Soundtracks

A new year, new decisions...

When it came time to think of a title for my end of the year post only one thing came to mind.  Soundtracks...  Or rather Soundtracks of my runs.  It might be corny but I love running to a mix of regular rock songs and soundtracks. For me each run has its own soundtrack depending on its mood, location or effort.  My favorite run is were all the songs that I have on my playlists come together to form that perfect soundtrack.  So I started thinking about my "regular" songs from my playlists that I could pin down for my best runs of this year I had a hard time picking just a few.  But here they are none the less.

#5 - Antelope Island 100k



What else can you say about your first DNF, and why would this qualify for a spot in my top 5?  Well it might sound funny but as I stood there on the top of elephant head everything in the world just felt at peace.  It was one of those moments where I knew that I needed to stop and it felt ok.  I couldn't breathe, I felt like every step on the climb before was a struggle.  Despite not going on I still was able to beat my last years 50k time by well over 20 minutes.  It definitely wasn't the outcome that I wanted. I probably could have walked the course and finished.   But I learned a lot and that is what mattered to me.

#4 - Quest For Kings



This was only my second group run with the Wasatch Mountain Wranglers.  To say I was nervous was a bit of an understatement.  With some prodding from my friend Chris I committed and had a great time.  I had been quite some time since I had been back to the Uintahs.  Its a place that I love and holds a place in my soul with such a strong connection that its hard to describe.  I loved running there, it felt like home and the company wasn't half bad either. I am hoping that Craig puts it on again so I can get back up there this August.  

#3 - Skyline and Sapper Joe 50k



I combined these two runs together because they go together like fire and ice.  Each had its different "feel" this year. I had one heck of a time at Skyline. It was actually a race that I didn't intend on running till I got the itch to try to push myself in preparation for Antelope Island 100k.  The two races were only one week apart, and I got to say that I loved every second of it.  Sapper was another one of those races that was just fun to get out and do.  I did surprisingly well too, compared to what I thought it would be like.  I hope I can do Sapper in 2014, but I am not so sure about Skyline ;).

#2 - Kalalu Trail


I still think about this run often.  Especially when running in sub 10 degree temperatures that have hit us this winter.  The views were simply amazing.  It was a challenging run, one that I hope that I can get the chance to do again.  I don't think my wife would complain about another trip to Hawaii either.  Next time I will just remember to take more food with me! It would be fun to run it with a local that could share the history of the land as you moved in and out of each valley.  Something to think about....

#1 - Squaw Peak 50



Wide eyed and all hopped up on the newness of ultra running I signed up for this race last year in December.  I was simply scared to death and had no idea what I was getting into.  I didn't really know many people who had run ultra's and was completely on my own.  I felt alone and lost in the vastness of everything that I was trying to do.  I simply had no clue.  In retrospect I think it was the best way to run this race.  It had its ups and downs, but in the end when I crossed that finish line and realized what I had done... It was just pure joy. I don't think it could be described any better.

This years stats:
Miles: 1,775.58
Vertical: 269,361

So.. Whats next?  To answer that question... Moab 55k and Zion 100k to start things off for this spring.  Possibly Bryce 50/100...  I would love to shoot for the 100 but the question for me is having a pacer.. Since I haven't done a 100 before it would be nice to have someone with me through the night and possibly another to help me to the finish.  Hopefully I can work out those issues, because I would really like to do Bryce as my first 100.

So here is to a great last year and to a fantastic new year!

The Universe Hates Me - A love story.

The following is my Skyline race report.  In the event this post does not make sense please disregard and wait for my Sapper Joe report next week.  I am sure it will be even better :)

Friday

I had decided last minute (two weeks ago after Kings) that I was apparently in good enough physical shape to attempt to run the Skyline Marathon before the Sapper Joe 50k this weekend.  So with the bright idea of conserving the environment I promptly boarded a train heading for Layton to meet my Dad.  Trying to get to the train we realized that the road was closed.  My wife successfully did an end run around American Fork to get us there on time.

Upon reaching SLC central the train conductor promptly told us that we would be waiting an undefined amount of time for the train next to us.  It seems it had broken down and needed to be moved back to the yard.  After 15 min of waiting we proceeded to the North Temple station.  (BTW the broken down train was still there).

When we reached the station, the conductor then told us that we had to wait for the previously mentioned train to pass us on the way to the yard.  We waited.  It wasn't long till the train passed (maybe 10 min) and then the train pushing the other train returned past our platform.  I assumed all was well and that we would be moving shortly.  Ohhhhh was I wrong!

The conductor then informs everyone left on the train that there is a chemical spill in Woods Cross and that we will now have to use a bus bridge to get to our destination.  For a while I toyed with the meaning of "Bus Bridge" and couldn't come up with any other imagery other than busses being destroyed by trains. I was ticked.

After packing into a bus I was right up by the driver standing for my ride to Farmington, that is of course after we stop at Woods Cross to let those passengers off.  Well as it turns out Google Maps on an iPhone is the best way to guide a bus bridge to its destination.  Especially when the said chemical spill is blocking the best route to the station.  I do have to admit that the driver of the bus was a very nice guy and we did have a great conversation moving from station to station.

Thank goodness for my Dad, he saved me.  Instead of Layton he came and got me in Farmington.  I was glad to be off the bus and in a normal car. Oh and another BTW, the train that I left at North Temple? Ya it showed up right when I was leaving Farmington.  FTW!

So since I don't have any photos from the race I decided to include the music that fit the feeling of the day. (Some are sarcastic, ok most) Hence Luckiest Man above.

Saturday - RACE DAY!

The good news?  I didn't have to ride the busses to the starting line!  My dad was kind enough to drive me to the start (He ran the Half, and rocked it).  For starters the morning was warm.  I mean really warm.  It was going to be a hot one.  Race started at 6am sharp, so I decided to head out with out a headlamp.  Which turned out to be just fine.  After stumbling over some rocks, and maybe people we were off and up the mountain.

About a half a mile in I started to notice that my left food was beginning to go numb.  I figured in all my morning grogginess I had simply tightened my shoes too tight. So I stopped to fix them.  And then again at mile 1 and 1.2 and 1.3 and 1.5 and 2 and... Well by then I couldn't feel my left foot. It was so numb that I could hardly step on it.  I was getting ticked.  By mile 3 I had enough and resolve to just remove the shoe and see what was wrong.

I found a nice rock, but noticed a pile of horse crud with flies buzzing around, so I decided it would be better to find another spot.  Well those weren't flies, they happened to be large black wasps.  The first one hit me in my right hand and the second was in my right leg. It was like someone shot me with a pellet gun.  I said some things that I don't recall (ok I lie) and ran to the next bend in the trail.  They only thing I remember is the screams from other people getting stung behind me and the onset of a seriously bad attitude.   I did manage to forget about my left foot until mile 4.5.  There I undid my shoe completely and just let the laces hang.  It felt better by mile 5 and so did my finger and leg.

American Authors - Believer seemed to be a good fit here.  "I am just a believer that things are going to get better!" Well they did.  I crested the ridge line just below Mt Ben Lomond and the view was amazing. I remember last year this is where I got my high for the race.  I loved running the ridge line toward the North Ogden divide.  I put on my headphones and headed out for a good time putting all that crap behind me.  

Oh and did I mention that I hadn't tied my shoe yet? Yup.  It didn't end well either. I did a flying superman down my right side into some dust and rocks.  Banged up my right knee, hip and hand.  What is it with my right side anyway?  My bad attitude had hid itself not too far away and it came storming back.  I was done and pissed and looking for my first DNF.  I didn't care.  As soon as I reached the Half starting point I was done.  

Carousels song titled "Lets Go Home".  It just fits. I had every intention of stopping and going home.  That was until Sam and Steve came in behind me and taunted me with a "You let us catch up". That was all I needed.  I knew from that point with my attitude it was going to be an all out slug fest but I didn't care.  I was going to make this one count!  Well maybe at least hurt... a lot....

The rest was rather uneventful.  I made descent time for me.  Completely forgot to take care of my nutrition and bonked hard on the last 3 miles.  But in the end I finished and I didn't let it beat me. Well maybe physically and mentally, but I still had my pride! lol.  In the end I finished almost 1:20 head of last year at 5:05.  I really wanted sub 5 but I would take anything on a day like that.  At least I finished and kept with it. I learned a lot.  Seems like I always do.

Here to seeing how it all works out with Sapper Joe.  It will be another adventure I am sure. Oh and I lied I do have a photo.  Just to prove I finished...

Skyline Video

The fokes over at Striders Running in Layton put up this video of the Skyline Marathon.  I had a hard time explaining to Steph the exact steepness of the south side of the North Ogden Divide but I think this video explained it well.  Its amazing how easily you forget the pain...

http://www.stridersrunningblog.com/1/post/2012/08/skyline-mountain-marathon-2012.html

Skyline Trail Marathon Post Race

Wow what an experience.  While I wouldn't put that one down for the record books I would have to say it wasn't bad for my first marathon!  I had a few ups and downs but over all it left me wanting more, but just a tad sore.

I headed up to my dad's the night before to make sure I could get a good jump on the morning. My dad being the ever caring soul wanted to drive up and scope out the starting line.  We headed up Friday night and as we were driving around what would be the start and end of the course it finally started to sink in.  When you stand back and look at the distance it is quite far.  I guess looking at a map doesn't quite do it justice.  I honestly don't know how the 50+ milers do it. Maybe its a scope thing.  You just can't tell how big it is?

Skyline Marathon Route

Anyway back to the race.  I woke up early on Saturday morning around 3:30.  I didn't even have to hit my alarm my body was already awake.  I made quick work of getting ready and packed my things.  My dad was heading down to do the Saratoga Tri and was just getting up as well.  I Said good bye and wished him luck and headed out the door.

When I got to the park people were just beginning to get there, I got out of the car to stretch and just stare at the stars.  I forget how many there are.  I kept looking around at other people as they were moving around trying to see what they were bringing for hydration, etc. I guess I was feeling self conscious about bringing my hydration pack. Was 64oz overkill?  In the end it proved to be a good decision for me.  Although I could have probably done just as well with two bottles.

The bus drivers got lost on the way to the trail head.  It didn't help that it was still dark and then having 50ish people telling you that you went the wrong way.  We ended up starting around 6:20, almost 20 min late.  I guess I really didn't need to bring my headlamp because the sun was now peaking up over the mountains to the east.  We got started fairly quick and the lead group was gone.  I learned after finishing that they finished sub 4 hours.  Just amazing.

The climb to Ben Lomond peak went great.  I did run into an issue with my left foot going numb for about 3 miles but after adjusting my shoe several times it finally went away.  The rest of the climb was fun and I was just enjoying my first trail race.  When we got to the AS at the top of the ridge the view was amazing from both sides.  I grabbed a quick cup of water and headed on down the trail along the ridge line.  I was felling pretty good and was trying to hold myself back but I couldn't resist letting loose a little on that awesome single track.

Skyline Trail heading south to North Ogden Divide

I was just having a blast and continued that all the way down to the divide and the AS.  I filled up and grabbed some snacks and headed up the trail.  I was expecting the trail to be mostly like the previous climb with nice switchbacks and a decent grade.  The game changer for me was when I turned that next corner and began staring at the 15-20% grade before me.  It wasn't going to be a run for me but rather a very long hike to the top.  I got a good gauge on my shape as a few people passed me and I really began to struggle with the accent.  When the trail finally broke the tree line and wrapped up the ridge line I finally saw the picture below.

Climbing to the peak on South Skyline

By now the lead pack was probably almost done and the sun was getting higher overhead.  It was hot and the climb was miserable and I didn't like where this was going.  By the time I hit he summit and headed down to the 3rd AS I was tired and I wasn't quite feeling the same as I had been on the down hill from Ben Lomond.  What I didn't know at the time is that I had ascended an extra 1000ft over what I had been planning.  For some reason I thought the total elevation gain was going to be 4200ft, after finishing and uploading data from my Garmin it came in at 5264.

I decided that I would turn on some music and make the best of the next 8 miles before heading off the mountain to the marina at Pineview.  I passed a few people and got passed more than I would like to admit. The trail was long, dusty and never ending.  It didn't help the Pineview with its blue water was very inviting.

Finally hitting the marina I filled up on some more water and hit the last 3 miles of trail along the shore. It was miserable and I was hot and out of energy.  In between stints of walking and running at what seemed like lightening speeds (I could have been passed by a grandma in a walker) I kept plugging away inching ever closer to the end.  I looked longingly at the families launching their boats to head into the cool water that seemed like it was just feet away.  I was also recalling the stories that I have read on running blogs about people hallucinating in heat or from exhaustion and wondering to myself at what point that would become a reality.  I was no where near that stage but I wondered in my head what it would take to get there.

One of the great things that I love about doing these races is the support from my wife and kids.  I love getting to that finishing line and having those kids run the final stretch with me.  It a fantastic feeling.  And I have to give some serious props to my wife for standing out there waiting for me with 4 little ones.  Not many people would do that.

The kids and I finishing

I was glad to be finished.  More than anything I was glad to be out of the sun and out of the heat.  It took me a grand total of 6:22.  I remember thinking to myself when doing the last climb if this was something that I wanted to do again. I had already registered for the Antelope Island 50k in October and the thought of running at that time was a very challenging one.  Interesting thing was that once I crossed that line I new I wanted to do Antelope Island more than ever.

As a matter of fact I am already itching to get back up on the trails and my legs haven't even recovered yet.  I really want to run the Brighton to Rock Springs section of the Wasatch 100.  I am thinking maybe this Saturday.  Here's to getting back out on the trails.

Corner Canyon - Skyline Prerace

I decided to take off up Corner Canyon today and just take it easy.  I headed up Hog Hollow with Bear  (my dog) and we watched the 50k runners from the Corner Canyon 50k head off to Ann's trail.  It reminded me of the challenge ahead for the Skyline Trail Marathon next weekend.  I kept it short around 8 miles and headed back home.  Bear was exhausted so it turned out to be a good time to head back.  I couldn't get him out of the steam at the entrance to Hog Hollow.  I should really get out with him more.

After watching the runners all I could think about was the Skyline Marathon.  I have been through a mix of emotions coming up to this coming week.  Mostly I am just terrified that I chose a trail marathon for my first one.  I don't doubt that I can finish, but it still doesn't stop my mind from playing those constant tricks of did I train hard enough, what else could I have done, what am I going to need? If anyone knows me they know that I love to analyze things till my mind is exhausted, much how I like to run.  Someone else said "If a problem can't be worked out on a long run it's not a problem".  I like that saying.

Back to Skyline.  It starts at the Weber County North Fork Park and heads up the Ben Lomond Peak Trail (2042) to the ridge of Ben Lomond Peak.  From there it heads south on the North Skyline Trail (2001) down to the North Ogden Divide which also happens to be the half way point and starting point for the half marathon.  From there we head back up to the South Skyline Trail up and over the "Ogden" mountain and down to the Pineview Marina.  From there we run along Pineview to finish at the Eden Park.

My biggest worries is hydration.  We have 6 aide stations along the way with the longest stretch being about 8 miles between them.  I worry mostly about hydration since I tend to sweat a lot and by the time I hit the 8 mile stretch  about 9-10 am the sun will be overhead and staring to get hot.  Normally I think I would trust that each aide station would be fully stocked and I would just take my handheld filling up as I go, but that turned out to be a mistake when I did the Utah Half.  The aid stations ran dry and it was very hot for the run.

So my question that I am wrestling with is take my pack or just use bottles?  I would rather use my handheld then take my pack, although I do like the convenience of the pack with the pockets up front.  I wish I had something in-between that sported bottles with the pockets for packing snacks.

I have been wondering what I will be able to complete the course in.  Having no baseline for a marathon let alone a trail marathon.  My guess is that it will be somewhere between the 5-6 hour mark.  Given my time up Timp (4 hours round trip) with roughly the same elevation gain (minus some) and coming in at around 15 miles.  I am not looking to set a PR or anything just trying to see what I can do.  Besides it will be a good reality check for the Antelope Island 50k in October. Hopefully it won't end up like the Echo Tri.

Here's to a good week of over analyzing!