Sick... yuck. sore throat, worn down... boring.
Everyone is saying it this week. The summer illness has hit hard. I still got out for 17 on Saturday night, on the road for the first time in awhile. The open stride was a recent new feeling for me on a long run and gave me a taste of the upcoming marathon. Let's hope I am a tad looser come race day.
I'll race 10k for the 4th in Lenoir, NC. This is where my season began this year with an all out duel with a 10 year old during the Leprechan Leap 5k. I think my fitness has improved since but if there is one thing we all know... it is to expect surprises. Be adaptable and be flexible but always run with the utmost integrity. This simply means to me, that I need to run MY best. The performance must come from within, an expression of the meaning that each effort has to me, internally. The spirit of 'Running Within', reaching the mystical realm we all long for.
The following week is the next long race and the reason for the recent longer run. This is also the return to the Marathon for me. Chicago was my last and that was in 2003. There, I fell apart at 15 miles and struggle through some painful hip issues for a 2:58. My training this time has been much more consistent and I hope it will lead to a better result.
Grandfather Mountain Marathon and its hilly profile has my respect already. But I am getting my head around the idea of performance and distance mixed. This won't be a long, slow effort... hopefully. The goal is for this to be a hilly, long test of the upper limits of my racing ability; an extension of the Valle Crucis 25k from earlier in the season. I am not supremely confident in my speed work at this point with only a few efforts every 10 days or so. Though I know that all I can do is what I can do. Also I have seen in recent races that when I allow it, my efforts have been far beyond my goals for the given day.
Going by feel, relaxing the body and allowing the flow state to come upon me through the miles upon miles. That is the plan ya'll. More to come. More sleep hopefully.
P.S.- Ate a lightning bug tonight after a gorgingly great dinner. This caused some gagging and then I threw up a little in the woods. It was kind of gross but only if that kind of thing is completely disgusting to you.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wilson's Creek
A nice trail run today, mostly downhill with some tricky footing and lots of crossings which were very welcome today. I can feel the small layoff in the quads from this descending run. Just a matter of getting back to that consistency. I am sure I am well rested at this point. My main concern was injury from backing up races and an aggressive (excited) training program between. Now I may have lost a small notch of training but of course this will return.
A nice run and now... I want to sleep!
A nice run and now... I want to sleep!
Lazy Daze
What a visit! My lil bro and his fam just left this morning. Late nights, lazy days, lots of laughs, a ball game, time on the river, catching my first fish... Great Times!
Today, I will run. It's been since Saturday when my longish reminder was interrupted by vicious T-storms. They snuck up on me over Grandfather Mountain. One second steady rain, the next I was surrounded by black clouds, lightning and sheets of heavy rain and blistering winds.
At that point I made the decision to cut my run from 16 miles to get back to the car as soon as possible and live to run another day. After a squatting stint in some low land ravine waiting for the worst to pass I continued on... making it safely to the Honda. This was the second most severe weather I have been caught in on a run... no hail at least.
Upon arriving home I was greeted with carnage in the forest about 200 feet from the back porch. There was a large swath of Poplar destroyed from sudden high winds that came and went in a flash. Our cousin was apparently in the immediate area and his faith must've been tested in that moment. The word 'tornado' was mentioned... none of us are meteorologists so... who knows, but he was there for the destruction first hand. Since this is the same system that I encountered later in the day... I was VERY happy to have made the decision to cut the run short. Now it has been 3 days since I have run so it is high time to get out there on a trail for a long hour in Wilson's Creek!!
Today, I will run. It's been since Saturday when my longish reminder was interrupted by vicious T-storms. They snuck up on me over Grandfather Mountain. One second steady rain, the next I was surrounded by black clouds, lightning and sheets of heavy rain and blistering winds.
At that point I made the decision to cut my run from 16 miles to get back to the car as soon as possible and live to run another day. After a squatting stint in some low land ravine waiting for the worst to pass I continued on... making it safely to the Honda. This was the second most severe weather I have been caught in on a run... no hail at least.
Upon arriving home I was greeted with carnage in the forest about 200 feet from the back porch. There was a large swath of Poplar destroyed from sudden high winds that came and went in a flash. Our cousin was apparently in the immediate area and his faith must've been tested in that moment. The word 'tornado' was mentioned... none of us are meteorologists so... who knows, but he was there for the destruction first hand. Since this is the same system that I encountered later in the day... I was VERY happy to have made the decision to cut the run short. Now it has been 3 days since I have run so it is high time to get out there on a trail for a long hour in Wilson's Creek!!
Friday, June 19, 2009
The zen of sand castles and running
10 days out of Chattooga leaves me feeling pretty rested... and pretty bored. In the immortal wisdom of Tom Petty, "Time to move on, Time to get goin'. What lies ahead I have no way of knowin'. But under my feet, grass is growin'..." Should I continue???
With this in mind the mental transition from long racing to resting and now to training again has been not so much a challenge, but a welcome change from the routine. Much the same way as running a long downhill brings smiles with thoughts of an upcoming climb. Though, as that climbs begins we need to remind ourselves to focus and transition our mechanics for an efficient stride.
Grandfather Marathon sits about a month out. I believe in my base and my endurance so now it is time to add a little flavor to this stock. In this case the main spice is pace (speed) work.
I had been hitting the track for mile repeats at 10k effort leading up to the 50k. Now I move to learning marathon pace by simply running the pace for 2 mile stints. This feels comfortable, obviously. Then I mix in a few faster miles at 8k effort before finishing the session with another mile at marathon pace. This MP feels so comfortable now since the heart has relaxed, the stride has shortened and the lungs have been opened fully from the 8k efforts. All of this with minimum rest... about 2 minutes. After all, we do not train to rest. If it is too much intensity then slow down, but our time is best spent running... if we want to be better (faster in this case) runners. Bottom line here is that the clock is a tool. We need to pay attention to our effort, honestly, with integrity. If it feels too hard (or too easy) then it probably is. NEVER push through something that seems like too much just to log it in a book. This is a sure sign of immaturity in the runner... and a sure way toward burn out or injury.
This training can be akin to building a sand castle by dripping wet sand into globs. We begin with big globs, by the handful or more... though eventually, when the time is right, the sand is carefully dropped from the fingers in specific areas. Otherwise, if we get too careless, too ambitious, the entire structure will crumble.
Eventually the cycles of time will wash this all away, but what can linger is the feeling of satisfaction which arises from a well orchestrated plan. What could be called a work of art. If we can reach this elusive area in our running then we will have known success.
At any rate... these are the details I will be carefully adding to my sand castle over the next three weeks with a couple of 2 hour runs to sure up the overall structure. We'll hope this all comes together for a successful run come July 11. Today though, I know this... I am tired.
With this in mind the mental transition from long racing to resting and now to training again has been not so much a challenge, but a welcome change from the routine. Much the same way as running a long downhill brings smiles with thoughts of an upcoming climb. Though, as that climbs begins we need to remind ourselves to focus and transition our mechanics for an efficient stride.
Grandfather Marathon sits about a month out. I believe in my base and my endurance so now it is time to add a little flavor to this stock. In this case the main spice is pace (speed) work.
I had been hitting the track for mile repeats at 10k effort leading up to the 50k. Now I move to learning marathon pace by simply running the pace for 2 mile stints. This feels comfortable, obviously. Then I mix in a few faster miles at 8k effort before finishing the session with another mile at marathon pace. This MP feels so comfortable now since the heart has relaxed, the stride has shortened and the lungs have been opened fully from the 8k efforts. All of this with minimum rest... about 2 minutes. After all, we do not train to rest. If it is too much intensity then slow down, but our time is best spent running... if we want to be better (faster in this case) runners. Bottom line here is that the clock is a tool. We need to pay attention to our effort, honestly, with integrity. If it feels too hard (or too easy) then it probably is. NEVER push through something that seems like too much just to log it in a book. This is a sure sign of immaturity in the runner... and a sure way toward burn out or injury.
This training can be akin to building a sand castle by dripping wet sand into globs. We begin with big globs, by the handful or more... though eventually, when the time is right, the sand is carefully dropped from the fingers in specific areas. Otherwise, if we get too careless, too ambitious, the entire structure will crumble.
Eventually the cycles of time will wash this all away, but what can linger is the feeling of satisfaction which arises from a well orchestrated plan. What could be called a work of art. If we can reach this elusive area in our running then we will have known success.
At any rate... these are the details I will be carefully adding to my sand castle over the next three weeks with a couple of 2 hour runs to sure up the overall structure. We'll hope this all comes together for a successful run come July 11. Today though, I know this... I am tired.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Once upon a ninja... (close encounters with the Ipod kind)
A quick trip to Southern Pines, NC this weekend brought me back out to the Weymouth Woods area. A nice, flat, sandy trail network about a half a mile from the in-laws' house. I set out around 10:30 am for a very warm and muggy 9 miles. The heat hit me about 3 miles in, on one of the "climbs"... I think it was mainly dehydration at work so I stopped for a water fountain and loaded up on fluid.
A mile more down the trail I came across a 2 foot snake in the trail. I grabbed a sturdy stick and tried to urge him out of the trail. He did move in his time but not before bowing up, flattening his neck and loudly hissing back at me. A ninja snake if I have ever seen one. So I moved along and got out of his way.
After another 2 miles I reached the boggy areas of the network again. This is where all of the flies were, the big biting flies... I swallowed a few and was coughing one up when I came around a turn, verbally cursing the flies. I looked up and saw a middle aged man on the trail in front of me. I saw that he was walking with a staff and a pack. Since I was coughing loudly I assumed that would make him aware of my presence.
The single track here made it difficult to pass so I slowed down... waiting for him to acknowledge my presence. As I reached a couple of strides from him I noticed he was listening to an Ipod... surprise, surprise... Just about this time he realized there was something within "striking distance" of him. He stopped, turned toward the "threat" and prepared for battle. His stance wide, holding the staff in classic fighting position... staring at me in a menacing yet foolish manner. I gently held my left hand up and met his gaze. I passed by him, leaving him to think about the situation. After a few seconds and strides passed I heard his words chase after me.
"You should get a bell," he blared with embarrassment.
"...or maybe just an Ipod," I harked back to him.
What a character. Well, I finished up my run... headed back to the in-laws and eventually spent the rest of the day driving home and sleeping; not simultaneously. Upon arriving home I was so inspired by the day's events that I just had to watch 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.
A mile more down the trail I came across a 2 foot snake in the trail. I grabbed a sturdy stick and tried to urge him out of the trail. He did move in his time but not before bowing up, flattening his neck and loudly hissing back at me. A ninja snake if I have ever seen one. So I moved along and got out of his way.
After another 2 miles I reached the boggy areas of the network again. This is where all of the flies were, the big biting flies... I swallowed a few and was coughing one up when I came around a turn, verbally cursing the flies. I looked up and saw a middle aged man on the trail in front of me. I saw that he was walking with a staff and a pack. Since I was coughing loudly I assumed that would make him aware of my presence.
The single track here made it difficult to pass so I slowed down... waiting for him to acknowledge my presence. As I reached a couple of strides from him I noticed he was listening to an Ipod... surprise, surprise... Just about this time he realized there was something within "striking distance" of him. He stopped, turned toward the "threat" and prepared for battle. His stance wide, holding the staff in classic fighting position... staring at me in a menacing yet foolish manner. I gently held my left hand up and met his gaze. I passed by him, leaving him to think about the situation. After a few seconds and strides passed I heard his words chase after me.
"You should get a bell," he blared with embarrassment.
"...or maybe just an Ipod," I harked back to him.
What a character. Well, I finished up my run... headed back to the in-laws and eventually spent the rest of the day driving home and sleeping; not simultaneously. Upon arriving home I was so inspired by the day's events that I just had to watch 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Chattooga 50k- race report
As I sit here listening to my Red Sox pound away at the Yanks I can't help but think how life is so good. And with that in mind, here is how the day on the Chattooga turned out for me... a first time ultra runner.
I woke up early and Lynnea cooked up eggs, biscuits, gravy and bacon while Joshua supplied some high octane beans for the morning brew. We ate well and headed toward the start. The radio subtly played '3 little birds'. "every little thing, will be all right..."
After braving the john (and maybe hitting the woods a time or two) we were set to go. Terri gave us a few words and announced her intention to run as well!! and then we were off. I settled into an easy pace somewhere around 15th position on the trail. It felt right, and even as the front runners spurted out of view I reminded myself to relax and enjoy. Either they would come back or they would not, but I still had 30 miles to run, including all of the hills. Time would tell.
Soon the lead woman asked to pass a group of younger runners ahead. I took this opportunity to move up a few spots and open up the running a little bit. All systems were smooth and I wanted to see a little open trail for a few miles. I was soon alone and running on without any strain. The overall theme of the day was to be exactly this... no strain, just move ahead and flow with the land. Over then next few miles I worked my way onward. Upon the choice of high water or low water trail I decided to go for the plunge. Judging by the look on the face of the man who was fishing in that spot, I was likely the first runner to make this decision. I have seen some looks of disgust before but I swear this guy was looking for a larger hook as I ran by. I should have been paying a little better attention to my feet though. Soon I ended up fully submerged, baptized in the Chattooga, and just like that the magical waters elevated my spirit... and something great happened. I stood up and laughed... made my way from the water and back to the main trail. Now things were getting started.
Soon I was in the middle of a group of three runners. I followed those red racing flats in front of me and patiently plodded along. Feeling just right, exactly where I was suppose to be. All things had led me here and here and here... as steps faded to steps and all there was to be sensed was NOW. After a few small climbs the trail opened up to the first long downhill of the day. We swooped in a pack through this watershed and eventually made it back to the river. Around 63 minutes we made our way away from the river for the final time on the way out and up toward HWY 107.
I decided to lead the group at this point and was starting to think about who may be up ahead on the trail. How many runners were ahead? How large was their gap? In the more runnable areas I opened up and may have hit 6:30 pace for a few sections of trail. After that craziness subsided I settled back into the long climb up to the first aid station. At 10+ my split was 1:39... a minute ahead of schedule and feeling like I just got out of bed... this is going well.
Lynnea was on point at all the stops and got me everything that I wanted... and before I even knew that I wanted it. Banana... peeled. Clif bar... opened and in hand. Bottles... filled. Off I went. Aid station total elapsed time for the day... 90 seconds. Beautiful. And what a lift to see the most beautiful girl in the world... after mucking around in those woods;)
Lynnea reminded me to slow down and relax... and also that I was leading. She knew my intended splits and was aware that I was a little fast already. Then I thought... what... LEADING??? LEADING!!!! Okay... leading. Not exactly expected but, still here I am and I feel good.
The thought over the next 60 minutes is conserve. Mostly downhill... just maintain, even slow down... still two big climbs to come. Save the legs, as long as I keep it controlled I know finishing will happen. The endurance, I know now, is there. About halfway through this section a young wood pecker learning to fly comes crashing down in front of me, nearly taking me out as well. I said 'hello', saw he was off trying again and continued on down the trail. Hearing footsteps...
I reach the halfway point and see my wonderful wife again. My lead has been cut by a minute or so but I feel even better than I had at Aid #1. Mile 16 split 2:29 (50 minutes). Now I share the trail for the next 10 miles. As runners are heading out we exchange trail cliches and smiles and encouragement. Everyone looks good and strong and I hope I am too. I am feeling fairly fresh despite a small amount of sharp hip pain... mostly when I am running easily so... I decide to not run too easily. It works. From the half way point to the base of the second big climb I average 7 minute miles and my breathing is hardly affected... running with the flow of the land is working well. This is like a dance.
After being warned several times of bees I cross the infamous bridge where they supposedly nest. Honestly, I was not worried about the bees, though I had heard much buzz concerning them. As life would have it... I got stung. I was nearly home free with only a single step to complete to reach the solid ground. Then ZAP!!! Right on my right knee.
I take this on as a challenge and distraction from the work ahead. The transition to hill climbing begins and I steadily attack the hill. Halfway up I see Lynnea again at the "turnout". She offers food and drink but I tell her I'll see her in 12 minutes at the top. Onward and upward...
51 minutes from the turn around I reach the final aid station. I've been running for 3 hours and 19 minutes now... and feeling great, feeling fine. I know that this though, this final 10+ miles; is the race... this stretch of running is the reason we all came here today. This challenge validates the countless steps we have all taken along the way.
I am alone. I am relaxed and able to do some simple math... pipe dreams are entering my head now. My time goal of 5:30 is well within reach now... I need only to maintain effort... but, what is my lead? Is it shrinking? There is no way to know and ultimately this does not matter.
I know, as we all do, that the essence of what we do on the trails is simply internal. We know when we give our best, and more importantly when we do not. I continued on with this is mind. I am racing ideals and running with my soul. I attack the descents and flats, still able to open the stride fully. When the uphills meet me I smile and chuckle. I chop my way upward with small efficient steps. Occasionally I peek to the trail behind me and look for signs of activity... nothing... nothing... nothing... I am alone, at least for now.
6 miles to go. NOW, I am starting to feel tired. The trail turns technical with roots, rocks and no rhythm; this race is not done with me. With cautious urgency I move ahead. I have now run 4 hours and 36 minutes... over 26 miles and this from here is all unknown for me. My 5 Marathons are child's play now. Though, mysteriously I feel better than in any of those efforts. Fatigue is here... but not despair, just elation and that thing others call the wall is nowhere. It does not exist. I could run forever like this... I could... but I will settle today for 6 more miles without a fall... 6 more miles of bliss. In moments when I realize my fatigue, my aching I remind myself of all those times when I felt much worse than this. This is fine, this is easy. Just relax, and move.
I reach the high water trail and like most of the runner's on the day's return, I decide to avoid challenging the river for a second time. Not only did I not want to slip on those rocks but I also wanted to check out that section of trail up there. It would be a shame to do all of that running and not see the "entire" trail... even if it meant an extra hill.
At 2.5 to go I finally saw Terri. My eye had been peeled all day for her and I was disappointed at the circumstances leading to her day's events. A runner had been injured here and she was playing the hero, as she did for all of us. After all, without all of Terri's efforts we would not share this camaraderie and this beauty on the trail.
Soon I was moving on after a delay of a few minutes.
"2.5 miles to go... okay... that'll take... 10, 20... 25 or 30 minutes," I think to myself. As is policy in these times, I click a new split on my watch and prepare to count to 30 minutes. "I can always run for 30 minutes."
5 minutes at a time I move ahead. Now I am concentrating on the trail, on my steps and being absolutely SURE that I run on the Foothills Trail and only the Foothills Trail. Home is in sight and a big hug awaits! 15 minutes gone... "good... the tricky trail near Kings Creek Falls should be coming soon." I now recall the early stages of the race.
I recall the underlying anxiety of the morning and all of the months of work that have led to this race. I recall back in January, when I was running only 10 miles a week, and 50k was a near impossibility. I remember the darkness of my training run down in Linville Gorge when I was utterly defeated by the final climb. I think of demons of my past, and a lifestyle that urged me to lay down and stay down against everything that makes me who I am. I take all of this, and hold it to the light of this moment. I am alone on my favorite river to feel this fully. I take my time over this final mile. I am at peace with all that has lead to this moment.
And just like any moment... this fades. I see the face of a young girl. She is waiting at the final turn to run and give the news that the first runner has arrived. I cross the line and see Lynnea. She gives me the best prize of all... all her love. I look at my watch and see my time... 5 hours 8 minutes. A new course record.
Lynnea and I retreat to share our moment of success. We await the rest of the runners and allow the emotions of this process to finally escape after building for 6 months. I am left believing, knowing... the mind WILL achieve anything for which it can formulate a plan.
Over the next several hours we share stories, eat amazing BBQ and exchange understanding with good people from all over the Southeast. My first ultra... but not the last. See you in Goblin Valley Utah... October!
I woke up early and Lynnea cooked up eggs, biscuits, gravy and bacon while Joshua supplied some high octane beans for the morning brew. We ate well and headed toward the start. The radio subtly played '3 little birds'. "every little thing, will be all right..."
After braving the john (and maybe hitting the woods a time or two) we were set to go. Terri gave us a few words and announced her intention to run as well!! and then we were off. I settled into an easy pace somewhere around 15th position on the trail. It felt right, and even as the front runners spurted out of view I reminded myself to relax and enjoy. Either they would come back or they would not, but I still had 30 miles to run, including all of the hills. Time would tell.
Soon the lead woman asked to pass a group of younger runners ahead. I took this opportunity to move up a few spots and open up the running a little bit. All systems were smooth and I wanted to see a little open trail for a few miles. I was soon alone and running on without any strain. The overall theme of the day was to be exactly this... no strain, just move ahead and flow with the land. Over then next few miles I worked my way onward. Upon the choice of high water or low water trail I decided to go for the plunge. Judging by the look on the face of the man who was fishing in that spot, I was likely the first runner to make this decision. I have seen some looks of disgust before but I swear this guy was looking for a larger hook as I ran by. I should have been paying a little better attention to my feet though. Soon I ended up fully submerged, baptized in the Chattooga, and just like that the magical waters elevated my spirit... and something great happened. I stood up and laughed... made my way from the water and back to the main trail. Now things were getting started.
Soon I was in the middle of a group of three runners. I followed those red racing flats in front of me and patiently plodded along. Feeling just right, exactly where I was suppose to be. All things had led me here and here and here... as steps faded to steps and all there was to be sensed was NOW. After a few small climbs the trail opened up to the first long downhill of the day. We swooped in a pack through this watershed and eventually made it back to the river. Around 63 minutes we made our way away from the river for the final time on the way out and up toward HWY 107.
I decided to lead the group at this point and was starting to think about who may be up ahead on the trail. How many runners were ahead? How large was their gap? In the more runnable areas I opened up and may have hit 6:30 pace for a few sections of trail. After that craziness subsided I settled back into the long climb up to the first aid station. At 10+ my split was 1:39... a minute ahead of schedule and feeling like I just got out of bed... this is going well.
Lynnea was on point at all the stops and got me everything that I wanted... and before I even knew that I wanted it. Banana... peeled. Clif bar... opened and in hand. Bottles... filled. Off I went. Aid station total elapsed time for the day... 90 seconds. Beautiful. And what a lift to see the most beautiful girl in the world... after mucking around in those woods;)
Lynnea reminded me to slow down and relax... and also that I was leading. She knew my intended splits and was aware that I was a little fast already. Then I thought... what... LEADING??? LEADING!!!! Okay... leading. Not exactly expected but, still here I am and I feel good.
The thought over the next 60 minutes is conserve. Mostly downhill... just maintain, even slow down... still two big climbs to come. Save the legs, as long as I keep it controlled I know finishing will happen. The endurance, I know now, is there. About halfway through this section a young wood pecker learning to fly comes crashing down in front of me, nearly taking me out as well. I said 'hello', saw he was off trying again and continued on down the trail. Hearing footsteps...
I reach the halfway point and see my wonderful wife again. My lead has been cut by a minute or so but I feel even better than I had at Aid #1. Mile 16 split 2:29 (50 minutes). Now I share the trail for the next 10 miles. As runners are heading out we exchange trail cliches and smiles and encouragement. Everyone looks good and strong and I hope I am too. I am feeling fairly fresh despite a small amount of sharp hip pain... mostly when I am running easily so... I decide to not run too easily. It works. From the half way point to the base of the second big climb I average 7 minute miles and my breathing is hardly affected... running with the flow of the land is working well. This is like a dance.
After being warned several times of bees I cross the infamous bridge where they supposedly nest. Honestly, I was not worried about the bees, though I had heard much buzz concerning them. As life would have it... I got stung. I was nearly home free with only a single step to complete to reach the solid ground. Then ZAP!!! Right on my right knee.
I take this on as a challenge and distraction from the work ahead. The transition to hill climbing begins and I steadily attack the hill. Halfway up I see Lynnea again at the "turnout". She offers food and drink but I tell her I'll see her in 12 minutes at the top. Onward and upward...
51 minutes from the turn around I reach the final aid station. I've been running for 3 hours and 19 minutes now... and feeling great, feeling fine. I know that this though, this final 10+ miles; is the race... this stretch of running is the reason we all came here today. This challenge validates the countless steps we have all taken along the way.
I am alone. I am relaxed and able to do some simple math... pipe dreams are entering my head now. My time goal of 5:30 is well within reach now... I need only to maintain effort... but, what is my lead? Is it shrinking? There is no way to know and ultimately this does not matter.
I know, as we all do, that the essence of what we do on the trails is simply internal. We know when we give our best, and more importantly when we do not. I continued on with this is mind. I am racing ideals and running with my soul. I attack the descents and flats, still able to open the stride fully. When the uphills meet me I smile and chuckle. I chop my way upward with small efficient steps. Occasionally I peek to the trail behind me and look for signs of activity... nothing... nothing... nothing... I am alone, at least for now.
6 miles to go. NOW, I am starting to feel tired. The trail turns technical with roots, rocks and no rhythm; this race is not done with me. With cautious urgency I move ahead. I have now run 4 hours and 36 minutes... over 26 miles and this from here is all unknown for me. My 5 Marathons are child's play now. Though, mysteriously I feel better than in any of those efforts. Fatigue is here... but not despair, just elation and that thing others call the wall is nowhere. It does not exist. I could run forever like this... I could... but I will settle today for 6 more miles without a fall... 6 more miles of bliss. In moments when I realize my fatigue, my aching I remind myself of all those times when I felt much worse than this. This is fine, this is easy. Just relax, and move.
I reach the high water trail and like most of the runner's on the day's return, I decide to avoid challenging the river for a second time. Not only did I not want to slip on those rocks but I also wanted to check out that section of trail up there. It would be a shame to do all of that running and not see the "entire" trail... even if it meant an extra hill.
At 2.5 to go I finally saw Terri. My eye had been peeled all day for her and I was disappointed at the circumstances leading to her day's events. A runner had been injured here and she was playing the hero, as she did for all of us. After all, without all of Terri's efforts we would not share this camaraderie and this beauty on the trail.
Soon I was moving on after a delay of a few minutes.
"2.5 miles to go... okay... that'll take... 10, 20... 25 or 30 minutes," I think to myself. As is policy in these times, I click a new split on my watch and prepare to count to 30 minutes. "I can always run for 30 minutes."
5 minutes at a time I move ahead. Now I am concentrating on the trail, on my steps and being absolutely SURE that I run on the Foothills Trail and only the Foothills Trail. Home is in sight and a big hug awaits! 15 minutes gone... "good... the tricky trail near Kings Creek Falls should be coming soon." I now recall the early stages of the race.
I recall the underlying anxiety of the morning and all of the months of work that have led to this race. I recall back in January, when I was running only 10 miles a week, and 50k was a near impossibility. I remember the darkness of my training run down in Linville Gorge when I was utterly defeated by the final climb. I think of demons of my past, and a lifestyle that urged me to lay down and stay down against everything that makes me who I am. I take all of this, and hold it to the light of this moment. I am alone on my favorite river to feel this fully. I take my time over this final mile. I am at peace with all that has lead to this moment.
And just like any moment... this fades. I see the face of a young girl. She is waiting at the final turn to run and give the news that the first runner has arrived. I cross the line and see Lynnea. She gives me the best prize of all... all her love. I look at my watch and see my time... 5 hours 8 minutes. A new course record.
Lynnea and I retreat to share our moment of success. We await the rest of the runners and allow the emotions of this process to finally escape after building for 6 months. I am left believing, knowing... the mind WILL achieve anything for which it can formulate a plan.
Over the next several hours we share stories, eat amazing BBQ and exchange understanding with good people from all over the Southeast. My first ultra... but not the last. See you in Goblin Valley Utah... October!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Chattooga 50k Taper Weeks, Tourists on the trails!!
Just under a week until the Chattooga 50k... I am trying to stay relaxed and rest up but the excitement has begun to catch me unexpectedly in moments. Last week was pretty easy with a couple of rest days wrapped around a 16 mile jaunt, a speed session of 6 by a mile and then a race on Saturday. I jumped into the 'over the creek and through the woods 10k'. I had hoped to average 6 minute pace and see how that felt. The results were promising, (especially for the marathon in July) as I ran a 35:18. Should make 6:45 feel nice over the longer and hillier course. (Hillier... not really an actual word?)
Anyway, the race was good, felt like a hard tempo run. Sunday I was slated for 10 miles so I set out on the Boone Fork Trail, with a Price Lake Loop for a MUDDY and extremely enjoyable 70 minutes or so. There were tons of hikers out on a beautiful day. They were all avoiding the muddy wetness but not me! I plunged into the mud with every opportunity, ran directly in the the streams and maybe gave a few tourists a little scare as they may have felt that a cougar was upon them on a few of those blind corners.
Yesterday I was able to rest and do nothing, nothing and nothing.
I will run an hour or so today, hit some pace work on a handful of 800's tomorrow and then sprinkle in a couple of 30-40 minute runs at the end of the week with a couple of hills and/ or surges. This'll take me close to 1000 miles to this point on the year... It even looks like the final mile of the Chattooga will be number 1000... coincidence? Maybe.
Look forward to the day. From what I have seen the weather should be nice. 88 degrees, sunny and clear. 10% chance of a shower... which would be a good thing in passing.
Anyway, the race was good, felt like a hard tempo run. Sunday I was slated for 10 miles so I set out on the Boone Fork Trail, with a Price Lake Loop for a MUDDY and extremely enjoyable 70 minutes or so. There were tons of hikers out on a beautiful day. They were all avoiding the muddy wetness but not me! I plunged into the mud with every opportunity, ran directly in the the streams and maybe gave a few tourists a little scare as they may have felt that a cougar was upon them on a few of those blind corners.
Yesterday I was able to rest and do nothing, nothing and nothing.
I will run an hour or so today, hit some pace work on a handful of 800's tomorrow and then sprinkle in a couple of 30-40 minute runs at the end of the week with a couple of hills and/ or surges. This'll take me close to 1000 miles to this point on the year... It even looks like the final mile of the Chattooga will be number 1000... coincidence? Maybe.
Look forward to the day. From what I have seen the weather should be nice. 88 degrees, sunny and clear. 10% chance of a shower... which would be a good thing in passing.
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