Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Endurance Planet Interview
I did an interview for Endurance Planet on the build up to Leadville, my first 100 miler. Turned out pretty good. Link is here.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Season of Change
A season of change is certainly taking place, both literally as fall becomes imminent and figuratively as the racing season comes to a culmination, I look to welcome my second child into the world, and I look to expand my personal boundaries.
The wife and I had a nice chat yesterday about a whole manner of things, but mostly about change.
I've been in Colorado for 8 years now, and while I could be here 8 more, it is time to realign my life a bit better. I've never been the type of person to settle for anything and at times I find myself doing that. So, I've made a decision now is the time to better align my personal and professional adventures. It's about damn time.
With that, Leadville is five days away, my second son is due in 5 weeks, and life is good! Heading up to the high country Thursday morning. The fact that I'm running 100 miles this weekend hasn't quite sunken in yet. That will come.
The wife and I had a nice chat yesterday about a whole manner of things, but mostly about change.
I've been in Colorado for 8 years now, and while I could be here 8 more, it is time to realign my life a bit better. I've never been the type of person to settle for anything and at times I find myself doing that. So, I've made a decision now is the time to better align my personal and professional adventures. It's about damn time.
With that, Leadville is five days away, my second son is due in 5 weeks, and life is good! Heading up to the high country Thursday morning. The fact that I'm running 100 miles this weekend hasn't quite sunken in yet. That will come.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Pace
Just emailed out my pace goals to my crew, mostly so they can get a feel for where I'm hoping to be. I will assume that I'll be 20 or so minutes back of the leaders by May Queen and over an hour back by Winfield (at least). I'm not here to run 7 minute miles down the boulevard. As Jacob suggested, I'll be hoping to have some room in my stomach for some "carnage asada" during the last 30 miles.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Leadville Training (1/2 Year) In Review
I started this journey back in February of this year. Train for the Leadville 100 as best you can. The question was, what the hell do I do to get ready?
My basic plan was to run whenever I had the chance. I also raced more than I have in the past, mainly consisting of 50K's that I could train right through without really tapering or risking injury. I was worried that if I raced too long too much, I would end up hurt. Since I've only had a few years of actual running to call a base, building as much of one as I could was my main focus. Weekly totals for the last 26 weeks are as follows:
54
70
60
91
94
88 Way Too Cool 50K 4:08:46
86
87
82
81
84
90 Cheyenne Mountain 50K 4:48:08
67
76
95
87
67 Forest Park 50K 4:18:16
101
103
101 Big Horn 50K 4:05:20
101
95
93 Silver Rush 50M 7:44:41
92
79
Races:
So the only race I really tried to cut back on and race really well was Forest Park, which while a decent time, was a bit of a disappointment at the time. I was lucky to finish 4th, and it was a solid time given my recent history (or lack thereof) in the 50K distance. The only performance that I was really upset with was Cheyenne Mountain, which for whatever reason I just made a bunch of mistakes and ran poorly.
I feel like I've become a much better runner, a smarter runner, in the last year or so. Certainly much of that is from trial and error; learning from previous mistakes that I've made. Way Too Cool was a certain wake up call, though I felt like I ran about as fast as I could have given the time of year and my training, I was supremely humbled to be nearly 30 minutes behind the winner and 24th overall while running a 1.5hr 50K PR. A true showing of where I might be in the grand sense of things. However, I've gotten faster and stronger as the year has gone on. I sort of feel like I've moved just a tad over the edge of being a "rookie" and into the minor leagues. While I've not moved into the big leagues, I have the confidence that on a good day I can be at least respectably close to some of the big league boys out there.
Winning at BigHorn was a pleasant boost, though I recognize that I may have not run against any big time competition. A win is a win, and for a beginner like me, I'm pretty damn proud of it. Running from the front is really taxing, both mentally and physically, and I'm glad to have gotten a taste of winning.
As I look at what is almost certainly my last race of the year, and the biggest one, I'm content with my season as a whole and the work that I've put in. I understand at least a bit why AJW values consistency so highly, because doing the work is tough, and continuing it surely is even tougher.
For now, I'm tending to the hay sitting in the barn, trying to remain calm in front of the largest racing task I've ever undertaken. My main goal: Try to finish before Midnight. I understand things can go wrong. I know I have to take them in stride and work through it. I believe I can do it, and I have confidence in my training and abilities. Game on.
My basic plan was to run whenever I had the chance. I also raced more than I have in the past, mainly consisting of 50K's that I could train right through without really tapering or risking injury. I was worried that if I raced too long too much, I would end up hurt. Since I've only had a few years of actual running to call a base, building as much of one as I could was my main focus. Weekly totals for the last 26 weeks are as follows:
54
70
60
91
94
88 Way Too Cool 50K 4:08:46
86
87
82
81
84
90 Cheyenne Mountain 50K 4:48:08
67
76
95
87
67 Forest Park 50K 4:18:16
101
103
101 Big Horn 50K 4:05:20
101
95
93 Silver Rush 50M 7:44:41
92
79
Races:
So the only race I really tried to cut back on and race really well was Forest Park, which while a decent time, was a bit of a disappointment at the time. I was lucky to finish 4th, and it was a solid time given my recent history (or lack thereof) in the 50K distance. The only performance that I was really upset with was Cheyenne Mountain, which for whatever reason I just made a bunch of mistakes and ran poorly.
I feel like I've become a much better runner, a smarter runner, in the last year or so. Certainly much of that is from trial and error; learning from previous mistakes that I've made. Way Too Cool was a certain wake up call, though I felt like I ran about as fast as I could have given the time of year and my training, I was supremely humbled to be nearly 30 minutes behind the winner and 24th overall while running a 1.5hr 50K PR. A true showing of where I might be in the grand sense of things. However, I've gotten faster and stronger as the year has gone on. I sort of feel like I've moved just a tad over the edge of being a "rookie" and into the minor leagues. While I've not moved into the big leagues, I have the confidence that on a good day I can be at least respectably close to some of the big league boys out there.
Winning at BigHorn was a pleasant boost, though I recognize that I may have not run against any big time competition. A win is a win, and for a beginner like me, I'm pretty damn proud of it. Running from the front is really taxing, both mentally and physically, and I'm glad to have gotten a taste of winning.
As I look at what is almost certainly my last race of the year, and the biggest one, I'm content with my season as a whole and the work that I've put in. I understand at least a bit why AJW values consistency so highly, because doing the work is tough, and continuing it surely is even tougher.
For now, I'm tending to the hay sitting in the barn, trying to remain calm in front of the largest racing task I've ever undertaken. My main goal: Try to finish before Midnight. I understand things can go wrong. I know I have to take them in stride and work through it. I believe I can do it, and I have confidence in my training and abilities. Game on.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The 2012 Race Season?
Oddly enough, my wife brought up the subject of the 2012 race season last night. So, naturally, I started thinking about it. A bit premature I admit, but looking at races is always fun.
Some ideas I've had include:
The only race I really would like to travel FAR for...
Cascade Crest 100. My absolute must have race (not necessarily this coming year, but it's the race I'd most like to do)
Colorado races I've yet to run...
Run Through Time Trail Marathon, North Fork 50K, CP50, San Juan... Hardrock...?
Is Clarkie still gonna put on a 100K? Please? Perhaps an RD experience that doesn't involve the hospital?
Close by races (driving distance)...
Zion 100? Ghost Town? A return to BigHorn? Black Hills?
East coasters...
Grindstone? Hellgate? If I go back for Hellgate, I want to make sure the weather is completely horrible so Horty and Ramsey will quit whining about how nice it was last year!
Canada...
Not likely, but I'd love to race Knee Knacker...
"Vacation" trips...
We travel to see family in Northern California and South Central Texas on occasion... No reason to avoid a mix and match :)
Thoughts and suggestions welcome.
***POSTSCRIPT***
Likely options now opened up most (or all) of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Likely this means a trip out for the Ice Age 50
Some ideas I've had include:
The only race I really would like to travel FAR for...
Cascade Crest 100. My absolute must have race (not necessarily this coming year, but it's the race I'd most like to do)
Colorado races I've yet to run...
Run Through Time Trail Marathon, North Fork 50K, CP50, San Juan... Hardrock...?
Is Clarkie still gonna put on a 100K? Please? Perhaps an RD experience that doesn't involve the hospital?
Close by races (driving distance)...
Zion 100? Ghost Town? A return to BigHorn? Black Hills?
East coasters...
Grindstone? Hellgate? If I go back for Hellgate, I want to make sure the weather is completely horrible so Horty and Ramsey will quit whining about how nice it was last year!
Canada...
Not likely, but I'd love to race Knee Knacker...
"Vacation" trips...
We travel to see family in Northern California and South Central Texas on occasion... No reason to avoid a mix and match :)
Thoughts and suggestions welcome.
***POSTSCRIPT***
Likely options now opened up most (or all) of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Likely this means a trip out for the Ice Age 50
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Silver Rush Splits
The numbers more so speak for themselves, my climbing legs were non-existent. The drops were very reserved, which I credit to how my body feels today. I intend to run downhill in a similar manner at LT100 in order to preserve my body for miles 70-100. Looking at the results, the run is fairly similar to how I intend to run at LT100 as a whole. Never put myself into a hole I can't dig out of. Hopefully, I can match that for double, and hang on for the final miles. A lot easier said than done.
mi split
1 8:16
2 7:42
3 8:00
4 8:51
5 8:38
6 8:45
7 9:39
8 9:50
9 11:28
10 13:11
11 8:15
12 7:24
13 7:09
14 7:50
15 7:39
16 10:30
17 13:41
18 13:26
19 10:50
20 13:32
21 8:19
22 8:18
23 8:41
24 9:22
25 13:52
26 12:24
27 17:11
28 14:47
29 8:38
30 8:09
31 10:28
32 11:33
33 12:14
34 12:52
35 13:55
36 14:24
37 8:56
38 7:32
39 7:46
40 7:41
41 7:55
42 8:50
43 7:54
44 8:08
45 8:36
46 8:57
46.37 2:43
Total: 7:44:40 (4th & 1.5hr PR)
mi split
1 8:16
2 7:42
3 8:00
4 8:51
5 8:38
6 8:45
7 9:39
8 9:50
9 11:28
10 13:11
11 8:15
12 7:24
13 7:09
14 7:50
15 7:39
16 10:30
17 13:41
18 13:26
19 10:50
20 13:32
21 8:19
22 8:18
23 8:41
24 9:22
25 13:52
26 12:24
27 17:11
28 14:47
29 8:38
30 8:09
31 10:28
32 11:33
33 12:14
34 12:52
35 13:55
36 14:24
37 8:56
38 7:32
39 7:46
40 7:41
41 7:55
42 8:50
43 7:54
44 8:08
45 8:36
46 8:57
46.37 2:43
Total: 7:44:40 (4th & 1.5hr PR)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Silver Rush 50
Not really sure where to take this report, but I've got mixed feelings about my run there. Overall, a wonderful day in the mountains, a great training run for Leadville, and nice to catch up with some other good people.
My buddy Jacob and I headed up to Twin Lakes Saturday evening to camp with Lucho and Co. Upon arrival I was excited to hear about his race that morning, though we quickly found out that he had spent the better part of the day in the ER after crashing out hard multiple times on the bike (shattering his helmet) with a concussion and incredible amounts of road rash. We got the skinny, well, as much as he could remember and got to see up close the golf ball emerging from the side of his forehead. A huge bummer to be sure, not solely due to the fact that he was crushing it in 2nd place and feeling crazy good up until the crash. Also a bummer that he'd be out of the run as well, dude was looking lean and mean. We got some great food from Mrs. Lucho and shot the breeze while the little luchoites clearly had zero fun playing around the campsite and eating roasted marshmallows...
On to the race. After a fitful night of sleep we awoke in just enough time to get up head down to the start, get checked in, and take care of some business before lining up. Hopped in next to Brandon and Luke and we were off. I settled into a slow climb, not wanting to overwork the initial grunt and then eased my way off the front of the group on the downhill to the trail. Right as the uptick in the trail shifted I had the ominous feeling that it wasn't going to be a good day. Legs had zero pep and I was slowly losing turnover. I crashed out shortly after getting passed for the first time and that sort of woke me from my slumber. Grinding out the first climb, I had fallen back into 5th or so, was passed by a few people, Luke included on the downhill where I just wasn't feeling good and didn't want to put myself into an early hole. So I was into 7th and cruised back into the mile 13 aid to refill water and be on my way.
Luke, Eli, and I worked our way down to Oro City and trading places and leapfrogged on the climb up to the side of ball mountain. I was hiking way to much for my liking but managed to pass both up to the aid station. We worked around the side of ball, and it seemed like quite a few folks caught up to me at the saddle, including Joe, and I put a bit of separation on them heading down to the turnaround. I passed Jesse (new to CO) to gain 4th into the turnaround in about 3:40 (plenty slower than I had hoped for initially).
Climbing back out of the turn is my least favorite part of the course, and with my pathetic climbing skills on display, I was passed twice on my way back to the saddle of Ball Mtn. From here I simply decided that I was going to put forth a solid steady effort and focus on moving forward efficiently. Made good time on drop off Ball Mtn and passed a guy at Oro City. I made a decent time on the way up to the mile 33 aid and began reeling in 4th place on the push up to the top of the last big climb. Once back on the drop I just focused on maintaining turnover. I knew I was gaining, but didn't want to push too hard and reel him in right away. I eventually caught him just before the 7 to go aid. I got some coke and salt water before heading back out to finish. I should mention that it was plenty toasty and I was getting fried on the exposed last section, so when I hit the little powerline stretch and then crossed the mineral belt trail, I was very happy to be close. I ended up bringing back the gap on Joe a little but finished in 4th in 7:44:40. Full Results here.
So, overall it was a good finish and a good training run. I feel great today, better than I did after Bighorn which I attribute to not really racing to my penitential. I have mixed feelings about the race (my race), but I think I've settled on it being a positive experience training wise. I think if I'd been able to run to my fullest abilities, I'd be hobbled today and it would have been detrimental to the 100 in 5 weeks. I certainly felt like I could head back out for more, so that's a good sign. I'm getting nice and antsy for the big one, but I have plenty of time to prepare and look at what would be a solid time for me. I got some great advice and notes from Lucho over the fire and I plan on attempting to run a similar race (smooth and controlled first half). He was something like 26th at Winfield and 6th at the finish. That seems like the way to go.
Thanks to Drymax and TheAidStation.com for the great gear, I was comfy all day!
My buddy Jacob and I headed up to Twin Lakes Saturday evening to camp with Lucho and Co. Upon arrival I was excited to hear about his race that morning, though we quickly found out that he had spent the better part of the day in the ER after crashing out hard multiple times on the bike (shattering his helmet) with a concussion and incredible amounts of road rash. We got the skinny, well, as much as he could remember and got to see up close the golf ball emerging from the side of his forehead. A huge bummer to be sure, not solely due to the fact that he was crushing it in 2nd place and feeling crazy good up until the crash. Also a bummer that he'd be out of the run as well, dude was looking lean and mean. We got some great food from Mrs. Lucho and shot the breeze while the little luchoites clearly had zero fun playing around the campsite and eating roasted marshmallows...
On to the race. After a fitful night of sleep we awoke in just enough time to get up head down to the start, get checked in, and take care of some business before lining up. Hopped in next to Brandon and Luke and we were off. I settled into a slow climb, not wanting to overwork the initial grunt and then eased my way off the front of the group on the downhill to the trail. Right as the uptick in the trail shifted I had the ominous feeling that it wasn't going to be a good day. Legs had zero pep and I was slowly losing turnover. I crashed out shortly after getting passed for the first time and that sort of woke me from my slumber. Grinding out the first climb, I had fallen back into 5th or so, was passed by a few people, Luke included on the downhill where I just wasn't feeling good and didn't want to put myself into an early hole. So I was into 7th and cruised back into the mile 13 aid to refill water and be on my way.
Luke, Eli, and I worked our way down to Oro City and trading places and leapfrogged on the climb up to the side of ball mountain. I was hiking way to much for my liking but managed to pass both up to the aid station. We worked around the side of ball, and it seemed like quite a few folks caught up to me at the saddle, including Joe, and I put a bit of separation on them heading down to the turnaround. I passed Jesse (new to CO) to gain 4th into the turnaround in about 3:40 (plenty slower than I had hoped for initially).
Climbing back out of the turn is my least favorite part of the course, and with my pathetic climbing skills on display, I was passed twice on my way back to the saddle of Ball Mtn. From here I simply decided that I was going to put forth a solid steady effort and focus on moving forward efficiently. Made good time on drop off Ball Mtn and passed a guy at Oro City. I made a decent time on the way up to the mile 33 aid and began reeling in 4th place on the push up to the top of the last big climb. Once back on the drop I just focused on maintaining turnover. I knew I was gaining, but didn't want to push too hard and reel him in right away. I eventually caught him just before the 7 to go aid. I got some coke and salt water before heading back out to finish. I should mention that it was plenty toasty and I was getting fried on the exposed last section, so when I hit the little powerline stretch and then crossed the mineral belt trail, I was very happy to be close. I ended up bringing back the gap on Joe a little but finished in 4th in 7:44:40. Full Results here.
So, overall it was a good finish and a good training run. I feel great today, better than I did after Bighorn which I attribute to not really racing to my penitential. I have mixed feelings about the race (my race), but I think I've settled on it being a positive experience training wise. I think if I'd been able to run to my fullest abilities, I'd be hobbled today and it would have been detrimental to the 100 in 5 weeks. I certainly felt like I could head back out for more, so that's a good sign. I'm getting nice and antsy for the big one, but I have plenty of time to prepare and look at what would be a solid time for me. I got some great advice and notes from Lucho over the fire and I plan on attempting to run a similar race (smooth and controlled first half). He was something like 26th at Winfield and 6th at the finish. That seems like the way to go.
Thanks to Drymax and TheAidStation.com for the great gear, I was comfy all day!
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