#PAAZRNR

[mubal4]

Pine 50k Race Wrap Up: 50K Race – Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction (psfuelreduction.org)

Just like most of this year to date, things took precedent in getting this out last week following the race. This year has been filled with a lot of figuring things out. What I mean is, we’ve had to make many decisions where mitigating uncertainty hasn’t been very clear. However, we’ve kept moving forward and when we do that, we end up getting to where it is we intended to. Typically, not pretty but it usually never is 😊.

The Pine 50k, back on May 4th, had a similar story, as these races usually prove. This was my 2nd time running this race with the first being 2 years ago, their inaugural one. The race takes place up on the Mogollon Rim - Wikipedia. Over the last year, I’ve spent much time up on the Rim, training for and racing in last year’s Mogollon Monster 100. I’ve grown quite fond of this area of AZ, and it no longer had that intimidating aura since last September. However, my week leading up to the race was certainly not idea. I was on the road all week, getting home Thursday night and had a quick turnaround to head up to Pine, AZ (race location) Friday night. Fortunately, my wife Robin was making the trip this year to support me. Unfortunately, however, throughout the day Friday, I was having stomach issues and feeling nauseous. Sometimes when I fly, this happens but not nausea. Certainly, unique, and definitely not ideal heading into the race Saturday morning.

When I got up and went through my normal routine, I felt the stomach issues would subside, but unfortunately, they did not. We were going to toe the line and see what the day was going to bring……a motto we’ve been navigating 2024 with 😊. We had a 6am start and temps were hovering around 40 degrees and throughout the day, they wouldn’t get above 70*, if that; the weather couldn’t have been better. Robin was gracious enough to get me to the start and hang around until the shuttles left. We planned on meeting at a familiar aid station, around mile 20 and then again at the finish line.

The first 10-12 miles are on the Highline Trail, mostly single track with some ups and downs; no real significant climbs. It had been since the Mogollon Monster that I had been up here, so I was enjoying the beginning miles and trying to shake off whatever was going on with my stomach. The first aid station is right around mile 9-ish. There I fueled up and replaced my liquids, which I was trying to stay on top of. I was hoping to grab some ginger ale or candied ginger to see if that would settle my stomach but no go, unfortunately. From here, the next four miles was a trek up the face of the Mogollon Rim. At first it was a gradual climb, however the higher you got the more technical and steep it became. I had been working on vert over the last two months, so the climb wasn’t terrible, but it did grind a bit at the top. Once there, another aid station for a quick breather and then the next 7-ish miles were on top of the Rim, on forest service roads, and very runnable, which felt good after the climb. Plus, I would be seeing Robin at the next aid station before descending back down to the finish.

This stretch was good, and the miles seemed to click off, however, this is when my stomach felt the worst and the nausea was at its roughest. I had some nutrition with me and loaded up on electrolytes and water, just nothing sounded good to me. I just kept moving and knew that I would be able to collect myself once I saw Robin. When we did connect, she forced me to eat an orange, some salty chips, and she had seltzer water, which for some reason sounded fantastic and tasted even better. I spent about 5 minutes getting myself together before moving on knowing I’d see her again in about 13 miles.

At this point of the course, we head, steeply down into the Pine Canyon – you can see the pictures from the top (amazing……) for a few miles. At the bottom, for some time, we are under the cover of pine trees (hence the name of the town 😊) before breaking through to being complexly exposed for the last 7 or so miles. Again, fortunately the weather was great and there was a breeze as well, so we just kept on moving forward. About 4 miles from the finish, there is the last aid station. Just one pivot here, the aid stations, all of them, I believe were staff by local volunteers and several of them were veterans. These folks were incredibly nice and so encouraging. I felt that at each aid station I was entering their home, and they were welcoming us with open arms. At this last one in particular, they helped fill up my bottles, poured some ice-cold water over my head, and sent me on my way with some laughs.

Interestingly enough, a few miles prior to that aid station and currently, I wasn’t having any stomach or nausea issues; I was actually feeling the best I had for the last two days, and my pace seemed to express that. It felt like I was moving faster now, with a few miles to go, than I had all day. I had begun to feel the finish near and as I was heading into the last trail head, before hitting the final 1 mile, I was looking forward to finishing and reflecting on the day, when bam, I caught my right toe on a rock and ate it like a champ. With dirt and dust all over the right side of my body and some nice scraps on my right arm, I dusted off my pride, laughed it off a bit, and continued through to the finish.

Overall, the day was quite interesting and a great learning experience. The way my body felt before and during, my mind as well, was a bit unique than other races. It was a grind, in some ways, however my body, other than my stomach, felt incredibly awesome throughout the day. It felt easier than 2 years ago, and it seemed to show. I am grateful to have had the chance to experience this again and to have Robin there was fulfilling. Many thanks to the race directors, staff, volunteers, the other competitors, and crew folks. Really enjoy spending time in Pine and will likely have a few more visits up there this summer. As for race plans, we’ve decided to take the summer off and refresh. It has been a long two years of grinding, and we have some time before starting to gear up for an October race. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures and if you can, get yourself up to the Mogollon Rim.

[mubal4]

Race Wrap Up – Copper Corridor 50k

This may be a short race report and will get into that in a minute. It was a really good day out @ the Copper Corridor 50k this past Saturday. As always, thanks to the folks at Aravaipa Running for hosting another great event. Much gratitude to the staff, volunteers, aid station crews, other participants and the spectators that cheered us on (especially that last half mile 😊). Had a great experience running the trails out in Superior, ones that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do so without this race being hosted there. Another big thank you to the town of Superior, AZ. The police force, sheriff’s, families, and the folks that came out to share in the festivities made for an even better experience.

This was a solo adventure but always appreciate the sacrifice Robin, Alaina & Isabella put in to help support me in chasing down these endeavors. They provided me with several words of encouragement leading up to the race and during the day so thank you family!! The pictures included were from my cell phone as things were getting ready to start and throughout the first third of the race. Aravaipa started this race back in 2020, with their inaugural one coming just before the world shut down. I had it on my radar to do at some point however life……. mainly Isabella’s gymnastics and Alaina’s soccer weekend’s typically took priority (wouldn’t change that either 😊). Plus, the Copper Corridor has been traditionally the weekend after Black Canyon 100k, which is one, if not the favorite race for me. Considering some events that unfolded with the soccer schedule and the 2024 race calendar, we were able to put our name in for this year’s edition and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Up until this past Saturday, I had only driven through Superior, and it doesn’t take long at tall to do so. It is about an hour from our house in NE Phoenix, east of the city as you begin heading into the mountain ranges of Pinal County. It is a small, former, mining town with some very interesting, and cool history you can read in the link above. These were all new trails to me, but I was excited to adventure into the canyons here and around Picketpost Mountain after doing some race research. My thoughts going into the race were to get a sense of my endurance and fitness after working on building my foundation for what we have outlined for the spring and summer. The course had a lot of single tracks, some technical terrain, and a few good climbs but after a hard training weekend just last week, and not having any taper, it was leading up to be an interesting event 😊. The days prior life really took over with a heavy dose of work commitments and responsibilities as well as some other personal and family obligations and obstacles we were navigating through. Needless to say my mind wasn’t on racing so I tried to take the mindset of having gratitude to be able to get away from everything and spend some hours in some new mountains and trails. Fortunately, the aftermath of the prior weekends runs left my quads and I was feeling very good leading up to the start line.

Speaking of the start line, and seriously, the tininess of Superior, my parking spot, which was along Main Street where literally 100 yards from each other. That was a very nice perk 😊. The morning was very mild with a touch of a chill but perfect temps for running. As we all gathered in the coral, after listening to a few minutes of course instructions, we were off down the main drag heading towards Picketpost Mountain in the distance and a morning full of exploring. After the ½ mile on Main Street we dipped into a single-track trail that basically skirted a creek bed and were on this for a few miles until we crossed under Highway 60 and into more of a desert landscape. The first 1/3 of the race went by smoothly with a few short climbs and descents as we meandered through a riparian area, in and out of canyons. At this point, I was with about 7-8 other runners as we ran single file enjoying the scenery, some conversation, and the ideal AZ, February weather.

The second half of the race is positioned as the toughest with the most climbing, we get up to the highest part of the course, as well as the most descent. The majority of this middle 1/3 is also exposed but as you can see from some of the shots, it is very beautiful. Additionally, these 11 to 12 miles are the most remote on the course and there is no aid, so we had to stock up before heading out into this section. Considering these elements, my plan was to take it easy on the climbs and run the downhills and flats to be able to have something left in the tank for that final 10-11 miles back to the finish. Of course, my mind was also thinking about what type of problem solving would need to be done over the next couple of hours. This was my first race since September and though the training was going well, I didn’t know how my body was going to respond considering the prior weekend’s adventure and I showed up to the race with 30 miles on my legs from the week leading up.

Around mile 12, as we were descending into a canyon, I began feeling some hotspots on my feet, but thought I was too early to get blisters and my left knee started feeling a bit wonky as well. Neither of these were corrupting my pace, or my spirit so I made myself aware and moved on. About a mile after that I came upon my new friend Roy, from San Diego as we were working our way up a climb. He and I then proceeded to run the next 5 miles together, talking about running, racing, San Diego, his potential move to Arizona, family, and life all together. It made those five miles, and what were supposedly the most challenging miles of the course, click by seamlessly. As we crested the high point of the course, we were met with this long, steep, technical descent and for some reason I felt like bombing down. I was feeling really good, thanks to Roy’s company, I let the momentum carry me. For the next 3-4 miles I was moving well as the final big-ish, climb approached, leading up to the aid station before heading back into town. It was a bit weird since I was the only one at this aid station at this time but did have a great quick conversation with the volunteers, grabbed a quick snack, filled my bottles and dowsed myself with some ice water for the final third.

This last 11ish miles had some technical downhills, that were pretty steep, but followed by smooth single-track, pretty much until we got back into town. This was where I experienced something that was a first for me in these races. It was something I’ve always wanted to feel, but it had always escaped me to this point. As mentioned before, I had thought about that moment, that comes every race, when you pretty much get punched in the gut. Something, or possibly everything hurts; stomach goes south, blisters surface on your feet, your quads get trashed, and your knees feel like they are being smacked with a hammer. It happened in each race, and I’d be lying if I didn’t wonder when it would be coming during this one. Well, it never really came, other than maybe the last ½ mile before hitting Main Street again. This final third, running through these canyons, with some nice cloud cover in the sky, moving over water crossing, and clicking off the miles, I did feel like a little kid in a sense. It felt pretty fulfilling to be hitting the same mile pace at this point in the race as I was at the beginning. As a few of us moved from the trail to the suspension bridge and onto Main Street for the final half mile, we were moving at a great clip, with the view of the finish line ahead of us and the outside patio bars and restaurants lined with patrons cheering us along the way. We heard one guy hell, “it’s all uphill from here.” Well, he wasn’t kidding because that same section we started on, all downhill, led right back up that hill to the finish line. Fortunately, it was gradual and short, and it didn’t matter at all because we were crossing the finish line.

All my other races, typically the last third, if not more, is a grind. It consists of managing through pain, figuring out problems that you don’t think of happening, and just focusing on moving forward. Many times, it is piecing myself back together to take that next step. Those experiences are when 1. we find out about ourselves a lot; what we are made of when the proverbial shit hits the fan, and 2. we learn and grow in ways to help us better navigate the next adventure. I do believe we grow more through adversity and through suffering a bit in that pain cave. However, after last Saturday’s experience, I believe there are some things that I should be learning. At least, some other strategies to incorporate leading up to race day. That whole feeling of “not being punched in the face,” was very nice I must say 😊. However, I know it won’t be something that I likely replicate anytime soon!!

[mubal4]

Race Wrap Up – Black Canyon 100K

 We start off, as we typically do, with thanking the team over at Aravaipa Running. They put on so many great events and their staff does a wonderful job. To all the volunteers, a big thank you as well. This race has approximately 900 runners, 9-10 aid stations, plus the start and finish, not to mention all the effort it takes to set-up, break-down, clean-up; the list goes on. There are so many volunteers out there that are integral to putting on these races and we would like to say thank you very much. To those from the @AZTraileggers, specifically @MeganS & @Brian – much gratitude! Always there for encouragement, a hug, and a smile 😊! To my friend & work colleague Jenn, thank you so much again for trekking out with the kiddos, only to see me for about 10 minutes!! The energy you provided and seeing your smile provided much needed oomph! To my brother @Frank – really grateful you took a flight out here to witness first hand this wild and wacky sport. I had a very good idea that it would be an “experience” for you. What that meant I didn’t know but I had a feeling it would be something that you would appreciate. You were critical in being part of the crew and I thank you very much for helping Robin out through the day. I understand the sacrifice and work it takes, especially with a point-to-point race like this so know your efforts mean a lot to me. Robin!  My wife. Who for the past 8 years since I started doing these races and the few before with the other nonsense we’ve done – you give me the strength, grit, and perseverance to keep going. Your positive and upbeat energy, no matter the circumstance during a race, whatever situation we are working through that isn’t “ideal” we do it together. No one else I would choose to have along side of me to get these done. I know it is usually never pretty. Some moments are, most are not but whatever the situation, in a race or life, we keep moving forward, left foot, right foot – I am grateful I get to do it arm and arm with you. To our youngest daughter Alaina and her friend Katherine – thanks for being there at the finish line – awesome to see your faces. And to end the gratitude to the other crew members, from afar, our oldest @Bella away at college, #ultradad @Bryan S in our hometown & @Tracy L  – missed you all, thanks for the messages, words, and encouragement – love all of you.

 So, how’d the race go? Well, typical except for some things that were not “ideal” 😊 This was the 3rd time running the Black Canyon 100k, fist since 2020. We had planned to run it last year but Alaina’s soccer team made it to the 2nd round of the state soccer playoffs and that game was Saturday so I jumped down to the 60k on Sunday. We though it was going to be a repeat this year and Alaina’s team again made it to the 2nd round, but the game was last Wednesday, and they lost. If they did win and made it to the 3rd round, I would have done the 60k. But as luck would have 😊, I got the full money’s worth and ALL 62 miles! We were very happy with the training block leading up to the taper 2 weeks ago. The volume was where we wanted it, factored in a good amount of vert, and nutrition was dialed in through January. At the end of January, a wedding surfaced and I began traveling for three weeks straight, which complicated things, and of course, the Philadelphia Eagles made the Super Bowl. So……….these last few weeks haven’t been as ideal as past leading up to this race 😊. Needless to say there was a lot going on but we were able to stay consistent with the training at least and we trusted it going into Saturday. However, as all these races go, you have no idea what could and will happen over the course of 62 miles.

 The race got started off in an interesting manner. My wave was #2, starting at 730am. We had a shuttle that took all the runners from the drop off site, to starting line, which was about 40 minutes away. During the bus ride I typically just get things in line and rest up, knowing that we will have about 15 minutes or so at the starting line before we head out. Unfortunately, things were running late, and the bus got there at 7:26am giving me enough time to shed my sweats, throw them into a bag, and put my pack on as I am starting the race. Fortunately, there was not a moment for nerves to surface because we were thrusted into the swing of things immediately. As we meandered through the town of Spring Valley, AZ going to meet up with the Black Canyon trail, I was grateful for the rushed start because we didn’t have to wait around in 35 degree temps, thinking about things to get going! The first several miles where nice and easy. This race is very deceptive with the first half being mostly downhill and is what can break the race for many. My first time I went out way too fast and it came back to haunt me the last half of the race in 2019. I learned my lesson and dialed it back considerably and enjoyed the beginning miles. The first aid station, around mile 8, is essentially at the high point of the course and gives a beautiful shot of the valley down below where we would be running into over the next 12-15 miles. It is a great show with the sunrise and runners flowing through the trail. We also get the Bradshaw Mountains towards the west of us so makes for epic scenery. Miles 8 through 20 are very flowing, very runnable downhill trails. Some technical spots but at this point I was feeling really good and the miles were ticking off quickly. I was excited to see my wife Robin, and my brother Frank, at the Bumble Bee aid station around mile 20. This was the first time Frank had ever scene me race or even experience something like this. It was really great to have him there. He was smiling the entire time and also shaking his head at the wildness and wackiness of this sport 😊.

 After seeing them, we had a nice climb out and then a pretty flat area to the next aid statin around mile 25. At this point, I hit my first dark spot. I was feeling good and there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary happening, but my mind started going a bit south. It was weird since it was relatively early in the race. I found myself thinking about times, how much more of the trail I had left to cross and knowing this race well, for some reason I was letting the future get the better of me. When I hit the aid station I fueled up and got back on the trail. Knowing that I still had another 13 miles or so before seeing Robin and Frank again at Black Canyon City, my mind was still not where it should be. At some point, I think it was around mile 26 though, I was running really well, feeling good, solid! I started to run happy. I know that may sound weird, but I was enjoying the moment, this trail, this race, this time out in a beautiful part of the world with some incredible people. We hit a jeep road and it was smooth sailing and the miles were again, clicking on by. I came into Black Canyon City to see Robin, Frank, and our dear friend Jenn with her kids. I was feeling better than any previous time running those 37 miles. I felt incredibly fresh, smiling, really enjoying all that was happening. We got things rolling with sock changes, foot care, new shirt, electrolytes, and a banana. And before we knew it, I was back on the trail running and smiling. At this point of the race, many runners tend to drop. The back 25 miles are the toughest. It is where the majority of the climbing comes, and they are long climbs and the trail is very technical. Things tend to slow down, and runners get beat up through this patch. Fortunately, outside of the 3 other times I’ve done the race, I’ve run these last 25 miles a handful of times so I felt comfortable leaving know what to expect.

 Less than two miles from leaving Black Canyon City aid station, there is a small river crossing and then a long, long climb for a few miles and I could feel like it never ends. It isn’t terribly steep but it does go on. About 30 minutes into the climb, my stomach began turning south; nauseous and I didn’t feel well at all. I then remember that I really didn’t eat at the last aid station. I had an electrolyte drink and a banana but unfortunately, nothing real like I would typically have at that point of the race. There wasn’t any real reason. I was feeling good, talking with everyone, getting ready to go out and just didn’t think of grabbing any food as I headed out. That was a bad mistake considering the next aid was about 9 miles away. The climb wasn’t terribly bad but I think it was because my mind was more focused on my stomach and the way I was feeling. I did my best to navigate those nine miles but it was slow going and just kept moving. I finally got to the aid station around mile 47 and took a seat for about 5 minutes, fueled up on some good stuff, and got my mind back together. I had about 5 miles to go before seeing Robin and Frank for the last time. The sun was going down, it was getting a bit chilly, and the trail was going to be getting more technical.

 As I left, hiking, my stomach started to feel better, as was my mind, so I started running again. These miles were not too tough from a climbing perspective but technical, however my legs were feeling good so I just kept going. As the sun ducked behind the mountains, temps began to drop and the trail got harder to see. I popped on my headlamp and picked up the pace a bit because I was beginning to get cold. With only a few miles left, I was moving well, stomach was solid again, and I knew I was going to see the crew very soon. Unfortunately, at this point however, my left knee went wonky! That is the best way I can describe it. Pain all around the kneecap and the tendons on both the back left and right. Not something I’ve experienced before and it seemed to hit all of a sudden! I was about a mile from the aid station, so I started hiking again to see if that helped, and it did. Slowing down however, with the sweat on my and the temps dropping caused me to get cold, so I did my best to navigate the terrain with the knee and get into see Robin and Frank. I made it, before they did actually, so this gave me time to get some warm food in me while I waited for them to arrive. We had about 11 miles left to go and I grazed the aid station table like it was a buffet grabbing as much as I could stuff in my mouth to ensure my stomach held. My energy was also low, and I was tired, so I chugged to water bottles full of Mountain Dew. Yeah – that’s right, I get to eat and drink whatever I want when I am running 62 miles 😊! Robin, Frank, and I connected. I was able to take care of my foot, change out socks and shoes, and put some extra layers on for the last push.

 This last stretch has another one of those long, steady climbs, and the trail is very technical again, even more so at night. With the knee banged up a bit, it was challenging to get a comfortable stride or pace going for long periods of time. So, I did what I could – running when it felt okay, and then hiking when the pain increased. The next 7 or so miles to the last aid station was sluggish and not ideal but we were still moving forward and knew that we were well ahead of where we wanted to be so it was just about getting it done. The last aid station came about and I downed some Coke and broth for the final 4 miles. Heading back out we were on a jeep trail for about a mile so I was able to run a good amount of that and it felt okay again. Once we got back onto the trail, it was pretty smooth as well, until we hit a series of small little climbs and then things got a bit technical. It was like this for about a mile outside of the finish line but at this point, I knew the pain would all be gone the moment I crossed so I just kept running. You can hear the music and see the lights of the finish about ½ mile out and I was happy to close another race out, smiling, grateful, and a little beaten up. Robin, Frank, my daughter Alaina, and her friend Katherine where right there at the finish line with a chair and beer waiting for me!

 It was a great day with awesome people. We hung out for a bit before jumping on the shuttle back to the car. Another big thank you to Aravaipa Running, all the volunteers, staff, and other runners. To the crew, both near and far, thanks for the continued support, love, and incredible energy. You guys make this wild and wacky sport so fun for me and for that I am grateful. It is never sexy or happens as planned – put that is just like life and I am fortunate to get to walk through it arm and arm with you all!

[mubal4]

Teacher Appreciation Day & Rainy Desert Run

 Happy Teacher Appreciation Day & Teacher Appreciation Week to all you educators out there.  Know that there are many that know you are making an impact in our kids lives each day and the world’s future.  And, for one particular teacher out there, you are the definition of selfless and amazing 😉!!  That last sentence was for my wife, Robin, who has been teaching for 20+ years.  I believe she brought to this earth to teach children.  I also believe she has a special gift when it comes to educating our youth.  She has a special gift in general with children.  Whether she is teaching them in a classroom, or she is coaching them in the gym, she is consistently making an impact.  I see it each day with our kids and others, and I hear it from parents of her students and her gymnasts.  This has been the case in PA and, for the second time around, here in AZ.  Yes, there are those times when being a teacher is incredibly challenging and often times, underappreciated.  However, there are many days that I see her, and she is glowing because of what she gets to do each day.  I’ve mentioned this before but when we moved to AZ, she took a 50% pay cut and we knew that coming into it.  She didn’t back down from that challenge and she embraced it.  She could have easily said we are not moving, and this mission could have been outweighed by the decrease in income.  That didn’t discourage her from making the jump and, taking on more responsibility in a different type of teaching role working with gifted students in higher grades.  She has knocked it out of the park, and I am incredibly proud of her for the effort she has put in, not just with teaching but with coaching too.  She spends 3 nights a week at the gym working with those young gymnasts and she is in her happy place when she does.  When you have a passion for what you do, for Robin it is teaching and coaching, although there are days it is work, the joy and fulfillment that comes with it is hard to replicate.  When we were evaluating the decision to move back to AZ, we talked about if going back to teach here would be the best choice for her.  The more we discussed it, the more she……couldn’t imagine herself doing something else.  She could have shifted careers but, at least from my perspective, teaching is where she was meant to be.  In my opinion, we are blessed to have her as an educator and my guess is the kids that have came through her doors throughout the years feel the same way.  So, to my wife, know that you are appreciated for what you do as a teacher, and for me and the girls, as a wife and mom. Thank you for the work and effort you put to this family and all you do each day.  We love you!!!

 Shifting gears, a bit here, but still related to finding joy and fulfillment in situations that are not ideal.  Phoenix was hit by rain this morning.  It came to a surprise to me and Robin, but I am sure it was forecasted. Rain is rare here, especially in May, so we don’t typically look at the weather too much.  My morning was open since my Uber duties (aka: driving kids to school) was taken off my plate so I planned to hit the trails.  When I opened the door to walk out, there was quite a nice little downpour happening.  Just to paint a picture, it is typically in the 90’s in May out here and overnight, maybe dips into the 60’s, with, as I mentioned, very little rain.  It is very rare for us to have an excuse to NOT go outside unless it is over 100 degrees and your shoes are melting on the pavement.  That said, this morning it was a downpour and about 58 degrees.  For AZ, in May, ideal trail running weather.  For me, I stood at the door for about 5 minutes, watching the rain fall, trying to come up with a good excuse to skip the trail and go to the treadmill at the gym. That was the easy way out; the comfortable thing to do; completely the opposite thing Robin did when transitioning out to teach here and exactly what we are NOT trying to program our girls with. After Robin and I had a few good laughs about it, I said screw it and went off to the trail.  As I got there and started my run it tapered off to a drizzle, even a spit.  I was adventuring on a new trail, an out and back run and the first half was incredible running weather; cool, light breeze, trail was soft from the rain; couldn’t have been better really and I almost decided to run on a treadmill.  It was a great run…………lol, until it started raining again.  As soon as I hit the halfway point and turned back, well first I had a quick conversation with some folks walking their dog from Syracuse, NY, which was cool but as soon as I saw them, bang, downpour again and there was nowhere to hide.  The rain came down hard until I got to the trailhead and finished it up.  Fortunately, I had a change of clothes so rung out my wet stuff and then sat on my tailgate, watching and listening to it rain.  

 I could have chosen to take the simple route; go to the gym and run in a controlled environment, on the treadmill, getting my miles in. Instead, I GOT to experience something that doesn’t typically come about in AZ, a trial run in the rain, in May, when it isn’t 100 degrees. I have found out, may times the hard way, that taking the simple way out, yes, provides convenience sometimes, but doesn’t offer satisfaction; fulfillment.  Would I have gotten my miles in on the treadmill? Sure.  Would I have come out of that with a story to tell, a new experience, or the fulfillment of a high level of effort and something that was much more satisfying? No.  I knew it wasn’t going to be ideal out there today in the rain.  Robin knew that teaching in AZ wasn’t going to be ideal either. Looking back on both choices, I believe our level of satisfaction on both fronts is pretty good. 😊

[mubal4]

Time on the Trails – Humphrey’s Peak

 A week or so ago, I finished up reading How to Stop the Pain by Dr. James B. Richards.  He had a quote that seems right for this story, “if it is worth doing, then it is worth doing wrong until I can learn to do it right.”  That quote is funny to me considering this was my 2nd attempt to summit Humphrey’s Peak.  I captured my first try in my blog here, a few weeks ago.  Humphrey’s Peak is the highest mountain in AZ, sitting at roughly 12,630-ish feet.  You can see the sign in the one photo of me at the top with the marking: my apologies for the pasty white old-man thighs.  It was an awkward stance and I will get to the reasoning in a bit 😊.  Yes, on this attempt, I did make the summit, using Humphrey’s trail this time.  Last go around, I tried the Weatherford Trail to Humphrey’s, and I got stopped because of the feet of now that seemed to swallow up the trail right before the intersection to the top.  Oh well, after that first time, I figured there would be more chances over the summer when the snow melts.  

 My intent was to get up here prior to my race in mid-July but wasn’t sure how long it would take for that snow to be gone (there was a ton) and if I would be able to fit it in with other commitments we had with the family and training.  Last weekend however, I heard from a few friends that the snow was mostly gone and there were a few folks I knew that made the summit via Humphrey’s trail.  That gave me some hope that I might be able to get up there before the race.  I’ve been working on getting a lot of vertical climbing in these last few weeks in preparation and this adventure certainly doesn’t disappoint with over 3500 feet of gain.  Plus, being at over 9500 feet the entire 10+ miles and mostly over 10,000 is great training for being at high elevation, which the race will promise. Throughout the week, I didn’t think about it much more and had a few options to contemplate.  I could do Humphrey’s, but it is about a 5 hour round trip drive and I hadn’t been sleeping well at all the last few weeks.  I was hoping to “sleep in” on Saturday and the thought of getting up at 4am again wasn’t ideal 😊.  Friday night, Robin and I thought about some ideas but we did decide the getting some extra rest would be best since I’ve been putting a lot of time in training and needed to get some sleep, or at least try.  We both got up early, that would be Bear’s doing (our 4-month-old pup) but we had a nice morning with the dog, reading, meditating, kind of just taking it easy.  The forecast down in Phoenix was calling for 105* and it was already 9am so the idea of getting in any vert training in the valley here was becoming less attractive. So, it was either do Mount Ord again, or, make the trek up to Humphrey’s, both promising much cooler temps.  We decided what the hell, I will head up to Flagstaff to see if I could kick Mr. Humphrey in the jimmy!!!  (old Beavis and Butthead reference 😊).  

 This is when things began to get a bit, as we like to say, “not ideal.”  I checked the forecast and it was going to be in the low 60’s – beautiful. However, they were calling for 25 mph winds in Flagstaff.  Flagstaff sits at roughly 7,000 feet so it was certain winds would be much higher on the way up.  Good news is, I came better prepared gear-wise than last time 😊.  On the drive up, unfortunately, there was an accident, as well as on the way back down.  This is something that happens often driving up and down I-17 in AZ.  There are some options to turnoff and circumvent the delays, but I’ve found it is just best to wait.  Therefore, my 5 hour round trip, ended up being around 7.5.  It happens and, although I was a bit frustrated at first, I let it go.  In reality, sitting still in traffic for a few hours was much easier than the gale force winds that we experienced!!!  The Humphrey’s Peak trailhead sits at the parking lot for Snowbowl ski area.  As I pulled into the lot, right around 2pm, it was full. I figured there was going to be a ton of folks on this trail and may make it difficult navigating the top (without the winds). As I stepped onto the trail, I looked up to see Mr. Humphrey smiling at me and may have heard him say, “come get some.”  Haha – these are things that go through my mind 😊.  The first few miles, all a gradual climb up was good and are mostly in the shadows of Aspen and pine trees, so you get a little bit of a canopy. There was a good amount of people, but not overcrowded.  This part of the trail reminded me a bit of the Appalachian Trail in PA with many roots and rocks.  It was good thoughts for the first couple of miles.  As the climb continued, I began to hear the wind whipping the tops of the pine trees around.  As I got higher, there were some remnants of snow but nothing like the last time…..but that wind was howling. Just about at mile 4, as you begin past the tree line, this was where the wind began punching me in the face.  I had no idea how fast it was going but it almost knocked me over a few times.  The last 1.25 miles is all above tree line walking along the ridgeline, entirely exposed, for the most part.  However, the views are amazing.  You can see some of the shots in the pictures.  I was able to see part of the trail that I tried 3 weeks earlier and you can see most of the snow was gone.  Gave me some hope that I would be able to try that route again soon, ideally without the freeking wind.  The last ¼ mile I was pretty much crawling, trying not to blow off the mountain.  It is almost like walking on a spine, just 12,000 feet up in the air with high winds.  The last few feet I stood up and the wind, blew me up the rest of the way until I got behind this makeshift wall and almost fell into the lap of the 4 hours that were enjoying the views.  And those views man, incredibly.  It is a 360* shot all round the area.  It was definitely worth the traffic, wind, and climbing.  I got my token picture at the top with the sign and yes, you can see my thighs and I am at a weird stance, that is because the wind was blowing so fast that I wanted to make sure I didn’t blow over.  When I checked the forecast later that night, I saw the recordings were approximately 60 mph at the ski resort down below, about 3500 feet. So, maybe 75 mph at the top? Who knows but they were crazy?  A few of us set off back down at the same time and we were almost slidding down……you remember growing up when we sat on our butts and slid down the stairs?  It was the same thing…..only on the top of a mountain, with high winds, and rocks every where :O!

 The way down was uneventful, for the most part.  Did see a rescue going on.  A woman fell and banged up her ankle bad.  They thought it may have been broken.  Stayed for a bit as the EMT’s did their work and getting things set to carry her down the mountain.  It was going to be about 3 miles down, strapped to a board that they were going to be carrying here.  God bless those folks, hard core.  I did see a sweet family, what looked to be like the grandfather and 4 of the grandkids. Could have been a boyfriend/girlfriend within that group but 4 kids, early 20’s or so, and what I could only imagine their grandfather.  They made it to the top and I thought it was just great, seeing them all together. Rest of the way was smooth sailing and was looking forward to cracking a beer and watching the sun come down from the Snowbowl parking lot.  Unfortunately, as I got to the car and began changing gear, the wind was still blowing like crazy. At that point, the beer, and the wind, didn’t sound great and I just wanted to get in the car and head home. As I mentioned, I hit an accident, about a 2-hour backup on the way home so didn’t get back to late.  It was a great training day and good test all around.  To be able to get to experience that mountain and those views. Definitely worth doing it all wrong the first time, and even in some cases this time.

 Gotcha this time Mr. Humphrey

[mubal4]

Life Lessons – From Time on the Trails

 Back in October, Halloween to be exact 😊, I wrote this blog on life lessons I learned from wrestling.  Around that same time, I had two other ideas in mind about sharing life lessons I’ve been fortunate to learn from other moments in my life.  They have both been sitting in my notes to get to and today, as I had one of those quite moments all to myself, while reading, I was reminded about one of those items.  I believe the title is spot on but the content will share thoughts about running, specifically on trails and in ultramarathons, but just getting out, into nature, in the mountains, and how, what’ve been able to glean has carried with me over the last several years.  As I am thinking about how this will go, my mind shifts to timing really; so, let’s begin with running in general.  That started when I was in middle school probably.  Well, let’s talk about really running though because in youth sports, football & wrestling specifically, we ran to get in shape and stay in shape.  It was probably around 8th grade where I started running, almost daily, outside of practices.  That process continued through high school and college with the same purpose in mind, get in shape/stay in shape for wrestling.  I can probably say for about 14 years following college graduation, full transparency, I ran 3-5 times per week just so I can eat what I want and drink a lot of beer 😊.  Just being honest here.  Yes, I did enjoy running and staying in shape and there were some moments, usually a meal a day, that I stuffed some salads in my head but I was likely managing 20-25 miles per week, usually on a treadmill at a gym, running to stay in shape and eat/drink as I wished. 😊  Still funny to think back about that time.  I was in my 20’s/early 30’s, living as if I had not many responsibilities, then got married and things got somewhat real right!  My running/lifting continued but at this point, not with much purpose other than to still stay in shape and eat & drink beer.

 It was right around winter of 2010-2011 where, for some reason, I decided to sign up for a Tough Mudder.  I can’t remember why I did it; maybe my boss/friend at the time gave me the idea, but I though that running 13-ish miles and doing a bunch of obstacles in the woods, in the snow, would be cool.  So, I started training for it and my typical 5-8 miles runs when to 10-13-mile runs.  This was going to be the furthest I had run since high school cross country.  This training led me from Tough Mudders to the Spartan Death Races and those 10 or so mile runs grew to 15-20-mile runs.  Up until this point however, most of those runs, sadly to say, were on treadmills.  Maybe a couple of times a month I would get out on the roads but that was it.  In the summer of 2011, because of what we thought was necessary to compete in these races, I felt the mountains was where I needed to be.  Living in the suburbs of Philly at that time I thought I was screwed.  However, with a little Google search I found a bunch of trails 3 miles from our house and, that magical place where this whole trail running journey began, The Appalachian Trail, about an hour drive away. From June 2011 through June of 2018, for seven years, the Wissahickon Trail and Appalachian Trail served as a training ground for me and where I started to completely fall in love with being out on single track trails, climbing, hiking, and running hours on end.  

 Here is where the timing aspect comes into play and I believe had a significant role on the impact trail running has had in my life the last decade.  See, right around the end of 2009, beginning of 2010, as I’ve shared in this blog many times, I realized I needed to be better.  I had to make a change, to be a better husband, father, and human being; for my wife, my girls, and everyone that I am blessed to connect with.  It is a long story, but I had a mission and was fortunate to have the awareness to start on this journey that will continue throughout my life. What were those changes? At that point I had no idea other than I needed to do shit differently; not everything, but a lot.  So I began getting out of my comfort zone and doing the tough stuff that I tried to avoid in the past; essentially, I did the stuff that I didn’t like to do at times I didn’t want to do them.  Nothing magical!!  What is ironic, getting out on a mountain for several hours in extreme cold, or burning heat, with things hurting and my not wanting to be there, became something I fell in love what.  Kinda sick and twisted but my point in sharing that backdrop is that running, and specifically to me, trail running became incredibly instrumental in my healing, cleansing, transformational process.  Sure, there are many times today that I don’t love it, I don’t want to go do it, it is hot/cold…. insert complaint here!!! But, once I step onto that trail, I hear my feet it that dirt, my lungs are hurting from a climb and my quads are burning, then you hit that peak and are able to look around at the beauty; everything stops!!  And, when you are finished there is that sense of gratification!

 I first started realizing this in 2012 and it has become addictive.  There were times back then, and still today, where I am not able to get out on the trails for a couple of days and I kinda go through a withdrawal.  It is wonderful and weird at the same time.  In 2015 I decided, with the help of someone particular 😊, to do my first ultra-marathon; a 50K in Reading PA.  I had no idea what to be in store for and didn’t know what to expect. I felt that being able to run for 31 miles in the woods and mountains would be awesome but also hard as hell; and this race didn’t disappoint in those areas.  What I didn’t realize was the culture of this sport, which again, has become incredibly addicting.  The people are awesome!  Over the last 5 years I have been fortunate to GET to race a bunch of ultra-marathons, as well as, train, and just run/hike in a bunch of ultra-marathons in some pretty epic locations.  Sure, there are times when I dread heading out because it is going to be a trail/course that I’ve done countless times.  Those first couple of miles you are thinking that this sucks, I got shit to do, I don’t feel like doing this, my knee feels wonky; all sorts of shit brews up in your mind.  Then you hit that first climb and all those thoughts subside and you are focused on climbing.  Then you get to the top & you breath it all in.  Epic!!  There are those other times, where you just go with no expectation, no particular destination, no specific trail, you just run.  Those are the best ones and that is so awesome about running; you don’t need much to do it; slap on a pair of shorts, a shirt, socks, shoes, and go…. some folks don’t even wear shoes 😊.  But there is a lesson, LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS.  

 I have learned, whether it is a training run or a race, when I don’t have an expectation and just set out to enjoy the day, have gratitude that I GET to do this, that is when it is most fulfilling. That is something that is so important in life because it works the same way.  When I wake up in the morning, and it is rare to be honest, that I don’t have my mind racing on what I “need” to do today or what “has” to get done; and my attention reverts to gratitude to be up and moving and all the things I “GET” to experience today; those are the best days.  IT IS HARD AS F#%& to have that outlook just some of the time; I don’t know anyone that has it every day.  It is a constant battle but so fulfilling when it happens!  That’s the beauty of this process that keeps unfolding and that we get to continue learning how to be better, do things different, and grow.  I’ve learned that if you just keep going, you will eventually get to where you want to go.  This is just perseverance and not giving up.  When it means something to you, when you have desire to finish that run, race, business venture, painting, whatever it is, if you just keep moving forward and work a little each day on it, eventually you will get it done. Like running 100 miles, it is one step at a time………or, like that popular saying, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.  I’ve been caught, like so many others, when tackling something big, by getting lost in the enormity of it all.  I don’t think anything is that big and anything is attainable; one step at a time.  Sure, it gets lost, a lot, and I tend to not be a very patient person a times 😊 (not comments Robin, Alaina, Isabella 😊).  But trail running has taught me more patience, perseverance, and just how much we, us, as human being, how much we can take.  There are so many times in training and races, and in everyday life too, where I JUST DON’T WANT TO DO IT!! Or, I just want to stop. All the fear, uncertainty, and doubt seeps in and you begin questioning the meaning.  How far do I have to go? My knees, quads, feet, etc. hurt.  I am tired.  It’s too hard.  What the hell am I doing this?  All these come into our mind no matter what mission we may be on.  But there are so many times we continue to move forward, left foot, right foot.  We get frustrated, angry, and disappointed maybe because in that hour, day, or year; we haven’t gotten to be where we expected to be in that period.  Let go of those expectations because they are all arbitrary timelines, we set for ourselves and in reality, they are bullshit.  It really means nothing.  I get caught up when a race is coming up in “runner math.” Thinking about pace, distance, time, and what I think would be a cool time to finish running this particular distance in.  “Well if I can do this pace for this long and factor in the climbs, downhills, yada, yada, yada……” It doesn’t mean anything really, but, if I can get across that finish line healthy, grateful, with great people I’ve connected with, I have a story to tell. Don’t get me wrong, I get wanting to finish a race in a certain place or time, but that is that person’s mission.  Not mine and the funny thing is, whether you finish a race 1st, 20th, 150th, or last – all the dark moments and the questions outlined above still come up.  That is the great thing about this sport, about trail running, yeah there are times that differentiate you but the experiences you realize can be incredibly similar.  It is all what you want to get out of it and when you let go of those expectations, at least in my experience, is when it is most fulfilling.  

 Many times, out, again, race or run, I seem to learn something new about me, my surroundings, my body, my life.  The thoughts that come up when you are alone on a trail in the middle of nowhere can be mind-blowing, sometimes scary, sometimes incredibly weird. I’ve thought about shit from 30 years ago and had no idea how that thought came into my head.  At that point is when you catch a toe and fall on your face 😊, good times right there.  I am not solving the world’s problems when I am out there, but I do have instances where I gain perspective on situations.  Maybe I could have handled a situation with our family or at work differently.  I could have used different language or word choices when having that conversation.  A blog or podcast idea or a different way to attack our finances or business ventures next week? Could be as easy as what I think we should all do for dinner this week.  Or, the one’s that I particularly enjoy, you think about that one person that you haven’t connected with in a while, stop, snap a picture and send them a text saying, “just thinking about you.”

 My intent is not to inspire you to start running. I wanted to share this because I was fortunate to find something that I am passionate about, that positively impacts my journey, mission, my health, and helps me cleanse and heal.  For me it just so happens to be trail running. Most importantly, from my perspective, it is directly related to our life’s journey.  I can also say that I’ve seen how this sport has impacted many in the same manner.  I don’t know what “that thing” is for you that will enable your healing and keep you moving on your journey.  My hope is that we all have the ability and awareness to find it and the courage to take the first step to implement it.

 “Those destined for greatness must walk alone in the desert.” – Winston Churchill

[mubal4]

Satisfied? Content? Gratitude?

 Two weeks ago I traveled back east and I blogged about it here.  It was a great trip back, both for business, and to see great friends.  I was in the town of Plymouth Meeting, which is where we lived prior to moving back to Phoenix.  Last week, while getting back into the swing of things here in AZ, not gonna lie, I was missing being back in PA; not just the people and food, but the whole experience of just driving around, being in the place our family spent 11 years.  I was comfortable there.  I was content.  I was also grateful and satisfied I had the opportunity to visit. But there were thoughts of, “where do I want to be? Where do I belong? Which, PA or AZ, makes me happier?  More satisfied? More Content? More Grateful? I am coming to the realization that the answer is BOTH!!!! And, I am VERY GRATEFUL, to have had the opportunity to live in both places, and to visit both places. Two weeks ago, I was seeing people that I love dearly, interacting with business colleagues I am typically on the phone or videoconference with, eating food and bellying up at places I spent 11 years going to, and running the trails I’ve logged so many miles on over that time.  Yep, I was certainly in my happy place and I am very fortunate we get to go back there when we want.  

 Oh, and yes, I am very grateful to live in the place that I live now.  As the pictures above dictate, being in the trails in AZ, working with my trail steward group, logging miles all by myself, letting the mind go, and most satisfying, sharing time with Robin out in the mountains (nah – we are hard-pressed to get the girls on the trails w/ us, maybe once a year 😊).  This is also my happy place and considering I spoke with two folks today back east in PA and they are getting snow and frigid cold weather, that is a bonus.  PA can keep that stuff and I will make sure we visit when the cold and wet stuff is gone.  (We do have a trip in February coming up so we will see how lucky we get then 😊???)  I was feeling a little down when last week started with the visit fresh on my mind, the start of a new week, and yes, no beer and clean eating for the next 20+ days beginning (see details here 😊). I was struggling a bit but as the week went on and my mind got clearer (no booze helped I’m sure 😉), I began having that sent of gratitude that I am feeling now.  Robin put it into words very well, “we get to have two homes and how great is that?” Totally true and we get to create the life we want to live on our terms.  

This time of year, in AZ the weather is outstanding for getting on the trails.  I took advantage of it starting last Thursday.  I am learning that no matter how things may start, it is how things finish that really creates that level of satisfaction you may be searching for.  Thursday started 5 straight days of being out on the trails, and the mountains, running, hiking, doing trail work, and spending time with great people and of course, the one that keeps me going each day (Robin, in case you are wondering 😊).  It started with a new route I’ve been traveling up and down the McDowell Mountains via Bell & Windgate Pass.  Great climbs, drops, with views to the Northeast and Southwest of Scottsdale (didn’t get pics of these).  Friday was out to one of my favorite loops (I posted them in reverse order because I wanted my wife to be the highlight).  Seriously though, I didn’t do anything bad to warrant all this praise for Robin 😉.  Just sharing the love this week!!!  That favorite loop is Pemberton Trail in McDowell Mountain Regional park.  Spent a good amount of time out there Friday afternoon all by my lonesome!  Saturday was trail work with my excellent park steward group. This team is awesome, fun, sometimes sarcastic but we always have a lot of laughs, talk some football, and enjoy a few hours cleaning up many of the trails we all are fortunate to use.  Not only did we work the trails, but we also got a few miles of hiking in!!! Sunday, well Sunday was a beast of a day tackling the Black Canyon trail. Ran this a couple times last year and wanted to start getting back to it in preparation for the Black Canyon 100K coming up in February.  But in reality, I wanted a long day on the trails, a test to see where I am at with my body and mind, and, with taking a personal day yesterday, I can attack it slow and smooth.  The crazy thing, for 5 hours that I was out there on the trail, I didn’t see a soul. Two ATV’s out on some jeep trails in the distant, and cows.  A whole shitload of cattle.  From what I’ve been told, they used to use this trail back in the day to take cattle from Phoenix up north during the hot summer months.  Would make sense for them to be coming back down now but I got the sense they were headed north not south.  I didn’t really stop to ask these one’s pictured since the main one was looking at like he was going to charge.  That hunk of beef and his friends where standing right on the trail too.  Once I moved toward them, slowly……. they were on their way.  But, over the course of the next 8-10 miles I saw another 2 groups with about 10-15 cattle in both.   Answered the question of where all the cow pies were coming from 😊.  Monday was the run with Robin.  I am really loving getting out and doing trail running with her.  She had been hesitant to get started but is crushing it out there and maybe, just maybe, she may be getting close to her first trail race. We hit up Go John Trail which is one we did last month in preparation for my last race.  We both like this trek which has some great climbs and some rolling downhills for a great couple of hours out on the trail together.   Oh, and each day it was about 80*, sunshine, and low humidity!!!  Not rubbing that into the east coast folks but, yes, yes, I am rubbing that in 😊.  It did get a little warm Friday afternoon when I was finishing up – that is rubbing it in. 😊

 Last week I got caught up on missing what I had already experienced, living in the past, when I had so many great other things to create.  I am sure there were moments in that time that I may have missed something; a conversation with the girls, or Robin; maybe an opportunity for myself to reflect. Looking back at memories are awesome; I need to be better at being grateful for them; satisfied, and content on creating many more.  It continues to be a great ride……………it is time for me to capture the moment while I am in it.  The last few days certainly helped!!

[mubal4]

Glad I said Yes!

 This past Saturday I had a plan to go out for a long run. Typically, the week after a race I would have a light, recovery week.  However, since my next couple of weeks will be busy with traveling, volunteering, soccer games, etc. I figured I would just back up the 50k from last Saturday with another longer week of training runs.  During the week I was able to get a few, good, middle distance runs in but did want to hit one of my favorite trails, Pemberton, for a long 20+ mile run. Then, during the next two hectic weeks, I would try my best to get as much, time on feet as possible, whenever possible.  I was also planning to reach out to a friend of mine, and fellow ultra-runner, Jeff, to see if he would like to join me.  We are both training for the same 50 miler in December and we’ve been trying to get out in between our race schedule and life as husbands and fathers 😊.  I was delighted to get a text from him on Thursday afternoon inviting me to actually join him on another portion of my favorite trail with a nice climb up Thompson Peak and some of the other surrounding mountains in the McDowell Mountain Range. As the title of this entry says, I am glad I said yes.  The company was terrific, and we talked the majority of the 20+miles.  Although, we were both a bit quite on the big climb high above Scottsdale 😊.  I typically, and I think Jeff too, run alone on most training runs.  So, having him to share these miles was refreshing and made the morning go by.  We discussed life, races, running, shoes, food, family and the crazy thing is, we met not even a year ago while we were both crewing an aid station, ironically for this same race we are training for.  We actually made a pit stop at that same spot on the course Saturday and soaked it in.  That day last December was a great day with some great people, Jeff and his brother Greg being two of them 😊.  We got out a couple of times earlier this year and Jeff was willing to pace for the 2nd half of the Black Canyon 100k last February.  We were planning on him doing the last 10 miles with me. However, because of weather, they rerouted the course, so it turned out he did 25+miles and that was the longest he had run in a very, very long time, possibly ever at that point.  I am so proud to say he completed his first ultra, a 50k a few weeks ago and has another 50k in a few weeks before taking on the 50 miler.  After running with him this Saturday, I am confident to say he will be ready to go for both and I am excited to spend some more time on the trails with him leading up to the race, and hopefully, during the race as well.  The ultra-running community is a special place and it has afforded me the opportunity to meet folks like Jeff, his brother, and so many other genuine, authentic people, all with a story to share.  “They” 😊 say ultra-runners are usually running from something.  There may be some truth to that.  I think we all get into it and are driven toward it for some reason, but we stay because of the culture of the community and the wonderful people we get to meet. There are often times I want to be, and, maybe I need to be, alone on my runs.  It helps me clear my head, decompress, and let my mind work through circumstances.  It also provides me the opportunity to not think of anything at all and just run.  I do like the peace and calmness a solo training run provides; especially when you are out in a remote area and have the trail all by yourself.  But then there are those days, like Saturday with Jeff, that I am grateful to experience. We got to see an incredible sunrise, some amazing views from atop Thompson Peak, and ran into 2, yes 2, tarantulas.  I thought it may have been the same one but Jeff provided a dose of reality, very compassionately too, by explaining that it would have been hard, “although possible Mike,” for that one tarantula to travel about 1.5 miles over the course of 90 minutes.  The picture is of the 2nd one we saw………. which looks almost identical to the first one (still think it is the same one 😊).  Over the next couple of weeks, it is going to be challenging for us to get out, but I think we will be able to prior to his next race.  Fortunately, in the meantime I will be volunteering at the Javelina Jundred next Saturday, the site of my 2nd 100 miler from last year.  It will be a different perspective crewing an aid station and helping other runners create a new story for them but like my time with Jeff, I will be sharing 8-10 hours with a gaggle of those wonderful people within this community and will likely have some more pictures, and, another story to share next week. Until then, get out and enjoy the fresh air, get some time on feet, and say “yes” a little more, you never know what the experience will give you!!

[mubal4]

Race Wrap Up – Cave Creek Thriller 50k

 Last week I mentioned a little bit about this race.  Actually, before I go on, I use “we” a lot when I talk about the ultra-races and training; just to be clear, I am referring to Robin and the girls, and in some cases others that are part of the team that will be crewing or pacing me, depending on the race.  So, the “we” for this one was just Robin.  I did talk to the girls a bit and they listen and provide some feedback but most of the time it is, “good luck dad, you’ll do great.” 😊 – Love the support but teenage girls have other things on their mind…….I guess 😊!  Okay, Robin & I – we were looking at this race as a barometer.  As of 10 days ago, I had 2 A-/B+ races on my calendar that I was signed up for; a 50 miler & a 100k, with the intent of throwing my name into 2 lotteries for 2, separate 100 milers in June.  I had not planned on a fall race and when I pulled an abdomen muscle last month, my training got cut down, and slowed down, so I can nurse things back.  Adjusting my training helped in the healing process and as the days went by, I continued to feel better and better; although still running less miles and much, much slower than typical.  A week out of the race, after a run, I had a reminder come up about volunteering for this race and I thought, rather than volunteering, how about racing. I felt really good on that day’s run and didn’t have any noticeable pain in the stomach.  Robin and I discussed it and, as long as I went into it with the “barometer” mindset and taking it easy we should have a good understanding on how things are progressing for December & February races.  The next few days leading up to the start were different than usual.  My mind was not focused on the race, rather than life, travel, business, family, etc. I was thinking about it, but I am usually obsessed with a race the week of and there is not much else on my mind. I had not expectations, I had not real stress, and I felt light because, well, I had no idea what the hell was going to happen.  In early June, I ran another 50k and the furthest I had run since that race was 11 miles, twice. I had also noticed my knees becoming uncomfortable on a few runs which wasn’t normal.  Figured that was due to the slower pace and more steps.  Two days out there was some anxiety that started to creep in, typical.  How will my abdomen feel? What about the knees?  Did I train enough?  All normal thoughts, at least for me heading into a race.

 Race day came and we were up well before the sunrise. We started the race right at sunrise. 😊  The start was about an hour away from our house, but the finish was about 20 minutes and they had a shuttle from there to the start.  HUGE thank you to Robin for taking me to get the shuttle so early and continue to support me in this wonderful and weird sport.  There was about 60 or 70 of us loaded onto a school bus heading out and upon arrival, we all checked our gear, or in my case my handheld bottle, filled up on H2O, and got to meet a few folks before we toed the line.  At 630am, we were all off and running.  This course, from what I was told, is very misleading.  The first few miles had one or two little climbs and downhills but for the most part, the first 15-16 miles were pretty much flat trail, jeep road, or gravel.  I started off at a very easy pace which felt much slower than normal but after a few miles I caught up to one dude, Adam, who was stopped on the side of the trail; sort of off balance, and looking like he was trying to pick something out of the bottom of his shoe.  I stopped to see if he needed help and he used me as a post to lean against and try to get this thing out of his shoe.  About 15 seconds later he pulls out this 2-inch-long nail, fortunately bent, that he must picked up along the way.  Also fortunate was that it never broke through and hit his foot. Adam and I ran for a minute or so together than I think he stopped to fix something.  Not too long after that I caught up to Blake, and we ran together for some time, in silence before I got next to him and we started talking a bit. Soon after that, we caught another, still trekking the same pace, David was his name.  David, Blake, and I ran together and shot the shit for a few miles before Adam again caught up.  The four of us ran together, talking and pacing one another for a good 5+ miles before hitting the first aid station.  Once there, we all did our own thing and left at different times, no more than 30-45 seconds though.  Adam and I left together with Blake and David in sight.  After about a mile I had left Adam and caught up to David, and then Blake. He and I again ran together for about another 4 miles until we hit the halfway mark, mile 16.  I was in and out pretty quick but started hiking out.  Right around mile 12 I started really feeling my knees.  This time it wasn’t an inconvenience, it was more pain.  Not something that I felt was going to hinder me for this race, but races to come were on my mind.  Getting to that halfway aid station was good; I fueled up, cooled off, and got some more water.  However, as mentioned, I decided to hike it out.  On the way out, I passed by David and Adam as they were coming in and gave them a fist pump; didn’t know at that point would be the last time I would see them until the finish.  Blake caught up to me as I was hiking out, figuring my knees out.  He asked if I was okay, I said, “yeah man” and we high fived.  I walked for about 5 minutes.  The trail was a bit technical, but flat, so I decided it was time to run.  There was no more knee pain as I was running but, I was skeptical to see if it would return. With the stop at the aid station and the walking for a spell, maybe they were just a bit tired, since I hadn’t run that far in a while, but once I got moving, things were feeling really good. A few minutes later I again caught up to Blake and he and I again ran together until the next aid station. Overall, he and I probably ran together for about 12 or so miles and David and Adam for about 6.  These guys were just genuine, good dudes.  Blake and Adam were running in their first 50k’s, so I was super excited for them and David had a couple under his belt.  We talked about running, family, life and most importantly, enjoyed some great miles together.  

 As we left the next aid station the flats began to disappear, and the climbs started. These weren’t crazy but after running flats for most of the race to this point, and with the sun starting to beat down on us, there was no shade and the next 2500 feet of climbs over the last 10 miles or so was going to be interesting.  At this point too, I started to feel some inconveniences in my abdomen.  Nothing painful, but I was aware, however, after 20+ miles, I thought that was a positive.  As we approached our first, relatively mild climb, I passed by Blake and told him I would see him soon; unfortunately, I didn’t out on the course.  I also got another person that I hadn’t seen all race. He was pulled over to take a picture, the one with the trail leading up to the pointy shaped hill.  I thought that was a great idea so pulled off next to him and did the same (obviously since the picture is above 😊).  He cruised by me, but not too far ahead, and after running up another hill, through what seemed to be a hold RV junk yard (I know, crazy right?), I creeped up to him again.  We had another couple of climbs and descents together, than a good downhill leading out onto a road for about a half-mile before the next aid station.  The flat trail, and surprisingly the pavement felt really good and I cruised into and out of that aid station with two, nice big climbs left.  At this point I was all alone, except for a few hikers out on the trail.  I passed some heading up the 1st big climb and said a nice hello, and then had a gradual decent for a couple miles until the next aid station, proceeded by a very technical, and steep downhill. This was probably the funniest part of the day, as I was doing my best to navigate the technical downhill I hear, what seems to be another runner coming behind me.  I hadn’t seen one since the RV graveyard, so I was surprised when I stepped off trail to see this new guy from nowhere, completely bombing down this section of the course.  As he cruised by, he made a joke about his incredibly awkward downhill style.  Hell, I was incredibly impressed he was crushing it through that section.  Pretty impressive….and funny 😊.  Things flattened out as I headed into the last aid; only 3 more miles to go but the first half-mile is the last climb.  You can definitely feel the heat at this point since the sun was right on us during this climb.  I caught up to a couple 27k racers and this one dude, God bless him, guy was probably in his mid to late 60’s.  As we just started the ascent together, he was about 5 feet in front of me.  He stopped, looked up, turned to me and goes, “bitch of a way to finish this up huh?”  Freeking hilarious, and I totally agreed.  Although it was hot and it was a challenge 28+miles into the race, I felt good hiking up, especially knowing once I hit the saddle it was all downhill until the finish.  I got to the top and then took a gradual steady pace meandering through the trails and stopping for one more photo. As I started back up, I noticed another runner up ahead and he seemed to be favoring his right leg.  As I got closer, I noticed it was Jeremy, the guy that shared a seat on the bus with me on the ride to the start.   Unfortunately, he was having some knee/hip issues, but I slowed a bit and we had a little chat. Once again, another great human being and this is why I so love this sport.  We all go through our moments of shit storms, pain caves, and also, pure delight and joy.  We both know we were very close and as I decided to go ahead, we gave a fist pump knowing we would see each other in just a few minutes.  After a short little climb, it was downhill and into the finish.  Our goal was to time it just right and have Robin and the girls be there to meet me at the finish.  Isabella had gymnastics practice and Robin was coaching, both until noon and we figured about 30 minutes to get there from the gym with picking up Alaina. At the halfway point however, I was well ahead of where I thought I was going to be, to my surprise, and delight, and concern too!!!!  But the text I sent her never went through letting her know not to rush.  That said, I ended up finishing about 30 minutes before they arrived.  Fortunately, our family members out here, June & Pete Dz 😊😊 were at the finish for a wonderful surprise. (video cred to Auntie June there 😊). I’ve been fortunate to have them in my life, and be able to call them family, for almost 20 years.  They’ve been trying to get out to see a race and it worked out well today, in between their grandson’s soccer games. So, thank you so much June & Pete for being there, and, for ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO FOR US!!!!  In true Pete fashion, as soon as I crossed the finish and after a sweaty smelly hug, Pete says, “can I get you a beer?” As great as that sounded the heat beat me up a bit the last 5 miles and I just wanted to guzzle water and some electrolytes…..beers were to come in the near future 😊.  

 Robin and the girls got there, and we all had some time to spend together.  Robin and I debriefed about the race and the girls caught up with June and Pete. A few minutes later, Jeremy, my seatmate on the bus came in and we gave each other a hug and congrats.  Now, I was looking for Adam, David, and Blake to share my gratitude with them and to celebrate their finishes; especially with Adam and Blake being there first 50k. After several minutes and a number of other runners coming in, I noticed Blake crossing the line.  After giving him some time with his family, we greeted each other with a big hug (that’s what we do when you share miles and the suck with each other 😊) and appreciation.   I asked him about David and Adam, and he said, all three of them were hurting at the aid station before the climbs started.  Adam a bit more than Blake but David seemed a bit out of sorts. Some time passed and I was getting cleaned up and ready to hit the road when I noticed Adam coming in. He and Blake, both finishing there first 50k’s and a tough one too.  I was really happy for them; so was Adam’s family.  His wife and two young kids where there for photos at the finish and his young daughter, maybe 4, gave him a makeshift medal she created.  I wish I had a picture of that because it was awesome. As I walked back to where we were sitting, I heard some clapping and looked up to see David’s dad (saw him earlier at an aid station & again at the finish) head out to greet David at the finish.  He looked worn, and tied, but he came across and didn’t stop.   I heard he was battling some stomach issues, so I gave him his space but before leaving, I leaned down in his chair and thanked him for sharing some miles and keeping me at a good pace.  He reciprocated and we again, shared a hug.  

 Being able to challenge ourselves keeps us coming out, or at least from my perspective, keeps me coming out.  Sure, there is some fear, anxiety, and doubt with ultras and, absolutely, there are moments that it sucks.  There are times when your internal voice, or even external voice is saying, “never a-F$%^ING-gain!!!”  Yep, there is pain, hurt, problems & definitely inconveniences that most, figure out or, have help from others to work through them.  We learn each time out.  We live each time out.  And, we connect each time out; again, at least I try to.  I didn’t know what to expect going into this and what I got from it was gratifying.  Having June and Pete there at the finish!!!  Sharing a good number of miles with Adam, David, and Blake, and……witnessing Blake and Adam finish their first 50k and David, gut out a great finish; I was a joy to be a part of.  Of course, I must thank Aravaipa Running for another fantastic event.  Thank you to all the volunteers, aid station workers, course folks, bus drivers, and all that lent a hand to put this event on.  To the other runners, in ALL distances, congrats on your effort; toeing the line is the toughest part; be proud!!  Again, to David, Adam, and Blake, thanks for the mile’s boys, hope you are recovering nicely and trust we will see each other again out there.  To June and Pete – blessed to have you guys in our lives – thank you.  Of course, to my crew (well, maybe not this race but you guys are always my crew 😊) – thanks for your continued love, support, and help as I continue to try and test myself.  This shit sure doesn’t get much easier but, I think….I believe I am getting better!

#cavecreekthriller50k #aravaiparunning #PAAZRNR #AZTrailrunning #RFP

[mubal4]

Recon with Robin

 It is weird and wonderful how things unfold.  Robin and the girls had off from school these last few days for Yom Kippur and fall break.  It was a much-needed time away from the hustle and bustle of their typical weeks, although Robin is still coaching at the gym, Alaina has soccer practices, and Isabella has gymnastics, and she also started working at the gym for their camp.  This is fantastic in my opinion since she will start driving soon and there will be some increased insurance costs that would be great to offset 😊.  Robin and I did feel that we missed the boat on this week with not getting away for a trip.  I was in San Diego earlier this week and it would have been perfect timing for them to come join me after my meetings got done.  But the thought really didn’t register until I was out there, and we had things going on and I did have this race tomorrow.  Friday morning is typically my day to do trail work in the morning.  However, with the race tomorrow and Robin not having to head to school, we felt it might be a good time for the both of us to get a little shake out run done on the trails.  As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been taking advantage of what life is giving us and getting out more, together, to do some hiking and now, some running.  I am super proud of Robin for getting more confident to do some running on the trail.  Today, I felt that hitting up a normal sport for me, Apache Wash, to do a few miles and some climbing would be great.  It would also give us a good look at the last 10-15 miles of the Cave Creek Thriller 50k I am doing tomorrow.  The picture above is that shot, going left to right, in the mountain range closest to us, is what I believe the direction and area that we will be racing tomorrow.  The other interesting thing, Friday’s before races, I don’t run; never have.  It is a day I rest, maybe go for a light walk, do some stretching, yoga and soak in the pool just to have my legs fresh.  Today was different though.  I had a chance to get out on the trails with Robin to do the thing that I love doing, with the person I love the most, on a day of the week that we don’t usually get to.  

 “Take what the trail gives you.” Can’t remember where I heard this before and from whom but that is exactly what I did.  No concern about trail work, work in general, the race tomorrow.  Just a hike/run on the trails with my wife.  We’ve been fortunate lately to be able to do it more and more and, the weather is certainly cooperating.  Who knows, maybe she is taking baby steps to get to the point where she enters her first trail race 😊!!  We’ve run a few races together but never on the trail.  Never had that thought before.  Funny thing, as we were driving back from the trail head, we were discussing how when we last lived in AZ, we never even thought about hitting any of these trails. Actually, didn’t know they existed because it just wasn’t on our radar back then.  I think Robin said, “how much of this did we miss out on when we were here last.”  Makes you wonder, for a second, because now we are taking advantage of it and something, I really wanted to ensure we did.  Now, it would be great to get the girls out, and we have a few times since we moved back, but not today 😊.  Maybe as they see their mom getting out more that may motive them to come out too!! Time will tell but I can say that in the 5 or so years I’ve been running on the trails I’ve always visualized running with Robin and the girls.  I didn’t know if that would ever come to fruition but, I got one out of three thus far and she is being consistent.  She seems to enjoy it and, the company sure is nice to have.  Additionally, it provides me with perspective.  She gets a bit nervous that she is slowing me down. On the contrary, I believe, specially for the race tomorrow, and likely into the future, I feel I may need to slow down.  Over the last month, as I’ve slowed things down my runs have more smooth, steady, and honestly, less stressful because I am not chasing a time, a mileage, or some “thing.” I am just running, and I know that will help me sustain this and hopefully, keep me running for many, many years.  

  The preparation for tomorrow’s race was certainly different than any past race. Well, that’s because up until last Saturday I wasn’t doing this race.  The last 4 weeks, since my injury, my time on feet has been about the same as it typically would be for a race, but my mileage is about ¾’s of what I usually do.  But again, my muscles feel good, my legs feel good, and my runs have been really good. That said, I will be running the furthest I’ve ran since my 54k in June and haven’t run more than 12 in that time. So, Saturday, I am sure I will be tested in many aspects, but I am excited to see how these last 4 weeks and the work I put in will come out.  Listen, no matter how much you prepare, in an ultra, you are doing to deal with stuff you were not expecting; metaphor for life right?  We just don’t know what can surface and many of the stuff that does we would not have been able to prepare for anyway.  What’s the purpose of having a plan that? Tomorrow I don’t really know what is going to happen and I don’t have any expectations.  My intent is the finish line but really also be present in the moment.  I’ve learned a few new things the last month about my body, running style, and incorporated some changes that I am interested to see how they work.  Also, from a training perspective, how will the slowing down, focusing more on time on feet, than mileage work out?  What my recovery be like since I wasn’t running high mileage? All things that I am excited to figure out.  

 At the beginning of August, we outlined the next 10 months or so of training and races we will enter and, hopefully earn entrance too 😊!!!  We didn’t anticipate the injury, no one ever does, but we have faith that these things are lining up for a reason that may, just may, line up for something special in 2020.  This journey we are on usually won’t go according to plan but there are those times that you get knocked off course but land in a path that you are intended to be one. This morning was one of these moments with Robin.  I have a feeling tomorrow will be too!

 Thanks for spending some miles on the trail with me the last month babe.  Looking for many, many more and maybe a race inside of you soon 😊.  

[mubal4]

Saturday Morning Thoughts

 Today’s entry is mostly about running, trail races, and other stuff; sure, to go through a few different topics.  But, to start things off it is really around working to get back into the mindset of trail racing.  My last race was back in June and we decided, for the first summer in many years, to not sign up for anything until after vacation ended.  We spent about 18 months putting in a lot of miles, both going to races, and running them 😊, and wanted a rest.  So, we didn’t think about racing or training all up until a couple of weeks ago.  Yes, I do say “we” because this sport does impact all of us in the family, and those that also help support me and us in it.  We weren’t sure what the fall slate was going to be leading into the end of year and early 2020.  I wanted to go at the Black Canyon 100K again because last years race was altered because of weather and we wanted to take another whack at the original course so, we signed up for that one in February.  Last December, I volunteered at the McDowell Mountain Frenzy. A 50-mile race through Pemberton Trail and the McDowell Mountains that climbs up the top of Thompson Peak.  Volunteering last year was fantastic, met some really great dudes too, and, the week after the race, I did my own 50k around most of the course.  Therefore, we decided to sign up and throw are name in that one in December.  Currently, as it stands, we have a 50 mile ultra in December and a 100k in February.  Many of you may know that for the last 2 years we have been trying to gain entry into Western States Endurance Run.  It is argued that this is the 1st 100-mile ultra-race in the US, but it is the most prestigious.  I usually describe it as the Rose Bowl, or Super Bowl of ultra racing.  You first have to qualify for entry, meaning run and finish one of their qualifying races.  At that point, your name goes into the drawing, last year there was over 5,000 entries, and you have a slight change of getting picked.  Each year, you can continue to do qualifying races and enter your name; if you don’t get picked, your chances increase each year with a formula they have developed. Crazy process but they only allow 369 racers due to historic requirements and laws of the private lands the race runs, from Squaw Valley, CA to Auburn, CA.  Anyway, that drawing is the same day as the December race, and we are waiting to see if my name gets picked.  If so, we will be headed to Squaw Valley the last weekend on June to run 100 miles in the CA mountains.  If we go a second year with no Western States, no worries, I will have already gotten my qualifying race in for 2021 (Black Canyon 100k) but we also have plan B lined up to enter into the San Diego 100 miler.  We decided not to do 100 miler in 2019 to let the body rest a bit but the itch was getting to me and we committed to doing my 3rd in 2020.  At this point, our intent is either Western States or SD100.  We will know early December which one it will be 😊.  So that is the plan; there may be another last-minute entry for a race this fall or late spring but what is outlined above is the idea for the next several months.  

 Right now, it is working to get back into that training mode.  After the race in June, I took a few days off from running.  Since, I have really been taking it easy with nothing major, or long. Typically, I have been running anywhere from 4-12-mile runs; some on trails, some on road, some on gravel, some on treadmill.  With traveling a lot lately, being on vacation, and school starting; life has been hectic so I have been doing what I can, when I can, where I am.  It has given me a chance to work more on my speed as well as hills and, given me time to heal my joints, bones, and muscles.  I’ve been stretching a lot more, getting in more lifting, physical therapy, and more yoga.  I can certainly feel it in my runs too; during and after I am not as achy or sore. Now, that has to do with less miles, but it will be interesting to see how my body begins to adjust to the longer runs and more time on feet as the training block starts.  We figured that will pick up next week after the Labor Day weekend. My belief is there will be a training run out on the Pemberton trail coming this weekend or next; just because I miss it.  That said though, I don’t miss 330am wake up calls or running in the 100-degree temperatures.  Overall, the body feels good and, I have been able to stay consistent with running.  I think, over the last 2 months, there has been only one week that I ran 3 times; mostly it has been 4-6 times per week, so we are continuing to keep showing up.  I believe that is an important part, staying consistent with your body.  That said, I think continuing to grow mentally is the key.  You can be in the best shape of your life but if you don’t have it upstairs, you will get 20 miles into a race and be crying on the side of a hill because you can’t get over the suck, the blisters, the heat, etc.; that  is the mental game.  I think that is another part of slowing down a bit that is helping me.  How? Well, I am not used to taking breaks like this.  As mentioned before, the last 18 months leading up to the race in June, I really didn’t have any real breaks.  I went from training block, to race, to a week of down time, back to a new training block to a race.  I felt that there wasn’t any real rest time.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not a professional at this; matter a fact, I have only done 15-20 ultras but in the last 18 months, I’ve done 8. So, this time off has given my mind to rest, refuel, reflect, and grow.  It has given me time to learn how to become a better runner and stronger mentally.  Has it worked?  We will start finding out over the next 3-6 months as the training amps up.  

 I did have some struggles though and I mentioned them here in past entries.  There have been those moments of quilt; of weakness.  “Should I be doing more? I am not getting out enough! It’s too hot.”  I have been taking it easy the last 2 months are so and, all transparency, I have moments of guilt.  The last couple of weeks have been better though and, it has been through practice and effort though.  I guess, when I stepped my training back a bit, the physical part, it opened up some areas to help me train my mind and soul.  Not only with running and racing; but this has an impact on all areas of our lives.  As I have been working on these areas, to improve my melon, last week I was listening to a podcast; I believe it was Rich Roll with Billy Yang and they were talking about Gabby Reese.  She had a great quote:

 “When it can be easy, allow it to be easy.”

 I think that is so simple yet so profound.  I know I have thought, “if it is easy there is something not right.”  It is not supposed to be easy if we want to grow right?  But, do we have to be growing every minute of every day?  Also, maybe we’ve just gotten so good at something it has become easy.  That is the reason we try something new.  It is going to suck at first, we are going to embarrass ourselves, and look stupid, but the more we show up, the more we stay consistent, the better we get at it, the more we grow, the easier it gets.  And, what I am learning, just because something has become easy, you don’t have to abandon it.  You can continue to do it, and, find something new to try to embarrass yourself at 😊.  This morning I read that quote again, which trigger me to write this.  When I saw the quote, read it, I let it sink in.  The last few weeks, from a physical training perspective, have been easy.  The runs have been smooth, light, and I have felt very good during and after.  I have allowing life to be easy, at least in this area.  I have accepted life coming to me and letting life happen.  At this point, right now, I am not in a training block, I don’t “have to” be ready for a race, I “don’t have to” be pushing myself.  There are other areas that I continue to grow, so this can be easy for me.  I am going to let it happen for now and, when I feel the timing is there, and it will be there soon, because that is how this stuff works, I will do what I believe I must do to make it hard.  And, if I get to the line in December, February, or June, and, I am “not ready;” that is okay too because I know my mind will be.

[mubal4]

Black Canyon 100k – Race Wrap Up!

 Overall, the Black Canyon 100k race this past Saturday was a great experience. Just to start things off, much gratitude towards Aravaipa Running for putting on an awesome event.  This is my 4th race of theirs since moving to AZ and they haven’t disappointed yet.  Their staff, volunteers, and support group that make these events happen are incredible. This one, that travels a good portion of the Black Canyon Trail was no exception and, it was a challenge for them I am sure.  We got some heavy rains leading up to the race and they kept everyone up to speed on potential changes.  They waited as long as they could to make a final decision, but in an effort to keep everyone involved safe, they did alter the course, basically the last 25 miles. Even with the change however, it was still a fantastic event, on beautiful trails, with awesome people the entire day. Of course, so much love and appreciation to my crew, Robin, Alaina, and Isabella.  These races are tough and many times grueling, seeing their faces at the aid stations and getting to hug a kiss them throughout the day, keeps me going.  It is hard to say; would I be able to finish these races without them around? I think so, but, having them there to experience it with me, the whole process, I don’t want to find out.  It makes it so much more special to have them with me.   This one was interesting for them; well, I think they all are but, this one particularly for a couple of reasons.  First, they were not there with me for the start, not unique but Robin had to get Isabella to gymnastics practice at 8am.  The race started at 7am and was about an hour + from our house.  So, we decided she would take Bella to practice then her and Alaina would meet me at the first aid station.  Once the saw me there, they headed back down to pick up Bella and come back up to meet me at the new base camp (we would hit this aid station 3 times total with the course change) my first time through with Bella, hand around for the 2nd time through, then back down to Phoenix for Alaina’s soccer game; then turn around to see me finish.  Altogether, Robin said she drove about 250 miles on Saturday. Needless to say, I am so grateful for the sacrifice all three of them put in and continue to each day in support of these events.  As I said, having them with me, to experience the full journey together, it is pretty special, and they were awesome. To Brian Slavin, it was great to share some of the miles with you, and some of the pain cave together.  I am so proud of you and the effort you put in; it was a pleasure to see you throughout the day and great to give you a big hug at the finish.  To Meghan Slavin, thanks for “suggesting” I go out on the 4-mile loop from Black Canyon City. It was that moment, those last 2 miles that changed my race and day around.  Thanks so much.  To my pacer Jeff Beck, this guy, man; he was set out to pace me for the last 10 miles but with the change in course, that was no longer an option.  The last 10 miles turned into 22.  However, he showed up to meet me at mile 37 and joined me for the final 25 miles (the most he’s run in a long time) and I am so happy for that. Lastly, to my crew chief from CO, Bryan Shane, your texts and wisdom given to me through Robin and the girls, as always, was invaluable.  You know the right thing to say (text) and the right moment to say it.  Thanks brother. You guys all made it a special day for me and I am so grateful.  

 As I mentioned, overall, it was a great day; and I will get into that story in a second. I believe, in total, this is my 15th or so ultra-endurance event and maybe, 11th or 12th, ultramarathon.  By no means would I call myself a veteran, but I’ve studied the sport, been around enough veterans the last 4 years to learn quite a bit, and in the races I did run, I’ve experienced a good number of situations that, well, have not been ideal.  Learning and growing through failure right!! 😊 Going into a race, you work to train as best you can with what you have, where you are. You put in the miles, you do your strength and cross training, yoga, ice soaks, dial in your nutrition and work on your mental toughness and mindset.  You get to a point where you trust your training.   But, when you toe that line, it is so very hard to predict what is going to happen. Life gets in the way and, typically in an ultra, it punches you in the face.  

 At the start, we were greeted with some cold temps and some rain but that soon cleared to bright sunshine and ideal running weather in the AZ mountains.  It was cool to see some snow on the peaks in the distance. The first 12+ miles, while running with Brian Slavin, ticked off smooth and calm.  Heading into the third aid station, about mile 21, I was excited to see Robin and Alaina.  Get a jolt of inspiration and head out.  Of the first 37 miles, there are many downhills, some smaller climbs but there is more descending than climbing and that started to play a role in my day. It began to create some circumstances that were not ideal.  After seeing Robin and Alaina, I wouldn’t see them again until mile 36 or so and between mile 25 & 32 is when shit went south.  Well, that area from my knees to my hips to be specific.  See, few years back I was diagnosed with arthritis and bursitis in both hips and both knees.  That is when I started to slow down, and ultramarathons fit well with a slower pace. Pretty much in all races I experience pain and discomfort, but this wasn’t like those other times.  We believed it was a combination of all the descending and I was moving at a pace that was faster than what I usually run.  It wasn’t on purpose, I was just taking what the trail was giving me.  At mile 32, pulling into the last aid station before seeing my crew, I sat and contemplated things.  Although my lower body was, what I had thought, shot my mind and heart were feeling great. The good news is, I wasn’t going to pull out of the race right then; I would still have to make it another 4 miles or so to where Robin and the girls were.  So, I fueled up, took a seat for a few minutes, and made a call to Robin.  I told her my status and we agreed to reassess things when I get to her.  At this time, I also reached out to Jeff and Bryan to let them know.  Those next 4 miles sucked.  Much of it, close to 3 miles was on a road, part of the re-route, and the ponding on the pavement wasn’t doing great things for me.  To top that off, because of the course change, we would have to retrace this section again and come back; that was really digging into my mindset.  That said, whatever the decision we were going to make, I was content with my performance.  I laid it out there and believe it put out a good effort to this point.  In all honesty, my mind was already calling it quits. When I did get to the aid station, the girls were great.  They were getting me anything and everything I needed/wanted; asking me how they can get things together for me to hit the next section.  This is when I was just about to call it, our friend Meghan came over and thought it would be good for me to hit the 4 miles out and back down to the river. It is a nice section of the course, and I would come back and see the girls again.  At that point, after 40 miles in, if I wanted to call it, at least I put forth a little bit more of an effort after I was about to throw in the towel. Robin and the girls agreed, and, since Jeff just got there, I wanted to do some miles with him.  So, Jeff and I went off and the first 2 miles, down to the river, where tough. However, Jeff got my mind off my hips and legs and got me thinking about, “even if you army crawled the rest of the way you would still be where you want to be.” I don’t think that was the actual truth, but I do know that I was way ahead of schedule, but even though, the thought of heading back out to retrace those miles; well, it wasn’t very appetizing. Then, about a mile or so from the aid station, I got on the heels of this dude that was running smooth and at a great pace.  My focused dialed into to his legs turning and after a few moments I found myself right on top of him, both of us turning over well.  I followed him to about 250 yards from where Robin and the girls were and then I passed him, feeling incredible.  At one point I looked back at Jeff and said, “we are finishing this thing.” As soon as I got to the crew, I told them the same thing and we all geared up for the final 22 miles.  This would be the last time I see Robin and the girls until the finish.  We were all jazzed at this point and I was feeling awesome, both body, mind and spirit.  The rest of the race was pretty smooth; Jeff was great in his pacing duties, we got to see an amazing sunset, got rained on, slightly again, enjoyed some miles with a few incredible people, and stopped by and visit with some of the best aid station volunteers in the business.  As I got to that same aid station, about 4 miles out from the finish, where I was close to calling it quits several hours before, I just kept going.  That long stretch of pavement went by fast and painless. I was “smelling the hay in the barn” and the finish line “was pulling me in.” Some sayings you hear in these races at points, but it was really true.  My pace those last 4 miles was quicker than any pace the remainder of the race.  As I said, it was special.  As I crossed the finish line, Robin and the girls where there and, to be transparent, it was the most fulfilled I felt during a race.  It was an incredible feeling and experience.  I felt like I was done at a point and I climbed back out of that valley and, in what my crew and I believe, finished stronger in that last 22 miles than I did in the first 37 miles.  I’ve read and heard stories, so many from others that have had these same experiences.  It has happened to me once before and the feeling is amazing.  Most of the time I am grinding to the finish line, stomping out miles and just moving forward.   This time, I was racing to that finish line and it was a great sense of joy being able to do just that.  At the end of the day, I did what I set out to do at the BC100k and, true to this sport, it was a race that I had a full experience; the highs, lows, very lows, plateau and then the high again; being able to share in that with these great people, has me excited for the next one.  

 Stay tuned, there is one just around the corner. 😊

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #98 – Planning & Scheduling

Most of my life I’ve been a planner, putting things in my calendar to remember, and marking down those “important” actions I want to make sure get done.  I found out this past weekend, that sometimes, when you let life unfold, when you let go, the “important” stuff tends to work itself out!  This episode I share that experience and hopefully some helpful thoughts.

“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” - unknown

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?mt=2#episodeGuid=c4272acb-f72a-aac7-480d-2dad2593e220

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #98 – Planning & Scheduling https://anchor.fm/michael-ubaldini/episodes/RFP-Podcast-Episode-98--Planning--Scheduling-e2qu69

[mubal4]

Javelina Jundred – Race Wrap Up

 Well, it was a pretty unique race to say the least.  My first experiencing running 100 miles last year was much different. A point to point, from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon in the AZ high country, with a total of about 50 racers. To this past weekend, a total of about 600 runners, a looped course, a nutty halfway point aid station, costumes, a party scene at the start/finish line, in the Sonoran Desert.  Couldn’t really have been much closer to completely opposite, but, at the end, it was the same, we finished the race in a day, and I came out as a different person than what I started.  Of course, many thanks to https://www.aravaiparunning.com/ for putting on an amazing event.  To all the aid station volunteers, medical staff, safety folks and hundreds of help throughout the entire weekend, we appreciate it all.  To the incredible participants, no matter what distant you ran, or toed the line for, congratulations on showing up and getting outside of your comfort zone; it was a pleasure sharing the day and night with so many of you.  To Jimmy Dean, Todd, Jeff, and Andrew, who I all spent some time with on the course, thank you for keeping me going and, it was such a pleasure sharing some miles with you.  You guys are incredible.  To the dude dressed up as a devil, yes there were many folks in costumes, including Fred Flintstone, actually carrying a makeshift car around, but the dude dressed as the devil, that took some hallucinogenic aids prior to start, that laughed straight while we were running for about a mile, hope you finished safe, together, and mentally stable 😊!!!  Yikes! It was an experience all together. The folks dressed in costume where a trip; the party going on at Jackass Junction and Javelina Jeadquarters was refreshing each time I passed it by, keep you going.  You didn’t want to stay too long at either and get sucked it, but you did want to take a minute and soak up the experience a bit; was weird, exciting, freaky, and fun.  Shared a number of laughs throughout the 100 miles with many people.  

 The biggest bit of gratitude, of course, goes out to the best crew out there, and, hands down, the best damn pacer in the ultra-community.  I will begin with Isabella, my eldest daughter, although she was back east for her birthday weekend, she set an alarm, to wake up at 815am PA time to call me, 515am AZ time, before the race started to wish me the best.  Something has to be said about your 15-year-old daughter making that sacrifice; may not mean much to others but meant the world to me.  She even made it back Monday morning to celebrate her birthday with her Godfather (aka best pacer) Bryan Shane and I; at least for a few hours before she crashed the rest of the day.  I guess she was tired from the long weekend……. Bryan and I had no sympathy 😊!!!  To my youngest daughter Alaina, I am so proud of you.  She hung out Friday night for a few hours and then was back to see my finish my first loop, Saturday morning and didn’t leave our basecamp until after 1am Sunday morning; only to come back by 630am to watch us finish it up.  Not a complaint, from what I was told, the entire time. She got me food, water, and clothes when I came in each loop and was a breath of fresh air each time I got to see her.  

 Robin – no matter what shape I might be during these races, you are my rock. So steady, even, and calm and I know, you know, the shit that I am processing.  And, you make it seem like, “cool, get some fluids, food, body good……. great, see you in a couple of hours.” No bullshit just get to work and that is what I am so grateful for, with you, during these races, and, in many times life. You help me understand not to make it more than what it is, and that is running 100 miles.  We knew what we were out there to do, we knew we had plenty of time to get it done, and, you were making sure we were focused on getting it done, not anything more.  In these moments, when my mind may not be clear and focused on the task, you bring it perspective.  Thanks for all the sacrifices you continue to invest into this sport and me.  I see it, I understand it, and I am grateful for it.

 Bryan – what can I say brother, we got another one under our belt, wasn’t pretty all the time but we have another story to tell.  Your support at base camp was remarkable, and, even though at the moment when you were inflicting tremendous pain and discomfort rolling out my legs, it/you kept me going.  You ensured I was getting what I needed, when I needed it, and knew where my mind was. Having you there, someone that understands this shit as much as you do, is a difference maker.  On the trail, we had our moments of laughter, smiles, and fun. There were moments of silence, suck, and suffering.  An incredible sunset, moonrise, and sunrise (twice 😉).  We had some of our deep conversations, like we sometimes do, about the kids, life, how grateful we are, and the journey that we are so blessed to be on.  Having you to be able to share these moments with, as I said in the texts leading up to it, “it’s special.”

 For me, having these four (sort of) to share this type of experience is amazing. Listen, I did 6 ultra-marathons’ in 2018 and the 100-mile distance is a special, special experience.  Now, this was only my 2nd, but I have been fortunate enough to share it with the same crew (minus a few folks….).  There are always special moments and events we can be fortunate to share with those we love.  However, when you have the opportunity to combine something you are incredibly passionate about, that has the ability to push you beyond thresholds, and share that experience with so many that you love, well, that is pretty friggin special!!!!!  How great is that?  As I write this, the experience still hasn’t set in, but I do feel a bigger sense of fulfillment this year than last.  I made a commitment this year, to let it soak in; to enjoy it; and to really, really reflect and appreciate what we did.  It is a big deal and sometimes, I am not good at giving myself enough credit.  I am making a point this time to do it.  

 I will share though, for all the stuff that I am grateful for with the race, it was a grind, and I am truly, truly grateful for that!!  Maybe a little off statement, right? But it was, from about mile 18 on, all those things you expect to have happen in an ultra, well, they happened, in some form.  It started w/ the knees, then the quads, then the hips and then the calves; and for most of the race I was battling something with the stomach, that just wasn’t right. So, most of the race, there were no surprises.  Even after 80 miles, when the bottoms of my feet, and most of my toes, began blistering, I still wasn’t surprised.  Sure, it hurt, there was pain, and I even bitched a bit to Bryan and then we just laughed it off, because, no matter what was going on with my body, which, again, wasn’t out of the ordinary for this type of race, I didn’t let my mind sit in a valley for more than a second.   Yes, climbing a technical section with blisters on your feet, rocks shifting, sucked; wanting to run and your legs just not listening to your mind is incredibly frustrating; trying everything you’ve heard and learned to get your stomach to settled with nothing working can be a bitch, it they were all as they sound; but we acknowledge it, and we pushed it away, made it to the next aid station, and kept moving forward.  Overall, it wasn’t terrible, because again, there were no surprises.  I guess the blisters were a bit out of the ordinary since over the last year, I haven’t had an issue there but, it has been a year since I went this distance. But the frustrations didn’t linger and that is the mental part.  I had mentioned last week, I was taking the time to focus on the mental part of the race and that investment helped.  Last week, I knew there was going to be shit that I was going to have to overcome.  By running through some of those scenarios, and most of them we covered, I was prepared to handle them.  Even the heat, I think it was in the high 80’s maybe, it hit 90 and that is one of the big factors that causes so many to drop in this race.  Hell, of the 600+ to start, 360 finished, just over 50%.  From 1030am to about 4pm it was hot, but we knew what we had to do; ice on the neck, keep the body cold with ice wherever you can, ice in the bottles, and ice-cold sponge baths at each station.  I think we did a good job keeping the body cooled and stating hydrated.  So much so that when the sun went down it got a little chilly. You will see in the picture me with some long sleeves on for the last 20 miles.  

 This was special because of whom I got to share it with; but it was also special because, no matter what the son-of-a-bitch through at us, we pushed through it.  I remember, at a point where I was battling through something, I was talking about “the plan” and Bryan said, “a plan is always great until you get punched in the face.” That was a giggle moment 😊!!! But that is exactly the point. Last week I talked about having a plan, but I knew it was going to get tossed out the window.  And, true to the ultramarathon stigma, I got punched in the face……………………But, we punched back, and kept moving forward.  There are so many moving parts to finishing a 100-mile race; so many things will go wrong and so much shit will inevitably happen. Having put in the work, having the right team with you, having the right mindset, and being grateful can take you a long way, appreciating where you are, at each step, when that plan goes south and letting go of what’s to come, helps you enjoy the journey so much more; and, is a much better story to tell.

 “All of life is an ultramarathon.” – Moe Beaulieu

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #84 – Race week – Just some closing thoughts!

 This will be the final podcast/blog post before the race. Will be getting back to it, likely mid-next week after some rest and recover 😊, with a race wrap-up, and some other fun stuff to share.  Two days before we toe that line and wanted to express some final thoughts and reflection.  Thanks for being with us for this journey and looking forward to Saturday/Sunday. Whatever the outcome, there will be a great story to tell!!!

 “Good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgement.” – Mark Twain

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?mt=2#episodeGuid=828c0927-377b-4024-242a-b979f6d89569

Check out my episode "RFP Podcast Episode #84 - Race Week Closing Thoughts" from Relentless Forward Progress with Mike Ubaldini on Anchor:

https://anchor.fm/michael-ubaldini/episodes/RFP-Podcast-Episode-84---Race-Week-Closing-Thoughts-e2fop1

[mubal4]

Race Week – What are your expectations?

 A week or so out from my first 100-mile race last year, a mentor I was working with, Lucas Jadin from Train2BClutch, asked me, “what are your expectations?” I told him I didn’t have any because I really didn’t know what to expect.  I had run other ultras prior but never 100 miles. So, I had no friggin idea what the hell was coming my way.  As I reflected on the question more, I responded, “no expectations really, just want to be the best version of myself out there.”  

 That was over a year and 6 ultra-marathon’s ago. In ever race, you learn something new. On the TrailRunner Nation podcast I listened to last week, one of the quests, Jimmy Dean Freeman said, was discussing that when you finish a race, what you learn is that you can……finish a race.  But when you DNF (do not finish) that is where you learn much more.  More metaphor’s for life right, because when we fail, make a mistake or……...don’t life up to the expectations we set for ourselves, we tend to learn more; more about ourselves, more about the decision we made, more about things we can do to get better.  In every race I have done, I’ve learned something about myself, about the sport, about people, about our bodies, about our minds, about our hearts.  

 I think, what I’ve learned most about a race like this (again, like life), is gratitude and patience can take you a long, long way. In both aspects, want to be great, in whatever your journey may be.  As I shared in yesterday’s blog about planning, no matter how much you do, it is going to be difficult.  We want to take that first step in our journey at full speed, not stopping to we get to the end.  There are some folks that are able to do that, and surprisingly, not blow. However, it is extremely rare. For me, I know if I go out too fast, I will inevitably not finish, or have to crawl across the line.  Neither is what I am searching for.  I want to finish strong, safe, grateful, and fulfilled; enjoying that moment with my team.  From the start, being conservative helps and you get to let the journey unfold. There is so much that can happen in 100 miles (and life 😊😊😊 – you get the hint now!!!!) and there is a lot of it is out of your control.  Ideally, you want to take what the trail is going to give you and let go.  However, our minds race.  I know that there will be points during the race that I will think about my time, my place, how I feel, do I have enough water to make it to the next aid station, am I eating enough, etc., etc., etc.  This is when I stop listening to myself and start talking to myself.  “Yo dude, yep, body hurts but realize what you are doing, be grateful; your team is here supporting you, you are outside with so many other great people, you are doing great; keep moving forward, LFRF!!” Or some time of self-talk like that. It might now seem like much written in this blog, but it is incredibly powerful in a race, or during your daily routine when you are feeling overwhelmed.  

 What sometimes gets lost in all this is that, it’s not just the 100 mile race; look at everything that has lead up to this point and the decisions that I’ve made that got me here; not just mine but my family’s, Bryan’s, all the folks putting on the race, the sponsors, the volunteers, the other runners.  All of it has culminated to this moment in the desert on Saturday.  What does it all mean?

 Probably to the vast majority of folks……...NONSENSE! But for those that have followed me and know me well, understand it is much more about that specific moment and the other moments that will follow.  It is the trip that we are privileged enough to take.   Saturday will be a microcosm of what lead to that point, and, more of an introduction to what will come.  For the time I am out there, (yes, I am “expecting” this to happen 😉) I will deal with some no-ideal situations, we’ve discussed some of those in the past. That’s the thing though, during training, you are constantly overcoming obstacles too.  Not just physical and mental challenges, but with life too; being a husband, father, your professional career, your side hustles, everything going on in your life.  You are constantly working to be the best version of yourself through that grind, and, in life, just like in the race, no matter what, Shit happens!!  The “training” helps you prepare for those moments.  The race helps you prepare for those moments. Each hardship, obstacle, and “shit happening moment” helps us prepare for what circumstances are coming our way.

 I’d like to sit here, as I write, and say that I don’t have expectations for Saturday.  I do. There are ways I’ve visualized the race going.  I’ve thought about it going well and me fulfilling my mission of qualifying for Western States.  I’ve thought about the shit that can, and will, happen – really getting my mind in the right frame to make sure I am aware of how to work through those times. I’ve contemplated gear, food, nutrition, crew, pacer, and all that other good stuff that is a part of it.  But you just don’t know what could come your way; good or bad.  No matter how much of an effort you put into preparing for something you are about to take on, there will always be uncertainly.  Running 100 miles is no exceptions.  However, there are those times, even though the shit does happen, things are not ideal, and circumstances are tough, something magical happens.  You got past a threshold that you’ve never even thought was out there.  Not sure how that occurs but when I’ve let go of expectations and the future and held on tight to gratitude and patience, the journey is always fulfilling.