I just added Devon Crosby-Helm's Blog to my Blog links. I haven't met her, but I started following her blog recently so I just linked it. She has great stuff, read her post about Grand Canyon and check out the photos, AWESOME.
Her most recent post about eating meat is very interesting.
AB
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Change is good
You ever have something come up that you just can't get out of your mind. It could be the As@#^ driver from the morning commute, running a PR, that 14er you want to climb, well I have a new one. What is this new thing that occupies my thoughts this past week more that sex you ask. The Widest Run in the West 100K.
This little known run started in 2008, it started up again in 2009 but for unknown resaons was canceled. My friend Jim attempted the race in 2008, but 100+ August heat forced him and a lot of the field to stop early. i was out there it was crazy hot.
The allure to me beside the distance( I've never run a 100K) is the location of the course. The majority of it is on the WS100 route. I think the route and the tough conditions is what calls me to this race. Maybe running part of the WS100 course again will give me a little redemption for 2009 and a little mojo for 2011 lottery. Either way I'm adding this race to the schedule.
AB
This little known run started in 2008, it started up again in 2009 but for unknown resaons was canceled. My friend Jim attempted the race in 2008, but 100+ August heat forced him and a lot of the field to stop early. i was out there it was crazy hot.
The allure to me beside the distance( I've never run a 100K) is the location of the course. The majority of it is on the WS100 route. I think the route and the tough conditions is what calls me to this race. Maybe running part of the WS100 course again will give me a little redemption for 2009 and a little mojo for 2011 lottery. Either way I'm adding this race to the schedule.
AB
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Motivation
This movie link has been making the rounds, but I thought I would post it because I love it. The movie is great to watch for motivation, but it also gives me more places/races to add to my "to do list".
Motivation
Motivation
Monday, February 8, 2010
Shoe review, etc, etc
So it’s the end of another miserable Monday. I actually worked today, but I’m sick so I’m done for the day.
So here is a show review, I’ve covered some of my favorite shoes in the past. My current trail shoe is the Saucony Trail Guide. Here is a link to the new version, Trail Guide TR 2
Review:
The Guide locks my foot in tight like I like, but with a roomy toe box. The heel cup is especially nice. Its shape locks in my heel. I find the sizing to be a bit on the large side. I could do an 11, but on longer runs and technical trails my feet would suffer.
I used the Guides right out of the box, no break-in. A lot of shoes I run in like my Nike Moto’s take a bit of break-in running for my feet to be happy in them.
I have done short road/trail runs in the Guides as well as long (20+) mile trail runs. In all cases the Guide has held up well. My feet are very happy with them.
The shoes are cushy and supportive for my fat butt, but firm at the same time. I would run anything up to 50K-50 mile in them. I think 50K if the trail was really rocky.
So far I have a bit over 100 miles in them. There are no signs of wear in the shoe overall, a very solid shoe.
**The reviews expressed are of the authors, this is his blog. The review is based solely on his subjective observations, blah, blah, blah. If you don’t like it or agree, click away. And no I don't get any money for this from Saucony, I wish!!!**
Now the etc, etc:
I have a new running mantra that works really well when you’re tired. It’s from the song I previously posted about: “On to the next one”
While out running this weekend I was tired and a little bonked, but I had to go back out and run. Just like in a race I picked points to run to, to get me through. I used the mantra like this: The background chorus with the drum beat moves you forward with its repetitiveness. Then as you need it use the chorus words, “on to the next one” to get you to the next marker and so on. I think in a race when I’m REALLY hurting this will come in handy. Regardless you got to click the link and chech out the song.
AB
So here is a show review, I’ve covered some of my favorite shoes in the past. My current trail shoe is the Saucony Trail Guide. Here is a link to the new version, Trail Guide TR 2
Review:
The Guide locks my foot in tight like I like, but with a roomy toe box. The heel cup is especially nice. Its shape locks in my heel. I find the sizing to be a bit on the large side. I could do an 11, but on longer runs and technical trails my feet would suffer.
I used the Guides right out of the box, no break-in. A lot of shoes I run in like my Nike Moto’s take a bit of break-in running for my feet to be happy in them.
I have done short road/trail runs in the Guides as well as long (20+) mile trail runs. In all cases the Guide has held up well. My feet are very happy with them.
The shoes are cushy and supportive for my fat butt, but firm at the same time. I would run anything up to 50K-50 mile in them. I think 50K if the trail was really rocky.
So far I have a bit over 100 miles in them. There are no signs of wear in the shoe overall, a very solid shoe.
**The reviews expressed are of the authors, this is his blog. The review is based solely on his subjective observations, blah, blah, blah. If you don’t like it or agree, click away. And no I don't get any money for this from Saucony, I wish!!!**
Now the etc, etc:
I have a new running mantra that works really well when you’re tired. It’s from the song I previously posted about: “On to the next one”
While out running this weekend I was tired and a little bonked, but I had to go back out and run. Just like in a race I picked points to run to, to get me through. I used the mantra like this: The background chorus with the drum beat moves you forward with its repetitiveness. Then as you need it use the chorus words, “on to the next one” to get you to the next marker and so on. I think in a race when I’m REALLY hurting this will come in handy. Regardless you got to click the link and chech out the song.
AB
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The Saturday "Lost" Run
Today I took the group out for a 17ish mile loop on the Way to Cool course. The point was to show the group the main sections of WTC. Namely the single track, "Ballbearing" and "Goat Hill". The day was awesome, wet trail with a lite rain and lots of puddles.
I went the day before and marked the first part of the run on my Mt bike. I was feeling the ride this morning in my legs. It's been a long time since I've rode 10+ on my Mt bike. My new theme song came to mind soon after I headed out, the back beat and repetitions got me thru the first few miles of dead leg running.
I later hooked up with the group. Kate and Rob Evans were leading group. Everyone looked great and looked to be having fun. For a great report and photos of the day go her: PAM's Blog. I tucked into the rear and began taking down the ribbons while hanging out with some of our group.
Fast forward to Hwy 49 crossing. I ran into a runner friend who told me she had run into one of my group runners near Goat Hill, she was lost. First thought was CRAP!!, how did she get behind me. I had already taken down the ribbons so she had no life line back. My friend told her to go down to Quarry Road where she had seen the ribbons were still up. She told her to follow those back to Cool.
The runner followed but got turned around, (not her fault, she has never seen the trails before). Long story short she ran another loop with Ballbearing Hill.
In the mean time I returned to my car to re-fueled and put together a plan. I made some calls to Kirk for help and told the others what we were going to do. Kudos to my friend Melissa for staying at the car the whole time I was gone to cover phone calls, etc. I then ran down to Quarry Road and down the road a bit checking for my runner.
I returned REALLY scared at this point. No one I saw along the way had seen my runner. The only thing I could think of at this point was the quote I heard for a Search and Rescue call-out, $40K. Thankfully I checked my cell phone when I got back. Jeffrey Johnson who was out on the trails had found my runner, THANK YOU JEFF!
Eventually she got back to Cool, surprisingly with a smile on her face. I forget her totals for the day, but I she told me " Ballbearing was not so bad the second time". Now that's an ultra runner. Lost, tired, extra miles, starving and she's smiling, nice job!!
My total for the day was 26+miles, I finally turned it off after I bonked.
I think I'm going to have to re-think how we execute these long runs. Had this been the 26miler we have coming up this could have been a lot worse.
AB
I went the day before and marked the first part of the run on my Mt bike. I was feeling the ride this morning in my legs. It's been a long time since I've rode 10+ on my Mt bike. My new theme song came to mind soon after I headed out, the back beat and repetitions got me thru the first few miles of dead leg running.
I later hooked up with the group. Kate and Rob Evans were leading group. Everyone looked great and looked to be having fun. For a great report and photos of the day go her: PAM's Blog. I tucked into the rear and began taking down the ribbons while hanging out with some of our group.
Fast forward to Hwy 49 crossing. I ran into a runner friend who told me she had run into one of my group runners near Goat Hill, she was lost. First thought was CRAP!!, how did she get behind me. I had already taken down the ribbons so she had no life line back. My friend told her to go down to Quarry Road where she had seen the ribbons were still up. She told her to follow those back to Cool.
The runner followed but got turned around, (not her fault, she has never seen the trails before). Long story short she ran another loop with Ballbearing Hill.
In the mean time I returned to my car to re-fueled and put together a plan. I made some calls to Kirk for help and told the others what we were going to do. Kudos to my friend Melissa for staying at the car the whole time I was gone to cover phone calls, etc. I then ran down to Quarry Road and down the road a bit checking for my runner.
I returned REALLY scared at this point. No one I saw along the way had seen my runner. The only thing I could think of at this point was the quote I heard for a Search and Rescue call-out, $40K. Thankfully I checked my cell phone when I got back. Jeffrey Johnson who was out on the trails had found my runner, THANK YOU JEFF!
Eventually she got back to Cool, surprisingly with a smile on her face. I forget her totals for the day, but I she told me " Ballbearing was not so bad the second time". Now that's an ultra runner. Lost, tired, extra miles, starving and she's smiling, nice job!!
My total for the day was 26+miles, I finally turned it off after I bonked.
I think I'm going to have to re-think how we execute these long runs. Had this been the 26miler we have coming up this could have been a lot worse.
AB
Lost
Just got home from an interesting run. More to follow but I had my first lost runner with my Traingin Group. Talk about anxiety.
Shout out to Jeff Johnson and his wife, they saved the day.
AB
Shout out to Jeff Johnson and his wife, they saved the day.
AB
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
One more....
I left this one out:
Run this town
Take out Town and add in AR50 and this is my 50 mile training groups theme song.
AB
Run this town
Take out Town and add in AR50 and this is my 50 mile training groups theme song.
AB
Monday, February 1, 2010
Why do you do it? (RANT)
I get this question asked of me a LOT. Usually this phrase encompasses other facets of the conversation. Which usually are: why do you run so far, in the heat, in the rain, on the remote trails with bears and cougars (the cat type). Usually the question comes from a relative or co-worker.
So why do I “do it”, for a variety of reasons. The one reason that sticks with me the most when I’m asked is the experience of the moment(s). Good run or bad, finish or DNF, I take something away that enriches my life beyond the norm.
We get one life, why waste it on what I would call a “vanilla” existence. I want to be the competitor, not the tourist. I don’t need to be the best out there, just out there experiencing it. I’ve learned from both the good and bad runs, races. The bad experiences usually teach me more about myself and life than the good. You have to admit having a bad day or running in crappy weather is character building.
To me your world view is all about personal perception. I find that if I did everything in life when it was dry, 70deg, no wind, etc. I’m not really experiencing much in life because I only want to try when it’s easy. To me my perception of the world is narrowed. The next thing I know I’m like everyone else. I complain when the world is not perfect or I won’t try unless I can do well, or look good.
You know the people I’m talking about. The ones who have a melt down because their 5 pump, dopio, Venti Carmel Frappa high calorie $5 drink is not 185deg. Is it really that big a deal? Not to me because I’m going out onto the trail in the wind, rain and mud for 3+hrs with a group of people with smiles on their faces.
Don’t get me wrong I like being comfortable. I’ve just found if you never have any adversity in your life, or put yourself out there you’re missing out.
My DNF this past Western States was a very unique experience. I would say I remember more about my DNF than my finish in 2007. I’ll admit I don’t want to experience a DNF again, but I learned a lot that day. For one I have never felt so depressed in my life. Believe it or not I think that DNF gave me profound physical and mental experiences most people wouldn’t even consider in their vanilla lives.
This goes with another aspect of why I “do it”. Goals, I think we all need them, large or small. If you have a “perfect” vanilla life how are you going to know if something is wrong or out of wack?
The DNF has motivated me to be a better runner and try harder. The goal in life now is to have another go one day and have a better day. How sweet do you think that finish will be after having a DNF? I know it will be because I think about it. That goal alone makes the hum drum days at the office go by no problem.
Another reason I “do it”, stories. I love sharing life adventures with people about what they’ve been up to, whatever it is.
But normally while at the ubiquitous BBQ/potluck/mixer (sucks to get old) excitement is the new iPhone app or the new show on HBO.
What motivates me nowadays runs with my 50 mile training group. They are all newbie’s but they all want the experiences, good and bad that come as they train for this intimidating distance.
Ok so this was going to be a post about recovery and the mental game. But I got the. “Why do you do” question this morning and I started to ramble/rant in my brain. I feel better now that I’ve written it out, but it’s a bit jumbled. Hopefully this ramble is not taken the wrong way, but it’s my blog and it was cathartic.
A sticker I’ve had for years sums it up pretty well:
“I’d rather be a racer for a day, than a spectator for life”
AB
So why do I “do it”, for a variety of reasons. The one reason that sticks with me the most when I’m asked is the experience of the moment(s). Good run or bad, finish or DNF, I take something away that enriches my life beyond the norm.
We get one life, why waste it on what I would call a “vanilla” existence. I want to be the competitor, not the tourist. I don’t need to be the best out there, just out there experiencing it. I’ve learned from both the good and bad runs, races. The bad experiences usually teach me more about myself and life than the good. You have to admit having a bad day or running in crappy weather is character building.
To me your world view is all about personal perception. I find that if I did everything in life when it was dry, 70deg, no wind, etc. I’m not really experiencing much in life because I only want to try when it’s easy. To me my perception of the world is narrowed. The next thing I know I’m like everyone else. I complain when the world is not perfect or I won’t try unless I can do well, or look good.
You know the people I’m talking about. The ones who have a melt down because their 5 pump, dopio, Venti Carmel Frappa high calorie $5 drink is not 185deg. Is it really that big a deal? Not to me because I’m going out onto the trail in the wind, rain and mud for 3+hrs with a group of people with smiles on their faces.
Don’t get me wrong I like being comfortable. I’ve just found if you never have any adversity in your life, or put yourself out there you’re missing out.
My DNF this past Western States was a very unique experience. I would say I remember more about my DNF than my finish in 2007. I’ll admit I don’t want to experience a DNF again, but I learned a lot that day. For one I have never felt so depressed in my life. Believe it or not I think that DNF gave me profound physical and mental experiences most people wouldn’t even consider in their vanilla lives.
This goes with another aspect of why I “do it”. Goals, I think we all need them, large or small. If you have a “perfect” vanilla life how are you going to know if something is wrong or out of wack?
The DNF has motivated me to be a better runner and try harder. The goal in life now is to have another go one day and have a better day. How sweet do you think that finish will be after having a DNF? I know it will be because I think about it. That goal alone makes the hum drum days at the office go by no problem.
Another reason I “do it”, stories. I love sharing life adventures with people about what they’ve been up to, whatever it is.
But normally while at the ubiquitous BBQ/potluck/mixer (sucks to get old) excitement is the new iPhone app or the new show on HBO.
What motivates me nowadays runs with my 50 mile training group. They are all newbie’s but they all want the experiences, good and bad that come as they train for this intimidating distance.
Ok so this was going to be a post about recovery and the mental game. But I got the. “Why do you do” question this morning and I started to ramble/rant in my brain. I feel better now that I’ve written it out, but it’s a bit jumbled. Hopefully this ramble is not taken the wrong way, but it’s my blog and it was cathartic.
A sticker I’ve had for years sums it up pretty well:
“I’d rather be a racer for a day, than a spectator for life”
AB
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