Running is going fairly well these days.
A couple of noteworthy training accomplishments as of late:
1) Did Bush Park 5k series race 9/14 and it was a bit of a disaster with a bad sideache and unlaced shoe. Harder evening workouts are always kind of a crapshoot for me as I can never get the eat/poop thing dialed in. Still managed to cruise in a 17:20something. Not too bad considering I, like my shoelace, began to unwind early in the 2nd mile--even contemplating jogging the thing in. Still a bit of a disappointment as I was able to do that kind pace (or better) for a 10k on July Forth.
2) I've done some good long runs lately. Finally had the chance to explore some new trails around the valley's hillier spots despite a very busy summer schedule. Down at McCulloch Peak in the Mac I found some tough climbs, over at Silver Falls I finally linked up Shellburg Falls and Buck Mountain Loop, and had a chance to cruise the Wildwood Trail in my once a year pilgrimage to Portland's Forest Park. So much fun to get out in the woods for nice long runs. I am finally feeling stronger on long climbs after feeling pretty sorry at (and after!) the Dog Mtn. race's 2nd lap. Trails in large doses just have a way of balancing out muscles and making me feel good about running.
3) A workout last week called for a faster mile. I went to the track, partially because I was lacking creativity in choosing a route and partially because I wanted to see where I was with mile times. I did the mile in 4:55. That's the first sub 5 mile I've clocked. I may have one or two downhill-ish miles that were at that speed but I am not even specifically aware of them. Anyway, I was happy to check that off the list. Best part was it was hard, but not THAT hard. Legs never seemed like they were cooking and breathing was not too laborious. I didn't do some monster kick in the last lap or 300 or 200 or whatever.
4) Coach: I haven't mentioned it here but I am currently being coached. Summer is too busy a time of year for me to create and dedicate myself to a training plan. Last summer I struggled to stay on task and even though I got some very good workouts in here and there it was not ideal. I've got a big goal this fall and thought maybe I'd benefit from enlisting the help of David Roche. He's awesome. He's energizing and fully engaged with a custom plan and near daily comments on the workouts. I knew he was fast at the shorter end of endurance running and figured he must have some tricks up his sleeve that might help me get faster after a winter of mostly jogging. I also admired his "Pre-esque" racing strategy and affinity for writing about the digestive movements of humans and dogs. Right away he announced we were going for 10k fitness and longer runs on the weekends to keep endurance system intact/developing. So it's fartleks, hill repeats, short intervals, tempos, and strides galore. I didn't even know what half of those words meant a few months ago. For the time being I no longer go out for weekday 12 mile recovery slogs and do 10+ miles on the track. It's working great to have concise short workouts during these busy summer days. I joke around that I am getting into all the collegiate runner workouts I never did (I wasn't a runner then) and hopefully that will help me close the gap between them (the former collegiate runners) and me in future races. I can't praise David enough--it's been seriously fun to work with him so far.
Cheers dearest super fan! I know running stories are boring especially when they don't involve adventure, competition, or, at the very least, tangents into the world outside of running. I know... I am sorry, this must have been so hard to get through.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Double Dog (Mountain) Dare You
Rain Gods had grass seed harvest delayed and there was a small window of opportunity to race in a busy time of year so I went for it. Gather around, here is the story:
I made a final decision Friday afternoon to get up early and head for the Columbia Gorge for a couple laps on the infamously steep and scenic Dog Mountain Trail. Each lap was billed as a 10k though they seemed to be 6.8 miles according to others' GPSs so I'd be doing 20k (or 13+ miles). Each lap also involved roughly 3000' of up and DOWN. There were other badasses out there doing 3 laps for a 30k while others opted for the challenge of a single 10k loop.
The effort was to be moderate vs. full intensity as training cycles don't need more interruption than they already get from life's daily offerings of uninspiring weather, busy workdays, travel, etc. Training especially didn't need interruption from last minute race decisions involving courses that I haven't been specifically training for... at all.
Anyway the first 10k was a hoot. I took it easy on the way up as I knew I'd have to come back and do it once more. After tagging the top, with the friendly Aid Crew up there I began to mosey back down. The trail was a bit technical with rocks and roots and even a canopy of dense greenery that hid it entirely in some spots. It'd been awhile since I had had so much fun cruising through the woods and I think I got a little carried away with the fun and really started opening things up, bounding off of roots and scampering across rockslides. I knew that the extra speed taken on the descent was going to shine on lap 2 but it was too fun to quit.
Sure enough I was power hiking, that's ultrarunner code-talk for walking, much more on the 2nd trip to the top. It felt as fast as my attempts to run so I went with it. The effort was definitely moderate now! At the top the friendly Aid Crew was eager to serve and ask what I needed. I jokingly mentioned in my Billy Madison janitor voice, "I'd rather have a beer." Just like that a can of beer shows up, gets cracked open, and I am too blown away to turn down a cup of this hoppy delight though in my heart I know it's not what I need. Down it went and down I went after soaking in the view a bit. My legs were there but not powerful. I managed to catch up to the dudes in front of me and just sort of rode down in their shadows as a polite pass would have taken a good surge on the narrow single track to make room for everyone to run safely apart from one another. And surging was not something I felt like doing.
The finish came soon enough and I realized immediately that I was starving. I ate my brains out and drank a ton of water.
I unofficially took second in the 10k and officially took 1st in the 20k (the race I had registered for). For the record however, there were two 30kers in front of me at the 20k mark. They were climbing like bosses. I waited around for them to come through but the last lap seemed to take them quite a while as I think their wheels were falling off by then. Still super impressive performances with gutsy starts.
Weather was awesome and the view impressive. The Go Beyond Racing machine is well oiled and put on a really good time. They even backed up the race fun with a tab over at Double Mountain Brewery in nearby Hood River. I couldn't turn down a free Kolsch on such a beautiful summer day so I dropped in for that on the way home.
Dearest readers: be careful what you ask for when you sign up for a hard hilly course twice or a beer in the middle of a race... you might just get it!
Post race: I am sorer than shit. Haven't been this sore since Kings-Elk Traverse run months ago... definitely looking like a relaxing running week, or at least a few days, just hit my schedule (again).
I made a final decision Friday afternoon to get up early and head for the Columbia Gorge for a couple laps on the infamously steep and scenic Dog Mountain Trail. Each lap was billed as a 10k though they seemed to be 6.8 miles according to others' GPSs so I'd be doing 20k (or 13+ miles). Each lap also involved roughly 3000' of up and DOWN. There were other badasses out there doing 3 laps for a 30k while others opted for the challenge of a single 10k loop.
 |
| It's a short ways to the top if you want to rock and roll! Photo: Paul Nelson |
The effort was to be moderate vs. full intensity as training cycles don't need more interruption than they already get from life's daily offerings of uninspiring weather, busy workdays, travel, etc. Training especially didn't need interruption from last minute race decisions involving courses that I haven't been specifically training for... at all.
Anyway the first 10k was a hoot. I took it easy on the way up as I knew I'd have to come back and do it once more. After tagging the top, with the friendly Aid Crew up there I began to mosey back down. The trail was a bit technical with rocks and roots and even a canopy of dense greenery that hid it entirely in some spots. It'd been awhile since I had had so much fun cruising through the woods and I think I got a little carried away with the fun and really started opening things up, bounding off of roots and scampering across rockslides. I knew that the extra speed taken on the descent was going to shine on lap 2 but it was too fun to quit.
 |
| Freakin' Gorge, just gorgeous. Photo: Paul Nelson |
Sure enough I was power hiking, that's ultrarunner code-talk for walking, much more on the 2nd trip to the top. It felt as fast as my attempts to run so I went with it. The effort was definitely moderate now! At the top the friendly Aid Crew was eager to serve and ask what I needed. I jokingly mentioned in my Billy Madison janitor voice, "I'd rather have a beer." Just like that a can of beer shows up, gets cracked open, and I am too blown away to turn down a cup of this hoppy delight though in my heart I know it's not what I need. Down it went and down I went after soaking in the view a bit. My legs were there but not powerful. I managed to catch up to the dudes in front of me and just sort of rode down in their shadows as a polite pass would have taken a good surge on the narrow single track to make room for everyone to run safely apart from one another. And surging was not something I felt like doing.
The finish came soon enough and I realized immediately that I was starving. I ate my brains out and drank a ton of water.
I unofficially took second in the 10k and officially took 1st in the 20k (the race I had registered for). For the record however, there were two 30kers in front of me at the 20k mark. They were climbing like bosses. I waited around for them to come through but the last lap seemed to take them quite a while as I think their wheels were falling off by then. Still super impressive performances with gutsy starts.
Weather was awesome and the view impressive. The Go Beyond Racing machine is well oiled and put on a really good time. They even backed up the race fun with a tab over at Double Mountain Brewery in nearby Hood River. I couldn't turn down a free Kolsch on such a beautiful summer day so I dropped in for that on the way home.
Dearest readers: be careful what you ask for when you sign up for a hard hilly course twice or a beer in the middle of a race... you might just get it!
Post race: I am sorer than shit. Haven't been this sore since Kings-Elk Traverse run months ago... definitely looking like a relaxing running week, or at least a few days, just hit my schedule (again).
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Road Racing on America's Birthday
Friday, July 4th, Kattie and I went out to Stayton, about 15 miles east of here, to celebrate America and run our little hearts out before we commenced drinking and eating our way through the long weekend. It was the annual, old fashioned Stayton Forth of July Run. Kattie was there for a fun 5k, I wanted to see if I could post a decent 10k time. I'd never run a road 10k (or even a kind of flat one for that matter) but I had a rough goal in mind based primarily on training runs. I wanted to run 5:35-40ish miles for a sub 35:00 finish.
We arrived early and walked the dog, stretched a bit then I warmed up with Dan M. and Bill. The race was very old-timey with just a couple of cones and a clock in the start/finish area. There were Boy Scouts decked out in uniform all over the course as this was their gig. It was simple and perfect for getting that old fashioned American pride stoked up on her big day.
The start was fun with 10k-ers, 5k-ers and 3k-ers all blitzing out of the parking lot and onto the roads at the same time. We began to split up very soon and I could see who all was in the lead pack of 10k-ers. I cruised through the first mile or so in 3rd as the pace was quicker than I needed to be moving and it was early. And hot. By the 9:00 start it was already in the 70s.
Caught up to 2nd place guy and moved right past him as he seemed to be getting a reality check on the 5:15-20ish pace and adjusting a bit too. First place dude seemed out of reach and moving strong. By a turnaround on an out and back portion of the course around maybe mile 2.75 he seemed to be faltering a bit. Should I stick to my plan or go for it? Guts. Glory. 'Merica.
I past him just past the 5k mark. It was short lived as he made a quick move to not let me get away. He got right in front of me and tucked in for a draft down a hill and starting an uphill (the course had 200-250' of elevation gain according to course description). He began to slow so I went around him again. He didn't take well to this and went around me and got right in front of me again. And slowed a bit. This happened probably 3-4 times over the first half of mile 4. This sort of game never really happens in trail races I've done and I began to feel like a move needed to be made. I passed him and hit things a bit harder after I saw (I had to scroll through the watch as I hadn't felt a buzz, indicating mile laps, the entire race so far) that we were with a mile and a half of the finish. I thought it was early to make a move but after deliberating mentally I decided I wanted this.
I was able to secure a good lead by mile 5 but he was definitely still a threat so I pushed and pushed through the long, straight, and hot stretch back towards the finish. Rounding a couple of corners I knew I had it and pushed for the finish in a controlled pace wondering if this course was short or if we were going to have to do a little .2mile loop there in the parking lot. It was short and I ended up crossing the line in 32:49. I had pushed hard but felt very good at the finish. I hadn't out-done myself by any means and I think there is some more potential in there. Results: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2EJ8zFUPiLqMHlYUExuTlp5cG8/edit.
Kattie had done well in her 5k despite being very hot. The morning run behind us we cooled off and were ready to celebrate the holiday.
Superfans, if you want it--go for it. It can and will be yours!
We arrived early and walked the dog, stretched a bit then I warmed up with Dan M. and Bill. The race was very old-timey with just a couple of cones and a clock in the start/finish area. There were Boy Scouts decked out in uniform all over the course as this was their gig. It was simple and perfect for getting that old fashioned American pride stoked up on her big day.
The start was fun with 10k-ers, 5k-ers and 3k-ers all blitzing out of the parking lot and onto the roads at the same time. We began to split up very soon and I could see who all was in the lead pack of 10k-ers. I cruised through the first mile or so in 3rd as the pace was quicker than I needed to be moving and it was early. And hot. By the 9:00 start it was already in the 70s.
Caught up to 2nd place guy and moved right past him as he seemed to be getting a reality check on the 5:15-20ish pace and adjusting a bit too. First place dude seemed out of reach and moving strong. By a turnaround on an out and back portion of the course around maybe mile 2.75 he seemed to be faltering a bit. Should I stick to my plan or go for it? Guts. Glory. 'Merica.
I past him just past the 5k mark. It was short lived as he made a quick move to not let me get away. He got right in front of me and tucked in for a draft down a hill and starting an uphill (the course had 200-250' of elevation gain according to course description). He began to slow so I went around him again. He didn't take well to this and went around me and got right in front of me again. And slowed a bit. This happened probably 3-4 times over the first half of mile 4. This sort of game never really happens in trail races I've done and I began to feel like a move needed to be made. I passed him and hit things a bit harder after I saw (I had to scroll through the watch as I hadn't felt a buzz, indicating mile laps, the entire race so far) that we were with a mile and a half of the finish. I thought it was early to make a move but after deliberating mentally I decided I wanted this.
I was able to secure a good lead by mile 5 but he was definitely still a threat so I pushed and pushed through the long, straight, and hot stretch back towards the finish. Rounding a couple of corners I knew I had it and pushed for the finish in a controlled pace wondering if this course was short or if we were going to have to do a little .2mile loop there in the parking lot. It was short and I ended up crossing the line in 32:49. I had pushed hard but felt very good at the finish. I hadn't out-done myself by any means and I think there is some more potential in there. Results: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2EJ8zFUPiLqMHlYUExuTlp5cG8/edit.
Kattie had done well in her 5k despite being very hot. The morning run behind us we cooled off and were ready to celebrate the holiday.
Superfans, if you want it--go for it. It can and will be yours!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Miller Woods 4-mile: How to Make a Saturday Morning More Badass
Dearest dear,
Did a fun little race out near McMinnville this past Saturday. It was in a place called Miller Woods. It was awesome.
Kattie was supposed to work Saturday but was notified Friday that she could have the day off. So she came too after I told her it was short and not too hilly. One part of that sentence was true the other turned out not to be so true by her standards.
The course was really pretty as it set off on a x-country style grass path down to the woods where we entered dodgey singletrack. Lots of twists and turns gently winded downhill until it went up at a grade somewhere between "douche" and "steep" (that is "barely noticeable" and "wanting to shrink the stride for a long slow ride"). It came back down real quick and then went up again for quite aways in a drawn out hill for such a short course. Lots of unnecessary switchbacks were tucked in there I think for the sole purpose of making sure one could never really open up and cruise without having to slam the brakes, turn and rev it up again (over and over). Long patches of what appeared to be new trail with soft ground which made for a good workout. It was pretty wet and slick. Very exciting stuff for the summer season.
I could have run a long time in there as I was having a lot of fun but just 25:40 later it was over. I was thinking that Kattie was probably out there in the woods plotting out how she was going to leave me there for telling her it would be a nice little jaunt in the park when she arrived to the finish 3rd woman! Turned out she kind of liked the challenging course and realizing she was a podium contender she really went for it. She hasn't run a ton lately so she capitalized most on her downhill prowess which is really fast. She isn't scared of anything. She'd probably trample baby kittens if they were in her way on a descent. No joke.
We hung around for prizes even though I needed to go to work at the nursery. It was a good thing because we got to pick wine from an incredible assortment of locally made (we were in the heart of OR wine country) bottled awesomeness! I went with the RD's choice--which happened to match Kattie's opinion--of '09 Shea Vineyard Pinot in a beautiful magnum. Stoked!
Kattie and I both had a blast. All in all, it was a badass Saturday morning!
Be sure to check this one out next year! https://www.facebook.com/EnjoyMillerWoods
Did a fun little race out near McMinnville this past Saturday. It was in a place called Miller Woods. It was awesome.
Kattie was supposed to work Saturday but was notified Friday that she could have the day off. So she came too after I told her it was short and not too hilly. One part of that sentence was true the other turned out not to be so true by her standards.
The course was really pretty as it set off on a x-country style grass path down to the woods where we entered dodgey singletrack. Lots of twists and turns gently winded downhill until it went up at a grade somewhere between "douche" and "steep" (that is "barely noticeable" and "wanting to shrink the stride for a long slow ride"). It came back down real quick and then went up again for quite aways in a drawn out hill for such a short course. Lots of unnecessary switchbacks were tucked in there I think for the sole purpose of making sure one could never really open up and cruise without having to slam the brakes, turn and rev it up again (over and over). Long patches of what appeared to be new trail with soft ground which made for a good workout. It was pretty wet and slick. Very exciting stuff for the summer season.
I could have run a long time in there as I was having a lot of fun but just 25:40 later it was over. I was thinking that Kattie was probably out there in the woods plotting out how she was going to leave me there for telling her it would be a nice little jaunt in the park when she arrived to the finish 3rd woman! Turned out she kind of liked the challenging course and realizing she was a podium contender she really went for it. She hasn't run a ton lately so she capitalized most on her downhill prowess which is really fast. She isn't scared of anything. She'd probably trample baby kittens if they were in her way on a descent. No joke.
We hung around for prizes even though I needed to go to work at the nursery. It was a good thing because we got to pick wine from an incredible assortment of locally made (we were in the heart of OR wine country) bottled awesomeness! I went with the RD's choice--which happened to match Kattie's opinion--of '09 Shea Vineyard Pinot in a beautiful magnum. Stoked!
Kattie and I both had a blast. All in all, it was a badass Saturday morning!
Be sure to check this one out next year! https://www.facebook.com/EnjoyMillerWoods
Monday, June 16, 2014
Smith Rock: Jogging with Cattle
Here we go... time for another stream-of-conscious run-on race report.
Pre-race:
Training overview: less mileage, more speed. Not much at all in the way of long hilly affairs. Think more of a classic 10k program.
Friday, I did payroll and fired off an availability update in record time, all while stamping out the usual fires that come with the workday morning. I had one one goal on my mind: be outta there by 1:00 and on my way to Smith Rock for the Smith Rock Ascent 50k the following morning. At 12:59 I rolled off the farm and aimed east. I made a few stops--one for gas, one for a sandwich, and one for dinner/breakfast fixings--but still made it in good time to the scene of my lonesome one man camp on the edge of the state park. Kattie was working up at Soter Vineyard's on Saturday and Pete the Dog was at home protecting the house--a job he's hopelessly not suited for (no, tail wagging is not a sign of fierceness) but pretty passionate about no less.
Shortly after I arrived I jogged out to Burma Rd. which was the first mile or 2 of the course. I did a few hill repeats while out there and then headed back. I had a couple Banquets and a couple PB&Js (what can I say I didn't feel like cooking) while runner types began to pour in by the Subaru full. It was a different scene in the Climber's Bivvy with all these runners doing there "runner" things: you know, eating healthy looking foods and gawking at the calves and quad sizes of one another. Usually, this dusty lot that I know quite well from my climbing days is just a handful of broke ass climbers eating meager portions of shitty food and drinking really crap beer. Maybe a couple of semi-well-to-do foreigners pouring over guidebooks and talking about God knows what. And typically no one's looking at anyone's legs or shoes, just their loads of spendy climbing gear and tattered weather-worn garbs.
I was getting tired and headed to the tent for some sleep. Rest came easy despite some gigglebots (teenage girls) having a slumber party in a tent 25' away (in the quiet zone!). Some quality, boring, non-fiction set the mood and I was out with the sunlight. I awoke well before the alarm thanks to my bowels which were getting extra aggressive. So, I quickly got up and commenced what would be an interesting, almost frightening, assault on toilets around the park. Sorry everyone who was there, that was probably me! This gut biz carried on until right before the race which left me wondering... what I am I going to burn as fuel now that the gas light's back on?
Finally, enough poop stories (can anyone actually get enough of that subject?!) and on to the race:
We were off shortly after 8:00 and dashing through the park. One gutsy dude (with a gutsy beard!) just bolted the first mile but was drawn back in on the climb up Burma Rd. that led us up to the desert/high prairie that would be the setting of the race. I was quickly in 3rd place and spent the first 15 or so miles there, sometimes close to 2nd and sometimes a little further back. I knew the pace was a bit quick for a 50k with some challenges in the last 10 miles but I was having trouble holding it back. It just felt so easy drifting along those plains with a pretty nice trail and stunning, if not downright distracting, views of surrounding farmland below and snowcapped Cascade peaks on the horizon.
Around mile 15 the once leader (through mile 10) then 2nd place dude let me cruise by. It wasn't much later and I heard a loud rustle in the sage and juniper to my left. 3 or 4 giant cows came rumbling to life, got on the trail in front of me and began to run at a clip I was unaware that cows could sustain for a 1/2-3/4 mile. Now in the dust behind this mini stampede I hooted and hollered in my best ranch hand voice for them to get the hell off the trail so I could leave them alone but they must of interpreted this as "stay the trail and head for the barn". They finally started to get off the trail as we came up on a cow convention of sorts with 10-15 more now startled giants and a few calves. "Mama Cow is going to kill me... This is it, so long life. sure the vultures would have my bones polished before anyone found me" I thought. And Mama Cow was pissed when she realized one calf was not by her and I was between them. I slowed down. Then I stopped when a large black bull gave me a couple less than comforting stares. Just like that they sort of moved away and it was back to business as usual only my building lead over 3rd place had diminished significantly and the leader was long gone across the prairie.
Around mile 19-20 the course tipped gently upward and there were lots more rocks and sandy patches. I started to consciously dial things back, attempting to save a bit for the last bigger and quite drawn out climb. It, that dreaded climb, came and I re-passed the 2nd place dude who had passed me on a short gravel road section a few miles back. We agreed that this fun little dash had quickly turned into a sufferfest and I didn't see him again. Instead, the carnage hunters began to advance. Only one caught up and I couldn't have been happier that it was Mike Tyler, also of Salem. He's been killing races this Spring and I was content to let him by with words of encouragement. We pretty much finished the thing like a x-country team happy to be pulling in some points for Salem's oft overlooked runners. Eugene, Portland and Bend may be home of the famous and they certainly have better training grounds but we quietly jog the streets of our sleepy town (where people actually have bumper stickers reading: "Keep Salem Lame") to create racing machines of all makes and models.
While a gutsy looking start that fades to a less than powerful finish wasn't ideal I was quite happy when I finished the 32.54 (some had 32.9) mile course in 4:22. That was still under my moderate (the decided pace for this run) goal time for the actual 31.1 mile distance. The winner, Jeff Browning, had a solid 4:07 finish time on his training grounds. Maybe I am kidding myself but I think with more experience and more suited training that's an attainable time for me in the future.
I had a lot of fun out there in the open sky and expanse of rocks, sage, grass, wildflowers, sand, and cows. It was a really nice change in scenery from the wooded muddy affairs I usually run. I look forward to going back for some more running out there.
Post race:
Feeling really good. Not banged up or overly tired. A little tightness but nothing alarming. Cooled off at Cline Falls on the way home and ate like a horse for the next 24 hrs. I am full and resting just a couple days before summer's short races and speed sessions. Yeehaw!
Oh notes:
Shoes/gear: Nike Terra Kiger-held up well. I could see these getting hot but not a problem in this instance. I also wore a hat and, for the first time, sunglasses. I wore some throw-away shades that I got in a swag bag in case I decided that they were annoying or ridiculously un-stylish and I needed to leave them at an AS. It wasn't overly bright but I'm sure my eyes appreciated my precaution given the lack of shade on the course.
Food: 4 Hammer gels-1 each hr., nursed them somewhat slowly. 4 s-caps (one at each AS except last one). 2 shots of Coca-Cola at AS #5. Gut was funky all day putting anything in there was dangerous and at times a bit painful.
Pre-race:
Training overview: less mileage, more speed. Not much at all in the way of long hilly affairs. Think more of a classic 10k program.
Friday, I did payroll and fired off an availability update in record time, all while stamping out the usual fires that come with the workday morning. I had one one goal on my mind: be outta there by 1:00 and on my way to Smith Rock for the Smith Rock Ascent 50k the following morning. At 12:59 I rolled off the farm and aimed east. I made a few stops--one for gas, one for a sandwich, and one for dinner/breakfast fixings--but still made it in good time to the scene of my lonesome one man camp on the edge of the state park. Kattie was working up at Soter Vineyard's on Saturday and Pete the Dog was at home protecting the house--a job he's hopelessly not suited for (no, tail wagging is not a sign of fierceness) but pretty passionate about no less.
Shortly after I arrived I jogged out to Burma Rd. which was the first mile or 2 of the course. I did a few hill repeats while out there and then headed back. I had a couple Banquets and a couple PB&Js (what can I say I didn't feel like cooking) while runner types began to pour in by the Subaru full. It was a different scene in the Climber's Bivvy with all these runners doing there "runner" things: you know, eating healthy looking foods and gawking at the calves and quad sizes of one another. Usually, this dusty lot that I know quite well from my climbing days is just a handful of broke ass climbers eating meager portions of shitty food and drinking really crap beer. Maybe a couple of semi-well-to-do foreigners pouring over guidebooks and talking about God knows what. And typically no one's looking at anyone's legs or shoes, just their loads of spendy climbing gear and tattered weather-worn garbs.
I was getting tired and headed to the tent for some sleep. Rest came easy despite some gigglebots (teenage girls) having a slumber party in a tent 25' away (in the quiet zone!). Some quality, boring, non-fiction set the mood and I was out with the sunlight. I awoke well before the alarm thanks to my bowels which were getting extra aggressive. So, I quickly got up and commenced what would be an interesting, almost frightening, assault on toilets around the park. Sorry everyone who was there, that was probably me! This gut biz carried on until right before the race which left me wondering... what I am I going to burn as fuel now that the gas light's back on?
Finally, enough poop stories (can anyone actually get enough of that subject?!) and on to the race:
We were off shortly after 8:00 and dashing through the park. One gutsy dude (with a gutsy beard!) just bolted the first mile but was drawn back in on the climb up Burma Rd. that led us up to the desert/high prairie that would be the setting of the race. I was quickly in 3rd place and spent the first 15 or so miles there, sometimes close to 2nd and sometimes a little further back. I knew the pace was a bit quick for a 50k with some challenges in the last 10 miles but I was having trouble holding it back. It just felt so easy drifting along those plains with a pretty nice trail and stunning, if not downright distracting, views of surrounding farmland below and snowcapped Cascade peaks on the horizon.
Around mile 15 the once leader (through mile 10) then 2nd place dude let me cruise by. It wasn't much later and I heard a loud rustle in the sage and juniper to my left. 3 or 4 giant cows came rumbling to life, got on the trail in front of me and began to run at a clip I was unaware that cows could sustain for a 1/2-3/4 mile. Now in the dust behind this mini stampede I hooted and hollered in my best ranch hand voice for them to get the hell off the trail so I could leave them alone but they must of interpreted this as "stay the trail and head for the barn". They finally started to get off the trail as we came up on a cow convention of sorts with 10-15 more now startled giants and a few calves. "Mama Cow is going to kill me... This is it, so long life. sure the vultures would have my bones polished before anyone found me" I thought. And Mama Cow was pissed when she realized one calf was not by her and I was between them. I slowed down. Then I stopped when a large black bull gave me a couple less than comforting stares. Just like that they sort of moved away and it was back to business as usual only my building lead over 3rd place had diminished significantly and the leader was long gone across the prairie.
Around mile 19-20 the course tipped gently upward and there were lots more rocks and sandy patches. I started to consciously dial things back, attempting to save a bit for the last bigger and quite drawn out climb. It, that dreaded climb, came and I re-passed the 2nd place dude who had passed me on a short gravel road section a few miles back. We agreed that this fun little dash had quickly turned into a sufferfest and I didn't see him again. Instead, the carnage hunters began to advance. Only one caught up and I couldn't have been happier that it was Mike Tyler, also of Salem. He's been killing races this Spring and I was content to let him by with words of encouragement. We pretty much finished the thing like a x-country team happy to be pulling in some points for Salem's oft overlooked runners. Eugene, Portland and Bend may be home of the famous and they certainly have better training grounds but we quietly jog the streets of our sleepy town (where people actually have bumper stickers reading: "Keep Salem Lame") to create racing machines of all makes and models.
While a gutsy looking start that fades to a less than powerful finish wasn't ideal I was quite happy when I finished the 32.54 (some had 32.9) mile course in 4:22. That was still under my moderate (the decided pace for this run) goal time for the actual 31.1 mile distance. The winner, Jeff Browning, had a solid 4:07 finish time on his training grounds. Maybe I am kidding myself but I think with more experience and more suited training that's an attainable time for me in the future.
mile 32ish. photo: paul nelson!
I had a lot of fun out there in the open sky and expanse of rocks, sage, grass, wildflowers, sand, and cows. It was a really nice change in scenery from the wooded muddy affairs I usually run. I look forward to going back for some more running out there.
Post race:
Feeling really good. Not banged up or overly tired. A little tightness but nothing alarming. Cooled off at Cline Falls on the way home and ate like a horse for the next 24 hrs. I am full and resting just a couple days before summer's short races and speed sessions. Yeehaw!
Oh notes:
Shoes/gear: Nike Terra Kiger-held up well. I could see these getting hot but not a problem in this instance. I also wore a hat and, for the first time, sunglasses. I wore some throw-away shades that I got in a swag bag in case I decided that they were annoying or ridiculously un-stylish and I needed to leave them at an AS. It wasn't overly bright but I'm sure my eyes appreciated my precaution given the lack of shade on the course.
Food: 4 Hammer gels-1 each hr., nursed them somewhat slowly. 4 s-caps (one at each AS except last one). 2 shots of Coca-Cola at AS #5. Gut was funky all day putting anything in there was dangerous and at times a bit painful.
Monday, June 2, 2014
It's Time for Another Dull Training Update
A couple of semi-noteworthy training updates:
Finished the Mac50k feeling surprisingly good. I was kind of scared and anticipated some late onset fatigue/soreness but it never really manifested as the days went by following the race. I still took things generally easy and kept workouts fairly short/low mileage.
Been doing quite a lot of hill repeats and strides--which is new to me--in preparation for the next 50k, or a summer's shorter races that will follow. In general all of my running has been a bit quicker and a bit more flat.
Regarding that 50k: I am looking forward to the quality time in Smith Rock but really kind of looking forward to some races that are less than a couple hours long. It will be a really nice send off to long stuff until we meet again in the Fall.
A couple of recent workouts that stand out include:
Titus van Rijn (http://tvr1hour.wordpress.com/). This was a one hr. challenge on the track a quarter mile from my house done all alone at 5:30 in the morning. I was making up for missing this with the gang the Monday before the Mac. I made a beer bet to all for going over 9.5 miles. Dan-O did and I paid up. Pam came up just short but raised the stakes for me and Don G to 10 miles. Dan posted some quick math and gave me the 1:29 lap split that I tried to consistently hit at or right beneathe (no fast laps). Anyway, there was a bit of wind here and there and a heavy mist. The Garmin had me at 10.43 miles but I stopped somewhere right around 10.25 miles. It was tough mentally to go around and around at a 5:50 pace 41+ times but once I got in a groove I felt like I could have held this through another 3 miles or so. That'd be a respectable 1/2 marathon time (1:16) for a mediocre dude like me. Maybe something to shoot for if I ever sign up for something that flat.
Run Around the Lake Course. This is a 30k loop around Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho that happens to be a race course. I don't know if I did the exact course but the loop that starts and ends at the top of the stairs at Legacy Park near Hotel McCall was precisely 18.7 on the Garmin which tends to run short on all but the track--so good enough. I did make one variation that probably added a minute or so when I went to North Beach to pass by Kattie and the dog. I wasn't gunning it by any means but a few good pushes here and there in the last 8 miles or so made this a good workout. I finished in 2:12. This training time would have been good enough for a 3rd or 4th place finish in the race. While I know I could drop several minutes off that with just a little more effort, a little more acclimation time (it's a mile high) and a gameday mindset. I am just as sure that I would not have been remotely close to 1st place who went around in 1:42. This workout was a nice gauge to see where things are right now and see how fast that flattish 50k this fall will have to be run.
Got a couple nice trail outings in while in ID but in general they were lackluster affairs compared to those of last September. While the last week of May is a beautiful time to visit the higher country it was honestly too early to fully reap the benefits of the best trails.
Dream on, dream on, dream on.
Finished the Mac50k feeling surprisingly good. I was kind of scared and anticipated some late onset fatigue/soreness but it never really manifested as the days went by following the race. I still took things generally easy and kept workouts fairly short/low mileage.
Been doing quite a lot of hill repeats and strides--which is new to me--in preparation for the next 50k, or a summer's shorter races that will follow. In general all of my running has been a bit quicker and a bit more flat.
Regarding that 50k: I am looking forward to the quality time in Smith Rock but really kind of looking forward to some races that are less than a couple hours long. It will be a really nice send off to long stuff until we meet again in the Fall.
A couple of recent workouts that stand out include:
Titus van Rijn (http://tvr1hour.wordpress.com/). This was a one hr. challenge on the track a quarter mile from my house done all alone at 5:30 in the morning. I was making up for missing this with the gang the Monday before the Mac. I made a beer bet to all for going over 9.5 miles. Dan-O did and I paid up. Pam came up just short but raised the stakes for me and Don G to 10 miles. Dan posted some quick math and gave me the 1:29 lap split that I tried to consistently hit at or right beneathe (no fast laps). Anyway, there was a bit of wind here and there and a heavy mist. The Garmin had me at 10.43 miles but I stopped somewhere right around 10.25 miles. It was tough mentally to go around and around at a 5:50 pace 41+ times but once I got in a groove I felt like I could have held this through another 3 miles or so. That'd be a respectable 1/2 marathon time (1:16) for a mediocre dude like me. Maybe something to shoot for if I ever sign up for something that flat.
Run Around the Lake Course. This is a 30k loop around Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho that happens to be a race course. I don't know if I did the exact course but the loop that starts and ends at the top of the stairs at Legacy Park near Hotel McCall was precisely 18.7 on the Garmin which tends to run short on all but the track--so good enough. I did make one variation that probably added a minute or so when I went to North Beach to pass by Kattie and the dog. I wasn't gunning it by any means but a few good pushes here and there in the last 8 miles or so made this a good workout. I finished in 2:12. This training time would have been good enough for a 3rd or 4th place finish in the race. While I know I could drop several minutes off that with just a little more effort, a little more acclimation time (it's a mile high) and a gameday mindset. I am just as sure that I would not have been remotely close to 1st place who went around in 1:42. This workout was a nice gauge to see where things are right now and see how fast that flattish 50k this fall will have to be run.
Got a couple nice trail outings in while in ID but in general they were lackluster affairs compared to those of last September. While the last week of May is a beautiful time to visit the higher country it was honestly too early to fully reap the benefits of the best trails.
Dream on, dream on, dream on.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Tina and Ike: Back at it (Again) at the Mac 50k
On the Saturday before Mother's Day I should just kick back at a favorite local winery and celebrate the general winding down of another long hard shipping season at work. You know contemplate the lows (pest problems, pissed off picky customers, tense moments in the office, labor squabbles) and revel in the highs (happy customers, additional orders, picture perfect crops, etc.) over a nice glass of wine (or 3, maybe 4) and a view.
But, just like Tina T. after another long hard tour, I don't necessarily make the right decision. Addictions get in the way and I find myself ritually going back year after year to my Ike--the MacDonald Forest 50k--for a good dose of thrill and a serious beating.
Pre-race:
Training started off like last year. Only worse. I thought my training was highly inconsistent in Spring '13 but it didn't compare to this year. I've been griping, or crying on the interwebs virtual shoulder, about that all over this bloggity-blog as of late so I am not going to elaborate much on it again.
Work has been extra-stressful this season. A combination of a prolonged winter, the consequent condensed Spring shipping window, increased responsibilities and new pests coming in from God knows where have brought me to brink of mental exhaustion on more than a handful of days lately. It's all part of the gig in the family biz but it really takes it toll on one and sometimes sacrifice in joggin time is too easy to do.
Race day:
I slept awesome. I was so relaxed. I think it was just knowing that the worst that could happen that Saturday was a shitty race. That's no big deal and probably the best example of a #firstworldproblem I can think of.
I had a little breakfast and hit the road arriving to the Forest pretty early. The weather seemed like it was going to be favorable for race day even though indicators around the start area showed hints of serious sogginess. With a bunch of free time I moseyed around chatting and pounding cups of coffee with running friends. As usual, a bunch of fast looking dudes started piling up and I got to thinking the now classic thought of "so much for an impressive finish placement--what should my time goal be?"
We took off at a pace that I knew was a little fast but I felt fine and at ease. The course did include more fast/flatter trail in the first 5 miles than years past but more than compensated for this early-easiness with more mileage in the "maze" and late race climbs. Perfect for a person who knows how to run a controlled early race and eat carnage for lunch later on... that person's not me, unfortunately. I know better in my head but not in my legs and lungs. They sense a bib on the torso and set into some sort of frenzy no matter what the brain signals their direction.
Anyway, we rolled through the Saddle A.S. at 8ish miles and I was with Neil Olsen, a strong Southern Oregon master's runner with a long list of hot finish times. I figured he knew what a good pace was so I vowed to hang with him as long as felt good. I led us down Horse Trails and up Dan's at what I considered a moderate pace. After Dimple A.S. he just sort of faded away behind me. I held this "really nice feeling pace" until well into the Maze mileage. I ran/mud-skied/slip-slided with Mike Rosling for a long time through there. We were having a blast in what felt like a nice mid-winter training run.
I passed a guy named Jeremy in the Maze as the slicker'n'shit mud seemed to be eating him alive. I was now in 6th place about 17-20 miles into things. It was the closest to the front I would get all day. He's a good runner so I knew once we got out of there and back on some steepish logging roads he'd be passing me. That's exactly what happened after we got down Extendo together. I took a digger and got passed by another dude and then and there 8th place became and remained mine despite a lot of sluggish power hiking on moderately steep stuff for the last 2 major climbs (Alpha and Vineyard Mtn.).
A couple of noteworthy things happened after the marathon mark. I got to the last aid station and tried something new (a gamble)--2 little cups of Coca-Cola. I, and my non-soda accustomed stomach, questioned the decision a minute later but when I could see a couple dudes hot on my tracks on the final climb I suddenly felt that sweet, innocent little thrill of a sugar high. I was wasted tired and on the verge of getting crampy but I was able to pretty easily clip away some 6-something miles on the logging road rollers back to the single-track where I really got after it. I put a minute and a half on some guys that were running really well and within 20 seconds or so behind me at one point. I even got a glimpse of the guy in front of me with about a half mile to go but it was a lot of ground to cover to catch a freshly motivated/running scared him.
My finish time was 4:28:38. Results here: http://www.subrew.com/macresults/search.s?yearSearch=2014.
I was tired but honestly I've never finished the Mac feeling any better than I did this year. Instead of curling up in a ball on the ground I got right after drinking water and replenishing myself with some soup. I avoided the chairs by walking about and I had a great time cheering on other finishers. It was fun chatting about the race which everyone agreed was tough as ever and very muddy. Lot's of tales of late race crampage. Went up to the lake and washed up in the cold water which felt awesome on the legs. I really missed having Kattie there (she was at work) to celebrate with.
I kept thinking, "I guess fitness is kind of a funny thing. Sometimes you think you're on top of it and things don't pan out. And, sometimes you think you're far from fit and you get lucky." The problem with both scenarios is you know you left something on the table and you are capable of much much more. While thrilled with the improved times in tough conditions I can't help but wonder how would it have gone if I had pulled off a decent training block this Spring and had the endurance to nail those last 2 big climbs. I guess there's only one way to find out... go back and do it again.
Like Tina and Ike, it's a vicious cycle.
Thanks to you dearest superfan if you're still reading all this garb. So much senseless babble it must be like being tied to the back of an El Camino and slowly dragged down a gravel road for miles and miles. May God have mercy on your soul.
Additional Notes (for reference, because I have a hard enough time remembering my finish times from races yet alone additional deets):
Consumed: 3 Hammer Gels (nursed them slowly throughout run), ~30 oz. water, 3 Dixie cups of Coke. May have absorbed (osmosis) a GU through my left buttock as it exploded in my pocket when I fell.
Shoes: Montrail FluidFeels. One left and one right. Lotsa miles already, in fact they are pretty much spent--but trusty they are as well.
But, just like Tina T. after another long hard tour, I don't necessarily make the right decision. Addictions get in the way and I find myself ritually going back year after year to my Ike--the MacDonald Forest 50k--for a good dose of thrill and a serious beating.
 |
| Oh Tina, just a baby girl in a cruel cruel world. |
Pre-race:
Training started off like last year. Only worse. I thought my training was highly inconsistent in Spring '13 but it didn't compare to this year. I've been griping, or crying on the interwebs virtual shoulder, about that all over this bloggity-blog as of late so I am not going to elaborate much on it again.
Work has been extra-stressful this season. A combination of a prolonged winter, the consequent condensed Spring shipping window, increased responsibilities and new pests coming in from God knows where have brought me to brink of mental exhaustion on more than a handful of days lately. It's all part of the gig in the family biz but it really takes it toll on one and sometimes sacrifice in joggin time is too easy to do.
Race day:
I slept awesome. I was so relaxed. I think it was just knowing that the worst that could happen that Saturday was a shitty race. That's no big deal and probably the best example of a #firstworldproblem I can think of.
I had a little breakfast and hit the road arriving to the Forest pretty early. The weather seemed like it was going to be favorable for race day even though indicators around the start area showed hints of serious sogginess. With a bunch of free time I moseyed around chatting and pounding cups of coffee with running friends. As usual, a bunch of fast looking dudes started piling up and I got to thinking the now classic thought of "so much for an impressive finish placement--what should my time goal be?"
We took off at a pace that I knew was a little fast but I felt fine and at ease. The course did include more fast/flatter trail in the first 5 miles than years past but more than compensated for this early-easiness with more mileage in the "maze" and late race climbs. Perfect for a person who knows how to run a controlled early race and eat carnage for lunch later on... that person's not me, unfortunately. I know better in my head but not in my legs and lungs. They sense a bib on the torso and set into some sort of frenzy no matter what the brain signals their direction.
Anyway, we rolled through the Saddle A.S. at 8ish miles and I was with Neil Olsen, a strong Southern Oregon master's runner with a long list of hot finish times. I figured he knew what a good pace was so I vowed to hang with him as long as felt good. I led us down Horse Trails and up Dan's at what I considered a moderate pace. After Dimple A.S. he just sort of faded away behind me. I held this "really nice feeling pace" until well into the Maze mileage. I ran/mud-skied/slip-slided with Mike Rosling for a long time through there. We were having a blast in what felt like a nice mid-winter training run.
I passed a guy named Jeremy in the Maze as the slicker'n'shit mud seemed to be eating him alive. I was now in 6th place about 17-20 miles into things. It was the closest to the front I would get all day. He's a good runner so I knew once we got out of there and back on some steepish logging roads he'd be passing me. That's exactly what happened after we got down Extendo together. I took a digger and got passed by another dude and then and there 8th place became and remained mine despite a lot of sluggish power hiking on moderately steep stuff for the last 2 major climbs (Alpha and Vineyard Mtn.).
A couple of noteworthy things happened after the marathon mark. I got to the last aid station and tried something new (a gamble)--2 little cups of Coca-Cola. I, and my non-soda accustomed stomach, questioned the decision a minute later but when I could see a couple dudes hot on my tracks on the final climb I suddenly felt that sweet, innocent little thrill of a sugar high. I was wasted tired and on the verge of getting crampy but I was able to pretty easily clip away some 6-something miles on the logging road rollers back to the single-track where I really got after it. I put a minute and a half on some guys that were running really well and within 20 seconds or so behind me at one point. I even got a glimpse of the guy in front of me with about a half mile to go but it was a lot of ground to cover to catch a freshly motivated/running scared him.
My finish time was 4:28:38. Results here: http://www.subrew.com/macresults/search.s?yearSearch=2014.
 |
| Feeling a bit like a post-domestic-dispute-Tina. Managed to get the cap off for the paparazzi. |
I kept thinking, "I guess fitness is kind of a funny thing. Sometimes you think you're on top of it and things don't pan out. And, sometimes you think you're far from fit and you get lucky." The problem with both scenarios is you know you left something on the table and you are capable of much much more. While thrilled with the improved times in tough conditions I can't help but wonder how would it have gone if I had pulled off a decent training block this Spring and had the endurance to nail those last 2 big climbs. I guess there's only one way to find out... go back and do it again.
Like Tina and Ike, it's a vicious cycle.
Thanks to you dearest superfan if you're still reading all this garb. So much senseless babble it must be like being tied to the back of an El Camino and slowly dragged down a gravel road for miles and miles. May God have mercy on your soul.
Additional Notes (for reference, because I have a hard enough time remembering my finish times from races yet alone additional deets):
Consumed: 3 Hammer Gels (nursed them slowly throughout run), ~30 oz. water, 3 Dixie cups of Coke. May have absorbed (osmosis) a GU through my left buttock as it exploded in my pocket when I fell.
Shoes: Montrail FluidFeels. One left and one right. Lotsa miles already, in fact they are pretty much spent--but trusty they are as well.
Monday, April 28, 2014
no Mac River 50k
Despite my promises of daily sacrificial leg beatings to the lotto gods--and 60/40 odds--the MacKenzie River 50k and I are not going to be getting together this year. I've generally opposed entering lotteries for races as my train of thought has been "why? when there are so many other races out there..." And, I am not an especially lucky person when it comes to drawings.
Too bad, I think the course and I could have made a great pair. It would have helped me to run a slightly more gentle and speedy 50k as I prepare for my potential goal of 3:30 at Autumn Leaves 50k. I'll just find something else to do that month, perhaps Bunker to Bonneville 50k on Aug. 30. That's the race I took my first and only DNS on due to a bad knee injury.
Mac training is pretty mediocre but I feel like I am progressing well with respect to mid-June's 50k race. The daily ritual runs remain and it's been wonderful having Mike Studer along for the early departure (I leave around 4:15 most weekdays and he's the only one out there that would consider at start that early). Track was tough and hills are something I can almost always use more of in my diet though I certainly got my share of hills on yesterday's adventure along the Elk/King Mtn. Traverse with Don G. We were floored after all the steep climbing (~6000') and quick descents even though it was only about 13 miles traveled. I spent the afternoon eating, avoiding stairs and applying a heavy doses of wine to numb the pain.
Despite the fact that the Mac is only one week out I think I will try and pull off a decently long run this coming weekend. Probably just do the Zena route to home thing with a few faster miles towards the end unless something better comes up.
End boring Monday training post!
Too bad, I think the course and I could have made a great pair. It would have helped me to run a slightly more gentle and speedy 50k as I prepare for my potential goal of 3:30 at Autumn Leaves 50k. I'll just find something else to do that month, perhaps Bunker to Bonneville 50k on Aug. 30. That's the race I took my first and only DNS on due to a bad knee injury.
Mac training is pretty mediocre but I feel like I am progressing well with respect to mid-June's 50k race. The daily ritual runs remain and it's been wonderful having Mike Studer along for the early departure (I leave around 4:15 most weekdays and he's the only one out there that would consider at start that early). Track was tough and hills are something I can almost always use more of in my diet though I certainly got my share of hills on yesterday's adventure along the Elk/King Mtn. Traverse with Don G. We were floored after all the steep climbing (~6000') and quick descents even though it was only about 13 miles traveled. I spent the afternoon eating, avoiding stairs and applying a heavy doses of wine to numb the pain.
Despite the fact that the Mac is only one week out I think I will try and pull off a decently long run this coming weekend. Probably just do the Zena route to home thing with a few faster miles towards the end unless something better comes up.
End boring Monday training post!
Monday, April 14, 2014
wah wah wah
rearrangin' the mix a bit so I thought I'd update all my imaginary fanbase.
running regularly for lots of reasons has been tough for me lately. I felt crappy after all the time off in February. Things just hurt and my lungs where all beat up after dying nightly of TB like cough fits (no blood from the mouth, just the nose). I know, I am still complaining about a cold in February... lame. but it seriously left a little trauma mark on me.
then things started to come around a little about the same time that it stopped snowing and being shitty/winter back east. what's the weather back east got to do with my running in Oregon? the relationship is indirect but nice weather means Spring and Spring means harvest at the nursery. we run around like chickens with our heads cut off for 13hrs a day, 6 days a week and load plants into semis and send them to a garden center near you. it's a harvest, if you're over 50 or 60 maybe you've been a part of one, there's no way to describe it's intensity.
this harvest just wipes me out. I leave early and get home late. I barely have time to eat. running gets lackluster and seems like a forced drill rather than a hobby. so I skip it.
anyway harvest seems to be in a bit of a lull and work's still crazy but I am feeling a resurgence of energy coming on. I am ready to put together a solid block of training like I did last fall.
the Mac looms large being only 4 weeks out. I was digging and digging for an excuse to just go "have fun". you know classify it under "b-race" or "training run" status. I was desperate for a reason to not have to race the thing but I didn't have any newbie friends to run it with or that uncle with cancer whose dying goal was finish a 50k that I could heroically walk the thing with.
until today.
I found a late June 50k and now the Mac is a long run. whew. can you feel the stress lifted from these quads and lungs? I am excited about the 50k as it's in Smith Rock, one of my favorite parts of God's country, and it's got vert but not overkill. awesome. I am going to work hard for that gig, relax a week or so, and then wage a training block like non other (no ridiculous mileage-just a bunch of hard work) before the MacKenzie River 50k (did you hear that lottery gods? the promise of sacrifice?!)
yeehaw super-fans. summer's gonna be hot.
running regularly for lots of reasons has been tough for me lately. I felt crappy after all the time off in February. Things just hurt and my lungs where all beat up after dying nightly of TB like cough fits (no blood from the mouth, just the nose). I know, I am still complaining about a cold in February... lame. but it seriously left a little trauma mark on me.
then things started to come around a little about the same time that it stopped snowing and being shitty/winter back east. what's the weather back east got to do with my running in Oregon? the relationship is indirect but nice weather means Spring and Spring means harvest at the nursery. we run around like chickens with our heads cut off for 13hrs a day, 6 days a week and load plants into semis and send them to a garden center near you. it's a harvest, if you're over 50 or 60 maybe you've been a part of one, there's no way to describe it's intensity.
this harvest just wipes me out. I leave early and get home late. I barely have time to eat. running gets lackluster and seems like a forced drill rather than a hobby. so I skip it.
anyway harvest seems to be in a bit of a lull and work's still crazy but I am feeling a resurgence of energy coming on. I am ready to put together a solid block of training like I did last fall.
the Mac looms large being only 4 weeks out. I was digging and digging for an excuse to just go "have fun". you know classify it under "b-race" or "training run" status. I was desperate for a reason to not have to race the thing but I didn't have any newbie friends to run it with or that uncle with cancer whose dying goal was finish a 50k that I could heroically walk the thing with.
until today.
I found a late June 50k and now the Mac is a long run. whew. can you feel the stress lifted from these quads and lungs? I am excited about the 50k as it's in Smith Rock, one of my favorite parts of God's country, and it's got vert but not overkill. awesome. I am going to work hard for that gig, relax a week or so, and then wage a training block like non other (no ridiculous mileage-just a bunch of hard work) before the MacKenzie River 50k (did you hear that lottery gods? the promise of sacrifice?!)
yeehaw super-fans. summer's gonna be hot.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
GET ON THE TRAIN
February Recap:
I suffered through 2 and 1/2 weeks of Black Lung Death Cough and never ran a step (missing Zena Road Race). I started to feel better and ran a few days (mostly in Denver) and decided to race Buck Mtn 6.5 mile up at Silver Falls State Park since I love that little loop so much. Within 200 yards I could taste those pennies that usually come with an extreme track workout... raw lungs already? no bueno. I took things easy on the climbs because breathing was difficult. I charged the downhills as fast as a person who hadn't run much lately could. I ended up in 4th place overall. I got a little plaque to add to my meager collection of mediocre accomplishments. I also got the cough back. It stuck around for another week and 1/2 to 2 weeks and by then I was feeling the fitness fade.
March:
You see when I take time off I do it to the max. I sleep less. I eat poorly. I drink more. It doesn't help with the sickness but these are the things that people do when they are bored and don't have to get up early to jog. The results are bad but I am slowly getting back to things. You know 3 days a week, 4 days a week, 5 days a week... and so on.
While I was sick I took up yoga and home improvement. Re-did the front yard, the side yard and working on the back. Yoga was primarily an exercise in resisting coughing fits for an hour with some pathetic stretching on the side.
I raced Monument Peak 10 mile this past weekend. Total mudfest. Fun and challenging. Felt weak on climbs but hung in there for a 5th overall finish. 3 or 4 faster guys showed up to the race and that gave me some incentive to start working a little harder at getting back on the training train. 5th was the perfect place for me to come in as I know I've still got some drive but a lot of work to put in to get better results.
The future:
Signed up for the Mac 50k. Race is going to kill me again (3rd time). I'll try and be conservative out the shoot as I am feeling a little less strength this year. I've got to get some long hilly runs in soon if that's going to be fun at all this year.
I suffered through 2 and 1/2 weeks of Black Lung Death Cough and never ran a step (missing Zena Road Race). I started to feel better and ran a few days (mostly in Denver) and decided to race Buck Mtn 6.5 mile up at Silver Falls State Park since I love that little loop so much. Within 200 yards I could taste those pennies that usually come with an extreme track workout... raw lungs already? no bueno. I took things easy on the climbs because breathing was difficult. I charged the downhills as fast as a person who hadn't run much lately could. I ended up in 4th place overall. I got a little plaque to add to my meager collection of mediocre accomplishments. I also got the cough back. It stuck around for another week and 1/2 to 2 weeks and by then I was feeling the fitness fade.
March:
You see when I take time off I do it to the max. I sleep less. I eat poorly. I drink more. It doesn't help with the sickness but these are the things that people do when they are bored and don't have to get up early to jog. The results are bad but I am slowly getting back to things. You know 3 days a week, 4 days a week, 5 days a week... and so on.
While I was sick I took up yoga and home improvement. Re-did the front yard, the side yard and working on the back. Yoga was primarily an exercise in resisting coughing fits for an hour with some pathetic stretching on the side.
I raced Monument Peak 10 mile this past weekend. Total mudfest. Fun and challenging. Felt weak on climbs but hung in there for a 5th overall finish. 3 or 4 faster guys showed up to the race and that gave me some incentive to start working a little harder at getting back on the training train. 5th was the perfect place for me to come in as I know I've still got some drive but a lot of work to put in to get better results.
The future:
Signed up for the Mac 50k. Race is going to kill me again (3rd time). I'll try and be conservative out the shoot as I am feeling a little less strength this year. I've got to get some long hilly runs in soon if that's going to be fun at all this year.
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