Saturday run

Spent an hour in the greenbelt with Karma this morning enjoying the
cool weather and the flowing waters.
Then we were off to Torchy's Tacos to pick up breakfast.
Here's a picture of Karma wondering why they don't open the door
earlier than 8am on Saturdays.

Bloody knees at 49.8

New!! (or at least new to me)

Everybody wants a piece of the post workout recovery drink pie.
I'm not buying it. Nothing beats NUUN!

Thursday run

Today's 6.5 mile run went well.  Bruce just ran NY Marathon so we both welcomed an easy paced run from here to there and back. 

I still don't have any 'power' in the legs (or 'bounce' as I like to call it when tail running), but I have absolutely no lingering pains at all from running 50 miles on Saturday.  I know the few experienced trail runners reading this aren't surprised, but to me, that's a pretty crazy thing as I'm usually suffering from all kinds of aches after running a hard marathon.

Hopefully the bounce returns by Wednesday next week, as I need to get back on track with my training to be as competitive as I want to be in 63 days.

I think they do it cuz they're jealous

All of a sudden, when you have a good race, people come out of the
woodwork wanting to buy you a beer.
"man, we need to get together so we can celebrate your great race.
I'll buy the beers!", "Great race, I need to buy you a beer for
that!", "hey! Let me buy you a beer for the great race you had!", etc,
etc...

Any way, when you have a good race you hear stuff like that. And you
can't help but wonder, why the hell don't they want to buy me a beer
just to buy me a beer? And that's when it dawned on me!!...

People are ineherently jealous, and they all want to make you drink
tons of beer so you get out of shape and they can catch up to you!

Little do they know, beer makes me stronger! But shhhh... Don't tell
them that! It'll be our little secret.

Pecan Pie Flavor!

Free Amy's Icecream today from 2-6!
Yet another reason why Austin is better than whatever town you live
in. (Yes, including Round Rock)

Photos of Bandera State Natural Park

Here are some photos of Bandera's Natural State Park where Cactus Rose was and Bandera will take place. As you see, it's a little rocky, but this time of year, it's much greener than this due to all the rains, and simply gorgeous.

This first photo shows a similar post to the one I saw in the distance when i had gone wrong, thinking it was a race marker, only to discover that it was an official state park post, and not a course marker once i reached it.

Cactus Rose Photo

Here I am coming in to Boyles Aid station at Mile 20 around 8:15-8:30am.

How do you like my "bumble bee" Halloween costume?

Snack bar

The place replacing "El Sol y la Luna" on congress by Austin motel is
open.
Here's the story behind it:

http://rebeccammendations.com/2009/10/04/snack-bar-part-ii-the-scoop/

Back at it

Ran 6.5 today.   No pains, or injuries or aches like after a marathon.  I just don't have my 'bounce' back... yet. 

Cactus Rose 50 miler - Race Report

Nine Hours One Minute Thirty-seven seconds.

It was hard, it was really hard, but no, it did not feel like it took all day.

*Pardon the curse words, but this is how it went down*

Pre race details:

The reason for running Cactus Rose 50mile (80km) was to learn what it will take to run Bandera 100km (62 miles) in early January. I’d never gone over 37.3 miles or 6.5 hours, so I really wanted to go much farther before my big race in January, and this was the perfect venue. Cactus Rose is held in the same State Park as Bandera; plenty of overlap in the hills you climb, the terrain you deal with, but certainly not the same “course“. The goal was to see how it feels to run that far, test out nutrition, hydration, salt intake, pacing, physical condition, clothing, gear, etc. This was not a race, it was a recon mission, a train-through race, a supported long run to learn. I also didn’t do a normal 2-3 week taper (rest) leading up to this, as I ran 82, 58 and 68miles the weeks prior to, including 7 hours on the last weekend, 3 of those hours at a hard pace. The week of the race, I took Monday off (as usual), ran Tuesday and Wednesday for a total of 17 miles, took Thursday and Friday off.

I made it down to Bandera, TX, in a little less than 2.5 hours. Picked up my race packet, set up my tent, sat through the race director speech, went and dropped my drop bags, and then just relaxed by my tent eating my pasta dinner I’d brought with me. I had nothing to heat it with, but that was the least of my concerns. (While I ate, I spent some time imagining how I could build some sort of a contraption I can put in the engine of my car with my food as a type of heating oven for January)

The course is a 25 mile mile loop that you run twice, first clockwise, then counter-clockwise. There were aidstations every 5 miles or so that were easily accessible by car. We would see 2 aid stations twice(Nachos and Boyles), and Equestrian aid station 4 times. See map first loop map: http://www.tejastrails.com/maps/CactusRoseElevCW.gif

The organizers had water and ice for us there, but it was up to us to bring anything we’d need at those stations. I chose a high calorie/carb cookie-type food, sports gels(I always eat in marathons), Boiled potatoes, potato chips, turkey sandwiches on wheat and salt pills. I also placed extra long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, sleeveless shirt, socks, sunglasses, caps, gloves, sunscreen, chapstick, toiletpaper, in each. You never know what you might want or need, expecially when you have no idea what the hell you’re doing out there to begin with!

Race:

Layed in my track pants, sweatshirt, gloves and head beanie in my sleeping bag reading till about 9 pm, then have a decent night’s sleep all considering. Did get woken up by a couple things: some snorer closeby, then some woman laughing in her sleep. By 2:30am it got unpleasantly cold and by 4am when my alarm rang, my car registered 35 degrees. The neighbor’s car read 39, so we agreed on 37. Forgot my cereal at home, so I ate a cookie and gel before the race, washed that down with 16oz of water with electrolytes in it, and was happy to get a nice bathroom session in before the race. I opted to run in short sleeve, long sleev e, rain shell, gloves and beanie, because it was friggin’ cold out! (headlamp on head (small replacement in back short pocket ) and two handheld water bottles.

Email from Jason L: “…get lubed up like a pig at a rodeo before and then have it available for hot

spots.” He’ll be glad to know I put on so much body glide on, I was slicker than eel.

5am start, and we were off. I lined up way way up front and Melissa H joined me there along with Fagan who’s in town… hadn’t seen him in over a year… he cut his hair off! I counted what I think were 11 or 12 people ahead of me, and half of those took off like they were running a 5km road race. I settled in to a decent pace but was really struggling. It was really cold out, my legs hadn’t run in 3 days and they felt dead and heavy. The first climb of the day “lucky peak” greeted us inside of a mile of the start. “’Hello Lucky, I’ll be seeing you later again”, I told it in my head. About 20 minutes in, we reached a hot spot within the trees and I started to overheat. I commented to a couple of people around me. Mistake #1 – way too much clothing on – overheating!

Pretty uneventful first 4.5 miles to the Equestrian Aidstation in 47 minutes. I just concentrated on not falling on the descent and avoided some near sideswipe falls in the few but large mud pits! Phew! John Kuss is there to greet me but I don’t need much help from him as I’ve only had ½ of one bottle of water since it’s been so chilly out. It’s still super nice to have someone out there to call family who shows supports and cares how I’m doing!

Each aidstation had two notebooks, one for the 100 milers one for the 50milers and a watch. We were to write out bib number (131), and our time, and our name if we wanted to in the notebook to show that we’d been there. I check in, noticed that I was 3rd for the 50milers, and already 5 minutes behind the leaders. Stripped down to my short sleeve, kept beanie and gloves and refilled my waters. I figured if it got colder again, I could suffer through 90 more minutes of darkness before the sun comes up and heats me up. It wouldn’t be an issue. The next 5 mile leg over to Nachos aid station was also uneventful. I kept calm, letting my legs warm up, and taking advantage of the friendly rolling trails as I knew what lied ahead.

Tip from Meredith: "It’s not IF you’re going to face a problem you need to overcome, it’s WHEN you’re going to face a problem and how you will overcome it."

Mistake #2 – In freezing cold weather, things like cookies tend to get really hard and REALLY tough to chew. Mistake #3 – I had a couple of new handhelds and they were a little tougher to drink out of than my 3 yr old usual ones. I decided over a long drawn out thought process, that I will boil them in hot water to make them less hard. But the inability to eat my cookies is a problem. More than 50% of my calorie intake strategy lies within those cookies, at least for the first half of the race. In the distance you can now see the early comings of day break. It’s a beautiful view, black silhouettes of the landscape outlined by a slim line of yellow and orange. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Right there, looking west is that one star, I think mercury?, and for some strange reason, a song I haven’t heard in 25 to 30 years pops into my head. “Ain’t no UFO gonna catch my diesel. I don’t care if it came from outer space. Ain’t no UFO gonna catch my diesel. Ain’t no machine gonna take it’s place.” I’m singing these 4 lines outloud cranking away on the trail, with a big smile. It’s cracking me up. (it was on my cassette with the “Ah shaddup in you face” song I listened to when I was 7 ot 8 years old! RIGHT CLICK and OPEN IN NEW WINDOW HERE FOR THE SONG!)

At Nachos (Mile10) I reloaded with a bunch gels hoping they’ll keep my fueled, refill my handhelds, and noticed that I was now 12 minutes behind 1st and 5 behind 2nd. It made me happy as I wasn’t racing, and it meant that I was controlling my pace.

Aaaaaand here’s where the fun starts. At mile 11, you reach the first of many climbs over 28 miles… (right click, to make this larger in a different window). That's right 28 miles of continuous torture.

Ice Cream Hill is the first hill. It’s a bitch of a climb because it’s steep and tons of loose rocks so impossible to even power walk. You just need to make sure you don’t lose footing and crest it. It stung a little, but not too bad. A couple of miles later we reached Equestrian Aid station again (mile 14 of the race) and I decided it was time to switch from Handhelds to my camelback (water in backpack) as I didn’t like not having hands free to grab salts, food etc. Took off from Equestrian 12 mins behind 2nd, who signed the book: 131 - F. Garza - XX:XX (whatever time it was.)

Dawn was fast approaching and I technically could have run without a light from Nachos on, but I opted to play it safe. A friendly woman by the name of Eliza ran up to my side. “I need to stick to you because I left my headlamp and figure you can lead me if we hit dark tree areas.” Are you kidding me?! I adore company! Woohoo! We enjoyed out chats. She was from San Antonio, she was running the 100miler, and it would be her second 100miler. We had some overlap in running friends so it was fun. I had my trusted little course map (like the one I linked to) so I knew I had 3 climbs before the next station. When we reached the top of Sky Island, Eliza told me how the backside (our descent) which was very steep and ridiculously slippery due to the loose rocks, was nicknamed Mt Fuji. I figured it was a weird name till she told me the meaning of it. Mount Fuji. Mount F U J(i)oe. Race director’s name being Joe, people had kindly named him that. On the descent then climb of the next hill, I put some distance on Eliza.

I arrived at Boyles Aid Station, mile 20 of the race and my legs are definitely not as fresh as I’d hoped they’d be. All I needed here was to fill out the notebook, refill my camelback, and take off. I’m now 9 minutes back from 2nd, but really don’t care, it’s so early in the race, and there’s no telling how badly I’ll fade. I give half of my cookie to one of the volunteers, and take off to climb Boyles Bump. I figure I’ll be at the turn in about an hour to hour 15, which puts me waaaay too fast. My loose plan was to run 5 miles per hour, to start and see how well I can cling on to that idea. This would mean it should be 9am, as I’m 20 miles in, it’s a little past 8am. Not good, not good at all. Should I slow down? Naah. Might as well just roll with the punches till I can’t roll no more. So I take on Boyle’s Bumb, and when I reach the top, I fly down the backside, run maybe a quarter mile only to be greeted by Cairn’s Climb which is equally as nasty as all it’s friends I’ve had to scale. My legs are burning on this one, but I continue to climb as fast as I can without sending my heart-rate to the moon. When I reach the top, am greeted by oncoming traffic. The first place 50miler is running like he hasn’t broken a sweat. I ask him how far, and he tells me 14 minutes. I now have a mile and a half of descent and flat lands to cover to the return to the lodge and be done with loop one. I’d see 3 or 4 more runners heading back out as I get to the lodge, including Mr. “136 F. Garza”. I write my name in the book in 4:12, 3 minutes behind 136. Rush over to my drop bag pull out my bred, my turkey, my sprey butter, my gels, my potatoes and a new shirt. I’m switching to sleeveless. Robert Janiak is kindly there to help me open my turkey and grab a couple slices for me, and refill my camelback. Joe P chats with me too, and I tell them both I think that speed may have been a big mistake. Joe replies: “well, now it’s time to refuel so you can have enough energy to do it again.” I gobble down as many baby potatoes with salt as I can. Oh my, they taste soooo good, and they’re so easy to eat and swallow. I shove as many as I can in my mouth like a speed Hotdog eating contestant, grab the sandwich in my other hand and take off.

And now I’m thinking and cursing to myself. 4:12??? That is fucking absurd. What the hell am I doing? I’m fucking 45 minutes ahead of the time I was planning on. This is going to be a disaster, a death march. I figure I’ll just wave as runners run by me in the last 5 mile and say “Hello! I’m mike, I’m a fucking idiot! Have a nice run! Congrats on pacing yourself!”

I take a bite of my sandwich from one of the corners, and start chewing, and chewing. As I’m chewing I’m seeing runners coming the other direction as I know head back for another 14 miles of continuous hill climbs. The bite of sandwich, it’s still there. I can’t swallow it. There’s nothing wrong with my stomach, but I just can’t get myself to swallow it. I climb the first climb on the return trip, Cairn’s Climb and when I reach the top, decide I need to wash the bite down the throat with water. 24 minutes of chewing on one piece is more than enough. I then look at my sandwich, which only has one corner bitten off, thinking of Joe telling me I need to refuel, and how I absolutely HAVE TO EAT SOMETHING and I shove as many bites as I possibly can into my mouth. I’d say close to half the sandwich is now wedged in my mouth and the other half gets flung into the cactus for some armadillo’s dinner tonight. I chomp away at whatever gets in the way, breathing as much as I can through my nose, as I’m running along the top of Cairn’s. I stop and suck as much water as I can out of my camelback and then just force that paste of bread and turkey down the pipe. For good measure, I pop another Hammergel Espresso since I won’t be climbing again till I reach the bottom. At this point I’m nearing 5 hours of running. The trails along this 28 mile rollercoaster are littered with Texas Sotol. A leafy cactus usually about 1 to 2 feet tall, but with all the rains they’ve had these things are wide and they’re reaching way out into the single track trail. Not only are they wide, but they’re tall too, reaching well up to my shorts. You simply cannot avoid them, and just run right through them. Hell, both Eliza and I had blood dripping from over our knees barely 3 hours into the run when we encountered the first race photographer, so this has been going on for a while. On the descents, there are some small options here and there; you can either step down through a really steep section, or take a slightly less steep trail that’s runnable, but littered with Sotols. Since downhill bombing is what I love to do, I take on the Sotols, and bomb the descents.

Raching the bottom, you then get to climb Boyle’s bump from the other side. It’s not as long as from the front side, but it’s very rocky, and simply slows you down. I catch up to Josue who’s doing the 100, wish him continued luck and strength for his journey. He looked very focused and strong. I’m now coming up on many runners - 50 milers and 100milers all streaming one after the other headed for the final climbs before they get to turn around and come back my way. I look for familiar faces and suddenly there he is... Mr Gordon Montgomery in all his splendor. Two green amphipod hand held bottles and a nice smile. I reach up to high five him, he throws out his elbow “chicken wing style” as he can’t high five with handhelds, and I wish him luck and to stay strong through out.

Eventually I catch Steven Moore as well (or did he catch me? I forget, but we’re now running together) He’s out for his first 100miler, and the one that beat me by 20 minutes out at Captain Karl’s 60km out and Ink’s Lake two month prior. He and I spend some probably 30 to 45 minutes within 25 yards of each other, I’m taking the hills a little harder than him, but then want the company so don’t push the pace. We chat a while about this and that, then eventually separate as we reach the aid station. I need nothing but a refill of cookies, since I’m barely 5 miles out from the turn, sign the book, and notice I’m now 9 minutes behind 131 - F. Garza and head out. This is where I think to myself. Fuck this guy. I just can’t seem to gain on him. And that’s where it dawns on me. 131 F. Garza. Precisely! F Garza! Ha ha ha

I’m now almost 32 miles into the race, I look at my watch, and it’s 10:45am. Why look at my watch? I want to remember the moment I take on Mt FUJI, and I proceed to curse at Joe all the way up the dam thing. It’s steep and it’s a bitch. I know I’m repeating myself, but this one is clearly the worst, because it zigzags, it has steep step ups, tons of loose rocks and turns yours calves to burnt toast. “Fuck You Joe, Fuck you Joe, Fuck you Joe”, is my mantra that I repeat quietly to myself till I reach the top. When I reach the top I stop to look back and spot Steven’s Orange shirt at the bottom about to take it on. I yell out: “STAY STRONG STEVEN, STAY STRONG!!” he replies with a “WOOOOOOOOO!!!”, and I take off guzzling down enough water to hydrate an army from my pack.

I reach the bottom of Sky Island and still have 2 more climbs, “3 sisters” and one more before I reach Equestrian. Why is this pertinent? Well, at every friggin’ aid station, I’ve forgotten to unload my headlamp and my backup headlamp. No I don’t have them on my head anymore, but it’s still unnecessary weight I’m carrying, and I’m many hours removed from darkness yet still carrying these stupid things. Clearly my brain isn’t functioning. I also made the mistake of forgetting to grab my Sunglasses at Equestrian at mile 15, so mile 35 would be my next chance, and I can really use some shades. I’ve been running on my own now for quite some time, once in a while I run into oncoming traffic, but they’re getting sparse. I do what I can to keep myself entertained, forcing myself to sing to my iPod that I picked up at the turn. I knew the battery wouldn’t last the entire race, so I figured I’d treat myself to music on the second half.

Eventually I reached Equestrian for the second to last time. I remember Josue telling me: “Good luck man, once you reach Equestrian, you’re home free.” I took his word for it, since he’s won the Bandera 100km, and obviously knows a hell of a lot more than I do about this sport, and I’m happy as can be to see Equestrian at mile 36. This time when I see the notepad, I see 131 F Garza! Only 5 minutes ahead! I’m thinking that’s good news, but I still take my time at the aid station. I need to refill my waterbottle, I need to pop more salt pills because my calves have been hinting that they’re not happy, and I need more gels, and I need to dump headlamps. MISTAKE #4 you guessed it. Carried Headlamps for 20 miles too many.

As I depart Equestrian , Eliza comes in to the aidstation. I run about 100 meters, and stop and turn back. I forgot my sunglasses. There’s no way I’m going another 10 miles with out them. I’d rather lose another 2 minutes. As I leave for the second time, people are talking about Steven. I tell them he shouldn’t be far behind, and like the whole thing was staged, as I’m heading into my treeline, he pops out on his side. We wave to each other and I’m off to attack my last significant climb of the 28 mile stretch from hell. Or so I thought.

Ice Cream Hill is a climb that is best described as follows. Trust me, I had tons of time to really think about this one, since I spent many hours along out there. Imagine yourself buying an icecream, the cone with a big heaping scoop of your favorite flavor falls out of your hand and SPLAT! Lands upside down on the ground. From the ground up, you’ve got ripples of icecream, then a bulge of icecream, then the cone sticking straight up. That’s Ice Cream hill. It’s pretty nasty. Especially nasty when it stand between you and your record longest run you’ve ever had to date (37 miles). It hurt, and it really took a toll on my legs. From the top of Ice Cream you could say, it’s smooth sailing. Only slight rolling trails with some minor not-so-steep climbs, but continous climbing for 12 miles before you finally reach the final climb of the day: “Lucky Peak, then a screaming fast 1.5 miles to the finish”

Email from Brownie: “You'll have high points and low points in your race. Just keep moving forward.“

This is where it started getting tough. Very tough. The mile and a half from the top of Ice Cream to Nachos aid station takes me about, oh I don’t know , seven hours maybe? Actually, probably only 20 or so minutes, but it felt horribly long. My legs are jello, my calves are pulsating and I’m popping salt pills with reckless abandon trying to eliminate any possible cramping. I’m almost out of water but I know I’ll refill at Nachos and dump some water on my head too. I sign in, only to find 131 F Garza 9 minutes ahead again. F Garza!!!!! LOL!

Joyce, Joe’s wife was at the station making sure there was water in the coolers, and she’s an angel. She and her friend help me refill my pack, and we discuss salt and cramping issues. I figure she’s probably heard or faced more cramping situations than all of us combined being Joe’s wife and all. I depart Nachos to what should be an easy 6 miles back to Equestrian via rolling hills, and open fields. I’m really suffering. I feel like I’m going a tad faster than a snail at this point, and can’t stop thinking about Brownie’s email and also how we kept saying “Relentless Forward Progress” during our 3 day stint in Colorado in July. At the end of the day, this is a learning run, a recon mission, and training run, but you know what, I’ve been running in 3rd place for about 6 and a half hours, and this is now a race to pretect 3rd and a podium finish. 4th gets a medal, just like 3rd, but 3rd gets an award. I’m now digging deep for anything to get me through these 6 miles. I’ve decided to turn off my iPod because I’m thinking I’d rather have music for the final stretch from Equestrian home, than for this stretch, so now I start looking for help everywhere. I’m thinking of every race, every painful training run, every friend that wished me luck, all the support I’ve gotten, all the people I know are thinking about me. I’m thinking about John Kuss and how the day prior, he and I looked at the Metal Roses for 1st through 3rd and him saying: Mike, I predict you’ll be taking one of those home tomorrow.” I’m thinking about how Gordon and Steven have twice my distance to run. I’m thinking about how fresh and peppy Eliza was, I’m thinking about 100 mile and 50 mile race reports I’ve read. I’m thinking about how Erin has sacrificed part of her weekend to take care of my dog. I’m thinking about forward progress.

There were about 4 maybe 5? Road-crossings on the course, each one a simple, run straight across and keep going. So I reached yet another one and ran across and straight through. I’m now about 1.5 miles from Equestrian, meaning about 6 to 6.5 miles from the finish, and I’m running along. There’s a barb wire fence along the field to my right, and I vaguely remember running next to a fence line in the dark, so this is all good. Except, it doesn’t feel right. Something isn’t looking right. The trail is a jeep trail on soft dirt. I stare at it as I’m running, and I realize all I see are fresh horseshoe prints. How are there not 200 shoe prints all over this thing?? I stop, look back, and see that my shoes are leaving big prints. What the fuck?!!?! I start freaking. I decide we must have run on the grass part on the way out or that it was wet from frost so no footsteps. I continue running till I reach the end of this field because I see what I think is a course marker (red streamer) hanging off a post. But when I reach it, I notice it’s not a race marking, it’s an official park post, that is painted in orange. FUCKING SHIT. I’ve run the wrong fucking way. I look down at my watch and pick up the pace substantially as I backtrack for ever along this field to the road. I’m an emotional wreck at this point. If I wasn’t already in the dumps, I certainly am now when I see a guy in a dark red shirt running along this other field. It’s not Eliza (green top), it’s not Steven’s Orange shirt. FUCK. There goes 3rd place. I reach the end of the road seven minutes later, meaning at least a 14 minute detour, and there they are. Two big bright yellow sheets of paper with giant arrows point LEFT, and a BIG RED WRONG WAY sign on the trail I took. How the hell did I miss those signs??? There goes 3rd. I’m done. I’m so demoralized seeing this guy 200 meters ahead of me, that it’s all over. I’m ready to walk it in. Afterall, it wasn’t a race to begin with. I gather myself and start running as hard as my calves will allow. They’ve been unhappy with me for about an hour now, and all I’m thinking is, “Shit, in Boston they seized up something fierce, and I still was able to slow run my way in for 2.5 miles”… I’m gaining on red shirt man, but I know there’s no fight in this dog, so if he’s got a 50 miler bib, he can have 3rd place. I look down, he’s got a 100 mile bib, and I just hug the guy! “Thank god!” I say to him, and explain the deal. He tells me he went of course somewhere else earlier on so sympathizes with my pain. Crisis- naah… more like Catastrophe averted because that would have been the final nail in my coffin. I finally reach Equestrian, sign in, and don’t even bother to look at F Garza. Hell, I didn’t even bother to say F Garza.

I’m so tired, and beat, and my calves are so ready to pop that there’s no catching him, there’s only survive to the end. The last stretch of Bandera 50km is eventually on the same trail so I realize this as I look at my watch which reads 1:39pm. I know where I am. I know I have some winding trails amongst big cedars, some rolling single track mountain back heaven trails, the mud pits, Lucky Peak, and then a wide heavily used jeep trail home to the lodge.

My calves are seizing and I’m stopping to work on them with my hands, but can’t afford to stand around too long as I’ve give up 14 minutes to 4th place. Who knows how far back he is. Maybe he’s charging. Maybe he’s 30 seconds back. Must. Move. Forward. I do what I can, welcoming any down hills since the calves get a break, but dread any step ups I must face. I finally reach Lucky and just pray to everything that is nice on earth to allow my calves to get me up this last steep ass climb. I crest the top, look back to see as far as I can and see no one. I drop the backside as fast as I can. Thank god for downs and no calf use! I get to the bottom drink as much as I possibly can out of my pack, I pop 2 more salt tabs for good measure, and squeeze the crap out of my calves with my hands asking them for one last effort.

I’m doing all I can here, but it’s probably no more than 8:45 min/miles at best. I keep looking at my watch and now sub 9 won’t be possible as I simply can’t risk calf blow ups, so instead I look back to see if anyone is gaining on me, I take my iPod off and decide to enjoy the last ½ mile or so as much as I can. I started thinking again of the wonderful support team of fellow amateur athletes, friends and family that gave me so many good luck wishes and support prior to the race. John Kuss, Robert, Joe and Joyce for playing the role of my family and support crew at the race, because there is nothing that pulls you to the next aid station like knowing that someone might be there waiting for you. The countless hours on the trails with my trail running friends, the 5:30am Barton Springs runs for 10, 12, 14, 20 miles, Meredith’s support and mentorship, Erin’s continuous friendship and dog sitting volunteering. It all got me to this point, and I’m forever grateful.

Josh, a fellow Rogue and freelance photographer is there in the trees a few hundred yards from the finish, he snaps some photos, and reaches out for a High Five. As much as I want to comply with his request, I tell him I can’t veer off for 5 feet and risk a calf cramp! I keep running with “stretched out toes” and finally cross the dry creek, round the corner and there’s the finish.

I’ve done it. I’m going to finish a 50 mile run. Holy shit! I did it! And I think I’m going to get 3rd!!

I reach the mat in 9 hours 1 min 37 seconds, good enough for 3rd place overall and Joe is there to greet me with a handshake, my Metal Rose award for 3rd place, and a beautiful medal.

I was done; so happy to be done, but even happier to have done it, to have reached the finish line and run 50 freakin’ miles! And I can finally say that I'm an ultra-marathoner.

And now it’s quick recovery week, then 7 hard weeks of training for the real race, Bandera 100km on January 9th. See you there, for even just the 25 or the 50km. It's too awesome to pass up! Drive out that morning, then camp out and stay that Saturday night!!

PS -

• Steven went on to finish in a strong 6th place for his first 100 mile finish.
• Gordon ran strong all the way to the finish and got his first 100 mile finish.
• Eliza continued to run strong and WON the 100mile race in a record time!!!

Congrats to them, and every single other finisher!

Contradictions are the great, but beer reigns supreme!

My feet hurt. Actually... The correct terminology is "my fascias are friggin' screaming at me". The afternoon and night post race they were tingling. At first I thought it was the angle I had them resting on my beer cooler, then that my warm socks were too tight hampering blood circulation, etc. Eventually, the tingling stopped as beer consumption increased.

Well, 48hrs later, they still hurt from the royal beating I submitted them to this weekend on those highly technical and rocky trails.

Anyway, I self diagnosed it as: "royal fascia beatdown by trail" (RFBT), and I have jokingly chuckled to myself thinking I should have run barefoot since it's the newest craze for people with foot problem. Right? I mean, am I right?! Of course I'm right! I should be running barefoot to avoid "royal fascia beatdown by trail"!!

Fast forward to today, and this answer to a runners world "ask the doc" question about sore feet after this weekend's marathon:

" Run in a well cushioned shoe. Unless you plan on winning the race, racing flats or old worn out shoes which have lost their cushion will cause this problem. Remember my "change shoes every 500 miles" rule so that your shoes are not too old or worn."

So what is it? Should I run barefoot to not be in pain, or should I add more padding to not be in pain?!

Bonus question: That same Runner's World doc continues to say: "...you may (also) take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory unless your doctor has told you.."

So my question is... Does beer qualify as an NSAID? If it doesn't, my experiment on Saturday night sure says it should.

Mile 49.8

October Good News!... but assault on 3,000 will be tough.

Since I missed a turn and ran off-course for about 14 minutes, I added at least a mile to my race, which means that I was able to make up the half mile I was going to need to hit 300 miles for October. I have to assume that I ran farther than a mile off course since my average pace for the race was 10:37/mile, but I'll call it a mile. So my mileage total for October was 300.5!

I need 610 miles to get to 3,000 which will be pretty much impossible to achieve since I doubt I'll get much farther than 300 in November, and December won't be any higher than 250, if even that, since I'll be full on tapering for my big race on Jan 9 for the last two weeks of December with probably 50 and 40 miles on each of those weeks. Getting to 3000 miles is not close to as important as having optimally trained, then fully rested up for Bandera 100km.

We shall see what happens.

(still working on my race report. just too tired to think and I need to get tons of work done this week too)

Texas Sotol Cactus attacks

No, not chicken pox. It's constant lashing of the teeth on the cactus
leaves on my legs.

Cactus Rose

Cactus Rose 50 mile

3rd overall.
Bringing back some hardware!
9hrs1min37seconds
Long story to tell once it's written.

This is what i'm running tomorrow

http://www.tejastrails.com/CactusRose.html

the 50 mile flavor.

Got the post race shower taken care of!

Cactur Rose - playlist

So I've made my playlist for cactus rose... I don't plan on carrying an iPod for the first half of the race, then picking it up for the second half and just keeping it in one ear. (gotta hear those rattle snakes!)

The playlist will last over 6 hours if the battery cooperates. Some uplifting, some to pass the time, some to make me thin of people, some to evoke thoughts, some to pep me up, some to make me think, and some to just make me smile and sing out loud.

The first song is from a band with a questionable name, but it just has to start with that song... no lyrics... just one of my favorite songs that just screams awesome to me !!!

BLAST IT LOUD! I bet you'll love it too!

What am I missing?!

Holy Fuck - Lovely Allen

Willie Nelson - On the Road Again

Muse - Starlight

Muse - Hysteria

Wilco - Kamera

Johnny Cash - Jonny Cash - Ring of fire

Manu chao - Me gustas tu

Me First And the Gimme Gimmies - Walking on Sunshine

Nada Surf - Whose Authority

Jet - Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline

Gomez - Whippin' Piccadilly

The Gourdes - Gin and Juice

Me First And the Gimme Gimmies - Jet Plane

Muse - Supermassive Black hole

Jet - Look What Youve Done

U2 - Pride (In the Name of Love) [Live]

Ida Maria - I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked

Band Of Skulls - I Know What I Am

The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well

Me First And the Gimme Gimmies - Over the Rainbow

Bloc Party - One Month Off

Muse - Starlight

The Cure - Inbetween Days

The Ugly Americans - Vulcan Death Grip

The Airborne Toxic Event - Missy

Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff

The Limousines - Very Busy People

Muse - Uprising

The Cure - Just Like Heaven

Willie Nelson - Whiskey River

Willie Nelson - Good Hearted Woman

Wilco - Heavy Metal Drummer

Morningwood - Nth Degree

Jimmy Buffett - Cheeseburger in Paradise

Johnny Cash - A Boy Named Sue

Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville

Muse - Time is Running Out

Ra Ra Riot - Can You Tell

Phoenix - 1901

Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues

The Cure - Friday I'm In Love

The Airborne Toxic Event - Gasoline

Vampire Weekend - A-Punk

The Cure - Mint Car

The Killers - Mr Brightside

The Decemberists - 16 by 32

Gomez - See the World

Bishop Allen - Rain

The Airborne Toxic Event - Someting New

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

Florence and the Machine - Kiss With a Fist

The Scabs - tarantula

Tokyo Police Club - Your English is Good

The Airborne Toxic Event - This is Nowhere

U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name

Florence and The Machine - Kiss With A Fist - Acoustic

Matt and Kim - Daylight

The Gaslight Anthem - Old White Lincoln

Glasvegas - Geraldine

Vampire Weekend - Walcott

Hot Hot Heat - Let Me In

The Airborne Toxic Event - Does This Mean You're Moving On

Bishop Allen - Middle Management

Iglu & Hartly - In This City

Jupiter One - Countdown

The Ugly Americans - You Turn Me On

The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight (Acoustic Version) [Bonus Track]

The Killers - All These Things That I've Done

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

M83 - Kim & Jessie

The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime around midnight

Ra Ra Riot - Each Year

Madonna - Ray of Light

MGMT - Time To Pretend

Band Of Skulls - I Know What I Am

The Airborne Toxic Event - The Girls In Their Summer Dresses

Muse - Undisclosed Desires.

Okkervil River - Calling And Not Calling My Ex

Phoenix - 1901

The Postal Service - Such Great Heights

Ra Ra Riot - Dying Is Fine

the scabs - pussy fever

Shiny Toy Guns - Ghost Town

The Airborne Toxic Event - Papillon

The Thermals - Now We Can See

Vampire Weekend - Campus

Green Day - All By Myself

Green Day - F.O.D.

Green Day - In the End

Green Day - Emenius Sleepus

Green Day - Coming Clean

Green Day - When I Come Around

Green Day - Sassafras Roots

Green Day - Basket Case

Green Day - Pulling Teeth

Green Day - Welcome to Paradise

Green Day - Longview

Green Day - Having a Blast

Green Day - Burnout

Green Day - Chump

Green Day - She

Green Day - Basket Case

Alien baby

Am I the only that sees a red-eyed baby alien in a helmet dressed in a
flower-camouflage outfit instead a car seat for a human baby?

Quote

Was reading Dathan's Q&A session on his blog over lunch and this was a
good one:

gthe best way to get in to shape is to never get out of ith -
Dathan Ritzenheim's Highschool XC coach.

this is crap

I sit at 249.5 miles for the month, which means that I need to run another half mile before Saturday to get to 300 for October.

How the hell am I going to manage that?!

I broke my own rule.

How many times have you heard me half-jokingly say:

"I don't get out of bed for less than 10 miles."  

Well... today I ran a very soft and easy 7 miles. 

But at least I didn't get out of bed for measily 6 miles!

Good Mail, Bad Mail, Fan Mail

60% of my mail is junk
30% of my mail is bills
07% of my mail is netflix DVDs
03% of my mail is running related(official results certificates,
finish time booklets, registration notices...).
00% of my mail is fan mail.

Boston Marathon mail, even if just a 1 page confirmation card is
always ranked in the top 1% of all mail!!!

No More KINKO'S

They've eliminated Kinko's and now call themselves...

Dumb Brits almost deserve it

So this couple from the UK got kidnapped by Somali Pirates. Ummm...
What the hell were they doing boating around there any way. They get
my "you are dumb, and you may deserve what's happening to you" award.
Seriously, what were they thinking??? Where is their common sense???
Idiots.

As much as I hate hearing about kidnappings, if you put yourself in
the position to get kidnapped, I can't help but think this world is
overpopulated and we could sometimes use some "idiot" attrition.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569747,00.html

Pre race nutrition

It's very important to eat 2 carrot cake and 1 key lime pie cupcakes
the week of a race.
Not only does it make you stronger physically, but it helps mentally
and emotionally.

Am I nervous?

A friend asked me this morning if I was nervous for this weekend.

I don't think I've ever gone into a "race" this relaxed. Not even for
CIM when I knew I was going to kill my goal.

I will have to go 13 miles farther than my longest run, and it will be
on a technically and very rocky and hilly trail, but I am very
confident I will cross the finishline.

I guess I'm accepting that it's a recon run, a dry run, etc. Or...
maybe it's that I feel like I'm ready and fit to do this thing!

I guess we shall see!

Yes, I admit it... I LOVE this song!

I bet you never thought I'd publicly admit to this, but this is one of my FAVORITE running songs ever.

They lyrics provide me great avenue for positive visions, and the beat just make me want to run faster than a ray of light!!

When you hear that I ran alone in the greenbelt and I was absolutely flying down the trails, barely touching rocks as I hop from spot to spot negotiating the terrain, whizzing by trees, jumping and sprinting down the hills, attacking the ups, this song is quite possibly the culprit. I will be using this song this weekend to destroy people out there!

Now turn your speakers up, close your eyes and envision yourself just running faster than you have EVER RUN before!!!

Zephyr in the sky at night I wonder
Do my tears of mourning sink beneath the sun
She's got herself a universe gone quickly
For the call of thunder threatens everyone

Chorus:
And I feel like I just got home
And I feel
And I feel like I just got home
And I feel

Faster than the speeding light she's flying
Trying to remember where it all began
She's got herself a little piece of heaven
Waiting for the time when Earth shall be as one

(chorus)

Quicker than a ray of light
Quicker than a ray of light
Quicker than a ray of light

(verse)

And I feel
Quicker than a ray of light
Then gone for
Someone else shall be there
Through the endless years

She's got herself a universe
She's got herself a universe
She's got herself a universe

And I feel

Quicker than a ray of light she's flying
Quicker than a ray of light I'm flying

YEAH!

Makes it so easy!

I guess many wonder, how does he get himself up and out of bed at 4:30
all the time?

Well, it's days like today where John, Jon, Niccole, Dan, Bruce and
Tausha come out to join in that make it sooo easy! Then you see
Nedra, Francie, Ruth, Julia and Brenda while you're out there and then
spot Kevin, Amy and Mark at the end too!

Nothing better than "running" with and into 14 friends before 7:10am!!

I LOVE IT!

P.S. And one even smelled like hamburger!! Bonus!

Hitchcock birds

Met up with a whole bunch of people for 10 miles today, then saw even
more at the end. Looks like everyone's gearing up to take on winter
training.

As far as my taper, my knee, my ankle, my fascias - they're all
broken. Hahah

These birds multiply every week. Soon we will have to put up more
wires to accomodate them all.

weekend accomplished

I ran 4.5 hours yesterday, and followed that up with 2.5 hours of hilly trails today with Ken.  Haven't thought enough about the trails we took to figure out the distance we ran, but the trails were hilly, and after an hour with Karma as an appetizer, we then ran another 90 minutes where the pace gradually got faster and faster.   A 7 hour weekend.  Perfect. 

I'll decrease mileage a little this upcoming week, so I think my week will look like this (in brackets what it would look like on a non-race week):

Mon OFF

Tues - 10 (14)

Wed -  7 (10)

Thurs - 7 (10)

Fri - OFF

Saturday - race day 50 (20-30)

Sunday - ? (10-15)

Another great one!

The plan for next week's 50 mile cactus rose "race", is not to race it as a "do or die", "try and win the thing", but more of a recon mission where i can see what 50 miles of rough terrain feels like.

It's on the same land as my big race in January, and it's essentially a 25 mile loop ( we run both directions) as opposed to January where it's a 31 mile loop (we run twice). The differences, the 25 mile loop runs all the hills in different order, and lacks the 6 miles of flat running. If you've been to Bandera, you know how it's a real bitch of a 25 mile course, full of rocky crap, and steep climbs.

here's a link to the 25 course. We run it out one way, then return on it the other direction. As you see, there's not much flat. And the course is rocky hard crap almost all the way through.

As a comparison, here's the Bandera 31 mile course that we will run twice. Still not sure if we run it in both directions... i don' think we do.

So as I said, I'll use this to see how I feel, test nutrition, hydration, water bottles, vs water pack. Clothing, trail shoe choice etc. i won't race this to try and win, but i'll run my regular long run pace and hope I have enough when i reach the Nachos aid station on the way back, to pick up the pace and see what I have left for miles 40-50. i also won't take it too too easy leading up to the race, like I will for Bandera, but instead decrease my mileage by maybe 15-20%. That's the plan. Then again, i'll just be happy to make it out alive.

I believe it will take me between 9.5 hours and 11 hours on a good day. If i'm having a rough time, expect a 12+ hour outing. Heck maybe 12 hours will be a good day! I have absolutely no idea.

Any way, all that nonsense to tell you that today I was going to take it easy for 4 hours, but after enjoying listening to Dan who just finished 3rd overall at the Palo Duro 50km last weekend, and seeing how good he felt for the 2.5 hours we ran, I popped some music in my ears and took off for the other 90 minutes. It certainly didn't help that JoeP and RobertH had their group out there on marked course, because I decided to hop on that marked route (with a 1 hr deficit) and crank away and see how i fared. I did veer off course after a while as I decided to finally test out some new trails I've always wanted to check out, then got back on caught some of their runners and proceeded to continue pushing the pace till I was done. Always fun to see other runners, instead of mountain bikers out there. It's so hard not to run fast and hard in perfect weather, on your own when others are out there! Its also hard to not push the pace when you feel like poop for the first 90 minutes thinking your legs are dead, but then they magically come alive and the bounce returns! An boy did I have BOUNCE!

So I ran hard, and I attacked the hills of Panty, Far South, Cedar Chop and pushed the pace on middle road, bologna, amazon and others. It was fun!

4 hrs, probably about about 22 miles. Awesome!

Oh, and the water at the damn is gushing over and creating foam and white water! It was fantastic!

Today's Lessons learned:

1- Remove some songs and reorder others off my playlist!

2- You may not see anyone for the longest time out there, but when you really want some privacy to take care of a nature call, mountain bikers will come out of nowhere. I'm just glad they showed up 3 shorts seconds after the Moon had returned to hiding. ; ) (I know, TMI... but i had to!)

wow!

i just can't believe how uplifting and amazing this story is.

You can read it here.

A little rain... July vs. This week

UT Stats and Lazy Cat

My favorite UT Football related website: burnt orange nation dot com, interviewed some guy I've never heard of before (but that i should probably recognize), and he provided some very impressive statistics for UT's rush defense.  I echo the one word the writer had for them... "WOW" {my comments within the brackets}

...(Dave Matter) provides some of the best statistics about the Texas running defense I've seen around the internet:

- The Horns have given up just two runs of 20 yards or more. 

- Opponents are picking up just 2.5 yards on first down, just 1.3 on second down. 

- On 22 tries, opponents have picked up the first down just three times. {I assume he means on 3rd and short or 4th down running plays} 

- Opponents have gained just 2 yards on 18 carries inside the 20. 

- Of the 215 rushing yards gained against Texas, 147 have come when UT leads by more than two touchdowns -- almost 70 percent. {is this really true?!? In 6 games, opponents have only gained 215 yards?!?!} 

- When opponents are within two touchdowns of the Horns, they've run 101 times for 68 yards. Not a misprint.

In the world of tapering for my "race" next weekend, Taper day #2 is starting out (and ended) terrible on the running front.  I really wanted to go jump in and enjoy the greenbelt for an hour or so with Karma, but I didn't.  I wanted to, but didn't. I should have, but didn't. Why?   Because I didn't firm up the plan in my head before I went to bed. I've realized that's my kryptonite. I. Have. To. Have. A. Plan. In. Place. 

  Oh well. Guess I'll just feel that much better for my longer run tomorrow.  Still don't have a plan, so if you're interested, let me know.  At this time I'm thinking easy pace all the way, 3 or 4 hours, that I'll gladly chop up to suit anyone interested. (Don't want to start before 6am though) 

I'll need a new pair of shorts...

I will need a new pair of shorts if I'm running in the greenbelt on my
own and come across this:

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2009/10/22/6foot_monitor_lizard_on_the_lo.html

Double whammie for idiot drivers in Austin

Today the City of Austin voted and passed unanimously two things that are really going to make it hard on idiot drivers. 

1- Drivers must now keep a safe 3 foot distance from Cyclists and "other vulnerable road user" in harms way on roads.  

http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/fitcity/entries/2009/10/22/city_approves_safe_passing_ord_1.html

2- Drivers are no longer allowed to send text messages or use their smart phones for similar type of uses while driving.  You can still use it while standing still at red lights etc, but no more while driving.  This should take effect on Jan 2.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/cityhall/entries/2009/10/22/texting_ban_bike_law_pass.html

Good news for most of us, bad news for those idiots that repeatedly threaten to hit my triathlete and cyclist friends, or heck, even that jackass that's been spotted trying to kill runners on Shoal Creek in his truck. 

The interesting thing is how these would be enforced, as my friend John F. has it nailed:  

"Enforcement means if you get hit it is more likely the police can ticket the driver."

Occipital Neuralgia

Researching my weird head pains on the web leads to Occipital Neuralgia.

I'm obviously not 100% sure that I'm correct, but other descriptions
people have given are very similar and docs are suggesting that as a
possible cause.

My pain is kind of just to the side and back of the top of the head,
and not over towards the eyes which apparently is not a good thing for
those people, but a good thing for me.

Some suggest that it's a pinched nerve, some suggest it's a nerve in
the neck, some suggest a headbump of some sort as the cause.

Wanna read more about my possible head pain?
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/536/main.html#SymptomsofOccipitalNeuralgia

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/what-could-be-causing-such-pain/show/757543

I'll give it another week to see if it was just a nerve issue, then
head to the doctor. That is of course, unless one of you gets a call
from me because I can't see anymore and need a ride to the hospital!
(kidding!)

Timex iControl

I've owned today's www.woot.com watch for about two years. For $25 it
is SO worth it if you're a runner! I'm just pissed I paid quite a bit
more for it.
I may buy a backup!

Heck, a regular timex ironman costs $30, and this works just like one,
but has the added remote functionality when you want it!

(not sure what iPods it works with, but it works perfectly well with
my first generation Nano. Also no idea if it works with iPhone)

RAIN!!!!!

So exciting to hear constant rain all night long! And since I ran
twice yesterday I'm taking today off so the weather is perfect!

The weather guy on Fox 7 just said that the rain has been so "good"
that many creeks and rivers out west are flooding which will
eventually all pour into Lake Travis and raise the deficit of 34 feet
by up to 11 feet! We will still be down 20-25 feet, but it's a start!

GOOD JOB, EL NIÑO!!

Yesterday I ran again out in the greenbelt for about an hour fortyfive
for about 8 miles. Sure glad I ran then as now I get 2 days off
before running on Saturday!

I found the article

It was surprisingly easy to find the article I alluded to earlier...

You can read it here

I was right C3 is the organizer for both Lollapalooza and for ACL.

According to this article, C3 paid Austin about $100K for this year's festival. However, they've donated this and that and the other to the tune of $2.9 million since 2006. That's 725K per year (averaged out).

Chicago gets $1.9 per year, which would be about $7.6 million since 2006, assuming ticket prices and concession revenues remained constant.

Austin says they can't make up rules for different events, so it's one price for everyone.

Anyone want to rent out Republic Square Park for a day?! We could make it a really fun private party for only $1,500 in rental fees!!!

oh yeah... i almost forgot

You've probably been waiting for an update on ACL Park (formerly known as Zilker park).

They have finally removed all the stages and tents etc. However, the big jail fence keeping all us wild animals out are still up.

There are plenty of green areas, but there are even more big brown expanses.

Yesterday, as I was driving by at 8am'ish, there was a tractor truck type vehicle with an attachment to it in the back that looked like some time of a tilling mechanism.   If they're filling, or trying to flip things around, that means to me that they're not even close to having the grass back in decent shape, which yet again points to my prediction of a 2010 opening.

I've been humored by reading some arguments from those for and against ACL Festival being held at the Park.  Personally, I'm all for it.  There really is no better place to have.  I just want the city to let soccer and other sports back onto the fields when ACL isn't using it.

So the thing I wanted to point out here is I humors me when those defending the event say: "You guys just need to loosen up, it's 3 days out of the year!".   Again, i'm fine with ACL being held at ACL Park, as afterall, that's it's new official name, but lets not use the argument that it's only 3 days, when (assuming perfect weather), the organizers rent the grounds for 2 to 3 weeks before the event to set and 2 weeks after the event to clean up. That's more than a month.

I also read this fascinating report on the differences between Austin and Chicago with Lollapalooza. Both events are 3 days and are very similar in size, and if I'm not mistaken, there is some type of overlap on management companies of the events.  Chicago charges Lollapalooza 10% of all proceeds to allow them to use the grounds (+ the park needs to be cleaned and returned to pre-festival condition).  The dollar amount paid to the city of Chicago is well over a million dollars.  Austin charges ACL organizers a flat fee of something like $3,000 per day for the couple of weeks leading up to the event, then a flat fee of some ridiculously small amount (when compared to Chicago). 

It's pretty apparent that the ACL organizers got a SWEET deal that they probably couldn't even believe they got away with!

On top of all that, the 2.5 million they're supposed to pay the city for the grass install, only needs to be paid as 500K per year for 5 years.  Sounds to me like, ACL organizers just need to stick 2.5 mill in the bank and then pay out a little every year, and even with a simple 5% interest, they get $125,000 in interest to help pay for this stuff.  

just fun stuff to read about...  I'll see if I can find that article that compared the two contracts.  it really made Austin's leaders look like complete business rookies.

rainy 10

Too bad that it was intermittently rainy and cloudy today, as i was really looking forward to seeing some shooting stars from the Orionid Meteor Shower this am.  Oh well, a star filled morning, was replaced by a fun drizzly run.   Karma really rocked his 2 mile loop, even though it was back up to 70 degrees and very humid.  Very encouraging!

I've got this weird pain on my head that only goes away when i'm in motion, so i'm happy to be running.  I'll maybe describe this weird pain later.  For now... it's back to work. 

Our very own Steve Martin!!

I love the movie LA Story. Why? Perfect combination of one of my favorite comedians, Steve Martin, in a silly comedy about a TV Weatherman who talks to Interactive Highway Information Signs. Good Stuff. Did I mention he's a weatherman? Yeah, that's the best part, since he lives in sunny Los Angeles, and the fact that I love weather. How this movie didn't win awards is beyond me.

Anyway, Austin, I'm glad to announce that if you're the proud owner of AT&T U-verse cable TV, you get to go to channel 227, input Austin, TX, then choose video, and watch THIS GUY every day!! (i recorded with my phone, so bear with me on the quality)

Thank you Randy, for discovering this gem! You made my week!

Orionid Meteor Shower tonight and early am!!

For you runners, tomorrow at 6am EDT, 5am CDT, will be the peak time for the Orionid Meteor Shower.

This article: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,568712,00.html ...says you should look for them around Orion. I assume you know how to find Orion? you know Orion's Belt?

The three stars that are right in line next to each other. I was actually looking at the belt on Monday morning as I walked my dog, and noticed that at 4:30am, here in Austin, it's pretty much straight up in the sky, a little towards the south.

Good luck! Report back what you see!

I'll be running at 5:30am, getting up at 4:30am, walking my dog, and will eat my pre run cereal out on my front porch for sure! I love this stuff!

i'm not sure where this is going

I'm not sure where this blog is headed since i stopped typing about my runs.

Maybe i'll restart that since it kind of feels like a rudderless boat adrift at sea with no breeze to fill the sails.

what do you think?

This is great! watch it!

One of the memorable ones

Today, the sky was clear, there was no haze, there was no wind. It was rather cool out, website said airport temp was 51, and camp mabry 59. Cindy and I got to enjoy a really 14 mile run with an even nicer sunrise as we ran eastbound on townlake. We even had to stop right before longhorn dam to really enjoy the colors of the sky reflecting off the glass water, a duck making circlular ripples in the water and the damn's architecture providing a nice black silhouette in the sky. Great stuff.

It was also my first "shirted" run of the season too. Didn't get too hot out there, but it was borderline too hot for a little while!

On another note: I got this in my email this morning:

" Dear Michael W______, This is to notify you that your entry into the 114th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19, 2010 has been accepted, provided that the information you submitted is accurate. "

Umm, the only way it's not accurate is if last year's Boston Marathon timing mats didn't function properly, the official certificate you sent me was wrong, and my watch I wore was also wrong! Other than that, bring on a 2nd or 3rd corral, and a sub 3hour marathon!

Why are you leaving?

The party just go started!

I don't knwo what to say here

There was a sooner mom standing next to me when I snapped this, and
she couldn't believe the stupidity of it either.

Apartment on Congress between 8th and 9th

Austin Towers dot net continues to provide great articles about condos downtown. This time, it's not a condo, but a private home in the middle of Congress Ave.

Check it out here. Very cool!

I now laugh inside

I've said it... uno, dos, tres, catorce times.

For some reason, people I don't see very often only have one thing to talk to me about.  

This prior week, I ran into several friends I hadn't seen in quite a while; 4 during the week, then 3 more over the weekend.  Heck, for 2 of them, it was a good 2+ years since I'd last seen them.  What cracked me up (and this is nothing new) is that all they had to ask me about was my running.  Now this isn't a bad thing, but it's funny to me that it repeatedly is the only topic they have to ask me about.

I'm sure you other runners or triathletes that read this get the same treatment!

Well fellow "athlete" friends, I think I finally figured out why they do it!   You see, after the normal small talk and exchange of pleasantries about me, you, how's the family, you still at ACME company?, etc.  There really is nothing more to talk about.  However, this is where they get REALLY excited, because we are able to avoid the awkward silence of having nothing to say to each other, BECAUSE we can ask me about my running!

Even better, they also get to practice their comedy routine, by joking about how far i've run, how many marathons I plan on running next week, what an apparent freak I am, or heck, maybe I ran up to Dallas instead of driving!

It's too bad that I have absolutely nothing to talk to them about... because... well.... *insert awkward silence here for 5 seconds*... there isn't much to talk to ask them about, except maybe just say: "So... what have you been up to?"  But then again, we all know the answer to that question is: "Oh, nothing much, same old same old."  

So what's the point?  hahaha   ; )

you know what's fun?

You know what's fun?

I just read my previous blog post to check for spelling mistakes.  (yes, I post then go looking for mistakes!). 

Anyway, i really enjoyed reading that today I ran for 3hours and 30mins BEFORE I started the one and a half hour hard workout part of my run!

HAHAHA!

Looks like I'm slowly gaining the long run fitness I need.

Weak start, redeeming end.

Karma was a rock star today, and that deserves the first line!

So I started the week with no runing until Wednesday, as I drove up to Dallas early Monday and didn't get back until Tuesday for the U2 concert.  Sure it wasn't the best for my training, but I couldn't care less about that when it comes to fun things to do in life.  I'll continue to put fun life events well above training.

Wednesday I ran 13 miles with some friends. 

Then I took Thursday off.  I had full intentions to run on Thursday but that morning, when i took Karma for his morning walk, I just felt really tired.  My body still lacked sleep from the 3 straight late nights, so I opted to go back to bed, as I had a long three days ahead of me. 

Friday, I welcomed the return of wonderful running weather and ran 20 miles with Bruce, with Ken and Mer joining us for about half of that.  Felt great for those 20. 

Saturday was a long day of 7+ hours of driving to the Texas vs. Oklahoma game in Dallas, which also included many more hours standing up pre and post game.  Left my house at 4:40am, and returned at 8:20.  

This morning I met Nedra, then Mer for about 3hrs and 30 minutes of easy to normal paced running before I cranked REAL HARD for 90 minutes.  I ran at absolutely the hardest trail pace I've ever run for those 90minutes with plenty of downhill and uphill running.  The  cooldown run back to the car was pretty painful, because I really put in a hard hard effort out there.  All in all about 5 hours and 20 minutes today for around 23 or 24 miles.  One more week of hard work before I slow things down a bit before Cactus Rose 50 miler!

Since back in March or so, Karma hasn't run more than either 3 miles on the Zilker Karma Loop (Christmas tree loop), OR 45 minutes on trails due to the heat and humidity really affecting him as he's 10 years old.  Today, we were greeted by low 50's and low humidity, so he joined Nedra and I for a full 90 minutes of trail running!  He wagged his tail all the way, but was pretty beat once we got back to the car.  At this pace, as long as the mornings are in the 50's or lower, and there's water in the creek for him, he'll easily get back to last year's 8 mile runs with me!

T - 14!!

Off to bed, and when I wake up, it'll be time to go to the place where
these can be used!!

Texas vs Oklahoma

A neutral field. The Crowd yells on every single play. The blood boils over. It's TEXAS OU weekend! The greatest rivalry in College Football today.
See you in Dallas!

Photos

U2 videos

I took some videos on my phone last night.

 

I uploaded them to YouTube. Personally, I'm a fan of all, but I guess the better ones are 10, 11, 12, and 13. 

The first few are of Muse, the opening band. 

You can see them here:

http://tinyurl.com/U2indallas

U2

U2

U2

U2

U2

U2

U2

U2

U2

Muse

U2

U2

Watch me swim my way to the front!

Mike In Japanese

Tired Legs

This week I'm ended with 82 miles on 6 days of running.

The main course for this week was a tough 3 day weekend stretch of 20 miles on Friday, 23 on Saturday and another 9 this morning.  That's 50+ miles in three days.

Highlights include:

A terrible attempt at running 13 miles on Thursday, but it was so hot, and so humid, that I ended with 6 miles, of which 4 were at almost a slow walking pace.  It was too easy to give up on the day as I had a tough 3 days after that and figured i'd cut my losses.

Friday started off with a HOT 2 miles of running, and then we ran straight into the howling winds of a coldfront that entered the area.  The temperature dropped about 20-25 degrees in less than 5 minutes, and we were then treated to a rainy 18 miles.   The best 20 mile run I've had on roads in a long long time.

Saturday I had an early 4am start, and within 20 minutes, was completely drenching wet from slipping and falling into Barton Creek while crossing it up at the dam.  The only thing that was spared was half of my left arm and hand.  Too bad no one was with me to laugh about it, but I did my best to make fun of myself.  Of the 4 hours and 45 minutes I ran, hours 3 and 4 where strong strong strong, pushing the pace and attacking every little hill i encountered.  4 creek crossings made me smile too.

I got a 2 hour nap to make up for the 4 hours of sleep I got, but it certainly wasn't enough to recover considering I then went to the Texas Football game, got back to bed at 10:45pm.

Sunday I was up again at 6am, for another 2 hours of trail running with Jo Dee.  We had fun and braved the "field loop" as I call it.  Since it was 54 degrees out, i figured the big rattle snake that has been repeatedly spotted out there was not out and about.  We were treated to a torrential downpour for the last 35-40 minutes that really made the trail i call "the amazon: (south side of the creek) feel like a rain forest!  2 more creek crossings, both during the torrential downpour!

Few words can describe how happy I am to see the water healthily flowing in the creek again!

Its Gametime!

Buffalo... Its whats for dinner

Shirt!!

Not only is it a Shirt day, Its quite possibly a long shirt AND glove
day!!!

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND!

Paul Terranova!  Good luck in Kona Ironman World Championships tomorrow!!!

JT (Brownie)!!!   Good luck tomorrow at the Oil Creek 100 mile trail race!  (his 3rd 100 miler this year!)

Woohoo!!!   ROCK OUT, GUYS!!!!

A thought on Mileage

Nothing too earth shattering but I just thought i'd make this point anyway.

If you want to reach 300 miles in a month, a good way to see where you're at is follow the days of the month.  

I'm currently at 76 miles for the month, and it's October 9th.  That means I'm 14 miles behind on my pace.  Tomorrow I need to be at 100 miles if I want to use this highly scientific strategy.  Good thing I've got 25 miles planned.

The problem is those damned REST days.  I really can't afford rest days, or, I have to run extra on other days to make up for it.  Fortunately, I plan on running on the last day of the month, and that run is 50 miles long, so i can make up 4 days of tapering leading up to it.

Anyone wanna guess what distance I'll end up with at month's end?

*pause*

yeah, I didn't think so.  it's OK.  I didn't expect you to want to partake in my game anyway.

Happy Running, and Happy Friday!  

Try and make YOUR Friday 1/3rd as good as mine, and you should be dancing on the ceiling.

Oh no, a Lionel Ritchie reference!  

WHAT A FRIDAY!!!!! THE BEST ONE EVER???

Ok, this is clearly the best friday I can remember in a VERY VERY long time!!

First I got to run in the Rain! The run started in hot 80degree weather for 2 miles, and then we got hit with the cool air, and then the sprinkles and then hard rain and hard wind that almost picked me up and sent flying to a neighboring town. It was the best 20 mile run I've had in a very long time. Dan joined for 11 miles and Ken was in for the whole adventure. WOW! What a great day!!

Then, I got home and a friend had contacted me with an extra ticket to the U2 concert in Dallas on Monday night!!! Face Value Floor access ticket for $70! Are you kidding me? If I want to go? HELL YEAH!!! A call to a dear friend and she kindly accepted to take care of Karma, the boss approved the late notice departure, and BOOM!... I'm in!!

And THEN, I had read in an email from ACL Fest that they were going to release a very limit quantity of $50 3day tickets for next year's festival, so I bookmarked the page where they would sell. I just so happened to click on it randomly this morning, and it said : BUY NOW!!! and so I did!!! and guess what?!?! I got lucky and was able to buy two of them for $100! Regular price is up to $185 each!!! SCORE!!!

Pinch me, please! Not sure this is real!

Here's some footage of U2 a couple of months ago!!
Look at this!!!



and this!!!


and finally... not as good a quality, but one of my top 3 favorite songs from any band ever!!!!

Long rain cloud

WOW! It's raining all up and down! Pretty impressive!

Not at all...

You're absolutley not in the way! Not at all!!

Biophysical Report - Finally!

Remember how almost a year ago I wrote about blood samples I was giving for a study of runners?  Well, I'm finally going to get my personal results!

(google Biophysical Corporation to find out more!) 

Dear Study Participants,

 

Thank you for participating in theIdentification of Biomarker Profiles Associated with Acute Physical Stress study. Unfortunately, sample testing did not take place as early as anticipated but is now complete. We expect to have a report of your results available this month.

 

The samples were tested on DiscoveryMAP™, a newly released product from Rules-Based Medicine, Inc. containing 189 analytes. Sample testing was slightly delayed pending the release of this product. Although you are not receiving the results as early as originally projected, the testing included additional analytes over what was initially proposed.

May have to" afternoon snack" this one!

New Vampire Weekend Song

Album is out Jan 2010

Trying again

Mmmm... Pomegranate!

Nutritional Value of Pomegranate

Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of pomegranate 

• Carbohydrates - 17.17 gm
• Sugars - 16.57 gm
• Dietary fiber - 0.6 gm  
• Fat - 0.3 gm
• Protein - 0.95 gm
• Thiamin (Vitamin B1) - 0.030 mg
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - 0.063 mg
• Niacin (Vitamin B3) - 0.300 mg
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - 0.596 mg
• Vitamin B6 - 0.105 mg
• Folate (Vitamin B9) - 6 μg
• Vitamin C - 6.1 mg
• Calcium - 3 mg
• Iron - 0.30 mg
• Magnesium - 3 mg
• Phosphorus - 8 mg
• Potassium - 259 mg
• Zinc - 0.12 mg
• Energy - 70 kcal (290 kJ) 

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Pomegranates/Pomegranate Juice 

• Being rich in antioxidants, pomegranate can keep LDL (bad cholesterol) from oxidizing and thus, prevents atherosclerosis.
• Pomegranate has been found to help keep blood platelets from clumping together and forming unnecessary clots.
• Regular consumption of pomegranate juice is said to be beneficial for those suffering from heart diseases.
• Researches have indicated that pomegranate compounds might prevent prostate cancer and even slowdown its growth.
• Pomegranate juice has also been associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer.
• Pomegranate juice is pretty good for those suffering from diarrhea, but it over-consumption can lead to constipation.
• Pomegranate is said to be good for reducing plaque in the arteries and raising levels of HDL (good cholesterol).
• It has been seen that pomegranate juice helps prevent heart attacks and even stroke.
• Studies have shown that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice might protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.
• Pomegranate is believed to help prevent cartilage deterioration and thus, keep osteoarthritis at bay.
• Consumption of pomegranate might prevent and even slow down Alzheimer's disease.
• Pomegranate juice is associated with lowering of blood pressure as well as better oral health.

I said it yesterday, now they're saying it today.

Yet again, yours truly accurately predicted the future:

"The Austin City Limits area of Zilker Park will probably remain closed until the end of the month, as city officials work to rehabilitate the newly planted sod, which is mostly covered in mud after the weekend festival, officials announced today."

But you see, i also predict that they will postpone the re-opening well past end of October.  Stay tuned...