Monthly Miles Past Three Years

I had a great three plus years living in Arizona and will always look back on my running days in Arizona with fond memories.  Here are the monthly miles for the past three years:

Month               2008               2009            2010
Jan                       58                 246               286
Feb                      95                 236               190
Mar                     88                 182               242
Apr                    103                  86                205
May                   106                 227               237
Jun                     164                 294               260
Jul                      212                 287               234
Aug                    225                 228              222
Sep                    213                 215              406
Oct                    153                 267              301
Nov                   149                 188              288
Dec                    214                 275              345       
Total                  1783               2732           3218
Ave                     4.88                7.49             8.82

Hared Huachuca Hash 1274

Had a GREAT time Haring the 1274th running of the Huachuca Hash House Harriers.  It was so much fun setting the course through thick shiggy, over a wall to an apartment complex (one person detained shortly), and on a slightly long run for this group (they usually like 3-4 mile runs and I took them a little over 5 miles).  Also the trail took through a little more than a mile of sandy washes. 

The year is almost up and right now I'm sitting at 272 miles for the month and 3145 for the year.  It has been an incredible year and I'm ready for a little rest.  Across the Years 24 Hour Race is on New Years, but after that I make my move up to Chicago, and plan on not putting too much stress on myself while I get settled and while I get used to the new climate.  I did pay for a 50 miler in April, which should be my tune up and start of my build up to the National Championship 24 hour race.  If things go well I will really train hard and shoot for >110 miles, but if things don't work out I'll just enjoy the race and the incredible people who show up to that race. 

I can not wait to be home with my wife and kids over Christmas!  I'll be taking a rest from running then come back and hit it for a hard 24 hours where I should hit >100 miles and secure my second 100 mile buckle. 

Once I return from the holiday, there will be just a few more days of school, then off to a new chapter of life!!

Next Ultra After Across The Years

I've got two races already paid for coming up next year

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=3356+Guluzzo+Drive,+San+Jose,+CA&daddr=21785+Almaden+Rd&hl=en&geocode=FfrUOQIdcIa9-ClLHyq3TS2OgDHyNM5p-p31Ow%3BFQ47NwIdcRq9-CnRBOX7ujqOgDHKEdNR1RVhrA&mra=ls&sll=37.246481,-121.852196&sspn=0.390814,0.579529&safe=on&ie=UTF8&ll=37.26531,-121.844559&spn=0.195359,0.289764&t=h&z=12
April 30th 2011 - Quicksliver 50, San Jose CA


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Sept 17th 2011 - North Coast 24 Hour National Championship, Cleveland, OH

November Totals - 288

Well I got a total of 288 miles this month, with four days off.  Very little fast running and a little bit of a break for a change.  As you can see from some of the latest posts I only "raced" once and didn't pay, which caused a huge storm.  Anyway, I kept cost down this month.  This post tracks my cost per mile.  I'm sitting at .65 cents per mile through the end of November.  December will be a little higher due to the $180 fee for Across the Years, but throughout the year I will be under $1 a mile, which is pretty good for a hobby that I love so much and that has positive health benifits. 

KM 100

I just signed up for this race: 

Registration Id: 11030160042BJ2835

Submit Date: Sunday January 30th, 2011

Submit Time: 4:00 pm (USCT)

Payment Status: Completed

Your registration is complete. We look forward to seeing you at our event!

I just signed up for the 100K; not sure I want to do another 100 Miler anytime soon; they are so incredibly hard and take so long to recover from.  I like 100K because you finish them in one day and go on with your life/weekend.  Here is the link to last years runners information booklet.  I really like that the race is only 72 miles away from home and that I will not need to stay overnight (cuts down on costs!).  Anyway, that is three good races planned for this year (Quicksilver 50 in April, KM 100K in June and 24 Hour Race in Sep....those are paid for, but I will probably sign up for the Chicago Marathon that is held in Oct). 


Really looking forward to getting up to Chicago and starting a new chapter in my life.  The next 100 I'm going to throw my hat into the ring for is the KM100; which is only a couple hours away from my new home.   Above is the next swag that I'm looking forward to achieving.  The race is to be held on 4 June 2011.

This website looks like a good one for me to plan future races around.

Also, there is a 24 hour (April 30th) race in Iowa CBRC is the lead.  This race in Eldridge, IA is about three hours away and would let me get back on a track to see how far I can go in 24 hours.

New Idea About Bandit

I want to make sure I make this clear that I do not condone Bandit Running in races and will not do it again, but I came across a very interesting topic that an experienced runner/race director wrote about the subject.  It is interesting to see the different ideas on the topic:


devil's advocate: organized races use public land, streets, parks, etc. plus cops, plus whatever other pieces of publicly owned infrastructure. a running race is not ever "yours." it's like a parade. i pay taxes. i paid to have the roads paved, trails maintained. i'll run that race or walk in that parade if i want! U! S! A!




in the case of a "cause" i.e. breast cancer or whatever, hey, i'll always pitch in some dough for the rego, but if someone runs it bandit, you (as race director) gotta relax about that...you're putting on a fundraiser using land that isn't yours, blocking traffic, etc. and should be pleased with the money raised and be happy (this is coming from a guy who's organized a few fundraiser races).



on the other hand, an "official" type of race where everyone gets their running shorts in a bunch over times and places...well...you know what official time you ran and you know what official place you got...if a bandit wins pikes...well he doesn't get the special prize now does he? boo hoo. but practice harder next year, 'cause you still got beat.



and when i ran as a bandit in the Big City Mega-Bank Life-Insurance Half-Marathon...well i could not care less about them, the race organizers or the money they didn't get from me. if they don't like that, don't hold races. your companies suck at doing what they purport to do. plus, the city does not belong to you beyond your front lawn. are there new yorkers who think ING owns them? ha. could you imagine telling a new yorker that? telling anyone that?



bottom line: whoever runs fastest wins. all these debbie downers need to spend less time on the internet and more time in their running shoes! to anyone short on funds and long on legs...go run the hell out of those "stolen" races! personally, i welcome competition no matter what.



if i weren't so hammered i wouldn't have posted anything at all. this whole big argument is silly. that poor guy shouldn't have apologized for anything. calling his military service into question over a running race? the list of better ways to spend your time is so long it's covering up your common sense, apparently.







i can't remember how i came across this collection of blogs, but i couldn't help but 2-centing on it.

run well guys. healthy, wealthy and...something something.


=======
So end of quote.  I do not want to stir things up again, just offering different perspective.  Some races are really "known" for their bandits too.  Bay to Breakers in SF would not be the same without the bandits, and the same thing with Boston.  So maybe there is a time and place?  Having said that I gave my word that I would not do it again; and God forbid I surely would not write about it.  I was surprised that anyone read my blog, but when I really think of it, Race Directors want to know about what people think about their races and once a topic of controversy comes up people tell all their friends and it goes from there. 
 
Now to think about the root of all this, I have thought of some opportunities that are a result of high cost races.  There will always be people who want to the t-shirt and want to see their "official" results, so I don't see an end to people paying for races, but it seems like the more experience (especially ultra runners) are looking for alternatives to spending big bucks for those little returns on investment.  Once I retire and have more time, I plan on setting up a series of non-official runs that are bare bones and the only payment is that you help every third or fourth race.  They would have to be small and called fun runs, and probably run on trails, but the savings are huge; no insurance, no security.  People can help out with aid station food or bring a "recommended" donation to help with the food/water/trail marking.  We could keep official time (stop watch/sticks given to match up splits/time/person.  Finally we could hang the results up on a cheap website to give people a more "official" feel to their finish and competitive standing.  This would probably fill in the gaps between the few official races that most of us want to do a year.  Anyway, just some low cost ways to bring people together and "race" without putting down $60-$450 that is now the common cost for races in the length of half marathon to 100 mile ultra races. 

Bandit Apology - I'll Send a Check

Wow, I just saw the comments about the 1/2 Marathon and I feel awful.  There is no excuse, but I did rationalize since I did not take anything from the race, but like many of you pointed out I did enjoy a safe race and great competition, which does not come without a price. 

I take great pride in my reputation and do not intend to let that slide.  I will send a check (sent $8 as of 5 Dec) to the race right away and I make a huge public apology.  The race was great and even though I didn't even take a sip/bite I now see that it is about the same as theft, because there are other things that the race provides. 

I volunteer at several races a year and value the running community more than you can imagine.  I do not wish to burn bridges and hope that you can take this along with the proof of my payment (race director, can you post a comment once you receive it) as an apology and accept me at a future race (not as a bandit).  I didn't think it through and will not do this type of unethical activity in the future. 

Again, I'm sorry and hope I can make it up to the community, my family and ultimately my reputation in the US Army.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Kinda jonesing over not racing, but it will all go out of my mind once I get home on Thursday and celebrate my little girl's birthday.  It is hard to believe that she will be three in just a few days.  After 92 miles last week, I'm taking a calculated break and plan on only getting about 40 miles this week, and not worry about running while I'm at home with family (if it works out great, but if not it is time for a few days off). 

My next raceis not until the end of December, unless I decide to pay the big bucks and jump into the Tucson Marathon I've waited so long that it will cost me a pretty penny of $110, but I feel very fast and the course is perfect for a fast Boston Qualifier that lasts two years (this year already sold out, plus I've already qualified back in Jan).  Since I'll be living in Chicago, I might do Boston (link to the directions) again, but probably not since it is a 17 hour drive.  Maybe try to get into NYC Marathon, but that drive is every bit of 13 hours, so maybe not even that race?  Actually more realistic is the Chicago Marathon, and Twin Cities Marathons.  Maybe the Cincinnati Marathon (May 1st) or Grandma Marathon (8 hours away on June 18th) , but the race I am about to put money down on is scheduled for 9 April 2011, called McNaughton Park 100, and is a pretty easy 100 mile race, and here is some information about the IL Ultra Slam.

Tucson Everyone Runs Half Marathon 1:30:00 **Bandit**

Had a fun run at the Everyone Runs Half Marathon in Tucson this morning.  I ran a flat 1:30:00 as a bandit.  I felt pretty good and fast today.  I didn't expect to go this fast but I got to 10 miles and felt like I could bust 1:30:00, but when it was all said and done I couldn't get the final mile done any faster.  Here are my splits: 

6:47
7:03
6:56
6:59
6:43
6:52
6:56
6:43
7:04
6:52
7:06
6:44
6:30
:45
1:30:00
ave 6:52

 I found this incredible cartoon at a friends blog and had to repost it (thanks Brownie)

Another big milestone I crossed today was going further today then I did all last year.  I'm at 2733 right now.  I'm chasing 3000 miles by year end and think I'm on track, as long as I don't suffer any injuries.  It has been a great year and I feel like I will take a step back as I learn my new job up in Chicago and get used to running in a new place.  I think I will have a fair amount of travel with my new job, plus I just don't know how life in such cold weather will be?  Maybe I am spoiled by the great weather here in Arizona and I will not be so motivated in Chicago. Anyway, the past two years have been a running dream and I am really glad that I got the 100 mile benchmark under my belt.

October Totals

Oct 2010 Again a pretty good month of running with 301.5 miles and a cost of $384 or per mile cost of $1.26 per mile. I like to keep it under a dollar, but this month had a lot of activity in it and I just couldn't help it. For the year I'm at a total of 2584 miles and a cost of $1783 (per mile $.69). I'm not running any races in November, even though I really want to run the Fat Ox 50, but I really need to keep the cost down. I think I'll be looking good throughout the rest of the year, and even though the sport can be expensive, I feel like I am not going overboard.








Javelina Jundred Race Entry Fee - $200



Gas to Javelina Jundred and Back -$45



Mt. Lemmon Marathon - Entry Fee - $50



Gas to Mt. Lemmon - $20



Team RWB Singlet - $30



Headlight batteries/recharger $35



Hash - $4

Life after a hundred....

Well I added the loop splits link to the previous post and now have rested up a little.  Funny how not having an immediate race on the horizon changes your focus.  I've taken a couple days off and even the days that I have run, I haven't gone faster than a 10 minute mile.  Next week I'll ease back into high miles (maybe 50-60), because I don't want to lose my edge before Across the Years 24 Hour Race.  I really think 100 miles is a realistic goal and I plan to hit it again.  Here is a picture from the 100 mile race.

There was a cool article in Runners World about the race here.  Also lots of cool race photos can be found here!  It is amazing so many people could wear cool costumes.  I had to focus only on getting through the race.  I also hear people say they get easier after your first one.  I can't wait for December 31st for my next attempt!!

Century Man JJ100 - 26:04:17 (ave pace 15:26)

Really happy to finish the JJ100 in 26:04:14.  I'll have a lot more to write later because I am still trying to recover.  Put in the pace calculator and see that the pace of 15:26 was what I was able to keep over the entire 101.4 miles of JJ100.  The first 62 I was able to "race", but the final 40 miles was all fast walking and just keeping from not dropping out of the race. 

JJ100 15.4 mile loop splits; last loop was 9 miles:

2:45:30

3:24:37

3:54:05

4:10:35

4:42:46

4:40:37

2:26:02

26:04:14

ave 15:26

I'm writing this part of the post several days after the big race.  I've had time to think about the race and really think about what the race meant, as well as digest what was going on mile by mile. 

I had to drive up from Sierra Vista right after work and made it to the packet pickup/pasta feed around 4:30 pm, and immediately got into the groove and felt excited to get the race on the road.  I set up my cot and chair in order to save my spot for transitions, then took off for the reserve unit for some nice sleep in doors. Many runners chose to sleep in tents or in their cars, but I felt very thankful for having a place close by to sleep because I didn't have a tent and didn't want to deal with the temps that were expected to be in the high 50's or low 60's.  So I got to sleep around 8pm and was up by 1:30 am to shower then get over to the race site before they stopped letting people park at the race start area.  It was nice to park nearby and I even had about an hour to sleep before final race prep. 

At about 0545 I made it out of my car and got ready for the start.  I chose not to use a headlight due to about 265 starters that I could mooch light off and due to the sun coming up in just about thirty minutes.  Like with all ultras the start is sureal!  The gun went off and we took off out of the starting gates at a blazing pace that must have been around 10 minutes per mile.  That may seem funny because it is so slow compared to road running, but when you are looking at up to 30 hours on the trail, that is plenty fast. 

The first 15.4 mile loop went as planned and felt great. I came in at about 2:45 and spent just a few minutes grabbing some food and off for the next loop that took us in opposite directions.  I had fun running with a couple beautiful female runners that chose great outfits.  One was in a superwoman outfit, that was nothing more than a small bikini and she had the body to motivate all the guys around her.  Another girl that I think is beautiful was a local Phoenix runner that I see all the time; Paullette.  I usually find myself running her pace for a short time, but she always ends up putting hours on me and making me feel like a slow old man. 

So besides the incredible costumes laps two and three went well and without much suffering.  I hung out at the main aid station after lap three for about 15 minutes when one of my friends told me that I needed to get out of there.  That was actually the voice of much wisdom.  You can easily blow a race by spending too much time at the aide stations or worse yet chosing not to go on.  So I took off and started my fourth loop which was my big goal of the day and what would assure me at least the wimp out belt buckle (100K). 

I made it through 100k and had some thought off stopping, however, I got a lot of energy and support from a great friend Manoj, who had never ran further than 50K and who was with me at the end of the fourth lap.  We ended up running much of lap six together (with a great guy Brian Soto, who was Manoj's pacer).  I owe much of the race to those two gentlemen!  By the end of lap six I had made it 92 miles in just under 24 hours and by then I knew I would make it.  I did not let myself spend much time in the aid station and headed out for the last lap in the dark. I was thinking of waiting the short 30 minutes before the sun came up so I wouldn't have to carry my light, but the threat of something happening was hanging over my head and I wanted to finish the race, or at the very least have the maximum time to limp it in if anything went wrong.  So with six hours left before the cut off time I took off for the final 9 mile journey.  With a lot of luck, my legs held up and I was able to finish the 9 miles in about two and a half hours.  It felt so great to come across the finish line and finally realize a goal that I had been working on for over two years!

Less than 40 hour now -- JJ100

Really getting excited now about the 100 mile run that is less than two days away.  I'm really looking forward to making my goal after so much training and thinking about it.  No more excuses.  The weather looks like it will be great and I've had a great couple of months with great training/no injuries.  Soon I hope to be writing on this blog that I'm a Century Man.  I don't care about the time, I just want to make this goal. 

Big news on the Don't Ask Don't Tell front.  It looks like it may be in its final days.  Also, it looks like continued changes/pressure on the Afghanistan front.  Here is a great graphic depicting what we face; Counterinsurgency.  I'm in the running for a Command of a Company that will be deploying early next year.  I'm really excited, but it seems like I have my dreams crushed everytime someone says they need a Captain for deployment, but then they can not come through with orders. 

I can not wait to know, one way or another, where I will be stationed next! 

Mount Lemmon Marathon 5:26:34

Lot of fun this weekend at Mt. Lemmon Marathon. It was not what it was propped up to be, but it was still pretty hard. At the end I was feeling good and picked it up, but at 8000ft, something happened and I started to get tunnel vision.  I've never had that before.  Anyway, I slowed it down and was fine, but after the race I had a very upset stomach for about two hours.  Good fun!

More pictures are here search for Mount Lemmon race and lost and found. 

I placed 182nd out of 394 and the time of 5:26:14 (average pace of 12:28 per mile) was good enough to put me just faster than the average pace.  It goes without saying I'm a very average guy.

Here is a picture of me celebrating the end of the race and doing the YMCA hand motions along with the music. Just before this point is where I got my upset stomach and tunnel vision.

Anxious for the races to begin.....taper leaves me with too much energy.

Couple of days into my taper now.  I've only gotten about 8 miles in this week and feel very strange.  I can not wait to get Mt. Lemmon under my belt and to head off and get JJ100 under my belt as well.  I'm feeling very confident now and hope that my mental state holds up to the expectations that my training has done for my body.  Now it is time to get the job done; two years in the works are coming to fruition within the next 10 days! 

Let us do this!


View Larger Map

Here is where we will be staying then having to drive to the race start. I'm surprised it is about an hour away, but that is ok especially since it is on the Muscle Milks dime. I can't wait for the next few days!

Best Month Ever - 406.1 Miles....

I'm really stoked to go so far beyond my previous months miles.  I've never even gotten 300 miles in a single month and now this month I'm at 406.1 miles and will probably run a few more miles  tonight!  What a month.  It may be hard to pull back, but I really want to be fresh for JJ100 later next month! 

Only a week left until I'll be back home; sure have been missing my little boy and girls!

Great cost per mile $155 against the 406 miles makes my per mile cost only $.38.  I'm sitting at $.61 cents per mile so far, but have an expensive Oct and Dec ahead of me, but think I will have less than one dollar per mile. 

I'm really thinking about a new Garmin or a bike to ride to work and back, but I'll hold off for a short time and maybe until next year, but if I make one of those big purchases it will take my per mile cost over $1. 

Javelina 12 Hour - 10:38:17

Nice night for a run out on the Pemperton Trail.  I was able to kick out 3 X 15.4 mile loops for 75K in 10:38:17 for 13th place overall and 10th in the 75KM race.  It was a nice night for a run.  Fairly warm at the start but after the sun went down it was comfortable.  I was going through 80 ounces of water every hour, and needed it.  On the actual JJ100 it will help to have the three aid stations, so I can only carry one 20 ounce bottle.  It is funny how every race has its own challenges, but I felt pretty tired and broken down on the third lap, when I shouldn't have, yet that may be due to my high miles that I've been putting over the past three weeks.  Overall in hopes that this work will come together and my body will be ready to get the job done at JJ100 in just a few weeks.  Now my mind is a whole nother issue.  I can not give up.  I'm trying to get a pacer to help me out with that aspect.  One of my friends ran with me during lap number two, which made it almost effortless!  Now I need that friend to help me on lap 6 and kick my ass to finish up with lap 7.  My miles for this past week was 90!!! 

Just a few days before 12 Hour Javelina Run

I can't wait to be back on the Javelina Trail at the McDowell Mountain Range.  After getting in 90 miles last week, I'm looking forward to another great week with a long run on Saturday night.  This seems to be the perfect fit and last really long run before the race in October.  Now it will be left to be seen if I have the energy for three or four 15 mile loops!  It sure would be a confidence booster if I could get 62 miles in 12 hours, leaving only 38 miles for the final 18 hours.  It sure has been an adventure with the training this year. 

This week I'm supposed to know where I will be stationed after I'm done with this course.  How exciting! 

The 24 Hour National Championship finished today and friend Nick Coury placed third securing a spot on the US National Team that will be going to Switzerland Next year to take on the World.  How incredible for him!   

Best Week in a Long Time

I'm sitting at 87 miles for the week and may go out for a few miles tonight.  I'm feeling a little tired, but going to try to keep the miles up at least over 60 miles a week for four more weeks.  I had a great time last night with the Huachuca Howlers Hash, and this morning with the day time Huachuca Hash House Harriers.  I love running with the hash for the great people, and an opportunity to see the city from trails/allies that you normally wouldn't go through.  We were running in pitch darkness through overgrown washes last night that scratched up your legs really good, but it was all in good fun.  Also, who doesn't love a few good 'down-down' songs.

Army APFT - 283

Took the Army Physical Fitness Test today, and was able to get a 283/300, which is right on par for me. 

Push Ups: 56
Sit Ups:  82
2 Mile Run: 12:16

I was the fastest in my class of 75, but only by about 7 seconds.  I was able to negative split the run with 6:10 out and 6:06 back.  My legs still feel like tree stumps, but I'm going to try to keep the overload up and get over 70 miles for this week and 80 miles next week followed by the 50 miles I'm going to try to get at the Javelina 12 Night Run on 25 Sep. 

Back to back "Long Runs"

Had a nice run yesterday up in the mountains.  One mile was 23 minutes followed by 20 minutes, which tells you how steep the climb was, and how tired I was. All in all I got in 14.5 miles in just under 3 hours.  It was a nice way to end the week that resulted 66 miles.  Just a few more weeks of high miles then time to rest for JJ100.

Today I got in another 13.6 miles mostly on the roads, but still averaged 10:23 per mile.  I'm feeling very sluggish, but going to focus on getting in even more miles so that I have something to tapper from.  Maybe I'm a fool for doing Mt. Lemmon a week before JJ100, but I don't want to miss such a wonderful course right in my backyard.  It is rare to be within one hour of a race that is called the "toughest one" in the country and only all uphill marathon.  I plan to take it easy during the race and not do much else the week before and the final week before JJ100.  Who knows, and the results will prove itself. 

I'm pretty happy with my monthly miles so far.  I'm sitting at just over 168 miles and may be able to get in over 300 miles for the first time in my life.  I've gotten 294 before, but never 300. 

Planning on a long run in the Huachuca Mountains - A Day to Remember

What a day, September 11th, 2010.  This day sets heavy in my heart.  The reason behind my continued service and what has meant so much to me over the past decade has much to do with what happened in 2001.  I cannot forget nor can I rest my heart. 

I plan on doing a long run, but lets see how far I really go.  I'm charging up my Garmin right now and will head out to the Huachuca Mountains in just a few minutes. 

Getting back at it again....

Almost fully recovered now. I was able to run 4.5 mi ave 8:38 and felt pretty good.  Looking forward to the 12 night run later this month.  I'm in hopes of getting a full 50 miles if not more. 

Buckeye Endurance Run Kicked my Butt!! 85.7 miles in 26:23 and a big DNF

Well I only got credit for 100K, and a DNF for the 100 mile race but I do have a few things to be happy about during the Buckeye Endurance Race this weekend. 

I did not make my 100 mile attempt, but did set two age group state "resident" records along the way (50 miles and 100K). (update, there was another AZ resident that was 38 years old who kicked my but in the 50 mile and 100k split, so there are no records for me.  I think he posted 11 hours for the 100k and just over 8 for the 50 miles, so I'm not the stud that I once thought I was.  There was no 100 mile record for my age group, so that make the DNF even more painful, because I could have seen my name in the record books if I would not have quit.  Anyway, there is always another day, but as I get into the next few age groups the competition get tougher, plus I'll be heading out to a new state in just a few months from now.  Anyway, I went further in time (26 hours 23 minutes, and distance 85.7 miles) than ever before, which I consider a win or at least very good training for Javelina Jundred in October.

The incredible story was meeting some of the "marathon maniacs" that this race attracted due to the fact that it offered a night marathon (something rare).

The race attracted the current world record holder (Larry) who has done 105 marathons/ultras in a single year, and pursuer (Yolanda) Yolanda's website, who is well on her way to breaking that record this year. She pulled off an incredible "quad" this weekend, doing four marathons in four states in only three days; can you believe that? Also, the winner of the 100 mile race was maniac Ed, who has 45 marathons/ultras already this year. I could go on and on about what interesting people were out there and what a pleasure it was to get to know them as you ran/walked in the 500 meter circles.

I'm now sitting in my old office which is about 30 minutes from the race location recovering and drinking a couple tall PBR's and just trying to get my wits about myself.  My quads are hammered and I have this wicked heat rash/sun burn or something all over my upper thighs/ankles some of which are oozing puss (nice right).  Anyway, I'm going to sleep in my office before making the three hour drive back to Sierra Vista.

It is amazing that even with 200 plus miles per month that I'm not trained enough to complete a 100 miler.  Part of it is nutriention and part of it is a weak mind, but I'm really having trouble coming out on top of 100 mile attempts.  I know I need to do more long runs over 20 miles, but they are such a pain in the ass.  I much rather run two or three times a day to get my miles (and I pay for it). 

I should have some cool pictures in a few days as well as a link to all my splits and to the new state records when they are posted.   I can't believe that I'm so happy to set a 38 year old resident record of 50 miles in 11:34 and 100K in 15:23; those are really slow times, but I'm ok with that because of the 108 degree temps.  I know what a challenge it was for me and feel confident that I will lower those times in December when I take this same course on but with MUCH better weather!  I think I will also get the 50K (6:10). 

All in all it was a great day.  I'll post pictures when I can.

Just a few more days before my next 100 attempt!

Here it is 30 August and another month almost down the drain.  This upcoming month will be a real test, one with a test of my resolve to see how far I will go in 30 hours and next will be how fast I will bust out 12 hours of night running (no excuses for hitting the wall). 

My big goals for the Buckeye Endurance run is to keep at it for the full 30 hours (if I don't make 100 miles before the cut off), and for the 12 Hour Race is to at least make the third lap. 

MICCC is just what it is.  A lot of wasted time.  I heard a great quote, this is a three week course crammed into five months.  So far it seems like that, and again and again I'm glad we are not trying to make money in the military....because we sure waste a lot of time/money. 

MICCC 10-008

Settled in to my MICCC course.  So far I've got 42 miles this week and pushing 197 for the month.  Just a few more days before the big 100 mile race.  Can't wait! 

Last Day At WARISC DET 1

Found an interesting study about living on the moon.  Great thing to be working on for my last day...gotta love government workers.   

Summer Series 5K - 19:57 Goal was 18:59

Really slow 5K this weekend 19:57! I did go for a 10. 2 mile run with just over 4 miles of that straight up South Mountain. For some reason I felt like crap the rest of the day.


I didn't wear my KSOs; great article on barefoot running. 

Just finished reading another book by David Sedaris; Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim:

Sedaris did it again by writing down some of the funnier parts of our everyday lives that most of us wouldn't capture. Now Sedaris pulls from a strange set of family years, but I think most of us can relate to the stories which make them that much funnier!

One of the best chapters is called "Six to Eight Black Men. I will have to Google this to see if it is true, but there couldn't have been a funnier Christmas Story. I'm pretty sure it is in another one of his books, or maybe I've read this one before and remember it, but none-the-less my side was hurting from the laughter!

You will love the stories as they twist and turn so that you have a splitting side from Sedaris' views on life. The details of being kicked out of his family house, how his education was paid for from 'Aunt Monie, his secret crush on a boy that hit him with a rock resulting in the need for a root canal, to the vocabulary of a parrot, a mother who locked her children out of the house for some peace and quiet and much more. Each story will keep you turning the pages.

I recommend this book fully, but the only thing you will be left wanting from this book is more; it goes quickly so checking it out from a library may save you some bucks.

5K This Weekend - Goal 18:59

Ready for a fast 5K on Sunday. I'm feeling very tired because I kicking in the miles this week. I'm at 51.8 miles with two more training days left. I hope to be able to push out a sub 19 minute race this weekend, but I'm not going to rest or anything, because I will be taking about a week off from 13-20 Aug with my last vacation before starting the Career Course.

I know it is like a broken record, but I'm down to one week left here at the DET. What a life? I'm really not working much these last few days, so it feels like a vacation anyway.

After Effects of PBR Not Fun//Day 24 Leaving Car at Work

Well I ended up yesterday with 16 miles, 9 beer in 10 hours.  I was a long way from the 18/18/18 that I was dreaming of, and furthermore, after about 5 beers it became less than fun and something I will not be doing again. 

I didn't want to get up this morning, but had to get up earlier than usual and run to work, which I could tell suffered from lack of any real calories over the past 24 hours.

Here is where I'll be living starting on 22 August 2010. 
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It is very close to work, so I may have a few more days of running to work.

July Monthly Miles - 234

July was a pretty good month in which I was able to 234 miles.  It was a nice month and the last full month before I make big life changes.  I only have 12 more days at work then a short vacation and then off to my mid career level educational course at Ft. Huachuca.  I'm excited to be moving and making a big life change again.  I need these changes to add spice to my life.  I'm pretty sure this class will be pretty easy and I'll be able to continue my training level and make it through this busy fall racing schedule.  I wonder if I bit off more than I can chew, but they are paid for and I'll be running them if I'm ready or not.  The big races I have in store are Sep 1st - Buckeye Hundred Mile Race, Sep 25th 12 Hour Javelina Night Run, Oct 17th Mt. Lemmon Marathon, Oct 24th Javelina Jundred, Dec 31st Across the Years 24 Hour Race.  Anyway, it will be a busy fall and I hope I do not have a lot of dissappointments. 

I'm very proud to get something started for my favorite charity, Team RWB.  A great company called Get Set Go Sports agreed to give 2% of sales to the organization!!  This is a big win for Team Red White and Blue.  To be truthful the 2% will probably be more than I raise on my 100 mile effort/fund raising for the Javelina Jundred race in Oct. 

I had the idea of trying to do 18/18/18 beers/miles/hours, but I'm in the middle of it right now and see that it is much harder than I thought.  I'm currently at 9 miles and three beers and see that I have a long way to go.  I'm feeling a little tipsy already.  I love to drink, but it usually is no more than 3 or 4 beers at a time, so this undertaking of 18 is already out of the picture, so I'm going to try the 12/12/12.  I'm going to run home from work, so I have no problem with DUI, but still do not think I can down 9 more beers in the next 8 hours.  This gives me  more respect  for  the guys who can do the 24/24/24 or even better the champions who can do the 100/100/100 challenge.  I hear it has been done!  Also, can you believe I bought a 30 pack of PBR for this undertaking.  I usually make fun of people for drinking this beer, but I didn't want to waste my Sierra Nevada on such an event, also if it is good enough for Anton, it must be good enough for any ultra runner! 

Another Month Down the Drain

Wow, I can not believe July is almost over.  I'm sitting at 220 miles for the month with one more training day left.  I am getting up early to run with the Muscle Milk gang at South Mountain.  I have a new hero that really got me thinking about trying 18X18X18 this weekend (18 beers/18 miles/18 hours), it may be a fun way to put in some extra miles after my little run with the Muscle Milk gang on Saturday.  I'm thinking of starting from work and doing it from 6pm-noon on Sunday, then recover after that.  I wonder if I can do it, and what type of beer would be best? 

Federal Service YES!!// The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

I don't troll World Net Daily often, but I saw this article and was jumping up and down happy!  There is nothing wrong with serving our great country, whether it be in uniform or in a public service role.  I think more people will think twice about war if their children may have to serve!  

There is no other place I'd rather be than OCONUS sitting behind a M2 or 249B, but I still want people to think twice about what they are doing with our most precious recource.  Here is a great quote about war that I hold dear to my heart! 

A professional soldier understands that war means killing people, war means maiming people, war means families left without fathers and mothers. All you have to do is hold your first dying soldier in your arms and have that terribly futile feeling that his life is flowing out and you can't do anything about it. Then you understand the horror of war. Any soldier woth his salt should be antiwar. And still, there are things worth fighting for. - GEN H. Norman Schwarzkopf

I had a great running week last week with 59.7 miles and looking to get at least 50 this week too.  Today was so muggy that my 8 mile run this morning took me almost 80 minutes.  I had to stop and walk some.  Maybe I'll feel better tonight when I get a few more miles. 

I just finished another great book by Margaret Atwood, The Year of the Flood here is my Amazon review along with the great poem about the Longest Mile: 

Margaret did it again and in stunning fashion. I recently read Handmaid's Tale and thought it would be tough to beat that story, but this one did it hands down.

I'm a huge fan of dystopias, especially post modern stories that could easily be true.

The concept took our current green movement and wove it into the foundation for most of the main characters. Interwoven into this story Margaret introduces you into a world where corporations have taken over world governance and profits/greed fuel the engines of the world.

As one can expect an unregulated world devoid of a moral thread leads corporations to seek the ultimate goal of an immortal being. They get close, but at a huge cost to nearly every species. The waterless flood is the result of messing with the genes and it effectively cleanses the earth.

The ending leaves you wondering if the final voices are of other humans or if the last human's ears hear the singing of the new breed that inherits the Earth.

I'm also an ultra-runner and found this quote in the book and could not resist keeping this one on the tip of my tongue, even though in the book it refers to something much darker than the final miles of an 100 mile race, so unless you have been down that road you will wonder why I made the connection:

The Longest Mile

The last mile is the longest mile-
'Tis then we weaken;
We lose the strength to run the race,
We doubt Hope's beacon.

Shall we turn back from this dark Road,
Footsore and weary,
When deep Despair has drained our Faith,
And all seems dreary?

Shall we give up the narrow path,
The plodding byway-
Chose Swift transport and false delight:
Destruction's highway?

Shall Enemies erase our life,
Our Message bury?
And shall they quench in war and strife
The torch we carry?

Take heart, oh dusty Travellers:
Though you may falter,
Though you be felled along the way,
You'll reach the Altar.

Race on, race on, though eyes grow dim,
And faint the Chorus;
God gives us Nature's green applause-
Such will restore us.

For in the effort is the Goal,
'Tis thus we're treasured:
He knows us by our Pilgrim Soul-
'Tis thus we're measured.

From The God's Gardeners Oral Hymnbook

All in all I recommend this book fully and would put it on par with the likes of Brave New World, 1984, The Road, and Fahrenheit 451.

Tomorrow Starts Another Five Day Vacation - Tempe Town Lake Dam Bursts

I'm sitting pretty with 47 miles under my belt and at least one more run for the week, maybe more.  I'm planning on two days off while I'm home visiting my wonderful wife and kids. 

Big news for the athletic community here around Tempe.  The Lake is dry due to the dam bursting last night.  I bet there are a lot of Ironmen worried if it will be fixed and filled by November.  With a $500 entry fee paid for I too would be anxious when looking at a dry lake bed! 

Sole Sports 5K - 19:38 in my Vibram Five Fingers

Lot of fun today, ran in my five fingers at a local 5K, and I placed fourth out of about 100 runners.  It felt pretty good.  I'm sitting at 57 miles for the week; so so with my workouts, but pretty happy especially since it has only been seven days since my vasectomy; heard some real bad stories, but my experience has not been that bad. 

Please Run Sarah!

What an article stating that Palin may be seriously thinking of running. I know things may not be going perfectly for our current POTUS, but the best thing for fellow Democrats and those who believe in the direction that we are headed would be for her to run, and why not team up with the likes of Beck?

It is a hot one, but ready for a 5K tonight in my KSO's. 

Free 5K This weekend at new Sole Sports Location - $5 T-Shirt!

I'm always a sucker for a free or cheap race and the only thing going on the cheap is a 5K that is celebrating a new running store in Scottsdale!
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I'm still a little sore from the vasectomy, but I'll go out for some speedwork and to get the $5 Technical T-Shirt! There is also a 5K tomorrow night when I pick up all my stuff for running on the Muscle Milk team at the Mt. Lemmon Marathon. That is three races this year getting sponsored or a HUGE discount! I'll look more into these opportunities when I go to my next duty station.

Hard to believe that just now the final Badwater runners are completing their race.

I ran 7 miles this morning in what was a little over 90 degree heat and it felt so bad. I had to walk a good portion because I could not catch my breath, which is something I never have trouble with. I'll keep this under check, because it is really strange. Maybe the hot and humid weather or the 6 pack of beer late last night? I'll watch my diet more, but so surprised that I had trouble with breathing?

I go see the spine orthopedic on Monday to see what they have to say about my back. Funny how I'm feeling 100% better by the time I finally get an appointment and get scheduled in to see him.

Off to give platelets here in a few minutes.

Badwater Results! Jamie Donaldson Sets New Course Record!

The winners are already done with Badwater 2010.  Jamie from Colorado set a new course record by about 30 minutes and Zach Gingerich, 30,  from Illinois kicked it in just over 24 hours.  Jamie came in third overall! 

The Time Has Come!

Incredible article stating that the West has lost its AAA credit rating (as far as China is concerned).  It was just a matter of time before we have to admit the end of our reign as World leaders.    I am fine with this and hope that we can gracefully move into our new status and stop getting involved in everything bailing everyone out and sticking our nose in everyone elses  business.  Now it will be the moral responsibility of the new World Leaders to guide the World.  I don't see Canada spending money across the World like we do, nor do I see the terrorist attacks that we have suffered.  Now if we can just calm down and try to focus on important things like productivity and education.  We have a long way to go in order to catch up! 

Made it through the procedure! Q&A by Swarup

Well got the vasectomy taken care of  and just laid around the house with ice on my balls the whole weekend.  Today, I got in three miles in my KSO's in 29:50, with little pain in the balls.  I think I'm going to pull through this pretty well, but this weeks running will probably be shot.  Anyway, a small price to pay to make sure we have no more children and so my wife never has to deal with an unwanted pregnancy.  I was thinking about what a statement this is to my marriage, because if anything were to happen, I'm sure I'd want children with a new wife, but I trust my marriage will last forever, otherwise I would not have made such a decision!

Big weekend at Hardrock, and now I'm checking out the results of Badwater; they started this morning.

Read another easy reading fiction book called Q&A by Swarup; here is my review that I posted on Amazon:

Actually just grabbed this book at the library due to its size and attractive cover and did not know anything about the movie, but now that I have read some of the reviews I will have to go out and rent this movie in the near future.




Swarup weaved a funny and heart wrenching story that ended with a wonderful twist beyond the winning of a billion rupes! You will enjoy this quick read and gain some interesting trivia along the way.

In the recent past I have enjoyed some memoirs about people who have struggled in life such as mental problems, or addiction, but this work of fiction was written like a memoir of a poor boy in India. The writing was very convincing and satisfied my vayour instinct.



You will draw a close bond with Ram and be his cheerleader throughout this incredible book!

Vasectomy Tomorrow

Getting a government paid vasectomy tomorrow.  I think this picture depicts how it will be done, but at least they are putting me to sleep (a little overkill, but what the heck). 

I'm at 40 miles for the week, and not sure how much I'll run tonight or if I'll be able to run for the next couple of days after the simple surgery, so I may end up with a low week again. 

I got my KSO's yesterday and got two miles under my belt; they feel great!  I think I'll enjoy this new adventure! 

Day 23 Leaving Car at Home - Even new pick for World Cup - Spain

It has been awhile since I've been out for a run leaving my car at work but I did it last night.  I think I will cut that out though because it seems to put such extra stress on my back wearing the backpack for  the 3.8 miles.  I may be becoming the broken wimp that I fear most.  I sure hope my back holds out for a few more years so I don't get a profile or limited duty. 

Well Germany is out of the World Cup and I have to pick another team, which is now Spain.  It should be exciting come 11 July 2010.  I have been having a bad time picking champions this year, so maybe the Dutch will pull it out? 

Changing my pick for World Cup - Germany

Back at it again after a wonder five days of being home with my wife and kids over the Independence Day Holiday.  I'm now down to five weeks at work here in Phoenix then on to life in Sierra Vista.  I'm so ready for a change, even though I know it will not be that exciting in the big town of Sierra Vista/Ft. Huachuca. 

I'm signed up for a New 100 Mile Race call the Buckeye Endurance Race held on September 4-5.  It will be VERY hot since it is held in a suburb of Phoenix in the middle of the summer (high probably around 104), but if I play my cards correctly and keep moving for the whole 30 hours I should be able to obtain my goal of 100 miles.  No matter what happens it will be great training for the JJ100 in October! 

Making my pick for World Cup - Brazil//260 miles for the month!

Pretty good month even though I had about seven days off and suffered some bad back pain.  I was able to get in 260 miles this month with two weeks over 80 miles.  I hope to do about the same next month!  I can tell I'm a little tired and even though I said this last year, I really think I am going to take some time off next year.  I've had a pretty good run over the past several years getting 1700 miles in 2008 and 2700 miles in 2009 and I've already passed the 1400 mile mark for this year and look forward to meeting my goal of 100 miles in Oct and having fun at the 24 hour race on New Years Eve, but after that I think I will have little to prove.  Maybe rest a little when I'm 39 and hit it hard when I'm a fresh "master" runner! 

Making my pick for the World Cup Champions; Brazil.  Check out this nice picture!  Now who cannot be excited about the World Cup?  I give it to these incredible athletes.  I could not do an hour and half of intervals and kick a ball around like this.  I've heard some pundits on Fox News who exclaim that these are not real athletes and that they fake a lot as a part of the strategy, but I disagree!  They have my full respect and I find the games exciting, yet can not pull myself to watch more than about 10 minutes at a time, but do enjoy the highlights and following the brackets.

Found some cool pictures from WS100; Tony sure looks cool with the beard.  I hope I can look as cool as he does!  Funny that several of my wifes friends say I look so old.  Maybe being outside and running so many miles ages us ultra runners.  Tony looks pretty old in these pictures, but I think he is younger than I am (38).

The new course record of 15:07 was posted by Geoff Roes and this years ladies champion posted here is Tracy Garneau from Canada; she posted a respectable time of 19:01.

I paid my entry fee for my next ultra that will be held on Sep 25/26; Javelina 12 Hour Night Run.  It seems so far away, but I have a lot going on in my life in Jul/Aug, to include moving to a new city, so I think time will fly by and I will not miss running races, plus the brutal temperatures here in Phoenix makes running an ultra a very bad idea.  Anyway the 12 hour night run will be perfect training since it is about a month out from the 100 miler and on the same course!   

Lost Symbol Review - 84 miles for this week!

Just finished Dan Brown's latest book called the Lost Symbol and wrote this review for Amazon:

Ok, I've read many of the one star reviews to see if I was missing something, but I have to stick with my feelings and give Dan another five stars. Sure this book could have been edited down to about 350 pages and gotten the same point across, but I didn't mind the detail and repetition that he kept in the story.

This look into the architecture and layout of the Nation's Capitol was interesting and gave the reader some interesting trivia during the story.

The number 33 will stick with me and I'll be looking for a few key things the next time I'm in DC.

I loved the end of the story and how Mal'akh was to receive his wisdom. The end of the story kept me on the edge of my seat.

It seems like this story will make a great movie, and may have even been written to insure that reality. The characters were developed with great detail and the images were easy to follow, as was the story.

All in all I have to give it to Dan for his research and ability to weave his stories together. There is a reason he is one of the top authors in American today.

Some things you will enjoy learning about: Magic squares, significant of the number 33 and how it shows up all over DC, true meaning of the word apocalypse, the "Lost Word", tip of the Washington Monument, Laus Deo and much more. All these come together in a way that will give you pause when you think of religion and the true God, or if the only God there is reside within.

Finally, as human understanding races forward it brings to mind Kurzweil's view of the singularity. I feel like we will destroy ourselves before realizing the singularity, or apocalypse as stated in this book, but if we do reach it before killing ourselves over competing resources then we just may find the peace that is alluded to by Dan.

On the running front I've put together an 84 mile week back to back with last week's 85 miles.  I'm putting in extra miles in anticipation for a week long vacation where I will not run at all.  I'm at 196 miles for the month and expect to only add about 20 more miles to that total, so all in all I'm ready for a little rest and don't think it will hurt my conditioning at all. 

No races on the horizon for a while.  I'm planning to try to break the 300 miles barrier for the month of July, something I've never done before and get in at least two runs over 20 miles. 

It is hard to believe that I've got just a couple more weeks here in Phoenix before I move on to a new chapter in my life!

Lakers pulled it out:(

Well it was a pretty good game despite the end result.  I gave up a 5K that looked like a lot of fun to watch the game, and was not disappointed.  By the third quarter I felt like the Celtics had it wrapped up, but in the end they were defeated soundly and I have to give it to the Lakers!

Cool news out today with a concept of a new world currency.  I'm ready to accept the new world order!