tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28656100992373894212024-03-04T23:39:40.368-07:00Granny Nanny and the Old GoatDeb, Tucker and Steve on the Mount Washington, NH summit.Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-66816094335049789482014-03-21T13:45:00.000-06:002014-03-21T13:45:00.248-06:00Back to the old blog...I decided to move back to my old <a href="http://ultrastevep.blogspot.com/">UltraSteveP</a> blog for my occasional posts, which should be more regular.<br />
No more sponsors to show on the side, so it'll be much simpler.<br />
<br />
SteveSteve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-67019769226243406892013-07-18T13:31:00.001-06:002013-07-19T10:33:34.743-06:002013 Hardrocking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzJU2bWtLAfBFhx-ScsaJhEBeqzQOqZ9dHUmLZAojUUS5mxjWe7nIaaykh98TbEjT-5OkPSnZJRgMGe5jwe0h4AP4hKlq58x_GrUMYRxD4UfJ8Mb3uVLqZOD1BCokAZIYnJ4bfcRkAwc/s1600/ScreenHunter_256+Jul.+18+11.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzJU2bWtLAfBFhx-ScsaJhEBeqzQOqZ9dHUmLZAojUUS5mxjWe7nIaaykh98TbEjT-5OkPSnZJRgMGe5jwe0h4AP4hKlq58x_GrUMYRxD4UfJ8Mb3uVLqZOD1BCokAZIYnJ4bfcRkAwc/s400/ScreenHunter_256+Jul.+18+11.57.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On our annual vacation that's called <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a>, Deb and I began early in Leadville on successive weekends training with her brother Drew, Liz Bauer , Elise Harrington and Scott Brockmeier. Photo links <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/62013LeadvilleHardrockTrainingPart1">here</a> and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/LeadvilleTrainingPart2">here</a>. We had some wonderful hike/runs that included a moonlight hike up Mount Elbert...this training block was followed by our two weeks in Silverton, marking the Hardrock course and just visiting with all of our Hardrock friends, most of who stay at the <a href="http://morgan07southerncolorado.blogspot.com/2008/03/avon-hotel-silverton-co.html">Avon Hotel</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz8QeLyg1ScKX4Hf9vnTymBGczQd0-Ku78YI2xw2m-Jp3ypIw-cJLm6KpdQn0GRWEqbTAEXXqXkAmgxqChyphenhyphenZzAIseYtT0YoQjUmyzg9k2pEYU-Y2N8v6ZeSCfNLJ5P2Uq-XPYmajNEQo/s1600/ScreenHunter_257+Jul.+18+11.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz8QeLyg1ScKX4Hf9vnTymBGczQd0-Ku78YI2xw2m-Jp3ypIw-cJLm6KpdQn0GRWEqbTAEXXqXkAmgxqChyphenhyphenZzAIseYtT0YoQjUmyzg9k2pEYU-Y2N8v6ZeSCfNLJ5P2Uq-XPYmajNEQo/s640/ScreenHunter_257+Jul.+18+11.57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
But let's get on to what this post is all about. The Hardrock Hundred...<br />
<br />
This was my 10th Hardrock start and 3rd finish. I finally got the counter clockwise direction done after many failures and it was also special for us, as this was the first time Deb and I both finished. I don't know how, considering all the roadblocks on the way, but we did. I'll get into those details below. I decided to not take any photos during the race this year in order to focus on the many other things you need to focus on to be able to get through this run (hike). So most of the photos are from Gerry Roach.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblN_PVy-VjdoBChrg9JtFOzf3rPwf9DCHDv5-LArFWSDZe6efIhbk8cQeG_CTlI1QKzpP__i12P3mauQRUBosRfcLj0-v4j6okwaqH88WRJoutu6_xD2p5PboLYIJ6mip2_g-qzcMf7Y/s1600/07-12-13+Hardrock+G++-+002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblN_PVy-VjdoBChrg9JtFOzf3rPwf9DCHDv5-LArFWSDZe6efIhbk8cQeG_CTlI1QKzpP__i12P3mauQRUBosRfcLj0-v4j6okwaqH88WRJoutu6_xD2p5PboLYIJ6mip2_g-qzcMf7Y/s320/07-12-13+Hardrock+G++-+002.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIhGIyC_-5uycSg1SvqgwYxh5Ku0HUnBude0X30Svq0m-T6i_iHJGpgloS_8FaiKrCVwZ6z7EbS7DsrKSd77IZ7UvKZ2BVnkqDOpWnjhBmZFQLPMxdGtaEIhnr2TD5zJbVf5b6a-qLuk/s1600/Steve+and+Drew+in+Gym.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIhGIyC_-5uycSg1SvqgwYxh5Ku0HUnBude0X30Svq0m-T6i_iHJGpgloS_8FaiKrCVwZ6z7EbS7DsrKSd77IZ7UvKZ2BVnkqDOpWnjhBmZFQLPMxdGtaEIhnr2TD5zJbVf5b6a-qLuk/s320/Steve+and+Drew+in+Gym.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Drew and I are ready on race morning...Deb is, too!</b><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
I had decided that due to my total dedication to my HR monitor during most of my training, that I would wear it for at least until Grouse, which it should then be beginning to be dark, if not already. My aerobic threshold is around 125, so I opted to keep my HR at that or under and tested this out in training in Leadville and during course marking and it seems to keep me at a good, comfortable pace, well within myself and should help from going out too fast. So I basically ignored everyone around me and just followed this protocol until I couldn't anymore, meaning my legs would get so tired, I couldn't even get my HR close to 125. I am a firm believer in low HR training to teach the body to burn fat, with at least one day a week of faster running to push up the Lactate Threshold. So if I could stay in my "fat burning" zone, I wouldn't need to consume much fuel or as much as if I were running a faster race. This worked to a point. On with the show...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqlVX9pQELpzIkxZoY8Y6uow_isMIZlrgwvxxFAoJRSz0cDKFsoUQ7FJyOz_dBKZofuPjpJ2yw9XwzYD7chOX13Cw_fiuZzP6AIb97DADqTihPnsolpBp9zBFrVof4Q7zkH3ex8bT5_o/s1600/07-12-13+Hardrock+G++-+020.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqlVX9pQELpzIkxZoY8Y6uow_isMIZlrgwvxxFAoJRSz0cDKFsoUQ7FJyOz_dBKZofuPjpJ2yw9XwzYD7chOX13Cw_fiuZzP6AIb97DADqTihPnsolpBp9zBFrVof4Q7zkH3ex8bT5_o/s640/07-12-13+Hardrock+G++-+020.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Away we go!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mark Heaphy in the pink shirt and knit hat would be my trail buddy most of the day</div>
<br />
As we left the rock to Dale's words "Get going", my HR started to rise as I did some slow jogging. Soon I was walking in the back to keep it under 125 and even slower as we started up the Ski Hill. The plan for fuel was to eat meals at the aid stations, supplementing with EFS Liquid Shot in between. I use a 2 bottle Nathan waist pack, as I find that the hydration vests just make me hot.<br />
<br />
The climb up to Dives-Little Giant pass was pretty uneventful, other than a pit stop, and spent most of this time with Deb, Drew and our many other back of the pack buds. Up and over the pass, then down to the Cunningham aid station, I felt good and even held back on the downhill to the aid station (125 HR). Nothing dramatic happens early on at Hardrock, but the drama is on it's way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8s6pMDfnTemsYeBI88iabeHkZXnR3f7TuijPuTc5dwHGekwUZVMf-eygMfVdOnKNtXBw3c_co9J-gQYIyfGVr6TrHHbDGR9n4F3M7XPI2G39xCYgYbeEOgtum0RtGdw_nLTSCDxgWqU/s1600/Dives+Little+Giant-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8s6pMDfnTemsYeBI88iabeHkZXnR3f7TuijPuTc5dwHGekwUZVMf-eygMfVdOnKNtXBw3c_co9J-gQYIyfGVr6TrHHbDGR9n4F3M7XPI2G39xCYgYbeEOgtum0RtGdw_nLTSCDxgWqU/s640/Dives+Little+Giant-2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Top of the pass, Dives little Giant</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2011 photo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuN_ynw5l-r-U-rCBbfLmUfzxTb-IbQrIuVdHggrDpJy2fOj90SYKlRDHU7wMoZLTChGu_9HobSQvu8gapYQ2_53juuTeGyvBARP06j3b1guY4Xj_WBTGd9Ce4cUtwuy8Y3548Tc5xjM/s1600/Coming+into+Cunningham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuN_ynw5l-r-U-rCBbfLmUfzxTb-IbQrIuVdHggrDpJy2fOj90SYKlRDHU7wMoZLTChGu_9HobSQvu8gapYQ2_53juuTeGyvBARP06j3b1guY4Xj_WBTGd9Ce4cUtwuy8Y3548Tc5xjM/s640/Coming+into+Cunningham.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Crossing the creek into Cunningham Aid Station</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2011 photo</div>
<br />
Coming into the Cunningham aid station my plan was to eat some breakfast before entering the Green Mountain section over to Maggie Gulch aid station. I came in behind a long conga line down the single track trail behind someone who was clearly nervous and holding us all up. Jim Campiformio and I decided to just sit back and relax ;-) I got in and ate some of Deb's fantastic vegan potato pancakes and a bunch of fruit off the tables with Jennifer Roach's help.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW8boL4cvtIEQhi0KpgTxMNlM0nw_pep-I6z67y-lz8oa7InWJNXNiL3BJ5dj_JQ7BzGlM_U4WAGfb_YnYLGhzMO0KEaJQOLRhmIVxcCZqI65VzZduQ6k_ktFZzpQmC3nbk4BM_UOhyU/s1600/Deb+at+C'Ham.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW8boL4cvtIEQhi0KpgTxMNlM0nw_pep-I6z67y-lz8oa7InWJNXNiL3BJ5dj_JQ7BzGlM_U4WAGfb_YnYLGhzMO0KEaJQOLRhmIVxcCZqI65VzZduQ6k_ktFZzpQmC3nbk4BM_UOhyU/s400/Deb+at+C'Ham.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pfrerTv9XUMhd0J0Ih426lpe_euoHaSjZhXnOJh7w2YgtadXumtMO_J-t3TxQQSRfnH_SXMSC48KY6dZZqN61MIGedSVdl6tY5h9maFKJQ5BGrwnLilf2Xzlst6PPUrINWq_g9_L1ik/s1600/Steve+at+C'ham.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pfrerTv9XUMhd0J0Ih426lpe_euoHaSjZhXnOJh7w2YgtadXumtMO_J-t3TxQQSRfnH_SXMSC48KY6dZZqN61MIGedSVdl6tY5h9maFKJQ5BGrwnLilf2Xzlst6PPUrINWq_g9_L1ik/s400/Steve+at+C'ham.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb and I as we leave Cunningham aid station</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was yelling out to Gerry Roach "I got 2 days!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH2JKOpV6p7GVukwSQC7ZWCrgi15FdMvKgLxwOHtUKKlWQm42Slah8QqH_C_IU759UCD93w01f1KAdcGfkmBo2Yf1rjm1LZZ5c2U1VmIGemUPcmrH0R12y16MOg_Qug13rEMphxo5aw4/s1600/Green+MTN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH2JKOpV6p7GVukwSQC7ZWCrgi15FdMvKgLxwOHtUKKlWQm42Slah8QqH_C_IU759UCD93w01f1KAdcGfkmBo2Yf1rjm1LZZ5c2U1VmIGemUPcmrH0R12y16MOg_Qug13rEMphxo5aw4/s640/Green+MTN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The steep climb up Green Mountain section</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2011 photo</div>
<br />
Next up we climbed up Green Mountain over Stony Pass and Canby Mountain to the Maggie Gulch aid. Another uneventful section, just getting the miles in and keeping from going to quick this early on in the run. Reaching Maggie, I had a fantastic avocado tortilla wrap that I ate while leaving the aid station into Pole Creek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-Z87JguHarq7JSbtUCACqUvI6i29lObM4GzelPWaUTwQYaO3Rozq54RkNgXS8V3cWA4s54kqPZK43u0Bj70fTjqwiROAh4gOojBEhvqDsbSfgefoqTuZ6UqqoirrROP6tFC-aTX7DGM/s1600/Deb+in+Pole+Creek+-Tom+S.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-Z87JguHarq7JSbtUCACqUvI6i29lObM4GzelPWaUTwQYaO3Rozq54RkNgXS8V3cWA4s54kqPZK43u0Bj70fTjqwiROAh4gOojBEhvqDsbSfgefoqTuZ6UqqoirrROP6tFC-aTX7DGM/s640/Deb+in+Pole+Creek+-Tom+S.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb running towards Pole Creek</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How to feel very small</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Tom Simonds)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Pts-RVRqDqouHhAQQu8VvQab86xMKBaDrulOCs6PZ7noMu7eSQfx47xPVLACviskV11HcjdGInH9TiZipm1J40rMneOSaAYJwFRCi9BZMUi_IAfTt07uuf1gjdpNxThaI-1a3E-fT4/s1600/Pole+Creek+section.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Pts-RVRqDqouHhAQQu8VvQab86xMKBaDrulOCs6PZ7noMu7eSQfx47xPVLACviskV11HcjdGInH9TiZipm1J40rMneOSaAYJwFRCi9BZMUi_IAfTt07uuf1gjdpNxThaI-1a3E-fT4/s640/Pole+Creek+section.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The "Pole" creek section</b></div>
<br />
In the Pole Creek section, I was with Scott Brockmeier for most of it. We went back and forth, me dropping back when the HR went above 125. At one point after crossing the final creek crossing, I stopped to get some rocks out of my shoes. I learned about doing this from Dennis Herr one year we were running together. That year, maybe in 2003, after surfing the scree down Grant Swamp Pass, Dennis was sitting at the bottom taking his shoes off to get out the rocks. The conversation went something like this...<br />
Me: Dennis if you wore gaiters, you wouldn't have that problem. (I had on gaiters)<br />
Dennis: Do you have rocks in your shoe?<br />
Me: Some.<br />
Dennis: How you going to easily get them out?<br />
Me: Ummmm....<br />
Dennis: I like to stop and sit down, relax while taking off my shoes and take in the views, let my HR come down a bit.<br />
(Dennis went on and ran around 37 hours, while I dnf'd)<br />
I no longer wear gaiters and always think of Dennis when I stop and take rocks out of my shoe.<br />
One thing I made note of was all the water that poured out of my shoes, Inov-8 Roclite 295's. This would lead to some severe pruning of my feet and lots of foot pain later in the race. My feet still haven't recovered from wearing these shoes, now 4 days after my finish. More on the shoes at the end of the report.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc-8JCeITEwggFOp9pgwB3zosWOX0vHOrET4v6DWhizohmeAVkY81Bsc2fuFgwX6j3IarMQ8ifgJg0fYNkXw0MBSukkzQsLHcCYKw3HJsnbPvDXjYXoIxrx5Rgj7wboRHmUyAm6SjZxo/s1600/Sherman+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc-8JCeITEwggFOp9pgwB3zosWOX0vHOrET4v6DWhizohmeAVkY81Bsc2fuFgwX6j3IarMQ8ifgJg0fYNkXw0MBSukkzQsLHcCYKw3HJsnbPvDXjYXoIxrx5Rgj7wboRHmUyAm6SjZxo/s640/Sherman+sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Pole Creek section ends at the Sherman Aid station at around mile 29. I always have problems during this section due to the fact that it is always midday, so hot and most of it is up above 12,000'. This year focusing on HR, I felt good coming into the aid station. This was planned to be lunch and upon arriving I asked for a plate of veggie spaghetti, washing that down with some almond chocolate milk. I carried out with me an avocado wrap to eat on the way up to Handies. A side mention here that I have been mostly Vegan or Plant Powered the past couple of years. Deb has been for several years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKomAlRE5s51gHTKHs7V9gw6nKy5ta9HcVBP2IQntD3LBnMvjwZsGL4j98gb3S8UjTTcXBhoJnEhdrUDC_ZT1VN3Ht6JJhLpt8sF7_njGx3W734IV1l_wDwPcTovmCrcI-uUBcrVOkEkU/s1600/Burrow+Rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKomAlRE5s51gHTKHs7V9gw6nKy5ta9HcVBP2IQntD3LBnMvjwZsGL4j98gb3S8UjTTcXBhoJnEhdrUDC_ZT1VN3Ht6JJhLpt8sF7_njGx3W734IV1l_wDwPcTovmCrcI-uUBcrVOkEkU/s640/Burrow+Rd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This 4 mile section of road up to Burrow's Park is never fun with all the Jeepers and ATV's</b></div>
<br />
After leaving Sherman feeling pretty good (first time ever), we hike up a steep trail to the dirt road leading us to Burrows Park at the base of Handies Peak, the highest point on the course. The road stretch went by quickly and due to a little rain, was not as dusty as had been in the past years. Soon we were in the new aid station at Burrows and on our way up the trail to the Handies summit. I went by a dry heaving Chris Twiggs sitting on a rock not far up the trail and knew I'd see him again later on. About halfway up it started to rain, so I stopped to put on my shirt and jacket, then eat my avocado wrap. This is where the drama begins and the almost undoing of my run and the undoing of many others runs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9UH4fzWeQc6S0iTW4Ng417STrdNPUTufsjTGH18VSavIdQiZZ0a8iCAf6z8V0BjRrgmfZ5HFMZwPyO_ku6VaZlf5yiyZRrdnL-vLDArfi8ZUNAl6xCt0XGvYdaMccOOhk476rVgqSzg/s1600/Grizzly+Gulch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9UH4fzWeQc6S0iTW4Ng417STrdNPUTufsjTGH18VSavIdQiZZ0a8iCAf6z8V0BjRrgmfZ5HFMZwPyO_ku6VaZlf5yiyZRrdnL-vLDArfi8ZUNAl6xCt0XGvYdaMccOOhk476rVgqSzg/s640/Grizzly+Gulch.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Grizzly Gulch trail up to Handies Peak</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Handies is the high point of the run at over 14,000'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeArjdNhfpY9PZ2DFDb6fLYwWBy56AdMzForf-MirLoARAkn1YYApG-izE5rhhev6zQ6A4iXAPZxSC-YTGl0SRWrzOT5mMACHp-MX2fglLT8vLJN4GPtW01tLBmq0ihLEOFrwiyErD48/s1600/Grizzly+Gulch+from+Handies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeArjdNhfpY9PZ2DFDb6fLYwWBy56AdMzForf-MirLoARAkn1YYApG-izE5rhhev6zQ6A4iXAPZxSC-YTGl0SRWrzOT5mMACHp-MX2fglLT8vLJN4GPtW01tLBmq0ihLEOFrwiyErD48/s640/Grizzly+Gulch+from+Handies.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Looking back down Grizzly Gulch from Handies</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was during course marking, not the run</div>
<br />
On the final steep trail section up to the summit, the wind picked up and started to hail. The hail hurt my bare legs, but I didn't want to stop to put on my pants because of the thunder I heard. I was climbing behind my new friend and first time Hardrocker, BJ Haeck with Roger Wrublick coming up behind. Just as soon as I jogged to the summit on the flat spot on top, I heard a boom with a flash at the same moment right above my head. BJ looked back at me with that look and we started to fly down the other side. I could see Bob Combs and Hans Dieter-Weisshaur running down not far up ahead. Bob took off and soon BJ and I caught and passed Hans to get down to the Grouse Gulch aid station. I was wet and really cold, but knew warmth would only be there by getting down as soon as I could. The next miles were passing or getting passed by runners as our different paces were getting us to warmth and safety. This is Hardrock!<br />
<br />
As I reached the road after the final switchback, I passed by Dima Feinhaus as he was heading up the Engineer Pass road, he looked good and said hi. I got into the tent after checking in and got all my warm and dry clothes on. I was soaked to the skin and shivering. The doc, who knows me well and has pulled me from the course a few times, sat and watched me. He said if the shivering didn't stop soon, that I am hyperthermic and would need to be attended to, which meant I'd probably be pulled from the race...so I drank hot soup and got some blankets over my shoulders and legs.<br />
It would have been so easy to stop here...I was cold, wet and not even halfway. It was around 8:15pm and now dark, but I felt good, all of that aside and knew to look forward, not behind to finish Hardrock. I wasn't having any altitude issues, like in the past here, and mentally I felt strong. So after about 25 minutes sitting and warming up, the shivering stopped. I got up, put my MP3 player on and started dancing to let the doc know I was OK. He smiled and said "get going". I left just after Mark Heaphy, who would be my companion in the run for most of the rest of the way.<br />
<br />
Up the Engineer Pass road I went, now in the darkness with Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "Tarkus" playing in my head. My music kept me company on the long 8 mile hike up the road in the cold, wet night. Once Tarkus finished playing, I set it on mix and got some great music playing like "Hello, Darkness my old friend" by Simon and Garfunkel, "Yellow Submarine" by Ringo Starr of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones "Hot Rocks" mix. It seemed to take forever to reach "Oh Point", the top of the road where you go down the trail to the Engineer aid station. I believe it is about 8 miles up the road, which at 2mph probably took 4 hours, but who knows, who cares.<br />
<br />
The trails down to the aid station were a horrible, slippery mess and the deep trail was too narrow for my size 13's to fit in, so I kept stumbling and tripping. It's probably around midnight, but I'm too cold and tired to care enough to look, so I keep stumbling on into the aid station. The plan here is to not eat anything, because I would not usually eat at that time of day, but they wisely gave me a cup of hot soup. While sitting there, Mark Heaphy came in and after several minutes I left with him.<br />
<br />
Mark and I had a good run/hike down the Bear Creek trail down into Ouray. I welcomed the company and put my music away for good. Along this stretch Jamil Coury went by us like we were standing still. He ran into a little trouble and had to spend four hours in Grouse recovering....and recover he did! He finished in 14th!<br />
<br />
Mark and I came into Ouray aid station with Rick Hodges as Scott Brockmeier was leaving around 3:00am. I sat down to remove my pants and after having the full menu mentioned to me, which included eggs, all sorts of meat, etc., I mentioned I didn't eat any of those things and was offered a fruit smoothie. That sounded awesome and had two of them! That would be the last thing I could keep down.<br />
<br />
I left, hoping Rick or Mark would be ready to go, but neither were, so I went up the road alone. It was cold going up the road, with a strong wind blowing into my face off of the mountains. I was pretty much by myself, except for where Tina Ure and her husband went by. I also found out later that I went by Scott as he slept on the side of the road. During this stretch dawn came upon us and the birds were singing. This was nice.<br />
<br />
Coming into Governor's Aid Station around 6:00am, I ran into Flora and her pacer as they were leaving. Tina and her husband were both asleep in chairs. I asked for some potato soup and after eating that, I left. My feet were sore from the pruning and had been changing my socks at every aid station to keep them as dry as possibly, but now here I had to cross yet another creek and get them wet. I couldn't find an easy way across without getting wet, so just plunged through. Man, it was cold! After crossing the creek, I puked up the soup I just ate. I guess my stomach is done before I'm ready to be done...<br />
On the way up, Rick Hodges caught and passed me...I just couldn't match his walking pace and I'm a good, fast walker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9tcThaLfSTNvuVeNBOk4tJ0h20F2E2vFBkBTsEyblD_c6dZnYYV2O1Glw-PrGKuDL54gYD3yickCJRaKl0SgI2pxpRcxb7Ti-xWsoRQhTr97Mu6yD0o9O6Bt8dCGmkOigHeZCSC0g0c/s1600/Virginius.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9tcThaLfSTNvuVeNBOk4tJ0h20F2E2vFBkBTsEyblD_c6dZnYYV2O1Glw-PrGKuDL54gYD3yickCJRaKl0SgI2pxpRcxb7Ti-xWsoRQhTr97Mu6yD0o9O6Bt8dCGmkOigHeZCSC0g0c/s640/Virginius.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The final pitch of the Virginius/Kroger's Canteen</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is during course marking, our dog Marley rests in the snow</div>
<br />
Now at this point in the run is where the fun begins. We have a good four climbs ahead that will test even the most hardened Hardrocker and it begins with the climb up Virginius, aka Kroger's Canteen. This climb is made up of three steep, loose scree ascents. If you've never tried going up one of these, think of the scree as loose sand that wants to push away as you push to climb. Think one step forward and two steps back. You think you're doing good after taking several steps up, but then slide backwards several feet to lose all that you've gained. Luckily it had rained, which packed down the scree enough to get a good foot plant "most" of the time. I think the first section is the worst and concentrate hard to follow Rick up it. The group in front of him went up a rock pile to the left, while Rick and I stayed in the footsteps to the middle right. Once up that first one, the second is looser, but shorter with the third up to the aid station, now a switchback trail and quite easy to ascend. Up the top were friends Rock Horton (captain) and volunteer Scott Mills. It was good to see them and I got some soup, but couldn't eat it. Rick never stopped, just plowed on through.<br />
<br />
I then said "seeya" and headed down the loose scree towards Mendota Saddle and eventually Telluride. Up ahead was Rick, Flora and her pacer, who kept coming back to take pictures of me coming down behind him. Along this section I went by Michael Erlich, who was having a bad day and dropped at Telluride. I was really starting to not feel good myself, but felt like I was headed home. I asked occasionally and found out that Deb was moving forward and looked good. Maybe this will be the first year we'll both finish!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcau9jAtlIlLqhTRH8vdRGboX4w7qBhDrBeIpfc600HGh_5s0sxDDcHtpwYlk2F83MmLS-lVIpUIbNoC8c-uF2Ciq0jAw_OeF_AZ6ctFV4lLgJX-5EVH6dAVSKEXZpAsxHRtcx71X3T4/s1600/Telluride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcau9jAtlIlLqhTRH8vdRGboX4w7qBhDrBeIpfc600HGh_5s0sxDDcHtpwYlk2F83MmLS-lVIpUIbNoC8c-uF2Ciq0jAw_OeF_AZ6ctFV4lLgJX-5EVH6dAVSKEXZpAsxHRtcx71X3T4/s640/Telluride.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Telluride from the trail</b></div>
<br />
Nothing much to say about Telluride. It was hot and crowded with a music festival going on in the park...people everywhere. I had trouble finding the aid station, although I've been here many times, but because of the festival, we weren't allowed into certain areas.<br />
They sent me down the street to some flagging and I ended up in a line of people buying tickets for the music festival. I must have looked and smelled pretty bad, because the beautiful people of Telluride had no problem getting out of my way ;-) I ended up coming into the aid station from the wrong end, which confused the heck out of the timers, but we got it straightened out eventually. Then as I was leaving some guy with a clipboard came up to me and said "#173, when did you come in?" I guess things were still a bit messed up. Too many people trying to do the same thing in a busy aid station...<br />
<br />
I went in and sat down, just getting one of my bottles filled with Coke and ice by Jean-Jacque. Steve Patillo put fresh batteries in my light for the nighttime that will be here before you know it. I asked the way out and after some confusion, found the road leading up to the trail in Wasatch Basin.<br />
<br />
This, for me, was the toughest section of the run. It was hot, long and flies everywhere. I spent some time with Scott again and we talked about times and what is possible. We realized that it was possible, if you could average 3 mph the rest of the way, to run sub 38. HA! Easy to "talk" about this, but I figured I'd be lucky to average 2mph the rest of the way, which "might" get me in under 45 hours ;-) It didn't matter, I now knew I "was" going to finish. :-)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After what seemed like all day climbing, I finally reached Oscar's Pass. Along the way Bob Combs and Rick Hodges passed by me again. I thought they were well ahead of me, but must have been sitting in Telluride. Bob and I had a discussion of his experiences with lightening and I was happy to see him move away from me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtov8jOF_uoBNmXC6S2TpZtNQfZKMn8SYE4UootlFqqcFBeGsLJH2cO6OXhAvWPVmduEbLeOyRFlvFvTONJ8-dCoJzJVFeJl2V03h6pikZ3AYQ_PDDhZ-YmCnyAdQdCZw1TFmoN0AlEU4/s1600/61_Oscar_Pass__the_Ophir_Pass_road_below.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtov8jOF_uoBNmXC6S2TpZtNQfZKMn8SYE4UootlFqqcFBeGsLJH2cO6OXhAvWPVmduEbLeOyRFlvFvTONJ8-dCoJzJVFeJl2V03h6pikZ3AYQ_PDDhZ-YmCnyAdQdCZw1TFmoN0AlEU4/s640/61_Oscar_Pass__the_Ophir_Pass_road_below.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Oscar's Pass road down into Chapman</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blake Wood photo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Part two of the worst section is going down the boulder strewn road into Chapman's. My feet hurt on the bottom from the pruning and insufficient shoes for this course. I stopped to Bodyglide the bottoms of my feet, remembering how it helped Sue Johnston when she lubed her feet in 2000 when I paced her. It did help me and I was able to jog some of the downhill when it wasn't large boulders. It was nice to see the bottom and make the turn into the aid station. I only got some more Coke and asked for ice, but the general of the aid station was not very nice. She just looked at me and said "no ice!". I spent all of five seconds there and got moving, telling Margaret Heaphy that I hoped to see her and Mark again on Grant Swamp Pass.<br />
<br />
Climbing up the trail, the flies wouldn't quit...but they were smart. If they saw you about to swat them, they'd fly off, so no satisfaction in seeing how many I could "destroy!". I really needed a short nap, but knew if I stopped the flies would suck me dry, so I marched on. If I reached a windy spot, I'd stop to take a break, but even in the wind, the flies soon found me. I marched on....fatigue was deep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDStVs2f2OPwk12B87LaL3KEXtwecF3BT3xd4t9RpVIVVP292qkwkPMRtT5qG953m_xzHkBf2yVR10KJJseKL5aGEXRltZzEUFh9L_oyd1zt94PVhFXsXIuccodKfVPDqwrqGt-6EP5rg/s1600/GSP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDStVs2f2OPwk12B87LaL3KEXtwecF3BT3xd4t9RpVIVVP292qkwkPMRtT5qG953m_xzHkBf2yVR10KJJseKL5aGEXRltZzEUFh9L_oyd1zt94PVhFXsXIuccodKfVPDqwrqGt-6EP5rg/s640/GSP.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Final pitch of Grant Swamp Pass</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is during course marking, it is much steeper than it looks here</div>
<br />
Once on the start of the climb up the first pitch of Grant Swamp Pass, I saw Margaret leading Mark up behind me and it made me happy that my two good friends were there. Only thing better would be if Deb was there with me.<br />
The climb was approached and after several steps, I had to stop and rest, leaning on my poles. Even doing this, I was keeping ahead of M&M and actually pulled away on the big climb. The big climb up the scree of GSP was hard....very hard. But I knew it was the second from the last major climb, so just getting up and over was a huge accomplishment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZDyjakqTqQ24acpTR1yrQvwIrRWUsdhRSpoqjnHznuJCJjWu6vzSwFCCnKdZgH_gf_bnk-WZjFOylbYAmg1e83_9q1aMOh7qHh0GTz1szXfM52OKuqjB0_d8a3imwOjeQS2YkQpytyw/s1600/Island+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZDyjakqTqQ24acpTR1yrQvwIrRWUsdhRSpoqjnHznuJCJjWu6vzSwFCCnKdZgH_gf_bnk-WZjFOylbYAmg1e83_9q1aMOh7qHh0GTz1szXfM52OKuqjB0_d8a3imwOjeQS2YkQpytyw/s640/Island+Lake.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What we see as we top out on Grant Swamp Pass</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Island Lake</b></div>
<br />
After getting over the top of the pass, I stopped and said hi to Joel Zucker and started down. At the bottom of the steep trail I waited for M&M, in order to have some company. I mentioned to Margaret that I was having trouble staying awake...she advised I either take some short naps or take a good nap at the KT aid station. Just before breaking out of the trees, Mark had to stop and I went on to the aid station. Coming in, I asked about a cot and blanket and one of the woman volunteers let me sleep in the back of her car...in her sleeping bag! I removed my shoes to leave outside the car and lubed up my feet again. I lied down, closed my eyes and immediately heard knocking on the window. I asked for 20 minutes and it was up already. I thought she was lying to me, but looking at my watch I saw that it was time to go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcJSDvYuwBbPmKgjCj_vXPCGAD42xGlEnBGYzyibYbApxCA9WcLYuPd_nesX2x9ezxdzhiFWeh7kZ-YR__ZQTPLeSuLu3IjcbUVcLDF4EC_sOdwZmnZ2WTl4-23_OonPkpyZ0PcO4cIg/s1600/KT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcJSDvYuwBbPmKgjCj_vXPCGAD42xGlEnBGYzyibYbApxCA9WcLYuPd_nesX2x9ezxdzhiFWeh7kZ-YR__ZQTPLeSuLu3IjcbUVcLDF4EC_sOdwZmnZ2WTl4-23_OonPkpyZ0PcO4cIg/s640/KT.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The trail (Kamm Traverse) coming into the KT aid station</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not a good place to be sleepy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was taken during course marking</div>
<br />
I got nothing to eat, checked out and left. Tina Ure was hurrying to catch M&M and told me to come...but I wasn't really awake left and wasn't thinking right. I went down to the creek crossing and spent way too much time seeing if there was a place to not get so wet. I looked upstream and saw a beaver splash his tail at me. Was this a hallucination? Nope, I saw him again...<br />
<br />
I crossed the creek, which was knee deep at it's deepest and started up the climb, hoping to catch M&M to have some company in this last stretch. The climb is hard....the first section is steep trail through the trees and I was convinced I was stuck on a loop because everything looked the same. I made note of a course marker that had a yellow flower stuck to it and if I saw it again I'd scream. If I was thinking intelligently, I'd have know that the trail absolutely does not even come close to looping back, but my brain is starting to not work right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_8QNWOMiplvgUjpN6uLeg9uVhzexgxK6puOmdwORvzcWYjOWxE4IMFXi7B7WRcXFiIeiE5ycJiKzBcTe9AVCFUFZKItAdxjflpPQ0yD1KY1q8q12UzLLEiLxDmCqx6J4phHWea2nx0w/s1600/Porcupine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_8QNWOMiplvgUjpN6uLeg9uVhzexgxK6puOmdwORvzcWYjOWxE4IMFXi7B7WRcXFiIeiE5ycJiKzBcTe9AVCFUFZKItAdxjflpPQ0yD1KY1q8q12UzLLEiLxDmCqx6J4phHWea2nx0w/s640/Porcupine.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Porcupine section in the daylight</b></div>
<br />
I finally broke out of the trees into the Porcupine section where Charlie tells us to take a right at the log. It was very dark now, night #2 and no log was seen. I just followed the markers we had put down 2 weeks earlier. I looked up and saw three lights up on the ridge, Mark, Margaret and Tina most likely. I'll never catch them. But those lights might also have been stars! I marched on in the darkness, following the course markers that I was sure we put out enough of, but now thinking we could have used more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCSY5m40l4RXJXM73YetIb70ZLPTbPBZzbW89mXu9GpBBn4jtDc9dyPKnpmLX7VoZk1tN-RbyphsTxixW8PsnAKAPgJuDWIIaB2woVQheavu24Xp4DXYI4VHM8Hp7jzjIdpKV9jmfJLk/s1600/Putnam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCSY5m40l4RXJXM73YetIb70ZLPTbPBZzbW89mXu9GpBBn4jtDc9dyPKnpmLX7VoZk1tN-RbyphsTxixW8PsnAKAPgJuDWIIaB2woVQheavu24Xp4DXYI4VHM8Hp7jzjIdpKV9jmfJLk/s640/Putnam.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Course marking up the Putnam climb</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is steep</div>
<br />
At the top of the first ridge, I came upon a couple that were confused/lost. I remember the woman pacer asking "Dennis" if he was doing OK. I never thought it was my friend Dennis Drey, but looking at the results it had to be. I led them back onto the trail, but they weren't able to keep up with me. I pushed on up the steep, grassy Putnam slope and the markers seemed to be all over the place, not in a straight line, like they should be. I know the course angles up and then to the right, but it felt like I was going now left. WTF! I also knew not following the markers could get me good and lost in the dark, so followed I did and eventually ended up on the trail along the ridge and to the right. I remember my light dying again this 2nd night, even though I put in fresh batteries, so I got out my Surefire to spot the markers in the distance. This worked well. The BD Storm was OK for following the trail, but finding the distant markers, it wasn't so.<br />
<br />
The trail down to the Putnam aid station was so overgrown, I kept worrying I had wandered off of it. Just as soon as I started thinking that way, I'd see a reflective marker. Approaching the aid station, I checked in and out. The volunteer to me looked sad that I wasn't going to stop. My mind was playing tricks on me.<br />
<br />
OK, approx 5 miles to the finish, but weird things are about to happen...hallucinations started from being awake for almost 40 hours! Here's what I saw...<br />
Walking down the boulder strewn, overgrown trail I was sure that there was a line of row houses to my left. I knew it was only trees and a hillside there, but the light playing with my glasses made it look like house after house. I even heard women talking on the decks! Funny thing is even though I knew they weren't there, I kept seeing them in my peripheral vision and enjoyed the company. Good thing they didn't invite me to join them ;-)<br />
Then I saw a bunch of hiking gear on the trail in front of me. I started wondering why it was there and how I was going to get through it! It was packs, tents, etc., but when I reached the spot it was a bunch of rocks.<br />
I also saw someone sitting on the right side of the trail in the distance with their face in their hands. I thought it was a runner and was going to help them get up and get moving, but as I got closer, it was just a bush.<br />
I also saw all these rectangle shaped black rocks on the trail that I thought were transistor radios, I was going to pick some up and take them back. You had to grow up in the 60's to even know what a transistor radio is! No, I didn't have any rocks in my pocket when I finished.<br />
One last thing I remember is a beautiful painting of a deer hopping over something on a rock in the middle of the trail...I actually stopped to look at it. I bent over, looked at it and decided that I'd go back the next day to retrieve it. I also didn't mention that just about every rock had a face on it, all smiling and happy :-)<br />
<br />
OK, enough of the hallucinations, time to get this run done. I kept looking back and saw no lights, so I figured I could relax and power hike it in after crossing the river. But once I neared the river I saw lights....damn! No way I'm getting passed, if I can help it, after 98 miles! I ran to the river, following the winding trail to it. Crossed it, holding onto the rope, it was only knee deep at one point and ankle deep for most of it. Kurt Coonrod was on the other side and asked if I had seen Dennis. Oh so it was THAT Dennis! I told him I last saw him up on the Putnam ridge and had to go, see you at the finish! 2.5 miles to go!<br />
<br />
The lights were right behind me and closing, I started power hiking up the hill using my poles to push into the trail. Reached the top and ran..the lights were gone. I reached Nute Chute and ran some more until the big hill on the far end, then power hiking up it, running down the other side. The lights were still there. Reaching the Christ of the Mine road, I again power hiked as hard and as fast as I could. I soon saw the lights of the statue and looked left and said thanks to Jesus for helping me get this far and to watch over Deb...took a right down the trail and ran as hard as I could, taking a left on Snowden St towards the finish at the gym. People were in the road and on the corner. I turned the corner and ran as hard as I could to kiss the rock, which I did at 44:39:48. 86th out of 104 finishers, 140 starters, 6th over 60.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2zqd2L2r_qTsrRk7Kw_l00JkR6mIliBmjO8lF811E1JPq-sEkJUHk5OXrUJt3EgAu_BX7YYROiKzYTuVFzrdbopyKq7wtsEUnmXFvCsWZmATsE30LaEZ2pcoiJC3_NvMQgzkUySZZVw/s1600/Steve+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2zqd2L2r_qTsrRk7Kw_l00JkR6mIliBmjO8lF811E1JPq-sEkJUHk5OXrUJt3EgAu_BX7YYROiKzYTuVFzrdbopyKq7wtsEUnmXFvCsWZmATsE30LaEZ2pcoiJC3_NvMQgzkUySZZVw/s640/Steve+Finish.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Moments after kissing the rock</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Shelby Berg photo)</div>
<br />
I told Dale I was running away from some lights and he asked "where?". What I didn't realize was that Mark and Margaret had stopped in the middle of the road to talk with Wolfgang before turning the corner and what I thought were spectators, was them. Mark "really" finished before me, I just kissed the rock first...and the lights that were chasing me was Andrew Barney and his pacer. Andrew told me he would have caught and passed me, but I gave too much of a fight, so he didn't.<br />
<br />
So this makes it finish #3 and now have both directions. All is can say is this was hard, real hard. I sit here four days later, still sleepy, two swollen feet and a sore spot on my left metatarsal. I think it's just a neuroma aggravated by the swelling and hope it's not a bruise or even worse, a stress fracture from the shoes I chose to wear. As I said earlier, I wore the Inov-8 Roclite 295's, the new version with the green sole. I don't think they were protective enough for the rocks and for being on the trail for this long...plus they didn't drain of water too well, which caused the pruning. I wished I had my other shoes, my Montrail Masochists at the midpoint, but didn't so I live with the consequences.<br />
<br />
Not sure I can get Deb to write her story, but just briefly she ran well and also got her 3rd finish and wasn't last this year. She had Jennifer Roach pacing her, who did a great job keeping her from sitting a lot and kept her moving. If not, she may not have made the cutoff. Deb is yet again the oldest female finisher of Hardrock.<br />
<br />
As for me, this does it. I've been wanting to not run any more 100's now for a couple of years and now that I finished Hardrock in both directions, it's a good place to stop. I'll still run ultras, but have no desire to go into the night anymore. I've been running 100's since 1998 (Vermont) and running since 1975 and want to do other things, like qualify for Boston again (13 finishes) and run some 50K trail races. Time for a change!<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this story and if I can get Deb to add to it, I will....but I don't see this blog going on much further after this post. I'm having trouble keeping up with it and writing takes too much time of my day when I have work and a house to maintain.<br />
<br />
For the results, go <a href="http://www.ultralive.net/hr100/webcast.php">here</a>.<br />
<br />
We'll see you all out there somewhere on the trails and roads...Happy Trails!<br />
Steve and Deb<br />
<br />
Below are several pictures of Deb that Jennifer and Gerry Roach were nice enough to send to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3STLjdL8nx8FEA432OZptNH_vbpfkYiMhwqrK_cRzRw9jdfSLUCfxyFPLVKE6mKDsMT-qRe8bE1vI1kG9S71vHRljZMYIwyypT7tM9VVLHEdEIlNftxt2vSSencJPM-0tPqhGZCQNt_s/s1600/Deb+finish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3STLjdL8nx8FEA432OZptNH_vbpfkYiMhwqrK_cRzRw9jdfSLUCfxyFPLVKE6mKDsMT-qRe8bE1vI1kG9S71vHRljZMYIwyypT7tM9VVLHEdEIlNftxt2vSSencJPM-0tPqhGZCQNt_s/s640/Deb+finish.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb and Jennifer coming in</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I see tears of joy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUZBMv0pl0oEloKq8KPM89lTbiySTE-d5PFGMPFpHqML8e2Ax9kwwGDAMfIqAW7P_dGHdsDB-8CuELjsqUTGT9grs5AvkpfyOtgNTmxoGNWnVUX1uQdC7q_QK37oPVEJibPfdqhMqEoQ/s1600/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUZBMv0pl0oEloKq8KPM89lTbiySTE-d5PFGMPFpHqML8e2Ax9kwwGDAMfIqAW7P_dGHdsDB-8CuELjsqUTGT9grs5AvkpfyOtgNTmxoGNWnVUX1uQdC7q_QK37oPVEJibPfdqhMqEoQ/s640/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+013.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb with Jennifer running down Snowden towards the gym</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheEqxN1W60qGLTNa4Z2G9lUP7MRnkcIWlun8-tEmeOIxiOLLQSE4mefb6Lh84goy4Hsoixa-goIwdnQDocc8GuBRrleH_eAPm2Uk5q75R41-AYgXmZAYCikfjw1WvSigyywhyN3vfEo8/s1600/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheEqxN1W60qGLTNa4Z2G9lUP7MRnkcIWlun8-tEmeOIxiOLLQSE4mefb6Lh84goy4Hsoixa-goIwdnQDocc8GuBRrleH_eAPm2Uk5q75R41-AYgXmZAYCikfjw1WvSigyywhyN3vfEo8/s640/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+015.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb dropped all her junk off before the finish</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She said she felt like a pack rat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDb_Z5z1T_3KJ0iMieirCHmaJ2um0PG8BMDr0smwH3-3spOYY-nRI3GpEyW69Wchc2UFyn2nUev1Y_5QnrAsSzRN94rf9YrydGrpgdMGBfraRAZkJFaET6gVK8IS88u8PFH-zkPVC7FU/s1600/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+020.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDb_Z5z1T_3KJ0iMieirCHmaJ2um0PG8BMDr0smwH3-3spOYY-nRI3GpEyW69Wchc2UFyn2nUev1Y_5QnrAsSzRN94rf9YrydGrpgdMGBfraRAZkJFaET6gVK8IS88u8PFH-zkPVC7FU/s640/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+020.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb goes to kiss me before the rock and everyone started yelling "No, kiss the rock!"</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm thinking "Where am I?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBa1BRBdWMrCUUXfuV2Zkx5QCx50hlO3zeKIyiZnaKcqtaX7qCyXf8EBk85mglSQ_W6snlRnUg9uRI_bl-0xRfISicQnNZr3F5LGULi5V7XSg_Ax0fauDoTjk97D_BsLPx1IdXhfpsTk/s1600/Deb+kissing+rock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBa1BRBdWMrCUUXfuV2Zkx5QCx50hlO3zeKIyiZnaKcqtaX7qCyXf8EBk85mglSQ_W6snlRnUg9uRI_bl-0xRfISicQnNZr3F5LGULi5V7XSg_Ax0fauDoTjk97D_BsLPx1IdXhfpsTk/s640/Deb+kissing+rock.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Smooch and an official finish</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJPz7ph-l2K7nPhuZ8iZBbCPEvdZ3UeCoNSxeXE314YWQknSYnYiaSqB0bPPa8_HopM4YBBLaaEI0Q8vJcf5zlY1JZ4_rGY8q99xFFOs6sgypoMO6PMIIVVbLFiPutuy1jHokxs9iyp4/s1600/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJPz7ph-l2K7nPhuZ8iZBbCPEvdZ3UeCoNSxeXE314YWQknSYnYiaSqB0bPPa8_HopM4YBBLaaEI0Q8vJcf5zlY1JZ4_rGY8q99xFFOs6sgypoMO6PMIIVVbLFiPutuy1jHokxs9iyp4/s640/07-14-13+Hardrock+G++-+021.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb and Dale, Hardrock RD</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtFapIXrLRZejeNeFrwwUTaQWQP-SLS9FqrV5iKQtD07aFytJCwqZudKIFGxYD1hfte56zUry1wiUIG5UhDLettYbPZ_NoMlkOEn0ml4YyrxjeEyD6ufO4QbggWt6CPaUXpDnfadlT5s/s1600/D&S+after+finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtFapIXrLRZejeNeFrwwUTaQWQP-SLS9FqrV5iKQtD07aFytJCwqZudKIFGxYD1hfte56zUry1wiUIG5UhDLettYbPZ_NoMlkOEn0ml4YyrxjeEyD6ufO4QbggWt6CPaUXpDnfadlT5s/s640/D&S+after+finish.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>After the awards, very tired after only 1.5 hours sleep in 2 days</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I aged...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SCGYwc6cJ5AG0PiRKOdoSvWQyJLJIXgqhp_B0K4lrnycKNtTwltgX69-EU7mfYNQDmGxCDSSd6jcDTduJe58sfNmDmKQqGN_-RfUeCcXpiOsZbozdVzhtD0LBOQBSU_klI-x37n3iEs/s1600/Steve+at+awards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SCGYwc6cJ5AG0PiRKOdoSvWQyJLJIXgqhp_B0K4lrnycKNtTwltgX69-EU7mfYNQDmGxCDSSd6jcDTduJe58sfNmDmKQqGN_-RfUeCcXpiOsZbozdVzhtD0LBOQBSU_klI-x37n3iEs/s640/Steve+at+awards.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Me getting my finish poster</b><br />
Hugging Lois MacKenzie<br />
(Jack Kurisky photo)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-90300352960361335512013-05-13T10:07:00.003-06:002013-05-14T14:32:18.153-06:00Quad Rock 50 mile trail race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXtMgNvRXiB8jzC4pZMQe5yMG3b4PLFt7ZG6eLX9pMDGrvuy0UixqixK6lG_BsannXH91SWltdGkIiWXiGWo1R5ldKgvoNH0MdDYNIG5ye-Kb2d0E-4MVQ8OIJ-Sx7SxVQHwgbSXyVeE/s1600/Quad-Rock-50-Profile_rev.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXtMgNvRXiB8jzC4pZMQe5yMG3b4PLFt7ZG6eLX9pMDGrvuy0UixqixK6lG_BsannXH91SWltdGkIiWXiGWo1R5ldKgvoNH0MdDYNIG5ye-Kb2d0E-4MVQ8OIJ-Sx7SxVQHwgbSXyVeE/s640/Quad-Rock-50-Profile_rev.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Quad Rock 50 profile</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past saturday we ran the <a href="http://gnarrunners.com/quad-rock-50/">Quad Rock 50</a>, put on by the elite runner, <a href="http://irunmountains.blogspot.com/">Nick Clark</a>. The run is in Fort Collins, Colorado and is a stepping stone race to the <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock 100</a>, which is in 8 weeks. Looking at the profile above you can see that this is a challenge and good use for Hardrock prep. This year's course was 2 miles longer than last year, which was the first running. They had to do this course change to avoid a burn area....this kept me from my goal of sub 12 hours ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVf-lY4Nw5VGnLbt25TZvT-f3ZrnYotzGzUNuo2kbSSCwvEPRzx9THDVNlk6_nJeGrDmf4FGELPRtidn-E5jwSQH6BSeUmaAQ2rOA-HZhFodug_LBOMFLQ61tRmlE25f6lzS0jvuUeA4/s1600/Nice+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVf-lY4Nw5VGnLbt25TZvT-f3ZrnYotzGzUNuo2kbSSCwvEPRzx9THDVNlk6_nJeGrDmf4FGELPRtidn-E5jwSQH6BSeUmaAQ2rOA-HZhFodug_LBOMFLQ61tRmlE25f6lzS0jvuUeA4/s640/Nice+trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Some of the trails were nice with great views</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Going into the race, I was one of only two over 60 year old runners in the race and they didn't have an over 60 in the race last year (I guess we're a rarity). Deb's brother Drew was the only other over 60 runner at age 65, but showed up with a head cold and, as we learned afterward, ran with a slight fever...so he got in a good 25 mile training run for Hardrock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago, while on a training run in White Rock, NM., Deb tripped on a steep downhill and slammed into some rocks, banging her knee on a pointy boulder. For a week she was sure her kneecap was fractured and still think there's a hairline break in it. She thought Quad Rock was not going to happen, but the weekend prior to the race, we went on an easy 10 mile run, she didn't feel any worse and decided to go and run the 25, knowing she has the Jemez trail run coming up in 2 weeks. So this was a 25 mile Hardrock training run for her, too and a fine way to spend Mother's day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxynOYTfaT3YSq-If4B5uaJFUf1qIglybxgfG9CHxl0j0lKqXFW1aa6cElJvjHT5QcctpTAj7MGFdqApIj-ZAPcHyZTtI1WvblPpfIsW1gGyiMvgyJotTTbqZbVmbx6yW6yGSOO4mTwfk/s1600/Snowy+mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxynOYTfaT3YSq-If4B5uaJFUf1qIglybxgfG9CHxl0j0lKqXFW1aa6cElJvjHT5QcctpTAj7MGFdqApIj-ZAPcHyZTtI1WvblPpfIsW1gGyiMvgyJotTTbqZbVmbx6yW6yGSOO4mTwfk/s640/Snowy+mountains.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>View of snowy mountains in the distance</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As for my race, my plan is always to not have anyone older than me in front of me. With Drew sick, all I had to do was finish and that would happen....but I also had a goal of a sub 12 hour finishing time. At the turnaround I was 5:45, which didn't give me much cushion time for the 2nd loop, so as hard as I tried, I came up short by 16 minutes. The RD, Nick Clark, had to add about a mile per loop to avoid a burn area, so last year I might have done it! <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=18573">Official stats for me are 79th overall, out of just under 200 starters, 1st over 60 in 12:16:39.</a> I can't really complain about that, I guess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn_NaVRs7CzbeegybZsdJQPft9zU_JjEAByEuqcmdLAGwsJ6jUSa5USurv-_xeZFIBj2iZKoiuUibhHubWUhHNfLI2DoVcUwUjAXoVYdU-Q7YGM06ocEkcgju8UzIXWGV161D_U74V3U/s1600/Going+uphill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn_NaVRs7CzbeegybZsdJQPft9zU_JjEAByEuqcmdLAGwsJ6jUSa5USurv-_xeZFIBj2iZKoiuUibhHubWUhHNfLI2DoVcUwUjAXoVYdU-Q7YGM06ocEkcgju8UzIXWGV161D_U74V3U/s640/Going+uphill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Lots of these uphill trails to test the climbing ability</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, Quad Rock is a challenging race that will test even the best. Some climbs are several miles long and the downhills so technical, you can't run! The altitude isn't too bad for me, who sleeps at 8200', but could be a challenge for anyone living a lot lower. I never noticed the altitude, which goes up over 7000'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxRBhzcVwUgVobdXPcScI9vD0dn2jv0wfnFoBMAUSu6ZqR2mQIc_ApjQbmoyei7SngXd7Andrx0sd77MCN47tuKewzrT1SJ8V2n6MOFYYUxn6k1pNhWXIxy1K0EbHieCRfgAAgvJOwKo/s1600/Steep+rocky+switchbacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxRBhzcVwUgVobdXPcScI9vD0dn2jv0wfnFoBMAUSu6ZqR2mQIc_ApjQbmoyei7SngXd7Andrx0sd77MCN47tuKewzrT1SJ8V2n6MOFYYUxn6k1pNhWXIxy1K0EbHieCRfgAAgvJOwKo/s640/Steep+rocky+switchbacks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Looks nice here, but just around the corner...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a good run until around mile 40ish (after the hail storm), when the wheels started coming off. Up to the point I was able to run a good portion of the trail up and down, but after the storm, all the rocks were slick and the mud was like grease. At that point I got too careful to be able to let it go, so just moseyed on in until the last downhill after Tower's Rd aid...pretty much pushed in that last 7 mostly downhill miles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvwRQ8VbiA5B6unxsI36FGl04_96KkGMgESTqkGYq0u33r_f5JCv5SWtcv1CZMUY-UUNnvoGvrzS6ZUY3dwTmu0kyfiy6gZhXkMmrdAn2LfrAHGdOpcwKpLeBTlrHrjIZfPChZQE6IeM/s1600/Nice+running+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvwRQ8VbiA5B6unxsI36FGl04_96KkGMgESTqkGYq0u33r_f5JCv5SWtcv1CZMUY-UUNnvoGvrzS6ZUY3dwTmu0kyfiy6gZhXkMmrdAn2LfrAHGdOpcwKpLeBTlrHrjIZfPChZQE6IeM/s640/Nice+running+trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>One of the nicer sections of runnable trail</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, two days later and after an 8+ hour drive home yesterday, my legs don't feel too bad. They felt worse last night, but today I am standing at my desk as if no race happened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0WNpJ_CKgd3yN-de2CuHfhFVmHjo7MEYhSwVH43sN0cdXfadUdX5DDZrKeu4FDTQg_QDn9jMPoQKgbjZFrBXiGDZrhycv0OI0mHGOAvGHuysirELvzvQI7yv6PFtHaOV0Ey5Zwtq_WA/s1600/Technical+trails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0WNpJ_CKgd3yN-de2CuHfhFVmHjo7MEYhSwVH43sN0cdXfadUdX5DDZrKeu4FDTQg_QDn9jMPoQKgbjZFrBXiGDZrhycv0OI0mHGOAvGHuysirELvzvQI7yv6PFtHaOV0Ey5Zwtq_WA/s640/Technical+trails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>...and one of the medium technical sections</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took many pictures and several videos, to see them, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/52013QuadRock">go here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AxPWcAVrDFlRh6ER5awDKED9Yv0cKqCQMwqlhcbZPwn8JsPKMcr3tiYfZzP3wnjDkoLSn1A7ih9SJZUeScD_54hU3RwMAoRL7Pcmkjq98KpDi5YNivLJUrCcVpPcRBSG2LvAZTFwQnE/s1600/Steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AxPWcAVrDFlRh6ER5awDKED9Yv0cKqCQMwqlhcbZPwn8JsPKMcr3tiYfZzP3wnjDkoLSn1A7ih9SJZUeScD_54hU3RwMAoRL7Pcmkjq98KpDi5YNivLJUrCcVpPcRBSG2LvAZTFwQnE/s640/Steps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Oh, forgot the steps ;-)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvmD88He-x3jGyagtHw2lk3UTgjGMUffFtNHaY4ir7rEc1xn9EkHH7fcta2wYSc7mkHsM8EwKfKgPjMXr9L_w_F8BJ3vtayfGiFs9jM1U0GdSL0zni9yjoiAih24e4CmyxF8n9FaUoF4/s1600/ScreenHunter_233+May.+14+14.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvmD88He-x3jGyagtHw2lk3UTgjGMUffFtNHaY4ir7rEc1xn9EkHH7fcta2wYSc7mkHsM8EwKfKgPjMXr9L_w_F8BJ3vtayfGiFs9jM1U0GdSL0zni9yjoiAih24e4CmyxF8n9FaUoF4/s400/ScreenHunter_233+May.+14+14.26.jpg" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CQpzIh_JOHD7r515J7WnwkxK7i-lNFiZfGWBCk28MFZobO-6iMtkeTnHiH9wXBcm0SdnlsWt04kGcvO5EfND05pOeYUnc0LIPINn0gtMWIpU8PQmWMaM3vbI1Q_DrvJcEVz3XEni27A/s1600/ScreenHunter_231+May.+14+14.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CQpzIh_JOHD7r515J7WnwkxK7i-lNFiZfGWBCk28MFZobO-6iMtkeTnHiH9wXBcm0SdnlsWt04kGcvO5EfND05pOeYUnc0LIPINn0gtMWIpU8PQmWMaM3vbI1Q_DrvJcEVz3XEni27A/s400/ScreenHunter_231+May.+14+14.22.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="text-align: center;"> Photos of me and Deb in the race by the official race photographer</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://www.erinbibeau.com/?p=303" style="text-align: center;">Erin Bibeau</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now it's time to go into the final phase prep for Hardrock, which will be a lot of uphill hiking with poles. I figure about 5-6 weeks of training, then rest up for the big weekend. I also have the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/52012LastChanceSaloon">Last Chance Saloon</a> aid station at the <a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm">Jemez Trail Runs</a> I am captain of, so next weekend will mostly be preparing for that. I brewed a batch of beer to serve the runners there, which is called "Mexican South of the Border Thirst Quencher", which is basically a Tecate or Corona clone. A lot of the prep will be Deb making soup and pumpkin pie for the runners and then the biggest challenge is, as always, carrying in to the aid station location, about 50 gallons of water. I generally do this alone the day before the race and is about 2/3rds of a mile round trip, so I consider this good training for Hardrock, too ;-) It's usually takes me 12-15 trips...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's about it, my next post will most likely be the days after the Jemez Race and will post the pics I take and just talk about how it went, then the final several weeks leading to Hardrock will be nothing but eat, sleep, and Hardrock prep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy trails!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Steve and Deb</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PS: Wanted to mention that I wore my Montrail Fluid Flex trail shoes for the first time in a race and although I found them to be quite comfy in training, I don't think these have enough to take on the Hardrock. My shoes are destroyed after Quad Rock. I think i'm going to look into the highly rated <a href="http://www.inov-8.com/new/global/Product-View-Roclite-295-Grey-Lime.html?L=27">Inov-8 Roclite 295's</a>.</div>
<br />Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-31030885763468820722013-05-06T11:42:00.001-06:002013-05-06T13:18:41.399-06:00Re-inventing myself...as a runnerI just thought I'd write a quick post to talk about some things as I get ready to wake this thing up with the Quad Rock 50 coming up next weekend.<br />
<br />
I am aging, as we all are....but i'm a runner, have been since 1975 when I saw Bill Rodgers cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Nothing in running has inspired me like that afternoon at 2:09PM on April 21st in a new American Record of 2:09.55. I was 24 years old that day and a bunch of us had walked across the bridge over the Charles River to watch the finish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB1Gnt45srqVs7HCDf11vLBxPMO4R3H-P9S1FsDApXQVoBmHernlJsFo9RM3Gr7apNI6kc71RoIqPOldNXTJB025zt2Kq_QSB-xyQVxJcch7mhR6recOrvQcyRGaHQLr1hXOSNeF760c/s1600/Bill+Rodgers,+1975+Boston+Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB1Gnt45srqVs7HCDf11vLBxPMO4R3H-P9S1FsDApXQVoBmHernlJsFo9RM3Gr7apNI6kc71RoIqPOldNXTJB025zt2Kq_QSB-xyQVxJcch7mhR6recOrvQcyRGaHQLr1hXOSNeF760c/s640/Bill+Rodgers,+1975+Boston+Marathon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bill Rodgers finishing the 1975 Boston Marathon</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was watching from on his left side</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Like many do after watching Boston, I started running the next day and 4 years later ran a 2:49:06 at the Cape Cod Marathon to qualify for my first Boston in April of 1980.<br />
<br />
Now 38 years later, I'm still running....and not for years have I had to rethink my training and racing, now I am. Basically, except for 1981 when I ran an average of 100 mpw over the 80/81 winter as an experiment, have I run much more than 50 mpw on average...and that was usually spread over 6-7 days per week. Even earlier this year, I had several 60+ mile weeks, but it was all slow/low HR training, more to build my aerobic base over the winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvZo9pZyYLY7uZcLePXjHZ0Vtc2MkyCp9uOcPWNIMeu-HAI_rHZQgHYu5VVP66dolC24qK9y95BWLeqmGRj_famNJirgHy4ttR8GBxq2ESGiyzo0U3DbeiIaGwe3fuAa1RplHVTrv8oQ/s1600/savoy3pero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvZo9pZyYLY7uZcLePXjHZ0Vtc2MkyCp9uOcPWNIMeu-HAI_rHZQgHYu5VVP66dolC24qK9y95BWLeqmGRj_famNJirgHy4ttR8GBxq2ESGiyzo0U3DbeiIaGwe3fuAa1RplHVTrv8oQ/s400/savoy3pero.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Me back in the day as a much faster runner</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1999 Savoy 20 miler, MA.</div>
<br />
Then near the end of the winter, I did feel old for the first time....I will be 62 in November. A senior citizen!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xVYNxyzm2laRfXLdGpaiD_XQ0FfsjNnaNEmiWLfgVKEeGFeCdv78q2Yfbonj2CWMiYKUAwa444r8VllQv-HCZbadmDMQLaq99zsGSDLmuY7datATdZojAvkZxEUUbKX98qRsA8e0aFY/s1600/A_Colorful_Cartoon_Elderly_Man_Running_a_Race_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_100818-146514-480053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf061t69R76_mdVYF-Yd0g11hBocK9xU7SzA5vDJPYpmrBJvY16rthkGnyV2gGFajnV5FA-sOlHf9tuJLqT6vURmE-HqE9pp23yt0vbebgd6C2-Tnq5q1sMvqFsxc0WeQq2LiyzZSYKY/s1600/arthritis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf061t69R76_mdVYF-Yd0g11hBocK9xU7SzA5vDJPYpmrBJvY16rthkGnyV2gGFajnV5FA-sOlHf9tuJLqT6vURmE-HqE9pp23yt0vbebgd6C2-Tnq5q1sMvqFsxc0WeQq2LiyzZSYKY/s320/arthritis1.jpg" width="286" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xVYNxyzm2laRfXLdGpaiD_XQ0FfsjNnaNEmiWLfgVKEeGFeCdv78q2Yfbonj2CWMiYKUAwa444r8VllQv-HCZbadmDMQLaq99zsGSDLmuY7datATdZojAvkZxEUUbKX98qRsA8e0aFY/s320/A_Colorful_Cartoon_Elderly_Man_Running_a_Race_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_100818-146514-480053.jpg" width="315" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xVYNxyzm2laRfXLdGpaiD_XQ0FfsjNnaNEmiWLfgVKEeGFeCdv78q2Yfbonj2CWMiYKUAwa444r8VllQv-HCZbadmDMQLaq99zsGSDLmuY7datATdZojAvkZxEUUbKX98qRsA8e0aFY/s1600/A_Colorful_Cartoon_Elderly_Man_Running_a_Race_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_100818-146514-480053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xVYNxyzm2laRfXLdGpaiD_XQ0FfsjNnaNEmiWLfgVKEeGFeCdv78q2Yfbonj2CWMiYKUAwa444r8VllQv-HCZbadmDMQLaq99zsGSDLmuY7datATdZojAvkZxEUUbKX98qRsA8e0aFY/s1600/A_Colorful_Cartoon_Elderly_Man_Running_a_Race_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_100818-146514-480053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>These images show how I've been feeling lately...</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Something had to change!</div>
<br />
I do all of my running from Mon thru Thursday in Albuquerque at 5300' altitude on a flat, paved bike path. Daily out and backs of 5-6 miles at a real easy pace, keeping my HR well under my lactate threshold. I sleep at 8200', so shouldn't be affected at this altitude in ABQ, but my legs felt dead almost all the time! Going out on my daily, noontime run was becoming a chore instead of the joy it had always been. I found myself needing to walk more to keep the HR down in the aerobic zone and started enjoying the walking sections and dreading when I had to start running.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZNYSW5D7ZUNxWNvusSeJtHcIak7y8W7n4SJnW-MMHbbTVpN6AQWI8yfT6jmXErSxOyV1PTTvFrBTcnK-yywPF3njkY6jrxt-B8gt2yWuc-MnQYI2f3kt0FK2gYGtP71Ckv420rLPA-0/s1600/Roadrunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZNYSW5D7ZUNxWNvusSeJtHcIak7y8W7n4SJnW-MMHbbTVpN6AQWI8yfT6jmXErSxOyV1PTTvFrBTcnK-yywPF3njkY6jrxt-B8gt2yWuc-MnQYI2f3kt0FK2gYGtP71Ckv420rLPA-0/s640/Roadrunner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I would love to be able to run like this Road Runner, which I see a lot of in ABQ</b></div>
<br />
So I did lots of reading and came upon some great articles on the need for more recovery as we age. Part of this reading was <a href="http://scottjurek.com/">Scott Jurek</a>'s book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0544002318">"Eat and Run"</a>, where he proclaims the incredible recovery value of a Vegan diet. Deb's been a vegan for many years and had a great year last year. I ate a 90% vegetarian diet in 2010 with no issue until I moved to NM at altitude and started having the recovery issues. At the time I thought it was a need for more protein but now don't believe that's the issue, I think I just need more rest/recovery time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a97b333qJdMjVyU9K43JwbtC2Q5AP6QO6B_V464_h80sCxxaYpHLW46fnW1NZX_UK3rJddFmp1w6Ik0K5SqbNLTj4nsB_WDguMDQEjL_AlgHjl49RJi7RhDxU0yzwa8Dy889L2jN6V8/s1600/YES+I+AM+VEGAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a97b333qJdMjVyU9K43JwbtC2Q5AP6QO6B_V464_h80sCxxaYpHLW46fnW1NZX_UK3rJddFmp1w6Ik0K5SqbNLTj4nsB_WDguMDQEjL_AlgHjl49RJi7RhDxU0yzwa8Dy889L2jN6V8/s640/YES+I+AM+VEGAN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Some of the worlds largest animals live on leaves</b></div>
<br />
Something else I started doing this year is <a href="http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/2011/05/how-to-turn-your-workspace-into-a-calorie-decimating-standing-desk-or-treadmill-workstation/">standing at my computer at work</a>. I was having some back issues from my 14+ hours in a sitting position. I drive 1.5 hours to and from work and work 10 hour days with an hour lunch, so 14 hours...then I go home and sit for a couple more hours before going to bed and starting another day of the same. 16 hours a day sitting! My Chiropractor recommended standing some at work and me being part German, I tend to do all or nothing....so I started to stand for 10 hours a day. This may be the key to needing more recovery, but I'm not changing that because my back pain has all but disappeared.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndPcpUqpiCaeKI3A5TIMiCZ6Um2us-QYLkE5un3aJyihV5OK5YWhSK2KheYi8drYxR8j0OpvIqFbFtcNlILJaTmMYoK37K3NXKHZqdsPAOY1JKc1oCDFWiKHv6IVyh04VPzBQdryHkzw/s1600/workismurderinfographic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndPcpUqpiCaeKI3A5TIMiCZ6Um2us-QYLkE5un3aJyihV5OK5YWhSK2KheYi8drYxR8j0OpvIqFbFtcNlILJaTmMYoK37K3NXKHZqdsPAOY1JKc1oCDFWiKHv6IVyh04VPzBQdryHkzw/s640/workismurderinfographic.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So anyway, what to do? <a href="http://www.fasterthanforty.com/how-jeff-galloway-and-a-heart-rate-monitor-saved-a-runner/">One great article I read</a> was about how a runner who started slowing down in his 40's took charge and was successful re-inventing himself and getting back to where he had been running when he was younger. I also had <a href="http://mpleigh.blogspot.com/2012/06/running-will-kill-you.html">some discussion with other runners</a> who switched to 3-4 days per week of running with much success. Even though this went against my grain as a runner, I decided to give it a try...so I'm now taking off Mon and Fridays for sure and also Wednesday if the legs feel tired that day. On those days off, I do go for a walk for 30-40 minutes to keep the legs from getting too stiff from standing all day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvxWj0sDQI3OJvLRtS24voPAId8YHxzHwCRA1Wlph_qAi6SkgZtHM1TcR9BMvyRwWITI1v0UDPXIjgn2ywqe8aQcS0OJ3eBzKAYlZw7FSLRZELEox62WNciytaz29DR-TbwoXGX4N0fg/s1600/Fast+runner+cartoon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvxWj0sDQI3OJvLRtS24voPAId8YHxzHwCRA1Wlph_qAi6SkgZtHM1TcR9BMvyRwWITI1v0UDPXIjgn2ywqe8aQcS0OJ3eBzKAYlZw7FSLRZELEox62WNciytaz29DR-TbwoXGX4N0fg/s640/Fast+runner+cartoon.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How I "want" to feel when I run</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So far my legs are beginning to feel better and the first test will be at the <a href="http://gnarrunners.com/quad-rock-50/">Quad Rock 50</a> this weekend, with the true test at the <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock 100</a> in July. As you can see, I'm also racing less this year to see if it helps me at Hardrock. I always in the past ran one race a month leading up to my "A" race using them as stepping stones to fitness...this year I'm only running Quad Rock, which is 2 months from Hardrock, rather than the past couple of years where I ran the San Juan Solstice 50 just three weeks before and most likely going into Hardrock with tired legs. I'll give some feedback here in the form of race reports as to how it all went....it might go kaboom in the form of racing slower, but I think not.<br />
<br />
That's about it, I'll be writing my first report next week after Quad Rock. I have no real goals there, other than my usual "have no one older than me ahead of me". There are only two people in my age group, me and Deb's brother Drew. Drew is coming up from Fort Worth, TX. and I expect that he may have some issue with the altitude in the 2nd loop....we'll see. I respect Drew as a runner and brother-in-law. He's a much stronger runner than I am and on equal turf, I don't have a chance, even though he's 3 years older than I am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOOa_K1-J4-zjHcWKMebdLSGpbPHa12aQenCExaExMxIUBfmpNP8hBylRFuAMfSNABF_DYghl2CM4jnbGG9z2h524RKQTkijjtBmaTmDBcqETWVBcnw4FiurcKSBItzoVMNfjevwSAtM/s1600/Drew-WS-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOOa_K1-J4-zjHcWKMebdLSGpbPHa12aQenCExaExMxIUBfmpNP8hBylRFuAMfSNABF_DYghl2CM4jnbGG9z2h524RKQTkijjtBmaTmDBcqETWVBcnw4FiurcKSBItzoVMNfjevwSAtM/s400/Drew-WS-2009.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drew while running the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs10.htm">Grand Slam in 2010</a></div>
<br />
I'm also planning on running a road marathon later in the year to try to again qualify for the Boston Marathon. I've run Boston 12-13 times (forget how many) back in the 80's and early 90's and realize that I'm slow. Slow from training for ultras with the exclusion of any speedwork. So will get back on that horse and hope to run the <a href="http://www.pocatellomarathon.com/">Pocatello marathon</a> on August 31st in order to have a qualifier before reg opens. My qualifying time is 3:55, but I'd love a 3:35 to enter early :-) All depends on how much speed I can get back without getting injured in the process...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z2ebizPPeFWXbIBs0qiQzadaGPcSs-w4rf9I71qnknIbGzaJ7HH-DKFclmCRzIAIf8dNEvif-R9g517aGWW9RpcV19vnhSk6AOrESqxiJQVYnNrdMYAN_njSz0Mzl9SGAbm0Scwwjyc/s1600/Ed+Whitlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z2ebizPPeFWXbIBs0qiQzadaGPcSs-w4rf9I71qnknIbGzaJ7HH-DKFclmCRzIAIf8dNEvif-R9g517aGWW9RpcV19vnhSk6AOrESqxiJQVYnNrdMYAN_njSz0Mzl9SGAbm0Scwwjyc/s640/Ed+Whitlock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>One of my running idols, Ed Whitlock</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ed ran a 3:15 marathon in his 80's and holds many age group world records</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On another note, a few weeks ago we did a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olFUHI1T11o">Grand Canyon double crossing (R2R2R)</a> as a super long training run for Quad Rock and Hardrock. Our goal was to run it about the same as before, when we did it in 14 hours. It took us 15 hours, but we returned on the 3 mile longer Bright Angel trail, so the pace per mile was actually quicker. I think Deb and I would have done it even quicker, but a couple in our group had some problems that slowed us down a bit. We both finished strong and felt great the next day, even though this was the longest we had gone since Hardrock last year for me and Wasatch for Deb. <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/42013GrandCanyonR2R2R02">Here is a link to the photos I took along the way.</a><br />
<br />
As for Hardrock, the plan is to spend the next two months hiking up high at least every other weekend. We will arrive in Silverton on June 28th, will hike/run a <a href="http://mountain-trail-series.blogspot.com/">MTNRNR series event</a> called the Silverton Silver on Saturday, the 29th. Do a fastpack with some friends on Monday, then start course marking on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
On some other news, Deb banged her knee up pretty bad on a downhill rocky trail and has been unable to run for 3 weeks. She decided, after running/hiking 10 miles with me yesterday, to go to Quad Rock and do at least one loop as a training run for the Jemez 50K on the 25th. She'll see how the rest of the week goes before her final decision, but my prediction is she does go, feels good at 25 miles and continues on and has a good 50 mile run. Nothing like a forced rest to make for rested legs!<br />
<br />
So until next week, Happy Trails to you all!<br />
Steve<br />
<br />Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-35840922475835370852013-01-23T16:21:00.004-07:002013-01-24T07:59:09.597-07:00Ponderous Posterior Fat Ass 50K....er 25 miler.Last Saturday Deb and I traveled up to Colorado Springs for the annual <a href="http://teamcrud.com/PPFatAss2013.html">Ponderous Posterior fat ass event</a>, which is usually a 50K, but due to <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_20946087/colorado-wildfire-thousands-evacuated-colorado-springs?source=pkg">last year's forest fire</a>, got cut short.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf8oorxlGOTUs55DzHMhNsnAs6IqH2o6NZk0eu8JzX3Pbbioh3jigm1x0BKACMV1ZNr-nU0XEVhBoGRej-ANPtvv-ei82sVJfxRD6wH-QW11GcmXvFA__-VIGuwn6hD6HbZkTXJTB2EE/s1600/Ponderous+Posterior+Fat+Ass+For+Viewing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf8oorxlGOTUs55DzHMhNsnAs6IqH2o6NZk0eu8JzX3Pbbioh3jigm1x0BKACMV1ZNr-nU0XEVhBoGRej-ANPtvv-ei82sVJfxRD6wH-QW11GcmXvFA__-VIGuwn6hD6HbZkTXJTB2EE/s640/Ponderous+Posterior+Fat+Ass+For+Viewing.JPG" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We stayed with <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/trail-running-training/meet-nancy-hobbs?page=single">Nancy Hobbs</a> and <a href="http://garrysadventures.blogspot.com/">Garry Harrington</a> and had a great 2 evenings visiting with them, eating Nancy's awesome pizza and watching the Lance interviews.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We decided to start at the 7am start, they allowed 7, 8 and 9am start times and we knew, this being our first long run of the year, we'd be one of the last ones coming back to the house. The house is Jon Tiesher's house in Old Colorado City, about a 30 minute drive from N&G's house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44A4Zpdrzi_-0t5h2u2SicSSKWcxjbwCkFG0toRzo31xbxivVT7ry9wy8-43q3swO686YdfnjItyRiGqfG04CPX_yZ69TXEW-DNsqsXIbzZpJMMiKQRqr0JHBT_09-bC-1Q0N_4fyWMc/s1600/calendar+pics+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44A4Zpdrzi_-0t5h2u2SicSSKWcxjbwCkFG0toRzo31xbxivVT7ry9wy8-43q3swO686YdfnjItyRiGqfG04CPX_yZ69TXEW-DNsqsXIbzZpJMMiKQRqr0JHBT_09-bC-1Q0N_4fyWMc/s640/calendar+pics+004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Some of the early views as the sun rose</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Deb, Garry and I stayed together all day long, walking the ups and cruising the downs and we all had sore quads the next day (and for several days) after some nice long downhill runs in the snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9ahwAfa8S7J4tf8nIDKH8xJtrq_PwPSuOVfBz9zo1eZUUFzODCujJBUtU_sKcl-38slDypLwkGPzkHU8vRQoUYHV75BmlIyeMR1M4Y-rB-iMZxXvEIUqisE_bcdbB2DSkjxz6YfMQhE/s1600/calendar+pics+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9ahwAfa8S7J4tf8nIDKH8xJtrq_PwPSuOVfBz9zo1eZUUFzODCujJBUtU_sKcl-38slDypLwkGPzkHU8vRQoUYHV75BmlIyeMR1M4Y-rB-iMZxXvEIUqisE_bcdbB2DSkjxz6YfMQhE/s640/calendar+pics+035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Garry and Deb up ahead of me</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The course had plenty of ups and downs and seemed like most of it was up, but isn't that always the case this early in the year? We even had some Ultrarunning celebs at the run!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jFjky7vCuE39BU2usCzwQsVjvAtrydO_wS8TKe6PiFTOEDlMWil-FHS9K8SM6072qW0aI6uI1pnCdgB9dBsFiTRzQOlL6p8O3ScRSOOpK2W1d5cNw-Si4lbM7ekqE5K5vGw1wYmIHFg/s1600/calendar+pics+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jFjky7vCuE39BU2usCzwQsVjvAtrydO_wS8TKe6PiFTOEDlMWil-FHS9K8SM6072qW0aI6uI1pnCdgB9dBsFiTRzQOlL6p8O3ScRSOOpK2W1d5cNw-Si4lbM7ekqE5K5vGw1wYmIHFg/s640/calendar+pics+017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Nick Pedatella (far left), Nick Clark (beard), Scott Jurek (back of the pack)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Also in the pack </b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>are Justin Ricks and Dave Philipps</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the run, the day ended around the food table in Jon and Katie's kitchen grazing on several dishes and also several beers. Jon had way more beer there than he needed, so we had to help him ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I brought a 12'er of my own home brew and upon looking high and low, I couldn't find a single bottle. Guess it was a hit ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBz2J072sr7UP7aXztwOkMIJxRiVuMGBoPp4EYg4Kh6-ePxNf_jXN2trIIV4hrJJbPVbDFyDgy6YNVL84Wazqbwelk8QCtnZcAtIUEshKn2SrGKR7WHS2AuGslj5UCiZHalhy297iQRI/s1600/calendar+pics+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBz2J072sr7UP7aXztwOkMIJxRiVuMGBoPp4EYg4Kh6-ePxNf_jXN2trIIV4hrJJbPVbDFyDgy6YNVL84Wazqbwelk8QCtnZcAtIUEshKn2SrGKR7WHS2AuGslj5UCiZHalhy297iQRI/s640/calendar+pics+058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Nick Clark and Rob O'Day stare at the leftovers while putting a few brews away.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To view the rest of the photos and one video, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/12013PonderousPosterior">go here</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's it....our plan leading up to Hardrock is beginning to come together, so far we've decided on:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. <a href="http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/Run-Through-Time-Marathon.htm">Salida Trail Marathon</a> in early March (have run this the past couple of years and it hurts).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/GrandCanyonR2R2R">Grand Canyon R2R2R</a> in late April (We did this in 2011 and loved it).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. <a href="http://gnarrunners.com/quad-rock-50/">Quad Rock 50 miler</a> in mid May (Fort Collins, Co.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. <a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm">Jemez 50 mile or 50K</a> in late May (Deb running, me aid station captain of the Last Chance Saloon).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
June is training in some 14'ers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock 100</a> in mid July (Our 10th running of this fantastic run)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a> in late July (Our third time there)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
August is recovery</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. <a href="http://www.bear100.com/">Bear 100</a> in late September (Possibly, we've been talking about it)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So until the next time, <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/news/">Happy Trails</a>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Steve and Deb</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-58952609685875450222012-12-20T15:46:00.002-07:002012-12-20T15:59:08.311-07:00Well, whadaya know!So, my plan this coming year was to not run any 100's, maybe a 50 and a 50K or two, but I was planning on focusing on getting some speed back and going for a sub 3:30 marathon (my best is 2:48, but that was a long, long time ago). Deb had a good year last year, finishing <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a> and <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch</a> at 58 and felt great doing them, so she was all intent on continuing this journey. She was a little sad that I wasn't planning on running a 100, saying "But this is something we do together!". I told her we could still do them together, but now with me as her crew and pacer, as I did at Wasatch.<br />
<br />
Endurancebuzz did a nice article/interview with Deb (last finisher at Hardrock and you can see it <a href="http://endurancebuzz.com/2012/08/01/deb-pero-last-badass-over-the-pass-hardrock-100-interview/">here</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfab0t3YI2zkreJvaen9Y2WXMHgDcusBbEfMG4oEgTHlJtaKH1EDJ8UeHA1oe8w5SToaEdwNnmy8ORf-jSg2FspCP9oQXfma-C8F33H_ztadgaiT2XzvuYZRR9Me3JBh0RZBFStiv-eyk/s1600/Deb+at+Lambs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfab0t3YI2zkreJvaen9Y2WXMHgDcusBbEfMG4oEgTHlJtaKH1EDJ8UeHA1oe8w5SToaEdwNnmy8ORf-jSg2FspCP9oQXfma-C8F33H_ztadgaiT2XzvuYZRR9Me3JBh0RZBFStiv-eyk/s400/Deb+at+Lambs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb at Lamb's Canyon at Wasatch</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She ran, I crewed and paced</div>
<br />
Well, as we neared the Hardrock lottery application deadline, I started thinking that I could enter....at least for now it's free to do that... and then I could let the Hardrock BOD make my decision for me. I truly never thought we'd both get in and I was hoping that Deb would if only one of us got in. If She didn't and I did, I'd run it just so She could pace me the whole way and still "do" Hardrock at age 59, although unofficially.<br />
<br />
Well, whadaya know! We both got in....and now the decision was thrown back in my lap. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was being given another chance to finish in the reverse/CCW direction. I have 2 finishes in the CW direction and needed this to become a complete Hardrocker, so my decision was a go.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN45f9bU-C4V_oP-EhVNEP3oZcqbMbMqLBHta6E9p-NgOylclpflvPqJVWLbxK2pokOM4AAYnfmyUgN_6xUzQD74_vH-ftKqoDZx-zexc7S2bcyKPD-MyI_0feQF7q0QrxY5juKy7tNw/s1600/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN45f9bU-C4V_oP-EhVNEP3oZcqbMbMqLBHta6E9p-NgOylclpflvPqJVWLbxK2pokOM4AAYnfmyUgN_6xUzQD74_vH-ftKqoDZx-zexc7S2bcyKPD-MyI_0feQF7q0QrxY5juKy7tNw/s400/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Not this...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLbT1WT8iHoQ5QWT7CTkETmoVDNcbwTZKOGQcJ6JlKlKc2Q8d8wyGAFNw_LaGpXHRCa5n-2zonpNCrZE2FHdgHtWghV0zChlPMc6rGfcejmAaszN-ixuo66x-ft50u5SJrcewEMOfOtc/s1600/Hardrock+Loser+IPA+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLbT1WT8iHoQ5QWT7CTkETmoVDNcbwTZKOGQcJ6JlKlKc2Q8d8wyGAFNw_LaGpXHRCa5n-2zonpNCrZE2FHdgHtWghV0zChlPMc6rGfcejmAaszN-ixuo66x-ft50u5SJrcewEMOfOtc/s400/Hardrock+Loser+IPA+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now my brain thoughts were yet again focusing on mountain trails, rather than road miles so away we go. I now feel completely focused and determined to get through this in what I consider the "harder" direction, especially with the added 3 miles uphill out of Telluride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh432Pq2VfWm-XrbpguQI4XmrZyA5IkhSPB4WySCSz2erUw8314-bCOAxRa2TQFqPf52OEsBobN0119lbx-Z42fft8kXNKkD0IEc30we12huA_B52bDHhp3iq_MobkGuN4vnt52JfuPkVI/s1600/ScreenHunter_192+Dec.+20+15.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh432Pq2VfWm-XrbpguQI4XmrZyA5IkhSPB4WySCSz2erUw8314-bCOAxRa2TQFqPf52OEsBobN0119lbx-Z42fft8kXNKkD0IEc30we12huA_B52bDHhp3iq_MobkGuN4vnt52JfuPkVI/s640/ScreenHunter_192+Dec.+20+15.29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This year we'll be running from right to left, which has more uphill</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>It says 100, but is really 103</b></div>
<br />
Another decision I've made is to not race much this Spring, like I did last year. I ran two 50 mile races last Spring, one an over 60 age group course record at <a href="http://www.collegiatepeakstrailrun.org/">Collegiate Peaks</a> in April and the other an easy paced one at <a href="http://grandmaster.colorado.edu/~stevem/sjs50/public/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice</a>, but which still left me tired. I don't think I was recovered at Hardrock, which was less than three weeks later....I'll not do that this year, we'll go into Hardrock strong and rested after spending many weekends running and hiking in the mountains, no racing. The only possible race would be Zane Gray 50, which we are on the wait list for. We'll also squeak in a Grand Canyon R2R2R sometime late March/early April....but June will be spent in the 14'ers of Colorado, just easy hiking and running downhill.<br />
We may also go up to SJS50 and hang out, do some hiking and take some <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/62012SanJuanSolstice50">pictures of the race</a>.<br />
<br />
Another change I'm going to make is the addition of hiking poles. I see more Hardrockers using these and after watching a video where I saw Jon Tiesher and a guy behind him going up with sticks, it sold me. Jon was slipping back on his feet in the loose scree, while the runner behind him seemed to climb effortlessly without slipping. You can see that video <a href="http://vimeo.com/45898508">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42-9x3_l5Sp-YmUSI_mBuwSFM4lKWcF7rLV-WqTS-N6M9CwqSkfpFkV8iWpDDX8XqajLVEkIsE10DuizCzdVYHBLAw5QZY9IPyAF8PmT0pdDAkZEMp2GYkncZQNFCcJ4TLJU8_zG8qVU/s1600/Picture+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42-9x3_l5Sp-YmUSI_mBuwSFM4lKWcF7rLV-WqTS-N6M9CwqSkfpFkV8iWpDDX8XqajLVEkIsE10DuizCzdVYHBLAw5QZY9IPyAF8PmT0pdDAkZEMp2GYkncZQNFCcJ4TLJU8_zG8qVU/s640/Picture+075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>We'll be going down this next Summer</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grant Swamp Pass</div>
<br />
So that's it....Deb and I will not do Hardrock together as we did last year. We both feel this just holds one or the other back and best to do out own thing. If we hook up at the Putnam aid station (final one), then all the better. I also haven't decided whether to use a pacer or not. I can, as an over age 60 runner, have a pacer the whole way, but I really don't need one, at least not until Ouray, so if I do decide to use a pacer, it won't be until then. In 2008 I hooked up with Greg Loomis and ran most of the run with him until he ran into some stomach distress after Ouray. I ran alone until I hooked up with David Larson up near Cataract Lake and on into Cunningham. That last section a pacer could have helped me as I kept sitting down to sleep ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcHNFgvEGTxecCo-DJSwv4kRhJeAsUTf9eXjiDwl-t9y1VBisDfFBg4pTaDCNMUeD-g83MnFgr6hd4Ob0b7d2LO4wEB6_kVsvbcWNH19lzG0rw2saFLhELigaawpVy7It5S2dJuZH6eA/s1600/Greg+Loomis+on+Mendota.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcHNFgvEGTxecCo-DJSwv4kRhJeAsUTf9eXjiDwl-t9y1VBisDfFBg4pTaDCNMUeD-g83MnFgr6hd4Ob0b7d2LO4wEB6_kVsvbcWNH19lzG0rw2saFLhELigaawpVy7It5S2dJuZH6eA/s640/Greg+Loomis+on+Mendota.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Greg Loomis and I spent a good part of 2008 Hardrock together</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is heading up to Kroger's Canteen from Telluride</div>
<br />
Up next is Jon Tiesher's <a href="http://antonkrupicka.blogspot.com/2010/11/ponderous-posterior-50k.html">Ponderous Posterior 50K</a> up around Colorado Springs on Jan 18th, after that will be lots of training (no racing interruptions with their taper and then recovery weeks).<br />
The PP50K is a different route this year after the Waldo forest fire last Summer wiped out Waldo Canyon.<br />
<br />
This time of year as we slide into the holidays, we are very relaxed in our training. Last weekend we got a foot of snow and had a nice 3 hour CC Ski fun session, most days we're snow shoeing or hiking. Not much running up at the house in the deeper snow unless you run on the treadmill, as I did this morning. I hope to do more of these early morning sessions on the mill because the difference in training at 8200' at the house and at 5300' in ABQ is immense. I'll do my easy days up North and any tempo/speed runs down in the thick air of ABQ ;-)<br />
<br />
On another note our side hobbies are going well. I brew my own beer now and have been for a year. I have a fine selection built up with some Stouts and Porters in stock, along with some Belgian Whites for Deb. In the fermenting bucket now is a strong, hoppy IPA that will be bottled in a couple of weeks, Yumm. I have been using extract kits and hope to move into all grain this coming year.<br />
Deb has taken on several side hobbies, the painting has been put on the side burner for awhile and now she's making baskets using Pine needles. That was after spending the fall canning all sorts of fruit spreads, dried fruit and veggies and also some tasty jerky.<br />
<br />
'Til the next time, which probably won't be until Jan 19th....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />
Steve and DebSteve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-74990946198857924052012-10-03T13:27:00.000-06:002012-10-04T06:49:10.755-06:002012 Mt. Taylor 50K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuniE3dysj2Rycs_abDdMgIcxFYDke9d-5qY-VA2WU14LEiGNAvLVbASHBxFLWaohaUn2eR4fYj94sX6s3s-HFpPOLR5qVjkPS9LHDLq3vtCBV9ctx_2-uaLZgrqK1Vr1JvHlXjHo9dl8/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuniE3dysj2Rycs_abDdMgIcxFYDke9d-5qY-VA2WU14LEiGNAvLVbASHBxFLWaohaUn2eR4fYj94sX6s3s-HFpPOLR5qVjkPS9LHDLq3vtCBV9ctx_2-uaLZgrqK1Vr1JvHlXjHo9dl8/s640/Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Saturday Deb and I traveled a little south of where we live to Mt Taylor, which is close to Grants to run the <a href="http://mttaylor50k.com/home.php">Mt Taylor 50K</a>. It was a fantastic race put on by Ken Gordon, Kurt Coonrod and their team of volunteers. I was originally planning on running the Bear 100 this weekend, but withdrew from that to focus on shorter, faster races that I prefer and I'm glad I did!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On to my experience...I went into this feeling blah and this helped control the pace at the beginning, as I started out with my friend Doug Seaver. The race start out with a long climb and has several really long climbs, but also the fast downhills road sections you can run hard and get back on pace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tnkUSM16qUBefaX_eJGqWv6hdhW04434GqEawIHWRcKOqoF18K0S3aUNwSDtSyBmgxPmI0gWOh1CdM4_mgPLb67ri-lqMaw2AgRYrgBD66m1HVJI0XdTZtoiCBUOtozrX8sXHOAaZVE/s1600/Elev+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tnkUSM16qUBefaX_eJGqWv6hdhW04434GqEawIHWRcKOqoF18K0S3aUNwSDtSyBmgxPmI0gWOh1CdM4_mgPLb67ri-lqMaw2AgRYrgBD66m1HVJI0XdTZtoiCBUOtozrX8sXHOAaZVE/s640/Elev+profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Elevation profile showing the three big climbs</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It just so happened that Ken and his team seemed to have this race run so that most of the downhills were good running roads, so the time you lost climbing, especially up to 11,000+' Mt Taylor you could get back a lot of that time running down the roads....that is if you fueled and hydrated well and also had quads that could take the beating ;-) I felt like I was running fast downhill more than anything else!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkiCOcc61cWPtDcIJSVWpsEUSrPCwofpKdLfsY2pKo41rbkLPLgALDaKHIJEOUoSGQeoC1JKB8cA-B02vX0McLRuAp0z3hUsEScu5L7tU0R9uiv_KsnzdSepEf6sy_VebMj7U__kczE4/s1600/map_revised2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkiCOcc61cWPtDcIJSVWpsEUSrPCwofpKdLfsY2pKo41rbkLPLgALDaKHIJEOUoSGQeoC1JKB8cA-B02vX0McLRuAp0z3hUsEScu5L7tU0R9uiv_KsnzdSepEf6sy_VebMj7U__kczE4/s640/map_revised2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Here's a great map of the course</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Deb's goal here was to feel her legs out after recently running the <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch 100</a> (33:11) and before that running <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a>, <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a> and the <a href="http://www.silvertonalpinerunning.com/events/silverton-alpine-marathon-50k/">Silverton Alpine Marathon</a>! What a year she's had! Well at halfway, it made more sense to stop on the tired legs than go on and possibly be out there many hours after I finished. We had to get home to our dogs...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGJSFPGLbrhi0PRuk73uG2oQQ3ePMWLds5ZjAyq2EvXLkV7jRMHUJMlb4hS-VTeYr4XJVb7xRIklGBXaTYCMfrIBf-ryqouOfcx6zJpNDco5hADcY-57EJPZp6k7qc1xA6HVnkkR8zJI/s1600/deb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGJSFPGLbrhi0PRuk73uG2oQQ3ePMWLds5ZjAyq2EvXLkV7jRMHUJMlb4hS-VTeYr4XJVb7xRIklGBXaTYCMfrIBf-ryqouOfcx6zJpNDco5hADcY-57EJPZp6k7qc1xA6HVnkkR8zJI/s640/deb.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Deb happily cruising along the course</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My race couldn't have gone better. Like I said I started with Doug really quite easily, holding back until I felt like I could begin racing. This didn't happen until the first downhill. The view as we topped the first climb was incredible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-p4Sp6ICsKNniADIHzhX1KfPITCvqIkahUwpN2n77RefZuOt17yG5gHt2IzOWQTDnnMMQWnqbrwaeTn_cW2K29CxbozZHNcmDXXEVIEtZ0e-whAQ-BtJJiCyBBQFTri0HiOjU3lfYMfM/s1600/Panoramic+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-p4Sp6ICsKNniADIHzhX1KfPITCvqIkahUwpN2n77RefZuOt17yG5gHt2IzOWQTDnnMMQWnqbrwaeTn_cW2K29CxbozZHNcmDXXEVIEtZ0e-whAQ-BtJJiCyBBQFTri0HiOjU3lfYMfM/s640/Panoramic+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
After we topped this first long climb, it was time to start racing....Doug took off first with me in tow and we passed many who either weren't as comfortable running fast downhill or had gone out way too fast. I will say during the whole race I only had one guy pass me and stay ahead of me. He finished one place in front of me and was also wearing my now favorite trail shoes, the Nike Lunarfly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF-65xPWK2q6Vy-IP2TUbBR-UhP3M2ffcrzRKO3-4Q4d_NHrKEj0SV0btPNKVc1hpKZLv2r_So2r_lCGyFcVn7a2RS9S8saqW50trNWC8RBouV4Exbr_ap16DamUWX8udKD3s34LYvPA/s1600/View3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF-65xPWK2q6Vy-IP2TUbBR-UhP3M2ffcrzRKO3-4Q4d_NHrKEj0SV0btPNKVc1hpKZLv2r_So2r_lCGyFcVn7a2RS9S8saqW50trNWC8RBouV4Exbr_ap16DamUWX8udKD3s34LYvPA/s640/View3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Another one of the incredible views</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Soon we were at halfway, which is also the Start/finish, but we now were to go on a different loop, which would include the incredible climb up to the summit of Mt Taylor, which had to be at least three miles long. I reached halfway at around 3:15 so I was now thinking I had a good shot at breaking 7 hours. One of my goals was to try and be the first over 60, which I can usually do if I push the pace as much as I can for as long as I can and I figured it would take sub 7 to do this. Just after the aid station I stopped at my truck to get rid of some clothes, dump my trash and drink a chocolate Silk (Soy milk). I was running sortof minimalist for an ultra, wearing only shorts, singlet and carrying one hand held bottle. This worked perfectly for the 2nd half. The 1st half was a bit chilly, so started with a LS shirt over my SS and a thin jacket. I dropped the jacket and LS shirt at the truck as the temps were warming up.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-9TdcTo9RRejxux_xmH0vk1M0NX8Zq-EHsnIDPLAHmWbEogeg4R0xlAB_2sdO2Nlp9iFOXsR5vKjsKu2_5dgXdunt9HLJWtiqnmypjKg-RB2UZIUog_DgPvOGuCxlCmwGwKq89clSQE/s1600/stevegooseberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-9TdcTo9RRejxux_xmH0vk1M0NX8Zq-EHsnIDPLAHmWbEogeg4R0xlAB_2sdO2Nlp9iFOXsR5vKjsKu2_5dgXdunt9HLJWtiqnmypjKg-RB2UZIUog_DgPvOGuCxlCmwGwKq89clSQE/s640/stevegooseberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Me running along the Gooseberry trail in the 2nd half with Doug just ahead</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After the halfway aid, the trail was somewhat flat to the mile 21+ aid station...I spent most of this time back with Doug who I caught up to. We ran into the aid station together, I told him I wasn't stopping and that was the last I saw of him until the finish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWRKwEsx_moTNCiUN39IbS8jAf8nJgdVdI3dw_fqvN8GM9dOIySZ-HwQOZOFDFfiq-vgfHkQcaFEesPQebebDKP4PKpZjVxDKg5T2pZKXQS2kJGKRZg6gaQx3B4yV-IOnQFczcPX333A/s1600/Mt+Taylor+trail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWRKwEsx_moTNCiUN39IbS8jAf8nJgdVdI3dw_fqvN8GM9dOIySZ-HwQOZOFDFfiq-vgfHkQcaFEesPQebebDKP4PKpZjVxDKg5T2pZKXQS2kJGKRZg6gaQx3B4yV-IOnQFczcPX333A/s640/Mt+Taylor+trail+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Climb up to Mt Taylor in the distance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Starting at the aid station at Mile 21, we began the long climb up to Mt. Taylor. This climb was to me the highlight of the race and reminded me a lot of some of the Hardrock climbs. It climbed from around 9300' to 11,301' and in maybe 3 miles. It surely took me 1.5 hours, but I didn't time it. Starting up this, I decided to do my Gu Roctane Double Espresso gel for the sugar and caffeine kick. It worked as I passed several and only got passed by that one guy, Chris Brady, who finished just in front of me. I felt strong all the way to the top and took a breather at the summit.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz4m1SLE05-ZnBR-L_SLtxnTDJxmVzArzynOCGTod-YpLpnNoBUtv7BJ6UK87L7RV6tf_TclHfhR3ZM7NCKVw9WAz6y91bbCLLIgMvOzeg12lC7nBhFtbKP4flyk0QyUimTCR89FBsAU/s1600/Mt+Taylor+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz4m1SLE05-ZnBR-L_SLtxnTDJxmVzArzynOCGTod-YpLpnNoBUtv7BJ6UK87L7RV6tf_TclHfhR3ZM7NCKVw9WAz6y91bbCLLIgMvOzeg12lC7nBhFtbKP4flyk0QyUimTCR89FBsAU/s640/Mt+Taylor+trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Looking back at the trail up to MT as I near the summit</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_1DZQOl0ZqCrKuv_9DPzQiEALUWwna7KS2bamzP3-Omzq6oQJ2dqvN6eN18_HKgz8DOTAXeFFkuNDrQUCwXa95Vp0CK0bQtxd6Z3ZdfM-HiGzCCTssrBkWaSlhufrvPZoJwjLIL8Akc/s1600/Top+of+mt+Taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_1DZQOl0ZqCrKuv_9DPzQiEALUWwna7KS2bamzP3-Omzq6oQJ2dqvN6eN18_HKgz8DOTAXeFFkuNDrQUCwXa95Vp0CK0bQtxd6Z3ZdfM-HiGzCCTssrBkWaSlhufrvPZoJwjLIL8Akc/s640/Top+of+mt+Taylor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A runner smiles as he reaches the high point on the course</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up on top of Mt Taylor the views were incredible...I never really knew which direction I was looking at, but it didn't matter and it was here I wish I had brought my camera. I turned in a circle to take in the incredible 360 degree view, took a deep breath and started down the single track trail to the Caldera Rim aid station, about mile 25. There I grabbed a GU, filled my bottle and started down the fast downhill road in pursuit of those who went out to fast and I knew there would be many. I think I caught 3-4 runners before the next long climb back up to the Caldera Rim aid station again, where I got some more water, a cup of Sprite and started to crank down the final 2 miles....and what a run it was! I crossed the line in 6:29:14 in 37th overall, feeling no worse than when I started other than tired legs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6Irwib1KucFWvW8fAx9tx3Slqxm_AP9EorehY-m0_ww1WU-hSNsOfnu8AdIqL1lnp65TIf2FNK-L671NWjFkehVSH9BpGdfAwQrM9EGcCj2BiVCUP0Spv-C_5STKizfSjSfTxN_tYyE/s1600/stevefinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6Irwib1KucFWvW8fAx9tx3Slqxm_AP9EorehY-m0_ww1WU-hSNsOfnu8AdIqL1lnp65TIf2FNK-L671NWjFkehVSH9BpGdfAwQrM9EGcCj2BiVCUP0Spv-C_5STKizfSjSfTxN_tYyE/s640/stevefinish.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Crossing the line feeling fantastic, Deb in the background</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was sure I had finished first in my age group with what I considered to be my best run of the year, but later found out that Bob Parks ran an incredible 6 hours in 23rd place at 61 year's young! Ken told me later that Bob was a 2:29 marathoner in his prime, while I was a mere 2:49 marathoner, so didn't feel too bad about it....plus there was no way I was going to get another 30 minutes out of my body!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAaWSmX0u0AgUg0R0dTYCmSYoaZD0L28OEkk1Z8EQQHPkismzEEmcldfJNdKtMKK7ZRHyvAH5AXLti3jk-nHz1pxXuqc0ZE0dwomq2ESStNXOVA5RanRaZ0fV3FjefwlMPR4rAe1AY8k/s1600/Awards+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAaWSmX0u0AgUg0R0dTYCmSYoaZD0L28OEkk1Z8EQQHPkismzEEmcldfJNdKtMKK7ZRHyvAH5AXLti3jk-nHz1pxXuqc0ZE0dwomq2ESStNXOVA5RanRaZ0fV3FjefwlMPR4rAe1AY8k/s640/Awards+print.jpg" width="640" /></a><b>This is the print that the leaders got as awards, painted by Sherri Kae Mahieu</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Sherri just so happened to have painted the first Hardrock finish poster I got in 2001)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I end this post I'd like to again thanks Ken and his team of volunteers for putting on an incredible race that is going to become one of the top 50K's in the country. I can possibly seeing this as being a part of the Skyrunner series like Karl Meltzer's Speedgoat 50K. It is well marked, plenty of aid and a great finish with Marble Brewery beer on tap and all the meat you can eat at a great post race BBQ!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also thanks to Paul Gordon for coming out and taking pictures during the race. Paul is Ken's brother and most of the pictures in this blog was taken by him. You can see the rest of his Mt Taylor photos <a href="http://pauloutwest.photoshelter.com/gallery/Mt-Taylor-50K/G0000o09dgRO46Y4/">here.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a blog post by a real fast runner who ran MT... <a href="http://jessearmijo.blogspot.com/2012/10/mt-taylor-50k-race-report.html">http://jessearmijo.blogspot.com/2012/10/mt-taylor-50k-race-report.html</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For results, click <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=15055">here</a> and for more photos go to the race Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mttaylor50">here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I'd suggest if you want to run this race next year to find out when entries open and get in it quickly....the race sold out this year in it's first year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As for me and Deb, I am hoping to run a road marathon in Tuscon in December, but that all depends on how the legs feel come the end of October when the race entry fee increases. Other than that, we both go into semi hibernation and get the house ready for winter, which means wood splitting. We're also doing several projects one which includes fencing in an acre of our property. Might not get that one done before winter sets in...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's about it and until next time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Trails!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Steve and Deb</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-6616176243927791202012-07-23T13:00:00.002-06:002013-03-04T11:23:38.458-07:00No Mas...My 2012 Hardrock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGCezzvBEzOjTbhKFsfY5iKs4yKYla4Uh4iC-NiEuEM_8sdaQFFsTsYRrcpi2Aw0ZGvBXaxZqhMaKAEEO9VLL80Ju7HepKakdxeCsjQOMCy8XotJff1H7_limMTBCv9OVVEkjPIAwTk0/s1600/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGCezzvBEzOjTbhKFsfY5iKs4yKYla4Uh4iC-NiEuEM_8sdaQFFsTsYRrcpi2Aw0ZGvBXaxZqhMaKAEEO9VLL80Ju7HepKakdxeCsjQOMCy8XotJff1H7_limMTBCv9OVVEkjPIAwTk0/s400/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Wild and Tough for sure!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">2 for 9? Really? Is <a href="http://hardrock100.com/index.php">Hardrock</a> really all that difficult? For me, yes it is, obviously. For Deb, it went about as good as it could have and she said for the first time it didn't seem as hard as she remembered it.</span><br />
<br />
Here's the Hardrock course description summary:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #291b0c; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;"><i>The Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run is an ultramarathon of 100.5 miles in length, plus 33,992 feet of climb and 33,992 feet of descent for a total elevation change of 67,984 feet, at an average elevation of over 11,000 feet. The race is held on a loop course on 4WD roads, dirt trails, and cross country in Southern Colorado's San Juan Range, USA.</i></span>
<br />
<br />
First my story, then a brief summary of Deb's, but her whole story will have to be told by her. If I can get her to write a report, I'll post it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXt2i0P8-swPCwPOwjqlgBKSOKylHbNkuy_m09DUM1TuGDxp59G0vf5-QG02NsAk13CKo0QgolM1I_dgBnfwasxDA0-xgQGfuPt_HPMyjFaU3qrUPXmkvELPyid6adPXqz0UBqk70psE/s1600/Deb+crossing+MC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXt2i0P8-swPCwPOwjqlgBKSOKylHbNkuy_m09DUM1TuGDxp59G0vf5-QG02NsAk13CKo0QgolM1I_dgBnfwasxDA0-xgQGfuPt_HPMyjFaU3qrUPXmkvELPyid6adPXqz0UBqk70psE/s640/Deb+crossing+MC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb in the rear crossing South Mineral Creek</b></div>
<br />
One thing that is a known...I'm getting old. I turned 60 last November and no, I don't feel 60, but when you start aging, things start to happen. With me it's vertigo. It's taken me out of the last three 100's. A fact that In know is my Mom has vertigo....my doc said it's genetic, but can be treated. I think if it affected my daily life now like it was a year ago, I'd be concerned and seeking treatment, but it's no longer showing up on a daily basis, so I'm not concerned. Short story is I'm done with 100's and feel good with that decision...<br />
<br />
With Hardrock this year our plan was to run it together with her brother Drew pacing me the whole way. At Kroger's Canteen aid station (Virginius), we were going to re-announce our engagement on this 10th anniversary of doing that back in 2001 at that place. 10th because 2002 was cancelled due to a forest fire in Durango. The day was going well, when just before the aid station, as we climbed up through Mendota Saddle, I felt the first spin. Then nausea, which got increasingly worse as we climbed and I struggled to get down off of the peak in the loose scree. We sent Deb on down to Ouray to get fueled and to take a break and Drew was to catch her soon after that to pace her in. Walking down Camp Bird Road, I had to stop occasionally to stop the vertigo by pointing my flashlight on the ground and stare at that non moving object. About 2 miles up from the aid station, someone came up and gave me a ride in, with Drew continuing in order to run the whole 100 and to try to catch Deb. Within an hour of sitting and drinking Coke, the spins stopped and I got to watch Drew off. He didn't catch her until after Engineer (4 hours later) and the two of them continued on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilamIQPH7r9OivmX4HP4fT5IuL_i576xed75aTngNPG3ijuVWz8oTkykT6WZ52uEAJnI8lZx-pLoxS4g5aBEhTG4miIL5rXBQo4JC1J0V0aJ16i5bsd-NuVNY4LRBPcop0anJz5fkkJdo/s1600/DebnDrew+going+up+Handies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilamIQPH7r9OivmX4HP4fT5IuL_i576xed75aTngNPG3ijuVWz8oTkykT6WZ52uEAJnI8lZx-pLoxS4g5aBEhTG4miIL5rXBQo4JC1J0V0aJ16i5bsd-NuVNY4LRBPcop0anJz5fkkJdo/s640/DebnDrew+going+up+Handies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Drew and Deb on the flat spot before the climb up to Grant Swamp Pass</b></div>
<br />
So I'm officially done running 100's....I've been running them since 1998 when I ran a 19:45 at Vermont in my first. Sue Johnston asked me what I thought, I told her it sucked...since that time I've run 8 more 100's and not many of them were positive experiences. I think maybe the 2004 Bighorn was OK, but was still a struggle. So why keep running them? I'm not. I'm tired of running into the night, I'm tired of getting sick to my stomach (all the time) and I'm tired of the struggles. Yeah, I'll still run ultras...mostly 50K's and certainly not longer than 50 in an official race. I'd like to someday get through the VHTRC Reverse Ring to complete that circuit, but that's a fat ass and no entry fee. I'd also like to see if I can qualify for the Boston Marathon again as a 60 year old.<br />
Life was good before I ran my first 100...I was running races that ended in the same daylight, I was faster, I would sometimes win! Then I got sucked into the 100 mile vortex and the rest is history. Why do we think that if you don't run a 100, you're not a "real" ultrarunner? Why 100? Why not the 24 hour race? I can't imagine those that run those 6 day races...My friend Dima showed up at Hardrock with a shirt that said <a href="http://www.lifeiscrap.com/catalog/Hiker-T-Shirt---Unisex/144/8721/product_detail/index.html">"Life is Crap"</a> and the image was of a hiker with poles in the mountains with rain and lightening about to strike him on the head. It was perfect...<br />
<br />
So that's it, I'm done....and with it possibly this blog, which I also struggle to maintain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwfch9D7ge_asAVJZ8iRIB5PLgK3V-8Han-HDcTQ53zP2hapy7EjetFBgIqhSLEs5SVhDEWPQ2Jj5omzIqqqqPEW9BwArBQ8x8X0woWz5UeWi9zjMWUNk-0HG7NhbH1YuBru5Lx558k4/s1600/Deb+n+Drew+on+Oscars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwfch9D7ge_asAVJZ8iRIB5PLgK3V-8Han-HDcTQ53zP2hapy7EjetFBgIqhSLEs5SVhDEWPQ2Jj5omzIqqqqPEW9BwArBQ8x8X0woWz5UeWi9zjMWUNk-0HG7NhbH1YuBru5Lx558k4/s640/Deb+n+Drew+on+Oscars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Drew and Deb struggle through the boulders up near the top of Oscar's Pass</b></div>
<br />
As for Deb's Hardrock, what more can I say than she is bad ass. She was the last finisher, coming in at 47:49 and the oldest female finisher in the history of the run. She has told me that she never really had any bad memories of this year, she just kept moving one foot in front of the other and got it done. One point in the run during the Pole Creek section, her back tightened up and she was having trouble breathing deep, but a chiro adjustment at Cunningham aid station fixed that and allowed her to move a little quicker and get in under the clock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz1pLUE3OYb3XsSf8hT-eT_CLE3C08aNTLy53GCag5AHlOUKz2ABKc_b_GmHKnyQZ6dIed8GHjC5nKJmjyl1VUfcsO8e2012aAR1AT9NatlYERNf9iKllP03xjtJf684NC_OLg_8hoFg/s1600/Deb+running+down+Bridal+Viel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz1pLUE3OYb3XsSf8hT-eT_CLE3C08aNTLy53GCag5AHlOUKz2ABKc_b_GmHKnyQZ6dIed8GHjC5nKJmjyl1VUfcsO8e2012aAR1AT9NatlYERNf9iKllP03xjtJf684NC_OLg_8hoFg/s640/Deb+running+down+Bridal+Viel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb cruisin' down the road through Bridal Veil Falls section</b></div>
<br />
It was a nervous moment at the finish at 5:45am Sunday morning....all the finishers had come in but Deb and Drew. Many of the finishers were there to see the final runners coming in and Margaret Heaphy couldn't stand the suspense and walked up to the corner to look up towards the ski area to see if anyone was coming. We heard her "whoo!" and knew they were headed in, Deb and Drew turned the corner and ran like they only had a minute to spare, which made the whole scenario more dramatic. They ran into the chute and kissed the rock together. Deb for her 2nd official finish, this time in the "other " direction and Drew kissing the rock unofficially. No one was keeping him from kissing the rock ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqGzlfnw5MYSF0NOThOKC4U3zmu9g2XdBt4MvWjn0ezdld9e0ZOVcP1g1OXPJGisQOHz4N74LEaL6CDAu-XPMzdcUVSiNzHU3bC-LyDLNB5VSUou1LJvHDmFKHtGmMJhIGw2Cvs5Ll6A/s1600/Deb+n+Drew+running+into+Telluride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqGzlfnw5MYSF0NOThOKC4U3zmu9g2XdBt4MvWjn0ezdld9e0ZOVcP1g1OXPJGisQOHz4N74LEaL6CDAu-XPMzdcUVSiNzHU3bC-LyDLNB5VSUou1LJvHDmFKHtGmMJhIGw2Cvs5Ll6A/s640/Deb+n+Drew+running+into+Telluride.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Heading into Telluride on the bike path</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiCHj6t2BVriKKziHfXWf3VV9Zd0yIVtCdT8TEm3o-v6Xjur6bZTB2w8d904j3wUVnACvBCy1mC8HrbFLjG9MGclByWXUlE20dDzmhwl0jYoCw_g0_vpvz-SRr9vSk4rE3GDPWiqvCDI/s1600/Deb+up+to+Krogers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiCHj6t2BVriKKziHfXWf3VV9Zd0yIVtCdT8TEm3o-v6Xjur6bZTB2w8d904j3wUVnACvBCy1mC8HrbFLjG9MGclByWXUlE20dDzmhwl0jYoCw_g0_vpvz-SRr9vSk4rE3GDPWiqvCDI/s640/Deb+up+to+Krogers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My final picture</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The weather turned nasty with hail and sleet and I was beginning to get the spins.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deb up ahead in the green jacket</div>
<br />
Here is a video I took of them finishing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy5xAFkASsYR2QEfwOhJFdNk5aRa1oZRJCQEt2xn3df4VDUZtImKItxkd-VyRKnDF_vv9URl3vUCdrNafyS6Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb and Drew finishing</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To view this on Vimeo go to <a href="https://vimeo.com/46150513">https://vimeo.com/46150513</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<br />
I really love that video...Deb put everything she had into that finish and now she's a real Hardrocker having finished both directions. Will she ever get in again is the question!<br />
<br />
For the rest of my photos go here : <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/2012HardrockHundred">https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/2012HardrockHundred</a><br />
<br />
For Hardrock results, go here: <a href="http://ultrarun.net/HR100/CourseRunRank/Live">http://ultrarun.net/HR100/CourseRunRank/Live</a><br />
<br />
So that's it...next up is the <a href="http://www.silvertonalpinerunning.com/events/silverton-alpine-marathon-50k/">Silverton Alpine Marathon</a> on Aug 25th and after that the <a href="http://mttaylor50k.com/home.php">Mt Taylor 50K</a> south of Albuquerque last weekend of September. That weekend I was planning on running the Bear, but withdrew rather than waste yet another entry fee. Mt Taylor will be more fun and we'll be done sometime in the afternoon ;-)<br />
First up though is this coming weekend where Deb is running the <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a> while I volunteer there.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone is doing well and continues down the path of their choice...<br />
Steve and Deb<br />
<br />
12/12 update:<br />
After talking with Deb, she convinced me to enter and leave it to fate whether I run Hardrock again. I did get in and will be running ;-) Life is funny that way!<br />
<br />Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-74068196294679201902012-06-26T11:24:00.002-06:002012-06-27T12:39:43.237-06:002012 San Juan Solstice 50 mile<br />
<div class="paragraph_style_7" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 29px; opacity: 1; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
49.75 miles, 12,856’ vertical ascent</div>
<div class="paragraph_style_7" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 29px; opacity: 1; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
low point of 8,671’, high point of 13,334’</div>
<div class="paragraph_style_7" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 29px; opacity: 1; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXBCm4j_4nkKVFLAow6tp6pUEs071O4YtosBkKc1hEJnHV6qmxgf1Fxt7JR3AzcZL8GvGvy7k6NsW1_WKYxS5nYfJcXBoid6aycyGqZzNCGwFeCoVXl9TBnMz5TU0q-RZT-Y6n1REf10/s1600/SJS+Profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXBCm4j_4nkKVFLAow6tp6pUEs071O4YtosBkKc1hEJnHV6qmxgf1Fxt7JR3AzcZL8GvGvy7k6NsW1_WKYxS5nYfJcXBoid6aycyGqZzNCGwFeCoVXl9TBnMz5TU0q-RZT-Y6n1REf10/s640/SJS+Profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="paragraph_style_7" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 29px; opacity: 1; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Yeah, that's the profile and data from the website...you mean they couldn't find another 1/4 mile? ;-)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This year's version of the SJS50 was a little more difficult than the other 2 years I ran. Usually up in the San Juan Mountains it is cool with post holing in snow up on the Divide and glissading down slopes...but this year was dry, I would call it hot (it was 73 degrees up at 11,000') and due to some local forest fires, was quite smoky, causing my nose to be clogged and drippy all day.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stayed at the <a href="http://www.innatthelake.org/">Inn at the Lake</a>, owned by some friends of ours and here is the </span>view<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of Lake San Christobal from our room.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbalCuIza-gK10ZgUNvSEp6KyrFFphzAy92YO_KOCBen_Fm9RwvoUlJoxFTPdcMco_fv6_PaFbkZJ8NSBczA_kTp7tieaPYaPTcDfBhgLM5pGJ_Fc_okSixloSFL_-COUnUVfJJ_0Km0/s1600/View+from+the+Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbalCuIza-gK10ZgUNvSEp6KyrFFphzAy92YO_KOCBen_Fm9RwvoUlJoxFTPdcMco_fv6_PaFbkZJ8NSBczA_kTp7tieaPYaPTcDfBhgLM5pGJ_Fc_okSixloSFL_-COUnUVfJJ_0Km0/s640/View+from+the+Inn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, pretty nice...who wants to go and run a smoky 50 mile trail race when you can sit here and read <a href="http://scottjurek.com/eatandrun/">"Eat and Run"</a>! ;-)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">...and speaking of racing, that's something we could not do here. We have the <a href="http://hardrock100.com/index.php">Hardrock 100</a> in less than three weeks and a hard run on this difficult course would put us at Hardrock with dead legs, so we both agreed that this "has" to be a training run, with the possibility of bailing if things didn't go well.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The course is a lot like Hardrock, where we start with a long climb up to an aid station, then run back down to an aid station. Do that several times and the race is done.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEPqSxfeLJfmYx1I3cjjPU-_jpK32IjkPKIxCTvfRNjQj_DwdWb2fuFDZeH0aXkMhl001lDzYxkRTZXt0Gm126bU7ZBZ-mDz8XEGCTM0_sLpuc5VLYTOxSAdhrOL3JYzx207GcNuMT7E/s1600/First+climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEPqSxfeLJfmYx1I3cjjPU-_jpK32IjkPKIxCTvfRNjQj_DwdWb2fuFDZeH0aXkMhl001lDzYxkRTZXt0Gm126bU7ZBZ-mDz8XEGCTM0_sLpuc5VLYTOxSAdhrOL3JYzx207GcNuMT7E/s640/First+climb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The first climb up to the Alpine aid station</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first climb was a nice gentle rise, after crossing a creek several times. The creek crossings were nothing compared to in the past, this year it was so low you could actually keep your feet dry, but there were so many people waiting to cross the logs that I splashed through them and got ahead of quite a few waiters at every crossing.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_DUgK3Y81Z6MDxXrvu_JQQWbbadJ4xYNoCTufOE0HNdVcVfsTZxQbfouN2oPK-P12HRoMq5vmVTOMal3_8Wvv-lJhvkUuS1HhJHiWvDQTOYGF8kCGliS02IRjvfXY2enk0uBB4pMKxA/s1600/Creek+crossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_DUgK3Y81Z6MDxXrvu_JQQWbbadJ4xYNoCTufOE0HNdVcVfsTZxQbfouN2oPK-P12HRoMq5vmVTOMal3_8Wvv-lJhvkUuS1HhJHiWvDQTOYGF8kCGliS02IRjvfXY2enk0uBB4pMKxA/s640/Creek+crossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Typical creek crossing in the early morning</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After the Alpine aid station, we got up over 12,000' and above treeline. The views were awesome and the running was better!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgFmBaiXQnVTl7OjM6BAUX8PhQAr4Bt8Wu2ADnQaRxHzEl_SAhSJq2pBpjatFkxGiU79w115NK93KupSaXMa0gK-UbRaMgoMEdPtOV6eOA9z0tFfznKnAegwhjglnaj5L1qGU-FOjo4I/s1600/View1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgFmBaiXQnVTl7OjM6BAUX8PhQAr4Bt8Wu2ADnQaRxHzEl_SAhSJq2pBpjatFkxGiU79w115NK93KupSaXMa0gK-UbRaMgoMEdPtOV6eOA9z0tFfznKnAegwhjglnaj5L1qGU-FOjo4I/s640/View1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAXR2VTGpduvcQTCMLwtGbBo6bzHQTRK-Z1IELkw39Anj5x2-9SE8sY4yi8CcuCWg9pA4KSGTVBneYEEcwOF7AFn3qh_hq4mgXIuo1keortfQtpPBlpQo1mSJlE_gmamcSQ_HR_esISg/s1600/view2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAXR2VTGpduvcQTCMLwtGbBo6bzHQTRK-Z1IELkw39Anj5x2-9SE8sY4yi8CcuCWg9pA4KSGTVBneYEEcwOF7AFn3qh_hq4mgXIuo1keortfQtpPBlpQo1mSJlE_gmamcSQ_HR_esISg/s640/view2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Nice running up high in the early miles</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After the high ridge running, we plummeted down into the Williams aid station by way of a steep and dusty trail in the trees. Williams was </span>around<span style="font-family: inherit;"> mile 14. In Williams I ate a bunch of fruit, filled my bottles and hit the road. Yes, road. We followed a dirt road for several miles to </span>Carson<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Road, which was a steep, dusty and hot 4 mile uphill to the Carson aid station. I got in a pack of runners (hikers), which made it feel even hotter, so I put it into another gear and cranked ahead of them to get by myself...soon catching up to Cheryl Meltzer and her friend, Jill from SLC. We stayed together and chatted for a bit until Cheryl felt the pace getting a bit too hot, so they backed off a bit and I went on up to the aid station where I had an almond chocolate milk and refilled my pack with gels. I was using a mixture of Chia Surge and Hammer gels for most of my fueling. I usually use 1st Endurance liquid shots, but I was out when I went </span>to<span style="font-family: inherit;"> pack for the trip.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey334TEfg1z9PdfXJcoeAasQTd-Y_MJdHCqg588NDyM12KWnS2s_myYAQpkfqWSc7ja-x9CQqaM68Ago5Ro560dnibIsbS301eNCGK9YZhR5OhUx3Cgtv23n9z52YRpeWuEOc915QnoM/s1600/Carson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey334TEfg1z9PdfXJcoeAasQTd-Y_MJdHCqg588NDyM12KWnS2s_myYAQpkfqWSc7ja-x9CQqaM68Ago5Ro560dnibIsbS301eNCGK9YZhR5OhUx3Cgtv23n9z52YRpeWuEOc915QnoM/s640/Carson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cheryl and Jill coming up Carson Road behind me</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlL22NpRs40onkL66O2jFMYd6urDF31odPCkbSX51Nm81rhawgO6T6bchyphenhyphenaZtJhWrM9A7pAOILF_yLpcKG8ffQPtJ13suqCvf4TV29Gr30GqBJOlZWcTB8b9mEy0sCF2tObV7nz3AivY/s1600/Carson2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlL22NpRs40onkL66O2jFMYd6urDF31odPCkbSX51Nm81rhawgO6T6bchyphenhyphenaZtJhWrM9A7pAOILF_yLpcKG8ffQPtJ13suqCvf4TV29Gr30GqBJOlZWcTB8b9mEy0sCF2tObV7nz3AivY/s640/Carson2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Heading up the road after leaving the Carson aid station</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was still feeling good and caught up to Tom Stockton not far after the aid station. Tom ran closer to 11 hours here last year, but had a stent put into his artery not long ago and was holding back on the climbs. I spent most of the rest of the day going back and forth with Tom.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePxdMBbVdwVgk4ZyF1D-NV7jhxI3hqRoOZCdUtv7N_s_GZ3Po6zVzUqXa-hKZQDFUvlUCQedKSWhHx8zpyXZU7N2GT0Kt4-mrnbjO2f08aR9bQd7GWaXEKGEFh1OXFuEflscxLQr3RFY/s1600/Tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePxdMBbVdwVgk4ZyF1D-NV7jhxI3hqRoOZCdUtv7N_s_GZ3Po6zVzUqXa-hKZQDFUvlUCQedKSWhHx8zpyXZU7N2GT0Kt4-mrnbjO2f08aR9bQd7GWaXEKGEFh1OXFuEflscxLQr3RFY/s640/Tom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tom up on the Divide</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Soon we took the left onto the Colorado Trail, which led up to the Continental Divide and 10 miles of 13,000' running and walking.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXfLhZmwCuCJJ9bw-k5OYRxwRx5LAq1UKIIp1JzGFNtuY04DbV-uA9gddNktxSlr6iaNVBd3Ct8LQXrK-BP_i1nq1sGZhYeYJE9dGEuYJDsNHGcLJP50C2z8MU3vqpIEhlmKJkK7bdLw/s1600/Colorado+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXfLhZmwCuCJJ9bw-k5OYRxwRx5LAq1UKIIp1JzGFNtuY04DbV-uA9gddNktxSlr6iaNVBd3Ct8LQXrK-BP_i1nq1sGZhYeYJE9dGEuYJDsNHGcLJP50C2z8MU3vqpIEhlmKJkK7bdLw/s640/Colorado+Trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1LE7L141GLpnQBdB7D-bUJP_XWCE-yDcPvF_nznp0wJl3hjDEfcnQPgcuul9pReCi9xuJc_d3Lw18jm7se8XwLSfb-qbNUI5Ev6p1ex8YJYRWs3YcSkOwaklwtovUUJQ9R5YKz11SCU/s1600/view+from+divide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1LE7L141GLpnQBdB7D-bUJP_XWCE-yDcPvF_nznp0wJl3hjDEfcnQPgcuul9pReCi9xuJc_d3Lw18jm7se8XwLSfb-qbNUI5Ev6p1ex8YJYRWs3YcSkOwaklwtovUUJQ9R5YKz11SCU/s640/view+from+divide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Some incredible views from up on the Divide</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGn9spPL8VAhDbqU6HT0kA9CGMElTcKDUrORIK4iN70p9e_GSR0vqbJlNhWlaH6PQgwQHnuF8fo_VZEfsxib0FRKCh-iUBOeBdpT-3hZvM_2EOzMoP1rCAE52Q18L_F4S1AQD_-wGo9KE/s1600/view+from+divide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGn9spPL8VAhDbqU6HT0kA9CGMElTcKDUrORIK4iN70p9e_GSR0vqbJlNhWlaH6PQgwQHnuF8fo_VZEfsxib0FRKCh-iUBOeBdpT-3hZvM_2EOzMoP1rCAE52Q18L_F4S1AQD_-wGo9KE/s640/view+from+divide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The San Juans are my favorite Western mountains</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzzh2QkTcpe_6O2bpNGlkoOGU2ovFeI0njXbP_gk5p_0X49dKRDOQ96NY9rZtww4ND38DYJLhIQwbsHq4rfh6TuDjJg0YdgFtlpwimgGXqol-hXG7cMevly3gWNoUsIuiSppzj9evcKs/s1600/view+from+divide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzzh2QkTcpe_6O2bpNGlkoOGU2ovFeI0njXbP_gk5p_0X49dKRDOQ96NY9rZtww4ND38DYJLhIQwbsHq4rfh6TuDjJg0YdgFtlpwimgGXqol-hXG7cMevly3gWNoUsIuiSppzj9evcKs/s640/view+from+divide3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You can see one speck of a runner left of center.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We follow that edge along, over and down the other side</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Running up on the Divide is an great experience and one of the reasons I return to this race as much as I do. Due to the altitude hovering right above or below 13,000', you can't run for a long time, so I do what I call my aerobic intervals. Run until my HR or breathing gets too high, then walk until I recover, over and over. What made it a little harder this year was the smoke. You could taste the smoke and it was causing allergy like symptoms and some breathing difficulties in many. I hope we don't have to experience this at Hardrock, but the Hardrock course is south of here and the fire is coming from the south (Durango area), so I'm not hopeful.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U26yaQsPyAT5JPi79rWc7e_4NmhC2I8GVzRNWzIYNxe58TmLGwVkXOWRvfvGe7pI5V2-U-RWHTUefeSX9tka_EB2tPase39SfYGUmi8X_QjVwkPGTuidtBX5fXiaONDXiYINFnJaD5w/s1600/smoky+on+the+divide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U26yaQsPyAT5JPi79rWc7e_4NmhC2I8GVzRNWzIYNxe58TmLGwVkXOWRvfvGe7pI5V2-U-RWHTUefeSX9tka_EB2tPase39SfYGUmi8X_QjVwkPGTuidtBX5fXiaONDXiYINFnJaD5w/s640/smoky+on+the+divide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Smoky on the Divide</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One thing that occurred on the Divide is I caught up to my friend and fellow over 60 age grouper Roger Jensen just as we started the climb up onto the Divide. I had to avoid getting into a race with Roger because of Hardrock, so when I saw him ahead of me I waved to him and sat down to take some rocks out of my shoes, take a breather and give him some distance on me. Just being near him got me starting to think about the over 60 race and I did not want to go there...we did that back at <a href="http://perogoats.blogspot.com/2012/04/collegiate-peaks-50-mile.html">Collegiate Peaks</a> 50 and it was a race!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Funny thing is Roger was having some issues that caused him to stop out of sight of the trail, so I'd be jogging along and hear a runner coming up behind me, I'd step aside to let him pass and it was Roger again. I'd get sucked into running down the hill with him, then back off realizing what was happening. Man, if I didn't have Hardrock, this could have been fun ;-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-kAonIdRB4Turnx6PeIq1PC-giZ-BoVw1jw-kuVVeot9vMLQEJ6ncGIgZuL3rBiY62u5ERd1zGZYmuO325hfDwcNlmY4uda3HGbK_80k2MrA-MjmhfdY9dZRRvlXU_jVvMSZe22y92E/s1600/Roger+in+Divide+as.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-kAonIdRB4Turnx6PeIq1PC-giZ-BoVw1jw-kuVVeot9vMLQEJ6ncGIgZuL3rBiY62u5ERd1zGZYmuO325hfDwcNlmY4uda3HGbK_80k2MrA-MjmhfdY9dZRRvlXU_jVvMSZe22y92E/s640/Roger+in+Divide+as.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Roger leaving the Divide aid station</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I walked into the Divide aid station, still feeling good, but knowing that we were now around 30 miles in, I'd sit and have some soup. As I walked in I saw Roger doing the same...so we sat, sipped our soup and chatted...then after both slamming some Coke, we hit the trail together. We did this walking and running for several miles when I told Roger he should move on and get on with his race. You never know, he might just catch Chuck, who was leading the race for the Geezers!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This section from the Divide aid station to the Slumgullion aid station is always a low point for me. I just don't like it....we're still up high, I'm starting to feel the miles and it's mostly a gradual uphill for 6 miles on what is usually a muddy road. This year there was no mud, but everything else was the same. So I think it's more mental...it's so wide open that I could see Roger moving away from me in the distance as I mostly hiked this stretch until the downhill leading into Slumgullion.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yBUmM23ET8Qpc67XsJ96xu8W9zke_cx-gzoqp2X_aDP9ykzqjQXwABsYjk6gC7NxcYfPWqvCur9XRxQe42XhO0Y25kJzEu9Z3uFiJ3r5tIQfeO4QoDzd2xPCSlR_Zt0VD1kHl4f5jhM/s1600/The+road+to+Slum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yBUmM23ET8Qpc67XsJ96xu8W9zke_cx-gzoqp2X_aDP9ykzqjQXwABsYjk6gC7NxcYfPWqvCur9XRxQe42XhO0Y25kJzEu9Z3uFiJ3r5tIQfeO4QoDzd2xPCSlR_Zt0VD1kHl4f5jhM/s640/The+road+to+Slum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The rocky road to Slumgullion</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The final 4 miles or so leading into the Slumgullion aid station (40 miles) is a steep, rocky downhill....so you can make up some time here, but it's so rocky you have to watch your footing all the way. The bottom of my left foot was beginning to ache under my forefoot from the rocks, so I popped one Tylenol and ran down as best I could...once I got into the aid station, which seemed to take forever, I filled my bottle with Coke and ice and drank my last Almond Choc milk. Man, it was hot here, and smoky!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After drinking the milk, my stomach wasn't feeling that great, so I told Tom, who was sitting beside, that I was moving on and would see him out there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I remembered one thing about leaving Slum, and that was the Vicker's climb. In my past two runs here, I didn't have any problem with it, just grunted up knowing that at the top all of the big climbs were done. But this year it was so hot and humid in there...it's like a tunnel of Aspens, holding the breezes outside of them. It was hot, muggy and smoky and my stomach wasn't liking it one bit.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzNHaLzpLlXqobILcP4h3qYQ1JjdVGtz6z34Iqsgr2NEnyAZeU1gzPTTCVSoqwig3X3ViLCHo71BbkODZ1lykci-0N1VbUDNaopwVg-jzsgFzOikHRqcULmHl2xzyVsheCXgdo0Piz2s/s1600/Vickers+climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzNHaLzpLlXqobILcP4h3qYQ1JjdVGtz6z34Iqsgr2NEnyAZeU1gzPTTCVSoqwig3X3ViLCHo71BbkODZ1lykci-0N1VbUDNaopwVg-jzsgFzOikHRqcULmHl2xzyVsheCXgdo0Piz2s/s640/Vickers+climb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Vicker's climb</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was awful this year and is much steeper than it looks here</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I neared the top I had to stop for a bit and when I did all I could hear was runners vomiting....up above and down below. This hill was getting everyone down. Cheryl told me afterwards that she was one of those runners behind me puking.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally reaching the top without getting sick myself, I could then focus on letting gravity take over and move as quickly as I could down the hills, walking most of the flats and small uphills. Vickers aid is such a nice place to reach...the volunteers are a local Lake City family that lets us pass through their property and they man the aid station, too!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1C6tplJUayXmRusKfxKqhphGEXuP2QtKjuCvnf_Czr-rnZ7gguaoj0UplCiU-c-i1jliDzAZuvKRLAMC1cAwiJCpY5S2DqRMGDMLovfh2QR1chvokNe43d7JfvcrP-P_vhzk0LLBsDQ/s1600/Vickers+as.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1C6tplJUayXmRusKfxKqhphGEXuP2QtKjuCvnf_Czr-rnZ7gguaoj0UplCiU-c-i1jliDzAZuvKRLAMC1cAwiJCpY5S2DqRMGDMLovfh2QR1chvokNe43d7JfvcrP-P_vhzk0LLBsDQ/s640/Vickers+as.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Vicker's! 4 miles to go!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here I drank a Coke, which made me feel sick, and headed down the trail with Dan in the green. I know <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/danger99">Dan from Dailymile</a>. We ran along together until we came upon <a href="http://thatdakotajones.blogspot.com/">Dakota Jones</a> standing there watching the runner he was pacing puke his guts out. I said hi to Dakota and kept going, wanting to get done, but Dan stayed behind chatting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These downhills can be relentless and painful to the feet, too, but knowing the finish is near keeps you moving quickly, blocking out the aches, pains and stomach distress.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8QeaDIQo-v9lCQWKPhPjsLOGiLAr24X1r9c7yHaFAPTK2AKlW_uFNszJ47Sbnwc_phWM0Zi8fCTu8ejfvxtyw53FOhhrh1qdZvzZ7L8nYjMaQuv6yAOOosldjQfMxr2G4597jVxmqso/s1600/Lake+City+smoky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8QeaDIQo-v9lCQWKPhPjsLOGiLAr24X1r9c7yHaFAPTK2AKlW_uFNszJ47Sbnwc_phWM0Zi8fCTu8ejfvxtyw53FOhhrh1qdZvzZ7L8nYjMaQuv6yAOOosldjQfMxr2G4597jVxmqso/s640/Lake+City+smoky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>First view of smoky Lake City</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The finish is down there somewhere</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As we ran down the rocky trail into Lake City, it was getting hotter and smokier...but soon I reached the road and ran and walked the hardpack into town until we made that final left turn with 2 blocks to go, then I gave it my all to get done...I crossed the line in 13:53, 20 minutes slower than last year in much worse conditions than I've ever seen it here. I also finished 3rd in my age group and later found out that Roger almost caught a cramping Chuck Cofer...I imagine the three of us will be knocking heads at this race for many years to come. If I don't get into Hardrock, I'd like to come back here and get under 13 hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGKYgVNmuEEJoSINgJuOO8jlLj1_jPt-0PTMSuYv7pyHbpA9rkZQMI4gLWWW0aJczT9-1AruN7BRkWj-_bVaaBA1d8TIEAtKliAmhSWGRrqLcsbiIWZMKhgkibqnAdW-VxoyY3JWZcLY/s1600/At+the+finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGKYgVNmuEEJoSINgJuOO8jlLj1_jPt-0PTMSuYv7pyHbpA9rkZQMI4gLWWW0aJczT9-1AruN7BRkWj-_bVaaBA1d8TIEAtKliAmhSWGRrqLcsbiIWZMKhgkibqnAdW-VxoyY3JWZcLY/s640/At+the+finish.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb and I moments after I finished</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Judy Blake photo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Looking at the above picture, you can see my pasty complexion. Man was I sick...too much heat I guess. You can also notice Deb doesn't look very well either, she had some blood in her urine around 32 miles and had to walk 9 miles into Slum because there was no ride out of Divide. She wisely stopped at Slum and saved it for Hardrock and is fine today. Deb's ride down dropped her off just as I was crossing the finish line...what timing!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have to say I really like this race...it's Hardrock without the night running, what could be bad about that? If I can, I will be back next year and maybe go for that sub 13.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I leave you with a parting shot of the Lake of Lake City and a view we had from the Inn. I already miss this beautiful place and love the fact that we'll be back in the San Juans for the next 2 weeks for Hardrock :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXP7saPfhY_tnFZ2sRi3jmwb2XU44J2VhqLg-7y8L_cjkbpXFLulOmlTTzK0gFmRySnMlwk6yAq5YaLHMpsRfVU_uYlfSILGTNiGaN49ti5IZob7D8zGlQ3q525HX4FHgbZawF6X5lr8/s1600/final+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXP7saPfhY_tnFZ2sRi3jmwb2XU44J2VhqLg-7y8L_cjkbpXFLulOmlTTzK0gFmRySnMlwk6yAq5YaLHMpsRfVU_uYlfSILGTNiGaN49ti5IZob7D8zGlQ3q525HX4FHgbZawF6X5lr8/s640/final+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lake San Christobal as seen from the Inn at the Lake</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So that's it....next up is Hardrock. Hopefully running Lake City has given us that one last bump in fitness to help us finish that beast. Our plan is to run it together as a celebration of 10 years since announcing our engagement at the Virginius aid station. We're looking forward to sharing that moment with Sue Johnston, who will be working up at that aid station, now called Kroger's Canteen. Sue was Deb's matron of honor back in 2001. Joining us will be Deb's brother Drew, who is my pacer the whole 100 miles. He hasn't been able to get into the race and because I'm 60 can have a pacer the whole way, so I offered him that spot first and he grabbed the chance. We'l have a great 2 days in the San Juans.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So until then, hope everyone has a wonderful summer...I'm wrapping up work to get ready for my summer vacation!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To see the rest of my photos, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/62012SanJuanSolstice50#">go here...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For results, they are posted <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">here...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Trails!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Steve and Deb</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-82480578904240408932012-05-22T09:29:00.002-06:002012-05-29T08:25:01.335-06:00Last Chance Saloon aka Rendija aid station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih32elb4GhnXf7zild3Cc5aranF_jASqldIgof5E4t3GA1RzqhLXZtVR7fvhIl10A0HLJqzXg5UVyjk6JcZi7Sao6PeO-sXwYr-G34ylysFUWzYX4H5znru4cvEGZcwjSSb4mr8fQCvmQ/s1600/Walking+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih32elb4GhnXf7zild3Cc5aranF_jASqldIgof5E4t3GA1RzqhLXZtVR7fvhIl10A0HLJqzXg5UVyjk6JcZi7Sao6PeO-sXwYr-G34ylysFUWzYX4H5znru4cvEGZcwjSSb4mr8fQCvmQ/s640/Walking+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Walking into Rendija Canyon to set up the aid station </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was around 7am race morning</div>
<br />
This past Saturday was the annual <a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm">Jemez Mountain Trails runs</a>, a series of trail runs of a half marathon, a 50K and a 50 mile run through the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemez_Mountains">Jemez Mountains</a> mostly surrounding Los Alamos, but also going a bit further west into the <a href="http://www.vallescaldera.gov/">Valles Caldera</a>. A year ago Deb and I took on the captain duties of the final aid station, which comes at 2 miles from the finish. Due to the location and what is beforehand, this is a critical aid station and sometimes feels like a Mash Unit.<br />
<br />
The prior aid station is the Guaje Ridge aid station, which is up on the ridge, is at around 9000' and is a long, hot, barren stretch of former burn area of close to 5.5 miles, we're the lowest part of the course at around 7000'.<br />
<br />
Most runners are a mess when they arrive here...either because they have run most of the race, yet still have 2 uphill miles to go, or they just didn't drink or eat enough, thinking that the section to us is an easy downhill stretch. Yeah, it's downhill most of the way, but easy it ain't!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouvSGxEjeW8J-_yriKT3lGhhb9E4X_PzmSe8Q3z8_y5rI5YllzNgW4SN_7JwNpuin95yCKCtMZwodrcDxF6xxN1fz5ZrrriOS26jBHHJdaujJrqCVgedLow3wYMA2pEnQ91P1cXtyU_w/s1600/Perimeter+Trail+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouvSGxEjeW8J-_yriKT3lGhhb9E4X_PzmSe8Q3z8_y5rI5YllzNgW4SN_7JwNpuin95yCKCtMZwodrcDxF6xxN1fz5ZrrriOS26jBHHJdaujJrqCVgedLow3wYMA2pEnQ91P1cXtyU_w/s640/Perimeter+Trail+044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Typical of what the section to Rendija looks like</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hot, exposed old burn section</div>
<br />
It was Deb's idea to name this the Last Chance Saloon, going with a western theme and serving several types of ice cold beer and something else. Last year's something else was Jim Beam whiskey, this year it was Jose Cuervo tequila especial.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4cFpTS_LzBwAV6dLj64ev0-88ef7XkpZbErURh9BISINbm7hWnUWFhD_ADX90Ucu38KEU72RNXUGsQv4VyP5LTYUDSE_WrR1XKzucFNWlC_yRhw7wtrqBt0CXvFKgyD4xbHf3zZEj2A/s1600/Ladies+enjoying+tequila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4cFpTS_LzBwAV6dLj64ev0-88ef7XkpZbErURh9BISINbm7hWnUWFhD_ADX90Ucu38KEU72RNXUGsQv4VyP5LTYUDSE_WrR1XKzucFNWlC_yRhw7wtrqBt0CXvFKgyD4xbHf3zZEj2A/s640/Ladies+enjoying+tequila.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Some brave runners enjoying the Tequila</b></div>
<br />
For the beer, rather than buying random beers like last year, I went with Tecate', which when cold, refreshes and fits in the Western theme. Because <a href="http://pittbrownie.blogspot.com/">JT from Colorado Springs</a> was running, I also bought some <a href="http://www.pabstblueribbon.com/">PBR</a>, which was mostly for the CS runners, but was enjoyed by many others. I'm thinking for next year to brew my own (I home brew) Corona style, which I can brew for a lot less than any beer I can buy and maybe even have some<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsaparilla_(soft_drink)"> sasparilla!</a><br />
The race committee does not provide the beer, this is my own doing and I pay for it all, including the Tequila. No one says I can't do it and I like to keep my runners happy, which I did. There were many takers of both!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i5YDRakS01SSL36cFJ7v_EizENCFNbyfB2BEysFZrw993OqRRsOtHIdv3v4qz9KT0nAHhHp5iYOQzxB5QtOvGGiQibUHtAPwPcAMbvshi_VfYMsDXRPnNJ0YfHJvc6BqWzT7tUrh1IY/s1600/JT+enjoying+PBR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i5YDRakS01SSL36cFJ7v_EizENCFNbyfB2BEysFZrw993OqRRsOtHIdv3v4qz9KT0nAHhHp5iYOQzxB5QtOvGGiQibUHtAPwPcAMbvshi_VfYMsDXRPnNJ0YfHJvc6BqWzT7tUrh1IY/s640/JT+enjoying+PBR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>JT (center) enjoying some PBR</b></div>
<br />
The other huge item is ice....I like to have lots of ice for the runners as most of the runners come through during the hottest part of the day. When we mentioned "Would you like ice in your bottle?" The return was "You have ice?" followed by a huge smile. I like to think we helped get the runners to the finish in a good mood. We also had no drops, we had several close calls, but everyone eventually got up and walked or ran up the hill and got their piece of pottery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vqaXpNKALIqNzalKM6Pa6_V4dUrzzOAo1qZDDTREgMHrW_XyjBzJj1SvpFy1tRUyd4vc-wv12tWN_mufTy9jp_OGt_2vYP50kMG7bwmCTu10HDRKwRud9cOzn8Ud-ww47k3ugCNrkfM/s1600/JMTRpottery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vqaXpNKALIqNzalKM6Pa6_V4dUrzzOAo1qZDDTREgMHrW_XyjBzJj1SvpFy1tRUyd4vc-wv12tWN_mufTy9jp_OGt_2vYP50kMG7bwmCTu10HDRKwRud9cOzn8Ud-ww47k3ugCNrkfM/s640/JMTRpottery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Finisher's awards</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jemez pottery made by the Toya family </div>
<br />
The following is a series of photos I took during the day....it was busy, so I didn't get many. You can see all of my photos <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/52012LastChanceSaloon#">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFqhjXlyM10v5JFq5U0uX10fLhVRKKmZESSO3rEOqwZRTyo6hymfgKHUpLzHhRc8UfqeAblyoLGkbxwZiqonhJrL61ZfWSZDVwvD7dOzvY4DVlRk4i3tFTmu8qjHRCycpkRTMUxIDSNE/s1600/Bogie+mans+the+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFqhjXlyM10v5JFq5U0uX10fLhVRKKmZESSO3rEOqwZRTyo6hymfgKHUpLzHhRc8UfqeAblyoLGkbxwZiqonhJrL61ZfWSZDVwvD7dOzvY4DVlRk4i3tFTmu8qjHRCycpkRTMUxIDSNE/s640/Bogie+mans+the+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Co-captain, Bogie helping a runner</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qfc6MQ00-UWm1X7PHL3nKJs-FGRncnl95XOewSwu-05Ah3cPIdg9fX4riVLyknARdgze2VAC5VfPfHnmVorDF-PY9CZJP31iiZYylzHjtfnkdQHxhfv1kl7RkTemEwi4Wq4Q4QYIN0s/s1600/Ladies+man+the+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qfc6MQ00-UWm1X7PHL3nKJs-FGRncnl95XOewSwu-05Ah3cPIdg9fX4riVLyknARdgze2VAC5VfPfHnmVorDF-PY9CZJP31iiZYylzHjtfnkdQHxhfv1kl7RkTemEwi4Wq4Q4QYIN0s/s640/Ladies+man+the+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>MK, Emily and Jaquie "cowgirl" the tables</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Notice the menu</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WvvStfmRphVgI_2gARcVBCTb7NS4xmjDQB4pdR0qJ0hnBPm_tgpBNnpSxbrvjCJ9USxX9QIF1qrR6fiDHdIG0zJw68PYkf0hRnR81zDpNhHAcpddFwb0eNEY9hi2Q6Fb8m4JwaoDH3E/s1600/HS'ers+taking+numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WvvStfmRphVgI_2gARcVBCTb7NS4xmjDQB4pdR0qJ0hnBPm_tgpBNnpSxbrvjCJ9USxX9QIF1qrR6fiDHdIG0zJw68PYkf0hRnR81zDpNhHAcpddFwb0eNEY9hi2Q6Fb8m4JwaoDH3E/s640/HS'ers+taking+numbers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Some of the Los Alamos track and cross country runners helped us out</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0eGQT3iNbtQOIgLIhn51r-6TOcSl9O7fDdLk7DqN1z3pcutYgXiXOeAXJGExwRaN4RiIvt6M9SbGJMqGKmlCGv4CweJ8pyefPozBpw4BzJObhIY9GdOE7Moqswh7MssQiXkOXZSkVlI/s1600/HS'ers+waiting+for+the+coach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0eGQT3iNbtQOIgLIhn51r-6TOcSl9O7fDdLk7DqN1z3pcutYgXiXOeAXJGExwRaN4RiIvt6M9SbGJMqGKmlCGv4CweJ8pyefPozBpw4BzJObhIY9GdOE7Moqswh7MssQiXkOXZSkVlI/s640/HS'ers+waiting+for+the+coach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Here they are waiting for coach Blake Wood</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOt25wmQYcMYHHGdSQi6aOobwvvHee63w1inEsPiZL89agO7IvJqKO7aVPoxiadT_AaO3Bi4rynG12e003pWL-K4y3P59jILPNHRC2pie5pf3MFwPE_bPnwH2UnwhrX9gaczDPSXSNAc/s1600/David+Coblentz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOt25wmQYcMYHHGdSQi6aOobwvvHee63w1inEsPiZL89agO7IvJqKO7aVPoxiadT_AaO3Bi4rynG12e003pWL-K4y3P59jILPNHRC2pie5pf3MFwPE_bPnwH2UnwhrX9gaczDPSXSNAc/s640/David+Coblentz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Runner David Coblentz soaks his head and cools off at the water bucket</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CxQeEgTS0nuNfSzTC7jwUG44IPnHtDuChFHjCURml2bBI3IBZY2vLa6I9Q48eIaJq9XjDQiPSKiUiv8wIzsRdUWPsP4NADzVIC4Ggbf9Lugqfu9O2QHurGklwzzk4bxFxYuMul8ddQA/s1600/Up+the+hill+to+the+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CxQeEgTS0nuNfSzTC7jwUG44IPnHtDuChFHjCURml2bBI3IBZY2vLa6I9Q48eIaJq9XjDQiPSKiUiv8wIzsRdUWPsP4NADzVIC4Ggbf9Lugqfu9O2QHurGklwzzk4bxFxYuMul8ddQA/s640/Up+the+hill+to+the+finish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Then charges up the hill ahead of his competition</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He did hold him off</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1McKJKhYKtIio4_hwCKPGbfGiWBdYAsiTiXr52I6WhxJkZgbFsBaIPJyZZGKQQULXh7nIWfjUr_PP_qC2jGrRD266RWFfqqwnP-DkjrIIZKGORcNX06S5Nh0Z0_6xBIbzz1mgJr1Okk/s1600/Kilt+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1McKJKhYKtIio4_hwCKPGbfGiWBdYAsiTiXr52I6WhxJkZgbFsBaIPJyZZGKQQULXh7nIWfjUr_PP_qC2jGrRD266RWFfqqwnP-DkjrIIZKGORcNX06S5Nh0Z0_6xBIbzz1mgJr1Okk/s640/Kilt+man.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The later in the day we got, the more fun it gets</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy took a can of beer, raised it into the air and sang a toast to us</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyobi9HqOwfLiuBOBt5o5T-7ZRr_y92EkshNlNhcV6tZWOdh70gybAnQoteIKMIhpgtGzrGXzTT_lH8J1m8Zhwnb3cXSXMY8GaknoKdg0HYegO6fSMxFZEmgxo1J9us5yncOVERDSifU/s1600/Group+about+to+head+to+the+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyobi9HqOwfLiuBOBt5o5T-7ZRr_y92EkshNlNhcV6tZWOdh70gybAnQoteIKMIhpgtGzrGXzTT_lH8J1m8Zhwnb3cXSXMY8GaknoKdg0HYegO6fSMxFZEmgxo1J9us5yncOVERDSifU/s640/Group+about+to+head+to+the+finish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://endurancebuzz.com/2012/05/22/jemez-mountain-50-mile-2012-race-report/comment-page-1/#comment-142903">Dave Hanenburg</a> and friends just hanging out and enjoying the day are about to get to the finish before dark</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So that's it....another Last Chance Saloon come and gone, before you know it, I'll be getting ready for next year!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope everyone had a good run and especially enjoyed the LCS, where we aim to please!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See you on the trails, which for me and Deb is the <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50 miler</a> in later June...then the <a href="http://hardrock100.com/index.php">Hardrock 100</a> in July.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Steve</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One last photo, which is of Deb running the 50K race...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPv5_gU-werlDRytb3YEQz3biuxZOSCyY75h-c1S0icXJS1UX58naZlcXvRRs42pFkdKyEiJtFgHeihMQb5L-ySOh5uKhD6fsvfkkUIPJs_rwRCl9pl6YeYxCl3c-zYwOveM3uIpd3Tk/s1600/Deb+at+JMTR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPv5_gU-werlDRytb3YEQz3biuxZOSCyY75h-c1S0icXJS1UX58naZlcXvRRs42pFkdKyEiJtFgHeihMQb5L-ySOh5uKhD6fsvfkkUIPJs_rwRCl9pl6YeYxCl3c-zYwOveM3uIpd3Tk/s640/Deb+at+JMTR.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Deb had a good run and is on pace to have a good summer</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She ran 1.5 hours faster than expected and felt great doing it</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-13592016682365221362012-04-30T13:07:00.000-06:002012-05-02T16:38:05.566-06:00Collegiate Peaks 50 mile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfQf5Q4W4kujsC9OqOn29KX2BF83ig9PK8VC0mBJoLpg5fBzXLEqM3CwsWwQv36SGlGxVHFTetglbdnAYEIg_asRrOXXQEKsOPBi0DoKd5CLCQF_2eZhIv14v79jrYfZwVMcEd3yP9Ic/s1600/CP+before+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfQf5Q4W4kujsC9OqOn29KX2BF83ig9PK8VC0mBJoLpg5fBzXLEqM3CwsWwQv36SGlGxVHFTetglbdnAYEIg_asRrOXXQEKsOPBi0DoKd5CLCQF_2eZhIv14v79jrYfZwVMcEd3yP9Ic/s640/CP+before+start.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sawatch Range in the early morning</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Saturday, April 28th, Deb and I ran our first real ultra race of the year, the first stepping stone to <a href="http://hardrock100.com/index.php">Hardrock</a>. Yeah, we've run the <a href="http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/Run-Through-Time-Marathon.htm">Salida Trail Marathon</a> in March and a 33 mile sweeping stint at <a href="http://cpu45.org/">Cedro Peaks</a> a few weeks ago, but this was our first "A" race of the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJkm0dcqC_970JbKoRT3wU7Qq79UpruG16xx1S0UqIoEkGyt7MHldZZRLC3Ub5mzrqEn-k_PhSTfCbeqDpgT1wWR3-0UmUHNw0SPVI32nq93zJprdcghdVoVg9HfOtyQ4LHCT5EKBgcc/s1600/View+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJkm0dcqC_970JbKoRT3wU7Qq79UpruG16xx1S0UqIoEkGyt7MHldZZRLC3Ub5mzrqEn-k_PhSTfCbeqDpgT1wWR3-0UmUHNw0SPVI32nq93zJprdcghdVoVg9HfOtyQ4LHCT5EKBgcc/s640/View+%233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Sawatch Range Collegiate Peaks were with us all day </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Going into the race my training and goal all year was to win my age group and set a new course record for the old over 60 guys. The record was 10:59 and based on my Salida time of 4:58, I thought it was doable if I ran a smart race. Deb missed all of last year with a messed up body from a nasty truck accident, so her plan was to get a finish and feel good doing it. I can't speak for Deb, but my race went as planned, but not without a hitch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3wx4Q2_oRRFvakBp2knT0N2CLHooFwvdh9AEBI2vs7StSFHP_yPLzDbm2HMWeXN5KCIigaTG4YieZ9uKpFTB7Kqxob20XucoXrCdivGOh2je90zwFh_q1PYJs3Rzd1nApZWoMIgblzo/s1600/View+%235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3wx4Q2_oRRFvakBp2knT0N2CLHooFwvdh9AEBI2vs7StSFHP_yPLzDbm2HMWeXN5KCIigaTG4YieZ9uKpFTB7Kqxob20XucoXrCdivGOh2je90zwFh_q1PYJs3Rzd1nApZWoMIgblzo/s640/View+%235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyS41SDOPXzhGrhDo6nnhl7b700FlYP3lH1dIq_hN6_uPVTmhKEPd6ZzbguBa4dRYiabX2-2Nj_Tz02WWUhU2TXx-jAcc8WfuQhyh4vkDeYdWMN7YQ2yNCHDXTYznc7wWKARpPFJ36yAE/s1600/View+%236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyS41SDOPXzhGrhDo6nnhl7b700FlYP3lH1dIq_hN6_uPVTmhKEPd6ZzbguBa4dRYiabX2-2Nj_Tz02WWUhU2TXx-jAcc8WfuQhyh4vkDeYdWMN7YQ2yNCHDXTYznc7wWKARpPFJ36yAE/s640/View+%236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Our view all day</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The race is made up of two 25 mile loops, the first run CW and the 2nd, running the same loop in the CCW direction. The climbing was good, but not severe as the race climbed from a base of the upper 7000' to 9500' and back. There were two long climbs going up to 9390', with the one at mile 17.9 on the way out and 32.1 on the return being the high point. With a total of 9400' of ascent and descent.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ErzSMFtg98ro_M74B25PXK23dVEEwwgJQyduMFQ08fxK2ud38A2_bY_8gDiGeZKb-iIWJdi4c75bGNHoy3uWEBmiTRY55HzEev0rz8hAI0yZfTItG6e8yt6Ei3HK5BPPvewENpS8s1U/s1600/Coll+Peaks+profile.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ErzSMFtg98ro_M74B25PXK23dVEEwwgJQyduMFQ08fxK2ud38A2_bY_8gDiGeZKb-iIWJdi4c75bGNHoy3uWEBmiTRY55HzEev0rz8hAI0yZfTItG6e8yt6Ei3HK5BPPvewENpS8s1U/s640/Coll+Peaks+profile.aspx" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Profile of each loop</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The start at 6:30am was chilly in the upper 20's and it warmed up a bit during the day, but only near the S/F area at the turnaround and finish was I able to strip down to a short sleeve, it was just too chilly and breezy up there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Even though there were 400 runners in the race, it never felt crowded due to the start being on a road out of town and by mile three we were spread out enough so we never felt crowded on the single track trail section.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I wrote earlier, my goals were age group win and a new course record, so I went out at an easy enough pace to be as close to even splits as possible. I knew of several other runners in my age group, but wasn't sure what their plans were, so never looked around to see if I saw any competition...I merely decided to enjoy the first loop, taking pictures of the aid stations and awesome views of the mountains and work the 2nd loop to maintain pace as best as I could.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts0lQJw_Q7G_OBTndMwtyyosQ5w8A-yQ_3IlPdyx3eNvvAtCTbiS6WGhsZ-VLV-4_fyPDoqUoXZ9CGqWCAXLPsMeEoK7CRjCcdHuOTbZ5ymUPFI9G0ECiF0URtXTVRHyWhPNd5K_SWIQ/s1600/PEK1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts0lQJw_Q7G_OBTndMwtyyosQ5w8A-yQ_3IlPdyx3eNvvAtCTbiS6WGhsZ-VLV-4_fyPDoqUoXZ9CGqWCAXLPsMeEoK7CRjCcdHuOTbZ5ymUPFI9G0ECiF0URtXTVRHyWhPNd5K_SWIQ/s640/PEK1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deb and I showing our <a href="http://trailrunnernation.com/resources/performance-enhancing-kokopelli/">Performance Enhancing Kokopelli</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My fueling was gels and water only, which works well for me at least up to 50 miles. I switched between <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html">EFS liquid shot</a> and a new one I found named <a href="http://www.vitalyte.com/drinks-1/chia-surge.html">Chia Surge</a>. Chia Surge claimed of their gels caused a slow time released sort of method of fueling the muscles, so I decided to try these, using one every other feeding, which was approx. every 30 minutes. I never bonked (well, almost never, see later on) and felt strong all day long with no stomach upset...that I think was attributed to maintaining a sane pace and the cooler temps.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4MG7aebRVxxcSOXDw3EIujX-S35z62N-Ze4-YW9Gaq-Rb_rU_76LIu0J6LjkpDUBO3Nbu7CZj7fGpHHtc3eNOlPHvc5P8yaj5PHGNrmssS1MiFPjnUxxbp-myNp-LdZtfJDZ9-1AOnY/s1600/view+%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4MG7aebRVxxcSOXDw3EIujX-S35z62N-Ze4-YW9Gaq-Rb_rU_76LIu0J6LjkpDUBO3Nbu7CZj7fGpHHtc3eNOlPHvc5P8yaj5PHGNrmssS1MiFPjnUxxbp-myNp-LdZtfJDZ9-1AOnY/s640/view+%231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Line of runners coming up behind me in the early miles</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The first loop seemed easy and went by quickly...I never felt the need to push the pace and enjoyed passing many runners all day long, in the first loop most of who were 25 mile runners who went out way too fast. Just before I reached the turnaround on the rocky downhill single track, a rock caught my toe and I played Superman with this result.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfSlvyCvoQtQOSo4QDjSIkUmb9q4d07nYKG2zVexLk3oJFcPwNysYkEjUK8-p0oFxOPOn8yBCY9jpWHf-ff1BVW1lVBUq1wSmz3kNiZFZzziZErZ4qzZ74PHmYaS0Q_SQ-WgeYjMzMuo/s1600/Bloody+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfSlvyCvoQtQOSo4QDjSIkUmb9q4d07nYKG2zVexLk3oJFcPwNysYkEjUK8-p0oFxOPOn8yBCY9jpWHf-ff1BVW1lVBUq1wSmz3kNiZFZzziZErZ4qzZ74PHmYaS0Q_SQ-WgeYjMzMuo/s640/Bloody+hand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My hand after the fall</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Man did that hurt! I tore off most of the skin on the fatty pad area of my hand with several small cuts on my fingers, the other hand and right knee. This is the arm I broke in a fall in 2000 during a race, so the first thing I always do is move my arm around to make sure I didn't disengage the plate from the radius bone ;-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yeah it hurt, but there was work to be done still, I'm not even halfway....and of course just before reaching the bridge, I see <a href="http://www.pagosasun.com/archives/2010/07%20July/072210/pagosalakesnews.html">Roger Jensen</a> is ahead of me by about 30 minutes! Damn! And I thought this was going to be an easy day ;-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I reach my truck, empty the rocks out of my shoes, leave my gel trash, restock my gels, grab a chocolate almond milk and drink it while walking to the turnaround/check in, which I reached in 4:50. Here I just looked at the table, nothing there looked appetizing and moved on...but I forgot to fill my bottle so had to go back to take care of that....meanwhile Roger pulls further away from me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTaz0Aqztkajj0TpangrwYsKhG52tu9OzyMOEyRWiZ4KhImwNzeiYRkCsW_bfdXRqFpLuUYtAg-mxJ_6SVycecO9aCsgyqywUraPXcgljpkiORAoTG7Su_N8kC1tHrBacxmOfG_LI7wg/s1600/Turnaround.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTaz0Aqztkajj0TpangrwYsKhG52tu9OzyMOEyRWiZ4KhImwNzeiYRkCsW_bfdXRqFpLuUYtAg-mxJ_6SVycecO9aCsgyqywUraPXcgljpkiORAoTG7Su_N8kC1tHrBacxmOfG_LI7wg/s640/Turnaround.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Turnaround for the 50 milers, finish for the 25 milers</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Originally my plan was to just maintain pace as best I could and get what time I thought was possible, which I expected to be around 10:30 or 29 minutes under the old course record, held by my friend Rick Hodges...but now I felt like I was going to have to get out of the comfort zone a bit and try to make up some time on Roger, so I started to run most of the hills (well, easy jog) and what I couldn't run, I imagined I was doing my powerwalking workout on the treadmill of 4mph at 15% grade and it worked!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Coming into the mile 38 aid station, I caught up with Roger, who was having a bad patch. I was going to try and get my bottle filled and sneak by him, but he left the same moment I did and started chatting. He must have heard my Boston accent and said "Are you Steve Pero? I've been looking forward to meeting you!". (bummer) ;-) He then started saying about not having a good day and that although his plan was to break the course record, too, he realized he wasn't going to be able to keep up with me and that it was mine if I kept working. I didn't believe a word of it ;-) All I could do is tell him that I felt great and after shaking his hand and wishing that the best man win, I blasted down the hill as quickly as I could to get as far ahead of him as I could. Looking back several miles later, I saw him back there keeping me in sight ;-) The race was on and I was loving it!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLR75RbjdM3x7yEiZoaKyHLwsU0yTXKtvKYSkV8qux-8gs0_RsbSUE0jxA2hqtE6xsUucS8yhJ3ehmL1gfpP27pJKeuOvh3XRDHdWAv38UOe8Y3XQ4uS-yjJ7VmRj6nRlfc43zFzwsKU/s1600/Roger+behind+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLR75RbjdM3x7yEiZoaKyHLwsU0yTXKtvKYSkV8qux-8gs0_RsbSUE0jxA2hqtE6xsUucS8yhJ3ehmL1gfpP27pJKeuOvh3XRDHdWAv38UOe8Y3XQ4uS-yjJ7VmRj6nRlfc43zFzwsKU/s640/Roger+behind+me.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Roger is right behind that guy in green a few miles after we met</b></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I pushed every downhill as hard as I could and powerwalked the ups as strong as I felt I could maintain without bonking. The gels were going down every 30 minutes and I was saving a GU Espresso Love for the final 3 miles to get a caffeine kick as well as a sugar high. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everything was going great and I had hoped I put Roger away for good, but on the 2 mile trail section before the road, I was starting to feel the pace, not in my head, but in my legs. I struggled to climb the short ups, the legs were burning and telling me they were ready to be done. I saw the final climb up to the 3 mile road section to the finish, gagged down the gel, stopped for a minute to take some rocks out of my shoes and started to run down that asphalt road as quickly as this trail runner could. At the road I noted my time was 9:40, so I knew I wasn't going to run 6 minute miles to get in under 10 hours, but had to keep working.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR_xQNGwDxSzHBf07W5K1tI5JVeeaip2rEWfdom3Dnb2dEKc4j2kBSBzJO0X41a7woiq_-pivyNw9tLfPw8A5TmExhaTDSAXzXsg9XOIISoL2t67vx0QIFn45jvW_gqplikOrtTgV0hY/s1600/final+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR_xQNGwDxSzHBf07W5K1tI5JVeeaip2rEWfdom3Dnb2dEKc4j2kBSBzJO0X41a7woiq_-pivyNw9tLfPw8A5TmExhaTDSAXzXsg9XOIISoL2t67vx0QIFn45jvW_gqplikOrtTgV0hY/s640/final+road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Final 3 miles into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buena_Vista,_Colorado">Buena Vista</a> and the finish</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Little did I know and would find out from Roger after the finish was that he had been training for the Boston Marathon and ran a re-qualifying 3:47 in that awfully hot day. Also little did I know was that Roger spotted me in the distance and made a run for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Those final miles hurt...I was tired, my feet hurt on the asphalt and I just wanted to be done. After a couple of miles we turned onto a short trail section along the river to the approach to the finish, which was a run through the parking lot of the Community Center. I always run like I'm the hunted and little did I know that Roger was not far behind me and closing. I ran as hard as I could to and through the finish line and I barely had time to turn around to see Roger flying across the finish right behind me. Whoa! One lesson learned here is to never give up, another is to not wake up a tiger ;-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7Jv6rMqXj2dfITNnD0hjTUS4wS8zaTFAQWq_-Flckkffr94_SFXzATfAPNgCMjaez86tgV-RbwQgAadqCu6fBsFe1s3Lq9T6XdVEMFT3j1oqQPQzgGi_tzN-6Xt7BeEHmxacdC0SVxA/s1600/Roger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7Jv6rMqXj2dfITNnD0hjTUS4wS8zaTFAQWq_-Flckkffr94_SFXzATfAPNgCMjaez86tgV-RbwQgAadqCu6fBsFe1s3Lq9T6XdVEMFT3j1oqQPQzgGi_tzN-6Xt7BeEHmxacdC0SVxA/s640/Roger.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Roger Jensen just after his finish</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The final numbers for me was 10:08, new over 60 course record by 51 minutes...Roger was a mere minute behind me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6QUjJPG64Blq3WWipklguIbhBX5fUJaQl_ISBMMCHteww9edn-yyAQGny6h5J5wlDZReoqGc84Q7LLIpRzsKVH1VvV7OxcJu7aeyPsfIpwpys1QnyII_NvuoNHMP62CxddT8r33l-6E/s1600/New+CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6QUjJPG64Blq3WWipklguIbhBX5fUJaQl_ISBMMCHteww9edn-yyAQGny6h5J5wlDZReoqGc84Q7LLIpRzsKVH1VvV7OxcJu7aeyPsfIpwpys1QnyII_NvuoNHMP62CxddT8r33l-6E/s640/New+CR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The results board showing our times. The asterisk shows we both set a new course record.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a good race, but harder than I have run in years. Roger was fine competition and I only hope I don't have to tangle with this guy again because he'll not forget this day. Thanks, Rog for the push!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A little bit after I finished, I had heard that Deb had cleared all the cutoffs and was on her way in...and in she came! She said she had a good day, but didn't enjoy running just ahead of the cutoffs. She finished 2nd in her age group to the very tough Susan Gebhart, who finished several minutes ahead of me. They are both 57 year's old....not too may 57 year old women could do what they had just done!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOumSo8lRAxdpeQipu70tXCQmzCTghQmF9o3OT1dgTjeKKy1Gp8yHJ_Fe6-KzWhxLeoaCRIblyhliApXyxh-yr_UjBDsclrnFCbA8553EsnfUmOy9keznxIHM5Zu9rSPti0LvcY12aWF4/s1600/Deb+finiahing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOumSo8lRAxdpeQipu70tXCQmzCTghQmF9o3OT1dgTjeKKy1Gp8yHJ_Fe6-KzWhxLeoaCRIblyhliApXyxh-yr_UjBDsclrnFCbA8553EsnfUmOy9keznxIHM5Zu9rSPti0LvcY12aWF4/s640/Deb+finiahing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The cutoff grim reaper chased Deb during the 2nd loop, but she beat him to the finish</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
OK, so another one in the books. Our next race is the <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50</a> in late June, Deb's throwing in the <a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm">Jemez 50K</a> for training and to get the finisher's pot (no, not the kind you smoke). Then after SJS50, we bring it all down for the Hardrock 100 in July, our numero uno "A" race. Our plan is to run it together to celebrate our 10 anniversary of announcing our engagement at the Virginius (now Kroger's Canteen) aid station in 2001 (2002 was cancelled due to a forest fire).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My shoes, the <a href="http://www.montrail.com/Men's-Rockridge%E2%84%A2/GM2098_S,default,pd.html">Montrail Rockridge</a>, worked great. The fueling, as I had mentioned, was only gels and water and everything went great. Thanks to all the volunteers for their hard work and siting out in the sun taking care of we runners and a huge thanks to Roger Jensen for having a little bit of a low spot in the 2nd loop ;-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/42012CollegiatePeaks50#">To see all of my pictures click here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.collegiatepeakstrailrun.org/Results">To see the results click here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Until next time...Happy Trails!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Steve and Deb</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(These are pictures from the company taking proofs of us during the race)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlABrlD0n4g08OPkbjvYztib6AL3-q8rgDjAoAS0KucCMZpBqNX3p9tVKPagxdivc7JI9MCglgFBqXM_41b27DMwfUwLJECMR01JPJGiZqVy6njMZpDoIXcKP-RaSDydGr1y6CScycgU/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Apr.+30+10.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwNcXOPOaYHjyDc1L7uNs8ifzrq6xNZovg_VQW89LMedGfkIODWfU2zXIUDlJ4DWmiilmhcHr1bizSkLYQQgOGri-XJfaPJooIyJAIwgyL_PDH0mN6KcrMTAB26hK3lXoT5AHfngtfbg/s1600/ScreenHunter_02+Apr.+30+10.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwNcXOPOaYHjyDc1L7uNs8ifzrq6xNZovg_VQW89LMedGfkIODWfU2zXIUDlJ4DWmiilmhcHr1bizSkLYQQgOGri-XJfaPJooIyJAIwgyL_PDH0mN6KcrMTAB26hK3lXoT5AHfngtfbg/s320/ScreenHunter_02+Apr.+30+10.03.jpg" width="212" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlABrlD0n4g08OPkbjvYztib6AL3-q8rgDjAoAS0KucCMZpBqNX3p9tVKPagxdivc7JI9MCglgFBqXM_41b27DMwfUwLJECMR01JPJGiZqVy6njMZpDoIXcKP-RaSDydGr1y6CScycgU/s320/ScreenHunter_01+Apr.+30+10.03.jpg" width="212" /></div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-15535903547194599442012-03-11T17:27:00.000-06:002012-03-14T13:55:25.087-06:00Salida "Run Through Time" MarathonYesterday, Saturday March 10th we ran our first official race of the year. We ran some fat ass style 50K's as training runs, but this is the first one we put money down on and is stepping stone #1 towards Hardrock.<br />
<br />
The race is well run and put on by the local running club, but the race director is <a href="http://www.artoftherockies.org/portfolio.cfm?id=5">Jon McManus</a>, a well know artist and Hardrocker. Jon has had his art selected for the <a href="http://hardrock100.com/index.php">Hardrock</a> poster several times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo1IkVTTkfMoxsam9Ooi5MOJAx4X7tApZPVX9394ifIQ4KPZAQpI_lvCZ9d2TbMSxaLMljOGcizTKu1G4MCYM6JvlU1Uww00KT66JT4ecmNU-UAFefgH2RWn67GL5gEZpGkijafr07J0/s1600/Mingling+at+check+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo1IkVTTkfMoxsam9Ooi5MOJAx4X7tApZPVX9394ifIQ4KPZAQpI_lvCZ9d2TbMSxaLMljOGcizTKu1G4MCYM6JvlU1Uww00KT66JT4ecmNU-UAFefgH2RWn67GL5gEZpGkijafr07J0/s640/Mingling+at+check+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Runners mingling at the race check in</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Jon McManus on the balcony in the orange shirt and black vest</b></div>
<br />
It starts in the small mountain town of Salida, Co. "across the tracks" and runs up the "S" hill on some single track trails, one known as Li'l Rattler. This trail we do out and back as we come into the finish, so the course is a sortof lollipop. Run up the hill for several miles, back down to a dirt road for several miles and the 2nd half is on single track trails up high. The details of the event are as follows: <i>8 miles gravel road. 8 miles rocky jeep trail/two track. 10 miles narrow singletrack trail. 4750’ of climb, 4750’ of descent. Low elevation: 7000’ High elevation: 9050’.</i><br />
So if you are not acclimated to altitude, you will struggle here. I live at 8200' and even I was breathing extra hard on the high points and had to slow to a walk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSyJtoFyrvYTPaFHNMe8KVEO0SDwCZSf5EZb-cBsBDu_hhnoT7POqbEOa0WeVD8ZILkCgOoMoSW8C71OePQe69cwo6qdF8G3t7_9abUk3OfmqMuCVp4GYq_v6ZPhzUGXF94iGnC01VFA/s1600/S+hill+thru+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSyJtoFyrvYTPaFHNMe8KVEO0SDwCZSf5EZb-cBsBDu_hhnoT7POqbEOa0WeVD8ZILkCgOoMoSW8C71OePQe69cwo6qdF8G3t7_9abUk3OfmqMuCVp4GYq_v6ZPhzUGXF94iGnC01VFA/s640/S+hill+thru+window.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The hill the race runs up at the start and back down at the finish</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>As seen from the Steamplant race check in</b></div>
<br />
As for my race personally, I had two goals going into it...get under 5 hours and win my new age group of over 60. They don't do prizes here, but I like to finish races and not have anyone older then me finish ahead of me...and most times I am successful. Last year I ran 4:52, but they added the new trail section for the first 8 miles or so, which was dirt road last year, it added 2000' of climb over last year and the conditions weren't as good as last year, so I wasn't hopeful to get in under 5 and said to Deb it'll probably be more like 5:15ish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKyLh1D6NFtrfg8Q2JlUgLxqKzZZjKqORdpAU-GEV0GFdEJf0-VNOJVp0MsHhWPsKoCRbaQBPBc68WR9ZpiZxY7rComK6mSmMiCr1ZphOP9XI_ERwe0JlEL6tYP9Z_lWlcIJy5seVhjM/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKyLh1D6NFtrfg8Q2JlUgLxqKzZZjKqORdpAU-GEV0GFdEJf0-VNOJVp0MsHhWPsKoCRbaQBPBc68WR9ZpiZxY7rComK6mSmMiCr1ZphOP9XI_ERwe0JlEL6tYP9Z_lWlcIJy5seVhjM/s640/Start.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Runners gathering at the start</b></div>
<span id="goog_2127855821"></span><span id="goog_2127855822"></span><br />
<br />
So at 9am, off we go on a short 2 mile loop before we head up the mountain on the single track. I started slow and easy and it seemed the whole field was passing me at one point, but after about a mile, we settled on a flat section and as I began to cruise and many came back to me. I was concerned about getting stuck behind a conga line and pushed the pace a tad on the 2nd mile and it worked, as I fell in with a group of runners who ran up the mountain trail, so if I walked I'd be the conga line....didn't want that so went with it. Once the half marathoners peeled off, I could relax a bit and do some walking on the uphills to get the HR down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-nP1YI7D9BdaRIzcwCBmcEWBz06a9df8M6KHi03zckER1KTcsxkFeWIF__NTyGCRhzWJLHPWAQqT8b8WvosiJrgZelJmlqRqzyfym_-KX41NS2XZt4lzQF4soOWwF1lBoNZ6E9TqSAM/s1600/2012-deb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-nP1YI7D9BdaRIzcwCBmcEWBz06a9df8M6KHi03zckER1KTcsxkFeWIF__NTyGCRhzWJLHPWAQqT8b8WvosiJrgZelJmlqRqzyfym_-KX41NS2XZt4lzQF4soOWwF1lBoNZ6E9TqSAM/s400/2012-deb.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cfm5iHAxf7EllUMcwiX0Ec0m8lqk3pbfG_wZtKzqhp6kQw-ONlLrG6zMDnu4iVZSQCncVbIoxNdfPBLuZwtTHkIMHQCIacmm51QB4oRQuY6L0qPlu5G5PDYhT1rqSKR4_JuTYYOwz5I/s1600/2012-steve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cfm5iHAxf7EllUMcwiX0Ec0m8lqk3pbfG_wZtKzqhp6kQw-ONlLrG6zMDnu4iVZSQCncVbIoxNdfPBLuZwtTHkIMHQCIacmm51QB4oRQuY6L0qPlu5G5PDYhT1rqSKR4_JuTYYOwz5I/s400/2012-steve.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Someone was taking photos at around the 4 mile mark, these are of me and Deb. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Notice Deb wearing the sling</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHb35-iVzQPz8tEKG6DWOMpxmHDXPLByXRDLaq5BsVQgM7lqdj0Ew6-o1N3F8-rg1JDdDcd6E0_M_Fa2I7_HbYLiAdEJuKKL82IIBIHFKePmooAYLrNSjyvqkw5BJ7YA8YtaByiTvRY0/s1600/Running+up+the+S+hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHb35-iVzQPz8tEKG6DWOMpxmHDXPLByXRDLaq5BsVQgM7lqdj0Ew6-o1N3F8-rg1JDdDcd6E0_M_Fa2I7_HbYLiAdEJuKKL82IIBIHFKePmooAYLrNSjyvqkw5BJ7YA8YtaByiTvRY0/s640/Running+up+the+S+hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Running up the trail on the "S" hill</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
After a bit it was me and Julian, a guy who is running Hardrock for the first time this summer. We talked about that and other things but mostly went back and forth as we were on a different walking/running strategy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX00Pv8XLsdNrX0KTeLTaJA2mAM8D0CiEQDOYDumhVTB4hQ3PrPln2FoOPBac2ENyLmJ-lL_0eO1f2xkIQuOiZHH80eQM87SB93yGWpmOQf_jm5aYDTFRniSzJf4kWDte_ZKFvl_IrQ8/s1600/Nice+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX00Pv8XLsdNrX0KTeLTaJA2mAM8D0CiEQDOYDumhVTB4hQ3PrPln2FoOPBac2ENyLmJ-lL_0eO1f2xkIQuOiZHH80eQM87SB93yGWpmOQf_jm5aYDTFRniSzJf4kWDte_ZKFvl_IrQ8/s640/Nice+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The views all day of the Collegiate Peaks were fantastic</b></div>
<br />
Soon we were at the turnaround which was around 12 miles and I knew then that it was "mostly" downhill from there. Up to this point it was predominantly uphill. Turning around I started my downhilling and started to catch many of those ahead. I ran into Kevin Z. as he reached the aid station at around 11 miles for him and my 13 miles before taking a left onto better and softer trails for the remainder of the race. I was at 2:29 at this aid station, so felt confident that if I could keep moving, sub 5 was a possibility.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIL2pTM72QjkrWWEUvzXwK989NVIf5cY2wm5QS58h7AphLVI3OA_8y9bHto5OWnS81GiA8SRpAxUBHzFd2PER2aj8VYi_vmeoy7BCUvPj4i3OCETvzQkPsasecl-6kfKmgE6UDBezWaY/s1600/Drop+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIL2pTM72QjkrWWEUvzXwK989NVIf5cY2wm5QS58h7AphLVI3OA_8y9bHto5OWnS81GiA8SRpAxUBHzFd2PER2aj8VYi_vmeoy7BCUvPj4i3OCETvzQkPsasecl-6kfKmgE6UDBezWaY/s640/Drop+off.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Nice drop off here</b></div>
<br />
After this point we climbed up to the high point and I was having some breathing difficulties, sortof hyperventilating, so I just backed off the pace until I got it under control. This happened several times until we dropped lower and I could begin to crank it home. This section also had a lot of snow and deep mud for miles and miles. This got to be irritating after awhile, but it's trail running in late winter in Colorado, what can we expect?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnyic6PwzGg01sBHpW7HLE8Q834bY4SBXekpKe_VWBXW4ugL9TwPq4uEoVSrkuy3LL2vBCABvX7NzIgShl6cWBWeQmRUUf1c8ipKb92C9QS57THXe3YfAcXz888CA8VI0I8fXorfPALs/s1600/Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnyic6PwzGg01sBHpW7HLE8Q834bY4SBXekpKe_VWBXW4ugL9TwPq4uEoVSrkuy3LL2vBCABvX7NzIgShl6cWBWeQmRUUf1c8ipKb92C9QS57THXe3YfAcXz888CA8VI0I8fXorfPALs/s640/Snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Snow was deep in some areas and at the bottom of the hills, mud</b></div>
<br />
I did mostly <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html">EFS Liquid Shot</a> as my fuel and supplemented with a couple of other gels when I ran out of the EFS. I have learned that this works the best for me, to put nothing solid in my gut. Drink water and stay on top of the gels, about every 40 minutes or so and I start energized, no bonking and it also keeps my head thinking right. I never needed salt, even though it got a tad warm in the final miles, but EFS does have some electrolytes in it, as well as amino acids.<br />
<br />
Soon I reached the aid station at mile 20...I was 3:46 here, so with 6.2 miles (which turned out to be 6.7 miles) of gnarly and rolling single track, I'd have just 1:13 to get it done. Might be tight, but I'd have no room for error or dawdling. This whole section I felt pretty good, strong climbing....there was one longer hill I had to walk, but most everything else I ran. Somewhere in here I re-passed Julian and he wished me luck. I also went by many walking dead young guys, who I offered all a gel, but had no takers. One guy said to me "I'm way beyond a gel, my legs are toast". I did notice that although I could see women ahead of me on the back and forth snaking Li'l Rattler trail, none were coming back to me, they were all looking strong and picking off guys too. I think women are smarter about pacing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpq7_JvKKjk68x1qlzNHhAQuQiPKHL0GV2oKi0NXqxLyAD-hEfLqt-Se_bnIGcdGS2vGsGby5rrPk96MEGrZdY_QF5c-FPi1GJ8H4nszKKIebthc_3y-NjgWLKyzuU8KH_Knqt3PxDo0/s1600/Nutha+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpq7_JvKKjk68x1qlzNHhAQuQiPKHL0GV2oKi0NXqxLyAD-hEfLqt-Se_bnIGcdGS2vGsGby5rrPk96MEGrZdY_QF5c-FPi1GJ8H4nszKKIebthc_3y-NjgWLKyzuU8KH_Knqt3PxDo0/s640/Nutha+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The trails weren't getting any easier</b><br />
Notice the "S" hill centered ahead and framed by the Collegiates</div>
<span id="goog_766576193"></span><span id="goog_766576194"></span><br />
<br />
Final aid station I reached in 4:33...yikes! I asked how far and the woman said 2.5 miles, all downhill. Would have to average around 10 minute miles to get in under 5, but it's all downhill, how hard could it be?<br />
So I got a bottle refilled, had already done my last gel jogging into the aid station and began cranking as hard as I could. I'm guessing in those final 2 miles, I passed about 7 guys, most who just stepped aside when they heard me coming..I guess they knew their day was done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1dzroU59a3IyCWwwNqGFY548R53JjC2hNwntCxBWKj-Dp7WBJXvuf5bdD3A-toYaWnsM9rXkN3EMl2x0dv4Jp_zGBknPqZSwvxBgmIv7WWcwBEhDFazGWBQKSN4FlgRPTYmn4V8ICPk/s1600/Gnarly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1dzroU59a3IyCWwwNqGFY548R53JjC2hNwntCxBWKj-Dp7WBJXvuf5bdD3A-toYaWnsM9rXkN3EMl2x0dv4Jp_zGBknPqZSwvxBgmIv7WWcwBEhDFazGWBQKSN4FlgRPTYmn4V8ICPk/s640/Gnarly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Typical trail section in the final miles</b></div>
<br />
Reaching the bottom of the trail, I ran as hard as I could across the tracks, through the park and down under the tunnel to the finish, looked at my watch and saw 4:58! I just said "Yes!" and walked into the Steamplant and had some soup. Jon then came up to me and told me I was the first really old fart and he had a prize for me, a nice piece of art he created with "First male 60 and over". That made my day, two goals reached.<br />
<br />
Our friend Kevin came in around 5:45 for a new trail marathon PB by a lot and Deb just missed taking the over 50, which she did last year...finishing in 6 hours, a little quicker than last year on a tougher course in tougher conditions. She also wore a sling the whole race after recently having shoulder surgery.<br />
<br />
So that's it, #1 race went well for both of us and now it's on to the <a href="http://www.collegiatepeakstrailrun.org/">Collegiate Peaks 50</a> mile in Buena Vista, Colorado on April 28th. My hope there is to try and win my age group and if I have a really good run, set a new over 60 course record of 10:59. I am hoping to run closer to 10.5 hours...so the next 4 weeks I'll be going into a speed phase of training now that I have been running some good slow mileage all winter. Two weeks before Salida I ran a 70 mile week, most weeks were in the 50-60 mpw range. I'll drop my mileage down to closer to 50 mpw, but will add some tempo runs and short pickups/hill reps to try and get stronger and faster.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/32012SalidaTrailMarathon#">To see the all the photos I took click on this line</a><br />
<br />
Here's a nice video that Steve Bremner shot while running a 4:26...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/3kIs_SEk-5c/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3kIs_SEk-5c&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3kIs_SEk-5c&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
Shoes I wore were the <a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain-running/crosslite">La Sportiva Crosslites</a> for the aggressive sole in the snow. I have a pair of <a href="http://www.montrail.com/Men's-Rockridge%E2%84%A2/GM2098,default,pd.html">Montrail Rockridges</a> coming that I will plan on wearing at CP50 and to break in for Hardrock.<br />
Fuel most mostly <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html">EFS Liquid Shot</a><br />
<br />
Until the next time, which will be April 29th! Happy trails!<br />
Steve and Deb<br />
<br />
I just wanted to add to this post a great collage of the Wasatch Speedgoats Mountain Racing Team that was created by <a href="http://thescenebegins.com/">Chris Boyack</a> and that Deb and I are a part of. I'm on the lower left grinding up a hill at Hardrock and Deb's on the lower right at the Bear 100 waiting for some cattle to cross so she can continue on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdJJBvK5RHHP6N-T-YQiZk3pbqpQo20LA72-YS_Du91L-Hrhm3ptiwYj6Zd5AzRgvV9XmaOagY1bRTABxbeK0C9EgtJgtJiIMUyvCqBBBW4mN0gTzG92gHBazzBnBe1tZlbL4R-zQ_tI/s1600/goat_header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdJJBvK5RHHP6N-T-YQiZk3pbqpQo20LA72-YS_Du91L-Hrhm3ptiwYj6Zd5AzRgvV9XmaOagY1bRTABxbeK0C9EgtJgtJiIMUyvCqBBBW4mN0gTzG92gHBazzBnBe1tZlbL4R-zQ_tI/s640/goat_header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-23408151368145153612012-01-16T16:11:00.000-07:002012-01-16T16:25:30.265-07:00Ponderous Posterior fat ass 50K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAmjVg_61RGiazXRv3bxMaRd9dezRvWkCSTKlzfCEIqgEmObF0WRYK0-XrVWcp7KpwtPbnpi-37StTpRZwn8yIt3CLNVTxSzuV8Uq5O0gF1h0ctlmfq2Xnut8ar9qbofNTcBPznrLhPs/s1600/PP+3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAmjVg_61RGiazXRv3bxMaRd9dezRvWkCSTKlzfCEIqgEmObF0WRYK0-XrVWcp7KpwtPbnpi-37StTpRZwn8yIt3CLNVTxSzuV8Uq5O0gF1h0ctlmfq2Xnut8ar9qbofNTcBPznrLhPs/s640/PP+3d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bird's eye view of the course</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks to <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/profiles/blogs/ponderous-posterior">Brandon S blog</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We had heard about this run from some friends and decided to make a trip up to <a href="http://www.manitousprings.org/">Manitou Springs, Colorado</a> to enjoy the surrounding <a href="http://www.pikes-peak.com/Page/122.aspx">Pikes Peak</a> area trails. We made the plans and Garry Harrington invited us up to stay at his and <a href="http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/MountainUltraTrail/Hobbs_Nancy.asp">Nancy (Hobbs)</a> house, which we did, but because we had to go home to be there early to enter <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50</a> and bottle my<a href="http://santafehomebrew.com/redchilechocolateporter.aspx"> first beer batch</a>, we did just that, getting home around 1am, staying up to unwind until 2am, then getting up at 6:30 to warm up the PC to be one of the first to get into SJS50. (What a crazy sport this is).<br />
<br />
After a wonderful dinner at Garry and Nancy's fave Mexican food joint and several brews, we hit the hay for the 5:30am wakeup. We arrived at <a href="http://pittbrownie.blogspot.com/2012/01/fat-ass_16.html">JT's</a> house, who was the host of the run, around 6:45 and we were running down the road a little after 7 with a large group of what seemed like 50 runners...and this was only the 7am group, there was also going to be an 8am group start and a 9am start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBdLdAMXQGa5C78Iccey-Pr1WB7G00r_BSNBMmPHkltc0YmNS0ATy1Vb3CntGjEkEHwLaN0OU62Ttthi6YeTZnWweOaaiGGkobBN4JWxUaVkHAsXY9uFz13AvmTYQnNU7-RZyXoSCT5A/s1600/7am+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBdLdAMXQGa5C78Iccey-Pr1WB7G00r_BSNBMmPHkltc0YmNS0ATy1Vb3CntGjEkEHwLaN0OU62Ttthi6YeTZnWweOaaiGGkobBN4JWxUaVkHAsXY9uFz13AvmTYQnNU7-RZyXoSCT5A/s640/7am+start.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>7AM runners starting</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Heading to those mountains in the distance</div>
<br />
The course was basically the <span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red Rock Open Space, the Intemann Trail, Red Mountain, the Incline, Longs Ranch Rd, Waldo Canyon, Williams Canyon, Rampart Range Rd, and finally the Garden of the Gods and to and from JT's house.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2GD9DLuQw9Ms7F_J34xtJWM4XbvAHqJgpFgFq_ugnuXgpYA33SXv5COyoo5x8iL1l9PA8jg60pFZLmikWK7SuWyFwWKzr7A_DByjASEXNYVreLorkjZxFzwiA8LNBgmvtZGLkXnjmOE/s1600/JT%2527s+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2GD9DLuQw9Ms7F_J34xtJWM4XbvAHqJgpFgFq_ugnuXgpYA33SXv5COyoo5x8iL1l9PA8jg60pFZLmikWK7SuWyFwWKzr7A_DByjASEXNYVreLorkjZxFzwiA8LNBgmvtZGLkXnjmOE/s640/JT%2527s+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Coloradans Running Ultra Distances</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JT's house, the start/finish in Manitou Springs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our plan was to take out time and just run by a low HR, I wore a monitor and tried to keep it around 130 all day and Deb just stayed with me or I with her, however you want to look at it. This wasn't a race, so why hurt? Our first race will be the <a href="http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/Run-Through-Time-Marathon.htm">Salida Marathon</a> in March.<br />
Joining us all day were Kevin Z. and Garry H., both who also wanted to have an easy training day. It was a fine group and at times we split up (like on the Incline), but most of the day we just ran or hiked together.<br />
<br />
Early on were some nice single track, which was icy in spots, but mostly dirt, rolling trails with great views. Garry gave us the tour of where we were and what we were looking at in the distance. "See that brown scar on the side of that mountain in front of us? We go up that" Was an example of Garry's tour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2I87gPo_qFoUvNxzNFNZl6SMcie270q7S7lerz01WQZyjDXYvlVICSeDfl_oFqP8kd2araxE69HrummBB8y0sTQi4GMtMOfUGPyJlYLkjFhhf9zdv1C3v7fH5yuNjEdu06KX_6YmA7Q/s1600/Brown+Scar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2I87gPo_qFoUvNxzNFNZl6SMcie270q7S7lerz01WQZyjDXYvlVICSeDfl_oFqP8kd2araxE69HrummBB8y0sTQi4GMtMOfUGPyJlYLkjFhhf9zdv1C3v7fH5yuNjEdu06KX_6YmA7Q/s640/Brown+Scar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Incline is that brown scar on the right mountain</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2000' of climb in one mile</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After the trails, we ended up running down a road into Manitou Springs, where I was sure we lost the course, but we then saw a marker which lead us into the cemetery. Through the cemetery and onto some more great single track trails that were even icier than earlier. We had traction devices, but opted to not put them on as the patches were sparse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrLdqnGfv8MDr2PEECFm1uLGQIbF5kj9R2W2i9bkTQeXdmRXKFEBGro7JG1i0wX23qRt-fu7jrNaGFGUq6MJxsPSRImUAbqT1PhyqfT3vdYhJiSmbNPlzVszuZLHTDTGXdZCGotBgPrM/s1600/Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrLdqnGfv8MDr2PEECFm1uLGQIbF5kj9R2W2i9bkTQeXdmRXKFEBGro7JG1i0wX23qRt-fu7jrNaGFGUq6MJxsPSRImUAbqT1PhyqfT3vdYhJiSmbNPlzVszuZLHTDTGXdZCGotBgPrM/s640/Red.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Course marking was great</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvg6DfIMpLPM_RkwnZmkRhvkgOGilNinR3M55epTg15XMzXs3-nyskP-3ENbgUxx-mWv2vOH2BB9BrFuJxu5L_qVj4-KiYWGb4AipkitGrsSzlb_W2Y9LYCxp5pvOpb11hEJzlYthkcE/s1600/Top+of+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvg6DfIMpLPM_RkwnZmkRhvkgOGilNinR3M55epTg15XMzXs3-nyskP-3ENbgUxx-mWv2vOH2BB9BrFuJxu5L_qVj4-KiYWGb4AipkitGrsSzlb_W2Y9LYCxp5pvOpb11hEJzlYthkcE/s640/Top+of+red.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Nearing the top of Red</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KZ hitting on a female in the group</div>
<br />
A left turn up the OaB to the Red Mountain summit was nice and then dumped as at the bottom of the Incline. The 8am group was summiting Red as we were heading down and they caught and passed us for good at the road leading to the Incline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFFeqkxvr2VqutvZSqV5J0GJjuL8nQy4ZRBdwWrn9mbt058Drb5rPNvGy9DQoa9wXNLt8sXSPDuKum8JAf9SnvHLy06Dzx-YxUzeWf8OcH9OHkyKCkRBANblhzwhMUUvGOk872iCEng0/s1600/PPPP50K-chris+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFFeqkxvr2VqutvZSqV5J0GJjuL8nQy4ZRBdwWrn9mbt058Drb5rPNvGy9DQoa9wXNLt8sXSPDuKum8JAf9SnvHLy06Dzx-YxUzeWf8OcH9OHkyKCkRBANblhzwhMUUvGOk872iCEng0/s640/PPPP50K-chris+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Getting caught by the 8AM group just before the Incline</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dakota Jones and Scott Jaime running together to the left</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tf_xVS_LbQB7MfSLY5EPTqvbb2aTBvjSwlX32M2y-LZFCNfkD0A4VOvIP-EIhsSRWPQUDslkXk80LJDzgZ9SCeUfWq1jQO1ct0S3qCuAc7O_ir4aBcY-U7Shyphenhyphen8nn1_Lm6vk6_6sOafU/s1600/Incline+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tf_xVS_LbQB7MfSLY5EPTqvbb2aTBvjSwlX32M2y-LZFCNfkD0A4VOvIP-EIhsSRWPQUDslkXk80LJDzgZ9SCeUfWq1jQO1ct0S3qCuAc7O_ir4aBcY-U7Shyphenhyphen8nn1_Lm6vk6_6sOafU/s640/Incline+up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.manitouincline.net/">Looking up the Incline</a></b></div>
<br />
OK, this deserves a section and mention of it's own. We had heard of this infamous climb and even set foot on it many years ago, but had never done the whole thing. WOW! I wish I had this in MY backyard! <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a> would be a piece of cake....I can see a Sunday after a long run spending all day going up and down this beaut.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTh4Frc9HCLflv5HLJtf_ShNI3OBA35iu6AvfCeeWdea29G5YLpq-wAnn6CDEpxHOv-uJvdB0GaIXYaFmpywL9R9YP46upc9UPmnnsHaPZlo3v9jN8jOvv5ax3KmF1t9RJ9W1GbRquL8Y/s1600/Brandon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTh4Frc9HCLflv5HLJtf_ShNI3OBA35iu6AvfCeeWdea29G5YLpq-wAnn6CDEpxHOv-uJvdB0GaIXYaFmpywL9R9YP46upc9UPmnnsHaPZlo3v9jN8jOvv5ax3KmF1t9RJ9W1GbRquL8Y/s640/Brandon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Brandon T. coming up behind us</b></div>
<br />
I began easy with Deb, then <a href="http://www.solarweasel.com/">Brendan T.</a> caught up to us and I latched onto him as we talked about things. Looking down and seeing 160bpm on my watch made me realize it was time to let this young pup go and settle back down to where I wanted to be....but hey, Deb and KZ are way behind now and Garry is about 100 yards ahead, lets see what I can do this in! So I began cranking up....never caught Brendan again (well, of course not!), but passed by runner after obese hiker after dog and as I neared the top went by Garry, but he jumped onto my pace and we touched the top together in about 35 minutes. Garry said this wasn't bad for someone who had never done it and at age 60. Let's just say I'd like to improve my time...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY1ZjcnRytJujeo3M5qAuT3Wa5mAI7PTCyfuvQSOVo4J62dK7RAnMsT8Sc9wXMnDJYxZX9sQU1ovDIDGXPjE7xnhQWUlNa1uMBzzbt-yVbl7URTICpqUkbAqWfyy7Vc9Y1rodSs5b2eM/s1600/Garry+incline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY1ZjcnRytJujeo3M5qAuT3Wa5mAI7PTCyfuvQSOVo4J62dK7RAnMsT8Sc9wXMnDJYxZX9sQU1ovDIDGXPjE7xnhQWUlNa1uMBzzbt-yVbl7URTICpqUkbAqWfyy7Vc9Y1rodSs5b2eM/s640/Garry+incline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Garry (blue shirt) right behind me</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5q5UQiTTaYWOLMilF8uhJlo7GaWTpuO8SV88KTvsorTseChNYFtjIWcUpK6pU2C8I84scIpgWehg1d9z_73GmjHhfMZEE5j0fR7lyovv7IBhfQACNj9OZzjT58BGGOchRD1AqqUluCCk/s1600/Garry+and+Steve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5q5UQiTTaYWOLMilF8uhJlo7GaWTpuO8SV88KTvsorTseChNYFtjIWcUpK6pU2C8I84scIpgWehg1d9z_73GmjHhfMZEE5j0fR7lyovv7IBhfQACNj9OZzjT58BGGOchRD1AqqUluCCk/s640/Garry+and+Steve.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Garry and me after the Incline climb with Pikes Peak in behind us</b><br />
Kevin Z photo</div>
<br />
At the top we waited for Kev and Deb to summit and we continued on up and up, then onto some real snowy trails/roads. This was my least favorite part of the day as we run in snow all the time down in NM (we live at 8200' in the Jemez) and I cam "North" to get away from the snow! ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfGbIDXhP75sfvSzRBqPk71C00htc1FutM73O22Fp-CwlNWUOuQGbQ3aXaAkmswjmYrKxiOuowGTgL77gduKUP3usVncZdbl0_Qnt-gH7oKX3FQJuZzvVUj7luTGgArK81DqWRURcReU/s1600/Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfGbIDXhP75sfvSzRBqPk71C00htc1FutM73O22Fp-CwlNWUOuQGbQ3aXaAkmswjmYrKxiOuowGTgL77gduKUP3usVncZdbl0_Qnt-gH7oKX3FQJuZzvVUj7luTGgArK81DqWRURcReU/s640/Snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Deb running up ahead in the snow</b></div>
<br />
Anyway, this brought us down to the aid station and because we were so freakin' slow, the water was gone, luckily we wore our backpack hydration and still had plenty....good thing it wasn't a hot day. Next year I'm bringing some water to add to the station, I should have done that this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9iO1VDu6BeTOTJA8QCpbe3UIKxo-TSaq6dPrIG-38mSZ7TqosesTUy2PGUojW-71ELhUiFmZuDhHG21PghUxHn-YRk9t9W0KyQRZpLXV0qdP8bF8Mnabw5j7cHPEPQ-D2zcqWPW7QlU/s1600/aid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9iO1VDu6BeTOTJA8QCpbe3UIKxo-TSaq6dPrIG-38mSZ7TqosesTUy2PGUojW-71ELhUiFmZuDhHG21PghUxHn-YRk9t9W0KyQRZpLXV0qdP8bF8Mnabw5j7cHPEPQ-D2zcqWPW7QlU/s640/aid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Kevin getting aided</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxFDiNMvx9_tMv5DUEpGDxjiCRH-8lAgnhiyC82EUEV4UNKtZRTTf_wNM_zKm7S2JEd2Pw_1rm1dGYRZneoNN7xPgQ1a58dUY54UDbkAlA8BmzkkInJFMe9TdXf_CjbqQ1voK1hV0xSA/s1600/Waldo+single+track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxFDiNMvx9_tMv5DUEpGDxjiCRH-8lAgnhiyC82EUEV4UNKtZRTTf_wNM_zKm7S2JEd2Pw_1rm1dGYRZneoNN7xPgQ1a58dUY54UDbkAlA8BmzkkInJFMe9TdXf_CjbqQ1voK1hV0xSA/s640/Waldo+single+track.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Some nice single track coming out of Waldo Canyon</b></div>
<br />
The Waldo trail was nice into Waldo Canyon and (I think) Williams Canyon and eventually we popped out onto the Rampart Range Road, which Garry told us we took all the way down. I forget what time it was, but I think it was 7 hours into the run and we needed to pick up our dogs from the kennel before they closed, so Deb and I agreed that I was to hammer down, go get the dogs and meet her back at the house. Garry came with me and KZ stayed at the more comfy pace. It felt like we were in a race, running at what felt like top speed forever, Garry right on my shoulder. At times he'd go ahead, then I'd take the lead, faster and faster until we reached the bottom....and saw no markers. Hmmm, must have missed a turn! Luckily Garry knows the area and I followed him through town to the wrong end of 31st street and to the house in 8:54. I went and got the dogs and only minutes after I got there, Deb and KZ came running in "the correct way" in 9:21.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9LB98XVuD8YztgAQo6UWfRvqyYWszK-9EAlr0ClUTBDBXIfNMYVb6gZdYnkKw0v2vfz0cZF5yfkoldWVjF6LuwvyH31MXwPfJJTVw8RF1qEKFj_x_cynpHvkcTDgWy0J_WiFNAHivFI/s1600/RRR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9LB98XVuD8YztgAQo6UWfRvqyYWszK-9EAlr0ClUTBDBXIfNMYVb6gZdYnkKw0v2vfz0cZF5yfkoldWVjF6LuwvyH31MXwPfJJTVw8RF1qEKFj_x_cynpHvkcTDgWy0J_WiFNAHivFI/s640/RRR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rampart Range Road</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Downhill for about 6 miles at a 7 mpm pace...<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fat as means no entry fee, no aid, no course marking and no awards. We had all of it...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No results link, but <a href="http://pittbrownie.blogspot.com/2012/01/fat-ass_16.html">here is the host's blog post</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/profiles/blogs/ponderous-posterior">another write-up</a>...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115735202507108304958/2012PonderousPosteriousPikesPeak50K#">Here is a link to the rest of my pics...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
It was to be a whirlwind night, no time to have a beer, maybe next year the run won't be the night before SJS entry ;-) We drove back to Garry and Nancy's house, showered quickly and were at the local McDonald's to fill our bellies with Angus burgers and shakes. I also got a super huge Mountain Dew for the caffeine to keep me awake for the 5 hour drive south back to the Jemez.<br />
<br />
A huge thank you to JT and his many volunteers for the course marking, it was better than most races. Next year I'll be more prepared and bring water and maybe a box o' Joe of the house. Hope you enjoyed those Santa Fe Brewery Java Stouts! ;-)<br />
<br />
Now for the sponsor bit...<br />
Ran in the <a href="http://www.backcountry.com/la-sportiva-crosslite-trail-running-shoe-mens">La Sportiva Crosslites</a> and drank mucho <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html">EFS Liquid Shot</a>...as a matter of fact other than 2 tiny Snickers, all I had were gels and felt great all day.<br />
<br />
Up next, possibly the <a href="http://www.solarweasel.com/?page_id=2424">Durango fat ass 50K</a> on Feb 4th and then onto the Salida Marathon in mid March.<br />
<br />
Until next time, happy training!<br />
Steve (and Deb)Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-79912853665490781922012-01-04T14:09:00.000-07:002012-01-04T14:09:08.805-07:00...and we're back!Based on the news Deb and I got yesterday that we are back on the <a href="http://wasatchspeedgoatracingteam.blogspot.com/">Wasatch Speedgoat Mountain Racing Team</a> roster, I am bringing this blog back to life...for the team and sponsors, of which aren't nailed down yet, other than <a href="http://backcountry.com/">Backcountry.com</a>, which is a sure thing. I'll update the sidebar when these get nailed down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEDLZUlfBTZ5ukIYyZKgDASBRWLOt_7H4z482YzfN3sNv8g6FRz4n7cU2-SW4_S11U5YPzK8C-_F4PoLcyDUqBJvHPPNsDUqzat35yQYEKCU33G2VHFctw0-I0su816EIRIMwSrVOfpc/s1600/Me-cropped.JPG" 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/AVvXsEgWEDLZUlfBTZ5ukIYyZKgDASBRWLOt_7H4z482YzfN3sNv8g6FRz4n7cU2-SW4_S11U5YPzK8C-_F4PoLcyDUqBJvHPPNsDUqzat35yQYEKCU33G2VHFctw0-I0su816EIRIMwSrVOfpc/s320/Me-cropped.JPG" width="216" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZ1yj1sdJuEeV_F0lKBl82Defw4ssLejpEiS44W3BnMP0H43dAvhQv3yh6XQUvtF-b6tBuxOgdqBheQ3APiq6X1_DKv_bVCVBfQIas108S7rdx01bTJKuvnda5E0AW9wOEwgN_4cujR8/s1600/Deb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZ1yj1sdJuEeV_F0lKBl82Defw4ssLejpEiS44W3BnMP0H43dAvhQv3yh6XQUvtF-b6tBuxOgdqBheQ3APiq6X1_DKv_bVCVBfQIas108S7rdx01bTJKuvnda5E0AW9wOEwgN_4cujR8/s320/Deb.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Back in the goat skin for 2012</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is at Salida, Steve mid race and Deb winning her AG</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The posts I publish will be mainly centered around the races we run. Deb's about to have some shoulder surgery, which will take her out for a little bit, but not for long. She should be ready for these.<br />
As of now the tentative schedule is:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/Run-Through-Time-Marathon.htm">Salida Marathon</a> - March.<br />
2. <a href="http://www.collegiatepeakstrailrun.org/">Collegiate Peaks 50 mile</a> - April<br />
3. <a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm">Jemez 50</a> - May (Deb's running and I am an aid station captain)<br />
4. <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50 mile</a> - June (Hardcore final long run for Hardrock)<br />
5. <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock 100</a> - July (This is not tentative and we've decided to run this together)<br />
6. <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a> - July (depends on if we can walk after Hardrock)<br />
7. <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch 100</a>- September (Deb, depending on lottery)<br />
7. <a href="http://www.bear100.com/">Bear 100</a> - September (Steve, and Deb if she doesn't get into Wasatch)<br />
<br />
That's it for now and will probably be it, depending on which ones we get into...after all I am now 60 and Deb will be 58 in August! Sprinkled in there here and there are the many <a href="http://mountain-trail-series.blogspot.com/">NM MTNRNR trail series</a>, which we will either RD or run as training.<br />
<br />
Glad to be back and here's wishing everyone out there a fantastic 2012 and that you get into the races you want to get in!<br />
Steve and Deb<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEkGeGdXJTiB_IcfqnCMcMsFGiFIjgYBiY_HIydVo8DFiKUaHKLpKl8_SWbQ53VAnYXABnmkfNmtJ0sgftUj8taikBloz7mJlWagshh6kjuwF31YgBYnVzRvGUH4aqBN_baxCgGpgor8/s1600/Hardrock2011+DSC_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEkGeGdXJTiB_IcfqnCMcMsFGiFIjgYBiY_HIydVo8DFiKUaHKLpKl8_SWbQ53VAnYXABnmkfNmtJ0sgftUj8taikBloz7mJlWagshh6kjuwF31YgBYnVzRvGUH4aqBN_baxCgGpgor8/s640/Hardrock2011+DSC_0369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Steve at Hardrock</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4th in line with orange WSMRT shirt on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(photo by Jason Halladay, this is the 2012 finisher's poster print)</div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-60875724499980492282011-09-20T14:48:00.001-06:002011-09-21T08:03:01.205-06:00Final post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGJHtsn1fMywtyMBn2QN-gKYhbIRaxOncMad08qJB4ASPHqBPNqMUSkLsyj9-mMKlne-Ssm1mlzKX_fuHumx7O8Qa0B8kQ77tc0OClkmg2wT08tzT6K1xFg-7HlGArLtTTiXzLrjKnEc/s1600/D%2526S+at+MSGT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGJHtsn1fMywtyMBn2QN-gKYhbIRaxOncMad08qJB4ASPHqBPNqMUSkLsyj9-mMKlne-Ssm1mlzKX_fuHumx7O8Qa0B8kQ77tc0OClkmg2wT08tzT6K1xFg-7HlGArLtTTiXzLrjKnEc/s400/D%2526S+at+MSGT.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Deb and I last year about to go on a 35 mile run on the Monadnock Sunapee Greenway Trail in Washington, NH.</b></div><br />
Back awhile ago when I started writing this blog, it was only because we were asked to be on a running team, the <a href="http://www.wasatchspeedgoat.com/1067-2/">Wasatch Speedgoat Mountain Racing Team</a>. One of the requirements was to maintain a blog for the purpose of discussing our training and racing, but most of all to get the sponsors logos and websites out there to the readers. It was a fun time being on the team....I was on the initial team that was formed early in 2008 and Deb was added in July of that year. We were the first of several married couples on the team.<br />
<br />
As time goes on things always change and recently the team was suspended until further notice, due to many things that I won't get into. I always felt privileged to be on the team and we did get some minor perks from the sponsors...not so much free, but healthy discounts.<br />
<br />
Let's face it...Deb and I are mid to back of the pack and other than age group, we'd not win a thing. I'm going to be 60 in several weeks and Deb's 57, we're not anywhere near the front. I also always felt like I didn't belong on any sponsored team because of that, we had <a href="http://runmoretalkless.blogspot.com/">Olga</a> who was winning races and several other standouts, while Deb and I were just and happily in the mid to back of most races.<br />
<br />
So without going on and on, I just wanted to say that one thing I've always said was that when I was no longer on the team, this blog would die. I have not been told that we are not on the team, but it's in hibernation, a new roster will be announced next year and I might want to move on. I don't have time to write it and also feel that blogging is sort of bragging about what you have done and I by no means fit that description. So that ends it...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAddrqa4xa-1y2Y7lLOYm_G4KYHSSWL1sFbTC6uIdavIw5oYgkBD8m_qPepnjJUub-b6DsUbEs7T6ZZEZQJcu8I9683qKt70J4nHR1MwErARcuttXmyA5v_riP7G2L4_yV2gNufGnk4o/s1600/Me+and+Deb+at+the+Ring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAddrqa4xa-1y2Y7lLOYm_G4KYHSSWL1sFbTC6uIdavIw5oYgkBD8m_qPepnjJUub-b6DsUbEs7T6ZZEZQJcu8I9683qKt70J4nHR1MwErARcuttXmyA5v_riP7G2L4_yV2gNufGnk4o/s400/Me+and+Deb+at+the+Ring.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Deb and I at the 2010 VHTRC Ring with the colors on</b></div><br />
Several other bits of news is that the <a href="http://www.bear100.com/">Bear</a> is this weekend and no, there won't be a race report here. Deb is not running and had to withdraw from Wasatch due to some issues related to her truck accident back in December, but she'll be back. I will go back to what I did pre blog and just tell my buds how it went by email. At the Bear I will be wearing the blue train colors of my club, the VHTRC...which is what I did pre Goats ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrKxr5lv2J9wTgQPFMgw-OaQ88P1Uzvk_PAKgnEIedr3PkX-ksBMZW_45M7QxOeWR-GyDtLcHv5-7ijEUZo2ksX66-xDd1aDJSymHPc2s0Qw_zBSz5ZmJgu3NgYX22Z8PK5DZjfqxRgA/s1600/Monadnock+in+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrKxr5lv2J9wTgQPFMgw-OaQ88P1Uzvk_PAKgnEIedr3PkX-ksBMZW_45M7QxOeWR-GyDtLcHv5-7ijEUZo2ksX66-xDd1aDJSymHPc2s0Qw_zBSz5ZmJgu3NgYX22Z8PK5DZjfqxRgA/s400/Monadnock+in+winter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, NH.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Where Deb and I were married in 2001, 10 years ago this October,</div><div style="text-align: center;">fittingly shown in Winter, which it is for most of the year there</div><br />
On another note, Deb and I discussed moving back to New Hampshire someday and initially I didn't want to think of it, but the more I do, the more I feel that is home. Deb really misses the area, her artist friends and the grand daughters and I wouldn't be unhappy to move back. It won't happen for a few years and may not, but the discussion has begun.<br />
<br />
So that's it...life goes on and after this weekend I'll know whether I'm ever running another 100 mile race again, this is what I'm hoping to see before 30 hours has elapsed ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5y79F6EQCtB9ezLsn3i-9S7U-yRQpj6ZJ-2bJdA9DyV2XLcCiDEgvO1C0Dcw1Ds-yhdp-Iy3rP7bbsNq0xzDyNVAIr0hCswJXmHUAkjcXleTpjDQgiyMj9d3yICrzrc2r-qJ7gGkbGA/s1600/Bear+finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5y79F6EQCtB9ezLsn3i-9S7U-yRQpj6ZJ-2bJdA9DyV2XLcCiDEgvO1C0Dcw1Ds-yhdp-Iy3rP7bbsNq0xzDyNVAIr0hCswJXmHUAkjcXleTpjDQgiyMj9d3yICrzrc2r-qJ7gGkbGA/s400/Bear+finish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-55057580182895538812011-08-02T13:19:00.000-06:002011-08-02T13:19:57.172-06:00Speedgoat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHtRGYqLL1FaC7dVvshfBDKn79elZflIakgjIBbTAls_IGrL40Y8Wn_YS7cwAMJHH0vWkhBuLLHTPdfo-IxxxDbC_aMbxYmRmvm0HX4WQ6Xf3JWZL-AXyypK8IIiHoa1bTIS401oE5-k/s1600/speedgoat-himself.thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHtRGYqLL1FaC7dVvshfBDKn79elZflIakgjIBbTAls_IGrL40Y8Wn_YS7cwAMJHH0vWkhBuLLHTPdfo-IxxxDbC_aMbxYmRmvm0HX4WQ6Xf3JWZL-AXyypK8IIiHoa1bTIS401oE5-k/s400/speedgoat-himself.thumbnail.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Yes, Speedgoat...that is the one and only above</b></div><br />
This year because Deb and I now live in New Mexico, we decided to run the <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a> at the Snowbird ski area in Utah instead of the usual <a href="http://perogoats.blogspot.com/2010/08/no-youre-going-wrong-way.html">MMD50K</a> that we run this time of year. Deb had run it last year because she moved to NM sooner than I had and raved about it. I had my doubts and was convinced that Speedgoat was not the "Toughest 50K in the country" that <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/">Karl Meltzer</a> proclaimed. MMD had to be, after all I had finished tied for 2nd at MMD last Summer with Howie Brienan in a time of 12:24 while Deb finished in the back of Speedgoat 2 hours quicker!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5vamr38Ox0Yd5bBDMDCQD86zTo9lKPcF9Ruv-r8W1FpyfCdsiJPtVnXGq075R3hwoYTOWEe8R4VEaxMBx2ByIlVQTUEWsbX_eMjJrVSwdLiGhyphenhyphenqwF3Schh3MIyCKX5GUI2k1bwKtL-0/s1600/speedgoat-50k-topo-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5vamr38Ox0Yd5bBDMDCQD86zTo9lKPcF9Ruv-r8W1FpyfCdsiJPtVnXGq075R3hwoYTOWEe8R4VEaxMBx2ByIlVQTUEWsbX_eMjJrVSwdLiGhyphenhyphenqwF3Schh3MIyCKX5GUI2k1bwKtL-0/s400/speedgoat-50k-topo-map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Profile of the Speedgoat 50K</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Well, guess what? Speedgoat wins! I have run (and am the only one) to have run 6 MMD 50K's, where the course is tougher every year. The name says it all More and More Difficult....but enough of that run (hike), let me get to the subject of this post.<br />
<br />
Speedgoat is tougher than MMD! Yes, I said it and told Karl at the finish that I was wrong, his race is more difficult and the only way I can explain the faster time is the 5 mile downhill runnable sections and the reason I am so sore today! Runnable? Well, if you don't mind picking your way through fist and head sized boulders that are strewn about the road.<br />
<br />
The climbs at Speedgoat easily match the hardest I've ever climbed and this includes <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a>. You not only have the long and steep climbs, but also the altitude as this run goes up over 11,000 feet twice! On top of that we had the snow to deal with, which was tough to get up, but fun going down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FwD8StCRfOHmYGmQ6tfUoKRQPNS72hI4jZftLGGBoXAL3j5a_2m_IOwfAn5ZYmU2cpJbzaxk_ivHhKvcvJJlVHRZtUDNcvPhdSX_TZXyWy26COYQoE1VGkImEdqsdcCilxULFiuyN_U/s1600/Picture+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FwD8StCRfOHmYGmQ6tfUoKRQPNS72hI4jZftLGGBoXAL3j5a_2m_IOwfAn5ZYmU2cpJbzaxk_ivHhKvcvJJlVHRZtUDNcvPhdSX_TZXyWy26COYQoE1VGkImEdqsdcCilxULFiuyN_U/s400/Picture+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Typical Speedgoat climb</b></div><br />
On to my race...I started in the back of the pack with my New England friends, Michelle and Kevin to insure a slow start. Not knowing this course, I didn't want to be brazen enough to start out running at a quick pace, then die later on, so we started out hiking, then slow jogging until we reached the first climb.<br />
<br />
The course is designed to allow some thinning of the herd so that we didn't get stuck behind a congo line of runners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWqL9bo6TM9sZE8qmQ5hfJJjMELUPOSbh2t93dWbtkK3gnkCAWdFRcBoPMR1cLWHA8C0mZkK1HdG9Q_azL66KKSgK2uH_EeofLx4XvK9dAiohIJVj9nLb-PwVPkeB6ZNDSYGsx2cbt2g/s1600/Picture+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWqL9bo6TM9sZE8qmQ5hfJJjMELUPOSbh2t93dWbtkK3gnkCAWdFRcBoPMR1cLWHA8C0mZkK1HdG9Q_azL66KKSgK2uH_EeofLx4XvK9dAiohIJVj9nLb-PwVPkeB6ZNDSYGsx2cbt2g/s400/Picture+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Not too bad a conga line</b></div><br />
We seemed to climb forever and it felt easy to me, so I hiked past many runners who were not having it as easy. We soon reached the snowfields, which were soft enough to get some good grip with my <a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain-running/crosslite">LaSportiva Crosslites</a>, while watching all of the Hoka wearers, slip and fall. I clawed my way past them and was soon in the Hidden Peak aid station at around mile 7.7. I didn't bother with how long it was taking me because I had no idea where I should be when because this was my first Speedgoat. I just moved at a comfortable pace and made sure I was draining at least one bottle between aid station and eating a mouthful of <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html">EFS Liquid Shot </a>every 45 min's to an hour to keep the head in the game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWN9EUNhb0JjXTYrmkzTl8-KRwahYZw_owSws2WipkbkdwKsiamE1y0CySaBbrGdps2kz_gT3Az3Uk8LHINRxOaf0MxQOqxqEZ4HfDN8W3XrrwyKvlrLOTzRNHpqSI_0W4vGLgKdjgh4/s1600/Picture+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWN9EUNhb0JjXTYrmkzTl8-KRwahYZw_owSws2WipkbkdwKsiamE1y0CySaBbrGdps2kz_gT3Az3Uk8LHINRxOaf0MxQOqxqEZ4HfDN8W3XrrwyKvlrLOTzRNHpqSI_0W4vGLgKdjgh4/s400/Picture+022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>One of the steeper snow sections</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGMrCBHlYs7NCJuw8E196de3__RIxyEzXwPxKI4jakR__uGjLTDenSNiuLF-hKoOJNpig5EYpmcyurpOMTeK-38fAGyF8oajIcly9Pkj8_da-6axFVUT_K0Lv0uo0X9A-KWIkJ8RIntw/s1600/Picture+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGMrCBHlYs7NCJuw8E196de3__RIxyEzXwPxKI4jakR__uGjLTDenSNiuLF-hKoOJNpig5EYpmcyurpOMTeK-38fAGyF8oajIcly9Pkj8_da-6axFVUT_K0Lv0uo0X9A-KWIkJ8RIntw/s400/Picture+025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Runners (hikers) coming up behind me</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1g2iGFmLfr6aTTL75Tf_K1AafPCpTqyAR5NL0N9g8bjGPbFUUiuNzwMji9VijVkCSCN3-CMF5G4bJBPHVsHQAV8QSQPP_fqp48xnpXX45BxDzjlxIbb_OPvtyHXs4tQV245WUAai-D0/s1600/Picture+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1g2iGFmLfr6aTTL75Tf_K1AafPCpTqyAR5NL0N9g8bjGPbFUUiuNzwMji9VijVkCSCN3-CMF5G4bJBPHVsHQAV8QSQPP_fqp48xnpXX45BxDzjlxIbb_OPvtyHXs4tQV245WUAai-D0/s400/Picture+027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>More coming up behind me, showing the steepness of the snowfields</b></div><br />
After checking in at the aid station and drinking a cup of Coke, we blasted down the hill to Larry's Hole at 9.9. Because it was all downhill, I barely touched my water, so just ran through making sure to check out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiZiEr-Q0lthJ1T8jvytQP4l8_EdxX-0fgfb5Ja-GLazy6_AHWL2XYBL5bBfPkgYPeq6EBeRPGbvuaUGe-9mUlb4XKsSK9Onf7BZvrqL0puuK7sPIeTiV6txaD7qJ0aBGwmRnr58pdx4/s1600/Speedgoat-me+coming+down+hill1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiZiEr-Q0lthJ1T8jvytQP4l8_EdxX-0fgfb5Ja-GLazy6_AHWL2XYBL5bBfPkgYPeq6EBeRPGbvuaUGe-9mUlb4XKsSK9Onf7BZvrqL0puuK7sPIeTiV6txaD7qJ0aBGwmRnr58pdx4/s400/Speedgoat-me+coming+down+hill1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>That's me coming down one of the gnarlier downhills</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">So steep we needed a rope!</div><br />
Pacific Mine was next at mile 14.4, which was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7RtgROVEIk">Roch Horton</a>'s aid station and this one was the winner. We were all weary after the near 4 mile downhill run on boulders. On the short road into the aid station, I did a gel, followed by some Gu Crumbles and it picked me up enough to allow me to run almost all of the slightly uphill road into the aid station. It being an out and back, we saw many of the runners ahead of us. Some looked tired, while others looked great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsajVdtvFcFkpATZniYGYztAlxV5bqftP0vecgNa5kKRTHRDVCD8-q2PAFsxcoaqCOvRIlLw9yRUEPenkagd3p-BiIbs8001j3DR8vhQh5CTZhaHLIvVlDZRh1PiV79teINeoH17D9OI/s1600/Roch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsajVdtvFcFkpATZniYGYztAlxV5bqftP0vecgNa5kKRTHRDVCD8-q2PAFsxcoaqCOvRIlLw9yRUEPenkagd3p-BiIbs8001j3DR8vhQh5CTZhaHLIvVlDZRh1PiV79teINeoH17D9OI/s400/Roch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Roch Horton, captain of the Pacific Mine aid station</b></div><br />
Once there Roch said hi and placed an ice water cloth on the back of my neck while I ate some watermelon. He had Popsicles there, but I passed not wanting to dump all that sugar in my stomach after the Gel and crumbles I just ate...I was trying my best to not get sick, which always seems to happen to me in races. I also made sure to grab a Saltstick cap in most of the aid stations I passed through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfcscHicgcb0PM7-Z0veWqgd6zkHMAIdofeIqF6SClC0uzYWCVqnHrL7Hs9ubL3Y7kwDUutgqNGZavOTgFwhwhnQPjJWqXdeq6OtNwHnErE5nsBCUqsZfcCb8fFmu2dqS4hmJbyn7noU/s1600/Cody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfcscHicgcb0PM7-Z0veWqgd6zkHMAIdofeIqF6SClC0uzYWCVqnHrL7Hs9ubL3Y7kwDUutgqNGZavOTgFwhwhnQPjJWqXdeq6OtNwHnErE5nsBCUqsZfcCb8fFmu2dqS4hmJbyn7noU/s400/Cody.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cody climbing up ahead of me towards Larry's Hole</b></div><br />
It was warm down in the aid station and now we had a really long and sometimes steep climb back up to Larry's Hole at mile 19.4. The 5 mile climb actually seemed easy, which I shared with Cody from Logan and I made sure to eat on the way up. I went through more gels at this race than at any other, but it was working. I also drank most of my 2 bottles and refilled one of them as it was only a couple of miles to the next aid station. I also grabbed another Saltstick capsule.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxyb3PiBRndQYPt3PRFyfU7L01kUqexHeMbQrne2c4NukyqItZGddVVekaIGbwzzkcvY-XDbsba__MX_eMI0rBFqRDlx1IVLrPlBgpkYvVeauMOmWs3VUJAwzEN0SASt9y0x7cLyCZ1Q/s1600/Picture+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxyb3PiBRndQYPt3PRFyfU7L01kUqexHeMbQrne2c4NukyqItZGddVVekaIGbwzzkcvY-XDbsba__MX_eMI0rBFqRDlx1IVLrPlBgpkYvVeauMOmWs3VUJAwzEN0SASt9y0x7cLyCZ1Q/s400/Picture+062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The "Grunt"</b></div><br />
Up next was possibly the most difficult section of the course...it was a steep grassy slope with no trail, just straight up. Memories of the Putnam and Green Mountain sections at Hardrock were all I could remember doing anything like this. What a grunt up it was...I could feel things in the back of my legs stretching beyond where they had been stretched before. The calf muscles were burning and my lungs were filling and emptying really fast as my body screamed for oxygen at this over 10,000 foot elevation. Once at the top, we got on a nice runnable trail but there was no way I could run, so I hiked along, even the downhill across a snowfield and then up to the Tunnel aid station at mile 21.5.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_KhmzNJb-Yzl_LYUu9MDQ-JCQwyDuV0cxVLrcCZJF2s_hvYf-HHPgaq8cfPrfe4frYpB9pKCOGaXTQnSkciAd3-QNdqqW2di-CZf-fUoSv1GnN7c4DWef9KO5XEw7KGDoG0fGf3mlZ8/s1600/Tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_KhmzNJb-Yzl_LYUu9MDQ-JCQwyDuV0cxVLrcCZJF2s_hvYf-HHPgaq8cfPrfe4frYpB9pKCOGaXTQnSkciAd3-QNdqqW2di-CZf-fUoSv1GnN7c4DWef9KO5XEw7KGDoG0fGf3mlZ8/s400/Tunnel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking into the tunnel before running through it</b></div><br />
Standing before the Tunnel after getting my bottle filled and eating some more fuel, I took inventory of how I felt and realized I felt pretty damn good with 10 miles to go! As I entered the tunnel, <a href="http://www.irunfar.com/">Bryon Powell of irunfar</a> was sitting in the cool shade taking a short break. Bryon has had an incredible summer, running a sub 20 at Western States and then training and pacing at Hardrock during the past three weeks and knowing that he had <a href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/">UTMB</a> in France coming up, was backing off wisely.<br />
<br />
I told Bryon that I felt good and it was time to try and make up some time from the climbs and outside of the other side of the tunnel I couldn't find any markers and while standing there Bryon came along and spotted them down the hill and around the corner. Karl, you need some flour arrows there. Bryon and I ran down the road from the tunnel, which had recently been plowed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusWtLSlL4_Si9yk8FayXOO2I5Cj0XDWrL_oVFWJ1DrMhrVG7kVKQB8TqIMadg-g-zQEevJCER9G6Z1lbR6EID4BWbWi1_SCUvlXR2As5Q8OHsyNbIkzJtz0qMuEeRxdwe_jtaDb_z-wU/s1600/Picture+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusWtLSlL4_Si9yk8FayXOO2I5Cj0XDWrL_oVFWJ1DrMhrVG7kVKQB8TqIMadg-g-zQEevJCER9G6Z1lbR6EID4BWbWi1_SCUvlXR2As5Q8OHsyNbIkzJtz0qMuEeRxdwe_jtaDb_z-wU/s400/Picture+069.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Bryon Powell ahead of me on the other side of the tunnel</b></div><br />
<br />
Again I left Bryon to make up some time and started picking up the pace down the hill, mindful of the course markers. I didn't want to go off course now! Spotting the course markers taking a left off the road, I followed them through the woods and onto the trail that would take me along the ridge back up to Hidden Peak.<br />
<br />
It was getting hot in the sun now, but I still felt good. I think doing some training in Albuquerque in the mid 90's since early June has helped and I soon went by a couple of guys that were struggling up the trail. One guy was screaming in pain, sitting on the trail from cramps. This is a tough race!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R-Rk1vFU9SiOLoYE-xM-_gQVXQxgNVIrPzt4orDul-J0Hfk1ffgc54Vv9DSdV-6VyTL8atzIOMnkkoVHIQlLCg6e_mtXu2RJIueJt_uV4elU-HrgUiQIiDf2hzv97m0S7w9XdYm_CPk/s1600/Picture+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R-Rk1vFU9SiOLoYE-xM-_gQVXQxgNVIrPzt4orDul-J0Hfk1ffgc54Vv9DSdV-6VyTL8atzIOMnkkoVHIQlLCg6e_mtXu2RJIueJt_uV4elU-HrgUiQIiDf2hzv97m0S7w9XdYm_CPk/s400/Picture+072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The ridge to Hidden Peak</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">The trail went along that ridge-line to the top</div><br />
On the final climb up to the aid station it was a dusty single track trail, which was causing the front of my shins to cramp a bit. I think this was due to fatigued muscles and not electrolytes, but to be sure and to make the run down as fast as possible, I ate 2 caps and drank 2 cups of Coke once I got there. This was the last aid station, Hidden Peak at over 11,000 feet and mile 26.5.<br />
<br />
We now had 5 miles of downhill to the finish. I looked at my watch and saw 1:47, which was 7:17. If I could get down in 45 minutes (9mpm), I'd be able to get in under 8 hours...but I forgot about the snowfields, which were a lot softer now and also didn't really know what to expect once down in the trees, near the finish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR56BCwY_FZwYh3gjiaP5vBMxl_L-jJad9oma77P_az_9OrO6BEUIzipT_K__hNk8cPE-uy8mLIPjDrvipUPuLSxK3u4_ovzJQQqKZaOU6IDHGUw0Oh2rj_KDp2c6RjfszznUpXnpJFBU/s1600/Picture+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR56BCwY_FZwYh3gjiaP5vBMxl_L-jJad9oma77P_az_9OrO6BEUIzipT_K__hNk8cPE-uy8mLIPjDrvipUPuLSxK3u4_ovzJQQqKZaOU6IDHGUw0Oh2rj_KDp2c6RjfszznUpXnpJFBU/s400/Picture+079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Starting the run down to the finish with Cody ahead</b></div><br />
I started to run down hard, right behind Cody and with Troy behind me. We reached the snow and ran through it the best we could and glissaded down the two steep pitches. I stopped to get a great shot of Troy glissading behind me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqBU-aRhygmqsXjDAn8PuZ0j1ijV87dZ6cW6dUub0RFVSDGLPMWCg-ntzIaO4Ok2wYDC_EqdqzJ1aNsYy3xs262eEJU0lSWia1xPJcbKIvhVhmmUM1_sNgym7POY8ZKA6WSnOm_TLNPs/s1600/Troy+Glissading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqBU-aRhygmqsXjDAn8PuZ0j1ijV87dZ6cW6dUub0RFVSDGLPMWCg-ntzIaO4Ok2wYDC_EqdqzJ1aNsYy3xs262eEJU0lSWia1xPJcbKIvhVhmmUM1_sNgym7POY8ZKA6WSnOm_TLNPs/s400/Troy+Glissading.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Troy behind me glissading down the snowfield</b></div><br />
After the snow and a couple of trail sections, we had a great road to run down....I ran as hard as I could and went by Cody and Coni from Switzerland and a runner she was with. I had been back and forth with her all day long. Troy went flying by me and that was the position we held. It was defeating once down below because what I was hoping for was a direct run into the finish, it wound around, up and down through the trees while listening to the crowd at the finish cheer when runners came in. My legs were now shot, but I did all I could to keep running, not wanting to look at my watch. After all, what difference did it make? I was sure I wouldn't break 8 hours and once I crossed the finish line, <a href="http://www.wasatchspeedgoat.com/">Scott Mason</a> said "Baaa" and Karl put a medal around my neck, then pointed to the cooler of <a href="http://www.pabstblueribbon.com/Default.aspx">PBR</a> beer. I asked my time and Scott said 8:07. Official time is 8:07.53 in 63rd place. There were 297 entrants and 188 finishers, so I felt good about my time and place. One of my goals in races is to not have anyone older than me in front of me, which I succeeded in doing. So next year I hope to get in under 8 hours at the age of 60...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YhNBs3Y1s3CTf-rz2xWCtLQ55T74iDfGG4YU9oeIdlP9SjhRblcryEQER_CnWByIBXclzaLXowMPyb0bsn2VOumzElyPhAVJg38xshyCzIUVD2PvlhLCBZxmpik6KrYhxk5TO9pDH8g/s1600/Picture+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YhNBs3Y1s3CTf-rz2xWCtLQ55T74iDfGG4YU9oeIdlP9SjhRblcryEQER_CnWByIBXclzaLXowMPyb0bsn2VOumzElyPhAVJg38xshyCzIUVD2PvlhLCBZxmpik6KrYhxk5TO9pDH8g/s400/Picture+086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Karl and Scott about to greet my friend Michelle from Ma.</b></div><br />
This is a really well run race and great course, it is my new favorite. My fave until this was the <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50</a>, but I actually think this one might be harder! As I write this I am contemplating whether I'll be able to run today on my still sore legs...it's Tuesday, 3 days since the race and I'm still sore! Awesome!<br />
<br />
Karl, you have a winner here, I'll be back...<br />
<br />
To see the rest of my pictures, go to this link. <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011Speedgoat50K#">https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011Speedgoat50K#</a><br />
The results can be found here: <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=11805">http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=11805</a><br />
<br />
Now it's time to start thinking about the next race, the<a href="http://www.bear100.com/"> Bear 100</a>, which is 7 weeks from Friday. I plan to spend a couple of weekends in <a href="http://www.silvertoncolorado.com/">Silverton, Colorado</a> doing some training on the Hardrock course to get some finishing work for the Bear, then will start to back off. Deb is going to do some grandchildren visiting in TX and NH, so it'll just be me and the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/OphirPassSnowfieldsWork#5628476563441000322">dogs</a>.<br />
<br />
So until next post, happy training!<br />
SteveSteve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com5Snowbird Lodge, Alta, UT 84092, USA40.5818948 -111.655202400000017.9087108000000015 -171.4208274 73.2550788 -51.889577400000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-29984402772335967322011-07-14T09:14:00.004-06:002011-07-14T10:13:15.419-06:002011 Hardrock Hundred...or 42!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLHBMrYTglbxP8D23yQRPVCVqjtwfQ3hAehmDHBjnn8AOqSuq2Hv8voNFFXuRZgRGVsBJf_SUq2Xen1tc_s_EA9hVs_KdkYNQzkz_8ZxvnpX_6ImJf4L02PHiVojVroX_AZY0OrruhV4/s1600/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLHBMrYTglbxP8D23yQRPVCVqjtwfQ3hAehmDHBjnn8AOqSuq2Hv8voNFFXuRZgRGVsBJf_SUq2Xen1tc_s_EA9hVs_KdkYNQzkz_8ZxvnpX_6ImJf4L02PHiVojVroX_AZY0OrruhV4/s400/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br />
What can I say....another Hardrock, another DNF. This one really tested me and like my friend Garry Harrington said to me last year after pacing Mike Bur "Wow, I felt like I was in the ring with Mike Tyson. One jab after another, then the knockout punch".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5V_zdOv8P0k0SYKgmZ35GOa6t-yn3KXxqDigon4tsfQU1CqrOv7HSuisFaFZs0uc-29fG86kbtjdw4ZoIRoKSYFsi-bBypshAYOZEy0lkXMAyfgJIgyGPfrr9eN5eFHSiU6O1Py8Zf4/s1600/mike_tyson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5V_zdOv8P0k0SYKgmZ35GOa6t-yn3KXxqDigon4tsfQU1CqrOv7HSuisFaFZs0uc-29fG86kbtjdw4ZoIRoKSYFsi-bBypshAYOZEy0lkXMAyfgJIgyGPfrr9eN5eFHSiU6O1Py8Zf4/s400/mike_tyson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The day started well, as I started out at what I thought was last person to "walk" out of town. After all, most "runners" walk more than 50% of Hardrock, so why not start out walking to keep the heart rate low and not burn up glycogen unnecessarily. I have learned over the years while training per the <a href="http://philmaffetone.com/fitness.cfm">Maffetone method</a> that the best way to get through one of these difficult endurance events is to get into a fat burning mode immediately, so is what I do. It has worked off and on for me, mostly on since 2004 and I expected it to this weekend as well. I look back and see Roy Heger yelling at me that I'm not last! ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y7hLwwJRWGUBQUqargdbvaVFW9f5rFahtaGVqhI1_LrnRCx6AVnxB4Hpo6ltCnMgLmWtvI1mcwbDcGhB_We3lrarYZGqlOMZkbJycf9YlFPn4tk80yvC_Uumdi6c8W3sWN56xwZ_fgc/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y7hLwwJRWGUBQUqargdbvaVFW9f5rFahtaGVqhI1_LrnRCx6AVnxB4Hpo6ltCnMgLmWtvI1mcwbDcGhB_We3lrarYZGqlOMZkbJycf9YlFPn4tk80yvC_Uumdi6c8W3sWN56xwZ_fgc/s400/Picture+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Walking from the start backwards</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>As we made our way along the beaver pond trail behind the Lackawanna Mine, I noticed ahead of me were Kathy Lang, Jennifer Roach, Marcy Beard and Deb. Perfect! But as the miles went by, I eased my way forward without any effort as the body warmed up, climbing the road up to Dives/Little Giant pass. This is where in the runner's manual it states "Someone could die here" or something like that. Well, I think the more dangerous sections were coming, but more on that later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bSEp5TrDsMZHCQqF1RPC2cdZhoUg1Q_-gzR_h9qQkOk0W1cnUGQC8fSdv89v3ROPHQUe-Ut8GjPnvvtI7xH-7rnZZ54-UsuqVPD1gXQdim3l_LE9Zd9PsqXUa92k6pbKECN_ahfgb2g/s1600/Picture+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bSEp5TrDsMZHCQqF1RPC2cdZhoUg1Q_-gzR_h9qQkOk0W1cnUGQC8fSdv89v3ROPHQUe-Ut8GjPnvvtI7xH-7rnZZ54-UsuqVPD1gXQdim3l_LE9Zd9PsqXUa92k6pbKECN_ahfgb2g/s400/Picture+050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mark Heaphy on the Dives/Little Giant Pass</b></div><br />
At the top of the pass, I hooked up with Mark Heaphy for the run down. Thinking back, I now wish I ran down a little easier, but knew that Joe Prusiatis would be barreling down soon and was trying to hold that off as late as possible. Joe usually thunders past in the other direction on the hill down into KT, so this would be the appropriate place and soon I heard the footsteps and ground shake and told Mark he had better step aside. We stepped aside, Joe went by, but soon we reached a conga line of walkers that was impassable with Greg Loomis on the rear of the line, so we just followed behind across the creek into the Cunningham aid station in around 3 hours from the start, which was just about right on for a 40 hour finish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhJNs2JClH9kJ_cGqKyl1ouVlmLEFzsS2GvEOjwD51NDxWE_8JnNmKCFoQ0yBUuxJ5zb8B9DQD3jDOtpnv9NL7JuITTzb-HafBZDIC5cwB4QAgFEOI_cp_u5hJy-0E_3mC9imMf6yADw/s1600/Picture+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhJNs2JClH9kJ_cGqKyl1ouVlmLEFzsS2GvEOjwD51NDxWE_8JnNmKCFoQ0yBUuxJ5zb8B9DQD3jDOtpnv9NL7JuITTzb-HafBZDIC5cwB4QAgFEOI_cp_u5hJy-0E_3mC9imMf6yADw/s400/Picture+052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The creek crossing going in the Cunningham Aid Station</b></div><br />
In the aid station, I got my drop bag, which had a gel flask and a chocolate soy milk. I started using this last year and it tastes good, keeps the stomach settled and provided 150 calories, not as much as an Ensure, but too much usually makes me sick. In and out in about 5 minutes, high fiving my buddies and up into the Green Mountain section we go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCwJLkiVwemWF5I3vKbJqP11u5mOYcvceb03Wot2eoZ-6dX7i36fYDAA_QJM-rg4vrEF8K580DsNKCxJELhMR-MTS1rd8KxGOfvzPsPwYKDpNZpthfrrGEtMmcCbJF9oOFyqEkpY1jXE/s1600/Picture+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCwJLkiVwemWF5I3vKbJqP11u5mOYcvceb03Wot2eoZ-6dX7i36fYDAA_QJM-rg4vrEF8K580DsNKCxJELhMR-MTS1rd8KxGOfvzPsPwYKDpNZpthfrrGEtMmcCbJF9oOFyqEkpY1jXE/s400/Picture+054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Looking back down at the aid station after climbing a bit</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDruEG5Qb3n8s3tRLflee5kPRfYgg0o49gsv8rkQ8QeBlZQBG5hrG9ymIMeFjcRZwd1qWkRN-mezNdMSciXPz02as0E1gYNX3afkna2lPo-z0QoA8yaWiNaR-6qrYetI-Or9aJ5uLoDS0/s1600/Picture+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDruEG5Qb3n8s3tRLflee5kPRfYgg0o49gsv8rkQ8QeBlZQBG5hrG9ymIMeFjcRZwd1qWkRN-mezNdMSciXPz02as0E1gYNX3afkna2lPo-z0QoA8yaWiNaR-6qrYetI-Or9aJ5uLoDS0/s400/Picture+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Bob Combs coming up behind me</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div>Luckily it wasn't too hot, I seem to remember the last time I ran in this direction that it was hot on the first climb, but today was a cool day. I easily climbed up with Bob Combs behind me and at the top stopped to get some rocks out of my shoes. This was a trick Dennis Herr taught me in 2003...stop every now and then to dump debris out of the shoes, look around and enjoy the beauty, letting your heart rate come down a bit...while sitting there, Rick Hodges and Stan Ferguson hiked past. Once I got going again, I got past Rick and hooked up with Stan. Stan and I stayed together until Maggie aid station.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ka80Y3W-kERaJKsi21Uyq7FSHl4aO1dxRkFwumA7IMUcUMgr8ZHwoalLe1xSfY7-FNqQgVgfLfa2Ovv4uleiFEsg3CX5eK8mDX6SN8ffa6EEoy-yy6MF2lBRC_e5SNml6etPp_1tvQE/s1600/Picture+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ka80Y3W-kERaJKsi21Uyq7FSHl4aO1dxRkFwumA7IMUcUMgr8ZHwoalLe1xSfY7-FNqQgVgfLfa2Ovv4uleiFEsg3CX5eK8mDX6SN8ffa6EEoy-yy6MF2lBRC_e5SNml6etPp_1tvQE/s400/Picture+063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The beauty of the Green Mountain section</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bk3LbsaFunBxRGb6F-PHFG4qKnMDhAJX32Ms_nMvDIpiHfyQcG1VQ0ynnxFCQ_88mnwPrZ5mFD0U55J-4HI8KQdmy0zqi6g8IsiZcpn6ncZKgFcRFxHa9wZJ4WnLCgN2_-dmNTqWEYE/s1600/Me+on+Green-Halladay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bk3LbsaFunBxRGb6F-PHFG4qKnMDhAJX32Ms_nMvDIpiHfyQcG1VQ0ynnxFCQ_88mnwPrZ5mFD0U55J-4HI8KQdmy0zqi6g8IsiZcpn6ncZKgFcRFxHa9wZJ4WnLCgN2_-dmNTqWEYE/s640/Me+on+Green-Halladay.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><b>Here I am climbing up in the Green Mountain section</b><br />
(photo by Jason Halladay)</div><br />
The Green Mountain section just might be the prettiest section on the route. Green fields, lots of flowers and meadows with majestic mountain views all around. Once up the top of the steep grass hillside, there's some good running until over Stony Pass. You then climb again up Canby Mountain and it was here that Stan and I passed Chris Twiggs, who was dry heaving from the altitude. Chris lives in Florida and always has this trouble, but he's tough, he always finishes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYMrnNJw_5GZsUTiccNL1tLYc1FgihQxHOqR0Ori6gBHt3Qb8T6QKzpDQXKwMPC5FaPANQAJHT8UcNyOKE6LYVBDjG4ZFXSWSbYIeRJFDZJ5Yy4GVh9j7mADKNLm1dRXKNiPqp2ZSemc/s1600/Picture+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYMrnNJw_5GZsUTiccNL1tLYc1FgihQxHOqR0Ori6gBHt3Qb8T6QKzpDQXKwMPC5FaPANQAJHT8UcNyOKE6LYVBDjG4ZFXSWSbYIeRJFDZJ5Yy4GVh9j7mADKNLm1dRXKNiPqp2ZSemc/s400/Picture+071.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Stan Ferguson heading down in the Maggie aid station</b></div><br />
On the trail down off of Canby, I watched Stan begin to continue on the trail down into Buffalo Boy Mine. I yelled to him to come back and we went the way the route usually goes, but there were no course markers. They had marked it up high to the right to avoid a steep snow cornice on the usual route. Chris came along, plunged over the cornice while we were standing there trying to figure it out and just slid over the edge following Chris. We hooked up with the marked route after going down the hill a little bit. This is where it's both good and bad to know the route. I know the whole route well and rarely look for course markers, but because of this I missed the markers going off to the right up on the top f the mountain. Rick Hodges yelled down to us that they marked the route off a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCevbruYOPnomSyLlDfyHlWXylkUWMdcvN09IqC7zH7g247qY45_cALam-zoOwqExAFtk_UTcq9gTKY645ENrJ-80fSszaKNQxH6yn5V5WjUD4cGQ__Dh9o23mJ88KVXQQ3xV5MsGq_4/s1600/Picture+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCevbruYOPnomSyLlDfyHlWXylkUWMdcvN09IqC7zH7g247qY45_cALam-zoOwqExAFtk_UTcq9gTKY645ENrJ-80fSszaKNQxH6yn5V5WjUD4cGQ__Dh9o23mJ88KVXQQ3xV5MsGq_4/s400/Picture+072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chris Twiggs coming up behind me after Maggie aid station</b></div><br />
Now on the long downhill into Maggie Gulch, I let Stan go and backed off the pace a bit. I wanted to eat here and did, grabbing a handful of grapes after eating some watermelon, also grabbing a tomato/lettuce, cheese and mayo wrap and ate it on the climb out of Maggie into the Pole Creek section of the course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84avKH8hBsdATBhMrafjnqhoS9bYUE0RbHLXAEj-iiuOmrcoNwNVwM_KsDoBbcM3Vm7v3X655LtguiTnWJiB3_2NP2gV8GNtmDuRdMpmjYfAbdY-s9gg5X8Cws7MtCrh-0KrE85loHP0/s1600/Picture+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84avKH8hBsdATBhMrafjnqhoS9bYUE0RbHLXAEj-iiuOmrcoNwNVwM_KsDoBbcM3Vm7v3X655LtguiTnWJiB3_2NP2gV8GNtmDuRdMpmjYfAbdY-s9gg5X8Cws7MtCrh-0KrE85loHP0/s400/Picture+073.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the poles of Pole Creek, Stan pulling away</b></div><br />
Up on this section Stan took off and I climbed up with Chris along the trail and into the Pole Creek aid station. The first rainstorm hit us here and I had to take my jacket on and off several times. Into the aid station, the storm hit harder with high winds, hail and rain. I looked at the table and nothing interested me until one of the volunteers mentioned they had soup. Yeah, soup sounds good! I grabbed a cup of soup, ate it on the downhill and stuffed the cup into my jacket pocket. I think Deb did the laundry this week with that cup still in the pocket ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbGeKeO0b0QUaV-kLzkgHOB_0xP6udvZhFra7a4zuBRKfoggNxo_cnRUDZ2S5Hzr52KKZVDefy6nsLgUWx7cYSw2VYRupuZl0Lzd3xzdRM-jreDtjG-AMhj0yNSu0rQfC36aCk5DG6Oc/s1600/Picture+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbGeKeO0b0QUaV-kLzkgHOB_0xP6udvZhFra7a4zuBRKfoggNxo_cnRUDZ2S5Hzr52KKZVDefy6nsLgUWx7cYSw2VYRupuZl0Lzd3xzdRM-jreDtjG-AMhj0yNSu0rQfC36aCk5DG6Oc/s400/Picture+077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jeff List and I did most of the Pole Creek section together</b></div><br />
Now we're on the Pole Creek section of the course. I had to be careful of my pace here as it is mostly above 12,000' for several miles and usually hot...so I decided to mostly walk this section, drinking water along the way, hopefully emptying my 2 bottles before we reach Sherman aid. I hiked strong and soon saw a runner ahead, walking. It looked like my friend from New England, Jeff List, who I soon caught up to. I told him that using poles this year must be slowing him down because I can't catch him otherwise. He's a really strong hiker. Jeff and I hiked as powerfully as possible with short jogs on the downhill sections and it again began to rain with lightening and wind coming from in behind us. It was so wet in here, our feet were soaked! But I was still feeling really good and Jeff mentioned that we were on a sub 39 hour pace, which is what he ran in 2009.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCk87bjS_Q6ahZTlEpt5DUiHkIcEHmYy9r0K3BZbbnel44KRcXDLU1R2MKLCNX9sh3Jyunmt1-eM329_SqaTK61KegaCNYU4X6MUg2sNojGl8W3TwFv1c5AKnZ7Gep7I7OrS2HS0l90E/s1600/Picture+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCk87bjS_Q6ahZTlEpt5DUiHkIcEHmYy9r0K3BZbbnel44KRcXDLU1R2MKLCNX9sh3Jyunmt1-eM329_SqaTK61KegaCNYU4X6MUg2sNojGl8W3TwFv1c5AKnZ7Gep7I7OrS2HS0l90E/s400/Picture+080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jeff pulling away with Cataract Lake alongside</b></div><br />
After going by Cataract Lake, I started to feel the first signs of my Vertigo that I've been getting off and on the past couple of years. What happens is if I turn my head to the right or left or up to drink from my bottle, the whole world spins. It has something to do with crystals in the ear moving or not moving or something. My 84 year old mom has it and I guess I'm getting it to. I talked with my doc in NH about it and he said "Welcome to old age!" Not sure that was the right answer to get, but I'll look into it further. One day on a training run about a month ago with Deb going up Santa Fe Baldy, I fell three times in 10 minutes and though it was the dogs getting under my feet, but thinking back I remember being dizzy that day and many times when I go to bed I get the spins when I lie down, so this isn't something new to me...just something new in a race.<br />
<br />
So I let Jeff go and again saw Stan up ahead, who Jeff eased by just before the creek crossing. This was about the location of Deb's poster. At the creek crossing, the water was flowing fast and the ledge under the water was slick, so I walked along the log for a brace in case I slipped.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggf3qt2ZyAxd8kf5Hh90f6MdRrq2SLQmnW2CKb4Jm2BQUy7WG9xWwmPLS5re7kz4lHp3mvMRvgUhf_TCWhQuEeRsCH1MEK4hjXPAMfv4lcVOUpRFp3XZ1U8E_CBOmwDwpbIwovcPSQQ5I/s1600/Picture+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggf3qt2ZyAxd8kf5Hh90f6MdRrq2SLQmnW2CKb4Jm2BQUy7WG9xWwmPLS5re7kz4lHp3mvMRvgUhf_TCWhQuEeRsCH1MEK4hjXPAMfv4lcVOUpRFp3XZ1U8E_CBOmwDwpbIwovcPSQQ5I/s400/Picture+082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Dropping into Cataract Falls section</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctlJBK9AJ9bDN2fJp7yt52WHCV2OLchNyAZ4Xn57Ql5HUxYJtfhpOgx2rb9z62dUfmETuFrX1wSGRyQsfQHce97ViBlmGAy55c8OK0IMOPGHwbYZ_i9-5ey4XSt1MslDSI6C8jNpA32U/s1600/Picture+083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctlJBK9AJ9bDN2fJp7yt52WHCV2OLchNyAZ4Xn57Ql5HUxYJtfhpOgx2rb9z62dUfmETuFrX1wSGRyQsfQHce97ViBlmGAy55c8OK0IMOPGHwbYZ_i9-5ey4XSt1MslDSI6C8jNpA32U/s400/Picture+083.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Cataract Falls</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You don't want to slip and go over this</div><br />
As I started to jog down the hill, my vertigo kicked in again, so I walked down the long switchback trail into the Sherman aid station, about mile 25. As I did Mark Heaphy and Kris Kern ran past, I walked on. One year I ran down this with Jeff Wilbur and was wasted in the Sherman aid station, puking my way up Handies...so this year I eased down , mostly walking due to the spins and got into the aid station with my drop bag dumped out on the table for me. I again wanted some calories before this long 13 mile section over Handies Peak, the one 14,000' peak. So I drank my soy milk, had a little bit of mac and cheese and washed that down with a cup of soup. I stayed here for awhile to let the vertigo settle down, along with my stomach, which the vertigo causes to be a little nauseous. By the time I left the aid station after talking some pictures, I completely forgot about the dizziness, felt good and hoped it was gone for the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEIVhyWj_ti14QHpK5K9dPOfUABK8M9viEX-uUSnO1H4FeZ8fPvdu5Xw9mOT1ZjnZHi625qv4yg0sCTbnxVilZyiJdXFBef22ba3vFK2tz2KlXUSDgO348caHYvilpxrdOOG7qpms8qk/s1600/Picture+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEIVhyWj_ti14QHpK5K9dPOfUABK8M9viEX-uUSnO1H4FeZ8fPvdu5Xw9mOT1ZjnZHi625qv4yg0sCTbnxVilZyiJdXFBef22ba3vFK2tz2KlXUSDgO348caHYvilpxrdOOG7qpms8qk/s400/Picture+086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Me fueling up in Sherman</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SmLb2bkwlmZyBbYKhB1O1xeqQs2IDLM5qLZW70OZ3ozRwrGfob7flpxJZuXGmN9ijB0vhjJ0alqtK0ATYNgrEVlbiBN44MRRFTbtGokGZQN4O7UWhFGQqpEp5ZN82JSzCAhsBMgMT_E/s1600/Picture+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SmLb2bkwlmZyBbYKhB1O1xeqQs2IDLM5qLZW70OZ3ozRwrGfob7flpxJZuXGmN9ijB0vhjJ0alqtK0ATYNgrEVlbiBN44MRRFTbtGokGZQN4O7UWhFGQqpEp5ZN82JSzCAhsBMgMT_E/s400/Picture+095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Roger Wrublik leaving Sherman ahead of me</b></div><br />
As I left the aid station with Rodger Wrublik in front and Robert Andrulis in behind, I was feeling good now and cranked up the trail. Rodger stepped aside saying I was climbing better than he was. Nearing the top, Ken Ward went by my and I mumbled something about getting old, but once up on the road I reeled him in by off and on jogging and also caught up to Mark Heaphy and Chris Twiggs at the Grizzly Gulch trail head up to Handies Peak. Looking back I probably pushed this section too hard, but it felt easy. Should have worn my HR monitor, which I'll do at the Bear in September like I did last year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V2CL_crxFiU9C3Qu9uYDA8c8_KsWymVMjBcIhZEV5zLR9i_BY6Zj1aVsibJ2jbwbU1bpAy2-u6LLX7HXDiaPSYaJbK3BDk7kiDRCOhrIljJhphRKQWZABKh76QJAmjE34b2C0UE_BIs/s1600/Picture+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V2CL_crxFiU9C3Qu9uYDA8c8_KsWymVMjBcIhZEV5zLR9i_BY6Zj1aVsibJ2jbwbU1bpAy2-u6LLX7HXDiaPSYaJbK3BDk7kiDRCOhrIljJhphRKQWZABKh76QJAmjE34b2C0UE_BIs/s400/Picture+096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The dusty Burrow Park Road</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">My last photo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>As soon as I started up, I felt the dizziness return, so sat on a log to dump out my shoes again and while doing so Marcy Beard cranked on by. Man, she looked strong as I was starting to feel weaker. So while sitting there I ate some Gu Crumbles and polished off a bottle of water. Again as I started I felt dizzy, so tried to walk up the trail without turning my head to the side and when I took a drink from my bottle, I tried to not tip my head up much. Several times I fell to the side, losing my balance and had to sit down for a bit. Up near the top Rick Hodges, then Robert Andrulis went by. When Chris Twiggs went by I told him to let the aid station know I was having some vertigo, but would be there as soon as I could. I knew they'd be wondering when I wasn't there in the right time. Roger came along and we hiked up the final climb together, he again let me lead and Chris and Bob Combs were taking breaks behind us. The weather was moving in with lightening, high winds and rain, so I put my jacket on...all my really warm clothes were in the next aid station, Grouse Gulch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKssHLEcjz28I6qzCtta_Uc-jzJkSa-T0EjYZfVES_sZAf7-UC8bOv07AihW-ELd1liGxHHT8VxJjyQb8aW6fS_Mrxrc2ruXWUJR4v3zTfwKBmi7LFgMWJf7ZmRKYND52k3IDKodxilvI/s1600/Handies+-+giest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKssHLEcjz28I6qzCtta_Uc-jzJkSa-T0EjYZfVES_sZAf7-UC8bOv07AihW-ELd1liGxHHT8VxJjyQb8aW6fS_Mrxrc2ruXWUJR4v3zTfwKBmi7LFgMWJf7ZmRKYND52k3IDKodxilvI/s400/Handies+-+giest.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Handies Peak up ahead</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Bill Geist photo)</div><br />
Once we reached the summit of Handies, my fellow runners made sure that I would be alright and I told them to go on with their races and I'd be in the aid station as soon as I could get there. This is where the fun begins!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuWP9jGCyHXWUqnzawbBXRBjnJ-SEH3IHZqa3aJqTfdDc3weoC9mml4czyw6onNpkqDyOuuX3YpBGlMhy50SxNzMQ7IU8nHvHDR5ih8N43rDstvBvhxzuJ9w2qY93PSPPweQu7Im7c-w/s1600/American+Basin+-+Giest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuWP9jGCyHXWUqnzawbBXRBjnJ-SEH3IHZqa3aJqTfdDc3weoC9mml4czyw6onNpkqDyOuuX3YpBGlMhy50SxNzMQ7IU8nHvHDR5ih8N43rDstvBvhxzuJ9w2qY93PSPPweQu7Im7c-w/s400/American+Basin+-+Giest.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>That bowl in the center with all the snow is American Basin</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Bill Geist photo)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdiZ7lHxTzLrpseyE75Pr5PsT5W7YVGUzZIQ1M_4Yf0h-8De0gAHUuGoJbasnAUtZdsYj2oCIJh8w7KINP4AvwrF8AFz2PDsUc5ADhWcdUIlcVct6IG5Qbxzs0RmlNT5oQOY3K9QYjBc/s1600/Off+Handies-Giest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdiZ7lHxTzLrpseyE75Pr5PsT5W7YVGUzZIQ1M_4Yf0h-8De0gAHUuGoJbasnAUtZdsYj2oCIJh8w7KINP4AvwrF8AFz2PDsUc5ADhWcdUIlcVct6IG5Qbxzs0RmlNT5oQOY3K9QYjBc/s400/Off+Handies-Giest.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The steep trail off of Handies</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Bill Geist photo)</div><br />
The snowfields on the other side of Handies were crumbling from the rain and every time I stepped into a footstep, it broke loose on the downhill side of the hillside, causing me to fall and with the vertigo, keeping my balance was near impossible. I immediately turned my light on, even though it was still daylight, in case I did slip down one of the snowfields and could be rescued. I tried running down the loose dirt of the mountain, but was slipping and couldn't look down without the world spinning. The trail at the top was very steep and loose and all I could do was walk while my buds ran off down the trail. After several snowfields I was in the bowl that was the American Basin section and all the way to the top of Grouse-American was snow and most of it was walking alongside a hill at an angle with the snow breaking free with each footstep. The conditions were not good and getting worse. Next up was a flash of light and a boom right above my head. The flash caused the snow to light up brighter than I'd ever seen. There were three flashes and booms, followed by heavy hail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFKDLGY2Gcm4HKhKhcudd5a_vNdw2d9ttfCQ7OEzvSxGR0HGfHHlYEZJ0jiLFxueTpGL0r8e_CbMyJCDsy75IRbztkpiA7DMBN4KRlpHHIc_X6b-9Lnfyu5zXTrQ7zyZ7y62FgrjrrMc/s1600/work.3300064.2.flat%252C550x550%252C075%252Cf.mountain-lightning-thunderstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFKDLGY2Gcm4HKhKhcudd5a_vNdw2d9ttfCQ7OEzvSxGR0HGfHHlYEZJ0jiLFxueTpGL0r8e_CbMyJCDsy75IRbztkpiA7DMBN4KRlpHHIc_X6b-9Lnfyu5zXTrQ7zyZ7y62FgrjrrMc/s400/work.3300064.2.flat%252C550x550%252C075%252Cf.mountain-lightning-thunderstorm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What it felt like was above me</b></div><br />
The clothing I had on was two thin nylon shirts, one long and one short sleeve, a pair of nylon shorts and my Marmot Precip jacket. The jacket was the only thing really keeping in any body heat, but the muscles were starting to clench into shivering and if I didn't move quicker would be shivering. I looked up and saw no lights, I looked back and saw a few a ways back, it was now dark. All I saw ahead of me was a steep snowfield that seemed to go up unending, but knowing the course, I knew that there was a top to this and it would be sooner than later. I was having trouble finding the course markers, but just walked up where I knew I needed to go....more flashes and booms, hail bouncing off my head and bare legs. I had my hood up, tied tightly to keep in some heat and walked up as hard as I could. I also put my aluminum Fenix flashlight inside my jacket sleeve with the front peaking out, worried about a lightening hit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHbeYHvQ5RtWWHLz74JdjqVFEhpf0aw9XQU2Jey40BVz9UzFSdRRmaO1na3Dqhjxix56lblG3qx8IlBAfI16TlPyAd9nvVImK0TdRANrX1YJqqqqwYnVLEP0ILpKZVkv_dq1Mh3h_4PM/s1600/Snowfield.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHbeYHvQ5RtWWHLz74JdjqVFEhpf0aw9XQU2Jey40BVz9UzFSdRRmaO1na3Dqhjxix56lblG3qx8IlBAfI16TlPyAd9nvVImK0TdRANrX1YJqqqqwYnVLEP0ILpKZVkv_dq1Mh3h_4PM/s400/Snowfield.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This is very similar to the snowfield we had to traverse</b></div><br />
I soon reached the top and followed the course markers over the top and down the steep scree trail, luckily the vertigo wasn't bothering me right now. I saw a figure in the dark ahead walking down the trail with no light. I thought bear, but it was a runner I caught up to who hadn't gotten his light out yet, he did and followed me down the rocky trail. A couple of nasty snowfields to go down that had no footsteps anymore, so I stepped to the side of them and side stepped down to not slip, fall, get wet and cold. I was exhausted now...and the aid station couldn't come sooner. Once I got back on the trail, me and my now trail companion had two creek crossings that I knew would be raging with all this rain and melting snow. The first one wasn't bad, but the second one was just scary to look at. The water was roaring down the side of the mountain, hitting some boulders and flying up in the air right where we had to cross. I stopped to evaluate my choices and there was only one, right through the middle. I told my companion behind me that I was having vertigo issues and to watch to make sure I kept my footing. I stepped into the water, making sure I braced my foot against a boulder downstream in order to not slip and then jumped across with the water hitting me on my side, pushing me onto the trail, instead of down the waterfall. I looked back to make sure he made it across, I let him by and continued down the now switchbacks.<br />
<br />
Yeah I still had some dizziness, the trail was moving not only underneath my feet, but also every now and then it would go sideways and I'd almost fall. WTF!<br />
<br />
I got down to the road and into the aid station, they asked if I was alright, I mentioned the Vertigo and they had been waiting for me. Seems that when it was mentioned that a runner on Handies had vertigo, they were discussing a rescue down in Silverton, but the docs at the Grouse Gulch know me from all my years of running this and after talking with Chris Twiggs felt like I'd make it down safely.<br />
<br />
I got in the tent, they insisted I lie down and asked what I thought. I mentioned that I was concerned about going down the Bear Creek trail (a shelf trail cut into the side of a cliff with a 400 foot drop to a river) in this condition and thought I should stop rather than put anyone in danger. They were hoping I'd agree to that decision.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseJBfX7yX-pJa_7hJ1LPMdzi7SRE-X9llckXTqdGTyekc-AAPrs8pwEJj7Cjz2u1zVMvJChn_jEF_5p1rXihFQTr_TTjilKh7GJwJO3DAyr_LDaaieUDXe59HYZRxEOVMTppAyuFPfEM/s1600/149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseJBfX7yX-pJa_7hJ1LPMdzi7SRE-X9llckXTqdGTyekc-AAPrs8pwEJj7Cjz2u1zVMvJChn_jEF_5p1rXihFQTr_TTjilKh7GJwJO3DAyr_LDaaieUDXe59HYZRxEOVMTppAyuFPfEM/s400/149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Bear Creek trail</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a good place to be dizzy</div><br />
So my race was over....another Hardrock failure. What does it take to get through this run? I did all the training that I knew I needed to do in the past 6 months (averaging well over 50MPW), I was living at 8100' and regularly going above 10, 11 and 12,000' in training with Deb. My weekly training in Albuquerque in the 90's had me heat trained, but that I didn't need this year, I never felt hot at all. I was hoping that Deb stopped at Sherman so that she wouldn't have to go through what I just went through on Handies...turns out she was right on the other side of the mountain coming up, going through her own struggles with the weather, along with Joe Prusaitis, Greg Loomis, Marty Fritzhand and Rick Pearcy, who got really hypothermic.<br />
<br />
Once done I was able to get a ride into town by Chris Twiggs' parents along with Jeff Heasley, there was a lot of shivering in the heated jeep. Thanks for that ride!<br />
<br />
Now I look ahead to next year...should I try again? Initial thoughts say no, but that always changes in time. I'm thinking I can always enter and if I don't get in, the decision is made for me, if I do get in I then have 6 months to decide.<br />
<br />
I'm now in the process of recovery....42 miles at Hardrock takes more out of me than most completed 100's. That was 42 miles in 16 hours! 16 hours of climbing and descending, battling the cold hail and rain and fighting with the spins. I'm also going to have this vertigo checked out, because if it continues, Hardrock will not be attempted again...it's just too dangerous and I'm putting others at risk if I had to be rescued.<br />
I've been running Hardrock since 2000 in one form or another and these were the worst conditions I have ever seen. One of the officials said they were the worst conditions since 1997.<br />
Several people have asked if I am disappointed, but really neither of us are because Hardrock isn't about the race....it's about the 2 weeks spent with our Hardrock family doing the course marking, marching in the parade, watching the fireworks. I could not have asked for a better vacation. Besides, what a great training run for the Bear! :-)<br />
<br />
So in three weeks Deb and I are running the <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a> and in 9 weeks, the <a href="http://www.bear100.com/">Bear 100</a>. Deb's running <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch</a> in 7 weeks.<br />
Our forests in NM are closed, so there will be no trail training until those open again and that won't happen until the monsoons come. We may occasionally go up to Colorado to do some long runs, it's only a 4 hour drive.<br />
<br />
So that's it, Hardrock is history. The weather caused 60 runners to drop from the race, the officials feel lucky that they had no casualties and could easily have had some if the field of Hardrock weren't so well accomplished in running mountain in all kinds of weather, this is one of the reasons for the strict qualifications.<br />
<br />
I did take some pictures until the vertigo got worse after Burrows road and those can be seen here:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011HardrockHundredTheRace">https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011HardrockHundredTheRace</a><br />
If you back up to my album you can view the photos I took during course marking and also some videos of the fireworks on July 4th from the Avon Hotel back porch. Great memories :-)<br />
For complete results go here:<br />
<a href="http://ultrarun.net/HR100/CourseRunRank/Live">http://ultrarun.net/HR100/CourseRunRank/Live</a><br />
<br />
For shoes I wore my <a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain-running/crosslite-2.0">LaSportiva Crosslite 2.0's</a>. They had good grip, but the comfort went away after about 20 miles. I was going to wear the more cushioned<a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain-running/quantum"> LaSportiva Quantums</a>, but the wave sole would not have worked on the snow.<br />
For fuel I started with some <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html">EFS Liquid Shot</a>, which I used to compliment the food I was eating. That and my chocolate Soymilk that I put in all my drop bags. I need to eat more during these events, but just can't or I'll get sick so I'm always on the edge of bonking.<br />
Socks were <a href="http://www.drymaxsocks.com/lite_trail_running.php">Drymax</a> Trail Lite, I love these socks.<br />
<a href="http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/raceelite-series/elite-2v-plus">Nathan 2 bottle waist pack</a><br />
Fenix LD20 handheld was my light with a Petzl Tikka plus as a backup.<br />
<br />
As for Deb she was recovering from a truck accident from back in December and was having some issues still, but felt ready to give it a go. The weather is what knocked her out, not the injuries. I think the weather knocked out the majority of the 60 runners who did not make it to the finish.<br />
<br />
See you on the trails!<br />
SteveSteve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-19495619644161005472011-06-20T12:47:00.001-06:002011-06-20T13:11:37.242-06:00San Juan Solstice 50 mile....year of the alternate course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl-GElLuFA4xZGabfTOE9IDTR02rFhNGpAQxAWvVkPQ3MHyy6Ei-z3vMKP4C0njwypVHPtibQTRO16F1oxMKvlCGaaSjeMiZ02kzge2YarVLhoH8eMSxlcHa_k0OADAOkh3g1ldH3Nsg/s1600/sjs50_alternate_profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl-GElLuFA4xZGabfTOE9IDTR02rFhNGpAQxAWvVkPQ3MHyy6Ei-z3vMKP4C0njwypVHPtibQTRO16F1oxMKvlCGaaSjeMiZ02kzge2YarVLhoH8eMSxlcHa_k0OADAOkh3g1ldH3Nsg/s400/sjs50_alternate_profile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yeah...<a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Alternate_Route.html">alternate course</a>. Many of us were thinking...easier, not going up over 13,000 feet, less snow, most likely personal bests on this "easier" course. Well, it was anything but! The consensus of most runners, including David Coblentz, who has run this 10 times, that this alternate route was for sure more difficult. Look at the profile above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSGGI3uMiSvN82UkU8U2x6_TygJwzsz8O8s7HmlDf1kpNZvq3IIFe5ag9NNNntpVzF29DJL-gGwBK3YX6Z3vxKacbwpBi-p6khvtjWbwpjBt1PfSc0rIPL8vPghx68Micu_tVqNnbBNg/s1600/LA+boyz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSGGI3uMiSvN82UkU8U2x6_TygJwzsz8O8s7HmlDf1kpNZvq3IIFe5ag9NNNntpVzF29DJL-gGwBK3YX6Z3vxKacbwpBi-p6khvtjWbwpjBt1PfSc0rIPL8vPghx68Micu_tVqNnbBNg/s400/LA+boyz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>David Coblentz, Brian Crone and Tom Stockton from Los Alamos, NM.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The race went pretty much as planned for me eventually....but I sortof got pulled into an early quick pace for a couple of reasons. One, as we ran through the streets of Lake City heading to the trails, I noticed I was breathing quite hard at this elevation of 8800+ feet, not what I was expecting after having lived at 8100' for the past 5 months, but running along with Bogie I was charged, felt great and ready to roll. We powered up the first climb and once was able to, I dieseled up ahead of many, with a complaining Bogie all the way to the top ;-). Then after we crested the first climb and started to run down, I saw a bunch of chatting runners coming out of the woods to my upper right and I could see that the course markers were clearly going down through a field to the left. Immediately after merging with these runners, I got sucked into their pace and saw Charles Corfield directly in front of me. We started to talk (Charles would normally already be well ahead of me) and I learned that they went off course for about a half mile. Once at the bottom of a way too fast downhill, I stepped aside and saw Tom Stockton fly by me, too. Poor Tom got sucked into the herd that went off course, too. Then as we were running down another hill, we all almost went off again, until Tom caught the right turn into the woods and up a small hill. We all ran into the mile 11 aid station together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0WZVQyLYbrFvGtbpMoo2F2jKf-QdArI0lmhfMMg1lKs_qCfNJVVxxG4krTdW73wzXC8rcV4g1qNJIGz5JxinQ0kxWpVCKXImFjfwX14WCCS9VnD2LMAYMBoptUpjsTbzNRaBGrimRas/s1600/LA+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0WZVQyLYbrFvGtbpMoo2F2jKf-QdArI0lmhfMMg1lKs_qCfNJVVxxG4krTdW73wzXC8rcV4g1qNJIGz5JxinQ0kxWpVCKXImFjfwX14WCCS9VnD2LMAYMBoptUpjsTbzNRaBGrimRas/s400/LA+crew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Christine Coblentz and Marge Stockton were a lot of help during the day</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>They took this photo of me</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsbHC8WkjXfq-4LV1d8esvpDYO_2kdzdcDYDHQE5kYNCALl4RTTo1CRJmne6sidgpDw7yCg8iFa-NeMqjKp7TO0gxQ0YNjNkDKSvpYaQuOvCqblpTSWaMo4kYBjBoaaZ_uCL07Rb05MY/s1600/Me+at+SJS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsbHC8WkjXfq-4LV1d8esvpDYO_2kdzdcDYDHQE5kYNCALl4RTTo1CRJmne6sidgpDw7yCg8iFa-NeMqjKp7TO0gxQ0YNjNkDKSvpYaQuOvCqblpTSWaMo4kYBjBoaaZ_uCL07Rb05MY/s400/Me+at+SJS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Me showing my new Wasatch Speedgoat skin</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next section was possibly the most difficult of the race. It was an 11 mile loop that started with a steep 4 mile climb from below 9000' to above 12,000'. I was climbing up with a great group of runners and made several new friends as we talked and chugged up the climb. At the top the climb seemed to double in steepness for the final 100 yards to the point that traction was difficult! But we were rewarded with a wonderful ridge run that led to a much too fast 4.5 mile downhill on a dirt jeep road. At the bottom of his downhill run was where I decided that things were going just a little too fast with Hardrock less than 3 weeks away. Time to back off and back off is what I did, all the way to what felt like a Hardrock pace. Walk anything that resembled an uphill, jog and walk any flat sections and jog easily down the hills. This decision was made after coming into the mile 22 aid station feeling a little fried with legs starting to feel it, much too early for that!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO6iyST5xP6Gy9BEzsuFthD7hzz_iPEvZ-djbEL5ZCTTfgvvhDyY0s-7BCvBXwlGrtRZsr6gXvRID77FqIebrWHtGxyOfRJwAoczQjRNFA22wkCAivdLplNpemY-gQ2IjMrTXV0Ivids/s1600/Snow+at+SJS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO6iyST5xP6Gy9BEzsuFthD7hzz_iPEvZ-djbEL5ZCTTfgvvhDyY0s-7BCvBXwlGrtRZsr6gXvRID77FqIebrWHtGxyOfRJwAoczQjRNFA22wkCAivdLplNpemY-gQ2IjMrTXV0Ivids/s400/Snow+at+SJS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Running across a snowfield near the 12,000+' summit</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W-1alpyit6XyuhGsNAdNRu75O5-XXbNXeaSaWJwiAo530Xq75TN7jpdK88LUBa4IwPDsQZ_mR7-BB3hiuIoM1KtExVpzEiCzEJsMgRzoFHtBvqK53LfhKnrrLR5c-kVIuuMipPMVtPk/s1600/Ridge+running+at+SJS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W-1alpyit6XyuhGsNAdNRu75O5-XXbNXeaSaWJwiAo530Xq75TN7jpdK88LUBa4IwPDsQZ_mR7-BB3hiuIoM1KtExVpzEiCzEJsMgRzoFHtBvqK53LfhKnrrLR5c-kVIuuMipPMVtPk/s400/Ridge+running+at+SJS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Awesome ridge running up high, this was the highlight of the day</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlTRwP699uoSjYTxSZFmWPqEXHZhbkwrXYbGFW59G2JjkFkdN1KUm8TTocoQtWDLp7xpGhmr1hp2-7OZ9p0zEagvqzg2YQ-0dYz2ZGfmDDexjd468Vra1MQ4klzDKKSmndRPbLiEUMQA/s1600/Ridge+running+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlTRwP699uoSjYTxSZFmWPqEXHZhbkwrXYbGFW59G2JjkFkdN1KUm8TTocoQtWDLp7xpGhmr1hp2-7OZ9p0zEagvqzg2YQ-0dYz2ZGfmDDexjd468Vra1MQ4klzDKKSmndRPbLiEUMQA/s400/Ridge+running+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Annette up ahead, 7 time finisher!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">From there we entered the section we all dreaded, the road section around <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_San_Cristobal">Lake San Christobal</a>. What made that section enjoyable was the awesome views all the way around the lake. What made it bad was all the vehicles going by and kicking up the dust. Most of this section, which must have been around 7 miles long, I just got into a rhythm of walking/running until it was over. While walking one of the uphill long stretches, Scott Eppleman of Texas came flying by us. He had gone off course for about 2 miles and was now trying to get back to where he should have been in the field.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39GP_KgARtvrr-8mgbJNqAJHnD7YX7MJAl03iTpkCsWprbVmSbF3uAxtr18qYdvc8iVRV-Vpah8c-LztzLvTRwggFfhJLOnmc5uWEQ8ij5ldKJ2MVRUD2vzSAwNoW0YzxJiW7PeXmyGo/s1600/Lake+San+Christibal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39GP_KgARtvrr-8mgbJNqAJHnD7YX7MJAl03iTpkCsWprbVmSbF3uAxtr18qYdvc8iVRV-Vpah8c-LztzLvTRwggFfhJLOnmc5uWEQ8ij5ldKJ2MVRUD2vzSAwNoW0YzxJiW7PeXmyGo/s400/Lake+San+Christibal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lake San Christobal with Sunshine and Redcloud in the distance</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzQBt0RR2DKIyfekVQQpQvZRaAznWuFxAWAp7vlubWzteCHS8_vI-zuQtSN1fkmphQBpp8qyRrshoSn4Ctp0k8DLd-aCU3xkHPNt1eSBIN0Z0_w26nS4mjIHQLfUSeav9_CMxB3eR3xY/s1600/Rough+river+at+SJS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzQBt0RR2DKIyfekVQQpQvZRaAznWuFxAWAp7vlubWzteCHS8_vI-zuQtSN1fkmphQBpp8qyRrshoSn4Ctp0k8DLd-aCU3xkHPNt1eSBIN0Z0_w26nS4mjIHQLfUSeav9_CMxB3eR3xY/s400/Rough+river+at+SJS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>This was the river we were running alongside, it was rough and fast</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Glad we didn't have to cross the rivers this year!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">At the end of this road stretch, we had a small aid station where I sat down and dumped some rocks out of my shoes. I needed this short break because this was climb #3, which rivaled #2 in that it was long, steep and went up over 12,000 feet. The early fast pace was starting to take it's toll and my tummy wasn't feeling too good all of a sudden, so I took 2 electrolyte caps with some water and ate a package of Honey Stinger chews. Most of the day I had been consuming First Endurance EFS Liquid Shot, but didn't think I was going to get any more of that down, so had to try different things now. The climb didn't seem as bad as the last one after mile 11, but man it was long...and as we neared the top and got on the Colorado Trail, I was starting to hurt from the altitude, getting a headache and breathing real hard. The headache was mild, but close to the one I got up on Santa Fe Baldy (12,600+') last weekend. Guess I'm still not acclimated with only 5 months under my belt of living and training at altitude.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmKdkP62zoJIRoQ5BC3M3Ouh74LSW3kMUoM5NJZDFRdISf5zbFViXM5atoq-Yu0hBcsYE4wNxOmLL-k8DuBhLfZWFT9w4nXZ6GQqlGu8HBq1bl_kaipLB6Raf5CHoZ3tmqY0f4tt7HOo/s1600/View+with+marker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmKdkP62zoJIRoQ5BC3M3Ouh74LSW3kMUoM5NJZDFRdISf5zbFViXM5atoq-Yu0hBcsYE4wNxOmLL-k8DuBhLfZWFT9w4nXZ6GQqlGu8HBq1bl_kaipLB6Raf5CHoZ3tmqY0f4tt7HOo/s400/View+with+marker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Up around 12K for the 2nd time, this time around 30 miles or so</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiKVlTYj2qzuYWD515XoZIu7rDjZXWtvy6fvydUO_iXkXWWSgsxescXwYjRN4-Iixlyfxxcmqbzn2qUTLrlfdFDTOqfFr02HcSCE9XyfybpKU07_CrDpbKgQ-DBSK77LL2zwh73DX0xk/s1600/Another+nice+view+around+30+miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiKVlTYj2qzuYWD515XoZIu7rDjZXWtvy6fvydUO_iXkXWWSgsxescXwYjRN4-Iixlyfxxcmqbzn2qUTLrlfdFDTOqfFr02HcSCE9XyfybpKU07_CrDpbKgQ-DBSK77LL2zwh73DX0xk/s400/Another+nice+view+around+30+miles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Some of the views up here, which were incredible</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw0fNh2fjnpI6xBHBK18pdOTIm4gp-0okIzXxyeU19zKAv9dh4UtsyYucu7DCSo5n3St4XKmVFwV77RsRbflZaec8b-E5OxgJnDOUV6GnM7loUIMKck9r22xzGEaNj17YdK0MfEEdrg0/s1600/Nice+view+around+30+miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw0fNh2fjnpI6xBHBK18pdOTIm4gp-0okIzXxyeU19zKAv9dh4UtsyYucu7DCSo5n3St4XKmVFwV77RsRbflZaec8b-E5OxgJnDOUV6GnM7loUIMKck9r22xzGEaNj17YdK0MfEEdrg0/s400/Nice+view+around+30+miles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Breathtaking country</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached the Divide aid station at around mile 35 and I sat down and had some soup for the first time. Good Ramen noodles, washed that down with a cup of Coke and headed out. I was there for maybe 5 minutes only, I don't like spending much time in aid stations, it can be your undoing. I headed out and remembering this section from when I ran this in 2007, it's a long time up high on a rutted jeep road. It wasn't a fun stretch, but the reward at the end of it is a general downhill to the finish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNYbX0qxg0byj9X8sr5HIk7IjRftjvNVebLz20wEF_tcTylbbU0dWWmxVM_Z2Dg9gJaA0kF0fB28YSTKWPQrswZXlnk6AdeQzZekkDZfBQigZf1tsPQJLFTDflzCTWsuxJL_kXO9EViw/s1600/Road+to+Slum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNYbX0qxg0byj9X8sr5HIk7IjRftjvNVebLz20wEF_tcTylbbU0dWWmxVM_Z2Dg9gJaA0kF0fB28YSTKWPQrswZXlnk6AdeQzZekkDZfBQigZf1tsPQJLFTDflzCTWsuxJL_kXO9EViw/s400/Road+to+Slum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The road to Slumgullion, it went on and on...</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was another small aid station before we reached the start of the downhill and I just grabbed a couple of cups of Coke and kept going. Before I was at the start of the downhill I heard a call out behind me and looked back to see Jody, my <a href="http://wasatchspeedgoatracingteam.blogspot.com/p/who-are-goats.html">Wasatch Speedgoat</a> teammate coming towards me. At this point Jody should be well ahead of me, so I knew something had gone wrong and sure enough, like many, she went off course. I will add here that the course was well marked, more of us did not go off course than did. It's easy to just follow the runners in front of you, especially when you're starting to feel tired and I'll bet this is what happened to these runners who went off. Jody and I hung out for a bit, as we began the rocky downhill, but I told her to go on because I needed to back off for Hardrock, can't even pound the downhills like I usually do. She went on and I didn't see her again until back at the house after the race. She finished about 15 minutes ahead of me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiGWcFRKHDH23f2CfVlYe9O8p_Wm0zVyurtjzzQRrWBbSCmOj5wkiCoCqsJM7ijnqKP82B7WPtbwU1LRmNCv2q-UAE3EkYm6pG1i8A0Wrks9vh-e9PPEX1GCUr3XOgmd8jt_bRYOkAjE/s1600/Jody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiGWcFRKHDH23f2CfVlYe9O8p_Wm0zVyurtjzzQRrWBbSCmOj5wkiCoCqsJM7ijnqKP82B7WPtbwU1LRmNCv2q-UAE3EkYm6pG1i8A0Wrks9vh-e9PPEX1GCUr3XOgmd8jt_bRYOkAjE/s400/Jody.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jody coming up from behind</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">At the bottom of the hill is the Slumgullion aid station at mile 40. Here I again sat down and had a cup of Ramen, followed by a couple of cups of Coke. I then asked to have Coke in one of my bottles to help fuel these final 10 miles because there were no more gels going into this tummy! What I forgot was to get ice in the bottle, warm Coke = yuck! But I did sip it to keep the stream of calories coming in because coming up was difficult climb #4!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN795lRbb8fOnKeRYDA7EUMT1_Wavsg3zNyB8frtFWCNVsXQTXu0-E8PUgicvUK2nCJj5QsNWj8hwoOTZR5vnQ6HWrYl040RBvootKDlKiZwhA0VFCtAQZYKh3gow7HaFI5G04MscQfg/s1600/Slum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN795lRbb8fOnKeRYDA7EUMT1_Wavsg3zNyB8frtFWCNVsXQTXu0-E8PUgicvUK2nCJj5QsNWj8hwoOTZR5vnQ6HWrYl040RBvootKDlKiZwhA0VFCtAQZYKh3gow7HaFI5G04MscQfg/s400/Slum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Controlled mayhem at Slumgullion, mile 40.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jerry Gray, RD in the gray cap and red shirt observing</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once leaving the aid station, it goes downhill for a bit which I couldn't run much of because my bottle of Coke kept popping open and spraying sticky sugar on me. At the bottom of the hill you have a somewhat difficult stream crossing and several areas where you had to go across some dirt hills, not on the top, but on the side. I was hoping there'd be no cramps, because it would be disaster here. At the side of the dirt hill I came upon a woman who had no idea what to do, so I scrambled across it pushing against some trees to keep from falling down the side of the hill into the woods and said "There you go, that's how you do it!" She wasn't impressed ;-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After that the climb began through a beautiful stand of Aspens and I just had no climbing left. I was barely moving, but kept putting once step in front of the other. One guy slowly went by me and mentioned that he was going full throttle, but then I noticed I was gaining on him. It was comical because here we are yo-yo-ing back and forth and we were probably moving at 1 mph ;-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CI_RywdF64lDibh6KpnnU-TXMVseGc2tF8-ySaL7_2IqMx_qDJtTwE2WuPytuqf8hscvGph9Y1viINnKfvHTLOqA7l4hsGe-kTzdm9UKPRs5IqwVfvxUf-XA9HoxDJPoAN0WYQaZQJo/s1600/Aspens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CI_RywdF64lDibh6KpnnU-TXMVseGc2tF8-ySaL7_2IqMx_qDJtTwE2WuPytuqf8hscvGph9Y1viINnKfvHTLOqA7l4hsGe-kTzdm9UKPRs5IqwVfvxUf-XA9HoxDJPoAN0WYQaZQJo/s400/Aspens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Aspens took my mind off of how lousy I felt during this climb</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Near the top of the climb I heard Bogie behind me. Bogie and I had started together, but when I had to stop to make a pit stop early after the first climb, I lost him and figured I wouldn't see him again, but guess what? He went off course and was now catching this slow slug. He asked what my plans were and I told him #1 priority was to not get hurt or too beat up for Hardrock and he asked if he could join me, so we did our easy walking jogging thing talking all the way about many different things.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4R_7LWWihWafIsVvI69TxlH0QnKIPbIWQCV_M1lVOl4qIV4hSVkJ_CYkKCpFJYUmEuAJq1SSo-DeabkFSqIrwz822JX-ccFJDEe1O1z-cX_2Mu9rpeVYC-CL8mXrcKuQ8sOnvg6V4tI/s1600/Bogie+at+Vickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4R_7LWWihWafIsVvI69TxlH0QnKIPbIWQCV_M1lVOl4qIV4hSVkJ_CYkKCpFJYUmEuAJq1SSo-DeabkFSqIrwz822JX-ccFJDEe1O1z-cX_2Mu9rpeVYC-CL8mXrcKuQ8sOnvg6V4tI/s400/Bogie+at+Vickers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bogie at Vicker's aid, mile 46</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrijCGab2hH8qs4l3zkhS3CoQIinqe0DmrU46isyoxQgDSxr0NlzJErj1V6KM0FT8oBpehKfYOM0gAydRYe1SZNsOHL80mnyB7NU8nv-hxcKVGDWlKNSH6WQYeFKGMYoNVEa379FQxM8/s1600/Vickers%252C+almost+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrijCGab2hH8qs4l3zkhS3CoQIinqe0DmrU46isyoxQgDSxr0NlzJErj1V6KM0FT8oBpehKfYOM0gAydRYe1SZNsOHL80mnyB7NU8nv-hxcKVGDWlKNSH6WQYeFKGMYoNVEa379FQxM8/s400/Vickers%252C+almost+done.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This sign at Vicker's was good to finally see</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We soon came to the final aid station, Vicker's at mile 46, got some ice in my bottle of now half gone Coke and moved on. Time to get this thing done! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivOdhm3f-uECg1_d4Kl0_zhwlsnzbop_AuyME9330NDiODeNjBi4Ny6MaU-jcP0mdzUlHCyPBIDCrR_uHcxSZkdScj606-MEMMFca1B4TAXAQ1klIdEMNk2SNRg3jAnrUIeWLXdlPDo4/s1600/Final+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivOdhm3f-uECg1_d4Kl0_zhwlsnzbop_AuyME9330NDiODeNjBi4Ny6MaU-jcP0mdzUlHCyPBIDCrR_uHcxSZkdScj606-MEMMFca1B4TAXAQ1klIdEMNk2SNRg3jAnrUIeWLXdlPDo4/s400/Final+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Goodbye to the views</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hello to Lake City !</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPW_C5OntBYL7nXj4eCXyfI_0AaCHuOTqCDh-AspWpoMcz6OW5mQiMRQWXIhJjwz_BHs9QJqP5hdZwy4KW9zBpGVedNM392-3gURZN_E4pL9BXN5gmSLNry4fOKn6-gcwawr4AEav5xU/s1600/Lake+City+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPW_C5OntBYL7nXj4eCXyfI_0AaCHuOTqCDh-AspWpoMcz6OW5mQiMRQWXIhJjwz_BHs9QJqP5hdZwy4KW9zBpGVedNM392-3gURZN_E4pL9BXN5gmSLNry4fOKn6-gcwawr4AEav5xU/s400/Lake+City+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>First sighting of Lake City since 5am...</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I remembered this section from 2007 as being a pleasant rolling downhill until the last bit of trail, which is really rocky and easily a place you can get injured if you try to slam it. In 2007 I did fly down it and ran hard through town, but this year I was being very careful, so just jogged down the trail with Bogie in tow...once we hit the road into town we ran a little harder, but then once we reached the paved road that is ever so slightly uphill, we walked. I saw a guy jog by us that looked like he was in my age group, was tempted to go after him but laziness took over and I really just didn't care at this point. Turns out he took 3rd in my age group of 55-59, so I could have easily had a small slice of tree if I wanted it ;-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bogie and I crossed the finish line together in 13:34, two minutes faster than I ran it in 2007 when I did finish 3rd in this same age group. This was done with several handicaps...a more difficult route, less time living at altitude (5 months vs a year in '07) and having gone out too fast, which usually crushes me in a race. So all in all good and I'm on track for somewhere around 40 hours at Hardrock. It's a common known thing that you generally triple your SJS50 time to get an approximation of your Hardrock time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRlYTM7gFGfSigncVDCVz__ulb6C631MZnj-zNK_brcJxxaIgfHodIfpSyclvGz-RX2wL_sl4sMp48leT1P-W-sCY_JkWnJGM0PJyrQbFwWUym-GytbU1_Q1YbQutV6BIK2cvtfHI9q8/s1600/Awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRlYTM7gFGfSigncVDCVz__ulb6C631MZnj-zNK_brcJxxaIgfHodIfpSyclvGz-RX2wL_sl4sMp48leT1P-W-sCY_JkWnJGM0PJyrQbFwWUym-GytbU1_Q1YbQutV6BIK2cvtfHI9q8/s400/Awards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Awards ceremony the next morning is always a good time</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday I really felt lousy, my stomach was messed up and my legs felt really beat up, but last night I had a steak, some ice cream and a couple of Guinness and all is well today. My legs feel a lot better and I'm ready for the big dance. The highlight of the weekend was getting a text from Deb on the drive home that I got into <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a>. Happy Father's Day it was! :-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRcxuEHiaUN1WmAH-xKpVRcbESyAGpIOE0WwwEo2pWKFlGARKj_baKCicpNmXrEl2zFMLZv8Lys6gRg967Efyk75agWeHv94jgI5CFC2aoQrHlPi6jGE0QGtgWxRwinnI2G43zgS1mMw/s1600/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRcxuEHiaUN1WmAH-xKpVRcbESyAGpIOE0WwwEo2pWKFlGARKj_baKCicpNmXrEl2zFMLZv8Lys6gRg967Efyk75agWeHv94jgI5CFC2aoQrHlPi6jGE0QGtgWxRwinnI2G43zgS1mMw/s1600/Hardrock-100-Logo.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Up next!!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Shoes: <a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2009/02/la-sportiva-crosslite-review-on-outside.html">La Sportiva Crosslites</a> (feet felt beat up a little after the run, but are fine today)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fuel: 4 flasks of <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-liquid-shot.html">1st Endurance EFS Liquid Shot</a>, one pkg of Honey Stinger chews, maybe about 5 electrolyte caps (not enough), several cups of Ramen and lots of Coke.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To see the rest of my pictures go here: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011SanJuanSolstice50#">https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011SanJuanSolstice50#</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Results will eventually be posted here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So now it's on to Hardrock! Until next time...</div><div style="text-align: left;">Steve</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-39631775265569761792011-05-23T11:08:00.003-06:002011-05-23T11:39:35.614-06:00Last Chance Saloon at the Jemez Mountain Trail RunsThis past Saturday was the <a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm">Jemez Mountain Trail Races</a>, which included a 1/2 marathon, 50K and 50 mile trail race. This being a local race, Deb and I decided to volunteer and give back to the sport, rather than run it. We have plenty of opportunities to run other races, but the local races need volunteers as much as they need runners, so that was how we spent this past Saturday, as captains of the last aid station, which was 1.9 miles from the finish. We saw the runners at their worst, patched them up and sent them in to the finish.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Here are your hosts of the Last Chance Saloon</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8DMRcKzNBHH1D2kf3L8yv1ysPvZYKgcVf54sxxTEd23S_auhcECEBKa3r94dZ3XRsBhCWEQ3-eHbsuspZFp7RRlJ1Fbhmv3fgAHzMxoFSetPFqWV8vdvEhMmYkuyaLnqKPKOR3zaV0Q/s1600/Steve+at+LCS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8DMRcKzNBHH1D2kf3L8yv1ysPvZYKgcVf54sxxTEd23S_auhcECEBKa3r94dZ3XRsBhCWEQ3-eHbsuspZFp7RRlJ1Fbhmv3fgAHzMxoFSetPFqWV8vdvEhMmYkuyaLnqKPKOR3zaV0Q/s400/Steve+at+LCS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Steve "Gringo" Pero</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMzdfFQZuIG2eQs8p4OKAEI45nkRt6kSQox3pKoIWss13a9uwHoo9JZUC-fADxiLrY03W-BXui4erbAMa05r3LEQjm0YWOUUJaNRI_ONrOSFKC-1yOy_uxdqnG4HPEeNBBrLx2x1o6Zg/s1600/Deb+at+LCS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMzdfFQZuIG2eQs8p4OKAEI45nkRt6kSQox3pKoIWss13a9uwHoo9JZUC-fADxiLrY03W-BXui4erbAMa05r3LEQjm0YWOUUJaNRI_ONrOSFKC-1yOy_uxdqnG4HPEeNBBrLx2x1o6Zg/s400/Deb+at+LCS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Deb "Tex" Pero</b></div><br />
The theme was the "Last Chance Saloon" and the signs leading into the station told the runners it was their Last Chance to eat, Last chance to drink, Last Chance to get a beer and their Last Chance to whine. We even had a bottle of Jim Beam at the exit of the station in case anyone wanted to ease their pains.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N9-sCrx9nO1cSSh7XciC6hTp19sCNbUiPdjaObL4q_uj2v0V0v-N1NvhkP7fSkdK4fDdFQQ3ihvT8ZmNY6OfgU7APnGm0ph-n1SR_wcJ3Cfzso4OhVdFAZlv9x_qNcCHxB_BvbCZmDE/s1600/We+dare+ya%2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N9-sCrx9nO1cSSh7XciC6hTp19sCNbUiPdjaObL4q_uj2v0V0v-N1NvhkP7fSkdK4fDdFQQ3ihvT8ZmNY6OfgU7APnGm0ph-n1SR_wcJ3Cfzso4OhVdFAZlv9x_qNcCHxB_BvbCZmDE/s400/We+dare+ya%2527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We dared ya'....and had many takers!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Notice it is with the first aid)</div><br />
Originally we were to be the 50 mile sweeps, but the race committee had that covered by a couple of Los Alamos high schoolers on bikes who did that last year, so were asked if we'd be up for the final aid station captainship, which we took on not knowing what we were getting ourselves into. Last year's captain of this aid station moved up to being the co-aid station coordinator.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeaJwELEoGvg7HukdX6iX8ZFNXOsaqjrMK6G16z-TMulptXPptdk_M3cGwA51gBVvpbrWadsPhO2IyQjsisYC6-kQVEd45PvTPzCEuvx8O70SkZqcyySIMBik2vSHCVXwplTjx79cVeg/s1600/Last+Chane+Saloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeaJwELEoGvg7HukdX6iX8ZFNXOsaqjrMK6G16z-TMulptXPptdk_M3cGwA51gBVvpbrWadsPhO2IyQjsisYC6-kQVEd45PvTPzCEuvx8O70SkZqcyySIMBik2vSHCVXwplTjx79cVeg/s400/Last+Chane+Saloon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alan, our radio guy joined us for a photo op.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Taken by <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/MichelleB2">Michelle B of Dailymile</a></b></div><br />
Turns out, other than the hauling and and even worse, the hauling out of supplies in darkness with headlamps, we had a lot of fun and hope we helped some runners have a better day and get to the finish line.<br />
It was about a half mile in and out of the canyon to the aid station site and around 60 gallons of water, tables, chairs, tent, sleeping bags and all the other food and drink had to be carried in by hand due to the rough nature of the rocky and sandy canyon floor. The carrying in we did over two different Fridays, but the hauling out at 10:30PM after a long day was not easy. Our day began at 4am when the alarm sounded and at 1am when we finally got to bed in our cabin in the Jemez Mountains, about 35 minutes west of Los Alamos, where we had several runners staying over the weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAXkZzIddXUk43e3CiAvvGc2S9a8QV6vg0Q4TIPoD31unl3EMT5DyZ8NZ5MLkglwmvtBqBM3q63RIkxu0bYWMDNimEsFxJ7sEUvMFYs3QXUlW400g3qsjZPTTzE7QU_WxeAYq3hTAFkI/s1600/Rendija+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAXkZzIddXUk43e3CiAvvGc2S9a8QV6vg0Q4TIPoD31unl3EMT5DyZ8NZ5MLkglwmvtBqBM3q63RIkxu0bYWMDNimEsFxJ7sEUvMFYs3QXUlW400g3qsjZPTTzE7QU_WxeAYq3hTAFkI/s400/Rendija+Canyon.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Rendija Canyon trail leading into the aid station, </b><b>where </b><b>we had to go to and from a half mile each way with supplies</b></div><br />
All in all we had a great time....the weather was perfect, a little chilly for the volunteers, but good for the runners. Following are some photos I took during the day when I wasn't driving back and forth to the store getting ice, Coke and other supplies we ran out of during the heat of the middle of the day. We made many new friends and mentioned my idea of a Texas BBQ at the station for next year, which got a unanimous approval! There were no major injuries or issues, just the usual vomiting and some chair sitting just a little too long before we kicked them out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dWf6zTKIY6x8qIEehZTWLBSP_RFCPwbdf_UJkTlXUly17V_YiFkW1f1OWcbYOFj1UaD1bodKy2EW1fCvEhY4lJzrKsvdE79J7Ov5WG5AWqFCZLZqmCU15-CkZoDIxPdVHSvk7b6GLmo/s1600/LCS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dWf6zTKIY6x8qIEehZTWLBSP_RFCPwbdf_UJkTlXUly17V_YiFkW1f1OWcbYOFj1UaD1bodKy2EW1fCvEhY4lJzrKsvdE79J7Ov5WG5AWqFCZLZqmCU15-CkZoDIxPdVHSvk7b6GLmo/s400/LCS.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT3W_l6kfNts07zmQn-5atRGbqJDC3jObDU0lPM5KktDTaHNz0hspdwitNHUfLMxb7yDE0cX8JRWoZs3_zDNFltHKbpSYiWBaJgWbtFG08Z19f-n6z-x9v-KE15ExjG9orBC1r05rlkU/s1600/Wanted+at+LCS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT3W_l6kfNts07zmQn-5atRGbqJDC3jObDU0lPM5KktDTaHNz0hspdwitNHUfLMxb7yDE0cX8JRWoZs3_zDNFltHKbpSYiWBaJgWbtFG08Z19f-n6z-x9v-KE15ExjG9orBC1r05rlkU/s400/Wanted+at+LCS.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The men responsible for the pain you are feeling</b></div><br />
Here are the all the photos I took during the day <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/LastChanceSaloonAidStationJMTR#">https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/LastChanceSaloonAidStationJMTR#</a><br />
Many runners were missed because I was out running errands off and on.<br />
<br />
Results can be found here:<br />
<a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/results.htm">http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/results.htm</a><br />
<br />
For us it's on to the <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50</a> mile trail race on June 18th, but first we work another aid station at the <a href="http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/run/">Run the Caldera Marathon</a> on June 11th and last we heard we're #'s 8 and 10 on the wait list for the Hardrock 100, so we're hopeful on getting into that.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Steve and DebSteve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-29025652157516459982011-03-30T10:00:00.000-06:002011-03-30T10:00:19.117-06:00La Sportiva Crosslite mountain running shoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4nGyaHlJWIEWuaXS6dkkY7Ty0SpkTUMyPGmU54VN6eRikDE8nWbH7PjVlBD9DfifZfTpHbPNRnt35WNTWC7jyaA8WLEM0wWKtGIOQSNUIgMhEdu8D1syHNSCVnoJTZr5Yo7DAgV_lNo/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4nGyaHlJWIEWuaXS6dkkY7Ty0SpkTUMyPGmU54VN6eRikDE8nWbH7PjVlBD9DfifZfTpHbPNRnt35WNTWC7jyaA8WLEM0wWKtGIOQSNUIgMhEdu8D1syHNSCVnoJTZr5Yo7DAgV_lNo/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One of the most important parts of the wardrobe of a trail and mountain runner is the shoes...and as a member of the <a href="http://www.wasatchspeedgoat.com/1067-2/">Wasatch Speedgoat Mountain Racing Team</a> I was introduced to the<a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/prod/16F"> La Sportiva</a> brand of trail running shoes. If we didn't have them as one of our sponsors, I may never have tried them, but I'm glad I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x1m1jiFMvMZ5KhEvb1R-qeXdZ_MiiLcN5qYjaDOQ6YkYjexU3DXsIbh2uELibY15P4rO5fy_2iILXnqp81lWuj6vvHMQ-4c75ajORgb-27YDDHxnSuw0Aq7urAzMilLAcRXAcl57onE/s1600/PrdPgBnr_Crosslite2_16F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x1m1jiFMvMZ5KhEvb1R-qeXdZ_MiiLcN5qYjaDOQ6YkYjexU3DXsIbh2uELibY15P4rO5fy_2iILXnqp81lWuj6vvHMQ-4c75ajORgb-27YDDHxnSuw0Aq7urAzMilLAcRXAcl57onE/s400/PrdPgBnr_Crosslite2_16F.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Back about 2 year's ago, I decided to try this minimalist craze to see if I could help rid myself of a nasty case of Patella Tendinitis. I had read <a href="http://perogoats.blogspot.com/2008/10/chirunning.html">Chirunning</a> and learned of landing directly underneath your center of gravity and how to "push off" less and keep your legs more relaxed. Along with this style of running was the recommended shoes that have a lower heel than most, which claims have been made that point to these "higher heeled" shoes creating more heel landing and shock being sent up your legs. So, with this in mind, I looked at LaSportiva's lineup and saw the Crosslite running shoe. Lower heel, less cushion, lighter shoe...this sounded exactly what I needed...so I ordered a pair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfgU5UkAI4yKYTdElkapj6OrvPFETr6UysAaWoaDAc2MGrDUcm1RMjfg2GEu1VubjIWGT3WHByXBIgM80_LaYChXjWv1J0Gg4I7o0qJete1mO0LWRXuc2tMiAbYU99nupPETS0SZXQBk/s1600/250_crosslite_531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfgU5UkAI4yKYTdElkapj6OrvPFETr6UysAaWoaDAc2MGrDUcm1RMjfg2GEu1VubjIWGT3WHByXBIgM80_LaYChXjWv1J0Gg4I7o0qJete1mO0LWRXuc2tMiAbYU99nupPETS0SZXQBk/s200/250_crosslite_531.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><br />
</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMIUjHKjGT3QmD8ab1M4Zm8mBKUSr3qAfwb8VGZb-J19kuFVVLewdnzuiT-_BKur9iLwOmIcLqCeFAwk24eqfSsg2Txs0RAxWn76fkrMlEHr0qCxcf7try1nHwu4F0ZjNO6TA5Xi0ysI/s1600/250_Crosslite2_16F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMIUjHKjGT3QmD8ab1M4Zm8mBKUSr3qAfwb8VGZb-J19kuFVVLewdnzuiT-_BKur9iLwOmIcLqCeFAwk24eqfSsg2Txs0RAxWn76fkrMlEHr0qCxcf7try1nHwu4F0ZjNO6TA5Xi0ysI/s200/250_Crosslite2_16F.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Original and new 2.0 version of Crosslites</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing I noticed is that they had this cloth covering over the laces and that they were a little narrow on my wide forefeet that have been smashed flat and wide from 36 years of running, many of those miles on the roads. So I thought that maybe if I removed that cloth covering I could get to the laces in order to do my magic that I have to do with all my running shoes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>So I did the following steps to make these narrower shoes a much better fit for my feet and I hope it can help some of you, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKkBatLRwG5rMxfw35HI9zgwHWAkYKdix7-fRlgzuCqqfBK0A4N8dKQ1sOwbJ947a1agXG39dMWa9V9dFW8aJNvHd41S5yo5Gjzo3V4UObXa-GyGpznvAXFGKechxZkx6KYKor7uQFB0/s1600/IMG_6610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKkBatLRwG5rMxfw35HI9zgwHWAkYKdix7-fRlgzuCqqfBK0A4N8dKQ1sOwbJ947a1agXG39dMWa9V9dFW8aJNvHd41S5yo5Gjzo3V4UObXa-GyGpznvAXFGKechxZkx6KYKor7uQFB0/s200/IMG_6610.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM86CNKYX35S3uwhffhvQzrnLIgxpOGPNZaqvsrdhyIsLupv2bgL4Ef1xsnqCqZzorGb2coAKqz1f7W8DC4wZz_sTyLHfHXZqR0PNgknVGc3r9x2NrZc2BPTUQg0u7x5MCHcQAmW328uU/s1600/IMG_6611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM86CNKYX35S3uwhffhvQzrnLIgxpOGPNZaqvsrdhyIsLupv2bgL4Ef1xsnqCqZzorGb2coAKqz1f7W8DC4wZz_sTyLHfHXZqR0PNgknVGc3r9x2NrZc2BPTUQg0u7x5MCHcQAmW328uU/s200/IMG_6611.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Before and after</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first step and the most important one, I think is to remove that corset over the laces. I understand LaSportiva's reasoning behind this, which is to keep grit out of the shoe, but if I can't wear them, then what's the point. A little trick I learned from <a href="http://community.webshots.com/photo/fullsize/1191920058033655677QzVpEl">Dennis "The Animal" Herr</a> during one year (2003) at Hardrock after surfing the scree down <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2010HardrockCourseMarkingDay2#5487583079913942914">Grant Swamp Pass</a> was it's a good thing to sit down now and then, take off your shoes, dump out the grit, take a drink and take in the beauty surrounding you. From that day on I never wore gaiters and enjoy my sits during the race. If I feel a stone in there, it's good to take a break, let your heart rate drop a little and continue on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So with that in mind, I took a pair of scissors and cut down through the center of the corset, shown in the photos above. When I did that, it was like a spring had spring loose, the shoes exploded in width! I put them on to feel and they felt like slippers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next step is to trim away the excess material with a blade of some sort by just following the stitching on the edge of the material. Here is the finished product...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgzqckyKoJseVaJ38bqwsK_JAqWRzcQdrbU-c1e565OxVtLAMDJ-GaE09PAnkRIiomRJ7JK8En8aPFKDV0kFV_WvTcIsLe7F8ZW2IQCyM4hIZbQBdpFEWDhFYACByZ36e1ItyuOt9v7I/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgzqckyKoJseVaJ38bqwsK_JAqWRzcQdrbU-c1e565OxVtLAMDJ-GaE09PAnkRIiomRJ7JK8En8aPFKDV0kFV_WvTcIsLe7F8ZW2IQCyM4hIZbQBdpFEWDhFYACByZ36e1ItyuOt9v7I/s400/IMG_6614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>After the material is removed</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKwJDphrdnssJpHN10nsMZsSyX620o3kvLpTpBUADMweIAnBmQnKzTEh9VAdnRpVEETJoyDdu7ezaUn0haWdxFbZ7uwEAYG39tBZprrok8LSoofUjmEEJzs4ncSwzQwHkg-4vS8qbo0Q/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKwJDphrdnssJpHN10nsMZsSyX620o3kvLpTpBUADMweIAnBmQnKzTEh9VAdnRpVEETJoyDdu7ezaUn0haWdxFbZ7uwEAYG39tBZprrok8LSoofUjmEEJzs4ncSwzQwHkg-4vS8qbo0Q/s400/IMG_6615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Before and after</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shoes now fit my feet really well and probably increased a half inch in width without that material pulling the sides in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also do several other things, one is tying a knot up around three loops up to prevent the forefoot of the shoes from tightening up continually every time you tighten them. One thing I also do is take out the midsole and shove a tennis ball into the front of the shoe and leave it there for several days to stretch it out even more. I take out the insoles in order to not leave a permanent impression in that....I want my feet to leave that impression, not a round tennis ball!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's it! The shoes then only get better with wearing them. I'm on my third pair now and in the Crosslite 2.0, which I like even better. They are no different to modify, even though they look different at first. Cut the corset down the middle and trim off the excess. It does no damage to the shoe at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't say enough good things about this shoe, they served me well all last year, with a slight tryout of the discontinued Skylite, which I wore at the Bear 100 last fall and the recent Salida Trail Marathon. The latest version, the Crosslite 2.0 feel even better with only an 8mm drop from the heel to toe (26mm/18mm) and are about as light as the earlier version at 295 grams. The rugged lugged outsole grips really well on my local Elk trails I run on in New Mexico in the Jemez Mountains...and the more stable, lower to the trail shoe keeps my feet planted well on the trail. Rocks? Don't feel them at all...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So if your feet are triangle shaped like mine are, narrow heel and wide forefoot, try the mods and let me know if they helped! Oh and my Patella Tendinitis? I think it's gone :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Steve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-58616843540105543932011-03-14T09:49:00.003-06:002011-03-14T10:16:25.464-06:00Salida "Run Through Time" Trail Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCLv90fhPbltnAfMQsFZxqUQsGk98PMZYzvh2Xk0VPyhkjznZgQycXkRR61_4dVqbuFr9PSJtG1mjBEZutdQ_7MDqd6hUYQXyFWCwVDVELX2a0FANBo5w-GTJ5zDq5MrBYApQNrFe05g/s1600/Town.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCLv90fhPbltnAfMQsFZxqUQsGk98PMZYzvh2Xk0VPyhkjznZgQycXkRR61_4dVqbuFr9PSJtG1mjBEZutdQ_7MDqd6hUYQXyFWCwVDVELX2a0FANBo5w-GTJ5zDq5MrBYApQNrFe05g/s400/Town.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Town of Salida, Colorado</b></div><br />
<a href="http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/">The Salida Marathon</a> was one of many things....it was our first race of the year, which is always difficult, is at altitude and I've only been here for 8 weeks, not nearly enough to be racing up over 9000' and it was also what will most likely be our shortest and fastest race of the year! All negatives, but this turned out to be an extremely positive experience!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCfY5M5DNtsjxLVq3oLEuIxPurK13bFdw1opWN_Ply9SHvuC2fH5GMTPW6CN5XP85_gtiMmgjmp1Gl4vn0VFTFPbeMSnfd5vtGqKRSn9AJuGbqciJnJgOKs3Q2pieSefDNWNeZ9A5kFQ/s1600/Start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCfY5M5DNtsjxLVq3oLEuIxPurK13bFdw1opWN_Ply9SHvuC2fH5GMTPW6CN5XP85_gtiMmgjmp1Gl4vn0VFTFPbeMSnfd5vtGqKRSn9AJuGbqciJnJgOKs3Q2pieSefDNWNeZ9A5kFQ/s400/Start.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Runners gathering for the start</b></div><br />
First of all, the race just gets better the further into it you go. It begins in the small town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salida,_Colorado">Salida, Colorado,</a> which is about 4.5 hours north of our home in <a href="http://www.jemezsprings.org/">Jemez Springs, NM.</a> The running surface starts as an asphalt road for a few miles, which then becomes a dirt road (this has been all uphill, btw), which then becomes a steeper uphill trail to the turnaround and highest point at around 9100' and a little over 10 miles. You then go back down for a bit, take a left onto a jeep road at 13 miles, which eventually becomes a rugged, gnarly and rocky downhill road, some sandy trails, then the final downhill, twisty, turny trail named Li'l Rattler down to the finish. So instead of it's real name, I think it should be named the Salida "it gets better 'n better" Trail Marathon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllk8xTIS9SlSCE_nynE73BN1K_yKHh0Ld3EKj3Uufl2AhRQUTQPI2XQQigyDlKAyb9OtyMWiwp-HPGSu3txvU0cXe9EXLyxPeLABBFOwuCLj7NIyfICMpZ6egk9z8nSoQRFL2HY9triI/s1600/Collegiates.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllk8xTIS9SlSCE_nynE73BN1K_yKHh0Ld3EKj3Uufl2AhRQUTQPI2XQQigyDlKAyb9OtyMWiwp-HPGSu3txvU0cXe9EXLyxPeLABBFOwuCLj7NIyfICMpZ6egk9z8nSoQRFL2HY9triI/s400/Collegiates.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the many nice sections, this around mile 9</b></div><br />
As for my race, I decided to start out at a brisk, but comfortable pace. I wasn't sure how I would react to the altitude at a racing pace having just moved here from NH just 8 weeks ago, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. I knew from past higher races, that I'd have no trouble running down, just on the ups...and the only real issue I had was from around 7 miles to 13 miles when it was up higher than where I live and have been training. My breathing was real heavy and my legs felt like jelly...so I just went with it and did what I could. One thing this did do was allow me to really crank the pace on the downhills and catch many runners who had gone out too fast early on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J1tyx9gs0y-h7c_ptEXkfC2asyiXo6baezEzUdpf8qTwt-FD35poBBsL3MFW2nZ7Oe70aZCKFjpPpcgK4VjdoGp6BOnIoEqoJtEid6ce1J6WLOyCXIBKfL-SYVaE4bFzVD2AASVYnr4/s1600/Getting+gnarly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J1tyx9gs0y-h7c_ptEXkfC2asyiXo6baezEzUdpf8qTwt-FD35poBBsL3MFW2nZ7Oe70aZCKFjpPpcgK4VjdoGp6BOnIoEqoJtEid6ce1J6WLOyCXIBKfL-SYVaE4bFzVD2AASVYnr4/s400/Getting+gnarly.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>But not all of the course was nice smooth road</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Vsbmhgu0MqtLTA9uVk_YenSfmo-t8SFt9iuKaiNSrRje5BnzjALXjGcfpK_jTRQEEWSsOnT0mK10cYG2BqK0i0uUuUQHBI_kZzNJCLUHES2hAH9jO-7ymTm7mY1pvWOPFkHTe369ak/s1600/Hunter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Vsbmhgu0MqtLTA9uVk_YenSfmo-t8SFt9iuKaiNSrRje5BnzjALXjGcfpK_jTRQEEWSsOnT0mK10cYG2BqK0i0uUuUQHBI_kZzNJCLUHES2hAH9jO-7ymTm7mY1pvWOPFkHTe369ak/s400/Hunter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hunter Swenson from Los Alamos, running his longest race</b></div><br />
I did get to spend some trail time with Hunter, who I had just met at the pre-race checkin. Hunter is a local <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Alamos,_New_Mexico">Los Alamos</a> runner who I hadn't met yet and <a href="http://jasonhalladay.blogspot.com/">Jason Halladay</a> introduced me and Deb to. Hunter was pushing the ups a little harder than I could handle, but I soon re-caught him around mile 18 on a beautiful downhill section of the course. I just told him to keep drinking and stay ahead of the gels and he'd be fine. Before I moved on down the hill he took this photo of me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJWMd7oVXcvHpRwBYBXTHBW2ZrHXHYuNUELzJdvT3mr7MMSO27xUc0y8UBboMufV3HPuyJdU5cOKOgPHc1JdtON75tQdAKqb3v4vq_25EpIVr86tEEnX3AP09IUDZQdifPV6IxoBCYkA/s1600/Me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJWMd7oVXcvHpRwBYBXTHBW2ZrHXHYuNUELzJdvT3mr7MMSO27xUc0y8UBboMufV3HPuyJdU5cOKOgPHc1JdtON75tQdAKqb3v4vq_25EpIVr86tEEnX3AP09IUDZQdifPV6IxoBCYkA/s400/Me.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo of me with Salida and the mountains in behind</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This is around mile 18</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Just after passing Hunter on an extremely steep and rocky downhill section, my toe caught something and I did a good Superman impression, actually flying with my arms outstretched, but tucked them under me as I landed, remembering the broken arm I got 11 years ago. It's always a shock to faceplant on flat terrain, but on a steep and rocky downhill, it always messes with your head. I got up as quickly as I could, knowing runners would be coming down behind me and made sure nothing was broken. My arms, hand and knees were scraped up with the palm of my left hand taking the full impact and I scraped a good chunk of skin off of it. With blood dripping down off my hand, I started to walk, then jog and within a few minutes could start running again....but I don't think I dared to fly down like I was again in the race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmX_AZ1pmO9egrh1r0bZ2tT5MQMq8dyGBIdVDPOnENBt6vzsNPerK9YXdbGy0XNlbU1ZgK6IvbCkBl0jvEAYszwROJ-myvVqO16lnG4j5d1nGwtQo7xMXvtDB1N7e0JYlqGxyD7ibJGE/s1600/Nice+trail%252C+mountains%252C+mile+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmX_AZ1pmO9egrh1r0bZ2tT5MQMq8dyGBIdVDPOnENBt6vzsNPerK9YXdbGy0XNlbU1ZgK6IvbCkBl0jvEAYszwROJ-myvVqO16lnG4j5d1nGwtQo7xMXvtDB1N7e0JYlqGxyD7ibJGE/s400/Nice+trail%252C+mountains%252C+mile+16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Right around this corner, I played Superman</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbVdvd09cimRiQok4ZfkjxhbvIEM0qpBWO5Px-UDICv_j3sFaNT4d4c5Ae8qPbmpCUWPl49tl1dtn3IRDly0l6ZqkilsemT5G3Q6E3QaoUyOVnIe1Y0vrn8lyj0fQOKOcUlXluuQlQV0/s1600/Gnarlier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbVdvd09cimRiQok4ZfkjxhbvIEM0qpBWO5Px-UDICv_j3sFaNT4d4c5Ae8qPbmpCUWPl49tl1dtn3IRDly0l6ZqkilsemT5G3Q6E3QaoUyOVnIe1Y0vrn8lyj0fQOKOcUlXluuQlQV0/s400/Gnarlier.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Or maybe it was here....</b></span></b></div><br />
From this point on, I felt great.... catching runners and just flowing down the hills. My goal was to run under 5 hours and if I could keep this pace up, it would be close, but should get it done. I always wonder what surprises would come and at one point in the last 5 miles when I was sure I'd cruise in for that sub 5, we hit a steep and sandy uphill on a hot section. I walked by several runners just bent over at the knees alongside the trail. The warmer (60 degreeish) temps in this canyon section and steeper trail had gotten to them. I had run out of water and the previous aid station (20 miles) only had Gatorade, which my tummy doesn't like, but I took a half bottle with the promise that there was another aid station 3 miles out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTalnpbBE7jpOpwP_O-R-xcErvvyRNHgraYbaD70p7c74YVhBD3ZVkgC8R1qH9jUXvSPEX6CifBBB-u0ic_2EaWyAxS0dxTjSnKYlj9ChtY4x_yZyOpLt6-Eq2T_7NBex88AwEboXI1U/s1600/Sandy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTalnpbBE7jpOpwP_O-R-xcErvvyRNHgraYbaD70p7c74YVhBD3ZVkgC8R1qH9jUXvSPEX6CifBBB-u0ic_2EaWyAxS0dxTjSnKYlj9ChtY4x_yZyOpLt6-Eq2T_7NBex88AwEboXI1U/s400/Sandy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the sandy sections in the canyon</b></div><br />
What was working really well for me was the <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/efs-liquid-shot.html">First Endurance EFS wild berry liquid shot</a>. It tasted better than the vanilla to me and was watery enough that I didn't need any water to get it down...I just had one flask with me today, which had 400 calories and some electrolytes. I never did sweat much during the race, so didn't need to take any electrolyte caps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX29hu8qpSD8G8bxB20frcw8uoWIzRiMOT8KSGRjYD1GvIXJcDXUnrDZrqTSVnRWcVhyAePp-OvzOyNEx-qm2QxDpCPd2s9Sr0WJe0wPrMQTa688TKvFrBQFATxKim_N5Irxnm9Yjbwto/s1600/Last+aid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX29hu8qpSD8G8bxB20frcw8uoWIzRiMOT8KSGRjYD1GvIXJcDXUnrDZrqTSVnRWcVhyAePp-OvzOyNEx-qm2QxDpCPd2s9Sr0WJe0wPrMQTa688TKvFrBQFATxKim_N5Irxnm9Yjbwto/s400/Last+aid.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ahhh, finally some water!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mile 23ish...</b></div><br />
At 23ish miles and near the top of the "S" hill up above Salida I reached the final aid station and yes, she had water...delicious water. The woman that was manning the aid station handed me the bottle and I drank a good half of it right there, knowing that I wouldn't be drinking much more....had to start cranking again to see if there were any more runners I could pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF89Z0RzxPdYPvinltneeyS-oKRXfIjSz_-aiQTekGfPEv8AUhYHoTraPj573T9SIXPBjzXcCy9-f3C4uTY20KO2q984qKd6StQvCpqI7t_JFKAxIHEb0mGB8QrMPPC4Q69oVUtUofDbA/s1600/Closing+in.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF89Z0RzxPdYPvinltneeyS-oKRXfIjSz_-aiQTekGfPEv8AUhYHoTraPj573T9SIXPBjzXcCy9-f3C4uTY20KO2q984qKd6StQvCpqI7t_JFKAxIHEb0mGB8QrMPPC4Q69oVUtUofDbA/s400/Closing+in.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This is what running down to the finish looked like on Li'l Rattler</b></div><br />
As I made my way down the hill and around the corner, I was able to pass several runners who were just getting it done. In the distance I saw <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1006053/index.htm">Tom Sobal</a> struggling a bit and stepped the pace up a bit. I knew Tom had won the over 50 division last year and is a legend in trailrunning, snowshoe racing and burro racing, but also knew that 55 year old <a href="http://www.inclineclub.com/show.asp?name=Steve%20Bremner">Steve Bremner</a> from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Springs,_Colorado">Colorado Springs</a> was probably enjoying his first beer by now... We had maybe a mile to go and Tom stepped aside to allow me to pass on the final narrow single track and at the bottom by the railroad tracks I pushed the pace some more, about as fast as I could manage now, passing yet another struggling runner. I then heard footsteps and with about a 1/4 mile to go and just before the turn under the bridge, Tom went by me like I was standing still....I tried to react, but the legs just couldn't turn over any faster. I pushed down the hill under the bridge, but ran out of real estate...crossing the finish in 4:52. Goal accomplished, but why does there always have to be something that you wished hadn't happened? ;-) It would have been sweet to re-catch Tom and outkick my fellow senior runner to the finish line, but it's just too early in the year for that kind of stuff for this 59 year old runner. And yeah, it will be nice to run next year and maybe be the first over 60, but there was a 62 year old runner just 1 minute and 2 places behind me...so next year I might have to do some hill repeats with the Los Alamos runners before returning here. ;-)<br />
<br />
Shoes - <a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/prod/530">La Sportiva Skylites</a><br />
Fuel - <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/efs-liquid-shot.html">First Endurance EFS Liquid Shot</a> and water<br />
Weather - 30's-60's and sunny, slight breeze<br />
Altitude - 7100' to 9100' and back<br />
Attitude - Felt great, it was a good effort for race #1.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://debpero.com/">Deb</a> said her race was a fair one, but considering the fact that just 9 weeks ago she was in a serious truck accident, she's lucky to be running at all. She always has trouble going out quickly and needs a long warm up, which is why she does so well in 100 mile races. Here she had to get going right from the start to avoid the tight cutoffs at every aid station, so she pushed it a bit and ended up in a little deficit at mile 18 and it took her until mile 23 to feel like a runner again. Once she regrouped, she was able to get running again and brought it in just over 6 hours in first in her age group... according to the RD, Jon McManus, but looking at the results it shows a woman ahead of her at age 54, so we don't know what happened. There seems to be many misprints in the results, so maybe this is one of those. Regardless, her race was a success considering the accident. She figures she lost a good 30 minutes during her down period.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnd19i_fW-St_G4H1wLjxM-KCyASzQyKvVtMJJtbYnPPtiY80YtQO2o4vzB7_tesvgNnrJe2UbFI0dRspRGfkIFggJFBOas02bPwLPAKiO4G1CB6NmGTAOqiQy-dfZhyphenhyphen8wnrG7cGJd6g/s1600/Deb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnd19i_fW-St_G4H1wLjxM-KCyASzQyKvVtMJJtbYnPPtiY80YtQO2o4vzB7_tesvgNnrJe2UbFI0dRspRGfkIFggJFBOas02bPwLPAKiO4G1CB6NmGTAOqiQy-dfZhyphenhyphen8wnrG7cGJd6g/s400/Deb.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Deb getting it done...</b></div><br />
So #1 of the year in the books...and it went well for both of us considering. After many years of racing in the East, it is going to be fun running against most of who are Coloradans, or so it seems. Maybe in a few more months my lungs will cooperate a little better in the thinner air.<br />
<br />
For results go here:<br />
<a href="http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/run-through-time-photos/2011-Run-Through-Time-Race%20Results-Marathon.pdf">http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/run-through-time-photos/2011-Run-Through-Time-Race%20Results-Marathon.pdf</a><br />
<br />
For the rest of my pictures I took during the race go here:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011SalidaRunThroughTimeMarathon#">https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2011SalidaRunThroughTimeMarathon#</a><br />
<br />
We were thinking of the <a href="http://www.collegiatepeakstrailrun.org/">Collegiate Peaks 50</a> as our next race, but May is so heavy with miles planned and our first big race being in June (San Juan Solstice 50 miler), that we are reconsidering and just going to stay home and train. We have the wonderful<a href="http://mountain-trail-series.blogspot.com/"> MTNRNR</a> series to run every weekend and also will be sweeping the <a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm">Jemez 50</a> mile, which is about 40 miles and that would be the weekend after CP50, so possibly too much. We've moved up to #'s 18 and 20 in the <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock Hundred</a> wait list, so we're still hopeful for that and will train as if we are in the race.<br />
<br />
So with that the race schedule is:<br />
June - <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50 mile</a><br />
July - <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a> (hopefully) and <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a><br />
August - nothing (yet)<br />
Sept - <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch 100</a> (Deb) and <a href="http://www.bear100.com/">Bear 100</a> (Me)<br />
Oct - Nothing planned yet, but hopefully a Grand Canyon R2R2R<br />
Nov - I turn 60, so will find something ;-)<br />
<br />
So that's it and until the next post....Happy trails!<br />
Steve and Deb<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdsMWYofpyN64OCklHRdTztZBlrrAYTjEXxUKLn9P0q83jKHy2atHoU-L87xs1fgkA-TCb8_xAAlbQw6SkOpAtNWkn8sGvop9piHi8An35iHS8pa3ZNxPkIIIDwcFtxPQrbQdm7UTh3Q/s1600/After+the+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdsMWYofpyN64OCklHRdTztZBlrrAYTjEXxUKLn9P0q83jKHy2atHoU-L87xs1fgkA-TCb8_xAAlbQw6SkOpAtNWkn8sGvop9piHi8An35iHS8pa3ZNxPkIIIDwcFtxPQrbQdm7UTh3Q/s400/After+the+fall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is me the next morning on a hike with Deb and the dogs....</div><div style="text-align: center;">....all bandaged up from the fall.</div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-29756516949782055362011-02-08T07:52:00.003-07:002011-02-15T07:57:36.935-07:00Here we go again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5rW6107tz2nUrsNnqXeizhrpNyQj8I0aPPHTcVTrcKlvTgpN_kbRKR8aAOEOjvsDGkkoSBapS8yQl7P1veXjsOJ8HRgkCTFimaU_vNb7qISwXKeq1viGOohE2cPYHd_LCMoGTI1onro/s1600/Hardrock6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5rW6107tz2nUrsNnqXeizhrpNyQj8I0aPPHTcVTrcKlvTgpN_kbRKR8aAOEOjvsDGkkoSBapS8yQl7P1veXjsOJ8HRgkCTFimaU_vNb7qISwXKeq1viGOohE2cPYHd_LCMoGTI1onro/s400/Hardrock6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the many beautiful scenes at the Hardrock 100</b></div><br />
Since my first running of <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a> in 2001, I have been on the wait list 6 of 8 times...and all but once I got in. In 2009 I ended up 77th on the list and never got in. This year I am 23rd and Deb is 25th....how the heck that happened, no one knows.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb_oJZiUJX7N0wa4ClWT8RUprHS4uzMSsNPwlWhrGiexTBMA9Y166BrXPMOYcLPAVBr_MFGxtNBCJTMVnoOV_Bwg8iVwQeQ5iAITIcosKbdUa8IXNRyLAUnQrE_8VTbajcd3v8I_bRXM/s1600/Hardrock5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb_oJZiUJX7N0wa4ClWT8RUprHS4uzMSsNPwlWhrGiexTBMA9Y166BrXPMOYcLPAVBr_MFGxtNBCJTMVnoOV_Bwg8iVwQeQ5iAITIcosKbdUa8IXNRyLAUnQrE_8VTbajcd3v8I_bRXM/s400/Hardrock5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the many views from the summit of Handies Peak</b></div><br />
In 2001 Deb got in and I was last on the wait list because I didn't have an official qualifier, so Dale allowed me into the lottery because I had paced Sue Johnston the year before over some of the tougher sections of the course. If I remember correctly, I was 38th and got into the race 2 weeks before the start. I finished, Deb didn't. We announced our engagement at the Virginius aid station that year.<br />
<br />
2002 no race because of the <a href="http://www.robertwinslowphoto.com/Environment/Fire/1544073_uaFYh#74420059_4XUZW">Missionary Ridge forest fire</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Hd8POGes5mQ2i-LfSuoffjfgTqDr2vbwd_VWOTXnFkT4-uoBl3c2qOfE8sLVrIfN-PpQu0R64WP66n0LTTlmZ8sUSCS2Yo4LavpjZ15oaCGWc3N5SqkFe6cY24UQKW30Q_6Ae9ziAM/s1600/Hardrock8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Hd8POGes5mQ2i-LfSuoffjfgTqDr2vbwd_VWOTXnFkT4-uoBl3c2qOfE8sLVrIfN-PpQu0R64WP66n0LTTlmZ8sUSCS2Yo4LavpjZ15oaCGWc3N5SqkFe6cY24UQKW30Q_6Ae9ziAM/s400/Hardrock8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Top of the first climb after leaving Grouse Gulch aid</b></div><br />
2003, I was in the top 5 on the wait list and Deb was around 48th. I asked Dale to move me down with Deb so that if one got in, hopefully we both got in. We had no plans on going out, figuring we had no chance...when Dale had sent out an email about a month before to the HRH list saying he was looking forward to seeing everyone. I replied to him saying "Thanks for rubbing it in" and he said back "What are you talking about, you and Deb are next to get in! Deb and I talked about it, talked to work for the time off, booked our flights and when we arrived on the 4th of July, Carolyn Erdman rushed up and gave us both a hug telling us we had gotten into the race! Deb finished, I didn't...<br />
<br />
2004 through <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2007HardrockHundredEnduranceRun#">2007</a> I honestly don't remember the details, but one or the other was on the wait list and we always got in, but didn't finish. It was not a good period...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb85G3C08KqVnz3l9E0bq3a86naDKXJaXtocs_tvHpr15iiHx9a7Ln-l0_lm4IFwBEFSUUUsAj-Tz5JeqFZ9nUICvvqtZkisjQDpjgQxzhbI6hpmrlU1K4e-ib3MujYAuj3_pv36nJ0w/s1600/Hardrock7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb85G3C08KqVnz3l9E0bq3a86naDKXJaXtocs_tvHpr15iiHx9a7Ln-l0_lm4IFwBEFSUUUsAj-Tz5JeqFZ9nUICvvqtZkisjQDpjgQxzhbI6hpmrlU1K4e-ib3MujYAuj3_pv36nJ0w/s400/Hardrock7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Deb climbing up from Grouse Gulch towards American Basin during last year's run</b></div><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2008HardrockTheRace#">2008</a> I got in, Deb was on the wait list...I finished, Deb didn't.<br />
<br />
2009 I was 77th on the wait list, Deb was in...knowing that I didn't have a chance to get in, Deb withdrew so we could focus on selling our house to move back to NM permanently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoA52-ufUAZcfYXPclnrsFwO33iwIYiTkvXh_67BKrVeLNfoXHcypSOzrUaRoWCAAOHhafpjgjeCFS4bO86cv-KNP2Zu6LMY2Pc3UEJwtzPHH1h9UXAPVUzE6kMPdYF12KCfNL2Ok3WA/s1600/Deb+gets+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoA52-ufUAZcfYXPclnrsFwO33iwIYiTkvXh_67BKrVeLNfoXHcypSOzrUaRoWCAAOHhafpjgjeCFS4bO86cv-KNP2Zu6LMY2Pc3UEJwtzPHH1h9UXAPVUzE6kMPdYF12KCfNL2Ok3WA/s400/Deb+gets+in.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Last year just as Deb found out she was running</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">All the women were crying, and some of the men!</div><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2010HardrockTheRunPacingDeb#">2010</a> I got in, Deb was 28th on the wait list...race morning Deb was next in line to get into the race and when it didn't look like there'd be any withdrawals, I withdrew so she could run in my place. The reasons were simple....I had 2 finishes in that direction and she didn't have one. She was in the best shape for Hardrock she'd ever been in, so there was no choice. Deb ran and I paced her from Ouray, unfortunately she got Hyponatremia and was timed out at Sherman around mile 75, not able to eat a thing. I was ready to bring her up into the Pole Creek section of the course, but didn't want to have to carry her out if she collapsed, so the decision was made.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2NEc0pT6QYCY7ZgVE3iE1rb1KNTMtoZBv0J8BL_eftPQ8PbeQZIquXpTULcHAdxo2gzqfty1fJdWPhLcE3S_jDpeqSEzKC7lvpo7cdXh7d8dpnsyzKGVCYTZJyZVvsixSdxgXo73qm0/s1600/Hardrock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2NEc0pT6QYCY7ZgVE3iE1rb1KNTMtoZBv0J8BL_eftPQ8PbeQZIquXpTULcHAdxo2gzqfty1fJdWPhLcE3S_jDpeqSEzKC7lvpo7cdXh7d8dpnsyzKGVCYTZJyZVvsixSdxgXo73qm0/s400/Hardrock2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking towards Silverton from Grouse Gulch</b></div><br />
2011, I'm 23rd and Deb is 25th on the list....history shows that we "should" both get to participate, but this year also saw the largest entry field in the history of the event and with that each slot is much more valuable. I'm thinking that people will be more willing to "try" to run it even if injured because they may never get a chance to run it again. So the wait list may not get eaten up as deeply in the past....I hope my thinking is wrong, because we sure would love to be on the starting line on July 8th!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VMuUnJu36uGJ1Yzls6E5P_YvVt10heM5vsLw6Gr5XMoJXQp9WiA1qQK9xu0yeLaC1kiBZ7PGL6Sf9oP1rL3xN86nA9c0kow8AfHU2QvnjxYtUnZwSY0AWn98-ZlZzBR5z-9dR0WANCg/s1600/Hardrock+finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VMuUnJu36uGJ1Yzls6E5P_YvVt10heM5vsLw6Gr5XMoJXQp9WiA1qQK9xu0yeLaC1kiBZ7PGL6Sf9oP1rL3xN86nA9c0kow8AfHU2QvnjxYtUnZwSY0AWn98-ZlZzBR5z-9dR0WANCg/s400/Hardrock+finish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hope I get to experience this again this year</b></div><br />
*******************************************************************************<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmouvNDPTMwYHbKYXVw71RPwpzMgzdU8-nqjlXdDOauTT16Ivb6GANggGGINwqXS9gyp-nuFudKMfsrYsZkR-eKgEozPGC7dUEM3cAFAP45KgpmZTPstmOXbNqKOycrxsba2QgdRlSWkI/s1600/nm_flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmouvNDPTMwYHbKYXVw71RPwpzMgzdU8-nqjlXdDOauTT16Ivb6GANggGGINwqXS9gyp-nuFudKMfsrYsZkR-eKgEozPGC7dUEM3cAFAP45KgpmZTPstmOXbNqKOycrxsba2QgdRlSWkI/s320/nm_flag.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">NM State flag...Zuni sun symbol</div><br />
On another note, I am loving living in New Mexico! I am training at altitude and getting re-acquainted with our old running routes we ran back in 2006-2007. One thing that's making it so much fun is our new family....meet Gibbs and Marley!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgimYo1sYcCZE5FIyACOKKImWcD-Wg2itINdSkQQg7EGREDLPMwxmRHw1smkxmX4osh0SGUjdp-UfrMgiFH0OpGraHIKOxYUlwzCgzcGC6bTkcS1Yno9fu7c-tV6eCRCitS51FPk-d7E/s1600/Gibbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgimYo1sYcCZE5FIyACOKKImWcD-Wg2itINdSkQQg7EGREDLPMwxmRHw1smkxmX4osh0SGUjdp-UfrMgiFH0OpGraHIKOxYUlwzCgzcGC6bTkcS1Yno9fu7c-tV6eCRCitS51FPk-d7E/s400/Gibbs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meet Gibbs....he's a little bigger now</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/Gibbs#">Gibbs</a> is a pup that Deb got at a rescue shelter in Pueblo, Colorado. He was 4 months and about 40 pounds when she got him and now the dog who wasn't supposed to be much larger than 50 pounds according to his vet, is weighing in at around 75 pounds and can put his front paws on my shoulders when he greets me. Gibbs is now 9 months and still growing! Gibbs has German Shepherd coloring, a Rottweiler body and the disposition of a Lab. He's just the best dog in the world...but he has a slight limp that gets worse after running more than a few hours. Deb thinks he had a little bit of a limp before the truck accident, but it's definitely worse since then...so rolling around the cab of the truck didn't help him any.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqtdvPgq0cOpgxtTv1kWLJBPXL9075zfwqnoYV6JOTGnOITKjNa0A-E_E4DL1AFLSxKUEswIHqlmzhfUWneurWLgHaPR-NM-qJbn0l87GW7j8Qd-AzeMY7XX86GunQXHmUBvKlXeL0EI/s1600/Marley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqtdvPgq0cOpgxtTv1kWLJBPXL9075zfwqnoYV6JOTGnOITKjNa0A-E_E4DL1AFLSxKUEswIHqlmzhfUWneurWLgHaPR-NM-qJbn0l87GW7j8Qd-AzeMY7XX86GunQXHmUBvKlXeL0EI/s400/Marley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>...and here's Marley, our little girl</b></div><br />
We got <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/Marley#">Marley</a> at a German Shepherd rescue foster home in Albuquerque. She's most likely 99% German Shepherd and was found with her brother in a ditch alongside the highway at 4 weeks old. When we got her at 7 weeks old, she weighed 14 pounds, now at 10-11 weeks, she's weighing in at 25 pounds and very much looks like German Shepherd. She's a sweet little girl who looks up to her big brother a lot, even while biting down on his ear with her needle teeth ;-)<br />
<br />
Both Gibbs and Marley will be at the Hardrock course marking, so you'll get your chance to meet them if you're there.<br />
<br />
Our race schedule is coming together finally...<br />
<br />
On March 12th we are running the <a href="http://www.salidarec.com/ccrc/Run-Through-Time-Marathon.htm">Salida Trail Marathon</a><br />
April will be long training at altitude, taking in most if not all the <a href="http://mountain-trail-series.blogspot.com/">MTNRNR</a> series of runs.<br />
May we are planning on <a href="http://www.collegiatepeakstrailrun.org/">Collegiate Peaks 50</a> miler, then sweeping the 50 mile race at the<a href="http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm"> Jemez 50</a> the week after.<br />
June we'll be at the <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50</a> in Lake City, Colorado.<br />
July will be Hardrock (regardless of whether we get in or not) and the <a href="http://karlmeltzer.com/speedgoat-50k/">Speedgoat 50K</a> in Utah.<br />
August will be more <a href="http://mountain-trail-series.blogspot.com/">MTNRNR</a> series runs and recovery<br />
September Deb is running <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch 100</a> and I will be running the <a href="http://www.bear100.com/">Bear 100</a>.<br />
October I hope for a <a href="http://www.ultrarunning.com/ultra/features/world/grand-canyon-basics-rim-t.shtml">Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim</a> or the <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/CactusRose.html">Cactus Rose 100</a> in Texas .<br />
November may possibly be the <a href="http://www.oldgoatrunners.com/old_goat_50_home_page_002.htm">Chimera 100K</a> in Ca., my first race as a 60 year old!<br />
<br />
Guess that's it! Deb's recovering nicely from her truck accident, the clavicle is healed and her lung contusion seems to be improving slowly...and just the fact that she's now training at around 40 mpw is an improvement. We will gradually be increasing our training miles in the coming weeks.<br />
<br />
Next post will most likely be the Salida race report!<br />
Steve and Deb (and Gibbs, Marley, Harley, Murphy [cat] and Thor [canary])Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-89635777679908909902011-01-13T07:47:00.000-07:002011-01-13T07:47:27.479-07:00This is the day!I'm going to make this short and sweet....it being the off season, not much has been written here in awhile.<br />
<br />
Today is the day I move home! Home to <a href="http://www.jemezsprings.org/">New Mexico</a> with my lovely wife, <a href="http://debpero.com/">Deb</a>....who's been living there alone since June...I begin my drive out at 3PM after a work get together/sendoff. I should arrive on Saturday sometime and my move will bring me from living here at around 350' above sea level to 8200', where our cabin in the woods is. There will not be much running in the immediate future, but after a few weeks Hardrock training begins!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ85tSFzaxp-dfVaeMSrrzE9870p4nHJ4t1eR6KEpww38NFFS_onX_kmlClg0WDVXYg6ujSxzWbveGeWPin392QwlRE5Eavaofmyl164mLxOcMNGKmlegi831THSaLnlB1hhuBHScEGtE/s1600/Cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ85tSFzaxp-dfVaeMSrrzE9870p4nHJ4t1eR6KEpww38NFFS_onX_kmlClg0WDVXYg6ujSxzWbveGeWPin392QwlRE5Eavaofmyl164mLxOcMNGKmlegi831THSaLnlB1hhuBHScEGtE/s400/Cabin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Home Sweet Home</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our cabin in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemez_Mountains">Jemez Mountains</a> in New Mexico</div><br />
The <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a> lottery is in three weeks and once we know where we stand, we can plan the rest of the year's races. We are planning on entering <a href="http://web.me.com/grayj923/San_Juan_Solstice_50_Mile_Race/Welcome.html">San Juan Solstice 50</a> on Saturday.<br />
<br />
So, see you all soon somewhere....Happy New Year and may 2011 be your very best year yet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7Pmy8cU7yyBRJ0V6FSzb4FknxHO8_fggXmC49_T8SHQfuOwE7wjVgSpr03GonJrmMtCqPpnxa1CoFTKsZnku1ArRcJ3pJuWGvZZ3_tHvZaHCgWQeRKcIrnoDZnjN6i8Xls6F8Si13eI/s1600/Gibbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7Pmy8cU7yyBRJ0V6FSzb4FknxHO8_fggXmC49_T8SHQfuOwE7wjVgSpr03GonJrmMtCqPpnxa1CoFTKsZnku1ArRcJ3pJuWGvZZ3_tHvZaHCgWQeRKcIrnoDZnjN6i8Xls6F8Si13eI/s400/Gibbs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Our new dog Gibbs is happy I'm coming home</b></div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-45330501223793496112010-10-13T12:44:00.002-06:002010-10-16T18:23:29.766-06:009 great years as a married couple!Nothing much to do about running or racing in this post.....but just had to post that 9 years ago today at approx 10am Deb and I were wed on top of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Monadnock">Mount Monadnock</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffrey,_New_Hampshire">Jaffrey, NH</a>.<br />
These have been my most wonderful years with the best mom, grammy, daughter, sister, wife and my best friend. Yeah she has many roles and fills them very well.<br />
On that day we had <a href="http://runsuerun.blogspot.com/">Sue Johnston</a> as Deb's matron of honor and Bert Meyer as my best man. Many, many friends joined us on the mountain, as well as Deb's son Josh. <br />
<br />
Today we spend our 9th anniversary apart, as Deb is in New Mexico caring for our home and new Pup, Gibbs. As well as our two cats, Harley and Murphy and a new addition....a canary that remains unnamed as of yet, but I'm thinking Monadnock (or Alfred) might be a good name ;-) I miss her a lot....I'm still in New Hampshire, thinking I might go visit the mountain this weekend. It's as close to Deb as I can get without being with her.<br />
<br />
That's about it....enjoy the following photos I snagged from a <a href="http://www.rabbitearfilms.org/">Monadnock blog</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0DYKZzjvL3diW4b7G-hBCsTcpYTE3PkIhY8BJ24ls1ygDgqZ8ZgtGXNx89NgUyq4SDZ-_RhO7p5J_XDAqPMvaXUEp86Kxsks__Xhoc3WN7uTs81XR3MxzfsCLLX4dfL_0C44FN3OKwA/s1600/Marriage+on+Monadnock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0DYKZzjvL3diW4b7G-hBCsTcpYTE3PkIhY8BJ24ls1ygDgqZ8ZgtGXNx89NgUyq4SDZ-_RhO7p5J_XDAqPMvaXUEp86Kxsks__Xhoc3WN7uTs81XR3MxzfsCLLX4dfL_0C44FN3OKwA/s400/Marriage+on+Monadnock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Here we are getting hitched on top of Mount Monadnock</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice Bert Meyer to the left and Craig Wilson to the right, we called the Justice of the Peace, Alfred because he reminded us of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Napier">Alfred the butler in Batman</a>. Alfred hiked up in his NH Forest Ranger uniform and at the top changed into a suit. Deb and I did the same, but notice our shoes ;-)</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EAGgVFtai7wo5YrpEJjrCM8CMPxbjKrkH85b4kH6NJ0LHA3KEgOYUIO4l4W-FUXWexPbxxhJCpIZ2n4xuvbofCJ9ynBto6HfqRi4fVUxTCt6xQ4Lk09WM-azcOpfCUGp5DIledRp4Kw/s1600/Just+married+II-MS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EAGgVFtai7wo5YrpEJjrCM8CMPxbjKrkH85b4kH6NJ0LHA3KEgOYUIO4l4W-FUXWexPbxxhJCpIZ2n4xuvbofCJ9ynBto6HfqRi4fVUxTCt6xQ4Lk09WM-azcOpfCUGp5DIledRp4Kw/s400/Just+married+II-MS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>It's official! I'm now married to the love of my life!</b></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I-Ma2_y9fREU-hrsQy9OqP-QBTb7RYBWX1Y3wrPWEO_GVGsci78WbxKjKE7voqEihqRTGXaQJhsXLgugrkh26VSJ0YHrazu3Sc4e0Tq5X9AAiKILmN9d90uRcA3SNPcOpH0tx1db1t4/s1600/Just+Married-MS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I-Ma2_y9fREU-hrsQy9OqP-QBTb7RYBWX1Y3wrPWEO_GVGsci78WbxKjKE7voqEihqRTGXaQJhsXLgugrkh26VSJ0YHrazu3Sc4e0Tq5X9AAiKILmN9d90uRcA3SNPcOpH0tx1db1t4/s400/Just+Married-MS.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKoBkZQa2yLxguPisO1O2aRVIqDNJQy-Cr6Ciz_m49jEA4GAAHBpglIk7sHl-pjrQCYuGTZgv0NfJmesOGBV84Fk0_nTKlSxP4NwBv8sMxdsRLwSl2x6c8x88hMbXZ1SmOhQ-1f3pKV8/s1600/Just+married+II-MS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>With "Just" on Deb's back and "Married" on my back we began our run down the White Dot trail.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">These photos were all taken for an article that was in the <a href="http://www.keenesentinel.com/">Keene Sentinel</a> and written by <a href="http://garrysadventures.blogspot.com/">Garry Harrington</a>, yes that Garry Harrington! We've been friends ever since!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's all, back to your regularly scheduled program...</div><div style="text-align: left;">Steve and Deb<br />
<br />
Addition (Saturday, Oct 16th): I hiked up the mountain as we try to do annually to revisit the sight of our wedding. Deb's in NM so couldn't join me this year, so I went for both of us. In 2001 the weather was 70's, balmy and sunny....today at almost the same time (one hour later, 11am) I was standing on the summit, or trying to stand in 70 mph winds, ankle deep snow and freezing temps. The wind was trying to blow me off the flat rock spot we stood on during our ceremony 9 years ago, but I held firm and whispered "I do" once again... New England weather, you just never know what you're going to get!</div>Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865610099237389421.post-76769932344514843392010-10-01T09:05:00.001-06:002010-10-01T09:08:36.108-06:002010 Bear 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqy7Meww_ryU2OAXK9iF98b6i_PQspFv3AlXfvNmVDzH6IFCzAalRQNopf8uTBQAYNeaIt8MfTpWNTNsJy2zoSDnY9wCgTJvO47qwVlpMaF05eWLDCXdTO43QZiz8y0EGOYSjtqjrQQg/s1600/Bear+finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqy7Meww_ryU2OAXK9iF98b6i_PQspFv3AlXfvNmVDzH6IFCzAalRQNopf8uTBQAYNeaIt8MfTpWNTNsJy2zoSDnY9wCgTJvO47qwVlpMaF05eWLDCXdTO43QZiz8y0EGOYSjtqjrQQg/s400/Bear+finish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Let's see, how to begin this.....<br />
<br />
Way back before <a href="http://hardrock100.com/">Hardrock</a> I entered Deb and I in the Bear to get in before the entry fee increased and forgot about it. Then at Hardrock I decided to give up my spot for Deb, which left me fit and wanting a 100....<a href="http://www.bear100.com/">the Bear!</a><br />
So I returned to New Hampshire, while Deb returned New Mexico. The training this Summer in the White Mountains in New Hampshire was great, while Deb was busy with moving into our new house and tending to the granddaughters, so her training wasn't as robust as mine was...but that didn't matter, she was as strong, if not stronger than I was, as was evident at the <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/results/ring10.htm">Ring</a> three weeks before the Bear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVlPHDmr1TgoMFnVxNOOX4ibFSUejcs-HanWTMdqyqpIZqEADTqvJW5_rYs5OCCsrBk0Qoto4-CMFU5bSN6IOm4zk4OwiZSB7KWs6i944WLOFdNqMyrK4wS5Q-Iev36SWQMMLSaFZVKA/s1600/Bear+100+2008+profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVlPHDmr1TgoMFnVxNOOX4ibFSUejcs-HanWTMdqyqpIZqEADTqvJW5_rYs5OCCsrBk0Qoto4-CMFU5bSN6IOm4zk4OwiZSB7KWs6i944WLOFdNqMyrK4wS5Q-Iev36SWQMMLSaFZVKA/s400/Bear+100+2008+profile.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
At the Ring we decided to use it as a test run for the Bear, by running by my low aerobic heart rate of 135 or lower, which for me is around 65% of my max. It worked great, we ran together all day and moved up through the field to finish tied for 4th. (Some runners in front of us took a minor wrong turn and were dq'd and we were told we were 1st, but we really finished 4th).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro-onq_up9oX_cT8vWcw3o7ot5_YClkZ_OzQbsoHCcoAgRHL8_PXDFHav0DkeTSGh4nugoeZmgE5rP3a-B1qQoHY7l-kSuvODZT4IA48Otm3x4Be0xB-IRMU9gsvr0wEZIrZtoopj72Q/s1600/Ring+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro-onq_up9oX_cT8vWcw3o7ot5_YClkZ_OzQbsoHCcoAgRHL8_PXDFHav0DkeTSGh4nugoeZmgE5rP3a-B1qQoHY7l-kSuvODZT4IA48Otm3x4Be0xB-IRMU9gsvr0wEZIrZtoopj72Q/s400/Ring+Finish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Cory, David, Deb, Steve and Paul at the Ring Finish </b></div><br />
So at the Bear we decided to do the same thing....no racing, have fun and follow the low heart rate. Again it worked great and we went from running (walking) in last place at one point which was around 170th to finishing in 78th overall.<br />
<br />
On to the run....at 6AM we gathered at Hyrum Park in Logan, Utah for the 100 miles of trails through the northern Wasatch mountains. It was chilly, but not as bad as they were talking about, so I went with my short sleeve Wasatch Speedgoat shirt and my long sleeve WSMRT shirt over that, with a light windbreaker tied around my waist. We got going right at 6 and I began by videoing the start....this was all about having fun today and getting a finish!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ml65fJPvjqM-r-2VzPjW6S-Ojows4TOn6OhV4dEGZygwLjhpp9VgtyyLFi8sSWkABDI2OD0GBrjRuVqJF8XSa3KV2bzSmc2d3XToZpx9lC7w00qB4tSwcjgoZHkqNwes6ATZNigY4As/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ml65fJPvjqM-r-2VzPjW6S-Ojows4TOn6OhV4dEGZygwLjhpp9VgtyyLFi8sSWkABDI2OD0GBrjRuVqJF8XSa3KV2bzSmc2d3XToZpx9lC7w00qB4tSwcjgoZHkqNwes6ATZNigY4As/s400/IMG_1085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Runner's gathering at the start close to 6am</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After about a half mile or so of local roads, we started on the trail and the climb up the first hill. At this point I can't say much about the course or the race because nothing much happened. At one point one of us stopped for a pit stop and we were in last place...no lights behind us. But I had confidence in the fact that we would move up through the field as the run went on, if we could keep fueling and drinking, we certainly wouldn't be going out too fast!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf8flKBwmQRgjDTbgocGG_m-Ym2r-hi88mErzViuKzJdSvhnWFxngQUdm61q9JCeBgErPRqW0wrtYygd_0Kaw1dyIjFvhUVU_GQUHMRIELMFKzfvKhQ0f_C8sUZkszG-vAoGgewgwW9k/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf8flKBwmQRgjDTbgocGG_m-Ym2r-hi88mErzViuKzJdSvhnWFxngQUdm61q9JCeBgErPRqW0wrtYygd_0Kaw1dyIjFvhUVU_GQUHMRIELMFKzfvKhQ0f_C8sUZkszG-vAoGgewgwW9k/s400/IMG_1093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Deb climbing up that first climb</b></div><br />
The day rolled on and we made sure to stay under the 135 heart rate and at some places it felt like we were at a standstill going up some of the climbs, but we stuck with it. Even the long downhill into Leatham Hollow, we held back our downhill run to maintain the HR. I think in future races, we'll try to bump it up to 140 just to see....I do really thing at many places we could have gone a lot quicker without going "too" hard. This is a lesson we are learning and we have to try different things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nMEzm05vAuvGNgmmdI9NCtYA7WUzvxjOM7j9tMSt0nJhT6I2TXYvh6hX1qfMTV72irIbXxFqm8WH-fpzeOrr73LBslhnJ4zL8R8I-7FrBfolsAyQ7R8USJnVh27MxOkimtk_9-vFfjA/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nMEzm05vAuvGNgmmdI9NCtYA7WUzvxjOM7j9tMSt0nJhT6I2TXYvh6hX1qfMTV72irIbXxFqm8WH-fpzeOrr73LBslhnJ4zL8R8I-7FrBfolsAyQ7R8USJnVh27MxOkimtk_9-vFfjA/s400/IMG_1108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The plunge into Leatham Hollow</b></div><br />
The interesting thing about the heart rate....it only works for about half way or until dark. Usually by then I can't seem to keep the heart rate high enough no matter how hard we try, whether this is physiological in the heart or what, my theory is that once the legs begin to tire you can't move fast enough to get the HR up to where you want it to be. So at Tony Grove I took it off...many things happened at Tony Grove, but I'll get to that in a moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYzXHYpVaWqBGW2i-V9M2vi4TT2KtpdadBG72r1R8d_MAMAs53f05HCi8krXS_e9T13UlxgmTtxMw_vTvKPUwIsMXTGioZftE_4z0ZbgvM_ev_7ZG_qjM0E0Uym4QO0vnKG0Djv1PyVg/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYzXHYpVaWqBGW2i-V9M2vi4TT2KtpdadBG72r1R8d_MAMAs53f05HCi8krXS_e9T13UlxgmTtxMw_vTvKPUwIsMXTGioZftE_4z0ZbgvM_ev_7ZG_qjM0E0Uym4QO0vnKG0Djv1PyVg/s400/IMG_1144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Here we are at Temple Fork, still feeling great</b></div><br />
At Temple Fork, mile 45, I ate a ton and that was a mistake. I don't have a good stomach and filling it with food is never a good thing, but I never feel this good late in a 100 and knew I had a 5 mile climb up to Tony Grove. Up to this point I ate lots of fruit and had a container of chocolate soymilk or about 130 calories, plus maybe 50 more calories from the fruit got me close to 200 in the aid station. This time EFS Liquid Shot didn't work for me, I was gagging on it so never got another one from my drop bags. I did do some Clif Shot Blocks between aid, some Endurolytes or Succeed Caps and the tummy felt great and I had a lot of energy. Deb did her usual Ensures (gag) and anything else she could put down...I wish I had her stomach!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqzK3kIX-xAtKft2AD3w5nnPw0_AYTUIwIgK5-sMYzPXSoEwB5SjqU0-QsCRkEAi3b9GzoeN2_ipXZrPFcCyH5Z0usegF-rdBCU4c4SpraaKHRKT3N-S10b_eWsKDCEmopqSxw-MmTws/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqzK3kIX-xAtKft2AD3w5nnPw0_AYTUIwIgK5-sMYzPXSoEwB5SjqU0-QsCRkEAi3b9GzoeN2_ipXZrPFcCyH5Z0usegF-rdBCU4c4SpraaKHRKT3N-S10b_eWsKDCEmopqSxw-MmTws/s400/IMG_1152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Free range cattle in the night on the climb up to Tony Grove</b></div><br />
Back to Temple Fork and the climb up to Tony Grove...at Temple Fork I had my milk (130 cal's), a can of V-8 (maybe 50 calories), some fruit (50) and a large cup full of southwest vegetable soup. I was stuffed! During the climb up to Tony Grove, mile 51, I started to get lethargic as nighttime started to fall. I usually just take a No-Doz, but this time I decided to try a <a href="http://www.5hourenergy.com/">5 hour energy</a>. I drank it and it just did not taste good to me. Very acidic tasting...yuck! We kept climbing and had been passing runners all day long, but went into TG alone in the dark and checked in. Here while sitting in our chairs and having some soup, <a href="http://runsuerun.blogspot.com/">Sue Johnston</a> comes up to us with her hubby, Chris Scott and says she was going to drop due to gagging and dry heaving earlier, but asked if she could come with us and run the 2nd half with us.. I said we'd be honored and once she was ready, off we went. We left with a friend of hers, Sandy, and immediate went off course out of the aid station. There was a split in the trail and no course marker there. We went left when we were supposed to go right and only went about a half mile and realized something wasn't right, so we all turned around and got back on the right trail. Between this and one other place we got off course, we lost about 30 minutes total, not as bad as some others...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73joscMzSw5DUKTLqy7ZfTaELKOb0jGrahkdPLpZDowo5ZAZBqQ013_Bvpu4l9iJQNy2VrakteQt0qQGc1ejQcOb4j_OC_gqgqoT9QdJXVoWc4jX1GoA89r7OFeH0piTZZtzE_os3SvU/s1600/Tony+Grove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73joscMzSw5DUKTLqy7ZfTaELKOb0jGrahkdPLpZDowo5ZAZBqQ013_Bvpu4l9iJQNy2VrakteQt0qQGc1ejQcOb4j_OC_gqgqoT9QdJXVoWc4jX1GoA89r7OFeH0piTZZtzE_os3SvU/s400/Tony+Grove.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Sue, Steve, Sandy and Deb about to head out of Tony Grove and get lost</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made some comment about my harem or many wives here in Utah</div><br />
I absolutely do not remember the next section, it was dark and we did a lot of talking and laughing...but what I do remember is that when we got into the aid station and took a seat, my stomach didn't feel great. So I went over by some horses standing in the darkness (they didn't seem to mind) and emptied my stomach...I immediately felt better, but this meant that I most likely wouldn't be able to eat much for the remainder of the race. This is just what happened to me, but we were going at such a slow pace that I knew I could move forward without bonking and putting minimal calories in my stomach, which means soup and soup only. What this does is "guarantee" that I will not be able to move quickly...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMnujEnotlN82Ylsj5MkEz7PUfMQ7jX_C9ALOJ5UNkoFQaNU5FoWKcvM5nhEAblZerPZaIckrqce_bbdRisfxFdSzH_V2jiYJSWS8hLnf9JJYR0l-GdXkqjD5cXxqE2LvtdKZjKdNtqc/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMnujEnotlN82Ylsj5MkEz7PUfMQ7jX_C9ALOJ5UNkoFQaNU5FoWKcvM5nhEAblZerPZaIckrqce_bbdRisfxFdSzH_V2jiYJSWS8hLnf9JJYR0l-GdXkqjD5cXxqE2LvtdKZjKdNtqc/s400/IMG_1153.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b>We crossed into Idaho sometime during the night</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Let's see, what's next....climbing, downhills, more climbing, more downhills, darkness and more darkness. In Beaver Lodge we had some soup and some potatoes and got out of there fast. It was cold here....some told us it was around 22 degrees. I didn't really have enough warm clothes and had to keep pushing the pace a bit to warm up and when I did this, I'd leave Sue and Deb back aways, but always waited for them. The table turned, though, as daylight came. We got to Beaver Creek, around mile 85 and had some more soup...Deb tried to gag down some Ensure, but couldn't do more than a couple of sips...yes it's late in a 100 and there's not much fueling going on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WE7u7AbepmrxK2FGmMwpd8yt3QuLzwO7jaddCtxdyyk1h4kWqXe1s77vNFUgppdV28g_WYDA0Uf7jWRV0iDgBurAkt0I1Lgh4DnUzwhW3k418emhVseQ5YPylc9aAuQuiEN9NHHA5sI/s1600/IMG_2792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WE7u7AbepmrxK2FGmMwpd8yt3QuLzwO7jaddCtxdyyk1h4kWqXe1s77vNFUgppdV28g_WYDA0Uf7jWRV0iDgBurAkt0I1Lgh4DnUzwhW3k418emhVseQ5YPylc9aAuQuiEN9NHHA5sI/s400/IMG_2792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sue, Steve and Deb about to leave Beaver Creek </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do we look tired?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chris Scott photo</div><br />
The climb up out of Beaver Creek killed me...Sue and Deb were both leaving me in the dust, I couldn't breathe up here at around 8500"+. Deb's been living at 8000' and Sue spent a couple of weeks at snowbird for some acclimating, while I lived at around 500'. I was sucking wind and also low on fuel, so could barely move. We struggled to Ranger Dip aid and Sue waited for us there (Deb was nice to wait up for me, too). I tried to eat some saltines and was gagging on them, so I just filled my bottle with Coke like I've been doing since around mile 65. Deb was telling me I had to eat something, but there was now way....I know me and I know I can get in on fumes, I've done it at Hardrock! Sue was able to eat something and drink a Coke....and on we went after a few minutes up the really steep climb up to over 9000'. It was an awful struggle, but I knew at the top all the hard climbing was done, so grunt up we did. Somewhere along the way George caught up to us and the four of us worked our way down to Bear Lake, which we could see to our right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GFL3mrr6e0L2v-UgE2oB1UZBGqbh2WyE8xdAjkWWOW2rXLo9dHmesXm8pWmvttyNFUlyOxRxX6Pxmq1D-71BqQekcH-UrDLlu1Hls_nSPdjGOAqjJsvEe5klecyMQdDO8K_g7B4D1QI/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GFL3mrr6e0L2v-UgE2oB1UZBGqbh2WyE8xdAjkWWOW2rXLo9dHmesXm8pWmvttyNFUlyOxRxX6Pxmq1D-71BqQekcH-UrDLlu1Hls_nSPdjGOAqjJsvEe5klecyMQdDO8K_g7B4D1QI/s400/IMG_1162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Beautiful Bear Lake to our right</b></div><br />
Down, down we went and at one point I decided to get in the lead in an attempt to pull us in under 32 hours, but it just didn't happen. We were all tired and doing the best we could on this awful, sandy and bouldery jeep road. At one point somehow some ATV's came and Deb and I had to step aside and we lost contact with Sue....there were 6 ATV's kicking up the dust and we just couldn't go until they went by....by the time we hit the gravel road to the Lake with 2 miles to go, Sue was out of sight...so we jogged as much as we could and got to the final turn to the finish. I was about to finish the Bear for my first time in three tries and Deb was about to take over an hour off her time of last year....I guess the low HR thing worked!<br />
We finished in 78th overall in 32:06...Sue finished with George 5 minutes before us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ox0o4lpq4LtA2zD6yui_QNB6JehawbvoGbp4p24Zc9qXVJmha5EMsjO9cJXscoBVbthoawsTePMxnY09kOf2Tzxj0cBhwSZ3CcH7U_049bgSwPdy11LHxW7wcXgPOcNHQR76m8r1GOo/s1600/IMG_2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ox0o4lpq4LtA2zD6yui_QNB6JehawbvoGbp4p24Zc9qXVJmha5EMsjO9cJXscoBVbthoawsTePMxnY09kOf2Tzxj0cBhwSZ3CcH7U_049bgSwPdy11LHxW7wcXgPOcNHQR76m8r1GOo/s400/IMG_2811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Deb and Steve finishing together...Woohoo!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chris Scott photo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So what did I learn? That pacing does work, we went from last to 78th...if we had gone just a little quicker in the beginning, which we are easily capable of, we'd most likely have taken another hour or so off of our time, but the best thing was that this was the first time Deb and I were able to run the whole 100 together and finish hand in hand. That was worth our going slower if that made it happen.<br />
<br />
The Bear has become a special race for me....I like its laid back attitude, I like the course difficulty and most of all I like the people involved. We will be back next year...<br />
<br />
To see the rest of my photos, go here: <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2010Bear100#">http://picasaweb.google.com/ultrastevep/2010Bear100#</a><br />
<br />
Facts...<br />
Shoes worn...<a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/prod/530">LaSportiva Skylites</a> for 45 miles, <a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/prod/534">LaSportiva Imogenes</a> the rest of the way. Deb wore her <a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/prod/537">LaSportiva Wildcats</a>.<br />
Packs: <a href="http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/raceelite-series/elite-2v-plus">Nathan 2V Plus waist pack</a><br />
Fuel: See above...everything and anything.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Steve and Deb....Steve Perohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06233567281691642089noreply@blogger.com4