tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35793273939012608302024-02-19T08:30:36.387-05:00Run EfficientEfficiency is at the core of life's processes. The less energy wasted and the simpler you can be, the more time, enjoyment and fulfillment you'll have.Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-51922716311606726882012-11-06T08:33:00.001-05:002012-11-06T08:47:36.564-05:00Stone Cat 50Well the last race of the year is in the books. <br />
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The <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/stonecattrailraces/">Stone Cat 50</a> and marathon in Ipswich, MA are beautiful races presented by Gil's Athletic Club. For the past 5 years or so I've been interested in this race but failed to sign up quick enough. Last year I had the opportunity to pace Zak through his fantastic 50 finish. Getting a preview of the course definitely solidified the desire to experience these trails again, for a little longer.<br />
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There were five weeks after the Maine Marathon to get acclimated with technical trail running again after running mostly smooth trails and roads since the Peaks 100 in May. With the Vermont 100 70% dirt roads/ paved roads I'd really been focusing on hills and specificity of terrain for two months between the hundreds, then focusing solely on roads and speed, no hills, for the marathon.<br />
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I thought this set me up real nice for Stone Cat and set a plan in place to ramp the mileage back up and hit some hills. However my body was just tired, and I was okay with it. Most attempts at a long run simply ended short and my average weekly mileage was about 35. I would say I took great comfort in not "pushing" myself for Stone Cat and just looking forward to going out and having fun. So the training became moot, and I rested and recovered whenever my body told me to taking solace in the fact that enough had been done this year to get me through it.<br />
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THE RACE<br />
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We started at 6:30, a bit later than anticipated, in relatively chilly 34 degree weather, but with comfortably high humidity. The Trail Monsters and friends were there in force with a bunch running and a healthy group supporting. Ian, Nathan, George, Ann, Rick, Bob, Julia, Danielle, Jeff and Kevin were all running the marathon, with Joe running the 50 as well. Alison, Francesca, Val, Mindy, David, and Ryan were crewing, cheering and cooking.<br />
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The first half mile was great catching up with Joe while moving steadily in the procession of headlamps. My thought process was to stay between 110 and 120 minutes each lap and either have something in the end to push, or have a cushion to make it under 8 hours. Part of me wanted to run 9 minute average throughout the race but I wasn't real sure that was possible. For some reason the trail technicality seemed a bit trickier than I anticipated and a few of the inclines felt tough. <br />
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Dave Roberts was on the course cheering for Julia and graciously grabbed my jacket, headlamp, and hat after 5 or six miles. I didn't bother stopping at the well-equipped aid stations and maintained a steady pace. Needless to say I was surprised when a few 50 milers passed me like I was walking. The first two were from Canada and it was their first 50. The next guy was working on a PR and moved fluidly through the course. The final gent was super nice and flew by me like I was taking a nap. More than happy with my pace and plan I gave no chase and settled in to enjoy the morning.<br />
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We all definitely lucked-out with the conditions this year and were able to mostly keep our feet dry with very little water and mud on the course. The first lap was over in around 1:51 and after a quick run through the aid station with Alison and the TM's supporting it was back on the course. <br />
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The second lap consisted of staying in-the-groove, enjoying the gorgeous scenery and feeling the fun, rolling course. Pretty bogs with vibrant green lichen, a small pond visible just through a grove of trees, splashes of color around every corner, and smiling spectators made for a wonderful run. I was passed early on by a 50 miler and his pacer moving easily, and sounding fresh, but was still happy with my movement. My cousin Jeff, running the marathon, caught up to me giving us some time to chat and enjoy the woods together. He took off after a bit and cruised away with some healthy determination to finish strong. He ended up getting 5th!<br />
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Lap two ended after about 1:50 with a total time of 3:41 or so and the start of lap three began with some stiffening legs. At one point I noticed a few pebbles in my right shoe and focused on them. They danced around between my toes and rotated positions from front to back of foot. I briefly thought about removing them, but they didn't seem to cause any harm, and were actually fun to visualize. Rolling around in the cozy, warm New Balance MT110's, like taking a spin in a kids rock tumbler. <br />
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Somewhere in the middle of the third lap I ran in to the guy who was working on his PR and unfortunately he was having pain issues with his entire legs. I offered him a few S!Caps but he was just going to walk it in, and I think he ended up stopping after three. More potatoes, a refill of water and another high-five with the Stone Cat mascot and lap three was done. Not too sure but I think lap three ended after a total of 5:34, or somewhere around 1:52 for the lap. I sucked down a shot of Yerba Mate' and hit the trail to finish it off.<br />
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Lap four was tough, of course. I was definitely feeling the mileage and not quite sure I'd get under 8 at this point. My heart rate was way up and running every hill was no longer an option. It was power hiking and working the flats as best I could, making up as much time on the downhill sections.<br />
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Luckily Dave had asked if I wanted a pacer and I graciously accepted his offer. He said he'd catch-up, and after missing me at a few of the trail intersections we finally ran together. He was fabulous, with high energy and a whooping call every time we came up on runners. Somewhere along the way we passed a few of the people who'd bested me in the first lap. Toward the end, with a mile or so left in the race, Dave and I both noticed a 50 miler a few hundred yards ahead of us. It was go time. We dropped the hammer and caught him with about a half mile to go. I definitely feared collapsing at this point and felt a couple "warning" twinges in my legs reminding me to keep it safe.<br />
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The end finally came, and Dave and I cruised in to the field with whoops and hollers all around. 7:37:xx, about 2:03 for the lap. It was a fabulous day with the sun finally out and a great course set by G.A.C. I really appreciate Alison and Francesca's help the Trail Monsters support, Dave's companionship, and my cousins camaraderie. It's time to take a month off and let the body recuperate for next year.<br />
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/stonecattrailraces/">Results here</a><br />
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<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-22600890991904089782012-10-01T13:34:00.002-04:002012-10-10T10:54:09.260-04:00Maine MarathonIt was probably ten years ago that I mentioned to my father I'd like to run a sub 3 hour marathon. I remember him stating "it's only a matter of training." I think it was shortly after my first Vermont City Marathon in 2002 with a time of 3:48. In 2005 I ran it again and PR'd with 3:45.<br />
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The next time I really put weight to the thought of sub-3, and verbalized it was last October, when I told a friend that among my goals for 2012 I wanted to break three hours.<br />
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The training was effective. Two months of mostly road work mixing Jack Daniel's running programs with advice from friends, family and what felt right. It took six weeks to 'get in the groove' and feel like changes were taking place, but worth the intensity. All hill work was scrapped, and the focus switched to increasing the tempo runs and spending as much time close to pace as possible. There were still ups and downs though. A run was either really great and confidence building, or quite horrible and humbling. With all the different training practices out there it was tough to stay with just one for the duration. I really wanted to continue the experiment and try-it-all. Next time.<br />
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Alison, Louie, Francesca and I arrived at the Back Cove at about 7:15, a half hour before the start. Right away David and Mindy pulled up, followed by Nathan. The TM contingent was already forming. After a short chat and pit stop it was time for a warm-up jog and the start.<br />
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Meandering my way through the crowd I found Bob Dunfey who I'd chatted with a bit over the last few weeks and learned he'd run 124 marathons, 26 of which were under 3 hours. Really impressive man with a vast array of ultras to his name as well. He inquired about my goal, previous race times, and instilled some sagely wisdom, basically saying "you've got it." </div>
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The starting gun interrupted the announcer mid-sentence, and we were off! The first few miles went by relatively calm, chatting with a few people from all over the place. Mike from PA and I talked for a while and discussed pace and goals. My goal was to stay as close to 6:45 as possible and hopefully have a negative split. We ran for quite a while in a pack of six or so including one of the top women. </div>
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I ate a gel around mile 4 and continued to sip water at most aid stations. Unfortunately I missed Alison and friends at the intersection of 1 and 88, and also at the next four places we were going to meet up. They got stuck in traffic and the few places they were able to get to I'd gone by already.</div>
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Val and Mindy were cheering runners on the course and I think I notice their Bad Ass shirts first, then realized it was them (badasseries). The turn around for the half marathon runners came and went, and around that time the second place female took over the lead. A few miles later, John from Hawaii, (now living in Portland) and I ran together and chatted about Hawaiian trails and the local trails and area Monsters.</div>
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I'd seen Ian, James, and Jim on bikes earlier in the day, and around mile 11 they pulled up beside me again. Ian held out a flask of whiskey pulling me along for a few steps, tempting my taste buds, then replaced it with a much appreciated gel. Jim threatened to moon me if I didn't speed up, and James' encouraging words gave me a lift. They were quite succinct with their message, "you're just on pace, if you want to break 3, pick it up." </div>
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The turn down Gilman Rd. was crazy. Ton's of spectators cheering on, a massive crowd, and the first sighting of the lead man. Down the hill, a right turn, a brief dirt road section, and the half way point, 1:28:56. Okay, game on now. I was definitely feeling the pace at this point, but confident I could still get it done. Focus on pace, lean forward, open up the hips, run from your core, not the legs, relax, smile, enjoy the effort. I cycled through positivity and mental mantra's hoping to maintain, and possibly increase a bit.</div>
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On that loop we saw a lot of inspiring people moving steadily through the now pouring rain. Many relay runners, walkers and a few groups of military men in full gear including heavy packs. Everyone was in high spirits passing thumbs up, positive words, and smiles all around. Just awesome.</div>
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Ian, James and Jim were there again as we climbed the hill approaching 88. Ian passed me another gel and the three continued to ride with me a bit more. Really fantastic. I had my Garmin set to beep every mile so I could monitor my progress, but it was off by a bit and would sound (when I heard it) just in sight of the real mile marker, 50 or so yards away. This was discouraging as I knew my average pace was slower than what the watch was telling me. So when James asked if I wanted to know my split time I took it thankfully. I think it was mile 16 when Ian jumped off the bike, ran along with me and gave me the beta. "You're on pace for sub-3, run consistent for a few miles, then kick it in."</div>
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Mile 19 and Alison, Louie, David and Mindy were there cheering. Louie gave me a cup of Nuun, and Alison gave me a few gels. I was really excited to see them and it charged me up for sure. Shortly thereafter Zak sprightly joined me and began pacing and encouraging me through a few miles. Jim turned down his road and sent a few more words my way. Absolutely great to have him there as well. </div>
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The thirty percent chance of showers turned to 100 percent downpour but with comfortable temperatures the running was perfect. I just felt bad for the spectators and bikers getting soaked though and really appreciated their infectious support. </div>
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I saw Ian again with about 5 miles to go. He offered me another gel, but at this point I'd taken four and knew I'd had enough. My legs were feeling the effort for sure at this point but I was certain I had it in the bag. With my rough math I figured if I was able to muster 7 minute miles I'd still be under three.</div>
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Three miles to go and I took another gel. With only water consumed along the course I worried about losing energy and low electrolyte-induced leg cramps, which were already threatening with mild spasms. The last thing I wanted was to stumble before the finish like I did at the <a href="http://runefficient.blogspot.com/2011/05/pineland-farms-50-mile-race-report.html">Pineland 50</a> last year.</div>
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I think I'd passed a few marathon people in the final 10k, but it was hard to tell with the mix of relay runners. Once on the Back Cove I recognized a guy I'd seen from the start about a quarter mile ahead. My goal now was to avoid the leg cramps, finish strong, and pass the runner. Ian must have seen the determination on my face and he whispered to me, "go get him." It felt good to gain another position, but if felt fantastic to know the end was near and I'd attained my goal. </div>
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Seeing the finish line was pure elation and the final push was definitely all I had. With a huge crowd and screaming people I hit my watch at 2:56:10. Done.</div>
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What a fabulous time and with tremendous support from all. Thank you to everyone who came out, crewed, and supported. Your energy helped me through the miles for sure and the fact you endured the rainy conditions makes it even more precious. Thank you!</div>
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<a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/results/12/me/Sep30_Gorham_set1.shtml">Results Here</a></div>
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Mile splits off due to Garmin discrepancies. (about .03/mile)</div>
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<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 1</td><td></td><td>6:41.81</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 2</td><td></td><td>6:39.51</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 3</td><td></td><td>6:37.31</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 4</td><td></td><td>6:46.08</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 5</td><td></td><td>6:47.23</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 6</td><td></td><td>6:49.24</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 7</td><td></td><td>6:45.32</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 8</td><td></td><td>6:55.76</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 9</td><td></td><td>6:52.78</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 10</td><td></td><td>6:54.17</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 11</td><td></td><td>6:30.78</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 12</td><td></td><td>6:39.94</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 13</td><td></td><td>6:47.49</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 14</td><td></td><td>6:39.41</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 15</td><td></td><td>6:46.48</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 16</td><td></td><td>6:39.8</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 17</td><td></td><td>6:52.37</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 18</td><td></td><td>6:25.48</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 19</td><td></td><td>6:27.16</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 20</td><td></td><td>6:19.13</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 21</td><td></td><td>6:40.03</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 22</td><td></td><td>6:24.38</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 23</td><td></td><td>6:34.76</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 24</td><td></td><td>6:44.54</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 25</td><td></td><td>6:42.46</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Mile 26</td><td></td><td>6:43.02</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td class="Action"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px;">Last .39</td><td> </td><td>2:22.98</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-50803536532308995552012-09-20T19:02:00.002-04:002012-09-20T19:31:35.861-04:00Trails to Ales 10k<br />
Directly after the VT100 I started training for the Maine Marathon. This gave me about 9 weeks to prepare and switch the legs from trails to roads. Each week I've done a bit of everything, intervals, tempo runs, long runs at a healthy pace, and shorter easier runs with time always in mind. The training has been tough. Tougher than I anticipated. Even with low mileage weeks, running at a specific pace for every run has definitely been taxing. I really appreciate everyone who trains for road races and marathons now.<br />
<br />
<br />
A couple weeks ago my friend Dave, Captain of the <a href="http://www.luckycatch.com/">Lucky Catch Lobster Cruises</a>,
and the owner Captain Tom asked if I was running the Trails to Ales
10k. I'd been thinking about a test road run for a while and this
seemed as good as any. So I told them I'd probably jump in. They both
stated it would be great if I'd run on their team. Since I've worked
for them a bunch in the past and occasionally pull traps, I agreed.<br />
<br />
I met Dave and the crew on the wharf to pick up my cotton t-shirt with a large lobster and Lucky Catch blazoned across the front. Cotton, really Dave? We all chatted a bunch in the cooler temps until finally half of us decided to walk to the start. No time for a warmup run so the brisk walk was going to have to do. The amount of people running this race was just crazy and approaching the starting line I really felt the nerves and dry mouth. I was kicking myself for not bringing something to sip on as it had already been over an hour since I had any liquid (I'm a bit obsessed about hydration). <br />
<br />
<br />
Lining up for the start was a bit strange as I found myself up with <a href="http://blackstraphell.blogspot.com/">Jeff Walker</a>, Brett Hellstedt, and a bunch of other obviously fast people, as well as close to 1500 other runners ready to go. The gun went off and after a bit of bumping and jostling for position we settled in to a pace, cruising down the steep first mile. At one point Jeff told me not to let the pack in front of us get too far away (Jeff has great road racing wisdom and is definitely an inspiration and motivation for me). I took his advice, bridged the gap and began the next few miles of back and forth with two fast women and Brett. <br />
<br />
The day was absolutely gorgeous. We could not have asked for better weather and running around the Back Cove in a fun race like this was just fabulous. After the four mile mark I decided to see if I could push for the finish. I hoped it wasn't too soon but gave it a go. Catching up with a few more people and cresting the bridge took some out of me for sure and the final mile was all out. I spotted a person up in front of me over the last few hundred yards, kicked it as best I could but he saw me coming and pushed hard for the finish as well.<br />
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<br />
Super fun race and real great to head back and cheer on all the Lucky Catch crew as well as a few of my other friends. All of whom did amazingly well. The after party was pretty ridiculous with thousands of people sucking down beers and chowing pizza. There's something to be said for road running. Get it done quick and enjoy the spoils!<br />
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<br />
36:31<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/results/12/me/Sep16_Portla_set1.shtml">Results Here</a>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-24988093398431449242012-09-10T18:51:00.001-04:002012-09-13T17:22:08.089-04:00Bradbury Bruiser race reportI'm usually nervous before every race, no matter the distance, or duration, but this one seemed to consume me more than others.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/bradburydirt">Scuffle</a> this year was one week before the VT100 and even though I said I was going to take it easy I still ran harder than I probably should have. Coming in only a few seconds faster than last years time.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/bradburydirt">Breaker</a> was just ridiculously hard this year being two weeks after Vermont and with humidity that had everyone gasping. Finishing four minutes behind last years time I was surprised at just how much affected the performance. I really wanted to finish faster than last years times overall, and now it looked like I'd need to make up around three minutes in the Bruiser. However the real news was James Demer had a taste for blood finishing right behind me in a sprint finish that he would have won had the crowd not alerted me to his presence. In the following weeks I could <u><i>feel</i></u> his race energy and fun-competitive spirit to race me in the <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/bradburydirt">Bruiser</a>.<br />
<br />
Most of my training, from directly after the Breaker on, consisted of road running to prepare me for the Maine Marathon. I think I only hit trails 4 or five times and they were all relatively mellow. So I was real curious going in to the Bruiser. Which would serve for a better race? James' fast, gnarly, long, mountainous trail running or my relatively flat speedy road running. I was definitely worried and felt his specificity would completely dominate on the 9th of September.<br />
<br />
I'd had a few hints that James was "gaming" for me over the weeks preceding the race. On race day it was quite apparent. The camaraderie, and fun-spirit he brought that day was contagious, but I'll admit a bit nerve-wracking as I don't consider myself a racer. James on the other hand, I would say, is a tactician in the world of racing and strategy. He has years of experience with pacing, patience and pounce! It was going to be a great race.<br />
<br />
The word was out and a few people came up to me and mentioned the competitive rivalry with smiles and fun intention. I knew James would have a strong finish in the O-Trail and he's really great at sneak attacks. So with this in mind it made sense to keep an eye on him as long as possible. <a href="http://www.mainerunner.blogspot.com/">Jamie</a> and I talked about this pre-race and I definitely agreed with Jamie that it was the smart, and fun, thing to do. So at the start I eyed one of my true idols in the world of ultra-running, chugged the last few sips of my water bottle and shot out after him in the crowd.<br />
<br />
The race to the first single-track portion was crucial and I tucked in behind Jeff, James, and another gentleman for the first few miles of twisty fun. The three of them put forth a real fast start and I was surprised at how quick it felt. After about the four mile mark It was just James and I and he was still running real strong. In fact I was quite sure there was no way I'd be able to maintain his strong pace for the long remainder of the race.<br />
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<br />
The course was slick, and technical as always and at one point James went down with a loud thud. He dusted himself off and after getting up waved me in front of him, but I definitely didn't want to get in front of him that way. I also had the interesting thought that it was a ploy. Some sneaky maneuver to get me in front of him. I'd have the same thought about his breathing at a few points thinking he's just trying to fool me in to thinking he's a bit tired, (he's a crafty one that James) I'm sure none of that was true but during the race I wasn't taking any chances.<br />
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<br />
At about mile six as we turned to head up the snowmobile trail I run up beside him and gave a bit of a test surge to see how he'd react. He responded and stayed right on my heels. I let up a bit, then gave another surge and he stayed right along with me. Ahh, tough, tough man. All I could think of is that If I didn't gain some ground on him he would stay right with me and kill me in the end. So at the steeper part of the incline I gave a final surge to crest, and finally get the hill done. After that it was just an all-out stride fest to put as much distance as possible.<br />
<br />
Now I was running in fear. Was this where James wanted me? Did I go out too soon, and too hard? During the new section of the race I caught a few glimpses of him and definitely felt like I was slowing down. The new section was very undulating and twisty and not the final hill I was hoping for. By the time I hit the O-Trail I was definitely feeling it. I glanced at my watch, 1:11:xx, drooling, slipping, even falling at one point, I was quickly running low on gas and with no gels or water with me I feared James would catch, and pass me with ease.<br />
<br />
This mind-set started really getting the better of me and I needed to switch to a positive. So even though I only caught a glimpse of one person, way out in front of me, I decided to play catch instead. He had a yellow shirt on, and I <i>think</i> he was in front of me... You never can tell on the O. After what I thought was an incredibly long time running the labyrinth I spotted Judson Cake up the hill and through the trees. Damn. If <i>he</i> was still running, I had a long way to go! <br />
<br />
I secretly hoped more of the trail was done than it really was, but as usual it just kept going. I don't normally mind the O-Trail, but today was definitely different. There were also a few mountain bikers on the trail and I was sure one of them was James sneaking up behind me. I guess that's one good thing about that trail is at least you don't have to turn around to see your opponent. You just wait for the next bend. Finally it ended, and the glorious sand and rocky trail to the finish appeared. At this point I turned back to double check I wouldn't be ambushed by James and beat-feet to the finish, almost collapsing through the finish line. Damn what a race!<br />
<br />
I remember a few years ago when Ryan and Jamie were competing with each other and saw how well they pushed one another. I'm amazed at how much even the smallest amount of fun rivalry can push someone more than they were able to on their own. I not only want to thank <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a>, <a href="http://sn0m8n.blogspot.com/">Ryan</a>, <a href="http://www.5squirrels.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a>, <a href="http://perpetualmotion-vja.blogspot.com/">Val</a>, Christine, Jerry, Joe, Erik, Brenda, Blaine, Erin, Susannah, Amy and all the others whom I've missed for putting on, and volunteering at another wonderful race, but also James Demer for pushing me, and continually teaching me about running and racing. <br />
<br />
1:32:08<br />
<br />
<a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/bradburydirt/2012-bradbury-bruiser-results">Results Here </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/bradburydirt/2012-bradbury-mountain-trail-running-series-standings-2">Series Standings Here </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-81169802385070320522012-08-30T18:05:00.000-04:002012-08-30T18:05:49.583-04:00Bradbury Breaker, August 5th 2012I'm finally sitting down to write a quick report regarding the Bradbury Breaker Race. Not necessarily an epic race, but definitely tough and definitely a challenging end!<br />
<br />
So it's two weeks after VT100, hot, and humid, and five of us head out to set the course. Ian, Emma, James, Ryan and I. It was great to catch up with Ryan as he was a key player for many at the VT100, crewing, and helping everyone out. After the course was set a few of us headed off to run a lap or so, checking the markings and feeling it out. I knew I was in trouble when about half way around one lap I was absolutely toast. In fact I stopped short, cut through the woods to head to the parking lot a few hundred feet early. <br />
<br />
The race started out like most others. Great catching up with people, a few jitters, some encouraging words from Ian, and Bam! I thought I would break my time from last year and have a relatively good race, despite the humidity and fatigue from a few weeks earlier. I usually have a great race following a longer jaunt and figured my fitness would even out the humidity and tuckered body. Not so much...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY10gb9a0MVntYeGumHd_33mQfo7LppaO9yLTWKT9A3qdSeep6TTOCOUB4xBtT2MNRzJeu7xuMOE2Jpc6GMrTBBP53lEJOW-Hg3ceSqS58PWGFC4F0d0mrTsJpIYSXaVTDeJuBPO5qik/s1600/Huffin+to+the+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY10gb9a0MVntYeGumHd_33mQfo7LppaO9yLTWKT9A3qdSeep6TTOCOUB4xBtT2MNRzJeu7xuMOE2Jpc6GMrTBBP53lEJOW-Hg3ceSqS58PWGFC4F0d0mrTsJpIYSXaVTDeJuBPO5qik/s320/Huffin+to+the+top.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huffin' to the summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first lap was probably too quick, and I knew it but really hoped I'd hold on. At the halfway point Zak yelled my time out and told me to "go for a negative split!" My backup watch had died at this point, and my Garmin 210 was lost after Vermont so I really wasn't too sure how I was running except it <u>felt</u> fast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to get passed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That fast feeling was put in check when a little bit in to the final lap two runners caught up with me to chat a bit, and continue to cruise along. Great guys, but real easy for them to converse, while I puffed and puffed. My goal now was to stay with them and try not to lose another few spots to anyone else. Struggle, struggle. Damn the hills felt tall and steep!<br />
<br />
<br />
Fast forward to the end, and I was real happy for the race to be over. I pushed as best I could from around the mile mark and hit the downhill and last straight-away with everything I had. Then the clearing, and the finish line in view and 20 or 30 people wide-eyed, pointing behind me screaming Run!<br />
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<br />
Damn, now I have to sprint? So I sprinted, and finished just ahead of who else, but James Poop-Dogg Demer! Man was I impressed with his come back from illness and working abroad for so long. I didn't expect him to come up on me so quick and if the crowd hadn't warned me he would have screamed right by me. Just awesome. He told me after the race that he was running as quiet as he could so he didn't alert me. Brilliant racing tactics. Lesson learned James!<br />
<br />
Once again a fantastic race by <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/">Trail Monster Running</a> and all those affiliated. Thank you very much!<br />
<br />
Time: 1:15:22, 11th<br />
<br /><a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/bradburydirt/2012-bradbury-mountain-breaker-results">Results </a><br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-64917459450825998612012-08-06T17:25:00.002-04:002012-08-08T08:57:28.281-04:00Vermont 100"The Vermont 100 is an easy first one to get under your belt." I remember someone telling me that in 2009 after my first 50 miler. I signed up thinking I could get in enough training after only a few months and survive the race. Not so much. My cousin and I DNF'd after 76 miles with every ailment and injury rookies, and untrained athletes make. We had no business being there and discovered, The Vermont 100 is definitely not an "easy" race at all. <br />
<br />
This year, after a solid training regimen and 'surviving' my first 100 at <a href="http://runefficient.blogspot.com/2012/05/peaks-100.html">Peaks</a>, I jumped on the opportunity to get in a 'different style' of 100 miler while I was still relatively fit. With two months between the races it was ample time to taper, get back some mileage, and train race specifics. However, I wasn't sure how I'd react to actually running closer to 100 miles, as opposed to a hike/slog/bushwhack-fest like that of Peaks. See the problem is, you <u>can</u> run on the 70% dirt roads in the Green Mountains of Vermont, possibly setting up a recipe for burnout, blowout, blister-fest, who knows?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://100thmile.blogspot.com/">David</a> and <a href="http://5squirrels.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a> were gracious enough to join Alison and I on our sojourn in Vermont. Mindy was kind of a 'crew-floater' to jump in at any time should any of the many other Trail Monsters and their helpers need it, and or ride and crew with Alison. David offered to pace me for the final, grueling 30 miles. We also had the excellent opportunity to stay at Zak's friends house about 30 minutes from the start which made the lodging logistics much easier and more comfortable than usual. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K7xYvyeeA-9DDVF9z3vwYBOhY3-Mm3HqqQNE9fHiRd-GfLoW1VyzO2RPDq1ACBpY1fp0DBFZtjUbawZCNUu7enf0jpGrnNhGvFbPrYCThQILwO0amzpWsjNuAtU_72M55rEYF3VPHYw/s1600/Starting+soon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K7xYvyeeA-9DDVF9z3vwYBOhY3-Mm3HqqQNE9fHiRd-GfLoW1VyzO2RPDq1ACBpY1fp0DBFZtjUbawZCNUu7enf0jpGrnNhGvFbPrYCThQILwO0amzpWsjNuAtU_72M55rEYF3VPHYw/s320/Starting+soon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian, Zak, and myself at 3:45am... </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaPc1p3PzzHEZAksNrergihibkVAL7eIjScOoUTQjTwcYUVSJ-sCoC0qFgz5VegjYbOd2-KlvMq_GQmcuTM1mOHs00ON65t_PKWZpjh-a4p3xSVXsZwkLeFWuLczXlHboAmf-i-_Ql_8/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
After a cold 4:00am start the 300 plus runners streamed down the dirt road like the fire worm in the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1328520704/tt0120657">The 13th Warrior</a>. <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a>, <a href="http://steppingrazorsrunning.blogspot.com/">Zak</a>, Tyler and I ran along together, with Joe, and George somewhere in the pack, meandering gently, but with bubbling excitement along the paths. The first bunch of miles were relatively uneventful with cooler temps to start and quite a bit of humidity which eased off as the sun came up, round about the same time Tyler took off ahead of us. At mile thirteen we were surprised, and excited to see our crews at a road intersection. Some of us couldn't help but do a jig.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO4GXK4vs4B3NOuv8rmEgvCmEMYG3gMV3d8qWggertZQiI8v9RozvKf6q7ARGvvg4zhEUR5xSxKky5YOK2fvpOYyPjwRDil4KroKAGMfY1pRc9ZfsssHwuNJrYPqUeepaPYJcdAJZSq0/s1600/Jig+at+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO4GXK4vs4B3NOuv8rmEgvCmEMYG3gMV3d8qWggertZQiI8v9RozvKf6q7ARGvvg4zhEUR5xSxKky5YOK2fvpOYyPjwRDil4KroKAGMfY1pRc9ZfsssHwuNJrYPqUeepaPYJcdAJZSq0/s320/Jig+at+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13 mile jig</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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These introductory miles are always interesting in an ultra. Your body is waking up, you're feeling odd aches and pains left over from the taper, and there's a certain amount of uncertainty to it all. Ian and Zak seemed to be having a great morning though and were keeping a solid pace. Zak mentioned briefly that he was having a "tough time warming up." Which I thought was incredibly odd, and totally unlike him, but it sometimes takes a bit to get in to the groove. We cruised through the first 4 aid stations and sauntered in to Pretty House a bit ahead of schedule. We all talked about this and figured it was okay to get a little in the bank, with a few quicker miles before the sun blared down on us. We hoped our crew wouldn't yell at us though...<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniVus3pilKiQtgPjylZsNrb7AvssXFO_0cKGBUooJ0kzSI_7s4S_a9q0yYa2uNuT2FuXBVJJgMdMKP0BvCCRhv7C1ATwkoOsPedrGA-2Qg4aU9PI0wdzRJGquf6B1NGZBE8XwGg1e4Mg/s1600/Pretty+House+arrival+22.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniVus3pilKiQtgPjylZsNrb7AvssXFO_0cKGBUooJ0kzSI_7s4S_a9q0yYa2uNuT2FuXBVJJgMdMKP0BvCCRhv7C1ATwkoOsPedrGA-2Qg4aU9PI0wdzRJGquf6B1NGZBE8XwGg1e4Mg/s320/Pretty+House+arrival+22.5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty House</td></tr>
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My crew was like a Nascar pit team. Everything laid out that I might need, hands grasping for water bottles, kind questions, food in my face, it was fabulous! Alison shoved a huge wrap in my hand and said "eat!" I think it took me a few miles to finally finish it, but damn was it good! Ian and I cruised down the road together and looked back now and then for Zak. We didn't think much of it as there's always leap-frogging in long runs. Someone stops for a bio-break and the others just keep on down the trail, maybe a bit slower, but the group always comes back. So for the first mile or so we expectied him to come screaming down one of the hills behind us.<br />
<br />
One of the barriers during the race was around 28 miles. A real steep
climb with an exposed grassy knoll and a gorgeous view named "The Sound
of Music." In 2009 this is where I knew I was in trouble. After a
short morning of rugged hills the descent on this hill really hurt my
already sore legs and put a strong doubt in my mind. This year it came
and went without any issue. One barrier, over.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiBikd6vC-iP9xNx4vmNqNP6eNFWXVQSlFNBCWPU3PtNKRdiuSRtEJL2JS3tn9eBFxY7ua02lkk43KpBaFncQxojfHUnFdpojyA69Ovzy5Vn3VSTe9V3-avSUx-QLQ3mhgPdWj3ycwt4/s1600/Stage+Road+30.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiBikd6vC-iP9xNx4vmNqNP6eNFWXVQSlFNBCWPU3PtNKRdiuSRtEJL2JS3tn9eBFxY7ua02lkk43KpBaFncQxojfHUnFdpojyA69Ovzy5Vn3VSTe9V3-avSUx-QLQ3mhgPdWj3ycwt4/s320/Stage+Road+30.5.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome pacer in the background David Bidler at Stage Road 30.5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started to actually feel better around mile 30. The kinks were
working out, the sun was up, and my crew gave me a lighter colored
shirt, visor and more excellent food and hydration. I rotated between
my waist pack which carries two bottles and a bunch of room for food,
and just a water bottle with a small pocket. As usual I drank a lot
during the race, and peed about every hour. This always annoys me with
how often I have to stop, as well as the 'flushing' that's happening
with electrolytes, but those are easy enough to replace. I do however
think it works well for keeping my core temperature down. <br />
<br />
<br />
The dirt roads at this point were dry and cars and horses kicked up a small amount of dust here and there but nothing that bad. The sun was high, but most of the time shade was easy enough to eek out. I began to pick it up during the exposed sunny sections and then recover when there were ample amounts of shade to stay as cool as possible, for as long as possible. At the many aid stations the watermelon became a focal point along with ice to cool the neck, face and pits. I basically bathed after every aid station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEPXj6_f5fbtIfsfq46BExEIDob7i_Wv4XEB10nfBK-8BZROx12YkiCBqUb50ycorpVQn3XnsLdIdPpy7WYUl9eiOnkhyAFkzes33hOOeMwEmZ89zVrY9_GoAFd45t12NfEaHsMdnsrw/s1600/Ten+Bear+47.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEPXj6_f5fbtIfsfq46BExEIDob7i_Wv4XEB10nfBK-8BZROx12YkiCBqUb50ycorpVQn3XnsLdIdPpy7WYUl9eiOnkhyAFkzes33hOOeMwEmZ89zVrY9_GoAFd45t12NfEaHsMdnsrw/s320/Ten+Bear+47.6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Camp Ten Bear 47.6</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Ian and I had been running together the whole day and the communication, banter and camaraderie made the time go by faster than anticipated and really made for an enjoyable morning. However at one of the long climbs we separated and I ran alone for a while. Soon after that though the 'leap-frogging' would continue with various people along the course. Mike, who got up late for the start sleeping until 4:30. Pablo, from Canada, but originally Argentina, full of epic race stories and goals. Andrew, his first 100, very excited and super kind picking my brain about everything 'ultra'. Andrew and I ran together for quite a while and I was really glad to run with him and learn about his life, job, and future goals. He had an incredibly exuberant demeanor which was very contagious. <br />
<br />
57.4 Tracer Brook. Alison and I had agreed to do a preemptive sock change after 50 miles. Coming in to the aid station I told her I was fine and didn't see the point, just yet. I was surprised she let me off the hook so easily, because in the past blisters have been a major issue. After another quick turn-around she ran with me up the road and delivered some rough news. Zak had dropped. I instantly wept, unable to keep my emotions back. I felt an overwhelming wave of disbelief, grief, anger, and sorrow, both from within myself and from all who were directly involved in his year of incredible training, those pacing, crewing, supporting, and for the man himself. I was devastated. Alison assured me he was okay and I'd see him later in the day, I'd had my moment and now it was time to move on and enjoy the rest of the journey.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXAmy9eSo8zZ3sGXRwGHmXIkyiBOesvSBHk9zELPvH5k4q-NkhMF6-KfmQGX0msL3WH3KUxQe6LeGzCw2fCasliEHw1nNu0yG8Bap_nzdqikZBY8IHllYyRFvrbkIh7K_V_sXqg1SIPQ/s1600/Margaritaville+62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXAmy9eSo8zZ3sGXRwGHmXIkyiBOesvSBHk9zELPvH5k4q-NkhMF6-KfmQGX0msL3WH3KUxQe6LeGzCw2fCasliEHw1nNu0yG8Bap_nzdqikZBY8IHllYyRFvrbkIh7K_V_sXqg1SIPQ/s320/Margaritaville+62.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaritaville 62</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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At Margaritaville mile 62 I stopped to change socks and check for blisters. I was extremely happy to find none. After a quick wipe down, more Hydropel, new socks, and super help from everyone including <a href="http://sn0m8n.blogspot.com/">Ryan</a> who was now helping everyone, I was off again. Feeling real well and now taking in a bit of caffeine I was excited to see parts of the course I'd only seen during nighttime years ago. I remember preparing for how I'd feel later in the race and decided to start intentionally looking up at the tops of trees to give my neck muscles a preemptive break before I was unable to hold it up any more. I definitely knew during the night I would be staring at my feet probably shuffling along in a death march. I rolled my shoulders back a bunch and worked on relaxing as much as I could and breathing in to capacity. Probably over-analyzing, but I've been thinking about little things like this for years on runs. Hoping to make the journey easier, and more efficient on my body. Now it was time to put it in to play, whether psychological or not...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK82_159Y5iOFWh0DT2Bhm5cjalu77bXpVMuLRmFM94EbAp1vjBURwe63FaeYuwxh0HkYWoeZlF4xyK0icDdX3mAV-tSXYwf_gQTUc94RQN8b6s3Dm9p8vB_Rwh9TZ7RiOCi9VMbr0Ups/s1600/Camp+Ten+Bear+70.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK82_159Y5iOFWh0DT2Bhm5cjalu77bXpVMuLRmFM94EbAp1vjBURwe63FaeYuwxh0HkYWoeZlF4xyK0icDdX3mAV-tSXYwf_gQTUc94RQN8b6s3Dm9p8vB_Rwh9TZ7RiOCi9VMbr0Ups/s320/Camp+Ten+Bear+70.5.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffing face at Camp Ten Bear 70.5</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Camp Ten Bear 70.5. I weighed in for the second time and was happy to see an increase of only half a pound. At the earlier check in, Stage Road, I'd only lost half a pound. Much better than three years ago when I'd gained 6. I absolutely stuffed my face here with a potatoes, a pickle, some sushi, blueberries and a salt tab, washing it down with an Herba Mate. Yum. David Bidler joined me here to pace for the next 30 miles and however many hours. He was absolutely giddy with excitement, and it was real great to be on our way actually running! Once again in 2009 I'd done a major blister popping here that required the medical personnel as opposed to Alison taking care of it. She'd taken one look at my feet and gently walked me over stating it was out of her scope of expertise. The death walk out of Camp Ten Bear at that point had definitely been one of the most painful things I've experienced. Now David and I smiled as we began another climb.<br />
<br />
A group of us stopped to pee along the now very dusty dirt road. Mike and his pacer began their duty and I yelled over to them that they might not want to pee on the electric fence. Both of them jumped back and repeatedly thanked me for saving their lives for the next mile. I'm not real sure if it was electrified or not, nor would it have done much except wake them up a bit, but it was real fun to see their reactions. We continued on leap-frogging the same dozen or so horses and their riders, as well as various pacers and their runners. The miles ticked by.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw3hvq-P2pQAJOgq2pUZrQGb49UNmRr6niMOguzJewRSX1tqc0TJhwmhShHXHVma6sN6VzWY0snlxRrx08w5quwihRN0J6hmvQHUMvKKjLwphGFBLkL81C0cVGV-aANRcm1LPPtStcpM/s1600/Spirit+of+76+handler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw3hvq-P2pQAJOgq2pUZrQGb49UNmRr6niMOguzJewRSX1tqc0TJhwmhShHXHVma6sN6VzWY0snlxRrx08w5quwihRN0J6hmvQHUMvKKjLwphGFBLkL81C0cVGV-aANRcm1LPPtStcpM/s320/Spirit+of+76+handler.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An incredible display of preparedness with Alison, Mindy and David mile 77</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spirit of 76. The crew, once again had everything laid out for me and was quick and efficient as usual. Dave and I fueled up, and I grabbed my headlamps in preparation for the night section. At this point I was tired and it was definitely work to keep moving forward with a steady state, but David made the going easier with his easy-going demeanor and obvious enjoyment for the sport and the surrounding beauty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXTBwxAcwQNSDvWXzVC5Yhyphenhyphen5f-AwaqZ8kdfhxEZoBg7BEAkK2vqgjvXRMuYEIRXxsWtClsRdsQJ047K9NfPNixuC1xo7p1Mz8z8530Zy92WHIMRhOV7_-ZLNyCvGtgug-GVWoYVNfTbI/s1600/Spirit+of+76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXTBwxAcwQNSDvWXzVC5Yhyphenhyphen5f-AwaqZ8kdfhxEZoBg7BEAkK2vqgjvXRMuYEIRXxsWtClsRdsQJ047K9NfPNixuC1xo7p1Mz8z8530Zy92WHIMRhOV7_-ZLNyCvGtgug-GVWoYVNfTbI/s320/Spirit+of+76.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Spirit of 76</td></tr>
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Now began the mumbles. I warned David that he soon would have to be my brain. "In other words It would be a great help if you could remind me what to do at aid stations, and make sure I eat. Push me if I go too slow. I'll take the tangent, and the smoother line on the technical areas, and make sure you take care of yourself." I apologized if I sounded too demanding, or even rude, but the brain was getting foggy and I wanted to give him the 401 on pacing while I still could. He was excellent. He kept me going, happy, and in great conversation. When I was unable to communicate more than a grunt and apologized for not answering his question with more than a mumble he actually told me to stop apologizing and saying thank you so much and don't worry about it. Great pacer.<br />
<br />
Bill's mile 89. What a strange aid station I remember thinking. It had been dark at this point for some time now and quite still with a gorgeous sky full of stars. Coming in to an aid station at a big red barn with a lot of people bustling around, lights and music was surreal. I weighed in at the barn and was happy to see my weight was exactly how I started. "One Night in Bangkok" played in the background as I stuffed my face again with potatoes and Fig Newton's. I had a nice flashback to sixth grade when I performed that song in an air band competition in front of the school and parents. I didn't win.<br />
<br />
At this point I really couldn't do the math well enough to figure out when I was going to finish. I thought, according to my watch, I'd come in somewhere around 21:30. My biggest fear now was slowing down too much and getting passed by people. I worked the hills at this point, and tried to run as many as possible and overcome as many people as possible. The glow sticks on the course worked very well for, not only marking the way, but providing short-term goals. Get to the next glow stick, now get to the next one, don't trip, stay relaxed, sip, eat something, move a bit quicker, you can do this, don't shuffle, next glow stick... <br />
<br />
Polly's 95.9. I think it was here that I saw Zak and his entourage. Now, I said I <u>saw</u> Zak, but I never really focused on his face. I kind of darted my gaze around like a mad man escaping from an asylum. I was loopy. David and I were in and out quickly and as we entered the woods I saw our truck and heard Alison say hi. She'd just missed us and sent out some quick love. David and I told her we were basically all set and trudged on.<br />
<br />
The hills continued. The last 23 miles of the course was undiscovered country for me and I was not really surprised to find it just as challenging as the rest. The only thing now was the hills just seemed relentless, and the single-track trails seemed way more challenging than I'm sure they are. David and I pushed on for the final bit and when we saw the "Almost there! Congratulations" sign we both were quite happy. After a brief bout in the woods it opened up so we could see the finish line and I remember thinking I didn't want it to end, and wanted to see more, even though I was absolutely toasted.<br />
<br />
We finished, 20:05:07. I wept. Cried my eyes out with joy, appreciation and fatigue. After a huge embrace from Alison, Mindy, David and I'm sure a few others I hobbled over to the tent to get some grub. We returned in time to see Ian and Emma skipping across the finish line, but unfortunately missed Tyler, Joe, Ryan, George, and Val. We did however hear that they all made it successfully and relatively unscathed. Just fabulous.<br />
<br />
What an incredibly well orchestrated race full of excellent volunteers, supporters and professionals. My family, friends, and the <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/">Trail Monster</a> crew were a crucial, if not critical part of the team to get my ass across the finish line. I thank them all, especially Alison, David and Mindy for their immediate support and love, and of course Ann, Ryan, Mindy and Chip for the great pictures!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.vermont100.com/html/2012_results___photos.html">Results Here </a><br />
<br />
<b>Food:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>About 20 S!Caps (didn't need that much toward the end)
</li>
<li>One and a half big roll-ups with turkey, pickles, romaine, Tofuti,
carrots (really great early on, not able to finish later on in the race)
</li>
<li>A couple sushi rolls, Tofu-Lin, wasabi, Tamari, romaine, carrots (great)
</li>
<li>Sweet potatoes (probably only ate two total)
</li>
<li>3/4 soup from bottle (spring onion Thai Noodle) </li>
<li>5 or 6 dates
</li>
<li>A few pieces of ginger
</li>
<li>A few handfuls of blueberries
</li>
<li>Couple of pickles
</li>
<li>3 packs of Cliff Shot Blox
</li>
<li>2 Gu
</li>
<li>2 or 3 Mojo bars
</li>
<li>6 or 7 Stinger Waffles (great to have those)
</li>
<li>After 50 miles drank HerbaMate shots, 5 total
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Aid Stations:
</b><br />
<ul>
<li>6 or 7 Fig Newtons
</li>
<li>Probably an entire watermelon
</li>
<li>White potatoes (maybe one small one)
</li>
</ul>
<b>Gear:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>One shirt change, one sock change (not quite needed, but glad for the confidence)
</li>
<li>Used waist pack most of the way with a few legs just the hand-held
</li>
<li>Ran with headlamp and held a headlamp for the night section
</li>
<li>Used a visor most of the day
</li>
<li>Sportslick and Hydropel worked excellent, no blisters, minimal chaffing on left armpit
</li>
<li>Right shoe too tight, bruised badly </li>
<li>Alison used BioFreeze (didn't do much) but the Arnica rub did feel good on the legs</li>
</ul>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-32373273453170103392012-07-19T18:43:00.001-04:002012-07-19T18:43:19.213-04:00Taper week 2 and the Scuffle<b>Monday - Off</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Back Lake NH, 6 miles @8:46.</b> On vacation with my mother, brother and Alison up in Pittsburgh NH on a real nice little lake. I hit a gentle 3 out and back along mostly road and a bit of jeep trail. Hot, and hot and deer flies!<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Back Lake, 7 @9:03.</b> Well the thought process was to warm up two miles do a 6x800 and cool down a bit. I got some directions from a local store owner that I could just go through the woods to connect a couple of roads and make a loop around the lake. Sounded easy enough so I headed out and sure enough found the woods. Which kept going and going and going until finally I hit a road which brought me right back to where I started. So I did it again but picked a different route and made it through. Needless to say I only got a few successful 800's in for some "pep" work but I didn't really care as it's definitely not needed for Vt. I did finally work my way around the lake for some fantastic views.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday -</b> Intended to hit the hills but it just didn't happen.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Off</b><br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Bradbury East, 6.1 @9:09.</b> Headed out with a bunch of TM's to set the Scuffle course. We split in groups of two and Ryan, Zak, Lenka and I worked the last few miles. Then hit a semi-easy, albeit hot and soupy run. Real tired and sluggish on the run, scary. <br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Bradbury Scuffle, 6 @43:31.</b> Myself, Zak and Ian all went in to this race with the though of taking it easy before the VT100 just one week away. I originally didn't want to sign up as I was afraid I'd put too much in to the race and burn myself. But I entered anyway. How do you stay away from such fun and knowing there's a whole series to work with.<br />
<br />
Zak and I did a quick warm-up along the dirt trail and I remember telling him I was all done with the warm up after only a quarter mile or so. Not a great sign. Ian gave an amazing and as other people have put it very moving speech about Chris Douglas who the race is dedicated to and before we knew it we were off.<br />
<br />
My intention was to start at the front and not give it too much throughout the race. Basically that's what happened. The hills were tougher than expected, but I held off going too fast on the downs and flats and instead worked the switchbacks to gain ground. I put more effort in than I probably should have but didn't want to give up too much time for the rest of the series and it was just plain fun to race. <br />
<br />
The support crew was absolutely fabulous and it was a really great day and as usual really great to hang out with everyone.<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 3:55</b><br />
<b>Distance: 27</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-57262234705656636012012-07-18T15:22:00.001-04:002012-07-18T16:43:57.989-04:00Taper week One 7/2 - 7/8<br />
<b>Monday - Wohelo trails, 1.1.</b> Jogged with Alison and Francesca on a gorgeous day.<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Stroudwater, 6.5 @8:16.</b> A little quicker than I intended but after Sunday's slow run I felt like moving a little.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Off</b><br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Blackstrap area, 9 @8:23.</b> Fun hill workout from the Hardy Rd. parking lot up to the barrel. Did 6 repeats at a steady pace.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Robinson Woods, 9.28 @7:54.</b> Nice and spirited run out to Fort Williams and back on yet another gorgeous day. Picked it up a bit along the ocean and road section, and took it easy on the trails.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Agamenticus area, 21 @10:14. Burn, break, bonk.</b> (Burn) Ran the first 7 on the mountain, hitting random routes up and down sucking wind and sweating profusely the whole time. (Break) Ran the second seven at tempo on the dirt road, hoping to average under 8's, but the legs were toast and felt real sluggish. (Bonk) The last seven ended up being a slog running on the road in the opposite direction as the dirt road in stupid heat and humidity, and of course deer flies. The route is basically downhill the first 3.5, then back up. There was definitely a bit of walking on the way back. I tested out soup-in-a-bottle for VT100 and it worked real well. I'll use it for the race to eat on the run.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Scarborough Downs loop, 6.3 @7:29.</b> Steady pace to test the legs for the Scuffle coming up. Felt okay, but nowhere near as speedy a workout as it felt. <br />
<br />
<b>Time: 7:58</b><br />
<b>Distance: 51.2 </b><br />
<b>Elevation: 4235</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-29049448454879478172012-07-04T11:37:00.002-04:002012-07-04T18:13:45.486-04:00In the swing of thingsThis marked the final heavy volume week before Vermont 100. After recovering slowly from Peaks 100 and increasing mileage even slower over a few weeks I suddenly felt that I needed to squeeze in a bit extra to feel the volume again. The first 5 days of the week I finally felt back in the swing of things and had "control" over my workouts. Then Saturday rolled around.<br />
<br />
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<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Monday - Stroudwater, 6 miles @10:28.</b> Today's easy run ended up being a night run in a thick fog. I wanted to
go real easy as I was definitely still fatigued from Saturday's Mt. A
run. Took it real nice and slow and hit the road to get in some safer,
more tick-free miles rather than hit the power line extension. It's
always gorgeous to hit that trail at night with the thousands of little
spider eyes glowing in the headlamp light.<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Blackstrap area, 9.2 @8:29.</b> After driving around Falmouth for a while looking for another hilly dirt
road, or road option for a run I ended up finally back again at Hardy
road for a Blackstrap revisit. I hit the road up the hill and continued
down the third bitch, then along the power line route. About half way
down the hill I slipped on a rock and gashed my hand open. Still not
used to the lack of grip on the Terrafly 303's I guess. The remainder
of the trail was basically under water and chocked full of deer flies,
making a bit more of a speed workout than anticipated. I continued on
Mast road, then Blackstrap and ended up at Hardy where a few hill
repeats rounded out the sesh. Great run.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Robinson Woods, 7.2 @9:23.</b> Slow run, nice and easy with a little pick-up along Fort Williams by the ocean.<br />
<b>Stroudwater, 7.1 @10:11.</b> Legs felt great at the start, but energy definitely dropped by the end. Feeling a bit creaky in the ankles.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Blackstrap area, 9.2 @8:57.</b> I initially intended to hit a bunch of hill repeats at the Skillins Tree
Farm but after a few loops the waist-deep grass, and swarming deer
flies had me running scared toward the three bitches. I took a healthy
spill on the far side of the biggest hill the other day so decided to focus on the other
two, but the poor footing and water crossings made keeping a solid pace
just too difficult. So opting for more similar conditions to what VT
will have in store I just did repeats on the road/dirt road/trail to the
blue barrel. Felt real good, albeit a bit slow on some of the ascents.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Fore River, 8.1 @10:53.</b> Nice and humid, but a gorgeous day for a mellow run. Saw a huge fox
right on the trail in front of me, (or a coyote?) a deer, and a bunch of various birds,
all enjoying the weather. Didn't think to use lube today though and
got chaffed pretty good...<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Bradbury, 26.5 @10:53.</b> Mindy and I drove up together to meet up with a healthy contingency of TM's. Zak had already run for an hour and was working on a solid 50k for the day. We headed out on the Scuffle course with, among others, Ian, Jeff, Don, Zak, and David. I felt okay, but definitely lacked the energy I wanted, especially in the high heat and humidity increasing through the day.<br />
<br />
Back at the vehicles we saw a few TM's coming back from their loop, we refilled and headed out on the Mountain side to hook up with the Pineland connector. Tryon Mountain kicked my but, and this was yet another red flag that it was going to be a slog of a day. <br />
<br />
After another pit stop at the parking lot Zak and I continued on up and around the mountain a few times and decided to finish off the run on the opposite side, hitting the snowmobile trails, dirt road, and continued on an out-and-back on the pavement for a little more heat training. At this point I was absolutely toast, running sluggishly and definitely heat exhausted. Zak seemed real strong, even with 6 miles more under his belt. We both ran out of water though and began the slow descent to bonk land.<br />
<br />
Forced to walk a few of the hills due to the oppressive heat we searched for a water source at the nearby houses. Spotting a hose attached to a tree for someones garden I unhitched the coupling turned the valve and glorious warm water flowed out. We bathed real quick, filled our bottles and continued on our way. It wasn't till a few paces down the road that I realized the black hose attached to the tree came from the woods. Most likely from a pond or swamp uphill somewhere. Can you say Giardia? So we switched from chugging it down to pouring it over our heads.<br />
<br />
Shortly thereafter we found a nice gentleman on the side of the road that let us use his hose and were once again on our way. I have to say I was very impressed with Zak's pace and determination finishing that run. He is definitely motivated and super-focused for the VT100.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Pineland, 8 @11:20.</b> Well the plan for 28 was obviously not going to happen today. It was
just too much with all that's been packed on to the previous few weeks,
as well as the quick jump in volume. So knowing this I headed to
Pineland as early as I could (5:45) to at least beat the heat, and slogged through a painfully slow
run. After two miles I could tell that the training, and heat had
gotten to me and it was silly to try and shoot for another 100 mile
week. It just wasn't necessary, or possible. So I just figured I'd get in at least 8
or ten and be happy with it.
<br />
<br />
The deer flies were maddening. After a half hour I decided to count
the ones I was killing and came up with an average of 1 a minute. I
ran for 90 minutes... They were the worst I've ever seen or run in.
Maddening!<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 13:50</b><br />
<b>Distance: 81.2</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 7000</b><br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-72436972472106088812012-06-24T17:43:00.000-04:002012-06-26T19:35:41.445-04:00Heat training, Mt. Agamenticus 6 hour runWell this week was a bit of a gamble adding on double the mileage from last week as well as the ever-challenging Mt. Agamenticus 6 hour run. Hopefully the two rest days as well as the relatively flat terrain, (except for Mt. A) made the transition easier on my body. We'll see. All-in-all it was a hot week, perfect heat training for Vermont. Summer's here!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b style="color: orange;">Monday - Wohelo Trail and back. 8.2, @7:02.</b><span style="color: orange;"> </span> Fun spirited run after missing a weekends worth of long runs. Still sluggish and real fatigued from the sickness, but it felt great to move.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: orange;">Tuesday - Eastern Trail. 20, @9:22.</b> Good run along the ET from the house. I decided a flat run of at least
twenty would be good after missing last weekends 50k in the mountains,
and falling short in mileage a few weeks in a row. Knowing the Mt. A 6
hour run is coming up and I'm increasing the miles I figured flat and
easy was a good idea. The run felt great and after mixing in as much
single-track as I could to keep it interesting I managed a solid
negative split.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: orange;">
<b>Wednesday - Off</b></div>
<br />
<b style="color: orange;">Thursday - Robinson Woods to the Sea. 8.3, @9:13.</b><span style="color: orange;"> </span> Nice and easy with a few pick-ups along the ocean at Fort Williams. Another gorgeous day.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: orange;">Friday - Eastern Trail. 5.5, @9:03.</b> <a href="http://5squirrels.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a> and I were finally able to meet-up, and catch-up on past events, as
well as future goals. Real great run on another absolutely gorgeous
day.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: orange;">Saturday - Mount Agamenticus 6 hour run, Western States commemorative. 31.8, @11:37.</b><span style="color: orange;"> </span> Wow what a humid and hot day! 20 or thirty of us started off at 7 a.m. to run the approximately 3 mile loop on Mt. A. while people we know started their own epic journey at the WS100. <br />
<br />
I started off with <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a>, <a href="http://steppingrazorsrunning.blogspot.com/">Zak</a>, <a href="http://news.runtowin.com/">Blaine</a>, Nathan and Tyler at a comfortable pace heading down the dirt road in 95% humidity. It literally felt like we were swimming down the road with the thick, soupy feel to the day. The first few laps were quite challenging for me, and I'm sure a few others with the high humidity, still air, and steep ascents. After a lap or two Tyler took off and the four of us pushed on as the humidity dropped and the temperature rose.<br />
<br />
The sun came out somewhere about half way and I got the urge to move quicker. So Blaine and I picked up the pace a bit, but after a lap I realized I was getting in to racing mode. I found myself wanting to catch Tyler and ensure I could get in 11 laps. With the previous weeks ramp in mileage, the humidity, and wanting to rest for the upcoming final week of training, we stopped for Zak and Ian. Besides the training reasons to slow down a bit, I started to feel a bit tuckered, and more importantly really wanted to run with as many TM's as possible today. Slowing it down and hanging with Zak and Ian proved a smart idea as later in the day they would be dragging my ass down the mountain each loop. <br />
<br />
Somewhere around lap 6 Blaine had to head home and we were joined by <a href="http://mainerunner.blogspot.com/">Jamie</a>. This was a complete surprise, and great to have someone fresh join the crew. Not to mention I hadn't run with Jamie in a long time. I definitely felt some invigoration for a few laps with him and was able to cruise up the steep back side of the mountain with relative fun. On the down though Zak and Ian simply rocked it and were able to keep our pace solid each lap.<br />
<br />
By the 8th lap I was definitely feeling tired, sore, and heat exhausted. We'd been sweating profusely since the start of the day and the sun was now beating down on us more, and more each lap. I drank a bottle almost every three miles for a total of 5 liters during the run. The nutrition was fine, sweet potatoes, Raw Revolution bar, two Mojo bars, dates, apricots, but the massive amount of water was probably not being processed well as a few people pointed out I was bloated. It was true, I looked like I'd just finished a pie eating contest, thrown down a few dozen hot dogs and finished it off with castor oil... I'd only had Nuun every other lap mixing it with water, as I wanted to watch my electrolyte intake. But still something seemed off.<br />
<br />
The ninth lap was a hard push, a bit slower on the ascent and a bit more painful on the way down. I think Jamie left before our 10th lap and it was now just the three of us. With Ian's solid training the last few weeks, notably his 50k slog last week, he was happy to call it good after finishing ten. I myself really wanted to push the last lap to get in 11 as I felt like I was playing catch-up with quality LSD. Zak too was game, and actually looked and ran real well. He stated his legs "felt great" and made it evident on the quick, gazelle-like descents down the mountain.<br />
<br />
We finished 11 laps in 6:09. So we didn't quite get the laps in under the 6 hour mark. I think we were just cresting the top when six hours rolled around. It was another really great day in the heat and humidity, and very nice to spend it with friends pushing ourselves. It was hard to believe that when we finished our friends out West still had a long way to go...<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>Sunday - Off.</b> I was going to do a short shake-out run and take Monday off, but decided to rest now, not push it, and have a solid week next week.<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 12:19</b><br />
<b>Distance: 73.8</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 6662</b><br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-78461889544957546552012-06-21T18:16:00.000-04:002012-06-22T10:14:15.987-04:00The miles fizzle out...Well another week well under plan and relatively lackluster, with no LSD. I had hoped for at least 65 or 70 miles this week but the major run of the week, and possibly this training cycle, just didn't happen.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday - Stroudwater, 6 @10:22.</b> Sluggish
run. The middle two miles on the power lines were a bit challenging
with the tall grass, deep mud and baby hills that kicked my ass.
Definitely feeling the Baldface loop today.<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Blackstrap Preserve, 8.75 @10:23.</b> Another slower run than anticipated with an overall fatigue. Not sure
if it's the efforts from last month, or just general tiredness from
getting back in the swing of things. I hit a few repeats at the
Preserve, then went up the gas line and continued three quarters of a
mile up the road then back for a fun finish.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Fitzpatrick Stadium, 6 @8:39.</b> Ran with a client for his first mile test since he was a kid. We warmed up a
mile and then hit it in the pouring rain and wind. He did great and
held on till the end. After a mile cool down walking and jogging I
continued on with some 800's (2:49, 2:57, 2:57, 3:17). I only managed four of the eight I wanted
to do. Just felt exhausted and kind of flu-like. The first three were
OK, but when the last one took 20 seconds longer it was time to stop I knew I was either over-worked, or sick.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Hartford Reservoir, CT, 8.3 @8:14.</b> Ran with the RRCA crew. Great run first with two loops on the road, then an out-and-back on the trails with Randy Accetta. Surprisingly gorgeous area.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Penwood State Park, CT, 7.3 @9:14.</b> Great hilly run mostly on trails and single-track with Lianna, Lisa, and Randy.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday -</b> Off to rest for the Pemi.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday -</b> I picked up <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a>, <a href="http://steppingrazorsrunning.blogspot.com/">Zak</a>, and Andy at 4:30 in the morning on Sunday to
head to the Pemigewassett Wilderness to run the gorgeous 50k in the
White Mountains. We were all super excited but a few of us were a bit
under the weather. I was getting over a strange fatigue-cold, and Zak
was really just starting to feel his own illness. About half way there
we stopped for a bio break and coffee and were about to head on our way
when my truck decided it wasn't going to start. Bummer. We tried a
little of this, and a little of that and after getting a jump from a
passer-by decided it was the starter.<br />
<br />
After calling
my insurance company they said there was no one in the area open, and
they were sending a service/tow truck. After all it was 7:00 on father's day as well as Sunday.
They stated it would be $200 for the tow and there was only room for
two people, so we'd need a taxi for the other riders. Another bummer.
We had hoped to get it serviced in Conway and just head out somewhere
while it was being worked on. No such luck.<br />
<br />
<br />
Around this time a super nice young dude name Gage
stopped by and tinkered around a bit giving his expert-ex-car-garage
advice and proclaimed it was the starter. He was cool enough to drive
the boys back to Portland so they could get in a run while I waited for
the tow truck. Really awesome of him. So I apologized to the boys and
they headed off down the road with a plume of cigarette smoke billowing
out the car windows.<br />
<br />
Tow truck arrives 45 minutes
later, gives me a jump, car starts. Sweet. So I just ended up driving
back to Scarborough to replace the battery and didn't bother getting a
run in. I felt really bad that the boys missed an awesome loop,
especially Zak who has yet to do it, but such is life. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 5:40</b><br />
<b>Distance: 36.3</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 3096</b><br />
<br />
I'm not going to bother stressing about the mileage. I was sick last week and had a bunch of things going on. It was probably also a good thing we didn't hit the Pemi Loop anyway with both Zak and I not at our best, it might have gotten ugly...<br />
<br />
Next week I'm going to try a dramatic, but hopefully intelligent higher mileage week. Ian and I chatted a bit about the specificity of the Pemi Loop and how that style of hard hiking, climbing, and running is really not that similar to the VT conditions. It was great <a href="http://runefficient.blogspot.com/2011/06/pemi-loop.html">last year</a> when we used it to train for the <a href="http://runefficient.blogspot.com/2011/08/100-mile-wilderness.html">100MW</a>, but this year maybe we could get in other runs and call it good.Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-80699476319033077822012-06-12T15:23:00.000-04:002012-06-12T15:24:27.210-04:00Let the training begin!OK, so, Vermont 100... With the DNF three years ago I'm really looking forward to doing things correctly this time around. Lack of training, poor shoe choice, too much liquid fuel consumption, too many processed foods, too much sodium, and too many blisters all lead to a rookie dropout at mile 77. Lessons learned.<br />
<br />
I won't be changing my training plans too much, basically recycling a bunch of what I've done over the past 6 months. I will however incorporate more road runs, mixing them in with trails. My hope is to get a few mountainous long runs in to simulate the course as best I can. I won't care as much about the high mileage as making sure there's a bit higher quality in each week. I would also like to actually do some strength stuff, plyometrics, cross-fit, whatever. I've seen how beneficial this has been to other runners and hope to squeeze some in. We'll see.<br />
<br />
<b>6/4 - 6/10</b><br />
<br />
<b>Monday - Off</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Stroudwater, 6.22 @54:39.</b> The trail was real washed out from the previous weekends rains. Most of the
bridges were out-of-place and the flooding was evident. Hit two miles
on the road to test out the new Inov-8<a href="http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Product-View-Terrafly-303.html?L=26"> Terrafly 303</a>'s. So far so good.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Skillins Tree Farm, 8:44 @1:22.</b> Great run with <a href="http://steppingrazorsrunning.blogspot.com/">Zak</a> at the tree farm. I got there a bit early and ran
down the road to get in about a mile and a half. We ended up doing a
bunch of random repeats through the wet fields, mud puddles and tall
grass. Great to catch up with him and hear all about his adventures
abroad.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Robinson Woods, 5.00 @57:00.</b> Ran with a client on their first trail run for a few miles then continued on at a relaxed pace to get in a 5. Kind of wanted to do six, but just wasn't feeling it.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Robinson Woods, 15.31, @2:25.</b> Started off at Robinson Woods and ran through and all around Fort
Williams. I had hoped to meet up with <a href="http://5squirrels.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a> for some of the run and
catch-up, but our schedules didn't quite gel. So I continued back
through Robinson Woods, on up the road, hit a quick loop in the golf
course, back along the road and a finished with a bit more on the trails. The road acclimation is taking
it's toll on these soft surface legs.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Fore River, 6:53 @1:06.</b> Great mellow run on a gorgeous day.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Baldface Loop, 9.50 @2:44. </b>Fantastic run with <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a>, and his dogs, <a href="http://mainerunner.blogspot.com/">Jamie</a>, and Nathan. Dave, Julia, Jim, and his dog, Dora, and Kathy also ran and hiked either part or all of the loop. The four of us set out at a slightly quicker pace than my calves were ready for, but they warmed up soon enough. We charged on power-hiking the steeps, scrambling up the open rocky sections and running where we could. Excellent views and a really perfect day helped us cruise along the ridge lines and on down for an exciting descent. Toward the bottom we jumped in the freezing cold Emerald Pool hoping to catch up to everyone, but it wasn't to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOET_JXkwVuyGmxBnVVSNoi1JIs0s07qW2_UhWF-QTQ2JPmVwzeYphjoantswvRqS6it0mqxuY5B0jc1LgAgptGRd-c7Ju84MF31mOSg61Bwzqor_Fy72OnB37FVG3nz_jmvy1DmwN7PU/s1600/baldface1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOET_JXkwVuyGmxBnVVSNoi1JIs0s07qW2_UhWF-QTQ2JPmVwzeYphjoantswvRqS6it0mqxuY5B0jc1LgAgptGRd-c7Ju84MF31mOSg61Bwzqor_Fy72OnB37FVG3nz_jmvy1DmwN7PU/s320/baldface1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for the pic Ian.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I wore the Terrafly 303's which turned out to be a real bad choice. They're designed for road/trail, but due to the harder rubber compound sole they were real slick on the wet rocks. They'll still be ideal for Vermont, but not for technical terrain. Felt like It was the middle of winter on icy trails for a bit. I went down a few times and totally had the footing confidence knocked out of me. Made for an exciting descent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_SgyNitxlbCsGZQxy8ezJKQkqoXe065SMETUaoE9f4KH2O0uE2JFvDy2U4dqWbdghnWfvi6GtgB3w0o03syZQoXsF5lfqqAmQAzXyS8-COkhOk4AyIjxuvvC5izhwevxetQ6e5P8Ygc/s1600/baldface2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_SgyNitxlbCsGZQxy8ezJKQkqoXe065SMETUaoE9f4KH2O0uE2JFvDy2U4dqWbdghnWfvi6GtgB3w0o03syZQoXsF5lfqqAmQAzXyS8-COkhOk4AyIjxuvvC5izhwevxetQ6e5P8Ygc/s320/baldface2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various expressions...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This was a great loop to run and really brought me back to when my
brother and I used to hike on weekends in the Whites. I'm pretty sure
we'd done a few of these peaks and finished the hike off with a dip in
the pool, but things look the same 25 years later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQZDb41Airf1RRinsGu3CmdBpMXZluLs4nNCmnbCE4ZBpRlK70NJe_Ig_mdsdyqw8OIQ88vlgwotN8SWA5BW0HT_bVh8GUW9D1Q8Ebz39v8uK2hnhngoKEnOFajdlGrBOUlyHbL2OlWI/s1600/baldface3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQZDb41Airf1RRinsGu3CmdBpMXZluLs4nNCmnbCE4ZBpRlK70NJe_Ig_mdsdyqw8OIQ88vlgwotN8SWA5BW0HT_bVh8GUW9D1Q8Ebz39v8uK2hnhngoKEnOFajdlGrBOUlyHbL2OlWI/s320/baldface3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the pic Jamie!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Time: 9:28</b><br />
<b>Distance: 51.1</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 6411</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-72093547567986572952012-06-06T10:46:00.000-04:002012-06-06T10:46:03.198-04:00Weak weekWell this week didn't quite go as planned as far as training, but did far exceed expectations with an impromptu trip to Washington DC over the weekend with Alison. Really, really great weekend with her. <br />
<br />
Decided to jump in to the Vermont 100. Looks like it will be quite the crew. Zak, Joe, Tyler, Ian and all the pacers, crew and such. Should be a good time. <br />
<br />
<b>5/29 - Robinson Woods, 6.1 @10:23.</b> Nice and relaxed pace still feeling Sunday's effort a bit.<br />
<br />
<b>5/30 - Blackstrap Area, 8.82 @9:38.</b> This was supposed to be a hard hill workout but I was tuckered and sluggish.
Started off at the bitches and cruised over via the road to the
preserve for a few hills. Good to get in some mix of road and trail to start getting used to Vermont terrain.<br />
<br />
<b>5/31 - Wohelo Trails, 1.8.</b> Ran with client.<br />
<br />
<b>5/31 - Back Cove, 6.15 @7:33.</b> Great run with Ian around the cove and along the new paved trail extension. Exciting to start talking about Vermont training and all the innards that go along with long races!<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 3:38</b><br />
<b>Distance: 22.8</b><br />
<b>Planned: 50 </b><br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-25299935612964414162012-05-28T13:18:00.002-04:002012-05-28T18:16:46.136-04:00Post Peaks, and Pineland 25k<b><span style="font-size: large;">Post Peaks: </span></b><br />
<br />
After taking five days off to give the legs a nice rest I felt great. In that time I kept real busy with the usual managerial and landscraping jobs which probably helped loosen things up nicely. I ate a bunch this week, but not nearly as much as I was expecting to. Just stayed hydrated and ensured rest when possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfQjE4qULMT7xEQE-qU5mgUBOhomvWSFISE3OaFl11HmojFQiNGFHhXecmKBPWaoH54g67Il315igEqHBWrDxRV_qM4427GlnNbXMoNDGPo2UTvlyhpMbDqR_XqgultXMlNwUOA9kgqU/s1600/581265_408724079167990_100000912030845_1223312_69696845_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfQjE4qULMT7xEQE-qU5mgUBOhomvWSFISE3OaFl11HmojFQiNGFHhXecmKBPWaoH54g67Il315igEqHBWrDxRV_qM4427GlnNbXMoNDGPo2UTvlyhpMbDqR_XqgultXMlNwUOA9kgqU/s320/581265_408724079167990_100000912030845_1223312_69696845_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>5/14 - 5/18 Off</b><br />
<br />
<b>5/19 - Robinson Woods, 3.7 @8:22.</b> Real nice and easy in the Bare-Grip 200's which felt super light and nimble on the trails. I definitely felt a bit sluggish toward the end though.<br />
<br />
<b>5/20 - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b>5/21 - Fore River, 6.2 @8:29.</b> Fun, spirited run on a gorgeous day. It felt real good to move the legs on the undulating terrain especially in the super-light MT110's.<br />
<br />
<b>5/22 - Robinson Woods, 5.3 @10:11.</b> Time to get back in the swing of things. Since yesterday was a bit peppy today is an easy recovery. I'm thinking about running the Pineland 25k and definitely pondering which 100 to attempt next.<br />
<br />
<b>5/23 - Scarborough Downs Loop, 6.3 @6:33.</b> Today was the mini-tempo test to see if I'm able to race this weekend. I started out quick and picked it up as much as I could staying mostly on the soft shoulder and avoiding the road. The pace felt comfortable, and sustainable with a little slowing in the last mile. I guess I'll sign up and see how it goes...<br />
<br />
<b>5/25 - Wohelo Trails, 1.3.</b> Ran with a client for his first trail run.<br />
<br />
<b>5/25 - Evergreen Trails, 2.5 @11:04.</b> After signing up at Maine Running Company I went out for an easy 5 or 6. Deciding on the Evergreen Trails since I haven't been there in a while I headed out feeling very sluggish. It was quickly apparent that I wasn't going to do much today and ended early from tight quads and sloth-like shuffle. So now I'm nervous about Sunday...<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 5:34</b><br />
<b>Distance: 40.4 </b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pineland 25K:</span></b><br />
<br />
A few months ago I was excited to join the
crew at <a href="http://www.pinelandtrails.com/">Pineland</a> and cheer the <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/">Trail Monsters</a> and everyone on during race days. After the 100 miler I still felt I had a bit of "race" in me. The slow pace of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3579327393901260830#editor/target=post;postID=7174019501163193432">Peaks</a> left me a bit pent-up to move quick on the trails. So I figured since I was going to be at Pineland to cheer, and knowing I wanted to do a long run anyway, I might as well hop in the 25k.<br />
<br />
The legs felt good overall. A bit of soreness in the quads from a spirited run mid-week, but otherwise OK. What I wasn't sure about is if I had any speed left after so much LSD runs. Would I go out feeling great at a comfortable speed and totally bonk near the end? Would I go too slow and comfortable and wish have too much left in the tank? These are the questions that excited me about this distance. I'd never raced it before...<br />
<br />
Alison and I got to the event a bit later than I wanted but it ended up being much better as I didn't have time to get worked up at all. I lined up with a few familiar faces, <a href="http://blackstraphell.blogspot.com/">Jeff Walker</a>, Julia Kirkland, <a href="http://kmark9.blogspot.com/">Kevin Robinson</a>, and a few others. Moving closer to the front of the line a bit too late I found myself bottle-necked in at the start. For the first quarter mile it was basically a warm-up jog jockeying for position. Some 400 people started the race and I was surprised to feel the shoving and shoulders with a semi-intense race feel.<br />
<br />
After chatting with a few people in the beginning including <a href="http://raceacidotic2.blogspot.com/">Chris Dunn</a>, and a new to trails runner, Justin I think, I started to get serious and put a plan in place. Use the energy and run quick on the first 5k downhill. During this time I was again surprised at the pace and racing of some people. A bunch of us trading positions many times as they'd scream downhill past me and I'd chug uphill past them. I definitely found myself being pushed, and pulled along and not allowed to just cruise along. Which was absolutely fantastic. It felt so good to move the legs and run comfortably and conservatively, knowing the course to come.<br />
<br />
We sped out of the woods and headed for the Yurt fields with <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">gIANt</a> and <a href="http://xcityrunning.blogspot.com/">Dave</a> cheering us on. What a great feeling that was to come around the corner and start the push through the fields. My plan was to actually run quicker in the fields getting them done sooner with less exposure time. Then enjoy the shade in the woods more. Not sure if that actually happened but they seemed to go by quick. It was around this time that a few people pulled away from me including Kate Hails, who ended up top female. I remember taking notes on a few of them knowing I'd catch them in the hills, or hopefully Oak Hill.<br />
<br />
On to the ascents. I felt these quite a bit and really had to work to keep moving at a consistent pace up hill. My descents are not the greatest but I tried real hard to push them and gain as much time as gravity would allow me. There was some solace knowing I could handle a bit of pounding, I just didn't know if I was killing myself too early on. Looking at my pace a few times I was slightly worried I'd gone out too fast and would suffer at Oak Hill.<br />
<br />
During the last hill in the Campus Loop I felt strong and consistent, until I hit the flat section. Luckily coming out of the woods, in to the field, hearing and feeling the crowd always invigorates you. With a few quick high fives and smiles from Ian, <a href="http://5squirrels.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a> and I'm sure a few others I grabbed my next Nuun bottle from Alison. I remember her saying in the morning that there really wasn't that much for her to do in such a comparatively short race, but seeing her and exchanging glances was worth a whole lot at that point. As I ran by I heard <a href="http://sn0m8n.blogspot.com/">Ryan</a> say something, and then Alison scream "run faster." Damn, OK!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw2Uwk-C_LywIYDSlnaVc33cUyTUjTKDUi2To7oqVI0hn6YHEuV0OacxiXcMTaRKsxXI8G9z-louF7f6AJYNWHyLi1pfaavWiwvbB_tMtBcjctxwkma5ql5njDemyyh4pK-wlu-hrftQ/s1600/564274_10150833426166027_581776026_10175344_2037903177_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw2Uwk-C_LywIYDSlnaVc33cUyTUjTKDUi2To7oqVI0hn6YHEuV0OacxiXcMTaRKsxXI8G9z-louF7f6AJYNWHyLi1pfaavWiwvbB_tMtBcjctxwkma5ql5njDemyyh4pK-wlu-hrftQ/s320/564274_10150833426166027_581776026_10175344_2037903177_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Gianina Lindsey for the pic, mile 10?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Oak Hill, OK time to try and finish strong. At this point the second place woman, Susannah Beck passed me again. We'd been leap-frogging much of the way and I could tell she was super strong and well versed in racing. I told her to "go get that first place woman!" and she exclaimed, "come with me!" To which I put my head down and churned the grass in the first field as best I could. Somewhere along this section I passed a few of the people I'd been eyeing and realized how great it was to have the home court advantage.<br />
<br />
With a few miles to go I saw Susannah catch and pass Kate and was stoked for her. Then around the next bend Kate was gone after retaking the lead and kicking it in. Damn that was a fun match to watch. Now it was my turn to kick it in. Not so much. I glanced at my watch a few times and realized I was running over 8's on some of the uphills and pushed all I could to maintain sub 8. The final field finally arrived and I gave er all I had. I really wanted to catch Susannah and get in a sub 7 minute final mile, but there was just no way. I did gain some ground on her but wow is she fast!<br />
<br />
After the last little grass death-hill I put all I could in to the finish and chuckled to myself thinking about last years <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=220159911335510&set=t.100000912030845&type=3&theater">weeble-wobble</a> finish. Alison had her back turned to me as I ran by and Sarah screamed "Jeremy!" totally surprising her. Excellent. Good to finish strong and not be hobbled by the longer distances. Really great hanging out with everyone after and cheering on the other racers and finishers! Thanks again to everyone who cheered me on, and all the race organizers and volunteers!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/183048693">Garmin</a> Stats<br />
<br />
<a href="http://racewire.com/results.php?id=190">Results Here </a><br />
<br />
<b>Time: 1:50:04</b><br />
<b>Distance: 25k</b><br />
<b>Place: 14th of 398</b><br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-71740195011631934322012-05-20T16:08:00.000-04:002012-05-20T16:51:00.381-04:00Peaks 100<h2>
<b>Pre: </b></h2>
Alison, Francesca and I arrived in Pittsfield, Vermont around 5:30 p.m. on Friday the 11th. We picked up my bib number, shirt, and hat at the general store and were told the "cool" pull-overs hadn't been dropped off yet by <a href="http://peakraces.peak.com/mcnaughton/">Andy Weinberg</a>, race director. Already relatively full from a huge sub, we skipped the planned dinner of pasta and red sauce and opted to snack instead, settling in at our quite, cozy motel about 25 minutes away. Man, was I excited!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfePMHCQpxsnHHCWz8hKw9Oi4-0ksFUBs70q_7bfTkMUCRBSCAcZS2vxKveJFSV5XvQCXCbykoIHsBej7dF_7oKG7sFjeKimquZedXR0kxasJ5zIt29cs9e8KAQg70By9id_xRUAdqiY/s1600/Pre-fuel+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfePMHCQpxsnHHCWz8hKw9Oi4-0ksFUBs70q_7bfTkMUCRBSCAcZS2vxKveJFSV5XvQCXCbykoIHsBej7dF_7oKG7sFjeKimquZedXR0kxasJ5zIt29cs9e8KAQg70By9id_xRUAdqiY/s320/Pre-fuel+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than just carb-loading...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
The alarms went off at 4:00 a.m. and I popped out of bed with anxious excitement. I was able to down a PB&J bagel, drink some coffee, and suck down an Emergen-C before heading off to the start with much more clothing than expected. 33 degrees was one report as we all huddled around waiting for the start listening to the morning announcements about the course. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEPl00rRVV69N9__IYRvUebJsflXURtddIaEVAdo4JQkAbuZoy28aeKPax5i64rvu9UDgfnzfooKeYHYuCtTDZq9ryfS02-Qka3e0Z7eJj0AW5kzZfZ8kT7U-Oer9MsrC2V4rY-fB4YM/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEPl00rRVV69N9__IYRvUebJsflXURtddIaEVAdo4JQkAbuZoy28aeKPax5i64rvu9UDgfnzfooKeYHYuCtTDZq9ryfS02-Qka3e0Z7eJj0AW5kzZfZ8kT7U-Oer9MsrC2V4rY-fB4YM/s320/Start.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, Mindy, Ian, Valerie, Zak, David, Chuck</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles: 0 - 10</b></h2>
I wolfed down a nature bar, sucked some more Nuun from a Nalgene and took off the warm and cozy's I had on... and.... GO! OK, so it wasn't nearly that loud or enthusiastic. The 30, and 50 mile group headed off across the road for their epic journey, and the 11 or so of us (3 did not start) took off leisurely down the hill and toward the skinny bridge over the Tweed River. There were already a few people out on the course, 2 150 milers, about a dozen 200 milers, and 3 or 4 500 milers. One had already finished, Willy Syndram, simply amazing. He did 50 loops of the ten mile course!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_W6VbGMYwf6TVHMVmu4uxsqENVnrg6W-uRBrAIIJxUmDDnNtf908QkComGsF4IBusmED52GS6vq7FtiXSmyc0NeCIJQ7Sg3RtV_yzLnbrpZNllJDM6AKmwY3LPDC9pIxDygozIH3mxM/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_W6VbGMYwf6TVHMVmu4uxsqENVnrg6W-uRBrAIIJxUmDDnNtf908QkComGsF4IBusmED52GS6vq7FtiXSmyc0NeCIJQ7Sg3RtV_yzLnbrpZNllJDM6AKmwY3LPDC9pIxDygozIH3mxM/s320/bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makeshift bridge from the destruction of Irene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started at the back of the pack and said hi and good luck, making eye contact with everyone. Settling in with Patrick Guerette, and Jennifer Atkinson from New Zealand we began the first climb to the top of the hill. My plan was to take it real easy the first lap, making sure to walk all the ups and take it easy on the descents in roughly 2+ hours, then hover around two for the majority and see how I felt at 50 , hoping to put the hammer down at 80. The information I received from the website was 2400ft of <u>total</u> elevation. That means 1200 up, 1200 down. I also heard that the course might be all switchbacks up and gentle switchbacks down. This was in my head for six months of training...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIwOWttl41f758N5VbnqNnNQ3d0uQE9X03tvkbVBGSzD0-CJEVgd-khbE1n1NbBiJMqTh5sIwJRNJieiORia-1dx831CBBmMijDn-zm39ArgklhxQZQzfXtsN75QBB4O2zRmzXUzf0qU/s1600/steep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIwOWttl41f758N5VbnqNnNQ3d0uQE9X03tvkbVBGSzD0-CJEVgd-khbE1n1NbBiJMqTh5sIwJRNJieiORia-1dx831CBBmMijDn-zm39ArgklhxQZQzfXtsN75QBB4O2zRmzXUzf0qU/s320/steep.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the third steep incline straight up the hill I realized that not only was this a different course, but it was a lot more elevation than published. The aid station was supposed to be at mile 5.5, then I heard 4.5, and finally an e-mail stated 3.5. When we finally crested the hill to shed my Garmin read 2.75 miles. We all continued on not bothering to check the shed as it was too early, maybe there was another one? A few miles later and we realized that was our aid station. I had sent up some Nuun, salt tabs, and potatoes as a drop-bag, and was carrying a handheld but was bummed about the limited liquid so early on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFEjZYcX46uE5gPgppF57evdHA95oOwRTKjMRIGJzWo-zZbH4rfL-3Elsi2ipy2EsKbja2R3THnhwk7fS5VvEpPZdL5FX2S71nmC1rt96ckGVQLMaVCs3HyBdLURHy79XAoBAsTMbR94/s1600/summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFEjZYcX46uE5gPgppF57evdHA95oOwRTKjMRIGJzWo-zZbH4rfL-3Elsi2ipy2EsKbja2R3THnhwk7fS5VvEpPZdL5FX2S71nmC1rt96ckGVQLMaVCs3HyBdLURHy79XAoBAsTMbR94/s320/summit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With gorgeous 360 views of the surrounding foothills we left the exposed peak and cruised along at a comfortable pace, keeping with the plan of walking the ups, and running the downs. The course was muddy, but not horrible. It was quite impossible though to keep feet dry at all as around every corner there seemed to be some sort of mini-water/mud section. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MF1IuaMWIpyYylanqgjz1vH54XTutkC9MAKBQe-p4SHzrEycfUWuSGtai3akPFV5c5HJLRErXBfe3MYbr2KFWqoaAL6uLf0HDSZ6c2dcpdXOmVd6rqOwcive4Y68hay__xiuERjtPBM/s1600/mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MF1IuaMWIpyYylanqgjz1vH54XTutkC9MAKBQe-p4SHzrEycfUWuSGtai3akPFV5c5HJLRErXBfe3MYbr2KFWqoaAL6uLf0HDSZ6c2dcpdXOmVd6rqOwcive4Y68hay__xiuERjtPBM/s320/mud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud here and there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After about a mile we reached an area called the Labyrinth. George Alexion had told me about this gorgeous area of deep, dark woods, with twists and turns, roots and needles, and shared a few pictures from one of his previous two years at Peaks. It was everything he described, very magical, and very fun to <u>walk</u> through (I didn't want to trip too early on).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_DQZgve2fkxNHNL9MKkBQYYgdn5PfcY80gf3071wPSaj5bH9NKZAql7xI2D-Y6piCmQhukFmEiJL-frLtMPn5oPbPobg7WXweufqJHoPlFZ3rHN_onUKYzt1nVkAiqAyp3lu8htDINo/s1600/labirynth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_DQZgve2fkxNHNL9MKkBQYYgdn5PfcY80gf3071wPSaj5bH9NKZAql7xI2D-Y6piCmQhukFmEiJL-frLtMPn5oPbPobg7WXweufqJHoPlFZ3rHN_onUKYzt1nVkAiqAyp3lu8htDINo/s320/labirynth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labyrinth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I ate a Raw Revolution bar, a few dates and was conscious to conserve some liquid. Then began the never-ending switchback section. Great running, real fun and very scenic, with stream crossings, single and double-track, mostly rocky and smooth footing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgOYj0c4soHokRfm_tUVqhroh_xq_dmj_AYEHdzkNH5NMJZpSBtB7ye932EwlXchEBsep_l6eh1y06kPTiXv8eLHYsV0rbKowKdy_k-sWGuU7IJe5xiEG_0DoffGzRD8H1q7LetqMldc/s1600/bushwhack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgOYj0c4soHokRfm_tUVqhroh_xq_dmj_AYEHdzkNH5NMJZpSBtB7ye932EwlXchEBsep_l6eh1y06kPTiXv8eLHYsV0rbKowKdy_k-sWGuU7IJe5xiEG_0DoffGzRD8H1q7LetqMldc/s320/bushwhack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"new trail"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At about the 8.5 mile mark we hit a rather interesting section that reminded me of the Jay Peak race from years back. For a mile we meandered along the river on a very new trail, we were guessing within the last week, from the people on this race. We climbed under, and over logs, walked along cobblestones, slid down muddy slopes, balanced along sticks in the muck, and trudged through sand. A very slow section and after the hard uphill, technical switchbacks, pounding downhills, and forced walk bushwhacking my eyes were wide with the realization that it was going to be a long day...<br />
<br />
<br />
Real thirsty, and a bit shell-shocked I crossed the bridge again and after a half mile of gradual uphill, the first lap was done, 10%... Holy Shit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZO7RF0z45vy82aAjiyE3b4KShj1Bv-IWxHJ-igQNFETuyo8fDzjxy-t3pzduo7qPWZ_jVAhNd46L9Nt06k7mgOuV94fdYibZerR40UrSYSYoQXniQJBZ0mRMJRbSGkneVbd2dUByBrUo/s1600/Peaks+Loop+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZO7RF0z45vy82aAjiyE3b4KShj1Bv-IWxHJ-igQNFETuyo8fDzjxy-t3pzduo7qPWZ_jVAhNd46L9Nt06k7mgOuV94fdYibZerR40UrSYSYoQXniQJBZ0mRMJRbSGkneVbd2dUByBrUo/s320/Peaks+Loop+018.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/178233026#">Garmin Stats Loop One </a><br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 11 - 20:</b></h2>
<br />
After about a two minute transition with Alison, the best crew in the world, I ran alone for about a mile. I think I ate a pb&j roll-up and some veggie sushi on this lap as well as a salt tab. On the second major incline I caught up with Laura Bleakley. We chatted for a bit and I learned she really wasn't having that great a day and had a lot going on during training leading up to this race, so she was just out having fun. She's had some amazing races in the past and I was a bit bummed for her not to be killing it.<br />
<br />
Due to the cool morning weather and the threat of a hot day I decided to pick it up a bit and get a few miles under my belt. I knew the course was going to force a lot of walking, and I really wanted to run a fun quick lap. I met up with Gavin Watson right before the top and we exchanged short stories as we hiked over fun terrain and a bit more mud. Gavin mentioned how gorgeous it would be seeing the sunrise in the morning and I remember thinking no way will I still be out here in the morning! Man was I wrong!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN0ODgA-PFjDXuq0MDGhqfiUnupazjbIQTiAdTIGjbesWdeChgoEQ_wlififvfgss0HccwJDoJrErdA0xjOj5b9b2tvSin8Lbd8MqjPSSAO2Xo9Mg2GJBEpj2cnVeOwwaLWKOFmaquOo/s1600/summit+mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN0ODgA-PFjDXuq0MDGhqfiUnupazjbIQTiAdTIGjbesWdeChgoEQ_wlififvfgss0HccwJDoJrErdA0xjOj5b9b2tvSin8Lbd8MqjPSSAO2Xo9Mg2GJBEpj2cnVeOwwaLWKOFmaquOo/s320/summit+mud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
At the peak I ducked in to the shed for a Nuun refill and some potatoes, and prepared for the descent. I was real surprised to catch up to a guy who was in the hundred as well. This gave me a bit of a jolt as I suddenly realized I was in second place. I did not want to be there though. It was simply too early on, and I didn't want to get hung up on maintaining pace, and placement and burn myself out.<br />
<br />
At the start/finish however it was unavoidable to check the leader-board, see the splits, and get jazzed up a bit. <br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 21 - 30:</b></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9qZr0pXZaR82hZi3rp_w1MJU7IxRQ46T-iuODfw5zIbNxVsHux5nsFkxIfFvXlNMyUrOzzOG_nTnMQfD67JsvpFiX9B3gdupvB3gfl9xMDVHXagh9OZCdZOAejMsDworWWd-_1L5kyY/s1600/demons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9qZr0pXZaR82hZi3rp_w1MJU7IxRQ46T-iuODfw5zIbNxVsHux5nsFkxIfFvXlNMyUrOzzOG_nTnMQfD67JsvpFiX9B3gdupvB3gfl9xMDVHXagh9OZCdZOAejMsDworWWd-_1L5kyY/s320/demons.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the demon himself...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Alison sent me off with a ham and avocado roll-up knowing I'd need some
protein for the day. I was actually full though and ended up carrying
the heavy sandwich for about 7 miles before being able to eat it.<br />
<br />
This lap was brutal. Probably one of the lower points of the race. The demons came in - big time. I didn't feel like I trained enough, was tired, hurting, felt hot spots on my feet, and was moving much slower. I got real down on myself and wondered how the hell I was going to make it another 75 miles feeling the way I was? How will this be possible? I can't DNF! I just can't do it. I'll have to move slower, walking more and get in to survival mode. The thoughts of finishing under 24 hours quickly moved to focusing on finishing before 36 hours, no matter what. Even if I had to sleep for a bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCYxFjIQSxuKQqTiQXD9uim7EPGR6OOo4KikrTtqFzEHw4oCLCNT0zRysFWlzjQ6jHDd4IjRap0FblksrFlEvez0AVwUG_sqfYb-C25Tw6f-hLCZ42TsUrAuos6vo-_5WOfmFnaHN21s/s1600/efficiency+and+organization.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCYxFjIQSxuKQqTiQXD9uim7EPGR6OOo4KikrTtqFzEHw4oCLCNT0zRysFWlzjQ6jHDd4IjRap0FblksrFlEvez0AVwUG_sqfYb-C25Tw6f-hLCZ42TsUrAuos6vo-_5WOfmFnaHN21s/s200/efficiency+and+organization.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organization station!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back at the aid station I ate some potatoes, dates, apricots sucked down some coconut water, and popped a salt pill. I definitely took more time at this transition. As my original plan of no more than two minute stops faded, I opted for the "do whatever it takes to survive" mantra.<br />
<br />
<br />
I once again looked at the board as we had to write our times after each loop and confirmed it was no longer a race. The lead man was increasing his gap by 10 or 15 minutes each lap. Now it was just hold on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 31 - 40:</b></h2>
This lap I felt mentally much better and just concentrated on having
fun, enjoying the day and keeping the positivity high. I had a bit of
leg cramping though which got me semi-nervous, but the sandwich did it's
job and helped with the cramping while tasting amazing! Thanks Alison! I was alone again on the trails, didn't really mind it but I was looking forward to some company, be it pacers, or other runners. I figured the chances were pretty good I'd see some more people relatively quick as Ben Nephew flew by me at the 7 hour mark, clearly leading the 50 milers, surely this would mean more company to follow.<br />
<br />
Not so much. I would pass the occasional 500, 200, or 150 miler and talk with them and their pacers a bit, but it wouldn't last long as most of them were inching their way along with walking sticks and looks of pain and determination on their faces. My mantra was just keep going. This is what you do, you run down hills, and power hike up them. You've trained for this, worked your ass off, keep going. I got the Beastie Boys song in my head for a while: "cause you can't, you won't, and you don't stop!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TwF5r9AV6D8" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I'm sure I ate a few bars, dates and apricots, as well as the potato and salt tab but the specifics are relatively foggy. I know I was really slowing at this point and my feet were really beginning to bug me. Very gentle on some of the downs, more walking, but 40% done! <br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 41 - 50:</b></h2>
Nick Tooker and Zak Wielans were just about to run their 10 mile loop after finishing 40 and waited a bit for me. I was super surprised to see them and could not believe they were going to wait and keep me company! Before heading out I decided to pick up another handheld as the day was heating up. Later reports stated 78 degrees. Each lap I would chug liquid at the aid stations, easily drain my bottle, and be thirsty for the last few miles. I was cautious about too much sodium intake though as I've had hypernatremia before, gained weight swelling my feet and causing massive blisters.<br />
<br />
I was absolutely amazed to hear that Zak had recovered from a rough bout of vomiting earlier on. As he put it, "the worst since college." Listening to the stories of just how difficult the other part of the race was impressed me to see these two still chugging right along. After hearing Zak's story I turned to ask Nick how he was feeling and he stated "oh just fine." Thirty seconds later on an incline we stopped to see him dry-heaving behind us. Jinx.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a>, <a href="http://perpetualmotion-vja.blogspot.com/">Val</a>, <a href="http://5squirrels.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a>, <a href="http://barefoottc.blogspot.com/">Chuck</a> and <a href="http://xcityrunning.blogspot.com/">Dave</a> were all going through their own epic battles, and I definitely took solace in the fact that the <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/">team</a> was out in force pushing through limits. As well as all our support crew going through their ultra-marathon of endurance. Little did I know just how long it would be...<br />
<br />
It was good to catch-up with Nick though. He's had a phenomenal couple of years in the ultra scene, and really broken out with a lot of huge accomplishments. About 7 or so miles in to the lap he decided to kick it in to get under 12 hours. I didn't have time to tell him about he last 1.5 miles of slowness before he sped off... So Zak and I continued on, chatting, and he noted the changes from last years course, to this years. Impressive to know he ran a snowshoe marathon on those trails!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 51 - 60:</b></h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEp32vxVCtkzlgDvEgx_nHcj__Gaec7qZwE3EbAuzGfsWtYTUTe07kTllWiCR7DKDsogGo6kPKhCrVvy9hi4U2FP5XpauZQyNUZ-ndIdn7B2r24vvUnwACYNJjpA6p1HffX4VILj_Li0/s1600/more+hydration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEp32vxVCtkzlgDvEgx_nHcj__Gaec7qZwE3EbAuzGfsWtYTUTe07kTllWiCR7DKDsogGo6kPKhCrVvy9hi4U2FP5XpauZQyNUZ-ndIdn7B2r24vvUnwACYNJjpA6p1HffX4VILj_Li0/s320/more+hydration.jpg" width="240" /></a>Back at the transition once again Alison was a rock star. She was so amazing assessing my needs, laying out all the food in an orderly manner, and getting me ready for the next lap. I'm pretty sure she popped blisters, and I changed my socks before this lap. My cousin Jeff joined me after working all day, driving for two and a half hours, knowing he'd have to turn around and head home after. Very blessed I am. Jeff seemed excited, but later I found out he was a bit nervous from hearing stories about the loop, seeing Nick vomiting at the end, and seeing, and smelling my feet.<br />
<br />
I started this lap with my old waist pack so I didn't need to carry my bottles any more, and I could bring spare headlamps and food if need be. I think I put on my long pants at this point and started with a long sleeved shirt. We began real slow, and I warned Jeff that I was getting slower by the hour. We did have great conversations though and reminisced about old times and previous training runs. Sharing the course with him was akin to bringing your parents to school for a play. I was filled with pride, excitement, and a playful sense while showing him what I'd been doing for the last thirteen hours.<br />
<br />
We donned our headlamps early in the loop and I dimmed my Black Diamond Sprinter to save the battery life. On high it's only supposed to last 5 or 6 hours and it uses a recharging system, not batteries. My plan was to bring along a super-sweet backup headlamp in case it died later on. Of course my original plan was to be out-of-the-woods, so to speak <u>before</u> it died.<br />
<br />
The lap was over relatively quick, and Jeff seemed to enjoy it enough. We said our goodbyes and I prepared for the long night ahead.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 61 - 70:</b></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnb00UEqwibZ3I0ZBn5tkf-Xj4WN5w1-CcjC4HL7bXtoUHLHo9tnJY2_AvXIiZMVglmTmGa3snkHMTu5lqwItgsNHbO3RQ-OhE7UBWlJZgplL_oD4PUQIPXcFDzcXGOY56zcQHwRC8XM/s1600/changing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnb00UEqwibZ3I0ZBn5tkf-Xj4WN5w1-CcjC4HL7bXtoUHLHo9tnJY2_AvXIiZMVglmTmGa3snkHMTu5lqwItgsNHbO3RQ-OhE7UBWlJZgplL_oD4PUQIPXcFDzcXGOY56zcQHwRC8XM/s320/changing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Alison hooked me up with some more soup and veggie sushi this lap which tasted so much better than the Raw Revolution and Mojo bars I'd been consuming all day. I'm pretty sure I put on a warmer long-sleeve shirt, my tank-top over that, and a light wind-breaker, as well as hat and gloves.<br />
<br />
I ran alone, but the peace and tranquility of the woods and illuminated focus of only a few meters was somehow comforting. Surprisingly enough I heard a few song birds, the kind you usually hear in the early morning. My company was also kept by a few Baird owls, a lot of tiny mice, and a plethora of insects. At one point for a few hundred yards the ground seemed to come alive, rustling as though a strong October wind was kicking up leaves. For a bit I thought I was hallucinating, and tried to figure out what it was. Near as I could tell there were hundreds of mice under the leaves, chowing on bugs. Emma would later attest to this phenomenon, and clear me of any delusional stigma. <br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 71 - 80:</b> </h2>
<br />
So, back at the ranch Alison was gracious enough to tend to my blistered, battered, and trenched feet again. I ate more soup, consumed a bunch of coconut water, and leaned back in the chair. Shaking with every muscle in my body due to the cool temps and my core dropping, Ian was quick to throw his sleeping bag over my head and shoulders, and Alison a draped a blanket over my legs. I told people I was going to sleep for 15 minutes, but no longer than a half hour. It didn't happen. I did shut my eyes for 5 minutes or so, but was just too cold to calm down, and I figured I might as well keep going.<br />
<br />
This lap I had the pleasure of having Emma as my company. We started out real slow, and then slowed some more. I'm pretty sure we walked the entire lap. It was fantastic to have her out there, especially knowing she'd been up for much of the day, and already run a lap with Ian, after his epic adventure. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicYc7BFMVmS-c3hEN6UC10ixR2Bhj9cfJwoNV9_J9kXoBe6cnlXkpWwBmgCjBa6sNczo5JeGLTriTGtaC1NoZJ4BNhR3e7wRSw045IwILOUZ2dhous8x6hkpTQFy1AMN39bEAbNKdRkg/s1600/After+80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicYc7BFMVmS-c3hEN6UC10ixR2Bhj9cfJwoNV9_J9kXoBe6cnlXkpWwBmgCjBa6sNczo5JeGLTriTGtaC1NoZJ4BNhR3e7wRSw045IwILOUZ2dhous8x6hkpTQFy1AMN39bEAbNKdRkg/s200/After+80.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 80</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I began to pee more frequently, probably about every half hour or so. I think I added up 8 times. But I was also consistently thirsty. I couldn't fathom I was low on sodium-serum, but wondered if I'd taken too much only drinking Nuun. It was so annoying knowing I've been working getting this right for so many years and here I was blistered, thirsty, yet peeing constantly.<br />
<br />
We trudged on, real slow and real difficult. Every step was so painful with raw and blistered feet that it was pure agony on some of the steep descents. I adopted a sideways walk, and my gait had long since changed to favor one foot or the other, and try to land graciously on the inside or outside, whichever would hurt less. The next twenty were gonna be slow and tedious, but I was absolutely determined to finish. <br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 81 - 90:</b></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold and miserable...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After wrapping up again in the blanket and sleeping bag and a bit more soup, some coffee, and a recovery drink, I was joined once again by Emma. The fact that she was able to stay up, push off plans to drive home, and hang out in the woods on another slow lap was simply amazing to me. I can't thank her enough!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately the coffee, and whey in the recovery drink forced a bio
break about two miles in to the loop. That done I was ready to kick it in gear and head for the final lap. I was actually able to jog a bit and started to get real motivated to finish.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Monsters and Francesca!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The weather warmed considerably and I ended up taking off my long pants as well as my jacket and attaching them to my waist. I continually checked to make sure they, and my gloves were still there, as my pack was full of food and emergency lighting. <br />
<br />
The feelings began welling up within me that this was actually going to happen. I'd been taking Yerba Mate shots since mile 50, about one a lap, and they were really starting to kick in. I'm sure that, and the fact that Alison had given me a few Iced Tea Nuuns, (also caffeinated) really started to fire me up. <br />
<br />
We finished that lap and were greeted by Francesca once again. She was absolutely a great co-crew with Alison and the rest, and kept my spirits high at the end of each lap. It sounds like she was quite the social girl too! <br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Miles 91 - 100:</b></h2>
OK, one more...<br />
I sat down and Alison took more care of me. I ate something I'm sure, drank a bunch and don't really remember how long I was there. Along with Alison, Ian, Emma, Pete and Mindy were there. Not sure who else was floating around but it seemed like a big crowd. <br />
<br />
I asked jokingly if anyone wanted to "hike" a lap with me, and to my surprise Pete said "sure, I will." <br />
I really couldn't believe it, and simply didn't expect it. But before I knew it I was heading down the trail with him in the hot, afternoon sun. After the climb, and some great conversation, we crested the peak, he and took in the surrounding, sand snapped a few photos. After my final refill of Nuun, salt and a few potatoes it was time to descend.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">92.75</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Probably 3 or so miles in to the loop a guy ran by us in a blue shirt with a number on it. Now I saw 126, but wasn't sure. Pete agreed there was definitely a number, but not sure what it was. All I could think of is that there was no way this was a 200 miler streaming by us. It had to be a 100 miler. Which meant I was getting my ass passed this late in the game, and losing my second place finish. I said to Pete, basically, oh well there's nothing I can do about it now. I can barely walk, let alone give chase. Kudos to him.<br />
<br />
About a half mile later I looked up from the trail and just started running. I remember thinking I'm so tired of walking. I came here to run, this is what I do. "You can't, you won't, and you don't stop." At first the pain in my feet was intense, then it simply faded. I did what I've heard other people do and disown the pain, push past it. It felt so good to run, and I realized I had a lot of energy even though my legs were tired. I definitely thought of all the long, hard runs, and the coaching that Yassine Diboun laid out for me. His consistency, and specificity in training definitely proved itself in the final miles.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Labyrinth section came and went, and it was so much fun. I ran it for the first time, and worried not about the roots, twists and turns and possibility of tripping, but enjoyed the trail, the cooler air and the plastered smile on my face. The ground seemed to flow underneath me, and it was as if I ran on a picture of a trail laid out before me. No obstructions, roots, or rocks, but flat and easy to run. At each water crossing I leaped across like a kid headed for recess, squishing through every puddle and bit of mud I could find.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOmiTeS1I3x0cqYLwDctgb9qNc6MJhGkMsHdbwVdp90uMtvCHrTNGphM4NtHWbBXgYJWXnJjOSsRR7RC13q7NENMYXmjGQyKA_NMVJaA2IF1FicjZnS03p88AM1aBztW04A5g7SWw7jY/s1600/stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOmiTeS1I3x0cqYLwDctgb9qNc6MJhGkMsHdbwVdp90uMtvCHrTNGphM4NtHWbBXgYJWXnJjOSsRR7RC13q7NENMYXmjGQyKA_NMVJaA2IF1FicjZnS03p88AM1aBztW04A5g7SWw7jY/s320/stream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weeee!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At one point I tried blowing a flapper out of my nose, but just couldn't seem to get it out. In the process my nose started bleeding. So as we cruised by some bushes I grabbed a handful of leaves and proceeded to blow my nose with makeshift Kleenex. Pete thought it was quite interesting, I just didn't want to finish with blood all over my face.<br />
<br />
Pete was cruising right behind me for most of the jaunt but occasionally he'd cut through the woods to bisect the next switchback. I ran all the ups, no matter the incline, on sections I'd religiously walked each previous lap. With the intense adrenaline time went by so fast and yet I felt very calm and light and everything seemed easy. <br />
<br />
Pete and I had decided that when I got to the bushwhacking section he'd pass me to get ahead and tell the others I was coming. When the final mile and a half came, I ran. I absolutely felt like I did when I was a kid, screaming through the woods, pushing branches away, jumping over logs, diving under logs, sliding down mud hills, and spinning sideways by saplings. I had come nowhere near a jog during the majority of the river section on any lap before, but this time it just felt right, and in no way tricky or difficult. Weird.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over and under</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Towards the middle of the section I passed man in the blue shirt. Holy shit. He was so surprised, and I heard him start to give chase. By this point I had totally forgotten about him and the whole final run was not about placement, or beating someone, I was just having fun <u>running</u>. It was pure enjoyment, filled with the exhilaration of the moment, topped with athletic release. However, I do remember thinking, once I passed him, that there was no way he was getting by me...<br />
<br />
Then, over the bridge, up the half mile grassy, wooded section, on to the final dry, rocky climb and done! Cricket, cricket... where was everyone? I walked toward the leader board where a few people stood and after a few moments they saw me and started cheering. A few moments later Alison and Mindy came around the corner smiling ear to ear. I think Alison said something like, "you're an hour and a half early!"<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unwrap a smile!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<b>Post: </b></h2>
Finishing this race was by far one of the toughest things I've endured. Not only due to the mileage, but also the change of game plan from expectation. I learned so much out there that I've tried to take notes, jotting things down as I think of them. I sincerely want to reiterate just how much I believe races of that caliber are a <u>team</u> event. There's no way I could have done that without the Trail Monsters to train with, learn from, and gain support and crew from. I could not have made it that far with that energy at the end without the plan from <a href="http://www.yassinediboun.com/yassinediboun/blog">Yassine</a>. The miles would not have gone by without the partnership from Nick, Zak, Jeff and most impressively, Emma helping me through on the laps. Mindy, Ian, Pete, Rick, Dave, Val, Chuck, Zak, everyone was so excellent before, during, and after. But most importantly Alison. Her patience and sacrifices over the long winter miles, her steadfastness, organization, intuitiveness for dietary needs, medical abilities, and of course, love. I could not have made it to the finish without her, and Francesca!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Pic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A big thank you as well to Mark Hallenthal, Valerie Abradi, Peter Slovinsky, and Alison for the pictures. As well as Andy Weinberg, and all the volunteers that made the weekend possible!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leader board, clock time from 36:00 (200 miler start)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few stats:<br />
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<col style="mso-width-alt: 3029; mso-width-source: userset;" width="71"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" width="53"><br /></td>
<td width="53"><br /></td>
<td width="53"><br /></td>
<td width="76"><br /></td>
<td width="76"><br /></td>
<td width="80"><br /></td>
<td width="80"><br /></td>
<td width="71"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><br /></td>
<td class="xl44">Lap #</td>
<td class="xl50">Mile</td>
<td class="xl45">Clock Time </td>
<td class="xl45"> Transition</td>
<td class="xl45">Total Lap Time</td>
<td class="xl46">Moving Time</td>
<td class="xl26"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><br /></td>
<td class="xl38"><br /></td>
<td class="xl51"><br /></td>
<td class="xl42"><br /></td>
<td class="xl42">(approximate)</td>
<td class="xl29"><br /></td>
<td class="xl47">(approximate)</td>
<td class="xl27"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl39">1</td>
<td class="xl52">0-10</td>
<td class="xl49">2:10:55</td>
<td class="xl36"><br /></td>
<td class="xl36">2:11</td>
<td class="xl37">2:11</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">2</td>
<td class="xl53">11-20</td>
<td class="xl43">4:25:10</td>
<td class="xl30">2:00</td>
<td class="xl30">2:14</td>
<td class="xl32">2:12</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">3</td>
<td class="xl53">21-30</td>
<td class="xl43">6:52:26</td>
<td class="xl30">5:00</td>
<td class="xl30">2:27</td>
<td class="xl32">2:22</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">4</td>
<td class="xl53">31-40</td>
<td class="xl43">9:30:10</td>
<td class="xl30">10:00</td>
<td class="xl30">2:38</td>
<td class="xl32">2:28</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">5</td>
<td class="xl53">41-50</td>
<td class="xl43">12:39:37</td>
<td class="xl30">5:00</td>
<td class="xl30">3:09</td>
<td class="xl32">3:04</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">6</td>
<td class="xl53">51-60</td>
<td class="xl43">15:54:00</td>
<td class="xl30">10:00</td>
<td class="xl30">3:15</td>
<td class="xl32">3:05</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">7</td>
<td class="xl53">61-70</td>
<td class="xl43">19:30:25</td>
<td class="xl30">15:00</td>
<td class="xl30">3:36</td>
<td class="xl32">3:21</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">8</td>
<td class="xl53">71-80</td>
<td class="xl43">24:00:24</td>
<td class="xl30">15:00</td>
<td class="xl30">4:30</td>
<td class="xl32">4:15</td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td class="xl40">9</td>
<td class="xl53">81-90</td>
<td class="xl43">28:28:24</td>
<td class="xl31">25:00</td>
<td class="xl30">4:28</td>
<td class="xl32">4:03</td>
<td class="xl28"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><br /></td>
<td class="xl41">10</td>
<td class="xl54">91-100</td>
<td class="xl48">31:55:24</td>
<td class="xl33">37:00</td>
<td class="xl34">3:37</td>
<td class="xl35">3:00</td>
<td class="xl28"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="14">
<td height="14"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td class="xl24"><br /></td>
<td class="xl24"><br /></td>
<td class="xl25"><br /></td>
<td class="xl24"><br /></td>
<td class="xl24"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Time: 31:55:24</b><br />
<br />
<b>Distance: 100 miles</b><br />
<br />
<b>Elevation: 21,840 ft.</b> (according to corrected elevation by Garmin)<br />
<b> 22,960 ft</b>. (according to corrected elevation by RunningAhead) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxOfl7xqGz8u11UDWROqiM_TsDju61QAZ4YOhrMFKhSr-mykH_jyuPPYsVOkAqKlMplmuO9ZtvdUkNsHScSPQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-19612696530806401072012-05-10T15:22:00.002-04:002012-05-10T15:22:45.005-04:00The final milesWell here we go! The final week of the taper before McNaughton and I'm as ready as I can be. Of course there's always more you wish you got done but for the time and effort and for this training cycle I'm happy. <br />
<br />
I've thrown some goals and thoughts out to a few people about the race, but as the time gets closer, and I think more about it I have but one goal. To finish. With two DNF's under my belt and not having run past 77 miles I'm playing it smart. Sure it'd be awesome to get under 24 hours and cross the finish for a podium spot, but I really, really just want to have my own run and be conservative to get through. <br />
<br />
I need this confidence boost to continue on in other events and race those. In my first 50 I just wanted to finish. Then a few years later, after injuries I decided to set a goal and see what I could do. I got a bit ahead of myself this year and figured I'd set some goals since I figured I had some experience in the long distance. However this could be a recipe for disaster. Too much can happen out there.<br />
<br />
That said the taper went well, as well as it could have gone. Here are the final few miles:<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Stroudwater Trail, 4.</b> Interesting run in wet soggy, slippery conditions. Warmed up for a mile
then did two miles of 30 second fartleks with a minute easy in between,
and a mile cool-down.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Eastern Trail, 3. </b> Ahh the final run before the big day! Just an easy 3 to shake out the
legs and make sure I'm over-thinking every aspect of the race... the
madness!<br />
<br />
Alright time to keep eating!Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-36758380876926232592012-05-08T18:07:00.000-04:002012-05-09T16:20:12.203-04:00Turtle-time-taper<b>Monday - Rest</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb2VISPS3e7q8HGIoekBs80Br-sJpmQIa-gAruDOvNVLj8f4gHgQ21aH9TUq-vEXFgTeUwAe-Pa0OVVSymJf-zNMhnsatgyvepBLfMZRd8uAFpJvNXzyMcQoG3sOw4a46Cu7HPeQb1zI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb2VISPS3e7q8HGIoekBs80Br-sJpmQIa-gAruDOvNVLj8f4gHgQ21aH9TUq-vEXFgTeUwAe-Pa0OVVSymJf-zNMhnsatgyvepBLfMZRd8uAFpJvNXzyMcQoG3sOw4a46Cu7HPeQb1zI/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinda how I've felt all week...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Robinson Woods, 6.</b> Nice and easy out-and-back with full winter gear on due to rainy cold conditions.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Back Cove, 7.2.</b> I
intended to hit the track today, but with a late start they were
already in use. So to the Back Cove it was for 6 X 800 with a two mile
warm up and 1.5 cool down with 2 minute rest in between sets. It felt
real good to move the legs quick and it was real fun to splash through
puddles and push the bridge in the wind. I think a pissed a few people off splashing too much though...<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Off</b><br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Blackstrap Preserve, 8.</b> I intended to get out for a run mid-day for my last hilly run before
McNaughton but didn't make it out until after dark. So I decided to try
my backup headlamps which I've run with for six years or so during
night runs that require more light. One on the head, one on the
waist. I'll wear a brighter single headlamp in Vermont, but wanted to
make sure I had bases covered, just in case.
<br />
<br />
The conditions at Blackstrap Preserve are semi-technical with roots,
and rocks on the older trails, but more importantly a lot of leaf
matter built up in tiny moguls making footing even worse. It wasn't very
conducive for an injury-free, steady hill run at night. Add on the
thickest fog I've ever run in and it made for a very slow, very cautious
jaunt. With visibility only a a couple feet, I headed off in to the
woods a few times not able to tell where the trail was.
<br />
<br />
At least I'm "fog" trained for McNaughton now...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Robinson Woods, 7.</b> Mellow run nice and relaxed. Oh yeah, until a huge dog bit my hand as I ran by it and it's mutt brother and running owner. Not cool, had some words...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Stroudwater, 7.</b> OK run, nice and slow. A new section of trail has been created diverting
people up the hillside and away from the highly worn area by the river making a nice new single track. Saw a few people out, one shitting in the
middle of an off-shoot trail. Great visual during a run...<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 5:48</b><br />
<b>Distance: 35.4</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 2760</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-37262465314684423672012-05-02T18:09:00.001-04:002012-05-02T18:26:01.026-04:00Taper Goodness<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4/23 - 4/28 </b></span><br />
<br />
After last weeks high mileage my body definitely responded well to a taper and fewer miles.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HKtsdZs9LJo" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Monday -</b> <b>Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Fore River, 6.24.</b> Great run with cousin Jeff on the fun Fore River trails. This run was
supposed to be easy, but it's been so long since Jeff and I ran together
it was hard not to throw in a few spurts here and there. Jeff
definitely has some speed in his legs and power to back it up. He
cruises the trails in a commanding way and I really think he'll crush
upcoming 25 and 50k events.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Blackstrap, 9.2.</b> Nice hilly run with Jeff. We did a few random ups and downs including
the excellent gas line roller coaster. It was great showing Jeff a few
of the local trails and catching up on events in our lives.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Robinson Woods, 6.</b> Ran nice and easy, and conservative thinking about the race the whole time. Super excited.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Blackstrap Preserve, 8.</b> Sluggish run today with a bit more effort than I would have liked, and a slower pace than anticipated.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Pineland, 21.</b> Started off the run in the afternoon on yet another windy day. Ran the Oak Hill section first and after hitting the Campus Loop picked up the pace for the middle portion of the run. Cruised on all the trails and couldn't help thinking about the huge Pineland Festival coming up. Finished nice and easy on super tired legs, and with very little energy left. <br />
<br />
<b>Time: 8:05</b><br />
<b>Distance: 50.6</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 6167</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-59646400714286148112012-04-23T18:24:00.000-04:002012-04-23T18:27:38.686-04:00100 mile weekWell it's happened, a hundred mile week. Always wanted to do it, but it seemed way out of reach and possibly not necessary. I can definitely say I see the benefits of "high" mileage training, old school style and don't want it to end. I've really enjoyed the training, miles on my feet, new surroundings, chats with friends and the benefits of hills, speed, and LSD. I've learned so much during this training schedule and really can't wait to coach other people, share with friends, tweak it for future events, and get back to another race.<br />
<br />
This week my goal was not only to finish 100 miles strong, but to attain more elevation <u>gain</u> than the race. Peaks is 10 laps, of ten miles with 2400ft of elevation each lap. That's 24,000 for the whole race, but 12,000 up and 12,000 down.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rG-13Gdm-XY" width="420"></iframe>
<b><u> </u></b><br />
<br />
<b><u>Monday</u> -</b> The cold persists... rest.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Tuesday</u> - Robinson Woods, 7.</b> Real nice and easy run getting the kinks out from last week. Still coughing but getting better.<br />
<br />
<b>Stroudwater, 7.</b> Night run on legs that felt hard. It almost felt like I was running on
roads. Maybe due to the super dry conditions and hard ground, or maybe
picking my feet up higher than usual so as not to trip. The entire
trail was illuminated by spider eyes that glistened in the light of my
headlamp a deep blue and green. I probably saw over a hundred of the
little critters along the trail, enough that I was dodging them.
<br />
<br />
On the drive home I had a crazy coughing fit that almost took me off
the road and at the same time picked ticks off of me by the dozens,
tossing them out the window as I felt more crawling up my legs...not
fun.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Wednesday</u> - Blackstrap Preserve, 9.</b> A little rough start and a pace that felt much slower than it ended up
being. Didn't have a whole lot of snap to the legs but overall a fun
workout with great, clear views of the Whites.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u> - Winnick Woods, 7.2.</b> Felt surprisingly good today, finally. The cold is definitely on it's
way out and I felt "in control" for the first time in a few weeks during
the run. That is to say I wasn't constantly pushing to stay moving, I
was running slow because I wanted to, not because I had no other choice.<br />
<br />
<b>Fore River, 7.2.</b> Another nice and slow run. My legs are starting to feel the inclines a bit from this week. Time to take 'er easy...<br />
<br />
<b><u>Friday</u> - Blackstrap Preserver, 9.2.</b> Good run definitely slower than usual on the hills but saving my legs for the weekend. The cold is gone!! Hell yeah!!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday</u> - Mt. Agamenticus, 31.2.</b> Zak joined me for a run at Mt. Agamenticus, and I joined him for a few extra miles, changing the weekend up a bit to run a 50k as opposed to the 26 I had on tap. The day started out humid, with overcast skies and turned to a gorgeous day with sun, a few clouds and a cool breeze. <br />
<br />
We started out attempting the Big A 50k course but quickly got off course and basically just cruised around the whole day. With a little bushwhacking, some slogging on the hills and a few stops at the truck to refuel and hydrate it was truly a great day. We were both running "light" with only a handheld and a bar or gel and made quick transitions at the truck. <br />
<br />
For the final few miles we were definitely tuckered, dehydrated, and feeling the miles. This semi-forced bonk was a great time to test out our endurance, and while I pushed it up a few hills, Zak most assuredly pushed it down a few hills, leaving me cringing with every foot-fall.<br />
<br />
It was an absolutely fabulous, and hard day on technical terrain, both old and new to us and there is just too much to put in words.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday</u> - Pineland, 23.5.</b> Helped out a bit today with Ian's Pineland Trail Tour. He had set up an event to help out 20 or so people who are running one of the many races during the Pineland event and asked Blaine and I to give him a hand. The three of us ran with our respective groups in the cool, windy temps for a bit over 11 miles.<br />
<br />
With a few changes of liquid and food I headed out for a steady 12 miles or so. It was difficult to get moving again, and a bit challenging to keep the motivation up. The legs were feeling a few of the miles for sure and as much as I tried there were very few pick-ups on the run except for the final few miles at Oak Hill. <br />
<br />
<b>Time: 18:18:52</b><br />
<b>Distance: 101.3</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 13,552</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-29288116057411293402012-04-19T10:52:00.000-04:002012-04-19T10:52:27.128-04:00A realization of "low" pointsMost of my runs this week were done feeling sick, fatigued, and were mentally just challenging. It was real hard to get out, and get in the miles when all I wanted to do, and all my body wanted to do, was sleep. The week felt like many of the low points experienced in an ultra. So with that in mind I treated the week like low-point training, and simply slogged through like every other runner does at one point in their training cycle.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kIjkW6iyXNo" width="560"></iframe>
<b> </b><br />
<b><u>Monday</u> - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>Tuesday</u> - Eastern Trail, 6.</b> Nice and easy on a cool, overcast day. I dressed like it was winter to keep my core temp up. Kinda silly looking.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Wednesday</u> - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u> - Stroudwater, 6.</b> Really feeling sick today and with no sleep last night due to coughing I felt the run more than I should have. Good sleep deprivation training though. I was supposed to do a double today but erred on the side of caution, and rest.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Friday</u> - Blackstrap Preserve, 11.</b> Better than expected run feeling still sluggish from the cold. Coughed
basically the whole way but kept the pace real, real slow and really
enjoyed the weather, turkeys, and seeing a martin chowing down a
chipmunk. Tacked on a few of the miles I missed yesterday.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday</u> - Eastern Trail, 8.</b> Slow run, feeling rough.<br />
<b>Scarborough, 4.</b> My nose ran faster than I did. Added this run in to get the mileage.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday</u> - Blackstrap Area, 35.5.</b> The plan today was to get in the miles, no matter what. Luckily <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a> and Tyler were up for a bunch of miles and were willing to hang for quite a while with my plan of mapping as many trails as possible in the greater Blackstrap area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdQBN09rZvdVi-eud-meTQ7qqJmUEX8RhgsjrXsgRmqBiiW4i9HfWHhM6lvTPZsqSP5GIImbPyScHajZHLzXeOysoPtuvRdb8z_4ded1Lubb7yCSG55xu5Gl_MANnCp-jyPIf8Wq7Tpc/s1600/dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdQBN09rZvdVi-eud-meTQ7qqJmUEX8RhgsjrXsgRmqBiiW4i9HfWHhM6lvTPZsqSP5GIImbPyScHajZHLzXeOysoPtuvRdb8z_4ded1Lubb7yCSG55xu5Gl_MANnCp-jyPIf8Wq7Tpc/s320/dam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver Dam</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We met at the Preserve parking lot, donned our gear and I went over what I wanted to accomplish. Basically I was hoping to hit the three bitches, Skillins Tree Farm, Blackstrap, and Lowell Preserves, with power lines and whatever part of the famous "Jungle Run" we could get in. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH7ZKkIo_r0XHUi6aFQ8X1UbCwe7xIPOwKKS3c9xxVIm7MgkJ8zncJXeLC7-URTzgmdojaOgM5jJQEz2T7nElknOfWSfGkOx9LKwqvopcy8D2l8vIm9CquMiSg2pyafSmP1PZ_PoXPgw/s1600/ian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH7ZKkIo_r0XHUi6aFQ8X1UbCwe7xIPOwKKS3c9xxVIm7MgkJ8zncJXeLC7-URTzgmdojaOgM5jJQEz2T7nElknOfWSfGkOx9LKwqvopcy8D2l8vIm9CquMiSg2pyafSmP1PZ_PoXPgw/s320/ian.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty the shoes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The three of us set out on the long downhill to the bottom of the gas line trail which led us up, and with a little bushwhacking, connected us to the three bitches. At that point we did a few hill repeats at Skillins and continued on the power lines back to the vehicles where we refueled and hydrated.<br />
<br />
Tyler had about 20 on tap for today and after the first stop we'd accomplished 12. At this point I realized my original plan of hitting the power lines first before the sun got too hot was moot, as there are no leaves on the trees to offer shelter anyway. So I was starting to feel the heat a bit, but hydrating like crazy to keep healthy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zzK3fnUSvgjamCmQqFXcMUR6JdZbq22uzWk7oKcV0YdsmTYd6EEIh19BRNQOl9FdW_27ek601lRVF3MkWpUBiE2bRfdJxvyUI8SC69UtHPKyOrVTJLrzbbQUESlmqZ7AW4ybXWuvwuo/s1600/tyler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zzK3fnUSvgjamCmQqFXcMUR6JdZbq22uzWk7oKcV0YdsmTYd6EEIh19BRNQOl9FdW_27ek601lRVF3MkWpUBiE2bRfdJxvyUI8SC69UtHPKyOrVTJLrzbbQUESlmqZ7AW4ybXWuvwuo/s320/tyler.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On down the hills again and through some excellent single-track, then over to the Lowell Preserve, which is new to me. We decided to tread cautiously as the area is vast, Ian had only explored a portion of it, and <a href="http://blackstraphell.blogspot.com/">Jeff</a> warned of the "lost" possibilities. With that in mind I definitely wanted to hit some of the peaks, as did Ian, but we didn't quite crest anything large. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhxBTTv0iNGggWyRAls3kLbc34CXS0VYqyfZ3DYkIUVMDQbwEEBvyogWtLDjW7wQVxjTfENmgfQByYs5e0g53R1_Mu7Pqef9mAKTb_k2KJuVYbc7EeJRJ_SOQVmHlAr4WXpHLze_hGIg/s1600/open+space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhxBTTv0iNGggWyRAls3kLbc34CXS0VYqyfZ3DYkIUVMDQbwEEBvyogWtLDjW7wQVxjTfENmgfQByYs5e0g53R1_Mu7Pqef9mAKTb_k2KJuVYbc7EeJRJ_SOQVmHlAr4WXpHLze_hGIg/s320/open+space.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Let's hit the open space"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While Tyler turned around to finish his run, Ian and I trudged on. Through fields, roads, sand pits and some undiscovered country. We finally ended up at the lower parking lot on Hurricane Rd. and began the ascent back up to the parking lot. Ian had just come off a momentous week, as well as a race the day before and made the smart decision to finish on a high note a bit under what he wanted. With fluids running out, and the day getting hotter, it was a wise decision.<br />
<br />
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<span id="goog_1959129030"></span><span id="goog_1959129031"></span><br />
On to the final leg, 12 more miles. I loaded up with potatoes, a few more salt tabs, a bar, and some apricots and headed down again. This time as much as I wanted to explore more of the Lowell area I decided to stay closer and ended up hitting the bitches again with some exploration of side trails. On the way there I experienced some nasty smelling mud, bushwhacked more than I really wanted to, and discovered a sweet ski jump. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-lTzaKINirTD-0hATBdNJH0cr_azIpBlfWu-mPs-AYwkyejnR0hD9BcmjIUDChoO7z8Hc0QZ4I7XLHMXcXA2lbTkGEWpBMhaakcI9ym18oRXo9YA6gaixFyNTrdXXYkTEiSBiGxUt3s/s1600/ski+jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-lTzaKINirTD-0hATBdNJH0cr_azIpBlfWu-mPs-AYwkyejnR0hD9BcmjIUDChoO7z8Hc0QZ4I7XLHMXcXA2lbTkGEWpBMhaakcI9ym18oRXo9YA6gaixFyNTrdXXYkTEiSBiGxUt3s/s320/ski+jump.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CrossFit</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With about five miles to go I was once again out of water faster than anticipated. So I decided to hit what I thought was Blackstrap Rd. and hit the truck for a refuel. It was not Blackstrap however and I ended up running way more than I wanted to on the road and had to do an out-and-back while finding my way. At this point Alison gave me a call wondering where I was and asking If I wanted Lobster for lunch... Oh man, yes, and yes! <br />
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<br />
After a quick stop at the truck I headed down for another real slow hill repeat to get in the final miles. It was a great day with great company and really reiterated some ultra feel of running when tired, and mentally just done. I hope I mimicked some conditions I'll feel in a month, and hope I can recall the drive to get through.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 12:29 hrs</b><br />
<b>Distance: 70.5 miles</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 7600 ft</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-70687236384420097862012-04-11T23:29:00.001-04:002012-04-12T16:45:38.067-04:00Sir Coughs-A-LotYup full blown cold. Coughing is a great way to cross train at least. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W_cxz3yY71JtN1cnjqY75B_pjVzW62hZoFsnEZlS7kSvb-hV1-rMBesLi9aD2CLOggCFzbtq4pWzs0F_y1rHctxNJcvveRjb2pF2u-UsWwDpssem-eQKhMGQQrtWSWXdmfka9jfu45U/s1600/Sunrise+at+60+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W_cxz3yY71JtN1cnjqY75B_pjVzW62hZoFsnEZlS7kSvb-hV1-rMBesLi9aD2CLOggCFzbtq4pWzs0F_y1rHctxNJcvveRjb2pF2u-UsWwDpssem-eQKhMGQQrtWSWXdmfka9jfu45U/s320/Sunrise+at+60+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at 60mph on I295</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Monday - Winnick Woods, 6.</b> Just did a few enjoyable outer loops and had a blast.<br />
<br />
<b>Eastern Trail, 6.</b> Went out later than anticipated on a dark, clear, comfortably windy
night. Felt real sluggish at the end as I hadn't had dinner yet. Not a
great idea for the grumbling stomach.<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Blackstrap Preserve, 8.4.</b> Really gorgeous and fun run exploring a bunch of trails I've never been
on. I still haven't touched some of them and can't wait to get back
out. A bit sluggish still today.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Bradbury, 6.</b> Headed out today for an easy run at the Brad. I didn't want to do too
much hill work so I started off at the school field and headed out where
I used to rock climb a bunch. The trail meanders along nicely for a
while then instead of going where I was used to I took a left over the
river and headed up on trails I've not been on before. Eventually I
ended up at the quarry, where I spent some time exploring and
visualizing fun shallow water climbs for the summer.
<br />
<br />
After a few dead-ends around Mt. Tryon I found myself cruising along
the back side of the connector and part of the Big Bad Ultra course.
As much as I enjoyed the familiar trails I really felt the desire to
explore so with my sluggish pace I headed up the back side of the Brad
bushwhacking until I found a few more dead-end trails and finally the
boundary trail.
<br />
<br />
At this point I figured I should head back and just did a clockwise
loop around the mountain ending up at the south west corner of the
boundary trail where another rarely used trail brought me back down to
the field.<br />
<br />
<b>Eastern Trail, 6.</b> Just a cruise on the flat stuff. Big happenings by the
marsh though. All sorts of fish and game, cars, fish nets and dudes in
waders. Whoa...<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Blackstrap Preserve, 8.5.</b> Great run with <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a>, Zak, and Andy at the preserve. Ian shared a few
more of the hilly, single-track, super fun trails today and between the
four of us and the dogs we got a great workout connecting some real
exciting areas.<br />
<br />
Decided to get my full 8 in so after running with Ian, Zak, and Andy I headed up to Hardy road to get in a few more miles.
<br />
<br />
Right at the start of the trail a dog began barking uncontrollably
at me and ran along the property line. I've been up and down this trail
many times and have never seen it before but I figured it wouldn't
bother me too much and continued to run. I then noticed that it had no
leash and was coming straight at me. OK, so hopefully there's an
electric fence. I got a few more yards down the trail and heard him
right behind me barking like Cujo. I came to a dead stop and turned,
and the dog put the brakes on kicking up dust and leaves as it came to a
stop as well. So began the stand-off for the next five minutes or so.
I talked nicely to it and tried to calm it down, even turned again to
walk away, but it started after me again. Now I started yelling at the
house for anyone to come and get their dog. Nothing. I finally just
started walking backwards keeping an eye on it, as every time I looked
away it would start after me, barking the whole time. After about a
hundred yards of backward walking up the hill it finally stopped and I
was able to continue my run. Not cool.
<br />
<br />
On the way down I grabbed a hefty stick and took the road instead.
Where of course I heard it barking at someone else. A couple was
walking their tiny dogs and were trying to figure out what to do. I
told them of my run-in and they just turned around, stating they'd never
seen the dog before either.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJWd5mnHc0T8dJQP2x6OXWb5NYO5VsSxIOGxQRpWEfi_Dm1p1xL69yf1oJsquKDki2V-jAkOMT1c8BcjeRdh2rD1tfLgdMHO-NUmmDuudkWAVfDVa8jlTTSxKqCbdXMR1aKlCGKNGVTc/s1600/Back+Cove+Halo+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJWd5mnHc0T8dJQP2x6OXWb5NYO5VsSxIOGxQRpWEfi_Dm1p1xL69yf1oJsquKDki2V-jAkOMT1c8BcjeRdh2rD1tfLgdMHO-NUmmDuudkWAVfDVa8jlTTSxKqCbdXMR1aKlCGKNGVTc/s320/Back+Cove+Halo+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odd halo over the Back Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Friday - Stroudwater, 6.</b> Mellow run.<br />
<br />
<b>Scarborough, 6.2.</b> Annoying road run that just didn't feel right.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Pineland, 18.</b> Started earlier than usual today and met up with a surprising number of people at the parking lot. At least twelve of us headed out including <a href="http://steppingrazorsrunning.blogspot.com/">Zak</a> who was doing a 50k. It was a fun, slightly quicker pace than anticipated but it's easy to get carried away with smooth trails after running technical stuff so much.<br />
<br />
We looped back to the parking lot for the 8:00 crowd and picked up a whole lot more runners. I ended up running mostly with Joe for the final 2/3's of the run. We hadn't talked in a long time so it was real good to catch up and hear some of his plans for 2012. I feel we might have pushed the pace a bit but it was good to be done quicker than I thought with so much going on during the weekend.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Bradbury, 20.</b> Met up with <a href="http://perpetualmotion-vja.blogspot.com/">Val</a> and <a href="http://5squirrels.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a> doing an epic 50k in cool, overcast conditions. We caught up while exploring the vast trails of the brad. On our tour we cruised through an interesting parcel of land with stone structures, alters, expensive bird houses, pools, and gardens, all fused with a rich, energetic atmosphere. At one point we talked about animals and what we'd most like to be. It was during this conversation I got Sinatra in my head:<br />
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After hanging with the ladies for a bit I headed out for some sort of hills or something. I really wasn't sure, and definitely was not feeling any of the energetic atmosphere leftover from the commune. However during a sluggish ascent of Lunch Break I heard Mindy and Val headed down the trail, and it was too good an opportunity to pass up. So I hid behind a rock and proceeded to ambush them as they went by. It was good to get some juices flowing and great to see the looks of surprise on their faces.<br />
<br />
All said and done back at the car I ran in to <a href="http://trekforpeace.blogspot.com/">Xar</a> who was doing a few laps around the field to keep warm before joining the two bad-asses for the tail end of their run. We chatted a bit about her possibly entering the <a href="http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/">Barkley</a> next year what her training would look like. It's gonna be a good year for her!<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 15:00hrs</b><br />
<b>Distance: 91.2miles</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 10,165ft</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-87350381346800247842012-04-03T22:05:00.000-04:002012-04-04T19:33:18.180-04:00Conversation Pace<b><u>Monday</u> - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>Tuesday</u> - Eastern Trail, 7.</b> Nice easy run with full winter clothing, Windstopper gloves and pants, hat two shirts. What a difference 6 days and 60 degrees can make! I was on the trail doing the same seven miles last week in just shorts.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td><b>Back Cove, 6.</b> Met up with <a href="http://steppingrazorsrunning.blogspot.com/">Zak</a> for almost two loops around the cove. I had planned on a real slow run, just a cruise really. Zak however seemed to have boundless energy and we zipped around in 7:20s. It was great to catch up and hear about the gorgeous, mountainous runs in Slovakia and talk about the races to come. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Wednesday</u> - Blackstrap Preserve, 8.5.</b> Great run on fresh trails to me. <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a> had briefly showed Zak and I these trails last winter during part of the double jungle run loop. Ian and I were possibly going to run today but our schedules didn't work out so after he posted his stats on Facebook I had to check out the area. <br />
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<br />
After a turn around I found the trail head and ran down, then up, then through the single track woods, and through the mud and up the rocks. Man what a great time. It even started pouring rain with a little sleet mixed in for twenty minutes or so. Excellent run with some super fun trails!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u> - Scarborough Downs Loop, 6.25.</b> Nice easy run on the soft road shoulder in light snow and cool conditions. My pace was a bit quick at times and I kept reminding myself to keep it at a "conversational pace," You know, as long as you can talk and have a conversation you're not working too hard and your effort is..."easy." Well I found myself saying this IS conversation pace as I was having a conversation with myself in my head... Yeah, doesn't really count.<br />
<br />
<b>Robinson Woods, 6.</b> Partial night run nice and mellow with some poor footing at the end due to an antiquated headlamp. Definitely have a cold coming on... bummer.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Friday</u> - Stroudwater, 6.</b> Really feeling the effects of the cold I've had all week and today was full-on lethargy. Trudged through the usually easy 6 miles in great conditions with some high winds.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday</u> - 1 More Mile For Sunshine, 30.</b> <a href="http://www.1moremileforsunshine.com/">Blaines</a> 50k capped off his month of incredible running. A healthy group of us gathered fat ass style with food, liquid and excitement in cool conditions. The majority of the group set off at a fun pace on diverse trails around a six mile loop. <br />
<br />
The first couple laps were filled with great conversation and too many <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/">TM's</a> to name. I really enjoyed catching up with everyone and hearing the latest greatest on food intake, adventurous future runs and life stories. The pace had picked up a bit on lap three as we were starting to get a feel for the course. At the aid station I fueled with another bar, some potatoes, and a few dates. <br />
<br />
The goal for today was a "steady pace" so even though it felt a bit weird to quicken the pace at a fat ass charity event I really wanted to use this as a solid workout and push for a negative split. The fourth lap was probably a bit too quick, but it felt good to stretch the legs a bit. The final lap I was definitely feeling it but really wanted to enjoy the push and see what I could do with a tired body. <br />
<br />
Super impressed with everyone especially Blaine for running the miles! Another excellent time had with all the runners, supporters, and people just hanging out. I'm not really sure how I ever ran alone all those years before moving to Maine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the post-run elixir Zak!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Sunday</u> - Scarborough Residential, 4.25.</b> Nice easy run around the neighborhood with Alison on her bike. A bit creaky from yesterday's effort but not horrible.<br />
<br />
<b>Fore River, 6.</b> Another nice and easy run on a great day.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 11:52 hrs</b><br />
<b>Distance: 80 miles</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 4332 ft</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-19777507514689165102012-03-26T15:23:00.000-04:002012-03-27T14:37:05.744-04:00A hilly, exploratory week<b>Monday - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Blackstrap, 6.</b> Sucking wind today in the balmy 65 degree weather with abundant sunshine. Had some fun with the three bitches doing laps back and forth.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Eastern Trail, 7.</b> Incredibly
gorgeous day on the flat Eastern Trail. Given the fact this week
entails two hill workouts and a solid back-to-back weekend I decided to
go real easy today and just enjoy the sunshine and flat terrain.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Skillins Tree Farm, 6.</b> Unseasonably warm and dry day today in shorts and no shirt. Hit
Blackstrap again but this time did figure eights at the tree farm. Real
enjoyable, but tough workout. Got a nose bleed at the end due to the air...strange.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Bradbury, 18.8.</b> Great run today with <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com/">Ian</a> and a bunch of <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/">TM's</a> all over the place like
Spring bees hunting for flowers. Ian and I went up and over the Brad
and down Lunch Break Hill to the field so we could get another accurate
reading of the 15.5 mile loop starting at the school. We hit the Brad
again and looped all over the place, connector, East and West sides, a
bit of bushwhacking and a whole lot of fun. It was good to catch up on
current TM events and get to see the Brad without snow and ice.
Definitely a hilly and fun course with a
little bit of everything! <br />
<br />
I ran with my waist pack, two bottles and a 12 ounce coconut water,
as well as two Raw Revolution bars. The pack wasn't too bad but I do
miss the Nathan Endurance Vest.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Mt. Agamenticus and surrounding, 23.4.</b> Up until last night I intended to run on the road and Eastern Trail for a
flat, close-to-home and relatively easy run. That changed when Alison
suggested "why don't you go to Agamenticus?" OK, why not? So I slept
in a bit and donned the winter-type clothing and headed out in rainy,
chilly 40 degree weather.
<br />
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My plan was to hit most of the surrounding trails at Mt. A and only
run up and down the mountain a few times as I've had some pretty solid
hill workouts this week. I went down a trail I've been on a few times
that I thought mostly circumnavigates the mountains. At the end of the
trail I hit a road and assumed it would go right by another trail area
so I ran on the shoulder for a few miles taking a few random turns. I
basically realized I was not on the road I thought I was on but could
not bring myself to turn around. The sense of discover was just too strong and exciting.
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfJOctK85cmSwHwiukkzwcYEWIgD3qJOGH8ctaPoolLw-TbjsZ4XapN0KLbduETwPO4qMP7DIS8CTA2Bim6jpjFP-_334dAh3yz0pJgv0auAHE62mQlm1ELBsr0Tohfoy-zxzdg6b0Yw/s1600/Orris+Falls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfJOctK85cmSwHwiukkzwcYEWIgD3qJOGH8ctaPoolLw-TbjsZ4XapN0KLbduETwPO4qMP7DIS8CTA2Bim6jpjFP-_334dAh3yz0pJgv0auAHE62mQlm1ELBsr0Tohfoy-zxzdg6b0Yw/s320/Orris+Falls2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orris Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At around 9 miles I figured I'd turn around and back-track, but
right at that point I found a trail leading to Orris Falls. So I
cruised up with new surroundings and the excitement of adventure. The
falls were relatively small but pretty. Continuing on the trail a sign
stated I was in the Mt. Agamenticus conservation area. This was surprising, and good
as I figured eventually I'd hit Mt. A. again. I was especially excited
when I started ascending and saw another place of interest called
Balance Rock.
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQrdcYsqYth51aHr6jApAxOP2vu7a5JZkVLEhkw3Pd8roUQTf3A8IhYSoRvmiZNQRxEd2wykj4LYp1tG4uMTShWsoGuKreIQ4_aZKd-N-ZTkx7RuRt4V-l6inaWD71Rw5RjovSt1hbHM/s1600/Balance+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQrdcYsqYth51aHr6jApAxOP2vu7a5JZkVLEhkw3Pd8roUQTf3A8IhYSoRvmiZNQRxEd2wykj4LYp1tG4uMTShWsoGuKreIQ4_aZKd-N-ZTkx7RuRt4V-l6inaWD71Rw5RjovSt1hbHM/s320/Balance+Rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balance Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On down the hill and on to another road I realized I might actually
have to back-track, bummer. I asked a guy along the way and he gave me
brief directions which I quickly forgot. More exploration. A few more
miles down the road I found my original trail-head and was surprised It
was on my right and not my left. Man I get turned around on roads!
<br />
<br />
I hit that trail and picked up the pace a bit with the excitement of
mud, rocks and roots under my feet again. A few miles down the trail a
sign pointed to second peak. I headed up figuring I'd hit the peak, hit
Mt. A. and head back to the truck for more liquid, as I'd run out a while ago. I
recognized the entire trail from the <a href="http://runefficient.blogspot.com/2011/05/mt-agamenticus-fat-ass-50k.html">Mt. A. 50k</a> and had a blast on this
section remembering that fun race. Then the trail ended and I was not
at all where I thought I'd be. Looking at my watch I'd run for about
forty five minutes without water and was getting thirsty. I downed my
last bar and figured I'd be close to the truck any minute to quench my
thirst.
<br />
<br />
With about 5 miles to go I was getting super thirsty and realizing I
might as well just finish the run and not bother getting any more
liquid. It might be some good training running to depletion. That
thought went out of my head quick though as I really wanted to feel good
at the end of the run and recover smartly. So I hit the peak for a bit
of a view, snapped a picture and headed down. (the picture wasn't that good.)<br />
<br />
With only two miles to go I ditched my pack, sucked down some water
and took off up the mountain for a final burn. I picked a bit more
technical trail to ascend that I really love when doing hill repeats,
but found real tough on rubber legs. Cruised around the back side and
crested one last time before the careful, shaky steps back to the truck.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="680" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://www.runningahead.com/scripts/maps/945218c5512d41809433cfdf1ec53474?unit=mi" width="510"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 10:01</b><br />
<b>Distance: 61.2</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 8120</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-9262959961871753472012-03-19T15:19:00.002-04:002012-03-19T15:20:24.151-04:00A slow ramp back upThis week I probably would have run more and become injured if not for a solid plan of staying injury free with quality miles and a slow ramp up.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday - Rest</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Scarborough Residential, 5.4.</b> Real creaky and tight road run in the dark after traveling back from Oregon and taking two days off. Not super enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Blackstrap Skillins Tree Farm, 8.1.</b> More effort than I thought it was going to take. I guess I got used to
long, slow ascents and not pushing it repetitiously. Interesting how
all trails, climates and conditions lend to good diverse training. Did figure eights at the tree farm with great weather.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Fore River, 7. </b> Good mellow run on nice and muddy trails. I did a few random loops, one
of which past Jewell Falls I met the man, I think his name is Dan, who
created that section of trail. We had a great conversation and I
thanked him for the excellent trail maintenance. <br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Fitzpatrick Stadium, 9.7.</b> Hit the track on a fabulous windy, driving rain day. I warmed up 1.5
miles then did 6 sets of 400 and 800's at 5k pace with 90 second
recovery in between each. Cooled down 1.5. Set the watch at quarter
mile intervals to track and stopped it during the recovery, simply
counting out ninety seconds, then starting the watch again. Seemed to
work out OK. I didn't really pay attention to the timing for each
interval and went by feel.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZS-0Yy1k4JvV2snAuiZRKecfWozv4hyphenhyphenmSdsASV225DQELwkLovL9uJHKCDIAk3gMjxPt6GPMuK6Y3K3AdM0LyZXHp4A97zrWCq9rz-h82f54OmZ2tiibi9j2jwyBAYKH-D_V7ypkVAM/s1600/Mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZS-0Yy1k4JvV2snAuiZRKecfWozv4hyphenhyphenmSdsASV225DQELwkLovL9uJHKCDIAk3gMjxPt6GPMuK6Y3K3AdM0LyZXHp4A97zrWCq9rz-h82f54OmZ2tiibi9j2jwyBAYKH-D_V7ypkVAM/s320/Mud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheap replacement phone takes pictures, go figure!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Saturday - Stroudwater, 8.</b> Nice easy run today in the gorgeous sunshine with the BareGrip 200's.
The first two miles of the run were real mellow on easy footing through the wooded, pine needle floor. While the
middle three miles were full of fun, energy-sucking, mud and deep
puddles, the kind that put a child-like smile on your face. Felt a bit
sluggish toward the end but it felt good to be warm and mud covered.<br />
<br />
Missed running, and catching up with the <a href="http://trailmonsterrunning.com/">TM's</a> but it was a bit of a drive for such low miles.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Winnick Woods, 15.</b> Warmed up a mile and a half, which was real easy in 65 degree
weather in shorts and a tank-top. Hit a six mile tempo on the technical
rooted, rocky, muddy, icy, and undulating terrain. At which point I
was basically cooked and refueled and hydrated at the truck before
continuing on for the final 7.5. Real great to experience some "final
miles" on super tired legs.<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 8:08</b><br />
<b>Distance: 53.3</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 4383</b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579327393901260830.post-75729434639487566002012-03-15T10:55:00.000-04:002012-03-16T17:21:23.180-04:00Recovery and Oregon TrailsThe next two weeks (2/27 - 3/11) were very minimal mileage but high quality runs mostly in Portland Oregon. After 6 weeks of steadily increasing the miles I was ready for a reprieve and it was refreshing to run on new trails, with incredible scenery and experience some hilly terrain. Alison and I headed to Oregon for ten days for business, meet up with friends and experience new scenery.<br />
<br />
It was a bonus for me to get to run with my friend, and coach, <a href="http://www.yassinediboun.com/">Yassine Diboun</a>. Yes, I said coach. Yassine's been coaching me for a few months now and has really helped my running and perspective on training. My decision to get a coach was easy. 1) I've never really been coached, and have wondered for 20 years. 2) To know what I'm capable of with a catered, structured plan. 3) To learn first-hand what it's like to be trained so when I decide to coach I have a better understanding of the process. 4) To complete a 100 mile race, well.<br />
<br />
So there it is, cat's out-of-the-bag. I haven't told many people about this, for no particular reason. Maybe because it's my own personal journey, maybe because I didn't want to hear any negative comments, maybe because of expectations. Not too sure. But I am extremely happy with the process, the person, and the results, and would recommend a coach to anyone with a strong intent to grow.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday</b> - Off<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Winnick Woods, 8.</b> Icy conditions made for a slower, and more difficult run on what was supposed to be a hill workout.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - Fitzpatrick Stadium, 8.4.</b> I switched the workouts and ran the interval today instead of an easy run due to the snowstorm coming. After a two mile warm-up I hit 8 x 800's, with a two minute rest in between, and a comfortable cool-down.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday</b> - Supposed to be 8 but spent the day shoveling, packing, and nursing a sore lower back.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday</b> - Travel to Oregon!<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Springwater Corridor, 10.</b> Good run along the <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/c1dc473b8d35471fa2117adf642a116b/workouts/6e7a85c27bec48a689911eaec325849c/map">corridor</a> at dusk. Felt a bit queasy from fish taco's
but a nice run to shake out the legs and break in the road shoes in a
bit of mud too. Brought the headlamp along and was in the dark for the
final half.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Angels Rest to Devils Rest - Columbia River Gorge, 10.5.</b> Incredible run with Yassine in the <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/c1dc473b8d35471fa2117adf642a116b/workouts/e37a0365593d4aeb8fcc61d89b8c1866/map">Columbia River Gorge</a> up to Eagles
Rest and continuing on to Devils Rest. It was basically straight up on a gentle incline with switch backs and running in snow on the upper loop. The views, trails and people
were just awesome. Took it real easy and enjoyed the area while taking
video and cruising by a bunch of people on a gorgeous day. Even saw a few goats on the way down.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately when we got back to Yassine's car we'd been robbed. His back window was smashed in and they took a bag of his and my bag with wallet, phone, Nathan Vest, sunglasses, clothes, and some other running gear. Not cool, but not the end of the world. In fact on the way back to Portland we found my clothes on the side of the road! Ha, too skinny for the perpetrators! <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bXLCtjbpAj4" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">First two minutes in the Gorge running Angels Rest to Devils Rest, then on to Forest Park. by yazrunner (Yassine Diboun)</span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Time: 6:00</b><br />
<b>Distance: 37 </b><br />
<b>Elevation: 6124</b><br />
<br />
This next week there was no plan due to the traveling, sightseeing and freedom of vacation.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday</b> - No run<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Forest Park, 9.3.</b> Another great run this time getting a tour of <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/c1dc473b8d35471fa2117adf642a116b/workouts/2ddce2afcb7245dd9e0a904850026d9f/map">Forest Park</a> and checking
out some incredible scenery. We headed to the peak and cruised around
Pittock Mansion and continued through the woods with light filtering
through the trees. I took a digger at one point but no damage done.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday</b> - No run<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday - Springwater Corridor, 10.</b> Easy cruise on the corridor looking for a trail which ended up being right at the turn around point. Another gorgeous, and unseasonably sunny day!<br />
<br />
<b>Friday - Gresham Local, 3.2.</b> Just got out long enough to enjoy the weather and get a run in before meeting with Yassine and his wife and Alison for dinner. Even the neighborhoods are hilly and got more incredible views of Mt. Hood!<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Eagle Creek Trail - Columbia River Gorge, 21.0.</b> Crazy awesome run with Yassine hitting the Gorge a little
farther up. We ascended in the rain for over two hours in between, and
under water falls, next to huge drop offs with tiny trails and thick
gauge wire to hold on to in places.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtyUQWZQbabLN9a3OARUYN4rfQV-962wg_8SoMfjcPgewTk41SvA9XpbohajD7Te0HIL37ydljcTnZyK3TiUvN-jHVZlnqhCJGlcDFJa-XSCgvfCkcMdNWHD_kxnKxzeVXhN3uOCwQJs/s1600/Eagle+Creek2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtyUQWZQbabLN9a3OARUYN4rfQV-962wg_8SoMfjcPgewTk41SvA9XpbohajD7Te0HIL37ydljcTnZyK3TiUvN-jHVZlnqhCJGlcDFJa-XSCgvfCkcMdNWHD_kxnKxzeVXhN3uOCwQJs/s1600/Eagle+Creek2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketchy! (allisonoutside.net) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Really great run up to and through snow until we reached a point of decision. Yassine suggested we either run on and take a bunch more time to do a loop, or scream down the mountain at "race pace" with intent. I was up for heading down quick but had no idea just how fast he was about to go. We hit stupid fast splits on slick rocks and next to 80ft drop-offs. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrAbxBc0d9TJuSiu8miDXhmiRCOpZbwsLls4Rbp5XJYgNjySmE28m7gfMW-dfqYjk64YbqL1g2O4dQA1qX7pWJgY1GFx3REDXGSJr5uRDOaOZMlcFN9Q1k0o_-hi2ZFvXjoKAyGddlUY/s1600/Eagle+Creek1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrAbxBc0d9TJuSiu8miDXhmiRCOpZbwsLls4Rbp5XJYgNjySmE28m7gfMW-dfqYjk64YbqL1g2O4dQA1qX7pWJgY1GFx3REDXGSJr5uRDOaOZMlcFN9Q1k0o_-hi2ZFvXjoKAyGddlUY/s320/Eagle+Creek1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> We had a very similar day with pretty rain. (beautifulhoodriver.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was really intense to run that fast down hill for ten miles and took a lot out of me, but I knew this was probably my last run in Oregon, so I hit it hard and enjoyed every moment. It took us less than half the time to get down than it did ascending. At the end we hit
another hill repeat to round out the day and really tire ourselves out. A truly epic run with ridiculous scenery, fantastic company, and awe inspiring trails!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNw2W4ImgG62mgrv7YhxxHGzIYotU5YymBLpexs0ONpk3r-ev8LBSEkhdqmPiQYo9VG6ExYculbTEVOruy4_cQQlWYXzeo2DDNfCCulrWNdFHbraJ3pstSb2BO1ZqGyebN1xKSMkz7oA/s1600/Eagle+Creek3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNw2W4ImgG62mgrv7YhxxHGzIYotU5YymBLpexs0ONpk3r-ev8LBSEkhdqmPiQYo9VG6ExYculbTEVOruy4_cQQlWYXzeo2DDNfCCulrWNdFHbraJ3pstSb2BO1ZqGyebN1xKSMkz7oA/s320/Eagle+Creek3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ran under a waterfall! ( boscomountainphoto.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="680" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://www.runningahead.com/scripts/maps/07ce3952f1e749719cb0d1d00e1a0c86?unit=mi" width="510"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday</b> - Run intended, just didn't happen.<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 6:53</b><br />
<b>Distance: 44</b><br />
<b>Elevation: 11757 </b>Jeremy Bonnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994745404048151650noreply@blogger.com8