Running Off Road

Year in review

2011-12-31T22:58:00.000-06:00

2011 is done. 2011 was a mixed year for running for me. 2011 was still good.

Sure I did not reach the mileage level of 2010 and I didn’t run any marathons or ultras. Sure I had some in my thoughts but sometimes things change in life and to be honest I don’t mind.

Total miles 779 (vs. 1100 in 2010). Four races ran (vs. 7 in 2010)

I lost weight in 2011. How much? No idea but I know I’ll be buying new shorts in 2012 as my current ones are too loose on me. And I had to put a new hole in my new belt. That’s good.

My 779 miles were a mix of road, trail and limestone. I might have ran more road than last year even on less total but there was days when I ran around the local area instead of driving to the trails. I did more night running thanks to the New Leaf Ultra Runners. It was fun running the Illinois Prairie Path in the dark keeping my headlamp off as much as possible.

My four races included one road, two limestone and one dirt trail.

At two of these races I surprised myself with, for me, good (current) times. Sure neither is even close to my best times from years ago but I was happy with my effort and times.

First race was Solider Field 10. That is a road race except for the last 0.1 miles when we ran across the field inside the stadium. I really liked this race. Very well organized, great T shirt and finishers medal. Of all the races and runs I did in 2011 this was my best effort.

Second race, NLUR Sunburn Six and Twelve hour event. Had to be the hottest day of the year. It lived up to the race name. I took it easy and didn’t run as far as 2010 which in itself was hotter.

Third was my “A” race for the year. Des Plaines River Trail half marathon put on by my friends Terry and Ed. Last year I ran the full marathon. It was nice this year to be done earlier and get to see the marathon and 50 milers finish. Course and time of year was “refreshed” for 2011. Another good T shirt and medal plus awesome after race lunch meal.

Fourth race was really a non race put on by the Midwest Misfits. A trail 5k the day before Thanksgiving. Think there was around 22 runners. A nice little trail system and a unique wooden finisher’s medal.

For 2011 I picked a favorite race for the year, Rock Cut HOBO 50k. This year all four events I did earn that honor. They were all different for different reasons.

What else. I volunteered at many races this year including a mile race, a triathlon, a 100 mile trail race, two lakefront ultras and worked many events in a manager/staff role.

I did miss not traveling out west to crew at Badwater and Javelina but maybe I’ll make that trip to a west coast/southwest event in 2012. Maybe I’ll finally get to run that 50 mile event I’ve want to do one of these days. And maybe I’ll finally get the dust of my mountain and road bikes.

Big thanks to all my running groups: CHUGs, NLUR, Misfits, MUDDs, Coyotes, Buffaloes. Even if I didn’t see much or any of you in 2011 I read the group members words posted on Facebook and yahoogroups. You all inspire me more than you know and I know you will inspire me to run well and further in 2012.

I must mention one story in 2011 that stands out and inspires me more than most in the running world. My good friend Lisa Bliss and her Badwater solo. Not only was it solo but it was self supported. Lisa became the first women and only second person to go from Badwater Basin to the top of Mount Whitney all the while pushing, pulling and no doubt kicking a cart on wheels with ALL her supplies and water for the journey receiving absolutely no supplies, restocking or advice along the way. Congratulations Lisa. Yeah it was all my fault all those years ago.

Good luck to all my friends in 2012 whether you run or not. Happy New Year to All.

Midwest Misfits Gobbler Gallop 5k Trail Run

2011-11-23T14:42:00.000-06:00

Got to be a first for me, a "race" on a Wednesday. Today I traveled further west of Chicago than I already live to run a 5k trail non-race put on for the 5th time by the good folks of the Midwest Misfits Endurance Club http://midwestmisfits.blogspot.com/.

First heard about this non event on one of my many local running Facebook groups I have the pleasure of being on, in this case the Coyotes of Rockford (well out of Rock Cut park). Quick email exchange with the RD and I found my way on a chilly, but warm for November, morning headed to Silver Springs park near Yorkville, IL.

Driving into the park I could see some hills and ridge lines. I'd hiked some of the trails along the Fox River that is on the north edge of the main section of the park. Those are fairly flat and wide, likely used for cross country skiing in the winter but RD Kristen and her hubby had apparently created a 5k loop with a good mixture of flat, single track, and a little road, oh and plenty of hills. After meeting with a few new faces (actually all 20 or so were new faces to me), a briefing from the RD we all headed up the hill to the start line. Few photos and Kristen or someone said GO. This is a trail run with a twist as within 200 meters we were to stop at a truck grab a shot glass, chug it down and head out onto the trail system.

I immediately did my normal start slow at the back but this time didn't taper off. Along the wide grass and gravelly (is that a word) trail next to the river with the sounds of hunters across the river. Most people pulled away from me so I followed two young ladies who I figured knew the course. The course was marked with orange and yellow spray paint, very appropriate colours for Thanksgiving. It had rained the night before and the RD had worried some markings would have been washed away. some had faded and all will very soon but only one person missed a turn so we heard. Soon we hit the first hill and after climbing a long way we headed down and along a nice section of single track. The trails had lots of tree roots but the RD and friends had raked all the leaves off the course the day before. That made me laugh as who rakes leaves but it put another excellent spin on the non event. More hills, more single track and I was still keeping up with a few runners. Around mile 2.5 we emerged from the forest and took the park road running the wrong way down the one way system. towards the finish line near the park area.

And for the next Misfit spin the RD had put the finish line on top of a small hill that leads from the parking area to one of the park's lake. Nothing like a nice climb, to cool down to, leading to the finish line picnic bench. Was presented with an awesome finishers medal, see photo up top but think what it looks like on a green neck ribbon.

A few folks came in after me but most of the 20 plus crowd had finished before me. That is often the case but as I say more trail time on the trails that I love to run. The traveling trophy, a painted skull (found on the Silver Springs trails) mounted on a wooden stand was presented to the winner for the 3rd time I believe.

I had lots of fun. The Midwest Misfits Endurance Club are a great bunch who I hope to run with (or not far behind) again. The trails at Silver Springs surprised me but then Nolan Ming was right. Illinois doesn't have many trail systems with dirt and single tracks but what we do have are all great, I've added Silver Springs to my list of places to run.

Thank you Kristen and her family for a great non event, all the Misfits and the trails of Silver Springs.

Des Plaines River Trail races year two.

2011-10-22T22:13:00.004-05:00

Dan, Tina, Brandi, Ian, Kelly, Carol
Photo courtsey of Brandi Henry

The second edition of the Des Plaines River Trail Races were held today (22 Oct) on the scenic Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County just north of Chicago. Last year the race was held in May but due in part to regular spring flooding the RDs, Ed and Terry made the right decision to move the event to the autumn.

As the photo above says DPRT consists of a 50 mile, marathon and half marathon. The course winds along the DRPT through woods, forest preserves and along the river. The surface is all limestone with only a few minor preserve roads to cross. Aid stations are every 2.5 to 3 miles as this is a trail race with limited access points to set up any more. Runners are advised to carry a water bottle (most did).

http://desplainesrivertrailraces.com/

Last year I did the marathon. Lacking time to train for marathons or ultras this year I signed up for the half marathon. I also volunteered at race morning packet pickup and was assigned to bib and chip pick up along with a great crew of others. In total there was close to 400 people signed up for the series of races. Most were doing the half but the numbers for 50 mile and marathon both had more than doubled from 2010, I think the half had tripled in numbers.

It was a chilly start to the race but by the time the half started it was warming up with the weather being possible the best it could be. The tree cover would provide some shade but the meadow areas you could feel the sun shining down.

My only goal for the half was to finish but possibly run my fastest time in over 10 years. 10 days ago I had ran the Oak Brook half marathon course (can't run that race as I set up OB 1/2 course each year). I ran that one well so to beat that time was the goal.

To cut a possible long story short (hence running a half and not the 50!!!) I reached my goal and except for trying to choke on a S Cap I was happy with the race. Sure it is still almost a time zone off a PR but.....

Many of my friends ran one of the 3 distances or volunteered at an aid station. Big thanks to Kelly for running with me for some of the race. Kelly is coming back from having a baby a few months ago and did an amazing job. Other members of her family also ran first marathons and 50 miles. Zach Gingerich won the 50 mile in 5 hours 37 mins, that is around 6 mins faster than 2010 which was the fastest 50 in the USA in 2010. Jim O'Brien won the marathon in a great time for a course PR. Kudos to Juan, Anastasia and Paige for 50 mile PRs. And major kudos to the Pope as in Dom the energizer bulldog that ran his first 50 mile.

DPRT was and is a great event. The RDs do a great job. They also give out nice T shirts with one of the best race logos out there and the medals for half and marathon are nice and heavy weight with the race logo and distance. 50 milers get a buckle and rather nice it is. Next year maybe I'll do the 50 mile to complete the DPRT bling set. And there is also a catered lunch for all runners with beer.

Results are on the Runrace website. http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=11295IL&tab=a4

Mike Hanes to ride FC508

2011-09-10T21:47:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: Mike successfully completed the FC508 breaking 40 hours for the 508 miles ride. Congrats Mike.

We all know how much I like Death Valley. Been there 4 times and when I can't be there I am reading about it, watching documentaries about it or following a race such as Badwater Ultramarathon.

On Oct 8th it'll be time to follow the Furnace Creek 508. The race starts in Santa Clarita (near LA) and makes a 508 mile loop across the Mojave Desert, through Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve, to the finish line at the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA.

The race is by bicycle and includes solo and team relays. One of the solo racers is Mike Hanes from Maine. http://michaelh.org/

I first meet Mike when he crewed for his father, Steve Hanes at Badwater 2009. Steve crewed with me the previous year for Kelvin. Like his father Mike is an endurance ultra athlete. He's done a few ultra marathons but long distance biking is his favorite. In 2010 he joined his father at FC508 for a two man relay team and had a successful finish. This year Mike rides solo with father on the crew.

Mike is also raising money for Indonesia Initiative Friends Peace Team. You can read more about the charity on Mike's charity page: http://michaelh.org/

FC508 is put on by Adventure Corps who also organize the Badwater 135 ultramarathon. http://www.the508.com/info.html

No one feed the runner. Lisa completes her amazing journey

2011-07-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

Photo by Dr Ben Jones (sure he will not mind)

Dr Lisa Bliss completed her solo, unsupported, self contained journey from Badwater Basin to the summit of Mount Whitney. Lisa is the first women and only second person to accomplishment the journey.

http://www.lisabliss.blogspot.com/ http://www.voaspokane.org/LisaBliss

She has stated this is the hardest thing she has ever done. I am so proud of my friend and what she did. When she announced the journey I knew that if anyone could Lisa could. Sure it would be tough but then if it wasn't why do it. Lisa overcame 2 mountain pass crossings then a final climb to the summit of the highest peak in the lower 48. She crossed Death Valley in the middle of the summer. While doing this she was pulling, pushing and maybe kicking a 250 pound cart full of frozen water, food, clothing and a celebratory cigar. Tim, her boyfriend and another friend Will monitored the journey but offered no help, no supplies and no advice at all. This was all by the guidelines and "rules" set by Marshall Ulrich when he did the first successful solo, unsupported crossing and summit.

Congratulations Lisa.

Below is Lisa's brief report she wrote to the Ultralist (as with Ben's photo I am sure she will not mind me posting on my blog)

Wow!

This is my first time at my computer since last Sunday. I am absolutely
overwhelmed with the comments and support! I am blessed to have such
wonderful people in my life. Thank you so much!

Quick thank you's just for now go to:

Tim and Willy, who were there to witness - but not help (a tough job for
them, like for example when the cart tipped over with me on top and all they could do is watch!); Jeff Sauter; Bill and Deborah Latter; Danny
Westergaard; Ben and Denise Jones, and Marshall Ulrich. And dear Nikki for
her progress updates (which I wish I could have read along the way!). And
many, many, many others.

Let's see... how can I keep this brief and just give a quick summary.

How about: That. Was. Hard.

And it was.

A few additional facts:

- I started at 6:19 am Monday, July 25.
- No crew, totally unaided.
- Witnessed by the SPOT tracker and many others. Will detail later.
- Not sure if part of the official rules because I never asked Marshall
specifically, but I made it a rule to accept no advice about anything either.
- My official elapsed time from Badwater to the summit of Mt. Whitney was 89
hours, 48 mins, 38 secs.
-Traffic was a bit scary. Tim and Willy worked nearly non-stop to make sure
cars were alerted that I was on the road.
- People are allowed to summit with me, but everything I needed for the
summit had to be carried from the start. Nothing accepted. I summitted with
Tim, Willy, and Danny Westergaard (who also helped with traffic on the
portal road - many, many hours).
- The cart weighed about 240 pounds, 180 pounds of that was frozen water
(brought to start line by Jeff Sauter, who also helped with traffic for the
first two days through the climb to Father Crowley)
- My biggest challenge by far was Towne Pass, the 18 mile climb starting at
about mile 42. It took Marshall 16 hours to make this climb. It took me
almost 21. It was incredibly difficult and yes, I thought many times that I
couldn't do it. I broke down mentally at the last stretch. I could see the
top but I couldn't pull up that grade with the fierce head wind. I had to
cut "switchbacks" on the road in order to do it. I thought of Carl L's
message during Vol State about runners moving at 3 hours per mile. That was
me. I thought it would never end. But baby steps, while painfully slow,
still got me to where I needed to go...eventually.
- In retrospect, I should have dropped the cart in Lone Pine (there is a
choice of LP or at the Portal Trail) because the Portal road climb was
nearly as bad a Towne Pass. The cart was still heavy.
- I started the 11-mile summit at about 11:30 am. At about 3/4 the way up,
Tim and I went ahead and Willy and Danny moved a little slower. It was
bitterly cold. I was prepared for anything, carried all emergency and all
weather supplies from Badwater, but it was still very cold and windy. I
fought hypothermia the last few miles. Tim and I hit the summit around
midnight. (Details later.) I was done. We took a couple of pictures with our
frozen hands and the cigar had to wait until morning. I signed the book and
then went straight into the survival hut to get out of the wind. Two hours
later, Danny and Willy joined us. We spent the night in there and when I
turned the SPOT device over to stop the blinking, it lost the GPS signal.
-We put on every piece of clothing we had (at this point, I was done and
could accept help) and we slept. Well, sort of. At least we were out of the
wind.
-We were up at 5 am, and we started our descent around 7:10 am. The weather
got progressively worse over the next few hours and most of the descent was
made in rain, hail, thunder and lightening, complete with seeing 2 rocky
avalanches.
-We were soaked to the bone back at the portal but that didn't stop me from
getting a cheeseburger at the Portal Store, and yes, I was stuffing my face
when Marcia came over to the car to congratulate me!
-The first day was "cool" and overcast. I was lucky.
-I slept about 1/2 hour the first night, a total of about 1-1/2 hours the
second, and none the third.
-I had enough water, even dumped about 2.5 gallons.
-I had enough food, about 20,000 calories.
-I started with wrist tendinitis (from training with the cart) but that
seemed to resolve by the last day. I had trouble with anterior tibialis and
achilles tendinitis but it was manageable. I had some pretty bad plantar
fasciitis too, and thank goodness I was able to manage it. That is painful.
These were new problems for me, certainly due to pulling the cart. I am
surprised I had no back pain whatsoever.
-Denise pre-taped the balls of my feet and I had only one small blister that
was easily treated.
-This was a record for me for the most days without a shower.
-It was an adventure of a lifetime!
-I will never do it again. :)

I hope I have time to write a report. I really want to.

Thank you so very much for the support on the list here and all the awesome
support of Tim, my friends and family. This may have been a solo, unaided,
self-contained crossing of Death Valley to the summit of Mt. Whitney, but it
was in no way unsupported. I am deeply appreciative.

Lisa Bliss

(Any copyrights owned by Dr Ben Jones - photo and Dr Lisa Bliss - Lisa's report to the ultra list)

Lisa's Crossing

2011-07-22T20:08:00.000-05:00

Lisa's crew van

Dr Lisa Bliss starts her Death Valley crossing from Badwater Basin finishing 146 miles on top of Mount Whitney on Monday July 25th 6am PT. Lisa is running solo, unsupported and self contained.

Check out her weblink here: http://www.voaspokane.org/LisaBliss

Good luck my friend.

I like this cartoon for some reason

2011-07-13T21:09:00.001-05:00

Back to the Trails

2011-06-30T20:20:00.000-05:00

Today I went back to the trails.

It's been one wet spring into summer in the Chicago area. The trails have been wet and therefore muddy and activity such as running and biking easily tears up the trails. Single track is the worst. I've missed the trails but it was for the best.

I did run the trails at McDowell in Naperville but that is mostly wider grass and dirt so dries out quickly. Not so the trails at Knoch Knolls in southern Naperville. The DuPage River runs on both sides of the park where two branches come together. The park easily floods.

Last time I was at Knoch Knolls was during the winter when the trails were covered in snow and ice. With screws in the bottom of some old trail shoes winter running is so easy there and very enjoyable. The trees are bare and nothing is overgrown as nothing has grown yet. You can easily see the forest through the trees and spot the deers staring back at you and the hawk perched high in on the tree branches. Now it is summer with temperatures in the 80s. Due to the rain the trees are very green as is the grass and the vegetation.

It was good to be back at Knoch Knolls.

KK as I like to call it is not the biggest trail system in the area, that would be Palos but it is local and has a good mix of grass trails, some limestone and plenty of single track. There is also a new paved bike trail. Luckily my route which I run most of the time only uses the paved section for around 300 meters.

Today I arrived early and was meet by 60 high school lads doing some cross country training around the sports field. They were moving fast in packs. My plan was to do two loops of my own KK route with the second one being a reverse of the first. Running trails in reverse is almost like running a new trail. The first part is wider grass followed by a nice single track section that runs along the north river branch. It wides around the trails and in the spring is covered in bluebells. Of course I missed those this year. This trail empties outback onto the wide trail before a turn to the left brings me to the prairie crossing which is totally exposed to the sun. Sadly there is also a power line running over head. After a half mile or so I make a right to follow some single track along the south branch river. This trail tends to get overgrown in the summer and that was the case this time. Often it is so bad I can't through so guess I lucked out today. This is also one section that floods easily so I was surprised it was relatively dry. After the small paved section I joined what to this park is a hill "climb" before hitting the longest section of single track which is really 3 tracks that I join together . I love this section as it winds it way through the center of the park but it is know for retaining water and therefore can be muddy which in parts it was. There are also lots of roots and rocks on these sections. Finally I arrive back at the parking area.

The high school runners are gone but I see others coming into the park on foot and bikes plus a few dogs. After fueling up and changing out my water bottles I head back to the trail and do it all again but in reverse. This was the only time I came across bikes on the single track guessing the others I saw all stayed on the paved trail. One lady was powering through the overgrown lower river trail and doing very well. I'd see her again later refueling by her car. The other biker was riding the north river trail which has many roots and of course he had no helmet on. Scary.

It was great to be back on the trails and covering some good distance. It total I ran 8.6 miles and the effort was good most of the way. Nearing the end the sun was getting hotter and I could feel it has I drank most of my water bottle. A fresh ice cold bottle was waiting for me back at the car along with a Clif bar.

I'll be back.

Soldier Field 10

2011-05-28T13:46:00.007-05:00

First comment: What a great race.

Never having ran this race which was now in it's 8th year I wanted to do it. Thanks to Clif Bar I was signed up. For me it started on Tuesday when I went to Fleet Feet and picked up my race packet along with four friends. It was one of the smoothest well planned race packet pick ups I've attended in and out in minutes with 5 race bibs, 5 T shirts in varying sizes.

Race morning my friend Danielle picked me up just before 5am and we drove over to a meeting point to collect four Windrunner club members and was headed to Chicago by 5:15am. Easy drive in and smooth parking around 5:40. This is one race it is best to get there early for. Danielle had some race flyers for CARA, I had to go to Clif Bar booth to get a Clif Bar running cap to wear during the race and the others had race packets to get. Back to the car to get ready, no gear check required. Danielle introduced me to more friends, boy is she well known!! We walked over to our race corral. There was six (AA, A, B, C, Open 1, open 2). I had been assigned to A down with the fast guys. I think that was due to Clif Bar. I felt sort of strange at the front so once the gun went off I ran to the side of the road.

The race started on time. First we headed south on either Lake Shore Drive or the frontage roads along side it for almost five miles then back north on the bike and running path. It was a good course even with the marina construction around 31st St.

I am one of those slow runners. I had speed at one time but after getting burned out on running then some medical and injury issues I've not yet got any speed back, distance yes speed no. I thought I could go 2:10 at this race (said I am slow) but deep down wanted to hit 2:00.

Due to being in corral A I hit the first mile in around 9 minutes, too fast. As the course went by my miles got slower. First four averaged just over 10s and I knew I'd slow down. I did but not by that much. I was excited to make the turn around at the big Clif Bar structure and head for home. This is generally one of the best city views you can get and only gets better has you get closer. Not today though as the city was covered in low clouds or fog. It reminded me of of when I got married at Navy Pier 21 years and 2 days ago (May 26) when it was also foggy. Oh well. Around mile 7 my friend Sarah passed me. I coached her to her first marathon many years ago via CARA. Sarah still calls me Coach and did today, love it. Finally I hit McCormick Place at mile nine. Checked my watch. WOW (for me) could I break 1:50. Along the bike path and make the turn on to the start line road along side Soldier Field. We had to head north and into the stadium via the service entrance, through a players tunnel and out onto the field. Fans are in the stands cheering us on, a camera crew is showing us on the jumbtron (nay didn't see myself) and I head across the grass and over the finish line on the half way line. I was done and yes broke 1:50 with a posted finish off 1:49:15. I was pleased with that.

Get a bottle of water. Walk around to soak it in especially as the finish run had gone by so fast. Left the playing field and got a nice medal, food bag and a souvenir blanket.

Easily found Danielle and gang. I was the slowest of the six so they had to wait for me join them, thanks guys. We all had good races. Drive back to western burbs was full of race talk and where to go for breakfast. Hmmm those pancakes and coffee hit the spot.

Soldier Field 10 is a great event. Everything from race sign up to packet pick up to race day organization to the shirts, medals and blankets. Kudos to Fleet Feet.

A big thanks to Clif Bar for my race number and being a race sponsor.
Another big thanks to Danielle for driving us all to the race.

I'll be back but first I have to run some trails just like my blog name.

A Badwater Unsupported Solo

2011-05-23T18:55:00.006-05:00

No not by me but by a friend of mine, read on.

Lisa and crew at Badwater Basin before 2007 race (photo by Ian Stevens)

You all know how much I like the Badwater ultramarathon. I've followed the race for years. First was just reading about it then along came the DVD "Running on the Sun" and then friends doing the race and yet more reading and checking results. Finally in 2007 my dream of being part of the race came true when my friend Scott from Downers Grove asked me to be on his crew team. The race blew my mind, unless it was the 125 degree July heat, maybe both. I had an amazing time at that race. In 2008 with no one friends to crew I found an Aussie, Kelvin needing a USA based crew so along with my friend Steve I crewed Badwater again. Kelvin then did the race again in 2009 so I crewed again. Sadly I could not attend in 2010 but followed the race on line and played all my DVDs (five in total), watched You Tube clips etc and even planned a noon time run at Springbrook with Cat.

One of my good friends is Lisa Bliss an ultrarunner from the Midwest currently living in Washington State. Lisa has been the Badwater head MD for years. Lisa as ran the race twice including in 2007 when she won. This year Lisa has decided to do a solo unsupported run from Badwater (282 feet below sea level) to the top of Mt Whitney (highest point in lower 48) in July. The race finishes at the Whitney portal trail head at nearly 9000 feet and after 135 miles. Lisa is going to around 14500 feet and 146 miles. (Race finishes lower due to current government rules). By solo unsupported she will have no support or crew, has to carry all her supplies (food, water, ice etc) in a cart that she'll need to pull or push and accept no help from anyone. Her boyfriend, Tim will be in the Valley for security and safety but that is it.

Here is Lisa's blog report:
http://lisabliss.blogspot.com/2011/05/so-back-to-that-looming-question.html

This will be one long hard run. Even before Lisa gets to Mt Whitney at mile 122 there is miles of straight never ending roads, two mountain passes both around 5,000 feet with long climbs and descents, heat, wind, traffic and did I mention no restocking. Then the climb up Mt Whitney begins. First it is a steady doable uphill until you hit the switchbacks when the grade gets steeper. Then the paved road runs out and Lisa will have to hike 11 miles up steep switchbacks with some sheer drops in possible unpredictable weather than can include wind, rain, ice, lightening, snow - yes in July. Mt Whitney creates its own weather.

If anyone can do it Lisa can. To the best of my knowledge (and what Lisa writes) only one person has ever done a solo unsupported run. Some others have tried but Marshall Ulrich is the only success. Lisa can be number two. www.badwater.com/stories/1999/99ulrichsolo.html

This July will be a busy month for me, first following the Badwater race then following any reports that might come through on my friend Lisa.

If any one can Lisa can.

10 days to go

2011-05-18T22:50:00.003-05:00

I am less than 10 days away from my next race and only my second road/paved race in around 4 or 5 years. Looking forward to doing the Soldier Field 10. The race numbers and starting corrals where emailed to the near 15000 runners on Monday night. Packet pickup is next week at Fleet Feet store in Lincoln Park then race day is May 28th at 7.30am.

Although I am excited to do this race not looking forward to the numbers running but I'll just go out and enjoy myself, not everyday or even every month I get to run on the Chicago lakefront these days.

www.soldierfield10.com

Sad News

2011-05-15T21:38:00.002-05:00

Media are reporting that Sammy Wanjiru has died from a fall (or jump) off a balcony at his home
http://racingnews.runnersworld.com/2011/05/sammy-wanjiru-dead-at-age-24.html

In 2009 I had the honour of picking Sammy and Richard Limo up at the O'Hare airport and driving them into Chicago for the marathon. I got to spend 2 hours with them, more with Sammy as we had to wait for Richard to get through customs and immigration. Race day Sammy broke the Chicago and North American marathon time by 1 second, worth $100,000. Both guys were so nice. I am in shock

Here's my report from 2009
http://denalifc.blogspot.com/2009/10/driving-olympic-gold-medalist.html

Soldier Field 10 - signed up

2011-04-27T20:48:00.009-05:00

http://www.soldierfield10.com/

I signed up for Fleet Feet's Soldier Field 10 mile scheduled for May 28th.

After running 9.7 miles on the roads and bike paths of the Chicago lakefront the race enters and finishes on the half way line inside Soldier Field. Most people know this venue as home to the Chicago Bears. I've only seen one Bears game but spent six years watching MLS' Chicago Fire play at Soldier Field along with many an international game and friendlies. Now you see why I say half way and not 50 yards.

I am looking forward to this race. I've always wanted to do it but never been able to. Life gets in the way at times. Last year I was at the event working the Clif Bar booth handling out Clif products and samples. I had a blast walking around the expo area before the race with a messenger bag stuffed full of Clif Shots gels and Clif Shot Bloks handing them out to many a smiling face. During the race I ducked into Soldier Field and saw runners crossing the halfway line. That was neat. Clif Bar will be back at the race as a major sponsor this year and although I'll not be working the booth or the messenger bag this year I guess I am running with Team Clif Bar. I won't be the fastest and likely closer to the back of the back (more running time for the entry I say) I am going to enjoy the race and all the Chicago Lakefront as to offer.

I don't do many races. Last year I did 7 varying in length from 5k to 50k plus an orienteering race. All these races were on trails, either dirt or limestone. In 2009 I did four races and three were on trails. I like trails, a lot as my blog title says. Therefore my last race on the black top was 18 months ago while doing the 4 mile http://www.wozhawarun.com/ in Wisconsin Dells. Sure I do some training on the roads but prefer to hit the dirt or limestone. I'll have to do a few long runs on the roads in next few weeks. I've run up to 12 miles this year (my first ultra is not till the summer so not rushing the build up) but that was on trails. I should be fine but I bet I'll be more sore from this road race than any recent trail race.

I can't wait

Legal stuff: Fleet Feet Soldier Field 10 logo owned by Fleet Feet Chicago. Clif Bar logo owned/trademarked by Clif Bar

A Badwater Solo

2011-02-21T13:28:00.006-06:00

Photo supplied by Steve O

Update: Steve has decided not to do his planned solo run this year. Hopefully it'll be on next year or the year after. Whenever Steve is ready to run myself and his fellow crew will be there to guide him across the desert and blacktop.

This past weekend Adventure Corp sent emails out to the 100 or so accepted applicants for the 2011 Badwater Ultramarathon. As previous readers (think there are some) know this is one of my favourite events. It is not something I could ever run. 135 miles through Death Valley in July with temperature around 125 but I've crewed there 3 times and love it.

My good buddy Steve has crewed those 3 times with me plus he has a 4th crew time. Steve has covered many miles pacing our runners at Badwater including topping 50 miles one year. He is a little energizer bulldog that can just keep going and going. Steve could easily finish the full 135 mile crossing but the race application calls for a minimum three 100 mile ultra finishes. Steve has two successful finishes at Arizona's Javelina 100. At a minimum he would need another, then maybe more. Steve just wants do a crossing so in the tradition and spirit of how the race got it's start he has decided to do a solo crossing along the race route this July.

I hope to be there to crew him. I love Death Valley. I love the idea of running from the lowest to the highest points in the lower 48 of America. I could never do it but I can be there to make that dream come true for my buddy.

Good luck Steve and let's get the planning started my friend

Frozen Zucchini

2011-01-30T19:44:00.007-06:00

After a few fun hours on snowy trails on Saturday what better than going to a snow shoe race on Sunday. Barrington IL was holding the Frozen Zucchini Snow Shoe 5k race and I had some friends entered. What better than cheering on Cathie, Tom and Kim.

http://frozenzucchini.wordpress.com/

I've seen people snow shoeing before but never racing. This race was a sell out with 160 people and a kids race. Erehwon Outfitters had a small supply of rental shoes. They also supplied some great items in the racers goody bag. The goody bag was enough for me wishing I had signed up. The T shirt was a great long sleeve cotton with the clever race logo on the front. In the bag was a pair of merino wool socks, a water bottle, pair of winter gloves, some good healthy snack items, a small novelty compass (which actually appears to work), some hand lotion and other assorted times. I believe the sign up cost was only $25. The goody bag was worth that alone. The race also had some good post race snacks, coffee and hot chocolate then an award party at a near by bar with pizza and beer.

The 5k course was two loops of a city park which from the start line area appeared to have a few hills and likely an extension of the hills we passed on the drive in. The racers lined up almost cross country run style and where off. Snow was flying every where and the lead guys were flying right from the start. We watched them shoe around a baseball field pass the soccer fields then out into some park fields along the snow covered grass trails that from the course map are part of the park system. It didn't take the leaders long to get back to the start/finish at 1.55 miles and head out on their second loop. I was surprised how fast some folks were moving. I missed the winner returning to finish the race as I had crossed the soccer fields to get some photos across the park. Got back in time to see Kim finish her race and still smiling. Kim did great and was close to the top of her age group. Cathie and Tom raced together and they put the fun in fun by enjoying their race and not worrying about the time, more trail time for their money I say.

Everyone at this race was so friendly from the race staff, the announcer, the volunteers, the timing crew, the cheering fans and the big Frozen Zucchini. After the race most folks headed into downtown Barrington for pizza and beer at a cool bar.

Kudos to the race organizers for a race well put on. I think next year they can hopefully increase the numbers allowed. I think I'll be there.

Kim before the start

Cathie and Tom finishing

Windburn Six (or Three)

2011-01-29T22:41:00.003-06:00

Windburn Six 2011 Champs, Jim and Jennifer. Photo by Kelly Gaines

Windburn Six is a six hour run held in a local park on a 2.28 mile loop. Run as many miles in six hours. Winner is the one with most miles.

Today the trails were covered in snow, around five inches worth. The wind was lightly blowing at the start and the temperature around 28F. And this was tons better than 2010 when we had a foot of snow, wind, cold and 5F. A few guys ran in shorts but they move so fast and are quicker than the wind.

I wanted to run more miles than I did at Windburn 2010. I had a thought of running a minimum of 16 miles (more than twice 2010) but in the end my schedule called for only 3 hours running and then drive home. The first loop was tough as the trail had not packed down. I mixed in run and walk on this loop but the goal was not to be lapped right away. Most of this loop was spent snow trekking with Anastasia. She finished the Javelina 100 and in three weeks is heading south for Ironhorse 100. As we approached the start/finish line I heard a call come up that the leader, Mr Jim O'Brien was coming in behind us. I've never sprinted so fast, as least not in last 10 years and succeeded in nipping Jim to the score sheet. Of course he had now done two laps to my one. Went out on another loop with Anastasia and by the time we hit the back half a nice packed down trail was found. So we got some good running in.

Short break and some Gatorade back at SF. Emptied the limestone out of my shoes; OK who gets limestone bits in their shoes when the trails are covered in snow, only me. After one final big loop, headed out with Kelly for a short loop then another short loop this time with "King of the Road" Juli.

Fun times. I was sad to leave early but as they say I'll be back

Jim went onto win the men's division and Jennifer A won for the ladies. That's them at the top with their new BFF "James The Turtle".

Thanks Brian and CHUGs for another fun day out.

Me at Windburn Six. Photo by Kelly Gaines

Winter running

2011-01-20T18:47:00.002-06:00

Enough Said :-)

Think I won a race..........

2011-01-12T21:50:00.004-06:00

Back in August (31st to be precise) I did a 13.1 mile training run on the Oak Brook half marathon course. Being the set up guy for the Labour Day race I can't run the actual race so had decided to run it 6 days before giving me time to check out the course for "issues". As the start/finish and miles were marked ready for race morning it was like running the race.

After I ran I emailed the RD, a friend of mine, and gave him a “race report”. I told him when I got to the race site there was no start line set up, no aid stations on the course, no police controls, no cheering crowds, then at the finish line no medal for my race finish and oh I think I won. Well Mr. RD saved that email.

Today I meet Tom for coffee and to discuss some 2011 events and he presented me with the award at the top. LOL

2011-01-01T00:09:00.005-06:00

2010 has come to an end and overall it was a good year in running for me and this blog is all about running so this is what this article is all about.

Coming out of 2009 I logged a low 575 miles and run some races up to half marathon distance.

The Chicago Ultrarunner Group (CHUGs) had been formed at the start of 2009 and I was proud to become a member and meet many new friends.

In 2010 the CHUGs went from strength to strength under the leadership of Torey Jones and Brian Gaines. Those two and the rest of the CHUGs were a massive inspiration to me. Without them I am not sure I’d have hit most my goals in 2010.

I didn’t really set any goals in stone actually and if I didn’t make them it didn’t really matter but in an earlier blog report I had listed the following: Run a marathon, run a 50k, run a 50 mile, doing some biking, break 1000 miles running. I also have to add try something new.

I had not run a marathon or a 50k in over ten years. Never done 50 miles. My brand new mountain bike is seven years old and has 500 meters on it. My year older road bike as maybe 90 miles on it. Both have more dust on them than miles or me. In 2009 I ran, as mentioned, 575 miles.

Happy to report that of those five plus one goals I hit all but two.

In May I ran the Des Plaines River Trail marathon. I was slow, very slow but I placed top 40. Well 37th overall, hmmm out of 38 finishers. http://desplainesrivertrailraces.com/

In September I ran the Rock Cut HOBO 50. I was slow, very slow but I finished. I was a few time zones behind most people but it was great to be back in ultraland. I wrote a report on the race. http://denalifc.blogspot.com/2010/09/rock-cut-hobo-50k.html

Sadly I never got to run a 50 miler. Guess that is one of my top running goals for 2011.

Sadly, also the bikes stayed locked up and gathering dust. My total bike miles was 11 miles as I was asked to do lead bike at the North Shore 5k race last June. I used a borrowed bike and although 5k is only 3.1 miles I prerode the course so I’d lead the runners the right way. Took out some course marshals then rode back to the start then biked to an important intersection where the 5k and half marathon went different ways. I wished my biking in Highland Park had got me to get the duster out. 2011.

Miles ran in 2009 was low, 575 miles. I knew I could top that and hoped for 1000. 1101.1 miles was hit.

And for something new. Nothing was planned but in August and September I took a six week introductory yoga course at a nearby studio. I can’t speak enough about how much I enjoyed the course and its benefits to running. Sadly I have not done any yoga since but that has to change in 2011.

The other something new was trying an orienteering meet and I am hooked. It combines my love off trail running with a treasure hunt and using ones brain. I’ll be back. Thanks Deanna.

In 2010 I did 7 races: CHUGs Windburn Six, Des Plaines River Trail marathon, CHUGs Sunburn Six, WORS Trail 5k, Naperville Trail half marathon, Rock Cut HOBO 50k and CAOC Palos Orienteering meet.

My favourite race. Tough decision. DPRT marathon meant a lot as it was me getting back to distance. Sunburn Six I hit my goal on the hottest day of the year. WORS 5k was run on mountain bike trails near Milwaukee and as to be the hardest 5k I’ve done.

But title for my favourite race of 2010 goes to the Rock Cut HOBO 50k.
Rock Cut is a state park near Rockford. The race is all trails besides half a mile paved at the very start. The rest is a nice mix of cross country, horse, hiking, mountain bike trails, a few river and creek crossings, some nice climbs and lots of CHUGs. As it is a two loop course with the second loop done in reverse I got to see lots of friends and the CHUGs had a large number of runners and many of them placed in the top ten including the female champ Sarah Jurgaitis. I had done the 25k twice before but never the full HOBO. Yes this was a goal race for me and no way was I not going to finish even if it took me forever, I had to get the finishers T shirt. Besides the course and great volunteers the best part of this race was the welcome I got at the finish. Waiting for me were CHUGs Kelly, Brian, Paige, Geof and Deanna plus Rockford runners Norm and Joyce and of course Larry the RD.

That welcome from the CHUGs meant the word to me. They are what have inspired me in the past 18 months and especially in 2010. Those guys rock. Thank you CHUGs, everyone of you.

So where will 2011 take me running wise. Not sure. I’ll have some goals but they are not set in stone. Hopefully a first 50 miler. Hopefully a few marathons and 50ks. Hopefully a duathlon. Hopefully some road and mountain biking. Hopefully an average of 100 miles ran each month.

Races I’d like to do to include Dances with Dirt 50k at Devil’s Lake, Des Plaines River Trail 50 mile, Fox Valley marathon or HOBO 50k, a spring marathon or 50k, Muncie Powerman Duathlon, four or five orienteering meets and Sunburn 6 or 12. I also hope to crew at Badwater, race or solo.

Thanks for reading and being there with me in 2010. Again CHUGs rock. Thank you friends.

O

2010-11-14T16:11:00.005-06:00

http://www.chicago-orienteering.org/

Have you ever been curious about something so you read about it, bookmark websites and even go and check it out? That is how I have been with the sport of Orienteering. I get curious about most sports that have running in them. With my love of trail running orienteering seemed a natural sport to do.

I picked up a book at a book sale for 25 cents a few year back. Admittedly I have only skimmed the pages rather than reading it. I've had the local Chicago area club's website bookmarked and even printed off the event schedules last two years. In 2009 I was running the trail in a DuPage Forest Preserve and an O was being staged. I stood around near the start/finish area watching and was intrigued. Runners would register, receive a map, study the map and then head off into the woods. There was all types; young-old, fit-not so fit, fast-slow. I wasn't carrying any cash so could not sign up and join in the fun.

Almost 18 months later I found myself on the starting line at a Chicago O in Palos. Fellow CHUG Deanna had signed up for the event and formed a team of four people. Deanna is a multi-silent queen. You can find her doing triathlons, mountain biking, road biking, road running, trail running, distances from 5k to 50 mile, adventure racing and even a number of O. I was just happy to be part of the adventure. Joining us was Sarah who did her first O the week before and Ben who like me was a newbie. Unlike me Ben and Sarah win ultra races and Deanna finishes 50ks a few time zones ahead of me. Could I keep up or would I get left behind and lost on some unknown Palos Swallow Cliffs trails.

I say unknown trails even though I run at Swallow Cliffs a lot I stick to the map limestone yellow trail as a rule. The yellow trail forms a 8.5 mile oval loop around the forest but there are many dirt trails leading off the main trail. None of these are open to bikes or horses and so are not marked on the forest preserve maps but they can be found on the O maps.

After checking in and picking up our maps we attended the beginner clinic that is available to all that would like to attend. A lot of what was said didn't make sense but with Deanna helping explain to her team we figured we would be OK. Sarah was given task of being keeper of our electronic e-punch. At each control there is an electronic "box" to "punch". We would have to move from control to control and attempt to "clear" all ten on the orange course. The orange course is classified as intermediate; they recommend you start on white or yellow. Deanna figured we was all experience trail runners so could handle it.

We check the map and head of down a single track trail that in the summer as to be impassable due to overgrowth. This joined up with the yellow trail after a short distance but the control which is close is across a minor bushwhack next to a marsh. We find it, punch the e-punch and head back to the yellow trail. Control two looks easy to find on the map and was relatively so.

Control 3 would be the fun one. Checking the map we had a ravine or two in front off us to cross. There are trails that skirt around the trails for many extra miles but we decided to be adventurous and head down and up the ravine. It was tough going with fallen leaves filling the gully's we transversed down and then a steep climb up the other side sometimes on all fours. The other side we joined a single track trail and headed towards the control. We spotted it on the other side of another ravine with steep climb down and up. Ben and Sarah went for it as we then had to remain on the trail side for the next control. They made it look easy and made the control quickly but it was the wrong control. We was in the wrong place. Once back together on the trail side we realized when we had exited the originally ravine too soon and should have hiked more northwards then turned west before climbing. Quickest way to get back on track was across the ravine. Ben, Sarah and Deanna went for it. Using my first piece of map reading I decided to run the trail that looped around to the west then east and I soon caught them just as they reached the correct control. This too was up a big hill with the exit back to the trail on top of the hill so we climbed up punched number 3. That was definitely our longest time before controls but we were not the only team to suffer on number three.

To reach number 4 Deanna used her great compass skills and got us there via the woods. I was impressed. The next few controls came fairly each to find with some good group map reading. As newbies were starting to pick up how to do this sport and at the same time we was enjoying this new sport. Most the latter controls seemed to be close to trails which at times we followed or would cut across the landscape using the map feature. Guessing after number 3 the rest seemed very easy and it wasn't until we got to number 10 that we almost got lost by missing a trail head. Looking at the map now I think we might have circled around the marsh edge and found the control but we got it quick and then headed for home. Punch out and collected our time print off.

It was slow and I am not sure the published results are correct but we all had fun and thanks to the team doing it has a hike I kept up with Team CHUG. I think orienteering would make great events for training for some of the tougher ultras including McNaughton (IL), Clinton Lake and Dances with Dirt not so much with the map reading but due to training on the hilly ravines type trails with lots of up and downs. Wonder how Barkley is!!!

The Chicago Orienteering club has one more club event in December. That one is a slightly different format but I might decided to have a go at it. In 2011 I intend to do many more of these Os. I'd like to do some solo ones but also want to do another with Team CHUG.

Thanks Deanna for the idea and running with it. I had a great time in the woods with you. Thanks to Ben and Sarah for letting me hanging with you champions. Good times

Update

2010-11-08T22:49:00.003-06:00

Finally completed another goal. 1000 miles plus for the year and still 7 plus weeks to go.

Took me 12 extra days as two weeks ago I injured my back right in the spot that sent me to ER 4 years ago. All feels better now and back to running.

Going to see how this week goes and might attempt to hit 31 miles on Saturday spread over 3 runs, one morning, one afternoon and then a night run. On Sunday I am signed up with a CHUG team to do an orienteering race. Never done an O so this will be interesting especially as the team captain has done a number and signed us up for immediate level. Hope I don;t get lost while bushwhacking around Swallow Cliffs trails in Palos

18 miles to go

2010-10-20T20:34:00.004-05:00

I set some goals this year and getting close to completing some of them.
Some of course are still gathering dust

With 2.5 months still go this year currently I stand at:

1/. Run a marathon after 10 year break. Done in May, even if really slow
2/. Run a 50k after 10 year break. Done in September, even if really slow
3/. Run a 50 mile. This would be a first. It can wait to 2011
4/. Remove the dust of my unused Gary Fisher mountain bike. It's still dusty. I want to ride
5/. Run a 1000 miles by year end. 2009 total was 547 miles. Well 18 miles to go to 1000 miles and still over two months left on the year.

Three out of five with time still remaining is not bad. Maybe I have time to add number 4?

And if it snows enough maybe I'll try my hand (or feet at XC ski or snowshoeing - REI rents)

Six weeks of Yoga Fundamentals

2010-09-22T13:29:00.008-05:00

Never tried yoga before but decided to give it a go. Local yoga studio offers a six week fundamentals (beginners) workshop. Did some research and they came recommended. I had a blast and would recommend yoga to all and especially runners. First four weeks we learned the asana (poses) of Hatha Yoga. Each week would start with a recap and then move to new poses. Week five we put it all together in a teaching set up plus a few more poses. Week six was done like a "real" level one class.

Two days before the last class I had ran the Rock Cut HOBO 50k. Thought I'd have an issue doing this last class but in fact it stretched out the tad achy sore legs and I felt great. In the six weeks I learned so much and did so much, what an adventure of discovery. I have a lot still to learn and likely messed up some poses even after six weeks but Claudine is an awesome yoga teacher and with helper Karen guided us and reset us.

I intend to redo the fundamentals calls again as I am not quite ready for a regular level one class and again I'd recommend yoga to all runners

http://www.livingyogaaurora.com/

Photo above taken at the last class ("borrowed" from Living Yoga Facebook page)

Rock Cut HOBO 50k

2010-09-19T22:18:00.007-05:00

Mile 6 (photo by Brian Gaines)

Rock Cut HOBO 50k slow finish (photo by Brian Gaines)

Mile 30.5 at Rock Cut HOBO 50k (photo courtesy of Heidi Carpenter)

Ten years ago was my last ultra run. I've only done one marathon in that time, back in May of this year. I've ran Rock Cut HOBO 25k twice but never the Full HOBO. Now it was time to return to Ultraland, a land I have made many GREAT friends in.

I left home early and drove to Rockford in the dark arriving in time to see day light breaking. I was one of the first to arrive but packet pick up was still being set up so I sat in the car, eyes closed just relaxing. Around 7am I wandered over to the pavilion and there was my friend from the Coyotes Christina. She helped get my goodie bag with HOBO socks ready. The T shirt for this race is given at the finish line - you have to "earn" it. As I wandered back to the car more folks were pulling in including all my CHUG and MUDD buddies, too many to name. Yes the CHUGS and MUDD Runners had come to Coyote land to have some fun on their trails.

A ten minute down pour had runners and crew diving into cars and fearing the worse but thankfully it let up and no more rain occurred all race, whew.

Just before 8am we ambled down the road to the start. Not sure if Larry the RD said any words as I was near the back. First half mile or so was on the road that would lead to the first trail head. This road also included the first hill but then again Larry is a mountain biker and all MTB races seem to start up hill. I started off with my friend Kelly expecting to stay with her for a mile or two. Well we ran six miles together before we hit the first section of awesome singletrack and Kelly was off just bouncing down the trail leaving me in the dust. Soon I hit the second aid station and was greeted by Brian, Paige and Geof. Kelly was already a minute up on me and I knew then I'd not see her again until the turn around. Brian kindly took my jacket from me that I had started in and they chased me out of the AS.

The HOBO course takes us around the whole of Rock Cut State Park using most of the trails including the mountain bike, horse and hiking sections. Some of the best singletrack was actually found in the horse section but bikes are not allowed. Much of the course was wider dirt trails with some nice hills in odd spots but there was the normal mix of trail with roots, rocks and erosion plus a small creek and a wider river to get the feet wet in. Those water crossings I just plowed right through.

The course is also a two looper with the second loop being ran in reverse, sort of an out n back loop course. I hit the turn around and 25k point in a HOBO 25k PR, still slow but I was happy. Sadly it meant my return leg would be a lot slower but I didn't mind as long as I felt good and strong and more so was enjoying myself out on the trails. This turnaround aid station you kind of hit 3 times due to course configuration. First time through Brian, Paige and Geof greeted me and Heidi's husband was relaxing in his car, second time Brian and Hugh was there, and the third time Kat Yarger who was doing the course sweep was there. It was during my second time at the aid station and the official turnaround that I took my first cup of coke. This really kicked in and become my craving drink down the trail.

I left the turn around aid station the third time at mile 19 or thereabouts and decided that although I'd love to run with Kat I hoped not to see her. Around mile 21 Norm Yarger (Kat's father), a guy named Paul and Varsha caught up to me, we chatted for a little while then after the next aid station they all left me in more dust. Still the miles and the aid stations just seemed to fly by. I took a few breaks to rest on a couple park benches but also used these times to refuel on S! Caps and gels. The fourth aid station from the end included a climb down and up a big wooden staircase (we had used this on the out section). Told the AS captain the first time I had done the 25k these stairs did not exist and we had to somehow get down this big steep hill. He told me he used to sled down the hill but his kids never believed him. This aid station had coke, two cups later I was on my way back to the big wide river crossing. Wet and so cooling to my feet. Again the miles just went by. I was slow but felt strong. More coke and more miles.

Around 1.5 miles to the end I actually was doing much more running than walking. The trail ran near the tollway but I was not seeing any course markings or flags. I was worried I was off course but kept thinking there was no turns or intersection since the last one; had a turn marker been moved. After what seemed like eons I final saw the orange arrow pie plate and made the turn bringing me to a short section of road before turning left to view some tunnels under the tollway in front of me. After a small trail I climbed down the drop off into the water that was flowing from one lake to another and started the trek through the metal tunnel you see in the photo above. It was impossible to run through here and looking down meet darkness so I just kept my sights on the "light at the end of the tunnel". It wasn't to bad. That quickly changed on exiting and being confronted by a marshy muddy trail with some ditches and shoe sucking mud. This was gory. Trying to be smart I decided to jump one of the ditches but after 30.75 miles it was not smart as I missed my jump and down I went. Mud splashed up even hitting my face and cap, gross. Picked myself up and headed up a steep climb to lakeside then onto the grass hill that lead the last 400 meters to the finish. I saw people at the finish line, they spotted me and started cheering and shouting. It was CHUGs Kelly, Brian, Paige, Geof and Deanna plus Norm Yarger and RD Larry. WOW they had waitied for slow poke me, what a welcome. I crossed the finish line, think it was still Sunday. Larry produced the finishers Rock Cut HOBO shirt for me. Nice.

What a blast. I was slow, very slow but felt great and strong most the way. Maybe one day the speed off old well return but all I wanted was my finish and I got it and my friends were there to cheer me on and in. A big thanks to Larry the RD, RRR, Coyotes, MUDD and most off all every CHUG - those at Rock Cut and even those not there. Without the CHUGs I am not sure I'd be back in Ultra land. You guys rock. Thank you thank you :-)

Naperville Trail Half Marathon

2010-09-12T21:47:00.004-05:00

Fun but not easy race. Living in the city that supplies the race name this was a must do for me. The trails they were using are the DuPage Forest Preserve Danada and Herrick Preserves. I run these trails at least once a month so familiar with the layout and the hills. Or so I thought.

Race started on the horse training track near the DPFP HQ building in Danada. Starting in 3 waves with 30 second breaks I started in the last wave and near the back. Race had around 600 people but I did not feel the start and the first turn onto the narrower trail was congested. First 3 miles we headed east towards the equestrian center and out into the Danada trails that head to Butterfield Rd. This is where we would encounter the biggest hill on the course but not the only hill. First was a 1.5 mile leg to the turn around and the on the return the hill appeared. Having ran this a few times I knew I could run non stop and that was achieved. Back to the start area with lots of people watching their runners and then we headed towards Herrick Preserve about a mile away. This trail had lots of vegetation in a vivid yellow colour. Then we hit the two mile Green Heron loop which we would do twice. Here the hills were shaded. I was carrying a handheld water bottle for the race and filled it up at the aid station twice on this loop. Emerging from Green Heron we headed west towards the main Herrick parking area but then turned on to the mile long Meadowlark trail. This has some rolling hills but shaded trails. This section runs next to the Arrowhead Golf Course. Then along the regional trail which is mainly down hill or flat for another journey along Green Heron. About half way along Green Heron I see my friend Kevin biking towards me. He told me he might come out to run some of the trails and cheer the runners on but Kevin locked his bike up and ran with me for around 2 miles. I am sure Kevin has never ran so slow in his life but it was great having some company and chatting with him. At the turn off for the trail that headed to the finish Kevin ran back to his bike and challenged me to get to the finish first. Kevin is a fast runner so I had my work cut out. Add to that and I need to mention the weather was getting hotter and so was I. Well final I see mile 13 in front of me but hear shouting from behind, it's Kevin. Oh so close but I made the turn back onto the horse track and sprinted, for me, towards the finish. I felt strong and hopefully it appeared that way to everyone cheering me in. Under the banner, rip of the bib pull tag and collect a finishers medal. I was done. I had aimed for 3 hours as it was a supported training run for me. Finished in 2:49. OK so that is not fast but I was happy with it and can say I did the first Naperville Trail Half Marathon.

Big thanks to Peter the RD for putting on the race, nice job and to the great folks at the DuPage Forest Preserve and of course all the volunteers. I'll be back

Note: One thing a few runners were heard saying was there should have been more water stations. Tad hard to do on this course. All the aid stations are set up near road or parking access. DPFP allows NO motorized vehicles besides their own on the trails. This would mean lugging by hand or pull cart supplies. I set up the Oak Brook half marathon course last weekend and for Fullersburg had to load the cones and signs into a child's red wagon and pull it around the 2 miles I had to set up. Not easy. The race info and map clearly mentioned where the aid stations where. I carried my UD handheld water bottle with me and filled it up twice. Many folks wore fuel belts or other hydration systems. They came prepared.

I do wonder if it is possible to start the race a little earlier though.

I would also like to see runners think where they drop their drink cups and gel wraps. For the one gel I used the wrap came home with me.

WORS trail race

2010-08-29T19:11:00.007-05:00

Sunday August 29th was likely the hardest most grueling short race I've done, but it also felt great and I had a fun time out there.

Every year I take in a mountain bike race. Nothing like watching folks powering 2 wheel machines on a grueling trail of hills, single track, roots and rocks. This year I ventured up to the Milwaukee area to witness the WORS race at the Crystal Ridge county park in Franklin WI.

WORS is a series of races all across Wisconsin and is apparently the largest MTB series in the country. Some of the WORS races including trail run races which kick off the days events and Crystal Ridge was one to host a trail race.

I drove up early and volunteered at runner registration and packet pick up. First person to sign up day off was, me. There was around 30 pre-signed up and a handful signed up race morning for either the 5k or 10k. Bill Stiles who had worked at KM100 Gorski aid station was there to run the 10k, nice to see a familiar face. I elected to do the 5k as I didn't want the first of the mountain bikers to be biting my heels even though they started an hour after the trail runs started. Bill went on to place second in his age group.

The start line was near the bottom of a big hill. The 10k was due to go first then 5 minutes later the 5k. Lynn the RD described the 10k course to those at the start line then they were gone, down the hill and disappearing into the woods for whatever waited for them. Us in the 5k got a similar course talk. Lynn sounded the horn and we charged down the bottom of the hill across a dirt service road and plunged into the single track. Course marshal shouted watch for low tree. First part of the course was twisty, up and down track with trees on both sides. Once we left the woods we hit a service road and started a climb up the same hill we started on but along a different track via some switchbacks. I passed a few runners on this tough section. A water stop was on top of our summit. We then descended back down a short section of singletrack and into want would be an out n back flat gravel road section that was exposed to the sun right as temperatures were climbing. Soon it was back into a wooded area and more singletrack. This track was a little bit more runnable but still twisty and up and down. Back to the exposed flatter section which off course lead us along more of the big hill, more single track and then finally we hit the straight to the finish but off course the finish was not the start and was infact on top off the hill. It was a tough climb up but I made it. My time was not fast but I was pleased with it given the grueling course, terrain and heat and humidty. I also was not last.

WORS Trail Running put on an awesome event and I honestly hope they can grow the series in both races and people attending. A BIG thanks to Lynn and her crew plus Don at WORS.

I'll be back. Thanks

Sunburn Six Ver 2.0

2010-07-17T20:04:00.003-05:00

For a race with Sunburn in the title your know what to expect. Well last year's event turned out to be 70 degrees with clouds, windy and some drizzle. Last year's conditions likely lead to close to 70 folks to sign up for the 2nd annual CHUG Sunburn Six in the Stix, a six hour non event held in a state park in Bartlett IL.

I'd kept an eye on the weather forecast for race day. All week they had been calling for sunny skies and highs around 90+ and race day that came true. The humidity also kicked in a little but the Chicago area can be worse.

Steve Richey picked me up at 6am along with his friend Danielle Steimel, a local runner who runs with Steve. Steve's car was packed with ice coolers filled with bags of ice and tons of drinks. I brought along a small sports bag with a small cooler inside with two 20oz water bottles and one for energy drinks. Luckily I knew the park had a water pump with decent tasting water and the awesome race director had supplied some more coolers with tons of ice. Plenty for all so cold drinks were readily there and boy they were needed.

We made good time getting to the park arriving third I recall. It wasn't long before the car park was packed. Brian had reserved the picnic pavilion which by the 7.30am start time was packed with coolers, water containers and crew people. This parks also has flush bathrooms, a a rarity at events - most ultra runners know a bathroom is behind every tree. This park has no trees, at least not on the 2.28 mile trail loop!!

I decided to wear my long sleeve Patagonia Badwater technical shirt that I picked up when crewing Badwater in 2008. I also picked my lightest Brooks shorts to wear, CHUG running cap, road shoes and my trusty awesome Drymax socks - Drymax make the best running socks hands down, hmmm feet down?

As the temperature rose we lined up at the start line, a card table with a large sheet of paper to record loops done (all on the honour system). As normal I lined up at the back to do my normal start, slow and taper off. Brian said GO and off we went. Not sure how many started but lots of no shows given the conditions. I set out with a goal in mind plus a back up goal

Goal A: 18 miles (combined total of SB6 2009 and WB6 2010)

Goal B: a half marathon

Goal C: One loop to not get a DNF

A sort of target was also to run one whole loop without taking a walking break and I was smart enough to decide this had to be done on loop one. That goal was completed. As the temperature rose and rose I went to a run/walk pattern plus one almost totally walked loop just because. Most of the loops I ran alone but would always see plenty of others on the trial normally passing me. Ran I think 3 loops with Kelly including 2 with Kelly and Dom and my second loop was with Deanna. I hit 11.5 miles in a fairly good time and took a 30 minute break to cool down in the shady pavilion. Then it was time to head back out into the heat hitting Goal B and then to take aim at Goal A. Near the end of the race folks switched to a half mile loop (within the rules). Too record a loop, either the full 2.28 or the 0.5 you had to complete it before the six hours was up or it didn't count. After 7 full loops I switched to the small loop and hit four of those and watched my Garmin roll over to 18 miles. Goal A was hit.

Matt Condron won the event with around 41 miles, 5 miles less than last year due to the brutal conditions. My friend Amanda got in 35 miles for the female win. When Brian posts full results I'll add a link and I'll "borrow" some photos from folks to add to the report.

This again was an awesome CHUG event. Brian has a knack for RDing. The CHUGs and friends, runners and crew help make this a special event and Mother Nature made sure the race title was just that; sunburn.

Badwater 2010

2010-07-11T19:52:00.003-05:00

Kelvin 2008 finish line photo with RD Chris Kostman (copyright Adventure Corps)

Tomorrow 12th of July begins the 2010 Badwater 135 mile ultramarathon in California's Death Valley. My friend Kelvin Marshall is one of the 90 selected athletes. Good luck Kelvin.

After crewing at Badwater for 3 years, 2007 for Scott Jacaway and 2008 and 2009 for Kelvin I sadly could not make the trip to Death Valley for this years race. I will miss it terribly

The race provides a "live" webcast. Due to the location it is not live like on TV but generally includes live updates as runners it the 5 or 6 checkpoints along the race and regular photo updates. www.badwater.com/2010web/index.php

Also competing in the race is Chicago's Adrian Belitu and Aurora (IL) Zach Gingerich.

Good luck to all runners, staff and crew including Kelvin's 2010 crew of Matt, Francine, Anna Maria and Denny. Stay cool guys.

Des Plaines River Trail Races - Marathon

2010-05-23T21:53:00.001-05:00

I finished. Yeah my first marathon in 10 years. Sure I was slow, very slow, very very slow. The 50 mile winner ran quicker but I finished and that was my goal.

I'll write more to this entry in the days ahead.

A Quote

2010-05-20T21:56:00.001-05:00

Think I'll remember this quote this weekend

"Your better than you think you are and can do more than you think you can" -
Ken Chlouber Leadville 100 RD (MTB and run)

Actually think I'll remember the quote even after this weekend

Des Plaines River Trail Races

2010-04-21T22:16:00.002-05:00

desplainesrivertrailraces.com

Saturday May 22nd 2010 50 miles, marathon, 1/2 marathon, relays

I just signed up for the marathon at this event. It will be my first marathon in 10 years. I know it'll be a PW time for me and I have 10 hours to finish thanks to the 50 miler. Maybe I'll pitch a tent at the far turnaround and take a nap like a friend once did during a 100 mile race.

Two of the RDs for this event are experienced ultra runners having completed 100 mile races, Marathon des Sables and even Badwater between them. They have also crewed at Badwater.

Ride George Ride

2010-04-15T15:09:00.006-05:00

Former Marine George Hood of Aurora IL is attempting to break the world record for time on a stationary bike. The current world record is 192 hours. The record before that off 177 hours and 45 minutes was set by George in 2008. George is aiming for 300 hours.

Funds raised will benefit United Way and Injured Marines.

The ride is taking place at Aurora Marketplace in Aurora IL on the Napervile border at 75th Street and Rt 59 in the former Steinmart store next to Sports Authority. If in the area stop in a and visit George. You can even jump on a bike and ride with him (waiver signing required).

The ride is going from April 11 to April 24th

I visited today and watched for a little while and spoke to some of his crew. He had been riding for over 88 hours at that time. And yes the rules allow breaks each hour (didn't ask what they are) but he has to maintain 12 mph while riding.

Run For Hope

2010-04-04T22:36:00.003-05:00

On April 19th Lisa Smith Batchen is setting out on a fundraising project to run 50 miles in 50 states over 62 days http://www.runhope.com/ Monies raised will be donated to orphan group at home and aboard (see under project link).

Although I've not yet meet Lisa I've chatted with her via email and Facebook plus I've seen her at the Badwater race a few times (including being in the next door hotel room in Lone Pine 2008). I can't wait to meet her on May 23rd when she comes to Chicago for the Illinois run. She is open to folks running with her and volunteering in other ways. The website has full details including varies links to sign up for volunteering/running. I'll have to volunteer as I'll be running a marathon day before.

Other city sites that might be off interest to my friends near them or local to Chicago (check web to confirm)

April 19 Trenton NJ (that is the first event - I don't know anyone there)

April 25 Freeport ME

May 21 (Fri) Des Moines IA (driving distance from Chicago)

May 23 (Sun) Chicago IL

May 24 (Mon) South Bend IN (almost a burb of Chicago)

May 26 (Wed) Grand Rapids MI (close enough)

May 28 (Fri) Green Bay WI

June 8 Phoenix (close to you Steve)

Jun 10 LA

June 19 Jackson Hole WY (Last day and one of my favourite places)

Chicago Lakefront 50k volunteering

2010-03-27T22:05:00.009-05:00

Photos taken by Adrian Belitu

In photo: Sarah, Karen, runner # 1022, Torey, Jennifer

(Ben and myself in the background)

Today I volunteered at the Chicago Lakefront 50k with a bunch of fellow CHUGs.

In 2000 I ran the very first Lakefront 50k in what is actually my last ultra and also my 50k PR. It was therefore great to be back there in 2010.

After catching an early Metra train in from Naperville then the CTA brown line El I walked from the station through my old neighbourhood where I had lived for 12 years to the lakefront and meet up with CHUGs Ben, Sarah, Tony and his son Nick. Two other volunteers from the Lincoln Park Pacers, Cathy and Colleen were also there. Jen, Torey, Jim and Adrian arrived later on. Fleet Feet manages the water aid stations at this race and their coordinator, Karen, was there to help.

As with most Lakefront 50ks the day was windy but the temperature was not too bad and when the sun came out it felt just right, at least for running. This race allows earlier starters but we only saw a few. Finally the lead guys came into view. Quick in and out with their bottles filled. More runners trickled in and then a big rush with all volunteers rushing to hand out cups of water and energy drinks. Then it slowed down for the back packers.

Lakefront 50k is three 10.33 mile loops. We was stationed at the far turn around so we saw them at miles 5, 15, 25 (approx). Most runners looked in good shape most the race. Few complained of soreness but after 25 miles it is to be expected but all turned around and headed for home. We only had two drop out but they were still smiling and basically was not their day.

Friends I saw running included Nikki, Steve R, Chelsey, Ed Kelly, Tom J, Larry, Beth, Aziz. Sorry if I missed a few names. Congrats to all that finished

Although out there for around 6 hours the time flew by. Sarah and Ben got their volunteer hours needed for Vermont 100. It was a good day for a good CHUG gathering. The CHUGs were out in force today as a large bunch more were down south at the Clinton Lake 30 running on a very hill course, another 3 loop race.

Race results will be or are here:
chicagoultra.org
chrisultra.blogspot.com

Is this right?

2010-02-19T22:19:00.002-06:00

I was just thinking about my run tomorrow and said oh it's only 4 or 5 miles.

Guess my running this year is coming along nicely.

And this is my first post on my blog for 2010. Where have I been?

Well this is a blog about my running that has been going very well in 2010. My mileage and the quality is up from last year and way ahead of last year. Not only is it way ahead but it is planned miles and not forced junk miles.

So 4 or 5 miles on Saturday then 13.1 miles on Sunday. Not sure where yet, depends on the weather. Love to hit the trails but if it snows the roads and pathways are like trails so either works for me. At this rate maybe I'll do a spring 50k or trail marathon.

BAM

Go! Get Outside 5k (or how to turn a 5k into a stage event)

2009-11-21T13:23:00.006-06:00

I was going to title this six hours for a 5k. Guess you'll see why

My friend Tom told me about this race last year. A 5k race on the limestone trails of DuPage Forest Preserves Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook IL. 2009 was it's second year. Tom's race, the Oak Brook half marathon, uses 3 miles off the trail including the hills so Tom helps them with this race. As I spend lots of time running and hiking the trails of various DuPage Forest Preserves I knew I wanted to do this race as the proceeds benefit kid's nature education the nature center provides.

After signing up I knew I might have to make an event out of the event and ended up walking a mile from home, taking the train to Hinsdale then walking another 2 miles to Fullersburg. Due to timing my journey to the Metra schedule I arrived at the race with a full hour to spare. Picked up my bib number and a nice hot chocolate colour long sleeve tech shirt which includes the logo at the top of this report (wished the logo had been a full size one not the smaller pocket location size but that is my only race improvement suggestion!!). Chatted with Tom a little then with a race volunteer named Bob who seems to help at races and walks every weekend and is a great volunteer.

It wassoon time to line up for the race. The start line was the edge of a wooden fence marked with a yellow ribbon. Around 120 people where in the race plus a few dogs. I lined up middle pack which was still close to front in a small crowd. Forest Preserve ranger said a few words and then the start gun was fired and we was off. Having run/hiked these preserve in the past I knew it would be scenic but if you run the same trails they can have a totally different look throughout the year as was the case with Fullersburg. The race ran along the limestone paths that paralleled the Salt Creek river on both sides using the preserve bridges to cross at each end of the course. I soon found myself maintaining a steady pace as the field spread out. At times people would pass me and I'd pass others including a bulldog. Around mile 1.5 we encountered a small hill which I ran up, no stopping - the summer hill repeats paying off. Just after mile 2 we past the Graue Mill Dam built in 1935, crossed the river via York Road and turn to pass Graue Mill/Museum built in 1852 (info from Fullersburg Historic Foundation flyer). Now we hit the only paved section of the course for about half a mile but still on the river bank. Back to limestone when a turn onto a trail covered with wood chip and the finish line was in sight. I crossed feeling strong with fairly even mile pace. My time was not fast but there was still plenty of folks behind me.

Hang around for the awards, some fast times then left for a 2 mile walk to the train i9which was 10 minutes late)

The DuPage Forest Preserve had put on a great little running event. This race has room to grow which the right marketing and earlier sign up announcements. The course is great, the T shirt was nice (although make the logo bigger), after race refreshments were just right and the awards was very good, not that I win awards.

Javelina 100

2009-11-07T12:52:00.004-06:00

Photo: Steve finishing JJ100 2009 with his wife Toni. In the background Mike Hanes, Steve Hanes and myself

Last year my good friend Steve set out to complete is first 100 mile race, the Javelina Jundred 100 in Phoenix AZ. The race is held on the full moon nearest (or on) Halloween encouraging the runners to get dressed in costume. That year Steve ran has Pancho Villa. Steve got to mile 92 before missing the cut off for the last loop by 14 minutes.

But Steve was back in 2009 with a mission to complete.

More to be added............

North Face

2009-10-25T22:36:00.004-05:00

I don't do many race. I do attend many races to work, volunteer or crew and sometimes pace but a large number of CHUGS www.chicagoultrarunners.com were attending the North Face Endurance Challenge and I wanted to be there. The North Face EC offers 4 distances: 50 mile, 50k, half marathon and 10k all on trails. There are four regional races in NY, WA, DC and WI plus the series championship race in CA. The WI was in my backyard being held at Ottawa Lake in Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine. While ago I had hoped to do the 50k but as the year went by that became the half marathon and closer to race day I knew it would be a slow half marathon. This actually played into my schedule well because the week after I was going to Phoenix to crew and pace my friend Steve for a loop at the Javelina 100 so time on my feet on trails would be good.

Going into race morning i also had another objective: to beat my friend Mary Gorski. Mary is a many time 100 miler finisher and Badwater vet plus also talented at triathlon, mountain climbing, cross country skiing and all around lovely person. Oh I should add Mary was the sweeper for the half so I had to stay ahead of her and the cut off.

More to come................

New Course Record

2009-10-12T22:34:00.006-05:00

Sammy won the 2009 Chicago Marathon in a new course record which was also the fastest time ever ran in north America. He beat Khalid's record by one second. That one second was worth $100,000 extra in prize money!!

My friend Kevin after volunteering as a course marshal headed to the finish line and snapped the great photo above of Sammy's finish (posted with permission)

Still can't believe I picked Sammy up from O'Hare only 3 days before his record run.

Driving an Olympic Gold Medalist !!!

2009-10-08T22:00:00.008-05:00

Every year I volunteer as a Course Marshal Captain for the Chicago Marathon. I am doing that again this Sunday but I also offered to be an Elite Transportation driver for this year's race.

I was assigned to pick up two groups of runners from O'Hare, one group Wednesday evening and one group Thursday lunch time.

Wednesday was the Russian group including the 2008 female winner Lidiya Grigoryeva, another Russian athlete plus their agent, coach and family members. Well those pickup didn't go to plan as they where all on different flights much later that night. The only arrival was the coach so marathon HQ asked me to drive him into Chicago. He didn't speak a word of English and I know no Russia but he was a character for sure.

Thursday I was schedule to pick up some Kenyan runners. Sammy Wanjiru , Richard Limo and Patrick Ivuti. You might now these names. Patrick won Chicago marathon in 2007 - the heat year. Richard has a 2:06 marathon and has been a track world champ. Sammy has a marathon best of 2:05:10 and last year in Beijing he won the Olympic Gold medal in the marathon.

Sammy was first of the flight and while we was waiting for the others we got to chat. He was recognized by a guy waiting for his cousin from Mexico who is running Chicago and Sammy was happy to have photos taken. Richard was next through the gates but informed me Patrick was not on the flight (I've since read a NBC interview leading me to believe Patrick is now in Chicago). Richard ran Chicago last year and was really happy to be back in town. As we got closer to the hotel after the crawl drive along the Kennedy Richard was recognizing places. Sammy had never been here but was excited to be in Chicago despite a very long flight.

It was a pleasure driving both Sammy and Richard and hope they both have great races Sunday.

Not every day one gets to drive an Olympic champ.

Born To Run (pt II)

2009-08-14T22:11:00.005-05:00

Author of this:

Will be on this Aug 18th http://www.thedailyshow.com/

24 hours on a mountain bike

2009-07-29T10:53:00.007-05:00

No not me but my good friend Mr Chris Strout.

Number of years ago I told Chris about a race named 24-9 and asked him if he had thought off doing a 24 hour mountain bike race. He hadn't but then did. He asked me to crew that year but I was already crewing at Badwater (Badwater and 24-9 were same weekend that year) but the next two, 2008 and 2009 I was there crewing for Chris and cheering on his teammates, Brad and Todd from http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/ sponsored by http://www.sirenbicycles.com/

You'll no doubt read about Chris' race via his blog http://cstrout.blogspot.com/2009/08/238-mile.html so I'll leave the details to him and his teammates but here are a few random photos in a random order.

Badwater 2009 PR

2009-07-17T20:58:00.009-05:00

Another great year crewing at Badwater for my friend Kelvin Marshall. This was my third time at Badwater and second crewing Kelvin. I love this event and the Badwater family. http://www.badwater.com/

Kelvin ran a very smart race changing his plan due the high heat during the day and this enabled him to ran almost 3 hours faster than 2008 and become the fastest Aussie at Badwater ever in 37 hours and 36 mins. http://dbase.adventurecorps.com/results.php?bw_eid=49&bwr=Go

Before race start

At finish line

Some random race shoots that blogger will likely place where it feels like it

Runners check in

Race morning

Badwater Basin

On the course

After race, Kelvin ready to go again!!

Steve Hanes who crewed for Kelvin in 2008 and
was given a start (and finish( in 2009

Badwater 2009

2009-07-07T21:14:00.012-05:00

This coming weekend I head to Death Valley to crew my friend Kelvin Marshall at the Badwater Ultra. Kelvin will be running 135 miles from Badwater basin to Mt Whitney portals which takes him and the 85+ other runners through Death Valley from 282 feet below sea level over 2 mountain passes with long climbs to finally finishing at 8360 feet. The temperature can easily be over 120 degrees and possibly very windy.

Kelvin ran Badwater last year finishing 1st of the 6am wave starters in just over 40 hours. This year he has an 8am start. Matt and Steve are back to crew along with me plus a new addition in Rita. Steve Hanes who crewed last year was invited to the big dance. Congrats Steve.

Kelvin is being sponsored in part by the awesome folks at http://www.drymaxsports.com/ who have supplied him with some fantastic signage for the crew car/van. This will be so different than last year LOL

Last year followed by this year

Here's a great TV video about Lisa Tamati fro New Zealand and her 2008 race. Nice job TVNZ and Lisa. She is back in 2009

http://www.lisatamati.co.nz/gallery/video/2

Lisa and Kelvin at the 2008 awards party

CHUGs Chicago to Milwaukee Beer Run

2009-06-20T19:51:00.008-05:00

From an idea for a long run for his birthday Chicago's Badwater bound Adrian Belitu dreamed up a run from Chicago to Milwaukee with a beer at each end. He posted the idea to the Chicago Ultrarunner (CHUG) group and the idea took off.

June 19th 14 group members gather at Goose Island in Chicago to celebrate with Adrian and two belated birthdays (Geof and Kelly) with a fun cake made by CHUG chief Torey - "Best Energy Bar Ever".

After a beer, cake, a short weather delay and waiting for Brian to change into his running costume; oh yeah they decided to make it a costume run, 6 took off along Sheffield Ave towards Fullerton and then onto the Lakefront towards Milwaukee. 4 others would drive cars for crewing and too run segments of the route sharing driving with 4 of the original 6 who would also be running segments only. Two had decided to run the full way.

So from a little idea another North America 100 was born. As I write this they are still headed to Water St in Milwaukee. I'll update sometime tomorrow when I hear anything.

For now here is the start line photo:

Back Row: Brian, Gary, Jim, Adrian, Tony

Front Row: Kelly, Paige, Torey

Photo stolen from Adrian's camera

http://www.chicagoultrarunners.com/ http://www.beerrun100.com/

UPDATE: They finished in 23:51 with Jim running the full distance and Tony getting in 70+ for his distance PR. I'll add some links to any reports the CHUGs write.

Just Read "Born To Run"

2009-06-17T21:25:00.004-05:00

Just finished reading Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall.

What a great read.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0307266303/?tag=yahhyd-20&hvadid=56362476011&ref=pd_sl_459rqcjutq_b

This is what Amazon editors said:

Amazon.com ReviewBook Description Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.
Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons are custodians of a lost art. For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest and chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it. Their superhuman talent is matched by uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to the diseases and strife that plague modern existence. With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able not only to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara but also to find his own inner ultra-athlete, as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime: a fifty-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country pitting the tribe against an odd band of Americans, including a star ultramarathoner, a beautiful young surfer, and a barefoot wonder.
With a sharp wit and wild exuberance, McDougall takes us from the high-tech science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultrarunners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to the climactic race in the Copper Canyons. Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.

Friend makes a running video

2009-04-19T21:52:00.002-05:00

http://runnergirljaneth.blogspot.com/

A friend made a video for a Nike run video contest and I think it is rather good. Click to Janeth's blog where she has posted the click to the video. If you like it I am sure Janeth would love your vote.

McNaughton Park Trai Runs

2009-04-12T10:06:00.015-05:00

Chicago Ultra Runners group run

2009-04-05T19:58:00.003-05:00

Today was held the first official Chicago Ultra Runners group run. I say first because a few of them went on a group Inaugural run for a photo shoot for Windy City Sports (see April issue) last month. http://www.chicagoultrarunners.com/

Brian Gaines put out a suggestion to run at Deer Grove, http://www.fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=68&file=map_68c in Palatine. Great suggestion Brian.

I've ran at Deer Grove only twice before. Once when I picked it as a new park to explore and run and in 2007 I ran the Xterra Trail 12k finishing last!! http://denalifc.blogspot.com/2007/08/xterra-xtreme-12k-deer-grove-palatine.html

Seven of us sowed up to run, the Magnificent Seven - Torey, Sarah, Kelly, Sean, Ben, Brian and myself. I would also run into Juli half way around my one loop. Photo by Kelly

When I left Naperville for the 50 minute drive north it was raining. Last time I ran Deer Grove for the Xterra race it poured with rain on the drive up. Was this a sign? The drive was fine not much traffic at that time of day. Pulled into the car park and Kelly, Brian, Torey and Sean where already there getting ready to run and talking. Introds were made. Sarah and Ben then pulled in and so we was already to go. Brian and I had a cheery debate on which way to run onto the yellow trail, left or right, but i think Torey just decided and headed towards the right or clockwise. I knew I'd be slow and running way behind these guys. Kelly kindly ran with me for around a mile then went ahead. I caught up with them soon after thanks to a bathroom break but all soon pulled ahead. There was a number of trees down on the trial and some minor mud section. Of course heading down the trail along Dundee Rd was a mud bath with some mud shoe sucking sections but like a good trail runner I plowed through them and on. I had forgotten how hilly this trail is. Illinois is not known for hills but if you seek them out they are there.

About half way around I ran into my friend Juli coming from the other way. Juli told me she had ran the Chicago Lakefront 50k www.chicagoultra.org the day before and was out the "shake out her legs" - I'd have been sleeping not running. After a few minutes of chat Juli decided to run with me back to her car that was actually just one car park away from where the group runners were parked. This was great and got me back into a good groove and helped me run and not hike. I kept my run to 5 mins hike 2 mins plan although did start running again before the 2 mins was up. About a mile from the car parks Juli and I meet the group (sans Kelly) running the loop again but in the other directions - guess Brian won that debate!!! Juli was introduced to those that didn't know her - I think Juli will be out running with us again :-) All too soon Juli was back near her car and I finished up the last half mile. Kelly was at her car so we chatted until the others got back and then the above photo was taken. Next time Kelly will HAVE to be included.

This run did me a world of good and hopefully will jump start my training that was very lacking over this winter. Most my running race plans are not happening now due to that so I'll be replanning. I think (Xterra) Trail 12k at Deer Grove might be in the plans now before HOBO in September.

Thanks to Torey, Sarah, Kelly, Juli, Ben, Sean and Brian for being out there today. It was great fun and i can't wait to run with the group again. I'll see some of you at McNaughton next weekend.

Cheers, Ian

20k Trail Race for a good cause

2009-02-23T21:25:00.006-06:00

http://www.nancysellars.com/?page_id=56

http://www.nancysellars.com/beartrax_app.pdf

A 20k at Lapham Peak, Delafield WI, near Milwaukee. There is a 20k and a 5k both on the trails around Lapham. The 20k includes parts of the famous Ice Age Trail. See web for more info.

As my title says the race is for a good cause. I didn't know Nancy who was tragically killed in summer of 2008 by a drunk driver. I do know a lot of people who's life were touched by Nancy.

Be there April 26th

Road run in trail shoes

2009-02-14T21:28:00.003-06:00

I woke this morning to 1/2 inch of snow on the ground. Not much really but I had planned a 4 mile road run today as Laura and I had errands to do. Before the run I get the newspaper from the end of the driveway (our paper delivery is always plastic wrapped which we recycle) and the driveway is covered in ice. The walkways have snow. The roadway is just wet but that's for cars. The sides of the roads were a mix of wet, snow and ice. What to do...................
.........like any trail runner I put on the trail shoes instead of road shoes and head out on my 4 mile road loop. Wasn't a great run but was good to be out there. Winters kill running for me and I refuse to join a health club and run on a dread mill.

Think Sunday and Monday I'll hit one of the many nearby Du Page Forest Preserves for a limestone trail run. Knoch Knolls will be too muddy.

Chicago area trail races

2009-01-19T21:36:00.008-06:00

My 2009 schedule is here: http://denalifc.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009.html but thought I'd supply a list of Chicago area trail races. By area I've included Chicago and burbs, central IL, southern WI and NW IN. Some are dirt, some limestone. Some are not confirmed so check first. If you know others let me know, any distance.

Chicago area:
http://www.psrr.org/ Channahon 25k (4/11) think mostly limestone and flat

http://www.chicagotrailseries.com/index.html Website not updated but 2009 dates are 8k (6/6) 10k (7/11) 12k (8/8) part limestone part single track dirt.

Universal Sole put on two trail races Rock N Sole around 5 miles one in July (Palos) and November (Schiller Woods) but US is under new management so not sure if they will happen in 2009. Both events were on single track, wide grass and if on limestone it was non maintained so "dirt"

Spring Ahead 10k (4/19) Naperville part road part trail (5k all road) http://www.ncospringahead.com/

Equestrian Connection Trail races 5m, half marathon and full marathon May 3rd, limestone mostly I think http://equestrianconnection.org/_wsn/page4.html http://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=HZ2V7K7

Run for the Cops Swallow Cliff of Palos (6/7) http://www.runforthecops.com/index.htm Trail is limestone but not maintained so more like dirt in places and not flat

Jim Brimm Events holds the Cross Country Challenge in Gilberts 5 miles in December
2008 details https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=MF2V9K7

Windruners (Lisle) 10k (8/30) limestone trails Danada FP. http://www.windrunners.org/
https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=4S2V7K7

Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10 mile in July at Waterfall Glen all limestone 2009 TDA 2008 info https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=K72VCK7

Rockford: Rockford Road runners hold 2 series of trail races plus another trail race all on dirt single and wide track http://www.rockfordroadrunners.org/index.html
Winter Series 5k, 10k (both done) 15k (2/21) 20k (3/21)
HOBO series 10k (9/18) 25k (9/19) 50k (9/20)
plus Fall Classic 4m (9/26) in near by Caledonia IL

Danville area http://kennekuk.com/events.htm Lake Mingo 7.1 mile (6/13), Howl At The Moon 8hour (8/8) Wild Wild Wilderness 7.55 (9/23)
Champaign area http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/ Clinton Lake 30 (3/28 - sold out), Buffalo Trace 5m (5/16), Allerton Park 5.5 (10/25)
http://migotsky.googlepages.com/home Buffalo Trace 7 day trail (5/24-30 TBC)

Near Peoria or thereabouts
Pekin, Il (4/10-12) http://www.mcnaughtonparktrailruns.com/index2.htm 50,100,150 miles
nr Peoria (10/17) http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com/ 8 and 33 miles

Wisconsin near or short drive from Chicago:
WORS series (held with their MTB series) http://trailrun.wors.org/index/page/p/events
Bear Trax 20k plus 5k (4/26) http://www.nancysellars.com/?page_id=56 Delafield WI
Ice Age Trail 50k,50m (5/9) http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/IA50/index.html
Kettle Moraine 100k 100m (6/6-7) http://www.kettle100.com/
Blue Mound Trail (6/6) 15+k, 6+k TBC http://www.wisconsintrailruns.com/index.html
Dances With Dirt 50k 50m (7/11) http://www.dwddevilslake.com/
Devil Lake's Lake Half marathon (10/24) http://run.greatlakesendurance.com/
Glacial Trail 50k 50m (10/11) http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/GT50/index.html
North Face Kettle Moraine (10/24) http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/

Indiana near Chicago:
Foot Pursuit 5k (3/7) Valparsio http://www.portercountysheriff.com/footpursuit/
Xtreme 12k (5/27) Portage all dirt mountain bike trails with river and creek crossing 2008 info: http://groups.google.com/group/xyz-series-participants/web/trail-run-xtreme-12k
Cedar Creek 5k (6/21) http://www.run4trails.com/ Fort Wayne IN surface - no idea
No 2009 details but in 2008 http://mysite.verizon.net/xyztrailseries/

2009

2009-01-01T13:24:00.007-06:00

Below is my thoughts for races to do in 2009. As they say all subject to change. Number of dates/weekends have a few events to choice from - not doing all these!!!

March 21st Rock Cut Trail 20k http://rockfordroadrunners.org/Races/2009.html

April 4th one of these as a training run, both multi loop so not worried if no finish
Lakefront 50k http://www.chicagoultra.org/ or
Madison Madicty 50k http://www.madcity100k.com/home.php

April 26th Lakefront 10 mile http://www.cararuns.org/ race now 25th - can't do so
April 26th Bear Trax 20k http://www.nancysellars.com/

May 3rd EC Trail half or marathon http://equestrianconnection.org/

May mid one of these 3
May 16th Berryman trail marathon http://www.stlouisultrarunnersgroup.net/index.html
May 17th Rockford marathon http://www.rockfordmarathon.com/
May 24th Madison marathon http://www.madisonfestivals.com/marathon/index.html

June 27th Running w/Devil marathon http://calicoracing.squarespace.com/ unless
July 13-14 Badwater crewing http://www.badwater.com/

July 11-12 Keweenaw Trail Festival http://run.greatlakesendurance.com/ if no Badwater

August and September not yet decided - maybe HOBO trail

October/November one of the following
Glacial Trail 50M http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/GT50/index.html
Heartland 50M http://www.ksultrarunners.org/
Door County 50M http://www.fall50.com/
Lakefront 50M http://www.chicagoultra.org/

Universal Sole Rock N Sole 5.25 mile trail race

2008-11-09T21:34:00.002-06:00

Today was the Universal Sole Rock N Sole trail race held in Cook County's Schiller Woods along the banks of the Des Plaines under the O'Hare landing path.

I'll write more later including my battle to not finish last male (succeeded)

Results are here: http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=08314IL&tab=a4&results=1567

Photo's are here: http://www.runrace.net/runreports.php?id=48&tab=a3

One of me is here: http://www.runrace.net/runreports.php?id=48&tab=a3&image=2199

Photos copyright of Bill Thom and RunRace.net (unless listed over wise)

Lakefront 50k - or DNF

2008-11-09T21:30:00.002-06:00

As the title shows I dropped out of the Chicago Lakefront 50k held November 1st on Chicago's south lakefront. I did manage two of the three loops for a total of 20.86 miles. That is the furthest distance I gone in 8.5 years and with my lack of training a nice surprise.

I'll add more to this report soon but race results for the 50k and the 50m plus a link to some photos are at www.chicagoultra.org

Signed up for

2008-10-14T15:07:00.002-05:00

On Monday I signed up for the Lakefront 50k www.chicagoultra.org As of a lunch time today (14th of Oct) there was only 4 spots out of 200 left for the 50k with the 50 miler selling out weeks ago. I am not really fully trained for the 50k but will be mixing in running and walking and see how it goes. I'll be happy to get to two loops for a good training run and then think about that last loop. As I said yes to helping at a 15k the next day that last loop might not happen. Most of all I'll get to see some of my local favorite ultra buddies running along the beautiful Chicago lakefront. The view from the south side is probably the best view of the city IMHO.

24-9: Crewing a 24 hour MTB event

2008-08-04T16:16:00.003-05:00

Sometime in 2007 I must have told my friend Chris Strout about a 24 hour mountain bike race in Wisconsin called 24 hours of 9 mile (http://www.24-9.com/) because he totally blames me for him doing this race; twice now!! OK I can accept the blame. Back in 2007 Chris asked me to crew for him at 24-9 but it was the very weekend I returned from crewing at Badwater (http://www.badwater.com/). This year I also went to Badwater but that 135 mile ultra running marathon was 2 weeks earlier so I had to accept Chris invite/orders/request/bribe.

Laura dropped me off on Friday at his parents home to meet up with Debbie and Rich plus Chris' wife Kim + Sprout (Kim's sister Kari was arriving Saturday). We all traveled up to Wausau WI in their minivan which was packed with camping gear and race supplies. Surprisingly the drive to get to the race site was only 4 hours. Chris had been on site for while setting up the pit area right by the race finish line (primo) and had also rode the trails with his World Bicycle Relief team mate Brad Majors. Also sharing the pit area was Siren Bicycle rider Todd Carpenter whose bike Chris was also riding and also local racer Scott Cole. We spent some time hanging out at the SRAM pit area located near the start line before Chris had to pick up his race pack (bike number, paperwork, race T-shirt, goody bag). Then we headed to a local restaurant for dinner before retiring for the night at a nearby hotel.

Up next day bright and early to get to the venue early. Minivan and car was unloaded of supplies and Chris' bikes removed from their night storage. At 9.15 am all racers had to attend a race talk meeting which was conveniently located by the finish line area so we got to hear the race details. Chris racked his bike in the staging area, did some last moment race get ready things and joined the riders on the start line for the 10:07am start.

24-9 was to start "Le Mans" style meaning all the riders had to run a 400 meter or more loop back to the start area to pick up their bikes. This is done to break up the packs of bikers. Chris was lined up at the front of the start line next to six time world champ Chris Eatough. Soon they were off all running as hard as they could. Being used to seeing running races it was a tad funny seeing helmet and lycra clad bikers out for a run!!

Each rider (or team) had to do as many 14.25 mile loops during the course of their 12 or 24 hour event with the rider/team covering the most loops/distance winning the race and/or division. Chris described the course as very technical and rocky in places. I was surprised to see the lead guy complete the first lap in around 56 minutes although later found out the first loop cut off the first section of single track for a wider multi track section to not cause bottlenecks at the start. Being in pit row by the finish area we had a great view of the action. Most of everyone’s first 3-5 loops were done at fairly consistent time but then folks start to get lapped and slow down. Chris was taking feeds at the pit area each loop but after about 4 loops asked if we could supply an extra feed at the 10 mile point on the course where Red Bud road cross the course. Luckily for us this was only half a mile away so about 15-20 minutes before Chris was expected at that point Rich and I would hike over to meet Chris. On our first journey over we went through the Red Bud aid station which was party central with loud music, grilling, beers, wood craving and a roaring fire. The riders would go past this on every loops, Rich and I on the other hand found a different trail which was actually a tad shorter. I think I hiked 8-9 miles during the race just on Chris’ feed. Rich would hand off a fresh bottle of water or Gatorade and I’d watch for where Chris tossed the empties. Brad’s only crew person, ultra runner, Dennis was on the same plan and as Chris and Brad rode some loops together we were on the same feed schedule giving Dennis and I time to chat about ultrarunning.
At night all racers had to have lights (2 working units to be carried). Chris had one on his bike and a helmet one. Brad preferred just a helmet unit. It was amazing seeing the lights going along the trails through the trees especially on some of the winding single track sections. During the night Chris began to slow down and lap 11 was a tough close to 2 hour loop. He was hurting and didn’t really want to go back out but after chatting with us crew headed out. End of that 14 miles he was still hurting and decided to take a long which with a tent nap and some chair time turned into a almost 6 hour loop. Awaking from his slumber Chris got on his bike rode up and down the pit lane and declared he was ready by requesting 2 drink bottles and some Gu/food. Brad was around the pit area so off they went together. I think much to their and our amazement Chris and Brad pulled out another 3 loops (43 miles) for a great finish. Everyone was so proud of their achievements. Brad finished 7th overall with 18 laps and Chris 12th with 15 laps – not bad for with a 3 hour nap time. Others in the pit area did great. Scott finished on the podium with a 5th place finish 19 laps and Todd got in 18 laps finishing just behind Brad based on time finishing for a 8th place finish. Overall winner was Chris Eatough in a close fought race (until last lap)
All that was left was braking down the pit area, loading up the cars and heading to the nearest restraint for food and Starbucks. Chris and I then drove to Madison area where both exhausted we checked into a Holiday Inn Express for a good nights sleep and both felt much more smarter the next day. A massive storm delayed are leaving for Chicagoland but we both got home in the end with Chris dropping me in Naperville and then he headed for the north shore himself

24-9 was an amazing event with some amazing performance with some amazing racers and their amazing crew.

Now where can I get some night lights for my Gary Fisher?

Race photos to follow:

Badwater 2008 - My crewing return

2008-07-21T14:37:00.011-05:00

This year I had the great pleasure to be able to crew for Kelvin Marshall from Queensland Australia at the 2008 Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. Pleased to say Kelvin finished in 40 hours and 23 minutes for a placing of 33 out of 82 starters and was the first finisher from the 6am wave start. I'll write a long race report in the days ahead but some of my many photos are posted from before, during and after the race (blog seems to dictate the order posted!!)

Two photos "borrowed" from the Badwater site (copyright AdventureCorps photos by Anna Bolden and Wendy Barth) www.badwater.com

My photos (or some of them)

Nike Night for Chicago Marathon

2008-04-25T14:01:00.005-05:00

I was invited to attend a special Nike event to celebrate Nike signing on as the footwear and apparel "sponsor" for the Chicago Marathon who are replacing New Balance. My friend's, Lynne, daughter in law works for Nike in their Chicago office.

Other than the Nike promo in the email I received via Lynne neither of us really knew what to expect but in the end it was a nicely done evening.

After walking from my office in the far west loop we arrived at Chicagos' Field Museum to see a big white tent and a finish line staging area including timing clocks and finish line banners. The Chicago Niketown store was holding their weekly training run from the store which this week was to end at the Field Museum. Apparently none of the runners knew what was going to happen at the end of their run.

Lynne and I walked around chatting to folks we knew from the Chicago Marathon office, Nike office, local RDs and race announcers, owners and staff from Fleet Feet Chicago and Running Away, various local running coaches etc. The big white tent was set up with a small stage with chairs and mics, a couple food and drink stations and Johnny Mars from WXRT spinning disks http://tinyurl.com/45po5h , who is a runner himself. Dave the PA announcer gave us updates of the runners headed to the Field Museum. Nike had also got a number of volunteers to play finish line fans. Of course as the first runners approached the heavens opened again. All the runners were decked out in Nike Commit to Run T shirts and many looked surprised at what was greeting them.

After the last runner was home the evening started inside the tent. A short promo video was played then Dave introduced a couple executives from Nike who gave speeches, then the marathon RD Cary Pinowski and finally Nike athlete and USA Olympian Abdi Abdirahman http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Abdirahman_Abdi.asp who was "interviewed" and did a QA session.

The Marathon also "raffled" off to the Niketown runners 10 slots in the "sold out" race. All the runners were then bussed back to Nike Town. This ended up being a nice evening despite the rain. Thanks Lynne and Amy for the invite.

Clinton Lake 30....well 10

2008-03-29T20:15:00.004-05:00

Today was the 2nd Clinton Lake 30 held at Clinton Lake State Park near Dewitt IL which is sort mid way between Bloomington and Champaign. The race is put on by the good folks at
Second Wind Running Club with help from the Buffalo Trail Tribe (Buffaloooooooo).

http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/Clinton/Clinton.htm

Last year the race was very muddy due to a down pour the day before which left streams of water and mud and very slippery condition. This year the trails were basically dry with only a few sections of mud and a few slippery hills. Parts where frozen which in later loops likely turned to mud not that I was to find out.....

Yes hills. Illinois is not known for hills and on the drive to this park past acres of flat farmland you would not think hills were there. But they are.

Getting ahead of myself here.

I left home for the 3 hour drive to Clinton Lake arriving around 6am and one of the first to arrive. Chris the RD allows for a 7am early start to encourage folks to try the race, to try trail running and/or a trail ultra. Picked up my race packet including yet another fine running shirt this time in bright red plus my lucky bib number 13. Chatted to Chris and Jeff Riddle plus the IL-DNR guy - all three plus Second Wind and the Buffalo have made this event happen.

About 25 or so folks decided to start early at 7am rather than at 8am. Due to the bad Chicago area winter my training had been non existent although plenty of runners from Chicago and did train so was the winter really an excuse !! Chris said a few words and I think those that were nervous about running a trail ultra or this trail ultra where soon at easy. With that we were off and soon I found myself at the back although a few runners decided to hang with me for a little while before finally pulling away never to be seen again. Right away this race hits a nice hill up then straight down once on the trail. This caused a jam and that was with only a few stating early but this is part of ultra trail running. This year I was keen to run more of the trail and set at least a one loop PB. The trails were definitely more runnable but the many ups and downs would get to me mainly due to that lack of training. But hey the course is very scenic with lake or river views most the way and 95% single trail. The leaders who started an hour after me finally caught me around mile 7 or so. I pulled into the start area setting that loop PB finishing around 5 minutes quicker than my Thanksgiving loop and a full 3o minutes quicker than last year's Clinton Lake. CL is a tough course. I'd love to complete the race next year and if I can go into the winter in better shape with more mileage in my legs it might be doable. I think I could have done 2 loops but was due at the Shamrock Shuffle the next day and not forgetting the 3 hour drive home!! After finishing I found Kelly Roe who was crewing and pacing for Brian Gaines. We hung out for a while before she had to do her one loop and get Brian to his great finish.

Thank you Chris for putting on the event.

Saw many people I knew at the race and meet a few new faces, sure I'll miss some but there was Chris, Jeff, Brian, Kevin,Tony, Ellen, Christine, Don, Pat - all Buffaloes
Dennis, Kelly, Brian, Juli - all ChiAs or FOC

Photos courtesy of Kelly: http://picasaweb.google.com/kellyaroe/ClintonLake30MileTrailRunMarch292008

NIN XC ski race Arrowhead Wheaton IL

2008-02-02T19:28:00.003-06:00

No I didn't do a Cross Country Ski race but I did go and watch one today. After a 3 mile run slogging through very snowy trails at Herrick forest preserve I headed next door to the Arrowhead golf course for the 16k Northern Illinois Nordic XC ski race. It was originaly scheduled a few weeks ago but this being Chicagoland the snow tends to come and go and naturally tends to disappear when needed. I think this was the first time since 2004 that race was actaully able to start locally. The groomer at Arrowhead (a Wheaton Park district golf course) had rolled and groomed an 8k trail for the skiers. Most would do two loops (16k) but there was also a one loop race and a kids race.

I arrived around 9.30 at the new club house where they have now included a ski shop room as the golf course is open for public XC ski during the winter. I wasn't racing and in fact have never been XC ski but now really want too. I have friends that do the Birkie every year and if you've seen XC racing at the winter Olympics the speed and action can be thrilling. Milling around the ski shop area near the finish line camera in hand I ran into Bill Thom. I never knew he skied but really I am not surprised. Bill is a great athlete that I know from ultra running. We chatted for a few minutes before he had to get ready for the race. Walked around watching racers wax their skis and taking photos. Loved the view of skis stuck and standing up in the snow. Heard a voice call my name and it was Bill Weidner. Bill is a long time friend of John Corrigan who I do event work for. Bill also has a great book out called "The Complete Guide To DuPage County Trails". My next run into was an Aussie triathlete, Mark Hauser, who I had not seen for a few years. Mark is often on the poduim at tri races and a great bloke.

The race was great. A fast start by the top guys and everyone pushing off behind them followed by a few late starters. Arrowhead had groomed the 8k course so it zig zag around the golf course and up and over hills. From the start line I went over to near the finish line and had great views in different directions. Through the first loop the lead guys were fast with two out in the lead. Sadly I didn't have time to see the end so after watching a few more racers finish their first of two loops I headed home.

Cross country ski racing appears to be a great sport. Guessing it pays to live in Wisconsin or Minnestoa for regular winter snow. Chicago can be hit or miss if you want snow. This year as been kinder to the local XC skiers although it has caused some icy days despite lots of snow (the Joilet XC ski race was cancelled a week after Arrowheads).

Rusty's race photos here: http://www.ninordic.com/

Results: http://www.racetime.info/2008Results/NINORO13.HTM

The year ahead

2008-02-02T19:23:00.005-06:00

My first post of the year and first since around Farmdale trail race time.

Been thinking about races to do in 2008. Those thoughts keep changing and well likely change plenty of times during the course of the year but I do know it will be another year of trail races , event work and volunteering. Below is my maybes for races and volunteering but stay tuned for changes and additions.

March 15 Rock Cut Trail 20k Rockford IL http://rockfordroadrunners.org/
March 29 Clinton Lake 30mile DeWitt IL http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/
July 5 Pyschwyco 25/50k Kansas City KS www.actioneventsports.com
July 12-13 Keweenaw Trail Fest UP MI http://www.greatlakesendurance.com/ or
July 14-16 Badwater crew if anyone needs me http://www.badwater.com/
Aug 30 BLS F/X 12/24 12 hour http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/
Sep 21 HOBO 25k Rockford IL http://rockfordroadrunners.org/
Oct 18 Farmdale 33 nr Peoria IL http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com/ or
Oct 18 North Face 50k Madison WI http://www.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/
Nov 9 Rock N Sole 5m Schiller Woods Chicago IL http://www.universalsole.com/
Dec 6 Tecumsech Marathon Bloomingdale IN http://www.dinoseries.com/marathon.html

Maybe
May 26 Xtreme Trail 12k Portage IN
May 31, July 19, Aug 2 Xterra Chicago Trail Palatine IL

Volunteer
April 12 Mad City 100k Madison WI
May 10 Ice Age Trail 50/50 La Grange (Kettle Moriane) WI
June 7-8 Kettle Moraine 100 La Grange (Kettle Moraine) WI
July 14-16 Badwater 135 Death Valley CA (crew??)
Aug 2-3 24-9mile 24 hour MTB Wausau WI crewing http://www.24-9.com/

Signed up for

2007-10-23T20:31:00.000-05:00

I signed up for Clinton Lake. Did one loop of the 3 loop course this year. Guess I'll do 2 loops next March. Shooting for all 3 loops

http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/Clinton/Clinton.htm It will sell out

http://briangaines.blogspot.com/2007/05/clinton-lake-10-mile-trail-run.html great trail review by Brian Gaines

Farmdale Trail Run

2007-10-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

Photos courtsey of Kelly Roe (Me, Gayle, Brian: me at a stream: Gayle and Brian ultra finishers: Brian and Kelly)

Waking up very early on 13th of October I set off to drive for 3 hours south down I-55 to run an 8 mile trail race near Peoria IL. Along with the 8 mile race was a 33 mile ultra. Both events in their second year were sold out and to quote the RD "the park ranger had gone home to get a camera because he had never seen the car park with so many cars"

It was pitch black dark when I finally got there with a light drizzle as I pulled into the said car park with only about 8 other cars present. Walked around the start area but had no packet to pick up because ChiAdead Gayle who was doing the full 33 miles had kindly picked it up the night before. The other members of the ChiA's Kelly and Brian got there before me but I only spotted Kelly after my mini stroll. Brian who was returning from a few foot injuries had done the Chicago heat-athon with Kelly the weekend before but was looking for another long race before he tackles the Chicago Lakefront 50 mile on Oct 27th. He had emailed Dave Tapp the RD and was probably the last person to enter by overnight his race app plus Kelly an app for Kelly so she could do the 8 mile before crewing Brian. Friend and ultra runner extraordinary Bonnie surprised me by being there but lay the blame for her being there squarely on my shoulders. I think Kelly was saying the same and maybe Brian who all heard about Farmdale from my post to the ChiA list. I introduced Bonnie to Kelly and Brian and I think to Gayle who arrived a tad later.

Gayle gave me my packet and also for the 3 ChiA she had baked a cinnamon loaf for each of us. Thank you Gayle, it was awesome. The ChiAs are so talented - well some of you!!

The race started at 7.30am. RD Dave gave race instructions and thanked the sponsors. Both the 8 mile and 33 mile was basically the same trail but the 33 miles would do 3 11 mile loops that included two detours of the 8 mile loop and we was told it was well marked.

As this season as gone I started slow and tapered off. Soon Kelly, who had decided to run with slow poke Ian to rest her legs from the Chicago heat-athon and because she was headed to Mexico the next day, and I found ourselves at the back with only 2 people behind us and a few just ahead of us. We headed on mass done the Cinder Road and before a creek crossing (where we saw two deer running by) we headed into the first of much single track that went straight up hill. Most of the single track at Farmdale was built and maintained by PAMBA and they do an amazing job. The trails were banked at the right spots for MTB, had some great twists and turns as well as many log jumps. After my 8 miles I wished I had brought along my mountain bike. Most of the Farmdale race course was single track and wide track but no paved or road crossings. We encountered a couple of stream or creek crossings but none were deep, the bigger was barely ankle deep. The trails were actually very dry and dusty and due to the lack of rain were hard packed. We got to the first 11 mile detour and got to see some of the fast guys pass us and that gave time for Brain, Bonnie and Barb (who crewed Bonnie at Badwater) to "catch" up to Kelly and I which also gave Kelly photo ops. I think Kelly filled a memory card on the run because there was so much to photo including the runners and the scenery. I think it was after we left the first aid station we hit a big down hill section that once I got used to I ran fairly fast or maybe that was the faster ultra guys breathing down my neck. At the end of this downhill was a sharp turn to the left to remain n single track except Kelly and I were not paying attention but focusing on some runners ahead so we followed. Soon we all arrived at or nearly at a river crossing and knew something was run when a runner was spotted on a trail across the over side. Thinking back I believe 3 guys running together missed the turn and Bonnie and Barb followed them and so did a fellow 8 miler then us. In all my guess is we went half mile out of the way and then had to retrace the half back where off course we saw the clearly "if you pay attention" course marking. Lesson learned. Kelly and I continued on and after passing the last aid station twice via a loop we headed for home. We crossed a dam or was it an old rail bridge which was totally exposed, thankfully the day was nice, up a short hill and then along the last section of rolling single track. Finally I spotted cars through the trees and heard voices. Kelly and I picked up the pace which wasn't that hard and crossed the finish line almost together. I got the honour of a DFL which equals more time on the trail and therefore better value for money - well I am saying such. A volunteer placed finisher medals around our necks and another took the bib pull tag.

Dave had organized a great post race food tent, dogs, soup, chili, sandwiches including veggie ones, salted snacks, cookie including homemade ones and water and coke. Kelly and I sat at the picnic tables with other 8 miler finishers and watched the ultra finish up loops. Brian was sending a few text messages from the course. He missed the same turn as Kelly and I even though he had got it right first time and then later when he was maybe 30 minutes out he text Kelly and asked her to pace him on his last loop. Kelly being the troop got ready to roll and when Brian came in or his last loop Kelly took of with him. Around that time Gayle and Bonnie went through. Finally the winner from Aurora IL (not far from home) finished and not much later Marla crossed the line to beat her 2006 time by a fair margin to win for the second year in a row for her 5th or 6th win this year. Before Marla had finished I got to speak to her father for about 20 minutes, nice guy. Chris finished his race and by that time it was sadly time for me to head home. I'd like to have seen Gayle, Bonnie and Brian finish but had to get on the road. Before getting to the expressway Gayle called to say she had finished and was heading to her hotel.

Farmdale is a great race on great trails pout on by great people. Thanks Dave and crew.

I'll be back (and hopefully faster)

Photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/kellyaroe/FarmdaleTrailRunOctober132007/ (by Kelly Roe)

http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com/photos.php (By Dave Tapp/Farmdale Trail Race)

Results and race info: http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com/

Rock Cut HOBO 25k/50k

2007-09-26T21:59:00.001-05:00

Sunday September 23rd the 4th annual Rock Cut HOBO 50k and 25k race was held on the trails of Rock Cut State Park near Rockford IL. Last year I signed up for the 25k as my first race in over 6 years. This year I signed up for the 25k again. Unlike last year I have done a lot more training but like last year I am still slow but getting my monies worth on courses with time spent on the trails.

Unlike last year the conditions were dry and warm. Last year it rained for about 24 hours the day before and even race morning on the drive north. At least last year's it was normal end of September temperatures, this year it was warmer than normal.

I arrived early and got parked up. Picked up my race goody bag which included a pair of cool HOBO socks and a Rock Cut bandanna and some sponsor items including items from Heed, Trail Runner magazine and the good people of Zombie Runners. The T shirt for this event has to be earned by finishing the race you signed up for.

The 50k starts at 8am with around 80 people but before the start I spoke to a number of friends - Scott and Caryn, Norm, Gayle, Dave, Chris, Marla, RD Larry. The horn went off bang on time and the 50k runners crossed a short section of picnic grass and turned down the trail to disappear from view. I now had an hour to wait for the 25k start. ChiA Gayle was out for a pre run on the roads around Rock Cut, think she did 7 or 8 miles. I changed into my trail shoes and removed my cotton shirt that had the awesome Brooks Clinton Lake 30 shirt underneath, grabbed my favourite running cap and strapped on my Camelbak pack that was full of water plus gels, shot blocks and Succeed caps. I was ready to run.

RD Larry said some words and we where off to follow in the foot steps of the 50k folks. Sure some of the faster 25k runners saw some of the slower 50k runners but doubt they saw the faster 50k runners like I would :-) The HOBO course is 25k (15.5 miles) of trails, mainly wider type trails but also with some great single track mountain bike trails and a little service roads plus one wide and ankle deep cold stream crossing. There was aid stations every few miles but I was a tad upset when I found no energy drink and for an ultra race going on very little food. Still there was plenty of water on my loop and has I carried a few packs of gel and Clif Blocks so I was OK. I also carried and used each hour Succeed! tabs. I walked some sections of the course but ran a lot more than last year. The single track was great and for some reason I always feel at home running on single track. Some of it was very narily with plenty of roots exposed but luckily I never fell has I had done the weekend before at Knoch Knolls. Not sure where it was but at some point Joel Lammers past me on his way to winning the 50k. About 10 others passed me including Anne and Christine who would place 1-2 in the women. Last year tons of folks passed me and a few did 50k quicker than my 25k. This year only Joel would do 50k faster than my 25k because I knocked 40 minutes off my 2006 time and almost broke 4 hours. Still slow but I was well chuffed with my time although know I can go faster, and well. I crossed the finish with everyone cheering me in and one of the volunteers passing me a bright orange long sleeve tech shirt - the one you had to earn to get. At the end Larry provides a great HOBO stew both with and without meat from all the donated veggies and beans the runners give race morning.

I sat there enjoying my veggie stew along with soda and water plus some great cookies watching the runners mainly in the 50k finish. Clinton Lake RD Chris finished and joined me at the dining table and then Marla from the CU-Buffalo (Champaign) list joined us.

HOBO is a great race on a great course with great people and draws some great Midwest runners. The goody bags and race Ts are great. If Larry can improve the aid station he'll have one of the best mid west races which is tough when the mid west now has so many great races. Next year HOBO (along with Clinton Lake, McNaughton and Farmdale) will be part of an Illinois Ultra Grand Slam created by Chris from Clinton Lake 30.

USA vs Brazil

2007-09-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

USA played Brazil at Solider Field in Chicago before 45,000 people. Brazil won 4-2 in a good game. I had my seat near the half way line and behind the USA team bench. Here are some photos I took:

Long weekend into the next week

2007-09-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Sep 1st: Saturday I hit Palos for a 11 mile trial run. Palos is an awesome Cook County forest preserve near Willow Springs. There are miles and miles of mountain bike trails - single, wide, limestone and basically no paved. Today I knew would be a busy day with bikers practising for next weekend's CAMBR MTB race. Knowing the course they would be doing I ran that loop in the opposite direction which was actually the normal flow direction for most. CAMBR is holding their race in the other direction deemed tougher by most. Come race day it is going to be tricky if non bikers on the trails even though the trails will be open to all. I know how to listen for the bikes so hear them coming and if in a narrow section step of trail, it worked fine. Palos has a number of good hills so my 11 miles was a good work out and got to see some fine biking action.

Sep 2nd: Sunday took a break and ran errands with Laura and caught up on reading the papers.

Sep 3rd: Monday - Labour Day. Got up early and headed to Knoch Knolls in Naperville. Like Palos it is all trails, wide, narrow some lime service roads but no paved. Unlike Palos it is flat but the single track is very narrow in places and twisty although visibility is good for seeing others on the trails. To get in my planned 10 miles I had to run my course I do twice although second time around I did in reserve making it feel like different trails. I love running at KK and being on the single track seems to work for me. I often see deer within the trees and that was the case this time. Also unlike Palos I only saw 3 bikers and 2 other trail runners. Unlike Palos the mosquitoes were biting bad.

So over the long weekend I tallied 21 miles all on trails. 18 days to Rock Cut HOBO 25k.

ChiA group and rugby

2007-09-02T20:07:00.000-05:00

Week late in posting this but here goes.

Saturday 25th of Aug was the scheduled monthly ChiA group get together run. This month the chosen venue was the Great Western Trail in St. Charles IL http://chiadeads.blogspot.com/ place I had not ran before. A few days before the gathering big storms hit the Chicago area causing major flooding, tree and property damage and power outages across much of the area. Run morning was scheduled for more rain so run leader Paul proposed checking the weather run morning and deciding at 6am via the yahooogroup if the run was on or moved to Sunday. It was in Naperville just before 6am so the run was called off. I watched the radar and saw a gap in the rain so decided I'd still got to GWT especially as the next day I'd have to run by home. The drive to GWT was quick and arriving at the forest preserve trail head to GWT there was plenty of cars in the car park. Apparently GWT is popular with marathon trainers. Originally I was scheduled to do a 10k race on Sunday but plans changed (see Sunday 26th) so GWT was to be 10k or 6 miles. GWT is a former rail line converted to a limestone trail for hiking, biking and running. Much of it is very straight. Right off the trail was wet and had a tacky feel to it but felt soft. Along the way to the 3 mile point I passed wooded areas, some fields and farm buildings, some residential and then the town of Wasco. The trail had small sections of water covering although most people moved to the grass edge to pass - me I ran right through the water which was no more than a few inches deep at the most. There had been some downed trees or branches on the trail but all but one had been cleared. The 3 mile marker was by a foot bridge on the Wasco border but to get the most of the incline I crossed over and then turned around for the run back. Pleased to say the run back was a tad faster than the run out so negative splits, brilliant. All in all GWT was a nice run even though a tad flat and smooth for me.

Sunday 26th of Aug I ran around my subdivision basically for a 4 mile run. Up past the single family homes that border my townhouse subdivision through the nearby office park, along 2 blocks of the Illinois Prairie Path http://www.ipp.org/ along Delhi then down Fairway residential area before getting home. All paved or concrete except for the IPP.

Sunday afternoon I attend the USA Eagles vs Munster (top Irish club team) at Chicago Fire's Toyota Park Stadium in Brigdeview IL. This was the USA last match before the Rugby World Cup which starts in France in September http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/ Not often pro rugger gets seen in the Chicago area which is probably why the crowd was a surprising 8,620. Lost of Irish club jerseys were being worn as well as jerseys for the USA. It wasn't the best game of rugger I have seen but for a friendly exhibition it had its moments. USA lead at half time but a try for the Irish club set up their win 10-6. It was an enjoyable afternoon and hopefully the first of many rugby matches at Toyota Park . USA in white, Munster in red

Next run of the week was Tuesday morning and followed the same 4 mile route of Sunday but this time it would be early morning so dark. As I'd be on roads I carried my Road ID Firefly red light on my water pack http://www.roadid.com/common/firefly.aspx I had got this after winning a girt certificate to Road ID at the Rock Cut Winter Trail series and Lisa Bliss had recommended them on her blog. The thing about this run this morning was being up in time to see the lunar eclipse, simply brilliant. Running along 2 blocks of the IPP in the dark was fun and spooky.

Badwater photos

2007-08-23T22:01:00.000-05:00

Until I put all my photos on a webhost here is a sampling of Badwater 2007

Xterra Xtreme 12k, Deer Grove, Palatine IL

2007-08-06T15:12:00.000-05:00

Xterra is a group that puts on off road triathlons. They have gone from a once a year race in Hawaii to a massive race series that includes “franchised” local triathlons, regional championships in the USA and Global, a World championship. In recent years they added trail runs at the regional’s and now stand alone trail races across the country.

Nearest Xterra came to Chicagoland was the previously twice held Mid West Xterra Championship in Milwaukee and Xterra Dino triathlon in Indiana. Palatine’s Running Unlimited through RD Scott Bush has brought Xterra to the Chicagoland area for 2007 in the form of a 3 race series of trail runs at Deer Grove Forest Preserve, Palatine IL. http://fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=68&file=map_68c June was 8k, July 10k and August 12k. http://www.chicagotrailseries.com/

A few ChiAdead members did the June event and had a blast. I was unable to make the first two events but signed up for the August 12k which per the RD promised to be the most challenging. Race morning up early for the drive north along Rt 59 and of course it is raining. After about 20 minutes the rain is so bad, the roads are flooding and visibility is down to almost zero I had to pull off the road to wait the storm out. After 10 minutes the rain let up and it was safe to drive on. Of course I knew this rain was going to make for a muddy course even though part of the course would be on limestone.

As I pulled into park my friend and ultra runner extraordinary Juli was getting out of her car. We headed over to packet pick up, running into ChiA RebeccaR, before getting our goody bags and cool T shirts at the preserve picnic shelter. Already in the shelter was Paul and Brian then Kelly arrived a few minutes later. Brian was nursing a fractured foot so had offered his services as a race volunteer (he’d be traffic road marshal at 0.25 and 7.25 miles). The two previous’ races had around 100 runners but probably due to the weather only 48 toed the line for the 12k, guessing very few race day entries and a lot of no shows.

So it was time to get dirty. Race announcer Eric got us to the starting line and described the course and info on markings (which had to be redone due to the storm). First part (3.5 miles) was on the limestone path, middle 2 miles on single track and last 2 miles back on the limestone. I started at the back and ran with Juli, Kelly and RebeccaR for oh 200 meters before the two ChiA “twins” disappeared around the corner. Juli recovering from two broken legs suffered during a 6 day ultra kindly hung with me. In the first 3 miles we encountered a few hills by Chicago standards, a flooded car park, a washed out trail and a kind soul manning a aid station. We finally reached the single track except this was the exit after the 2 mile section and we had to continue on along 1.5 miles of limestone before having the dirty fun. This 1.5 miles would be covered twice and therefore elite fast runners where now passing us. Finally for real we got directed onto the single track and immediately hit a nice slippery tree root covered down hill slope. I love single track dirt running but tend to stop in my tracks the first time I get to such a place. I gingerly took my time going down which I knew once down one I’d be fine for the rest of the single track. In places the single track was almost half track with some nice sections of roots, more deep slippery mud and water covered trails and a number creek crossings some with planks to cross on. The single track was a blast and we exited back onto the limestone shoes and legs covered in mud for the final 2 mile push for home. Finally we crossed the road where Brian was waiting patiently for slow poke Ian and made the turn into the picnic shelter area to cross the finish line in DFL (look it up but be PC). A few people were there to cheer us in. Juli was second in her age group and received a medal. In fact they gave me one too which I thought was a finishers medal until turning it over I realized they got it wrong and promptly returned the piece of hardware.

The ChiAs sat around for a while chatting and then either went home or out for breakfast.

What a great race and I hope Running Unlimited holds the Xterra Trail Run Chicago Series again in 2008

Results at: http://www.racetime.info/2007Results/XTERRA%203%20O.HTM

Photos by Brian Gaines: http://picasaweb.google.com/BrianNLT/XTERRAXTREMETrailRun12K

Badwater 135 2007

2007-08-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

Pre Race:

Badwater 135 began for me earlier this year when the 2007 rooster was released to the public and there was 6 people listed I knew (Scott, Brian, Nikki, Lisa, Tracy and Bonnie). I penned a congratulations email to all of them and made a remark about who was now going to crew for them. In previous races one or two might have ran and the others been there for crewing, now there was 6 going.

Scott Jacaway who I knew via Lisa and from ultra races asked me if I was interested in crewing for him as he was putting together his team and thought I’d be a good fit. Having that weekend free from events and other commitments, and with approval from Laura, I jumped at the opportunity.

Then the worry set in. Badwater is a 135 mile running race held in Death Valley in July from Badwater (lowest point in the western hemisphere) to the Whitney Portals (trailhead to Mt Whitney highest point in lower 48). Yeah Death Valley in July and I’d be there crewing in the heat. This would need some training and planning just to crew. With the internet to guide me I read as much on the race as I could, watched the brilliant DVD Running to the Sun, exchanged emails with many and then started to heat train which included running and hiking at 2pm on hot days, running hill repeats with Scott and his wife Caryn on Mt Hoy in Blackwell forest preserve, driving around with the car heater on and wearing a jacket at times.

Before I think we all realized the race was upon us. Badwater 135 starts on a Monday (23rd) and so I found myself at O’Hare airport on July 21st for a flight to Las Vegas. Nikki Seger and Bonnie Busch were on the flight as was Scott's crew member Debbie Ullmann and some of Bonnie’s crew. I arrived first at the gate followed by Nikki with her fly fishing poles. We chatted for a few minutes then Bonnie’s crew arrived. They recognized Nikki and introductions were made. As the plane was boarding I was greeted by Debbie who I had never meet before. Flight to Vegas was none eventfully but I had good views of the mountains, desert and Hoover Dam.

Waiting at baggage claim was none other than Mary Gorski who had flown in from Wisconsin to crew for Nikki. The party was just beginning. But Debbie and I would not see these guys again until Death Valley the next day as we got out luggage and all went separate ways. Debbie and I made our way to the car rental area to meet Scott and fellow crew members Caryn (Scott’s wife) and Steve from Phoenix who had crewed a runner with Scott last year. The team was all together for the first time after many emails.

First order of the day was brunch followed by checking Scott and Caryn out of their Friday night hotel (they arrived one day earlier to sort out some logistic) and then we all headed to a super center to get supplies for the days ahead (groceries, water/beverage, camping items etc). Those tasks completed we plied everything into the rented mini van and car and motored to Death Valley. As soon as we left the concrete and bright lights of Vegas the scenery changed to mountains and desert terrain. Before long we reached Zabriskie Point and my first view of the valley floor that is Death Valley; plus the first real heat blast upon opening the car door. I was getting excited. A few miles later we arrived at Furnace Creek 178 feet below sea level and checked into our hotel rooms. I half expected some type of run down desert lodgings but these were very nice. Checked out the resort and had lunch at the 49ers Cafe and was pleasantly surprised to see a few veggie items on the menu. Returning to the room I found some soccer on prime time TV (LA vs Chelsea including Becks first game - well 12 minutes of his action) and then we all retired for the night.

Sunday soon arrived. Breakfast was out on the patio with Scott cooking up some fine eggs and Steve getting the coffee brewing. Tons of birds were running around on the grassy area, never seen what I think was a yellow headed blackbird before. Steve also saw a road runner that morning of the feathered kind which got Debbie excited with thoughts of Looney Tunes cartoons. The plan for the day was to discuss the race day plan, think of how to organize the van/car and signage placement (every vehicle had to have runner name and number attached) plus attend the afternoon packet pick up and the mandatory race and crew meeting. Both of these events were held at the Furnace Creek Visitors Center. Packet pick up involved Scott handing in his paper work with waivers and getting his bib number, goody bag, crew T shirts, mug shoots taken, web cast interview, picking up a Coleman cooler and chatting with others. There was also a very friendly road runner posing for photos, Debbie was swimming so missed it. I purchased a souvenir race T and cap. We strolled back to the room via the Borax Museum on the hotel grounds, borax was once mined in Death Valley. Hour or so later we strolled back to the visitors center to attend the race/crew meeting. We arrived early and got seats near the front. Before long the place was standing room only. Chris Kostman gave a talk as did a park ranger. Ben Jones and his wife were inducted into the Badwater Hall of Fame. Sponsors gave talks and so did medical director and friend Lisa Bliss. All the race staff and a little later the athletes were pulled up on stage for applause (well deserved) and photo ops. Then 2 hours later it was over. After dinner at the 49ers Cafe Debbie and I wanted to see the Badwater basin without a crowd so we took the car and drove the 17 miles through the desert and mountains. I was especially looking for mushroom rock due to a video by musician Morrissey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTev6og-edU but we never found it. The basin was out of this world. Salt flats going out to the valley floor with mountains behind us and off in the near distance. Also behind us and 282 feet up was a sign that read, Sea Level. Soon we returned and got an early night ready for Monday's race day.

Race Day:

Badwater starts on a Monday with 3 wave starts 6am, 8am and 10am. Around 30 people are assigned to each wave. The 10am wave is considered the elite wave and that is where Scott was assigned. He had hoped for the 6am start which would give coverage from the sun by the mountains for a few hours but it wasn't to be. It did mean we could sleep in, relax and not have to worry about getting ready. After breakfast and my last coffee for 4 days the crew loaded up the van and car plus "decorated" them with Scott's signage. The Dodge car reminded me of a NASCAR car. Steve and I went to purchase many bags of ice then returned to finish the preparations. Meanwhile Scott was putting on his running gear, all white long pants, long sleeve shirt and sun hat plus shades. Around 9am I moved the car to the front of the resort where it would remain until Scott reached mile 17 and we all piled into the van for the drive to Badwater Basin. As we pulled out of the resort Brian Kuhn was running by in first place. We passed many runners and crew on the 17 mile drive. Currently it was cloudy and windy but still warm. Once at the basin Scott checked in, got weighted, blood sample taken (he was part of the medical study), sweat patch applied then we headed down to the valley floor for the team photo by the sign indicting place and elevation (-282feet). We took photos of the people ahead of us and the people behind us took ours, great sportsmanship. Chris Kostman then told all the runners to gather at the basin sign where the official race sign was unwrapped. Time to head up to the road for the start. Caryn, Debbie and I headed up the nearby hill for photo ops. Then it began, all 30 runners were off up the road, only 135 miles to go. Scott hung back from the pack to let the elite fast guys but was on his way too.

The race officials held all the crew back to clear the road so time for bathroom breaks and last minute van set up changes. We then joined the 30 crew vehicles on Badwater Road which caused a traffic jam in the middle of the desert for the first few miles before runners started to spread out. Scott wanted us to meet him around one mile from the start. Due to being held by the race staff and all the traffic Scott reached that meeting point at the same time as us and therefore the first stop was a comedy of errors. Thinking we'd have at least 10 minutes to prepare water bottles, wet towels and bandannas nothing was in fact ready. We had to rush so there was Caryn falling over boxes, rushing out the van without the bottle, dodging cars and us realizing the van needed a do over. Well Scott got his bottle and we slowly headed up another mile. The next stop was better and as we moved up the road each stop got polished. Steve the crew pro suggested experimenting with different numbers at each stop to see what worked so after the first stop with all four of us dashing across the road we figured 2 was plenty. We also found that we had time to get to the next meeting before preparing water and energy drink bottles or food and to make the van stops much slower so those in the back of the van didn't end up on the floor (sorry!!!!). Along the way we also had time to take photos and therefore 12.9 miles after the start we found mushroom rock. Steve actually found it at a scheduled crew stop "Hey I want to get a photo of that weird rock". By now the runners were spread out, it was still cloudy and very windy and we were almost at the Furnace Creek resort site of the first timing station and for us to pick up the car which we did by driving a little a head of Scott.

Furnace Creek was also where pacers could join the runners so Steve donned his running gear to join Scott on the course and the rest of us conveyed the van and the car along the course for around 14 miles handing Scott and Steve water bottles every mile or so. Night was coming and it was time for the first crew rest break. Debbie took over the pacing so Steve and I were to drive onto Stovepipe Wells (mile 42), 10 miles down the road. We stopped for photos at the Sand Dunes and then checked into the hotel and to get a few hours sleep. Shortly after we got to the hotel there was a knock on the door; it was Caryn and she told us Scott had staked out and was currently with the medics. The race allows the runners to leave the race course to seek rest, food, medic and they can then rejoin the race where they left it. A wood stake with the runners number is supplied and put into he ground to mark the point. We later learned Scott had ran less than a mile from where we left them and a race doctor had stopped by and suggested a stop at the medical camp in SPW. Scott had an electrolyte deficiency so ORS drink was given and a few hours on a race cot before he returned to the course. Steve and I therefore had a few hours extra sleep before Caryn woke us up. It was now Caryn and Debbie's time for a break and Steve and I time to crew/pace. Steve wanted to pace again so I drove the van into the night crewing every mile or so. During this time the desert night sky was crystal clear with no moon or light pollution. I had never seen the sky like this. The Milky Way was amazing and I tracked a couple of slow moving satellites. Scott also took a few naps in the van or in a chair. The ladies returned and we continued the long slow climb up to Townes Pass summit going from sea level to nearly 5000 feet in 17 miles. Caryn took over the pacing.

A few miles later we got our first view of Mt Whitney way off in the distance. Although at the time I wasn't sure which peak was Whitney the view of the Sierra range was stunning. Scott and Caryn came down the hill and the crewing continued for a few more miles before we rounded a corner and there was another view this time of Panamint Springs and the bed floor stretching out before us and the very long road that leads down to the valley floor and beyond. It was now approaching lunchtime and after Steve and I had been up through the night so Scott suggested we head into Lone Pine some 60 miles away for a resupply of ice, gas and to check into the next hotel for some sleep. On the way we stopped at Panamaint Springs where Gillian Robinson had told us a party was going on that night. Guess we missed the party but Jack and Mags Dennes where manning the time station and nursing a pint of Guinness,a lager and maybe a packet of crisps. We chatted with Jack for a short time (Jack is from close to where my family is from and my sister Julie lives). We motored on passing many runners including Lisa Bliss and crew and got to Lone Pine fairly quickly. We actually didn't get much time in LP after ordering a pizza (first real food in a day, although Steve's "crew van burritos" were great), 2 hours sleep then we had to fill up with gas and get ice before returning to find Scott some where on the course. Also now we was driving on the same side the runners where on so although the speed limit was 65 I slowed down whenever approaching to give them a wide berth and of course to crew them on. Lisa was doing great. Stopped at the sign for Death Valley for photos (had to do the tourist bit).

We found Caryn and Debbie waiting at Father Crowley point along with Scott Weber's crew/wife. Scott had made amazing process since we last saw him. He had gone into the valley, through Panamint Springs and up through the rather dangerous and narrow switch backs and was approaching the crew. At this point Caryn and Debbie headed to Lone Pine and was told by Scott not to return before midnight. Scott ran the next few miles alone before Steve rejoined him and I crewed from the van stopping every mile, sometimes every half mile to take in food (he was now eating more solids) or drink, sometimes Scott asked me to move another mile up the road. The Darwin time station seemed to take forever to reach and darkness was coming. Time again for the night lights and visibility vests for all. Darwin was the high point on the course except for the climb up to the finish so now after a 1000 foot decline in the next 10 miles the rest would be a gradual downhill into Lone Pine. Caryn and Debbie rejoined us. Scott motored on through Keeler and onto the long last straight road across Owens Valley. Here we meet up Nikki Seger and her fly fishing crew including the ever zany fun loving Mary Gorski who was in fine spirits.

Lone Pine is the gateway to Mt Whitney and the portals push to the finish line at 8360 feet. Only one crew vehicle is allowed on the portals road with the runner, the other vehicle has to be left in Lone Pine or driven straight to the finish line area. We had opted to take just the van leaving Scott's NASCAR at the hotel. We also had to clear the van of all food except what would be needed on the 5 hour finish push. I also decided I wanted to pace with Scott for at least a few miles much to Scott's surprise when he saw me coming down the road from the hotel with his fresh water bottle in my hand dressed in my running gear. I paced Scott through Lone Pine including the 5th time station, where finisher Brian Kuhn was hanging out with race official Jay Hodde, and then up to the start of the portal climb where pacer extraordinary Steve wanted to take over to the top. Although I only paced a few miles I was so happy to be doing so although I admit I am a tad quiet which is probably not what Scott wanted but maybe he did. The climb up to the finish was fairly non eventful for Debbie, Caryn and I but was exhausting work for Scott and Steve has they climbed 4500 feet gain in around 12 miles. The views down to Lone Pine and beyond where awesome (again) Finally after 51 hours and 33 minutes Scott was about to complete his 135 mile trek across the desert and over the mountains. Caryn some how found a place to park probably half a mile from the finish and Team 72 made the climb to the finish with Scott were we all linked arms as Scott triumphantly finished. It was definitely emotional but so amazing.

RD Chris was there to meet Scott and present him with his finishers medal, have photos taken and do a small interview. Scott then finished his medical study.

I am so proud of Scott for finishing the race and so proud to have been invited to be on his crew; I'd not hesitate to crew again at Badwater. Putting a crew together for such an event is a major part of race planning and I think Scott put together a great crew who got on well and worked well together especially after the first crew stop some 134 miles before.

Well what goes up has to go down so we slowly strolled down to the van where Steve took the drivers seat and with the smell of smoking brakes guided the van down the mountain and back to the hotel in Lone Pine. Upon arriving at the hotel we ran into champion Lisa Bliss still smiling as she had been before, during and now after the race. Way to go Lisa. Scott then got had a well deserved shower, massage and a 2 hour nap before we all headed off to the race pizza party for speeches, videos, awards and friendship.

Next day (briefly) was a leisurely but quicker drive back down the course stopping at a few locations for photos and video and a great encounter with the Dennes at Paramint Springs where Jack was nursing another Guinness and we nursed smoothies for a 30 minutes chin wag. Last night and day in the area was in Vegas which after days in Death Valley was a tad anti climax or maybe desert and mountains are more appealing to me than lights and urban jungle at that moment.

Congrats to everyone that finished Badwater 2007 which includes all the crew but especially congrats to those I know Nikki, Bonnie, Lisa, Tracy, Brian, Jerry and of course Scott. You are all amazing my friends.

Also thanks to Crew 72; Caryn, Debbie and Steve. It was a pleasure spending a week with you all and I trust I didn't get on your nerves - well not to much.

Badwater summary

2007-07-30T21:43:00.000-05:00

Back from an amazing experience crewing for Scott Jacaway at Badwater 135. I'll write a longer report soon but Scott finished in 51hr 33mins. All Illinois runners finished the 135 mile journey from Badwater (lowest point in western hemisphere) to Mt Whitney portals (trail head for the highest point in lower 48). Congrats to Scott, Nikki, Jerry, Brian and Tracy plus Bonnie from nearby IA (proud to say I know them all) and big congrats to female winner and friend Lisa Bliss of WA, formerly IL.

Photos courtesy of and copyrighted by Chris Kostman, Badwater.com and Adventure Corp

Double Day

2007-07-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday (15th) I did my first double work out day in many many years. In the morning I went to Knoch Knolls park in Naperville and did 5 miles of trail running then later in the afternoon after running errands (well shopping at REI) I stopped at MT Hoy in Blackwell Forest preserve and meet up with Scott Jacaway and his wife Caryn who were doing hill repeats. They were already repeats ahead of me so I just joined in and got in a quick 10 I think. Scott finished up his 20 climbs in fine shape. Normally I hike up and down but training with Scott this time I started running down the steep hill and have decided even after Badwater I'll be back at Mt Hoy for hill training to get ready for the HOBO 25k.

Saturday was a no running no training day. Laura does volunteer work for the local chapter of First Book. These organization raise funds and supply book for children in less well off areas (Fox Valley and Aurora for this chapter). Jewel was hosting a NASCAR event due to the race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet so First Book and Cheerios tied that event into a Speed Read to raise book donations. Celebrity and a YMCA kids took turns to read. In total over 10,000 book donation were "won" on the day and then at the race the next day another 11,000 books via laps doe by the Cheerios racer

In the heat of the day

2007-07-12T13:37:00.000-05:00

This past weekend (July 7 and 8) was hotter than it had been so I decided to take good advantage of the sunny skies and rise in temperature. Saturday I headed out to nearby Herrick and Danada Forest Preserves in Wheaton. There are about 10 miles of wide limestone trails at these two connected preserves and is also home to the Windrunner 10k held in August (26th) . Around 75% if the trails are unshaded and exposed on a sunny day, the rest travels through wooded areas.

Setting out from the car park around 10am I decided to run the shaded sections and hike the exposed sections to maximum my time in the sun and heat. The run/hike went well and I felt strong for the 9 miles I did despite the sun. I made sure I drank regularly from my Camelbak Rogue, what a great purchase, and took in a couple Hammer gels and some Succeed! caps at varies points. In all it was a great run/hike.

Sunday I got to sleep in more than normal. Laura and I went grocery shopping in the morning, watched Le Tour de France London to Canterbury although didn’t see my sister or my uncle who both live in that part of England. After lunch I headed to Blackwell forest preserve, just north of Herrick (linked by a trail and road crossing). I arrived around 1.45 and went to the Mt Hoy car park. The temperature was 97F in the city and even hotter in the burbs and I was about to start some hill repeats on the biggest hill in Du Page county. It is approximately 100 feet of elevation gain from the base of the hill on the grassy slope to the summit and some sections are fairly steep. After a number of treks up and day with the sun blazing on me Scott (the Badwater runner I am crewing for) and his wife Caryn showed up. Scott had planned to do a total of 20 return trips which he did with easy. I completed my planned 10 and was pleased with the effort. Caryn I think did 10 or more and then hung out with me to chat while Scott finished up. A lot of water and energy drink was drunk by the 3 of us. I was surprised to see others out there on the hill, most only did one trip to the summit and right back to their cars, while one chap was doing multiple loops and a high school football team was doing some training in preparation for the season. Often than that compared to July 4th Blackwell was fairly peaceful.

Catching Up

2007-07-08T20:53:00.000-05:00

WOW, little behind on my blog entries so let's play catch up and post something about last week.
It'll include a little something from:
June 30 ChiAdead Run at Poplar Creek
July 1 trail run at Knoch Knolls, Naperville
July 3 and 4 runs at Springbrook, Naperville

The ChiAdead monthly runs was "created" recently by Brian Gaines and what a great idea. I missed the first venture out to Water Fall Glen end of month but was very happy to make the end of June run which was being held at Poplar Creek Forest Preserve near Bartlett IL, http://www.fpdcc.com/downloads/pc_trailmap.pdf. I made he short drive up Rt59 and was greeted by Michael, Debbie and Paul. Soon after Kelly arrived and we then discussed the route to take. Kelly had ran here before so in Brian's absence took the lead role. She suggested starting on the 2.6 mile dirt/grass trail loop and then do the large 8.9 paved trail. This was to my liking although I think for most the others, except Kelly, it might have been their first time on a dirt trail. For the most part it is mowed grass, some dirt almost single track and a few rock, roots and rutted section with barely a hill amongst it not to say it is flat. Some of the trail is in the woods and at other points there are some great meadow views. We all ran as a group for this loop although near the end Michael who was running extra distance disappeared of into the distance. Back at the cars Paul and Kelly were ready to do the big loop and Debbie intended to do part of it and turn around. I wanted to do a total of around 8 miles that day so rather than doing the big paved loop opted to do 2 more dirt loops. For my second loop I headed out in the opposite direction and then the original direction for the third. On the third I decided to explore an off shoot and discovered a nice little hill plus a mini lake with an egret on the waters edge. Start of the 2nd loop a deer crossed my path then stopped to stare at me. Meet up with Debbie and Michael who had both finished their various mileage and shortly after Paul and Kelly came running in. Breakfast plans were made but sadly I didn't have time to join them so set of for home with the heater on in the car!!!

Sunday it was off to one of my favourite dirt trails, Knock Knolls on Naperville's southside. Although most of the trails here are flat there is a great mix of single and wide trails. The single trails are really twisty but have a fair share of rocks, roots, logs and deers. It takes a few trips in KK to get used to the trails and where they go but I've "designed" a few different courses to run and sometimes reverse them for a different view. Total mileage was around 5 miles (there are no real maps or mileage posted)

Tuesday I had an extra day off work so what better than to go for a run. It was forecast to be a sunny day with increasing temperature so I got to Springbrook forest preserve http://www.dupageforest.com/maps/springbrook.pdf around 11am. Was surprised to see a fair number of cars parked at the trail head. There are a basically two loops at SB, the big 5.5 main west loop and around 4 miles on the other side of Plainfield road. The 5.5 mile loop is limestone and totally exposed, barely a tree on the trail. I wore my Camelbak pack and headed out clockwise. It was a fun trail to be on with views across meadows galore, but of course box retailers were also visible at times. After I went through the tunnel under Plainfield Rd I turned right onto a dirt trail to explore at least part of the east side. A wrong turn at an intersection lead me to the end of a trail with another meadow view but this was surrounded by trees and no cars could be heard. Went back to the correct trail and continued for a mile or so before turning around to go back and finishing the big west loop. It wasn't long before I reached the car after around 8 miles with plenty of sun and heat. Couple things sort of surprised me: most runners were not carrying water despite none on the trail and it being sunny/hot and the number of bikers without helmets but also wearing iPods/MP3 players while cycling - neither are smart IMO.

Wednesday because I enjoyed my brief venture onto the dirt east trail at Springbrook I decided to go back and do the full 4 mile loop. Actually half the loop is limestone. Getting parked at the other SB trailhead was fun, I got there at 8am and every spot was taken. Luckily a runner had just finished her run so I patiently waited for her to finish stretching and then was able to park. The first part of the trial was on the west trail down a hill, through the tunnel and then onto the dirt trail. This time I didn't go left at the intersection but straight on the dirt and mowed grass trail. The dirt trail is around 2 miles and wide,. mostly flat but with a couple inclines that pass through meadows and wooded areas full of birds, dragonflies and even a deer. After 2 miles the dirt trail joins up with a near 2 mile limestone trail that heads back to the main west loop. This trail was much busier than the dirt trail where I saw maybe 4 people walking dogs one runner and no bikes (which are banned on that section although it is not posted as such). Back to the main loop and I venture off to another limestone loop that circles a model airplane field with a few planes buzzing around but includes a nice view of what would have been Dragon Lake if nature had not changed the FP's plans (see FP website). It was a good end to four days (over 5) of running and hiking totalling close to 25 miles. None of it was fast but I was happy with the mileage total and more importantly how I felt after great.

Thanks for reading.

Running some hills

2007-06-20T20:51:00.000-05:00

Time to post about last weekend's hill training.

Saturday I headed to the Palos Forest Preserve in Cook County to run and hike on the yellow trail at Palos Sag Valley http://www.fpdcc.com/downloads/sv_trailmap.pdf which is south of Rt 83 and locals know it for the "closed" toboggan hill with the big stair climb to the side. I've only been to this part of Palo FP once before generally opting for the north section by Bullfrog Lake. I love the north section; full of fine single track and wider trails created and maintained by www.cambr.org and home to the DeTonty 50k but Saturday was time to go back to Sag Valley. SV has plenty of single track but bikes are banned from riding them (wide trails are legal) and so the single track is not mapped. I stuck to the wide yellow trail which has plenty of hills. The trails I believe are supposed to be covered in limestone but due to lack of maintenance are more dirt and gravel now, perfect for me. Also last time here was after a big rain storm so the trials that time where a tad muddy with swollen stream crossings; this weekend they were dry and hot. Parking at the base of the toboggan hill I strapped on my Camelbak and set of eastward (clockwise) where I promptly got attacked by a swarm of cicadas when walking to the tail head by a big tree. Just has I got to the trail I see a runner heading away from me and a biker passes by; it's only 7am so I know it is going to be busier than most Palos trips. Without going into to much detail of the trail, mainly because I can never recall where all the hills, streams, ridges,flat bits come along the way by the time I am done (how do people write such detailed training and race reports!) the yellow trail has plenty of hills, some stretches of flat and many cicadas. Part I do remember is the first stream crossing that was a swollen river last time was basically bone dry and the park people are building a bridge over it (marked ford on some maps). Within a few miles of this section is also the biggest hill in the area known per Brenda Barrera's book as Big Bertha. This hill just goes up at a steep incline, or decline if you come from the other direction, oh and it is not the first hill you encounter after the current ford soon to be bridge crossing. It is near Palos Park Woods (south) on the map. As you go along the trail there are more hills and some of the trail reminds me of Kettle Moraine although not as hilly and they don't have cicadas. I made it back to the car in one piece, cicadas are really nice bugs and they only attacked me that one time. Saw one deer on the first part of the trial which crossed the trail in front of me then stopped and just starred at me. If I had my camera it would have been a great photo. I'd recommend this 8.1 mile loop for anyone wanting some serious Chicaogoland hills training (bring dry shoes/socks if wet).

Saturday afternoon I got in some time in the heat and sun when Laura and I went to Fullersberg Preserve, Oak Brook mall and La Grange (for Elephants on Parade - think Chicago Cows on Parade).

Sunday I slept in and then went to the nearby Blackwell FP to do hill repeats on My Hoy. This is a former rubbish dump now owned by Du Page FP and part of a good forest preserve that I like running in. According to gmap and Du Page website the hills is 105 feet in gain and a round trip from the road edge along the gravel service road to the 836 foot summit is 0.5 miles approximately. There is also a teepier but tad short grassy side that is used for tubing in the winter and both sides are very exposed to the sun. More great heat training for Badwater plus maybe the hill repeats would be good for climbing Mt Whitney (14497 feet) after the Badwater race!! Not sure how many repeats I completed but I did 30 minutes on the gravely road and then 30 minutes on the grassy slope. It was a great tough work out and I think more of the sme will be very beneficial not just for Badwater but my fittest level and towards my 2007 goal race, HOBO 25k. I did drink a lot of water at Mt Hoy, maybe more than I did the day before - might have been due to the sun, Palos is all shaded. From the summit of Mt Hoy there is a great view of Du Page, so many trees and water towers plus good view of Fermilab's office towers. A number of egrets and herons flew over plus I saw a deer running along the base of the hill past the archery range and into the wooded area. Guess the deer was speed training passed the archery range!

Got home in time to shower then watch Englishman Lewis Hamilton win the USA Formula One Grand Prix then Real Madrid clinch the Spanish league title

First posting

2007-06-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

Well this is my first posting to my first blog, let's hope I get it right. Going to use it to record my running and hopefully one day the biking I do.

I ran a little in school back in England but mainly cross country and the once a year track and field event that everyone in school was supposed to partake in. When I went to college my accounting professor, George, ran the first London Marathon which I watched on the TV, BBC I think. I didn't see George on TV during the live broadcast but later that evening on the BBC news poor George got his 15 seconds on fame on The Mall, around 1 mile from the finish, as he collapsed in front of the camera. George wasn't at college for a few days but when he returned and told the class his story I was inspired.

In 1990 I moved to Chicago. Proud to say I am married to my lovely Laura who grew up in Chicago and just two weekends ago we celebrate 17 years of marriage. We lived for 12 years a few blocks from the Chicago lakefront which includes an 18 mile stretch of running and biking paths (paved or limestone). This was more inspiration for me and I sort of followed in George's footsteps and did my first marathon in 1993. I also took up biking with the hope of doing a triathlon one day but realized swimming is not for me. I've done one triathlon, a super sprint but the swim was a struggle. Think I was last out of the water in my wave of 50 but powered by most on the bike and run. Duathlons worked for me so I've done a few of those in the past.

Not sure when but I found a copy of Ultra Running magazine in a store and became hooked on ultra running, at least reading about them. Of course I started to meet Ultra Runners and after oh 5 marathons I was "talked" into the Danville Howl at the Moon 8 hour ultra by my friend Nikki Seger. I completed my first Ultra distance event there then a few months later ran a 50k race on the trail of northern Wisconsin Kettle Moraine. I was hooked on trail running although trails on the Chicago Lakefront are hard to find.

Well after 8 marathons and 4 50ks I took a break from running and even biking.

Laura and I moved west 5 years ago to Naperville and after a few false starts and a medical issues and injuries I finally got back into running. Most of my running is done in the Du Page Forest Preserves which has an amazing trail system in most of their preserves. My only issue is close to 100% is limestone but I have also discovered a few jewels of dirt multi and single track trails in other Preserves such as Naperville's Knoch Knolls and the brilliant trial system of Palos.
Within a drive from home I've also ran trails at Rock Cut, Clinton Lake and some Wisconsin state parks plus recently attended a race on the trails of a park in Portage IN (allegies stopped me racing but I'll return).
I've done probably 8 races since September 2006 when I signed up for my first race in over 6 years -all but one has been on the trails in distances from 5k to 25k. OK I have to admit I am slow, very slow and even have finished last place male in a few of these trail races but I am enjoying myself out there and for me that is what it is all about. BUT as I get back into running I hope to get quicker but still enjoy myself.

I also own a great Gary Fischer mountain bike which I have to admit I have yet to use since purchasing it. Got it pre-winter a few years ago then came down with my medical issues (nerve issue in both legs - now cured). Now I have no excuses and as I enjoyed biking previously all road and love trail running and hiking it is time to get the MTB out there and enjoy the dirt on wheels (but only when trails are not wet)

So that is my brief running and biking story; nothing out of this world but I enjoy it.

Thanks for reading and come back for hopefully more postings down the road, hmmmmm trails.