Salado Creek Trail Run

Aah........ the benefits of growing old. At 51 I am often told "You're not old." No, to people near my age I am not, but to many of the 20 and 30 year old crowd I sometimes run with, I am. Even though they are kind and say otherwise. And to those older, as in an older co-worker, I am "just a snot-nosed pup." But at my age it is sometimes advantageous as in today's trail run at Salado Creek. I felt good and knew I could have a good race if I played it right and ran "MY RACE". As is usually the case though, I got caught up in the quick pace of the front runners, but quickly toned it down and ran with a group I thought I could hang with. The race started on the road for the first half mile then turned into a really tight single track trail. So tight at times that frequently it was necessary to duck under trees and at least 3 times I was brushing my shoulders up against trees and large brush. Low trees were abound and demanded ducking, dodging, and weaving. I was running with a group of about 10 runners and soon we dispersed as the trail became more technical. At times the trail opened up to a wider almost jeep trail and then to very rocky river bed terrain. I could tell some were not accustomed to running in such tight and rocky trails. At one point there was a fallen tree traversing the trail. In a split second I thought, Go under or climb over? I climbed over and nearly fell. Thinking I was running well, and fast, I again surveyed the field as I had done at the start and thought I could maybe place in my age category. Not too many old guys out here. Come on, don't we all do that? I passed at least 5 people the first 5 miles, but then I began to get passed. At the 5 mile aid station I stopped for about 30 seconds to grab some Gatorade. a group of about 7 people went pass me as I took my break. I continued and tried to keep that group in my sight. With about 2 miles to go I was feeling somewhat fatigued but was able to sustain a good pace. I finished in 1 hour 15 minutes and change. I felt good about my chances. Tom, Brian, Joe, Roy, Edgar and his fiance Kerri hung around and waited for the results. Tom won third in his age category, 45-49. Kerri won an award (she's young, I didn't pay attention to her age cat). And I won first! Granted, there aren't too many guys my age out there but it felt great! HEY CHRIS, I'M FAST....................For short distances, and among old guys. Lately I have been noticing the affects of aging on my body, and I am OK with it, but it feels great once in a while to be successful. Wait a minute........, I mean to win something, because just going out and running an event is being successful. I hope to keep running for many years to come and I wish for my friends, family and everyone to do the same.

Running into a friend

It was a beautiful Sunny day Saturday Feb 06. A welcomed change from all the rainy cloudy days we've been having. I decided to sleep in a little and had a late start (7:30AM) on my morning run. I headed out the door into a chilly breeze.
Running a mile on the road to the trail head of Leon Creek I was wearing my iPOD and enjoying the cool (38degrees) breezy morning. Staying on the paved path because I didn't feel like getting muddy, I was enjoying my music and the serenity of running alone. The usually dry creek was running rapidly. Passing walkers, leisurely bikers, and some runners and exchanging "good morning" was feeling good. The pond at the turn around (6miles) was over flowing and teaming with ducks floating on the water having a great time.
As I turned to head back I removed my top layer and felt a buzz on my Phone. It was Brian who was crewing for Liza at the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler. Liza was through the first loop (20mile) and in the lead! As I responded with an "Awesome", I looked up to see John Palmer. "Good to see ya John." Although I was enjoying the solo run, Running into John was great. I turned my iPOD off and enjoyed the conversation and catching up on things. At times there was silence, but just running with a friend is a conversation in itself. We hit the trails at the Birds of Prey Preserve before we headed back. The pace was a little faster than I had been running, but that is good for both of us.
At OP Schnabel park we parted ways, We each headed home. It's so convenient to live so close to the trails.
As for Liza, she won! Her second 100 mile victory in 3 months! Awesome! Can't wait to hear the stories from Her, Her crew, and pacers at our Thursday evening group run.

Bandera 100K race report

All week long I was checking weather.com for the Weekend forecast at Bandera. Hard freeze was what was called for and boy, were they right! Chris’ truck thermometer read 12 degrees as we arrive for the race start. There were reports that it was as low as 8 in the creek valleys. As Brian, Domingo, Chris and I sat in the truck with the heater full blast, I decided I would go with two pair of shorts, the long socks and 4 layers. A singlet, a sleeveless shirt, a short sleeve shirt , my arm warmers and the last being a tech vest.
We exited the truck with 10 minutes to spare. The race was off on schedule at 7:30 AM. The sun was rising offering an orange glow from the west. I also wore a compression head cover and a bandana tied around my neck that I pulled over my mouth. The cold air made my eyes water and this quickly turned to ice on my eyelashes! Breathing cold air always makes my nose run and I used the bandana to wipe my nose. Soon, my bandana was stiff as the mucus also froze!
I was feeling well, not too cold overall and running at a good pace. Jockeying for position on the trail with Brian and Chris to the first aid station at Nachos. We were all out quickly with Brian moving at a good clip. Soon Brian was out of sight. Chris and I stayed together a bit and talked as we went along. Chris was making friends and once asked me what my name was as I spoke to him from behind, “It’s me Chris” I said. Oh, Tony! Chris responded. “Yeah, it’s me”, I said
After Chapas aid station Tanya caught up with us and we saw each other again at the next two aid station breaks at crossroads. Leaving crossroads we pretty much parted ways. I was not feeling too well at this point. I had shed 1 layer, my tech vest. This would turn out to be a big mistake. Earlier I had unzipped it but quickly zipped back up. It was still cold. I expected the temps to rise. They never reached what I had expected. Reaching last chance aid station, mile 26, my two hand held water bottles were almost full. I did not drink much the last 5 miles, over 1 hour and 15 minutes. I felt bloated. Was I hydrating too much previously? I think so. I was so concerned about not drinking enough due to the cold temps that I think I was drinking too much, (another of many errors). I reached the turn around at the lodge (31 miles) in 6 hours 53 minutes. Not bad. Tanya was heading out as I was going in. She looked good and in great spirits. I sat awhile and put on another layer, a long sleeve shirt.
I headed out and was feeling just OK. My body started to feel cold. As I said earlier, I shed a layer too soon. I now think I should not have shedded at all. Although I put on a long sleeve shirt at the lodge, I was not warming up. I now think my body was working to try and keep me warm and muscle fatigue set in. My back started to ache, as well as my neck and head, Just a bad period, it will pass, I thought. I had gone through a bad period at about mile 20. Too early I thought. I reached Nachos aid station (mile 36) 1 hour and 40 minutes after leaving the lodge. Previously I was covering the distance between aid stations in about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, I had slowed dramatically. As I left nachos I knew I was in trouble. Run a little, I thought. Shake it off. I tried but could not. My lower back started to hurt more. It Hurt To run and then walk. I pressed on hoping it would pass, but still my body felt cold. The first thoughts of ending my run entered my mind. I saw Edgar walking up the trail. I told him what I was going through. He offered suggestions and support. I did all I could to reach Chapas aid station (mile 42). I could not wait to get there and lie down. Finally made it at 6:00 PM. Almost 2 hours after leaving Nachos. I sat. The volunteers were great. I was offered food. I did not feel like eating. I drank two cups of hot chocolate. My drop bag was brought to me. I put on another shirt and a vest, which I struggled to zip up. I was offered help but I wanted to do it myself to prove to myself I was OK. I could not get warm. I sat there for over 30 minutes until I finally decided to end my race. I got emotional. Not for me but because of the patience and the support I received from the aid station volunteers. They did not judge me and tried to do all they could to help me.
I was given a ride to collect my other drop bag at crossroads aid station and taken to the lodge aid station. I put on two more layers and pants inside the heated tent. Volunteers fed me chicken soup and rice and beans, covered me with two blankets and still, it took about two hours before I felt warm. I sat there and waited for my friends to come in, Brian finished in a fantastic time, 13:30. Chris 14:30, and the best finish to witness was Tanya’s. 15:17 on her first 100K. And at Hilly, Rocky Bandera no less! She was literally jumping for joy and yelling with so much excitement, A great sight to see.
I learned that I could no longer fight the cold as I did in my youth. I shed when I shouldn't have. I am not a spring chicken anymore. As I checked out the results on the race website the number noted for my age, 51, shocked me for the first time in my life. This is not an excuse. And I am not afraid of getting old. It’s inevitable and I embrace it but I must adjust my strategy.
As a good friend reminded me when I relayed my story to him,
There is a saying in Spanish we like to recite for the reason we hurt or can not perform as we once did. “Es la bola” we say jokingly. “La bola de anos”
It’s the ball, or the mound. The mound of years that have piled up on us.
I need to learn how to manage that mound and roll that ball.
Oh well I still feel and like to behave like I’m 16,
And, There will be another day.
After all that happened at the Bandera race,
I have come to terms with the experience and reveled in seeing my friends reach their goals with joy and smiles.
Also finishing were,
Domingo 25K in Huaraches. Tom, Larry, Darren, Joe, Jason, and Arne 50K.

DNF

I DNF'd at the Bandera 100k.
Not a good experience. My first dnf. I guess I should learn something from this. What I did learn is , it is a very difficult decision to quit. I had not experienced this before and thought it would never happen to me. Never say Never.
Many things cross your mind as you ponder quitting. But ultimately there will be another day.
I admit I got emotional and I almost came to tears. Thank God for the great volunteers at the Bandera 100k, specifically at Chapas aid station and Paul Stone and especially Shan. I got a hug and sincere empathy.

Elitist, naturalist, purist, friend, ...........snob?

As trail runners we prefer to run in a natural venue. Enjoying the trees, grass, brush and animals. Earth in its natural state. The best quote I’ve heard is from the person who introduced me to trail running about 5 years ago. John palmer said, “I’m not fanatical about competing. Running a 50 miler was about the experience. Although I’ve completed a few ultras, I am drawn more to “experience” runs such as the trails at Big Bend or the Grand Canyon”. John has run a 100 miler and will discuss it when asked, but he most enjoys taking in the serenity of the woods as he runs with friends or alone.
The Experience is what it’s all about, I think. Sure we love to compete every so often. At races we have a chance to measure ourselves against the trail and the clock. For some, it’s a chance to measure themselves against others. There’s nothing wrong with that so long as you keep it in perspective, I think. Unless of course, you are an elite runner. Some elite runners are sincere individuals who don’t seek fame. Others, though few, bask in their glory and blow their own horn. While still others who seek no glory are showered with it but most times it is because of the sincerely good nature and intentions they possess. The latter are genuine people and you can just feel that presence about them.
We prefer not to be last of course. And for some like me, as long as we are somewhere in the middle of the pack is just fine. But if not,that's OK too. In trail running, most cheer for those who are not so swift and may come in at or near the end of a race. They are congratulated by most for persevering and completing the race. And folks who do this are by far the majority within the trail running community.
Not so in road running. Where recently a college coach stated something to the effect that “those people who plod through a marathon in 5-6 hours belittle the sport and are an embarrassment to those who actually RUN a marathon.” Not all road runners are of this nature though.
Trail runners are a varied lot. Sort of like our society. There are those who run for the enjoyment and those who must always compete. Those who seek glory, and those who seek tranquility. Those who seek “Cool” people and those who seek friends.
Mostly though, unlike our society, trail runners are naturalists, purists, and friends.

Back to Back!

In preparation for my upcoming 100K on January 09, I had to run a "long one" or a back to back (two long runs on consecutive days). I decided on the back to back. The "Gang" was headed to a Fat Ass run this past weekend and I, because of family commitments, could not attend. As it turns out I was able to get out Saturday and Sunday morning for two 20 milers. Long runs or back to backs are necessary to prepare yourself for an ultra. I have really never run back to backs in training, preferring to run one very long run before my event. These past few months I have felt exceptionally well and was fortunate enough to put two long runs together. You have to find what works best for you and what you are able to fit in to your schedule. We are all different and have commitments, responsibilities,and LIFE that confronts us. Do the best you can!
As it was a last minute decision on Saturday, I went out alone. It's great running with company, but sometimes it's also great running alone. Although I enjoy conversation, running alone allows conversation with your own thoughts. Yes, I wore my head phones listening to my iPod, but my thoughts were my own. And listening to "MY MUSIC" conjured up memories from my past. My iPOD is filled with music from my childhood and teenage years. Music that brings back memories from 7th grade, High School, and my first girl friend! The pretty little girl who smiled at me in Biology class. The vacations I spent as an adolescent visiting Family in Southern California, the religious retreats in the Texas Hill Country during my Tennage years, and so on.
Sometimes my mind relaxed and I just gazed at the beauty of nature on this cold misty day.
A spider’s web strung on bushes and laid across the trail. Dew gently resting on blades of grass. Even the weeds looked pretty in their bright shades of green. Wet rocks of all shapes and sizes displayed a shiny appearance. Birds flying about through the trees.
A great way to Meditate.

Running with Penny!

This afternoon was very nice and pleasant. Sunny and about 67 degrees with a light breeze. Perfect for running, but I just did not FEEL it. I worked till midnight the previous night and was back at work at 6:30 this morning. I felt OK but lacked energy. As I walked out the front door Penny, my four year old Labrador, called out to me from the back yard with her whining yelp. As if to say, "come on...........take meeeee!" I walk her often, but maybe not often enough. We do make out every so often and exchange "Carinos" (cuddling) every morning as I feed her! She does not touch her food until she has walked me back to the door and gives me the the once over(smelling me from head to foot).
"OK, let's go Baby" Maybe I don't want to run today. We'll walk. Penny still wants to pull me along, but I stop when she pulls too hard and she will slow it down. We headed for the French Creek trails adjacent to my subdivision and soon encountered large puddles left over from the recent rains. Labs are supposed to love water but Penny hasn't received the memo. She finds a way around. Some of the puddles were too large to go around. There was very high grass straddling the trails, so I decided to head back to the neighborhood. I was tired and was heading home and thought, "hey, how about some hill repeats?" "can ya hang Penny?" "let's see how many we can do." My neighborhood is very small and sits along and on top of a hill. We headed up the first hill which is about a 1/2 mile long with a leveling off at about 3 tenths of a mile up then straight up. We repeated the last tenth 5 times and jogged back to the base of the hill and ran right back up once. Penny was hanging! And so was her tongue! We descended at a very slow pace.
Turning the corner heading back home, we attacked the hill leading to our house. We ran past our house and all the way up the hill. What a beautiful view from the hilltop as the sun was setting behind us. We jogged back down to the house and Penny looked at me my with her tongue hanging out of the side of her mouth but very content. Her look said, That was good, but I'm spent.
I love my Dog. And She loves me.