Tahoe Rim 50 2012

     I came very near to downgrading this race to a 50k just a few weeks before the race. I simply had not been traing for a 50 miler. I have had a few 4 mile runs during the week. and a couple of twenty mile runs a month for the past four months. But I figured I could just do it. I have ran three fifties before, how hard could it be?
     Actually I new it would be hard. 7,000 - 9,000 feet in elevation meant very little oxygen, and I knew that the mountains would be tough, but I wanted to go for it. My plan was just go out slow and just finish. The first 12 miles from the start to Tunnel Creek aid station were awesome. I felt good (duh!) and over confident. "I can bag this. This isnt so hard." I said to myself. I had some good conversations at the start and I was taking pictures of the race and having a good time. Then came the infamous Red House loop. This is where you descend from 8,000 feet to 6,800 feet almost instantly, do a loop and then climb back up. I was grinding my quads on the way down just to keep from loosing control. The climb back up was sucking the life out of me and very slow. When I limped into the the Tunnel Creek aid station for a second time, it hit me, this is going to be tough. 4 hours and 53 minutes have passed and I had 33 miles to go.
     Then I had a long 8 mile climb to the top of Diamond Peak at 8,755 feet. I was at mile 25 with 7 hours past. "Wow this is slow, but at least I had I had down hill to look forwad to." I said to myself,  "Maybe I can make up some time." Then began the four mile descent to Diamon Peak lodge. It seemed like an eternity. I had to take walking breaks just to let my legs rest from the pounding of running down hill for so long. I finally made it to the lodge, the mile 30 mark with 8 hours and 13 minutes past.
     I ate what I could at the aid station and got ready to make a 2,000 foot climb in 2 miles. Basically it was the bottom of Diamond Peak ski resort to its highest point. This is where things really began to turn dark for me. The slope was so incredibly steep, and at 8,000 feet of elevation, it was like breathing out of a paper bag. I basicaly took 7 steps and stopped, hunched over with my hands on my knees, gasped for air and then repeated. Just when I thought I made it to the top, the climb continued. It took me an hour and 15 minutes to reach the top. 9.5 hours passed and I had 18 miles to go. The problem now was I was in so much pain that every step felt like knives on my legs and feet. I figured at my current pace, I had six hous to go. The though of enduring so much pain for another six hours was unimagineable. "This is stupid, I thought." I texted my wife that I didnt think I could continue, and I sent another text to my friend Clifton and said, "My legs are toast. I am a quitter".
     Minutes later a runner named Karen who I had seen several times came by to ask how I was doing. I said I was done. I couldnt take this any longer. She urged me not to quit and to just keep walking. She said I would hate myself if I quit. It was the truth but I didnt want to hear it. I repeated to myself, "I' done"  as I felt the knives continue to thrust into my legs. "There is no way I am going to do this."
     I stumbled into the Tunnel Creek aid station for the third time. I looked at the table with the important looking people with walkie talkies. "Can I help you?" they asked. "Um, I think I want to quit." My voice began to crack with emotion. Now I am not an emotional person at all, but there is something about working so hard, being so exhausted and then quitting, that puts you into this raw state.
"Come over hear and sit down in the tent" Jen one of the captains says to me. "Are you injuered? Whats going on?" I felt a little stupid. "No I said, I just havnt been training enough, and I can't imagine climbing two more peaks." I was starting to loose it emotionally. Then she tells me that this 7 year old boy who was helping out at the aid station has Lukemia.
After sitting there for another five minutes. I got up. "Ok I better eat something, I said." I downed two Ensures, a five hour energy drink (Not bad aid station provisions), potatoes, chips, coke. I decided to continue.
     I started passing a few people and I caught up to Karen who had urged me not to quit earlier. She was having a rough day too so we decided to hobble the last 15 or so miles back together. It was a rough 5 hours but we did it. After 15 hours and 30 minutes, I finished.

   
    

Dick Collins 50 Miler

Ok I learned something today. Careful on making time goals on races over 50k in length when you don't really know what you are thinking. I made an unrealistic goal of 9 hours and 30 minutes which I assumed I could do....well let me get back to that.

I got to Lake Chabot, the start of the race, with about 20 minutes till start time. I headed straight to the bathroom...where there was a line out the door 15 people deep. I had no choice but to wait...trust me I had to wait. I still had to register, go back to my car, take off my jacket, apply sunscreen...lets just cut to the chase and say I made it to the start line with no seconds to spare.

Everything seem to be going great. The course was not that steep in the beginning. Aid stations were numerous and well stocked. Life was good. Until about mile 22 or so. I started to get tired and the turn-around aid station at Tilden park seemed like it was taking forever to appear. I had never run in this area so I never knew where I was.

It was at this time that a dark cloud began to hover over me. (This is where you play a sad tune on your little violin). This dark cloud of negativity, exhaustion, and depression I believe happened because I knew there was no way that I was going to reach my time goal AND I was supposed to go on a date with my wife (and I only had a 3 hour window when the kids were being watched) AND I just plain hated life, wanted to quit, wished I could go home AND (violin gets sadder) I had 25 MILES TO GO and at my pace at that time I was looking at 12 or 13 hours AND I had an uphill from Hell that I swear was 25,000 feet tall. OK maybe not that tall. Seriously though I was not in a good place. for the next 15 long slow miles.

Then after a nice unexpected bowl of soup at an aid station and the realization that I was only 10 miles away, and the course was getting easier...my spirits lifted..but I was still slow...like a grandmother with a walker slow. Old men and ladies were passing me as I shuffled along on the flat trail. Then after a pizza and more soup...a song on my IPOD came on...from Daughtry...called "There and Back Again"...It has this amazing energy and the lyrics were just what I needed to hear...I got a rush of endorphins and adrenaline and I was amped. I went from a 12:30-15:00 pace to a 7:45-8:30 pace for the last 8 miles....which is a long time....I passed a ton of people and charged up hill, it was awesome..

I finished at 10:43 or something like that....not a great time but a 50 miler pr...but more importantly a great finish....Yes it IS 90 percent mental 10 percent in your head...

Replace, replace that line

that spoke to you

But showed no signs to be alive.

So are you living or dead?

You have made a choice to hear your voice

Or hold on to what they said.

Now shine. Here is your moment to shine. Shine.

Headlands 50M

I had a hard time sleeping the night before the Headlands 50m. After DNF'ing on my first 50m attempt, I was anxious and worried if I could do it. Besides, I didnt feel that my training was ideal. It had been 4 months since my last 50k, and only one short Double Dipsea race in between. I had a few training days that approached 20 miles, some weeks of 40-50 miles, but nothing that resembled like a typical 50 mile training plan.

It was a foggy and drizzly day...I was happy that it wasnt going to be hot. I met Dan, Clif, and Jarod at Starbucks and we carpooled down to the start line by 6:30. Clearly this was a different crowd. The runners appeared to be more experienced, and fit than other races. At the starting line the announce asked how many people were running their first 50 miler...I raised my hand along with maybe 5 others. That was a little intimidating.

We were off. It was hard not to run up the climb up Wolf Ridge on my fresh legs. I was amped, full of energy, trying hard to pace myself. I was aiming for a 11 hour 30 minute finish (13:44 avg pace) based on the middle of the pack results of the previous year. I find that its important for me to have a goal.

I cruised into Tenesse Valley in about 42 minutes (almost 15 minutes ahead of schedule). I know this was a little fast, but I took it easy on the climbs and tried to run effortlessly yet efficient..I tried to eat as much Pay day bars, chips, cookies, and gummy bears as I could. I felt good as I headed to Muir Beach through the Pirates cove trail. The mist was so heavy at this point that my hat was dripping of moisture and the trail was muddy and sticking to my shoes. I had to constantly scrape them off to keep them from being 10 pound weights.

I fuled up at Muir beach then turned around back up the Muir Beach slog toward Coyotte Ridge. My legs began to get fatigued as I made my way back into Tennese Valley the second time. I slowly made my way up Marincello then down to the Golden Gate bridge, then back to Rodeo...I completed my first loop! I stopped for a few minutes, drank a Red Bull and slowly shuffled back towards the Golden Gate. Halfway up the Miwok trail, I saw Clifton descening down to the end of his Marathon. He told me about how Jarod was doing, how he had sprained his ankle but wasnt far behind him. We exchanged hi fives and moved on. I saw Jarod about 20 minutes later. He looked tired physically but was in amazing spirits...He knew he was giving it his all despite his sprained ankle (at mile 7!) and that he was about to complete his first marathon. Jarod passed towards his descent to the finish and I continued on.

I was feeling exhausted coming out of Golden Gate for the second time. Flies and bees were crawling all over the food at the aid station, and everything was wet from the hours of mist. But I pressed on. When I finally made it to the top near Marincello going down to Tennesse Valley, I caught a second wind and picked up my pace. I was feeling great and I knew I would be able to bag this race. I cruised through Tennesse Valley then Muir Beach...I was slowing down. It was gruling going up Muir Beach and the Pirates Cove stairs, but I managed to run from the top of Pirates cove back to Tennesse Valley without walking.

I was surprised to be greeted by my family. Ethan and Kirstin ran to me and hugged me. I was encouraged and excited. By this time, it was 10 hours into the race. I had an hour and a half to make it back to Rodeo Valley. By this time I was hoping to make it by the 11 hour mark, which meant I had less than an hour to make it back. On fresh legs, this would be easy, but my legs were shot. I made it to the top of Wolf Ridge and there was 15 minutes left! And I had a hard time running down hill. When I got toward the bottom, still 200 yards away, I heard the megaphone say you have 3o seconds. Somthing came over me...I felt a ton of emotion, joy, and determination. I had to do it. I just had to. I sprinted for the 200 yards, everyone was watching and chearing me on...I did it, 10 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds. People gave me high fives, it was awesome....I will never forget that time.

Increasing Mileage

In December I completed the Northface Challenge (50k + a little extra) in 6:59. I was pretty much toast after that challenging course with an elevation gain of 6,606. I decided to run the Rodeo Beach 50k two weeks later (elevation gain of 5980). I was afraid that I would struggle since I was so worn out from my last race, but I ended up PR'ing at 6:11.

I ran 35 mile weeks more or less for two weeks and then the second week in January I ran 68 miles with over 9,000 feet of elevation gain. Definitely an all time weekly high for me. Yesterday while running 23 miles, I never felt as good as I did on a run. Towards the end I was running 8-9 minute miles and some smaller hills. I could have gone on easily if I had the time.

Having consistent 2-2.5 hr running days seems to be the key. My plan is to eventually increase intensity and include hill training. Also I will do some two-a-days. Of course I need to listen to my body to prevent burnout and over training.

I have found that the body will adapt to a rigorous training schedule and that with good nutrition, stretching, massage, and trigger point therapy, you can be renewed by the next morning. My typical training diet is a large bowl of granola cereal with almond milk and a large cup of coffee. Then after the run I eat a granola bar, apple, orange, and banana. I then eat some cookies or donuts at work (OK scratch the good nutrition comment). Then I eat a large lunch (800 - 1000 calories) then I eat a moderate dinner followed by a 16 oz glass of fresh vegetable juice (carrot, celery, apple and greens). I also take 2,000 mg of Vitamin C, Omega 3 pills, and Glutamine. So I guess that's 2,500 to 3,000 calories. Currently I am stable at 158lbs with 8 percent body fat. I sleep around 9:30.

3 more weeks until the Steep Ravine trail run. I wish they had an elevation profile so I could make a prediction on my finish time but I am aiming for 5:50...but I might surprise myself. Then again...running from Sea level to Pan Toll 3 times wont be easy so we will see...

Man Vs. Corn and the Muir Beach Marathon

It was a foggy morning, April 11 2010. The Muir Beach Marathon is probably one of the most incredible marathons* (notice the astrix) there is. Leaving Stinson Beach you run up Steep Ravine, a towering jungle of ferns, redwoods, and waterfalls. You run through trees (literally), up a ladder....Then after climbing 1,600 feet, your run 1600 feet down to Muir Woods. As you run through dense redwoods, you make your way back up to Pan Toll Ranger station and then run about 12 miles along a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Amazing. Oh yeah, the astrix is for the 23 miles that GPS actually recorded the race....The organization is a little liberal on their definition of a marathon or their way of measuring it. Oh well, my 4:37 time sounded a little too good to be true. I should have known that a 4:37 at a 13 minute average pace really has not been done before....

As I was racing, several people past me along the race. As my friend Clifton passed me two minutes before the end, as happy as I was for him, my competitive nature was a little knocked...but do you want to know the truth? The competitors in the race are not the enemy. Corn is your enemy! Corn is an evil fruit, used by our government to manipulate the entire food industry, at the cost of many lives...

After World War 1, the government needed to find a use for all of the excess ammonium nitrate it used to manufacture bombs. They turned to agriculture and soon learned that ammonium nitrate could make an acre of land go from 45 bushels per acre to 180 acres. (at a cost of about 180 gallons of fossil fuel) If that were not enough, the government decided to give away cash, a lot of cash, to any farmer that would produce corn. The government manufactured an industry that would literally change life as we know it. This corn is used as the primary food source for virtually all of our meat. In addition, it is used to make corn syrup, a very inexpensive ingredient to produce (thanks to the government subsidies and the annual glut of corn we have). Because corn syrup is so cheap, companies such as Coca Cola were able to become mammoth companies. Fast Food companies were able to make cheap "All beef patties" because cheap corn feed made it cheaper to produce meat...and make a killing from the 95% profit margin on their soft drinks.

Today the average American drinks 600 12 oz drinks a year. Americans eat 75% of their meals at home, but out of that 75% half of those are fast food. A typical fast food lunch has between 1,300 and 1,700 calories. An adult should be eating about 2,000 calories a day but the average American eats 3,800 per day. I ate at Pasta Pomodoro before my run. They now publish their calories on their menu. I learned that a typical Pasta dinner was around 1,500 calories (including bread but not drinks).

Back to the race...Its interesting when I run by people on the trail, they are amazed that we are running a marathon in the woods. The people I talk to are all inspired by my trail running. Even my wife has started working out and running because she has been inspired. I also try to live a healthy lifestyle by eating local, 100 percent grass fed meats and organic vegetables. I want to eliminate all forms of processed foods. People change by watching and learning from what we do. Everyone wants to live a healthy lifestyle but nothing inspires them more than seeing people live it out. So....I run. Not to beat everyone but to live a lifestyle that I believe in. I push myself, train, and run crazy miles because that's who I am and I hope others in their own way will try to fight the darkness that is killing our kids and destroying the quality of life in our friends. Every time I see a friend, who has a few extra pounds pick up a corn syrup ladened, insulin spiking poison tonic or vittle, I cringe. I know whatever I say wont make a huge difference...I don't know maybe it will, but they will notice when I run. And when I am running races at age 50, 60, and 70 and feeling great, when I am playing soccer with my teenage kids and running circles around them....people will notice and ask how....and I will tell them how I do it. We are on a mission! We are conquerors. We will not be beaten. Lets get ready for the next run!

Motivation...To Run or Not To Run

Well that title doesn't sound very inspiring...Ok so before I start, let me bore you with my morning run details and then I will get to the point. So I left this morning after downing some waffles with the kids and wife and ran to Petes to get a double shot of espresso. On the way there I got nipped in the butt by a big dog. The dogs owner was this lady in a wheel chair that was talking to some guy right on the bridge. I was kind of ticked that she didnt appologize for her dog or even sternly yell at it. So I got to Petes a little shaken up and after downing the doubleshot I was on my way to the hills of Novato. I ran up some streets, passed some wild turkeys and got to the trail head. The creeks were running from last weeks rains and the smells of moist soil was refreshing. I pushed my way up a 600 ft hill and stopped a minute to hear several birds chirping away. I took in the nature as I ran down the ridge. I exited the open space and ran by several farms. I heard chickens, saw baby goats, saw a pair of peacocks pass me, saw some horse being fed their morning hay. All in all it was a nice run. Just about 8 miles...no big deal. But, really, do I have to run 100 miles to be inspiring these days? I mean they are saying yesterdays 100 mile is today 135. What will be tomorrows distance to write home about? 200? 300?
This gets to my point. Dean Karnazes one day ran 25 or 30 miles for the first time. He was so inspired that he ran the ARC 50 not long after that. Then he did Western States which was a monumental accomplishment for him. But do you think that he would ever write about doing Western States again? Been there done that, right? Next he ran from Calistoga to Santa Cruz for a cause. Then he ran 50 marathons in 50 days. But what is he going to write about next?
Scott Jurek, one of my trail running heros recently wrote an eye opening article in the April issue of Runners World. After being a 7 time Western States winner, he is no longer winning races. He got a divorce from his wife, and he just seems unmotivated to race. His mission is to help people be healthier and he asked himself, "how is beating everyone helping them with that goal?" He got disillusioned and his motivations of competing and being the best led him away from his true passions. You can see by visiting his blog that his passion for running has fallen off the cliff. There is not a single post for 2010. Hopefully he will find himself again. Or maybe he did and running races is not himself.
I knew a guy who would buy a brand new car every 6 months. He would buy the car, smell that new car smell, show off his car to his friends and then get bored with it and buy another one. People do that with relationships too. You know that song..."You lost that loving feeling". If love was a feeling then we would be trading our wives every 6 months too, right?
You know what I think the problem with motivation is? We don't appreciate the little stuff that makes what we do great. If I can't enjoy the turkeys, peacocks, birds, trees, streams and just breathing the fresh air on a nice run. If I can't enjoy the redwoods in Muir woods, the ocean views, the rolling fog over the hills as I run free in the mountains. If that stuff doesnt motivate me to get outside and jump into my running shoes...then I have lost it.
If I can't enjoy giving my kids piggy back rides, putting them down at night and talking about my day with my wife...If I can't enjoy solving a computer problem at work and making someones day a little more productive...then what am I living for?
I love looking forward to races. I want to run from Oregon to Mexico along the Coastal trail one day. That stuff excites me. It gives me something to look forward to, but if I can't enjoy the ride there, then I will quit. PR'ing, distance goals, big races are all great, but if that is your motivation, then I say you are not going to be running 20 years from now. You will one day injur yourself, get too old to do something you have never done and loose your mojo. You will be a slog watching Oprah Winfey reruns on your old couch, telling your friends what a great runner you used to be. Maybe I should change my blog tittle to To Run or watch Oprah? or PR today Couch Tomorrow. Hmm, let me think about that...

Training and Recovery and my first Trail Marathon

I completed my first trail marathon on Feb 20Th at the Rodeo Beach Marathon. It was awesome. I finished in 5 hours, 2 minutes...well before my goal. I was running on a bad knee that I hurt two days prior.

On the Thursday before, I went on a 5:00am run with Clifton and Dan. They convinced me to go even though I was hesitant because I didn't want to burn out even a little bit before the race. I wanted to be in prime shape.

So many online guides talk about tapering, easing up, especially the week before. This Thursday we had decided to run the Pirates Cove loop, which was about 10 miles or so. Besides kicking a rock and hurting my knee, I feel that it helped me to run rather than hurt. So the Dean Karnazes world of thinking seems to be accurate....Run how you feel, not by some strict rule that someone else made up. Also...you need to discover what works for you.

There are so many opinions out there in the blogosphere. Although the collective experiences are very helpful, there is no silver bullet, no one way of doing anything. And isn't that the way life is? We can all think that our way is the only way...When we get into that mentality we become closed minded to other ideas. Running in my opinion is a journey that cannot be mapped out by anyone else. Its our race and our discoveries.