Catching Up

The last 8 months have been a period of recovery following my Haliburton 100 run last sept. I developed severe sinusitis and astma which I have never had before - requiring a number of courses of oral prednisone. I really didn't have a hope until my completely obstructed sinuses were endoscopically cleaned out in January. I was on a course of Cipro in December and developed achilles tendonitis on an easy 6 mile run (a known sideefect of the cipro - beware).

Feb '08 - Louisville Lovin' the Hills

I was really out of shape and still recovering from sinus surgery but this is one of my favorite runs, i figured that I could stop after the first 15 miles and it would be a good woorkout. This is the toughest 50K course that I have run and I typically add at least an hour to my typical 50 k times. I ran the first 14 miles in about 3 hours taking things very cautiously. There was some leting snow and footing was a little slippery although much better than the previous two years. I felt reasonably good and decided to try for the full 50K. Amazingly after I hit the turnaround at about 23 miles I felt very strong and pusheed the pace through to the end finishing in ab0ut 6:35.

March '08 - Land Between the Lakes

A beautiful course and a great race director - Steve Durbin - make this one of my favorites. This was to be a key part of my recovery plan as you can about as far as you want 16 miles, marathon, 60K, 50 miles. Unfortunately, friday night as I began my drive from Columbus we started the larges single day snow in Columbus history. After a went about 10 miles in one hour I calculated that I would get there in time to congratulate the finishers and turn around and come home.

April '08 - McNaughton

I had hoped to run 100 at mcNaughton this year but with my other problems and trouble training in March due to the snow I changed gears and planned for a shake out run of 20 to 50 miles depending on the status of my Achilles and breathing. It was a very messing day. The 150 milers had already been out there for 18 hours. It boggles my mind how they can do it. I felt very strong through the first 30 miles in slightly under 6 hours and then my achilles acted up and I struggled through another 20 to complete 50. Overall it was a good training run but i hope to return to complete the 100.

April 27, '08 - John Bryan 50K

This was my first time at this event and was interested in going becuase 1. John Bryan Park is lovely - especially in the Spring and Fall and 2. It is only an hour away. It comprises 4 - 8 mile loops. The first 4.5 miles is along the river through the Gorge with many rocks and a few hills. the other 3.5 miles was a mountain bike trail with many switchbacks. It was flat and you had the unique experience of passing runners who were ahead and behind you on the many switchbacks. It was a perfect day. great tie-dyed shirt (Nearby Antioch College has a hippie character). i think that the couse might be slightly longer than the 32 miles listed but that is a good thing!!

May 10, '08 - Dances with Dirt - Gnaw Bone

Interesting relay concept event with an Ultra thrown in for good measure. my son, Nate, did the relay event and had a geat time. Having the relay runners around was really exciting. They would pass from behind and then come straight at you wearing funny gear. More of a party than a race. It is marketed as very tough. We did not leave Columbus until after 10 pm and did not arrive until after 2 am. We slept a couple of hours in the car and that seemed to work out OK. The first 6.5 miles would have been a rolly jeep road surface BUT because of the three days of stead rain preceding the race it becamae a mud pit which only became worse as more runners traversed it which apparently happened with the relays. We then did a very nice 18.5 mile single tract loop. At about 7 miles into the loop they lead you down the side on a hill with no trail for about 2 miles ( the "dances with dirt " part I guess). overall I thought it was more difficult than Ice Age and Land between the Lakes but not nearly as tough as Lovin' the Hills. After finishing the first 25 in about 5 hours I was able to maintain my pace and even pick it up alittle. the first time a went down the off-trail portion I was very cautious but the second time I heading down with some of the relay runners who inspired my to careen down with reckless abandon (which I assume is the mind set that the race dirstors are shooting for!). The last 6.5 miles is now in much worse shape then at the beginning of the day - it was miserable. I could here the people and music for the last mile which was inspiring. I finished in 9:51 and felt that it was a good workout. It look ed like the post race party was going to be excellent with a live band, good food, and beer. Unfortunately I had to get back home. The relay made this a much different kind of event than any other ultra that i have been to. There were a lot of young people and many had not experienced trail running before. Everyone was very nice and the ultra runners were treated as celebrities. Go ultra go! That is something that never has happened before. It was fun and I think that is what ultra should be about!