tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66994908987168670572024-03-12T15:04:25.316-07:00WanderplaceMusings from the middle of the packCap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-45755096451034323262018-04-16T08:41:00.000-07:002018-04-16T10:39:37.224-07:002018 Victory Sportdesign Team<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsUv-8Kv7K1tGQYwLCgvjk0iuzMkKTGFGxjXOnIZcXgTDyCk7O6tkbmq-TX-NbQJl2WWrlojHagWXWkpfka16HX2wGSv2Bo2OkkL7dfnEx1dBa52hnxYWInb71gedyZgP5AbZM55y520/s1600/Ken+N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsUv-8Kv7K1tGQYwLCgvjk0iuzMkKTGFGxjXOnIZcXgTDyCk7O6tkbmq-TX-NbQJl2WWrlojHagWXWkpfka16HX2wGSv2Bo2OkkL7dfnEx1dBa52hnxYWInb71gedyZgP5AbZM55y520/s400/Ken+N.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's official! I remain a Team Victory Athlete for 2018. Use my discount code (capn) to get 10% of all orders in 2018! Victory SportDesign has been a crucial component of my success over the past few years, and I am honored to continue this beneficial relationship. I truly believe their products live up to the hype, and both Twirly and I enjoy being brand ambassadors both at events and just out and about town. When Twirly crews me at a race, she uses the <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?product=grizzly-travel-pack" target="_blank">Grizzly </a>to carry my <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?product=bear-iii" target="_blank">Bear III</a> bag, a collapsible chair, reading material, and lunch to the aid stations. In addition, when I run <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/08/race-report-2016-angeles-crest-100-mile.html" target="_blank">Angeles Crest 100</a> as a solo runner later this year, I'll be looking forward to getting to each of my strategically placed Victory gear bags to get the job done! If you aren't familiar with their line-up, check it out <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?post_type=product" target="_blank">here</a>. They're a great way to stay organized on the go.<br />
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In other news, I recently ran the Marin Ultra Challenge 50k, and Lake Sonoma 50 Mile. Both were great learning opportunities, and I'm looking forward to sharing some of that newfound knowledge with you all in the next week or so. I suffered through to the finish at MUC, but Lake Sonoma got the best of me at mile 38. Lots of opportunities for improvement before States!<br />
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Go get yourself some new gear, and stay tuned for the race reports...</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-35598756484307346292018-02-27T12:19:00.003-08:002018-02-27T12:19:27.765-08:00Race Report: 2018 FOURmidable 35.5k<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://singletrackrunning.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://singletrackrunning.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf66QZ6GyTmY8FcK5X1z__PiyuLfxLwWNsOb1rA4lv4pkza5k9qnPvHA8nyxN0k_ZiStNZQTdFFJ2d5Bb5ocW0-Cc1afK1-flGZeicQgvcXrzSWU0dU80pKUKVXDlc9M8qygULtEYA28/s200/car-door-magnet.png" width="200" /></a>My second training race of 2018 was the FOURmidable 35.5k on February 18th. I had never run an event hosted by Paulo Medina's <a href="http://singletrackrunning.com/" target="_blank">Singletrack Running</a>. I was not disappointed! Focusing on trail running events "utilizing trails that are not common to most runners", STR has built a reputation worthy of their motto: "if you are going to do something difficult, you should never find just the easy way." </div>
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The <a href="http://singletrackrunning.com/fourmidable/" target="_blank">FOURmidable Running Event</a> covers two days in mid-February, and offers a 50k on Saturday with a 35.5k, half-marathon and 13k on Sunday. Not quite ready for a 50k yet this year, I opted for a slight increase over the <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2018/02/race-report-2018-foresthill-divide-loop.html" target="_blank">Foresthill Divide Loop 30k</a> I ran two weeks prior and went with the 35.5k. Friend David Leeke signed up for the 50k and nailed it, finishing in 17th place!</div>
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<a href="http://singletrackrunning.com/fourmidable/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://singletrackrunning.com/fourmidable/" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrL0bdDs8eQsio92raaF_3WO4Y3NY8tI6l7_tVygtNU3pCBQVQEQoZcwzmPh3fCbP2gyndEL6chqad-gnqodvcE-RSeynT6hYrn-jFwtnTr3hMo4z6SmaeDyCXCrEpEJ9We6WoHUyhQQ/s1600/2016-logo-279x300.png" /><span id="goog_746555870"></span></a><span id="goog_746555871"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvfKLVhWMlGt6Ai0SHU2y7e2jlceCrAp9aBksbbBQRAqq6c81yngg6eu1hNvE3htjWZUP8WLbWGtFZcRQXB1EJs4FdoCWahlHC1mdeEXS7iaz4OU4l03tB40hk3cOHqWL4odDvpIFUGc/s1600/2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="479" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvfKLVhWMlGt6Ai0SHU2y7e2jlceCrAp9aBksbbBQRAqq6c81yngg6eu1hNvE3htjWZUP8WLbWGtFZcRQXB1EJs4FdoCWahlHC1mdeEXS7iaz4OU4l03tB40hk3cOHqWL4odDvpIFUGc/s200/2.gif" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIL4GIF9UPBA0TjNm7DQu5r1Glz6bOTuVFQpYi6agLBp6l65OhhWfLhZSqIV9ITHFwKWCmkf-alIrlBASoZJNwsKcHVZ4Kflw57kjn5LaDK_9EDbKrnt5B_wO5SDUeeC3hckK9roxU7w/s1600/1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="479" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIL4GIF9UPBA0TjNm7DQu5r1Glz6bOTuVFQpYi6agLBp6l65OhhWfLhZSqIV9ITHFwKWCmkf-alIrlBASoZJNwsKcHVZ4Kflw57kjn5LaDK_9EDbKrnt5B_wO5SDUeeC3hckK9roxU7w/s200/1.gif" width="149" /></a>Sunday morning dawned brisk with a slight breeze; perfect running conditions. The trail was in great shape, not dusty, just a little tacky and very little mud. Beginning on familiar trails, I kept the effort in the "training race" range and made my way towards No Hands Bridge. The FOURmidable event is built around four (formidable) climbs: Cardiac, K2, Knickerbocker and the final climb into Overlook Park. The 35.5k eliminates Cardiac, leaving a THREEmidable course. Almost immediately after the No Hands aid station, the course climbs up the Western States Trail and takes a hard right. A REALLY hard right. K2, or "Training Hill" is a ridiculously steep pitch cut into 3-4 sections. This was where I first learned of Singletrack Running's sadistic sense of humor. At the top of the first section, written in flour on the trail, were the words:<br />
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"You made it to the Top!"</div>
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And then, about ten yards later, was written:</div>
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"Just kidding, not even close!"</div>
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How rude.</div>
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Each of the formidable hills had similar messages scrawled in the dirt. Near the top of Knickerbocker was written "Only ONE Midable left", which I suppose was good news. On the return to Overlook Park, I knew there would be a loss of elevation before the final climb. The course took an ominous left turn onto steep singletrack which brought us almost all the way back to river level from Robie Point. Every step down equaled a step up, and there was some carnage on this section. People were spent! The trudge up to the finish line caused runners to coalesce along the climb, commiserating. An anti-climactic finish, but we jogged it in.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K2/Training Hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running into Knickerbocker Canyon, looking at the old dam cut</td></tr>
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Aside from a wrong turn at the 13k mark, which was immediately obvious due to the large number of runners backtracking, I really enjoyed the course. A blend of buttery singletrack and fire road with no shortage of elevation gain, I think the event is a great early-season test of fitness. The race organization was decent, although the last few aid stations had run out of gels... Having a 50k the day before took its toll on supplies, I guess. They even ran out of beer at the finish line festival, which is totally unacceptable. I mean, come on, this is<i> trail running</i>!<br />
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In the end, it is hard to beat the trails of Auburn Recreation Area. So many of us would choose to train there on any given day, it is no surprise that FOURmidable is a well respected and attended event. I'll probably be back in the future. I can hardly remember the climbing already!<br />
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Currently training hard for the Marin Ultra Challenge 50k in early March. See you out there!</div>
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<br />Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-91821767556103788422018-02-06T12:14:00.000-08:002018-02-06T14:47:55.958-08:00Race Report: 2018 Foresthill Divide Loop 30k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runcanyons.com/fdl30k/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.runcanyons.com/fdl30k/" border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="509" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozFCMkskAgSSbs2NxmF9KVQPSAFaHEcSZJEb6n04JTdL1f66kqUCHtRBYRTsDQftW_HSexRcyQFL-9NHLTWMll4snt7LUO5F2mvHHIq_vW8wtQmlMGpDHl6T1ApJBCk1UpN-jDgCqgQs/s400/26172674_10211750944432457_8782965708183511682_o.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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I kicked off my 2018 season with the inaugural Foresthill Divide Loop 30k, organized by Chaz Sheya and the Canyons Endurance Runs crew. The Foresthill Divide Loop trail is a very popular multi-use trail, especially with mountain bikers.The race begins at the Driver's Flat trail head on Foresthill Road, and ends at the staging area about a half mile down the road to Rucky Chucky. Chaz originally designed the course as a loop, but a closure due to erosion repairs at the Mammoth OHV meant an alternate "open-ended" lollipop course with an out-and-back in the middle.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foresthill Divide Loop 30k "B" course</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertical profile, total vert ~2600'</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.runcanyons.com/fdl30k/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.runcanyons.com/fdl30k/" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd8HKalJgRfw6iPgjxPxpbeHPjqLWcWV4Yeqq9MDdx6UMp17qz8AclxRMwEN8tBWPpS2THmTTwhkF8AlsaGAdkECuK4RWZqS0W1bLO71tLIfTWtRjphLbyGq6C7na7SphCEF0p5s1aBs/s320/fdl1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed this race. The rolling single track reminded me of the Lake Sonoma course. Overall, it is very run-able, but the climbing does accumulate. Gorgeous views of the North Fork of the American River canyon appear occasionally as the first four miles traverse along the south side of the canyon. Cool temps and shade made for perfect conditions as the field of about 120 began to spread out on the course. Aid stations were never further than 4 miles from each other, which meant I only needed one water bottle, which I filled with Scratch Labs Green Tea at the start (fellow DPMR member Bill Hunter asked if I was recycling my urine when he caught sight of the color in my bottle), and refilled with Gu Roctane Summit Tea for the rest of the morning. I threw in a gel every 45 minutes and grazed at the aid stations to round out my nutrition. The last four miles were on the south side of the "divide" and were somewhat exposed, compounding the warming temperatures. All in all, a pretty good day.</div>
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I didn't push the pace at all, as it was a "supported training run" on my schedule. I'm still laying base miles and consistency after taking much of the Fall off last year. My aerobic capacity needs a lot of work and I'm quite heavier than race-weight. The run felt good though, and it was great to see familiar faces on the out-and-back section. I will be hitting this trail often in the coming months as I train for Lake Sonoma and the summer's hundred milers.</div>
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Race organization, course marking and all of the volunteers were spectacular. Everyone was in high spirits, and the post race festival (FOUR kinds of chili and plenty of beer) lived up to the hype. This race will become a fixture on my schedule, as my birthday is right around the corner, and I find a good trail race is a good way to mark another trip around the sun.</div>
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Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-84083426631164144332017-12-06T13:52:00.001-08:002017-12-06T13:55:39.430-08:00Hard Reset. 2018 Hopes and Dreams<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi there. Long time no see...</div>
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2017 was no banner year for me and running. Life gets in the way sometimes. Family medical issues bled into preparing our Nevada City home to be put on the market. My weekend long-runs were one casualty. It's healthy to take a step back and re-evaluate ones priorities occasionally. Fortunately for me, I have emerged on the other side of the process with a renewed attitude towards this silly sport. This has been bolstered in no small part by my ambitious race plans for 2018. I am VERY excited to be returning to Squaw Valley. My third journey over the Pacific Crest and through the gold-laden canyons of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Auburn the last weekend in June. Add to that a return to the San Gabriel Mountains in August, and suddenly I only have 6.5 months to prepare! This will mark my first attempt at multiple 100 mile runs in one season. Historically, the execution of a hundred miler has left me drained and needing some serious time off. Ergo: my training in 2018 must focus on stamina and strength. To hire a coach or go it alone? This is a big question I must answer in the coming weeks. In addition, getting back to race weight will require every bit of time I have between now and then.</div>
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To prepare, I have selected a progression of tune-up races in Northern California:</div>
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2/3/2018 - Foresthill Divide Loop 30k<br />
2/18/2018 - FOURmidable 35k<br />
3/10/2018 - Marin Ultra Challenge 50k<br />
4/14/2018 - Lake Sonoma 50 Mile (lottery)<br />
5/5/2018 - Miwok 100k (lottery)<br />
5/26-28/2018 - Western States Training Camp<br />
6/23/2018 - Western States 100 Mile<br />
8/4/2018 - Angeles Crest 100 Mile</div>
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February will have some shorter distance runs on new terrain before returning to tried and true favorites. <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/03/race-report-2015-marin-ultra-challenge.html" target="_blank">MUC 50k</a>, <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2014/04/race-report-2014-lake-sonoma-50-mile.html" target="_blank">Lake Sonoma</a>, <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/05/race-report-2015-miwok-100k.html" target="_blank">Miwok</a> and <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2014/06/2014-western-states-training-camp.html" target="_blank">Training Camp</a> offer just the right mix of vertical and views. It should be a trans-formative Spring! </div>
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Stay tuned, I plan to revive Wanderplace to document my progress.</div>
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See you on the trails... </div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-80080221619709710812017-03-03T11:31:00.003-08:002017-03-03T11:31:56.134-08:00Break is Over, Back to Work!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://wtc50k.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="wtc50k.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxkDzDzM1Y3Aw4RMaEU9uZPNuYOTxbYjyugZZe3ovkCVG6bMnRT6lHSsPEnN2jN_Vke5MHj80jeuI4YgSnPFlANo7tAMhZiEMqsNsvIPKtzZCO6UiarUIoK3PawJ3sLyINPE0lpwikSk/s1600/wtc_clif_2012.png" /></a></div>
After a seven month hiatus from ultra-running, I am excited to participate this weekend in the <a href="http://wtc50k.com/" target="_blank">Way Too Cool 50k</a>. 2017 marks my fourth start at the country's most sought-after 50k. I have not run further than 15 miles since <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/08/race-report-2016-angeles-crest-100-mile.html" target="_blank">Angeles Crest 100</a> last August, but my base is adequate coming off the soggy California winter. Trail conditions look typically muddy; the weather forecast contains rain. I expect to see familiar faces among the ~1000 runners in attendance. And then there is that frog cupcake...<br />
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While WTC50k unofficially marks the beginning of the Northern California ultra season. It is a training race for me this year. Four weeks later, my third American River 50 Mile will be the final tune-up for my goal race of the year: <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/05/race-report-2015-miwok-100k.html" target="_blank">Miwok 100k<span id="goog_682993685"></span><span id="goog_682993686"></span></a>. Once I have that Western States qualifier under my belt, I plan to assess my standings in the <a href="https://www.pausatf.org/ultra-running/usatf-pacific-ultra-grand-prix-schedule/" target="_blank">PUSATF Ultra Grand Prix</a> and lay out the rest of my racing season. I will either continue with my <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/p/pa.html" target="_blank">planned racing schedule</a>, or throw that out the window and seek out other challenges, such as the <a href="http://castlepeak100k.com/" target="_blank">Castle Peak 100k</a>. My ultimate goal for 2017 is consistency. In each of the past three years, I have trained up to and completed a 100 mile run. Each of these has resulted in two to three months off as I recover and wait for motivation to return. This has the undesirable side effects of weight gain and loss of fitness. I have been on a 25 pound sine wave for three years. It is time to get off the roller coaster.<br />
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<a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://victorysportdesign.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLowJVA8BRyEmA7tyUPnb53VK2O1RQL7mzwBkAmfhY3_LehqNhjdpwzmJgi3ybmUBkqhYWpKEX2MRyvwk4sAMdTxC89SKs3eR2MQCxhuo8FH6n7c7Ix0IzHC6dFJyT0apao5aTflc4X44/s1600/vsd.jpg" /></a></div>
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No small part of my excitement for this year is the continuation of my <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign</a> sponsorship. Their support has helped motivate me, and I hope to represent their vision and products with the integrity they deserve. 2017 brings some new editions to this versatile selection of gear bags.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmBSiBwpmBOsts4xzAAYR0JsQc43amlfjO8q7lDcvShsoHY6JpV2LqE3olqWP5gn5ZhNiYUrvQriVyb96QBrStRWHMtK-epsl_IljSs_dbVLKePIoQvALzPn0HoPEY4QsrlNQQRagziA/s1600/Grizzly-3-300x272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmBSiBwpmBOsts4xzAAYR0JsQc43amlfjO8q7lDcvShsoHY6JpV2LqE3olqWP5gn5ZhNiYUrvQriVyb96QBrStRWHMtK-epsl_IljSs_dbVLKePIoQvALzPn0HoPEY4QsrlNQQRagziA/s200/Grizzly-3-300x272.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grizzly</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?product=grizzly-travel-pack" target="_blank">Grizzly</a>, the largest of the Victory bags, is a no-bounce backpack with a patent-pending "T-vest" suspension system. Large enough to contain two Bears or multiple other combinations of Victory bags, the Grizzly worked fabulously as a crew bag at AC100 last August.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpqaG3qAJ68RmgLHeIYkbukRSpGuFSA-mVrtzeWwikpb5caM1IW0AuWxT2fz46T_1B6rNPjuBs2753t1EYO8bXMpnkgrsBBC1Y3KyEDt2x8etofiNVODu40EHDQs2BdRjwEwwBO4lYZg/s1600/KODIAK-Promo-photo-282x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpqaG3qAJ68RmgLHeIYkbukRSpGuFSA-mVrtzeWwikpb5caM1IW0AuWxT2fz46T_1B6rNPjuBs2753t1EYO8bXMpnkgrsBBC1Y3KyEDt2x8etofiNVODu40EHDQs2BdRjwEwwBO4lYZg/s200/KODIAK-Promo-photo-282x300.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kodiak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?product=kodiak" target="_blank">Kodiak</a> is the Grizz's little brother, with traditional backpack straps and the bottom half is insulated. It fits airline carry-on dimensions, and is great for daily carry. I am using the Kodiak as my general gear bag, and it easily contains everything I need to suit up for a run. From shorts and shirts to shoes, bottles and band-aids, it has become my primary bag.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MIqV1zM49zEyqgo4eZg5yqMgfMz9FOrjXeThpqEXs_x8c6J09NScl87UayoAZHOgDmJJRrahkdy0egOf7KK7VuqiDDgMGhSF2neLh5jBHLm3uf-D2Xxx_9SO_QS8lN2J6XeVEbg_eeI/s1600/Open-BEAR-III-300x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MIqV1zM49zEyqgo4eZg5yqMgfMz9FOrjXeThpqEXs_x8c6J09NScl87UayoAZHOgDmJJRrahkdy0egOf7KK7VuqiDDgMGhSF2neLh5jBHLm3uf-D2Xxx_9SO_QS8lN2J6XeVEbg_eeI/s200/Open-BEAR-III-300x240.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bear III</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?product=bear-iii" target="_blank">Bear III</a> features an expanded top flap containing additional pockets, which zips out to lay flat. I like how it presents its contents more readily than its predecessor. The Bear III will be my go to drop bag for late-race aid stations where I might need to change my shirt or shoes and resupply my nutrition.<br />
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The <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?product=coyote-ii" target="_blank">Coyote II </a>sports a cool upgrade which I really appreciated last year at AC100: it expands from a moderately sized wallet design to a messenger-style over the shoulder bag. At the last aid station of the race, I used a prototype Coyote II to ditch my dirty, sweaty kit and hydration pack for some fresh duds and a couple of handheld bottles for the race finish. The end of the bag unzips and I just dumped everything in as if it were a spike bag.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGB9PmxbN5dB4OsuoZkg6CXsc4eM7cYwX0VeqOKie8xJvcyxAbbR690AqyCcPFi2ok1gbZkJH6Sq4-QCtvtI_ib2Kt33fOpslfN5O77bNm5cUf0TlwXuybGbwvX-eeLsZQLJUq4Azes4/s1600/COYOTE-II-Promo-Photo-3-300x259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGB9PmxbN5dB4OsuoZkg6CXsc4eM7cYwX0VeqOKie8xJvcyxAbbR690AqyCcPFi2ok1gbZkJH6Sq4-QCtvtI_ib2Kt33fOpslfN5O77bNm5cUf0TlwXuybGbwvX-eeLsZQLJUq4Azes4/s200/COYOTE-II-Promo-Photo-3-300x259.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coyote II, expanded</td></tr>
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All of the 2017 bags are available in a new color: slate blue. A nice alternative to the Victory red which is becoming pervasive at aid stations across the country, and not quite as attention-grabbing while traveling or commuting. Also new is the Piglet, a spike bag for your dirty gear which is included with every 2017 bag purchase. I love the versatility. Regardless of how much you want to stash or carry, Victory Sportdesign has a bag to suit your needs.<br />
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If you see Twirly or me at an event, please do not hesitate to ask about these awesome new products. I know they help me tremendously in organizing the mountains of gear I have acquired over the years. When you can shave off time looking for something at an aid station, it really helps your bottom line. Get in, get out, and get moving!<br />
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Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-81806997409514164682017-01-18T23:51:00.003-08:002017-01-18T23:51:59.586-08:00Deep Breath..........Okay 2017, here are the brass tacks:<br />
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<li>Consistent, focused effort.</li>
<li>Efficient work.</li>
<li>Wider perspectives.</li>
<li>Gathering resources.</li>
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Stay tuned for details.Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-51822004743546983042016-08-17T09:32:00.002-07:002016-09-02T08:39:24.280-07:00Race Report: 2016 Angeles Crest 100 Mile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ac100.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="ac100.com" border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7mQodHoo1RDnEM1Sb65-ZS7h8km9vB8J8dk2Tdyij25UeWZI_K6Yz-s-ypzs0E4V-ZEitKCTqvBk9-1VB_gd8-7UgOArOor4LbYzVJbkQHZM25c7B3cco9I25qkRcR40kkz5D_q0y8U/s400/logoBigColorNew.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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Leaving the Western States lottery empty-handed in December 2015, I knew I still had my work cut out for me. The previous summer, Bob Shebest was on the Trail Runner Nation podcast. Bob said "sign up for the race that scares you." I <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/08/nice-buckle-mr.html" target="_blank">pulled the trigger</a>. It would be the final year of open registration for the Angeles Crest 100.<br />
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Founded in 1986 (one of the "original six"), the run traverses the San Gabriel Mountains from the rustic town of Wrightwood to Altadena. The course features plenty of mountainous terrain. Sections of the beginning follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Unlike <a href="http://wser.org/" target="_blank">my previous 100 mile races</a>, the 18,000+ feet of climbing spread
out along the course, remaining above 6000 feet for the first 35 miles. The last 25 miles contain a third of the vertical gain: ~8,000 feet. Over 23,000 feet of descent opened the door for some running, I hoped.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeCmt3UJBeX9XC5PVJ73XPOw2g_cCUq6UjIFlKMnvf_CWax11iDxTIutdexKzGykiuPb5ynCQk-bw-gtDiRwF2r25JykT-vX5VhcKXPkg5VSQYagPmS9X3mp3FAj9pc_57G0PD6xeQ8E/s1600/ac+course.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeCmt3UJBeX9XC5PVJ73XPOw2g_cCUq6UjIFlKMnvf_CWax11iDxTIutdexKzGykiuPb5ynCQk-bw-gtDiRwF2r25JykT-vX5VhcKXPkg5VSQYagPmS9X3mp3FAj9pc_57G0PD6xeQ8E/s640/ac+course.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Angeles Crest 100 Mile course</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRIZYGCukqUWTkuKnCrBUpAbpM91zwgYA57NuKMIRHSVFqtg1vrBQ2oT0J9YXv2sok8iMUSdG4fzbMj4AMljfeGCF2TK1ngFt9s-_SzxNOMky2jzaXWh1Xe_IOKuPAzQQW75FiCv4zJ8/s1600/AC+profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRIZYGCukqUWTkuKnCrBUpAbpM91zwgYA57NuKMIRHSVFqtg1vrBQ2oT0J9YXv2sok8iMUSdG4fzbMj4AMljfeGCF2TK1ngFt9s-_SzxNOMky2jzaXWh1Xe_IOKuPAzQQW75FiCv4zJ8/s640/AC+profile.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Angeles Crest vertical profile</td></tr>
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A few months before the race, I agreed to take part in a research project for a Bay Area graduate student. Rachel wanted to study the role of "grit" during 100 mile trail races. Using a small electronic voice recorder, I answered three questions every ten miles: <i>What is going on mentally? How will this effect my ability to finish the race? What else is going on with me physically?</i><br />
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<a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/01/wait-what-but.html" target="_blank">Sciatica immediately derailed my training</a> until February. Family medical issues thwarted a training race at Miwok 100k. Victor convinced me to run the <a href="http://www.brokenarrowskyrace.com/" target="_blank">Broken Arrow SkyRace</a> as a tune-up. <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/07/race-report-broken-arrow-skyrace-52k.html" target="_blank">It went well</a>. I was able to log almost 100 miles training at altitude between Broken
Arrow and the race start. I fell three times in that period, bloodying
my right knee each time. In Wrightwood the Wednesday before the race, I was unsure if the bulk of the challenge lay ahead, or behind me. On Friday, I sliced my big toe open while wearing flip flops. I ended up super-gluing it shut.<br />
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I flipped the switch on my race goals. My "A" goal was to finish and get the <a href="http://wser.org/" target="_blank">Western States</a> and <a href="http://hardrock100.com/" target="_blank">Hardrock </a>qualifiers. My "B" goal was to break 30 hours and my "C" goal was to set a 100 mile PR. I found this mindset served me well in planning and setting my expectations for the race. I planned my paces based on training runs at altitude on the PCT and TRT in Tahoe, focusing on ascent rate. I set ambitious goals for aid station transitions, just in case I was feeling good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM1eeBCpGbKDLrAH8gQzL93e-aItFeDxwk6glAaJlVEnBPpLt1pJBeQdFFXGaHBEdLglT4aOTfe4ePv7QNV0Z4Q3igL11ORQsggpVJbGqVEVBp1JBmGTD_glGhOdV17soMu-SDyJqs3g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-14+at+12.59.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM1eeBCpGbKDLrAH8gQzL93e-aItFeDxwk6glAaJlVEnBPpLt1pJBeQdFFXGaHBEdLglT4aOTfe4ePv7QNV0Z4Q3igL11ORQsggpVJbGqVEVBp1JBmGTD_glGhOdV17soMu-SDyJqs3g/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-14+at+12.59.18+PM.png" width="556" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best laid plan</td></tr>
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In the final few days, my anxiety levels were off the charts. Under-trained, with no experience on the race course, I poured over maps and the race book. My crew, Twirly and Junior, helped me plan crew car logistics and race day strategy. I jogged around Wrightwood, bemused by the density of "Make America Great Again" signs. Friday check-in was mellow, and the pre-race meeting was short.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsMyjjA0XICwkjidesJlgPQwQvt8HhtuPP9PHLLcOuIV1mVl66ehXPQB1cjr1E49OA6LIdYmcTelF9w-uf_MpxLx4kcCVE-awWHiCFVgvCZK-bAS8RqHZWAhaEmjSI_iinP_-GWBhcag/s1600/junior+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsMyjjA0XICwkjidesJlgPQwQvt8HhtuPP9PHLLcOuIV1mVl66ehXPQB1cjr1E49OA6LIdYmcTelF9w-uf_MpxLx4kcCVE-awWHiCFVgvCZK-bAS8RqHZWAhaEmjSI_iinP_-GWBhcag/s640/junior+start.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm</td></tr>
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My race-morning rituals went well. Runners congregated in the Wrightwood Community Center parking lot. As the crowd counted down to 5 am, I could feel the nervous energy culminating. The guy next to me, Jon Vanderpot, reminded me of Hunter S. Thompson...if he were about to go up the Nung River. The run down Apple Avenue to Acorn Drive felt good. The start of a 100 miler is always such a relief. All the training and planning has ended. Nothing to do but run. Simplicity, manifest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf9ReaySW0EEOpeLO7UeQNQyXyIfm7Tox9MIQ9HxMx99h-yBmCbKfJ5wgBf_UWqQrbqEskfwz6a3ljjazjHMefiY09zBdpBpUpBVGfg1q04AQAHvs7LHPdokSAeElXFVo0e7zzWXjfF0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-15+at+5.51.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf9ReaySW0EEOpeLO7UeQNQyXyIfm7Tox9MIQ9HxMx99h-yBmCbKfJ5wgBf_UWqQrbqEskfwz6a3ljjazjHMefiY09zBdpBpUpBVGfg1q04AQAHvs7LHPdokSAeElXFVo0e7zzWXjfF0/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-08-15+at+5.51.04+PM.png" width="182" /></a>I climbed steadily, keeping my effort in line with my plan (heart rate below mid-zone 3). Noe Castanon and I compared notes. It was the first AC100 for both of us. I passed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Palmiero-Winters" target="_blank">Amy Palmiero-Winters</a> adjusting her prosthetic leg. I wished her well; she would drop at mile 25, vowing to return with a more appropriate leg! The rising sun set the sky ablaze. Sometimes smog is pretty.<br />
<br />
I gained the PCT about 70 minutes into the race; it felt good to finally turn my legs over on the rolling ridgeline trail. I made some new friends and found some old ones along the single track. The first aid station, Inspiration Point (9.2 miles), came into view. I
was about 5 minutes ahead of my planned split. Twirly exchanged my
bottles and gave me a kiss. It would be my fastest transition of the
race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX6g-YGlSzSbH5A0QBuUa4cwYeA3MPqsfGjkM_XKxzYQqcLibDmwfuUfCa4DdxFCpGsVNMAC93kb0XsjcDjWDVrXYnSSkF3Qg6iw5SK-iHZzRJcuO0MMVHnjdxvWjY9FHcaSGAvboMcg/s1600/67180916-1dpp1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX6g-YGlSzSbH5A0QBuUa4cwYeA3MPqsfGjkM_XKxzYQqcLibDmwfuUfCa4DdxFCpGsVNMAC93kb0XsjcDjWDVrXYnSSkF3Qg6iw5SK-iHZzRJcuO0MMVHnjdxvWjY9FHcaSGAvboMcg/s640/67180916-1dpp1731.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy early miles near Inspiration Point, photo by Paksit Photos</td></tr>
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<i>Mile ten: I'm executing well, holding back. Pre-race jitters are gone, confidence is back...</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwpeMfBHS8hqmHyT0grJ9CEAHZaHXXlMnFIZVsxLynVRH3vidLpfsPb_VKzr8IqC_EizWzXTaqJYOeZwLMJDJY52cCJjJPUfx0TwKGvJjinmMTxnDvv3GB0B4ER8gk9MMLN6fTaHbTrs/s1600/Andy+noise+Vincent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwpeMfBHS8hqmHyT0grJ9CEAHZaHXXlMnFIZVsxLynVRH3vidLpfsPb_VKzr8IqC_EizWzXTaqJYOeZwLMJDJY52cCJjJPUfx0TwKGvJjinmMTxnDvv3GB0B4ER8gk9MMLN6fTaHbTrs/s320/Andy+noise+Vincent.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent Gap, photo by Andy Noise</td></tr>
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The next section lost more elevation, and I took care to contain my effort. Even so, these miles were spectacular! Runnable switchbacks brought my freight train conga line into the aid station. Arriving at Vincent Gap (mile 13.8), I was about fifteen minutes ahead of my splits. I would need the buffer on the long climb up Mount Baden-Powell. Twirly helped me switch into a hydration pack, as the next section was just under 12 miles without aid. In my haste, I ran out of the station without my handheld bottles full of <a href="http://www.tailwindnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Tailwind</a>. She got my attention and I returned to grab them. It would have been a tall order to get over that mountain missing 400 calories. About ten meters out of the aid station, I felt a sharp stab in my foot. Further investigation revealed a nail poking through my insole! I returned to the aid station and found a volunteer with a Leatherman. It took him a good 30 seconds to pull the nail out of my Altra Olympus. At least I wasn't halfway up the mountain when it made itself known.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFG11hIWAwIHzIYNbuOLchBuXZwfdqMwPOz9iAX21MD5_BvhKOKK2LZdLuci2XyTmha-o6ImLaMXxa3p6LAGcbvYGogfCEbtQd4DDlglrFVovrB0oL1alCTlZzEaa2xid1WpRObBFOB4/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFG11hIWAwIHzIYNbuOLchBuXZwfdqMwPOz9iAX21MD5_BvhKOKK2LZdLuci2XyTmha-o6ImLaMXxa3p6LAGcbvYGogfCEbtQd4DDlglrFVovrB0oL1alCTlZzEaa2xid1WpRObBFOB4/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess and the pea? Try an <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=archmolds&oq=archmold&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.1601j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=archmolds&tbs=vw:l,ss:9,p_ord:p&tbm=shop" target="_blank">Archmold</a> insert, an Altra Olympus and the nail!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxZbMaRdwmGa0o5RXwlEtta4R6yR1PKagt2uh4rK3LaYftogPrUW_eoMW7tRa0SPpsJpK6hrCj9s3PU68uZB3EsKB9CiLzhodQc91znllL5v2kVZyOHdqGP9fLbj1spW9MDUk1Q_3vTI/s1600/67180967-AC100%252B2016%25252C%252B0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxZbMaRdwmGa0o5RXwlEtta4R6yR1PKagt2uh4rK3LaYftogPrUW_eoMW7tRa0SPpsJpK6hrCj9s3PU68uZB3EsKB9CiLzhodQc91znllL5v2kVZyOHdqGP9fLbj1spW9MDUk1Q_3vTI/s640/67180967-AC100%252B2016%25252C%252B0250.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Mount Baden-Powell</td></tr>
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Avoiding "burning a match" on the 2500' climb, I crested the high point of the race course in about an hour and a half. NorCal runners Katy Gifford and Karen Pierce kept me company. Jon Vanderpot gave me great beta on late-race splits. I struggled to stay present instead of dwelling on what lay ahead. I kept my effort easy in the thin air. The rolling single-track descended to Islip Saddle (mile 25.4).<br />
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<i>Mile twenty: Pushed through "the wall", in a little bit of a low, starting to feel fatigued. Maybe a little doubt creeping in... Hamstrings are a little crampy, knees and ankles are a little sore...</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnrWIP5y2MUGGO5gKgSScs11X4D6hV8uRalAbWlX9Ftl_Wi23lnvufVlvmF3iwS6RwTM79ypqof7MlnKZs7QOAceHtoEwFPHyFMX5y6RwONVJ-Yuu9FxuHzIVPpOlueNqi0-W9kihgrc/s1600/67180915-8N9A9244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnrWIP5y2MUGGO5gKgSScs11X4D6hV8uRalAbWlX9Ftl_Wi23lnvufVlvmF3iwS6RwTM79ypqof7MlnKZs7QOAceHtoEwFPHyFMX5y6RwONVJ-Yuu9FxuHzIVPpOlueNqi0-W9kihgrc/s640/67180915-8N9A9244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending into Islip Saddle, photo by Paksit Photos</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-ZibzZSnyPpUmcftgMtaOxvC280OSnHgrwPTRdykBurvckN0AGbHrd2Uv7VXC99hwPRdgTaiczZkWaEbXSQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt5XJ3w_JbdX8QE0hMJ-igqUma9qt3lXF1xWpUHVHLz9nM2QgxKZr5Pvkek5yUf_ML4lr3k0WAOUEP4MX-LzLmVEYh5FX-1ur5Fc2_N8BUs7fOyJvVi2IDfwzr1i8hgn5rSvFM8Q-TR8/s1600/Andy+noise+Islip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt5XJ3w_JbdX8QE0hMJ-igqUma9qt3lXF1xWpUHVHLz9nM2QgxKZr5Pvkek5yUf_ML4lr3k0WAOUEP4MX-LzLmVEYh5FX-1ur5Fc2_N8BUs7fOyJvVi2IDfwzr1i8hgn5rSvFM8Q-TR8/s640/Andy+noise+Islip.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Islip Saddle, photo by Andy Noise</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The course was changed weeks before the race. A long stretch of highway
running would replace the Mt. Williamson and Cooper Canyon sections of
the run. I decided to change out of my trail running shoes and into a
smoother rolling road shoe at Islip Saddle. Russell Lane, whom I met at <a href="https://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/04/race-report-2016-gorge-waterfalls-50k.html" target="_blank">Gorge Waterfalls 50k</a>, staffed the medical tent. I sat down while I changed my shoes and Twirly assisted. A runner was getting an IT band massage on a cot nearby. I had a lacrosse ball in my <a data-cke-saved-href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?page_id=154" href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?page_id=154">Victory Sportdesign</a> Grizzly crew bag. I offered it to the medic; she ended up putting 'massage tools' on the inventory for the following year. I attempted a pit-stop, but failed to launch. Leaving the aid station I asked Co-RD Hal Winton how far it was to the next station. "Go that way!" he said, pointing down the highway. I consulted my split sheet, and set out to put some pavement behind me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj32r6la38E9d_ofWP-_aQnkbrBnjLGs3nsThxg4ap0V92xx1xJT2D_lT1J5waME0zcCs_B_qMNrKkUQvCCKErkpodAzTT2mD_PcFOvi770R7Km20wFuvLkA3PS8tHqATDALqs60rJtuQ/s1600/hwy2+louis+kwan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj32r6la38E9d_ofWP-_aQnkbrBnjLGs3nsThxg4ap0V92xx1xJT2D_lT1J5waME0zcCs_B_qMNrKkUQvCCKErkpodAzTT2mD_PcFOvi770R7Km20wFuvLkA3PS8tHqATDALqs60rJtuQ/s640/hwy2+louis+kwan.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway 2, photo by Louis Kwan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKASDvfyNYRqxSh_XaO0xph5YhCMS2LSGydnY9nQchMzcuZQ48icpKvngis6LblkfeQP8dLzrvseHVNdHlzGeyHtd5t2OOJaI-nz_94VZsIrpa7e8fJdGPGmY5XKgl3QmPSu0WQPFKKQ/s1600/louis+kwan+pokemon+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKASDvfyNYRqxSh_XaO0xph5YhCMS2LSGydnY9nQchMzcuZQ48icpKvngis6LblkfeQP8dLzrvseHVNdHlzGeyHtd5t2OOJaI-nz_94VZsIrpa7e8fJdGPGmY5XKgl3QmPSu0WQPFKKQ/s320/louis+kwan+pokemon+sign.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokemon Go! photo by Louis Kwan</td></tr>
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The heat radiated from the asphalt. Efficient movement was my goal. I
ran when I could, and hiked the rest of the time. Just before the
highway passed through two tunnels, Twirly drove by. She honked and
confirmed she had the lacrosse ball. After the tunnels, a mile of single
track brought me to Eagle's Roost aid station (mile 27.7). My struggle to stay present continued. I was ready for some ice in my hat and arm sleeves. Four and a half miles of highway followed; I slogged through much of this section, managing my core temperature and hydrating. Twirly surprised me with a dance party at a wide spot in the road. Louis Kwan was taking pictures along this stretch dressed as Pikachu. Things were getting surreal.<br />
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<i>Mile thirty:</i> <i>Feeling a little uncomfortable. </i></div>
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At Cloudburst Summit (mile 32) I assessed my situation. My legs felt great. I was only 25 minutes behind my planned pace, due in large part to extended aid station transitions. I was hitting my planned splits for each section. It was getting hot. My stomach churned. I drank some Coke with ice (heaven) and begged a few Gin-gin chews from
another runner's crew. On my way out I stuffed my hat and sleeves with
ice. A short section of trail spit me out onto the highway again, for what would be the last mile and a half of Highway 2. I tried to keep my legs turning over on the gradual descent. By the time I got to the next section of trail I was entering the pain cave. Water and Tailwind went down okay, but I had to force myself to eat gels and <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/Athlete-Series/organic-energy-food" target="_blank">Clif Foods</a>. The stomach was shutting down. My momentum carried me to the Three Points aid station (mile 36.5). I
ate some baked mac & cheese and quesadilla. They refilled my ice
supplies while I wiped off my face. I finally had a successful pit stop
before departing the aid station. Although I did have to use my TP kit,
as the latrine was... wiped out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbtEhR0LKSunrpM4BQkONIcPM25Th32or25ui29nST4zk1vDCjDfVOH_gkwsYBlM4TkOMjZyZvi9WFXPt-pc9abqB-ut24OmEgPzRwdTnvjmOlpzszoVxnOSsMeZa36k1A33ERiCCz6Y/s1600/paksitphotos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbtEhR0LKSunrpM4BQkONIcPM25Th32or25ui29nST4zk1vDCjDfVOH_gkwsYBlM4TkOMjZyZvi9WFXPt-pc9abqB-ut24OmEgPzRwdTnvjmOlpzszoVxnOSsMeZa36k1A33ERiCCz6Y/s640/paksitphotos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheels coming off... Photo by Paksit Photo</td></tr>
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I rode a fine line between discomfort and running on the new section of the Silver Moccasin trail. The volunteer at the exit of Three Points indicated it would be 5 miles to the next aid station. My sheet said it would be 3.5. It ended up 3.25! Mt. Hilyer #1 (mile 40) was the launching point for an 8.5 mile out and back climb of Mt. Pacifico. Runners who were 8 miles ahead of me rolled into the station on the
return trip. It was good to get a sense of the climb from them. Most
were pretty worked. "Exposed," "brutal" and "not fun" was the common
consensus around the station. I went through my drop bag, preparing for the long fire road.<br />
<br />
<i>Mile forty:</i> <i>Fighting off a deep low. Apathy is setting in. Lost my high gear.</i></div>
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I filled a small zip lock with some calories and hit the road. The out and back gave me an opportunity to say hi to those I knew in the race. Chris Jones was looking good as he jogged down the hill about 4 miles in front of me. Katy Gifford and Karen Pierce were looking comfortable about a mile in front of me. At the Mt. Pacifico aid station (mile 44), I filled up with ice. A runner lay motionless on a sleeping pad, medical staff at his side. I turned to run down the road, and failed. With every running step, my stomach would cramp and a side stitch would flare up. Then the hiccups started. Hiccups and I have a hateful relationship: I have had them for hours at a time. I was able to reign in my diaphragm with careful breathing, drinking water and relaxing. I resigned to use my power hike to make my way off the mountain as fast as I could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAP5P6WBxwTy2LOpehkn65Ut74wlbXtoKSbcJAbFYsc_1pgwoZCSQLbjyv9eOWpKP90iOp7sXSWCooKcWoQz0aHFdMdIlwqWmbRpiDrdkCB4QfYd7jGB8-wTAD5QaTQ-tg84ivtRBChg/s1600/MtP+CJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAP5P6WBxwTy2LOpehkn65Ut74wlbXtoKSbcJAbFYsc_1pgwoZCSQLbjyv9eOWpKP90iOp7sXSWCooKcWoQz0aHFdMdIlwqWmbRpiDrdkCB4QfYd7jGB8-wTAD5QaTQ-tg84ivtRBChg/s640/MtP+CJ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Mt Pacifico, photo by Chris Jones</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
At Mt. Hilyer #2 (mile 48) I figured the round trip took about 2:30. Despite not having any reliable elevation or mileage data for this section, I had planned about 2:15 for the out and back. I was still executing my planned paces, but I was losing time refueling in the aid stations. I continued to use the zip lock baggie to carry food with me. After some soup I tackled the climb over to Chilao aid station.</div>
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<i>Mile fifty: Very frustrated. Bonking. I don't like being in this head-space.</i><br />
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The sun was getting low in the sky, and temperatures were cooling. I began to feel better as the trail descended into Chilao Flats. Twirly would be handing off crewing duties to Junior, and I would pick up my first pacer Kenny Ringled. Here I was at mile 52, and I was just beginning to get my second wind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9IKFFXl-25oPs2kPuZth0zNBSCqLeOpUujh_W9qlDKFgT5h0JUNSk9wQr1nFpzHGLNH526CkdzykVBjtCUfsI2a5sOOXZQFF2XFGZKH2frt-iaCQZ0CiQsi7mClV7FrkwVZFzUnAmDg/s1600/IMG_2841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9IKFFXl-25oPs2kPuZth0zNBSCqLeOpUujh_W9qlDKFgT5h0JUNSk9wQr1nFpzHGLNH526CkdzykVBjtCUfsI2a5sOOXZQFF2XFGZKH2frt-iaCQZ0CiQsi7mClV7FrkwVZFzUnAmDg/s640/IMG_2841.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for that second wind, photo by Twirly</td></tr>
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I got out of my wet shirt and hat, changed into my newest pair of Vibram Olympus 2.0's and got ready for the dark. Having four people crewing at the same time got a little hectic. Between the shoe change and shuttling food to me I kept everyone busy for the fifteen minutes I was there. The Otter Pops saved me. Kenny and I set out into dusk, and by the time I needed to turn my flashlight on I felt I could run again. Having a pacer helped distract me, and I was moving well.</div>
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I picked off a few spots crossing the Big Tujunga River canyon. When I arrived at Shortcut Saddle aid station (mile 59.3), Junior was ready with a new pack for me. I was ready for another pit-stop, but to no avail. There were no porta-johns between Chilao and Chantry Flats. "The world is your toilet" one volunteer exclaimed with outstretched arms... I had a couple servings of soup and some more soda, filling my zip-lock with pretzels and GORP.<br />
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<i>Mile sixty: Stomach problems diminshing, frustration abating. I think I've got this one in the bag.</i> </div>
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"Five miles down and three up" was the salutation from the volunteer as I left the aid station. Kenny pointed out the lights of Newcomb's Saddle aid station (mile 67.9). A string of headlamps made their way across the canyon. It seemed far. I found a pile of rocks to do my business behind. We continued to make
our way to the canyon floor, running when practical. The hiccups
returned a few times. I was able to gain control each time by stopping,
drinking and relaxing. The three mile climb up to Newcomb's Saddle was my second low point of the race. I reached the aid station on the verge of bonking, and took about 20 minutes to refuel and regroup. I had hoped Junior and David would be at Chantry in time to talk to them via the tele-link, but they had not arrived yet. The hiccups continued to manifest, but each time I fought them off. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68ZLziGCsHuidvY9O_UeIosTczlgIzDxz29iYhnpfJjqwiyZiBUrLaD7tALZ7O_v69yGZwU0X0BNQRhMQw3jgYF-l5nSfLyvy49FexYS6YKEiheA4xGJ1GDdkQEgtWtNIYHmwNR5rCIA/s1600/junior+chantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68ZLziGCsHuidvY9O_UeIosTczlgIzDxz29iYhnpfJjqwiyZiBUrLaD7tALZ7O_v69yGZwU0X0BNQRhMQw3jgYF-l5nSfLyvy49FexYS6YKEiheA4xGJ1GDdkQEgtWtNIYHmwNR5rCIA/s320/junior+chantry.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chantry Flats with David and Kenny, photo by Junior</td></tr>
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The stretch between Newcomb's Saddle and Chantry Flats (mile 74.5) reminded me a lot of Cal Street at States. Descending single track, not too technical, found me running when footing allowed. I passed a couple of runners, and had to slow down as we neared the canyon floor. The trail became rocky and I did not want to trip. After a short climb into the aid station, I collapsed into a chair and collected myself. I changed into a dry shirt and buff, switched out my pack and ate as much as I could. Another pit stop and forty minutes later, I was finally ready to tackle Mt. Wilson. David took over pacing duties, and Junior was off the hook. I would not see any crew until the finish line almost nine hours later.<br />
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<i>Mile seventy: Another bonk-driven low. My legs feel good, but the hiccups are killing me.</i> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXYAjoSBGhIB7ihV5EJsOP_ulDNbayTuBln7KGaFQcInh8srATS1qlGJDp1NGOUdnmJrCu3PAzJWC6MtmYyKMZ9duYJuRTLZ3flr5XXTLbbBVLUb-JACuzJLGzjeHYeS279nA6PRH9Zw/s1600/DL+DMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXYAjoSBGhIB7ihV5EJsOP_ulDNbayTuBln7KGaFQcInh8srATS1qlGJDp1NGOUdnmJrCu3PAzJWC6MtmYyKMZ9duYJuRTLZ3flr5XXTLbbBVLUb-JACuzJLGzjeHYeS279nA6PRH9Zw/s320/DL+DMB.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Man's Bench, photo by David Leeke</td></tr>
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I had not memorized the elevation profile. As we began the climb, the trail would take a turn and go downhill. This frustrated me. I knew that every foot I lost was a foot I had to climb. We gained the Winter Creek Trail and began climbing in earnest. Earlier in the race, atop Mount Baden-Powell, I had met AC veteran Jon Vanderpot. He had given me some splits from Chantry to the finish. Getting to Dead Man's Bench before the sun rises had eluded him thus far. I had his words in my head as I raced the sunrise to the ridge. I stopped to pee about an hour and fifteen minutes into the climb, and here comes Jon hiking like a bat out of hell. I asked him for some info on the rest of the climb and he told me he never remembers any of it. Ten minutes later we were at the bench. The sun had not broken the horizon yet. I'm glad I got to share that spot with Jon, he is a class act (more on that later.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSs0oeFyNdBL76ZArLl9r8g2s4V_Ky2no8BGObYaEMm5Sqv5PnrKPIlrvuyr2dk1zUpaCBX9V22vtLSX-lTk8KGEUYxxXRSMltxHg5NpLDMMJkfV34THXenCIV2Vf-kTdQ3crbTmqj1M/s1600/DL+WTR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSs0oeFyNdBL76ZArLl9r8g2s4V_Ky2no8BGObYaEMm5Sqv5PnrKPIlrvuyr2dk1zUpaCBX9V22vtLSX-lTk8KGEUYxxXRSMltxHg5NpLDMMJkfV34THXenCIV2Vf-kTdQ3crbTmqj1M/s320/DL+WTR1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise from Wilson Toll Road, photo by David Leeke</td></tr>
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<i> </i><br />
<i>Mile eighty: Very tired, beginning to do math in my head... Still suffering GI issues. The hardest part of the race is behind me.</i><br />
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Little climbing remained before we arrived at the Mount Wilson Toll Road, a rock strewn but runnable grade coming off the mountain. The marine layer carpeted the valley obscuring the city below. It was gorgeous. Instead of returning to civilization it gave the impression we were still far afield. We ran above the clouds and continued to pick up carnage. One of the walking wounded was Chris Jones. I passed him about a mile and a half above Idlehour aid station. He had been running with Alison Chavez, who had put a gap on him. We rounded a corner, and I heard Chris behind me yelling to Alison over the cliff to the aid station below. Their call and response was cute. #sufferbetter</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNZGAFI_bHG3yHFwCDKyDan3HeBD7F9zB5FAmultVTCHlSdkAjhs_sjayDbrwPD3YDfMF18hb9bVuy-gDWtLxPih_afPZMWimqKjmQNgrzu2pNTnG3IA_yr632DMigkKhh2-0oi2Qv-s/s1600/DL+WTR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNZGAFI_bHG3yHFwCDKyDan3HeBD7F9zB5FAmultVTCHlSdkAjhs_sjayDbrwPD3YDfMF18hb9bVuy-gDWtLxPih_afPZMWimqKjmQNgrzu2pNTnG3IA_yr632DMigkKhh2-0oi2Qv-s/s640/DL+WTR2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilson Toll Road, photo by David Leeke</td></tr>
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Knowing that pancakes were on the menu at Idlehour aid station (mile 83.5) lit a fire under my ass. I ran the last mile into the aid station feeling fresh and rejuvenated. My form felt strong. I had strength reserves on tap. I devoured a few pancakes and thanked Lawrence Miller (a Cat I met at Gorge Waterfalls) and crew for an outstanding station. Five and a half miles up the final climb. The barn was just over that hill...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vVDCTaZ4MnDCNnkF_txyw5OY_4xfo2VHJwg5IUdw_qDxaBoPKBVrBELAYGgvZCNTXcPW0ERtObps-csAF9ZkJNB9a7gI3apHQvS5YcjzVfyofuYF5hqE9DACcTuN-VdQbUj1Q7jJR8A/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vVDCTaZ4MnDCNnkF_txyw5OY_4xfo2VHJwg5IUdw_qDxaBoPKBVrBELAYGgvZCNTXcPW0ERtObps-csAF9ZkJNB9a7gI3apHQvS5YcjzVfyofuYF5hqE9DACcTuN-VdQbUj1Q7jJR8A/s640/IMG_1215.JPG.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smelling the barn. Wait... Nope... That's L.A. Photo by David Leeke</td></tr>
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<i>Mile ninety: I can smell the barn. I'm in a hurry. The more I move, the less my feet hurt.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc2b_7mgnP8AqL6NfF41xHA2gPkIMu7tWsY1Bqw-D-U9lGxhlI7hcDNnABNKlTECqpMLaoHcIV5tBoI2ti3KqGNJfEhiCA2SWNGbwkWsoUhpudCSZTQgBLSRNXxGTdCNTHjNGbhlTzpo/s1600/DL+SSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc2b_7mgnP8AqL6NfF41xHA2gPkIMu7tWsY1Bqw-D-U9lGxhlI7hcDNnABNKlTECqpMLaoHcIV5tBoI2ti3KqGNJfEhiCA2SWNGbwkWsoUhpudCSZTQgBLSRNXxGTdCNTHjNGbhlTzpo/s320/DL+SSP.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning to civilization, photo by David Leeke</td></tr>
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It took me about two hours of steady climbing in the morning sunshine before I arrived at Sam Merrill aid station (mile 89). I continued to stuff food in, and the breakfast sausage at this station hit the spot. I left with a bottle of Tailwind and a bottle of Redbull. I had saved my legs for this stretch. I knew it was going to be technical. In the end, it was my tender feet which prevented me from attacking this section. After a couple miles of semi-runnable forested trail, we dropped into the high desert. The marine layer had burned off, revealing the humanity below. Tourists, day hikers and fresh-smelling trail runners grew in density. The eroded trail required close attention to footing. I did my best to keep my momentum up and not trip. After another two hours I found myself at the final aid station, Millard CG (mile 95.6). I put my pack in my <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign</a> Cougar II drop bag (the new
model has an expansion feature). I put on a fresh shirt and hat, and got
out in about seven minutes. Less than five miles to the finish, with a decent descent. I could smell the barn BIG TIME.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cuaNsfk13J6aF9Jzz3PoBCuOsjHR-HL70WiNHXomFIslogqLuMr2benyo683pRdEPchCwVH3PJIS-g2n2fcRZgEDrVzr_vFBhU0wIlr2m36k2Aj_5JA8nwZrs5tJ3NuTpiuOrYdtBWo/s1600/Andy+Noise+Millard+to+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cuaNsfk13J6aF9Jzz3PoBCuOsjHR-HL70WiNHXomFIslogqLuMr2benyo683pRdEPchCwVH3PJIS-g2n2fcRZgEDrVzr_vFBhU0wIlr2m36k2Aj_5JA8nwZrs5tJ3NuTpiuOrYdtBWo/s320/Andy+Noise+Millard+to+finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy feet, photo by Andy Noise</td></tr>
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Feeling stronger as the finish line grew near, I ran hard. Single track gave way to fire road. Fire road gave way to pavement and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. David said it felt like we were running into a sort of Mad Max industrial complex. We climbed a short dirt section, and then we were on the streets of Altadena. Suburbanites cheered us along, and I could see a string of runners in front of me walking it in. I kept running. All the way into Loma Alta Park, across the grass and through the finish line. I threw my bottles into the air and ran into Hal's arms, thanking him for the experience. Tearful hugs from Junior, David and Twirly followed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAbqbrG1G24ueRD3Mfc1AP_8352EicrSzCgD8GyDEbyxR_-mlhtp9i6PcOtjMykIsGfEo8IV8uXpUt1Uvf_uFRJUv524Oo8mD90QD7mYGYWr20hYDsZknRue6x5g4OSO0dWJhppVkFSg/s1600/louis+kwan+finishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAbqbrG1G24ueRD3Mfc1AP_8352EicrSzCgD8GyDEbyxR_-mlhtp9i6PcOtjMykIsGfEo8IV8uXpUt1Uvf_uFRJUv524Oo8mD90QD7mYGYWr20hYDsZknRue6x5g4OSO0dWJhppVkFSg/s640/louis+kwan+finishing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final miles, photo by Louis Kwan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaBoxiWfFQ83bC6oHnndE_mxrbLlVFb8jJm-ouzhg4HvzL-Svy9TvhObCv5umnrbnmm2FvF5p0bEqdJwodpJGzYHjCNRDNZP2kJyRyHMtGDfzkACtKZYWZYrvoqPRIwz5XVdf_VpfJPw/s1600/67180968-AC100%252B2016%252B-%252B0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaBoxiWfFQ83bC6oHnndE_mxrbLlVFb8jJm-ouzhg4HvzL-Svy9TvhObCv5umnrbnmm2FvF5p0bEqdJwodpJGzYHjCNRDNZP2kJyRyHMtGDfzkACtKZYWZYrvoqPRIwz5XVdf_VpfJPw/s640/67180968-AC100%252B2016%252B-%252B0526.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unbearable relief of finishing, 31:32:57, 97th place</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9fr4Wm7CnNQDE8aSAkpek35eLBT8qJMPRY0pXp5IYU9IrPEzXdzx-leTvrQzkh0xcN-KF14h7pwX0gN80rrrLq2FsYjvTCdmRsbzFgDNcX8g6MH1610T3zcL6l95lChNLUcPv1YZFn8/s1600/IMG_2855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9fr4Wm7CnNQDE8aSAkpek35eLBT8qJMPRY0pXp5IYU9IrPEzXdzx-leTvrQzkh0xcN-KF14h7pwX0gN80rrrLq2FsYjvTCdmRsbzFgDNcX8g6MH1610T3zcL6l95lChNLUcPv1YZFn8/s640/IMG_2855.jpg" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugging it out with Dad, priceless</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLDGME26Od7NravDB4QRBPdTHW7MgIbLqszrectGTYwx4GuTSU3kJphfyJnmvgn2hUZczrXIgcA9aBAgrhko2SY747MKyWpwuIr_AbonoQq5s7TGkmYxOB5xM79X6OyvoA84-G9QFcxw/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLDGME26Od7NravDB4QRBPdTHW7MgIbLqszrectGTYwx4GuTSU3kJphfyJnmvgn2hUZczrXIgcA9aBAgrhko2SY747MKyWpwuIr_AbonoQq5s7TGkmYxOB5xM79X6OyvoA84-G9QFcxw/s640/IMG_2858.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and I have been enabling each other for many miles</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ7OHEQuwaTPcXQ5gEDjIwWKbUd3EDAkDbuigzzzKBKsV0Qvh-AHS-3a38T8cJ8mdnVNhdYKiYlrdT9zc948tYtQ2L1esaMy5lxSlT3Rfg5CWFBSYs0F-URKjoJNvehyphenhyphenPwwvGLL-57EY/s1600/67180969-AC100%252B2016%252B-%252B0621%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ7OHEQuwaTPcXQ5gEDjIwWKbUd3EDAkDbuigzzzKBKsV0Qvh-AHS-3a38T8cJ8mdnVNhdYKiYlrdT9zc948tYtQ2L1esaMy5lxSlT3Rfg5CWFBSYs0F-URKjoJNvehyphenhyphenPwwvGLL-57EY/s640/67180969-AC100%252B2016%252B-%252B0621%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
2016 Angeles Crest 100 award ceremony<br />
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The community surrounding this race is what left the biggest imprint upon me. The encouragement and support I received (I often heard a surprised volunteer say "Wow! You look great!") was fantastic and uplifting. The visceral experience of running these 100 miles faded away days
later. The love and support these runners and organizers share is
boundless. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u_1OXTxecDJTy7IF14t9esQhgQFL85M-XA0_xAajSiXXmcftF6z-hd0UT_LRVrqVWrm4JalDPMd_JyZlZYrTog-jm4fEKQuin1cSlvYsln8AFbGBgu9TKtnAahAv-SGCI6R7tf1EYHk/s1600/ruiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u_1OXTxecDJTy7IF14t9esQhgQFL85M-XA0_xAajSiXXmcftF6z-hd0UT_LRVrqVWrm4JalDPMd_JyZlZYrTog-jm4fEKQuin1cSlvYsln8AFbGBgu9TKtnAahAv-SGCI6R7tf1EYHk/s640/ruiz.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi Ruiz finishes just after the cut-off, p/c unknown</td></tr>
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A SoCal runner named Naomi Ruiz finished about 15 minutes
after the cut-off. Her joy mixed with the anguish of the effort scrawled
across her face. At the awards ceremony, Jon Vanderpot gave his buckle to Naomi. That
selfless act embodies this community. I feel fortunate to have shared a
few miles with him. The race had some obstacles to overcome this year.
It is obvious to me that there are many people who care about the event.
That stewardship will carry it far into the future. Angeles Crest holds onto the old school trail running atmosphere. There were no PA systems or music blaring at the aid stations. Overall, the event feels pure.<br />
<br />
I do not feel I
have anything to prove on this course, and as such may not return. I
will cherish the memories and friendships that came out of this year's
race. Congratulations to all who attempted the distance. Heartfelt
thanks to all the volunteers and organizers. Good luck to all who will
consider the Angeles Crest 100 Mile in the future.One anecdote I have to share before I go:<br />
<br />
Whenever I asked how far it was to the next aid station, I received a different answer. Different from another volunteer at that station, different from the race book, different from what my Garmin clocked. The experience was remarkably consistent. I began to think that they were just messing with me, so I talked about this with other runners. They agreed it was happening. But every time an aid station volunteer would answer the question, they always padded the distance. That made all the difference.<br />
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See you on the trails...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ORp6-VfKfCnxhJVHTPTD9jdASMbe-XjtGdTN4WvPJeRsiTXT1SKU2wwEyIbjp2SVsCwJNIZRpDzwEcLjbqfVeyidVG_uG4vujuFM3uHr4SaMHAqyL-txdRwyiynCZgKvXurY-pQR_UQ/s1600/DL+WTR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ORp6-VfKfCnxhJVHTPTD9jdASMbe-XjtGdTN4WvPJeRsiTXT1SKU2wwEyIbjp2SVsCwJNIZRpDzwEcLjbqfVeyidVG_uG4vujuFM3uHr4SaMHAqyL-txdRwyiynCZgKvXurY-pQR_UQ/s640/DL+WTR3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Strava deets:</div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/669443656/embed/120d2e84db2e79db4289c2543a31a12950db46fd" width="590"></iframe>Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-61095900458487374162016-07-06T12:17:00.000-07:002016-08-19T18:04:21.742-07:00Race Report: Broken Arrow Skyrace 52k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAqC_lhZKfmt5bUygXhypjpp9kr6t9DI3-y0lOZlTHwi6-Pf64EmuiESkzWAKebj05IPAtBJHqv36cACse5T6Y6dfwLEZfB1e6nEs8N7XYoebJqcVZwqcdtTm5QMAvVIVhsIB1-56dqk/s1600/Broken+Arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAqC_lhZKfmt5bUygXhypjpp9kr6t9DI3-y0lOZlTHwi6-Pf64EmuiESkzWAKebj05IPAtBJHqv36cACse5T6Y6dfwLEZfB1e6nEs8N7XYoebJqcVZwqcdtTm5QMAvVIVhsIB1-56dqk/s640/Broken+Arrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Broken Arrow Skyrace was held in California on June 18-19, 2016, in Squaw Valley, California. It joins Speedgoat 50k in Utah and The Rut 50k in Montana in the US Skyrunning series. What sets the Skyrunning series (an <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">international organization encompassing some 200 races in 65 countrie</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyrunning" target="_blank">s</a>) apart from other races is the nature of the courses: altitude above 2000 meters (6600 feet), and climbs up to 30% grade. Events usually center around a vertical kilometer race and an ultra-distance Skyrace. Squaw Valley met these requirements in spades.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JzLtMHAJDUkBzYuzyKN4a8VonoY8il5LEQ9aGraFKu7ZwLiqd07a7btI9b1X_iAbHzcAWzljUgksYUg-_EHbdMPRlYGUwM5PS5nkqPIfUeRp6snsz7VFxliHe9Gy_IVXEu_9os4eQQA/s1600/580bcb_ef329acac03f4866b41a6d7ad6810fb9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JzLtMHAJDUkBzYuzyKN4a8VonoY8il5LEQ9aGraFKu7ZwLiqd07a7btI9b1X_iAbHzcAWzljUgksYUg-_EHbdMPRlYGUwM5PS5nkqPIfUeRp6snsz7VFxliHe9Gy_IVXEu_9os4eQQA/s320/580bcb_ef329acac03f4866b41a6d7ad6810fb9.png" width="204" /></a></div>
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I had originally planned to run the Summer Solstice 12 hour event in San Francisco. It was tentatively scheduled for the same weekend and would provide a good training venue for my goal race, <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="_blank">Angeles Crest 100 Mile</a>. I planned to experiment with nutrition sources and remedies on the one mile loop around Crissy Field. Unfortunately, Pacific Coast Trail Runs was unable to acquire their permit this year; apparently Crissy Field was booked for the month of June. I was explaining my predicament to Victor from <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign</a> over a beer a few weeks before the race when he suggested Broken Arrow. I had heard some details about the race, but hadn't considered it until that moment. </div>
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"With that much vert, it will be great training for AC," he said. The idea scared me initially, but the more I considered it, the more I knew he was right. I pulled the trigger two weeks before the race.</div>
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My training plan from <a href="https://mcmillanrunning.clickfunnels.com/sales-page8214115" target="_blank">McMillan Run Club</a> was paying dividends. Aerobic fitness was falling into line with peak fitness from years past, and my climbing muscles were not far behind. The race allowed the use of poles, which I knew would help distribute the pain and allow me to continue training the week after the race. No crew or drop bags made planning simple. Show up, run aid station to aid station and take care of myself. It doesn't get much better. The aid stations would provide my go to fuel (<a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/Athlete-Series/organic-energy-food" target="_blank">Clif Energy Food</a>), and I would carry single use <a href="http://www.tailwindnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Tailwind</a> packs for my water bottles.</div>
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Race weekend, organizers determined there was too much snow on parts of the course, requiring a re-route. They ended up shaving off a couple of miles, but adding about a thousand feet of vertical. The final stats were something around 32 miles and 10,500-11,500 feet of climbing. Not a bad day's work. I set my goal at ten hours and told myself to stay comfortable.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLkHLW0O-RnPJ121BmyGN7shVzForpSrgiwFcajoiByP-BkUZV8cX0O5muYaaWr76LXZGIe0Qb6alGWzy-GXRoS2z3KbrrQXR5LD1i2EA9RYuZKgC6nc4xDtPB-6xvEmLoEAXbBbHbqg/s1600/BAmap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLkHLW0O-RnPJ121BmyGN7shVzForpSrgiwFcajoiByP-BkUZV8cX0O5muYaaWr76LXZGIe0Qb6alGWzy-GXRoS2z3KbrrQXR5LD1i2EA9RYuZKgC6nc4xDtPB-6xvEmLoEAXbBbHbqg/s640/BAmap.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broken Arrow 52k</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIU3prpcZxb7XEkZhOsfpeW8c2iu8B9KL7J-nzdmMkoYJ5rIa4KQKGgeGSkNIu0yrplfO-iBU2RzEk6MHt_M9F1iG6vQiFhDQBOpx0agWppmRYDpD1c1nhmirMu1kv9aJUx0QnMOn_F4/s1600/BAprofile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIU3prpcZxb7XEkZhOsfpeW8c2iu8B9KL7J-nzdmMkoYJ5rIa4KQKGgeGSkNIu0yrplfO-iBU2RzEk6MHt_M9F1iG6vQiFhDQBOpx0agWppmRYDpD1c1nhmirMu1kv9aJUx0QnMOn_F4/s640/BAprofile.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertical profile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-gvbyTXrn1trlZZ3ypIaMbYF80ohANLZe7dSUyzdeUkMQWwpwN1uHXfXu8Ug74I1M7icLlgd5BiTtBX4HBsFu8FxkcPpIgVh3pqRpTqZncbKkX7N4HFLO6OZ3mRZpyD4vfXx2ok1vd4/s1600/BA+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-gvbyTXrn1trlZZ3ypIaMbYF80ohANLZe7dSUyzdeUkMQWwpwN1uHXfXu8Ug74I1M7icLlgd5BiTtBX4HBsFu8FxkcPpIgVh3pqRpTqZncbKkX7N4HFLO6OZ3mRZpyD4vfXx2ok1vd4/s320/BA+start.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousand yard stare, photo by Mike Kreaden</td></tr>
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Race morning I drove to Squaw Valley while fueling and sipping my coffee. I arrived an hour before race start, checked in (awesome swag) and got my gear squared away. The course change resulted in a rule change: drop bags would be allowed, so I packed up my <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory</a> bag with my usual desires, tightened up my laces and joined the throng at the starting line. </div>
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As advertised, the course went pretty much straight up the valley, following single-track winding through thickets and meadows. I kept my effort in zone 2 for most of the day, and at that altitude, I was moving pretty slowly. </div>
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Near the end of the second mile, the conga line I was in took a wrong turn at a trail junction. Some trails had red flags, some had yellow, and some had both. The leader of the line stopped about a half mile from the junction, realizing we were headed away from High Camp, the site of the first aid station. I turned tail and ran back the way we came, shouting "On-on!" when I picked up the true trail. A fellow hasher had followed me, Nicolas from Washington D.C.. We would spend the majority of the race near each other, although most of the course is steep enough to quash any conversation. I confirmed we were on course with the first marshal I saw, and soon enough we were at the High Camp aid station.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCdWMXtzKiCLo2YnjscHOLimllWVbvECWVOt4S8bwAervn0J4egZwfj38hEbc3JtZVBF4vyfuoFsF5ABBYbHKvKKbdLDBeOtve7sGNlmLWGqAxFAt54XojJFWeF6fLN2WQgwclHd8hyo/s1600/IMG_5879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCdWMXtzKiCLo2YnjscHOLimllWVbvECWVOt4S8bwAervn0J4egZwfj38hEbc3JtZVBF4vyfuoFsF5ABBYbHKvKKbdLDBeOtve7sGNlmLWGqAxFAt54XojJFWeF6fLN2WQgwclHd8hyo/s640/IMG_5879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley Lakes Basin</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR8VHyGfzEScVnKc4Q20xEAlDxHca5Hto5rOo9oaLMnAFjHr-q2ueY3XwsBw0JBZ-3IpqHK2u63aZyDEFWmr2Nu7AaHvIXKv6rVvc8Tf_OQs6XWW6Yya1HyZYcFI38iRz_AHwLi1XRZ8/s1600/banoe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR8VHyGfzEScVnKc4Q20xEAlDxHca5Hto5rOo9oaLMnAFjHr-q2ueY3XwsBw0JBZ-3IpqHK2u63aZyDEFWmr2Nu7AaHvIXKv6rVvc8Tf_OQs6XWW6Yya1HyZYcFI38iRz_AHwLi1XRZ8/s640/banoe2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing to Emigrant Pass, photo by Noe Castanon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSL_nxJj7KMMvX0k4U-Bi3mbDbVCQMgDsUqEBh7C4FrxBCkBQ72LrjfFfQJntr22RbhKC7y-nRyGNXE-FIC3MX4ag1k0Tk_tV7YO-Bu7McevncbBU1GmS4hYBECwiW380kd2Si3jhPoA/s1600/IMG_5881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSL_nxJj7KMMvX0k4U-Bi3mbDbVCQMgDsUqEBh7C4FrxBCkBQ72LrjfFfQJntr22RbhKC7y-nRyGNXE-FIC3MX4ag1k0Tk_tV7YO-Bu7McevncbBU1GmS4hYBECwiW380kd2Si3jhPoA/s640/IMG_5881.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the Escarpment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjIZNmirHZMMd8lo4xQgfFxoqK8ABGoFpNdjaBFeyAjrNj3lEHtJoHOiU6Wd9kdYNOSXXMvkByrTbOVKUCTJNrIQmBwyBOur4EE7Al8lNQtG7mRyJL_UDQWN7-xOC5QngrzL3JXC2kes/s1600/IMG_5882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjIZNmirHZMMd8lo4xQgfFxoqK8ABGoFpNdjaBFeyAjrNj3lEHtJoHOiU6Wd9kdYNOSXXMvkByrTbOVKUCTJNrIQmBwyBOur4EE7Al8lNQtG7mRyJL_UDQWN7-xOC5QngrzL3JXC2kes/s640/IMG_5882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squaw Peak, the high point of the course</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_PaZywSd9UKgL3AsuLZUAgBasm9yt4REmjYPuHsZyA9qjrJktLoaYk-ITNkvZsgWCGWESxEe5NrHqIudWtiFWcvmPmTOaU2-r0FlaiFfO7NdCiu3cRxwKHcUiZcNrBb6O-GEgjYUp3g/s1600/IMG_5883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_PaZywSd9UKgL3AsuLZUAgBasm9yt4REmjYPuHsZyA9qjrJktLoaYk-ITNkvZsgWCGWESxEe5NrHqIudWtiFWcvmPmTOaU2-r0FlaiFfO7NdCiu3cRxwKHcUiZcNrBb6O-GEgjYUp3g/s640/IMG_5883.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MILES of snow fields</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8eQ3mWNmv-wx7XJCnaaUxV6HsK7bw3-mdFNSrlAbekuNJ4KCZb-M3NsBORWw9WGzXB1O28iRcowK09RxGLPDNf-hf2tDzQO_fb5BRDUmGAIuopf5qnDoDTlUstoOjKK3jqixaQSHcZ4/s1600/IMG_5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8eQ3mWNmv-wx7XJCnaaUxV6HsK7bw3-mdFNSrlAbekuNJ4KCZb-M3NsBORWw9WGzXB1O28iRcowK09RxGLPDNf-hf2tDzQO_fb5BRDUmGAIuopf5qnDoDTlUstoOjKK3jqixaQSHcZ4/s640/IMG_5884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squaw Valley</td></tr>
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From there, the course dropped into Shirley Lakes Basin for a short 1.5 mile loop. The north facing slopes still held soft snow, giving me an opportunity to try glissading. Of course, having not ever really glissaded before, I ended up on my butt every time. A long, snowy climb out brought us to an aid station near the foot of the Escarpment (Big Blue), which we then had to climb.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy2v8idyDmy0HX4XtCkk1_SuSq5vacaFnTxPMU7xVawxJlKX4xrzprxavaedlyuSVJPOihrMrD46Hiafo6Oj9W9GzGqfodAdUDvjJDdxgAkUU-0ll7UfSxY2qWkLh8DUoITfPnQwmXEo/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy2v8idyDmy0HX4XtCkk1_SuSq5vacaFnTxPMU7xVawxJlKX4xrzprxavaedlyuSVJPOihrMrD46Hiafo6Oj9W9GzGqfodAdUDvjJDdxgAkUU-0ll7UfSxY2qWkLh8DUoITfPnQwmXEo/s640/IMG_5886.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory mid-race selfie </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squaw Creek cascading</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KT-22 (Easy Street aid station at the bottom of that road)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9hS7fn9x53s6H-H9EaifYC31IkewwtSuuCOMPbjoOb-1bekvD6JoYEB-8_TRIXLut4rG_TKV5IgmvjCAeA6UYAfOpLB0fTO_V8d8s3VkPJQyADentRmumV8yvuuQAGpzYMXX79jTF3Q/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9hS7fn9x53s6H-H9EaifYC31IkewwtSuuCOMPbjoOb-1bekvD6JoYEB-8_TRIXLut4rG_TKV5IgmvjCAeA6UYAfOpLB0fTO_V8d8s3VkPJQyADentRmumV8yvuuQAGpzYMXX79jTF3Q/s640/IMG_5890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The descent to the valley floor was spectacular. Long traverses through snow fields combined with some steeper pitches that provided more glissading practice made me glad I chose to use poles; they helped brake my descent by dragging them like a paddle. By the time I returned to Base Camp my quads were spent. I was only 10 miles in and it had taken three hours. <i>Right on track for a ten hour finish</i>, I thought. Eric Schranz was on the PA announcing runners, and he wished me a good time on the trails when I departed for the rest of the race. Nice touch. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite tree in the Valley</td></tr>
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Then, more climbing. First, a series of long switchbacks and a traverse brought the runners near the summit of Snow King Peak. That climb totaled 1300' in three miles. I saw the 26k leaders come screaming down the hill at me as I climbed. They were working hard! Then, as I descended to the fourth aid station at Easy Street, I began to see the 52k leaders. Dakota Jones was power hiking, hands on quads, moving steadily and smoothly. I wanted to stop and watch, but I knew I had a long way to go. Here he was four miles from the finish while I still had 18 miles to go!</div>
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A quick stop at the aid station and then another big climb to the top of KT-22. 1200' in 1.5 miles! More famous faces came at me, including Tim Tollefson, Marin local Galen Burell and Max King. A short descent to a saddle, and then yet another 1200' of climbing in 1.5 miles to the summit of Squaw Peak at almost 9000 feet above sea level. The final approach to the summit was ridiculous: rock scrambling, a rusty 30' ladder and roped up snowfield. Course marshals at the ladder to the peak saw some interesting expressions, I'm sure. My blood sugar was getting low as I climbed the ladder, poles in one hand. I felt the exposure on both sides and focused on getting to the peak safely.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridgeline to Squaw Peak, note red ladder in center-left</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approach to Squaw Peak, photo by Noe Castanon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ridge to Squaw Peak, photo by Noe Castanon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladder to Squaw Peak summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final ascent to Squaw Peak summit, photo by Noe Castanon</td></tr>
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The course retraced its steps through the high country, hitting the Big Blue aid station, Shirley Lakes Basin and High Camp aid station. A long traverse and descent brought runners to the last bit of new trail: the climb up the Headwall face and traverse around Sun Bowl. This section gained yet another 1200', but this time in a much more forgiving 2 miles. From there, it was just two summits, KT-22 and Snow King Peak before the final descent to the Village and the finish line. I ran with a 14 year old named Adam from SoCal for much of this stretch. On the climb to KT-22 I let him go. I was tired and felt like I had gotten my training run in. I took it easy on the final miles, conserving my legs for the next week's training.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finishing miles of the course follow the ridgeline on the right</td></tr>
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I spoke with a few runners who had completed Hardrock, and they all agreed this course was a good primer on the relentless climbing and varied terrain of the iconic course through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Most I spoke to claimed it was the hardest 50k they had ever run. For an inaugural event, the race organization was spot on, and the support was excellent (aside from the confusing course marking around the trail junctions). In lieu of running States in June, I think this race could become a cornerstone of my summer racing schedule. Hopefully next time I can race it, instead of turning it into an eight hour training run with a three hour cool down!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKlfpy_IogBjRhKtHJnhuKv7nK_Spibago4FU8wGGpLb_hlqbrn9oUjOh1QMappvRgcXHEKM2AIM6pky6FkXK7LNVrlr2tGVXtlNZ3jx3sx1eWRFpufpojHZzLXdlUKr4BPWtSevdffY/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKlfpy_IogBjRhKtHJnhuKv7nK_Spibago4FU8wGGpLb_hlqbrn9oUjOh1QMappvRgcXHEKM2AIM6pky6FkXK7LNVrlr2tGVXtlNZ3jx3sx1eWRFpufpojHZzLXdlUKr4BPWtSevdffY/s640/IMG_5893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Strava data:<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/615843889/embed/31dcb4d2f06024bd72b8e641828c112271833f4b" width="590"></iframe>Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-56380904376927863752016-05-02T13:41:00.003-07:002016-05-02T22:25:55.299-07:00A Dream Takes Shape: Mapping the Yuba River Run<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I prepared for this weekend's Miwok 100k in the Marin Headlands, I got in some good long runs in Nevada County. In doing so, I have finally mapped the race course for the Inaugural Yuba River Run 100k/50k. I am pretty excited to have this most important step behind me. Now I begin the arduous process of identifying stakeholders and agencies which will need to provide support or permission. I have received a ton of interest from friends, acquaintances and readers. While the bulk of my work lay ahead, mapping the course has been just as fun as I hope the race will be.</div>
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The 100k course is a loop course beginning and ending in Pioneer Park, Nevada City. We called this quaint mining town home for decades. A natural showcase with great amenities, Broad Street will be a welcome sight on the home stretch.<br />
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The course climbs and traverses Banner Mountain before crossing Scotts Flat Reservoir and climbing Harmony Ridge. A long run out the ridge on the Pioneer Trail brings the runners to the Omega/Alpha road descent to the Little Town of Washington. This marks 50k, and the 50k runners will be bused to Washington for their start.</div>
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Then comes the gemstone of the race, 18 miles along the South Yuba River Trail. A stout climb up Round Mountain gets the runners out of the canyon, and after a short out and back summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (with views of Nevada City) runners will have less than 5k to the finish.</div>
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The 100k course has approximately 8000' of elevation gain. I have not calculated the 50k course yet, but will likely be 4000' +/- 700'. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuba River Run 100k Course Map</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNiDvjsudEH7h9HnsTljAkjq_bzu8_pZn_HVskoTJyCygB9Me5Vnhmi0w1sEK8WJbsQbtFWqIJzZ37QvST-YB0EkcX4NjiNIq2tRvO-ZcK-m9csalX4vB7OcXIwTCHJCmtnHOzqM-cd4/s1600/Profile+with+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNiDvjsudEH7h9HnsTljAkjq_bzu8_pZn_HVskoTJyCygB9Me5Vnhmi0w1sEK8WJbsQbtFWqIJzZ37QvST-YB0EkcX4NjiNIq2tRvO-ZcK-m9csalX4vB7OcXIwTCHJCmtnHOzqM-cd4/s640/Profile+with+labels.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100k Course Profile</td></tr>
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Interested in running or volunteering? Comment below!</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-39717540934824010332016-04-15T14:23:00.002-07:002016-04-15T15:27:03.797-07:00Race Report: 2016 Gorge Waterfalls 50k<br />
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<a href="http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/gorge-waterfalls-50k.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/gorge-waterfalls-50k.html" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5QvU9x9cTMuk2p3h_zbvc01JA1cUVFFkAkBDXmDP00PNsIWjjF8NPxGgkVTJ_WNKs0Sid00mNXznwpLQbyo8-PUMRrUYG_X3SJMO5a-_TJMxKAFxBNmnkhZAHhBAWeETG2gHjgWR4T8/s320/gw.png" width="319" /></a></div>
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Negotiating throngs of tourists has never been my strong suit. Even as a tourist myself, I avoid large crowds, preferring remote destinations. Never-the-less, I found myself running through a sea of families at Multnomah Falls Recreation Area with a mile to go in the 2016 Gorge Waterfalls 50k.</div>
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I had entered the first lottery in 2015 but failed to be selected. It seems the second time is a charm, and it ended up fitting my calendar much better than the alternative <a href="http://www.ar50mile.com/" target="_blank">American River 50 mile</a>. Sciatica (<a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/01/wait-what-but.html" target="_blank">my first encounter</a>) kept me off my feet and getting fat for most of the winter. A self-preservation <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/03/race-report-2016-way-too-cool-50k-dnf.html" target="_blank">DNF at Way Too Cool 50k</a> in March had my fire lit; regardless of how long it took me, I was going to finish this race. I had not finished an ultra since crossing the <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/07/race-report-2015-western-states-100.html" target="_blank">finish line in LeFebvre Stadium</a> nearly ten months prior. I needed a confidence boost.<br />
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The lottery results were posted in mid-November - weeks before my sciatica hit. At that point, gaining entry to States was still a possibility (a <i>small</i> one). It fit into my <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/p/pa.html" target="_blank">ambitious schedule</a> perfectly. I had never traveled so far to run a race before, and I love Portland, so I was pretty excited. As race weekend drew near, it became obvious that Twirly would be unable to join me due to work commitments. I would fly to Portland alone, and run the race without crew. Another first for me.<br />
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I spent a couple days before the race hanging with old friends, staying in Troutdale (about fifteen minutes from the finish line). The majority of my pre-race stress came from <a href="http://www.portlandbeer.org/breweries" target="_blank">trying to pick a local brew</a> to enjoy while I prepared for race day. A 9:00 am start meant I could awake at a decent hour, and race morning dawned overcast and balmy.<br />
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The race climbs around 6000 feet over 31+ miles, with almost a third occurring in the last 6 miles. Mostly single track with about 10% paved roads, the course tours through the waterfalls and campgrounds on the Oregon side of the Colombia River Gorge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MFRocSH-4p3OhmbvbdDQPFm0GHzIt_brbc1hEttGP8HUJwxiZvwf_t3k0RGLFa1vlZ67nNQQV944GQOpW5qyXP4EJlYNJEHpien7uik70_AlWiqLaWR3g9Md0VRiNkHpUJ3_B0zXohI/s1600/7394575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MFRocSH-4p3OhmbvbdDQPFm0GHzIt_brbc1hEttGP8HUJwxiZvwf_t3k0RGLFa1vlZ67nNQQV944GQOpW5qyXP4EJlYNJEHpien7uik70_AlWiqLaWR3g9Md0VRiNkHpUJ3_B0zXohI/s640/7394575.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5bqrWKIH5rC2lVcEf5pkxlM_-i3wn_Uo381pw5SAKR4HTxqcFtJYbi_6ECMf3ysY_88eQd03dB7j0MMy9AjlWv79ogzYWtVN-pteFQu3Kxi5bbxyM5MtZe5uV1Jcjt47a9xqykDMeVg/s1600/IMG_5744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5bqrWKIH5rC2lVcEf5pkxlM_-i3wn_Uo381pw5SAKR4HTxqcFtJYbi_6ECMf3ysY_88eQd03dB7j0MMy9AjlWv79ogzYWtVN-pteFQu3Kxi5bbxyM5MtZe5uV1Jcjt47a9xqykDMeVg/s320/IMG_5744.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single track begins!</td></tr>
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Runners are bused from the finish line at Benson State Recreation Area to the Wyeth Campground. It took about 25 minutes, and I chatted with my seat-mate. Jeremy was running his first 50k and had a similar professional background. We chatted about everything from race strategies to drinking water infrastructure. He went on to finish sub-6 hour on the tough course (nice job). I also met fellow Circle Cat Larry, from SoCal (finished sub-7). We commiserated about lack of fitness and training, starting the race together and chatting about niggles and treatment strategies for the first few miles. After about a half an hour, my heart rate forced me to slow down. My aerobic fitness just isn't there yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJuaLZ-1ePV662pNBjHXTMhkyxaLn5YT2fJQTXwbM75e0gjeEUaoX_XMnTWXN57gZXHo3FE07LtVg9QEEiGbtCPPed2Zu-fIlrm8pyXkgCCz7gPwidqzikEvDNvPwfiTk9MPzpLCA2vQ/s1600/IMG_5746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJuaLZ-1ePV662pNBjHXTMhkyxaLn5YT2fJQTXwbM75e0gjeEUaoX_XMnTWXN57gZXHo3FE07LtVg9QEEiGbtCPPed2Zu-fIlrm8pyXkgCCz7gPwidqzikEvDNvPwfiTk9MPzpLCA2vQ/s640/IMG_5746.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden bridges out-numbered waterfalls for quite a while</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASD42WTSl1YR1VhfGlNAkVY6h0uDvquULvAT3UnQ_JUiab8e2wpgrLHsdShMUZl1mxk8agrMiPIA3LR9YjPB67lzWGSJ8jctTfqXsW1kahjBNQzSBOqAPoalp_uhBpJswYx2oaUZY2h8/s1600/IMG_5748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASD42WTSl1YR1VhfGlNAkVY6h0uDvquULvAT3UnQ_JUiab8e2wpgrLHsdShMUZl1mxk8agrMiPIA3LR9YjPB67lzWGSJ8jctTfqXsW1kahjBNQzSBOqAPoalp_uhBpJswYx2oaUZY2h8/s640/IMG_5748.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lushness abounds</td></tr>
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I held my pace steady and easy, allowing runners to pass as they needed. After about four miles, the course leveled off and we had a mile-long downhill to stretch the legs. Another mile climb led to a more rolling descent to the first aid station at Cascade Locks. The station was organized and efficient. My legs were feeling good, but my back reminded me to keep my core engaged. I imagined squeezing a quarter between my butt cheeks and rotating my hips forward every time I felt the twinge. Between that and the rocky trail, I had my mind full!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY9Aq_JIxmxkwnrsK0DMt94pADimFRFL3ouHRKNefsmaLesvwLU3EVYiBfdhd2VDxKgo9coFYjtWbeVOpAmRjraB7xvFv4FBBN3Yi7BdlItXJxDgIDetw-O2VaDRfRuqAqtwrCwdlHWU/s1600/IMG_5751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY9Aq_JIxmxkwnrsK0DMt94pADimFRFL3ouHRKNefsmaLesvwLU3EVYiBfdhd2VDxKgo9coFYjtWbeVOpAmRjraB7xvFv4FBBN3Yi7BdlItXJxDgIDetw-O2VaDRfRuqAqtwrCwdlHWU/s640/IMG_5751.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of information to distract you</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQNdTZLWrhaannIh8Vny5aaY3a0ZiDCZ-1QJfaVQn7eHC84nR1H3pIcbbGtlWfG0b_G95nMSOFfFPpxP7e4IvjEVOXpoDdUSR4iPZjtLEWYBYl3RmDIXXPLcHROE1qGZ_CUGOPoNm1oY/s1600/IMG_5754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQNdTZLWrhaannIh8Vny5aaY3a0ZiDCZ-1QJfaVQn7eHC84nR1H3pIcbbGtlWfG0b_G95nMSOFfFPpxP7e4IvjEVOXpoDdUSR4iPZjtLEWYBYl3RmDIXXPLcHROE1qGZ_CUGOPoNm1oY/s640/IMG_5754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old roads..</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCIeufd56VyayovHO-N7wYItXYelhA_UKj_JBQSlWHLxlv2qihsddtkVLx9rSw5LTM9MXHibdlDop-e-ibsHFEuZeTeZqjQTStqOV1c2lhRj2aCnADgcjvPqLa44A3CnMj7mdTQqinrs/s1600/IMG_5756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCIeufd56VyayovHO-N7wYItXYelhA_UKj_JBQSlWHLxlv2qihsddtkVLx9rSw5LTM9MXHibdlDop-e-ibsHFEuZeTeZqjQTStqOV1c2lhRj2aCnADgcjvPqLa44A3CnMj7mdTQqinrs/s640/IMG_5756.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surrounded by history</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgbo-UHe98-AVI-XsgXj4CyswqLLvbzEc_0z3nwIcNXQY3LLYnLdeULVIoQLx8rPuhLEa6Ng9QdL_di-uZc0Toad_DajT90yn_tqUL58B626anEyadTb28O-RpuppZu6WTUscmcX-ZLE/s1600/IMG_5757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgbo-UHe98-AVI-XsgXj4CyswqLLvbzEc_0z3nwIcNXQY3LLYnLdeULVIoQLx8rPuhLEa6Ng9QdL_di-uZc0Toad_DajT90yn_tqUL58B626anEyadTb28O-RpuppZu6WTUscmcX-ZLE/s320/IMG_5757.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bridges</td></tr>
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The next section flattened out, and brought a short section of pavement on the old Gorge Highway. My nutrition was working really well. <a href="https://www.skratchlabs.com/collections/products/products/exercise-hydration-mix?variant=864288073" target="_blank">Skratch Labs Green Tea</a> in the bottles, <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/Athlete-Series/organic-energy-food" target="_blank">Clif Energy Food Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal</a> and a back-up bottle of caffeinated <a href="http://tailwindnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Tailwind </a>provided a variety of slow-trickle calories. As always while racing, 5 grams of <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=291222350960" target="_blank">Master Amino Pattern</a> every hour kept the cramps and lactic acid at bay.<br />
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The rolling course would occasionally have a 200-400 foot pop, which provided an opportunity to change up the muscle workload, and every 25 minutes or so we would cross another drainage, almost always on a wooden bridge. I had expected to get my feet wet, but kept them dry for the duration of the race. Around mile 15 I began wondering when we would see an iconic water fall. I had been under the assumption that the whole course was a tour of waterfalls. While there was plenty of water running, the first significant falls didn't show up until mile 18. Totally worth the wait! Glenn Tachiyama was posted, ensuring a race picture worth spending some $ on:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqL7ZWHz79b2CQ76yfZPxAQ1Cc1aZJSbWj1_u_v79rbemg0cFpVlvwPy8-kXcEGJWrq1hL1-qyuK1FGx08IVabaAoT96zMgD8XkVyzH2tUI6zds3knIdsffr_q55kUuvmXQQVLHWixas/s1600/65248879-IMG_2497.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqL7ZWHz79b2CQ76yfZPxAQ1Cc1aZJSbWj1_u_v79rbemg0cFpVlvwPy8-kXcEGJWrq1hL1-qyuK1FGx08IVabaAoT96zMgD8XkVyzH2tUI6zds3knIdsffr_q55kUuvmXQQVLHWixas/s640/65248879-IMG_2497.jpg.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elowah Falls, Mile 18, photo by Glenn Tachiyama</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifwbTuixjhZEobFJbTFsFuhCYlhDfowJ1-tvqe7X86CoAHAPLPBUuuX_DcbKwoUeKGQT5oWkm82UlO10DMMAQHNLrPHGBolZ6tt49NvYM44Onsi-XsUs7pN6gS5ZT7nfAkaU3b6uUToA/s1600/IMG_5758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifwbTuixjhZEobFJbTFsFuhCYlhDfowJ1-tvqe7X86CoAHAPLPBUuuX_DcbKwoUeKGQT5oWkm82UlO10DMMAQHNLrPHGBolZ6tt49NvYM44Onsi-XsUs7pN6gS5ZT7nfAkaU3b6uUToA/s200/IMG_5758.jpg" width="118" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one bounced!</td></tr>
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I spent a few extra minutes at the Yeon aid station. I mixed some more Skratch and Tailwind, had a volunteer pour some water on a towel, and wiped off my head. The clouds had burned off and the temperature was climbing. The next 2 miles followed the frontage road, and had a slight rise. I had trouble keeping my heart rate down and took regular walk breaks to ensure I still had legs for the final segment. Runners leapfrogged, and I saw a lot of familiar faces from the first 30k.<br />
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The section between Yeon and No Name aid stations provided some really run-able grades, but rock slides and technical trail made it feel more like hopscotch. I began to joke with fellow runners that the course "was the most beautiful course I never get to look at!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaFNZHzOOYeMDxpB8pKFvXLypUWdKN-KqZ0NQZ9ONKK1hvSgyqnd_CZUdDC9d6oSJfQmw65TX5OumLhLU0fStehug1RjVEEaKhL6iPOfGUeRJVsjNpnONuwS9llCpmeM_2son25V8Y0s/s1600/IMG_5784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaFNZHzOOYeMDxpB8pKFvXLypUWdKN-KqZ0NQZ9ONKK1hvSgyqnd_CZUdDC9d6oSJfQmw65TX5OumLhLU0fStehug1RjVEEaKhL6iPOfGUeRJVsjNpnONuwS9llCpmeM_2son25V8Y0s/s640/IMG_5784.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to carry speed through loose rock piles and slides took the utmost focus</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG79cJWj7c0rRIpD8MjxbiR-AA6ZQMapZ42jj-bImsvDOkVLrzYIUzGGcp1D5kX84Q2cFZil9juoOyee17bom6GbbCVZQ-OBtrNXi7SyzTCVbXQuoDVE4P5Qr2kDUD7d-zObj74JMt0B8/s1600/IMG_5759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG79cJWj7c0rRIpD8MjxbiR-AA6ZQMapZ42jj-bImsvDOkVLrzYIUzGGcp1D5kX84Q2cFZil9juoOyee17bom6GbbCVZQ-OBtrNXi7SyzTCVbXQuoDVE4P5Qr2kDUD7d-zObj74JMt0B8/s640/IMG_5759.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked the granite trail markers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjMh5v3T8EOIGFS3dYwLuAwN9vmk6UnmArix_rzyb8886hLPQt7YnadORaPXKcJj_M4WoK8Wdbu4BS28MUyhEnrsAjMNZH1bsY8e7Or_CD5CufUBN1gUsGP8QSgvsUiw_Fcqq9Lc5vLM/s1600/IMG_5762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjMh5v3T8EOIGFS3dYwLuAwN9vmk6UnmArix_rzyb8886hLPQt7YnadORaPXKcJj_M4WoK8Wdbu4BS28MUyhEnrsAjMNZH1bsY8e7Or_CD5CufUBN1gUsGP8QSgvsUiw_Fcqq9Lc5vLM/s640/IMG_5762.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You guessed it... More bridges!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHtjBjGYJ1UxNWPfEMjTiKROJncjNBboaXFlhe6SWlVMpSlgJuYYQMXxZlV9C1bru4mjQUTOXwklWft5Lpojrr0ful4n0FKgzoMmX-8un1aoo28mbEPjHr9iUSGU-ONFmcDWHqgdq15s/s1600/IMG_5765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHtjBjGYJ1UxNWPfEMjTiKROJncjNBboaXFlhe6SWlVMpSlgJuYYQMXxZlV9C1bru4mjQUTOXwklWft5Lpojrr0ful4n0FKgzoMmX-8un1aoo28mbEPjHr9iUSGU-ONFmcDWHqgdq15s/s640/IMG_5765.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The falls grew larger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2lC7dMoH4yRZ0MZAnZvxiid0V8jSYvNgtcuIMWp9GkvLaVoMOS3XneMEe3zvHhfR1j8cSy40TcV_OzZsb3gXRdvc2mko771rnxZT3PcS5DVDbSP47miDsYbYi__fQhVH81WYviuuwl8/s1600/IMG_5776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2lC7dMoH4yRZ0MZAnZvxiid0V8jSYvNgtcuIMWp9GkvLaVoMOS3XneMEe3zvHhfR1j8cSy40TcV_OzZsb3gXRdvc2mko771rnxZT3PcS5DVDbSP47miDsYbYi__fQhVH81WYviuuwl8/s640/IMG_5776.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The course even ducks behind this waterfall!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYT7l6zgqBpmK0Jlbxf9J_W-OMbDOSxLQ8XYC946RV7PClsvPy8Ku99Xtc2ZCbgTpWPyXbgxsnL1fXoRK61dJLrwYYfgRxE0C-7YceiRn9Qu93-w72XuaqSyZ5OZUysY_GIJLOKKXdS4/s1600/IMG_5777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYT7l6zgqBpmK0Jlbxf9J_W-OMbDOSxLQ8XYC946RV7PClsvPy8Ku99Xtc2ZCbgTpWPyXbgxsnL1fXoRK61dJLrwYYfgRxE0C-7YceiRn9Qu93-w72XuaqSyZ5OZUysY_GIJLOKKXdS4/s640/IMG_5777.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bridges has nothing on the Gorge Trail 400 </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was in a box canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzSlXWcKM5U4NPO1HfMHXvcpnsPuzlGNHQs4A71fnynllsW03gLuU_vjkBJ5X9uOf8pKdEzMleORqVMIz1HDL8jIwG2vQVtexKzC9yxLhar3hYrtvg7VB-ScHfhzLRxCJ3i8hasOOsDM/s1600/IMG_5782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzSlXWcKM5U4NPO1HfMHXvcpnsPuzlGNHQs4A71fnynllsW03gLuU_vjkBJ5X9uOf8pKdEzMleORqVMIz1HDL8jIwG2vQVtexKzC9yxLhar3hYrtvg7VB-ScHfhzLRxCJ3i8hasOOsDM/s640/IMG_5782.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention the enormous river?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multnomah Falls</td></tr>
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The waterfalls came more frequently, and leaving the No Name aid station we were told there was just one more big climb, then a paved switchback descent, and then the finish. I felt good as I approached the final climb at Multnomah Falls. The tourists grew more dense as the trail approached the recreation area. Eleven paved switchbacks provided a decent grade, and I enjoyed bending to the trail and power hiking. At the top of the falls, the trail continued to climb. This was the prettiest section of the course, in my opinion. A lush canyon dotted with more falls, and a never-ending climb of about 1500' overall. I caught a runner from Mexico and we exchanged grins before he took off running up the hill. I caught him again at the top. He was pretty wasted from the effort.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final chasm was straight out of wonderland</td></tr>
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The descent to the finish was as advertised. About two miles of rocky single track gave way to the paved switchbacks. Tourists were fewer on this side, and I was in the groove. Carnage dotted the course. Limpers and leaners whimpered with each step. I tried to encourage them: "can you smell the barn?", "good job, keep it up". I was trying to leave it all on this hill, quads be damned.<br />
<br />
I arrived at the bottom of the switchbacks, just above the park and the finish line festival, only to have the course bend away from the grassy field and turn back up hill towards Multnomah Falls! It turned out I still had over a mile to go. I looked at my watch and determined I could still eeke out a sub-8 hour finish, which gave me the motivation to keep moving. The crowds grew thick as I entered the parking area for the falls. Little children darted in front of me, forcing me to stutter step or stop altogether. Finally I gained the grassy double track that would take me around the lake and back to the finish. The longest 8 minutes of the race!<br />
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I finished just under the wire: 7:58. My slowest 50k to date, but still a very satisfying return to ultra running. James Varner, Race Director, gave me a high five and I went to get out of my sweat-soaked race kit. Beer flowed, pizza was plentiful and race stories were recounted by friends old and new. <a href="http://rainshadowrunning.com/" target="_blank">Rainshadow Running</a> really hits the ball out of the park with this race. Despite its technical trails and crowded vistas, I can see returning to conquer the Gorge Waterfalls again.<br />
<br />
Huge thanks to the Rainshadow Running crew and all the volunteers. Of course, <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign drop bags</a> kept me in the race and moving through the stations efficiently. I used two Cougar I's and a Coyote I at Cascade Locks. Besides water, I took nothing from the aid stations. Although I wasn't as fleet of foot as I have been in the past, I executed well. I move forward with this confidence boost under my belt and set my sights on <a href="http://miwok100k.com/site/" target="_blank">Miwok 100k</a> in four weeks.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/540684127/embed/367d2a708c817644c583b1a902a42845c805818f" width="590"></iframe>Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-44366007202262467542016-03-07T13:26:00.002-08:002016-03-07T15:30:09.443-08:00Race Report: 2016 Way Too Cool 50k (the DNF)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQxEat8vCOZRb0i1LGUfC2dPXVeHRJAcXEemBfK6QKk-NkkCdcOV5oalnCSmRwHtE4bvqtMV_2iO75oxVp-n5mQstOD0GJVr8yia2svbbvn3jvkIGxaDl0hZg5tQh-PgwZ-NPW5Fdeks/s1600/wtc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQxEat8vCOZRb0i1LGUfC2dPXVeHRJAcXEemBfK6QKk-NkkCdcOV5oalnCSmRwHtE4bvqtMV_2iO75oxVp-n5mQstOD0GJVr8yia2svbbvn3jvkIGxaDl0hZg5tQh-PgwZ-NPW5Fdeks/s640/wtc1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of <i>many</i> water crossings at the 2016 Way Too Cool 50k. Photo by <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Mario Fraioli</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nutella: the stuff trails are made of</td></tr>
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I rested often, climbing the 750' up American Canyon. Hoboken Creek was swollen, but far from the raging torrent David and I negotiated in <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2012/12/ac-50k-training-run-number-one-winter.html" target="_blank">December 2012</a>. We had to daisy chain a fellow runner across that morning. Today it was barely knee high. Heavy rains made the trail slick; like running on Nutella. Only two weeks after my <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-six-thousand-dollar-man-epidural.html" target="_blank">epidural </a>I was just over halfway through the 2016 <a href="http://www.wtc50k.com/" target="_blank">Way Too Cool 50k</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0pSPl3dAaU1laG81vg99g2q9wdwBvAbNONvQv0SBv1MppGXESXdJmgIl9RsOG1L1FxiPEyL4DE5bOIoKBvmj5KO84GCZX8hQs-WVB86Vob6yb0CFU8pzfgifS-4iY2HHauN1FIBGNKg/s1600/IMG_5609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0pSPl3dAaU1laG81vg99g2q9wdwBvAbNONvQv0SBv1MppGXESXdJmgIl9RsOG1L1FxiPEyL4DE5bOIoKBvmj5KO84GCZX8hQs-WVB86Vob6yb0CFU8pzfgifS-4iY2HHauN1FIBGNKg/s640/IMG_5609.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race start. Photo by Chris Blagg<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ran 27 miles the week following the procedure, culminating in a 14 mile long run (my longest of the year thus far). To say I was under-trained would be an understatement. My log showed 71 miles run for all of 2016 as I toed the line on an inclement, windy morning. The rain abated for a few hours around the race start, which was a blessing. Forecasts had called for 3 inches of rain and 70 MPH gusts by afternoon. The trails remained saturated and slippery.<br />
<br />
This race was a "D" race. A supported training run. My goal time was 7 hours. I stood in the corral with Twirly with just minutes to go when I realized I had forgotten to put on my heart rate monitor. I have worn that thing for a thousand runs, forgetting it maybe twice. <i>Geez, I'm out of practice racing. </i>I thought. We had stayed with friends in Auburn Lake Trails (ALT) the night before. Access to the gated community meant Twirly could see me at the ALT aid station at mile 21 in addition to resupplying me at the firehouse around mile 8.<br />
<br />
Without my watch continually reminding me to take it easy, I took it easier than I thought I should. My mantra was "100 mile pace, 100 mile pace." Focusing on foot placement was paramount as we left the pavement and descended to Knickerbocker Creek. Climbing out of the creek bed, a reader/runner recognized me and we chatted on the climb. It happens so rarely I forget that people might recognize me from Wanderplace. It is always nice to meet readers. Des, a New Zealander living in Davis, was hoping to improve on his previous time of ~6:30 by breaking 6 hours. I warned him that the conditions were not conducive to a PR, and that he better stay in front of me. He went on to finish in 5:59! Nice work Des, and great to meet you.<br />
<br />
The first 8 miles, aka the Olmsted Loop, went smoothly. I stayed on my feet, listened for the iconic frogs and took regular walk breaks on the edge of the trail. About a mile from the end of the loop a deer bolted through the pack, eliciting cheers and whoops from runners. "He's gonna win if he keeps that pace up!" someone behind me exclaimed. I came through the Fire Station (~mile 7.5) in ~1:40 - about 25 minutes off my best. Twirly and Victor helped me get squared away for the remainder of the race while I told them I felt "meh". I admit, I was looking forward to the descent to Quarry Road. I hadn't run that stretch since <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/07/race-report-2015-western-states-100.html" target="_blank">States</a>, and I love finding my groove on the technical stretch of trail.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0UVGt44N2HbJA9FAZzMhQ1MliSLgberXXYBnf03x7edmqgh-PmMP8qS5KvYUrncUnaspDiRUtAy9TOuT-EVFBBLqNEB4FpJsLy67ufZr_yeSRSIcqbt-bL-hqZ9tRAJNknpOAMwD2wI/s1600/IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0UVGt44N2HbJA9FAZzMhQ1MliSLgberXXYBnf03x7edmqgh-PmMP8qS5KvYUrncUnaspDiRUtAy9TOuT-EVFBBLqNEB4FpJsLy67ufZr_yeSRSIcqbt-bL-hqZ9tRAJNknpOAMwD2wI/s320/IMG_5608.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quarry Road looking down river. PC unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I continued focusing on foot placement and cruised onto Quarry Road feeling relatively good. My back was getting sore, but it served as a reminder to rotate my hips forward and keep my back stacked (both strategies recommended by my physical therapist). I grazed at the aid station and mixed a bottle of Tailwind. I couldn't get the Tailwind wrapper open with my wet hands, so the Queen helped open it for me and Julie (sans Torrey) gave me a quick report on how the real race up front was unfolding. The rain began to pick up, and I set off down Quarry Road. I continued using a run/walk approach to keep my effort in check.<br />
<br />
On the climb up American Canyon I began to feel spent. My back continued to ache, and my hips and glutes were screaming. Frequent strength work has my hip girdle in a constant state of fatigue. I knew that if I finished the race my training for the following week would suffer. I began to have that old internal dialogue:<br />
<br />
"<i>I want to drop</i>."<br />
<br />
"Why? You aren't injured or fighting cut-offs, and you're still having fun, right?"<br />
<br />
"<i>This slippery shit is NOT fun. And if I continue I MIGHT hurt myself. If I get to ALT aid station that will make 21 miles. 32 for the week. I ran 26 miles the week before. It will end up being the perfect length for this point in the training cycle."</i><br />
<br />
"And you won't screw up your <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Ken&lname=Neely" target="_blank">ultrasignup </a>score!"<br />
<i> </i><br />
Just like that, I had come to peace with dropping. Twirly was only 2.5 miles away. As I turned the idea of my first DNF over in my head, I heard Gordy Ainsleigh coming up the hill behind me. We crested the hill and I stepped aside to let the legend go. I power-hiked the last couple miles, trying to let runners go by without holding them up. Erika came up behind me around Barb's bench, and we chatted about race schedules and injuries for a few minutes.<br />
<i></i><br />
I glissaded into the aid station at ALT and asked for the station captain. He thought I was an injured runner he had been hearing about, but I assured him I was okay, just done. He asked if I needed a ride out, and I told him I should have one waiting... But no Twirly. It all worked out though - I only waited a few minutes before I had a ride. I got back to the Fire Station around 1 pm.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWqbBKC2I9rBucB1h4FJQGvZBjfmqSD_TnrbzfSddhlplQUmKbjOnOwCiI-RHBpLtZ-62NRI0W1wJAFFVEZ4HMeIq58leRWREGYUyedLuVDKnPMxZcO3tqEnCEWr15rqC1gI3dGHGcsQ/s1600/vsdwtc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWqbBKC2I9rBucB1h4FJQGvZBjfmqSD_TnrbzfSddhlplQUmKbjOnOwCiI-RHBpLtZ-62NRI0W1wJAFFVEZ4HMeIq58leRWREGYUyedLuVDKnPMxZcO3tqEnCEWr15rqC1gI3dGHGcsQ/s320/vsdwtc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the VSD tent. Photo by Karen Gerasimovich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the Victory Sportdesign tent enjoying Headlands IPA and catching up with old friends. I got changed into dry clothes and got a massage from Ve Loyce at the <a href="http://www.monstersofmassage.com/" target="_blank">Monsters of Massage</a> tent. Ve Loyce treats me well; I wish I lived closer to his shop. I felt pretty good about my decision, and my body bounced back quickly. I know I could have finished, but I wasn't there to prove anything. I got exactly the time on my feet that I needed at this point in my training.<br />
<br />
Ann likes to have her athletes break down races into threes: name three things you did right, did wrong, etc. I thought a lot about that during my internal dialogue, and here is what I came up with:<br />
<br />
Things I did right:<br />
<ol>
<li>I listened to my body and when it spoke up I came to the right decision. Those last ten miles would have been junk miles.</li>
<li>I stayed on my feet in very difficult conditions. Also, I wore gaiters to keep the silt in the water crossings out of my shoes.</li>
<li>I executed my race plan: nutrition was on track and my pace kept easy.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN7TNk589ORfYhyphenhyphenu7-fvBZUDRLeushBDGfOUQd3s_6nn3OJdl65OGtlwJJMdMZSmwNMcrUJq7WhW1qM220g18ZcwrePcp9-nySk6deQK1xtHTn7PLQyVF2QK2ZpmagUXVfc0Z9GENt9A/s1600/wtcamymelcherowens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN7TNk589ORfYhyphenhyphenu7-fvBZUDRLeushBDGfOUQd3s_6nn3OJdl65OGtlwJJMdMZSmwNMcrUJq7WhW1qM220g18ZcwrePcp9-nySk6deQK1xtHTn7PLQyVF2QK2ZpmagUXVfc0Z9GENt9A/s400/wtcamymelcherowens.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishers chute. Photo by Amy Melcher Ownes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Things I did wrong:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ol>
<li>I wasn't organized in my usual fashion and that resulted in forgetting my heart rate monitor.</li>
<li>My shoes, Altra Lone Peak 1.5s, lacked sufficient traction in the slippery conditions. I need to buy some shoes with beefier lugs on them for rainy, sloppy days.</li>
<li>I should have made it clear to Twirly that I might drop at ALT. That would have ensured she met me there. Not a big deal in the end, but I could have ended up waiting at the aid station for a lot longer than I did and it was getting cold. </li>
</ol>
I have often tried to imagine what my first DNF would look like. I made it 23 races before it happened, and it happened on my own terms. No bones showing, no sweeps or cut-offs looming. It feels right. I just hope it doesn't lower the threshold, making it an easier decision in the future. If it had been a goal race I would have soldiered on, but now I have enough in the tank to focus on training up to Gorge Waterfalls 50k (which I will be running as a "B", not racing) and this Spring's ultimate goal: the Miwok 100k and that 2017 Western States qualifier.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Huge thanks to all the volunteers (especially Leah, who gave me ride back to the Fire station) and <a href="http://norcalultras.com/" target="_blank">NorCal Ultras</a>. Thanks to <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign</a> for keeping my shit together and providing shelter from the storm for the afternoon: get in, get out, get moving! And thanks to all you who read Wanderplace. From this side of the blog, it is difficult to discern if I am connecting with anyone. That makes it nice to meet people who have benefited from these pages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SYOTT!</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-66995304036659354502016-03-04T11:39:00.000-08:002016-03-04T12:53:06.615-08:00Update: Epidural Efficacy and Way Too Cool 50k Preview<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f5uqRm-nmN0XJ0nbPpK7Gmw005FD3ZDCQcMdEGyp54P1duBQn78iUSqAihXqhLygqlrX9CL771fARO53k9quCo9xM_bMS55Q2QUfHUm1ieNyJOYzqm82hmejkaBRdWbquaWnYt1HtRs/s1600/tumblr_ntcwsmw8LW1uud98bo1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f5uqRm-nmN0XJ0nbPpK7Gmw005FD3ZDCQcMdEGyp54P1duBQn78iUSqAihXqhLygqlrX9CL771fARO53k9quCo9xM_bMS55Q2QUfHUm1ieNyJOYzqm82hmejkaBRdWbquaWnYt1HtRs/s400/tumblr_ntcwsmw8LW1uud98bo1_400.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilian in the pain cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While making friends with pain is a cornerstone of endurance sports, I find myself in more of a love/hate relationship with it at the moment. Kilian Jornet (above) represents an echelon outside my potential. But when I conjure my conquests of fitness and stamina, the chasm between now and then stings. The <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-six-thousand-dollar-man-epidural.html" target="_blank">epidural procedure</a> has enabled me to resume training, but the comfort I know awaits me has resisted to manifest thus far. My back continues to feel vulnerable and sore after hard efforts. My hips and ass are fatigued from so much strength work. Fortunately, the sciatica has not returned. So I have that going for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have run less than 70 miles for the year. Yet, I intend to toe the line tomorrow morning for my third <a href="http://wtc50k.com/" target="_blank">Way Too Cool 50k</a>. It is going to be <i>sloppy</i>. Rain should build all morning to a full blown storm by 3 pm, right around my expected finishing time. My 50k PR (<a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2013/03/race-report-2013-way-too-cool-50k.html" target="_blank">5:23</a>) came on this course in 2013. I am not chasing a PR this year. Getting my groove back and spending time on my feet are my two primary goals tomorrow. Having fun and practicing 100 miler pace (run/walk likely) are also on the agenda. I get to try the new<a href="http://www.tailwindnutrition.com/caffeinated-endurance-fuel/" target="_blank"> Tailwind Green Tea Buzz</a> drink mix, and then there is all that rain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have always loved running in the rain. Sure, it is hard to get out the door, but a good storm makes any outdoor activity feel, well, more Epic. Am I right? The <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2012/12/race-report-2012-california.html" target="_blank">2012 CIM</a> (Stormathon Redux) will always be one of my favorite accomplishments. However, with the slippery conditions, I will have to be very mindful of my footing. I cannot risk tweaking my already frail back. So, I'll slow it down. Maybe I'll even stop at 8 miles for a beer break at the <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign</a> tent before tackling the back two thirds of the course. It worked pretty well while pacing at TRT, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sad news from the Western States organization this week; Dr. Bob Lind, shotgun starter emeritus has passed at the age of 81. I am honored to have met him briefly at the <a href="http://www.wser.org/research/conference/" target="_blank">Sports and Medicine conferences</a> in Squaw Valley. The fact that my first two Western States runs were started by the blast of his shotgun further cement those two runs as the most important accomplishments of my running career. AJW has penned a poignant remembrance over at <a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2016/03/dr-bob-lind-rest-in-peace.html" target="_blank">iRunFar</a>. Please, do check it out. </div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-31128183015324475832016-02-21T12:54:00.001-08:002016-02-21T12:54:01.886-08:00The Six Thousand Dollar Man: The Epidural<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9F1C8R_RhdmKBhQtZ5PVP5LX4xWtIP8n26LcrKon_-U9e_g2iKMP1W4gYPM1fdX9LvxHYsFV1putfnNPIyZiPJ5L7Ngdu4a8yMC5ND-fjGpkIbScwSUa_quFy8PnAhLYkd5rt8ONwn4/s1600/six-million-dollar-man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9F1C8R_RhdmKBhQtZ5PVP5LX4xWtIP8n26LcrKon_-U9e_g2iKMP1W4gYPM1fdX9LvxHYsFV1putfnNPIyZiPJ5L7Ngdu4a8yMC5ND-fjGpkIbScwSUa_quFy8PnAhLYkd5rt8ONwn4/s640/six-million-dollar-man.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Better.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stronger.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
Faster.</div>
<div style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The days following <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2016/02/race-report-2016-american-canyon-15k.html" target="_blank">American Canyon 15k</a> were bad. I continued twice weekly physical therapy sessions, and daily strength conditioning. My sore quads eventually recovered, but every run sent my back into spasms and the numbness in my foot returned. I gave into the discomfort and scheduled an epidural with my spine doctor. Fortunately, I was able to get an appointment within a few days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had been weighing the pros and cons of the spinal injection of cortisone for a couple weeks. As I kept hitting the dreadmill, and then needing four to five days to recover, it became apparent that I needed some relief in order to really begin training again. Any concerns about side effects were trumped by the discomfort. With races looming on the horizon, and no real mileage under my feet, I took the plunge.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqS71knqpzcUtsS-28KCydDv7Yq6fXU4_uwguO3QIaTCj-dTDrfduMKksZNk3eYtWAnni6uoNkyXzmtT2lcpSolkEnmoePmV-er_kAncQS4LLtdrpmDPwkUxqHKSeZk8krgBWxkXZmts/s1600/5zo2qokhCrawford+Epidural+Needle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqS71knqpzcUtsS-28KCydDv7Yq6fXU4_uwguO3QIaTCj-dTDrfduMKksZNk3eYtWAnni6uoNkyXzmtT2lcpSolkEnmoePmV-er_kAncQS4LLtdrpmDPwkUxqHKSeZk8krgBWxkXZmts/s320/5zo2qokhCrawford+Epidural+Needle.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epidural needle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An epidural is an injection to the spine, usually using a needle about 4 inches long. An x-ray technician helps guide the surgeon to the desired location, and the entire procedure takes less than ten minutes. I showed up at Webster Surgical Center in Oakland at 10 o'clock on Friday morning. By 11:15 I was face down on the operating table, wondering when the anesthetic would kick in. Then I was in the recovery room. The clock said 11:25. Easy peasy. The local anesthetic made my back feel spectacular. I could hardly wait to go for a run.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GR4fUaBMnHC_Sg4NKIjp_PiqSodm9LBefWiB97lcRWQgWhVabOf1ufLFMtsuk-iaAChVc51XYpmZc5g3viFZrxXkO8rg8s4NGCLKNCVeft-HYh3mKDuWLLRU8k7v-IWaLe7X_IbvVwk/s1600/Procedurepic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GR4fUaBMnHC_Sg4NKIjp_PiqSodm9LBefWiB97lcRWQgWhVabOf1ufLFMtsuk-iaAChVc51XYpmZc5g3viFZrxXkO8rg8s4NGCLKNCVeft-HYh3mKDuWLLRU8k7v-IWaLe7X_IbvVwk/s640/Procedurepic2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">X-ray assisted spinal injection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Later that afternoon, the local had worn off and the injection site was really sore. I had planned to take Twirly dancing in the city that night, but it was obviously a bad idea. I took it easy on Saturday, and went for a "test run" with Twirly this morning. So far, no real repercussions. My lower back is a little tight, but the discomfort I have been experiencing seems to be held at bay. With only two weeks to Way Too Cool 50k, I am curious if I can put in enough quality work in the next ten days to give it a shot. Either way, Twirly and I will be in Cool on March 5th.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's to hope. And drugs. And more hope ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SYOTT</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-70054926037200373362016-02-21T12:01:00.001-08:002016-02-21T12:01:29.732-08:00Race Report: 2016 American Canyon 15k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6qMSyftzFahAOaYR-weYA5MqlzuwBKwDQJxQMlMW29ndzERcce3JjWpIOsp_EBvhGGqjAezSA6xqLuhcqxLVRZy_Ume2ABG2rkp7-LJAb7c9HQHqKxuCkmFsH-TgtDgPkrS1YdOQtnY/s1600/slider-single-race-ac-canyon-creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6qMSyftzFahAOaYR-weYA5MqlzuwBKwDQJxQMlMW29ndzERcce3JjWpIOsp_EBvhGGqjAezSA6xqLuhcqxLVRZy_Ume2ABG2rkp7-LJAb7c9HQHqKxuCkmFsH-TgtDgPkrS1YdOQtnY/s640/slider-single-race-ac-canyon-creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I threw caution to the wind, and decided to toe the line at the <a href="http://sierrapacificendurance.com/Races-and-Events/American-Canyon-Ultramarathon-and-Trail-Race" target="_blank">American Canyon 15k</a> on February 6th. Race Director Harlan Reymont was kind enough to comp my entry. After a couple of treadmill workouts in the days before the race, I figured I should put my best foot forward, followed by the other one. At least until I returned to Auburn Dam Overlook Park. I have participated in this race every year since 2012, when it fell on my 40th birthday. As my first trail race, it will always be a special event for me. My annual birthday recognition would be incomplete if I missed it. Of course, if I had been 100%, I would have been racing Jed Smith 50k as my first PUSATF Ultra Grand Prix event for 2016. I'm glad I ran AC15k instead.</div>
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Harlan has made some improvements to the beginning/end of the lollipop course, adding miles of single track on the descent to No Hands Bridge. I had never been on this old railroad grade trail, and it was nice to not know exactly where we were or what was coming next. I kept up with friends Torrey and Clare on the descent, running a bit above my comfort zone. Once we got down to river level and rejoined the Western States trail I backed off, feeling my quads burning from the hammering descent. I grazed at the aid station and teased Julie about the additional mileage she had to run. "Haha, I get to go back now!" I joked.</div>
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I took it easy on the return, enjoying the much more runnable grade provided by the new course. I played with my pace/heart rate a little bit, and stopped to enjoy the views of the river and old coffer dam abutments. I finished in 1:40, about 15 minutes off my PR from 2012. The winners finished in 1:24, I think... At least my time will stand on the <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=34772" target="_blank">Ultrasignup top ten</a> (9th) for another year.</div>
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I was happy that I could pull 15k out of my ass off the couch. Unfortunately, in the days that followed, my sore quads gave way to a sore back. Turns out the sciatica finally took up residence in the L5-S1 area from which it originates. Returning from injury is a bitch, no doubt about it. Baby steps, relentless forward progress, determined daily strength conditioning, positive attitude... It all makes sense in my head, but the stamina and endurance I have enjoyed in the past seems so foreign to me now. I never want to take fitness for granted again!</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-18360636151820821952016-01-29T12:24:00.002-08:002016-01-29T14:15:04.221-08:00Wait, What? But...<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the first week of December, the wheels came off. After running only 25 miles a week for all of November, I was beginning to ramp up my mileage. Jed Smith 50k was ten weeks away, and I was excited to put in a few solid training blocks in preparation for my 2016 racing season. On Saturday, December 5th, at the Western States lottery, I could tell something was amiss. My right foot was numb, and if I stood for too long, excruciating cramps would radiate down my right leg from my piriformis. I scrapped the 16 miler on my schedule and made an appointment with my A.R.T. chiropractor. Whenever I received tissue-work in the effected areas, my foot would go from numb to tingling...</div>
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After three treatments, I hared my first course for the <a href="http://www.cougarhhh.com/" target="_blank">Cougar hash house harriers</a>. We began and ended at <a href="http://fieldworkbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Fieldwork Brewing Company</a> (where I can be found most afternoons). I loosened up as I ran, despite having to bend over and mark the pavement every half a block or so. By the time I had finished the 5 mile run, I could tell my back and leg were fatigued. The next two days were horrific. I could not stand for more than 30 seconds, and walking was not much better. Only sitting provided relief. Whatever was going on, it wasn't getting better. I had a couple more A.R.T. sessions before reaching out to Ann and other resources for advice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS31fwrlQPbm_T86XXk0IK9c7eB2etkkaM0OiCx8PdeyvbA_m51WevRdy-a4IjYBi9eIPtzMGvhftMvbrL5hj3FOYHIWyHM7Afuek4VEC3J3MKOhiKuiYM3BoBTIaX9k4iXL0S3MTqg68/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS31fwrlQPbm_T86XXk0IK9c7eB2etkkaM0OiCx8PdeyvbA_m51WevRdy-a4IjYBi9eIPtzMGvhftMvbrL5hj3FOYHIWyHM7Afuek4VEC3J3MKOhiKuiYM3BoBTIaX9k4iXL0S3MTqg68/s1600/2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disc extrusion at L-5/S-1</td></tr>
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I began seeing Physical Therapist Marty Mattox at <a href="http://www.ultrahealth.org/" target="_blank">Ultrahealth </a>in San Francisco. She gave me some strengthening exercises to do and told me to stay positive. I would run again. Fast forward past a vacation confounded by a family medical emergency over the holidays, and the symptoms persisted into the new year. Marty advised me to visit my doctor and begin making arrangements to get an MRI to determine the source of the nerve impingement. I was able to fast track the process, and by mid-January I had my answer: extruded disc at L-5/S-1. The good news is that I don't need surgery. The bad news is that running is probably not the best thing I can do for myself right now.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkbcfXhlPkKEOZHsNGdDfBj_Tkwd4uctPGxBW162EDvK4msEVWRxvY5PFjrTIswMGTZV0aI8R8zZtYo3Fn4m3SCsL4VvK1ToOPtpQrmOB6hO6zKTnBlHPxMLytj_-cCoVLWyWqs-IsgY/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkbcfXhlPkKEOZHsNGdDfBj_Tkwd4uctPGxBW162EDvK4msEVWRxvY5PFjrTIswMGTZV0aI8R8zZtYo3Fn4m3SCsL4VvK1ToOPtpQrmOB6hO6zKTnBlHPxMLytj_-cCoVLWyWqs-IsgY/s640/1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizontal and vertical view of my extruding disc</td></tr>
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That said, I am hopeful that with continued cross training and strengthening I will be able to gradually introduce running to my plan. Jed Smith is off the table. Twirly and I will be volunteering at American Canyon 15k/25k/50k on February 6th, as there is no way I should be running 5k, much less 15k at this point. I am hoping to attempt Way Too Cool 50k in March and Gorge Waterfalls 50k in April. If I am unable to run Miwok in May, I don't see how I could get into shape for Angeles Crest 100 in August. So, Miwok has become my "A" race for the year. It will provide me with a WS100 qualifier if I can get through it. I'll look at AC100 after Miwok.</div>
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I am still excited about the coming year. In addition to over-coming this newest hurdle, I'll continue helping <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign</a> in their pursuit of providing the perfect utility bag for outdoor adventures. A kick-starter campaign is in the works for this winter, introducing the new <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/11/break-is-over-back-to-work.html" target="_blank">Grizzly </a>model bag, which is my favorite of the line thus far. There will be tons of sweet incentives and rewards, so keep your eyes open for that. I will provide a link to the campaign once it gets off the ground, so stay tuned!</div>
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This injury isn't like the others. I cannot blame it on a trauma. And nerve pain is such a different animal than muscle or joint pain. It can be truly incapacitating. I was near tears at times. The depression that stems from my body betraying me in such a way is hard to confront. I have been distant to those who love me, and with the complications of familial medical issues, I feel as though I am operating in a haze. I am in a holding pattern, looking for <i>some</i> way to get back to training. Back to the theraputic effect of logging miles, nothing but the sound of my footfalls and my breath.</div>
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The trail ahead is dark but holds promise...</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-14786857449084554302015-12-12T14:37:00.000-08:002015-12-12T14:37:32.754-08:00Miwok 100k<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutY53z47dZ-YGOR_Q4bOYps7WSWI0FlbwSUBcGLC56IxTlibAB313KmiQhkgQnK37agY8xsU1yJjSVQqWl9jat2G9KfTGPadD1Ttja9VSmlKGJiSd7mnUm69S4jmsoGESnlkKrI_Rw-I/s1600/11703074_10205338284508855_3145825300183716609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutY53z47dZ-YGOR_Q4bOYps7WSWI0FlbwSUBcGLC56IxTlibAB313KmiQhkgQnK37agY8xsU1yJjSVQqWl9jat2G9KfTGPadD1Ttja9VSmlKGJiSd7mnUm69S4jmsoGESnlkKrI_Rw-I/s640/11703074_10205338284508855_3145825300183716609_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miwok logo tat, by Torrey Dasman. Hoping to add some antelope in 2016.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The lottery Gods are smiling on me, as I failed to gain entry to Western States 100 (I want to volunteer at Michigan Bluff instead, get back on the outside) and I have gained entry into the 2016 Miwok 100k. I feel like the 2015 Miwok was my strongest race of the year, and I left some room for improvement. I'm looking forward to giving it another go next May. The final lottery for next year is for Way Too Cool 50k. Fingers crossed, see you on the trails.</span></div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-40158702112159478682015-11-21T10:17:00.001-08:002015-11-21T10:17:16.392-08:00Waterfall 50k. Check.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9plJUkgqGVKHhz-dC-PFFN3OasMZIwmvXBXyGrytsmEeLC_WQ70qjWZkEkW0gZuNX4LTnMM8nTOI4xjFSkHtfFGph0DY8BOEJPYO17X8gsdxCW5rGo7p1c9XdnJLJz7arloeX10o3Ds/s1600/falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9plJUkgqGVKHhz-dC-PFFN3OasMZIwmvXBXyGrytsmEeLC_WQ70qjWZkEkW0gZuNX4LTnMM8nTOI4xjFSkHtfFGph0DY8BOEJPYO17X8gsdxCW5rGo7p1c9XdnJLJz7arloeX10o3Ds/s640/falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lottery season is off to a great start! I gained entry into the Gorge Waterfalls 50k in April. That knocks American River 50 mile off the docket. Jed Smith 50k and Way Too Cool 50k (lotto willing) will constitute my winter warm up. Now I have to pick some other Ultra Grand Prix races to make up for skipping AR50. If I fail to get into my third consecutive States, I'll likely be wrapping up the season with Dick Collins and a quad dipsea.</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-19041976311121246332015-11-12T10:31:00.000-08:002015-11-16T17:51:17.003-08:00Break is Over, Back to Work!<div style="border: 0px none; font-family: gotham,helvetica,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDuDZx6NSj2euSJikB7ZIpvVsHiupu6i8YVqgD2q1d2D6wIGMUKhTquk1NTv1j3n5fUCQybCFYue8K6icUc01MbiLtXZblJaIvUe_z8VfB78BxR8gzqBWcn98H_Pv1YYWnpP13UGR2Mk/s1600/kuani1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDuDZx6NSj2euSJikB7ZIpvVsHiupu6i8YVqgD2q1d2D6wIGMUKhTquk1NTv1j3n5fUCQybCFYue8K6icUc01MbiLtXZblJaIvUe_z8VfB78BxR8gzqBWcn98H_Pv1YYWnpP13UGR2Mk/s320/kuani1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuani gets a facelift</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After six weeks of boatyard work interrupted any
semblance of consistency in my training, the idea of starting Ohlone
50k, much less UROC 100k, felt ridiculous. I took DNS's in both races. The bright side is in Kuani's
fresh topsides, and my well-rested body. I have just under 40 weeks
until <a href="http://ac100.com/">Angeles Crest 100</a>. I jumped in as a charter member in the "run club" at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://runclub.mcmillanrunning.com/" href="http://runclub.mcmillanrunning.com/">Mcmillan Running</a>. I hope some structured and focused training plans will help me get back in shape.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ugIF9muiMQ9G2o_Ah4fQmxIyYb-bqC1uVAknQErLMDRoPmi0J0GBnJ2B-7-a9ogcN4aYCmqyVe49cJEurygfhD_dU_Vk2JDEsy1hXB47Psqf2HILB1bk8fEfGKWtCrzYIUTIO92MUaE/s1600/kuani2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ugIF9muiMQ9G2o_Ah4fQmxIyYb-bqC1uVAknQErLMDRoPmi0J0GBnJ2B-7-a9ogcN4aYCmqyVe49cJEurygfhD_dU_Vk2JDEsy1hXB47Psqf2HILB1bk8fEfGKWtCrzYIUTIO92MUaE/s640/kuani2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to get back in the water!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To stay in shape, I plan to run the <a href="https://www.pausatf.org/ultra-running/usatf-pacific-ultra-grand-prix-schedule/" target="_blank">PUSATF Ultra Grand Prix</a> in 2016. I
enjoyed the challenge of staying consistently fit and healthy in the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2012/12/series-report-2012-gold-country-grand.html" href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2012/12/series-report-2012-gold-country-grand.html">2012 Gold Country Grand Prix</a>,
and stepping up to an ultra series fits well with my current goals.
First up will be the Jed Smith 50k in February. I will miss the <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2013/02/race-report-2013-american-canyon-50k.html" target="_blank">American Canyon</a> race, but hope to return to that special event. A "road" 50k,
Jed Smith will get me whipped back into shape by developing a speedy
base. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I'll need a good base! Lottery season is upon us, and once again I have thrown my name in for States. Also on the list: Gorge Waterfalls 50k, Way Too Cool 50k and Miwok 100k (both Grand Prix races). </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grizzly sighted in Nevada County</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adding to the novelty of running again is my inclusion on the <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?page_id=1711">Victory Sportdesign ultra running team</a>.
I have long been a proponent of their vision and integrity. My duties
have already begun, as I was enlisted to do some wear testing on the new
Grizzly series backpack. The Grizzly has a lot of potential to help
further organize the existing Victory bag lineup. It can hold two of the
Bear II's stuffed full, or a combination of the smaller Coyote and
Cougar bags. Victory's reputation for organizing your endeavors is
evident in the interior. An adjustable divider unit and laptop sleeve
provide a flexible, adapatable platform. The design is not finalized
yet, but I am excited to see this bag hit stores in 2016.</span></span></div>
<br />Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-79585013249369173192015-10-02T12:46:00.002-07:002015-10-06T12:30:38.265-07:00Please welcome official sponsor: Victory Sportdesign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNalS78HQVCCw50wn7Pyds-0k1afNKa84JT4ehiDwNRJnFEpa1plB0iqWPD5KyHm5Kf84vXmZxyuCSLiOiwWLJvgKgwhX1T_8DBPrp9p6Esy7x_rsJccsyNYyi0Qy45RmBBI0vg-W02k/s1600/vsd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNalS78HQVCCw50wn7Pyds-0k1afNKa84JT4ehiDwNRJnFEpa1plB0iqWPD5KyHm5Kf84vXmZxyuCSLiOiwWLJvgKgwhX1T_8DBPrp9p6Esy7x_rsJccsyNYyi0Qy45RmBBI0vg-W02k/s320/vsd.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am honored to have been chosen for the <a href="http://victorysportdesign.com/?page_id=1711" target="_blank">Victory Sportdesign Pro Team</a>. Victory Sportdesign drop bags are integral to me while racing and training, helping me stay organized and focused on running. I am excited to move forward with their support and I hope to represent their integrity and values within the trail running community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#getingetoutgetmoving </span></div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-77280610163844204502015-08-03T12:17:00.001-07:002015-08-25T08:12:00.345-07:00Angeles Crest 100 Mile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfeZ9AWJzTn0RBJvlxqEL12m11KAghOpymwZVwRJukMuNoEhj5k669Pxyy6SnmKt5WdpCPvvD-oZajzduabr0A86T8EJiFqfBJznryOjdHelLV8ckkMqKarc_fluP0anf3PPyvXNRa9Y/s1600/logoBigColorNew.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfeZ9AWJzTn0RBJvlxqEL12m11KAghOpymwZVwRJukMuNoEhj5k669Pxyy6SnmKt5WdpCPvvD-oZajzduabr0A86T8EJiFqfBJznryOjdHelLV8ckkMqKarc_fluP0anf3PPyvXNRa9Y/s640/logoBigColorNew.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJ6FdCoc-WC1-p7myXWrvtyp-49xY_rwfeYRRt6jyx9-DM5zCjSu-VcNOA7Fi4-3G0mtgG1eifl9fEA3bmaNQgXPgPFloMIH6JXHly4mhmdE_ZpsLIOs2X2S0CoUt7ew1jsXjoH0QmL8/s1600/11822724_10153499418834725_9002817933181379275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJ6FdCoc-WC1-p7myXWrvtyp-49xY_rwfeYRRt6jyx9-DM5zCjSu-VcNOA7Fi4-3G0mtgG1eifl9fEA3bmaNQgXPgPFloMIH6JXHly4mhmdE_ZpsLIOs2X2S0CoUt7ew1jsXjoH0QmL8/s200/11822724_10153499418834725_9002817933181379275_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice buckle Mr. Jones!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Out of the frying pan. I managed to squeeze myself into the short list of runners at the 2016 <a href="http://www.ac100.com/">Angeles Crest 100 mile run</a>. I feel more anxious than I did when I found out I was running my first 100 two years ago! While I will continue to throw my name into the WS100 lottery, my odds are long for next year. Better to get another solid qualifying race on my calendar while I can. I'll try for Miwok 100k again, but I don't want to leave my qualifier fate up to a lottery and I have no desire to run Rio Del Lago. And, AC100 is also a Hardrock 100 qualifier...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Besides, a wise man recently said (was it Bob Shebest?) "sign up for the race that scares you." AC100 is that race right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*quaking*</span></div>
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Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-16591015604325994962015-07-10T14:33:00.002-07:002015-08-18T14:40:03.229-07:00Race Report: 2015 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Sitting in a chair in the Michigan Bluff Aid Station, I thought about solutions to the myriad ways I had blown my race. I had a bad case of <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/07/case-study-buckle-fever.html">buckle fever</a> and I had already decided to drop. Twice. Fortunately, I made a promise to myself long ago never to make a decision going uphill. Twirly looked at me with concern in her eyes, while Ann sat nearby encouraging me to keep going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">This was not how I expected my race to unfold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Some say I was lucky to get my name drawn with only one ticket in the <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2014/12/western-states-redux-2015.html">2015 Western States Lottery</a>. Twirly surely didn't think so. Weekends consumed by long runs and recovery, late dinners mid-week and regular tune-up races puts a strain on a relationship. Once my name was drawn, however, I felt I owed it to myself to try to improve upon <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2014/07/race-report-2014-western-states-100-mile.html">2014's performance</a>. I set my sights on a silver buckle, training hard through the winter and spring. At the <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/05/race-report-2015-miwok-100k.html">Miwok 100k</a> in May, I <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/06/ignorance-is-bliss.html">bruised my kneecap</a> in a fall. I attacked it with physical therapy and felt good about my experience at the Memorial Day Training Camp. I cut back my taper mileage a little to avoid straining the knee. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Vertical profile</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Course overview</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Beginning at Squaw Valley the race course climbs over the Pacific Crest at Emigrant Pass and drops over 20,000 feet before arriving at Placer High School track in Auburn. More than three vertical miles of climbing break up the monotony and provide ample opportunity to have inner dialogues of self-doubt and general disbelief. My strategy was to use my effort at Miwok as a guideline. A heart rate monitor alerted me when I hit 75%, which I hoped would allow me to get to Foresthill in decent time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">In <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2014/07/race-report-2014-western-states-100-mile.html">2014</a>, I did not push myself very hard. My blood creatine-kinase (CK) levels, an indicator of muscle damage, were low. Western States finishers have a mean CK level of 20,000 U/L, while mine was around 5,000 in 2014. That told me I left a lot in the tank. Determined to put myself out there and see what I could achieve, I set my "A" goal at sub-24 hours. My "B" goal would be to improve upon last year's performance and notch a new 100 mile PR (sub-28 hours) and my "C" goal, as always, would be to finish.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wser.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Hoffman-2015-Sodium-and-Hydration.pdf" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://www.wser.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Hoffman-2015-Sodium-and-Hydration.pdf" border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxxpqCaNbWS_-aDbqsm3gyh00hXRdhXEBTuR-c42kZWLLhd5rUFLi-eDnTFmFYBQoAhAEKp7dUlcxdJ8K2sU1R0OmKAo7vr7DDtFtiiVEHWFrANHIduv8LUgdxoUOytAyLQPw4xcHSo0/s320/slide.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Marty Hoffman's conclusions about salt</td></tr>
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I returned to Squaw Valley early race week for the second annual <a href="http://www.wser.org/research/conference/">Science and Medicine in Ultra Endurance Sports Conference</a>. As with last year, the conference was full of interesting information and observations. Of note was a study examining salt use and its effects during ultra racing, which found no correlation between exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) and salt supplementation. I encourage you to check out the materials available at the website. This year's research project is on recovery techniques, comparing 20 minutes of post-race massage with 20 minutes of pneumatic compression. A control group gets nothing. Also, they have asked us all to avoid but document the use of any other recovery methods (e.g. pain killers, massage, icing, etc.) in the week following the race. We submitted two 400-meter time trials before the race, and we'll have to do two more in the days following the post-race treatment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The rest of the pre-race week I laid low, meeting friends occasionally for libations but staying in my room alone watching Women's World Cup soccer or Giants baseball. I got out for a couple shake-out runs. Having no crew in the Valley meant my stress levels were much lower than in 2014.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Twirly joined me on Friday night. Once I was confident everything was taken care of, I got a couple hours sleep. Race morning was calm and balmy. I checked in, got my bib, and returned to my room to wait. I was anxious, but I knew that once the gun sounded I would settle down. The starting line was mellow this year; no blaring music, just nervous chatter from participants. We counted down from ten seconds, and then we were underway.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Escarpment, photo by Kelly Cronin</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The climb up to the Escarpment went smoothly. I kept myself in check and enjoyed the valley views as they unfolded. Cresting the ridge, I was six minutes ahead of my 2014 split and about six minutes behind 24 hour pace. Exactly where I wanted to be. The wildflowers of Granite Chief Wilderness did not disappoint. One of my favorite parts of the course is the backside of Squaw and the technicolor carpet of flowers. I ran easily amongst a pack of familiar faces, chatting about the day ahead and trying to keep my feet dry amongst the springs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I fell into a conga line behind <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/BillyYangFilms">Billy Yang</a>, figuring he was pacing himself for a silver buckle. I planned to begin stretching my legs as we hit the double track coming into Lyons Ridge Aid Station, and I did just that. I validated my pace by asking those around me about their goals. I was right on the cusp, but when I arrived at the aid station I was 16 minutes off the 24 hour pace split. They did not have any of the Clif Organic Energy foods I was using to supplement my Tailwind calories, so I was stuck using gels for a couple of hours. I had not burned a match yet, but had exceeded my threshold heart rate in the thin air. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The course begins rolling along the high ridge-lines for the next 14 miles, and my effort on the short climbs was too hard. I constantly struggled to maintain my pace while my heart rate monitor protested. I could feel the altitude limiting my ability to climb, and the lightning fast recovery I enjoy at sea level was non-existent. I would gain the top of one hill with my heart rate at 85%, and by the time I arrived at the bottom of the next climb, it would still be above 75%. Billy and the others finally passed me about halfway to Red Star Ridge.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Still feeling strong at Cougar Rock, photo by Facchino Photography</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Still having fun on Red Star Ridge, photo by Facchino Photography</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Suffice it to say, my execution was lacking in the high country. I was not prepared for the altitude, and it was warm and humid to boot. Despite the voice in my head telling me to take it easy, I continued to chase the 24 hour splits through the rocky and technical ridge-line trails. I arrived at Red Star Ridge Aid Station a half an hour off pace. I retrieved some Clif food from my drop bag and ate a few sandwich squares, getting through the station efficiently.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Entering Duncan Canyon, photo by Facchino Photography</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">My legs still felt good, no niggles. I kept my effort on the high side, trying to keep that silver buckle in sight. The course loses elevation faster and faster as Red Star Ridge gives way to Duncan Canyon. The day was warming up, and I was slowly falling behind on calories. I had crew at Duncan Canyon. There, I could catch up on my nutrition with a cold Boost nutritional shake and some coconut water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Time to pick it up. Carry your momentum through Duncan Canyon.</i></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I like to practice my turnover on the descent to Duncan Canyon Aid Station. The trail gets more runnable as you go. I got up a head of steam and passed a dozen runners or so on my way into the station. I quickly found my crew and got resupplied, but when I asked for the cold Boost I was met with blank stares. Twirly had not given them the drinks from her cooler! This was the first stumbling block in my plan. My confusion was compounded by the "Running Man" <a href="https://youtu.be/-ceegnWSENQ">game show questions</a> I was being asked by the guy with the bullhorn. He was fascinated by my beard and wanted to know "how I got it to curl like that." Still behind on calories, I knew I needed to get back on course before I got grumpy.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Wheels coming off in 3, 2, 1... Photo by Makie Ohler</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB5-HeSwD7YjfpIeaRP13Q4rL4ASStXgR-sBpO12YWI-k0oOE5sbemakeel9XVv1Nl6vn4g90k9bfMdRCbOzB72jLElm_l11GYxMLnQajVpit0XxYvWU9JZW5_lY5ioh8Cj_OaJu5XWI/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB5-HeSwD7YjfpIeaRP13Q4rL4ASStXgR-sBpO12YWI-k0oOE5sbemakeel9XVv1Nl6vn4g90k9bfMdRCbOzB72jLElm_l11GYxMLnQajVpit0XxYvWU9JZW5_lY5ioh8Cj_OaJu5XWI/s200/th.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I left the aid station 45 minutes off 24 hour pace. I knew what lay ahead: my first low spot in 2014. The exposed canyon was serving up another helping of hubris-slaying heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I stopped to pee and it was Sunkist orange! I immediately began drinking excessive amounts of water. I sat in the creek for a few minutes, washing, dousing and drinking. The apathy began to set in. 24 hours was off the table. The finish seemed so far away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Stop thinking about the finish. One aid station at a time.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I hiked the climb, stopping periodically in the shade to rest. Others were doing the same. I met <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Joshua&lname=Holmes">Joshua Holmes</a> along the way. He's running the Grand Slam-plus-Badwater this year. He's good company. Fellow <a href="http://sierratrailblazers.com/">Sierra TrailBlazer</a> <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Bill&lname=Hunter">Bill Hunter</a> caught me just outside the aid station. We arrived at Robinson Flat seven minutes ahead of my 2014 pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The medical checks were completely different this year. I acknowledged the staff, they asked how I was doing. "I'm spent," I said, and they waved me through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">After last year's foot maceration, I had decided to change my shoes at Robinson Flat. That way, I could keep my feet dry for 50 miles and make up the time by avoiding the chair at Michigan Bluff. Twirly helped me get squared away with a Boost and some coconut water. She agreed that the Clif banana-ginger-beet flavor may be responsible for the Sunkist orange pee. I left the aid station 10 minutes behind 2014 pace, continuing with caution. Now I was bloated and spent.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Entering Dusty Corners, photo by Makie Ohler</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Every five miles or so, I stopped to pee; the Sunkist color remained. My Western States Half Marathon (the split from Mt. Baldy to Swinging Bridge) would be my slowest ever. By the time I reached Dusty Corners I was hot. Pete and Makie Ohler helped me get iced down and watered up for the next section, Pucker Point.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Getting ready for more ice at Dusty Corners, photo by Makie Ohler</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>I love this section. Marble-in-a-groove single track combined with a spectacular view of Screw-auger Canyon. It's easy running.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I got a misting from the volunteers on my way out of the aid station. Less than a quarter mile down the trail I couldn't find my Tailwind supply. I back-tracked halfway to the aid station before remembering Pete had stuck it in my bottle holster. I continued to lose ground against my 2014 pace. The dominoes were falling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Stay positive.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I leapfrogged with Bill around the point. My power walk felt okay, but I still wasn't sure about my hydration status. By the time I got to Last Chance, I was in bad shape. I felt desperate. <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/05/race-report-2015-miwok-100k.html">Just like Miwok</a>, Nate Dunn came to the rescue. He reminded me of my training, of all the runnable terrain in my future if I just kept going. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"Go get the Cadillac Car-wash. It'll cool down your core before you head into the canyons."</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Trying to keep it together at Last Chance, photo by Nate Dunn</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">It took less than a minute to get me shivering. I bent over, trying to keep the water from running down my legs. Top-notch service at Last Chance Aid Station! I left with a bit of hope, and a lot of determination. I focused on staying smooth, keeping my momentum. The descent into Deadwood Canyon lit up my knee. It felt better to stride smoothly rather than dance the downs. I alternated between the two, passing many ginger-footed runners. I hit Swinging Bridge with little in the tank, hiking to the spring and taking a seat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"I don't think it's my day, you go get it," I said to Bill as he began to climb Devil's Thumb. I spent a few extra minutes dousing and fueling for the climb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">With no extra gears, I gave myself ten seconds at each switchback to rest before trudging on. The trail was littered with carnage. Some runners were obviously in GI distress, others were simply sitting in the shade. I sat a few times myself. Eventually I arrived at Devil's Thumb Aid Station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The Popsicles were awesome! I had to have seconds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I sat in a chair, being tended to by volunteer "Kat". She brought me some broth and ginger ale. Concern sat on her brow as she watched me mix my Tailwind. I could tell she wasn't going to let me sit for long. I commiserated with Brett Goldsmith, whom I had met during training camp. He couldn't hold anything down; he would succumb at Michigan Bluff but live to tackle AC100.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I negotiated one more Popsicle from Kat and made my way out of the aid station on 30 hour pace. I was now an hour behind my 2014 splits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Taking long, purposeful strides continued alleviating the pain in my knee on the descent into El Dorado Canyon. I happened upon Scott Warr, of <a href="http://trailrunnernation.com/">Trail Runner Nation</a>, at the Deadwood Cemetery. He told me I'd just missed the cello player. I was beginning to feel sorry for myself there at the back of the pack. I couldn't exploit the downs, had no power going up, and really couldn't do much but walk. So walk I did. All the way across the canyon and into Michigan Bluff. Over an hour behind, I slumped into the chair while Twirly tended to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"I'm broken," I said. "My body is shutting down and I do not want to do this anymore. I've dropped twice, but then the hill tops out and I just keep walking." She quietly acknowledged me while getting my pack swapped out and handing me a dry shirt. Jesse Jimenez came by and offered some encouragement. Fellow Sierra TrailBlazers Running Club members offered more. I knew I couldn't drop. I was jealous of those who had, but my pace was keeping me in front of the cut-offs. There are three reasons to DNF: injury, getting cut, or just not having fun anymore. I couldn't justify any of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Got the fever! Photo by Jesse Jimenez</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I have often said that I run ultras for these moments. I seek the "ego-strip". I yearn for those moments when I feel stripped bare, nothing left to hold onto. It offers an opportunity to do some soul searching. At least, that's what I have thought. Now that I was in that place, I didn't like it very much. I questioned my motives, and my methods. I couldn't come up with any good answers. There was no enlightenment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Taking Ann's advice, Twirly gave me ten minutes to get my shit together, and then I was back on the trail, trying not to think about how much distance was left. I continued to catch and pass runners in Duncan Canyon. My power hike was paying off. By the time I reached Bath Road it was dark. Crew member Aaron was there, with a cold Boost and peanut butter cups. I could feel my pity party slipping away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I spent some time gorging at the Foresthill Aid Station: quesadilla, bacon, avocado with rice, and soda. Twirly had set up a spot for me along the road to Cal Street. My pacer, Torrey, was conspicuously absent. Apparently, he had set out into the night looking for me. I was waiting for him to materialize when Ken Michal asked why I was in a chair. He convinced me to set out alone while Twirly went looking for Torrey. At the pace I was going, a pacer was more for company than anything else, I reasoned. He's a fast runner and shouldn't have any trouble catching up.</span></div>
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One foot in front of the other. Quit feeling frustrated at not being able to run and make the most of what you can do</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Obviously this is not the race I'd planned, but I was still in it. I continued to pass runners. Torrey caught up to me about a mile before Cal 1 Aid Station. Once there, I lamented to Bruce about my race thus far. He encouraged me and gave me a power hiking technique tip: keep my hips forward. I expressed some concern about descending the elevator shaft with my bum knee, and he had some pointers on form for that as well. He is a tremendous resource. I count myself lucky to have his counsel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">While my mood had improved tremendously, my body was still revolting at anything more than a brisk walk. I kept picking up places though, passing 16 runners between Foresthill and Cal 2 Aid Station. The carnage at Cal 2 was bad. The triage area was overflowing with bodies on cots. One poor soul looked like he was about to have a seizure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"Those cots look pretty comfortable," I said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"Don't look. Turn around." Torrey countered. That made me laugh, and the volunteers chided me for laughing at those who were laying down. I let them know I wasn't laughing at the fallen, but trying to avoid becoming one myself! They rewarded me with a cup of the best chocolate milk I have ever tasted, and we hit the trail again. I was now only 50 minutes off 2014 pace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I ran as much of the next switchback descent as I could, and managed to stay close to a runner in front of me when I switched back to the power hike. I passed an additional 15 runners between Cal 2 and the river. Comparing my Foresthill to the river split from 2014, I was three minutes faster. I began to realize that my turtle pace (hiking steadily) was actually more efficient than the "running and walking" strategy, which I stuck to in 2014.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I managed to photo-bomb Ken Michal during an interview for USL.tv, (Torrey and I enter the aid station 30 seconds in):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="302" scrolling="no" src="http://www.ustream.tv/embed/recorded/65287401?v=3&wmode=direct" style="border: 0px none transparent;" width="480"> </iframe></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream</a></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Focused in the river, photo by Facchino Photography</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We crossed the river, and I changed into dry shoes at the far side, popping a few blisters with a volunteer's pocket knife (mental note: include blister kit with shoe change). I brushed my teeth, which felt blissful, and we set out to climb the hill to Green Gate. My stomach had finally stabilized, allowing me to eat more at the aid station, which was really subdued at 4:30 in the morning. I hit the porta-potties for one of the best in-race pit-stops I have ever had. I could feel things turning around.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The final 20 miles went by in a blur. Birds began to chirp in the dark, signaling the impending dawn. I held my place in line, giving up a few spots to runners who were actually running, but gaining some in aid stations and passing the shufflers. Hal Koerner once again brightened my morning at Browns Bar, and I negotiated the steep descent to Quarry Road without incident. I could smell the barn, but knew I still had some ground to cover.</span></span><br />
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By the time I hit the Highway 49 Aid Station, I knew I would finish. I dropped my lights with Twirly, gave my sweat-soaked headband to Jenni Jimenez (the Jimenezes are awesome; I felt like I had extra crew whenever Jesse and Jenni were around) and grabbed a fresh bottle of Tailwind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"I'll see you at the track!" I said, leaving as quickly as I had arrived. Poor Torrey didn't even have enough time to eat. Spectators began appearing along the trail to No-Hands, and I felt a swell of emotion building. I could taste the finish. Crew-member Linda took my pack at No-Hands, and gave me a clean shirt. The last climb lay before me. I soaked it in as much as I could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Pete and Makie joined Torrey and me for the run from Robie Point. I tried to reflect the spectators' energy back to them, and ran most of the final mile. Ann and Bruce were both out on the course cheering runners in. I was glad to be able to share those final moments with them; their encouragement meant a lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I couldn't hold back once I saw the track, passing two or three runners on the back stretch. Despite walking 90% of the last 20 miles, I beat my 2014 river to finish split by over 10 minutes! I shaved 13 minutes off my 2014 Foresthill to the finish split.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">High fives on the track: priceless, photo by Mackenzie Hardwick</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">The end is beer, photo by Makie Ohler</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc5D-GBOZ_hVn8qR1j_6gpYW58_W39OZ2jZPyxu2GQqUdK8yuvZixDvTbb9EGOhUOJi9AGe7eJK4zIONf8tvj-UqthkMgKjyQBYkvEg5hPCs5cPk4QRArzVteVTTjj-WXZvMYt1XlUXQ/s1600/sm132404-07-325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc5D-GBOZ_hVn8qR1j_6gpYW58_W39OZ2jZPyxu2GQqUdK8yuvZixDvTbb9EGOhUOJi9AGe7eJK4zIONf8tvj-UqthkMgKjyQBYkvEg5hPCs5cPk4QRArzVteVTTjj-WXZvMYt1XlUXQ/s640/sm132404-07-325.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">#2 in the books, photo by Facchino Photography</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Finishing was a bigger relief this year. I enjoyed tearful hugs with Twirly and other friends before heading to the research tent to learn my fate. I ended up being placed in the pneumatic compression group. For 20 minutes, inflatable socks squeezed my legs and blistered feet. My blisters hurt, but the rest of it felt great. While I was on the cot, 70-year old Gunhild Swanson stole the show, becoming the oldest female finisher with 6 seconds to spare! It was truly inspirational and the story of the race for everyone.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Sweet relief, photo by Makie Ohler</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I hobbled over to the awards tent, where Twirly had set up our chairs and a plate of food. Before I could get there, Brett Rivers told me Scott Wolfe had found Torrey passed out in the bathroom. Not moving too well, I asked Pete to go help him out. Torrey eventually made it to our spot, sheepish but no worse for the wear. Now I can say I ran him into the ground, haha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Ken Michal told me in Foresthill that this buckle would mean more, and it does. It symbolizes the grit I needed to keep moving in spite of my condition. But it also represents the things I did wrong and the lessons I need to take forward. I need to race within myself and my conditioning. I need to be able to recognize buckle fever when it happens and take the appropriate recourse before it's too late.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">With legend Tim Twietmeyer, photo by Makie Ohler</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">That said, my improvement over the final 38 miles surprised me. In short: I cooked myself in the high country, paid the price through the canyons and rebounded for the home stretch. If I had remained within myself for the first 50k, I could have set a new PR. Instead, I learned valuable lessons about what I'm capable of, and how low I can go without giving up. My post-race blood CK was over 30,000 U/L. Six times my 2014 levels. Obviously, the early effort had taken its toll. </span></span></div>
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Once again, the Western States Organization put on an incredible event. I've said it before, but it bears repeating that this race is top notch. Awesome swag, thousands of volunteers, concerted efforts to protect the trail and its history all combine to create a surreal environment in which to test yourself. I will continue to enter the lottery every year, and gladly volunteer in those years I fail to gain entry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">My most valuable take-away ends up being one that has taken me a long time to come to terms with: time goals are fine for motivation, but race-day strategies must be based in reality. My conditioning was not capable of my desired effort at altitude. In the future, I hope to develop performance based goals rather than time goals. Execution, adaptability and problem-solving need to be my focus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Here's to hoping. See you on the trails!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Oh yeah, here are the deets:</span><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/335474049/embed/acfe250d5df53dd7d3b776f73051078274391619" width="590"></iframe>Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-11053040579320608062015-07-01T10:54:00.000-07:002015-07-01T18:53:07.271-07:00Case Study: Buckle Fever<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNniAOO6Ke1Ci6fAqWZDmyaxWq0EI6nZo2vKyg1x-_f9HN2lcQFsukoGu7CctVPUaxew5ZD_Cx5tSxvjOc-FjJ48oUo-Zqsa_yFY4AOLKKiOrCcZY6ToruR70knfer82YV3N0LYRjoXo/s1600/WS-Winner-Buckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNniAOO6Ke1Ci6fAqWZDmyaxWq0EI6nZo2vKyg1x-_f9HN2lcQFsukoGu7CctVPUaxew5ZD_Cx5tSxvjOc-FjJ48oUo-Zqsa_yFY4AOLKKiOrCcZY6ToruR70knfer82YV3N0LYRjoXo/s640/WS-Winner-Buckle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckle fever is localized in and around 100 mile running events</td></tr>
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<i>Buckle fever, or chronic ego driven exhaustion (CEDE), has been known to cause premature DNF and extreme remorse. This case study is taken from the 2015 Western States Endurance Run</i></h2>
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<li>Patient is a 43 year old white male with signs of over-exertion, gastric distress,
severely blistered feet and piss-poor attitude admitted to the Michigan
Bluff Aid Station one and a half hours before the cutoff.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Patient's chief complaints include bloated stomach, sharp joint pain, lack of enthusiasm, lack of confidence, lack of focus, lack of energy, general malaise and frustration. Additionally, patient claims his body is "shutting down" and "only has one gear". Patient claims he "does not want to continue and does not want to do this anymore."</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Present illness began at race start in Squaw Valley early that morning. In an effort to secure a silver buckle, the patient exerted an unacceptably high effort at altitude in warm temperatures. Over approximately 40-50 kilometers the patient sustained heart rates at or above 80% of maximum. Additional complications arose from in-race nutritional supplements containing beets, which darkened his urine to the point of alarm. This resulted in over-hydration until the source of the problem was correctly identified and normal hydration was resumed.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Patient's medical history includes similar instances of over-exertion, most recently at <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/03/race-report-2015-marin-ultra-challenge.html">Marin Ultra Challenge 50k</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Patient's family history includes parental marathoning, sibling middle distance running and overall health improvement through regular exercise.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Patient's social history shows numerous examples of epic challenges, including but not limited to: Alaskan commercial fisherman, previous WS100 finisher, long distance sailor, avid ultra runner. Patient also appreciates fine craft beers often.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Physical exam reveals some chafing, lack of color, salt-caked skin, thousand-yard stare and a curious odor.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Assessment: Patient requires tough love and the confidence that finishing is still possible. While reasoning with the patient is unlikely, shaming and guilt can be used with moderate success. Thought exercises illustrating the remorse of dropping have shown high rates of success.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Patient treatment course: Patient was given ten minutes to get his shit together, after which he was given two baggies containing sandwiches and fruit, along with the necessary lighting and water to make it to the next aid station, Foresthill. Patient continued on through the night, utilizing his "one gear" to stay ahead of cutoffs and eventually finish the race. This was the sought after outcome, and treatment was deemed to be successful.</li>
</ul>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-47764975609547364292015-06-12T10:53:00.001-07:002015-06-12T13:21:31.780-07:002015 Western States Preview: The Hay is in the Barn<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7mGXrbc4QjkEAw4C7aRvkWRSDrtbMthlj5Ztg9JNadnX9E7oT60NVycW4HiKFoG85uCHz5NOlZ21thau1Eq2y7IasCJ8fNA4CHrWMv0PkE99ysVXpVK3q8AgwLwq5mhjXNNNmWENNAo/s1600/PHTrack+Mac+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7mGXrbc4QjkEAw4C7aRvkWRSDrtbMthlj5Ztg9JNadnX9E7oT60NVycW4HiKFoG85uCHz5NOlZ21thau1Eq2y7IasCJ8fNA4CHrWMv0PkE99ysVXpVK3q8AgwLwq5mhjXNNNmWENNAo/s640/PHTrack+Mac+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting for a darker finish in 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This time last year, I was <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2014/06/2014-western-states-100-preview-crew.html">going to pieces</a>. My anxiety levels were compounded by taper madness. Too much time to kill and not enough distractions. A year wiser, I feel better going into my taper for Western States. I only feel anxious when <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sally.mcrae.7?fref=ts">Sally McRae</a> posts her damn countdown to Facebook: <br />
<br />
<i>"15 days. 20 hours. 38 minutes. Heartrate: 107"</i><br />
<br />
Knowing exactly how little time is left is almost as bad as trying to wrap my head around the whole course at once. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/06/ignorance-is-bliss.html">Knee issues</a> did not derail my training, much. My peak training block, centered around the <a href="http://www.wser.org/training-runs/">Memorial Day Training Camp</a>, boosted my confidence; I felt strong. I know my goal is within reach, and I know it will not be easy. <br />
<br />
Last year, uncertainty about the distance and my own instinctual self-preservation made my "A" goal of sub-24 hours easy to abandon soon after the shotgun. My best efforts to streamline my support ended up being a hindrance or simply neglected. This year, I have adjusted accordingly. I still plan to provide log sheets for my crew to document my progress, but my actual support will be simpler.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
2015 Aid Station Worksheet </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV1ZyGPcnhuJcUQohGNiZTPEIMDcPs6R67kcWc3JWsFw_e12TwPMRH9vv0Db4q4oJBrsDsfYjwOq2P1RZTr9tBsXNsWTNzYrUqKYi1xzU_PUq97Ba-shlNQpXY64Qta0cumXehYnfE5s/s1600/asws.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV1ZyGPcnhuJcUQohGNiZTPEIMDcPs6R67kcWc3JWsFw_e12TwPMRH9vv0Db4q4oJBrsDsfYjwOq2P1RZTr9tBsXNsWTNzYrUqKYi1xzU_PUq97Ba-shlNQpXY64Qta0cumXehYnfE5s/s640/asws.png" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Most of the work sheet is for the crews benefit. The strategic, motivational language in the middle is what is important to me. At each aid station, I will have a zip lock bag filled with everything I need to get me to the next crewed aid station. That way, crew will only prepare a couple of handheld bottles with Tailwind. Barring surprises, this approach should enable me to trade bottles, drop my trash, grab the baggie and go. I can pack up the supplies on the trail, and having an extra baggie is handy at the other aid stations. Fill it up and take the buffet to go!<br />
<br />
Another big change this year involves my pacers. In 2014 they also participated in pre-race festivities at Squaw and helped to crew me during the early stages of the race. This year they are off the hook until pacing duty. I ran Torrey into the ground last year, and David<a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/03/pacers-report-2014-western-states-100.html"> pulled almost as many hours awake as I did</a>. Fresh pacers ought to help me sustain my momentum in the dark hours when I am trying to justify my desire for a silver buckle. Why is this important again?<br />
<br />
And that brings me to the crux of this year. My "A" goal is a sub-24 hour finish. Last year I said it, but I knew it was impractical. Finishing my first 100, especially at States, was much more important than my time. This year, it scares the crap out of me. I know it is possible. I know it will hurt. I know I'd rather have two different buckles than two bronze buckles. I know I am ready. The hay is in the barn. Shaving off over four hours is not unheard of (see Pam Smith's <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Pam&lname=Smith">ten hour improvement</a> from 2012-2013), but it is a tall order.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOtztf42yVgmNaxlRdnK7KCvW5DmeKauQG6ZZunuAc4E8avkXn_pDUBCcCwbfrmWhGFtyb27iw1UnwG3PM1C45mIM7tOVSd9OiS1U7WE1LCoCQoTbP4Cfy8tOWiaS9wK1IdlM1aldBME/s1600/Buckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOtztf42yVgmNaxlRdnK7KCvW5DmeKauQG6ZZunuAc4E8avkXn_pDUBCcCwbfrmWhGFtyb27iw1UnwG3PM1C45mIM7tOVSd9OiS1U7WE1LCoCQoTbP4Cfy8tOWiaS9wK1IdlM1aldBME/s320/Buckle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This buckle needs a sibling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As always, I have a couple of other goals to fall back on in case the race gets away from me. My "B" goal is to improve upon last year's <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2014/07/race-report-2014-western-states-100-mile.html">28:06</a>. During my crew meeting, I instructed everyone to not let me off the hook here. If I fall off 25 hour pace, I don't want to walk-in a 27:50 and call it a success. I want to put my best foot forward. I want a finishing time indicative of my training and preparation. I want to suffer for it.<br />
<br />
And so my "C" goal is to finish my second 100. I imagine if the wheels come off this badly, I will be suffering more than the previous two scenarios. I try not to think about what may lead to me chasing cut-offs, or worse, getting cut.<br />
<br />
I am returning to the <a href="http://www.wser.org/research/conference/">WMS Medicine & Science in Ultra-Endurance Sports Conference</a>, held on Tuesday and Wednesday of race week. I enjoyed the distraction last year, and it led to many changes in my training paradigms this year. The <a href="https://alpenglowsports.com/festival/">Alpenglow Festival</a> is also being held race week, offering plenty of other activities to keep me occupied, such as a "pub run" sponsored by Salomon on Wednesday night (Salomon hash!) and movie night with JB Benna.<br />
<br />
The home stretch is here. One more long run this weekend, lots of A.R.T. to keep the niggles at bay, some PT and strength training for my knee issue and one more <a href="http://monstersofmassage.com/">Monster Massage</a> on the Thursday before the race - then the big dance. I think I have everything under control, but then I remember it is the things outside my control which make this such a thrill.<br />
<br />
See you at Squaw! </div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-80422116719746834382015-06-04T09:47:00.003-07:002015-06-04T10:28:31.307-07:00Ignorance is Bliss<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjqoBj86QaQVe6zQ8RESPFqK8iTj0xaj3g68ozY2e8cuBrrcztexVo0vzRk3jH6_OQquxWMgJzVGDQjn4WJXt52ETetc5qPGUzlaqznRy5KfdffcoGwBwoxyVcuKendy4_PLVavpW-AE/s1600/mri.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjqoBj86QaQVe6zQ8RESPFqK8iTj0xaj3g68ozY2e8cuBrrcztexVo0vzRk3jH6_OQquxWMgJzVGDQjn4WJXt52ETetc5qPGUzlaqznRy5KfdffcoGwBwoxyVcuKendy4_PLVavpW-AE/s640/mri.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MRI of my right knee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have long been a fan of quantum mechanics and the plethora of theories attempting to describe our universe. Some of my favorites stipulate that nothing exists until it is observed, described or contemplated. And so it has gone with my knee injury. Stemming from a fall during the <a href="http://wander-place.blogspot.com/2015/05/race-report-2015-miwok-100k.html">Miwok 100k</a> in May, discomfort in my right knee was the catalyst for a series of medical evaluations. My primary care physician referred me to an orthopedist, who took x-rays and then requested an MRI. I ran through all of this, building to a big ten day training block focused around the Memorial Day Training Camp for Western States. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Training Camp went well; I taped the knee all three days and kept the Vitamin I intake on the low side. I ran about 130 miles in nine days and never felt any significant pain in the knee, although my quads took a beating.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The discomfort abated, becoming more of a stiffness than a pain. The MRI results came back last Monday. I have a bruised patella and a torn meniscus. The doctor gave me the green light for States and prescribed some PT. The patella bruise, he said, will take up to four months to heal, but running should not cause any further damage. The meniscus, however, will not improve. Eventually I will have to have the damaged section removed. I had a similar issue with my left knee in the late 90's. I had it repaired during ACL surgery, and it has held up well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So now I am hyper-aware of a torn meniscus every time I run! Niggles be niggles though, and knowing what's going on there doesn't change anything. Or does it? I'll be mindful, and take precautionary measures like taping and icing. I may taper a little more aggressively in the coming weeks to rest and minimize inflammation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my experience, the niggles I worry about going into a race never end up being the niggles I have to deal with during the race. Hopefully that will hold true on June 27th.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See you at Squaw!</div>
Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699490898716867057.post-76025528795789092322015-05-19T12:09:00.001-07:002015-05-19T12:17:01.655-07:00Backpacking Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVNRr8wsiMT0gai7p-I8r_o6A3lCB94Qyc6gabutF1Lttb5KASdI2ZDCtGZ7zGNMhiSkjwPTu_QFN8geJXBpFt0_8xi0zg4f9jnWI6B-pl-zJ4l40q4JDdK15UzTJTatqLNCJSnqKz8s/s1600/bs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVNRr8wsiMT0gai7p-I8r_o6A3lCB94Qyc6gabutF1Lttb5KASdI2ZDCtGZ7zGNMhiSkjwPTu_QFN8geJXBpFt0_8xi0zg4f9jnWI6B-pl-zJ4l40q4JDdK15UzTJTatqLNCJSnqKz8s/s640/bs1.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckskin Gulch, photo by Christopher Brothers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rS-wVYcsXzjI1lqwaKKeE-mtmTaitptcDz1kGd1m3yhqh0irts-ImF3QpMr8B1HCg3AFlcBO_bEvZpveN8HPqPiZfhujF2zgSymi3a2L-YqTqZNb5cdRY2L0rucbp5h8KzPqM2oeCVI/s1600/bs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rS-wVYcsXzjI1lqwaKKeE-mtmTaitptcDz1kGd1m3yhqh0irts-ImF3QpMr8B1HCg3AFlcBO_bEvZpveN8HPqPiZfhujF2zgSymi3a2L-YqTqZNb5cdRY2L0rucbp5h8KzPqM2oeCVI/s320/bs2.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Christopher Brothers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While attending Northern Arizona University in the 1990's, my friends and I explored the surrounding wilderness almost every weekend. Backpacking the Mogollon Rim, Sycamore Canyon and the Grand Canyon provided an escape from the collegiate workload and nurtured my love of the outdoors. When I was asked to spearhead a research project in a tributary of the Colorado River just East of the Grand Canyon National Park, I jumped at the opportunity. <br />
<br />
The<a href="http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria.html"> Paria River</a> had been classified as "impaired" due to high beryllium concentrations. I was to hike the canyon and collect water and sediment samples ten times over the course of two years. A rag-tag group of students would accompany me on three day blitzes of the 40 mile long stretch of remote canyon. Paria quickly became a special place for me; my own place of worship. Towering canyon walls, hanging gardens, narrow slots and hundreds of river crossings made for a surreal experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4aYi7wK7yIPX8y-WSOkqMr2NXbwKoa7R9_XZs-Viks98SqYFKb6lDAXfpCzMx0N03nIvNNcegjDjlFled3F7SobFM6ArJ-dg35_9BhBaHVMjLQWUtyJvq-Xs4KeJj8oxHZlxsJSh9Bg/s1600/bs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4aYi7wK7yIPX8y-WSOkqMr2NXbwKoa7R9_XZs-Viks98SqYFKb6lDAXfpCzMx0N03nIvNNcegjDjlFled3F7SobFM6ArJ-dg35_9BhBaHVMjLQWUtyJvq-Xs4KeJj8oxHZlxsJSh9Bg/s640/bs3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stranded owl hunkers near pool, photo by Christopher Brothers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Given our short time-tables for each trip, I was never able to explore some of the more interesting side canyons of the Paria. Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in North America, would beckon as we collected samples from its confluence with the Paria. We would explore the lower mile or so before hurrying down the Paria. Years later, in 2006, I was able to hike the gulch with Twirly. We spent two days in Buckskin before hiking out to White House.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQOWKPGwKAIOGYMMp1z-d8wyA6aGr3E8RkdQRa8tnswTY4AHevzzjPvRznSdaOvuRDphXqv5XX7VWD4j7BXXtYUjQv8DJc-Ph4CSTSkMK7sq8E1oWzmxtDYrY_JWcfTFd4uplk-UTdeM/s1600/map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQOWKPGwKAIOGYMMp1z-d8wyA6aGr3E8RkdQRa8tnswTY4AHevzzjPvRznSdaOvuRDphXqv5XX7VWD4j7BXXtYUjQv8DJc-Ph4CSTSkMK7sq8E1oWzmxtDYrY_JWcfTFd4uplk-UTdeM/s640/map.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIzcPdGE7GJc1xMWbggZP7HfKICUWVlQwY0sD6YV8L98U_QC5qKDXWZT-3kAOKiBm3Bk6AVPBwWUW8oC0fvHr5nTuDVynn46RlWPtHcCepunymhfZF_D-morOuPUpxDqKRoblRrESoGs/s1600/2015-05-12+10.32.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIzcPdGE7GJc1xMWbggZP7HfKICUWVlQwY0sD6YV8L98U_QC5qKDXWZT-3kAOKiBm3Bk6AVPBwWUW8oC0fvHr5nTuDVynn46RlWPtHcCepunymhfZF_D-morOuPUpxDqKRoblRrESoGs/s640/2015-05-12+10.32.33.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Last year, my father told me Buckskin and Paria were on his bucket list. I rounded up the boys for a five day trip from Buckskin Gulch to the end of the Paria at Lee's Ferry. I had not realized how long it had been since I saw the length of the Paria. I won't let it be that long again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW8uydNXW_vrCrYZmzxfAK5pLSwRuwfBJ4xElyylVzverykIgSBSAYxyzY53Tm0Swx6cioJebUlhDoDt-jPJJnWiYxQim9hLOjxT0I7HYyCho7uHQb1lbblGAWjDhjyrJDE5LJp-y70s/s1600/11234979_10204930436392907_2611107612291279849_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW8uydNXW_vrCrYZmzxfAK5pLSwRuwfBJ4xElyylVzverykIgSBSAYxyzY53Tm0Swx6cioJebUlhDoDt-jPJJnWiYxQim9hLOjxT0I7HYyCho7uHQb1lbblGAWjDhjyrJDE5LJp-y70s/s640/11234979_10204930436392907_2611107612291279849_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The confluence of Buckskin and Paria</td></tr>
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We camped at the Wire Pass Trail Head on Monday night after dropping cars at Lee's Ferry and White House. Two of our five would be replicating the trip Twirly and I did in 2006, exiting via White House on the third day. My friend Jason, my father and I would head down Paria Canyon for the last three days, covering 44 miles. <br />
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Cap'n Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358835805419219933noreply@blogger.com0