it’s done, I’ve completed my first 100 miler, the jury is still out as to wether it was a good or bad experience, nonetheless, it was memorable. while it’s semi fresh (not much to do with me is fresh at this point in time). I’m just over 27 hours after finishing.
warning, the recollections of these events is quite possibly highly inaccurate, I’ve spent much of the past 50 hours in an altered mind state, brought on by sleep deprivation, too much exercise, and a predisposition to making this a bit inflated. this endeavor was a bit more impromptu than my typical go at an event of this proportion. a little over a week ago, I believe it was september 10th, my DNF at the sd100 rang vividly in my memories, and I decided it needed to be resolved. so my search began, can I find an event that won’t be too close that I don’t have time to properly prepare, won’t interfere with ironman arizona on november 23(??), and will still let me get in 100 before the end of this year. there weren’t any real solid winners, but I did find the Iroquois 100 in virgil new york. an inaugural 100 mile offering in the finer lakes region.
Virgil, even the family I have that lives in the finger lakes region had been asking virgil? where is virgil? After verifying my dad and sister were up for a visit, I checked airfare, confirmed PULSE would be sufficiently staffed during my travels, reviewed my training to make sure I was ready for a go at 100, did a gut check, and jumped in.
I got in to new york a couple days early to enjoy time with my family. Early friday evening, my dad and I headed up to get the keys for the cabin, partake in the pre-race dinner, and listen to the course talk.
The rest of my cheering section (both sisters, my mom, 2 nieces, nephew, and phil) was to arrive throughout the night. Melissa and Phil were driving up after work, Tracy, Shania, Hayley, and Aiden were picking up my mom at the airport (a 12 am arrival) then driving up. I had trouble sleeping, so go to visit with everyone before the race started.
my final wake up came around 4:30 am, I had some boost, grabbed my drinks and clothing. socks, shoes, hat, long sleeves, pulse jersey, shot blocks thermolytes, and various other sportsquest supplements to help me get through the next couple days. Melissa and I got in the car and headed down to the start for final check in. as it was cold (somewhere in the 40’s I guess), we waited in the car for the 6am start. about 5 minutes before I got out, shed my sweatshirt, grabbed my water bottles, and toed the line.
The course layout was seemingly straight forward, the magic of it was I new virtually nothing about the course, I barely looked at the course map. I did know there was a bit of climbing, it was 2 loops, and there were 5 aid stations, which would be visited a total of 20 times along the journey.
There was an announcement 1 minute left . . . 30 seconds left, 6am, Ian, the race directed said go, for the next 10 – 15 seconds, the 45 or so runners stood there looking at one another as if to ask is that the official start? are we supposed to embark on the madness now? then it happened, the crowd broke, and the race was started.
6 or 7 people went off the front pretty quickly, I settled in with the 2nd group at a comfortably slow pace. the first section was just over 5.5 miles, consisting of close to a 1 mile warm up, a climb up to the top of the ski resort, a descent back to the ski lodge, then back up to the top of the resort and down into the starting area.
during the first ascent the grass was wet, and slightly slick. shortly before the summit, I turned around to a fiery red sky, the sun was cresting the mountains the valley below was shrouded in fog, and here we were nearing the top of the first climb in what would turn out to be a revealing day.
In spite of my knowledge that taking early descents too aggressively costs dearly in the later stages of longer runs, in my standard fashion, I lead the descents bounding down to the bottom then slowing for the flats and walking much of the climbs.
the second climb up, slow and steady, coming back down the 2nd time was interesting, the access road was well traveled, had a bit of rutting, and was sufficiently wet to have several puddles and make it extremely difficult to have dry feet at the end. I’d given up on dry feet much earlier, so I was splashing pretty much straight down, slipping a bit here and there in the mud.
coming back into the starting area, which severed as the 1st, 4th, 10th, 11th,14th, and most importantly the finish line, things felt good, my feet were wet, 2 water bottles, and 3 packs of shot blocks were definitively more than I needed for a 5 mile section, maybe 1 water bottle/carbopro mix and 1 pack of shot blocks would suffice for the next time through. the coolness had dissipated a bit, and my legs were feeling pretty good. I ate a bit, drank a bit, and headed out on the next stretch 6.3 miles through the forest.
This section was particularly beautiful, and challenging. there weren’t any significant climbs or descents. The trail followed closely along a ridge overlooking a valley, and on several occasions crossed a gulley which promised to be fun at night.
the pace was slow and steady, I lost the trail for a bit but was fortunate enough to stumble back onto it, and fall in behind a runner, that lasted a little while, then I decided it was time to move a little better while I was still feeling good. shortly after that I caught up to another runner. I ran with him for the next 8 or 9 miles, which turned out to be a good thing, as along those miles, I wound up attempting to stray from the path 2 or 3 times; however, steve kept me honest and on track. Coming into the 3rd aid station, pipeline, I sat down, had my bottles refilled, and waited for a bit. roughly 12 miles in, things are feeling ok. time to start on the next portion which loops around and comes back through this aid station.
this was probably the easiest section on the course, a quick descent down the road, turn onto a dirt road, then a climb up a powerline access road, followed by a gradual descent that would bring things back to the road with the pipeline aid station, I think it was slightly more than 5 miles, and a fast 5 at that. once I got to the top and began the descent my habits came back, I slid into a strong jog embracing the slight descent, passing a runner on my way through. back up to the aid station.
this time through I was pleasantly surprised, tracy, melissa, aiden, and my mom greeted me. and escorted me into the aid station where I was greeted by my dad. just over 18 miles and ?? hours in, and my legs are definitely starting to show signs of the insufficient preparation. back through the forest trail, tracy and melissa escort me a little way down the road, then I begin jogging at the creast and bid them good day.
this time through I wind up pairing up with a couple runners, 1 of which will turn out to be the first women and 3rd overall finisher. the trip back to the gatherings is uneventful, lots of steady slow pacing walking uphills and savoring the fun to be had coming through in the dark.
back at gatherings, my legs are really starting to protest, I grab some food, and refill the drinks, I think my entire cheering section is here this time, very happy to see this, it helps my spirits a bit. 23+ miles in and a lot of hours, I’m not ready to start the next undertaking, but it’s time to stop sitting around and get moving.
The next 27 ish miles is an out and back section, so it offers a great opportunity to take stock on my position relative to the other runners.
this is where the fun begins. I’m still with the eventual 2nd and 3rd place finishers heading out of the aid station, we climb up to the top of the ski resort again. I watch them crest the top and begin down. I pick up the pace slightly to make up some ground, and crest the top, head down, a strong jog, it’s downhill, that’s how they go best for me. next time I look up, nobody is in front of me. they must have made a good descent too. I go down to the end of the power line road, there are some orange streamers and downhill to the right. so right I go.
as I’m running, I’m thinking, this looks a lot like the last descent coming back into the gatherings from this morning. then I get to the bottom. impossible, and incredibly frustrating, I’m back within ½ a mile of gatherings, the last aid statoin I just came from. I turn around and climb back up, continue straight and wind up back tracking roughly 1 mile on the course and realize I’m doing the mornings loop in reverse. time to backtrack on the trail and see how long it takes to find another runner. as I’m nearing the ½ way point up the power line climb, I see someone coming towards me, ok, only 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the ski resort. not bad, maybe. so I turn and begin slowly going back down, figuring he’ll catch up to me and I can follow. I turn around to check, and he’s gone. what the ???? I guess I missed a turn. I track back up paying close attention, looking for a turn.
sure enough there is a turn which I missed. shortly after I start down it, I catch the guy in front of me, and start running a bit. magic how much fuel a little bit of anger can provide. now I’m traveling along at a good clip, this lasts a bit, I get to the next aid station (greak peek). I’m pretty sure shania, tracy, melissa, and my dad are there (aid stations and people are foggy in my recollections at this point) I refuel a bit, then I’m back off to find the rockpile. nothing terribly exciting through this section. the course is undulating, so there is a fair amount of jogging. by now my legs are protesting pretty good.
at the rockpile I sit down, have my water bottles refilled, eat a bit, restock my nutrition and am off again. at this point it’s getting more difficult to stand up from the chairs.
the good news is it’s fall, and the colors are changing, so I get a bit of a treat with some good colors here and there. as I get close to the rockpile, just about 6.5 miles from the turn around point, I see the 50 mile lead runner coming through, shortly after that, the 2nd runner passes, another 50 mile runner. within a couple hundred meters of the rockpile aid station, I see the 100 mile leader. he is looking pretty strong at this point.
I get into the aid station, at this point, my nutrition is a bit behind, so I need to get more calories in, my carbopro mix is empty, and I only have a couple packs of shot blocks. I eat a bit at the aid station, some cookies, m&ms, and a few other random foods offered. back on the trail.
at this point I start to pass groups of hikers, heading towards a small campground. they smile and offer some encouraging words as we pass. a couple miles in I pass several more 50 mile participants and about 2 miles from the turn around point there is the 2nd place 100 mile runner. the lady I had been running with and just behind up until my missed turn. ok. so how much time did I lose on the missed turn? roughly 5 miles assuming we were pretty much matching paces.
I keep going, a little motivation and energy finding its way back into my body, lets see how much time I can make up, it’s a fun game that has a tendency to come back and make me miserable later on, but for some reason I find myself playing a lot. I pass several more people on my way to the turn around. we chat briefly.
at the daisy hollow ranch aid station, much if not all of my family is there. it’s good to see them, they are excited, offer encouragement, and ask what I need. they are like my own portable aid station, helping me out and doing some of the aid station volunteer work. it’s now 38+ miles in, and my legs are pretty trashed. mental note, more long runs for 100 mile training. more food, refill the water bottles, oh yeah, time to run again.
there are 5 runners in front of me, that are definitely catchable. several of them are doing the 50 mile run, but that’s ok, a catch is a catch. so the game begins, how many can I catch, do I run a slow steady speed picking slowly away at their advantage, or do I take advantage of the slight downhill and small rollers to run hard while I’m going through a good spell? pacing isn’t my strong point (oddly enough even the promise of more misery down the road from running hard isn’t enough to deter me from catching the runners ahead of me quickly).
as my pace quickens, my legs seem to hurt less, so that’s the trick, run and things work better? not really, as the descents get steeper, my quads remind me how displeased and ready to explode they are. great, 40ish into 100, and my legs are cooked. time to start faking it: fake it til you make it. there’s a lot of faking to be done yet on this run.
I start to pass runners, as I go by I slow and recover a bit behind them as we chat. a couple ask where I’ve been, commenting on how I was ahead of them for a while . . . I mention my wrong turn and we have a good laugh. yeah, 100 just wasn’t long enough today, so I decided to climb up and down the ski slopes a couple extra times to loosen my legs up. back to the rock pile aid station.
here I come catch the 2nd female in the 50 mile race. she is young and doing well, this is her 2nd 50 miler, the last was on roads. the best part about her is her shoes, she’s doing a 50 mile trail run in red puma soccer type shoes, the type with virtually no sole or cushion. but it gets better (apparently I lied about the best part), one of her shoes is wrapped in duct tape, apparently holding the sole in place.
I continue running for a bit, but my energy soon reaches a lull, and I’m back to walking and counting time/steps/leaves/lots of things until the next aid station. coming up to the road by the greak peek aid station, I see tracy standing with her back to the trail. she turns around as I’m coming up, and greets me with a look of moderate shock. almost as she didn’t expect me to be coming. I climb up to the road, cross, and take a seat at the aid station.
at this point, I’m a bit worried, it’s been close to 40 miles since I last urinated, I haven’t been putting in the long miles I should have been, I’ve been taking a fair amount of electrolytes, my fingers are a bit swollen, so I decide it’s time to try and flush a bit out. I drink 1 bottle of water at the aid station, and have my 2 water bottles filled with just water.
I leave the aid station with one of the 50 mile runners, he jokes about my wrong turn and how I will likely hear a lot about it, I’m sure it will come up a bit. I am taking things nice and slow until I urinate and stop retaining so much water. I drink both water bottles, and still nothing. I plan on sitting in the gatherings aid station and drinking water until I can urinate. this last section is the fun part, a fairly technical downhill dropping us on the road just under 1 mile from the gatherings aid station. the descent is a constant reminder of how fatigued my quads are, they cringe with each step, quivering and threatening to collapse.
the best part, I still have the entire course to do another time. when we get down to the road, the pace becomes a slow shuffle, just to ease us back into the gatherings. I bid the runner goodbye, congratulations on your 50 miles. I’m going to go back through and make sure the course is still the same. . .
first I need to change my socks. I don’t remember why, but I do know I’ve got some rubbing that’s been going on for about 15 miles and wanted to check for blisters. but I forgot. with some help from my dad, I don a new pair of socks. a very welcome change. same shoes, but new socks. back out for the first loop, this time all by myself. a couple miles in I come across another runner, we chat briefly, then I move on. when I get back in to the gatherings, it is dark, and I’m ready to embark on my first experience with trail running at night. good news, I’ve remembered my headlamp, so will have some light to help pick my way through the trails.
even more good news, my family has made arrangements for me to have a pacer. graham will be accompanying me over the next 18 miles of the run, at which point he will stop at the pipeline aid station and work there until 5am.
the trails leading out to pipeline are easier to follow the 2nd time around, but a bit slower going as the footing is slightly technical, and it’s now dark. we make our way through come out at the pipeline aid station, grab some food refill my water bottles, say hello to my family, and are off again.
I opt to walk down the hill to the turn, as my legs are feeling the descents through and through by now. at the bottom, we make the turn, shuffle for a bit, and then begin the climb up along the powerlines. at the top we make a left, and shuffle for a bit, my legs begin to loosen up, and pretty soon we are holding a decent pace jog.
a quad with 4 or 5 teenagers goes by us, I shrug and look at graham, he comments “that was my other option for tonight, a typical saturday night for me is to load up 18 of my buddies on a quad, and drive down random dirt roads”. I laugh, and respond back, “they’re likely having a similar conversation: ‘yeah, that’s what I typically do on saturday night, grab a headlamp and running partner then go run around random dirt roads in the middle of nowhere’”.
pretty soon we are on our way back to the road and the short climb up to the aid station. at the aid station, my sister Melissa would take over and do the next 6.3 miles of the course with me. this was a pleasant surprise. before we left the aid station, I warned her, it’s muddy, lots of roots and rocks, dark, and over 6 miles, are you sure you want to do this? she looked at me and said I walk a lot, and I’ve talked to several people and know what to expect.
with that we were off and walking (it was dark, this section of trail has some tricky little sections, and I wasn’t in a big rush at this point). besides we hadn’t seen much of each other and this was a good opprotunity. it was around 11pm (17 hours into my run) when we left the aid station. for the next 3 hours we followed the trail through the woods, talked about numerous different things, catching up on each others lives, and spotting glow sticks. under normal circumstances, simple things amuse me; after running for 17+ hours, I’d like to hope simpler things amuse me, but honestly glow sticks hanging from trees in the woods would likely be nearly as amusing had I not be sleep deprived and physically exhausted.
almost too soon, we where through the woods, and onto the roads which promised to deliver us to the gatherings aid station, but not before a moderately punishing downhill, which we walked. arriving at the aid station around 2:15am.
after some soup, and miscellaneous other foods I was greeted by my next pacer, Joel, he would pace me through the last 27 miles, and managed to keep it very interesting, sharing stories and talking, finding ways to help motivate me and keep me moving.
the next 13 miles was pretty slow, lots of walking. this section was my low point, very little running, my body began it’s revolt. there were some particularly tough sections, but my family managed to make an appearance at several aid stations that I didn’t expect them to be at, and this helped lift my spirits.
it was an amazing sight to see the sun come up for a second time, all during 1 run. for some reason this made me question the sanity of running this long? because running 100 miles is all well and fine as long as you don’t have to endure 2 sunrises.
it was quite and experience watching as the sky morphed from the empty blackness to gray, then a bit of red. the red grew more and more dominant, birds starting singing and little animals began bustling. the reds gave way to blues, and morning was in full swing.
about 1 hour after this, my body’s revolt was done. things felt good, I passed 4 or 5 runners returning from the turn around point, and my body was ready to open up and go again. the pace quickened, and before I realized it I was at the turn around. my sisters and mom were there, it was a little after 7am (25 hours into my run), and I was feeling nearly as good as I felt when the race first started.
at this point, I was ready to go, so the run back was a bit faster. we did a lot of running on flats, the downhills, and even a good amount of the easier climbs. I came into the rock pile feeling good, and had started reeling people back in. then about ½ way between the rock pile and greek peak (the final aid station) my knees began to feel a bit strained so I pulled back on the pace a bit to try and keep them healthy. at greek peak, my mom, sisters, hayley, and ayden were there waiting for me. I stopped and enjoyed the company a bit before pushing back on. on the way out of the aid station, I heard my dad wish me well.
the next time I’d see my family would be at the finish, just 1 grueling descent left then almost 1 mile of flatish road running, and the finish line. I soon caught the runner in front of me, leo. we ran a together a bit, then he dropped off the pace. we were pretty close to 29 hours, so I figured it’d be a bit easier to find motivation with more people, so I slowed my descent (not necessarily a bad thing) to run with leo on the last road section.
the descent was brutal, legs hurt with every step, threatening to explode, but somehow they didn’t and they even managed to keep from falling. when we hit the road the running started. and the pace kept quickening. rounding the final turn into the finishing area, leo started to go harder, I went with him, and we wound up what felt like sprinting across the finish line, though after further review, it wasn’t much of a sprint at all, more of a fast run, akin to 10km race pace or such.
it was done, in the books, the 100 miles I’d promised my grandfather back in june was completed, there’d be no belt buckle (I might actually have to buy pants that fit), but it was a truly magnificent experience. ian Golden did a fantastic job on picking out a challenging, but potentially fast course (with the right amount of preparation and desire to suffer), the aid stations were well supported, could have been slightly better stocked (no grilled cheese, don’t know why, but for some reason I wanted grilled cheese along the way, and quesadillas weren’t cutting it).
hats off to Ian and his crew, the truth be told, I’m sure he had the longest day of everybody. though our race started on saturday morning at 6 am, and for 2 would last until a little after 5pm sunday evening, I’m sure ian’s day started much earlier saturday, or even friday, and the fact that I saw him at numerous points along the course, talked to him at a couple aid stations to provide feedback, which I was pleasantly surprised to see had been heeded and course marking modifications were made. Ian was there for the last finishers coming through, and began the clean up process after that. though my 28 hours was grueling, I am sure Ian and his crew had a much longer and more arduous weekend, ensuring the race went smoothly, rushing in last minute supplies to help ensure the runners had a great experience. this is a great race, an amazing venue, and the race staff truly went out of their way to make it as flawless as possible. check out the site and some
photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/IroquoisTrailsUltras/IroquoisTrailsUltras2008#
results: http://www.iroquoistrails100.com/Results.aspx
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
SD 100
first a huge thanks to all that helped me with the run: heather catchpole, heather wosoogh, mike, randy, stephanie, and brian. despite the fact that i came up short and none of you got to enjoy as much of the scenic beauty of the course as i'd promised, your efforts and support are greatly appreciated.
the day started out early, up a little before 4am, ate some eggs and cheese drank lots of water, and started heading east to the run start. Got to the run start at camp cuyamaca shortly after 5am checked in and ate a bit of the pre run food.
Got the last of my things lined up, filled my nutrition and water bottles, and i was ready to go. the run began at 6am, a very easy shuffle would be sufficient for me. there were a couple groups that took off at faster paces, i just kept reminding myself, it's a long day, there will be lots of time for things to settle out. the most important thing was to keep my pace nice and easy.
the lead up to the sunrise aid station was choc full of climbing goodness, so i was very content to put forth a slow jog up it. As it leveled off the pace picked up a bit. i still wasn't feeling it though, so kept my effort nice and slow. i ate a little bit, drank a bit, but not as much as i planned to eat and drink. coming up over the summit and around into the first aid station, i was feeling flat, nothing wrong, just hadn't found the groove i was hoping for. At the aid station, i refilled my bottles, grabbed a bagel, and was on my way again.
the next section was a bunch of single track with some little rolling hills, i took it pretty conservatively, remembering that there were numerous training runs which took 10 - 12 miles for my legs to come around and get over the initial lethargy. so i kept plodding along, content to do my thing for another couple aid stations and wait for me legs to come around.
i increased my calorie intake, eating wasn't exactly what i wanted to do at this point, so it took some effort, but i wasn't goign to let my nutrition ruin my day, i was dedicated to getting enough calories and maintaining a good effort for the entire run. so in went a bunch of shot blocks (essentially gummi bears) and lots of water and carbopro (carbohydrate drink mixture).
the pedro fages aid station was a welcome site, time for more food, some m&m's, cookies, water melon, and cantaloupe refill my water bottles take a quick bathroom break and on my way again. the 3rd section started out with some rollers, before dropping back down to where the run started. this section went a bit better, but still feeling less than ideal, more food, more liquid, and it's getting hot by now.
coming back through camp cuyamaca i stopped at my truck to grab my refills, lots of carbopro, and 5 more packs of shot blocks, then on to the aid station for more food, refill my water bottles and off again to see how difficult the next section would be. by now the temperatures have gone above my comfort zone and i'm starting to feel the heat. lovely, time to start taking thermolytes and the rest of my tablets as planned.
the next section would prove to be the most difficult for me, it was a good climb out of camp cuyamaca, and nice and toasty at this point. i spent most of this section walking up the climb, i'd run the flats and downhills, but thigns weren't feeling good, i'm over 20 miles in at this point, and my legs aren't coming around. just keep moving, i'm not too far off my estimated pace.
when i get into the paso picacho aid station, the heat was really getting to me, i dumped my hat into the ice water, grabbed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a glass of coke, and some gatorade. 1 of the volunteers offered me some salt tabs, i took 4, drank some more and asked for 3 more salt tablets. after some hemming and hawing on her part she gave in and provided me with the additional tablets. another of the volunteers had taken my bottles to refill with ice and water and added ice to my hat on my way out.
that was it, my legs started to come around and i began making good time through this section. all of a sudden i was hungry, and eating a bit ahead of schedule, before i was begrudgingly taking in roughly 400 calories an hour, at this point i was happily consuming 500 - 600 calories, and going through my water just as quickly. my pace was pretty steady through this section and my spirits were lifting, despite the fact the temperatures were climbing, i was doing well.
at the big bend aid station was feeling good. i was suprised to see the same volunteer that refilled my water bottles and filled my hat with icy goodness at paso picacho was waiting at big bend as well. she took my hat and water bottles. i ate some watermelon, cantaloupe, m&m's, cookies, more coke, and several cups of gatorade.
on the way out of big bend, i heard the promise of lots of climbing. nice, we are about to embark on a 1200+ foot climb over the next 2 miles give or take. eduardo, who i spoke with before the race and new from some of the other races, remarked that this climb was the toughest for him, and made him hurt severly the last time he did it. i put my head down and started my ascent.
my legs were feeling good, so i walked pretty aggressively, and jogged when the course leveled out and on minor inclines. i continued to catch and pass runners, chatting briefly as i went by. before long i was at the top, and ready to begin the descent into the milk ranch aid station. i could feel the sun getting hotter, and my sunblock wearing off, i'd need more sunblock soon, and ice.
i held a pretty solid pace through the descent and continued it through the little climb up into milk ranch. refill both water bottles, more food, strawberries were added to the usual fare and i was all too happy to sample some of them. sunblock, hat in the bucket of ice water, douse my head with icy water, ready to head out.
there was a mild climb then a long descent into the sweetwater aid station. my legs felt as they were getting stronger, so i continued to let it go a bit and enjoy the miles passing by. along the way, i found my energy building, my appetite was growing, and i was going through my food quickly, i was up to 600-700 calories an hour, mostly solids, and giong through my 2 water bottles faster than anticipated. this could get interesting, do i try and pick up the pace to get to sweetwater faster, or slow down so i don't need as much water?
to much thinking, i'll just run comfortable and let things work themselves out. within 1/2 mile i had found an unopened bottle of water. that's convenient. i picked it up and refilled my water bottle. 1 problem solved, no if i can just find a collection of food to add to my resevoir i'd be set. the heat was again getting to me, i'd need to remember to add ice to my hat before i leave the sweetwater station.
no such luck, i finished off this section out of food, and with just enough water. more food, and some more food to go. i loaded up my pockets with cliff bars, a couple gels, and had my bottles refilled, my hat socked in ice water. added sunblock, and i was off again. i bit premature, i knew i needed to drink and eat more before i left, but keeping to my true form of neglect, i left before completing the things that would make the next 7.5 miles easier.
this definitely bit me hard. within a couple miles i'd gone completely through my 2 water bottles, and eaten all the food (mental note cliff bars need a substantial amount of water to wash down, and are a bad idea to eat when you have no water. i was still catching and passing people, trying to stay conservative (looks like i'm not the only one that underestimated this section).
then it happened. that niggling little thing in my right achilles tendon let loose. running became uncomfortable at the good parts, the worst of it was my legs are still pretty fresh, i'm getting pretty significantly dehydrated, but that's easy to recover from. it's the shooting pain in my achilles that has me concerned.
if i don't figure this out soon, i'm going to be having a lot shorter day than anticipated. it's not long before i'm noticably limping, any kind of strain on my achilles hurts severely. i spend a good hour walking the rest of the way back into camp cuyamaca, where my first pacer will be waiting.
it's finally starting to cool down, but not looking like i'm going to get to enjoy the reprieve. i finally make my way into camp cuyamaca, and can hear heather catchpole's shouts of encouragement. i get to the tent and sit down, hand off the water bottles, throw my hat in the ice water and begin planning my course of action.
heather c. and brian are extremely helpful, providing me with chicken soup, oranges, i should have gotten some quesadillas too, but i was being stubborn. i drank lots ate lots, laid down and heather went to work on my right leg. whenever she got near the achilles i had shooting pain, and would wince. it was ridiculously tight, and noticably inflamed.
i laid there for over an hour hoping the rest would resolve the woes of my achilles. around 6pm i decided it was time to do a check and we loaded up and headed out for the sunrise aid station. my legs were a bit stiff, and the achilles didn't do what i'd hoped it would do. the questions start, do i press on and see where things go really bad? do i quite and finally admit there are some things that are out of my control?? i spend the better part of the next 1/2 mile or so goign back and forth over this in my head. i can still shuffle through the flats, i'm ok. it's only the ups that hurt (never mind i have a 5 mile climb ahead of me).
before long it's undeniable, even the slightest grade sends shooting pain through my achilles, my stride is far from normal, and will definitely increase the likeliness of other injuries if go through the next 50 miles, and the downhills hurt far wors than the climbs.
i pull over to the side of the course sit down and think for a couple minutes. it's official, i'm done, my run is nearly completed, though i've failed to complete the entirety of my run, i accept it at face value, it's not happening today. good days and bad days. today is both a good day and a bad day. i bounced back from my dehydration and insufficient nutrition, but i'm not bouncing back from the achilles in time to finish what i set out to do.
as i sit there, i am forced to accept the fact that there are things i just can't do. there are circumstances beyond my control, despite the fact this was amongst the most prepared i've been for any of my undertakings, it's playing out to be my first DNF. there is still 18+ hours in which i can likely hobble through most all if not all of the remaining 49 miles, but what kind of a set back will that cause? how important is my achilles tendon.
no more questions. it's time to walk back to camp cuyamaca, surrender my number and inform my support crew there is no need for support. heather c is very supportive an asks several times if this is what i want to do. when we get back to camp cuyamaca, i hand over my race number, the final step in officially dropping out. my day is over.
now it's time to start my next adventure. figuring out what i did to my achilles, and starting to fix it. i've got lots of stuff to do, and repairing myself is at the top, once that's complete i can get back to marking off the rest of the items on my list.
the day started out early, up a little before 4am, ate some eggs and cheese drank lots of water, and started heading east to the run start. Got to the run start at camp cuyamaca shortly after 5am checked in and ate a bit of the pre run food.
Got the last of my things lined up, filled my nutrition and water bottles, and i was ready to go. the run began at 6am, a very easy shuffle would be sufficient for me. there were a couple groups that took off at faster paces, i just kept reminding myself, it's a long day, there will be lots of time for things to settle out. the most important thing was to keep my pace nice and easy.
the lead up to the sunrise aid station was choc full of climbing goodness, so i was very content to put forth a slow jog up it. As it leveled off the pace picked up a bit. i still wasn't feeling it though, so kept my effort nice and slow. i ate a little bit, drank a bit, but not as much as i planned to eat and drink. coming up over the summit and around into the first aid station, i was feeling flat, nothing wrong, just hadn't found the groove i was hoping for. At the aid station, i refilled my bottles, grabbed a bagel, and was on my way again.
the next section was a bunch of single track with some little rolling hills, i took it pretty conservatively, remembering that there were numerous training runs which took 10 - 12 miles for my legs to come around and get over the initial lethargy. so i kept plodding along, content to do my thing for another couple aid stations and wait for me legs to come around.
i increased my calorie intake, eating wasn't exactly what i wanted to do at this point, so it took some effort, but i wasn't goign to let my nutrition ruin my day, i was dedicated to getting enough calories and maintaining a good effort for the entire run. so in went a bunch of shot blocks (essentially gummi bears) and lots of water and carbopro (carbohydrate drink mixture).
the pedro fages aid station was a welcome site, time for more food, some m&m's, cookies, water melon, and cantaloupe refill my water bottles take a quick bathroom break and on my way again. the 3rd section started out with some rollers, before dropping back down to where the run started. this section went a bit better, but still feeling less than ideal, more food, more liquid, and it's getting hot by now.
coming back through camp cuyamaca i stopped at my truck to grab my refills, lots of carbopro, and 5 more packs of shot blocks, then on to the aid station for more food, refill my water bottles and off again to see how difficult the next section would be. by now the temperatures have gone above my comfort zone and i'm starting to feel the heat. lovely, time to start taking thermolytes and the rest of my tablets as planned.
the next section would prove to be the most difficult for me, it was a good climb out of camp cuyamaca, and nice and toasty at this point. i spent most of this section walking up the climb, i'd run the flats and downhills, but thigns weren't feeling good, i'm over 20 miles in at this point, and my legs aren't coming around. just keep moving, i'm not too far off my estimated pace.
when i get into the paso picacho aid station, the heat was really getting to me, i dumped my hat into the ice water, grabbed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a glass of coke, and some gatorade. 1 of the volunteers offered me some salt tabs, i took 4, drank some more and asked for 3 more salt tablets. after some hemming and hawing on her part she gave in and provided me with the additional tablets. another of the volunteers had taken my bottles to refill with ice and water and added ice to my hat on my way out.
that was it, my legs started to come around and i began making good time through this section. all of a sudden i was hungry, and eating a bit ahead of schedule, before i was begrudgingly taking in roughly 400 calories an hour, at this point i was happily consuming 500 - 600 calories, and going through my water just as quickly. my pace was pretty steady through this section and my spirits were lifting, despite the fact the temperatures were climbing, i was doing well.
at the big bend aid station was feeling good. i was suprised to see the same volunteer that refilled my water bottles and filled my hat with icy goodness at paso picacho was waiting at big bend as well. she took my hat and water bottles. i ate some watermelon, cantaloupe, m&m's, cookies, more coke, and several cups of gatorade.
on the way out of big bend, i heard the promise of lots of climbing. nice, we are about to embark on a 1200+ foot climb over the next 2 miles give or take. eduardo, who i spoke with before the race and new from some of the other races, remarked that this climb was the toughest for him, and made him hurt severly the last time he did it. i put my head down and started my ascent.
my legs were feeling good, so i walked pretty aggressively, and jogged when the course leveled out and on minor inclines. i continued to catch and pass runners, chatting briefly as i went by. before long i was at the top, and ready to begin the descent into the milk ranch aid station. i could feel the sun getting hotter, and my sunblock wearing off, i'd need more sunblock soon, and ice.
i held a pretty solid pace through the descent and continued it through the little climb up into milk ranch. refill both water bottles, more food, strawberries were added to the usual fare and i was all too happy to sample some of them. sunblock, hat in the bucket of ice water, douse my head with icy water, ready to head out.
there was a mild climb then a long descent into the sweetwater aid station. my legs felt as they were getting stronger, so i continued to let it go a bit and enjoy the miles passing by. along the way, i found my energy building, my appetite was growing, and i was going through my food quickly, i was up to 600-700 calories an hour, mostly solids, and giong through my 2 water bottles faster than anticipated. this could get interesting, do i try and pick up the pace to get to sweetwater faster, or slow down so i don't need as much water?
to much thinking, i'll just run comfortable and let things work themselves out. within 1/2 mile i had found an unopened bottle of water. that's convenient. i picked it up and refilled my water bottle. 1 problem solved, no if i can just find a collection of food to add to my resevoir i'd be set. the heat was again getting to me, i'd need to remember to add ice to my hat before i leave the sweetwater station.
no such luck, i finished off this section out of food, and with just enough water. more food, and some more food to go. i loaded up my pockets with cliff bars, a couple gels, and had my bottles refilled, my hat socked in ice water. added sunblock, and i was off again. i bit premature, i knew i needed to drink and eat more before i left, but keeping to my true form of neglect, i left before completing the things that would make the next 7.5 miles easier.
this definitely bit me hard. within a couple miles i'd gone completely through my 2 water bottles, and eaten all the food (mental note cliff bars need a substantial amount of water to wash down, and are a bad idea to eat when you have no water. i was still catching and passing people, trying to stay conservative (looks like i'm not the only one that underestimated this section).
then it happened. that niggling little thing in my right achilles tendon let loose. running became uncomfortable at the good parts, the worst of it was my legs are still pretty fresh, i'm getting pretty significantly dehydrated, but that's easy to recover from. it's the shooting pain in my achilles that has me concerned.
if i don't figure this out soon, i'm going to be having a lot shorter day than anticipated. it's not long before i'm noticably limping, any kind of strain on my achilles hurts severely. i spend a good hour walking the rest of the way back into camp cuyamaca, where my first pacer will be waiting.
it's finally starting to cool down, but not looking like i'm going to get to enjoy the reprieve. i finally make my way into camp cuyamaca, and can hear heather catchpole's shouts of encouragement. i get to the tent and sit down, hand off the water bottles, throw my hat in the ice water and begin planning my course of action.
heather c. and brian are extremely helpful, providing me with chicken soup, oranges, i should have gotten some quesadillas too, but i was being stubborn. i drank lots ate lots, laid down and heather went to work on my right leg. whenever she got near the achilles i had shooting pain, and would wince. it was ridiculously tight, and noticably inflamed.
i laid there for over an hour hoping the rest would resolve the woes of my achilles. around 6pm i decided it was time to do a check and we loaded up and headed out for the sunrise aid station. my legs were a bit stiff, and the achilles didn't do what i'd hoped it would do. the questions start, do i press on and see where things go really bad? do i quite and finally admit there are some things that are out of my control?? i spend the better part of the next 1/2 mile or so goign back and forth over this in my head. i can still shuffle through the flats, i'm ok. it's only the ups that hurt (never mind i have a 5 mile climb ahead of me).
before long it's undeniable, even the slightest grade sends shooting pain through my achilles, my stride is far from normal, and will definitely increase the likeliness of other injuries if go through the next 50 miles, and the downhills hurt far wors than the climbs.
i pull over to the side of the course sit down and think for a couple minutes. it's official, i'm done, my run is nearly completed, though i've failed to complete the entirety of my run, i accept it at face value, it's not happening today. good days and bad days. today is both a good day and a bad day. i bounced back from my dehydration and insufficient nutrition, but i'm not bouncing back from the achilles in time to finish what i set out to do.
as i sit there, i am forced to accept the fact that there are things i just can't do. there are circumstances beyond my control, despite the fact this was amongst the most prepared i've been for any of my undertakings, it's playing out to be my first DNF. there is still 18+ hours in which i can likely hobble through most all if not all of the remaining 49 miles, but what kind of a set back will that cause? how important is my achilles tendon.
no more questions. it's time to walk back to camp cuyamaca, surrender my number and inform my support crew there is no need for support. heather c is very supportive an asks several times if this is what i want to do. when we get back to camp cuyamaca, i hand over my race number, the final step in officially dropping out. my day is over.
now it's time to start my next adventure. figuring out what i did to my achilles, and starting to fix it. i've got lots of stuff to do, and repairing myself is at the top, once that's complete i can get back to marking off the rest of the items on my list.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon
a couple days before the race i spoke with an acquaintence who had signed up for the rock and roll marathon hoping to qualify for boston. He would need to run under 3:21:00 to qualify, a 7:39 min/mile pace or better would do.
I agreed to pace him through at least the first 1/2 in 1:35:00, after which i'd go as far as i could and wish him well when i blew up.sunday morning i woke up early, and headed down to balboa park and the start line. i parked on the other side of the park so i wouldn't have to deal with street closures plus then i could get a little warm up in before the run. i grabbed all my things and started jogging to the start. when i got the the start i realized i'd left my timing chip in my truck, almost 1 mile across the park. mmm, no chip no time? how important is the time for me?
i decided to go back and get the chip in order to officially document my first sub 4 hour marathon. a brisk jog back to my car, pick up the chip, and jog back to the start line, i'm good and warm now, all i have to do is wait for the race to start. about 10 minutes before the start i thought it would be a good idea to visit the bathroom 1 last time before the start, then i saw the lines and decided i could wait a couple hours.i met up with mark a couple minutes before the start. and that familiar pre-race feeling started to creep up on me, it's been so long since i raced i almost forgot how much i enjoy this stuff.
the gun went off and we started at a pretty brisk pace. 7:09 through the first mile, 7:24 pace for mile 2 and then a good downhill on the course brought us through mile 3 right around 7:15. i ran into some people from the shop i new, so chatted with them a bit, then switched the focus back to pacing mark. i let him know we were pacing a bit fast, on pace for a 3:10:00 marathon we settled in a bit and got comfortable. nothing too exciting for the next couple miles, we pulled back slightly on the pace, but were still running around a 3:10:00 pace through most of the first 12 miles. at mile 7.5 i decided the bathroom was a necessity, i told mark i was going to drop off and i'd be back in a mile or 2, i stopped and took a pee break.
i was back up with mark around mile 8.5, still ahead of his 3:20:00 pace and looking fresh.right around mile 12, mark's parents and sisters were shouting encouragement, it helped give him a little boost. somewhere around here the sun broke through the cloud cover and things began to heat up. just past mile 17 a couple of mark's supporters ran with him for a bit. this is were things started to get tougher and the pace suffered a bit. around mile 18.5 another of mark's friends joined the run, he would stay with us until just before the finish. at this point mark definitely began showing early signs of blowing up, his heart rate was climbing but his pace was staying pretty steady, we pulled back a bit more to try and help him settle into a more comfortable pace, but his pace was already beginning to look like it would be close to pull out a 3:20:00 finish.
we came through mile 21 at 2:38:29, on 7:33 min/mile pace. after mile 21 things got more gloomy, the heat was getting to mark, so we doused his hat in water and tried to cool him down through the aid stations. we walked for a bit to let mark get some gel and liquid in and settle his stomach a bit then resumed the running. mile 23 and mark was getting dizzy, we adjusted the pace again. he was experiencing tunnel vision and had become pretty dizzy, it was obvious he was pushing hard and digging deep to do what he came to do. he hit the 24 mile mark at 3:06:00, dropping his pace below what he needed to get in under 3:20:00. We had 2.2 miles to make up almost 3 minutes.
It was time for mark to dig real deep and see how the cards were to fall. we went a bit aggressively, hoping it would snap mark out of his funk and get his legs going again. marks friend went ahead to get some accelerade and water at the next aid station. i stayd with mark and we walked a bit to let him settle in before we made our last go for his 3:20:00. he got some liquid in and doused in water to cool him down.we came through mile 25 just over 3:17:00, 3:20:00 wasn't happening today, it was a bit hard to swallow, after such a strong start and huge display of heart, mark blew up severely.
he pushd himself harder than i've seen anybody push, and dug down deep, but it wasn't happening sunday. with about 3/4 of a mile to go, he dug even deeper and pulled together a solid effort to jog the remainder of the race, crossing the line in 3:27:44, nearly 5 minutes better than his previous best.he was a bit dissappointed he fell short of his 3:20:00 aspirations, but he was happy with the personal best he set, and from what i saw he laid every bit of what he had out on the line on sunday and dug deep down inside to find everythign he could find. it just wasn't in teh cards for sunday.
congratulations mark, i'm going to remember that effort for a long time, and am sure i'll use it as a source of encouragement to help me through some difficult times.you can see mark crossing the finish line on the far left of the screen at 3:27:54 on the race clock, he has a red shirt, white hat, and black shorts.
I agreed to pace him through at least the first 1/2 in 1:35:00, after which i'd go as far as i could and wish him well when i blew up.sunday morning i woke up early, and headed down to balboa park and the start line. i parked on the other side of the park so i wouldn't have to deal with street closures plus then i could get a little warm up in before the run. i grabbed all my things and started jogging to the start. when i got the the start i realized i'd left my timing chip in my truck, almost 1 mile across the park. mmm, no chip no time? how important is the time for me?
i decided to go back and get the chip in order to officially document my first sub 4 hour marathon. a brisk jog back to my car, pick up the chip, and jog back to the start line, i'm good and warm now, all i have to do is wait for the race to start. about 10 minutes before the start i thought it would be a good idea to visit the bathroom 1 last time before the start, then i saw the lines and decided i could wait a couple hours.i met up with mark a couple minutes before the start. and that familiar pre-race feeling started to creep up on me, it's been so long since i raced i almost forgot how much i enjoy this stuff.
the gun went off and we started at a pretty brisk pace. 7:09 through the first mile, 7:24 pace for mile 2 and then a good downhill on the course brought us through mile 3 right around 7:15. i ran into some people from the shop i new, so chatted with them a bit, then switched the focus back to pacing mark. i let him know we were pacing a bit fast, on pace for a 3:10:00 marathon we settled in a bit and got comfortable. nothing too exciting for the next couple miles, we pulled back slightly on the pace, but were still running around a 3:10:00 pace through most of the first 12 miles. at mile 7.5 i decided the bathroom was a necessity, i told mark i was going to drop off and i'd be back in a mile or 2, i stopped and took a pee break.
i was back up with mark around mile 8.5, still ahead of his 3:20:00 pace and looking fresh.right around mile 12, mark's parents and sisters were shouting encouragement, it helped give him a little boost. somewhere around here the sun broke through the cloud cover and things began to heat up. just past mile 17 a couple of mark's supporters ran with him for a bit. this is were things started to get tougher and the pace suffered a bit. around mile 18.5 another of mark's friends joined the run, he would stay with us until just before the finish. at this point mark definitely began showing early signs of blowing up, his heart rate was climbing but his pace was staying pretty steady, we pulled back a bit more to try and help him settle into a more comfortable pace, but his pace was already beginning to look like it would be close to pull out a 3:20:00 finish.
we came through mile 21 at 2:38:29, on 7:33 min/mile pace. after mile 21 things got more gloomy, the heat was getting to mark, so we doused his hat in water and tried to cool him down through the aid stations. we walked for a bit to let mark get some gel and liquid in and settle his stomach a bit then resumed the running. mile 23 and mark was getting dizzy, we adjusted the pace again. he was experiencing tunnel vision and had become pretty dizzy, it was obvious he was pushing hard and digging deep to do what he came to do. he hit the 24 mile mark at 3:06:00, dropping his pace below what he needed to get in under 3:20:00. We had 2.2 miles to make up almost 3 minutes.
It was time for mark to dig real deep and see how the cards were to fall. we went a bit aggressively, hoping it would snap mark out of his funk and get his legs going again. marks friend went ahead to get some accelerade and water at the next aid station. i stayd with mark and we walked a bit to let him settle in before we made our last go for his 3:20:00. he got some liquid in and doused in water to cool him down.we came through mile 25 just over 3:17:00, 3:20:00 wasn't happening today, it was a bit hard to swallow, after such a strong start and huge display of heart, mark blew up severely.
he pushd himself harder than i've seen anybody push, and dug down deep, but it wasn't happening sunday. with about 3/4 of a mile to go, he dug even deeper and pulled together a solid effort to jog the remainder of the race, crossing the line in 3:27:44, nearly 5 minutes better than his previous best.he was a bit dissappointed he fell short of his 3:20:00 aspirations, but he was happy with the personal best he set, and from what i saw he laid every bit of what he had out on the line on sunday and dug deep down inside to find everythign he could find. it just wasn't in teh cards for sunday.
congratulations mark, i'm going to remember that effort for a long time, and am sure i'll use it as a source of encouragement to help me through some difficult times.you can see mark crossing the finish line on the far left of the screen at 3:27:54 on the race clock, he has a red shirt, white hat, and black shorts.
Oceanside 70.3 2008
This year proved to be a bit of a challenge. As usual, I didn’t sleep very well the night before the race, I was up late organizing my race gear and then up early driving to oceanside. I got there, found my place in transition, it was very empty, lots of room to set up, but this would soon change as the hordes of participants showed up.
I made my way into the lineup to funnel down to the swim start, and waited to enter the harbor. 3 minutes before the wave start, we were allowed into the water for warmup and whatever else needing doing. I got in, a bit chilly, allowed me to find new tears in my wetsuit. guess it’s about time to retire it. the horn sounded and we were off, I started out a bit wide and near the front, quickly settled into a pretty comfortable pace, and worked my way into the center by the buoys. I’ve given up on predicting my swim pace, and have accepted I am a poor judge at best of swim performance. the entire swim felt good, I was sure I was holding a pretty good pace, and moving along. my effort felt pretty good, not overly hard, and not too relaxed. before long I was at the turnaround, and on my way back in. I was back by the start line seemingly sooner than anticipated, maybe I will actually string together a solid performance today. out of the water, through transition, back to my rack to pick up my bike and get down to business. swim time: 35:09, about 5 minutes slower than my usual time.
when I got back to the racks, they were very empty. hmmm, maybe that swim wasn’t as fast as I thought it was. granted I didn’t expect a blazing swim time, but figured there would be more bikes around when I got back.
I had some trouble getting my wetsuit off, so sat down for the struggle. One of the volunteers offered to help me peel it off, I accepted, and as she bent over to help out she hit my bike, knocking it off the rack and to the ground, my water bottle, full of my nutrition, skated across the transition area. “I’m sorry”, as she chased after it. and I’m still struggling to get my wet suit off. what the?? guess I need to actually swim and practice taking the wetsuit off. phew, finally got it off, the volunteer had recovered my nutrition, put it back in the water bottle cage, and set my bike upright. ok, the fun part. T1 time: 3:28, by no means blazing fast, but not too far from what I would have expected had things gone well.
now the bike, from here on out it’s good, nothing but chasing people down. out of t1, time to mount, I couldn’t get on the bike. guess I need to practice that one as well. it took me 3 or 4 tries to find the pedals and actually get moving. ok, it’s a bit chilly, there are lots of people out ahead of me on the bike, and I’m struggling with silly things which I usually do well. good thing I’m having fun out here, or this could be a bad day. immediately I start working my way through the field (not hard to do when you start out so poorlyJ ) and settling into a comfortably fast rhythm on the bike. drink some water, take in some nutrition. that’s the stuff. it’s pretty cold for the first 10 – 15 miles, but my legs are feeling pretty good, I seem to be making good time.
I pick up some water and refill my supplies at the first aid station, then settle in, the first 22 – 25 miles are pretty flat, and a good opportunity to make up some good speed before the climbing starts. around mile 22, the head wind starts. that’s a lot earlier, and a lot heavier than usual. through the first set of rollers I notice a peculiar noise when I put any real power through the pedals for climbing. I look back, and am pretty sure the rear wheel is deflecting and rubbing on the frame under heavy load. at least there are lots of hills to verify this hypothesis.
generally I’ll wind up going back and forth with a couple people on the bike, but not today, today was going to be a solo effort for whatever reason. despite the setbacks so far, things seem to be going well, I feel like I’m holding a good pace on the bike, and should be close to where I want to be come time to run. that’s where I’ll make up the bulk of my time. over the climbs, and through the descents, I’m smiling inside, and laughing to myself, this feels good, I’m having fun out here. the climbs aren’t passing as easily as I’ve become accustomed to, I chalk it up to the extra noises I’ve got coming from my rear wheel and bottom bracket, and laugh. so much neglect going into the race, and now it’s paying me back. but the downhills and flats feel very strong. I take a couple thermolytes as proactive cramp prevention.
onto the backside which is deceptive, though it’s pretty flat, there is a lot of wind, particularly today, so I tuck into a nice comfortable aero position, and click off the miles, mile 45, 11 miles left, no worries, it’s almost time to test out my new running skills. the remainder of the bike is uneventful, and seems to go by quickly. coming down into t2, I hear mike “go liam”, and am feeling good, my legs are still fresh and ready for the next hour and a half. a smooth t2, and onto the run. on top of that I don’t have to worry about any weird noises coming from my bike. bike time: 2:41:11
T2 is much smoother and faster than t1, that’s what I’m used to. I’ve gone through all 1200 calories on the bike, and am feeling good, I rack my bike, sit down, pull my shoes on, look right at my nutrition and electrolytes I’ve allocated for the run, and decide, I don’t need those, I’ll be back in less than 1:30:00. this would prove to be a giant blunder. t2 time: 0:1:33
shoes on, ready to go, I come blazing out of t2, this feels like it might be a little fast, but lets see where it takes us. though it seems like I might be coming out a bit quick, I feel very comfortable. after ½ mile, the story of the run starts to unfold. twinges start shooting through my quadriceps. mmm, guess I should have had more thermolytes on the bike, and grabbed my bag of run goodies in t2. it’s only 13 miles, let’s see how things unfold. 2 cups of gatorade at the first aid station, 2 sponges. still running, either my legs will cramp, or they won’t. my pace is still solid, and I feel comfortable other than the twinges.
mile 2, 2 more gatorades, I should get something with salt, maybe pretzels, or power gel. I definitely should do a gel before too long. but I’m still feeling good except the twinges. mile 3, my feet fall asleep, I’m still taking 1 or 2 gatorades every mile to fight off the cramps. but have yet to get any real calories. I’m running a solid pace, nobody is catching me, at the turnarounds, people are falling further behind, I just keep running people down. things are good.
mile 4, mile 5, mile 6, almost to the 2nd turnaround. I’m starting to feel things a bit. mike and my dad are there, mike feeds me my split: “you’re on pace for 1:28:00”. now I’m thinking I have to make up 3 minutes. time to start picking things up see what’s in the cards. how deep can I dig?
on the way out for lap 2, I pick up the pace slightly, more gatorade, more water. I need a gel, it’s stupid to pass them up. but I keep passing them up. mile 9, almost time for the last turn around. mile 10, need a gel, legs are cramping more, but anybody can fake a 5k. and it’s mainly downhill to flat from here. hey wait, is that my feet I can feel now. nice, at least they aren’t numb anymore.
mile 11. game over. that gel would have been real nice had I eaten it 3 – 5 miles ago. I’m still running, but more of a 9 min/mile pace instead of the 6:45 min/mile or so I was holding up to that point. time for damage control, I grab some oranges and start chewing on them, walk the aid station to get some gatorade and water in me. put my head down, and back to running. still painfully slow.
as hard as I try, there just isn’t anything in there. I keep reasoning, it’s 2 miles, 14 minutes, that’s easy you do it all the time. then my left hamstring starts to twinge. added to the collection of both quads threatening to cramp, and I have no energy. aaah yes, I miscalculated by 15 minutes. so close. only 2 miles. start digging, gotta hold off some people. in the last 2 miles, I dropped roughly 6 spots in my division, and probably dozens overall, but it’s not about that right now, it’s about running, as bad as I want to stop, I keep telling myself run faster, it will be over sooner, as hard as I try, my legs refuse to turn over faster, I watch a dozen or so people pull away, and have nothing to answer with. 1 mile left, ¾ of a mile, and I’m through the last aid station. nothing here will help now, just keep moving on. ¼ mile left, it’s now that I find out how much my body lied, or how much truth there was. I let it all out, digging in for a solid run down the finishing chute. 2 people ahead of me, 200meters to catch them, I can do this, I always have something left for a strong finish. here I go, my sprint. but I’m unable to go any faster than I’ve been going for the last 200 meters. what the? 2 people. and I manage to pull up even, but don’t have it to get ahead. the finish. run time: 1:34:27
my hamstring is cramped, my quads are cramped, I’m tired, I’m thirsty my legs are going to explode. but there is a smile deep down inside, I blew up 2 miles early, but in doing so, I learned a huge lesson. I laid it all out there, I wasn’t afraid of falling short, there were no questions, no doubts, just the here and now, each step on that run was done in the here and now. never holding back and wondering if I could keep that pace the whole way, just going with what felt right. not thinking about the possibility of coming up short, because there was no way that could happen (except perhaps if I didn’t eat anything for the entire run).
each race over the past year has brought me a new understading of what it means to lay it all out there, and to hurt like I’ve never hurt before. after lake placid I hurt more than I’d ever hurt before, after silverman, I raised the bar a bit more, after catalina, my legs were worse than I could imagine them feeling, and on saturday, I raised the bar a bit more. I’m starting to race closer and closer to my potential. with enough persistence, and attention to detail, it’s only a matter of time until everything falls into place, and I race the race that I know is in me. until them, I’m going to keep searching and reveling in my ability to push through the lies my body feeds me.
I made my way into the lineup to funnel down to the swim start, and waited to enter the harbor. 3 minutes before the wave start, we were allowed into the water for warmup and whatever else needing doing. I got in, a bit chilly, allowed me to find new tears in my wetsuit. guess it’s about time to retire it. the horn sounded and we were off, I started out a bit wide and near the front, quickly settled into a pretty comfortable pace, and worked my way into the center by the buoys. I’ve given up on predicting my swim pace, and have accepted I am a poor judge at best of swim performance. the entire swim felt good, I was sure I was holding a pretty good pace, and moving along. my effort felt pretty good, not overly hard, and not too relaxed. before long I was at the turnaround, and on my way back in. I was back by the start line seemingly sooner than anticipated, maybe I will actually string together a solid performance today. out of the water, through transition, back to my rack to pick up my bike and get down to business. swim time: 35:09, about 5 minutes slower than my usual time.
when I got back to the racks, they were very empty. hmmm, maybe that swim wasn’t as fast as I thought it was. granted I didn’t expect a blazing swim time, but figured there would be more bikes around when I got back.
I had some trouble getting my wetsuit off, so sat down for the struggle. One of the volunteers offered to help me peel it off, I accepted, and as she bent over to help out she hit my bike, knocking it off the rack and to the ground, my water bottle, full of my nutrition, skated across the transition area. “I’m sorry”, as she chased after it. and I’m still struggling to get my wet suit off. what the?? guess I need to actually swim and practice taking the wetsuit off. phew, finally got it off, the volunteer had recovered my nutrition, put it back in the water bottle cage, and set my bike upright. ok, the fun part. T1 time: 3:28, by no means blazing fast, but not too far from what I would have expected had things gone well.
now the bike, from here on out it’s good, nothing but chasing people down. out of t1, time to mount, I couldn’t get on the bike. guess I need to practice that one as well. it took me 3 or 4 tries to find the pedals and actually get moving. ok, it’s a bit chilly, there are lots of people out ahead of me on the bike, and I’m struggling with silly things which I usually do well. good thing I’m having fun out here, or this could be a bad day. immediately I start working my way through the field (not hard to do when you start out so poorlyJ ) and settling into a comfortably fast rhythm on the bike. drink some water, take in some nutrition. that’s the stuff. it’s pretty cold for the first 10 – 15 miles, but my legs are feeling pretty good, I seem to be making good time.
I pick up some water and refill my supplies at the first aid station, then settle in, the first 22 – 25 miles are pretty flat, and a good opportunity to make up some good speed before the climbing starts. around mile 22, the head wind starts. that’s a lot earlier, and a lot heavier than usual. through the first set of rollers I notice a peculiar noise when I put any real power through the pedals for climbing. I look back, and am pretty sure the rear wheel is deflecting and rubbing on the frame under heavy load. at least there are lots of hills to verify this hypothesis.
generally I’ll wind up going back and forth with a couple people on the bike, but not today, today was going to be a solo effort for whatever reason. despite the setbacks so far, things seem to be going well, I feel like I’m holding a good pace on the bike, and should be close to where I want to be come time to run. that’s where I’ll make up the bulk of my time. over the climbs, and through the descents, I’m smiling inside, and laughing to myself, this feels good, I’m having fun out here. the climbs aren’t passing as easily as I’ve become accustomed to, I chalk it up to the extra noises I’ve got coming from my rear wheel and bottom bracket, and laugh. so much neglect going into the race, and now it’s paying me back. but the downhills and flats feel very strong. I take a couple thermolytes as proactive cramp prevention.
onto the backside which is deceptive, though it’s pretty flat, there is a lot of wind, particularly today, so I tuck into a nice comfortable aero position, and click off the miles, mile 45, 11 miles left, no worries, it’s almost time to test out my new running skills. the remainder of the bike is uneventful, and seems to go by quickly. coming down into t2, I hear mike “go liam”, and am feeling good, my legs are still fresh and ready for the next hour and a half. a smooth t2, and onto the run. on top of that I don’t have to worry about any weird noises coming from my bike. bike time: 2:41:11
T2 is much smoother and faster than t1, that’s what I’m used to. I’ve gone through all 1200 calories on the bike, and am feeling good, I rack my bike, sit down, pull my shoes on, look right at my nutrition and electrolytes I’ve allocated for the run, and decide, I don’t need those, I’ll be back in less than 1:30:00. this would prove to be a giant blunder. t2 time: 0:1:33
shoes on, ready to go, I come blazing out of t2, this feels like it might be a little fast, but lets see where it takes us. though it seems like I might be coming out a bit quick, I feel very comfortable. after ½ mile, the story of the run starts to unfold. twinges start shooting through my quadriceps. mmm, guess I should have had more thermolytes on the bike, and grabbed my bag of run goodies in t2. it’s only 13 miles, let’s see how things unfold. 2 cups of gatorade at the first aid station, 2 sponges. still running, either my legs will cramp, or they won’t. my pace is still solid, and I feel comfortable other than the twinges.
mile 2, 2 more gatorades, I should get something with salt, maybe pretzels, or power gel. I definitely should do a gel before too long. but I’m still feeling good except the twinges. mile 3, my feet fall asleep, I’m still taking 1 or 2 gatorades every mile to fight off the cramps. but have yet to get any real calories. I’m running a solid pace, nobody is catching me, at the turnarounds, people are falling further behind, I just keep running people down. things are good.
mile 4, mile 5, mile 6, almost to the 2nd turnaround. I’m starting to feel things a bit. mike and my dad are there, mike feeds me my split: “you’re on pace for 1:28:00”. now I’m thinking I have to make up 3 minutes. time to start picking things up see what’s in the cards. how deep can I dig?
on the way out for lap 2, I pick up the pace slightly, more gatorade, more water. I need a gel, it’s stupid to pass them up. but I keep passing them up. mile 9, almost time for the last turn around. mile 10, need a gel, legs are cramping more, but anybody can fake a 5k. and it’s mainly downhill to flat from here. hey wait, is that my feet I can feel now. nice, at least they aren’t numb anymore.
mile 11. game over. that gel would have been real nice had I eaten it 3 – 5 miles ago. I’m still running, but more of a 9 min/mile pace instead of the 6:45 min/mile or so I was holding up to that point. time for damage control, I grab some oranges and start chewing on them, walk the aid station to get some gatorade and water in me. put my head down, and back to running. still painfully slow.
as hard as I try, there just isn’t anything in there. I keep reasoning, it’s 2 miles, 14 minutes, that’s easy you do it all the time. then my left hamstring starts to twinge. added to the collection of both quads threatening to cramp, and I have no energy. aaah yes, I miscalculated by 15 minutes. so close. only 2 miles. start digging, gotta hold off some people. in the last 2 miles, I dropped roughly 6 spots in my division, and probably dozens overall, but it’s not about that right now, it’s about running, as bad as I want to stop, I keep telling myself run faster, it will be over sooner, as hard as I try, my legs refuse to turn over faster, I watch a dozen or so people pull away, and have nothing to answer with. 1 mile left, ¾ of a mile, and I’m through the last aid station. nothing here will help now, just keep moving on. ¼ mile left, it’s now that I find out how much my body lied, or how much truth there was. I let it all out, digging in for a solid run down the finishing chute. 2 people ahead of me, 200meters to catch them, I can do this, I always have something left for a strong finish. here I go, my sprint. but I’m unable to go any faster than I’ve been going for the last 200 meters. what the? 2 people. and I manage to pull up even, but don’t have it to get ahead. the finish. run time: 1:34:27
my hamstring is cramped, my quads are cramped, I’m tired, I’m thirsty my legs are going to explode. but there is a smile deep down inside, I blew up 2 miles early, but in doing so, I learned a huge lesson. I laid it all out there, I wasn’t afraid of falling short, there were no questions, no doubts, just the here and now, each step on that run was done in the here and now. never holding back and wondering if I could keep that pace the whole way, just going with what felt right. not thinking about the possibility of coming up short, because there was no way that could happen (except perhaps if I didn’t eat anything for the entire run).
each race over the past year has brought me a new understading of what it means to lay it all out there, and to hurt like I’ve never hurt before. after lake placid I hurt more than I’d ever hurt before, after silverman, I raised the bar a bit more, after catalina, my legs were worse than I could imagine them feeling, and on saturday, I raised the bar a bit more. I’m starting to race closer and closer to my potential. with enough persistence, and attention to detail, it’s only a matter of time until everything falls into place, and I race the race that I know is in me. until them, I’m going to keep searching and reveling in my ability to push through the lies my body feeds me.
Catalina 50 mile run
talk about a long day. We headed over to Catalina island on Doc's boat around 5pm friday evening, the crossing was uneventful, we moored the boat, went and ate, then back to the boat for sleeping, saturday would be an early start. i didn't sleep very well, too many things on my mind, oddly enough the race wasn't really one of them. I knew i was in for some serious hurting, as my training had been far less than i hoped for.
i had a decent base coming off of the silverman in november, took a couple weeks off, and early december, after 1 week of that i got sick. I wouldn't be able to run again until january 2nd. 10 days to build back up. that would prove to be an interesting experience.
after some napping here and there around 4 am, i decide enough laying around, i'm getting up and making my way to shore to get ready. Andy came over with me in the kayaks. and would bring my stuff back to the boat. very helpful. the plan was easy, i'd be at the isthmus between 10 and 11, they would take the boat up and yell encouragement, maybe take some of my things i didn't need, and then head back to see me at the finnish.
got there, filled up my gel and water bottles. promptly at 5 am, the run started, still dark and would stay that way until around 6:30 or so. the first 3 - 4 miles were a slight climb, and could be jogged slowly, then the climbing started, and the jog became a walk - 1600' (550m) of climbing over 2 imles (3.2 km). the first aid station came at mile 11.9, 2:12:00 after my start (11:04 min/mile - 6:53 min/km). more water, oranges, pretzels, banana, and i'm off another 7 miles to aid station 2. these miles would be rolling hills and a descent down into the aid station. things felt pretty good, just gotta focus on a very slow pace so i can maintain through the end. my mind would wander amongst the many things going on these days, but always came back to the details at hand. on the way down there was a buffalo, sitting by the road, eating some grass. those things are huge. it was an interesting site.
the downhill was pretty good, there was 1 more climb, then the final descent into and shortly after reaching the top of that climb, the road dropped back down close to sea level, and we were welcomed into the 2nd aid station, little harbor - 1:12:00 after leaving the last aid station, and 7 miles later (10:17 min/mile - 6:23 min/km), and a total of 18.9 miles down. oh boy, my legs are starting to feel the lack of preparation. water, gatorade, fill the water bottle 1/2 water, 1/2 gatorade, pretzels, bananas, potato and salt. off again.
there was a long climb out of this aid station, and a lot of walking. on the way up, another runner joined me, and i was able to run a bit with him. after a mile or 2, it became obvious this pace was entirely too fast for me to maintain, so i bid him well, and began walking again. 10 minutes or so later, another runner joined me. i would stay with her until roughly 33 miles, at which point she would take off ahead never to be seen again. at the top of the climb, we were greated by another buffalo down by a pond drinking and eating, and a few miles later an incredible view looking down onto the isthmus (a harbor on catalina). i was thinking about everythign i could except the fact that my legs were hurting something awful. only some minor coughing, so i was please with that part of it. we ran the 3 miles or so down to the isthmus aid station, and another 1.5 - 2 miles to the turn around. and back to the isthmus: 7.8 miles in 1:51:00 from the little harbor (14;13 min/mile - 8:50 min/km). yep, legs are definitely revolting. more oranges, pretzels, potato, bananas, and lots of liquid, then on our way back to little harbor. i was a bit saddened that there was no sign of andy or doc, but c'est la vie. turns out they had some boat trouble, and missed me at the isthmus by 10 minutes.
the climb out of the isthmus was brutal, hot, uphill, and steep. lots of walking. the good news is the worst is yet to come. at the top, the jogging resumes, letting gravity do what it can do to help out, at this point, i can no longer intelligently speak, just 1 syllable and i doubt it's very understandable. my usual joy for the downhills is lost, my legs threaten to buckle with every step. but keep going, one in front of the other, finally things flatten out, and we arrive at the little harbor aid station - 6.5 miles in 1:22:00 (12:36 min/mile - 7:49 min/km). banana, potato, pretzel, oranges, water, gatorade, refill the water bottle. salt and i'm on my way again.
a bit of a climb out, then a great view of little harbor and the ocean, a quick descent, and the brutal promise of several miles over which here is where things will climb some 600 - 1000 feet (200 - 350 m). doesn't sound like much, but looking at it, and wlaking up it at this point is increasingly difficult. i take solace in the fact that i should be around 40 miles into the race at this point, 1 or 2 aid stations left, and i get that lovely 3 mile descent into avalon, and the cold ocean to immerse my legs in. my ambition is long gone, thoughts of calling it a day are threatening me, and my legs are slowing significantly. then the crushing blow, i reach the next aid station which i'm absolutely confident is bewteen mile 42 and 45, 2 more miles after this, and it's all downhill, not a great thing, but a promise of the pendign finish. i get closer to the aid station, and am pretty much devastated. mile 38.8, 11.2 miles to go, that's a far cry from the 5 or so i was expecting. they have buffalo burgers and lobster at the eagles nest aid station, status check 5.6 miles mainly climbing in 1:11:00 (12:40 min/mile - 7:52 min/km) from little harbor. my stomach protested at teh thought of either lobster or buffalo at this point, so my standard fair, banana, oranges (did i mention i love these things for long races), pretzels, and potato. ooh red gatorade, something different, fill the water bottle with red gatorade please. and several cups of water and gatorade. back on the trail, another 5.2 miles (8.4 km) to the next stop.
to give you an idea of what catalina is like, these 5.2 miles (8.4 km) climbed 400' (320m), and at this point in the sufferfest (it's no longer a run) i was completely convinced this was flat. i was reduced to a walk, mainly due to the additional 7 miles (11.3 km) i was gifted at the last aid station. head down, and pretty well beaten for the time being. then kathryn came along: "you can't walk this, you won't get anywhere, come on, we are going to run walk. running to the 3rd set of tall trees". at the 3rd set of trees, another point would be set, we will walk to the white sign. we'd walk and run like this until the pump house aid station, at the bottom of a 600' (300m) climb which lasted 1/2 mile (0.8 km). finally, 5.2 miles (8.4 km) in 1:22:00 15:46 min/mile (9:47 min/km). at the aid station, no dilly dallying, water, gatorade, refill bottle, oranges, and a banana. off we go
kathryn told me about several other 50 mile (80km)runs she had done, and some people she had pulled through the final miles. she told me she did a 50 miler (80 Km) in october or november, and since hadn't run more than 3.5 miles (5.6 km). she explained how she is married to a air force person, and many of her runs are done around the base, which is fenced off, and how the guards would frequently drive out to ensure she isn't trying to break in. i suggested she have them bring her water and food. before you know it we were at the top of pumphouse hill, some rollers and then the 3.3 mile (5.3 km) descent into avalon (1600' - 490m). we ran most of the rollers and started down the descent. my legs have yet to protest a downhill section like they did that one. i couldn't muster any sort of a pace, even gravity couldn't help with that. "there is a gate, then the bell tower, at the bell tower, it's 1/2 mile (800 m) to the finish" kathryn was offering me hope. it wasn't a question at this point, downhill i can do (generally much better than this one, but i can do those). there was the gate, and a bit after that the bell tower. Kathryn chimes in, "and then there's the sprint to the finish". "have fun with that". finally the road levels out, we are in avalon, so close to the end.
kathryn checks her watch "if we hurry i can make it under 11:30". i'm thinking and with a long run of 3.5 miles over the past 3 months??? "ok, here we go, here's the sprint you wanted". so we go. Doc and Andy are there on the right side of the course cheering and taking photos. a very welcome boost. i offer kathryn to the opportunity to finish first, she declines, so we cross the line together, as discussed throughout the past 2.5 hours. 6 miles from pumphouse in 1:19:00 (13:10 min/mile - 8:10 min/km)
the aftermath. first thought through my head, where is Hilde-Karin, i look around and slowly realize she won't be there, she is in Norway, sleeping. a bit of sadness creeps into my heart. Doc and Andy greet me at the finish, and offer congratulations. you should sit down, get some food, i just want to stand in the ocean and enjoy the cold water.
this is a pain i have never felt. though that crosses my mind after many hard efforts, and eventually fades. this time my legs are destroyed, beyond past experiences. 7300' (2200 m) of climbing over 50 miles (80 km) will do that. i'm wobbly, disoriented, and determined to get in the ocean. after standing in the ocean for a while i come out, next order of business, shower and food.
Official numbers: 50 miles (80 km) in 10:29:00 average pace 12:34 min/mile (7:48 min/km). legs are more destroyed then ever, feet hurt, and i'm so hungry and thirsty, and smell incredibly horrible.
thank you to everyone for being there for me, and helping me in many ways. a special thanks to Hilde-Karin for helping me to find something i lost a long time ago, and being so patient with me jeg elsker deg.
i had a decent base coming off of the silverman in november, took a couple weeks off, and early december, after 1 week of that i got sick. I wouldn't be able to run again until january 2nd. 10 days to build back up. that would prove to be an interesting experience.
after some napping here and there around 4 am, i decide enough laying around, i'm getting up and making my way to shore to get ready. Andy came over with me in the kayaks. and would bring my stuff back to the boat. very helpful. the plan was easy, i'd be at the isthmus between 10 and 11, they would take the boat up and yell encouragement, maybe take some of my things i didn't need, and then head back to see me at the finnish.
got there, filled up my gel and water bottles. promptly at 5 am, the run started, still dark and would stay that way until around 6:30 or so. the first 3 - 4 miles were a slight climb, and could be jogged slowly, then the climbing started, and the jog became a walk - 1600' (550m) of climbing over 2 imles (3.2 km). the first aid station came at mile 11.9, 2:12:00 after my start (11:04 min/mile - 6:53 min/km). more water, oranges, pretzels, banana, and i'm off another 7 miles to aid station 2. these miles would be rolling hills and a descent down into the aid station. things felt pretty good, just gotta focus on a very slow pace so i can maintain through the end. my mind would wander amongst the many things going on these days, but always came back to the details at hand. on the way down there was a buffalo, sitting by the road, eating some grass. those things are huge. it was an interesting site.
the downhill was pretty good, there was 1 more climb, then the final descent into and shortly after reaching the top of that climb, the road dropped back down close to sea level, and we were welcomed into the 2nd aid station, little harbor - 1:12:00 after leaving the last aid station, and 7 miles later (10:17 min/mile - 6:23 min/km), and a total of 18.9 miles down. oh boy, my legs are starting to feel the lack of preparation. water, gatorade, fill the water bottle 1/2 water, 1/2 gatorade, pretzels, bananas, potato and salt. off again.
there was a long climb out of this aid station, and a lot of walking. on the way up, another runner joined me, and i was able to run a bit with him. after a mile or 2, it became obvious this pace was entirely too fast for me to maintain, so i bid him well, and began walking again. 10 minutes or so later, another runner joined me. i would stay with her until roughly 33 miles, at which point she would take off ahead never to be seen again. at the top of the climb, we were greated by another buffalo down by a pond drinking and eating, and a few miles later an incredible view looking down onto the isthmus (a harbor on catalina). i was thinking about everythign i could except the fact that my legs were hurting something awful. only some minor coughing, so i was please with that part of it. we ran the 3 miles or so down to the isthmus aid station, and another 1.5 - 2 miles to the turn around. and back to the isthmus: 7.8 miles in 1:51:00 from the little harbor (14;13 min/mile - 8:50 min/km). yep, legs are definitely revolting. more oranges, pretzels, potato, bananas, and lots of liquid, then on our way back to little harbor. i was a bit saddened that there was no sign of andy or doc, but c'est la vie. turns out they had some boat trouble, and missed me at the isthmus by 10 minutes.
the climb out of the isthmus was brutal, hot, uphill, and steep. lots of walking. the good news is the worst is yet to come. at the top, the jogging resumes, letting gravity do what it can do to help out, at this point, i can no longer intelligently speak, just 1 syllable and i doubt it's very understandable. my usual joy for the downhills is lost, my legs threaten to buckle with every step. but keep going, one in front of the other, finally things flatten out, and we arrive at the little harbor aid station - 6.5 miles in 1:22:00 (12:36 min/mile - 7:49 min/km). banana, potato, pretzel, oranges, water, gatorade, refill the water bottle. salt and i'm on my way again.
a bit of a climb out, then a great view of little harbor and the ocean, a quick descent, and the brutal promise of several miles over which here is where things will climb some 600 - 1000 feet (200 - 350 m). doesn't sound like much, but looking at it, and wlaking up it at this point is increasingly difficult. i take solace in the fact that i should be around 40 miles into the race at this point, 1 or 2 aid stations left, and i get that lovely 3 mile descent into avalon, and the cold ocean to immerse my legs in. my ambition is long gone, thoughts of calling it a day are threatening me, and my legs are slowing significantly. then the crushing blow, i reach the next aid station which i'm absolutely confident is bewteen mile 42 and 45, 2 more miles after this, and it's all downhill, not a great thing, but a promise of the pendign finish. i get closer to the aid station, and am pretty much devastated. mile 38.8, 11.2 miles to go, that's a far cry from the 5 or so i was expecting. they have buffalo burgers and lobster at the eagles nest aid station, status check 5.6 miles mainly climbing in 1:11:00 (12:40 min/mile - 7:52 min/km) from little harbor. my stomach protested at teh thought of either lobster or buffalo at this point, so my standard fair, banana, oranges (did i mention i love these things for long races), pretzels, and potato. ooh red gatorade, something different, fill the water bottle with red gatorade please. and several cups of water and gatorade. back on the trail, another 5.2 miles (8.4 km) to the next stop.
to give you an idea of what catalina is like, these 5.2 miles (8.4 km) climbed 400' (320m), and at this point in the sufferfest (it's no longer a run) i was completely convinced this was flat. i was reduced to a walk, mainly due to the additional 7 miles (11.3 km) i was gifted at the last aid station. head down, and pretty well beaten for the time being. then kathryn came along: "you can't walk this, you won't get anywhere, come on, we are going to run walk. running to the 3rd set of tall trees". at the 3rd set of trees, another point would be set, we will walk to the white sign. we'd walk and run like this until the pump house aid station, at the bottom of a 600' (300m) climb which lasted 1/2 mile (0.8 km). finally, 5.2 miles (8.4 km) in 1:22:00 15:46 min/mile (9:47 min/km). at the aid station, no dilly dallying, water, gatorade, refill bottle, oranges, and a banana. off we go
kathryn told me about several other 50 mile (80km)runs she had done, and some people she had pulled through the final miles. she told me she did a 50 miler (80 Km) in october or november, and since hadn't run more than 3.5 miles (5.6 km). she explained how she is married to a air force person, and many of her runs are done around the base, which is fenced off, and how the guards would frequently drive out to ensure she isn't trying to break in. i suggested she have them bring her water and food. before you know it we were at the top of pumphouse hill, some rollers and then the 3.3 mile (5.3 km) descent into avalon (1600' - 490m). we ran most of the rollers and started down the descent. my legs have yet to protest a downhill section like they did that one. i couldn't muster any sort of a pace, even gravity couldn't help with that. "there is a gate, then the bell tower, at the bell tower, it's 1/2 mile (800 m) to the finish" kathryn was offering me hope. it wasn't a question at this point, downhill i can do (generally much better than this one, but i can do those). there was the gate, and a bit after that the bell tower. Kathryn chimes in, "and then there's the sprint to the finish". "have fun with that". finally the road levels out, we are in avalon, so close to the end.
kathryn checks her watch "if we hurry i can make it under 11:30". i'm thinking and with a long run of 3.5 miles over the past 3 months??? "ok, here we go, here's the sprint you wanted". so we go. Doc and Andy are there on the right side of the course cheering and taking photos. a very welcome boost. i offer kathryn to the opportunity to finish first, she declines, so we cross the line together, as discussed throughout the past 2.5 hours. 6 miles from pumphouse in 1:19:00 (13:10 min/mile - 8:10 min/km)
the aftermath. first thought through my head, where is Hilde-Karin, i look around and slowly realize she won't be there, she is in Norway, sleeping. a bit of sadness creeps into my heart. Doc and Andy greet me at the finish, and offer congratulations. you should sit down, get some food, i just want to stand in the ocean and enjoy the cold water.
this is a pain i have never felt. though that crosses my mind after many hard efforts, and eventually fades. this time my legs are destroyed, beyond past experiences. 7300' (2200 m) of climbing over 50 miles (80 km) will do that. i'm wobbly, disoriented, and determined to get in the ocean. after standing in the ocean for a while i come out, next order of business, shower and food.
Official numbers: 50 miles (80 km) in 10:29:00 average pace 12:34 min/mile (7:48 min/km). legs are more destroyed then ever, feet hurt, and i'm so hungry and thirsty, and smell incredibly horrible.
thank you to everyone for being there for me, and helping me in many ways. a special thanks to Hilde-Karin for helping me to find something i lost a long time ago, and being so patient with me jeg elsker deg.
Silverman 2007
Carine, my Mom, my sister Tracy, my niece Shania came out to provide support and try to motivate me to a solid finish. Saturday i checked in most of my gear and my bike. Just got a new cassette, chain, tires and tubes, cleaned it up, and am ready to post a solid ride.
Sunday morning wake up around 4 am, eat a little, drink a little, grab the last of my things, and we head over to the swim start. i spend some time doing last minute preparations, and then relax and focus on the upcoming day. i'm feeling pretty good, legs are slightly tired, but that should shake out in the first 10 miles of the bike.
at 6 am i put on my wetsuit hand off my excess clothes and what not, and head over towards the swim start. the morning air is a bit cool, and the water slightly cooler, or at least that is how it feels.
6:30, the canon goes off, and swimming begins, i'd positioned myself towards the front, hoping to come out pretty hard for the 1st 500m, then settle in with one of the faster packs. it didn't take long before things went poorly. it was somewhat crowded, but not nearly as packed as lake placid; however, for some reason, it was too much for me, i came out hard, but quickly faded. i was having difficulty breathing, couldn't find a rhythm, and wound up pulling back and letting people go by until things thinned out. after nearly 600m enough people had swam by me for things to open up, and i was able to fall into a rhythm. it felt good, but i kept it very relaxed. i was moving along steadily, and was passing people. but i knew it would not be a fast swim, i'll get to make up time on the bike and run.
at the turn around we were swimming directly into the sun, so sighting was difficult. then the final turn in towards shore, only 800m to go and i was feeling good. i quickened my pace slightly, and exited the water feeling a bit too good. i need to get comfortable swimming in a pack. swim time: 1:13:04 (10 minutes slower than anticipated).
out of the water, up the ramp, the wetsuit is stripped off rather quickly, grab my T1 bag and into the changing tent. don my helmet, throw my goggles, cap, and wetsuit into the bag hand it to the volunteer, and i'm onto the bike.
it's a slow climb up to the road. once i make the right turn, i start moving along. 1 rider goes by me, i make an effort to keep him in sight and try to pace off him; however, my legs are not up for it, if i keep pace, i will pay dearly in the later miles. so i settle back into my comfortable pace.
i stop at the first aid station for a bathroom break and grab a water. then i'm back on my way. the nutrition is going down easy, and i'm slowly making up ground. the climbs seem comfortable, i'm maintaining a good pace, and feeling comfortable. about mile 20 i pass a small group.
within a mile or 2, 1 of the riders from the group comes by and comments that we will probably be seeing a lot of each other today. that would be good, it's nice to have someone to keep you honest and help you through the tough spots. we go back and forth, maintaining a strong pace for the course, and continue passing people. another cyclist keeps surging to pass us, then slows down. he managed that 3 or 4 times before he dropped off our pace. on the next climb, my companion pulls alongside and we do introductions, Daniel and i would keep each other honest and moving up to around mile 70 or 75.
somewhere between miles 25 and 30 my legs come around and i'm able to pick up the pace a bit. then i begin to get a twinge in my back. i've done some long rides, and only seem to aggravate this nerve or muscle in a few events - the last 3 silvermans, and the norseman. perhaps it's all the climbing and the position on my bike. not sure, but i do know i can generally go 5 - 6 hours without this problem. This would linger through mile 90 or so. Around mile 35 i pass Victor, whom i met in norway a couple years ago. he offers some encouragement and we wish each other well.
Daniel and i continue putting time into people up to the turn around, somewhere around mile 52. on the way back through there is the bike special needs bag (a collection of odds and ends, or snacks you may want on the bike). my nutrition is holding up as planned, so i have no need for my bag, and will leave it (this turns out to be good, because the volunteers offer me rider 175's bag, i'm 176). Daniel drops back slightly to grab his bag, but it's not there. He is understandably upset. i offer him what i have. he declines at that point.
Up to this point things have been pretty good, some wind, but nothing too severe. at the turn around, there were 10 - 12 riders ahead of me, and a small pack had formed behind me. most of the riders behind me were new. Daniel noticed this too, and commented that they were trying to chase us down. i smiled and said they are going to have to work hard, the worst is yet to come, some hard climbs, and a strong head wind. for a moment a doubt creeps in and i almost think some of the riders have a chance of passing me. than i shake it off, i've put in time on the climbs and building my bike, it's strong, and i'm ready to go. bike split at 52 miles: 2:39:21
as we start up the first climb, Daniel asks if i have any e-caps (electrolyte pills). he felt some muscle twinges, and doesn't want to cramp. I give him 1/2 the thermolytes i'm carrying (different electrolyte mix, but essentially the same). we pass several more riders on the climb out. around mile 70 or 75, my legs are really coming around, and i'm going well up the climbs.
the course gets faster, and i let it go a bit. around mile 80 or so, it's been a while since i've seen or heard Daniel, i glance back, and there is nobody there. i hope he didn't flat, he wasn't carrying anything except nutrition.
around mile 85, my back is tightening up, and really beginning to bother me. i have to pee as well, but i'm concerned some of the riders will catch me if i do. after a bit, the debate is over, i stop to pee. as i'm getting back on the bike, i see a rider coming up, so i hammer it pretty good for a couple miles to create a gap. as i'm coming out the last of the long climbs, i see a white truck off in the distance, parked at the turn. wouldn't that be great if it were my cheering section. my back is really starting to spasm and tighten up. i remember peter reid had said, my bike isn't comfortable, it's fast, and hope my bike is fast enough to get me off it before my back gets much worse.
as i'm climbing out, i hear the cheers for me, and when i turn, they are all happy to yell encouragement. i read the sign they have made, and draw a little bit of energy from them. my back is really getting bad, i have to stand up and pedal to try and loosen it up, while sitting up, and being aero my back seems to be tightening more. 22 miles, anybody can fake 22 miles right?
my truck drives by and there is more cheering. i'd see them once more in a couple miles as i turn onto the bike path. which would turn out to be quite torturous. it's good to hear them cheering me on, and see them.
as i come onto the bike path, a relay rider passes me, only the 3rd rider i know of that has gone by me. here come the 3 sisters (short steep climbs that can really kill your quads). i'm not looking forward to this, back spasms are making it hard to push the pedals. the first isn't so bad, i spend a lot of time standing in the pedals and get through all 3. mile 95 greets me at the top of the 3rd. the remaining section of bike path is roughly 7 miles of undulating and twisty sections with a strong head wind. many people would comment on how brutal that section was. my back is incredibly painful now, and keeps protesting more and more.
the past 2 years i've succumbed to the pain, gotten off my bike and stretched. this year i resolve not to do it, i'm staying on the bike into T2. mile 100 comes, and i know i'm almost off the bike path, 12 miles, 40 minutes left then i get to run. my legs are starting to become very tired, only a few climbs left, and some fast descents. i enjoy these, trying to take the opportunity to stretch my back and rest my legs. mile 105, i finish the last of my nutrition, over the course of the bike i take in 2000 calories in liquid form, 2 gels (roughly 300 calories), and 2 bananas, somewhere around 2500 calories, right around what i expected. i likely could have squeezed in a couple more, but i wasn't in too much of a deficit. bike split: 6:19:39
i get into T2, put on my shoes and socks. Dave Scott is in there, he looks right at me and asks how the ride went. i inform him it was pretty solid, but i have some serious issues with my back right now, i probably need to consider my fit, especially for this race. i ask him how his day is going. he chuckles, shakes his head, and says we'll talk about it after the run. fair enough. i'm off to start the fun part of the day.
i come out feeling pretty strong, my back no longer bothers me, and my legs are doing all right. then again, the first 1.3 miles are downhill, then the climbing starts. i keep conservative going over several things in my head: - when it feels good, go with it, - it's a long day, don't go out too hard; - the race starts at mile 10 of the marathon; - i'm a runner, this is where the pleasure of all those 50k's comes in and pays dividends.
i keep things moving pretty well, but not too fast, i don't want to explode. grabbing water on odd miles and gatorade on even miles. i take a couple thermolytes to make sure things keep moving, and a motivator (come caffeine and herb pill). my pace is pretty good, i'm making up time, passing people. feeling strong. at mile 3 i stop for a bathroom break.
around mile 5 i grab some pretzels and gatorade. eat a bit of gel. things feel good, steady pace keep the feet moving. now the fun starts. i get to the dirt connector around mile 7, i've never seen this in the daylight, it's a great sight, i'm happy to have the opportunity to see what it looks like through here when it's light. up and to the turn around, and coming back through i see the first of Daniel, since the bike. he is about 2 miles behind me, we exchange some encouragement. a mile later i see victor again, he comments on how strong my run looks, i wish him well and offer encouragement.
around this point, the lead women passes me, she is running strong, i try to hold on to her for a bit, but decide it's best if i sit back and save some for the 2nd loop. at mile 11, i see my mom cheering me on and wishing me well. i'm still feeling good through the 1/2 way point. and it's still light.
around mile 14, things get tough, i take a bathroom break. ok, back to running, my head is starting to spin, i need to start taking in nutrition, more gel, 1 orange slice at the next aid station. not really working, i walk briefly then attempt to run again, am reduced to a walk again. this happens 4 or 5 times before i decide there shall be no more walking. mile 17, i see the sign and that's where i run from. more gel, more gatorade, a banana, gotta get some energy back in me. some thermolytes, no more motivators.
i shuffle my way up through mile 20, it's time to push the pace and see how much those 50k's really help. several people at the aid stations recognize me, and remind me, this is my last time past here, the finish is coming. the turn around and mile 21. Daniel and i pass again, a couple aid stations, and then i see victor again. at this point, i'm digging so deep, i can't form words. speaking isn't an option.
mile 22, 1 small uphill, 3 miles of downhill, and a medium climb back up, then the finish. it's time to let things go and see how much i can really hurt. my legs have been burning for several miles at this point, and i'm exhausted, but there is always something left. so i go harder. the last 2 miles are it, i dig deep, and go hard, i must be doing 7 - 7:30 minute miles at this point. including the climb back up to the jogging path. down the path, i can hear the finish line, i can see the lights, i know i am close, i push harder.
as i approach the end of the jogging path i see the 26 mile sign. i push harder, slight downhill, into the last turn, and i can see the finishers chute, nobody behind me, nobody in front. i go harder, and give it the last of what i have. i cross the line and am drained. run split: 4:18:36. total race time: 11:56:09
i get a finishers medal, they take my timing chip, and i hug my cheering section. grab my t-shirt. the day is complete, now it's time for food and massage. thanks to mom, Tracy, Shania, and Carine for getting me food, my clothes, drink, and being there to help me through some tough sections.
Sunday morning wake up around 4 am, eat a little, drink a little, grab the last of my things, and we head over to the swim start. i spend some time doing last minute preparations, and then relax and focus on the upcoming day. i'm feeling pretty good, legs are slightly tired, but that should shake out in the first 10 miles of the bike.
at 6 am i put on my wetsuit hand off my excess clothes and what not, and head over towards the swim start. the morning air is a bit cool, and the water slightly cooler, or at least that is how it feels.
6:30, the canon goes off, and swimming begins, i'd positioned myself towards the front, hoping to come out pretty hard for the 1st 500m, then settle in with one of the faster packs. it didn't take long before things went poorly. it was somewhat crowded, but not nearly as packed as lake placid; however, for some reason, it was too much for me, i came out hard, but quickly faded. i was having difficulty breathing, couldn't find a rhythm, and wound up pulling back and letting people go by until things thinned out. after nearly 600m enough people had swam by me for things to open up, and i was able to fall into a rhythm. it felt good, but i kept it very relaxed. i was moving along steadily, and was passing people. but i knew it would not be a fast swim, i'll get to make up time on the bike and run.
at the turn around we were swimming directly into the sun, so sighting was difficult. then the final turn in towards shore, only 800m to go and i was feeling good. i quickened my pace slightly, and exited the water feeling a bit too good. i need to get comfortable swimming in a pack. swim time: 1:13:04 (10 minutes slower than anticipated).
out of the water, up the ramp, the wetsuit is stripped off rather quickly, grab my T1 bag and into the changing tent. don my helmet, throw my goggles, cap, and wetsuit into the bag hand it to the volunteer, and i'm onto the bike.
it's a slow climb up to the road. once i make the right turn, i start moving along. 1 rider goes by me, i make an effort to keep him in sight and try to pace off him; however, my legs are not up for it, if i keep pace, i will pay dearly in the later miles. so i settle back into my comfortable pace.
i stop at the first aid station for a bathroom break and grab a water. then i'm back on my way. the nutrition is going down easy, and i'm slowly making up ground. the climbs seem comfortable, i'm maintaining a good pace, and feeling comfortable. about mile 20 i pass a small group.
within a mile or 2, 1 of the riders from the group comes by and comments that we will probably be seeing a lot of each other today. that would be good, it's nice to have someone to keep you honest and help you through the tough spots. we go back and forth, maintaining a strong pace for the course, and continue passing people. another cyclist keeps surging to pass us, then slows down. he managed that 3 or 4 times before he dropped off our pace. on the next climb, my companion pulls alongside and we do introductions, Daniel and i would keep each other honest and moving up to around mile 70 or 75.
somewhere between miles 25 and 30 my legs come around and i'm able to pick up the pace a bit. then i begin to get a twinge in my back. i've done some long rides, and only seem to aggravate this nerve or muscle in a few events - the last 3 silvermans, and the norseman. perhaps it's all the climbing and the position on my bike. not sure, but i do know i can generally go 5 - 6 hours without this problem. This would linger through mile 90 or so. Around mile 35 i pass Victor, whom i met in norway a couple years ago. he offers some encouragement and we wish each other well.
Daniel and i continue putting time into people up to the turn around, somewhere around mile 52. on the way back through there is the bike special needs bag (a collection of odds and ends, or snacks you may want on the bike). my nutrition is holding up as planned, so i have no need for my bag, and will leave it (this turns out to be good, because the volunteers offer me rider 175's bag, i'm 176). Daniel drops back slightly to grab his bag, but it's not there. He is understandably upset. i offer him what i have. he declines at that point.
Up to this point things have been pretty good, some wind, but nothing too severe. at the turn around, there were 10 - 12 riders ahead of me, and a small pack had formed behind me. most of the riders behind me were new. Daniel noticed this too, and commented that they were trying to chase us down. i smiled and said they are going to have to work hard, the worst is yet to come, some hard climbs, and a strong head wind. for a moment a doubt creeps in and i almost think some of the riders have a chance of passing me. than i shake it off, i've put in time on the climbs and building my bike, it's strong, and i'm ready to go. bike split at 52 miles: 2:39:21
as we start up the first climb, Daniel asks if i have any e-caps (electrolyte pills). he felt some muscle twinges, and doesn't want to cramp. I give him 1/2 the thermolytes i'm carrying (different electrolyte mix, but essentially the same). we pass several more riders on the climb out. around mile 70 or 75, my legs are really coming around, and i'm going well up the climbs.
the course gets faster, and i let it go a bit. around mile 80 or so, it's been a while since i've seen or heard Daniel, i glance back, and there is nobody there. i hope he didn't flat, he wasn't carrying anything except nutrition.
around mile 85, my back is tightening up, and really beginning to bother me. i have to pee as well, but i'm concerned some of the riders will catch me if i do. after a bit, the debate is over, i stop to pee. as i'm getting back on the bike, i see a rider coming up, so i hammer it pretty good for a couple miles to create a gap. as i'm coming out the last of the long climbs, i see a white truck off in the distance, parked at the turn. wouldn't that be great if it were my cheering section. my back is really starting to spasm and tighten up. i remember peter reid had said, my bike isn't comfortable, it's fast, and hope my bike is fast enough to get me off it before my back gets much worse.
as i'm climbing out, i hear the cheers for me, and when i turn, they are all happy to yell encouragement. i read the sign they have made, and draw a little bit of energy from them. my back is really getting bad, i have to stand up and pedal to try and loosen it up, while sitting up, and being aero my back seems to be tightening more. 22 miles, anybody can fake 22 miles right?
my truck drives by and there is more cheering. i'd see them once more in a couple miles as i turn onto the bike path. which would turn out to be quite torturous. it's good to hear them cheering me on, and see them.
as i come onto the bike path, a relay rider passes me, only the 3rd rider i know of that has gone by me. here come the 3 sisters (short steep climbs that can really kill your quads). i'm not looking forward to this, back spasms are making it hard to push the pedals. the first isn't so bad, i spend a lot of time standing in the pedals and get through all 3. mile 95 greets me at the top of the 3rd. the remaining section of bike path is roughly 7 miles of undulating and twisty sections with a strong head wind. many people would comment on how brutal that section was. my back is incredibly painful now, and keeps protesting more and more.
the past 2 years i've succumbed to the pain, gotten off my bike and stretched. this year i resolve not to do it, i'm staying on the bike into T2. mile 100 comes, and i know i'm almost off the bike path, 12 miles, 40 minutes left then i get to run. my legs are starting to become very tired, only a few climbs left, and some fast descents. i enjoy these, trying to take the opportunity to stretch my back and rest my legs. mile 105, i finish the last of my nutrition, over the course of the bike i take in 2000 calories in liquid form, 2 gels (roughly 300 calories), and 2 bananas, somewhere around 2500 calories, right around what i expected. i likely could have squeezed in a couple more, but i wasn't in too much of a deficit. bike split: 6:19:39
i get into T2, put on my shoes and socks. Dave Scott is in there, he looks right at me and asks how the ride went. i inform him it was pretty solid, but i have some serious issues with my back right now, i probably need to consider my fit, especially for this race. i ask him how his day is going. he chuckles, shakes his head, and says we'll talk about it after the run. fair enough. i'm off to start the fun part of the day.
i come out feeling pretty strong, my back no longer bothers me, and my legs are doing all right. then again, the first 1.3 miles are downhill, then the climbing starts. i keep conservative going over several things in my head: - when it feels good, go with it, - it's a long day, don't go out too hard; - the race starts at mile 10 of the marathon; - i'm a runner, this is where the pleasure of all those 50k's comes in and pays dividends.
i keep things moving pretty well, but not too fast, i don't want to explode. grabbing water on odd miles and gatorade on even miles. i take a couple thermolytes to make sure things keep moving, and a motivator (come caffeine and herb pill). my pace is pretty good, i'm making up time, passing people. feeling strong. at mile 3 i stop for a bathroom break.
around mile 5 i grab some pretzels and gatorade. eat a bit of gel. things feel good, steady pace keep the feet moving. now the fun starts. i get to the dirt connector around mile 7, i've never seen this in the daylight, it's a great sight, i'm happy to have the opportunity to see what it looks like through here when it's light. up and to the turn around, and coming back through i see the first of Daniel, since the bike. he is about 2 miles behind me, we exchange some encouragement. a mile later i see victor again, he comments on how strong my run looks, i wish him well and offer encouragement.
around this point, the lead women passes me, she is running strong, i try to hold on to her for a bit, but decide it's best if i sit back and save some for the 2nd loop. at mile 11, i see my mom cheering me on and wishing me well. i'm still feeling good through the 1/2 way point. and it's still light.
around mile 14, things get tough, i take a bathroom break. ok, back to running, my head is starting to spin, i need to start taking in nutrition, more gel, 1 orange slice at the next aid station. not really working, i walk briefly then attempt to run again, am reduced to a walk again. this happens 4 or 5 times before i decide there shall be no more walking. mile 17, i see the sign and that's where i run from. more gel, more gatorade, a banana, gotta get some energy back in me. some thermolytes, no more motivators.
i shuffle my way up through mile 20, it's time to push the pace and see how much those 50k's really help. several people at the aid stations recognize me, and remind me, this is my last time past here, the finish is coming. the turn around and mile 21. Daniel and i pass again, a couple aid stations, and then i see victor again. at this point, i'm digging so deep, i can't form words. speaking isn't an option.
mile 22, 1 small uphill, 3 miles of downhill, and a medium climb back up, then the finish. it's time to let things go and see how much i can really hurt. my legs have been burning for several miles at this point, and i'm exhausted, but there is always something left. so i go harder. the last 2 miles are it, i dig deep, and go hard, i must be doing 7 - 7:30 minute miles at this point. including the climb back up to the jogging path. down the path, i can hear the finish line, i can see the lights, i know i am close, i push harder.
as i approach the end of the jogging path i see the 26 mile sign. i push harder, slight downhill, into the last turn, and i can see the finishers chute, nobody behind me, nobody in front. i go harder, and give it the last of what i have. i cross the line and am drained. run split: 4:18:36. total race time: 11:56:09
i get a finishers medal, they take my timing chip, and i hug my cheering section. grab my t-shirt. the day is complete, now it's time for food and massage. thanks to mom, Tracy, Shania, and Carine for getting me food, my clothes, drink, and being there to help me through some tough sections.
Mission bay Sprint 2007
Sunday morning comes awfully early, once again, up several hours before the sun, grab my gear and head west this morning. i get to the race, park and ride my bike over to transition. my legs are a bit tired from yesterdays run, but i did manage to eat a lot and sleep a fair amount, so hopefully once i get swimming they will loosen up and come around, otherwise it will be an exercise in self control and pacing. i pick out my spot in transition, rack my bike, and lay out my gear in preparation for the race.
now to walk through my transitions, i go to the swim in, walk through to my bike trying to make note of what i'll pass and how to easily find my bike, but i keep getting distracted, ooh elites, i wonder what tricks i can gain from watching them get ready. put your race number on before the swim and tuck it in your shorts, good call. oh yeah, walking to my bike. i do this several times, then decide i should try an easy run to see how things go.
oh yeah, my legs are really tired, my breathing is heavy, and that's not even a hard pace. it should be interesting. once again i'm hoping the swim loosens things up and brings my legs around. back from my warm up run (all of about 1/2 mile and it was painfully slow). i put my wetsuit on and head down for the swim start. i'm in the 5th wave, so i get to see a couple groups go off before getting in the water. it's a bit chilly this morning, and it seems my wetsuit has acquired several new holes since i last remember. why am i here again? oh yeah, i love racing. drift over to the swim start, and notice there is a good current in our favor. excellent. then the gun goes off, and all fades away.
i get stuck behind some slower swimmers for a bit and jostled mildly, but nothing compared to the usual swim start. i never seem to find a rhythm on the swim, i am becoming an endurance athlete, it takes me absurd amounts of time to find a groove, mental note, next time swim 1000 meters or so as a warm up before the actual race. finally as i 'm nearing the buoy to indicate it's time to turn into shore i start to flow slightly (or perhaps i'm just excited to know my bike is waiting in transition).
out of the water, peel the wetsuit down to my waist, a moderate jog up to T1, goggles and cap come off, looking for my bike, all the way at the other end of transition, which is fine, that means i'm that much closer to riding once i get my bike. the asphalt is beginning to hurt my feet. a little further and i get to struggle with removing my wetsuit (i need to work on this a lot more, i have gotten very bad at taking off my wetsuit). all right, don my helmet and sunglasses, grab my bike, and let the fun begin.
i leap onto my bike, and immediately begin picking up places. there is little i enjoy about racing more than passing people. there are a couple sections on the bike course that consist of some good sharp turns, i enjoy these immensely, especially if they are clear of other riders so i can really make up time. coming out onto the road there is an overpass to climb and come down, 2 more good things, i climb and descend well. a hard left then right at the bottom, even better, it's pretty clear so i carry a good amount of speed through. i am able to hold a pretty solid pace for the ride, granted it's flat, but i'm passing people, and nobody is passing me, so i must be doing better than average. i also made a decision to go a bit harder on the bike as i wasn't sure i'd be able to put together to strong a run after yesterday. my plan was go hard on the bike, put as much time into people as i can, and just try to hold them off on the run.
about 1/2 way through the bike another rider passes me, unacceptable, so i grab onto his wheel (staying at least 10m back to avoid a drafting penalty), and just hold on for a mile or 2, then i make a move and try to push him a bit. if i'm working, so is he. this doesn't go quit as well as i expect, as he passes me shortly thereafter. so i'm back to just keeping him within reach and trying to make up some time in the technical section and going back over the overpass. into the parking lot and tight turns i am able to catch up to him and would be able to pass if there is room. since there isn't i sit back and let my legs come around for the climb. i pass on the climb, and enter T2 ahead of him. unfortunately i am not prepared for the dismount line, about 50 feet from it i notice it, and am able to slip my right foot out of my shoe; however, not my left, so i stop at the line and put my right foot down while i take my left shoe off (did i mention i have to work on transitions, and paying attention???).
into t2, i rack my bike, and slip into my running shoes. the guy that passed me on the bike is 10' in front of me. i run through my options in my head sit back and let him dictate the pace until i want to make a move, or let things go and see if/when i blow up.
legs feel pretty good, so i'm going to see if i blow up. i quicken the pace and overtake him. surprisingly my legs are feeling pretty loose and good at this point. so i might as well take advantage of it. 1 mile down, it feels like i'm holding a good pace, and nobody appears to be catching me. about 1/2 way through the run, i'm still going strong, pace feels about the same, and i'm the one doing all the catching. good stuff, how long will it last?? hopefully another 1.5 miles. then there is the overpass from the bike course (get to do this twice on the run too). i hold a good pace over it, and relax into the descent allowing gravity to work for me. at the bottom, the course offers a chance to see who is following and how close. all the faces i see are recently passed, and falling further off my pace. that is good news. mile 2, only 1 more mile, time to try and pick up the pace.
coming around back towards the overpass, i start to settle into a comfortable pace, mmm, not today, with roughly 1/2 mile left, i decide that today is a good day to get used to pushing really hard, so i increase the pace again, over the overpass 1 last time, then down the other side and 1/4 mile to the finish. it's definitely uncomfortable ascending the overpass, and i manage to make the descent a bit of a push as well, then holding that pace for the last 1/4 mile, and the finish. that feels good.
i'm done, and still feeling pretty good. now if i can just figure out how to muster that kind of an effort for the better part of my next long course event, i'll be very happy.
now to walk through my transitions, i go to the swim in, walk through to my bike trying to make note of what i'll pass and how to easily find my bike, but i keep getting distracted, ooh elites, i wonder what tricks i can gain from watching them get ready. put your race number on before the swim and tuck it in your shorts, good call. oh yeah, walking to my bike. i do this several times, then decide i should try an easy run to see how things go.
oh yeah, my legs are really tired, my breathing is heavy, and that's not even a hard pace. it should be interesting. once again i'm hoping the swim loosens things up and brings my legs around. back from my warm up run (all of about 1/2 mile and it was painfully slow). i put my wetsuit on and head down for the swim start. i'm in the 5th wave, so i get to see a couple groups go off before getting in the water. it's a bit chilly this morning, and it seems my wetsuit has acquired several new holes since i last remember. why am i here again? oh yeah, i love racing. drift over to the swim start, and notice there is a good current in our favor. excellent. then the gun goes off, and all fades away.
i get stuck behind some slower swimmers for a bit and jostled mildly, but nothing compared to the usual swim start. i never seem to find a rhythm on the swim, i am becoming an endurance athlete, it takes me absurd amounts of time to find a groove, mental note, next time swim 1000 meters or so as a warm up before the actual race. finally as i 'm nearing the buoy to indicate it's time to turn into shore i start to flow slightly (or perhaps i'm just excited to know my bike is waiting in transition).
out of the water, peel the wetsuit down to my waist, a moderate jog up to T1, goggles and cap come off, looking for my bike, all the way at the other end of transition, which is fine, that means i'm that much closer to riding once i get my bike. the asphalt is beginning to hurt my feet. a little further and i get to struggle with removing my wetsuit (i need to work on this a lot more, i have gotten very bad at taking off my wetsuit). all right, don my helmet and sunglasses, grab my bike, and let the fun begin.
i leap onto my bike, and immediately begin picking up places. there is little i enjoy about racing more than passing people. there are a couple sections on the bike course that consist of some good sharp turns, i enjoy these immensely, especially if they are clear of other riders so i can really make up time. coming out onto the road there is an overpass to climb and come down, 2 more good things, i climb and descend well. a hard left then right at the bottom, even better, it's pretty clear so i carry a good amount of speed through. i am able to hold a pretty solid pace for the ride, granted it's flat, but i'm passing people, and nobody is passing me, so i must be doing better than average. i also made a decision to go a bit harder on the bike as i wasn't sure i'd be able to put together to strong a run after yesterday. my plan was go hard on the bike, put as much time into people as i can, and just try to hold them off on the run.
about 1/2 way through the bike another rider passes me, unacceptable, so i grab onto his wheel (staying at least 10m back to avoid a drafting penalty), and just hold on for a mile or 2, then i make a move and try to push him a bit. if i'm working, so is he. this doesn't go quit as well as i expect, as he passes me shortly thereafter. so i'm back to just keeping him within reach and trying to make up some time in the technical section and going back over the overpass. into the parking lot and tight turns i am able to catch up to him and would be able to pass if there is room. since there isn't i sit back and let my legs come around for the climb. i pass on the climb, and enter T2 ahead of him. unfortunately i am not prepared for the dismount line, about 50 feet from it i notice it, and am able to slip my right foot out of my shoe; however, not my left, so i stop at the line and put my right foot down while i take my left shoe off (did i mention i have to work on transitions, and paying attention???).
into t2, i rack my bike, and slip into my running shoes. the guy that passed me on the bike is 10' in front of me. i run through my options in my head sit back and let him dictate the pace until i want to make a move, or let things go and see if/when i blow up.
legs feel pretty good, so i'm going to see if i blow up. i quicken the pace and overtake him. surprisingly my legs are feeling pretty loose and good at this point. so i might as well take advantage of it. 1 mile down, it feels like i'm holding a good pace, and nobody appears to be catching me. about 1/2 way through the run, i'm still going strong, pace feels about the same, and i'm the one doing all the catching. good stuff, how long will it last?? hopefully another 1.5 miles. then there is the overpass from the bike course (get to do this twice on the run too). i hold a good pace over it, and relax into the descent allowing gravity to work for me. at the bottom, the course offers a chance to see who is following and how close. all the faces i see are recently passed, and falling further off my pace. that is good news. mile 2, only 1 more mile, time to try and pick up the pace.
coming around back towards the overpass, i start to settle into a comfortable pace, mmm, not today, with roughly 1/2 mile left, i decide that today is a good day to get used to pushing really hard, so i increase the pace again, over the overpass 1 last time, then down the other side and 1/4 mile to the finish. it's definitely uncomfortable ascending the overpass, and i manage to make the descent a bit of a push as well, then holding that pace for the last 1/4 mile, and the finish. that feels good.
i'm done, and still feeling pretty good. now if i can just figure out how to muster that kind of an effort for the better part of my next long course event, i'll be very happy.
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