only 20k. At the beginning of it I sensed I was in trouble. The last downhill took more of me than I anticipated. I really wasn't going fast either. So I told Brad my strategy would be one of walking 5 and running 5 minutes until I sufficiently recovered. One guy was passing us saying come on guys this sections flat, you gotta run. He would later finish after us, getting off course somewhere. My strategy worked and I was able to keep moving.

Eventually we encounted a big pile of ribbons on the trail. Apparently ribbon bandits had already swept the course and left ribbons in a pile. Those bastards! What is it about seeing ribbons on a trail which causes people to do foolish things? If anyone reading likes to do this, consider, there are people on the trail who haven't run this course before and are going miles and miles in a direction away from where they started. It dangerous for them if they can't find their way back as they may not have enough water or clothing to stay out long. Why do they do this? Because they paid their money expecting a marked course. I hate this subject. If I catch anyone moving or taking down ribbons, I'm going to squirt you with my water bottle. I encountered a few on the trail suffering from what most certainly would be called, in a clinical setting, ribbon anxiety. I'm sure there is even an ICD-9 code for it. It's the feeling one gets when running on trails for more than 5 minutes without spotting a ribbon. Self doubt creeps in. Am I going the right way? Should I go back to where I spotted the last ribbon? Will I run out of water? Will anyone care? It's aweful. Poor bastards.

I managed a finish at Sequoia; in 6 hours and 24 minutes. In the end, my hill training needs some work. It's early in the year (excuse 1.) We had a week a really hard rain (excuse 2.) In the week since Sequoia though my daily runs have felt good. My legs are strong and currently healthy. Bring on the Napa Valley Marathon!

Reality Check

2008-01-31T06:36:00.000-08:00

Thursday Morning
31 January 2008

I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize someone who has made an impact in my training this past year. Actually this person doesn’t realize it. Yesterday was the last day of spin class at the Embarcadero YMCA with the instructor Sarah! She has been the volunteer instructor for the past 10 months there. I started sporadically going to spin class and when she took over the Wednesday morning, 6:30AM class, I started to go more regularly. I really enjoy going to a spin class at least 1 or 2 times a week. In that 1 hour I get a really intense cardio workout. In Sarah, I found an instructor who is motivational and encouraging. She is an active triathlete and she brings an approach to bicycle training, which I’ve found useful for my personal conditioning. In short, I’m lazing when it comes to doing my own speedwork and I’ve been using the spin class for crosstraining and leg strength. So I wish her luck as she moves to Santa Rosa and in her 3 sport adventures! I’m always actively recruiting so I hope she comes to the darker side of ultras soon!

This coming Saturday I’ve got the Woodside 50k coming up. I’m going to confess and say that my training the past week has not been what I would have liked. It rained for most of the week and I was left feeling down. The truth is I took 5 days off with no running. Ouch. So my legs are feeling really rested. I’ll probably be a little slower this weekend. My prediction: I’d still like to break 6 hrs at Woodside. The year is just starting so I won’t get too excited. With only about 5 weeks until the Napa Valley Marathon I don’t have a lot of time to condition. The reality is that each of the “races” is really training for the next one. I don’t expect to be tapering for Napa as it leads right into the Uncool. So I think its too early to be concerned with my speed, I’m still building some miles.

Ghost Town 38.5

2008-01-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hillsboro, New Mexico

I was very excited to return to Hillsboro, New Mexico this year. Not only was I returning to my first Ultra, but I was also going to be running with my best friend and running partner Brad Niess. Last year my performance was hindered by lack of training, but this time I prepared both mentally and physically.

The Ghost Town 38.5 is challenging in that it combines both elevation and weather. It starts at around 4500 feet and climbs to nearly 7000 feet. This will prove to be quite an obstacle for someone residing just yards from the Pacific Ocean. Also the temperature at the start was a mere 13 degrees; quite a bit cooler than my daily morning runs where the mercury usually tops in the 30’s.

Brad and I arrived in Hillsboro with our crew member, Carroll on Friday. We stopped by Susan’s place to register and chat. Also in attendance was Susan’s husband Matt, a hard-working and instantly likeable guy. In addition to putting on a well organized event, Susan makes the runners feel like part of her family. This in itself will keep me coming back.

On Sunday morning the runners gather at Susan’s cabin which gives us a chance to warm up and mingle. We get a 5 minute warning (“My race starts on-time!”) and we head outside. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO! The first 6.3 miles are along highway 152 between Hillsboro and Kingston. Over these first six miles the elevation climbs 1000 feet but it’s hardly felt. The real challenge here is keeping the hands from freezing. This year I brought along some pretty thick gloves and my finger tips still begin to ache. I follow Brad’s lead and stick the water bottle under my arm and keep my hands in the pockets of my vest. I filled my water bottle with Raspberry Electrolyte Drink which by the second aid station was the consistency of a 7-11 Slurpee! Each time I take a drink I get a shock to the system like jumping into cold water. I make a mental note to ask the runners from the colder regions how they run ultras with a water bottle!

Although I did my best to focus on the course, the elevation was becoming a challenge. Even running on the flats, my breathing felt like I was running uphill. Brad and I reached the turnaround together but he immediately ran behind Matt’s truck and looked like he was going to puke. I grabbed some juice and apple slices. After a quick change of clothes I told Brad I was leaving. On the way back he was having a difficult period. I held back for as long as was comfortable and then tried to coax him forward. I’ve ran with Brad through a half a dozen ultras and the guy has a talent for rising from the dead and finishing strong. After calling back with some encouragement he told me to go ahead. I hated to do it, but at around mile 22 I made the decision to run my own race.

Now on paper, the Ghost Town course looks deceptively straight forward; after all, the majority is run on a service road with some elevation change. The course becomes highly technical between miles 16 and 24. To say the road is not maintained is an understatement. Remarkably, the calories I took at the turnaround have kicked in. For the first time in the run I’m having a good time and waving to runners going the opposite direction. I can’t reach the #5 aid station soon enough though. The weather has drastically improved and I strip down to one shirt and my tights.

The majority of the course on the way back is down hill except for one section about 2 miles which is uphill. This is perhaps the first time I start to question my sanity for undertaking this course again. What is it about this sport which draws a person to repeatedly punish oneself? Am I a masochist or sadist? Perhaps I was starved for attention as a child or am I hypoglycemic? I make another mental note this time to google sanity when I get home.

By the time I get back to the highway, Brad has yet to materialize. Its 2 miles to the last aid stations and I tell myself if he shows up after that, it going to be a foot race to the finish. Knowing his propensity to appear out of nowhere, I find myself peering over my shoulder. One of the joys of the Ghost Town during this time of year is it gives me the opportunity to gauge my fitness. The last miles are a rude awakening that I’ve got some conditioning to look forward to. I’ve adopted the run walk approach still peering back and prepared to make a break for it should anyone appear. I’m able to finish strong. Susan cheers all the runners in and this year she tells me she thinks she’s seen what I’m capable of. I beg to differ; I’ll be back!

Introducing the Ocean Beach 50k

2007-12-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

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

Dick Collins' Firetrails 50 Miler

2007-10-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

October 13, 2007

With Flames

Just 3 weeks has passed since completing my first 100 mile endurance run and I was at the starting line of the DC Firetrails 50 Miler. Takeing place mainly on the East Bay Skyline National Trail, it begins at Chabot Lake and continues on to the hills above Berkeley. It had rained the day before leaving parts of the course extremely muddy while others parts were hard and rocky. The morning of the run was slightly chilling so I lined up wearing shorts, a short sleeved tech shirt with a long sleeved tech overtop and a pair of gloves. I was sporting a brand buff with flames. I decided to run alongside Brad Niess for the duration of the run. In addition to also running his first 100 miles 3 weeks ago, Brad was also running on a twisted ankle.

Our goal at the starting line was to finish in less than 12 hours. We are both signed up for Whiskeytown the end of October that being the last ultra for the year. I’ve just began running ultras in January of this year. I started the year with an injury, and I’m looking forward to taking a few weeks off at the end of the year to recharge.

Get Set, Go!

At 6:30AM, we started out very conservatively running with a flashlight as it was still dark for another 45 minutes or so. For the first 10 miles we found ourselves way ahead of our projected 12 hour finish. In fact we arrived at Skyline Gate (mile 15) in 3 hours. At this pace we would finish in 10 hours. Unfortunately sometime after Skyline my energy went south. I had done the Skyline 50k back in August and I was familiar with the trail up to Skyline Gate. As we continued towards the turnaround, it seemed like a the climb upward would never end. I was trying to visualize the elevation chart from the literature and was certain that the trail would begin to descend. The frontrunners began passing us just before Steam Trains and the trail was still going up. It was now around 11 AM. The morning clouds had cleared up and temperature was getting warm. My outer shirt was now around my waist. We started our descent to Lone Oak and it seemed like when the trail finally flattened out it was a still a long way until the turnaround.

Lone Oak Turnaround

Brad and I arrived at Lone Oak 5 hours and 25 minutes after the start. I changed shoes and filled my water bottles. When I sat down I really wasn’t feeling well, but that means nothing. Brad was ready to go not relying on a drop bag. I checked my watch and got up. We were still on pace for our original goal but had lost some time since Skyline. I got up and my calves were cramping really bad. Another runner was leaving the AS at the same time as Brad and I. He asked if I had taken a salt tablet and I replied that I had. He asked if I had drunk any water recently and I replied that I had. At this point Brad asked if I was just agreeing with everything. I learned later that Brad was concerned that I was not going to finish. That never entered my mind. I decided to take another SCap and more water. A man crossed our path on a horse and asked us a question. I tried to speak but what came out of my mouth was not English. I was obviously slurring my speech so I took another SCap and drank more water. It was probably ½ mile past the turnaround when I started to feel better.

We began the long climb back to Tilden Regional Park. Brad and I noticed that although we were walking we were not going slowly. In fact, we managed to pass several others on the way up the hill. Eventually we were running again. I was relieved. By the time we got back to Skyline Gate, at the 8 hour mark, there was new life in my stride. The best part was discovering they had grilled cheese sandwiches at Skyline! Brad and I each grabbed a quarter of a sandwich. We were 13 miles from the finish and were contemplating changing goals. Barring a major meltdown, we could easily finish in under 12 hours but a sub 11 hour finish was within our reach.

Chasing a Rabbit

Feeling good, we managed to run the majority of the way to McDonald Gate. Once past this AS we had one last climb. At the top of the climb we are about 8 miles to the finish. The trail at this point was not muddy but rather sun baked and hard. We passed one runner on the side of the trail puking which prompted me to take another SCap. We arrived at Bort Meadows and I checked my watch. We are 9 hours and 40 minutes into the run with 5.8 miles left. We leave the AS running at a pretty good pace and contemplated whether we could make the finish in under 11 hours. We reached the final AS and made the decision to just fill up our water bottles and run the rest of the way. My legs are feeling great as we are running about a 10/min pace, though after 11 hours I’m getting winded easily. Brad on the other hand is like a greyhound chasing a rabbit; it’s difficult to hold him back. In fact Brad is pacing me to the finish. He’s keeping a pace right in front of me feeding me words of encouragement. He’s mapped out the final couple of miles, telling me when hills are coming up. He’s never too far in front of me yet he doesn’t slow down for fear that I might slow down. With the finish in sight I told him to take it as he can easily out run me. Instead he insists that we cross together. We crossed the finish in 10 hours and 54 minutes and a few seconds. Thanks to RD’s Ann & Carl, and the absolutely wonderful volunteers (people that managed traffic on the highways, aid station personnel, cooks after the run, people that do everything else.)

It's Saturday and I'm Back on Mt. Tam

2007-10-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am two weeks post Rio Del Lago. The initial soreness is gone. I was sore until about Wednesday or Thursday after RDL. I know Wednesday I went to a Spin Class at the Embarcadero YMCA (Sarah rocks!) After that I had some lingering soreness in the quads on my right leg. I really thought it was some minor tissue damage and sure enough it cleared up. This past Wednesday evening I met Brad (Oakland-needs a nickname...) in the East Bay and we did some hills for 3 hours on the Skyline trails. See bradniess.blogspot.com

So this morning I met up with Buzz, Eldrith and Brad for some trails on Mt. Tam. We could not have asked for a more perfect day. Sometimes when the morning is a little warm, we could get some fog but today was crystal clear. Now, don't get me wrong as I do like the fog. On certain trails the scene is rather surreal but today we got perfect views of the City and the bay.

The Golden Gate Recreational Area and Mt Tamlapais State Park are popular locations for several of the ultras in the Bay Area. Pacific Coast Trail Runs has several runs a year as does Envirosports and the infamous Dipsea races. Include the adjacent Marin Municipal Water District and the surrounding areas and there are literally a hundred miles of trails to be run.

Yes, today was a good day to get out and stretch the legs. Next Saturday, three of us will be running the Dick Collins' Firetrails 50, with Buzz taking part in a relay (Tucson I believe.) Then in 2 weeks, 3 of us will be going up north to Shasta for the Whiskeytown 50k. Whiskeytown will probably be my last race until December as I'm planning a short break. December 16, 2007, I'm hosting the first annual Ocean Beach 50k. Spots are limited as this is FREE. Anyone interested can contact me at eugenecub@juno.com and I'll supply some information. This is a fun run. Wind, rain, sharks, tourists, anything. We will run. Then in January I'm back to New Mexico for the Ghost Town 38.5. For anyone who has not heard of this event, check it out!

OK, that's the upcoming events. Yeah, I could probably put them in a list on the side. That will give me something to do later (add pay my bills to that list.)

If anyone is interested in doing some trail running in a small group on Saturdays in the bay area, drop me an email. We will be meeting up at various locations including but not limited to the Marin Headlands, East Bay Trails and Mt. Diablo. No spam or none of that stuff. I'll just tell you where we'll be.

Rio Del Lago 9/22/07 - 9/23/07

2007-09-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

~Brad and I in the gymnasium. Brad has just arrived and I've had time to shower.~

I finished. Let me get that out of the way and say that it took me 26 hours and 53 minutes to get back to Cavitt School and complete my first 100 mile endurance run. My emotions got the best of me as I ran by the timer and into the gymnasium. I immediately looked for a place to sit away from the people crowded there and I was literally pulled over to sit by the doc. I collapsed in a folding chair and when asked how I felt, I sobbed. This doctor said something like “look you finished 33rd out of 98 starters, how does this compare to previous ones?” I told him this was my first. I remember my partner Carroll standing there and Pete, a friend I met a week before. Pete was beaming telling me how proud Eldrith would be of my finish.

I met Eldrith back in January of this year. I was overcoming ITBS and not sure if I could run an ultra. After a disappointing run at the Ghost Town 38.5, I ran with Eldrith and several others including Buzz Higgins almost every weekend. I learned a lot and started hearing more names as they introduced me to people. All the time I was emailing Eldrith for advice. As I prepared to run AR50, I got injured again. I took 6 weeks off. I had signed up for the Ohlone Wilderness 50k and ran it against the advice of Eldrith. One thing I did learn was to believe in myself. I also learned “Do as I do, not as I say!” Wink.

I can sum up this part by saying that 2 months ago I wasn’t sure I could do 100 miles. I did my first 50 at Mt. Hood in July. I took on the attitude of, “ready or not, here I come.” As for training, well a week after Mt. Hood I ran the Skyline 50k and then paced Barbara Freedman for the last 50 miles of her finish at this year’s Headlands 100 (PC Trail Runs.) Considering my history of injuries this was a lot of miles, but I believed I could do it.

So this differs from my previous race summaries. The blow by blow goes like this:

The weather decided to cooperate the weekend of the annual Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run held in Granite Bay, with partly cloudy skies, light rain and temperatures in the mid 60’s during the day. A month prior I met up with Lee and Wini Jebian at Cavitt School, the start and finishing lines of the RDL, to learn the beginning of the course. It was blazing hot that weekend, as is the norm for this run. A record 98 runners started the 100 miler with 75 finishers. Jon Olsen smashed the course record by 59 minutes en route to his 3rd consecutive RDL win, finishing in 15 hours and 31 minutes. Other standout performances were 15 year-old finisher Michael Kanning (27:47) and 71 year-old Dieter Walz (29:53.)

Carroll and I arrived on Friday in Granite Bay. We drove by Cavitt School and the first couple of aid stations to map out a plan for the morning. Along the way I pointed out certain key restaurants like Round Table Pizza and Subway, commenting how nice it would be to have food at certain hours during the run. By 4PM we were at the hotel to check in. From there we would return to the school to pick up my packet, and weigh in. Once weighed in, a medical personnel wrote my weight on my bib. This would be my starting weight for the race. Certain aid stations in the run were designated medical stations were I would again hop on the scale. A drop in weight of a few pounds was expected but more than 7% of starting body weight could be the symptoms of dehydration or something more serious. The serious part was never explained to me. I just knew to watch my water, electrolyte and caloric intake.

I awoke Saturday morning at 3:45AM, ate breakfast and after some brief stress relieving stretching, I was downstairs to meet Eldrith Gosney and Buzz Higgins. The 3 of us drove to Cavitt School. Once at the school I also met up with Brad Niess who along with Buzz would by my running partners for the first 55 miles.

After some brief announcements by Race Director Norm Klein, the run starts promptly at 6AM. It’s dark for the first hour so we’re running with flashlights. I’m sticking close to Brad and Buzz as I said for the first 55 miles or so. We kept a conservative pace, aiming for 12 hours to complete the first 50 miles. I do tend to pee more than the other guys for some reason so I had a strategy of running ahead, peeing, and getting back in line with the guys. The first aid station where crew was allowed was Rattlesnake Bar at mile 12. We arrived roughly 20 minutes ahead of our projected time, perhaps a little fast but we were feeling pretty good. After leaving Rattlesnake Bar, the next aid was 7.1 miles and it was water only. Actually, it was self-service as vehicles were prohibited at the Power Plant. After Power Plant, it was another 1.5 miles until Maidu, the next full service aid station. With a total of almost 9 miles between aid, I grabbed an extra water bottle in my drop bag at Rattlesnake Bar.

Where’s Buzz?

The last 2 miles before the Maidu aid station we reached the first major climb in the run. It’s called Cardiac Hill and it’s about 1.5 miles to the top (Cardiac: think steep!) After getting to the top is a short sprint to the Maidu aid station. From there is a short 1.5 miles to Auburn Dam Overlook, the first medical checkpoint and the first of nine cutoffs. We arrive at 11:00 beating the cutoff by a comfortable hour and 40 minutes. Eldrith is somewhere behind us and I’m worried about her. I know she started with an injury. She’s tough and won’t just drop. She’ll have to miss a cut off before leaving the course. I hop on the scale and I’m down 2 pounds! I think Buzz and Brad both gained a few pounds. Where? How? Things get crazy here as I see Brad but where is Buzz? Buzz takes off without us! My first thought is that he’s feeling good. Then Buzz picks up the pace and is just gone. I’m thinking he’s either mad at something or he wants to turn it into a race. So Brad and I continue on and as we are crossing No Hands Bridge around mile 25, we get passed by frontrunner Jon Olsen who just left mile 44 on the way back! Whew, perhaps Buzz is trying to catch him??

I’m a Mountain Goat, I Love Hills, Bring It On!

Brad and I reach the aid station at No Hands Bridge and finally catch up with Buzz. OK, it was a misunderstanding and he thought we were in front of him. Brad’s crew is waiting for him and Carroll’s there. We leave No Hands Bridge and almost immediately begin the climb up the most brutal climb of the run, K2. K2 is a series of 7 climbs each with a false summit. So at least one can count the number of times they don’t reach the top. Huh? A question I’m often asked is “Do you run the whole 100 miles?” Well, the answer for me is “No.” Now Jon Olsen back at mile 25 probably ran up K2. My attack is going to be different. I decide that I’m now a mountain goat, that I love hills. Bring it on! As I ascend K2 I repeat this mantra. At each summit I’m getting more and more confident and I’m getting a little faster. At around the 4th hill I pass a fellow runner (fellow mountain goat?) We exchange phrases like “Keep it up, looking good,” In no time I’m at the top. I’ve banked a little time so I walk a bit to let Brad and Buzz catch up. Right when I’m thinking that they should be right behind me I realize that it’s me that’s off course. I tell Brad I’m going for 101 miles.

Pizza Anyone?

Did I mention that Carroll timed my arrivals perfectly? When Brad, Buzz and I arrived at the Cool Fire Station (mile 30) he was seconds behind with a piping hot pizza! No, I’m not pulling a DK but pizza is my comfort food and I was ecstatic! Remembering those two pounds I’m down, I take a couple slices and without stopping I’m off. The course after leaving Cool loops around for 5.5 miles, climbing another hill before arriving at another liquid only aid station. The Knickerbocker Hill aid station is like a lemon aid stand on the side of highway in the middle of nowhere. From there it’s 2 miles back to Cool and another slice of pizza. Mountain goats love pizza! The second time at Cool is another cut off. We needed to arrive at 5PM and I believe it was 2:30 when we got there. More importantly though is that Carroll informed us that Eldrith checked in the first time at 1:30. She was only a half hour behind us and she was still on the course. That’s our Eldrith!

After leaving Cool our spirits are high. We are ahead of schedule, the major hills are behind us and we are heading back to Cavitt School. Buzz tells us that the trail back to No Hands Bridge is where Eldrith and He got off course last year for an hour. It felt good when we successfully stayed on the trail the whole way and made it in great time. Soon we were back at the Auburn Dam Overlook still beating the cut off by over 2 hours. It was another medical check point and when I stepped on the scale I was now down 4 pounds! Of course Brad gained another pound. I was cautioned to keep drinking water. Did I mention that I was peeing more often than those two? Maybe if I didn’t pee so much I would be gaining weight also.

Night Fall

At the Auburn Dam Overlook we picked up another member of our party: Brad’s first pacer, Paula joined us. Paula was a welcome addition with her smiling face and fresh legs! She joined us just in time to descend Cardiac Hill. After Cardiac it was roughly 6 miles back to the Power Plant. It was during this stretch that a fellow runner and her pacer passed us and I stayed on their heels. Meanwhile, Buzz, Brad and Paula remained back a little way. I would have to pee sooner or later and I knew they would catch up, probably at the Power Plant. We reach the Power Plant and sure enough I have to pee. Upon leaving I’m now running with Buzz. Actually I would no longer be running with Brad during the run. We are just past mile 52, it’s been 12.25 hours and the longest that either of us have ever run. Darkness would be arriving shortly. Brad has a pacer and I’ve got Buzz. I still have the flashlight I used in the morning, which would give me enough light until we reach Rattlesnake Bar, where I stashed another flashlight and my headlight.

They Mostly Come Out at Night

Just before arriving at Rattlesnake Bar, I can hear a few cowbells and some spectators are offering up greetings on the course. Then through a clearing and we’re at the aid station. Jeff Barbier who has just flown in from Tuscon and will be taking over crewing duties for Brad immediately greets me. Someone offers to fill my bottles and ask if I need anything. I ask about the drop bags and I’m frustrated when looking inside I can’t find spare batteries. I’ve located my headlight and extra flashlight though. Buzz looks ready to go and we’re off.

In what seems like a mile down the trail, Buzz mentioned something about his weight on the scale. “Was I supposed to get weighed back there?” I asked. When Buzz answered yes I panicked. Now what? I missed the medical check. Buzz suggested I just keep going. It’s less than two miles to the Horseshoe Bar and it’s dark by this time. I see Jeff Barbier at Horseshoe Bar and tell him about the medical check and ask his advice. He goes over to tell the volunteer who then uses the radio to call over to Rattlesnake Bar. I heard them say #42 checked in. I explain that they got my number but never asked for me to step on the scale. “Just go,” the volunteer told me. “You are clear to go.” I can’t remember getting anything in the way of water or food there as I was so spun. Again, Buzz and I are off.

We are not a tenth of a mile down the trail when my flashlight goes out. No problem as I grabbed a spare back at Rattlesnake Bar. I pull it out of my pack and it’s dead also. It’s a good idea to put fresh batteries in before packing it, I suppose. Since I didn’t find my batteries though I’m down to my headlight. The next 6 miles into Twin Rocks are a rolling section of extremely technical trails. It’s slow going as my eyes are watching my footing and occasionally I’ll turn to locate a flag. The rustling in the bushes indicate the nocturnal wildlife is looking for food. I can make out the musty odor of skunk, which is similar in character to the ripening bud of sensimilla. I doubt anyone out here is partaking. The good news at Twin Rocks is that someone’s crew offers me a couple of double A’s. The family of ultrarunners are some of the nicest people around and I thank you! With light again I leave Twin Rocks. For the next 37 miles, I’m essentially running alone as Buzz begins conserving energy.

It’s a Small World After All

I’m feeling really strong as I arrive back at Cavitt School. There is the more people assembled here than I have seen in a while. The first order of business is to hop on the scale. I’m down 7 pounds. I’m asked if I wouldn’t mind hanging out for a bit, trying to down some soup and fluids. I turn and someone asks, “Jeff? From San Francisco?” Yeah that’s me. It’s David from Eugene, OR who I ran back and forth with at Mt. Hood; small world.

Buzz arrives as soon as I leave Cavitt School and just before I turn off the trail to head down the levy into the darkness, I pass Brad and Paula. Then I catch up to David from Eugene and for the next 4 miles we say very little but run together. We catch up with another runner from Folsom whose name I didn’t get. Once we pass through the Negro Bar aid station I’m now on my own. Several runners are passing now in the other direction on the way to the finish. Two runners are in complete darkness with no light source. I pass one runner just before Hazel Bluff who is wrenching badly, his pacer hopelessly watching.

In My Element

When I get to Hazel Bluff I decide to ditch the extra clothes I added at Cavitt School. It doesn’t really cool down enough to warrant them. Besides the next six miles are along the river and I feel more in my comfort zone. I’m used to getting up at five in the morning and running along Ocean Beach with the wind blowing salty air over the water. The only thing missing is the symphonic foghorns (and the fog) serenading the ships. I find it incredibly peaceful.

I’m a little confused at the trail once I cross the river and Jeff Jones catches up to me. Sometimes the most obvious route is misleading so I need to learn to trust the flags. The trail is also pretty flat at this point. Running is becoming difficult, so as long as I’m walking faster than I run, that’s my plan. On the way to Willow Creek I pass Chihping Fu who is walking really slow but he gives me a “Good job.” Gordie Ainsleigh is heading back in the opposite direction and appears to be in a Zen-like state. I pass Jeff Jones again and once more I’m alone.

A Familiar Face

I finally arrive at Willow Creek and it’s 80 miles into the run. I’m feeling the effects of being up for 21 hours. I thought this was the turn around though and I’m informed I’ve got almost 3 miles to go. Just don’t make me get on a scale, I thought, and they don’t. Then I hear my name called. I look and hear, “It’s me, Heather.” Oh a familiar face. It’s Heather Perry who it turns out is actually pacing. Her runner and her are looking strong and the three of us start off towards Mountain Lion Knoll. Heather appears a bit surprised I’m without a pacer. We pass through a rather noisy underpass and see what appears to be a TV monitor but it turns out to be nothing but a sign. The crowd there reminds me of the beach crowd at night and once again I’m home. I tell myself to just keep doing what I’m doing. This is what I’ve been doing practically every night for weeks, which is walking in the park at night. Runners are no longer passing us in the opposite direction so the turnaround is near. Once at Mountain Lion Knoll I take a few minutes to enjoy some hot soup and melon. Cavitt School is 16 miles away.

A New Day

As I leave the turnaround I’m just determined to maintain a steady pace in a forward direction. I remember passing Michael Kanning and his dad, walking but looking strong. Back at Willow Creek I have to jump on the scale and I’m fighting for a couple of pounds. My starting weight was 154 and he sees 148. I see 150 and he gives it to me. I briefly check my feet for blisters but the dirt is so thick I decide against doing anything. On the way out of Willow Creek I run into a confused Heather who is going in the opposite direction with her runner. We get back on the trail and I won’t get passed for another 10 miles. I cross the river and head up the hill back to Hazel Bluff. Carroll hands me an iced coffee and I suck it down and I’m off. I’m halfway to Negro Bar when the sun comes up. The new day hits me hard. I have my first meltdown and pull it together before running in the Negro Bar aid station. They tell me I’m looking good. I think they learn that at orientation! I’ve since forgotten about trying to focus on what I’ll need at the aid stations. I’m filling my bottle with water and I’ve got enough Endurolytes. The thought of drinking Gatorade is disgusting. The volunteer hands me a cup of potato soup and I chase it with more iced coffee and I’m off.

The new day has brought out the Sunday morning runners. How pathetic I must look to them at this point as they run on by. It’s up one last creek bed littered with rocks and I pass another runner with his pacer. Just before Folsom Dam Park, the last aid station, someone is coming up behind me looking awfully fresh. It’s David from Eugene, OR who’s gotten a new set of legs. By this time the balls of my feet are aching so bad I’m sure that my socks have bunched up and caused major blisters. When I get to Folsom Dam Park waiting for me along side Carroll is Eldrith! My dearest friend made it to Cavitt School before dropping. I check my feet and other than the fact that they are in pain, there’s nothing wrong. My voice is nearly gone. I give Eldrith the Reader’s Digest version of the night. I’m 3 miles away from finishing my first 100. I tell her I could walk to the finish and still make it. She reminds me that there is nothing wrong with that. She tells me she’s seen more runners drop in the final miles for pushing themselves. But I’m so close I want to finish in under 27 hours. She stays at the aid station to pace Buzz to the finish and I take off trying to pick up the pace. Finally, I see the levy and know the school is near and I’ve got a half hour to get there. Not knowing how long it would take, I try to run. It feels awkward and painful but 26 hours and 53 minutes since the race started, I rounded the corner of field at Cavitt School and finished.

I can’t thank enough those that got me to the finish. In addition to Carroll, Buzz Higgins, Brad Niess, Barbara Freedman and Jeff Barbier, I should mention the numerous volunteers, Norm and Helen Klein, all the runners at RDL and host of colorful characters like the guys that sleep in the park. Everyone has a unique story that’s full of inspiration, so thanks.

Thank you Eldrith Gosney for helping me believe that I could do it.

The Start

2007-09-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Myself and Brad right before the Start of Rio Del Lago

The Bridge Closes at 9PM

2007-09-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ocean Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge
September 12, 2007

It's not often that I do any running over 5 miles during the week so when someone offers to accompany me to do so, I take them up on it! In this case, Brad, from Oakland, and I did what will be for me the last major run before RDL. It's that taper thing you know. Brad met me at work and by 7PM we were off.

Our planned route took us from Ocean Beach through Lands End, the Sea Cliff neighborhood (say "Hi" to Robin Williams) and across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a gorgeous night for running. Again, I wore the suspicious looking skull cap and black shirt. See that running through Sea Cliff with a flashlight and tell me I didn't just rip someone off! Yeah, just kidding. Brad was rather light with a short sleeved shirt. Once across the GG we decided to take the coastal trail to the SCA trail and ridge in the Marin Headlands. On the way up we encountered some wildlife (here kitty, kitty.) Once at the top of the ridge the wind whipped like crazy. Brad was a little chilled but the views are spectacular! This is where the story gets good!

We made our way back down the trail and right as we are under the bridge, we hear a buzz and the sound of a gate. Of course I thought we were too close to something, when Brad states, "The gate is closing!" Gate?? What the....

Yes, at Vista Point we got down the steps leading to the bridge and there it was: a sign stating that the bridge closes to pedestrians at 9PM! These gates close. There is also a sign stating to push a button to talk with a toll booth operator. Brad pushes the button. I hear one side of the conversation as Brad explains that he is from Oakland and doesn't know any better. He hangs up and says that someone will come and get us. Why? and miss the oportunity to sleep at Vista Point? Darn.

We waited by two phone booths then about 8 minutes later a uniformed police officer approaches and asks if we are the guys that need a ride across the bridge. That would be us. He leads us over to a police car. I looked at Brad and told him, "That's OK I'll get in back." We both get in back. It was a little cramped and I was about to ask the nice officer if he could move his seat up. Well, it had been a while since I was in the back of one of these, I forgot how uncomfortable they are. As we journed across the bridge, the officer chatted with us and we both realised how bored he must be. On the other side it occurred to me that he would have to let us out.

Those bridge closures really slow a person down but what a laugh! Back on the other side we finished our journey. I have just one weekend left before the Rio Del Lago 100 mile endurance run. This weekend I'll be making my final plans and getting together my drop bags. Stay tuned.

Heat Training

2007-09-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mitchel Canyon Trailhead, Mt. Diablo State Park
Saturday 9/8/07

For this weekend's trail run, I decided to incorporate some heat training. Since I am tapering, my weekend run was somewhat shorter than what I have been running during training. However, the run was not short on intensity. One thing that I learned quite recently is that while the Marin Headlands (my trails of choice for the locale) is great for hill work, one needs to travel east for heat training: the hills above Fremont, Skyline in Castro Valley or Mt. Diablo in Clayton.

I had run up Mt. Diablo once before. Actually now would be a good time for a plug. Pacific Coast Trail Runs (pctrails.com) puts on two events a year at Mt. Diablo. While the 50k event is grueling in it's own right, the 50 Miler is downright insane! For more on these two events as well as other PCTrails.com events, please visit the website.

Buzz Higgins from Benicia joined me at Mt. Diablo. Buzz, a veteren from last year's Rio Del Lago, will also be running this year. Our route was 25K with 4450 of elevation gain, most of which is during the first half. Since this was not training for time, ours was to be insignificant. Keeping in mind that I do most of my running on Ocean Beach in georgeous San Francisco, Mt. Diablo was pretty darn hot. This is a good thing as RDL probably will not be like a weekend on Antarctic. To augment the heat of day, I also wore a black skull cap and black long sleeved Sugoi shirt. I carried two hand held water bottles and an extra in my pack. I also packed Gu gel and Endurolyte capsules.

Buzz and I power hiked most of way up the summit. Along the way there is one stop for water refill and another at the summit. The journey upward was hot but for the most part my system was holding up. We took our time at the summit, enjoyed the views and all but mailed a postcard home to Mom and Dad. Having drank most of my Electrolyte water mixture on the way up, I was taking in all water on the way down. I did stop and add salt, which I always carry now, to one bottle. I was taking Endurolytes at a rate of about 3 an hour. Halfway down the mountain, my stomach felt ill, not quite vomiting ill, just a little PO'd. For some odd reason I was also developing a blister on my 4th toe (that little piggy wanted to go home!) I've been real iffy about running in these INOV8's for RDL and now my mind is made up. I've been breaking them in for the past couple months but my old ones get the gig. These new ones are the Flyroc model and honestly the toebox is quite hard and beats up the toes on the downhill. The shoe itself is comfortable and I like the low heel.

Once back at Mitchell Canyon park, we got more water and rested. Once again Mt. Diablo kicked my butt. It was a successful training run. Along the way Buzz and I stretegized for RDL. I constantly having to be reminded that this is 100 miles and I need to start out slower than normal. I also got a feel for what the heat was going to do to me. I was just now able to get down some fried potatoes and eggs for dinner some 5 hours later. Stay tuned as we get closer to Rio Del Lago, September 22/23.

Walking Everywhere

2007-09-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

It's getting done to the wire. I have just about 2 weeks until the Rio Del Lago 100 mile run in Granite Bay. I'm tapering. What exactly is a taper? This is my first attempt at the 100 mile distance so I have no actual experience to share on what to do next. I have read many race reports via the internet and talked with some 100 mile veterans and the advice is to taper.

I do not like the taper.

Not everyone obviously who does a 100 trains the same. Not everyone tapers either. The weekly mileage that one puts in varies considerably. Some claim weekly mileage of 80, 90, 100 miles or more. I've read some reports where runners claim they have completed the run with only 10 weekly miles. One thing is for sure even on 10 miles a week: the runners are in great shape! I've never done 80 miles a week. I think my peak was 65 and I've been averaging 45 for the better part of 2 months. I'm confident with my fitness level. So during the taper, my running time is diminished. I'm still continuing my upper body workouts. I'm walking everywhere! Living in the city I feel is a big advantage as it's so easy to ditch the car and not lose mobility.

What I do not like about the taper is the amount of energy I've got built up. My daily runs are much slower. I'm holding back knowing that I'll need the energy later. I don't want to risk injury at this point but at the same time I want to maintain my endurance and strength. I know that tapering is the right thing but my mind is still wondering "what if." What if I'm losing part of my conditioning? Everytime I go I out I want to prove to myself that it's still there. That is not the right thing to do though and I need to believe it.

Rats, Spiders & Vomit, Oh My!

2007-09-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Are You Afraid of the Dark, 12 Hour Fun Run
Friday 8/31/07 - Saturday 9/1/07

This past Friday Night I had attended the anaugral running of the AYAOTD, 12 Hr Fun Run in Oakland, California. The RD, Brad Niess, had mentioned his run while we conversed after the Headlands 50k the weekend prior. The premise of the run was a 12 hour training run for the the Rio Del Lago which we both signed up for at the end of September. AYAOTD was to start at 9PM on Friday after spending an entire day awake and at work and good and tired, therefore simulating the tiredness of RDL. Then we could work out the logistics of running at night; flashlights, battery changes, clothing, etc.

In attendace for the AYAOTD fun run in addition to Brad and myself was Don (last name escapes me,) a local marathon runner. Don's goal was to run his furthest distance. The course was rather interesting. It consisted of 3 locations which we reached in Brad's car which also served as our aid station. At around 9:10 PM (the run started late,) we drove from Brad's home in Oakland to Lake Chabot Park, part of the Skyline 50k trail. We parked on the side of the road which Brad had deemed legal ahead of time. We did various loops which averaged around 3 miles each time reaching the aid station. Usually when we reached the highway again we turned off the flashlights as it was legal to park on the road, but the park was closed therefore the trail was off limits.

The Skyline trail was fun. It was the darkest part of the AYAOTD and the only area which we really needed our flashlights. Within a mile of the start, all 3 of us encountered the invisible spider webs which just stuck to our exposed skin. Then when I shined the light on the ground, I saw one of the homesteaders in action and found that the little buggers actually fly and skip along the ground! We also passed a trailer parked somewhere along the trail and a dog barked. Our cover was blown! We shut off the lights and I swear I heard someone playing the theme to Deliverance! We figured the trailer belonged to the goat herder and was more interested in his goats. Eventually we did see the goats and they kind of stared us down as we passed: weird.

By midnight, we loaded back into the aid station and headed for Lake Merrit in Oakland. The course here would consist of 3.2 mile loops around the lake. It was well lit and we no longer needed our flashlights. We all ran the first loop and were feeling pretty energetic. It was not long before we realized we were not alone. Also running the course were rats! Every once and a while they would run in front of us and stop like a deer in the headlights before they took off and found shelter. After a couple of loops we were joined by another friend of Brad's. The four of us ran another loop when all of a sudden we heard gun shots! In sounded like someone unloaded an entire clip and several of the shots ricocheted. Wow, Brad sure knows how to organize a run! We then modified the loop to get back on lighted portion of the street. Funny, we never heard the sounds of sirens or screams. Just another night in Oakland.

After 4 hours of fun around Lake Merrit, we again loaded ourselves in Brad's car and headed to Bay Farm Island (AKA Alameda.) We then enjoyed 6 mile loops as described in Brad's email as "cross over the pedestrian bridge, go underthe bridge, along the bay to the beach, along the Shoreline Dr. to CrownMemorial State Beach and back." By 6 o'clock we were joined by a hungover Fred and his dog. At this point Brad decided that he would try some Ensure. Sure, I'd like one also. We headed back on the trail and within a mile, Brad's GI tract was upset and he started vomiting. I felt bad but he kept his spirits and we found the whole experience rather funny. Soon Brad and I split from Fred and Don (the other guy bailed before we left Lake Merrit) and Brad and I met a guy named John who brought us some coffee! Just what the RD ordered. Brad, John and I made our way back to the SUV/ aid station and picked up Don again (the hungover Fred had a date) and set out for one more out and back.

At 9 AM Saturday morning after 12 hours, Brad, Don and I completed the first Are You Afraid of the Dark 12 Hour Fun Run. Our distance, a mere 38 miles was Don's furthest distance to date. Brad had tricked him into completing his first Ultra. Brad and I are one step closed to Rio Del Lago and our first 100 mile finish.

Stay tuned as I post further udates on the road to RDL and a race report.