Recently finished Scott Jurek's book. It's quite good, and worth a quick read. My favorite quote is below.
We all lose sometimes. We fail to get what we want. Friends and loved ones leave. We make a decision we regret. We try our hardest and come up short. It's not the losing that defines us. It's how we lose. It's what we do afterward.
-Scott Jurek, Eat and Run
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Injuries, Recovering, Relocating, Reflection.
Injuries
After White River, I ended up taking about four days off, and then went out for an easy run on the bluffs. My legs were tired, but nothing that prevented me from getting a recovery run in. Unfortunately, five miles in I tweaked my knee. I didn't think much of it, and rested it for a couple of days, figuring it would go away. It did, so I ran again over the weekend on Mt. Spokane with my running partner Bruce. My knee decided to really stiffen up, and I completely slowed Bruce down to the point that I was walking and he would go run down the trail and come back to me, just to keep himself moving. Major bummer, especially because my parents were in town the next weekend, as we planned a trip to Winthrop for the Angels Staircase 60K. I rested my legs all week, the knee got better, and I tried the race, but had to drop about 30 minutes in as my knee started to stiffen again.
Recovering
I rested again for four straight days, and am now back to running. I did four and half miles Thursday and Friday, followed by six miles on Saturday. My legs finally feel like they are ready to run again - just in time for the Hood to Coast relay this coming weekend in Oregon. I'm fortunate enough to be part of a friends team, and I'm really looking forward to the team aspect of running, my first significant road run, and first night run. I also picked up a pair of road running shoes (Saucony Kinvara 3), and am very happy with them (review forthcoming).
While recovering, I can say I got extremely grumpy/pissy. I wouldn't say I was depressed, because I'd like to believe that there are plenty of things in life to keep me from getting to that point, but I was certainly frustrated that I couldn't run. I didn't want to swim, tune-up my mountain bike, lift weights, or really engage in any other form of exercise to stay in shape. I even ordered from Dominos one night, because TV told me they had improved their ingredients. I had two pieces, felt sick, and put the rest in the garbage.
Relocating
Work is moving me out to the Seattle area, so I have started looking at places on the wet (sic) side, and more importantly, determining what will be my training grounds. Luckily, it seems there are many trail running groups out in the Seattle area, which should be fun to get involved with.
Work is moving me out to the Seattle area, so I have started looking at places on the wet (sic) side, and more importantly, determining what will be my training grounds. Luckily, it seems there are many trail running groups out in the Seattle area, which should be fun to get involved with.
Reflection
Somewhere in the midst of recovery, moving logistics, not blogging, consuming cardboard masquerading as food, and being grumpy, I decided I needed to plan for the future. Ultra-running took precedence. I needed to come up with the big races I was going to try to enter for 2013. So here is what I have so far for potential adventures:
As part of my reflection, I also wanted to re-tune my fueling. I've been doing a fair amount of reading and research into Vegan diets, and fueling on fat for races (as opposed to 'carbo loading'). I can't say I have come to any level of certainty of what exactly I'm doing, but I am moving in a certain direction. I like the thought behind using fat as fuel in races. I also want to see what happens when I lessen the amount of animal products in my diet.
Onward.
- Western States 100 mile (lottery, hard to get into)
- Miwok 100k (lottery, less hard to get into)
- Cascade Crest 100 mile (lottery, less hard to get into)
- Pine to Palm 100 mile (not sure of lottery)
- Sun Mountain 50 mile
- Angels Staircase 60K
As part of my reflection, I also wanted to re-tune my fueling. I've been doing a fair amount of reading and research into Vegan diets, and fueling on fat for races (as opposed to 'carbo loading'). I can't say I have come to any level of certainty of what exactly I'm doing, but I am moving in a certain direction. I like the thought behind using fat as fuel in races. I also want to see what happens when I lessen the amount of animal products in my diet.
Onward.
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| Pops and Mom at Grand Coulee Dam. |
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| How my father smiles. |
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| PROOF. THE METHOW VALLEY SHITS DEER. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. |
Saturday, August 4, 2012
White River 50 Mile Race Report
50 miles in the woods is a long way to run and a lot can happen. Fortunately, the White River 50 mile was probably on one of the most beautiful courses out there, and consisted of great company and fantastic volunteers.
I camp out the night before and can barely sleep. I'm too nervous. Neighbors are playing the soundtrack to Gladiator and medicating on tequila until 2 a.m. (Note to self, next time just tent camp outside the race start). I'm falling in and out of sleep, waiting for my alarm.
The race day weather is low cloud cover, with temps in the low 50's, and perfect for the start of a race. There are lots of people at the start, more than any other run I've been to, and all look to be doing their part in trying to keep the national BMI average below 'obese'. The early starters have left at 5:30 a.m. and are on course. I stand somewhere near the back of the pack, the clock strikes 6:30, and the day begins.
Pre-Race Food: Turkey and Rice Wraps for dinner. Strawberries and PBJ for bfast.
Pre-RaceMusic Book: The Enthusiast, by Charlie Hass
Post-Race Food: Home cooked meal from the Johnson residence in Fircrest. Steaks, guac, sweet potatoes, alcoholic lemonade. Friends picking me up at the race to drive me back to their place for food, a hot shower, and a bed, means more than anything. Extremely grateful.
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| Drive along Hwy. 410 |
I camp out the night before and can barely sleep. I'm too nervous. Neighbors are playing the soundtrack to Gladiator and medicating on tequila until 2 a.m. (Note to self, next time just tent camp outside the race start). I'm falling in and out of sleep, waiting for my alarm.
The race day weather is low cloud cover, with temps in the low 50's, and perfect for the start of a race. There are lots of people at the start, more than any other run I've been to, and all look to be doing their part in trying to keep the national BMI average below 'obese'. The early starters have left at 5:30 a.m. and are on course. I stand somewhere near the back of the pack, the clock strikes 6:30, and the day begins.
Miles 1-17
Maybe 100 yards in, I meet up with runner friend Greg. I've run with him at Grey Rock three weeks before, run with his wife at Sun Mountain, and had seen them both at check-in on Friday. I figure we'll both be running the same pace, so we decide to run together. This is nice, we talk about other things, and don't worry too much about navigating the sea of people that quickly bottle-neck when the short section of airstrip running changed to forest single track.
We power hike and run portions of the first climb, careful not to expend too much energy. We discuss life. It's enjoyable to be able to hang out, while running, for the first two and a half hours of the race. The climb is long, but the scenery makes up for it. Consumed in the morning fog, the trail consists of some of the most beautiful forest, waterfalls, and creeks. Sun starts to pierce through the clouds and forest as we approach where the climb begins to level off. Greg tells me to go for it if I'm feeling good, and I am, so I wish him good luck, pass a couple of people, and pick up my pace. Shortly thereafter, Glenn captures Mt. Rainier beautifully in the background as I approach the 17 mile marker, full of energy and ready to take on the day:
We power hike and run portions of the first climb, careful not to expend too much energy. We discuss life. It's enjoyable to be able to hang out, while running, for the first two and a half hours of the race. The climb is long, but the scenery makes up for it. Consumed in the morning fog, the trail consists of some of the most beautiful forest, waterfalls, and creeks. Sun starts to pierce through the clouds and forest as we approach where the climb begins to level off. Greg tells me to go for it if I'm feeling good, and I am, so I wish him good luck, pass a couple of people, and pick up my pace. Shortly thereafter, Glenn captures Mt. Rainier beautifully in the background as I approach the 17 mile marker, full of energy and ready to take on the day:
| Photo Credit to Glenn Tachiyama |
Miles 17 - 27
After the aid station, I get about 3 miles to run along the ridge, following by 7 miles of downhill. There is no real explanation for what it feels like to run so much continuous downhill. While the trail is soft, the forest quiet, and the air clean, my legs are starting to let me know they would like a slight break. Without a break, my quads soon start to tire, and I found myself waiting for some sign that the Buck Creek aid station is quickly approaching. Slowly but surely, I am greeted with the murmur of the White River. Then the sounds of cars, and finally, cheering volunteers and onlookers as I approach the Buck Creek aid. It's in the woods, and people are everywhere cheering. I'm astounded by the sheer number of volunteers and onlookers. A helpful volunteer takes my pack, and refills it. I try a potato, it's hard and uncooked, so I spit it out. I don't bother to test another, have my first swig of coke, take a salt tablet, and then a cup of water. Back on the trail, my legs are shocked that they have a short flat section, and I really don't know what to do.
Miles 27 - 37
I walk a bit of the flat areas, going by many campsites with people that are hitting the early lunch hour. BBQ's are starting, some campers already drinking, and I'm sure a fair number of people wondering what the hell all these psychos are up to. I meet up with a couple of runners I've met in races before, offering words of encouragement, and then begin to power hike and run as the second climb begins.
At a small creek crossing, I try to rock hop, and fall into the water on my butt. Both shoes are now soaked. I'm slightly concerned this will lead to blisters or uncomfortable feet, but decide instead to embrace the fact my feet got to cool themselves. This is where I meet Nicole, and she offers me help but I manage to get up on my own. We then proceed to run together, with occasional breaks on the remaining miles up to Sun Top. She's a mother of three, and completely kicking ass. Her second 50 miler, she seems to be doing pretty well as we each take turns in the lead.
We get in a with a group of about three other guys, and our 'mini peloton' ascends a 4 mile stretch up to the next aid station. On a brief downhilll, one of the runners descends a short section running backwards. First time I have ever seen this, as he exclaims 'Gotta save the quads!' I tell Nicole that I have the strongest craving for citrus, and I start thinking of lemonade, oranges, and grapefruit. After a fair amount of climbing, we begin to see balloons attached to the trees, and hear music as we approach the aid station. Jimmy Buffet is blaring, all the more reason to make this stop quick. Coke, salt tab, orange. Move.
The trail is now a steadier grade of climbing, mixed with some slight descents, and I'm waiting for the Sun Top aid. Conversation now sparse, breathing heavier, and for the first time I notice the temperature isn't as cool as the start. Pit Stop #1 makes itself known, and I bushwhack off the trail (FYI, everyone does this, it's extremely commonplace). Shortly thereafter, the switchbacks leading up to the Sun Top aid station begin to appear, and without the cover of the forest, the afternoon sun engulfs me. I'm running portions of the switchbacks, and sweat is dripping from my nose.
At a small creek crossing, I try to rock hop, and fall into the water on my butt. Both shoes are now soaked. I'm slightly concerned this will lead to blisters or uncomfortable feet, but decide instead to embrace the fact my feet got to cool themselves. This is where I meet Nicole, and she offers me help but I manage to get up on my own. We then proceed to run together, with occasional breaks on the remaining miles up to Sun Top. She's a mother of three, and completely kicking ass. Her second 50 miler, she seems to be doing pretty well as we each take turns in the lead.
We get in a with a group of about three other guys, and our 'mini peloton' ascends a 4 mile stretch up to the next aid station. On a brief downhilll, one of the runners descends a short section running backwards. First time I have ever seen this, as he exclaims 'Gotta save the quads!' I tell Nicole that I have the strongest craving for citrus, and I start thinking of lemonade, oranges, and grapefruit. After a fair amount of climbing, we begin to see balloons attached to the trees, and hear music as we approach the aid station. Jimmy Buffet is blaring, all the more reason to make this stop quick. Coke, salt tab, orange. Move.
The trail is now a steadier grade of climbing, mixed with some slight descents, and I'm waiting for the Sun Top aid. Conversation now sparse, breathing heavier, and for the first time I notice the temperature isn't as cool as the start. Pit Stop #1 makes itself known, and I bushwhack off the trail (FYI, everyone does this, it's extremely commonplace). Shortly thereafter, the switchbacks leading up to the Sun Top aid station begin to appear, and without the cover of the forest, the afternoon sun engulfs me. I'm running portions of the switchbacks, and sweat is dripping from my nose.
Miles 37- 44
Sun Top aid consists of two cups of Mountain Dew, or in the words of the aid station volunteer 'Double Dew', an orange, a belch for the spectators, and my decision to put everything into this gravel road downhill. I'll see what I have left for the final 6.5 miles and gut it out. I pass a handful of runners on the way down. Everyone looks exhausted. The gravel road is largely without shade and exposed in the sun, but the only thing burning are my quads. I just keep thinking that the aid station is just ahead. As I level off and approach the aid station a half mile out, my bowels dictate that I need to go. I find a tree and perform Pit Stop #2.
44 - Finish
I down three mini cups of Coke/Pepsi at the Skookum Aid, have a helpful volunteer fill my pack with water and ice, and take off, happy that my bowels have now cleansed themselves. Not so, about 15 minutes in, I get the very intense urge to 'go'. I stop to walk, and the urge immediately subsides. I walk for a couple of minutes, then start running again, and immediately have the same intense urge come up. I find a tree, Pit Stop #3. I get back on the trail and start running again. I try to enjoy this part of the trail, as it borders the White River, is nothing but old growth forest, and breathtakingly beautiful. But my body is wanting me to focus on other things. The same intense urge hits me 5 minutes later, as running now results in bowel issues. I've stopped eating and drinking, engage in Pit Stop #4 and #5, get passed by way too many people, and submit to walking to the finish. I feel completely lethargic.
10:08:02 and good for 110 out of 275 finishers.
In Retrospect
The final section took me more than 90 minutes to complete, resulted in me going over 10 hours, and generally feeling extremely poor.
10:08:02 and good for 110 out of 275 finishers.
In Retrospect
The final section took me more than 90 minutes to complete, resulted in me going over 10 hours, and generally feeling extremely poor.
So what was it? My first thought is caffeine from the Mountain Dew and Coke. I rarely drink any type of cola, but decided it looked good during the run. Dumb, and it caught up with me. Second thought is potentially too many gels/blocks and not enough water. Gels were my primary source of fuel, and I consumed more than I'm used too, along with not drinking enough water (I didn't pee a lot). My third thought is that I just went too hard on the 6 mile downhill. I passed some people and figured that I would just 'tough out' the last 6+ miles. It's very hard to 'tough out' 6 miles after one has run 44 in the mountains.
I've had truly mixed feelings about this race since it was finished. I was happy to have completed the race, especially right around my goal time of 10 hours. I was happy with the first 44 miles. I didn't like how I finished. Nothing is more demoralizing than not being able to run, control ones bowels, and be passed by more than 20 people over the final miles of a race.
I'll adapt.
Bring on a 100 in 2013.
I'll adapt.
Bring on a 100 in 2013.
Pre-Race Food: Turkey and Rice Wraps for dinner. Strawberries and PBJ for bfast.
Pre-Race
Post-Race Food: Home cooked meal from the Johnson residence in Fircrest. Steaks, guac, sweet potatoes, alcoholic lemonade. Friends picking me up at the race to drive me back to their place for food, a hot shower, and a bed, means more than anything. Extremely grateful.
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