I showed up at 5:45 AM at the Wallis Sands State Park parking lot where I found the RV Lisa and her crew has been traveling in, parking inside the lot. It was an amazing morning, the sun rising over the atlantic under an overcast sky. Winds were light yet chilly.. and Lisa was all ready out there running the 4 mile loop I had set up for her. I picked up Mike Evans and we went to check some mileage of a potential out and back instead of the loop. Lisa wanted NO HILLS and while the loop I set up for her was relatively flat, it was just enough to irritate her bruised shin. We drove up alongside Lisa when she gave me a huge hug. It's so great to see her, it's been years since we have, back when I ran her race, the Grand Tetons 100. With her is Sister Mary Beth, my friend David from school and a father daughter team pushing a child in a baby carriage.
We figured out an out and back, and headed back to the parking lot. Lisa came in and said she was happy to shuffle along the route I had set up a few times and then go from there. And so it was. Lisa in a pair of Blue Crocs, shuffling along the side of a road, doing a 4 mile loop. I joined her for the next 8 miles. We caught up, we laughed, we cried.. we ran, we walked. What sticks out in my mind is her humbleness. How in the middle of her run she can tell me tales of the children she's met, the orphans she's running for. She's open and honest, blunt and real. There is no hyperbole, there is no ego.. there's just 50 miles in every state for an amazing cause.
After 8 miles I put Mike in my car and we headed into town. We wanted to find some energy drinks for Lisa as she was running low. Nothing is open before 10 AM in the area so we struggled a bit. At the mall, the dude that worked at GNC told me he had Endurox for Endurance athletes. It was nice to know he had no idea what he was talking about. We made our way to EMS to pick up a watch, then headed off to Runners Alley so Mike could try on some Compression Sleeves. When we got back to Wallis, Lisa had come in from another 4 and was ready to head back out. I headed out with her and her brother, and we picked up trash along the side of the road, dropping it off at the entrance to the Seacoast Science Center.
Lisa wanted another out and back measured so Mike and I got in the car and drove a mile down route 1A. Her shin is bothering her as is her piriformis. I rubbed her shins, elbowed her gluteus and massaged her feet. Anything I could do to help her. Then we took her down the road on what she would finish her day one. One mile down to Petey's Crap Shack... then 1 mile back, over and over and over again. Lisa had a variety of highs and lows. Wondering if she could really pull it off. She's hurting yet as the day goes on.. she gets stronger. Stronger emotionally and physically. It's amazing to see her move. So fluid with purpose. I'm in aw.. you just have to run with her yet.. she wants to be alone.. to clear her head.
I ran a few out and backs with Lisa. My friend Laura Bleakly showed up and joined us for an out and back and then Mike, Laura and I headed out for a 4 mile loop. When lisa wanted to be alone, I went off and ran the 4 mile loop alone. I sat and visited with her crew, I encouraged Lisa to push on..
As I write this now, I know that the 32 miles I ran are nothing compared to the 50 Lisa ran. Nothing compared to the 20 Sister Mary Beth clocked.. nothing compared to their overall mission. I'm just happy I could help yet sad that I cannot help more. I'm impressed by the entire operation.. and I urge everyone to join in.. run a few miles. DONATE! www.runhope.com
SJ
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Running For Hope
On Monday, Lisa Smith-Batchen will bring her Run For Hope to the Seacoast of New Hampshire. Lisa is running 50 miles in all 50 states in 54 Days. This Monday, April 26, Lisa will be running a 6 mile loop on New Hampshires Seacoast that starts and ends at Wallis Sands beach in Rye. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to come support Lisa's Run!
From Runhope.com:
From Runhope.com:
From April 19th to June 19th, 2010, Lisa Smith Batchen, one of the world's premier ultra-runners, will be the first person to attempt to run 50 miles in each of the 50 states.
Though two people have previously run a marathon distance in each state, no one has ever taken on the challenge of completing an ultra in the same period of time.
Accompanying Smith-Batchen on the run will be a small support crew including her good friend and running partner, Sister Mary Beth Lloyd.
Sister Mary Beth, 61, belongs to the order of the Religious Teachers Filipini, an order dedicated to education. Members of this order are not allowed to dress in clothes other than a habit. Therefore, Sister Mary Beth will do as she has always done-- run along side Smith-Batchen in her full habit: a black wool tunic over a white shirt and underskirt, black headpiece and a black woolen belt. And sneakers.
All funds raised through the event will be donated to help orphans in the United States and abroad. The Dreamchasers Foundation will disperse 100% of donations between three organizations: The Orphan Foundation of America, AIDS Orphans Rising, and The Caring House Project.
For more information please visit: http://www.runhope.com
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Boston Marathon
This year marked the 114th running of the B.A.A Boston Marathon. My original plans were to finally head down to Boston to run in the Boston Double, an event where runners unofficially get together at 5am at the Finish line in Boston, run the 26.2 miles to Hopkinton arriving before the start of the official race. Then, runners turn around and run back to Boston and the marathons finish. I've been meaning to head down to Boston for the last few years to take part in this event, however I backed out once again.
This past weekend was spent out at the Mendum's Pond UNH Recreation Area where I took my Spring Backpacking class out for their shakedown weekend. The weekend was designed for my students to put their practical camping skills to use, to see how they would perform on the upcoming 6 day pemi-loop backpacking excursion. It rained from beginning to end this past weekend with bouts of snow and sleet thrown in for good measure. It's hard to appreciate how much energy it takes for your body to keep you warm at 40ish degrees and soaked. Given the experience and all that encompassed it, I found myself beyond exhausted both physically and mentally after this past weekend and Sunday night I made the very wise decision to not head to Boston to run in the big race.
Monday night I headed into the city anyway to meet up with Jeff Genova. Jeff is one of my ultra-buddies who without his support I would have never finished my first 100 Miler back in 2007. Jeff was not only there at McNaughton Park, but before that we ran Disney together in January of that same year. I haven't seen Jeff since we ran in the Peanut Butter of McNaughton, so I jumped at the opportunity to head down and see my old friend and meet his wonderful family.
Jeff ended up running Boston, one way, in a time of 4:05. Nursing a hamstring injury, he opted to bail out of the double himself. But as I walked around the city on Monday Night, long after the hoopla of Marathon Monday had subsided.. and as I looked around at everyone wearing their Boston Jackets and medals, I began to think about "the big one" a little deeper. I really tried to analyze what it is about this race that I just don't get and why I have not only no interest to run it, but feelings of such anger towards it.
My buddy Steve and I constantly joke about how my 12 1/2 hour loop at Barkley is way off the mark for a Boston Qualifier and how my 100 mile times show that "I'll never be good enough for Boston... damn." Which brings me to my thoughts and feelings of Boston being an elitist race. Sure, there are a few ultra's that have qualifying time requirements in order for you to run in them, but those times one needs to run are not only generous but attainable by most front and mid-pack ultra runners... and even reachable by many a back of the packer. Perhaps this is part of what make's Boston Boston, the fact that the qualifying times are indeed so difficult to reach, making Boston a race one really wants to run.. my qualifying time is 3:10. My best marathon to date is 3:37 and I have no idea where I would find another 27 minutes.
Then I started talking to Jeff about the people as he reiterated to me the typical "road runner mentality" that is upheld at the race. No body talks to each other, everyone is out to do better and run faster than each other. It's head down and balls out for 26.2 miles and when it's over, people just disappear back into the abyss. When in Ultra's, people talk from before the race to well after the race is done. We help each other out during the race, we encourage each other... it's more communal then competitive. This one aspect is why I stopped running many road races in the area, and try to stick with running the trails and with like minded folks.
Then there is some of the history of the Boston Marathon which after thinking about it, kind of makes me sick. For instance, it wasn't until 1972 that a woman was first allowed to even run the event and even then she was treated like crap by the male competitors. In 1967, it was Katherine Switzer who became the first woman who tried to run the race only to be accosted mid-race by then Race Director Jock Semple tried to rip her bib number off and eject her from the race. Or how about how Dick and Rick Hoyt were first treated by the marathon, being told 3 consecutive years that father Dick was not allowed to push his son Rick (In a wheelchair) down the course. In their Book, It's Only A Mountain, the Hoyt's talk about their struggle to be recognized by the BAA and even allowed to run in the event starting in the early 80's.
I posted on my facebook page that I could really give a crap about Boston given the above facts. Someone told me, "Maybe someday you'll test yourself by qualifying to run." I am yet to figure out how running a 3:10 marathon is going to test me in a way that I'll even feel elation. Especially given the year I have laid out for myself and what I've all ready accomplished. Boston will NEVER make me feel like finishing 22 miles at Barkley did, or how my first Vermont 100 did.. or how Western States will. It's just a race that isn't for me. From it's history to the mentality of those who run it.. it's just a different dynamic and wavelength. I'll stick to the big guns... I'll test myself there and let others enjoy Boston for what it is for them.
This past weekend was spent out at the Mendum's Pond UNH Recreation Area where I took my Spring Backpacking class out for their shakedown weekend. The weekend was designed for my students to put their practical camping skills to use, to see how they would perform on the upcoming 6 day pemi-loop backpacking excursion. It rained from beginning to end this past weekend with bouts of snow and sleet thrown in for good measure. It's hard to appreciate how much energy it takes for your body to keep you warm at 40ish degrees and soaked. Given the experience and all that encompassed it, I found myself beyond exhausted both physically and mentally after this past weekend and Sunday night I made the very wise decision to not head to Boston to run in the big race.
Monday night I headed into the city anyway to meet up with Jeff Genova. Jeff is one of my ultra-buddies who without his support I would have never finished my first 100 Miler back in 2007. Jeff was not only there at McNaughton Park, but before that we ran Disney together in January of that same year. I haven't seen Jeff since we ran in the Peanut Butter of McNaughton, so I jumped at the opportunity to head down and see my old friend and meet his wonderful family.
Jeff ended up running Boston, one way, in a time of 4:05. Nursing a hamstring injury, he opted to bail out of the double himself. But as I walked around the city on Monday Night, long after the hoopla of Marathon Monday had subsided.. and as I looked around at everyone wearing their Boston Jackets and medals, I began to think about "the big one" a little deeper. I really tried to analyze what it is about this race that I just don't get and why I have not only no interest to run it, but feelings of such anger towards it.
My buddy Steve and I constantly joke about how my 12 1/2 hour loop at Barkley is way off the mark for a Boston Qualifier and how my 100 mile times show that "I'll never be good enough for Boston... damn." Which brings me to my thoughts and feelings of Boston being an elitist race. Sure, there are a few ultra's that have qualifying time requirements in order for you to run in them, but those times one needs to run are not only generous but attainable by most front and mid-pack ultra runners... and even reachable by many a back of the packer. Perhaps this is part of what make's Boston Boston, the fact that the qualifying times are indeed so difficult to reach, making Boston a race one really wants to run.. my qualifying time is 3:10. My best marathon to date is 3:37 and I have no idea where I would find another 27 minutes.
Then I started talking to Jeff about the people as he reiterated to me the typical "road runner mentality" that is upheld at the race. No body talks to each other, everyone is out to do better and run faster than each other. It's head down and balls out for 26.2 miles and when it's over, people just disappear back into the abyss. When in Ultra's, people talk from before the race to well after the race is done. We help each other out during the race, we encourage each other... it's more communal then competitive. This one aspect is why I stopped running many road races in the area, and try to stick with running the trails and with like minded folks.
Then there is some of the history of the Boston Marathon which after thinking about it, kind of makes me sick. For instance, it wasn't until 1972 that a woman was first allowed to even run the event and even then she was treated like crap by the male competitors. In 1967, it was Katherine Switzer who became the first woman who tried to run the race only to be accosted mid-race by then Race Director Jock Semple tried to rip her bib number off and eject her from the race. Or how about how Dick and Rick Hoyt were first treated by the marathon, being told 3 consecutive years that father Dick was not allowed to push his son Rick (In a wheelchair) down the course. In their Book, It's Only A Mountain, the Hoyt's talk about their struggle to be recognized by the BAA and even allowed to run in the event starting in the early 80's.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Cross Rivendell 50K
Cross Rivendell Run
37 Miles - 9:55
Vershire, VT to Mt. Cube, NH
Long Trail Runners Club
------------------------------------
I drove up to the quintessential farmhouse in Post Mills, VT at around 7:45 AM. Michael Hall and the rest of his Burlington running club had assembled inside the home of a stranger. The man, named Andy, is the unofficial caretaker of the Cross Rivendell Trail. Runners stood around his table while he pointed out every section of the trail, with a viable description and some trouble spots. Runners marked their maps, listened hard while I took in the scene. Andy's wife gathered firewood from their wood shed and continued her morning chores. I immediately picked up that she may not have been too comfortable with all of these strangers in her home.. and in turn, I felt uncomfortable in being there. She asked runners to move out of the way so she could retrieve her breakfast biscuits from the warm stove. And then, assumably as quickly as we all showed up... we disappeared.
We drove to the center of Post Mills where we parked our cars along the long fence bordering the towns athletic fields. A picturesque New England town.. typical Vermont, quaint, quiet... almost magical. And as light snow continued to fall we drove to Fairlee, along dirt roads with mud so deep it'd swallow your car. We fishtailed left and right, we hit bumps and potholes as we climbed ever higher. The entire way from town to the start was all up hill as Mike told us of the nice long down hill section we were to experience. Once in the lot just below Flagpole Hill, we all gathered while it snowed to beat the band. The wind whipped flakes across our face.. yes... typical New England Spring weather. It was 80 degrees just two days ago.. now it's cold as hell and snowing. Runners were in all kinds of apparel, most with their arms crossed, crunching their bodies in and trying to stay warm.
After a group photo we headed off down the trail. Some folks were ready, others were behind. I settled into the middle behind a woman whose name I thought was Francis. She was wearing a brand new pair of trail running shoes. I assured her they wouldn't be so new after today. I asked if she by chance washed her shoes to which she replied, "No.. but some of these folks do.. ask them." I began to look at peoples feet to which I saw a good mix of dirty shoes and clean shoes. I thought about how I washed my shoes. After a long dirty run, I put them on the ground and sprayed them with the hose, just enough to get the mud off. But as I looked around.. I realized that some of these folks washed their shoes like they might wash their car.... or perhaps it was just in my head. It was easy to pick up on the pace and I zoomed to the head of the line with Greg and Justin. This would be our crew for the day.
Snow continued to fall along the Vermont Landscape. I was wearing my fleece lined tights, a last minute decision to bring them proved smart. My buff was in the wash at home and I was missing it as the cold wind and snow slid down my back. No gloves, Greg yelled from behind "Sherpa do you need gloves?!" I said no as I thought about it. If I had had my own, they'd all ready be off given my sweating. We bounded up and down a variety of little hills while running mostly downhill. Snow covered the landscape and began to let up. Funny, When I left home this morning it was 40 degrees and a clear blue day on the seacoast. This was misery, yet beautiful. I felt like it was the very first snow of the season. The one you don't mind when the snow falls silently to the ground and coats the landscape to create that perfect picture of serene. Then.. we came across this little humdinger...
As the snow let up the temperatures continued to rise and with that as did the clouds. We knew it was going to be a gorgeous day, as any day outside truly is. As we ran along we came the first of many gorgeous pasture vistas.
I followed along as Greg made his way up one of the many climbs wed experience as the day went along. Having lived in Alaska, Wyoming and various other western locales, his climbing is impeccable. I followed while I watched his leg muscles flex and contract. He motored up hills like that of a man possessed. Smiling and laughing all the way, telling stories and sharing with us his love for his family.
By now we had met up with Mike 2 or 3 times, having refilled our bottles and grabbing some food. Mike is healing from a knee injury so opted to run support for us all today. About 12 miles into the run we had put about 35-40 minutes on the group of runners behind us. Greg was telling us how New England doesn't offer the same running as out west, but the history here is enough to make him fall in love. For instance, this long rock wall, likely assembled 100 years ago by a farmer and his oxen.
And then there are the sleepy Vermont towns that bring into light the rural allure of the state. We ran through a few of these towns, along farm roads and in through pastures. Quiet towns where you assume no one is awake hell no one is even home. And if they are, they sit in a rocking chair with a book in hand, watching the minutes go by on a dreary Saturday morning.
Andy had warned us about a logged out section that would be hard for us to follow. Greg seemed worried and asked Mike questions about it's location do which he replied, "Dude, you're with a blood hound in a red hat, you'll find the way no problem." As we approached the logged section I picked my head up and saw the blue blazes through the woods. There was only one spot where I couldn't find a blaze, so I allowed my instincts to take over, we stayed on track, never got lost and came out of it in one piece. The worst part was having to navigate all the logging slash. And then we came to a hillside which had been completely stripped. We took out the map, I oriented ourselves and told Greg and Justin the trail would be to our left and up.. We traversed the hillside and indeed found it.
We followed the trail out across two streams and along side a pasture. I stopped to take a photo when I heard a rumbling and felt the ground shake. As I looked up, I saw a herd of horses galloping across the land. It was such a powerful and beautiful moment.. that I saved for myself.
From here we climbed to the top of Bald Hill, one of the bigger climbs on the route. The sun was out now and the clouds were breaking up, turning into the beautifully clear day I had when I left home. From the top of the Hill we were awarded with magnificent views of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Mounts Moosilaukee and Cannon were glistening with a fresh coat of snow. It was shorts weather here now, I stopped to take some of those "over-posed" pictures we had been chuckling about for a few miles.
Back in the woods as we headed down towards Lake Morey, we ran across these wind chimes in the woods. We could see no houses near by though it was obvious that these were the creations of children, out in the woods, playing (imagine that) and allowing the wind to catch their dreams.
After Lake Morey we ran through the busy little town of Fairlee. As we passed the Wippi Dip, we dared to make a bet. Lets buy the biggest ice cream they have and see who throws up first. It never happened, but I loved the idea knowing I could hold it down. It was hot on the paved roads of Fairlee, the sun finally beating down on us and all the clouds having dissipated. We crossed the Connecticut River and headed over into New Hampshire.
In New Hampshire the trail was pretty damn hard to follow. Immediately in Orford there were very few blue blazes but thankfully Greg and Mike had scoped the trail out ahead of time and knew that we needed to go behind the Rivendell Academy. From here, some well marked trail until we get dumped off on some back town roads... where the blazes disappear again and it's your best guessing game on where to go. We managed to find our way to the top of Sunday Hill.. where we saw more magnificent views of Mount Moosilaukee.
As we wound down the miles and grew ever closer to Mount Cube and the finish, I grew ever more impressed with Justin. Before today, his longest run was 18 miles. Yet here he was today, by now far along in the pain department, sore blistered feet, trashed quads and losing his mind. I shot this photo of him running along a wooded lot with Mount Cube in the background. This was after we discovered we were 4 miles out... after we told him it was only 2. His face was priceless.
On Baker road we met up with Mike one more time. We refilled our bottles, got some food and grabbed the extra layers. It was getting cold again and we knew it would be cold up high. We have to climb 1600' in the next 2 miles to the top of Cube and the end of the trail. Mike had done a great service to us all day, for which we are truly grateful. After hearing the tales of the Quebecers who were lost for 4 hours on the logged sections back miles and miles ago, we turned and began to climb Mount Cube.
Justin was wrecked for sure, realizing now that he was going to be late getting home. A true ultra-runner, showing his unfortunate selfish tendencies, he soldiered on determined to reach the terminus. Salt was encrusted on his face, his eyes totally blood shot, his legs sore and burnt out, his feet blistered and likely bruised.. yet he smiled joyfully as he stuffed his face with cookies.
We were in New Hampshire for sure. The closer to the Granite State we got, the more rugged the trail became. Rocks and roots covered everything and while this would normally be no big deal, today it was a little troublesome. As we grew ever more tired along the way, it was tougher to raise your feet over roots and place your feet perfectly on the rocks. For some reason, being the masochist that I am.. I loved it all.
And then there was the top, Greg and I waited for Justin to catch up so the three of us could end our run together. From up high we looked west across the landscaped we had just covered. Sunday Hill rose brilliantly from the valley floor the horizon stretched forever and we even saw the curvature of the earth beneath our feet. We saw the Long Trail, Camels Hump and Mansfield in the distance and everything in between. This truly was the perfect award for the perfect day of running. 35 miles in... we had to just descend 2 more back to the car.
Huge kudos to Justin, who sat in silence with a huge grin as he looked across the western horizon. As we shook his hand and congratulated him, he thanked us for our help. He said it with a huge smile and such relief in his voice. I loved being a part of it. From 18 miles to 37... proof once again that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.. and that Human Potential is unlimited.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
2010 Ultra Gear Redux
Back in March 2008, I provided readers with a series of posts pertaining to some of the essential aspects of ultra-running, mainly pertaining to gear. As a refresher, I welcome you all to take a look back and read some of these posts:
Part 1: The Outer Layer
Part 2: Nutrition and Hydration
Part 3: Medical and Misc.
Part 4: Crews and Strategies
A lot of what I covered in those posts still holds true. However, it goes without saying that after 2 years go by, new products emerge, we all find some new things that work for us and we continue to educate ourselves along the way. Given those sentiments, I find it important for us to take a look at some changes that I've made over the last 2 years and to also introduce you to some new top notch products that I think will make any ultra-runner's experience more positive.
Outer Layer
Changes: I've gotten rid of the idea of wearing a pair of Injinji toe socks. I actually started to get blisters wearing their socks for entire races. Now I save them for emergency purposes in races where my feet have been saturated for hours and my toes are in need of separation.
Smartwool has also disappeared from my repertoire thanks to my friends at Darn Tough. Smartwool socks were causing my all ready sweaty feet to sweat more and this was causing more frequent blister production as well. Darn Tough socks are made of Merino Wool and have Coolmax fabrics in them. This helps with the wicking power of the sock and in turn helps with blister prevention. You can read about my Darn Tough v. Smartwool experiment HERE for more info on the change.
I'm also wearing a pair of Brooks Equilibrium CoRe Short Shorts underneath my Brooks Revelation Pacer Shorts. While not completely preventing my on-going chaffing problems, they compression shorts give me a little more freedom in terms of how long it takes for the chaffing to "rear" it's ugly head.
Last spring I received a pair of test shoes from Brooks. They were a test pair of Brooks Adrenaline ASR 6's. Let me just say that in 2009 I wore the piss out of those shoes. They became my go to shoe and continue to this day be my go-to shoe even with over 1600 miles on them. In October I wore them in my run across New Hampshire, all 125 miles without changing into a different pair even though my pinky toes were hanging out of the holes worn in on the side. These shoe's are amazing hybrid running shoes. Great in any weather and on any surface. They are my go-to shoe.. and I love them!
You can't go wrong with a flashy pair of Peppers Sunglasses! Durable, comfortable and affordable, they do the trick and look sharp. The brighter the better. Cars can't miss me and it's easy for my crew to spot me. Check it out!
Lastly, I have done away with my North Face Hat. After much searching the search ended with me picking up a new hat off of Runningwarehouse.com I ended up grabbing a Headsweats Race Hat in red. I've been wearing a Headsweats hat on my hikes and runs for awhile now. You really can't go wrong. The hat is made of mesh for optimal ventilation. Offers protection from the sun while being breathable and it's light.
Nutrition and Hydration
Changes: No more Camelbak HAWG as I wore the bag into the ground and it no longer serves it's purpose. Yes.. you can wear a bag to the point that it no longer functions properly. So instead, last year I picked up a Nathan HPL #759. Even though this bag received 4 stars on Amazon.com, word from Nathan is that it is no longer in production and has been taken off of their line. They had 3 left in the warehouse.. I've snagged one. Now.. they have 2. GET IT! This bag is the BEST lightweight small pack I've ever used and will continue to use as long as the item holds up. Which should be an eternity given the myriad of places I've squeezed and dragged the bag into and through in the last year.
Nuun is long gone. The product had sorbitol in it which is something you'll find in nutri-sweet. It offers no caloric intake and I find provided me with more bloating issues then it did any kind of electrolyte replacement. YUCK! and good riddance!
Gone are also Clif Shot Blocks. I'd like to introduce you to an amazing new product made by PowerBar. PowerBar is now selling their new line of Gel Blasts Energy Chews. (Click for Free Samples) For those of you in the know, imagine Gummi Frogs and Gushers. 1 Package contains 190 Calories, 60mg of sodium and 45g of carbs. They are infused with C2 Max Energy Blend also found in PowerGels and 1x Caffeine.
Medical and Misc.
Changes: Not using the Vaseline so much these days as I've switched to Bag Balm for a backup. Just a little bit of the stuff coats an area well and provides the protection I need for the long run. Love the stuff... though I will admit, it's hard to wash off clothing and it smells terrible.
I realize now that I really didn't touch base on Headlamps much when I made the original post. I've been wearing a Black Diamond Zenix IQ Headlamp for the last 4 years. I realize now that it might be time to get a new headlamp in the coming year. So I'm going to reveal what I'd buy; The Black Diamond ICON. I have also been running with a Fenix P3D handheld flashlight. I could easily run with this light alone, though because it runs on CD123 Batteries, I try to only use it on trails to eliminate shadows and leave it off on the roads.
Would love to entertain questions on this topic.
Happy Trails!
SJ
Part 1: The Outer Layer
Part 2: Nutrition and Hydration
Part 3: Medical and Misc.
Part 4: Crews and Strategies
A lot of what I covered in those posts still holds true. However, it goes without saying that after 2 years go by, new products emerge, we all find some new things that work for us and we continue to educate ourselves along the way. Given those sentiments, I find it important for us to take a look at some changes that I've made over the last 2 years and to also introduce you to some new top notch products that I think will make any ultra-runner's experience more positive.
Outer Layer
Changes: I've gotten rid of the idea of wearing a pair of Injinji toe socks. I actually started to get blisters wearing their socks for entire races. Now I save them for emergency purposes in races where my feet have been saturated for hours and my toes are in need of separation.
Smartwool has also disappeared from my repertoire thanks to my friends at Darn Tough. Smartwool socks were causing my all ready sweaty feet to sweat more and this was causing more frequent blister production as well. Darn Tough socks are made of Merino Wool and have Coolmax fabrics in them. This helps with the wicking power of the sock and in turn helps with blister prevention. You can read about my Darn Tough v. Smartwool experiment HERE for more info on the change.
I'm also wearing a pair of Brooks Equilibrium CoRe Short Shorts underneath my Brooks Revelation Pacer Shorts. While not completely preventing my on-going chaffing problems, they compression shorts give me a little more freedom in terms of how long it takes for the chaffing to "rear" it's ugly head.
Last spring I received a pair of test shoes from Brooks. They were a test pair of Brooks Adrenaline ASR 6's. Let me just say that in 2009 I wore the piss out of those shoes. They became my go to shoe and continue to this day be my go-to shoe even with over 1600 miles on them. In October I wore them in my run across New Hampshire, all 125 miles without changing into a different pair even though my pinky toes were hanging out of the holes worn in on the side. These shoe's are amazing hybrid running shoes. Great in any weather and on any surface. They are my go-to shoe.. and I love them!
You can't go wrong with a flashy pair of Peppers Sunglasses! Durable, comfortable and affordable, they do the trick and look sharp. The brighter the better. Cars can't miss me and it's easy for my crew to spot me. Check it out!
Nutrition and Hydration
Changes: No more Camelbak HAWG as I wore the bag into the ground and it no longer serves it's purpose. Yes.. you can wear a bag to the point that it no longer functions properly. So instead, last year I picked up a Nathan HPL #759. Even though this bag received 4 stars on Amazon.com, word from Nathan is that it is no longer in production and has been taken off of their line. They had 3 left in the warehouse.. I've snagged one. Now.. they have 2. GET IT! This bag is the BEST lightweight small pack I've ever used and will continue to use as long as the item holds up. Which should be an eternity given the myriad of places I've squeezed and dragged the bag into and through in the last year.
Nuun is long gone. The product had sorbitol in it which is something you'll find in nutri-sweet. It offers no caloric intake and I find provided me with more bloating issues then it did any kind of electrolyte replacement. YUCK! and good riddance!
Gone are also Clif Shot Blocks. I'd like to introduce you to an amazing new product made by PowerBar. PowerBar is now selling their new line of Gel Blasts Energy Chews. (Click for Free Samples) For those of you in the know, imagine Gummi Frogs and Gushers. 1 Package contains 190 Calories, 60mg of sodium and 45g of carbs. They are infused with C2 Max Energy Blend also found in PowerGels and 1x Caffeine.
Medical and Misc.
Changes: Not using the Vaseline so much these days as I've switched to Bag Balm for a backup. Just a little bit of the stuff coats an area well and provides the protection I need for the long run. Love the stuff... though I will admit, it's hard to wash off clothing and it smells terrible.
I realize now that I really didn't touch base on Headlamps much when I made the original post. I've been wearing a Black Diamond Zenix IQ Headlamp for the last 4 years. I realize now that it might be time to get a new headlamp in the coming year. So I'm going to reveal what I'd buy; The Black Diamond ICON. I have also been running with a Fenix P3D handheld flashlight. I could easily run with this light alone, though because it runs on CD123 Batteries, I try to only use it on trails to eliminate shadows and leave it off on the roads.
Would love to entertain questions on this topic.
Happy Trails!
SJ
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Aftermath of Barkley...
It is common place to be asked after running such grueling races, any ultra-marathon, how it feels to have accomplished the task at hand. It doesn't matter the distance, 50K to 100+ Miles.. people always ask how it feels to have accomplished the goal. This goes beyond your typical questions involving, "How is the recovery going?" "So..What's Next?" etc etc.. its a deeper question. It's a matter of someone putting a hand on your shoulder, looking you in the eye and saying, "So how are you feelin'?" They are of course trying to tap into your emotional sanity/stability, trying to get the juicy details of a mind been worked.
I've had the privilege of running some amazingly tough races these last few years. From 100 miles of shin deep mud (McNaughton) to 100 miles of relentless rocks (Massanutten). I've run at 10,000' of elevation in Wyoming, I've run through humidity so thick you might have an easier time running through the Vermont farm land with an oxygen mask. I've run 125 miles across New hampshire.. on all pavement... but nothing.. nothing is comparable to how I've felt in these last few days after the Barkley Marathons. So what I'm going to do is try to walk you through the mental picture before and after the run to try and answer the question, "how are you feeling?" as clearly and succinctly as possible.
I had a flurry of mixed emotions heading into Barkley. Those of you who have followed my blog, know that I ran each and every one of the 31 days of January in an attempt to re-ignite that spark in my running. February went OK. I missed eight days that month, 6 of which were in the final week. The rockiness continued into March. I remember sitting down at Book #10 with Steve Durbin at Barkley and we all talked about our "lack of training" for the event. I heard the boys talking about having run 150+ miles in march, etc etc.. and then I looked at Steve and said that I'd "run only 90 miles in March, thirty of which were the week leading into Barkley, and twenty was during the actual loop (50)." His face dropped. Yeah.. no kidding Steve.. I went into Barkley completely under trained, as always.. and unsure if I would even find one book never mind all ten.
Before each race I set a series of three goals. The first goal is completely reasonable. In this case, it was find 1 book. The second goal is tough. Attainable but tough and something I'll actually have to work for. Barkley Goal 2 was to finish one loop. In all of my other 100's the goal has been to finish with a specific attainable time goal given some effort. Goal #3 was far fetched.. the "yeah right buddy." To finish the fun run. So yeah, I don't train as much as I should or as much as I'd like to but after the Barkley and in looking back at my running history I've come to a pretty definitive solution. I am a low mileage runner. I am one of those folks who are lucky enough (stubborn enough) to be able to accomplish great things without having to train much. I atone this to my solid base fitness level given my years of running and nearly two decades of hiking.
I went into Barkley with my goals set and a wheelbarrow load of self doubt. I wrote in my report that I felt like I didn't belong there. I stand by that sentiment. I finished one loop and right now, right this minute I feel like I don't even deserve to have done that. I'm not a great runner by any stretch of the imagination, at least I don't think so. I'm a mid-packer, a lover of life and a lover of the sport. I'm in love with the adventure, the allure of the risks.. pushing the envelope, seeing how far I can go and possibly some day.. actually finding the limit.. and seeing what it looks like, daring to push on the true wall and seeing if it stands firm or falls down.
The morning before I left for Tennessee I opened my e-mail and found out some amazing news. I had applied to be on PowerBar's Team Elite back in October. I finally got the answer I was waiting for.. Welcome to Team Elite. That would be enough to make any athlete happy and don't get me wrong.. I was. But I was also terrified. It is amazing how doors open.. with a little effort, persistence pays. It really gets yo thinking about how indeed what you learn from ultra-running you could easily transfer into your "real life." This was probably the only piece of good "running news" I'd had going into the race. 2 weeks ago I voiced my opinion about White Mountain Speed records. I was open and honest.. and in turn I was removed from a running team for being too out-spoken. This didn't bother me much in the end, because I had a run with someone who knew some of the "real stories" about Acidotic Racing and their ethics on scoring snowshoe races and their recruiting practices.. and in the end I was more disappointed that I had been associated with a group whose practices I really don't agree with. Bottom line is, I went to Tennessee a mental mess. Unsure of myself, trying to find the drive to run, to train.. wondering if I even REALLY want to be a part of this sport anymore. Thinking it's more trouble then it's worth to maintain this blog, maintain my integrity, maintain my level of honesty... and in turn maintaining my level of excitement for a sport I've literally married.
Someone left me a comment saying that in reading my Barkley Report, they felt like I was calm cool and collected the entire time. The fact of the matter is that I was. I love being outside. All day, all night, it's really why I am so at home in Ultra-running. It's why I've chosen Outdoor Education as my major at UNH. To be able to work outside, everyday, sharing the outdoors with so many others.. thats a dream that I know will come true. But at the Barkley I went into thinking that it was just a really long day hike, not unlike any of the hikes I regularly do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Yes I was in Tennessee, traveling over rugged terrain where copperheads and rattlesnakes live however it is much too cold for them right now. The thorns on the course we a nuisance and mainly just unfortunate. I expected them and I welcome them. Sure the climbing was steep but it's not the steepest bushwhack climbing I've ever done. I welcome you to read past reports like Raymond Cataract and countless other whacks I've done over long days.
However, this leads me to the post race and the real "how are you feelin?" It's really hard to describe. When you consider everything. Past experiences. Events leading up to the run. Including having someone tell me I'll never succeed this year and accomplish my goals given my level of training... I feel damn accomplished and beyond proud to have survived Barkley. The shirt says enough, "Sometimes Success is measured by getting your ass out alive." Not only did I get out alive, I got out smiling, euphoric and ready for the next race of Project 2010. Running and the word TOUGH has a whole new meaning to me. There is "tough" and then there's "BARKLEY TOUGH." I was there, I saw it first hand. I learned indeed that for once.. I showed up and ran a race where the pre-race description was not over-exaggerated or down right outrageous. (I think of those who warn about the rocks at Massanutten). The Barkley descriptions.. the legend.. is spot on. It's tough.. and not only was I out there but I found ten books.. TEN BOOKS!
I've never in my life wanted to run so much so bad. Training is now an honor and a privilege and not so much a drag as it has been. I'm mentally straight and ready to take on all challenges I've set forth for this year. I finally made the PowerBar Team. I LOVE sharing my adventures with folks as is hopefully evident in my report writing and knowing that my Barkley Report has all ready entertained more readers then anything I've ever written has me stoked and jazzed up about writing more, sharing more and inspiring others to discover their own true Human Potential for a long time to come. I can't help but laugh at the naysayers... because I've been "out there," I've seen tough. I've smelt fear, I've seen that empty face in my fellow runner who wants nothing more then to quit and curl up under a rock... and I've seen them push through that feeling... and I've done it too.
This is what I live for. How am I feeling? GREAT. Bring it on.. Bring on the Grand Slam. Bring on McNaughton in Vermont. Bring it all.. I'm ready. I'm rollin. I'm on it. It's all part of the life I've dared to create. Because when I die there will be much to talk about... much to think about.. and much to be inspired by. Don't watch life.. BE LIFE.. explore your potential. Make the dare, take the dare. It's only what you make of it.. and this year it's all on the road to That Big Birthday Run in October.. which will prove to be something else this year... something else indeed.
(Note: John Price didn't want to pay me $300 for my Barkley Bib number and get himself off the waiting list last weekend. That being said... I'm still trying to find a way to pay for Leadville, the last race I need to apply for for the Grand Slam. Now accepting donations.)
I've had the privilege of running some amazingly tough races these last few years. From 100 miles of shin deep mud (McNaughton) to 100 miles of relentless rocks (Massanutten). I've run at 10,000' of elevation in Wyoming, I've run through humidity so thick you might have an easier time running through the Vermont farm land with an oxygen mask. I've run 125 miles across New hampshire.. on all pavement... but nothing.. nothing is comparable to how I've felt in these last few days after the Barkley Marathons. So what I'm going to do is try to walk you through the mental picture before and after the run to try and answer the question, "how are you feeling?" as clearly and succinctly as possible.
I had a flurry of mixed emotions heading into Barkley. Those of you who have followed my blog, know that I ran each and every one of the 31 days of January in an attempt to re-ignite that spark in my running. February went OK. I missed eight days that month, 6 of which were in the final week. The rockiness continued into March. I remember sitting down at Book #10 with Steve Durbin at Barkley and we all talked about our "lack of training" for the event. I heard the boys talking about having run 150+ miles in march, etc etc.. and then I looked at Steve and said that I'd "run only 90 miles in March, thirty of which were the week leading into Barkley, and twenty was during the actual loop (50)." His face dropped. Yeah.. no kidding Steve.. I went into Barkley completely under trained, as always.. and unsure if I would even find one book never mind all ten.
Before each race I set a series of three goals. The first goal is completely reasonable. In this case, it was find 1 book. The second goal is tough. Attainable but tough and something I'll actually have to work for. Barkley Goal 2 was to finish one loop. In all of my other 100's the goal has been to finish with a specific attainable time goal given some effort. Goal #3 was far fetched.. the "yeah right buddy." To finish the fun run. So yeah, I don't train as much as I should or as much as I'd like to but after the Barkley and in looking back at my running history I've come to a pretty definitive solution. I am a low mileage runner. I am one of those folks who are lucky enough (stubborn enough) to be able to accomplish great things without having to train much. I atone this to my solid base fitness level given my years of running and nearly two decades of hiking.
I went into Barkley with my goals set and a wheelbarrow load of self doubt. I wrote in my report that I felt like I didn't belong there. I stand by that sentiment. I finished one loop and right now, right this minute I feel like I don't even deserve to have done that. I'm not a great runner by any stretch of the imagination, at least I don't think so. I'm a mid-packer, a lover of life and a lover of the sport. I'm in love with the adventure, the allure of the risks.. pushing the envelope, seeing how far I can go and possibly some day.. actually finding the limit.. and seeing what it looks like, daring to push on the true wall and seeing if it stands firm or falls down.
The morning before I left for Tennessee I opened my e-mail and found out some amazing news. I had applied to be on PowerBar's Team Elite back in October. I finally got the answer I was waiting for.. Welcome to Team Elite. That would be enough to make any athlete happy and don't get me wrong.. I was. But I was also terrified. It is amazing how doors open.. with a little effort, persistence pays. It really gets yo thinking about how indeed what you learn from ultra-running you could easily transfer into your "real life." This was probably the only piece of good "running news" I'd had going into the race. 2 weeks ago I voiced my opinion about White Mountain Speed records. I was open and honest.. and in turn I was removed from a running team for being too out-spoken. This didn't bother me much in the end, because I had a run with someone who knew some of the "real stories" about Acidotic Racing and their ethics on scoring snowshoe races and their recruiting practices.. and in the end I was more disappointed that I had been associated with a group whose practices I really don't agree with. Bottom line is, I went to Tennessee a mental mess. Unsure of myself, trying to find the drive to run, to train.. wondering if I even REALLY want to be a part of this sport anymore. Thinking it's more trouble then it's worth to maintain this blog, maintain my integrity, maintain my level of honesty... and in turn maintaining my level of excitement for a sport I've literally married.
Someone left me a comment saying that in reading my Barkley Report, they felt like I was calm cool and collected the entire time. The fact of the matter is that I was. I love being outside. All day, all night, it's really why I am so at home in Ultra-running. It's why I've chosen Outdoor Education as my major at UNH. To be able to work outside, everyday, sharing the outdoors with so many others.. thats a dream that I know will come true. But at the Barkley I went into thinking that it was just a really long day hike, not unlike any of the hikes I regularly do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Yes I was in Tennessee, traveling over rugged terrain where copperheads and rattlesnakes live however it is much too cold for them right now. The thorns on the course we a nuisance and mainly just unfortunate. I expected them and I welcome them. Sure the climbing was steep but it's not the steepest bushwhack climbing I've ever done. I welcome you to read past reports like Raymond Cataract and countless other whacks I've done over long days.
However, this leads me to the post race and the real "how are you feelin?" It's really hard to describe. When you consider everything. Past experiences. Events leading up to the run. Including having someone tell me I'll never succeed this year and accomplish my goals given my level of training... I feel damn accomplished and beyond proud to have survived Barkley. The shirt says enough, "Sometimes Success is measured by getting your ass out alive." Not only did I get out alive, I got out smiling, euphoric and ready for the next race of Project 2010. Running and the word TOUGH has a whole new meaning to me. There is "tough" and then there's "BARKLEY TOUGH." I was there, I saw it first hand. I learned indeed that for once.. I showed up and ran a race where the pre-race description was not over-exaggerated or down right outrageous. (I think of those who warn about the rocks at Massanutten). The Barkley descriptions.. the legend.. is spot on. It's tough.. and not only was I out there but I found ten books.. TEN BOOKS!
I've never in my life wanted to run so much so bad. Training is now an honor and a privilege and not so much a drag as it has been. I'm mentally straight and ready to take on all challenges I've set forth for this year. I finally made the PowerBar Team. I LOVE sharing my adventures with folks as is hopefully evident in my report writing and knowing that my Barkley Report has all ready entertained more readers then anything I've ever written has me stoked and jazzed up about writing more, sharing more and inspiring others to discover their own true Human Potential for a long time to come. I can't help but laugh at the naysayers... because I've been "out there," I've seen tough. I've smelt fear, I've seen that empty face in my fellow runner who wants nothing more then to quit and curl up under a rock... and I've seen them push through that feeling... and I've done it too.
This is what I live for. How am I feeling? GREAT. Bring it on.. Bring on the Grand Slam. Bring on McNaughton in Vermont. Bring it all.. I'm ready. I'm rollin. I'm on it. It's all part of the life I've dared to create. Because when I die there will be much to talk about... much to think about.. and much to be inspired by. Don't watch life.. BE LIFE.. explore your potential. Make the dare, take the dare. It's only what you make of it.. and this year it's all on the road to That Big Birthday Run in October.. which will prove to be something else this year... something else indeed.
(Note: John Price didn't want to pay me $300 for my Barkley Bib number and get himself off the waiting list last weekend. That being said... I'm still trying to find a way to pay for Leadville, the last race I need to apply for for the Grand Slam. Now accepting donations.)
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