Favorite Runs

Well, it isn't quite the end of the year yet but most of the racing is over. What were your five favorite runs for the year? (Following LB's thread.) Here are mine...

1. States of course. Hotter than heck, 110 degrees in the canyons, 85 degrees at midnight and lowest finishing rate in 20 years. Finished 54th. In a "normal" year I would have finished about 100th. Finished ahead of many that finish around 23 hours. I finished in 24:29:57. Totally happy. Kyly was instrumental in getting me to the finish line. She was pushing me super hard after Foresthill. Maybe that is why we NEVER GOT PASSED THE LAST 38 MILES! (oh, by the way, the new 2006 splits for States are now posted. Check it out, the only time I gave up any places during the race was at Last Chance because I was so f&^%$#d up! And they mad me sit for a few minutes. Started out at Red Star in 137th place and finished 54th, pretty cool.)

2. Rio Del Lago 100. 22:33:33. Just happy to finish my second 100. Finished 6th And I DIDN'T GET CHICKED!

3. Where's Waldo 100k. Tough course, 12,000 feet of gain. Happy to complete my third. Masters Trail 100k championship next year. Big guns will show up I am sure. Will actully be 62 miles instead of the 66.36 in years past. Finished in 14:00:03. A 2:17 PR, swwwweeeeeeet.

4. MLK fat ass 50kish. My first of three DFL's! I didn't care, I knew about the big picture. Ridgeline trail all runnable just like Wildwood??? Heck not on this day. 7500 feet of gain was found. You would think I was on the Mac course. Brunch at Craig's house after was awesome. Food, beer, wine, great conversation with O.D., L.B., Bili, and other ultra studs. C ouldn't get any better.

5. S.O.B. 50k. Just three weeks after States I went here just to enjoy good friends and a great course. Took almost 70 pictures along the way. Only missed my PR by one minute. The only PR I missed this year. Almost DNF'd that day too. Fell, smacked my ankle on a rock and was quite painful. Couldn't run downhill and resorted to walking the downs. Finished. Beautiful day, beautiful course. One of the best in the PNW.

Had a great year. 14 ultras. six out of seven PR's. 14 toenails lost. No, I am not Polydactyl. Just a great year. (We'll talk numbers later.) Was able to share it with friends who also had great years.

being bad...

Sometimes you just have to be bad...

Well, I wasn't bad all day last Sunday. Did get out for runs this last weekend. Saturday was difficult for me. We won't go into why, just was hard to run. Sunday was better. Got a glimpse of what is in store for us in the NW. Rain, rain and more rain. I have to admit, it was hard to get going but once the feet started moving running on the trail was quite enjoyable.

Got to love kicking up some mud and getting dirty. I mean you can love it because it is not cold yet. Thank goodness it wasn't cold. The inner city trail was quiet. Not near the amount of folks like on a normal Sunday. Quite pieceful actually. Just had to enjoy the day even though it rained the whole time.

I was bad after the run... Made fried food! Yes, fried food cooked in oil. But man did it taste good! Fried Catfish and onion rings! A friend turned me on to it a week back or so. But that was from a fast food place. Sunday I was going to cook it on my own. I didn't know how long to cook it but I just gave it a go. Boy was it yummy. After coating it with egg and a flour mixture I just slowly set it in the pot of oil and let it cook away while having a cold one. Life couldn't get any better I thought.

Sometimes you just have to do something bad to feel good.

things have to change

Well, for me to do a 100 I have to do high milage. I know that isn't what everybody does but that is what I need to do. Many can complete 100's on just 40-50 miles a week but that is not for me.

I have taken a good break and it is time to start getting after it again. Last year my goal was to do 12 weeks of 100+ miles a week mixed in with 70 mile weeks every third week for a break. Didn't quite get that with tearing the vastus medialis early on so I only got 10 weeks of 100+. But I was able to get three of 90+ added in there so I was fine with that.

Last year I was able to run six miles during lunch and then another 6-8 after work. After eating my daily peanut butter and jelly sandwich, yes, 113 of them in six months. But this year I cannot depend on being able to get out every day Monday through Friday duing lunch because of patient load.

So, I am going to run before work for one my runs for the day. Then if I get the chance to run during lunch great. If not, I will still have time after work. That is the plan.

When do start this? I'm thinking the first week of December. Then when I pick a 100 that I want to "race" I will count backwards and set up a 20 week training program and have 15 of those weeks 100+ a week.

So, there it is... I made it public.

There are many other goals within the plan but I won't bore you with that just yet.

So, I am not waiting for the New Year to come around to make changes. I figure this will be starting the year off right.

blah, blah, blah

Well,
I decided to take this week off. After all, I did run 40 miles on @#$%*&# hard pavement last weekend. Don't think I will reach my goal of 3000 miles for this year. Would have if I would have stayed after it. But that isn't going to happen. I will be close but not quite.

My goals for next year... have fun, keep the toenails coming in, don't fall too many times, and quit getting lost in races. Funny, a friend gave me a nickname last year, "gator", short for Navigator. Man that is an oxymoron if there ever was one.

Why did I get that name? Well, it was my job to keep track of what elevation we were at when we ran around Mt. Hood. I was not the leader that day. Heck, I didn't know the trails. I was just the "dumb" runner. I'm good at that you see. I take orders well, but I can't make a decision to save my life.

So, you see gator is just humerous in a way. I get lost almost every race I do. I try to pay attention, really I do. But for some reason I always take a wrong turn or two. And my decision making process is for the birds. If there's two choices, I always make the wrong one. Hence, taking a wrong trail.

So, I broke out all my winter running stuff. Yup, been using it now even though it hasn't been cold yet. Sorry, I'm a wimp.

What 100's am I going to do next year???? I can't make up my mind. There it goes again.... Can't make a darn decision.

Good to see friends on Wildwood this last weekend. Sorry Sarah, didn't recognize you right off. I did know it was you after you said "hi". Thanks. Saw the party girls and Michael McCarthy and Susan Kokesh. Yup, all put in for States.

Now there is even less spots left for States. Now that Montrail is a major sponsor the winner of the Montrail Series Races gets in. That is like 12 more spaces. Bummer. I wear some Montrails, maybe I shouldn't. I haven't liked their antics in the past. Just bias on how they handled a few things that is all. But anyway it will be even tougher to get in next year. Maybe I will just have to wait three years like brother. Less than a month will tell.

have fun, tom

ps Did you all see the comment on CCC on the list-serve? Also, did anybody see the wedding dresses hanging in the trees between mile 7 1/2 and 7 3/4? Two of them off the trail about 25 yards hanging in the trees. Creepy looking!

I can count to 10 now!!!

My last race of the year happened just last weeked. Autumn Leaves is more or less a road race really. After all, there is only about 1.3 miles of trail on each five mile loop. Man do I look forward to that section each time around!!! It is 10 loops of five miles each.

Why do I do this 50 miler? Three years ago it was because I used it as a qualifier for States. But now I just run it because it is only about 10 miles from where I live and it is another way to see friends for the last time at the end of the racing season.

Weather for the day was predicted as rain all day. It would not hold true. Thank goodness, I ran in the stuff from start to finish the year before.

Race... Well, the plan was to run 9:00 minute miles in the begining. That went down the toliet right away as I ran with Mark and Brad running 8:30's. I knew that was a bad thing but did I fall back? Heck no, I am not smart enough to do that. Did I pay for it? Heck yea, terribly. I set up an aid station on the back of my tailgate of my pickup in the morning as I would pass it 10 times during the race, hopefully. 10 handhelds, 20 GU's, two bottles beans would do.

At mile 20 I could feel my stupidity. I was feeling the effect out going out too fast. I slowed terribly. I looked at my split chart that a friend made for me and I was ahead of schedule, not where I really wanted to be mind you. I would get to the second aid station and Sarah introduced herself to me. Very nice. I decided to use the GU they had and would do this throughout the race. One of mine, two of their's.

At mile 30 I felt like a slug. Time to change plans. I grabbed my i-pod just like 90% of the other runners. I liked this. Listening to nothing but Techno from here. I felt like it helped me go faster but I am sure that was an illusion.

Everybody would exchange a wave or grunt of encouragement the next 20 miles as the race continuted. Gotta love the grunts at 40+ miles. At 41 miles I would loose my lunch for the first of four times. Status Quo I figure.

I stopped looking at my watch long ago. At mile 40 I did catch a glimpse of the start/finish clock and it said 6:56! Crap, that means an 8:30 for the day. I was bummed. I knew I had slowed but that slow? I just kept going, eating and drinking. I have to admit, I was ready to be done. That darn pavement is hard. I got to the aid station and I see Sid but no Sarah. Maybe she called it a day? That is fine, she was out there a long time. It was good to have her help.

I take a picture with Olga. Heck I don't mind stopping. I already through the race in the toilet the first 20 miles.

I come around the last lap and a 50k runner passes me the last 100 yards. He is happy. Sorry dude, doing the 50 miler. I finish. I am glad. My feet hurt.

Low and behold Olga says the clock was for the early starters. Cool. I finish in 7:34. My 7th PR of the year. I ran this in 7:59 last year.

The race... Was a struggle for me. But it was nice to finish and be vertical.

And the best thing... I didn't loose count like the year before!

I have learned to count to 10!

What's on your i-pod

So I'm running during my lunch our and I was thinking... (there I go again) I have ran with a radio on and off for the last 20+ years. Just think, (your turn) a Sony Walkman 25 years ogo went for $229 dollars. Really it did. After all I bought one. Well, I later returned it because there was a "humming" sound when the tape player was being used. It was large by today's standards. But I didn't care because it was what I was going to use when I rode my motorcycle. That was my only mode of transpertaion at the time.

But now I was given a great gift in the i-pod. I tend to go through a small FM tuner about once a year. Usually because I have dropped it for the tenth time. But now I have this light weight i-pod that holds more songs than I care to remember.

I don't use it during races. Want to be polite and curtious to other runners as they pass me. As I said, when I ran McKenzie River I had to YELL three times at a gentleman that had one on. I told him to turn the darn thing down and he didn't even hear that. Dude, it's single track! But at AL I might actually dawn it for a bit. After all, there is plenty of room to pass me.

What's on my i-pod??? Tons of techno. Groups that I couldn't even tell you who they are when the song is playing. Groups like:

BT
Goldfrapp
Timo Mass
Organic Audio

Then there is the old school alternative:

New Order
Erasure
Depeche Mode
(Personal Jesus is my fave.{pump mix})(Policy of Truth very good also.)

Then the Killers for some harder driving alternative.

Blues, gotta have some.


So, it is only about half full. How easy is it to down load? Heck I can even do it. So, maybe I might wear it the next time I run with Kyly. That way I won't have to listen to her. Just kidding Kyly. I enjoy good conversation. After all, I don't get it during lunch.

So, what's on your i-pod/mp3 player?

random thoughts

I will try this again as I completed the entire blog and as I was getting ready to publish it vanished into electronic cyber space. Technology, love it, hate it.

Today I was not that busy at work and I had a lot of random thoughts. It almost hurt thinking that much.

Most of the time I stick strickly to running in this blog. But today will just be a lot of rambling. Some on the topic of running but mostly just obscure thought put into type. So here it goes...

I was thinking, why do I have 14 bottles of salad dressing in the fridge? I mean I bought as many salad dressing bottles as I did running shoes this year. Thank goodness I retired some of the shoes after putting 400 miles on a pair but I can not say the same about the salad dressing. I was greatful for donating 13 pairs of warn out shoes at S.O.B. At least they might end up as part of a Junior High track some day. And why do I have over a half a dozen different kinds of hot sauce and tabasco bottles? Heck I have that many different kinds of mustard also. I don't even like mustard all that much. But no, I still have seven bottles of the yellow stuff in the fridge.

O.K., some running content:

I had written down Janurary 3rd of this year to run 14 Ultra's. Nice, did all of them plus one. Well, I did substitute RDL 100 for Sunmart 50 miler. Not bad substitue I figure. Nice to check off the races as the months went by. Plus, six out of seven PR's. And a couple by more than an hour. (only non-PR was S.O.B. three weeks after States. I just ran and took 70 pictures that day while on the course. Missed a PR that day by one minute) I figure next years schedule will look close to the same. Either three or four 100's though. (sorry not an Olga or Catra) Going to start the year off with three fat ass runs in Janurary. Heck, they will only cost me $3 total for entry fees. Can't beat that. Just a great way to enjoy the trail and see friends. Got to love the Oregon Trail Series also. Just great training and racing. They just fall into great timing for the 100's that I want to do. One more way to see great places and friends.

Non-running content:

Goals. Yes, already started thinking about goals for next year. No, I don't make New Years resolutions. I just set goals. Like to lose about 10 pounds. Lost a little over 10 pounds last year. Went from 24% body fat to 17% getting ready for States. Oh the days of less than 7% body fat are long gone. Heck, I'm not 18 any more. Oh, got to get rid of some of this gut. I had abbs 30 years ago. Would like something that resembled abbs just one more time. No, I won't be a John Ticer. A fricken ripped 49 year old fireman that will obliterate the Super Masters record at States when he gets in again at age 50 or more.

Black. Yes, I said black. I am surrounded by it. My truck is black. My dinnerware is black. Stereo, watch, wallet, birkenstocks, and back pack are all black. I run in black shorts along with black sunglasses. O.K., Kyly did make me run in the puke green shorts at WS so she could see me coming into aid stations. Had to do it you know. Can't piss of the crew chief/boss.

But I always choose black. Why is that. Is it a "guy" thing? Heck my toenails were black for six months also. (at least when I had them) Have to follow suit I figure. The beverage... Black. Yes, Stout is the beer of choice. Black as Black can be. And let us not forget coffee. Black. So black you could swear that a spoon could stand up in it. And almost a pot of the stuff a day. Oh, that can't be good. I guess it goes with the Guiness I can be seen drinking now and then. So it is black.

Running:

A couple more goals. Run all 100's in under 24. And of course get under 14 at Waldo. Don't know about Miwok yet. Will do it if I get into States. But I wasn't that impressed by it last year.

Random:

I was thinking today, when I last had a piece of chocolate. I honestly can't tell you the last time I had any. I mean it might be up to at least a year. Really. Just don't crave the stuff. Oh yea, I love the stuff. I remember as a kid that I would have halloween candy left over from a year as the next holloween would come around. But I just don't remember when I had any chocolate last.

Running:

Changes in training next year? Not a whole lot I guess. Will do an early morning run because I can't always get out at lunch time for my first run of the double for the day. That way I will be assured of getting in doubles every day. Will try for 12 weeks of 100 miles a week instead of 10. Still focus on 15-18 weeks of 90+ again. That seemed to work. Plus, I get to eat six meals a day when I do that. Yummy.

Eating: Push the protein again. 287 servings of salmon/tuna did the trick last year for six months leading up to States. Figure can't change what worked. 113 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches might have to change for those six months though. Maybe throw in a turkey sandwich or two. The baked beans... Gotta stick with them also. The 35 cans I had during six months of training gave me some good solid calories to finish those long six hour runs. Heck I will be eating two more at Autumn Leaves 50 miler. Eating and running. Eating and running. Round and round we go as Rob said. Very well put. Gotta love it.

Random:

Cheese. I hate the stuff. The smell, the texture, everything. I remember working in a Pizza Parlor in high school and the smell would nauseate me when I would first set foot in the door. Really it would. But then again why do I like pizza? Really, I could eat it every day. I did for a few years as I ended up managing the pizza parlor. Pizza every day. Heck, I had pizza for dinner tonight. So why is that? Don't put cheese on a sandwich, an omlet, or even a hamburger. I will not take a bite. Yuk. I hate cheese. (oh, hate mushrooms and olives also.) (same kinda thing, smell and texture.)

Done:

O.K. Like I said, I was slow today at work. The synapses were working overtime. I think I might have hurt something actually. The grey matter just hasn't had that much electrical current running through it in a long time. I wonder if I bruised something? O.K., that is physiologically impossible. Well, I can have my co-worker do and MRI on my brain tomorrow to make sure everything is intact. But then again he would really have to do a "functional" MR to see the brain activity. And really that could be quite depressing. Because you see, there isn't a lot going on up there most of the time. I will leave well enough alone. Now it is time to finish my very "black" Guiness and call it an evening.

Now I look forward to my next run. Really enjoying these last few weeks. Just thankful that I was given the gift to do this. Very thankful and look forward to next year.

Planning and Rambling

Yesturday I put in for vacations for next year. The dates... Funny, they all are around the dates of 100's. Three to be exact. Will put in for a half day off the Friday before Where's Waldo 100k, the best race ever I might add.

What does that all mean? Yup, hooked. Starting to like the 100 distance. Why? I'm too darn slow for the shorter stuff. Plus, you can walk in 100's. I like walking. I even walk in my little six mile lunch time runs.

Bummer though. I would like to do Leadville sometime. But it is always the same weekend as Waldo. I'm not giving up that. But maybe in three years after completing five Waldo's I will do it. We will have to see. Cool think about Waldo, it might be the 100k Masters championship this next year. Craig has already wheeled off the start to take off four miles because the course is long (66.36 miles). So it looks like we will be hiking straight up the ski slope. No running there. The race filled last year so I am sure it will fill if it is the Masters championship. Just love that race. On a side note, there might not be relay teams for the race anymore. Just 100k solo runners. I don't mind, I do it solo. Plus, I won't get passed like I'm standing still by the relay runners anymore. And I mean they are flyin' by me after the halfway point. Quite demoralizing to see them breezing by. But the good thing is they always have encouraging words as I do for them. Gotta love this sport...

San Diego this weekend. Will be "watching" others from the PNW. They should do well. Dan Harshberger did really well at Heartland. I am glad for him.

Now I have to figure out where to run this weekend. My friend is injured that I run with a lot. The injury is getting better thank goodness. But it will be lonely for my long runs this weekend. Well, just makes running with friends the next time that much better. Have to appriciate it. Have to see if I get rained on this weekend. Yes, the seasons are changing. Got to love the trees right now. Just wonderful to be on the trail in all seasons.

Back in the groove

Well, I think the season is completely over for me. But I already have my eye on next years schedule. Thinking about doing at least two 100's. Sorry, I am not Olga. But with that I will be getting after both of them I believe. Yes, I still have to put in for States. Better get going on that. That will be the focus if I do happen to get in but not counting on it. My brother is in as a two time loser. He did well at AC and took some good time off to rest and will be getting ready for States soon. He improved tons last year again. I really thing he could run in the top 10 at States. I will be watching him for sure on States day. How exciting.

Went for my first run in two weeks out from Rio. Very relaxing actually. Could tell the weather changes. Now it is time to get out the winter clothes I guess.

Looking forward to more relaxing runs.

Wait, I do have one more race this year, Autumn Leaves 50 miler. Now let's see if I can count to 10. Ten laps you know. A friend made me a split card. I will rely on that to keep count as last year I lost track. Just the "dumb" runner in me.

Rio Del Lago 100

How do I begin? This was only my second 100. I knew it was an easier course than States but it is still 100 miles!!! You just can't look past that. You have to respect the distance no matter how hard the course.

Arivied in Sacramento via plane on Thursday. Time to relax I figure. Went to the race briefing on Friday. Sure enough, there has been problems of people getting lost in the past because of lack of course markings and/or vandalism on the course. This I knew going into the race. So, the plan was to try to stay focused during the race. Could I do this in a 100? We will see...

Started at 6am in the dark with the a headlamp. Thank you Kyly for suggesting this. Started out too "Hot" for the 20-30 miles trying to hook up with runners that have ran this race in the past. Two provided valueable information on the trouble spots. That was a great help. But getting after it early would take it's toll.

At mile 30 or so I noticed that my legs were completely tired! Plus, I was having mechanical issues with my ankle and a toe. Took care of the blister, a first for me. I always get blisters but I don't give a crap normally. But this one was as big as a little toe. And the blister was on the little toe!!! The ankle... Well, I twisted it at Waldo and it has never healed completely. The shoe was bumping the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis tendons on the lateral malleolus. I asked the aid station person at mile 27 if they had a sharp knife or sciccors to cut my shoe but they didn't have anything sharp enough. I managed to loosen my shoe and adjust it so it didn't bump the tendon anymore. That was a great help.

But shortly after the mechanical issues I was having other issues. My back was hurting. Really, quite painful actually. I took 1000mg of tylenol and 600mg of ibuprofen that I carry always. I think that helped a bit.

Moving along... Things got a little better. I was eating my beans and Pedisure at desegnated aid stations. I was thankful for the calories. I doused myself a few times as the tempurature was in the low 90's at times. I was thankful for the ice at the aid stations, I took advantage of that. I soaked in streams for 2-4 minutes twice. That helped to cool the core.

From mile 30-60 I had an extreme low point. My back was hurting so much that I honestly didn't think I could finish. But another dose of tylenol and ibuprofen would help even more. At about mile 60 I noticed that I was starting to run better and I was encouraged. Then I thought, "I think I can finish this thing."

At that point I desided to put the hammer down and get after it. Afterall, there was a group only 15 minutes in back of me that has been there for 20+ miles. It was time to gap them. I didn't care that I had been lost for 20 minutes earlier in the race. That was behind me. I concentrate on eating and drinking. More beans and Pediasure helps again. I am running well and starting to enjoy the race more.

I hit the turn around on the second out and back and start to love it. They have a vanilla shake for me. How awesome is that? Plus, more calories!!! I start to jam the last 16.5 miles back to the finish. I see the group that has been behind me early on. I have gapped them to 30 minutes now. Good. Still have to stay focused.

I see Kyly shortly after heading out. I think she is in the lead for women. I don't say anything because it is hard to tell with pacers and runners in the dark. She was having a difficult day with legs hurting. I tell her that my legs have felt tired all day. I want to talk longer but I have to tell her that there is a group on my tail. She tells me to get going. I tell her to take care of herself and to see her at the finish.

I see Scott Cheers and tell him he is going to finish his first 100! (he is from Coos Bay, Oregon on the coast.)(Scott in red shirt.) 26:26:23 for 19th and 6th in his age group.

I see Olga and George (her pacer) she looks good. She offers encouraging words. I see Catra and Kathy D'Onofrio and they say I am in 5th. I tell them that I am in 6th actually. They say I am running strong. The aid station people say I look great and look better than anybody that has came through. Either they are good liars or things are going well I figure. (Olga and George in picture.)

Things were going well. I just had to stay focused on trail markings, (or lack there of), I waist at least 10 minutes those last 16.5 miles trying to find the trail markings. I just try to run everything from there on out.

I get to a road section that crosses the river. I know that I would be able to see headlamps behind me if the group of three are close. I run stealth accross the bridge and up the hill. It took 20 minutes to do this section. I never see headlamps behind me when I crest the hill. Good. Things are still going well. I turn my headlamp and waist lamp back on.

I run hard the last 3.1 miles. As I come off trail and run accross the last leavy and run stealth again. I look back and I don't see any lights. I make the last turn towards the school still running hard. I turn the lights back on and watch the trail closely. I am glad, nobody has passed me the last 40 miles.

I finish in 22:33:33. Not the time I wanted but am surprised to finish in 6th. AND I DIDN'T GET CHICKED! That will never happen again. But it is nice one time. Kyly finished in 25:44:35 in 15th overall and third women. Both of us were second in our age group. We brought home tons of swag.

We both didn't have great races but we both battled through difficult hurdles. It was nice to finish when you have to persevere.

Now it is time for a massage. I figure I deserve it.

Angeles Crest 100

My brother was 5th at Angeles Crest 100. I am so proud of him. It will be fun to watch him at States next year as he is in as a two time loser. I just know that he will be in the top ten. How exciting.

Craig from Eugene, Oregon was 10th. Ashley, from Corvallis Oregon was the womens winner and Stacy from Tigard,Oregon was second. Michael McCarthy, from Portland, Oregon was 18th.

Just a great showing from all.

Lokum Ridge, Mt. Hood

Bob "the Beast" Lynes invited Kyly and I for another adventure the day after McKenzie River 50k. We were to explore new trails to Kyly and I up to Lokum Ridge on Mt. Hood. I knew it would be a good day with the wonderful weather we were having. Have to remember to bring my camera for sure.

How many hours will be out. Bob says 5-6. Translation, times that by 1.5-2.0. That is how long we will be out. So, had my hydration pack and two 24 oz bottles filled. Some food. I didn't have time to bring something to share because I had the race before and travel the day before. Kyly was nice to provide a meatloaf sandwich and fritos. Thank you Kyly.

We got kind of a late start knowing how long we would really be out. That was fine. The only date I had was with Bob and Kyly. Locum Ridge is on the north side of Mt. Hood. Next to Reid glacier. The sorce of the Sandy River.

A lot of hiking early on. I had ran on parts of this trail last year. Some on the PCT. We met a few hikers and Mike who was taking the 41 miles trail around Hood. He didn't start until 8:40 am. We thought that might be a little late. Sure enough he crossed the White river in the dark with chest high water. Not something I would want to do.


We were able to do a little running.


















We were taking our time mostly. We were just having a great time. Sometimes laughing so hard that I couldn't keep the camera still.



Bob and Kyly next to the "Locum Ridge Gargoyle". The blackish rock to their right that stuck out from the others when looking up at the formation at 7000 feet.




Kyly showing she is "the strongest person in all the land".


















Kyly found a rock... O.K., so it is heart shaped. Way to go Kyly.






You have heard of "out on a limb", well here is my version on this day. Hurry up and take the picture Kyly, I don't like it out here.

Kyly likes running the technical sections. Well maybe not.



Bob was a great guide. We saw four volcanos and was on the fifth. What a great day.












Kyly loves all the rocks and river crossings.

Well, maybe not again.




Where has your Hagg Lake Tee shirt been?

McKenzie River 50k

Did McKenzie River 50k last Saturday. I have never ran this race before but had ran on the lower 2/3rds many times in the past. This was the first trail that I had ever ran on as my brother invited me to run along three years ago.

This course is one of the most scenic in Oregon. It is a fast 50k also. The mens field was stacked. Ticer was fit and recovered from injury. Lewis Taylor was just having the best year. Others, Tom Adkins, Scott Jurek, Rob Coll and others were all between 2:30 and 2:50 marathoners. The womens field was strong, just not quite as deep.

My goal for the day was to start out slow and finish strong. Hit as little aid stations as possible. Be somewhat self sufficient. Mark Humphrey's and I took off just behind the leaders. We knew that we were in unchartered territory when we could still see them after a half mile or so. We backed off a bit.

Ran up around the lake for the first third. This I hadn't seen yet. Somewhat technical but still fast. Passed through the first aid station without stopping. Still had plenty of fluids in the handhelds. Continued to run with effort onto the 2nd aidstation. Ran through it knowing that I could fill up at the third one. Passed several in the second aid station along with Mark. Mark would catch up to me in a mile or two. He was cruising. I just maintained pace.

Fill up at the third aid station. Didn't have to fight the crowds. I was the only one there. I see Bob Coll catch up. I ask him if he wants to pass. He said he was fine. How is this possible? He is a 2:30 marathoner. We run together the last eight miles. I lead as I can't stand the way he runs the downs. Sorry, he was just running to cautiously slowing down. We run everything. I think I only walk about 10 steps in this whole race! Talk about a lot of "running".

Bob starts to faid on the short hills. Really, they are not bad. I finally don't hear him after the last hill. I catch up to Christain Beck walking the last hill. Another speedy dude, but having an off day. He has ran sub 4:30 here a few times. He starts to pick the pace up the last three miles. I follow suit but can't gain on the 50 foot gap he built.

Finally, I get passed the last mile by Scott Cheers. He is new to the ultra sceen. He will do well next year.

I finish in 17th out of 100+ in 4:44. 30 minutes faster than my predicted time. Kyly had me at 5:09 comparing me to others my speed. I was pretty darn surprised. I hadn't looked at my watch all day. Not even to see when to eat next. Ignorence is bliss I figure.

I ended up winning the Oregon Trail Series Masters winner. Another surprise.

John Ticer wins for the third year in a row. Missed his course record by a bit but he was still happy. Tia Gabalita celebrated her 38th birthday with a win in 4:36.

"Big" Steve Loitz celebrated his 50th birthday and 10 McKenzie.

A great day on the trail. Scenic as all get out. Ran with Kyly and Bob Lynes up Lokum Ridge at Mt. Hood the next day for a 9 1/2 hour adventure. More on that later. Now it is time to take it easy. Rio Del Lago 100 in two weeks.

Nice Long Weekend

It was nice to have a long weekend. Saturday had a good easy run with Kyly. Went a different route than we normally go. Nice to have a little change once in while. Both of us seemed to be dragging a little. That was fine, not a race you know. Even sat on a bench just to enjoy the view for 20 minutes I figure. Good that we ran easy that day because we were to run with Kyly's friend Fred the next day.

I don't know Fred all that well. Met him and his wife after States this year near Auburn. Both him his wife have done States. And Allie has done a few Ironmans too boot. Let me fill you in on who we were running with on Sunday... Fred decided to do a 100. He picked Superior. (The old course.) So, here is Fred doing his first 100 and he picks a fairly hard one. What does he do??? He goes out and wins the darn thing!!! Then the next year he finishes States in 22 and change.

Needless to say that Kyly and I were running harder than we normally do with Fred. He did have to stop and wait a few times for us slugs to catch up. That was fine. Kyly and I just got to see more detail in the surroundings because we were not flying down the trail. Fred was great. He didn't mind.

Just a great way to start a long weekend.

McKenzie River 50k this Saturday. Scott Jurek will probably win. But Lewis and Tice will be right there. This is a fast course. I have ran on it but never did the race. I am anxiously waiting to see what I can do. Kyly is to write my estimated time down and I don't get to look at it until I am done. I have guessed already. So, we will see. It is one of the most beautiful trails that I have ever ran. Wish Phil had a 50 miler like in years past. Oh, well it will be great none the less.

If you click on the title above it will provide a link to a short video of the 2005 race. Quality not all that great but you will get the idea. John Ticer (3:42) is the guy that is coming accross the bridge early and he is the winner. My brother Jeff (3rd, 3:54) can be seen early also. He is wearing the red hat and shorts with a sleeveless grey shirt. Meghan Arbogast is the womens winner (4:19) in the long sleeve grey shirt and red hat. Enjoy.

You thought you were tough running 100 miles?

This last weekend while helping crew Kyly at CCC is met a very interesting person. I was at the Meadow Mountain aid station. Which by the way, I ended up having to take over as the volunteers left. Don't get me wrong I was happy to help out but this is one more reason why I think this race needs a lot of improvement.

Anyway, back to the story. I met Scott Williamson. He was thru hiking. No not just the Oregon section of PCT. Not Oregon and Washington but all of PCT. No it doesn't stop there. He is Yo-Yoing it!!! That's right. First North and then turning around and heading South to Mexico.

Scott, (I am sorry I didn't get his trail name.) is the only person to have done this. He finished last year for the first time in 205 days. Last year he turned around at the Canadian border in 106 days. This year he turned around in 88 days and is doing fine.

His pack is customized Go-Lite pack weighing in at a light 8.5 pounds. (Not counting food.) He does not carry a stove. He wears trail shoes and running type shorts. He uses a blanket that he made for warmth. Sleeps on a ground cover. Tarp overhead to keep off the rain. He will go through about a dozen pairs of shoes on his trek.

For nurishment he eats dried foods, protein shakes, dried fruit, refried beans, crackers. He eats two to three pounds of food a day. His dad will mail food to him at 42 different drop sites along the way.

Right now he carries a small video camera to document his story. During this day there were three camera men on the trail documenting his progress. They will put together a documentry for next year on one of the Discover channel I believe he said. I will be looking for it.

And on this day he said he hasn't seen this many people in 2000 miles! This day he also gets to see his friend complete a 100 mile run.

One more reason why I like our sport. We get to meet the most interesting friendly people.

CCC 100, my chance to crew

Last weekend I had the joy of crewing Kyly for Cascade Crest 100. She is running really well right now and it showed.

The race starts at 10:00am which has it's pluses. You can get some good rest the night before the race which is nice for a change. Mike Burke was there. What stud. He did Waldo 100k the weekend before and he will be doing AC 100 in two weeks!

Anna Bates was to do her first 100. I met Anna and Kyly two years ago at 3:00am running up PCT at the start of Waldo. Anna's headlamp went out and Kyly and I light the trail for her until the sun came up. What a great memory that is.

Kyly had signed up months ago thinking that this would be a great mountanous run. Well, as race day grew nearer information on the race was non-existant. Entrants would try to contact the RD, Markus Dennis, for information and replys didn't happen. Then the week of the race information is posted on the website! I won't vent too much here, but in my own personal opinion I would have been very frustrated with the RD.

Because of lack of communication Kyly just decided to use it as a training run for Rio. She was to do 40-47 miles of the course and drop as Rio is in only three weeks. The race started with 67 entrants in what was going to be a fairly warm day here in the NW. I immediatly set out to be at Tacoma Pass aid station at mile 22.5. I would get there in plenty of time so I decided to go for a run on the trail. I met up with James Varner who drove up from Olympia. He was marking the course on race day!!! With no comunication between the RD and others volunteers were sparce. James and I were only about an hour to hour and a half ahead of the leaders.

Back to the race. Kyly came in looking great. She refueled and I walked her out letting her know what was ahead. She was having a great time.

I then head off to Stampede Pass, mile 33 of the race. Kyly comes in still looking fantastic and she has been passing many. She just gets stronger as the day goes on. I give her a light, (RD instructs that you must leave with one here). She wants her hand held and long sleeve shirt. Kyly it is 85 degrees! I will see her in a litte over an hour. I could give her that stuff later.

She gets to Meadow Mountain aid station in 1:15, mile 40.5. She is flyin'!!! She is now in the top 10 overall! Third female! She is covered with salt. Not her norm. But she looks fantastic. Much better than some that have passed through. She desides to call it a day as her achillies is acting up. I wanted her to do the whole thing. She was just running so strong! But that was not her plan for the day. Bummer, I was having a blast helping. And this was good to see her so often. She is going to jam at Rio! (Kyly in red coming into Tacoma aid station, mile 22.5)

As for Anna and Mike... They ran the whole race together. How great is that? Mike was cramping a bit you can always depend on "Bushwacker."

Anna finished strong. She was really happy, as she should be. This was not an easy race. I believe it has 23,000 feet of gain.

















Bushwacker cleaning the trail dirt off. Anna above rejoycing in her accomplishment of placing 4th female. The NW gang did great. It was fun to see all of them out on the trail. It was a great weekend. I look forward to crewing Kyly in a 100. This a "must" on my wish list.

Where's Waldo 100k, "Vanilla," Please.

"Vanilla," Please.


Where's Waldo is a race I look forward to all year. It is the race that I "have to do." I have to admit it was a little hard to get up mentally for this years race, as States was such a mental "high".

Going into the race I was a little concerned in finishing under the 16 hour cutoff. I was instructed by my brother that I had to do the 5:00am start and not the early start of 3:00am. I have never finished under 16 here.

This year the course was wheeled. It measured 66.36 miles. So, maybe next year it will be changed to closer to 62.2 miles for the U.S.A. 100k championship? I hope so. It is truely a "trail" run. 99% "pillowy" single track. Just the best ever.

Kyly and Michael Christianson a.k.a, "Crusty", were doing the early start as a relay. Not sure why, Kyly is having the best year ever and running super strong. Micheal has been fast in the past but was just a little undertrained.

Would I see Kyly coming off Mt. Fuji? (short out and back of 2.2 miles to the summit.) No way, she would be running too fast on the first climb. Afterall, I don't run with the "big boys" who might see her.

The plan for the first climb was just to stay steady, follow Ronda for a good pace. I have to admit, running in more daylight than in years past helped with the pace. By the 2nd aid station at the bottom of Fuji I was already 28 minutes ahead of last years pace (mile 14.8). Just before summiting I see Craig and Jeff (brother) coming down. They were going easy, as Jeff has AC in three weeks.












Running into Charlton was fairly uneventful. Except that I do hate the section between Mt. Ray aid station and The Twins aid station. I struggled with these rolling hills as always. Kyly did great. I win the "bet", she did this section faster than me. I told her she was running like a studette!!! She got into Charlton in 7:20. She "ROCKED" that 35 miles!

Getting into the approximate halfway point is Charlton Lake. Kyly would be there up to two hours before me and she aggreed to hand me my beans and Pediasure. Problem, I was ahead of schedule by 45 minutes at this point. I don't see Kyly prior to the aid station on the trail as planned. She was to walk me in as I eat and drink.

At the Charlton aid staion I finally find my drop bag. They moved the location from years past. Kyly is right there thank goodness. She is a little surprised to see me. I am surprised as much as her. She is "on it" again. Makes sure I drink the Pediasure first. Thank you! I hate burping that stuff up if I drink it after the beans.

I ask her to walk me out as I eat. She obliges. I eat and walk. I notice Kyly only has on one sock on her right foot and nothing on the left. Sorry Kyly. We walk and talk. She asks me how I'm doing. I said that I have been "pushing it a bit." She aggrees given my time into Charlton. I am actually quite worried with the pace I have set... I am wondering if I had "pushed" too hard given my ability. I like walking with Kyly as she always knows what to say. She bids me fairwell and I am thankful for her and the calories.

I run many sections after this that I walked in the past. I was pleased.













Onto Maiden Peak. I struggled terribly last year here. This year I manage to do this 4.5 mile section 26 minutes faster. I believe it is about 3000 ft of gain in that 4.5 miles, but not completely sure. Yes, it is a pretty good climb followed by running Leap of Faith trail. (super technical and super steep down after summiting.)

The downhill into the last aid station is my favorite. First there is the challange to run the Leap of Faith trail and then just take advantage of all the down.

Man I love "Free Speed!!!"

Last aid station. I look at my watch for the first time in many hours. I have 1:24 minutes to get in under 14. I don't know if that is possible as I have never ran this last 7.4 miles faster than 1:44 (that's 20 minutes faster than in the past!). But I give it a shot. I run it in exactly 1:24. "Ouch."

I catch up to Sean Meissner. He was not having a good day so he decides to go after the "Wet Waldo" award by jumping in all the six lakes. I run past all there Rosery lakes, a first for me. Run with Sean as much as I could but he is given new life after the last lake. I just take advantage of a sweet downhill finish.

I look at my watch and see that I have five minutes to get to the finish as I get off the trail. That is all I can do. My body is hammered. I finish in 14:00. That is all I could muster.

It was a tough day. I am paying for it today. Kyly would have liked the projectile vomit show similar to States. Well, only did this four times instead of 14!!!
















I get to the finish and I see my brothers. Yes, Jeff's twin brother John came to see his first ultra. He said he had a great time. Kyly is there again. They were all guessing I would be in just under 15. I guess I had a good day. A PR by 2:17.

I was asked what hat I would like for finishing under 16 hours... "Vanilla" please. It will be added to my "Tomato" and "Blueberry" Waldo hats. What a wonderful race. My favorite. Next year 125 will be allowed to run this "pillowy single track." It doesn't get any better than this.

Sporting a new look...

Kyly was kind enough to bring me to Dog Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge this Sunday. It was a beautiful day. Sunny and warm. I don't mind hot days. I rather like them as apposed to running in the cold, a pet peave of mine. I just hate being cold.

Well, my job was to compare it to Rooster Rock Trail outside of Sweet Home Oregon. I have to say that the trails are very similar with close to the same elevation gain in the same amout of distance. Yes, Dog is a longer trail and has a little more gain but it is about equal to Rooster if the trails were the same distance. Dog has some pretty decent climbs. I was working pretty hard to even stay close to Kyly. She is such a great hill climber.

We finally got to the top of the 3.7 mile climb in about an hour I believe. Great views and many hikers finishing their lunch were there.






















It was just a great day. We had fun as we always do.

Kyly did really well on the downs. There was quite a bit of scree to go through but I was watching her and she scooted through it with some recklass abandand. That is what you have to do in the technical sections. Have trust in your body. Have trust in your ankles. Have trust in your proprioception abilities. Have trust in yourself. Just friggen hammer it... She did it and was looking very comfortable doing it. She already is one of the best climbers that I know but now with this ability to jam down the technical sections of the trail she will have fun at most any trail. O.K., she might not like the technical section up at Mt. Jefferson quite yet but I hope to get her there soon.

Trial on the way to Mt.Jefferson below.

Well, Kyly did something that she wanted to do for a long time... Get a tattoo. She wanted something that represented who she was and what she was about. I just thought she got the greatest tattoo ever. So much so I wanted one just like it after seeing it. We will see. I have never wanted a tattoo before but after seeing her's I might just have to follow suit...

It was a great day on Dog Mountain. Just a great place to have a good run and have fun. I hope to do it again soon. But first, I have to bring Kyly to Mt. Jefferson for some great other epic trails. That is next on the agenda for me. Invite friends to a great time on great trails. (Mt. Jefferson below.)