#46 Bighorn Mountain 50 KM, Wyoming

At 8:17 AM  the Bighorn Mountain 50 km race began.  It was daunting be out in the mountains with a portable village set up for the Dry Fork Aid Station.  The Dry Fork will be visited by the 100 mile race twice, the 50 mile race once, and the 50 km as a start and again as an aid station.
The day was cloudy and a nice 41 degrees at the start and only got better as the day went on.
At the start we were at 7,100 feet elevation and within three miles were at 8800'.  Lot's of snow at the higher elevation, but the views were spectacular.  Of course from the top we plummeted down the mountain to around 6,400' to the Kern's Cow Camp Aide Station at 9 miles.  This is the common point for all the races heading to the finish.
From here we headed back to the Dry Fork A.S. (14 miles) on a different trail.  From the Dry Fork we ran upward for several miles, then down to the Upper Sheep Creek at mile 19 (7420').   Note the wildflowers were in abundance.  Now the next A.S. is at 5,025' and 24 miles.  One would think this will be a great down mountain run, NOT.  We ran fairly level for a mile until arriving at the "HAUL".  The HAUL was a straight up the mountain for a good 1/2 mile.  I was crawling and gasping for oxygen with my heart rate a pounding and my head a thumpin.  I had to stop half way and sit and rest.  A fellow runner came by and told me it was all down hill once I got to the top....Right.
He was correct and we plunged down to Lower Sheep Creek A.S.
From here we continued to drop elevation all the way to the finish line:  Tongue River Trail Head 26.2 mile - 5025'), Home Stretch (29 miles - 4250'), and the exhilarating finish at Scott Park in Dayton (31 miles - 4150').
I consider this a very tough course, however the beauty of the course has to be one of the greatest I have run.
Of the trail races I consider as the toughest, Mountain Masochist Trail 100, VA; this one would be a little tougher and I would think the 100 version of the race would be a challenge.
It was a great feeling finishing this race in 7:54:38 for 90th of 160 overall and 3rd/7 for 60-60 age group.  Again, 1 short of an award.

If you love trail running this is a must.

Estes Park Marathon Not this Time!

7 AM the Estes Park Marathon started in a torrential downpour and temperatures at 40.
The course went uphill for about a mile. My lungs told me this is what elevation is all about, however as soon as we went downhill it felt much better.
It continued to pour rain and I was getting really chilled by 4 miles. The scenery is beautiful and probably without all the low cloud cover it would have been even nicer.
I continued on and kept getting colder and shivering so at 9 miles I called it a day. If only the rain would have stopped and the sun would have popped out things may have been different.
So it's 2 for 3. I guess triples in a weekend wasn't for me.
Sorry no pics today, just picture lots of rain and cold.
Next week will go for #46 at Bighorn Mountain Trail 50 KM, WY.

#45 Bear Lake Marathon, Utah

After a 26.2 mile bus ride, we started the Bear Lake Utah Marathon at 6:49 AM. The 1st 9 miles was all into a head wind with temperatures at 40. From that point on it rained and stormed and had severe winds. At a point I wanted to put my garbage bag on, but the wind was so strong it kept me going. However at some point it was in front pushing making the run like going up a cliff. Finally we made a turn out of the wind, still had the rain and the only section on a dirt road or should I say a mud pit. After getting off the mud road we turned to head north to the finish. The 1st three miles of this section was up hill, but the last three was downward.
This was tougher course then the Friday version with lots of hills. In fact they started the race using the toughest section of Friday's marathon, the end to the finish. 5:45
All said it was a tough day and was glad it came to an end.
Now to shower,eat, and drive 8 hours to Estes Park, Colorado for the Estes Park Marathon. Betty will be helping with the driving, thank goodness.

#44 Bear Lake Marathon, Idaho

6 AM we started the marathon in Garden City Utah. The temperature was 40, but pleasant. We basically ran 13.25 miles north and made a turn east for 6-7 miles and headed south to the Bear Lake State Park for the finish. Temperature at the finish was 50. Had a head wind for the first 13 miles then tail wind for the rest. I found my only problem was a high heart rate during the first 8 miles. To high, but a fellow runner I caught was using 4 minutes running with a 1 minute walk to aid him with the same problem. So being hard boiled and all, I used 6 minute run with 1 minute walk. It worked and my heart rate drop to a comfort range and I was able to coupe with the altitude. The last 5+ miles were the toughest with lots of hills, so I improvised by taking the 1 minute walk on the uphills and if we were going down then it had to wait. Interesting the the finish was uphill. Sounds like Rob Powell laid out that course. Any how I finished and after an ice bath and a quart of chocolate milk, am ready for tomorrows Bear Lake Utah Marathon. Let the fun begin. Attached are some glossies of me and spots on the course. I really liked the shoe house.
Betty has been a great help with my success.

Bear Lake ID & UT.

Made it to Bear Lake around 1 PM their time.
Since we mad it early decided to look at both marathon courses.
It is beautiful here but storms are rolling in so weather may be poor for both.
The photos are from the finish area on Bear Lake ID and the start of Bear Lake UT.
Also one out the window of our B&B Bluebird Inn.

Westward Ho!

The car is packed and tomorrow will be time to hit the road for my adventures with the three marathons in three days. Friday is Bear Lake Marathon, ID, Saturday is Bear Lake Marathon, UT and Sunday is Estes Park Marathon, CO. Oh my!!!!!!! So I will keep you up to date on my travels and how things are progressing. Hope to have 800 miles driven tomorrow.

Back in a Flash.

So after a long absence I am back. How time does fly by.
It seems I stopped by to review what I last posted and noted my plans for the beginning of the year. As things go in life my plans have not been met. However, we will plug on as I have entered the four races in June and will do those races no matter the preparations I currently have attained or haven't.
So the races planned are Bear Lake Marathon, ID on June 11th; Bear Lake Marathon, UT on June 12th; Estes Park Marathon, CO on June 13th; and Bighorn Mountain Trail 50 km on June 19th.
This coming week I will do a simulation of three marathons in a row or a close as One can by running 25 miles on Tues, 25 miles on Wed., and 25 miles on Thurs. I will keep you posted on how that goes.
Since January I did get the Mohican Trail 100 course measured and course description completed.
Indoor Track was concluded with three of my high school athletes going to the Ohio High School State Indoor Meet at Akron University.
And currently Outdoor Track is winding down with conference this week and next week the District Meet at Norwayne High School.
It is also a time for preparations for the Cross Country season coming this fall. It's a continuous circle.
I will be reviewing my options for coaching this coming year, it may be time for new and fresh life to be given to these athletes. Later..........................................

Time is Slipping By.

It seems like forever since I last Blogged. Why....Facebook. It is a quicker and instantaneous process. So should I abandon blogging or keep on doing it? Interesting dilemma.
I like using this format to discuss my race results, but what about the in between times.
I guess I will continue and with that what if anything have I been doing.
I run and sometimes I run with friends and sometimes I run with my running clubs.
A training plan was put in place as of January 3, 2010. I have been following it also.

With state #43 completed, I hope to complete 5 races towards my 50 states this year, with most being done in June. I do want to be in shape to complete the races and be respectable.
So the plan is mileage running with 1500 miles by June 1st.
Weight training has been incorporated two times per week and upper body workouts/abs three times per week.

Plan on losing 30 pounds by May with 5 pounds already gone.

Now you probably think this was my New Year resolution, not. My resolution was to stop biting, chewing, molesting my finger nails. I haven't thus far and I may have to trim them soon.

Currently coaching Indoor Track and that has been going very well. The teams should do well this year. Hopefully several to state.

Mohican Trail 100 course should be finalized soon. Need to measure one section and it can be announced. Of course the snow must go away.

So there we have it and I will try to be more diligent in the future.

#43 and More

Last Sunday I ran the RI 6 hour Ultra in Warwick, Rhode Island. This race completes my 43rd state. The photo was me reaching the finish line near the end of 6 hours. Of course in a 6 hour event the finish line is relative to the number of loops one makes in the race.
The course was a 2.7 mile asphalt loop in Warwick City Park. The park was beautiful not counting the cloudiness of the day. So the goal was to make as many 2.7 mile loops before resorting to the 0.9 mile short loop when time is a factor and one can no longer make the long loop.
At 8:00 AM the gun goes off and the runners charge forward. There were 67 ultra runners and 29 relay teams. My concern was not the relays, but how do you know whose who. Who cares, my goal was to get to 50 km mark. Well actually my goal was to go 33-35 miles, but was modified after the first loop. It seems that the course was hilly after 1.25 miles. Not major hills but enough to add about 50 feet of climb per mile. So around and around I go, getting to talk with several 50 staters and then listening to my MP3 player. Time actually slipped by quickly and then I hit the marathon point with a time of 4:50:24, so at that point it was official, state #43. However I did pay for a full 6 hours of running so I wanted my monies worth, so onward I went. Upon finishing loop #11, I did not have enough time to do another big loop, so opted for two of the 0.9 mile small loops. Officially I finished with 31.495 (5:57:45) in 45th place.
The race was well run and the race organization is to be applauded.
The trip went pretty uneventful, other than all the rain on Saturday. If that rain would have been on race day, runners would have been slowed. As it was the winner completed 51.323 miles. That is amazing.
My next state will not be until June of 2010. My plan is to go west and knock off 5 states.
If I am able to pull this off I will run the following schedule: 6/11 - Bear Lake Marathon, ID; 6/12 - Bear Lake Marathon, UT; 6/13 - Estes Park Marathon, CO; 6/19 - Bighorn Mountain 50KM, WY; 6/26 - Pacific Crest Trail Marathon, OR. So that would be #44, 45, 46, 47, & 48. That would leave North Dakota and Washington. On On!

Triple Mudman

Cross Country - Districts

First of all both my boys and girls cross country teams are moving on to the region meet next week. The boys placed 3rd and the girls tied for 5th with us losing out on the tie breaker, so sixth.
I was pleased my #4 girl who was out with flu all last week was able to toe the line with her team. She said to me she would not be at top form and may not hit her normal times. You got to love them. My response was 'all you have to do is be in front of our #5 girl and we should move on. She did and the team did. She can show her stuff next week. Bryan Derr was 2nd and Jace Wolford was 8th to qualify as individuals for the boys. Hadley Greer was 13th and Andi Van Sickle was 22nd to move on as individuals. So fun for the coach who gets to torture at least one more week.

Triple Mudman:
1st race (Saturday, 10/24): Night Time Time Trail on a tough 5 km course.
This was a neat race with runners taking off every 10 seconds. My goal was to run like crazy and hold off any runners trying to pass me. 4 passed me in the 1st mile and I passed 3 in the final
2.1. This was an exhilarating run in the dark with just a head lamp. Wow.
I am glad I ran the 6 hour race several weeks ago. It was the same 5 km course. There are some tough sections and turns. Knowing the course aloud me to prevent any face plants, as some did. No one was injured or died during this run. I came in 44th, time was 29:42.

2nd race (Sunday 9:30 AM, 10/25): Steeplechase on log strewn, hale bale obstacles, and mud pits, and even ropes strewn across the trail. Different 5 km course and very challenging. I decided to go after this 5 km and try to do well. I came in 39th, 32:54. Don't laugh at the time unless you went through the course.

3rd race (Sunday 11:00 AM, 10/25): 10 Km Cross Country race. The first mile and half were the most challenging as it was in pasture that was muddy and ankle twisting. They mowed it, but I think they should have left it alone. The rest was trail. My legs were tired, but I pushed until the 4th mile when my gas tank ran a little low causing me to walk up the hills. I did not wait for the results of this race or the outcome of the Triple Mudman. They will be posted on the site: Mudman tomorrow.
I recommend this race as it was fun, friendly, and challenging. Be brave, be a Mudman!

Districts and the Mudman Triple

Low and behold I am writing a blog after too long an absence.
I have been running and training for the upcoming Rhode Island 6 Hour Ultra to be held on November 15th. This will be my 43 rd state and I am looking forward to the event and format.

Districts are tomorrow for my cross country teams. While injuries and sickness have plagued the teams all season we are hopeful they both can make it to the next dance, Regional s at Boardman.
If only my 3rd runner boy wasn't injured (not running) and my 4th girl wasn't sick (running) and 5th girl not injured (running) we would obviously do much better. We still should make a strong showing either way.

Mudman Triple will be run on trails and whatever else they can find to make a sloppy day of it.
The races are run at Kenyon College at the BFEC Education Center and the Observatory.
Saturday night there will be a 5 KM Time Trial in the dark on hilly trails. Headlamp is required.
I hope I make it in time from the district meet to be held at Malone College.
Sunday morning are two races.
The 1st is a Steeplechase 5 km. More mud and water and trail.
2nd a 10 KM trail race.
Do all three and your a MUDMAN.....not MADMAN!
Will report on all of the above.

Also, I thought I would put up a photo just for the heck of it. Mansfield Y Running Club, enjoy.

Clarence DeMar Marathon - #42

Well it is in the books.
Today I ran the Clarence De Mar Marathon that starts in Gilsum, NH and runs to Keene, NH.
I got up around 5 AM and headed to the finish line at Keene College to be bused to Gilsum.
The rain was coming down on my way over to Gilsum and continued all the way through the marathon.
This is a nice marathon that runs through some beautiful areas of New Hampshire. Along forested rivers and streams. Up and down hills, some large and real workers.
My plan was simple get to the finish line. I did!
Next was to run the first 16 miles in under 10 minute miles, I did !
The last I hoped to keep my remaining miles around 10:30 miles, I did!
My time was benefited by running sub 9 minute miles for the first 6 miles.
I felt great to around 18 miles when my current problem flared up (back). After suffering for a while I took a naproxen tablet at 21 miles. There is a long steep hill after 22 mile marker, so I was glad I took it.
I met some nice runners out on course. Lou and I ran in to the finish. We talked about many subjects including running, he's a teacher of middle school students, and of course finishing.
I would recommend this race as well run and a very nice act.
My finish time was 4:28:46 (not official).

Powder Mill Park

Made it to Rochester, NY for the night. Found a nice park with trails called Powder Mill Park.
Betty and I walked for about a mile, then I went out for a three plus mile run. Just ran time, but did not want to over do it.
Planned on 3 miles or around 30 minutes, but getting slightly off course added a little extra time. Tempts were 59 and a stiff breezes. Nice trails, and very few people out and about.
Tomorrow Keene, NH and Sunday run the Clarence DeMar Marathon. Later............................

15 miles and the back felt great.

I ran 15 miles at Kokosing Gap Trail near Gambier. I have been having lots of back pain of late, but today I did well and no problems. That's good news since I will be doing a marathon next week. Yes, the Clarence DeMar Marathon, Keene, New Hampshire.
On Sunday I did the Odyssey 6 Hour Run at Kenyon College. This race was off road, trail and cross country style course. A beautiful setting and a well run event.
The problem was I had major back pain within 5 miles. I trudged on and did a pitiful 24.8 miles. That gave me a nice 4th overall out of 42 entrants. However I was super chicked by Terri Lemke and Kim Boner who were 1st and 2nd. The 3rd place went to another male runner who ran the same distance as me, he just went home a few hours earlier than me.
Congratulations to Terri and Kim for a nice race as they never looked fatigued.

My cross country teams had a good day last Tuesday winning both boys and girls races at our home tri-meet. Bryan Derr performed well, as always with a new course record and an another win. Hadley Greer smoked the girls and is now finding her winning ways. She just a freshman, but acts like a junior high kid. So there is hope for her.

Ice Cream

Summer has been great for running and increasing the training, but the quality was not there. The other day a person close to me indicated that I may have gained some extra pounds. Low and behold the scale confirmed this outrageous fact.
While my training miles have increased so has my intake of ice cream. Summer is a time of ice cream and apparently I have partaken of one to many belly busters at Stake Shortstop.
So what to do......calorie count has begun again in earnest as I have a marathon in a little over 2 weeks. As anyone can figure this won't be a PR, but a completion for state #42. My focus race will be in November, the Rhodes Island 6 Hour Ultra. So I must lose 20 pounds by then and get much faster. No more ice cream, dam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday I plan on running the Kokosing Odyssey 6 Hour Run near Gambier, Ohio. It is all on cross country course so I will use it as a long training run with the 1st half marathon at a fast pace and survive the remaining distance from there on. I would like to go at least 27 miles.
Fact: 1 Belly Buster = 1200 calories; the same as 9 Sam Adams.

Cross Country has been going well, the boys won an invitational last week, the girls came in second. Since then my #3 runner got injured and is hurting the teams scoring. Hopefully he will be better and we can back to our winning ways. The girls are looking strong, so thing are looking up for the end of the season.

Facebook is killing me.

It seems like it has been forever putting up a post. I have been real tardy about keeping blogs up to date and surely can find many excuses as to why. Actually it comes down to Facebook. Every time I am on line, I check out my Facebook and get stuck there. I really enjoy it, but your life can flash before you.

The other things in life that seem to go by fast are cross country in which we have our second meet tomorrow, Crestview Invite. Last Wednesday we were at Northmor Invite. The boys were 4th of 12 schools with Bryan Derr winning. Second place was in our grasp and with some fine tuning we will be a better team. The girls had a good day placing 7th of 14 schools. With a young team, many errors were made and easily corrected. Hadley Greer placed 5th overall and is much better than her placing. Hadley should have a good year.

Running: I am still preparing for Clarence DeMar Marathon in Keene, New Hampshire. It won't be a great performance as my training is not at optimum. But I will attempt a respectable time in going after the 42nd state in my quest for the 50. Then in November it will be my focus race, Rhode Island 6 Hour Ultra, state 43.

Canalway Classic 5 KM and much more.

Today I went and ran the Canalway Classic 5 KM race in Navarre, Ohio. This is a very nice race and a fast course. I began doing this race several years ago as part of the Subway Challenge Series and fell in love with the race and course. The field was large with 415 runners finishing. My time was not stellar but is was what it was a 25:06. I had problems breathing in the first mile which was due most likely to the high humidity. After the first mile I kept passing people so I thought I was doing fine time wise, but the second mile was an 8:29, so I know I fell way off pace. I continued and still passed runners not to be passed and did this all the way into the finish. 177th place overall. 128th of 201 men. 10th of 20 in my age group.
My one H.S. runner who ran did a nice race with an 8th place finish, 2nd age group. Jace Wolford ran 17:31. Job well done...................

I have been running with my high school cross country team, meaning a harder workout for me over last year. I did get some good runners out this year and it looks to be an exciting year.

Last Tuesday night I ran with the Mansfield Y Running Club doing the Woodlands Loop. Very nice area to run and good company. I ran the 4 miles with Joe Crawford who attempted the Burning River 100. He had a good race, but his feet became very sore and blistered and thus his demise. Joe will definitely get this distance in no time. Congrats Joe.

On Top of Things.

Well so much for my weekly reviews of my training. I last left you with my stellar training from week #1, now I am starting week #4. So what happened to week #2 & #3. Let's review quickly so not to bore you.
Week #2:
7/13 Repeats of 3X1 mile @ 7:59 Total of 8 miles.
7/14 3.8 miles with the Mansfield Y RC, Woodlands Loop. Good company and Mexican
food after.
7/18 Ran a 5 km cross country race at Camp Mowanna in 25:03. Not to bad for not being in 5k
shape. Very hilly!

Week #3:
7/19 Ran 12 miles with the Mansfield Y RC in Lexington. Betty walked 5 miles also.
7/21 Did a tempo run of 6 miles. Max HR 164, average 148.
Also, down to 140 lbs. from 154.
The big things to occur were the Half Blood Prince and the Tour De France.

Week 1

A review of week 1 of my twelve week program for marathon training. The focus marathon will be the Clarence DeMar in New Hampshire on September 27.
Weight starting: 151
Weight today: 145

Sunday: 5.5 miles on trail. Great fast run.
Monday: 5 miles, road.
Tuesday: 5.5 miles, trail.
Wednesday: 2 mile warm up, 5X800 at 5 km pace, 2 mile cool down.
Thursday: 5.2 miles.
Friday: Rest day.
Saturday: 7 mile road run with 3 miles at tempo pace (HR. high 161, range: 145-161).

This coming week has two interval workouts plus an 18 mile run. Race a 5 km on cross country course this coming Saturday. Run through the Pines, Camp Mowana, Mansfield.

The Beat Goes On!

After the Mohican Trail 100, or lack there of, I decided to reassess my plans for future runs.
Only making it to the 37 mile mark of Mohican was a real disappointment. Should I go after another or be satisfied with my past 100 mile accomplishments.
What are my goals for the future? Well to be honest 100's are not on top my list, so what is? Getting 50 states and DC are my #1 goal. So it is time to keep the focus on states 42-50 plus DC.
So that's the plan and once it is achieved it may be time to look at other goals for the future.
I will begin my 12 week marathon training on Sunday, July 5. The fall marathon I am preparing for is the Clarence DeMar Marathon in Keene, New Hampshire (#42).

So for some near term races I will do a couple of 5 k's and a 1/2 marathon:
7/18 - Run through the Pines 5 km cross country
8/15 - Canalway Classic 5 km
9/12 or 13 - Find a 1/2 marathon
9/27 - Clarence DeMar Marathon
11/15 - RI6hour Ultra (#43).

My weeks after Mohican have been maintenance or 5/5/3/3/8/5/off or 31 miles/week.
Next week things will gear up with two tempo or greater workouts.
Sun. - 5
Mon. - 5
Tues. - 2+(5X800)+2
Wed. - 5
Thurs. - 7(3@tempo pace)
Fri. - 5
Sat.- off

Let the fun begin....................................