End of June...On To Some Miles

I took the week after Bighorn easy mostly due to being too sore to run.  I did get a nice trail run in on my birthday and Elizabeth and I hiked a portion of Rock Creek trail.

Yeah, so I'm 30 now.  I have to remember that when I register for races in the future.

I also don't have to compete against 22-year old guys who are straight out of college anymore.  Sweet.  Except that when it comes to trail races where the folks in the 30-40 age group are the ones kicking all the butt.  

Last week was a good training week and a great way to finish the month out strong.  I'm going to try to ramp up some miles in the next two or three weeks before taking off for Rainier and the Wonderland Trail.  I won't get to 90mpw, but I can get to 70+ and call it good.  And then hope I can do back-to-back-to-back ultras.  I'll have fantastic company so I'm not too worried.

Mon. June 24 - 5M in :36.  Post work run in the prairie.  My allergies were kicking my butt and running wasn't a lot of fun.  Tried a new medication that seems to be working like a charm.  Fenceline loop.  

Tues. June 25 - 7.5M in :58.  Tuesday Night Trails.  The mountain bike series races are going and we had to deal with congested trails.  Therefore, we are officially moving trails to Wednesday evenings.  We started from Summit trail head, went out Summit, down Haunted Forest, up Super Secret, out Summit loop and Browns, and in on Headquarters.  Mosquitoes are also now officially out en masse.  And they are thirsty.

Wed. June 26 - 9M in 1:09. Morning run.  Trying to avoid the midday-afternoon heat.  House to prairie, fenceline, Owl Canyon, home.  A little sluggish the first half, then pretty relaxed the second half.

Thurs. June 27 - 8M in :56.  I stole a track workout from Deininger.  House to track, form drills, then 4x(2x200m/200m rec, 400m/400m rec).  Splits were 41, 38, 76, 38, 38, 76, 38, 37, 76, 39, 37, 74.  Something always feels pretty good about running a little faster on the track.

Fri. June 28 - 5.5M in :39.  Greenbelt south loop.  Quick morning run.  Shorter to recover from track workout/set myself up for some weekend mileage.

Sat. June 29 - 10.5M in 1:28.  Morning run with Jefe and Patrick.  Big Headquarters loop.  Got a later start (8 a.m.) and we were quite warm by the end.  Not a bad run.  My back and hips are a little sore, but I figured that would happen when I jumped up the mileage this week.  Have to stay diligent about stretching/core work.

Sun. June 30 - 19M in 2:35.  I was going to do 2xSilent Trails loop, but I was tired after the first loop, so I went out on a shorter Headquarters-Browns-Summit loop.  I ran the first loop with my pack so I can start getting used to running with it again before I go to Rainier.  Cooler morning, wheels just fell of a little at the end.

Week's Totals: 64.5M (8:21)

January: 107 (15:29)
February: 132 (18:29)
March: 170 (21:25)
April: 158 (21:26)
May: 195 (26:42)
June: 222 (35:13)
2013: 981 (138:45)

Gear: Asics Speedstar 6 (120M), Saucony Peregrine 2 (272M), Asics GT-2000 G-TX (294M)

Bighorn Trail 50-Mile

"Death in the company of friends is like a festival."

-Afghan proverb

I experienced a full range of emotions during my fifty miles on course in the Bighorn Mountains.  I was at points elated, soaking in the beauty of the landscape around me.  I shared some great moments with others.  I sank into despair, wallowed in self-pity, was frustrated, angry, sick and tired.  And once I finished, I was not happy.  I was merely relieved it was over.

Elizabeth, Patrick, and I drove up to Sheridan Thursday afternoon.  The Laramie crew congregated at the Fullers' home there and enjoyed a party and magnificent hospitality courtesy of Judy and Jeff Fuller.  It was great to see Josh and Cassie again.  The Frenchs arrived, Sam Vogel and his friend Nathan were there, and we were graced with the presence of one Horsecow Lonac and our old, dear friend Sandra.  Everyone was in good spirits, though some nervous energy was bubbling under the surface.

Good friends, good times.  Photo by Elizabeth.

Friday morning we all went out to Dayton to see Josh off on the start of the 100-miler (he would feel the effects of having lived in Portland, OR for the last year and, succumbing to altitude sickness, would drop out around mile 40), then gathered back in Sheridan.  We grabbed lunch at Java Moon Cafe and ate it at Blacktooth Brewery, where our buddy Steve is now the assistant brew master.  Do what you can to find their Saddle Bronc Brown Ale and Black Eagle Baltic Porter.  Simply delicious.

After lunch we all went to The Sport Stop to pick up our race packets and drop-off our drop bags.  Some confusion ensued as we attempted to figure out who was going with who, and who had their things in someone else's vehicle. At that point, Elizabeth and I decided it was time to get out of town and head up the mountain.  

The 50-mile starts at the Jaws trail head on the western side of the Bighorns at six in the morning.  Therefore, the race buses racers up there from Dayton.  That bus leaves at 4 am.  If one stays in Sheridan, one needs to get up around 3 am in order to get to Dayton to make the bus.  Therefore, we chose to camp at North Tongue campground near Burgess Junction.  It was about a 25-30 minute drive from there to the start.  I got to sleep until four.

Elizabeth and I set up camp and then went for a quick, short hike down to Porcupine Falls, which is one of my favorite places in the Bighorns.  After that, it was dinner next to the North Tongue River, a quick campfire, then bed.

Porcupine Falls.

Moose friends along Highway 14.  Photo by Elizabeth.

Cool shot by Elizabeth.

Bighorn sunset.  Photo by Elizabeth.

I got up Saturday morning, made some breakfast and coffee and drove to the start.  I met up with Horsecow, Lee, Sandra, Sam and Patrick and waited for things to get started.  When they did, it was fairly cool (I started with a long-sleeved shirt and gloves) with a wonderful sunrise.  The first mile or so is cross-country through a field of sage brush before bottle-necking down to a single track trail in the trees.  Those first few miles were sloppy.  There was still a little snow on the course.

Gathering for the start.  L to R: Sandra, me, Sam Vogel, Horsecow.  Photo by Elizabeth.

Ready to go.  Sam Malmberg joins us for a photo.  Then he kicked our butts.  Photo by Elizabeth.

Couple of hungry dogs ready to rock.  Nik did most of the rocking.  Me, not so much.  Photo by Elizabeth.

Photo by Elizabeth.

Horsecow, me, and Lee (red shirt).  That was the trio for the first half of the race.  Photo by Elizabeth.

I ran with Horsecow and Lee, with Nik either right behind us or right in front of us all the way down into the Foot Bridge aid station, which, at 18 miles in, was our first drop bag station.  I sat for maybe five minutes, changed shoes, ate some food, applied some sunscreen, and we were on our way up the dreaded Wall.  Foot Bridge would be the last time I saw Nik, who would go on to have a great race, finishing 13th overall in 9:19:45.

I was worried about The Wall since I have not been climbing well as of late, so I chose to just walk the damn thing and let it happen.  Lee and Horsecow put a gap on me there, but I feel pretty good about how I climbed and felt at that point.  The wildflowers along the trail were incredible, prompting me to joke with the volunteers at the Bear Camp aid station at the top of The Wall that I tried really hard to be angry about the climb, but could not when I was surrounded by all that scenery. 

I caught up with Lee and Horsecow at Bear Camp and we three again took off on a seven mile section of rolling trail toward Cow Camp.  I was feeling good at that point, so I took the lead from Lee who had set the pace most of the morning.  I maybe pushed a little too hard there.  I also clipped a rock with my foot, and much like Quad Rock, I did not actually fall, but tweaked my back catching myself and was never quite right after that.  A couple of miles from Cow Camp, I started to fall apart.  Lee and Horsecow went on without me.  I wouldn't see them again.

I struggled into Cow Camp feeling pretty beat.  Cow Camp is colloquially known as the "Bacon Station" since the volunteers there fry up bacon for racers all day long.  I sat down with a plate of bacon, some fried potatoes, and took a break.  I hit the trail with a PB&J/bacon sandwich (which was delightful) and started my way toward Dry Fork, where my second drop bag would be.

I had a bad time between Cow Camp and Dry Fork.  I walked a lot of it.  Most of that section is exposed, and the midday sun was getting warm.  I started to get passed a lot, which didn't help my state of mind.  I talked briefly with a guy from Eugene, OR before he, too continued ahead of me.  Then I heard a familiar voice behind me.  "Go cowboys," Patrick said as he came up beside me.  I forced myself to run with him as we chatted about how our days were going.  Patrick was feeling good and looked good.  I, on the other hand, had decided that if Elizabeth was at Dry Fork, which we had discussed but never committed to, I was going to drop.  I had had enough at that point, and thought 34 miles was as far as I wanted to go.  I had committed myself to a DNF.  You win, Bighorn.

I stumbled into Dry Fork, grabbed my drop bag and plopped down.  Patrick patted my shoulder as he left the aid station to continue.  Elizabeth was not there, so I wasn't sure what to do.  Bighorn markets the race as a 50-miler, but in reality it is 52 miles, so sitting there at one in afternoon, I was sure I did not have 18 more miles in me.  However, as I dug through my drop bag, I discovered a note Elizabeth had sneaked in there the day before.  I won't get into particulars, but it made me smile, tear up, get up, and get my ass going.  Also, they had microwaved pizza in the aid station tent, of which I ate four slices.  

I walked out of Dry Fork up a dirt paved road.  It was getting warm, so I took it easy.  We tackled a short climb before dropping down onto a forest road and eventually some single track.   I started to feel okay and ran most of that section into the Upper Sheep Creek aid station.  After that, my race was miserable.

Out of Upper Sheep Creek, we had one last, fairly brutal climb.  It wasn't overly long, but it was steep, and after 40 miles, it just sucked.  Once over the saddle, the trail drops down steeply into Tongue River canyon.  That four or five miles was awful.  On blown quads, I had to walk DOWNHILLS.  It was the first time in my life I said out loud to myself, "I could really go for some uphill right now."  That descent was frustrating.  I knew I was getting closer and wanted badly to run, but I physically could not.  I was toast.

I recouped a little at the Lower Sheep Creek aid station where they told me, "Hey, only 7.2 miles to go."  I thought that was just about the best damn thing I had heard all day.  I could do 7.2 miles.  Hell, now that I was in the canyon, with a fairly flat dirt road into town ahead of me, I even thought I could finish within an hour and a half.  That was not to be.

As I jogged out of Lower Sheep Creek, two things happened.  One, it started to get very hot.  At 4 pm, with the sun beating down into the canyon, the rock walls trapped and radiated heat.  After the race, Patrick would tell me that was the hottest temps he had ever experienced in the canyon.  Two, my stomach started to cramp badly, mostly due to the heat.  I don't run well in heat.  Stomach cramps are usually one of my biggest issues when the temperature gets over 80.  I had to stop along the side of the trail to deal with that particular issue, once again getting passed by several more people.

By the time I got to the last aid station, I had resigned myself to walking the final five miles.  Every time I started to run, my stomach cramped too much and with us approaching town, there was no longer any place to stop if I needed to.  I walked down the road.  And walked.  And walked.  Longest five miles ever.

I finally got into Dayton and forced myself to jog into the park and through the finish line.  Everyone was there and the cheers were quite welcome and appreciated.  Fuller had a beer in my hand before I even came to a complete stop.  I was ecstatic to no longer be moving.  55th overall in 11:36 was not what I had hoped for, but I pushed through when I had really resigned myself to quitting.  I gingerly pulled off my shoes and stood knee deep in the river next to Scott Park.  I thanked Elizabeth for all the help and especially that note.  That woman is absolutely, unequivocally amazing.  I'm ridiculously fortunate to have her in my life.

Patrick finishes!  Photo: Elizabeth.

Horsecow, now crippled, struggles home.  Photo: Elizabeth.

Finally effing done.  Photo: Elizabeth.

That finish line banner was one of the most beautiful sight these ol' eyes have seen.  Photo: Elizabeth.

Horsecow, Johnna, Jefe, and Cassie relax.  Photo: Elizabeth.

Not sure they are "victory" beers, but they sure were something.  Photo: Elizabeth.

Everyone else, it seems, ran really well.  Sam Malmberg killed it for 5th overall in 8:38, Patrick took third in his age group with a 10:39, Lee ran 10:13, and Horsecow pushed through in 10:47.  Jeff, Johnna, and Jason Roesler ran well in the 50K, and Steve Lipetzky was 4th overall in the 30K.  And awesome Sandra finished the 50-miler at a dead sprint with arms pumping like a boss.  She enjoyed her day in the mountains!

      

They should hire Sandra to market ultras.  She makes it look fun!  Photo: Elizabeth.

While disappointed with the outcome, I am pleased I finished.  I turn thirty at the end of this week, and Bighorn was the last stupid thing I wanted to do in my twenties.  It would be insignificant if I had DNF'd.  I dedicated myself to this running thing when I was 15 years old, so for half my life, I have been a runner. In those 15 years, I have never not finished a race.  I am proud of that.

This race brought out a lot of emotions and made me ask a lot of questions about myself.  I am still struggling with the competition instinct within myself, and I think that is taking away from the overall experience of something like this.  There were moments when I reveled in what was around me, but I spent so much more of it fighting myself inside my own head.  I don't like that feeling, and it's starting to wear me out.

I wasn't as focused on the training build-up for this race as I could have been and should have been, and I believe it has to do with a lack of interest in training like that.  I just want to run.  Whatever and however I feel.  I feel like I forced myself into this a little.  Not that I did not want to do it, but it was a challenge to wrap my head around it.  I guess, ultimately, I took a risk and though it did not pan out as well as I wanted, it did pan out.  I did finish.  And I need to be happy with that.

Once I am not too sore and can finally run again, I am going to approach things in a different fashion.

One final thanks to all the fine folks who helped out, the volunteers at all the aid stations, all the other fine runners with whom I crossed paths, the Fullers for the hospitality, my friends for the support and for kicking maximum ass out there, and to Elizabeth for putting up with me during all this.  I know that is not always much fun.

So, this time again next year, maybe?

Pilot Hill 25K and Some Catch-Up

It has been a very busy two or three weeks.  I've hit some decent mileage although I neglected to run at all a couple of weekends ago.  Moving occupied most of my time Memorial Day weekend.

I also finally had a good race.  I woke up the morning of Pilot Hill to colder, windy conditions with an overcast sky threatening rain.  I was concerned about the wind, but once on course, it was not that problematic.

Telling Nik a story.

More story telling.  Schabby in yellow, Nik , Nick Clark (No. 223), and Sam Malmberg (far right in blue singlet).

And we're off!

I wanted to approach this race differently from Quad Rock.  Before the start, I told myself to just go out easy and see how things were going once the climbing began.  I let a group, including Nick Clark, Sam Malmberg, and Nik Deininger, take off in the lead while I relaxed with the second group consisting of Chris Schabron, Dr. Dan Radosevich (the original Hungry Dog!), and Jason Gonzales.

"Group 2."  Schabby, me, Dr. Dan, and Jason G.

Schabby's having fun!

We ran and chatted on the first flat couple of miles before entering Owl Canyon.  We started to pick things up a tad through the first aid station and the start of the climb to middle aid station.  It was there that I started to feel good about my prospects that morning and chose to push it a little harder.  I dropped Schabby, Dan, and Jason, and went after a couple of runners who had fallen off the pace of the first group.  I rolled two of them up by middle aid station, and passed the third at the start of Devil's Staircase.

It was on the staircase that I saw Sam ahead of me.  It seemed to me like he was struggling just a bit.  I don't know if that's true, it was merely my perception.  I did receive that involuntary shot of adrenaline that I always get when I see someone ahead of me.  I can't help it.  Those old racing instincts always take over.

I decided the best thing to do was just settle and finish the climb as well as I could.  If I caught Sam, great, if not, oh well.  I was happy with how I was climbing.

I started up the last switchback at the top of Pilot Hill when Laine Parish passed me on the descent.  I asked him, "Where did you come from?"  I had no idea he was in front of me.  I was 5th to the top in 1:03:35, which may be the fastest I have ever made that ascent.  I don't recall what my ascent time was from 2008, but when I last raced in 2011, I puttered my way up in 1:08:58.  ~5:30 is a hell of an improvement.

I grabbed a drink and a handful of animal crackers and began the descent.  I caught up to Laine on the staircase.  I was concerned that he had bonked or was hurt, but when I passed him, he told me he was saving his knees.  That's a legitimate excuse on the staircase for sure.  The bedrock there is killer if one is careless.

Clarkie FTW!

Enjoying my descent.

Schabby had the third fastest descent of the morning.

The OHD himself.  New Master's CR.

I got back down quickly and alone (Sam would end up 1:22 ahead of me and Erik Boss would finish 1:01 behind).  The sun came out on the flats and it started to warm-up.  I kicked into the finish for fourth in 1:46:18.  My previous fastest time on that course was my 1:49:05 in 2008.  That's a pretty healthy course PR in my opinion.  

Clarkie finished first for the fourth time in five years with a new CR.  First guy under 1:40 in the modern era (the course used to be more straight up and down before a loop or two were added on the flats to extend it to 25K).  Deininger continues to show good form with a comfy second, and Sam had plenty of a gap over me to finish third.  My observation after talking with folks after the race was that most people had a pretty good day.  I think the results corroborate that sentiment.

Overall, I was pleased with this race.  I let the race come to me instead of trying to get after the race like I did at Quad Rock.  That is a huge difference between track/road racing and trail racing.  One can go after the race over shorter, flatter distances.  The ultra trail stuff has too much it can throw at you.  I am trying to relax more at the beginning.  Let it flow.

Jefe sure "let it flow" with his outfit.  WTF?

Some analytics:

May 20-26: 30M in 3:55

May 27-June 2: 51M in 6:14

---------------------------------------------------------------- 

January: 107 (15:29)

February: 132 (18:29)

March: 170 (21:25)

April: 158 (21:26)

May: 195 (26:42)

2013: 759 (103:32)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

June 3-9: 53M in 6:43

Gear: Asics Speedstar 6 (97M), Saucony Peregrine 2 (161M)

I didn't run the mileage I wanted before Bighorn, but it will have to do.  The objective now: survive.  Elizabeth and I leave around midday Thursday.  We'll stay with the Fullers in Sheridan Thursday night, then grab my race packet and watch the start of the 100M Friday before heading up to the mountains to camp Friday night.  Then race time!

I also spent the weekend down south, kicking it with the ladies in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain.  Had a good time.  Just the beginning of summer adventures.

Longs Peak from Gem Lake trail.

Camping in Estes Park.

Trail Ridge Road.

Heather and Elizabeth enjoying the elevation.

Longs Peak over Estes Park.

  

*All Pilot Hill pictures by Jenny Jones for High Plains Harriers*

Weeks Ending May 12 and May 19

May 6 - 4M in :30.  Shakeout run on the Greenbelt.  Core after.  A little stiff from the long run the day before.

May 7 - 7M in :47.  Tuesday Night Tempo.  The weather cleared a little (still chilly with a breeze) and the run went well.  Kyle reappeared to join us and pushed me on the tempo.  3M in 17:43.  

May 8 - 10.5M in 1:24.  Lunch run with Patrick and Hall Penn.  We started into an incoming squall that hit us all the way up Powerline.  It cleared up for our run back into town.

May 9 - No run.  Don't really remember why.

May 10 - 5M in :36.  Shakeout run on the Greenbelt in the morning before heading down to Fort Collins in the evening for Quad Rock.

May 11 - 26M in 4:35.  My write-up of the race describes what I went through. After some more time to reflect, as well as some good advice from my friends (particularly Alec), I'm not quite as pissed off about this race as I was.  I have a lot to learn, so I should just embrace it and try to enjoy it.  Getting so frustrated about things is not going to do any good.

May 12 - Day off.  Hung out in Cheyenne for Mother's Day.

Weekly Total: 52.5M in 7:51

May 13 - Day off.  Quad Rock mocks me.

May 14 - Day off.  Still pretty crippled.

May 15 - 5M in :43.  Pub Run.  Easy pace with several beers.  Front Street to Bailey's to Alibi to Ranger to Crowbar for food.  Elizabeth joined and much merriment ensued. 

May 16 - 5M in :40.  First run at Happy Jack of the season.  Trails are clearing up quickly.  I did a quick out and back from Tie City to the Overlook.  Elizabeth hiked and enjoyed the good, piney air.  Great to be back up on those trails.

May 17 - 6.5M in :52.  Post-work run at Happy Jack.  Summit, down Super Secret and Aspen, up Pole Creek.  Not too bad.  Still have some junk in my legs.

May 18 - 10.5M in 1:34.  Silent Trails course.  Third day in a row at the Jack (I just get so excited sometimes...).  I took it very easy.  Walked most of the climbs.  Didn't feel super great, but I wanted to get in something longer.

May 19 - 22M in 3:06.  Sunday morning long run.  Started at my house and met Patrick and Jefe in the prairie.  From there we ran the Pilot Hill course (25K).  I made it up the climb in a conservative 1:19.  Came back down in :54 for a total PH course time of 2:13.  Not bad considering what I did to myself last week.  Ran home from the prairie.

Weekly Total: 49M in 6:55.

Gear: Asics Speedstar 6 (52M), Saucony Peregrine 2 (90M)

Quad Rock

Three days later, I am still so sore that walking is not much fun.  I even had a chance to go and do a few days of fieldwork in Casper this week and had to pass because I physically cannot excavate.  Bending down to get in and out of a test unit sounds like nothing short of torture at this point.

The main issue I had with this race was the 5:30am start time.  That made getting to the race logistically challenging. I could either leave Laramie at four in the morning and head down, or I could head down the night before.  We chose to head down the night before and camp at South Bay of Horsetooth Reservoir.  However, we did not get out of Laramie until 7:30, so by the time we got down there and set up camp, it was already 9pm.  

I camped because it was cheaper and somewhat closer to the race start.  However, the campground was packed with obnoxious people with screaming children, large RVs, generators, and a complete lack of regard for others around them.  People were driving through the campground all night long, and the road noise from the highway never ceased.  We had neighbors who stayed up all night next to their fire.  Around 3am, one of them, apparently suffering from smoke inhalation, had a coughing fit that reverberated throughout the campground.  The point of this paragraph is to illustrate that going into what became a trail marathon, I got maybe two hours of sleep.  I will not be camping there again.

The last time I felt good.  Photo by Elizabeth.

The race start was, of course, packed, and parking was an issue.  However, we did get there with just enough time to spare.  The one nice thing about long trail races is that they require no warm-up.  The sun was just barely peaking over the horizon when we started.  The first few miles were easy and gradual, primarily on roads and a wide single-track.  I fell in line with Sam Malmberg and caught up on life and running.  It was relaxed.  Unfortunately, we started up Towers and that all came to an abrupt end.

I felt good half-way up Towers.  Then I no longer felt good.  I started walking.  By the time I got to the aid station at the top, I was already getting frustrated.  I had to take a few minutes to recoup before heading down to Horsetooth Falls.  It was that section that ruined the race for me, I believe.  I was still okay coming off Towers, but I chose to bomb down to the falls, and trashed my legs in the process.  I wasted too much energy on that descent.  Rookie, dumbass mistake.

The climb out of the falls and to the Horsetooth trail head and the second aid station was not too bad.  Elizabeth had made it around and was hiking and cheering.  It was good to see her.  That boosted my morale, if only for a short time.

Coming out of Horsetooth Falls.  Photo by Elizabeth.

After the second aid station, we began the long climb up Horsetooth.  I nearly dropped out at that point.  It was a humid morning and my calves, as is their habit, succumbed to lactic acid as soon as I started climbing.  I thought, "y'know, I could just turn around and head back to the trail head.  Elizabeth is there and can take me home.  I don't need this shit."  I kept going.

Horsetooth pissed me off.  I spent most of that trail cursing under my breath to myself.  When I finally got back to the Towers aid station, I was beat, and still looking at 11 or 12 miles.  I shoved as much food down my throat as I could and made sure I was refilling my water bottle.  With the humidity that morning, I was dehydrated most of the race (I did not stop to pee once, which was a problem).  

I started down from Towers and was caught by another runner who I believe was named Danny.  I honestly don't remember.  He was fantastic.  He paced me, talked me off the ledge, and gave me hope for a few miles that things were going to eventually end.  He would later go out for a second lap because he was a 50-miler.  And I was a chump.

Arthur's aid station gave me more water and food.  Unfortunately, it was at the base of the Howard's climb, which was a continuous switch back up and up and up, eventually coming out near Arthur's Rock.  About half-way up, I tripped, and while I did not actually fall, the effort I made to catch myself threw every muscle in my upper body out of whack.  I had to sit down for a second and catch my breath.  I've never had to catch my breath without actually falling first.  It hurt.  Bad.  I probably should have just fallen.

The worst part of that climb was the descent down to the finish.  I had nothing left in my legs, and the steep, winding descent was a struggle to stay upright on the trail.  One can see the finish line all the way down the descent, tantalizingly close yet, on the winding trail, it never seemed to get any closer. I was not enjoying my Saturday morning.

The last mile wound through the burn area and did eventually find its way down.  However, I took a wrong turn right at the end, in front a race volunteer who was not paying attention.  I realized my mistake after I had lost another place in the standings.  I turned back and made eye contact with the volunteer and shrugged my shoulders at him in an attempt to ask him, "What the HELL?!"  He apologized and I continued down the right way.  The point was moot by then anyway.

Finally done.  Photo by Elizabeth.

I honestly was on the verge of tears when I finished.  I exhibited some poor sportsmanship by disgustedly tossing my water bottle to the side and stumbling away.  Elizabeth, bless her, was there to again calm me down.  She has been an incredible team player when it comes to this running thing.

I was unprepared for this race and perhaps a little naive regarding its brutality.  Our late spring has made trails inaccessible to running, and the Greenbelt is not analogous to the trails in the foothills. The course had over six thousand feet of climbing on it.  And they were long, steep climbs.  The more I attempt that type of running, the more apparent it becomes that I am simply not a climber.  I am not built for it.

Yep.  There's the problem.

It was a humbling experience.  Finishing 26th overall in 4:34:42 was much worse than I anticipated.  I do not know what to do in regards to reconciling my ego with my ability.  The two, currently, exist in different realities.

It's been a long held belief that one should settle on the shortest distance at which one can be successful.  That distance, obviously, can change over time, given age, speed, fitness level, and general ability.  Right now, I may be trying to do too much.  I hypothesize that my current age, speed, and ability level may lend themselves more to the half-marathon or 25K distances.  On flatter courses.  The ultra stuff seems like it is over my head, physically and psychologically (in which lies my primary issue).

I will still be at Bighorn next month.  But after that, I may forego this ultra stuff for a while longer.

Reading is FUNdamental (see what I did there?)

One of the things I've been trying to do this year is read more.  Elizabeth is an abundant reader and her influence is strong like bull.  Plus, I have wasted way too much time over the years watching episodes of Scrubs, The Office, and Parks & Recreation on DVD.  

I find that my tastes lend themselves more to non-fiction, and in particular narratives about survival, the wilderness, athletics, and generally being a bad-ass.  I delve into fiction once in a while, but I often struggle to get into novels and do not get out of them what I get out of non-fiction.

The ladies have had a book club going for a while now.  They meet once a month, rotating between each others' homes, enjoying wine and hors d'oeuvres while discussing their current book.  I often teased Elizabeth that I would show up to a meeting so I could discuss books with them. However, the creation of a men-only book club seemed a better idea.  I know separating the sexes is sort of anathema to progressiveness in this day and age, but I do still believe there is value in men hanging out together.  And in the case of book club, hopefully we are exercising our minds and not just getting drunk.

With that, Evan and I (mostly Evan) organized "Manly Book Club" with several of our male friends, primarily those whose wives/girlfriends are in the ladies' book club.  We'll meet once a month for dinner, beers, and hearty discussion. Hopefully some feats of strength competitions as well.

Now, what do we read?  I have been slowly picking off books from The Art of Manliness' "100 Must-Read Books."  Some of them are decent enough suggestions, but as Dave pointed out, some, like Ulysses, The Republic, and anything Russian, would take a billion years to read.  A poll of the assembled group indicated that we have a greater general interest in non-fiction, with a specific interest in tales of survival and manliness.

Thus, our first book is Skeletons On the Zahara by Dean King.  It's an account of a crew of American sailors who shipwrecked off the western coast of Africa in 1815, are captured, sold into slavery, and forced to endure the Sahara Desert.  It arrived in the mail yesterday, and thus far, it's pretty entertaining. I look forward to a lively discussion.  A manly discussion.

Here are books I have finished in 2013.  Some of them I started at the tail end of last year, but I was lazy and did not finish until after the new year.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Where's DiCaprio?)

Running With the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn (Not terribly complex, but a good take on what current running culture is like in Kenya.)

14 Minutes by Alberto Salazar (Who knew Salazar was that catholic?)

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Fantastic book.  Louis Zamperini is the epitome of bad-ass.)

Open Season by C.J. Box (Wyoming author who writes mind-candy mystery/crime novels featuring a fictional game warden protagonist set in a fictional Wyoming town.  This is his first of an on-going series.)

Touching My Father’s Soul by Jamling Tenzing Norgay (A great education on the Sherpa customs and beliefs regarding Everest, a look into the life, relationships, and mind of the author's father, Tenzing Norgay, and another first-hand account of the 1996 Everest season, since I assume we have all read Into Thin Air by now.)

The Room by Hubert Selby, Jr. (I exchanged my Selby, Requiem For a Dream, with Becky for this one.  Selby is always a dark and pitiless read.)

Shooter by Jack Coughlin (Raided my father's book stores.  Lots of military stuff, as one would expect from a retired, 27-year USAF veteran.  This is the autobiography of the top-ranked Marine Corps sniper.  Focuses primarily on his role in the Iraq War.)

Team 7-Eleven by Geoff Drake (Dad's book.  Not the most well-written book, but entertaining. Good history of cycling in America before Armstrong fucked everything up.)

Art of War by Sun Tzu (Dad's book.  Probably did not get out of it what I was supposed to.)

Seal Team Six by Howard Wasdin (Dad's book.  Interesting and informative perspective on many conflicts, especially The Battle of Mogadishu in 1993.  Dude was there.)

Down the Great Unknown by Edward Dolnick (Very entertaining narrative about Powell's 1869 Colorado River expedition.  Another ultimate bad-ass.)

Just Ride by Grant Petersen (Silly book I borrowed from my dad.  Attempts to throw commonly held cycling beliefs and practices out the window.  I do not believe it succeeds.)

Wild by Cheryl Strayed (I borrowed this from Elizabeth.  The ladies read this for their book club last month.  This was, hands down, the best book I have read in a long time.  Highly recommended.)

Kings of the Road by Cameron Stracher (Narrative about the rise of the running boom, centered on Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, and Alberto Salazar and their battles at Falmouth.  Again, not a challenging read, but a great story.  I read it cover-to-cover in an evening.)

Dubliners by James Joyce (Thought I'd get classical with this one.  A little boring.  Reminded me that I prefer non-fiction.) 

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Currently reading.  I know I'm behind the times and this book has sat on my shelf for years.  I figured it was time to see what was all the rage in 2003.)

Skeletons On the Zahara by Dean King (Our first Manly Book Club book.  I am two or three chapters in as of this morning.)

I have an ever-growing list of books I wish to read.  Some I may suggest to the book club.  Some, I reckon, should probably have something to do with that thesis I have never written.

Laramie Spring Time Running

The last couple of weeks have been a perfect example of the variability of spring weather in the Rocky Mountain west.  That always makes for challenging running, but the days are trending nicer and it's easier to convince myself to get outside.  Except for last Wednesday.  That was bullshit.

The past couple of weeks of training have been productive.  I feel good about Quad Rock.  I am not so sure I will be competitive, but I do feel I can produce a 4-Hour or slightly under effort.  I would be happy with that a month out from Bighorn.

April 22 - 5M in :37.  Greenbelt run.  In the snow.

April 23 - 7M in :47.  Tuesday Night Tempo.  2M warm-up to Washington Park.  3M tempo in 17:54.  2M cool down home.  Still pretty cold.

April 24 - 11M in 1:26.  Lunch run with Jefe, Patrick, and Jason R.   Powerline Climb/Middle Aid Station loop in the prairie.  Sunny, but chilly wind.

April 25 - 5M in :36.  Greenbelt lunch run.  Great weather.

April 26 - 5.5M in :41.  Friday form work.  Form exercises, plyos, 4x2-lappers with one-lap rest.  

April 27 - 7M in :48.  Late morning run on Greenbelt.  Beautiful weather.  Followed by a trip down to Fort Collins.  Hiked to Horsetooth Falls, drank beer outside, and caught a movie.  Nice little Saturday, really.

April 28 - 15M in 1:57.  Long trail run at Curt Gowdy.  Hit Twin Lakes, Canyons, Highline, Blue's Cruz, Cliff Hanger, Middle Kingdom.  Windy, but warm.

Week Totals: 56M in 6:52

April 29 - Day off.

April 30 - A.M. - 3M in :21.  Morning run on Greenbelt.
P.M. - 7M in :48.  Tuesday Night Tempo.  Rain/snow mix in 30 degrees.  3M tempo in 18:21.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January - 107 (15:29)
February - 132 (18:29)
March - 170 (21:25)
April - 158 (21:26)
2013 - 567 (76:50)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 1 - 10M in :35 on the bike trainer.  Frigid and windy day forced me indoors.  10min warm-up spin, 6x2min with 1min off, 8min cool down spin.  I want to not have to get the trainer out again this season.

May 2 - 7M in :51.  Patrick's West Laramie loop.  Felt like garbage.  Sore, achy, lightheaded.  Managed a decent pace considering.

May 3 - 5.5M in :39.  Last Friday form workout.  I plan to move on to something similar but different (contradiction!) after Quad Rock.

May 4 - 8M in 1:04.  HPH breakfast/coffee run.  Most of us were feeling the previous night's festivities a little.  Run was mostly Greenbelt starting and finishing at Crowbar & Grille.  Chipotle biscuits and gravy awaited.

May 5 - 19M in 2:28.  Long run Sunday.  All prairie/trail miles.  Started with an out-and-back up CC, refueled at the car, then out for a Powerline/MAS/single track/Owl Canyon/Hogback Ridge meander.  Overcast and windy, especially up Powerline.  I am pretty impressed with how I held up.

Week Totals: 50M in 6:11 (+10M bike in :35)

Gear: Asics GT-2000 G-TX (231 miles), Asics Speedstar 6 (35 miles), Saucony Peregrine 2 (19 miles), Asics Speedstar 6 (retired at 379 miles), Saucony Peregrine 2 (retired at 415 miles)