Friends, Hugs, food and fun at the races.

Running events are really just social events. At yesterday's half marathon and half marathon relay on McAllister parks paved trails I ran into so many friends I never stopped smiling. Before the run I spoke to local Running store owner Roger , and Asics Rep Roy when Jean runs by but stops to say hi and share a hug. I hung out with Connie and Larry before heading over to the starting area where I said hi to Doctor Liz. Just before the race start Cousin Elizabeth came by to chat with Joe, Scott and I. We walked over to the start line and Elizabeth shows up. Up ahead Fumi turns to see us and she works her way through the crowd to come share some hugs. Were we running the full event. As Elizabeth said with a perplexed look on her face, "we're running the full half."

I'd been drinking from a 16 ounce bottle of water and decided to start the run with it in my hand. I can leave it at an aid station later, I thought. To accommodate the relay teams the race is four loops. Winding through the wooded asphalt trails we get to see other runs ahead and behind us as we make turns at trail junctions. Weaving through the woods in hot, stagnant, humid air began to take it's toll on some runners very early in the run.  It was so humid the mosquitos couldn't land. They just skidded off our sweaty bodies. After one loop I decided I better hang on to my water bottle and not pitch it. I refilled it at the next aid station and drank two cups of gatorade. Half way through loop two I see Kimberly coming towards me on an opposite trail. Waving, she yells out "Hi Tony!" I wave back as I call out her name. At the start of loop three again I refilled my bottle and drank two more cups of gatorade! The hammer gel I decided to carry in my shorts pocket turned out to be a good idea. The aid stations had only water and Gatorade. Made sense. Most were running on a relay team  and one loop was under 4 miles. I guess they figured if you're running the half you have experience and should know what you need. Downing the gel I drank more water. And more water! Loop three down and I needed another water refill. I stopped at the aid station at the start of loop four to get it. Drinking more gatorade I walked away thanking the volunteers and looking forward to finishing this darn humid, moisture sucking run. The end couldn't come too soon. Exiting the woods and running down the road towards the finish line about 200 yards away the thought of finishing strong left my mind as soon as it entered. I just wanted to finish! I crossed the line at 1:55:23. Good enough. My goal was to beat two hours. At the finish I refilled my bottle with water again and walked towards the post race party area.

The post race party at Carrabba's half marathon has got to be one of the best. More friends were around! Cara, Kelli, Dulce, Michael and his running team, John, Jr. and another Kelly! They all came up to Hug and or talk and laugh. I feasted on Watermelon, Ranger Creek Beer, Carrabba's grilled Boneless Chicken breast smothered with sauteed  mushrooms, tossed salad, and pasta in a butter sauce, and more Beer! I Hung out with Fumi, Elizabeth and her Mom before leaving. Still smiling. All the way home.

Dad told me to keep it up. Don't stop running he said. I won't Pop. It's too much fun!

Happy Fathers Day to every Dad!

Joe C was in town

Joe Chamberlain and I became friends through our love of running. Trail running to be more specific. I've known Joe for about three years now. Joe was in from Indiana visiting his sister this past weekend and joined some of us for a run at Government Canyon State Natural Area Saturday. It pleased me that folks in our group remembered him from a couple of years ago when he visited and came out to Bandera with us. Joe appreciated it too. 

Sunday Joe and I went out to Friedrich and capped the morning with breakfast and beer at the Blue Star brewery in Southtown. All the while Joe kept commenting on what a great running group we have. How we are all welcoming and genuinely nice folks. He gladly and excitedly took a Rockhopper decal for his car. Joe had many questions about the people who are in our group.

I was happy to tell him that the best thing about us is how we support each other. Many of us like to share our experiences and accomplishments after we race but more than that we enjoy celebrating our fellow Rockhopper's successes. Whether one of us finishes in the top ten, middle of the pack, or guts it out to the finish under the wire, we are there for them and put them on a pedestal for admiration. It's how we roll. I told Joe that is what makes our group a wonderful bunch.

To me the best thing about running is all the great people you meet, friends you make, and experiences you share with those friends. It made me happy describing people like Chris who with his boyish loud tone asks questions about YOU, can point out your shortcomings while making us all laugh, Liza who can run with the elites and still hangs with us on training runs, The legend who walks his dog in training but knocks out hundred milers, Connie, Jean and Anabel with their constant smiles, John the reserved rational thinker who nevertheless likes to go off the trail exploring, Tom with his quick wit and crazy playlist, Lalo who pushes the envelope and entices you to go with him, How Amanda looks as pretty after a hundred miles as she does at the start, Rachel the Honey badger who DOES give s&!t but never blows her own whistle, Brian the Paul Bunyonesque gentle giant, Joe T. always excited and ready to go! The Navajo, The Ghost, Sexy, The Spleens! all the pretty girls! I can go on and on.

I said to Joe, We are the Rockhoppers. And we are one.

"You guys have a great group," -Joe Chamberlain

-- 

The Dirty Thirty 50K

My niece Adrienne accompanied me to Denver Friday. I was running in the mountains Saturday and she was hanging out with her other uncle Tony. We arrived at Tony's house south of Denver before noon and soon after Adrienne's cousin Miguel arrived. Miguel drove up from Colorado Springs where he is stationed at Ft. Carson. Tony was still working so the rest of us headed out for some fun at Red Rocks and Golden, Co. After a few hours we were back at Tony's. Plans were made to meet other friends and go out for dinner. I stayed at the house to rest and prepare for the next day. after preparing my gear and showering I put some eggs to boil for my breakfast in the morning. As I watched TV I fell asleep at about 7:45 PM only to be awakened at 9 PM by the smell of smoke! I forgot the eggs! I ran to the kitchen, turned the stove off, turned on every ceiling fan and opened all the windows. My god! I felt so awful. An hour later everyone arrived back home and I pathetically apologized to Tony. They didn't think it was such a big deal. I did. Needless to say I did not get a good nights sleep.
I was up and out the door the next morning at 4 AM. Driving up to Golden again to meet up with a few locals to carpool to the race start I stopped at a 711 to pick up some coffee. In a daze I arrived at our meeting point and had my breakfast of coffee, a protein bar, and a banana. I called Sheila who flew down from Jackson, Wyoming. She also was meeting the van that was to drive us to Golden Gate Canyon State park. Sheila arrived and we talked until the rest of the group arrived. The race site provides a forum for runners to find a ride because of limited parking at the park. Dale, Joe, Keith, and Jenny from the Denver area arrived and we piled into Dale's van for the ride up into the mountains. Dale did a great job in organizing this carpool and kept us all informed the last two weeks before the race. It is always nice to meet new trail runners from different parts of the country and at  these events it seems that is always the case.
It was cool at race start making it difficult for me to decide what to wear. I decided on a long sleeve tech shirt under a short sleeved one and my bicycle riding gloves. My plan was to carry two water bottles but because of the cool weather I decided to take my hydration pack just in case I needed to shed a layer, I'd be able to pack it.
We were off shortly after 6 AM on a slight incline. Although I had studied the race course description on the website, it had been a week earlier. Not thinking too much of it I was just going to take it as it comes. I don't like studying the course description or elevation graph too much but I knew I was in for a challenge. That it was! And a beautiful one too.

My camera was easily accessible in the front pockets of my pack but that was the only good thing about it. I never was a fan of wearing a pack on my back and half way through the race it began to bother me. I resorted to the Chris R. method of carrying a hydration pack. On one shoulder.
Early in the run we crossed a stream several times. At some crossings there were rocks to run across at others a small wooden bridge and some on a log no more than about 10 inches wide. The first long climb begins at about mile 2.5 and ends 5 miles and almost 2000 feet later. Half way up this climb is when I started to feel the effects of the altitude. Pausing to take deep breaths, I powered up and was pleased that my legs were not rebelling. Couldn't help but think about the hill repeats at the Powerline trail, the Crossing and the hill workouts at Freidrich park. As I told Dale on the drive up, our hills are short compared to these mountains but we've become quite creative in our hill workouts and repeats. On a flat section I met Jeremy from Highlands Ranch, Co. We ran together a bit and exchanged stories. I told how I think the heat and humidity in San Antonio maybe helps prepare us somewhat for altitude running. He said he wasn't a fan a running in the heat. I assured him we aren't either but we have to deal with it. At about mile 12 a course marshall directing us to the aid station was playing some music that must have been from Tom B's playlist. Gangsta' Rap!
Out of the aid station and we're climbing again. At this point I hang on to the pace of a woman ahead of me. We talk a bit but I didn't get her name. she starts to fade and I keep on trucking up the mountain. The next aid station had watermelon! I didn't want to leave this place but I had to. Another lady that I had been leap frogging with offered to take my picture. "I see you've been taking pictures. Want me to take one of you?" she asked.

At the top of this climb the rocks were much bigger. There was a time I thought I was off course. Then I saw a ribbon and also there were two runners ahead who looked like they knew the course. Climbing up and over boulders I paused to take more pictures. Continuing on over the mountain I lost sight of the two runners ahead. The trail was not well defined! I listened for the runners ahead. They were a girl and a guy. The girl was a chatter box with a voice higher but as loud as Chris R's!
I found her!

After a short descent we climb again! This time the climb is a 1.5 mile 1100 foot rocky trek up windy peak. Four times I had to stop and catch my breath. At one point it felt as though my heart would  pop out of my chest. This is when I leaned on a tree and tried to breath in expanding my stomach and exhaling as long as I could. Finally at the top and I was glad I wore a long sleeve shirt and gloves. It was cool. I took in the view and headed down the mountain. The trail was littered with loose rocks and exposed roots making it difficult to go fast. A few times I almost fell. Although there was a $100.00 prize for the bloodiest runner at the finish, I did not want those hundred bucks. At the bottom of the mountain a race marshall directs us to the finish 2 miles ahead and over two small bumps. Joe passes me here and says "It's getting warm."
It's was just right where I come from.
Officially crossing the finish line at 7:55:08 I beat my goal by 5 minutes. I hung out with Dale and Jenny at the finish, eating and drinking, while waiting for Sheila and Keith to come in.
It was a great time at a Great race with awesome volunteers at the aid stations and I made new friends! Also I got an Ultimate direction waist pack because my bib number ended with the number 2!

The next Chapter

Finally I am feeling recovered from the 55K effort at the Possum kingdom 55K. It took some time. Age and the fact that I don't think I am built for, or am young enough to withstand too many long endurance runs must be the reason. I do enjoy them though. Running ultras. Exhausting my body, as strange as that may seem, feels good. Recently I said to our trainer at work, " I like to run until I reach a point of exhaustion, then try to push through to see how far I can go." He responded by saying, "That's how I feel when lifting weights."

But is that good for us? In the long run, is it beneficial for our health? It may produce a sensation of ecstasy in our minds, which makes us feel "high" A feeling of euphoria.

I have felt this and reveled in knowing I can endure. But now, at this point in my life, I need to be wise and down shift. I want to continue to enjoy running and being out running or hiking in nature for as long as possible, I've said it before, The body can endure only so much pounding. I want to walk upright as an elderly person. Heck, I want to live to be an elderly person! Oh, I will still run a marathon or two a year. And compete at shorter distances. But no more Ultras for me. After the Dirty Thirty 50K in Black Hawk, CO. on June 1st of course. I will never stop enjoying running through the beauty of nature. This final Ultra will be an enjoyable, smell the roses run. I can't wait.

Uncle Alex

We went to visit 88 year old uncle Alex today.  Uncle Alex is in an assisted living home but we hope he'll be back at Aunt Marie's home in a couple of days.
Uncle alex is a blast from the past.  An old farm boy from Michigan and a World War two veteran who never was one to mince words.  As we entered his room today and asked how he was doing he said, "Like Hell! I'll tell it like it is. I'm not going to lie to you. Ha ha ha."  That's Uncle Alex.  Always told it like it is.
I must confess, we have not been in contact with Uncle Alex much in the past few years.  But we never forgot him.  And it was evident today, he hasn't forgot us.
Aunt Marie and Uncle Alex had a falling out over a decade and a half ago and have lived apart since.  There was always some contact between them though.  Their Grandkids made it so. And although the Grandkids were not his blood relatives he was the only Grandfather they knew.  To them he was Grandpa. Love existed between them.
Uncle Alex is now in need of constant care.   His grandkids and Aunt Marie want him back home and he is coming.
There are some who have questioned her and may criticize her for going to him, but Aunt Marie's faith teaches care, compassion, forgiveness and love.
We told Uncle Alex we look forward to seeing him back home again.

Possum Kingdom Trail Run 04/27/2013

The PK ultra is a new trail run, so the crowd was a small one.  My brother, my Grandson, and I arrived at Possum Kingdom Lake in North Texas about 40 minutes before the 6:30 AM race start.  As I walked to the check-in tent a very cool breeze made me shiver.  The temperature was in the upper 50's maybe but the wind coming off of Possum Kingdom Lake made it feel colder.  I quickly got back in the car to warm up and give my crew some instructions on what time I estimated to complete the first 17 mile loop and what I'd need.  A chicken salad sandwich and half an avocado is what I requested.

I headed to the start with 5 minutes to spare and just caught the tail end of the pre race briefing.  There would be 20K, 55K, and 52 mile runners on the course.  The 55Ker's and 52 milers started right on time at 6:30 AM.   The small crowd of approximately 175 total runners made it feel like the trail runs of old.  The sport has become more popular and some runs have a very large number of runners but not this day.

The run started on soft sandy trails.  At times the sand was very loose, making it difficult to get good traction.  I hoped this would not be the norm.  The trail turned rocky at about mile 3 with some short up and downs then switchbacks as we ascended the hills surrounding the lake.  The thought of getting lost entered my mind since I was late to the pre race briefing but he course was very well marked and I quickly felt at ease. Though sometimes I did pause to make sure because runners were coming towards me at times.  A young lady from Oklahoma introduced herself as we climbed a hill and a fellow from Dallas offered to take my picture after he heard my camera go off as I tried to take a photo using my camera's timer.  That's one of the great things about trail running, most of the people on these runs are friendly and sense that we enjoy running trails just as much as they do and we are all in this together.

I hoped to complete my first loop in under three hours and the second loop under three and a half.  I am not patient enough to pace myself to even splits, and much less negative splits.  Try as I may I can't help pushing just a little bit early on when I am feeling good.  This day I tried to control my pace early.  I let Lori from Oklahoma fade off into the distance.  No way I could keep up with her pace.  With a water bottle in my right hand and a gel flask in my left, I was in and out of aid stations in less than a minute, taking salty snacks off the table, refilling my bottle and thanking the volunteers.  I kept thinking of how I'd describe the trails to my friends back home.  I found that it was unique and different to what we normally run but there were some similarities.  There were rocks and climbs but the similarities ended there. The course is mostly dirt, a little sand, with some single track trails and others not quite single track but aren't as wide as jeep trails, plenty of short up and downs, some longer climbs and switchbacks that will challenge any runner.

Fearing I would not make it to the turn around in under three, I picked up the pace on the down hills.  Then at about mile 16 I turned my ankle.  Ouch!  It hurt!  All I could think of was "don't let my run end this way!"  I limped a few yards until the pain subsided and continued running trying to take my mind off the slight pain.  I made it to the turn around in 2:54. Johnny and Andy were ready with my chicken salad sandwich and avocado. Andy also had some coconut water for me. I took a BIG drink. Refilling my bottle, stashing an extra sandwich in my waist pack, and hugging Johnny, I was off for the second loop. "See you in three and a half hours!" I said.

This second go 'round was a bit slower, as I expected.  The very sandy sections were more difficult to run on with tired legs.  I knew I would have to power hike all the inclines so that I would be able to finish strong. I've learned so much by running with my buddies in San Antonio and I put the power hiking techniques I've learned from watching my good friend Chris Russell.  Swinging my arms, lowering my head just a bit, and slightly increasing the length of my stride, I attacked all the hill climbs.  This allowed me to run the downhills comfortably also.  On one descent I saw a roadrunner attempt to cross the trail when he saw me and slammed on the brakes, skidding sideways and flapping his wings as he turned kicking up dust heading back into the woods in the direction he came from. It was comical!

Coming into the aid station at mile 27 I threw my gel flask in the trash in disgust. The gel had upset my stomach one too many times.  A runner who I had been leap frogging with asked how I was doing. "a little tired." I said. we both commented on how warm it was getting.  The cool breezy morning was no more.  The aid station volunteers encouraged us to take what we needed from the table when the other runner gave me a fist bump and said "good luck." as he took off down the trail.  Thanking the volunteers for coming out I headed out too.

The last three miles had those danged  sandy sections again.  At this point even walking through that sand became difficult for me.  My glutes were hurting and I found myself trying in vain to find the firmest spot.

Thank God these really sandy sections were few.  It's all part of the challenge though. If I wanted smooth and firm I'd stick to the road. But then I wouldn't see pretty views and the beauty of nature like panoramic views of the hills surrounding the lake, roadrunners freaking out, and shiny green dung beetles!

With a little over a mile to go another runner passes me.  He asks how I am doing and says "we're almost there man, It's almost over."  Going around a bend in the trail I see Johnny running towards me.  "Hey what are you doing here?" I asked.  Johnny said, "we were worried about you."  "I told you guys it would take me three and a half hours on the second loop.  And I'm only five minutes late." 

"well" Johnny said,  "uncle Andy was worried about you.  He sent me to look for you."

Johnny and I ran together for about a quarter mile when he took off saying, "I'll let uncle Andy know you're coming.  He wants to take your picture."

Finishing in 6:29:45 I beat my goal by :15 seconds!  I introduced myself to Race Director David Hanenburg and thanked him for a great time at his event.  Just then the timing volunteer said I was first in my age group of 50 -59.  David then handed me a very cool Possum Kingdom Trail Run Gear bag. Sweet! 

At a Sweet event!

I choked up thanking my brother Andy and my grandson Johnny for their awesome support.  Driving back to my brothers house 90 miles away they told me all about the fun they had while I was running.  They passed the time watching a movie, walking by the lake, throwing a baseball around, stirring up Ant Lions (something Andy and I did as kids), and watching dung beetles pushing deer poop around! 

Just don't feel like running today

I planned to run 3 or 4 miles today but driving home I just didn't feel like it. So I won't.
After the hill running work out yesterday I can afford a day off.
I have trained as best as possible for the Possum Kingdom 55K I am running Saturday so this week I can slack off. I should slack off. But how much? Tapering is always the most difficult period leading into a race. How much or how little should I run? It's a burning question we all struggle with. I will run tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday but only a little bit. Friday? I don't know, maybe. I ran the day before a race for the first time this year. The day before the Austin Marathon two months ago I put in a bit over a couple of miles and I PR'd the next day! Never before had I even thought of doing that. Training with my good friend Lalo changed that.
I'd heard other runners, those in better condition than I, speak of running the day before a race. I thought I needed all the rest I could get and would rest the two days before a race. Apparently, if you train properly, running the day before a race helps keep you loose.
I'm comfortable with my training and feel I am prepared to have a good day Saturday. It will be a good day because my brother and grandson will accompany me to the race. knowing they will be at the half way turn around and at the finish line will keep me motivated.
Watch out Possums, Here I come.