No pressure

Well it's been awhile. I haven't been feeling much like posting anything. Sort of how I felt about running after pacing Lalo at Angeles. Actually I didn't feel much like running before that. After my run out in Colorado at the beginning of summer I fell into a funk. I started to question all this running and what I want to do. What next? I have run in many different places and have met many great people. Experienced runs where I felt great and others where I wish I'd stayed home. The experience with Lalo at Angeles crest was another I will always remember. And confirmed my thoughts that the best running experiences are those run with friends especially when a friend requests your presence. To be chosen to be with them when they are attempting a feat like an ultra is the most satisfying of all runs. Since that experience my running experiences have been up and down. No consistency.
I  have not been excited about running. As stated earlier, I have been wondering if running long distances is necessary. For me. In the black of my mind for a long time has been the thought of the damage I have done to my body. I know, I've said this many times before. Then I go out and run an ultra and think it was wonderful. 
I have been fortunate to not have suffered too serious an injury up to now. Not running anyway. I did break my elbow in a bicycling crash in 1994 and dislocated my ankle sliding into third base in 1996 but running its only been the standard plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and lately my piriformis muscle seizing up on me. But what's going on or has gone on inside? I have to face it, I am growing old. I'll hit the double nickle at the end of the year. I know, there are many senior athletes older than me running ultras and doing triathlons but they are stronger than me. Or want to be stronger than me. Maybe I have not done any damage to myself but I don't know that.  My chronic eczema has really flared up this year. Is that because I'm running my immune system low? Sure I can eat better or fill up with more antioxidant foods but how much is too much of that? Or too little? Eating well has been something I've payed close attention to for many years now. Have I been eating too many healthy foods in hopes of keeping up with my sometimes grueling training regimens or not? This morning as I was rummaging around the kitchen pantry looking for a bag to carry my iPad and phones to jury duty I noticed one of my packs I used as a drop bag at an ultra a few years ago. My first thought at seeing that pack was, "it's too much trouble trying to figure out a fueling plan for an ultra."  I never did get it right. And I don't want to keep trying. I just want to run to have fun. 
So, I have made up my mind to not plan anymore ultras. Notice I said "plan." I will not say I will never again run an ultra but I will not pressure myself to have to run an ultra. And if I do ever run an ultra it will be no more than a 50 miler. OK, MAYBE a 100k. In the meantime I will enjoy training runs with my friends, share my running experiences with who ever asks and run races I have wanted to run like the Carrabbas half marathon I ran this past summer. And the Dallas Marathon I have wanted to run for years because it falls on my birthday weekend and my brother lives in the Dallas Area. Up next though is the Cactus Rose 100 mile relay. Team of four-25 miles each. Then Dallas and hopefully Boston in April of 2014 (I am registered but won't know if I'm in until Friday).  In between these I'll throw in some shorter races and have fun volunteering at the Bandera 100k in January 2014.
Now I'm excited about running again!

Lalo conquers the Angeles Crest 100! And I was along for the ride.

I don't know where or how to begin to describe the weekend spent with lalo at his first 100 mile trail run. Lalo's plan was well thought out and documented neatly in a binder for his wife Amanda and I. It looked good on paper, but will he be able to stick to it? Will it work? The answer to that question was a resounding Yes!

I was concerned for two reasons. This was Lalo's first 100 miler. Running 100 miles is no easy task no matter who you are. Although I know he trained well and he was determined, you still can't help but worry about those you care about. I was also concerned about pacing him. Was I ready to do a good job crewing and pacing?

We met with Beto and his family for dinner the night before the race. Beto also was running the event and became Lalo's friend on an earlier trip to SoCal for trail maintenance work.

I love the start of 100 milers. Only a hand full of runners shoot out across the start line actually running. Most head out walking and talking to each other. And with a 3 mile 2000 foot climb at the start of this race, it's wise to walk early.

Amanda and I drove to the aid stations and following the instructions in the binder, prepared for Lalo before his arrival. Amanda and I had a great working relationship. I enjoyed our relationship working together. Just like a caring wife she questioned some of his instructions by suggesting we put an extra gel in his pack. Lalo stuck to his written plan for almost all of the race. Midway through the race he did tweak it a bit but it was working well for the most part.

I was to pace him from mile 52 to mile 75 where Amanda would relieve me and bring him home. At the aid station before I was to pace him I told Amanda that Lalo was scaring me. He was moving so well. Pumped up and running at a brisk pace. My work will be cut out for me.

Lalo and I were off at mile 52 an hour before sunset. Boy was I relived when he told me to slow and let him feed off of my pace. This only lasted for a couple of miles. Soon Lalo was picking up the pace. We began to catch and pass other runners.

We would see Amanda one more time at mile 59 before she would take over 16 miles later. Now in the dark we were running on a long downhill stretch. Bats began flying around us and some were diving into our path. Lalo and I were running side by side on a service road and a bat flew right between us. Our friend Niki would have loved it. She loves bats. I had a small tin of badger balm in my pack that was making a light clanging sound. This must be what drew their attention. A bird ahead took flight off of the ground with a beak that glowed like a Christmas tree light. "It must have caught a lighting bug." I said to Lalo. We saw a small owl on the trail. Standing at the edge it did not move. Just turned it's head towards us as we ran by. Two times we heard rustling in the brush. Load rustling. By the sound we knew it must have been a large animal. One of those times scared the $#!t out of me. Soon after this we began to climb. Great, I thought. Lalo will slow down. We power hiked at a very brisk pace considering the steep incline. Again we passed two more runners. As we began to descend Lalo took off and I did all I could to keep up. The trail became very technical, Dirt single track with rocks the same color as the dirt. It was difficult to spot the rocks but the trail markings did include white chalk on some of the rocks. I took my hydration pack off to look for a gel when Lalo seemed to slow down only to look up and he was far down the trail. Dang!, The guy was moving!

We finally reached the climb to the 75 mile aid station at midnight. Here Lalo took in more soup and recovered before heading out with my relief pacer, Amanda.

I showered with a water jug and a special soap Lalo bought to combat the affects of the Purple Poodle dog bush. A bush that is worse than Poison oak and was abundant on the trails. With no more crew access after this point I would not see Lalo and Amanda again until the finish line.

After showering I drove to the finish line located in a park in Pasadena, CA. I tried to nap in the car. It was 1:30 AM. Just before 7 AM I receive a text from Amanda, "we are leaving the aid station at mile 95."

I ran to the point where Lalo emerged from the trails and on to the street leading to the park. We ran in together, Lalo, Beto, Amanda and I.

It was an incredible performance! 27 hours 1 minute! His first 100 miler on one the most difficult courses in the country. Only 74 finishers from 170 entries. And I was part of it. Memories like no other that will live on forever.

pics at,  https://angelescrest100.shutterfly.com/

I am beside myself

"I am beside myself" -  Such a weird idiom. What does it mean? confused? angry? worried?
In my case it means excited. This phrase came to my mind today when thinking of what is upcoming. At the end of this week I am heading out west to the land of the Pines. California! The state with the most species of pine trees. Who knew?
But  what has me Excited is that I will be crewing and pacing at the Angeles Crest 100 mile trail run. And Pacing a very good friend. When Lalo asked me to go out with him and his wife Amanda to support him on his first hundred miler, not only was I flattered but a feeling of concern came over me. A 100 mile run is not an easy feat. My concern must be attributed to the old man in me. I am concerned about those I love. Lalo is well prepared though. So I must be too.
I will be pacing him on a trail I am not familiar with. This is not something new. I've been on many different and unfamiliar trails before. I am ready to take it on! I am excited about this adventure, running with Lalo on new trails, through the woods, in the mountains, at night! That's what has me beside myself. I am next to me, staring and thinking, " Dang! you're IN man! You are going to have a wonderful and unique experience! I can't wait to get back inside you and go for the ride."

Stay active. All your life! You can and should take a day off now and then though.

It's amazing what a day of rest can do!
I was feeling great on an easy trail run this morning. My body felt calm and relaxed.
Two days ago I planned to run 4 hours and invited Lalo to accompany me. Due to work he could only run for three hours though.We ran two and a half. Due to my fatigue. It was 100 degrees at 5 PM when we began but it was my legs that were the issue. After 5 miles they felt like huge tree trunks. Must have been the week of running and boot camp squats and lunges. The boot camps have been beneficial to my uphill running. I go all out at these boot camps but I have to remember to take it easy on the next day's workout or take a day off. I've got to keep going though. We all do. All our lives There is no time or age to stop being active.
At 63 years old my brother Andy just completed the "Possum Pedal" 30 mile bicycle ride in and around Possum Kingdom Lake. He has called me often to recount his experience since the event two weeks ago. Andy had laid off of riding for a few years but this year he set out to get back on the bike and ride again. His co-workers thought he was crazy. His boss warned him that there were many projects to complete and he was needed. Andy related all this to me and we laughed. What do they think? That we reach an age when we can't or shouldn't be active anymore? Nothing can be further from the truth in our thinking. Andy would call me and recount all his training rides and how he was not sore as he increased his mileage. We attributed that to his staying active in other activities like golfing, walking and going to the fitness center now and then. Also, his muscles had been trained for bicycling over many years. Andy has always been active. Running, playing tennis, and rode a bicycle for over 20 years. I rode with him on a regular basis for about 10 of those. We've been on our bicycles over roads and trails all over Texas.
We can all do what Andy did. At any age. Recently at a 10K road race where I volunteered a runner came through the finish line yelling out 76! 76! His age. On a four miler July 4th, I ran the last mile with a 74 year old Lady!
After the Possum Pedal Andy's wife said it is amazing that someone his age can do as much as he does physically. Amazing? Maybe.
How Andy's co-workers reacted to his intentions to ride a bicycle 30 miles worries me about the future of many americans. Many think that as we grow old we have to stop being active. That we can't run, bike, jump, Play! With the obesity epidemic getting worse this is not good. And now that obesity has been named a disease more people will give up even sooner in life.
I know a bit about being obese. My paternal Great grand mother was obese. My Dad struggled with his weight all his life. He inherited my great grand mothers physique. "The Maldonado curse" as a cousin dubbed it. We all have a trace of it. We are susceptible to a low bulging belly. My Dad took steps to manage his health and also to control and reduce his weight. Two of his siblings were overweight and died in their forties from complications of diabetes. All though no one would ever call him slim, Dad did lose and control his weight in his sixties and seventies. Diabetes crept up on him so he started walking everyday. Diabetes stayed away after that.
Dad proved we can make changes in our lives and we don't have to accept the conditions and illnesses we are predisposed to. And that we can become active at any age. He told me not to wait for disease to creep up on you but to stay active so disease will not catch you. Exercise has also been proven to be the best activity to keeping Alzheimer's at bay!
Take a day off now and then though. But don't forget to get back at it.

What are you training for?

This is a question most runners hear, or ask. I am always tempted to respond by saying, "life! I am training for life."
Lately though I have been saying I am training to pace Lalo at The Angeles Crest 100 mile trail run.
Pacing  is one of the most rewarding experiences a runner can have. And it's one I take very seriously. Not only do I feel I need to train physically but I also need to train mentally. I sometimes feel pressure. Pressure I place on myself. I have to be at my best to provide the best support possible. Sure, at the late stages of an Ultra when I will be called to action, my runner will be tired and maybe moving slower but I have to be ready for anything.  My runner will be depending on me to help him stay engaged, to keep moving, to provide motivation and I feel I may have to be tough but still remain his friend throughout and at the end.
Physically, I must be fit enough to run, walk, climb, and be ready for any weather conditions that may exist.
Mentally, I need to be ready to give and take  (mostly take) verbal stabs while still keeping my runner focused on reeling in the finish line.
Many of my favorite and most memorable running experiences have been when I have paced and have been paced in the later stages of an Ultra Marathon.
While being paced I have had to provide a flashlight to my pacer! Her's was a dime store model with dead batteries. It was laughable but she was my friend and she asked to be there! Good thing I had an extra flashlight in my pack. Other pacers of mine were patient as I struggled to walk, pointing out constellations in the star filled sky, not complaining when I arrived later than projected at the aid station. There was another I wanted to punch in the mouth because he kept trying to push me to run when I didn't want to. I didn't say a word when his stride ahead of me began to speak. I locked my sight on his feet and he took me to my best finish at 100K.
Memories I have of pacing friends in ultras play in my mind frequently. When I see them or when I run on trails we've run. These are memories like no other. I feel there is a special bond that lives on between runner and pacer well after the race is over. While pacing you may laugh and cry with your runner. Share thoughts, life experiences and sometimes secrets. Accompanying an ultra runner late in their race is a unique experience. All runners are different. That is what makes every experience unique and all of them memorable. That's what makes life enjoyable, doesn't it? Making good memories.
So much is shared between runner and pacer on ultras. Some things can be laughed at and told to others. Some will forever remain between a pacer and his or her runner.
I've made mistakes while pacing. Almost took my runner off course. Were it not for a camper at a trail junction pointing out that I was going the wrong way I would have royally screwed up my runners race. Forgetting supplies my runner asked me to carry (muling is allowed at some races), not allowing my runner to put on a jacket when it was getting cold, not filling my runners water bottle at an aid station! I sometimes still cringe at what could have happened but all turned out well and we're still friends. I've been dropped by my runner! I have done some positive things pacing too though.
I am looking forward to pacing Lalo. I can't wait. He is unique and genuine. I've never been with him at mile 70 though. I know it will be an experience that will live in my memory forever. All pacing experiences are.
I have to keep training. For pacing, for a race that may come up, for Lalo, ..... for life.

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

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