Damn you Sharon Scott! Damn YOU!

It all started this last weekend when I got a note from Sharon Scott asking me if I was going to try and get into Umstead this.  Seems Sharon has the memory of an elephant! 

While running a MTC Shirt Run this summer I had mentioned to her in passing that I had missed getting into the Umstead 100 last year.  So, Sharon decides to ask me my plans for this year and was I going to try it and get in for the 2011 race. Now she was sneaky ... she didn't come right out and ask me.  But she told me she was "thinking" about doing it and was "wondering if I would be there.".  I'm sure she knew full well that she was MAKING me think about it.

In truth I had decided to pass on the 2011 run.  Heck, I probably wouldn't get it anyway and my running has really gotten bad recently.  Of course that truth wouldn't sound good, so I told her I was also thinking about it but would wait and see how my long run went this last weekend.  But my mind was made up at that point in time.  Monday, I told her I wasn't going to try and enter but instead I would be happy to pace &/or crew for her.

But I kept thinking . . .

And today, when my Outlook reminded me that in 5 minutes the Umstead 100 entry process would open.  Well ... folded 'like a cheap pup tent' as Charles West says.  What the heck.  I'll try.  I probably would get in anyway.

But I did get in.  Damn you Sharon! 

Now I'm going to have to get serious again.  Lot's of work to do and weight to lose.  But I'm hoping this will get me going again.  Give me a focus!  A goal to shoot for.  My last (and only!) 100 mile attempt was ill-concieved and poorly planned.  Plus, the weather didn't cooperate at all! 

So I guess this time around I need a real plan.

On the way back . . . Slowly!

Guess a slow progress back to running is not totally unexpected, given my blog name!  But I do want to Hurry Up and "get back!"

Physically there are no issues at all with either my knee or my back.  My right knee feels probably 95% normal!  This has healed even faster then my prior knee surgery.  Not sure if that has to do with the surgery itself, or the fact that my left knee has now had two operations and one was invasive (good ol' half-moon scar!).  No matter, this surgery went VERY smoothly and so has my recovery.  My range of motion is now almost equal to my left knee.

But my running has a long way to go!  (guess THAT'S not a news flash to anyone!)

Anytime someone has an injury, it is natural to change your gait to some extent to compensate.  I imagine it would be impossible for this NOT to happen!  But the new gait brings with it new stresses and different muscles are used.  And this is where real problems can arise.  Bad things: blisters, ligament and tendon inflamation, stress fractures, etc.

I can feel that my gait has changed.  But luckily my endurance has "back-slidden" since the knee got injured in mid-June.  So I'm not putting high milage in and this is probably keeping me from further injury.  But my progress back is slow.

Most of the problem is simply a problem between my ears . . . walking has just become too easy to do.  And with the heat and humidity, progress is just slow.  I know I CAN be mentally tough, but I'm sure NOT tough right now!  I'm thinking I need something like a bear to chase me!  It would have to be a one-legged bear to give me a chance.  But I need inspiration and fear just might do it!!

I ran about 5 miles yesterday and did a little better.  Took it easy today, going only 3 miles.  I need to do a long run this coming weekend.  If I can finish 13-15 miles I'll feel pretty good about where I am.  Any less and I'll be disappointed.

Knee Surgery - Day 10 - Final Blog

Okay . . . I'm done with all this selfish blogging about this surgery!  Let's just call the knee "well" or maybe "fixed" . .  or perhaps "good enough!"  Time to move on!

Today, I had my final visit with Dr. Rob Jones.  Stitches are out, I have the pictures of what he did, and his encouragement to do all I feel like I can do!  Not only is Rob a really, really good surgeon, his philosophy on recovery matches what just feels right to me . . . get up, get moving, do all you can do without creating further injury or damage.  Push it!

Rob cut out a nice-sized chunk of meniscus, and then did a ton of trimming and cleaning up some areas that were damaged by the flapping meniscus.  In the pictures, you can easily see where the flap of meniscus was locking up my joint and where it had done some significant damage to the surrounding area.  Glad I did the surgery when I did.  Not sure how I did both Boogie and Leadville . . . but I did (almost!)  Believe Rob gives an 100,000 mile warranty with each knee surgery!

Today I ran 3.1 miles with no unusual discomfort or pain.  That is not to say I'm totally pain free, but the pain doesn't get any worst during or after running . . . and Rob agrees this is okay.  We talked about me trying 13-15 miles this coming weekend and he is fine with it as long as the pain/discomfort doesn't change as I run.

So . . . I'm declaring myself well and will end this stupid series of posts.  I'm returning back to my normal boring dribble, as I chronicle the convergence of my "running pace" with my "walking pace."

Knee Surgery - Day 9 (Sunday)

Okay . . . I skipped posting yesterday.  Bottomline for yesterday: Knee great and back was bad.  Honestly it was almost as bad as every.

Got up this morning determined to run.  Managed about 3/4 mile running and 1/4 mile walking.  Knee almost seems normal except that one of the stitches which burns when I run (stitches come out Monday!)

But the big surprise was my back.  It was hurting when I started.  But now that I'm back and showered it feels WAAAAAAY better!  Go figure.  Maybe I just need to be doing more runs / walks . . . short but several times a day.  Going to try it and see . . . can't hurt!

Knee Surgery - One week after

Short and sweet this time.

Today I ran!  Only did about 1/4 mile (I promise!) and no pain . . .  at least no change in how the knee feels . . . but there is always a tiny bit of pain still.  Dr. Jones told me to stop immediately if I felt any change in the  pain whatsoever when I ran.  I felt none!

Finished up with about 15 minutes and the ellipse and 15 minutes on the bike.

My back is better . . . maybe 75% of normal.  That's real PROGRESS!!

Knee Surgery - Day 7

Back is much, much better!  Maybe at 50% or so.  Knee is really good.  Every once in a while I'll get it in a weird position and it will "bark" at me with a sharp pain.  But really the only residual effect for the most part is just a limited range of motion which I'm working on.

Dr Jones prescribed a muscle relaxant today and I took a pill when I got home . . . I'm very, very sleepy!

Assuming everything continues as it is going, I'll try running maybe 1/4 mile or so tomorrow.  If that goes okay, I'll only do one more blog about this surgery experience.  Back to normal and I'll quite boring the few of you still reading this dribble!

Knee Surgery - Day 6

45 minutes on the ellipse plus 15 minutes doing leg extensions.  Knee swelling almost all gone!  Pain almost gone.  Just need a tad more range of motion and I'm working on that.

Only issue remaining is my strained back . . . and I believe that tonight it may be feeling better too.

Thursday is going to be a virtual day off (just going to walk).

Friday is going to be my first day running assuming my back is better by then.  Only going to go about 1/4 mile and have promised my doctor that if the knee feels ANY different at all I will instantly stop running.  Then, I start adding distance slowly.

This will work.

Knee Surgery - Day 5

Short and sweet today . . . I know you're bored!

Knee doing great.  Honestly believe I could have run on it today, but just did ellipse and knee lifts.

Back is absolutely killing me . . . go figure!  Came home fro  work early, took a back-spasm pill and slept.  No help.  Going to bed early.  Maybe this will help.

But it amazes me that I can be so good after surgery, but still out of commission.

Knee Surgery - Day 4

Okay . . . this blog about my surgery is getting old . . . for me and my readers . . . both of you!  But today's post needs to be written!

I believe it should be a requirement that each person having a meniscus tear cut away should be REQUIRED to 1) spend at least 15 minutes on an ellipse machine and 2) do 5 minutes of knee lifts with no machine weight added.  And this needs to be completed 3-5 days after surgery.

I can't tell you how much this helped me today!  Pain hasn't been too bad, but my range of motion has been limited and I still was having trouble walking pain-free and limp-free.  So at lunch I went to the Y for my daily exercise.  And the results were nothing short of miraculous!  I'm walking almost normally!  And much increased range of motion.

Now the exercise session was not without pain!  But not pain from the surgery . . . it was pain associated with exercising limited range of motion.

My only problem remaining is my frickin' back!  While hooking up the icing machine I have twice 'tweeked' my back.  Because of that, I'm still hurting!  But the surgery pain is almost 100% GONE!

If my back is doing better tomorrow, I'll hit the ellipse machine fairly hard.  Then, Wednesday maybe a very easy, slow run of 1/4 mile or so.

And yes . . . this is with my doctor's blessing as long as I promise to stop immediately if I feel ANY unusual pain at all!

Then, it's add a mile or so a day.

Knee Surgery - Day 3

What a difference a day makes!

Got up this morning and the knee felt okay, so I decided no crutches today.  I took about four 'long' walks . . . down about two houses and back!  Plus, once down to the lake.  The 'down to the lake' wasn't a problem but climbing back up the hill was a little challenging.

Took the bandages off this morning and things look very good.  Just swelling.  To keep the swelling down some, I'm still keeping ice on the knee as I'm sitting around.

I definitely could have done the ellipse machine today (and really should have) but decided to not drive an hour to Rocky Mount just for that.  Connie and Michael were here at the lake and just didn't want to leave.

My range of motion has reduced dramatically . . .  I've got lot's of work to do there!

I did try driving the car today . . . 5 speed manual.  NO PROBLEM AT ALL!  That's a big relief!  I took one pain pill when I got up this morning and one about 2 pm.  Didn't really need them, but just remembered the nurse said to stay ahead of the pain.  No pain pills tomorrow.

I'm definitely looking forward to the ellipse machine at the Y tomorrow.  I believe this will help me with my range of motion plus a little aerobic possibly.

Knee Surgery - Day 2

 I slept great last night!

Today I kept on with the icing plus I started some weight-bearing as I walked with my crutches. This hurt like hell!  One trip to the mailbox took frickin' forever!  Funny how some steps just hurt a tad, but sometimes I must turn the angle or something and the pain is serious!  But I am definitely a wimp when it comes to pain.

I needed the pain pills today for sure, especially in the morning.  Michael and I went to lunch (I was going stir crazy!) and that proved to be my undoing!   Thank God for Vicodin!

I kept forcing my 'semi-walking' with my crutches all day long.  And even a little bit of walking with no crutches.  By mid-afternoon things started getting much better . . . pain diminished and I skipped my late afternoon pain pills.  Went to bed early (about 9 pm)

But woke up about 12:30 with the pain back!  Plus, it felt like I had some swelling (but I can't be sure, as the knee is still all wrapped up.)  Took two Vicodin, re-started ice.  Ahhhhh!

Hey . . . I warned you this was going to be boring!

Knee Surgery - Day of Operation

Okay . . . these next few posts will be boring for sure.  I'm just going to chronicle my recovery from surgery.  I'm sure there won't be anything interesting, clever or funny . . . Strongly suggest you skip these.

Up early and drove to Raleigh the the Duke Hospital on Wake Forrest with my son, Michael.  Got there at 7:45 am, checked in, got prepped, wheeled into operating room, chatted briefly with my doctor and the staff, woke up and was on the road home by 11 am (I believe!).  Quickly stopped for a burger and coke and was home in Littleton by 12:45!

Doctor said there was a simple meniscus tear which he trimmed off.  I should be good to go!

Virtually no pain this day.  Kept ice on it all day with a neat new machine called a Polar Care 300.  Used crutches with no weight bearing.  Took two pain pills in the evening, but really didn't need them.  Pain wasn't bad at all . . . nurses said to try and stay ahead of the pain.  I just don't like to take pills unless I absolutely need them.

Leadville DNF

Leadville proved to be too much for me.  No excuses.  I gave it as good an effort as I had in me that day . . . but it wasn't enough.

Hard to describe the area . . . maybe a mixture of incredible beauty with a mix of man-made ugliness of the old mines thrown in.  Some may think the mining remnants are historically interesting, to me they were just plain ugly.   But I just chose to focus on the area's beauty and there was plenty of that.

Got there early . . . a beautiful hours drive from Vail.  My body was still on east coast time so the 8:00 am start was really 10:00 am to me.  Checked in and had my packet by 7:00 am so I just hung out and talked with folks.

One of the highlights of the day was finally getting to actually meet in person my e-friend, Jennifer Nichols.  Jenn lives in Bristol, VA near my hometown.  We had run two races together earlier, but never officially met.  I expected nice, but Jenn way exceeded my expectations.







My race plan was fairly simple . . . walk the uphills as fast as I could, and run all the downhills I could.  My right knee is giving me some issues, so I wasn't sure how it would do walking, let alone running (my doctor made me promise I wouldn't run . . . sorry Doc!).  I knew there were steep, downhill sections, with tons of large and small loose rock (scree) that I would have to walk for sure.  Had no idea just how much there would really be!

The race had an uphill start (altitude 10,100 feet) that lasted a full 3.5 miles.  Half sections were steep but the other half were moderate.  Right off the bat, I struggled to get enough oxygen.  Two results are 1) you breath heavily and rapidly trying to get the oxygen you need, and 2) your muscles get really tired, really quickly.  Very strange, like you're just having a bad day and you're tired from the previous day's workouts.

The first 1 1/2 miles took us through an old mining area- not all that pretty!

But then we hit a wooded area we ran (aka walked!) through that took us up to the first aid station.











Quick in and out and into one of the prettiest parts of the day as we ran up and around Ball Mountain.  This was our first time to run above tree line.  Fields, single-track, wild flowers.  Quite beautiful, just as Jenn had promised.!  Very cold and windy -  I put on my wind jacket and wished I had my gloves . . . bad decision to leave them in the car.

 We peaked somewhere along here at about 12,500 feet and I got my first areas where I could really run!  But I found I couldn't run like I had planned - no oxygen!  I got out of breath every 4-5 minutes and walked some to try and catch my breath.  I tried to press hard through here as I knew what was coming and needed to gain time anywhere I could.

Passed the same aid station for a second time and continued down through tons of mining remnants on to aid station #3.  During this section the leader passed me heading home!  We both exchanged encouraging words as we passed.  The leader had about a 5 minute lead on the second place runner.  Amazing running and it always amazes me how supportive everyone is!  Even the guy leading the race makes time to say something positive to me.



 Finally got to aid station #3 (elevation 11,200 feet or so) where the marathon course rejoins the Heavy Half marathon.  Now was the time for the really hard work to begin as I headed up the mountain to Mosquito Pass (elevation 13,200 feet).

By this time I was seeing tons of folks on their return trip . . . marathoners and half-marathoners alike.  The trail here became really tough - scree the whole, frickin' way!  Big loose rocks, medium loose rocks, small loose rocks . . . and fine loose rock.  People slipping, sliding and tripping all the time.  Really, this wasn't a fair test of anything . . . just lucky foot placement!

Guess I was 1/8 of the way up when Jenn passed me on her way down.  Clearly, we were both struggling, but a quick hug from Jenn gave me renewed spirit . . . but sadly a positive spirit was not going to be enough this day.

By this point I was walking 100 yards, and then stopping to regain my breath.  Then repeat!  I had imagined I would be able to walk up this whole mountain at a steady pace, but not a chance!  My knee had remained in good shape, with only maybe two instances of real pain, but the uneven, loose rock was treacherous.

This climb was killing me,  I found myself almost hoping my knee would go out so I would have an excuse to stop.  I had been warned about the five switchbacks and that two of them gave you a false sense of nearing the top.  I passed these but wasn't deceived because I knew some of the folks ahead of me and hadn't seen them yet.  The trail got even more steep, and even more loose rocks.  I remembered the elevation charts and knew it wouldn't last too long, but oh, was it hard for me.

The views back down the mountain were spectacular!!  You can see the last aid station just behind the second lake.

I wasn't last . . . but I was next to last!  Passed one nice lady and her dog out for a hike and she asked if she could take my picture for me.  Believe she my have been an aid station volunteer that just decided to hike down.

One by one I saw folks I had been with earlier in the race as they were headed down.  I exchanged words of support with each one, and each told me to hang on . . . it was much easier going back down hill!

Soon the trail steepness backed off and I surprised myself with about a quarter of a mile of no stopping at all!  Saw the sign and soon saw the aid station at the top!  13.1 miles done.  My hardest 13.1 ever - by far.  Cold and windy up here!

Got a cookie and re-filled my fluids, took a few pictures and headed back down.

 Maybe 1/4 mile from the top I met the one guy behind me.  He was suffering a lot but continued on, committed to getting to the top!  I understood his pain for sure!

Going down took way less energy, but I found I couldn't run much at all due to the poor footing.  Every once and I while I could see a way through the rocks that looked stable enough to run, but not often.  Very frustrating because I was feeling much better and really psyched cause I knew the bad part was over!  The only negative I was feeling was a toenail on my right foot was getting banged into my shoe's toe box . . . a rookie mistake on my part to not trim my nails close before the race.

About 3/4 of the way down from Mosquito Pass, the aid station volunteers passed me in the 4-wheel drive trucks and I saw my friend from Atlanta who had been behind me.  Guess I was now officially the last place runner.

Miles passed quickly and my spirits were high.  Came to an aid station with a few cheering volunteers and  I told them they could finally go home!  Then I saw the race director who told me I was way past the cut-off and he would have to ask me to stop.

I almost cried.

I felt so good, and I knew there was just a little uphill left for me.  Mostly down hill left.  I had paid my dues in pain and suffering and now I wasn't going to get my reward.  I was crushed.

Rode back to Leadville with one of the aid station volunteers and another runner who was cut-off.  Spent a few minutes cheering some finishers . . . but I was just totally bummed.  My heart wasn't in it at all.  Saw all the folks walking around with their medals, congratulating each other.  Looked for Jenn, but figured she was resting and taking a shower.  I KNEW I could have finished this race and not finishing just sucked.

Hard to explain the feelings I was having . . . feelings of failure, feelings of pride of having completed all the hard parts, feelings of relief that the pain was over, feelings of anger at being made to stop.  Bottom-line I was just crushed and I had no feelings of celebration or success.  The race has a dinner for all participants and everyone goes up to the stage for recognition and I had planned to stay for that . . . but I just couldn't stay and be with everyone else that had sucked it up and finished...  so I left.

I retrospect, I'm glad I tried this.  For me, it was more like an ultra than a marathon,  I put forth more effort than either of my 50 milers.  This was hard, very hard.  I do believe if this were run in the North Carolina mountains I would have easily finished well within even tighter cutoffs, but the altitude and resulting lack of oxygen did me in.

Maybe I should have done the Heavy Half Marathon, a least I would have finished it and gotten a medal.

Here are some more pictures.

Will I try it again?  I doubt it.  To be successful, I believe you really need to spend at least a week at 10,000 or more prior to the race.  And I probably won't be willing to do that.  But I sure would love to be able to run under this sign . . .

Leadville . . .

Next race . . . Leadville Trail Marathon on July 3rd.

Now, Leadville will be quite different in a number of ways, but for this race I've had to promise my doctor I will only walk!  No running!

Now back off some of those "smart ass" comments you were just thinking!  Things like "So . . . how is this different from a normal 'TripleF' race?"  Or perhaps, "Hey . . . this 'all walking' may just improve your time!"  Or maybe "Will anybody be able to actually see the difference?"  I may be slow, but I usually do "get it done."  So cut me a break here!

Leadville is going to be quite a challenge for me . . . walking or running!  Actually, since the race never drops below 10,000 feet elevation, I would probably be walking most of it anyway!  Altitude really "kicks my ass" bad.  In February I was visiting my daughter in Vail (~8,000) and just walking was a chore that would leave me winded, dizzy and a little nauseous.  I was there about four days and it did start to get a little better by the end.  But I never went for a run my whole trip. 

This time I will be getting to Vail on Thursday night late and the "race" is Saturday morning . . . one days to adjust.  A new friend of mine, Sharon Scott, has suggested I take Ginkgo bilaba for 5 days before the race to help with altitude adjustment.  Sharon and her husband Ricky are both very experienced ultra runners and have experience running at altitude (Pikes Peak twice and Ricky did a Pikes Peak double . . . up, down, back up and back down in one race!!)  So I'm giving Ginkgo a try.  Can't hurt!

But I'm fine with "having" to walk!  This "bad knee thing" just gives me a good excuse!  I understand that the trail as you near Mosquito Pass is totally big, loose rocks that cause a bunch of falls each year.  Unstable ground would just kill my knee if I was running . . . hope it will not be so bad if I'm walking.  Going up I would be walking for sure anyway, but normally I'm a good down-hill runner and can make up some lost time.  So I'm giving that up.

Leadville has an 8 1/2 hour cut-off.  Super easy if we were in NC.  We'll see how it all works out above 10,000 feet.

But as my friend Jim Plant told me, 'Any DNF is better then a DNS.'  So I'm going to start and see what happens.  No matter what . . . I promise I'll have fun!

I'm also looking forward to seeing my e-friend, Jennifer Nichols.  Jenn has been running really strong plus has run Leadville before so she knows what to expect.  Also, she lives and trains in the mountains of VA/TN.  I'm betting she will 'hammer' Leadville!  I sure hope so!

It's only a marathon. How hard can it be?

How many times must I be dropped on my head before I realize it hurts . . . every time . . . it will hurt.  And the higher up you go, the further the fall . . . and the further the fall the more it hurts!  It's really not very complicated at all.

Looks like at the end of this month, Connie and I will need to drive to Vail, CO to deliver something to my daughter, Laurie.  Long trip. Mapquest say 1,825 miles taking 28.5 driving hours . . . each way.   I do love Colorado! Almost everything about it!  Great trout fishing, great mountains, very scenic and a nice, laid-back life-style.  There is just one thing that I really don't like . . . and that is the elevation effects!

When I get to Vail (8,100 ft elevation), even the shortest walk leaves me very light-headed and gasping for breath like I've been a "couch potato" for years!  And it doesn't get better for several day at least.  I guess at this altitude there is just less oxygen in the air.  But whatever it is, it REALLY affects me!  A short walk feels more like running a 5k . . . hard!  Basically . . . it sucks!

But when I realized we would be in Colorado around July 4th I remembered there is a race not to far away from Vail that I've always wanted to do . . . the Leadville Marathon.

Now, here is where the falling on my head part comes in . . .

Leadville sits at 10,152 ft elevation . . . and is the highest incorporated municipality in the US.  The race starts in Leadville proper and climbs to 12,200 in the first 6 miles.  Then, you descend to 11,200 ft by mile 10 before you climb the big "Mama Jama" peaking at about 13,200 ft at the 13.1 mile point.  Then, turn around and run back.  The good news (at least for me) is they have an 8 1/2 hour cut-off.

On Marathonguide.com I read a few reviews of the race.  Everyone says it is spectacular.  And hard.  I wasn't too terribly worried as I read one where the lady was talking about how much the elevation affected her and her husband . . . until I saw they were from Los Vegas, NM . . . elevation 6,500 feet!!  The elevation of my house is 210 ft!!

And my right knee is still really"barking" from the Boogie Marathon last Saturday afternoon. 

So how high up the ladder am I before I take my "header" onto cement?

But It's ONLY 26.2 miles . . .How hard can it be?



So maybe I'll be paying $100 (steep!) for a t-shirt and a DNF.  I'll decide for sure this weekend.

Boogie . . . without her fangs!

The annual Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie 50-miler and Marathon is a tough race.  Very tough.  This one has the triple H threat . . . Hills, Heat and Humidity.  Weather forecasts predicted temperatures at the start of sunny and 94°-97° depending on which report you choose to believe.  We arrived about 4:30 pm with the temperatures around the 95° mark and the sun was relentless. Looked like a bad, bad, bad Boogie! . . . real bad!




 But about 10 minutes before the race started, a high cloud cover moved in and the temperature quickly dipped to around 91 or so!  But without the direct sun, things were much better.  Boogie pulled back her fangs a tad this year.  But it was still hot . . .  when I left at 1:30 am the bank sign in Ellerbe still read 80°!  And the humidity was high!  And Boogie hills are always there.  Perfect conditions for a long run!

Several friends . . . Ron Fleming, Amber Poole, Jon Shingleton, Brian Wilcox and James Stephenson all were introduced to the Boogie experience.  And all were successful!  Believe all would agree Boogie is a real character builder.   James and Cheryl came with their friends McCrea Wallace and his wife.  McCrea had done Boogie before and knew how to prepare.  They all look like the Clampetts don't they!!

On Friday before the Saturday night race my right (good) knee started giving me some real troubles. I wasn't sure I would be able to run at all.  But, given the weather forecast of temperatures around the mid-90s, sitting around helping out at the aid station and cheering friends didn't sound bad at all.  My plan was to start.  I figured that within 1/2 mile I would know if I had a chance to finish.

No knee pain at all all night!  Wasted all that perfectly good "worrying time" for nothing!  On downhills I could feel the knee alignment being "loose" so I just took my time, with finishing as my only running goal of the night.  I kept waiting for the knee to slip out of track but it never did.

My other goal was to just enjoy the race and have fun.  And I believe I won that part!  I had a blast!  So many great people there!  Runners, especially ultra runner types are just the nicest folks ever!  Everyone supports everyone else.  A great example is the winner of the 50 miler, Jonathan Savage (see picture on right)  Every time I saw Jonathan he had something positive or encouraging to say to everyone!  It was like he was just out for a little training run!








Also, my friend Laura MacLean won the 50 miler for the women.  Laura is another person who always takes time out to encourage everyone else (plus she is a picture freak too!).  She passed me (like I was standing still!) when I was at about mile 24 and even slowed up to chat some.  So last night two of ultra's very nicest folks came home winners!  I'm so very proud of both of you!


I hung out about 15 miles with Dave Solomon and Debra Botkin both running the 50.  Dave ultimately finished his 9th Boogie 50-miler and he and Debra hung together throughout.  This year, Dave just couldn't find time to get any quality training in (job promotion, Navy promotion plus all his mission work) but he didn't want his streak of eight Boogie 50 finishes to end.  So he came to do it . . . knowing full well the pain and suffering that was sure to come.  Dave finished.  Maybe this is the most inspiring story of this year's event.

Then, met up with Amber Poole and Jon Shingleton with 6 miles to go.  Amber was have rash / chafing issues but they figured out a short-term solution and the three of us headed out for the final loop.  I was feeling great at the start of the loop but things caught up with me at about mile 23.  But the three of us trudged on to the finish where we met up with Ron who had finished earlier.

By the time Jon, Amber and I finally finished, McCrea and James had already headed back to Raleigh, but I had gotten to congratulate them on their finish before I headed out to do my last 6 miles. Also, Brian Wilcox and his crew / team had skipped out back to Durham and I didn't get to congratulate him either.

Oh . . . and a Boogie first for me!  After two years of nothing, I saw two snakes on the road during the night.  One was a copperhead that was just "chillin" on the road (if anything could actually "chill" last night)!  The other snake we saw soon  after . . . he just quickly slithered off into the grass and I never got to see what kind he was.  Got to admit these made me give a second thought to one of my favorite Boogie pastimes . . . running completely in the dark with no light on.  I so love that!

I also finally got to meet Rick and Tammy Grey.  Now I know why everyone has such nice things to say about each of them.



You never beat Boogie . . . you simply survive!  Hopefully with some dignity remaining!  Boogie is a challenge like few others.  A real running accomplishment.
 



Here are a few pictures I took during the day/night.

Here are some more pictures taken by Ben Dillion I believe.

Fred Dummar's pictures

Hill repeats really, really work . . .

I've got to admit I was skeptical about the benefits of hill repeats.   I started weekly sessions about four or five weeks ago and expected it would likely be months before I started seeing a real positive difference.  And to be truthful, I really don't feel any of the benefits quite yet.  But they must be there!  Proof is in the pudding!  Read on.


Today, I traveled to Wilson, NC to run in the first ever "Run for the One" half marathon.  Not the best time of the year to have a half marathon.  And we knew the weather was going to be hot and humid Saturday.  90s or so probably.  But good training for Boogie next weekend.  My plan was to just run this one and enjoy the race.  The Rocky Mount Endurance Club showed up in force!  Probably 15 club members there!


It turns out, I didn't think I was having a good day at all.  In fact I felt like I was having a BAD day.  I never do well in heat and humidity, but I felt like I was struggling from mile 4 on.  Just no zip in my legs (like I EVER have any zip in my legs!).  In my mind this was just a day to finish and go home to "jump in the lake!"


But . . . well . . . I must have been flying!  I didn't feel like it.  But I must have been.  This has never happened to me before.  It went down something like this . . .

It was about mile 8 or so and I was just minding my own business and wishing the finish line was much closer than it was.  But out of the corner of my eye I saw him.  Hiding behind a parked car next to the race course was Sgt T. W. Doughtie, one of "Wilson's Finest," And he was armed . . . with a radar gun.  Before I knew it, the blue light came on!  Got to admit I was quite confused.  I couldn't figure out who he was pulling as I didn't see any cars around!"

"Okay Old Man!  Pull it over . . . RIGHT NOW!"

"Huh???"

"Yea . . . YOU!  Pull it over to the side!!"

"But officer . . . what did I do?  What's this all about?"

"Sir . . . do you realize how fast you were going?" 

"Officer. . . I really don't think . . ."

"That's the problem sir!  You DIDN'T think!!  Don't you realize there are other runners out today, trying to enjoy themselves.  And here you are . . . SPEEDING!   There could even have been kids crossing the street!  Or perhaps a mother pushing a baby stroller.  What would you have done then . . . HUH??"

"Well, officer . . .I guess I would have . . ."

"You probably would have run them over.  THAT'S what you would have done!"

"Officer . . . I'm sorry.  I guess I just didn't realize."

"Well Sir . . . you just need to be MUCH more careful and SLOW DOWN!"

"Officer, I promise I will.  I'll back off the pace and be much more careful the rest of the way."

"Okay sir.  I believe you.  You seem like a nice man.  I'm going to cut you a break and let you off with just a warning ticket this time!  But if I EVER catch you speeding through the town of Wilson again, you'll be very sorry!"

And so . . . I, race # 1530, got a Warning Ticket for speeding with the added note "Careless speeding and endangering public citizens."

But even though this is only a "Warning Ticket". . . I'm thinking I may "fight it."  I mean . . . I MUST have been going faster then 2 mph!  Either the radar gun wasn't calibrated correctly, or the Sargent made a mistake.  Either way they'll have to throw ticket out won't they??

But you can bet I won't be missing any hill repeat sessions anytime soon!

Sometimes you just have to show up . .

That's probably a great life lesson!

No doubt about it, I'm a slow runner!  I try.  I train . . . sort of.  But I'm the president of the "Back of the Pack Club."  And it doesn't upset me calling our club meetings to order in a marathon or ultra.  Quite frankly it's fun!

But every so often I get this weird feeling inside.  One I don't get very often.  Competitiveness.  And not just competitiveness with myself and my past times.  I want to outrun somebody . . . anybody!

When I run those longer distances, I need to simply drink a beer and go take a nap . . . the feeling will pass.  First, there are just too many really good 60+ runners out there.  And they all show up for these marathons and ultras.

But my discovery is that these fast, senior runners may NOT show up for a 5k.  Plus, at a 5k there are usually plenty of new runners that are struggling just to finish a 3.1 mile run . . . forget the speed!  Ahhhh . . . victims . . . er . . . competitors!

OK . . . I haven't gotten my speed up where I can really be competitive, but for right now it sure feels good passing people!  And the perfect format for making me feel competitive was yesterday's Skirtchaser 5k in Raleigh!  A race of over 700 folks!

The format plays right into my hand.  The women start the race first.  The men have to wait 3 minutes, then we start.  Now . . . three things happen (all of which also work to my advantage!).  First, the women that are planning on walking the 5k are starting in front of me so I get to pass them like they are walking!!  Second, many of the women run the first part of the race slow so their partners and friends can catch up to them . . . ahhh more passing!  And third, some of the women intentionally hang back just to have fun with the guys!


So . . . at yesterday's race I started passing people early and kept passing them the whole way!  I was smokin'!!  Truth be known, probably everyone I passed was either a walker, a first-time racer or a very new runner!  Still . . . I passed them!

Sure, my final 5k time was almost a minute slower then the 5k I ran a week ago.  But . . .it was hotter . . . annnnd . . . the course had more hills . . . annnd . . . I had to weave through all those other runners I was passing . . . annnnd . . .well, I'm sure there are more excuses I could come up with if I thought more about it!

But there was one person I didn't pass that I perhaps could have . . . and his name is Ron Weidenfeller.  I've never met Ron . . . I'm sure he is a really great guy.  But he beat me . . . and by ONLY 15 seconds!   15 seconds!!!!!  15 seconds between me and my destiny.  A first place finish!  15 freakin' seconds!  I'm SURE I had 15 seconds in me.  Damn it!

But I did get second place . . . just by showing up.  No other 60-64 year olds!  And I would have placed #3 of 6 in the 55-59 age group.

There was one 65-69 year old and one 70-79 year old (both beat me!), but I kick one 80 year old's ass!

What was I thinking . . .

I'm dreading this.  I remember 5Ks hurt!  Yea . . . but I'm excited too!  First 5K in 15 years!  Wonder who is showing up for this race?  Don't see many my age!  Hope they all are running the 10K.

Oh no . . . there's Tom Thurman.   Bet he's doing the 5  . . . he'll kill it.  No way I can keep up with him.  Wish this thing would start . . . I'm tired of sitting around.

Finally . . . they're calling us to the start.  I knew it . . . there's Tom.  Damn!

What . . . no starting mat?  Time starts with the gun.  Crap.  I need to move to the front then.  No . . . that's not fair to to the faster runners.  Okay . . . I'll split the distance.  This looks close enough.  Only giving up a few seconds.

Finally . . .running!  All right! Don't go too fast here.  Keep it close to your 9:15 target.  At least the temps are OK.  Don't see anyone my age around me.  Stay focused.  Relax.  Breath deep and steady.

Hey . . . that's Michael and his two kids just up there a little way.  I can't let them beat me . . . I'd never hear the end of it.  Caroline is fast!  And Henry is too for his age.  Ahhh . . . I'm catching 'em.

"Hey Michael!  This is my big chance!  I'll never get the chance to beat you in a race again!" Thank God he's running with his kids, or he would smoke me bad!  Still . . nice to pass someone!

OK . . . mile marker coming up.  OK . . . 8:46.  Too damn fast!  But not too bad.  Relax . . . stay smooth.  This is getting hard!  Breathing too hard, lungs burning  No . . . stay positive.  You knew this would happen.  Just back off a tad.  Yea . . . that's better.  Hope I haven't gone out too fast.  Hurting too much, too early.  No wind.  This is going to suck!  Folks have spread out some.

Almost to Battle Park . . . Damn, we've got that steep little hill to climb.  Tight turn.  Down, then up the hill.  Come on . . . it's not very long . . . just slow up a bit and shorten your stride.  Take what it gives you . . .  You do this every day.  I'm dying!  Can't breathe! A little walk break would sure feel good.  NO WALKING! Ahh . . .  the top!  Aid station . . . Get water?  No . . . pass it by.  Take advantage of the downhill.  I wonder how far it is to the turnaround cone.  There it is . . . not far.

More downhill . . . use it!  Wonder where that damn 2 mile marker is?  Run the tangent on this curve.  Good.  Damn, I'm hurting.  Lungs are the worst, just no wind.  Stay positive.  Another aid station.  Pass it by.  Good . . . passed three at that station! Ease up on this uphill.  Damn, where is that mile marker?  Will this hill ever end?  Come on . . . it's only maybe 200 yards and not that steep.  Get your mind right!

How can it be that girl is ahead of me?  I should be WAY ahead of her!  I can beat her. 

I'm dying . . . this uphill.  I've got to walk.  NO!  No walking!  But I've got to walk!  No . . . just keep running!  Hold on . . . I'm walking!  Damn!  I said I wouldn't do that.  Okay, run again at the shadow just ahead.  OK . . . no more walking no matter what . . . only walked about 15 yards . . . not terrible.  And no one passed me.  But no more walking!

Finally . . . the top of the hill.  I remember that hill from the half-marathon.  No more hills 'till the end.  Must passed the 2 mile marker.  Hey . . . I'm wearing my Garmin . . . I'm an idiot!  OK, 2.7 miles and I'm averaging just over 9:00.  Hope my heart doesn't explode!  All that blood!  That would freak everyone out for sure!  I should be under 30 minutes!  Yea . . . I've got that!  Don't let anyone old guys pass you.  Don't see any ahead. Just relax . . .

She looks a little further from me . . .  crap.  No sweat, I'll just "nip" her at the finish.  No way she can beat me!  Look at her!  She may not even make it!

Finally, just one more turn . . . damn this uphill.  Can't breath!  I'm dying.  Hurts!. 

OK . . .you can rest in a just a few more seconds.  Catch her!  Goooo!  Faster . . . move those legs!!! I'm going to die before the finish line.  Can't breathe.

Damn . . . how can she do that?  She's going to beat me!  Damn!!!

Well . . . at least I can stop running now!  I did it!  Under 30!  Yes!

Okay . . . now I can rest!  Wonder if I did it?  Hope they post the times early.  Maybe.  How many men over 60 were in this?  I didn't see many.  What was my time?

Oh CRAP . . . stop your Garmin!  Wonder how long I've been finished?  Maybe 30 seconds . . . Need to get some water.  Ahhhh . . . better then a beer . . . almost.

________________________________________________________________________________

So . . . that was pretty much how it went.  I finished in 28:29 I believe.  Under my 30 goal for the race.

I guess I've run in 200-300 races in my life  No 5Ks in 15 years, but still have run plenty of races, big and small.  But up until today I had NEVER won an age group award in a real race.  Ever!  People don't believe me but it's true.  Even in very small 5K races when I was running close to my 5K PR of 20:01 I never placed.  And since then in small 10K races and longer . . . nothing . . . nada!

But now . . . I've broken through!  3rd place in 60-65 age group!  Finally, I was called to go to the podium to get something!!!!  Sweet!  I should be embarrassed . . . but I'm not!

Addiction

Hi!  My name is Frank and I am an addict!

It's been obvious really for quite some time, but it is time I faced it . . . head on.  I am addicted to long distance running.  And that is not a good thing!

Running itself can and even used to be an addiction of mine, but like a drug addict may move from crack to heroin, I too have moved up the addiction ladder to more, and more powerful stimulants.  Early on I loved running and racing 5ks and 10ks!  Several of us would travel around the area developing our collection of shirts and PRs. 

One of my goals was to run a sub-20 5k.  I came close often but never was able to break into the teens (20:01 was my best!).  I don't really believe I followed any structured program to improve my times, but I did speed work often . . . and endurance really wasn't much of an issue.

My movement up the addiction chain began quite simply.  After our regular noon run at the Y one day in 1982, someone came up with the brilliant idea of training together for a marathon.  Almost everyone jumped on board, and so we trained for a fall marathon . . . NY for most but Marine Corp for me.  My goal was a sub-4 hour marathon.  Looking back on it, had I achieved that goal I probably could have quit right then.  But that didn't happen.  So I had to do another one, just so I could meet my time goal.

After a bunch of years lost running due to poor medical advice, I finally started back running . . . and I just HAD to run a marathon to know I was "back".  Then I did another marathon, then another.  After a bunch of marathons, my friend Cam Kelly turned me to the "dark side" by convincing me I needed to try a 50k.  Another step up the addiction chain.  Ultra marathons.

Now, it's been 15-16 years since I have run a 5k race.  And one 10k 7 years ago.  Since then, I believe I've only run two races shorter then a marathon (a 15-mile trail run and an 11-miler).  I'm stuck in this "marathon or more addiction . . .  Run a half marathon?  Ugh!  Like kissing your sister.  It's a full marathon or nothing!

But the real problem comes by "mixing" my long distance running addiction with getting older.  I'm slowing down as I get older.  Plus, I slow down to finish the longer distances I run.  And running slower just brings on more slower running.  I walk more.  And then, it just becomes easier mentally to walk again.  And again. And again.

But I am repenting . . . somewhat.  This coming weekend I've entered my first 5k race in 15 years!  I've been "trying" to do some minor speed work but that just plain hurts! I'm stuck running basically one speed!  Slow!  When I try to pick up the pace I go anaerobic within 1 minute, and my lungs explode after 2 minutes!  I have no idea what my 5k pace should be!  Honestly!  I think I'll try to go out at a 9:00 pace and just see what happens.  I'm just hoping I can finish in under 30 minutes!

All I remember is 5ks hurt!

Will this break the addiction? Probably not . . . but it is a step.  Wonder if there is such a thing LDAA . . . Long Distance Addicts Anonymous?  If any of you know of interesting 5k race  around here, please let me know about them . . . my computer can only search for races of 26.2 or further.