Here's a map link for you to reference:
Sunday's Run Course.
A few things to keep in mind for Sunday's run:
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots(sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run(not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Here is a description of our course:
Everyone will head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain
on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain.
Continue running on on JFK for roughly a mile. You will see a stop sign and traffic joining JFK from 'Conservatory Way'. (this is just prior to the Flower Observatory) There is a pedestrian crosswalk here. THIS IS 3 MILES. MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF JFK AT THIS CROSSWALK!
Run past the Flower Observatory and follow JFK all the way to STANYAN. This is a controlled intersection with traffic lights. Once you get to JFK/Stanyan, this is 3.5 miles. Turn around and head back to the Beach Chalet for 7 MILES!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Saturday 'You're on your own' run (4/28/12)
Here's a link to the course map launching from the Beach Chalet parking lot (1000 Great Highway)-
Saturday Course Map
Head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain.
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly a mile. You will see a stop sign and traffic joining JFK from 'Conservatory Way'. (this is just prior to the Flower Observatory) There is a pedestrian crosswalk here. THIS IS 3 MILES! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 6 MILES!!
Saturday Course Map
Head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain.
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly a mile. You will see a stop sign and traffic joining JFK from 'Conservatory Way'. (this is just prior to the Flower Observatory) There is a pedestrian crosswalk here. THIS IS 3 MILES! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 6 MILES!!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tuesday Downtown Satellite Run (06/24/14)
Tuesday's run launches from outside 333 3rd Street between Folsom/Harrison.
If you need to use the restroom, change, and/or store some personal items, head up to PSOAS in Suite 205.
Here's a link to the course map for Saturday's recovery run launching from PSOAS Massage/Bodywork-
Tuesday's Downtown Satellite Run Course Map.
Here is a brief description of the course:
We will cross Folsom from 3rd Street onto the sidewalk and take a right. We will run along Folsom all the way to the Embarcadero. We will cross the street and take a left onto the Embarcadero.
Run along the Embarcadero past the Ferry Building. Be careful near the Ferry Building as it can get a bit crowded with the Farmer's Market taking place. Once you reach Embarcadero/Green, you will have logged 1.5 miles. Beginners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 3 MILES!
A half mile later, you will reach the intersection of Embarcadero/Bay. Look for the Hillstone Restaurant on the LEFT side of the Embarcadero. This is 2 miles. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 4 MILES!
Continue running into Fisherman's Wharf as Embarcadero turns into ‘Jefferson’. Run along Jefferson to the intersection of Jefferson/Powell. Look for the art gallery on the left. This is 2.5 miles. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 5 MILES!
Run through Fisherman’s Wharf right to the edge of Aquatic Park. Once you reach the cul-de-sac at the edge of Fisherman’s Wharf/Aquatic Park, you’ve logged 3 miles. Race level runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 6 MILES!
If you need to use the restroom, change, and/or store some personal items, head up to PSOAS in Suite 205.
Here's a link to the course map for Saturday's recovery run launching from PSOAS Massage/Bodywork-
Tuesday's Downtown Satellite Run Course Map.
Here is a brief description of the course:
We will cross Folsom from 3rd Street onto the sidewalk and take a right. We will run along Folsom all the way to the Embarcadero. We will cross the street and take a left onto the Embarcadero.
Run along the Embarcadero past the Ferry Building. Be careful near the Ferry Building as it can get a bit crowded with the Farmer's Market taking place. Once you reach Embarcadero/Green, you will have logged 1.5 miles. Beginners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 3 MILES!
A half mile later, you will reach the intersection of Embarcadero/Bay. Look for the Hillstone Restaurant on the LEFT side of the Embarcadero. This is 2 miles. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 4 MILES!
Continue running into Fisherman's Wharf as Embarcadero turns into ‘Jefferson’. Run along Jefferson to the intersection of Jefferson/Powell. Look for the art gallery on the left. This is 2.5 miles. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 5 MILES!
Run through Fisherman’s Wharf right to the edge of Aquatic Park. Once you reach the cul-de-sac at the edge of Fisherman’s Wharf/Aquatic Park, you’ve logged 3 miles. Race level runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 6 MILES!
Friday, April 06, 2012
Determination Sunday Marathoners (4/8)
Here's a link to the course map(s). The first map covers 5 miles in Golden Gate Park. The second map covers the latter 5 miles along the Great Highway:
The first 5 miles in Golden Gate Park
The latter 5 miles along the Great Highway
OK, folks. I think we’re ready for a change of scenery and this Saturday's run will hopefully please a number of you. We'll be running through Golden Gate Park. a few things to keep in mind before I dive into the details:
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it!
Head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly half a mile. You will see a large funky looking building approaching on the right. This is DeYoung Museum. Additionally, you should see a crosswalk cutting across JFK. Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘ACS 5’ in the middle of the paved path you’re on. This is the 2.5 miles! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 5 MILES!!
From the Beach Chalet head SOUTH along the Great Highway and follow the Great Highway all the way to the end (just over 2 miles) at the intersection of Great Highway at Sloat. Take a LEFT on Sloat and run to the intersection of Sloat and 46th Avenue. Turn around at Sloat/46th Avenue and head back to the Beach Chalet for a total of 10 MILES!
The first 5 miles in Golden Gate Park
The latter 5 miles along the Great Highway
OK, folks. I think we’re ready for a change of scenery and this Saturday's run will hopefully please a number of you. We'll be running through Golden Gate Park. a few things to keep in mind before I dive into the details:
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it!
Head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly half a mile. You will see a large funky looking building approaching on the right. This is DeYoung Museum. Additionally, you should see a crosswalk cutting across JFK. Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘ACS 5’ in the middle of the paved path you’re on. This is the 2.5 miles! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 5 MILES!!
From the Beach Chalet head SOUTH along the Great Highway and follow the Great Highway all the way to the end (just over 2 miles) at the intersection of Great Highway at Sloat. Take a LEFT on Sloat and run to the intersection of Sloat and 46th Avenue. Turn around at Sloat/46th Avenue and head back to the Beach Chalet for a total of 10 MILES!
Determination Sunday Half Marathoners (4/8)
Here's a link to the course map:
Sunday's Golden Gate Park Run!
OK, folks. I think we’re ready for a change of scenery and this Saturday's run will hopefully please a number of you. We'll be running through Golden Gate Park. a few things to keep in mind before I dive into the details:
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it!
Head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly half a mile. You will see a large funky looking building approaching on the right. This is DeYoung Museum. Additionally, you should see a crosswalk cutting across JFK. Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘ACS 5’ in the middle of the paved path you’re on. This is the 2.5 miles! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 5 MILES!!
Sunday's Golden Gate Park Run!
OK, folks. I think we’re ready for a change of scenery and this Saturday's run will hopefully please a number of you. We'll be running through Golden Gate Park. a few things to keep in mind before I dive into the details:
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it!
Head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly half a mile. You will see a large funky looking building approaching on the right. This is DeYoung Museum. Additionally, you should see a crosswalk cutting across JFK. Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘ACS 5’ in the middle of the paved path you’re on. This is the 2.5 miles! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 5 MILES!!
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
I run because I seek the greatest adventure...
About a year ago, I found myself rubbing elbows with a group of individuals unlike any I had encountered. They were 'runners', but they were an entirely different breed. They spoke a language I could barely understand.
They spoke of running distances I could barely fathom. The first time I ran with them I was reduced to a quivering mass. I was humbled in their presence and I came to realize that they were less runners and more 'adventurers'.
Several months passed and I began to understand their language a bit more. I completed a few brief adventures with them and found my body more resistant to the strains and stresses of these journeys.
I listened closely to their tales of covering astonishing distances of 50, 62, or 100 miles in some cases. Initially, such adventures seemed completely implausible to me, not to mention a bit foolish.
But, things changed. Ultimately, it was a passion other than running that served as a catalyst for me to seek out an adventure unlike anything I have ever experienced.
Viewing the powerful documentary 'Unbreakable' struck a chord within me unlike anything I've ever felt. Scarcely a week later, I signed up for the Lake Sonoma 50 mile race on 4/14.
My preparation for this adventure began in earnest in January. I knew I was in the kind of shape to cover 26.2 miles on the road, but 50 miles on the trail was an entirely different beast. There was much to learn and experience if I hoped to complete this adventure successfully.
My first foray entailed a 23 mile journey in the Headlands with roughly 4,000 feet of climbing. I approached this first legitimate training exercise in a way that some would characterize as foolhardy (including me).
I went into it with no water and meager fuel. While perhaps a bit foolish, this was by design. I wanted to experience firsthand just how bad things could get during an adventure like this. I got all I could handle.
Sparing the more gruesome details, it was a veritable death march the last few miles with my muscles staging a full fledged mutiny. Punch-drunk and fuzzy headed, I barely made it home that day and could barely stand up later in the evening. If there was any lingering doubt that this was an adventure unlike anything I had tackled before, it was completely dispelled.
A bit wiser, I pushed onward the next few weeks with more respect and better preparation than I had the first time. I pushed on through stifling rain and wind. Staggering heat slowed me down, but didn't stop me. I struggled, I suffered, I pleaded for mercy, but I never quit.
Eventually, running 20 miles became almost pedestrian. Running 30 miles might have contributed to this altered perspective. Running two hours used to seem like a long time. Gradually, two hours began to feel like a warmup in the shadow of 4, 5, and 5.5 hour runs.
I was changing. I could feel my body evolving to handle an adventure unlike any other. I logged 100 miles in a single week for the first time in my life. It was an incredible milestone and a veritable running 'bucket list' item I had always wanted to cross off, but wondered if I ever really would.
April was rapidly approaching and while I was enjoying the process of preparing for this adventure, I was looking forward to taper in a way I can't fully explain. The only thing that I hadn't done was a true 'dress rehearsal'.
A couple weeks after logging my first 100 mile week, I toed the line at the Woodside 50K in cold, miserable, rainy conditions. I was undaunted. My preparations had included a few runs enduring conditions more unpleasant than what I saw that day.
With 56 miles already on my legs, I went into this event not feeling sharp or well rested....which was by design. I felt dull from the first step and my legs weren't turning over that well...which was not the end of the world as the first 5-6 miles were uphill. Eventually, I found my way to an aid station about 11 miles in and indulged in some quick carbs before tackling another 9 miles.
20 miles in I was feeling surprisingly decent as I hit yet another aid station. Ingesting some Skittles and Mountain Dew gave me a nice sugar high that lasted all of two miles before running started to feel like slogging again. The final aid station was not nearly close enough.
I lingered longer than planned at the final aid station staged at mile 25. I stayed on my feet despite the powerful urge to simply lie down in the mud, curl up in the fetal position, and cry for awhile.
I was suffering from a reasonable amount of fatigue and a completely unreasonable amount of chafing. Fortunately, it occurred to me that perhaps the kind folks manning the aid station might have some Vaseline. Greased up, I tried to fire myself up for the home stretch.
I soldiered on for what felt like an eternity before the finish line appeared. I felt an emotion that transcends elation. While I can't find a word that truly captures how powerful this emotion was, it was powerful enough to enable me to throw in a finishing kick after 30+ miles and nearly 5,000 feet of climbing.
I was relieved to finish and elated to find that despite everything I felt like I had something left. 50 miles was still scary, but not as terrifying as it once was. I would follow this 50K up with the Oakland Half Marathon the next day capping yet another 100 mile week. Enter taper.
With less than two weeks to go before I stare down perhaps the most ambitious adventure of my life, I'm swimming in a volatile mix of fear, anxiety, confidence, and faith.
Any way you slice it, I'm likely going to come away from this adventure a changed man. I've tested my limits continuously these past few months both mentally and physically.
While I've hovered perilously close to the brink a few times, I have yet to fall. I don't intend to on 4/14. I run because I seek the greatest adventure...
They spoke of running distances I could barely fathom. The first time I ran with them I was reduced to a quivering mass. I was humbled in their presence and I came to realize that they were less runners and more 'adventurers'.
Several months passed and I began to understand their language a bit more. I completed a few brief adventures with them and found my body more resistant to the strains and stresses of these journeys.
I listened closely to their tales of covering astonishing distances of 50, 62, or 100 miles in some cases. Initially, such adventures seemed completely implausible to me, not to mention a bit foolish.
But, things changed. Ultimately, it was a passion other than running that served as a catalyst for me to seek out an adventure unlike anything I have ever experienced.
Viewing the powerful documentary 'Unbreakable' struck a chord within me unlike anything I've ever felt. Scarcely a week later, I signed up for the Lake Sonoma 50 mile race on 4/14.
My preparation for this adventure began in earnest in January. I knew I was in the kind of shape to cover 26.2 miles on the road, but 50 miles on the trail was an entirely different beast. There was much to learn and experience if I hoped to complete this adventure successfully.
My first foray entailed a 23 mile journey in the Headlands with roughly 4,000 feet of climbing. I approached this first legitimate training exercise in a way that some would characterize as foolhardy (including me).
I went into it with no water and meager fuel. While perhaps a bit foolish, this was by design. I wanted to experience firsthand just how bad things could get during an adventure like this. I got all I could handle.
Sparing the more gruesome details, it was a veritable death march the last few miles with my muscles staging a full fledged mutiny. Punch-drunk and fuzzy headed, I barely made it home that day and could barely stand up later in the evening. If there was any lingering doubt that this was an adventure unlike anything I had tackled before, it was completely dispelled.
A bit wiser, I pushed onward the next few weeks with more respect and better preparation than I had the first time. I pushed on through stifling rain and wind. Staggering heat slowed me down, but didn't stop me. I struggled, I suffered, I pleaded for mercy, but I never quit.
Eventually, running 20 miles became almost pedestrian. Running 30 miles might have contributed to this altered perspective. Running two hours used to seem like a long time. Gradually, two hours began to feel like a warmup in the shadow of 4, 5, and 5.5 hour runs.
I was changing. I could feel my body evolving to handle an adventure unlike any other. I logged 100 miles in a single week for the first time in my life. It was an incredible milestone and a veritable running 'bucket list' item I had always wanted to cross off, but wondered if I ever really would.
April was rapidly approaching and while I was enjoying the process of preparing for this adventure, I was looking forward to taper in a way I can't fully explain. The only thing that I hadn't done was a true 'dress rehearsal'.
A couple weeks after logging my first 100 mile week, I toed the line at the Woodside 50K in cold, miserable, rainy conditions. I was undaunted. My preparations had included a few runs enduring conditions more unpleasant than what I saw that day.
With 56 miles already on my legs, I went into this event not feeling sharp or well rested....which was by design. I felt dull from the first step and my legs weren't turning over that well...which was not the end of the world as the first 5-6 miles were uphill. Eventually, I found my way to an aid station about 11 miles in and indulged in some quick carbs before tackling another 9 miles.
20 miles in I was feeling surprisingly decent as I hit yet another aid station. Ingesting some Skittles and Mountain Dew gave me a nice sugar high that lasted all of two miles before running started to feel like slogging again. The final aid station was not nearly close enough.
I lingered longer than planned at the final aid station staged at mile 25. I stayed on my feet despite the powerful urge to simply lie down in the mud, curl up in the fetal position, and cry for awhile.
I was suffering from a reasonable amount of fatigue and a completely unreasonable amount of chafing. Fortunately, it occurred to me that perhaps the kind folks manning the aid station might have some Vaseline. Greased up, I tried to fire myself up for the home stretch.
I soldiered on for what felt like an eternity before the finish line appeared. I felt an emotion that transcends elation. While I can't find a word that truly captures how powerful this emotion was, it was powerful enough to enable me to throw in a finishing kick after 30+ miles and nearly 5,000 feet of climbing.
I was relieved to finish and elated to find that despite everything I felt like I had something left. 50 miles was still scary, but not as terrifying as it once was. I would follow this 50K up with the Oakland Half Marathon the next day capping yet another 100 mile week. Enter taper.
With less than two weeks to go before I stare down perhaps the most ambitious adventure of my life, I'm swimming in a volatile mix of fear, anxiety, confidence, and faith.
Any way you slice it, I'm likely going to come away from this adventure a changed man. I've tested my limits continuously these past few months both mentally and physically.
While I've hovered perilously close to the brink a few times, I have yet to fall. I don't intend to on 4/14. I run because I seek the greatest adventure...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
