Tuesday, September 18, 2007
AH3 malt liquor hash
This sunday Sunday SUNDAY is the 5th somewhat-annual Austin malt liquor hash! Details to be announced shortly, but as usual it will tour some of the finer points of the east side!
cable tv
I haven't had cable tv since I got out of the Army over 2.5 years ago. I have it now in my hotel room, and though I haven't really sat down to watch it, I've kept the tv on for background noise. I've realized I'm really not missing much.
Texas run #6
Shoulder still hurting like a bitch, but I went out for a good run this afternoon. Threw some Monte Montgomery on the iPod, and after what seemed like two minutes I looked down at my watch and I was already approaching an hour. Hardly noticing the heat and humidity anymore. Lulu is on the ropes, one bike wheel away from completely falling apart...
Time - 61:14
Distance - 7.0 miles
Challenge - 109 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 127.0 miles
Time - 61:14
Distance - 7.0 miles
Challenge - 109 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 127.0 miles
Monday, September 17, 2007
texas injury #1
Somehow I managed to fuck up my right shoulder over the weekend. Would like to say I did it doing something cool, but the only thing I can think of is that I passed out on the cement walkway just outside my friends apartment after drinking my face off Saturday night. Must have slept on it wrong or something, now it hurts like hell. Can barely move my arm or else pain shoots through the shoulder.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
good times!
Went to Crown & Anchor, Lala's (merry christmas!), Threadgill's (to see the Texas Bluegrass Massacre) and Don's Depot last night with Grabber, Fish, Closet Freak, Padre, and Rebekah last night. Awesome time!
Texas run #5
Good run today along the greenbelt. Got nearly four hours in, including a rescue mission to save Alexis, who was lost somewhere along Barton Creek. Ran a good chunk of the second loop with TJ, good to catch up with him again.
Time - 3:51:13
Distance - 18.0 miles
Challenge - 96 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 100.4 miles
Time - 3:51:13
Distance - 18.0 miles
Challenge - 96 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 100.4 miles
Friday, September 14, 2007
Texas run #4
Had a four mile race for Air Force PT this morning. Listening to all the pipeliners (those are recruits coming straight from basic training; as opposed to the TDY students, like me, who are coming from actual Air Force units) you'd think the AF only accepts former gatorade high school football all americans. So I figured I'd have a race on my hands. Not so, I embarassed everyone, winning by over half a mile over the next finisher. Not really a great accomplishment, as beating anyone in the military in a run is no big deal, but none of those 18 year olds will be calling me an old man anymore.
Time - unknown
Distance - 4.0 miles
Challenge - 78 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 118.4 miles
Time - unknown
Distance - 4.0 miles
Challenge - 78 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 118.4 miles
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Texas run #3
Another hot and humid one today, but for the first time I actually had a little pep in my stride. Hope it's finally a sign of acclimation. Ran for sixty minutes, and once again slightly underestimated my 7.0 miles. Tomorrow will be a rest day (though my rest day includes Air Force PT and the San Antonio hash) so I can be ready for some serious mileage this weekend.
By the way, I know a lot of yunz are gearing up for upcoming marathons or trying to get back into shape. And a lot of runners nowadays use an iPod. I strongly suggest downloading the Gov't Mule cover of Sabbath's War Pigs that is available on their Live from Atlanta disc. Great song to run to.
Time - 60:33
Distance - 7.0 miles
Challenge - 74 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 111.9 miles
By the way, I know a lot of yunz are gearing up for upcoming marathons or trying to get back into shape. And a lot of runners nowadays use an iPod. I strongly suggest downloading the Gov't Mule cover of Sabbath's War Pigs that is available on their Live from Atlanta disc. Great song to run to.
Time - 60:33
Distance - 7.0 miles
Challenge - 74 miles
Distance behind Lulu - 111.9 miles
BRC flyer
The flyer for the Burnet Road Challenge can be seen here.
I've decided to reduce my drinking after the BRC. I'm currently averaging about a six pack a day here during elite AF cop school. I'll be surging that number to approximately 10 beers per day to get ready for the BRC. Once the BRC passes, I will cut my consumption down to just a six pack a day! Yes, by Texas logic, that's almost cutting my alcohol consumption in half. But I'm ready for that sacrifice. 
I've decided to reduce my drinking after the BRC. I'm currently averaging about a six pack a day here during elite AF cop school. I'll be surging that number to approximately 10 beers per day to get ready for the BRC. Once the BRC passes, I will cut my consumption down to just a six pack a day! Yes, by Texas logic, that's almost cutting my alcohol consumption in half. But I'm ready for that sacrifice.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Texas workout #2
OK, it's not my second workout. I've already had some epic runs along the greenbelt, a few loops around town lake, and a crapton of miles huffed out here on Lackland AFB. But I'll start logging from here on, so people can see how methodically I kick Lulu's ass.
Tried some speedwork today. Let's just say it didn't go too well. It had been a long time since I tried a workout like this. Add that to the fact that I'm still not acclimated to the Texas weather and I'm just getting back to things after Leadville, and this one wasn't one to write home about. My goal was to do three repeats of two miles, with half a mile of slow jogging in between.
But it wasn't happening today. Ended up doing two repeats. First one was 12:33, second one was 13:44. Ouch. But I'll stick at it. This will be my Wednesday workout from now on, and I'll push for the goal of hitting three repeats in all under twelve minutes. With a 20 minute warm up and a 20 minute cool down, I conservatively estimate my distance at eight miles. Was almost definitely more than that, but I'm trying my best to let Lulu hang around for a bit.
Tried some speedwork today. Let's just say it didn't go too well. It had been a long time since I tried a workout like this. Add that to the fact that I'm still not acclimated to the Texas weather and I'm just getting back to things after Leadville, and this one wasn't one to write home about. My goal was to do three repeats of two miles, with half a mile of slow jogging in between.
But it wasn't happening today. Ended up doing two repeats. First one was 12:33, second one was 13:44. Ouch. But I'll stick at it. This will be my Wednesday workout from now on, and I'll push for the goal of hitting three repeats in all under twelve minutes. With a 20 minute warm up and a 20 minute cool down, I conservatively estimate my distance at eight miles. Was almost definitely more than that, but I'm trying my best to let Lulu hang around for a bit.
9/12/2007
Things still going well down here in San Antonio.
-The heat and humidity are still giving me issues, mostly laundry related as I sweat about twelve gallons every time I step out my door, but it's getting a little better. Slowly getting used to the weather, and I keep hearing rumors of an upcoming cold front, which will be a relief.
-Was gonna go hit the ACL festival on Saturday. The entire line up this year failed to excite me, but I've always wanted to see the White Stripes. Now, the Stripes have cancelled their show (actually, they've cancelled their entire tour) so I doubt I'll go. Still be in Austin Saturday morning to run with Rogue (starting at the Hill of Life at 7AM if anyone wants to join us) and will hang out there to do the Body's b-day hash on Sunday afternoon.
-Looking forward to my first San Antonio hash this Friday. Never hashed with them as much as I wanted to when I used to live in Austin, mostly because they often hashed on Sunday, the same day as the Austin hash. I was glad to hear they'll do a few more Friday trails before switching back to their Sunday time.
-AF Cop School is going well. Not really a challenge, which is what I expected. Took our first exam on Tuesday, and though the test was actually a lot harder than I thought, I got an 88, which was one of the higher grades in the class. So I'm well in the top 10%, which will get me on the distinguished graduates list. No big deal, but as a TDY student it's the only award I'm eligible for. Did our first PT run today, four miles. Not a bad pace. I think the Air Force recruits are smarter and more athletic than the new guys who were coming into the Army while I was in, but if you asked them to really suffer, be it a hard ruck march or actual combat partols in Iraq or Afghanistan, I'm not real confident they'd be alright.
-Off now for my first speed workout in a long time. There's a two mile running loop here, and I wanna do three repeats with a half mile jog in between. Wanna hit the three loops in about twelve minutes each. A very agressive goal considering the weather and the fact that I haven't run that fast in a long time, but I'm going for it anyways.
-There have been a lot of reports of stolen stuff from my hotel, and it's fairly obvious that the maids are in on it. So anything of value that I have down here, admittedly not much, is locked up. But yesterday when I went to mail out some postcards, I noticed the book of stamps I had was gone. I tore the room up looking for them, but I'm certain they were kifed. Can't believe someone would take postage stamps. A pain in the ass since I'm always in class when the post office is open.
-The heat and humidity are still giving me issues, mostly laundry related as I sweat about twelve gallons every time I step out my door, but it's getting a little better. Slowly getting used to the weather, and I keep hearing rumors of an upcoming cold front, which will be a relief.
-Was gonna go hit the ACL festival on Saturday. The entire line up this year failed to excite me, but I've always wanted to see the White Stripes. Now, the Stripes have cancelled their show (actually, they've cancelled their entire tour) so I doubt I'll go. Still be in Austin Saturday morning to run with Rogue (starting at the Hill of Life at 7AM if anyone wants to join us) and will hang out there to do the Body's b-day hash on Sunday afternoon.
-Looking forward to my first San Antonio hash this Friday. Never hashed with them as much as I wanted to when I used to live in Austin, mostly because they often hashed on Sunday, the same day as the Austin hash. I was glad to hear they'll do a few more Friday trails before switching back to their Sunday time.
-AF Cop School is going well. Not really a challenge, which is what I expected. Took our first exam on Tuesday, and though the test was actually a lot harder than I thought, I got an 88, which was one of the higher grades in the class. So I'm well in the top 10%, which will get me on the distinguished graduates list. No big deal, but as a TDY student it's the only award I'm eligible for. Did our first PT run today, four miles. Not a bad pace. I think the Air Force recruits are smarter and more athletic than the new guys who were coming into the Army while I was in, but if you asked them to really suffer, be it a hard ruck march or actual combat partols in Iraq or Afghanistan, I'm not real confident they'd be alright.
-Off now for my first speed workout in a long time. There's a two mile running loop here, and I wanna do three repeats with a half mile jog in between. Wanna hit the three loops in about twelve minutes each. A very agressive goal considering the weather and the fact that I haven't run that fast in a long time, but I'm going for it anyways.
-There have been a lot of reports of stolen stuff from my hotel, and it's fairly obvious that the maids are in on it. So anything of value that I have down here, admittedly not much, is locked up. But yesterday when I went to mail out some postcards, I noticed the book of stamps I had was gone. I tore the room up looking for them, but I'm certain they were kifed. Can't believe someone would take postage stamps. A pain in the ass since I'm always in class when the post office is open.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
update
Another quick update:
-Having a blast up in Austin. Since last Saturday I've been to Barfly's, the Carousel, Lovejoy's, Crown & Anchor, Hut's, Counter Culture, Austin Java, Alamo Drafthouse, and Mickey's. Not to mention kegball, the greenbelt, Walnut Creek Park, town lake, RunTex, spectating at the Austin triathlon, and the hash.
-Two good long runs over the weekend. Ran about 15 along the greenbelt on Saturday. My first long run since Leadville, I felt good but the humidity has been beating me up pretty good. Ran a good twelve around Town Lake on Sunday, yeah it's not a real trail but it's always a good time running there. Did about 4.5 miles through Walnut Creek Park at the hash yesterday, bringing my total mileage to an even fifty. Lulu is already looking for an honorable way to bow out, FYI.
-Saw the new Halloween at the Alamo Drafthouse on Sat night. It's pretty good. Just a remake of the first one, with a few changes thrown in. Sure wish Kimball's Twin Peak in the Springs was even half as cool as the Alamo.
-Yunz guys see the Steelers kick the crap out of the browns yesterday! Hell yeah! And please note that Pitt is 2-0!
-Having a blast up in Austin. Since last Saturday I've been to Barfly's, the Carousel, Lovejoy's, Crown & Anchor, Hut's, Counter Culture, Austin Java, Alamo Drafthouse, and Mickey's. Not to mention kegball, the greenbelt, Walnut Creek Park, town lake, RunTex, spectating at the Austin triathlon, and the hash.
-Two good long runs over the weekend. Ran about 15 along the greenbelt on Saturday. My first long run since Leadville, I felt good but the humidity has been beating me up pretty good. Ran a good twelve around Town Lake on Sunday, yeah it's not a real trail but it's always a good time running there. Did about 4.5 miles through Walnut Creek Park at the hash yesterday, bringing my total mileage to an even fifty. Lulu is already looking for an honorable way to bow out, FYI.
-Saw the new Halloween at the Alamo Drafthouse on Sat night. It's pretty good. Just a remake of the first one, with a few changes thrown in. Sure wish Kimball's Twin Peak in the Springs was even half as cool as the Alamo.
-Yunz guys see the Steelers kick the crap out of the browns yesterday! Hell yeah! And please note that Pitt is 2-0!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
support the troops!
A lot of you hashers out there know Davey Crotchit, one of the best RA's in the land. He's back in Iraq now, so drop him a line.
MSG David Rogers
TF 62 Med Brigade
APO AE 09342
MSG David Rogers
TF 62 Med Brigade
APO AE 09342
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
stuff
Still alive, made it through my first day of Air Force cop school. Pretty weird being next door to a basic training unit, get to see the kiddos getting yelled at all day long. Kinda sad though, the AF guys going through their grueling six week basic training have much better body armor than I had the year I was in Iraq with the Army.
Managed a two-plus hour run on the Greenbelt in Austin yesterday. The heat/humidity combo down here is killing me. Luckily my hard training doesn't start until Saturday when the Rogue-Sunmart group starts. For the record, I have about 16 miles in the Challenge. Very conservative estimate, but I'm not too worried because any day now Lulu will get burned out and return to the couch for oprah re-runs. Hit Lovejoy's after the run for some post-run refreshment. Sure missed that place.
Thanks to Meredith for my picture frame, given to me at the Hill Country Trail Runners meeting for completing my first hundred miler. One of the best gifts I've ever gotten!
Thursday I'll head downtown for my first run along the infamous Riverwalk.
Friday should be fun, off to the Carousel Lounge to see the Mad Cowboys. Finally get to see my good friend Twin Peaks, it's been several years since we last threw down some beers.
Saturday it's the Rogue run and some shenanigans at a dive of my choosing. Sunday morning I'll be down providing moral support at a triathlon at Decker Lake, then probably a lap around Town Lake. Of course, won't miss the Austin hash this week, if they ever get a hare.
Hope to procure a laptop for my room, which has an internet connection. Should be able to blog and e-mail a bit more regularly if that happens.
Managed a two-plus hour run on the Greenbelt in Austin yesterday. The heat/humidity combo down here is killing me. Luckily my hard training doesn't start until Saturday when the Rogue-Sunmart group starts. For the record, I have about 16 miles in the Challenge. Very conservative estimate, but I'm not too worried because any day now Lulu will get burned out and return to the couch for oprah re-runs. Hit Lovejoy's after the run for some post-run refreshment. Sure missed that place.
Thanks to Meredith for my picture frame, given to me at the Hill Country Trail Runners meeting for completing my first hundred miler. One of the best gifts I've ever gotten!
Thursday I'll head downtown for my first run along the infamous Riverwalk.
Friday should be fun, off to the Carousel Lounge to see the Mad Cowboys. Finally get to see my good friend Twin Peaks, it's been several years since we last threw down some beers.
Saturday it's the Rogue run and some shenanigans at a dive of my choosing. Sunday morning I'll be down providing moral support at a triathlon at Decker Lake, then probably a lap around Town Lake. Of course, won't miss the Austin hash this week, if they ever get a hare.
Hope to procure a laptop for my room, which has an internet connection. Should be able to blog and e-mail a bit more regularly if that happens.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
San Antonio
Arrived in San Antonio a day early. Apparently the Air Force gets a five day weekend for Labor Day. My orders say cop school starts today but the building is closed until tomorrow. Only in the Air Force...
Computer usage will be spotty for me. I know for a lot of you the highlight of your day is reading my blog, I'll try to update as much as possible but it probably won't be several times a day like I'm able to do at my civilian job.
Pretty good trip so far. Made a triumphant return to the Barfly, though I don't think I puked despite a lot of Lone Star and jager. Thanks to all who showed up.
Crown and Anchor double bacon cheeseburgers are still one of my favorite things in the entire world.
Got to meet a couple of bloggers at kegball, which was a blast. Nothing beats sitting in a big mud puddle in the pouring rain drinking beer. Lulu's tackle of the opposing hottie pitcher was one for the ages!
Went down yesterday morning to watch the Austin Triathlon, the most active thing I've done so far in Texas. My buddy Paul had an awesome run leg and ended up third overall.
Hung out in San Antonio with my old buddy Doggie Style yesterday, visited some quality pubs. Some of yunz should look into doing the Clark Bar tour, a nine pub bus ride. Think it's on October 22. I'll send out info soon.
Back up to Austin today for a long run (I'm already 60 miles behind Lulu but I'll catch up by week's end) and the Hill Country Trail Runners meeting. Big meeting tonight, as I'll finally get the infamous picture frame for completing my first hundred.
Again, I won't be able to answer e-mail in a timely fashion, so if anyone needs to get a hold of me you'll need to call.
Computer usage will be spotty for me. I know for a lot of you the highlight of your day is reading my blog, I'll try to update as much as possible but it probably won't be several times a day like I'm able to do at my civilian job.
Pretty good trip so far. Made a triumphant return to the Barfly, though I don't think I puked despite a lot of Lone Star and jager. Thanks to all who showed up.
Crown and Anchor double bacon cheeseburgers are still one of my favorite things in the entire world.
Got to meet a couple of bloggers at kegball, which was a blast. Nothing beats sitting in a big mud puddle in the pouring rain drinking beer. Lulu's tackle of the opposing hottie pitcher was one for the ages!
Went down yesterday morning to watch the Austin Triathlon, the most active thing I've done so far in Texas. My buddy Paul had an awesome run leg and ended up third overall.
Hung out in San Antonio with my old buddy Doggie Style yesterday, visited some quality pubs. Some of yunz should look into doing the Clark Bar tour, a nine pub bus ride. Think it's on October 22. I'll send out info soon.
Back up to Austin today for a long run (I'm already 60 miles behind Lulu but I'll catch up by week's end) and the Hill Country Trail Runners meeting. Big meeting tonight, as I'll finally get the infamous picture frame for completing my first hundred.
Again, I won't be able to answer e-mail in a timely fashion, so if anyone needs to get a hold of me you'll need to call.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
cheap socks
If any of you athletes want a good pair of cheap socks, check this out. Go to the Koobi website and order a single pair of socks. When it asks you for a coupon code, enter LV100. You end up getting the socks for less than five bucks.
PPRR fall series
Unfortunately I'll be away for these races, but the folks back in Colorado Springs should check out the Pikes Peak Road Runners fall series. Four races, starting at 3.5 miles and ending with a seven miler. Races are run at North Monument Valley Park, Bear Creek Park, Ute Valley Park, and Palmer Park. All are on some serious cross-country courses which have in the past included stream crossings. Might be a good event to get a hash team together, they have a division for teams of four runners. For more info, click here.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
adios
Leaving my civilian job at lunch today, off to Peterson to sign in on active duty! No more civilian life for me until December.
saint ralph
Got into a netflix running movie kick shortly before Leadville. Watched two movies about Steve Prefontaine, one of my all time heros. Both movies (Without Limits and Prefontaine) were really good and definitely worth watching.
Ordered Saint Ralph almost as an afterthought, as it came up on the netflix search about running. Finally got a chance to watch it last night, and it was really good. If you're a fan of the marathon, or like movies with kids rubbing one out in a public swimming pool, you should definitely check it out.
rogue - sunmart
Just signed up for this rogue group. Goals will be to finish the Cactus Rose 100 miler in November, and also to come home with a new sub-8 hour PR for 50 miles (I'll get two chances - at Warda and Sunmart). Yes folks, all this on top of the rigorous PT program the Air Force will be putting me through!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
support the troops
Should anyone be sitting at home and have the urge to clean on Thursday, my home is open. Between my lease expiring, the mess dealing with the upcoming AF trip, and getting my share of drinking in, I'm pretty squeezed for time. The door is open, go on in and clean away!
welchers!
If you went on the hike to Belford and didn't chip in for gas, you should feel ashamed! You're violating one of the main rules of road trips - which is to thin out the cost for everyone.
This on top of some people stiffing MeatGazer on the El Paso trip last January. Is this the reputation the Kimchi hash wants?
Pay up, deadbeats! Gas, grass, or ass...nobody rides for free!
This on top of some people stiffing MeatGazer on the El Paso trip last January. Is this the reputation the Kimchi hash wants?
Pay up, deadbeats! Gas, grass, or ass...nobody rides for free!
Aim High!
Course description for the Security Forces Apprentice Course, the actual reason I'll be living in Texas for the next few months:
The Security Forces Apprentice Course trains Security Forces personnel to perform the duties of a Security Forces apprentice. Training includes application of IBD operations, nuclear/nonnuclear security, convoy operations (nuclear/conventional and humanitarian), response force, alarm response, installation entry contril, area/building/vehicle searches, high-threat entry, authority and jurisdiction, advisement of rights, installation patrol, recapture/recovery operations, land navigation (topographical map and grip map), military working dog operations, sentry duties, secure prisoners, interview persons, restricted area security, launch facility response force tactics, expanded weapons use and tactics (M9 Handgun, M4 Carbine, M240B Grenade Launcher, M240B Machine Gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon), force protection/participation in homeland defense, individual physical apprehension and restraint techniques, participation in AEF operations, extensive tactical response force in a Mission Rehearsal Area (MRA) and MOUT, career field history, training and supervision, force protection, operations security threats to USAF installations and resources, legal considerations and provisions, general security forces duties, application of force, contingency operations, and security forces operations.
Done most of that stuff with the Infantry before, but in the Air Force I won't have people yelling at me all the time, plus the 9 to 5 workday is gonna be sweet!
The Security Forces Apprentice Course trains Security Forces personnel to perform the duties of a Security Forces apprentice. Training includes application of IBD operations, nuclear/nonnuclear security, convoy operations (nuclear/conventional and humanitarian), response force, alarm response, installation entry contril, area/building/vehicle searches, high-threat entry, authority and jurisdiction, advisement of rights, installation patrol, recapture/recovery operations, land navigation (topographical map and grip map), military working dog operations, sentry duties, secure prisoners, interview persons, restricted area security, launch facility response force tactics, expanded weapons use and tactics (M9 Handgun, M4 Carbine, M240B Grenade Launcher, M240B Machine Gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon), force protection/participation in homeland defense, individual physical apprehension and restraint techniques, participation in AEF operations, extensive tactical response force in a Mission Rehearsal Area (MRA) and MOUT, career field history, training and supervision, force protection, operations security threats to USAF installations and resources, legal considerations and provisions, general security forces duties, application of force, contingency operations, and security forces operations.
Done most of that stuff with the Infantry before, but in the Air Force I won't have people yelling at me all the time, plus the 9 to 5 workday is gonna be sweet!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Thursday
I will be packed up and vacated from my apartment by Thursday, or else I am a big fat loser.
Figured since I said it on my blog I'd hafta stick to it.
Figured since I said it on my blog I'd hafta stick to it.
post-Leadville workout #1
I'm actually somewhat disappointed that I wasn't hurt more after Leadville, but I guess I recover pretty quick. Forced myself to take some time off, probably won't run again until at least this weekend, but I did throw the weights around at the YMCA last night. Had to go make sure my card would work in San Antonio, since I was there I figured I'd hit the gym and shoot some hoops. Felt pretty good, my first real physical activity in over a week.
Monday, August 27, 2007
36%
Barely one out of three folks who started Leadville were able to finish. Finish rate for this year's race was 36%.
it's all good now...
"Through this situation I've found Jesus."
-Michael Vick
Maybe he'll go to the same church as Paris Hilton. I love how celebrities always find religion after they've been busted. I'm one of those heathens who isn't very religious, but then again I've never electrocuted a dog either.
Jokes aside, I bet Vick ends up playing with the Raiders someday.
-Michael Vick
Maybe he'll go to the same church as Paris Hilton. I love how celebrities always find religion after they've been busted. I'm one of those heathens who isn't very religious, but then again I've never electrocuted a dog either.
Jokes aside, I bet Vick ends up playing with the Raiders someday.
Belford pics
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Mt. Belford
A bunch of hashers and I made it up Mt. Belford yesterday. Played a good game of 3-Man at 14,197 feet! Pics will be posted soon.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Pb-ville race report, miles 50 to 100
When we last left, our hero was at the Winfield aid station, having just completed the first half of the Leadville Trail 1oo.
Winfield to Twin Lakes (10.5 miles)
So I'm about to head out for the second half of Leadville. I've been downing ensure all day (350 calories per bottle - I would down a dozen of them during the run), staying hydrated, and miraculously I felt real strong for having just run 50 miles, most of it well over 10,000 feet. Which came as a pretty big surprise to me, considering how much trouble I had been through in a couple of 50 mile training runs. But, no time to contemplate my good fortune, it was time to start the second half.
Melissa and I leave Winfield and slowly make our way to the opposite side of Hope Pass. This part is a little steeper and a little shorter than the first trip. We hike up, keeping a good pace and passing lots of people. Having Melissa along makes the miles go a bit quicker, and before I know it I'm at the top of the pass. We pause for a photo and head down to the aid station, where I'd have my picture taken with one of the 28 llamas. Eat your food, Tina! Still feeling good after 55 miles. M and I then proceed to blast down the rest of Hope Pass, probably dipping under six minutes per mile at some points. I was never known as a downhill runner in Texas, but living in Colorado has forced me to get better at the skill, and it showed on that decent. Even though most were able to run down the Pass, I was still passing lots of folks. Towards the bottom the mud would slow me down a bit, but overall I ran well and had a ton of fun coming down. Once at the bottom, it was back across the river to the Twin Lakes aid station. I had just met the most formidable challenge of my ultra career, the infamous double crossing of Hope Pass at Leadville, and passed the test with flying colors. I come into Twin Lakes at 7:59PM (the cutoff is 9:45PM), which is just under 16 hours into the race. The Hope Pass section, 21 miles, took me seven and a half hours. FYI, my road marathon PR is 2:55.
Twin Lakes to Halfmoon (9.5 miles)
Going into the race, I knew I needed to get to Halfmoon before it got dark to have any chance of finishing. Getting stuck on Hope Pass in the dark would not have been fun. I make it with about half an hour to spare, so I'm still doing well. Definitely starting to feel the effects of the race, but that's to be expected after running almost 100K. After my usual ensure-powerbar-coke binge at the aid station, I take off, leaving Melissa so she could drive ahead and join me for the night run. Leaving Twin Lakes, there's a big climb, which I don't remember being so steep on the way in. I hike this section, and before I'm at the top it's time to break out the flashlight. So here comes the night, the hills seem a lot bigger on the way back than on the way out, and I've been running for well over 17 hours. I'm definitely starting to feel it. But I trudge on, squinting in the night to find the next chem light marking the course. After what seems like FOREVER I finally hear the voices of the Halfmoon aid station, 69.5 miles into the race. Somewhere during that last section I set a PR for miles run, passing the 62 miles I ran at the Bandera 100K a few years ago. I'm starting to feel pretty crappy here, but at the same time, in a weird way, I expected a lot more pain in the first 70 miles so I'm still in decent spirits. I see Paul Dewitt at this aid station, and he says that a runner could walk it in to the end and still beat the cutoff times from this point. So I got that goin' for me, which is nice. Short break, and it's back out to the trails to hit treeline, where Dani and Melissa are waiting, and then to Fish Hatchery. My time at Halfmoon is 11:45PM (cutoff is 12:45AM), 19:45 into the race. The last 9.5 miles took me 3:46, my worst section yet.
Halfmoon to Fish Hatchery (7.0 miles)
Leaving Halfmoon, I think of my buddy Moogy, who always seems to have issues at 70 miles. It's about three miles to treeline, where my crew is waiting. Somewhere during those three miles, I completely fall apart. I've had to deal with sleep deprivation before, and have always hated doing it. But tonight, it's kicking my ass. Got up at 6AM on Friday to drive out to Leadville, then got a restless four hours of sleep Friday night, got up at 2AM on Saturday, then been put through the rigors of 70+ miles of rough terrain at high altitude, and things were going to shit. I'm starting to see things that aren't there, and my legs are becoming wobbly, at times to the point where I almost fall over. I get to treeline and find Dani, and before she can figure out what's going on I'm climbing into the back of her truck for a nap. I tell her to wake me in half an hour. After what seems like a blink of an eye, she's yelling at me to get going. I look at my watch and sure enough, it's been thirty minutes. I feel a bit refreshed after my cat nap and Melissa and I leave for Fish Hatchery. I run/hike and make somewhat decent time since a lot of this part is on the road. The good vibes from the nap don't last very long, though, and as we hit FH I'm feeling worse than before my slumber. The time at Fish Hatchery is 2:08AM (cutoff is 3AM - slowly creeping up on me) and I'm 22:08 into my race. Usually I'm getting kicked out of a bar at this time on a Saturday night. The seven miles along the easiest part of the course take me 2:23, a whopping 20:25 per mile!
Fish Hatchery to Mayqueen (10 miles)
Sitting in the Fish Hatchery aid station, I'm finished. There are cots all around, and I want to lie down on one for about thirty hours of sleep. Somehow, Melissa and Dani convince me to get my lame ass moving. Melissa and I head out of Fish Hatchery, where somehow I'm able to run a good chunk of the road leading to Sugarloaf pass. Then the climb begins. And I have nothing to respond with. The events of the past day and a half have left me physically worthless. I feel like I'm trying to summit Everest without oxygen, not make it up and over Sugarloaf pass, which earlier today I crossed with no problem. My legs are buckling, I fall over several times, and each decent sized rock I see is registered in my brain as a mountain lion ready to bite me. And I'm so afraid I'm actually jumping out of the way. Not the strongest moment of my life. I keep telling Melissa to let me take a 15 minute break, but she'll have nothing of it and somehow keeps me moving forward. Every twenty or thirty seconds I ask her again if I can take a nap, and she continues to tell me no. I actually get to the point where I want to choke her out because she's pissed me off so much. And not in a kidding way, I actually want to knock her out so I can rest for a bit. Anyone who knows Melissa knows how psychologically wacked out one would have to be want to bring her physical harm, she's about the nicest person in the world. But after what seemed like an ETERNITY of climbing, we finally reach the top of the pass. I'm too out of it to even care, and the downhill seems just as hard as the uphill. And it only gets worse when we can actually see the Mayqueen aid station, it felt like I was on a treadmill - it never seemed to get any closer. I'm certain I'm gonna get to the final aid station over the cutoff, and I'm glad. And I decide out there that even if I squeeze in, I'm dropping. No friggin' way I can cover another half marathon. I hit Mayqueen at 5:47AM (cutoff is 6:30AM), race time is 25:47. The last ten miles have taken me 3:39.
Mayqueen to Leadville (13.5 miles)
I seriously thought about dropping at Mayqueen. I even had an Incline Club shirt in my bag, which I would have changed into in case of a DNF, so as not to embarass Team CRUD. I know a lot of folks would ask here, "how could you have run 87 miles and not have been able to tough it up for 13 more?" but until you've been in this position you just can't understand. I've done training runs where I've been lost for over 13 miles, but at that point it might as well have been running to the end of the universe for me. 13 miles seemed like forever. But there are actually a few CRUD crew members who have waited around for me, and I can't bring myself to quit in front of them. I keep a bright face on in the tent, but I figure I can just drop at the Tabor boat ramp a short distance down the trail. Melissa and I leave the tent and I see the most beautiful sight of all time - sunrise. And suddenly, somehow, I feel fresher than I did when I started the race. Pain? None. Sleepiness? Not me. The overwhelming urge to kill Melissa? Gone. I have four hours to cover the final 13 miles around Turquoise Lake and into the finish line in Leadville, and instead of not wanting to continue I panic and think I won't make the cutoff. I inform Melissa of a plan to run for ten minutes and walk for two minutes, and tell her to keep track of time. We leave on the first ten minute interval and I hammer. Uphill, downhill, doesn't matter to me, I'm running like it's the last quarter mile of the race. Melissa, who has been pacing ahead of me for the last thirteen miles, is now struggling to keep up. No way to tell, but I'm fairly certain I covered more than 1.25 miles during that ten minute burst. The two minute hike comes and goes, and I hammer again. Still running like a madman, Melissa can't keep up and tells me to press on. Yes folks, I've just dropped my pacer! I feel like Carl Lewis, but I'm actually probably running about eight minutes a mile. Which is pretty amazing for having run almost 90 miles and hitting such a low point just a few miles earlier. Melissa is able to catch up to me during the two minute hike intervals, but I continue to drop her during the running. All the time, I'm passing tons of runners, many of whom are walking in the final miles, too smoked for anything else. I continue running incredibly strong, ten minutes on/two minutes off, and finally I turn off Turquoise Lake and start heading into town. Shortly after turning onto the Boulevard, the final long stretch of dirt road that takes you to the Leadville city limits, I catch up to Paul Dewitt, who is finishing with his dad. I realize at this point that I'm well under the cutoff, and I stop to walk for a bit. It's a pretty amazing feeling, going through hell to get to the point where you realize you're gonna finish. Still, when we pass a tree and Paul says, "this marks 5K to the finish line" I shake my head and pause for a bit and say, "FUCK that's a long way to go." But I drive on, and get some distance between Paul and I, as I realize this is probably my last chance to ever beat a former Leadville winner. I pass runners who are limping horribly, runners who are crying out in pain with each step, but yet they're pushing on to the finish. I feel bad for some of the runners in the same shape who I passed shortly out of Mayqueen, they'll cover the distance but won't make the cutoff. Soon, the end of the dirt road comes, the 99 mile mark. The last mile is run through the streets of Leadville, very quiet when I passed by over 28 hours before but alive with cheering spectators now. From about half a mile out you can see the finish line, and I'm really glad this is about to be over. I run the last mile, not wanting to look like a wus in front of all the folks watching. The last 15 feet of the race are on a red carpet, and you get to break a ribbon like you won the race. I'm happy to finish, but so tired and whiped out from the last 28+ hours that I just don't feel any emotion. Dani is waiting there at the finish with a chair and a cold PBR, and I collapse. It's 8:37AM on Sunday. Official time is 28:37:32.
Post race
So that's it, the story of my first hundred miler. Very happy with my race, I was running to finish and didn't care about my time. Gained a ton of valuable experience, and someday I'll return to this race for a sub-24 hour finish. Little bit of post-race depression, as Leadville has dominated everything I've done for the past ten months and now it's over. Physically, I feel fine. Had a rough time driving home, had to stop for an hour to sleep. Of course, the next day I was super sore, but just a few days later I felt fine. Forcing myself to take at least ten days off from running, but soon I'll start training to finish Cactus Rose in November and to run my first ultra for a time goal at Sunmart with the Rogues.
Can't say enough about my crew, Dani and Melissa. They were awesome. I hate to admit that I might not have been able to do it without them, but during the rough times when that cutoff was creeping up on me it was those two who made me keep going. And yes, I have apologized to Melissa for wanting to kill her.
Winfield to Twin Lakes (10.5 miles)
So I'm about to head out for the second half of Leadville. I've been downing ensure all day (350 calories per bottle - I would down a dozen of them during the run), staying hydrated, and miraculously I felt real strong for having just run 50 miles, most of it well over 10,000 feet. Which came as a pretty big surprise to me, considering how much trouble I had been through in a couple of 50 mile training runs. But, no time to contemplate my good fortune, it was time to start the second half.
Melissa and I leave Winfield and slowly make our way to the opposite side of Hope Pass. This part is a little steeper and a little shorter than the first trip. We hike up, keeping a good pace and passing lots of people. Having Melissa along makes the miles go a bit quicker, and before I know it I'm at the top of the pass. We pause for a photo and head down to the aid station, where I'd have my picture taken with one of the 28 llamas. Eat your food, Tina! Still feeling good after 55 miles. M and I then proceed to blast down the rest of Hope Pass, probably dipping under six minutes per mile at some points. I was never known as a downhill runner in Texas, but living in Colorado has forced me to get better at the skill, and it showed on that decent. Even though most were able to run down the Pass, I was still passing lots of folks. Towards the bottom the mud would slow me down a bit, but overall I ran well and had a ton of fun coming down. Once at the bottom, it was back across the river to the Twin Lakes aid station. I had just met the most formidable challenge of my ultra career, the infamous double crossing of Hope Pass at Leadville, and passed the test with flying colors. I come into Twin Lakes at 7:59PM (the cutoff is 9:45PM), which is just under 16 hours into the race. The Hope Pass section, 21 miles, took me seven and a half hours. FYI, my road marathon PR is 2:55.
Twin Lakes to Halfmoon (9.5 miles)
Going into the race, I knew I needed to get to Halfmoon before it got dark to have any chance of finishing. Getting stuck on Hope Pass in the dark would not have been fun. I make it with about half an hour to spare, so I'm still doing well. Definitely starting to feel the effects of the race, but that's to be expected after running almost 100K. After my usual ensure-powerbar-coke binge at the aid station, I take off, leaving Melissa so she could drive ahead and join me for the night run. Leaving Twin Lakes, there's a big climb, which I don't remember being so steep on the way in. I hike this section, and before I'm at the top it's time to break out the flashlight. So here comes the night, the hills seem a lot bigger on the way back than on the way out, and I've been running for well over 17 hours. I'm definitely starting to feel it. But I trudge on, squinting in the night to find the next chem light marking the course. After what seems like FOREVER I finally hear the voices of the Halfmoon aid station, 69.5 miles into the race. Somewhere during that last section I set a PR for miles run, passing the 62 miles I ran at the Bandera 100K a few years ago. I'm starting to feel pretty crappy here, but at the same time, in a weird way, I expected a lot more pain in the first 70 miles so I'm still in decent spirits. I see Paul Dewitt at this aid station, and he says that a runner could walk it in to the end and still beat the cutoff times from this point. So I got that goin' for me, which is nice. Short break, and it's back out to the trails to hit treeline, where Dani and Melissa are waiting, and then to Fish Hatchery. My time at Halfmoon is 11:45PM (cutoff is 12:45AM), 19:45 into the race. The last 9.5 miles took me 3:46, my worst section yet.
Halfmoon to Fish Hatchery (7.0 miles)
Leaving Halfmoon, I think of my buddy Moogy, who always seems to have issues at 70 miles. It's about three miles to treeline, where my crew is waiting. Somewhere during those three miles, I completely fall apart. I've had to deal with sleep deprivation before, and have always hated doing it. But tonight, it's kicking my ass. Got up at 6AM on Friday to drive out to Leadville, then got a restless four hours of sleep Friday night, got up at 2AM on Saturday, then been put through the rigors of 70+ miles of rough terrain at high altitude, and things were going to shit. I'm starting to see things that aren't there, and my legs are becoming wobbly, at times to the point where I almost fall over. I get to treeline and find Dani, and before she can figure out what's going on I'm climbing into the back of her truck for a nap. I tell her to wake me in half an hour. After what seems like a blink of an eye, she's yelling at me to get going. I look at my watch and sure enough, it's been thirty minutes. I feel a bit refreshed after my cat nap and Melissa and I leave for Fish Hatchery. I run/hike and make somewhat decent time since a lot of this part is on the road. The good vibes from the nap don't last very long, though, and as we hit FH I'm feeling worse than before my slumber. The time at Fish Hatchery is 2:08AM (cutoff is 3AM - slowly creeping up on me) and I'm 22:08 into my race. Usually I'm getting kicked out of a bar at this time on a Saturday night. The seven miles along the easiest part of the course take me 2:23, a whopping 20:25 per mile!
Fish Hatchery to Mayqueen (10 miles)
Sitting in the Fish Hatchery aid station, I'm finished. There are cots all around, and I want to lie down on one for about thirty hours of sleep. Somehow, Melissa and Dani convince me to get my lame ass moving. Melissa and I head out of Fish Hatchery, where somehow I'm able to run a good chunk of the road leading to Sugarloaf pass. Then the climb begins. And I have nothing to respond with. The events of the past day and a half have left me physically worthless. I feel like I'm trying to summit Everest without oxygen, not make it up and over Sugarloaf pass, which earlier today I crossed with no problem. My legs are buckling, I fall over several times, and each decent sized rock I see is registered in my brain as a mountain lion ready to bite me. And I'm so afraid I'm actually jumping out of the way. Not the strongest moment of my life. I keep telling Melissa to let me take a 15 minute break, but she'll have nothing of it and somehow keeps me moving forward. Every twenty or thirty seconds I ask her again if I can take a nap, and she continues to tell me no. I actually get to the point where I want to choke her out because she's pissed me off so much. And not in a kidding way, I actually want to knock her out so I can rest for a bit. Anyone who knows Melissa knows how psychologically wacked out one would have to be want to bring her physical harm, she's about the nicest person in the world. But after what seemed like an ETERNITY of climbing, we finally reach the top of the pass. I'm too out of it to even care, and the downhill seems just as hard as the uphill. And it only gets worse when we can actually see the Mayqueen aid station, it felt like I was on a treadmill - it never seemed to get any closer. I'm certain I'm gonna get to the final aid station over the cutoff, and I'm glad. And I decide out there that even if I squeeze in, I'm dropping. No friggin' way I can cover another half marathon. I hit Mayqueen at 5:47AM (cutoff is 6:30AM), race time is 25:47. The last ten miles have taken me 3:39.
Mayqueen to Leadville (13.5 miles)
I seriously thought about dropping at Mayqueen. I even had an Incline Club shirt in my bag, which I would have changed into in case of a DNF, so as not to embarass Team CRUD. I know a lot of folks would ask here, "how could you have run 87 miles and not have been able to tough it up for 13 more?" but until you've been in this position you just can't understand. I've done training runs where I've been lost for over 13 miles, but at that point it might as well have been running to the end of the universe for me. 13 miles seemed like forever. But there are actually a few CRUD crew members who have waited around for me, and I can't bring myself to quit in front of them. I keep a bright face on in the tent, but I figure I can just drop at the Tabor boat ramp a short distance down the trail. Melissa and I leave the tent and I see the most beautiful sight of all time - sunrise. And suddenly, somehow, I feel fresher than I did when I started the race. Pain? None. Sleepiness? Not me. The overwhelming urge to kill Melissa? Gone. I have four hours to cover the final 13 miles around Turquoise Lake and into the finish line in Leadville, and instead of not wanting to continue I panic and think I won't make the cutoff. I inform Melissa of a plan to run for ten minutes and walk for two minutes, and tell her to keep track of time. We leave on the first ten minute interval and I hammer. Uphill, downhill, doesn't matter to me, I'm running like it's the last quarter mile of the race. Melissa, who has been pacing ahead of me for the last thirteen miles, is now struggling to keep up. No way to tell, but I'm fairly certain I covered more than 1.25 miles during that ten minute burst. The two minute hike comes and goes, and I hammer again. Still running like a madman, Melissa can't keep up and tells me to press on. Yes folks, I've just dropped my pacer! I feel like Carl Lewis, but I'm actually probably running about eight minutes a mile. Which is pretty amazing for having run almost 90 miles and hitting such a low point just a few miles earlier. Melissa is able to catch up to me during the two minute hike intervals, but I continue to drop her during the running. All the time, I'm passing tons of runners, many of whom are walking in the final miles, too smoked for anything else. I continue running incredibly strong, ten minutes on/two minutes off, and finally I turn off Turquoise Lake and start heading into town. Shortly after turning onto the Boulevard, the final long stretch of dirt road that takes you to the Leadville city limits, I catch up to Paul Dewitt, who is finishing with his dad. I realize at this point that I'm well under the cutoff, and I stop to walk for a bit. It's a pretty amazing feeling, going through hell to get to the point where you realize you're gonna finish. Still, when we pass a tree and Paul says, "this marks 5K to the finish line" I shake my head and pause for a bit and say, "FUCK that's a long way to go." But I drive on, and get some distance between Paul and I, as I realize this is probably my last chance to ever beat a former Leadville winner. I pass runners who are limping horribly, runners who are crying out in pain with each step, but yet they're pushing on to the finish. I feel bad for some of the runners in the same shape who I passed shortly out of Mayqueen, they'll cover the distance but won't make the cutoff. Soon, the end of the dirt road comes, the 99 mile mark. The last mile is run through the streets of Leadville, very quiet when I passed by over 28 hours before but alive with cheering spectators now. From about half a mile out you can see the finish line, and I'm really glad this is about to be over. I run the last mile, not wanting to look like a wus in front of all the folks watching. The last 15 feet of the race are on a red carpet, and you get to break a ribbon like you won the race. I'm happy to finish, but so tired and whiped out from the last 28+ hours that I just don't feel any emotion. Dani is waiting there at the finish with a chair and a cold PBR, and I collapse. It's 8:37AM on Sunday. Official time is 28:37:32.
Post race
So that's it, the story of my first hundred miler. Very happy with my race, I was running to finish and didn't care about my time. Gained a ton of valuable experience, and someday I'll return to this race for a sub-24 hour finish. Little bit of post-race depression, as Leadville has dominated everything I've done for the past ten months and now it's over. Physically, I feel fine. Had a rough time driving home, had to stop for an hour to sleep. Of course, the next day I was super sore, but just a few days later I felt fine. Forcing myself to take at least ten days off from running, but soon I'll start training to finish Cactus Rose in November and to run my first ultra for a time goal at Sunmart with the Rogues.
Can't say enough about my crew, Dani and Melissa. They were awesome. I hate to admit that I might not have been able to do it without them, but during the rough times when that cutoff was creeping up on me it was those two who made me keep going. And yes, I have apologized to Melissa for wanting to kill her.
on call...
Really looking forward to tomorrow, I always like hiking with newbys up the tall peaks. But with so many virgins and rookies and out-of-shapers going along, I'm sure I'm gonna need to call in...
the benefits of a UTexas education
This line was taken from an e-mail that Lulu sent me earlier:
"Then I'm afraid k cant help you"
She is the first person I've ever seen to misspell the word "I."
"Then I'm afraid k cant help you"
She is the first person I've ever seen to misspell the word "I."
hashing and HAZMAT
Hashing is in the news again, unfortunately for the wrong reasons. Read about it here. I hate terrorists as much as anyone, but I can't say I'd shed a whole lot of tears if they were to fuck up an Ikea.
for the Pikes Peak racers...
If anyone is an expert on the Pikes Peak races, it's Matt Carpenter. And he said last night that both races had horrible conditions, the Ascent having a low pressure system move in during the race (I guess this makes you run slower?) and the Marathon having the heat to deal with. He said those conditions were the big reason for all the slow times. Nice jackets yunz guys got for finishing the races. Not nearly as cool as the Leadville schwag, but good job anyways!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
oxford/belford
The hike list keeps getting smaller and smaller. Here's who is now in:
Melissa
Net
Nappy
Susan
Lincoln
Knees Up
BLOS
Weather is actually looking decent for Saturday. But we can't wait for over-sleepers, gotta get up and down those peaks before the Colorado afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
Melissa
Net
Nappy
Susan
Lincoln
Knees Up
BLOS
Weather is actually looking decent for Saturday. But we can't wait for over-sleepers, gotta get up and down those peaks before the Colorado afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Oxford/Belford
The following peeps have said they're gonna join me for the hike up two 14ers this Saturday:
Melissa
Net
Nappy
Susan
Ryan
Lauren
Knees Up
BLOS
Happy Sock
We'll be starting at the Missouri Gulch trailhead around 6AM. 4 miles to the top of Belford, another 2 miles to the top of Oxford. Counting time spent chilling on the peaks, this is gonna be about a ten hour hump.
While that would be the largest group I've ever hiked up a 14er with, all those people have told me, many times, that they'll hike and then they bail out. We'll see who shows up come Saturday morning.
Melissa
Net
Nappy
Susan
Ryan
Lauren
Knees Up
BLOS
Happy Sock
We'll be starting at the Missouri Gulch trailhead around 6AM. 4 miles to the top of Belford, another 2 miles to the top of Oxford. Counting time spent chilling on the peaks, this is gonna be about a ten hour hump.
While that would be the largest group I've ever hiked up a 14er with, all those people have told me, many times, that they'll hike and then they bail out. We'll see who shows up come Saturday morning.
I feel so old
Boobs asked me at the DIM hash, "why would you want to run 100 miles?"
I told him I wanted to know what it feels like to be his age.
But seriously, at work I listen to KKFM, a good classic rock station. Today they've played Nirvana and Soundgarden, two bands I listened to in high school. Talk about feeling old, hearing the anthems of your youth on a classic rock station....
I told him I wanted to know what it feels like to be his age.
But seriously, at work I listen to KKFM, a good classic rock station. Today they've played Nirvana and Soundgarden, two bands I listened to in high school. Talk about feeling old, hearing the anthems of your youth on a classic rock station....
rogue - sunmart
Since I'll be down in Texas during this period, I'm gonna sign up for the Rogue - Sunmart group. Gonna shoot for a sub-8 hour 50 miler. Not too much of a stretch, as I ran 8:47 there two years ago. Always have a great time hanging out with the Rogues, really looking forward to doing it once again.
crew report
Lots of runners lurking on this due to the Leadville stuff, you can read a report from one of my crew members here. Maybe someday Dani will even download all the pics she took.
Hope to have part two of my race report posted on Friday afternoon.
Hope to have part two of my race report posted on Friday afternoon.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Pb-ville race report, miles 0 to 50
Damn, where to start? Had this one in my sights since last November, after taking a month completely off of running. Trained hard, had some real rough times along the way, but I was rewarded with a finish of a helluva tough race.
Pre-race:
Left Colorado Springs early Friday morning for the beautiful drive to Leadville. Had to make the medical check in by 11AM. The scene at Leadville was phonemonal, I felt proud of being part of the ultra community. After the pre-race briefing and bag drop I went to check in at the local Super-8 motel and then hung out in town for a bit. Before too long Melissa arrived and we headed to Rosie's (America's highest brewpub) for my final meal. Had a pint of Mt. Massive (a homebrewed malt liquor) and a dozen wings. Dani arrived shortly, and after she wolfed down a cheeseburger it was back to the hotel.
Race morning:
Too nervous for a good night's sleep, I ended up getting up at 2AM. Showered, dressed, and then it was off to the start. Standing at the start, I reached into my pocket and found a ten dollar bill that had been through the wash. I took this as a good luck sign.
Start to Mayqueen (13.5 miles)
Let the fun begin. 600 runners toed the line, ready to take on the challenge. The most important thing here was to not let my adrenaline get the best of me. Too fast a start here would doom me later on. At the same time, I knew I couldn't go too slow, I needed to get some time in the bank that I would need later on for the hills. Did my first mile in 8:47. I was happy with that, I was afraid I'd screw up and run 5:45 or something. The first leg is run on a wide dirt road which narrows after about five miles for some technical singletrack around Turquoise Lake. Just before we turned onto the singletrack, I could hear the beat of a drummer off in the woods. A surreal scene, a very peaceful night, 600 trailrunners with their headlamps, with the steady drumbeat in the background. It's difficult to pass on the singletrack, so I just settled in with a group of runners and kept the pace to the Mayqueen aid station. Was quite the sight, you could see a line of runners with their flashlights all around the lake. Came into Mayqueen feeling good. Took me 2:28 to get there, 47 minutes under the cutoff. It was 6:28AM.
Mayqueen to Fish Hatchery (10.0 miles)
Never ran with an iPod before, but decided to do it here so some of the early miles could pass quickly. Had to be careful not to let the music push me too hard, it was still way too early for fast running. This section had the first major climb, up and over Sugarloaf Pass. Felt strong, could have easily ran the whole thing, but I let common sense win out and I hiked up the hill. Got to do a good chunk of the climb with 1SGT Sowers, a buddy of mine who I've had the pleasure of running with several times during my Leadville training. Let myself go on the downhill, wasn't crazy but I did pick up the pace a lot. The iPod really helped, this section went by pretty quick and I still felt strong as I came into the next aid station. Took me 2:08 to do the ten miles from Mayqueen to Fish Hatchery. It was 8:36AM and I was 4:36 into the race.
Fish Hatchery to Halfmoon (7.0 miles)
One of the easier sections of the course. Gotta give props to my crew, Melissa and Dani, they were teriffic the entire time and I would have had a much harder time completing the race had it not been for them. Along with the crew from Team CRUD, I felt like a professional nascar driver, I'd just come in to an aid station and sit down, and a swarm of people would descend upon me, filling my camelbak, giving me food, asking if I needed anything. The first part of this leg was on a road, which I would have hated, but there were amazing views of Colorado's two highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, to take my mind off the boring road. Ironically, my iPod rang up "Mountains Win Again" by Blues Traveler during this part. After the paved road the course turns onto a dirt road that runs back to the Halfmoon aid station. I come into Halfmoon, just over 30 miles into the race, feeling good. I arrive at 10:04AM (the cutoff is noon), 6:04 into the race. Takes me just under 90 minutes to cover the leg.
Halfmoon to Twin Lakes (9.0 miles)
Six hours into the race and I'm still feeling good. Almost too good. The iPod has really helped me and the miles have passed quickly. I'm hydrated, as I've been stopping to piss about twice an hour. Also crapping all over the woods, but it's not the horrible issues I had at San Juan. There are some decent climbs during this section, but I'm running smart and making good time on all of them. This section takes me on some familiar trails, it's part of the climb up Mt. Elbert I did last year. I bomb the final downhill and hit Twin Lakes at 12:34PM, 8:34 into my race. The cutoff at Twin Lakes is 2:30PM. Did that nine mile leg in two and a half hours.
Twin Lakes to Winfield (10.5 miles)
I realize the next twenty miles will be one of the most physically challenging events of my life. I'm starting to show signs of having just run 40 miles, and Hope Pass is staring down at me. I leave Twin Lakes, eager to begin the defining section of the race. Finally get my shoes wet, as getting over to Hope Pass required crossing a very wet field as well as a thigh deep river. And then the climb began. Hope Pass was as tough as advertised, the climb seemed to go on forever. It climbs over 3000 feet in about 3 miles. I latched on to a Hardrock veteran and kept a good pace all the way to the top. Passed quite a few folks on this section. It was a real hard climb, but since November I've been doing nothing but mountain runs, so I was able to survive. In fact, I told myself that sometime next year I'd drive out here to see if I could run the whole pass without stopping. I think I can do it. Anyways, there's a small aid station near the top of the pass, the "hopeless" aid station as it's called, and it's great to finally arrive. They hump all the supplies up here on llamas. At the aid station I see fellow CRUDer Harry Harcrow, on his way back. He's looking very strong in 5th place (he would end up second overall). I grab a bite to eat and head out, only a half mile from the top now. The top comes, and what an amazing view I'm treated to! You can see all the way back to Leadville, and I'm amazed at how far I've run. And I try not to think that I hafta run it all again. I fly down the other side of the pass and before I know it, I'm halfway there. Arrive at Winfield at 4:26PM, 12:26 into the race. The last ten miles took me 3:52 to cover. I feel surprisingly well for having covered 50 miles over rough terrain. See lots of familiar faces at Winfield, including my awesome crew, and I'm looking forward to beginning the second half of the race. Melissa is going to tag along the next section, and I'm glad to have the company.
Pre-race:
Left Colorado Springs early Friday morning for the beautiful drive to Leadville. Had to make the medical check in by 11AM. The scene at Leadville was phonemonal, I felt proud of being part of the ultra community. After the pre-race briefing and bag drop I went to check in at the local Super-8 motel and then hung out in town for a bit. Before too long Melissa arrived and we headed to Rosie's (America's highest brewpub) for my final meal. Had a pint of Mt. Massive (a homebrewed malt liquor) and a dozen wings. Dani arrived shortly, and after she wolfed down a cheeseburger it was back to the hotel.
Race morning:
Too nervous for a good night's sleep, I ended up getting up at 2AM. Showered, dressed, and then it was off to the start. Standing at the start, I reached into my pocket and found a ten dollar bill that had been through the wash. I took this as a good luck sign.
Start to Mayqueen (13.5 miles)
Let the fun begin. 600 runners toed the line, ready to take on the challenge. The most important thing here was to not let my adrenaline get the best of me. Too fast a start here would doom me later on. At the same time, I knew I couldn't go too slow, I needed to get some time in the bank that I would need later on for the hills. Did my first mile in 8:47. I was happy with that, I was afraid I'd screw up and run 5:45 or something. The first leg is run on a wide dirt road which narrows after about five miles for some technical singletrack around Turquoise Lake. Just before we turned onto the singletrack, I could hear the beat of a drummer off in the woods. A surreal scene, a very peaceful night, 600 trailrunners with their headlamps, with the steady drumbeat in the background. It's difficult to pass on the singletrack, so I just settled in with a group of runners and kept the pace to the Mayqueen aid station. Was quite the sight, you could see a line of runners with their flashlights all around the lake. Came into Mayqueen feeling good. Took me 2:28 to get there, 47 minutes under the cutoff. It was 6:28AM.
Mayqueen to Fish Hatchery (10.0 miles)
Never ran with an iPod before, but decided to do it here so some of the early miles could pass quickly. Had to be careful not to let the music push me too hard, it was still way too early for fast running. This section had the first major climb, up and over Sugarloaf Pass. Felt strong, could have easily ran the whole thing, but I let common sense win out and I hiked up the hill. Got to do a good chunk of the climb with 1SGT Sowers, a buddy of mine who I've had the pleasure of running with several times during my Leadville training. Let myself go on the downhill, wasn't crazy but I did pick up the pace a lot. The iPod really helped, this section went by pretty quick and I still felt strong as I came into the next aid station. Took me 2:08 to do the ten miles from Mayqueen to Fish Hatchery. It was 8:36AM and I was 4:36 into the race.
Fish Hatchery to Halfmoon (7.0 miles)
One of the easier sections of the course. Gotta give props to my crew, Melissa and Dani, they were teriffic the entire time and I would have had a much harder time completing the race had it not been for them. Along with the crew from Team CRUD, I felt like a professional nascar driver, I'd just come in to an aid station and sit down, and a swarm of people would descend upon me, filling my camelbak, giving me food, asking if I needed anything. The first part of this leg was on a road, which I would have hated, but there were amazing views of Colorado's two highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, to take my mind off the boring road. Ironically, my iPod rang up "Mountains Win Again" by Blues Traveler during this part. After the paved road the course turns onto a dirt road that runs back to the Halfmoon aid station. I come into Halfmoon, just over 30 miles into the race, feeling good. I arrive at 10:04AM (the cutoff is noon), 6:04 into the race. Takes me just under 90 minutes to cover the leg.
Halfmoon to Twin Lakes (9.0 miles)
Six hours into the race and I'm still feeling good. Almost too good. The iPod has really helped me and the miles have passed quickly. I'm hydrated, as I've been stopping to piss about twice an hour. Also crapping all over the woods, but it's not the horrible issues I had at San Juan. There are some decent climbs during this section, but I'm running smart and making good time on all of them. This section takes me on some familiar trails, it's part of the climb up Mt. Elbert I did last year. I bomb the final downhill and hit Twin Lakes at 12:34PM, 8:34 into my race. The cutoff at Twin Lakes is 2:30PM. Did that nine mile leg in two and a half hours.
Twin Lakes to Winfield (10.5 miles)
I realize the next twenty miles will be one of the most physically challenging events of my life. I'm starting to show signs of having just run 40 miles, and Hope Pass is staring down at me. I leave Twin Lakes, eager to begin the defining section of the race. Finally get my shoes wet, as getting over to Hope Pass required crossing a very wet field as well as a thigh deep river. And then the climb began. Hope Pass was as tough as advertised, the climb seemed to go on forever. It climbs over 3000 feet in about 3 miles. I latched on to a Hardrock veteran and kept a good pace all the way to the top. Passed quite a few folks on this section. It was a real hard climb, but since November I've been doing nothing but mountain runs, so I was able to survive. In fact, I told myself that sometime next year I'd drive out here to see if I could run the whole pass without stopping. I think I can do it. Anyways, there's a small aid station near the top of the pass, the "hopeless" aid station as it's called, and it's great to finally arrive. They hump all the supplies up here on llamas. At the aid station I see fellow CRUDer Harry Harcrow, on his way back. He's looking very strong in 5th place (he would end up second overall). I grab a bite to eat and head out, only a half mile from the top now. The top comes, and what an amazing view I'm treated to! You can see all the way back to Leadville, and I'm amazed at how far I've run. And I try not to think that I hafta run it all again. I fly down the other side of the pass and before I know it, I'm halfway there. Arrive at Winfield at 4:26PM, 12:26 into the race. The last ten miles took me 3:52 to cover. I feel surprisingly well for having covered 50 miles over rough terrain. See lots of familiar faces at Winfield, including my awesome crew, and I'm looking forward to beginning the second half of the race. Melissa is going to tag along the next section, and I'm glad to have the company.
1SGT Sowers
Got to know 1SGT Sowers pretty well during my Leadville training. We ran together at Greenland, Wyoming, and a good chunk of Leadville. He was at NTC, flew back the day before Leadville, and flew back to NTC the day after. He's doing some crazy miles to garner attention for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. The pic is of us at the pre-race breifing on Friday.Monday, August 20, 2007
Pb profile
Course profile of Leadville. Notice how horribly painful the Hope Pass crossing is. Took me 7:25 to do the twenty miles from the Twin Lakes aid station to Winfield and back. Ouch. Someone out there told me that the double crossing is "the hardest twenty miles of ultrarunning." I believe him.
The climb that gave me the most trouble was coming back over Sugarloaf Pass. I had already run 80 miles, the Hope Pass double crossing had taken a good chunk out of me, I was suffering horribly from sleep deprivation, and I just didn't want to go on. This section, Fish Hatchery to Mayqueen, would bring me closer to the cutoff, 43 minutes, than any other leg.
finish
That's me finishing up Leadville. You run on the red carpet the last 15 feet or so. I smiled for all the people watching, but I was so wasted from the past 100 miles that I really didn't feel any emotion.Melissa's Pb pics
Thanks for the well-wishes from all over, really appreciate it. I'll try to get a race report out later today, until then you can see the pics Melissa took here.600 starters, 210 finishers, so barely a third of the folks who started were able to finish. My official time was 28:37:32.
Congrats too all the hashers (Z, Knees Up, Chinwacker, Boobs, and NASCOCK) who took on Pikes Peak this weekend!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
last run
About to head over to Manitou for my final run before Leadville. Easy run with the Incline Club, running from the Manizoo up to Hydro Street and back.
Net's childhood story, now in print...
Wow, who woulda thunk Net's childhood would have ever been made into a children's book?
Yes, I'll drink for ripping that off of the Austin hash list.
Yes, I'll drink for ripping that off of the Austin hash list.
Leadville weather
High of 66, low of 40. Scattered t-storms. Snow was reported last night as some of the higher elevations around Pb-ville. Internet reports from folks already out at Leadville say to expect quite an adventure at the water crossings.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Hope Pass
Supposidly the toughest part of Leadville is the trip over and back Hope Pass. It's the biggest hill that takes you to the highest point of the course. Melissa will be with me on the way back to keep me moving, the way over is up to me. Here are some pics of that section of the course I ripped off of this website. I have a feeling that if I'm able to get through this part of the course before nightfall, I should be OK.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Cactus Rose
Have my rego for the Cactus Rose ready to drop in the mail. Gonna wait 'till Friday to do it, so it has the Leadville post-mark on it for good luck. All my loyal Texas readers should join me for this. Do the 25 miler if you're not an ultra guy. And there's a 36 hour time limit, so no whining about the distance. Bandera is still one of my favorite places to run and I can't wait to return!
Monday, August 13, 2007
expensive habit
Just talked to a guy who recently got out of prison. You wanna smoke while you're in jail? A pack of cigarrettes runs you $400 in the joint. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth are all a lot cheaper and a lot easier to get on the inside. Also got a good recipie for prison hooch, might hafta whip up a batch for a Kimchi hash sometime.
barf!
Guess who got so tanked that he threw up on the Humpty Dumpty statue outside of Tony's last night?
pricing the 14ers
Grabbed this article off the Gazette Out There blog, says the average hiker spends about $220 for every 14er. Really not sure how the good folks at CU came up with that number, I know that even with gas prices sky high I don't spend nearly that much. Six pack of PBR is about $3.50, pack of Philly blunts runs about four bucks, and post-climb grub and beers at a local bar might go around fifteen bucks. In fact, it would be pretty tough to spend over $200 on a trip since I always camp out instead of hotel it.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
the DeCaLiBron
Melissa's pics of the DeCaLiBron can be seen here. Five 14ers in two days, plus supper at the country's highest saloon and a night spent at 12,000 feet! Great way to spend a weekend!
Mt. Princeton
Melissa and I headed out EARLY to bag Mt. Princeton on Saturday. Princeton is the one that dominates the view on your way into Buena Vista on Hwy. 24. Great hike, we also bagged 13,300ft Tigger Peak, which happened to be my 30th named peak, along the way. After Princeton (my 17th 14er; it was Melissa's 20th), we grabbed a long lunch at the South Park Saloon and then headed out to Kite Lake to set up camp. My camera battery ran out shortly after we got the tent up, but my pics can be seen here.Set up camp at 12,000 feet, had a few beers, then it was up early on Sunday to do the DeCaLiBron. Hit the trail pretty hard, did the entire loop in 4:23. That included our lengthy stays on all the peaks, so M & I could probably do this loop in well under 3:30, if not under three hours. I invited a lot of newbys on this hike, and I think most of them were scared of doing four 14ers in one hike, but there was a seven year old who did the loop today. And I doubt he's the youngest ever to do it.
Great weekend of altitude training right before Leadville! Woohoo!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Leadville strategy
For anyone interested, I've basically been memorizing this description of the course. Melissa and I will be finalizing the entire race plan this weekend.
hope
Did the Incline yesterday with this chick (and Mosey) yesterday. Talking a lot about Leadville, she said that two years ago she bombed at San Juan, finishing a scant six minutes before the cutoff (I was 12 mikes under this year). Yet she still finished Pb-ville that season, well under the cutoff.
HAIL TO PITT!
Pretty good pic I saw on CNNSI.com. Funny, since we've had Georgetown's number the past few years.Thursday, August 09, 2007
Leadville weather
First peak at the race day forecast for Leadville: high of 68, low of 39, 60% chance of showers.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
woohoo!
Final plans for this weekend. Nothing about this schedule will ever change. For at least 20 minutes, anyways.
Sat AM - Depart Colorado Springs at 4AM for Mt. Princeton, near Buena Vista. Details on the Mt. Princeton Road trailhead can be seen here:
http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?route=prin1&peak=Mt.%20Princeton
I hope to drive up to the radio towers to begin the trek.
Sat PM - head up to Alma and out to Kite Lake to set up camp. The beta on Kite Lake, as well as a description of the next day's DeCaLiBro hike, can be found here:
http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?route=bros6&peak=Democrat,%20Lincoln,%20Bross
I'll actually set up camp just outside the boundary of Kite Lake so I can avoid the $7 fee. Screw the man! But if you're driving up the road you'll see me. I'll probably already be drunk, boozing it up at 12,000 feet rocks! Just be sure to save four cans of beer for the hike. And bring firewood, campfires are still allowed.
I know that doing four 14ers in one day might seem a bit much for some of yunz, but it's actually a somewhat easy hike. Most of the single 14ers I've done were much harder than doing all four around Kite Lake. Last year I took a sea level Austinite on the hike, and she did just fine. Details of that hike are on my blog at:
http://pittbrownie.blogspot.com/2006/08/decalibro.html
Plan to start the Sunday hike at 6:30AM.
Let me know if you plan on joining me for any or all of the weekend. And let me know by Friday, I'm not sure my cell phone will work out in the mountains.
PS - also plan a summit of Rocky Mountain on Thursday. RM is about a half hour hike from the top of the Incline. Probably start the Incline around 5:30PM. Again, let me know if you wanna join me.
Sat AM - Depart Colorado Springs at 4AM for Mt. Princeton, near Buena Vista. Details on the Mt. Princeton Road trailhead can be seen here:
http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?route=prin1&peak=Mt.%20Princeton
I hope to drive up to the radio towers to begin the trek.
Sat PM - head up to Alma and out to Kite Lake to set up camp. The beta on Kite Lake, as well as a description of the next day's DeCaLiBro hike, can be found here:
http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?route=bros6&peak=Democrat,%20Lincoln,%20Bross
I'll actually set up camp just outside the boundary of Kite Lake so I can avoid the $7 fee. Screw the man! But if you're driving up the road you'll see me. I'll probably already be drunk, boozing it up at 12,000 feet rocks! Just be sure to save four cans of beer for the hike. And bring firewood, campfires are still allowed.
I know that doing four 14ers in one day might seem a bit much for some of yunz, but it's actually a somewhat easy hike. Most of the single 14ers I've done were much harder than doing all four around Kite Lake. Last year I took a sea level Austinite on the hike, and she did just fine. Details of that hike are on my blog at:
http://pittbrownie.blogspot.com/2006/08/decalibro.html
Plan to start the Sunday hike at 6:30AM.
Let me know if you plan on joining me for any or all of the weekend. And let me know by Friday, I'm not sure my cell phone will work out in the mountains.
PS - also plan a summit of Rocky Mountain on Thursday. RM is about a half hour hike from the top of the Incline. Probably start the Incline around 5:30PM. Again, let me know if you wanna join me.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Mount Rosa
Morrisson
Had to hit Denver for work last Thursday and Friday, took advantage of that time to head out to Morrisson for some bouldering. Most of the stuff was a bit too difficult for me, though I did manage to scale this rock:
Looks easy enough, but I was alone and had I taken a fall, it woulda been a long time before anyone came by to find me. After that I goofed off on this rock for a bit:
Definitely getting better at the sport, enough so that I'll probably find a rock gym in San Antonio to go so I don't lose everything I've gained.
Looks easy enough, but I was alone and had I taken a fall, it woulda been a long time before anyone came by to find me. After that I goofed off on this rock for a bit:
Definitely getting better at the sport, enough so that I'll probably find a rock gym in San Antonio to go so I don't lose everything I've gained.
next season
Pretty booked up for the rest of this year, with Leadville and Cactus Rose fast approaching. Next year my plan was to do some shorter events, like the Pikes Peak marathon, which would give me more time to finish climbing all the 14ers. But now I'm leaning towards doing the Nolans 14er route. 100 miles, 14 14ers! Woohoo!
Monday, August 06, 2007
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