Out of touch

Been out of town in Vegas... Just like everything here, Internet access is hard to find and free. So, updating via e-mail from my phone is an option. Ran 5 miles today on the concrete... Knee if not in pain but feels funny. I just received notice that the NCAA awarded Gustavus Adolphus, the region for men's and women's, so I will return Thursday and leave again for the weekend. So, I will continue to slip in the 3-5 miles as time permits. My schedule limits my time to train harder, which is great as the knee does not need overtraining.

Carry on!

Great day, smiles abound

Yesterday, I did something I had never done before! Well, I have, but for an hour here, an hour there. But today was 7 hours of volunteering at a race. The Trail Mix, Hyland Park, Bloomington, MN. I usually find seven hours of great times only in races. Although I missed being on the course, I suggest anyone injured and capable call the director for the next race and be on the other side. It is just as fun and rewarding, and I can not wait to look for these opportunities again.

It all started when Lynn Gannon called for help a few weeks ago for a Tail Mix Aid Station. I thought, “Why not”. Who wants to clean the house or do laundry anyway. So at 5:30 AM on April 19, 2008, I woke and looked out at the drizzle and an ice crystal falling from the sky and thought, dumb, another cold and rainy Trail Mix. As I vowed to see how long I could go without a car, I bundled up and headed to Hyland Park on my bike. I arrived at 6:30 AM and was happy to see many familiar faces at Aid Station One. Lynn, whom I had not seen in years, Al, John, and many others took up the other side of a trail race. After about 20 minutes, Lynn asked me if I could go to the South Station instead. I said sure but looked forward to hanging with people I knew.

So, I loaded up my bike and headed to the South Aid Station, the last station on the course. The last one to get to go home… I arrived, and they were set up. It was slow and casual for a while, and then runners started to come in and need our supplies. As the day went on, I got to see the 50 K runners 8 times, COOL!!!!, I admired the “new king of support stations” in my mind (Dean) and met some great people. I can not tell you, but I was so happy to be at that station! Once again, goes to show, although I was slightly disappointed about moving at first, when you are with these ultra people, it does not matter where you are, you will feel welcomed and appreciated.

Seeing the race from the leaders to the last runner go by the station was great. Kim led the Women at first sight, but Eve passed her and went on to be the overall winner. Steve Quick looked solid all the way through. If I recall the first lap, he was third, but by the second, he was the first male and did not seem to waiver. It was great to see him run back to our station and see us after the race.

I encountered many people I had no idea were even running the race as I passed out supplies, filled bottles, and laughed with them. It was fun that Karen and Les were about a minute apart, and when Les came into my station, I would tell him, “Karen is just seconds ahead,” and he would chuckle. Then, on the last lap, they were close enough. I told Karen to yell as she disappeared from the station, and Les appeared. He finally believed me… We had fun with this.

Philip was the little engine that could today. One week after Chippewa, he seemed to pick up steam on each lap. Each time around, he looked a little stronger. It was great to see him. He looks much stronger and looks lighter. Sure to be an asset at the Sawtooth 100 in September. It was funny as his race fuel mix looked like blood as we mixed his brew a few times. Non-runners at the station were amazed at the different drinks, habits, and abilities in the single race.

At the end of the day, I had the pleasure of doing the two-mile trot (loop between the station I was at) with Sharon Mordorski. We had a great time running down and walking up the hills. If there ever is an award for the greatest disposition, she wins. Her smile as she came into the aid station, each lap, was larger than anyone I have ever met. It is obvious she loves life and running. What a treat to spend that lap talking and hearing all kinds of interesting stories about her running escapades.

My knee did not bother me at all!!! I have the clearance to start running again easily and build the base. I have been riding my bike (as I said earlier, I am trying to see how long I can go without a car), and my weight is down 4 pounds.

I wish I could credit all those by name for making my days so wonderful. Diane Farmer, Paul Fraser, Paul McCullough, and many others said hi as they went by the station. I was not able to run, but I had a great time.

Thanks all…

Carry On!!!

Some great motivation! and the Biggest Loser Finale!

While I was saddened (because I am injured and cannot participate in what I enjoy) by reading the many recent posts about the most recent 50K, 50 Mile, 100 Mile, and 150 Mile races, I was so happy. I encouraged that hard work, patience, and perseverance can be rewarded. Many race reports are available to anyone with internet access; many are just in the e-mail user group.

People like the energizer bunny, I mean Al Holtz. 150 miles in 48:55:11:13! In his post, he wrote, "I now know by first-hand experience what 2nd night hallucinations are. It is amazing what sleep deprivation can do to your mind. I am still convinced once daylight came Sunday that, in the section of woods preceding the first aid station (totem pole), I saw a herd of (6-7) albino deer that ran away before I could get my camera out. Andy Weinberg laughed and said he was certain there were no albino deer in the park." Makes me laugh.

Then there is Julie Berg. She is among the most inspiring people; many have read her blog, http://julieberg.blogspot.com/. She ran the 100-mile race in Pekin, Illinois as well. Besides fleeing from a drug dealing motel the night before a race and sleeping in her car in the cold temperatures (in the 30s), she has grit and determination beyond most people I know. She does not seem to get rattled; she just keeps going. She was 1.5 hours behind the lead women at 50 miles, but the lead women faltered, and Julie managed to win the race, leading the next-place women by over 4 hours. Then, after the race, it just takes the simple 8-plus hour drive home. She makes it sound so achievable for anyone. If you are willing to put in the time and effort. Not just in exercise but in diet and life.

Then I read about Adam (analytical-training.blogspot.com), who is doing training for a research project most scientists would be envious of. He took second place in a race where they were running in snow knee-deep. I love that he shares what he has learned. He, and many other Blogs you can link through his site, share exciting thoughts and ideas that have helped them succeed and provide me with ideas and inspiration.

Then, I am still waiting for the post from my buddy, who seems to place good and bad things into words that are nice to read. Phil Smith ran the entire 50 K race in snowshoes. He wrote a book about his first 50-mile race called Ultra Superior. That was also my first 50-mile race (and we both hope to make this September our first 100-mile finish), and I was slightly in front of him for most of the race. But as I read the book, he encountered the same things I did, bringing back great memories. At about mile 43, I heard what I thought were angels in the woods. I came across a group of backpack hikers who were singing gospel music, may I say, beautifully. Where else but in the middle of the woods on a 50-mile run would you hear such sweet music. At longer distances, I get into a state of peacefulness I can not explain.

Then I see the data from a Techy like me, Zach, who is really doing well. It is nice to see the data he provides, as we both have Garmin 305s we love to use. I admire so many others for their super efforts and successes they so willingly share, but I have limited time.

All these runners and many more faced the cold, the winds, and the many elements and enjoyed it. I tell people about my runs and those of my acquaintances, and they look at me and say, "Are you (they) crazy," my response is always strange. Lately, I have said we all know we must get busy living or dying, and when I am on the trail, I feel like I am living. These races are something I look forward to. No single ultra-runner I know is not a kind, caring soul. The peace and tranquility of a 10-hour run is known. Only those who have experienced it know the outcome. Trail running in the long distance helped me see the beauty in the beast (the world). With the war, friends dying of cancer, the distance growing between myself and my girlfriend, and all the negative things in the world, when I hit the trails for long runs, I felt peace. I feel hope. I get a sense of purpose and understanding of this complex world from something as simple as putting one foot in front of the other, tripping on some roots, splashing through water, and many other things that come with trail running. Many know what I mean by this statement, and that is the best I can do to explain why I (or others) do this?

I have one more week before the Doctor clears me to run again. Then I need to be slow and take care of the knee, as Superior Trail 100 is only 143 days away.

Signing off, I will admit that I am looking forward to tonight... The Biggest Loser Finale! I want so badly for Ali to win! Some think this show is goofy, but from someone who was 296 pounds and dropped to 215 in five months, I know the impact it has on life. I feel for them, their joy, and their pain. Keeping it off is more challenging, but while I have gained some back, my life now is different when I could not fit comfortably in some chairs... Just like trail running, you have to be there once in your life to understand.

Carry on.

Getting better...

I missed it, but I needed to heal and have a second hobby… Many ultra folks went to another FatAss run hosted by the Master himself, Larry Pederson. I had to miss my second hobby, tennis officiating. This is the second one I missed this year, but my knee is still sore. I have no pain from walking, so I started doing long walks quickly.

Now, I think I will make walking part of my regular workout each week when I get back to the trials on a run. I have been walking 16-18 minutes per mile through the woods along the MN River Valley. I logged 15 miles in three days last week, and my knee feels solid. I am just a little nervous about starting to run again, and the Physician did say to take another week and come back slowly. Those who run know how hard that is…

I have come to the realization that walking in training is as vital as running. I'm not sure how many veterans agree, although as I look back at my first 100 attempts, walking was not a skill I had perfected but needed. Especially at night, a good walking pace can do wonders, so I think that now.

I am looking forward to the warm weather. Until we meet again, carry on.