Boogie . . . Damn you Boogie!

Boogie beat me again . . . damn it!

My training was good.  The temperature forecasts were good.  I knew the course well.  And I was relaxed.  This was going to be my breakthrough year at Boogie.  I was ready!

Up to this year I had always done the Boogie Fun Run aka "the Baby Boogie" aka the "Boogie Marathon."  And every year Boogie handed me my hat and said "Better luck next time, Sucker!"  Nothing about Boogie fits with my running.  Maybe that's why I love this race so much.

Anyway, after one poor finish after another I had the brilliant idea that if I couldn't do well in the marathon maybe I should step up to the "Full Boogie."  Okay, I know it seems stupid to think if I can't do well running 26.2 miles maybe I'll do better running 50.  But it seemed like a good idea at the time.

And I had a plan!  I was going to walk virtually all of the first lap!  In the past, one of the key reasons for my stumbles was the mid June temperatures and humidity combined with the Boogie hills.  And it was 94° that afternoon.  So with a 6 pm start there would be at least 2 hours of bad Boogie heat.  So my plan was to conserve my energy in the heat and then spend it when it's cooler.

So . . . the race started.

    

But just before the start thunderstorms rolled in.  Clouds covered the sun, thunder rolled and the temperatures started to cool.  So cool compared to the afternoon heat I decided that I could go ahead and run lap 1.  So I did.  And soon we had some rain from the storm.  Not a lot . . . just enough to wet everything down.  And then the humidity went to 99.99%.  Nothing could evaporate in this humidity.  So every drop of water hung around.  And every drop of sweat did too!  Soon I felt like I was running in a hot shower.  But I kept on running.

From the top of Bethel Hill, the start where everyone parks!

The Boogie race course starts at
 the top of Bethel Hill and looks like a balloon on a string.  The start is where the string is tied to the balloon.  We run around the balloon (6 miles) then down the string (2 miles) and back up to the start/finish/main aid station for a 10 mile lap.  Everyone parks on the road so your car can serve as your gear drop station.  Awesome setup.

Looking down the other side towards the infamous Bethel Hill.

As we neared the main aid station at mile 6, I saw a bunch of kids with squirt guns soaking runners (as if they weren't already wet enough from their sweat!).  But I had heard the kids plan, so I developed a plan of my own.  At my car I had my own 'super-soaker' all loaded up and ready to go.  Hiding it behind my back, I walked up the last of the hill to the kids.  And then I sprang my surprise!  No way they expected to get soaked by a runner . . . especially an old runner!  Not sure who enjoyed this surprise the most, me or them!

But by the end of lap 1 was beginning to see the writing on the wall.  I was roasting in my own juices!  40 miles to go and I was already medium rare!  I knew I had to slow way down or I was going to be 'done' in 2 laps!  And I had forgotten to take my Cool-off bandanna with me the first lap.  So, with that now in place I completed lap 2 . . . slowing down some, but not near enough.  Plus, I told my friend, Charles West I was starting to feel a hot-spot developing on my left forefoot.  Walking up Bethel Hill I promised myself I would walk way more.  30 miles to go and I was medium-well already!  Oh crap!

Luckily I had a secret weapon . . . or rather 2 secret weapons!  Rick and Tammy Gray had promised to keep my company part of the way.  Tammy joined me first and right off her bad luck multiplied!  First I told her we would be mostly walking.  Then . . . it was almost like World War 3 started!  Thunder and lightning everywhere and the downpour came!  Honestly it was more then a little scary.  This sure didn't help the humidity any but I finally got my body temperature down to something comfortable.  But it was too late . . . the damage had been done.

But Boogie wasn't going to let me get off that easy!

I noticed that 'hot-spot' I had felt lap 1 had gone away!  And in it's place . . . thanks to all the rain, had now morphed into full-fledged blisters!  Nice one, Boogie!  Nice!

But there was one group of folks that was lovin' this weather . . . the frog population.  Never in my life have a heard a more strange assortment of frog calls.  It must have been a 'frog orgy' going on!  I swear there even frogs that sounded like goats!  At least these guys and gals were happy about things!

As Tammy and I passed the main aid station I considered changing shoes and socks . . . but since the weather was still threatening (though the rain had slowed) I opted to just keep going and wait to be sure the rain was over.

Next, Tammy handed me off to her husband Rick (who had been manning the main aid station all evening) for lap 4. 

Now I hate to brag, but in these morning hours I really gave Rick a lesson in the 'Lilley-style' of ultrarunning . . . er ultrawalking!  Rick runs 100 mile runs like they're nothing.  He has run 5ks in the 14 minute range, sub 30 10k and 2:30 marathons!  Imagine the fun he had on a slow walk with me in the rain!  But to give Rick credit, he adapted well!  Thanks Rick!  You and your wife kept me going.  I likely would have dropped without your support!

Before Rick and I started I had a rare treat!  I got to be there when my friend Laura MacLean finished her 50 . . . first place female!  I was so happy to get to be there and see her victory!  That made my night!

So with 30 miles completed and 20 to go, Rick and I headed out for another loop.  The blister pain was really pretty intense.  Several times I just sat down in the road to take off my shoe to try and re-adjust things to relieve the pain . . . but nothing worked.

Oh . . . and I had my first hallucination!  Rick and I both had our light off and then suddenly there were snakes crossing the road everywhere!  Maybe 50 of them!  I really couldn't tell what kind they were but they were everywhere!

As we got back to the main aid station and my car, I stopped to change shoes and socks . . . hoping that might help.  But as I went from my car to the aid station, it was hurting worse then ever.  And I told Rick I was quitting.  The pain was just too much.  Boogie had kicked my ass . . . again.  And this one was worse!  At least with my other Boogie races I had managed to finish.

Rick was supportive and told me that I knew best.  After a few minutes of standing around talking about it and being unsure about quitting, I decided I should just walk down Bethel Hill some while I was re-thinking my decision before I told the lap counters I was DNFing.  So we headed out down the hill.  In a few minutes I told Rick I was going to finish 40 miles before I called it quits.

Going down Bethel Hill it started to get a little lighter and soon we could recognize folks we passed.  And everyone was so encouraging . . . telling me 'great job' and 'awesome finish' super job . . . you did it!'  Somehow I found it really hard to tell them I was so slow I still had another lap to go and I wasn't going to do that last lap . . .

Yea . . . maybe Boogie did kick my ass . . . but I decided to kick back!  Okay . .  it wasn't much of a kick!  But I decided to finish this . . .

Luckily, our race director, Doug Dawkins, told me he would let me finish despite the fact that I was way over the cut-off.  Thanks Doug!

So I got my hat and headed down the hill for lap 5.

But within a mile my macho decision to finish seemed pretty stupid.  Quite frankly I seriously started thinking about turning around and heading back.  Then, I heard a car approaching.

It was Amy Schimmel and Lauren Wilkins coming by to check on me before they headed back to Raleigh.  Amy had every possible thing an ultra runner could need with her!  Her SUV looked like the Clampett's truck headed to California!  They knew I was having blister issues and asked if there was anything they could do!  So they stopped in the road and opened their mobile hospital!

Here is what they looked like Monday PM.

Amy got a folding chair, Lauren got Ibuprofin and the medical kit as I took off my shoes and socks (by this time I had blisters on both feet).  About this time, Jim Plant drove up and and the three of them looked things over and decided the best course of action.  Drain the blister and then use some of Amy's special 'blister tape' to tape over the problem areas.  These three were my saviors.  I would have quit without their help.




So on I went.  And things started feeling much, much better for awhile.  I was back running!  Hell yea!  Passed the aid station and hardly slowed down!  Ran about half way down Bethel Hill when the blister pain returned.  So I just walked.  Only one other person was out there, Paul Heckert and I passed Paul headed up the hill as I was about about half way down!  Yea . . . I was DFL . . . again!

Frank Sherrill was actually sitting in the middle of the road ON the turnaround point!  And he and I walked a way together until Tom Herbst came by and gave Frank a RIDE back to his truck!

Bethel Hill one last time . . . and I was was done!  Paul stayed to see me finish as did Doug Dawkins.  And Amy Surette and her kids were there too!!  ) Amy had finished her first 50 earlier in the morning and just hung out until the bitter end!  A very special thank you to all these folks.

So I did finish.  Based on my performance, I didn't deserve to be an official finisher. Quite honestly this was much more of a walk then a run.  But it was all I could do.  And I'm proud I finished.  Yea . . . Boogie kicked my ass again . . . but I did go down fighting!

Thanks for taking this Amy!

Boogie Prediction

Okay . . . it is REALLY bad luck to predict a future race outcome.

I mean, really . . . 50 miles in the summer.  Who can say what will happen?  Certainly not me!  At least for sure!

But still . . . I'm willing to go out on a limb and predict I WILL finish the 2011 Boogie 50-miler.  Now, realistically I may not be an 'official' finisher.  I'm mean I may possible (ok . . . very likely!) miss the 'official' race cutoff.  And I sure don't blame the race for having one!  But I predict I WILL finish . . . eventually!

There you go!  Nothing like 'staking yourself out' on a race . . . even one as hard as Boogie!  I mean, Boogie has the big three:
1) hills (okay, not mountains, but still hills!),
2) heat (looking like this year's temperatures may not be all that bad . . . only low 90°s, and
3) humidity . . . not as bad as FL in the summer . . . but close!)

I'll do this!

Boogie . . . Next Saturday!

Next Saturday is THE day!  Time to Boogie!

Each year I look forward to the Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie races.  I really don't know why.

For the last three years I've 'run' the 'Baby Boogie' and for three years the race has totally kicked my butt.  I suffer and slog my way through the 26.2 miles and finish with an embarrassingly slow time.  Totally shot.  I really don't understand why I came back after my first year.

Hot as hell at the start (6 pm) . . . high 90s.  Then thunderstorms rolled in just after dark.  Got so foggy you couldn't see!  And got TOTALLY soaked.  Then, blisters developed.  Tired, beaten and hurting, I limped to the finish in torrential rains.  The finish line crew was sitting in a car there.  They cracked the window and yelled at me to pick up a mug for my finishers award.

And that year was probably my most enjoyable Boogie!

So . . . . after being beaten down and humbled for three straight years.  Did I sign up for Boogie again this year?  Well . . . sort of.  I did sign up.  But since the marathon has my number and kills me each year I decided to change races and enter the 50 miler.

Okay . . . I admit . . . this decision was made in nice, cool weather and alcohol influenced.  Definitely not thinking clearly when I sent in my entry.  What on earth was I thinking? 

"Okay, I better go ahead and send in my Boogie entry or it will sell out.  The last three years the marathon has totally, 100% kicked my butt.  Do I really want to suffer through another 26.2 Boogie miles.  Hell no!  Soooo . . . maybe I should enter the 50.  How much harder can it be?  Yea . . . that's a good idea.  Enter the 50.  I'll just pace myself and cruise through it.  Yea . . . should be easy!  Yea . . . that's what I'll do!  Enter the 50!  Cool!"

So, next Saturday afternoon, here we go!  It will take a frickin' miracle for me to finish this within the cutoff.  But just maybe a miracle is in the wings!  Extended weather forecast says only high 80s at the start.

Yea . . . this should be easy!

Home again! Loved California!

After a week's vacation it is sure is nice to be home!

I took a week off from running . . . okay . . . except for just one marathon last Saturday by myself in Solvang.  We went to a family wedding and had a blast!

Solvang is in a wine region just north of LA and we spent Friday sampling lots of different wines!  Wonderful rehearsal dinner Friday night (yea . . . more wine!) and then the wedding Saturday late afternoon.  The ceremony and reception was at a vineyard and I've never been to a wedding where everyone was served wine when you got to the ceremony!  Heck we drank wine the whole ceremony long!

But this is a running blog . . . enough off-point commentary!

I knew that San Francisco weather was cool (long sleeves feel nice!) but I had no idea that even LA has cool weather.  They tell me LA rarely gets into the 80s!  Usually 60s or 70s max!  And dry!  No wonder there are so many great California runners . . . they have perfect training weather year round!  And I found the folks I met to be super nice and friendly.

I got up early Saturday morning to go for a run.  (Not hard to get up when your body is on eastern time!)  I was actually cold when I started and wished I had brought a long-sleeved shirt!  A guy at our hotel had told me about a road that sounded like a perfect out and back so I could go as far as I wanted.  Just no water or stores!  Since I didn't take my Nathan with me on the trip I improvised!  Doubled plastic bag with four Gatorades inside which I carried!  Okay . . . not the best idea I've ever had but it did work.  Sort of!

But true to form, I quickly missed a turn, got lost and had to improvise again.  I ran about 7 miles of somewhat interesting running by a bunch of wineries and small farms.   On Friday, a huge bike stage race had run their time trials section in Solvang (we missed it due to pre-arranged wine tours) but their route out of town had several, well-placed port-a-potties!  Nice!

Eventually, I found a different road with virtually no traffic and beautiful scenery! 
~5 miles out and not a single house!  The road ran through some guy's ranch!  HUGE!  On each side of the road fields and pastures as far as you could see!  Beautiful!

Ran back to Solvang to pick up my nephew and his wife for a final ~3 miles or so.  But they bailed so I just ran around town until I finished . . . maybe ~26-27.  By the end the temperatures had climbed to the 70s maybe.

Back to the motel, shower and off to lunch and a couple of cold beers!  Then, a short afternoon nap before the wedding.

The next day, after a post-wedding breakfast with everyone, Connie, Michael, La and I drove to Santa Barbara to spend the day.  What a great town!  The layout is just about perfect . . . on the ocean at the base of mountains!  We had a blast there . . . here are a few pictures . . .

On Monday everyone decided they wanted to go on a whale watching cruise.  I tend to really get seasick, so I was going to stay on dry land . . . but Connie shamed me into going with them . . . the old "Well, if you're not going, then we'll all just stay here and try and find something else to do." routine.  Damn I didn't want to go!  Once out of the harbor the captain told us it was going to be unusually windy.  Turned out it was a REALLY rough, windy day out there and probably 75% of the folks on the boat got seasick.  Honestly the first person started losing it within 15 minutes!!  They even ended the trip early to the cheers of passengers!!   I had taken a pill and only got a little queasy . . . but both Connie and La felt bad.  And Connie even fed the fish!  . . . Yes . . . There is some justice in this world!

But we did see whales . . .

The pictures just don't show how rough the seas were though!  So glad to get back on dry land!

5k my way . . .

I really didn't want to run the Rocky Mount Fun Run for Charities.

I sent two emails to the race asking if they needed volunteer help, but I never got a reply.  Guess they really wanted quality help.  Can't blame them.

Rocky Mount doesn't have too many races, so all of us in the running community try to support every race put on.  This one is pretty neat . . . not as a run . . . but what the event does.  Essentially, the race serves are the fund raising hub for local charities . . . the event organizers get matching funds for all contributions made to a local charity.  So every charity in the area tries to get donors to make contributions through the event.  Very neat!

Another neat thing about this event is that each charity sets up a booth on race day to show what their organization is all about.  And lots of folks from the community come to be part of it all!

So as an event to benefit the community, there is none better!

But as a running event . . . well . . . let's just say it could be improved!  But that doesn't really matter that much.  The races themselves are not the real point of this event.  But still, the run itself could be so much better . . .

So instead of driving to Rocky Mount to volunteer, I drove there and signed up for the 5k.

I didn't plan to really run very hard . . . and I didn't.  I haven't done any speed work in months, so it made no sense to try and go all out.  I was just there to have fun and run a little harder than normal.

Before things got started had a chance to see a lot of Rocky Mount folks I don't get to see all that often anymore.  Lot's of fun.  Plus, the Rocky Mount Endurance Club (RMEC) was out in force!  Since I actually live an hour away, I don't often get to run with the group and see everyone so this is especially fun for me.  I finally found Connie (or rather she found me!) before she when to her volunteer spot on Falls Road.

Lots of confusion about the race start.  One person involved with running the race told us the 10k would start 5 minutes after the 5k start.  But surprise, surprise!  At the last minute (it seemed!) they decided to start both races together!  Actually a smart move considering the 5k walkers . . . but many 10k runners weren't ready!  Oh well . . . its a fun run!

Brent Brondyke and I started together.  Brent was doing the 10k and was also planning to take it easy as he has been having serious running issues.  Lot's of fun catching up with Brent!  We passed the first mile in 9:20.  Faster than I had thought!  I felt really comfortable . . . not like a normal 5k race!!  Saw Connie just after the 1 mile point.  The course headed into the park and at the split, Brent went his way and I went mine.  Soon after I saw Margaret Bentley and we hung together for awhile.  Just ahead we saw Eric Ghiloni and Margaret and I set our sights on catching up with him.  Eric was having some stitch issues but luckily they passed and the three of us ran together until about the 2 1/2 mile point.

At the top of the little hill I decided it was 'go time' for me.  I still didn't really push it, but I did pick it up.  By the time I got to the finish line I was definitely tired.  But the nice thing about a 5k is after 3 minutes and a drink of water I felt 100% recovered!

Henry Forrester and Brandon Miller pushing to the finish

So I headed back out the race course to cheer!  So many inspiring faces!  I can only imagine the stories that go with each of them.  Kids struggling, but so focused on finishing!  Folks intent of crossing the finish line in what is likely their very first 5k!  Proud parents running with their children!  And many, many more.  The smiles and determination on folks' faces is really what running is all about.

Ted Lord and his son about to finish the 5k

 I stayed for the awards ceremony where more of the race organization issues surfaced.  Two 5k runners were declared winners of the overall 10k race so the folks that were the age group winners missed the public announcement of their wins.  Too bad.  I'm sure they sorted this out later, but still 'a swing and miss' for the race.  One neat addition they did at the race this year . . . the overall winners (3 deep) got to award money ($50, $74 and $100) to the Rocky Mount charity of their choice!  What a cool idea!  Very nice tough!!

As great as this event is, I just can't figure out why they can't the the running part right.  I'm guessing that non-runners are the planners.  I'm sure they do get runner input, but this was their 3rd year.  Issues should be worked out by now!

Cures for the Colors 100 - The Good and the Bad!

This post is really more for me so I can remember all the stuff that worked and what didn't work so well.   And maybe there is something here that you might find interesting or even possibly valuable.

While I didn't finish the full 100 miles at the "Cures for the Colors 100 mile Run" in Goldsboro, NC, I did have my best 100 mile attempt to date.  70 miles completed and I know I could have gone further without the blister issues.  (See my last blog entry for my boring race report)

One thing did happen at this race!  I proved to myself that I did have some mental toughness as I did continue about for about 23 miles after the blisters got bad.  I knew I was doing additional damage . . . and I knew it wasn't going to just get any better, but I kept going as long as I could.  My best guess is that I was at an Ivan8 or perhaps just a high Ivan7.  If you're not familiar with this scale of suffering intensity, here is a link to Jonathan Savage's Wiki where he talks about his Ivan Scale!  I really wanted to get to at least 75 miles, but that day it really wasn't an option.  70 was plenty!

Today is Tuesday and the blisters are now much, much better.  After multiple 'openings' and soaking in epson salts things seem to be healing well.  I'll try some running probably Wednesday or Thursday I'm guessing.

What went well . . .

• The Zombie Runner Cool-off Bandana is totally awesome!  If hot weather get to you like it does me, then this is a total MUST HAVE!!
• Walking the two laps in the afternoon worked out great.  At the time, I was worried if I would be able to start running again when the sun got low.  In some past summer runs I just couldn't get going again.  But this time I didn't find it hard to start back up running again.
• Running at night is my favorite time to run.  Saturday night there was no moon and one of the roads had few houses and no streetlight!  I so love to turn my light off and just run!  The best for sure!
• I finally got my pain medicine dosing  right for me!  This has been tricky to say the least.  The medicine I use (Mortin) has a maximum dosage every 4 hours.  So . . . here is what I did this time: when I first started feeling the need for so pain relief (this time around mile 30 or so, I took 1/2 the maximum dose.  Then, 2 hours later I took another 1/2 the maximum dose.  And I kept taking pills every 2 hours as long are you are peeing.  If you aren't peeing . . . don't take any more pills and up your hydration intake.  This worked soooo well for me!  Everyone may do it this way . . . I don't know.  But I did come up with this plan on my own and it sure works!  And yes . . . I did talk with my doctor about this and my general medication risks before!
• I'm beginning to learn that when I start to feel myself struggling in a long run, it's usually because I need food!  Gels, soup, candy . . . what ever sounds good.  But I need to eat.  I also drank 4 Ensure shakes.  Not really sure if they were what gave me my boost or if it was the chicken noodle soup.  I'm thinking it was the soup!  But it's magic after I eat.  30 minutes and my energy level is back up!
• The race had a fantastic variety of fluids to choose from and this was REALLY nice!  Sure they had the normal gator aid and water.  But they also had Coke, Mt Dew, Apple juice, grape juice, orange juice and a ton more choices that I'm just not remembering!  I totally LOVE that!  Very nice!
• Desitin . . . Damn that stuff is GREAT!  I'll just leave it there . . .  Never an issue since I started using this before the race.  And I used to have problems EVERY single race.  I tried everything!  But Desitin totally solves the problem.
• My Tilley Hat is absolutely perfect on a bright sunny day.  I'm really surprised I see so many ball-cap style hats and so few brimmed hats.  Maybe folks think they look stupid.  Maybe they think the hat won't stay on well.  I don't know.  But these hats  are awesome for running on a sunny day!
• Sharon Scott told me a tip she had heard . . . take a toothbrush and toothpaste and brush your teeth!  It's amazing how great it feels to have clean teeth and a fresh mouth at 50 miles!
• My The North Face duffle bag is awesome.  Okay.  It is a little pricey!  But I believe you could set off a stick of dynamite inside it and it would still be functional!  I have the large size and it's huge!  Everything can fit inside! Everything!  And the neat thing is you can carry this monster like a backpack (everything is included).

What didn't go so well . . .

• The biggest problem was obviously my second set of shoes!  I really believe all shoe companies are just about equal.  The only things that really matter are 1) does the shape and volume of the shoe match YOUR foot, and 2) does the shoe have the features you need (cushioning, support, minimal, etc.).  It's not the brand, it's the shoe!  My problem was I had been buying the same shoe from the same brand for probably 15 years.  And for some reason, they changed the shoe but still called it the same thing!  So I bought them, took them home and ran in them . . . and then started feeling the differences.  I should have just given them away.  Joey Anderson was with me Saturday as I was changing the shoes and we even talked about the fact that I didn't like these shoes anymore! STUPID!  I should have know better!  Why take that risk?
• The food they had at the race was okay . . . but I just had trouble eating enough of it.  Pizza was good, but I just had trouble getting the hot dogs down. Luckily, I did have chicken noodle soup and Ensure.  But I was out by daylight Sunday morning.  Had I been doing more loops I would have had issues if I couldn't talk someone into going to the store for me!!
• I needed medical help with my blisters and there was none available.  On my lap where I was searching for a nurse or doctor at an aid station, whenever I ask, the station volunteers want to know if I wanted them to call for help.  That was good.  But I just needed help with my blisters and there was no one there to assist.  Also, if the temps fell much lower there could have been hypothermia issues.
• The race needed either lap counters or a lap board.  After 8-9 laps I have to struggle to remember correctly.  Luckily, I had the 'Bill Keene Official 'Runners from Hell' Digital Lap Counter!'  Without that I would have been screwed.  What this technical device is is a over-sized ring you move from one finger (digit!) to the next as you complete a lap!  It works!
• I really would benefit from an experienced crew member to help me remember stuff after 40 miles or so.  Several laps I failed to replenish electrolyte pills and pain pills.  I also forgot my blinker light as it got dark, I forgot to put on a long-sleeve shirt as the sun went down (and got quite chilled), I forgot to take my fleece my last two laps (when I was going to be walking so slow!).  Nothing ended up being a serious problem, but it could have been if the weather had been any cooler (low was 52° that night).
• My blister treatment plan needs some serious work.  While blisters have only been an issue for me twice in my running life, both times they occurred at the same place . . . the ball of my foot under the callous.

Okay . . . that's about all I can think of right now.  I promise I will try to make my next blog entry a little more fun!

The Operation

"But you know, Joey, only ONCE in all my years of running have I ever had an issue with a blister!"

That is a short excerpt of a conversation Joey Anderson and I had as he and I walked through the mid-afternoon heat Saturday.  Somehow we started talking about blisters and some of the problems he had experienced through his running years.  After I said this, I should have walked off the road, found a tree and 'knocked' on it!

Just before the start.  A word of prayer.  The National Anthem was fabulous!

I was thrilled when I saw Joey's smiling face Saturday morning when I was on maybe lap 3 (5.26 mile loops for this course!).  Joey had come to a family event in Goldsboro and made time for a little run/walk with me in the morning and the came back for a little over a lap in the late afternoon.  Trust me . . . I gave him a lesson in slow running in the morning session and a PhD in slow walking in the afternoon!  So enjoyed the time together and the mental lift it gave me!

For that afternoon lap with Joey and the one before it, I had decided to 'walk only' to avoid the 80*+ temperatures.  It wasn't all that humid, but the heat was tough . . . and the course had no shade.  But you deal with whatever it is that's before you.  You just adjust.  So I just slowed down to conserve energy.  That part worked pretty good.

Joey left as the sun was getting low in the sky.  As he was leaving I was changing shoes and socks, though I was not having any problems.  Joey and I even talked about the shoes I was putting on.  I told him how they had changed this shoe and I really didn't like it much anymore and he agreed saying they even made it heavier and stiffer.  I had brought three pairs of shoes and changing shoes at ~31 miles just made sense . . . the temperatures were starting to drop some and I thought starting again with fresh shoes and socks would be a welcome re-start.  I knew I didn't love these shoes, but I thought they were okay.  In hindsight, it turns out changing shoes was my critical mistake.  But I had no way of knowing that at the time.

The event was called "Cures for the Colors' and was a fund-raising event to support NC cancer victims.  The event was primarily a relay event but there were six of us who were planning to try to complete the full 100 miles.

Here is the course:

  This was the race's first year and I expected just about nothing, since it was not put on by seasoned ultra runners.  But I've got to say they did a very good job!  Food (hamburgers and hotdogs) , a great selection of fluids (lot's of choices!), excellent number of aid stations, nice planning for dealing with running at night on roads that weren't close!  And a nice, flat course with 3 aid stations along the 5.26 mile course.  I would do this race again.

 

Joey at the end of his walk!

After, Joey left and I had changed my shoes and socks, I decided it was time to start running / walking again.  And I was really pleased about how much energy I had conserved!  I felt fresh physically and mentally!  So far so good!  I was making good time!  And mentally I was 100% there!









I had decided to try to post short update on Facebook (my first time ever doing that!).  At about mile 39 I posted "It's a little hot but cooling.  Spirits good.  At 39"  I was moving better then I ever had before at this point.

But somewhere in the mid 40s I started to notice the bottom of my left foot was getting tender.  Then, a little later I was definitely hurting.  I knew I had a problem.

So I stopped at the main aid station to survey the situation.  And it wasn't very good . . . no . . . not good at all!  Definite blisters forming under the callous on the ball of my forefoot!  With my shoe off I hobbled over to the main aid station volunteers to ask for some help dealing with these blisters.  But there was no EMT, nurse or doctor around.  The aid station folks told me at Dr. Jim Atkins had earlier been forced to quit due to blisters.  Jim was the race organizer and was also trying to finish his first 100 mile race.  He and I had walked together for the lap before Joey came that afternoon.  I sure hated this for Jim!

Knowing I had a serious problem developing, I decided to change shoes to my most cushioned shoes, my most cushioned socks and stop at the other aid stations to see if they had anyone that might be able to help me deal with these blisters.  They didn't.

So, now back at the main aid station (now at about mile 58) I did my own surgery!  Those that know me know my eyesight is not so good up close . . . and I'm not as flexible as I used to be!  Okay . . . I'm not flexible AT ALL!  Especially at mile 58 of a 100 mile run!! So it must have been quite the sight - me with my headlight on, trying to find the edge of a callous on the bottom of my foot where I had a chance of getting a pin in!!  Many, many different pokes!  And when I hit one of the right spot, it looked like I had hit oil!!  A mini-!  "There she blows!!"  It was like there were many, many different blisters, all hiding under this one huge callous covering my whole forefoot.



So, with surgery over and shoes and socks back on, I headed out again.  While every step hurt, I found I could still walk.  And I even picked up the walking pace (faster walking!!) for awhile as the pain seemed to back off some.  But it got bad again after maybe a mile.  Pain was . . . let's just say significant.  At least with my foot hurting so bad, my legs felt relatively good, all things considered!

I got that lap finished and took a nap for about 15 minutes.  Decided to head out for another lap.

On my last full loop, at mile 1 1/2 or so, I saw Jimmy Ballard who was pacing a friend on his first 100 (sorry but I missed his name!).  They were moving really strong!  To show you how slow I was moving, they passed me again at about mile 4 or so . . . and he was on his finishing lap!

Toast . . . mile 70 at 6:45am.

Finishing that lap, I knew I was done.  But I needed 2 more miles for 70.  Doing my out-and-back, the last mile returning took me 40 minutes!  My decision to quit was easy.  I had (or even now have) no doubts that I did the right thing in quiting.  If you saw the bottom of my foot, you would understand!  So at about 6:45 am I quit.








Doing the math, I certainly would not have made the 30 hour cut-off to complete the 100, even if the blister issue hadn't come.  But I believe I would have been within an hour or so of it.  And I believe I could have walked the remaining 30 miles.  So I do feel good about this effort.  But . . . still . . . a DNF is a DNF!  This one is just a tad easier to swallow then Umstead . . . or maybe I'm just getting better at failing!!

Next . . . what went right and what went wrong.

Question: Why do you keep reading this??  It's not going to get any better!

A feudal effort . . . but an effort none the less!

Talk about 'no pressure' races.  This coming weekend's race in Goldsboro is nothing but fun!  All excuses are set in stone.  Lot's of reasons to not do well!

But, you never know what to expect on race day!  Anything can happen . . . ANYTHING!

Legs could feel tired.  But legs COULD feel strong!  No possible way to predict which legs will show up Saturday.  But no reason to feel defeated before I start!

I'm guessing by 20-30 miles I'll pretty much know how I'll feel.  But even then, you really just don't know!  The ups and down / peaks and valleys of an ultra run continue to amaze me!  In 5 minutes I can go from feeling like I'm ready to die, to feeling like I could just go on forever!  I've learned to NEVER make a snap decision ultra running.  Be sure you go for 10 miles or so, at least!!  Things change!

Here is what I hope . . .

• I get to 50 miles before I even start thinking.
• I can stay moving until at least daylight.  I've never gone past 2:30 am!

If I do those two things I'll feel good about my day.  Past that . . .

• 75 miles would be awesome . . . the furthest I've ever gone.  I sure would like to do that!
• If I could make it to 75 miles by 9 am . . . damn . . . I would have a chance!  Rick Grey tells me that THAT should be my goal and then passion would take me in!  We'll see!

But realistically, 100 is a pretty far 'out there' goal.  Virtually impossible for me, given my current training and rest condition.


But, like I said . . . you never know what to expect on race day!  Anything can happen . . . ANYTHING!  But one thing I promise . . .

I WILL have fun!

When should a dream just remain a dream?

Warning to both of you readers!
This is nothing entertaining here . . . at all!  Realistically, there is NO REASON to read this.  I've just written it to help me sort things out.  And I do believe I feel slightly better now.  But seriously . . . save your time and skip this one.
-Frank

____________________________________________________________________




I can't help but be torn between two saying:

• Never, ever give up! and
  
• Some things are just not to be!

My dream is really quite simple (and cheap!) . . . complete a 100 mile endurance event.

The dream has been with me now for about five years.  It started in 2007 soon after becoming a member of the Mangum Track Club.  Trust me . . . these folks are a REALLY bad influence on you!  And it became a full-fledged goal when I paced the last lap with Cam Kelly and saw him accomplish this seemingly impossible feat.  I've now tried to accomplish this twice and failed both times.  So now I'm thinking about this dream.  Should I try again?  Or not?

For me three major questions come to mind:

• Can I realistically do this?
• Should I try again?
• Should keep on with my current strategy or re-train  to use a different strategy?

 Can I realistically do this?
I honestly do believe the answer to the first question is yes, it is possible.  Men and women much older then I do this regularly.  And my health is good.  So this should be possible.  Period.

Should I try again?
This is not quite so clear.  It's a lot of work . . . and pain.  And why?  What is the point really.

Quite frankly I really don't like where my fitness is right now.  In order to run the Umstead 100 I've spent literally months in training.  My strategy was to go slow and steady.  So I trained to walk every two minutes and run one.  I thought this was smart.  Now I'm not so sure.

Today, even on a 3 mile run, I'm finding myself walking!  And when I try to run faster then normal, I get out of breath quickly.  I hate to think of how long it would take me to finish a 5k right now!!

Plus, walking is now a mental habit I would need to break. Especially if I decide to move away from this 100 mile run goal.  Heck, today find myself walking and there is no physical reason at all to walk!  I just do it.  Strange.

I honestly believe a shorter, harder run gets you to a better level of fitness then where I am right now.  So, once I decide about this 100 mile goal I know I want to work to improve my speed.  I did for awhile last spring/summer and results came quickly.  It's not really all that hard to do.  I know I can.

Simply add intervals and hills one or two days each week.  And convert my long run to a shorter, but harder tempo runs.  There is work to do, sure.  But it's no harder then what I've been doing.  Just different.  And it would take way less time!

I was never really a fast runner but I wasn't the slowest runner either!  My best 5k was a 20:01.  Certainly not really fast, but respectable.  Convert that to what I might be able to run today . . . maybe 22 or 23??  That would be a good goal to strive for probably.


Should keep on with my current strategy or re-train  to use a different strategy?
So . . . IF (and I do mean 'IF') I do decide to try another 100, the remaining question is what is the best strategy for me so that I maximize my chances of achieving this dream?  Is it a continuation of my current strategy, or should I change my approach and re-develop my fitness to support a new strategy?

To answer this I have to know why I failed in the past.  Realistically you never know for sure.  But I believe I pretty much understand . . .

My first failure was not at an official 'race.'  Instead, I staged my own attempt.  My failure was likely a combination of several factors . . . 1) insufficient miles of preparation, 2) the day I chose to run was the first really hot day of the year, 3) I didn't think through a good approach for a crew and pacers.  These three things doomed my first attempt.  Notice I didn't say that trying this alone was a failure factor.  I run alone a lot.  Even at the Umstead 100 I was running alone most of the time.  It is nice seeing others while you run, but I'm not sure it is a real requirement.

My Umstead 100 failure was a combination of two factors . . . 1) a mental collapse and 2) dealing this the physical pain.

The mental collapse began when I realized that I was moving too slow to finish within the 30 hour time cutoff.  I passed 50 miles at 14:51.  Maybe I was just having a not so good day.  Maybe the hills got to me.  No matter . . . the second 50 miles just couldn't happen in another 15 hours!  While I had taken two bathroom breaks and two clothing changes during the first 50, I had slowed to only infrequent run intervals.  My last 12.5 miles took me 4 hours and 50 minutes and I walked it all!!!  That's just over a 23 minute per mile pace . . . only a moderate walking pace!

And I was hurting pretty bad.  Its hard to explain the pain.  But trust me . . . it hurts a lot!  I do know I could have kept going and now I'm wishing I had.  For sure I had at least one more lap )12.5 miles) in me . . . and possibly two.  But I'm questioning if I really could have finished the full 100.  I'm not so sure I could have.  Even with an unlimited cutoff.

But if I trained to run faster, realistically how much would this help?

More information

• In some ways I could look at my Umstead 100 failure as a training run.  
• Two weekends after Umstead, I traveled to the Va 24 Hour race and completed 56 miles and I knew FOR SURE I could have gone further if needed to assure that our Team Awesome won the ultra relay.  (We didn't . . . Team Awesome finished with over 800 miles . . . almost 400 miles more then our nearest competitor!).  I walked from about 30 miles on . . . I believe due to being tired from Umstead, but I kept a good walking pace.  So this, too, could be considered another training run.

So the questions now are:  Should I try again now?  Or should I re-train and attempt it again next fall?  Or should I just say to hell with this 100 miles goal of mine?  This really isn't something anyone can tell me.  It's something I've got to figure out for myself.

One of my problems is I'm not sure I can just 'give up' this goal as long as I feel like there is a chance I might be able to do it.  But in some ways that exactly what I want to do.  Let's face it, my running is excessive and compulsive.  I know it.  But right now, I just don't have anything to take it's place!

I'm mulling all this over . . . and I guess I need to decide pretty soon if I'm going to try this again this spring.

I love 24-hour races!

If you are a marathon runner or an ultra runner and have never participated in 24-hour race, you've missed a really fun format.  There is no easier way to run your first ultra then at a race like this!  Fun and low-key.  The only pressure is the pressure you put on yourself!

This last weekend I traveled to Hampton, VA to participate in Happy Pace Races (that's right  That is REALLY their name!) Virginia 24-hour Race at Sandy Bottoms Park.  The race is put on as a way to raise money for the American Cancer Society and, unlike many races that support a charity, this one really cares about it's mission.   Very cool in that area.  But realistically this race is really more of a 'fat ass' race then a real 24-hour event.  Everyone brings their own support and aide.  But the race did get some surprise food and drink which was nice, and they did have volunteers that kept up with each runners laps.

The course was a 3.75 mile route through Sandy Bottoms Park, a park of land reclaimed from trash dumps and interstate road construction residue.  Very nice place when you consider what it was like not so long ago!  For the race we left the start / finish, ran maybe a 1.5 miles next to  Interstate 64, left turn, go 1/4 mile, another left between a drainage ditch and the woods.  Follow that for a mile or so.  Big incentive here was it smelled terrible so you wanted to get by this part just as soon as you could!

Another left through the woods, another left beside a marsh back to the trail beside the interstate, right turn and 3/4 mile back to the start / finish.  We did pass some beautiful marsh areas.  The trail was for the most part a gravel road.

But the neat part of this event is the team competitions!  This added a whole new dimension to a 24-hour race.  A group of runners banning together for common support and results.  I loved this and hope other 24-hour race will pick up on this.   Competition was three ways:  1) individual runners, 2) a traditional relay where one runner passes the baton to the next runner and 3) something they called an ultra team . . . where each team member runs the full race and team member distances are added together!

Alanna's Super Team banner!!!

Our team, Team Awesome, was put together by Shannon McGinn.  This 12-person team was a team of 11 really talented runners . . . folks who have won 100 mile ultra event or have been solid 100 mile performers.  Heck, one even participated in this year's Barkley!!  Oh yea . . . and the last team member has a solid history if minimal performances in a variety of race distances, never performing at a level that could even be deem average.  Yes . . . that's me . . . the team excuse.  For more on that, see my previous post.

Sabrina, Shannon, Jessi, Jonathon, Tom and Dave . . . all one the front row!  Go Team Awesome!

But Saturday was a new day . . . and another chance for something really good to happen . . . it didn't!  By the time I had completed four laps (~15 miles) I knew my day was going to be a struggle.  My legs just got tired.  Period.  No doubt I had not fully recovered from my Umstead 100 failed attempt.

So quite early in the race I knew this was going to be a hard day!  And it was.  After about mile 35 I don't believe I ran a step.  Okay 'peanut gallery' . . . I know I don't run all that much anyway!! But this was not pretty . . . I just did what I had to do.  But this really wasn't cause for concern . . . after all I was just becoming a better 'team excuse!'

For the first half of the day, the class of the field was Sabrina Moran (another Team Awesome member!)  Sabrina lead the race for 13 hours until she had to stop due to some painful toenail issues.  Following her was Jonathan Savage.  But when the rains came in the evening Jonathan had to quit due to his weird skin disease.  Bummer, since he was running strong and had saved plenty of energy for the full 24 hours.  Sabrina ended her day with 82.5 miles,  Jonathan ended his with just a little less at 78.75 miles.

Shannon before the race.

Shannon McGinn essentially died at about mile 65 or so when the torrential rains, lightning and wind hit at maybe 8:30 or so.  Those of you that know me well, know how much I love running in a storm!  And I had a GREAT storm to run in Saturday night! Did about 2 laps in this and loved every second!  Bet we had 4 inches of rain and the trails became creeks!  Great to splash through!  Totally soaked!






I was bound and determined to finish 14 laps (a double marathon) and I had 13 complete when the rains stopped and the full moon came out!  This just keeps getting better!  I LOVE running at night (as long as I can stay awake!).  Plus, I still had the mud puddles to splash through!

So Shannon, Jim Plant, Amy Schimmel (all Team Awesome members!) joined me as we all headed out for another lap.  Amy and Jim pulled ahead, but Shannon and I just hung together, walking the lap in darkness.  Oddly, Shannon shares my love of not using a light unless you absolutely have to! About the mud puddles . . .  not so much!  Together, on that lap we solved at least 1/2 of the world's problems!  Very fun for me to get to know Shannon a little better.  Super lady!

Ray . . . photographer, master ultra legend and nice guy!

When we finished that lap, Team Awesome got together to try and decide if we needed more laps or not.  Cheryl Lager, our team member who had won last year's race with over 100 miles, wanted to finish 75 miles and needed one more lap . . . so she headed back out.  Shannon needed two more for 75 and was planning to head out after a little rest.  Amy Schimmel was out finishing her lap 14 and Jimbo had already done 14, but went out with Amy anyway!  Such a nice, fun guy! Ray Krolewicz and Tom Gabell had taken a snooze during the storms and had just come out, refreshed, to add more laps!  Not sure where these two guys ended up but you can bet with some serious miles!

Sabrina Moran on the left Tom Gabell on the right.  One was NOT paying attention at the briefing!

Jessi Kennedy and Dave Lettieri had done a ton of miles each (Dave 60 miles and Jessi I'm not sure about) and had already headed back to NJ.  Jessi had had a tough day with some back issues.  So sorry Jessi!  But I sure enjoyed our lap together!  Not often I get to 'run' with the frickin' overall winner of a 100 mile race!

Jessi, Alanna and Dave paying attention at the briefing!

 Alanna Garrison-Glast completed 52.5 miles when all was said and done.  I didn't get to spend all that much time with Alanna . . . she just runs too fast!  But this lady has the unique capacity to brighten anyone's day with her laugh and wonderful spirit!










Me . . . well I tapped out at 14 laps when the team decided we were good.  52.5 miles.  I do think I had a few more laps in me, but had little desire to do more unless it was necessary!  I admit it . . . I'm a wimp!

When I left, Shannon and Alanna were sitting in camp chairs with warm jackets on and blankets covering them.  Shannon, a cancer survivor herself, wanted to finish 2 more laps for a 75 mile day.  But after I left, Shannon, with new life, rose from the apparent dead and finishes 83.5 miles . . . the overall female winner for the event!  WOW!  Folks . . . to come back like that after mentally checking out is unbelievable!  What a TOUGH chick!

Three heroes for the days were Charles West, Sid Dos Santos and Todd Glast.  These guys served as crew for all 12 of us!!  Hard work all day and all night!  I hope I get a chance to return the favor!  Thanks to each of you!  Seriously . . . you guys ROCKED!!

Such a fun time and I loved meeting and sort of getting to know these super athletes and just good folks!

Turns out the team was right!  The 11 team members of Team Awesome set a new race record by themselves!  They didn't even need 'an excuse!!'  But 'the excuse' had a blast anyway!!  And 'the excuse' was ready if needed!

Support the Excuse!

Several months ago as I was training for the Umstead 100, my "friend" Jim Plant, asked me if I might be interested in joining a 12-person relay team to participate in the Virginia 24-hour Race.  Since the race was only two weeks after Umstead I was a little hesitant.

I was pretty sure I would be 'trashed' after my Umstead attempt at 100 miles. . . but two weeks rest was somewhat reasonable.  And this was, after all,  a relay.  So it really wouldn't be all that hard.  Heck . . . more of a party really!  The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.  Run a few 3.75 mile laps and then pass the baton on to the next person.  So when Shannon McGinn extended the official invitation to join Team Awesome,I quickly agreed!

The team was shaping up to really be a great bunch of folks . . . some I know (Jim Plant, Amy Schimmel, Charles West, Ray Krolewicz, Shannon, Tom Gabell and Jonathan Savage) and some I'm looking forward to meeting (Alanna Garrison-Kast, Dave Lettieri, Jessi Kennedy, Cheryl Lager and Sabrina Moran).

Then . . . a few weeks before Umstead . . . I learned the truth!

This isn't really a relay!!  Oh . . . they didn't out and out LIE to me!  The race 'says' its a relay.  But in this 'relay' every team member's total miles are added together! 

That's right!  They expect me to run for 24 hours!

At Umstead I trudged along for 20 hours and about died!  This isn't looking good . . . no . . . not at all good!  Then, I started thinking of who some of these people on Team Awesome are . . . top drawer runners: 

• Jonathan has won the FL Keys 100, and does a marathon before breakfast 3 days a week.  Heck at last year's Hinson lake 24-hour Run he finished over 132 miles!!!!
• Jessi Kennedy WON the NJ 100 (Not just the first female . . . she won it overall!)
• Dave just finished a 100!  (I don't know Dave yet, but heck he may have won for all I know!)
• Charles just finished his first 100 at Umstead!
• Jimbo has done several 100s!!!
• Shannon has done a ton of 100s.  Not sure of all her running accomplishments but she is a top quality runner for sure!
• Ray is a frickin' ultra legend who has run more 100s then I have marathons!!!
• Amy is a killer runner who laps me every time.  She finished 84 miles at Umstead and would have finished except for hypothermia!  A sub 24 hour 100 is a real possibility for her.
• Cheryl just finished attempting the frickin' BARKLEY a week ago!  That's right . . . THE BARKLEY!

And then there is me.  The slowest 61 year old runner on the east coast . . . and maybe the whole US!  I hold claim to a 90% success rate for DFL finishes (for you uninformed, that stands for 'Dead F***in' Last' !).  62 miles is my longest run ever!

I started thinking about this team and started wondering why (just as you probably have!) they asked me to be on the team with them.  It just makes no sense!  But then it struck me . . . there is only one possible reason they asked me to be on this team . . . and I've finally figured it out!!  THEY NEED AN EXCUSE! 

They think that 11 of them can win this relay!  They are going for it!!  But if they can't, then they can blame ME!!!  That's right . . . I can hear it now, "If we hadn't had that slow, old codger on Team Awesome, we could have kicked butt!"

But one thing that got me excited was that this race is being conducted as a support for cancer research and treatment.  And two of our team members are cancer survivors!  I personally have contributed an extra amount to the American Cancer Society.  And maybe you would like to support this effort and our team and make a contribution too.  Here is a link!  (It says George Nelson . . . and that's the right place!!)

But a promise is a promise.  I said I would be on the team . . . and I will  I'll be there doing the best I can.  We'll see.  I'm hoping I can do at least 50 miles.  But I shouldn't do too much or I'll spoil their excuse!!!

Bust . . .

Ok . . . I failed again!  But I felt better about it then I did at my first 100 mile attempt!  My time sucked, but somehow I feel better about things!

The Positives:

• Chose the best race ever!  I've run a ton of races . . .  no other race even comes close to this one!  They think of everything!  Every single possible detail . . . it's perfect! And every volunteer must have to go through a week of training.  Everyone single volunteer's focus is to 1) help you succeed and 2) to make YOUR experience the best possible one!  As a runner you may THINK you've experience the best race possible . . . but until you've tried the Umstead 100, you'll never know how good it can really be!
• No real problems physically!  Okay, I hurt all over!  Every part of my body . . . except my right ear!  But no problem was disabling.  And mentally I kept my facilities the whole time.  I saw so many folks totally 'out of it' . . . not me!
• Perfect weekend for a 100 mile run.  Cool but not really cold . . . okay . . . maybe it got a little cold Sunday morning, but overall we could not have dreamed of better conditions.

The Negatives:

• My training was obviously lacking.
• My mental focus sucked.

I started the race truly believing I had a real chance to finish this race and earn an Umstead 100 buckle. But I was so wrong.  I had no chance.

Running 100 miles is hard!  It's one SUPER hard thing to do!  My hat is off to everyone who has achieved this awesome milestone!  Yesterday, I had three friend that got added to the list of successful finishers: 1) Sharon Scott, 2)  Charles West, and 3) Daniel Lieb.  Several others tried hard and almost made it . . . but not quite:  Jim Wie, Amy Schimmel, Jeff Sackaroff, Lauren Wilkins.  (Oh God . . . who am I forgetting . . . getting old is hell!!)

Sharon . . . That;s how fast she was movin'!!

I just finished looking at pictures of Sharon's experience thanks to great pictures her husband Ricky took.  Got to admit that as I was looking at all the pictures, tears started . . . and continued!! I cried like a baby!. . . if I couldn't do I am sooooo happy Sharon did!  Somehow I feel a special connection to Sharon!

Sharon looking happy as always!!

I was at about 45 miles as Charles lapped me!  Just before the Biker about took me out!

And Charles West.  Charles was on the waiting list but only told a few of us.  He killed it out there.  Plus, he got to hear me 'let loose' on a frickin' biker that almost ran me over!  After all I yelled at him I'm so glad that dude didn't stop, come back, and whip my ass!

Not to mention Daniel Lieb.  Of all the first-timers, I was most confident about Daniel's success . . . and successful he was!  He is a freak of nature!  Somehow I didn't get a picture of Daniel.  But I got this one of one of Daniel's pacers . . . Bobby Cordell!  Talk about adding spirit!









Jim Wei, Amy Schimmel, Lauren Wilkins and Jeff Sackaroff all have the mental toughness it takes.  They didn't fail because of their lack of focus.  Each failed in their goal due to physical issues that became insurmountable obstacles.  Each will ultimately do this.  (I can't help but 'tear up' again when I think about each of these folks . . . and their toughness . . . and their ultimate disappointment at Umstead!  They soooo inspire me!)

But Saturday and Sunday I sure had a ton of support!

Will Jorgenson, Tammy and Rick Grey

Tammy and Rick Grey . . . amazingly neat people!  Rick had huge digestion issues after 50 miles . . . but every time we saw each other he had noting but support for me!  Tammy . . . every trip around she wanted to help.  These are two special people.  No wonder each is an ultra legend!  And the 'Ultra Master and Guru' for so many!







Jim Plant . . . who had a bad cold and had to stop.  But Jimbo is one of the most inspiring folks I know.  He's done a ton of 100s and he'll do many more.  Just not Umstead in 2011!  Sorry Jimbo!  But your Awesomeness will show through in two weeks!!

My pacers:  Eric Pate, Scott Wingfield . . . plus James Stephenson and Cam Kelly waiting to be called.  Eric made me finish Lap 5.  Scott drove to Raleigh and ran to meet Eric and I even though he knew my Lap 6 wasn't going to happen! James and Cam were both so hoping to be there and help me home.  Thanks everyone!

MTC . . . tons of MTCer out there . . . running . . . and supporting.  I'll miss many!!  But Tom Herbst, Frank MacGuire, Fred Dumar, Susan Dumar (special 'atta' girl' to Susan!!!! Super supporter and volunteer!) and Marie Lewis come to mind.    Add to that Ben Dillion . . . probably the one person most supportive of all!  And the 'EVERYWHERE" volunteer all weekend long!  MTC is the BEST!


Final Thoughts

Everyone person I talk to is amazed at even trying to run 100 miles.  Some folks (especially runners) even think they may understand what it might take to actually run 100 miles (I'm one of those . . . but trust me . . . we don't!)  Running 100 miles is no frickin' joke.  You have to have a mental toughness only a few in this world actually have.  The pain . . . the preparation and training, the boredom of the middle miles. . . the focus to push through the unbelievable pain to get to the finish!  Everyone who has ever completed a 100 mile run totally deserves the admiration you've earned!  I just so wish I had it in me.

And maybe I will.  But most likely I won't.  But that's okay.  Maybe I'll develop the mental toughness it takes and the physical condition.  Maybe not.  But at least I've tried.  I'll try again!