Life

So there has been little activity lately. Mostly because I have not ran many races this year. Been busy (excuses). My runs have shortened which has allowed my pace to quicken so that's not all bad. Only running between 25-30 miles per week but I am eager to slow down and go far again. As far as shoes, I have not laced up a pair of sneakers since the middle of October 2010. I have been running exclusively in my homemade huaraches. Some decent distances and even a half marathon. I am on my third pair. Not that they wear out, just in search of a better design. I started in 4mm Vibram Cherry. Very hard rubber. I ran >300 mile with virtually no wear. I then tried 6mm Vibram Morflex. A softer closed cell neoprene that is less dense then the cherry so the weight is the same even though its thicker. I have about 300 miles on this pair and and it has some very slight wear. I think this is easily 1500-2000 miles sole. That's very much conjecture. I suppose a lot can happen between 300 miles and then. I am very interested in trail running in sandals and more specifically, ultra trail running in them. The soles I have previously used are terrible in mud. There is just no traction. I have recently ordered a sheet of the Vibram Newflex, an aggressively treaded 8mm closed cell neoprene. They should be delivered this week.

So... other  updates...Graduated from optometry school,

Moved back to Indiana,

Bought an optometry practice inside a Lenscrafters in the mall,

Getting schooled on how to run a business with many long days. Finally, after 2.5 months, things are beginning to run more smoothly. Thus, I can get back to running, further and more regularly.

Last post I was considering running the Swamp Stomper in Vibrams...acheived.

Got some hot spots but no major blisters.

Stubbed my toe in the first mile and was pretty sure I broke my foot. It was swollen at the finish but healed quickly. The terrain was heinous, but dryer than years past. Finished in 7:18.

Liam just turned 2.

That's been it for length this year. I did not run a spring marathon. Being occupied trying to repair our house for selling after graduation. Finally setlled, finally home, ready for more.

More to come. There are big plans for 2012.

Huaraches

Over the holidays, I read Christopher McDougal's book, "Born to Run." where he exposed me to the Tarahumara Indians of the Copper Canyons of Mexico. These dudes run incomprehensible distances in brightly colored knit skits and sandals if anything on there feet. I have been interested in minimallist footwear and this was another avenue worth exploring. I did some research and they are constructing these sandals, called "huaraches," out of old tires with leather straps. A couple hours later I had my own pair.

I cut the paper thin soles off some Sperry Topsider house shoes and glued on some vegetable tanned leather cut to the exact shape of my foot. Then, It was laced with 1/4 Latigo strap leather. After a few modification and one complete rebuild, I was able to run a mile in them.

I've had them for 2 weeks and am up to 7 miles. So far, each time I run, I have to "Goldilock's" the strap tightness for the first 1/10th of a mile then, there is no rubbing at all. The strap does wear lightly in between my toes. This is the only setback keeping me from doing some real distance in these. I believe that gradual use will eventual callous the skin in between there and thus this will be possible.

Shoes for Swamp Stomper?

Next week, Some friends and I are running the Swamp Stomper on the trails of Shelby Forest in Millington, TN. As, I mentioned in my very first post, this race was the on that inspired me to try my hand at some ultra distances. This year, a handful of us are going to challenge the hills, the water, the mud, and the cold for 2 - 16 mile laps to complete the entire 50k. The question is, Do I wear shoes or try the long haul in my Vibrams. The facts are this, My feet are going to be devastatingly painful in shoes by mile 16-20. The entire second lap is going to hurt. If I run in the Vibrams, I expect my feet to experience the same, end-all pain by about mile 12 at the latest. Beyond it being somewhat scary to contemplate, logically there is not much difference. If the trails are not standing water, I think I am going to try the Vibrams. If after the first lap, I am at risk for DNF, I will switch into shoes.

Sometimes, My feet bleed.

I finished 12.2 miles yesterday in the Vibrams at Tour de Wolf. I ran hard the entire time at just under 9 minute miles. This is encouraging but the Shelby Forest trails are infinitely more hilly. We will see. Until then.

50 miles...Achieved

Its been a few weeks since I ran the Nashville Ultra. I have since healed, began running again, and now that the post race buzz has worn off, I feel I should talk about it.

The gun fired at 7 am on a chilly Saturday morning. The first 8 miles were cool but breeze-less. When the sun started to peak over the horizon exceptional amount of fog was created. It was beautiful. We were running east so the sun illuminated billions of tumultuous water droplets that swirled behind the competitors in front of me. The street signs and mile markers steamed as they absorbed the rays.

I passed by my crew (Jessica, Liam, Mom, Blaize, Jenny, and Izzy) at 5 miles who had neglected to get any of my race food prepped. "They have food in that tent!" I was told. They didn't quite understand that you can't just switch diets from what your used to on race day. I have no idea what going from pretzels to doritoes would to to my performance but I wasn't going to risk it.

At 8 miles, we turned around. With the sun at my back I cruised back to the start line. T run was beautiful so far. All green ways, parts suspended along a rivers edge cliff.

At mile 16, I snacked on some PB and J, applied copious amounts of vasseline around parts that rub. and was off again. There was an incredible walking bridge over the Cumberland that ended in a significant decline. As I crossed it, I couldn't stop myself from pondering what it was going to feel like to run back up this at mile 49. Chilling.

The next aid station was at mile 22 (my arches were starting to hurt). A really nice park that was quite busy. Baseball players, family reuinions (with awesome smelling BBQ) and trails I have ran before. We exited the park on the same trail as in the Tom King Classic. I headed through some industrial areas on my way downtown.

At mile 28, Blaize joined me on a bicycle for the rest of the race. It started with another steep pedestrian bridge and we were downtown, searching diligently for the white painte the said, "NU" with an arrow telling us our next move. Downtown, although big, doesn't last long when trying to cover 50 miles. Sooner than I could have imagined we were back in another industrial area (still on a green way), beside train tracks complete with a train  following us at the same speed as us blowing its horn incessantly.

Soon enough we were back on a green way along the river.

In making a long story short. I ran a long time. 10:28.

2 weeks to 50.

There have been no recent posts because there have been no recent developments. Several early morning runs. dozens of short runs. Two new things. First, my pride and joy, the first shoes I was ever able to run LONG in, has became extinct. The New Balance 1220, (a six year old model to date) is no longer available in my size. So, I went shoe shopping for the first time in 6 years. I went to our local running store. The service is great here. The salesmen (and women) are bad ass. Ultra-runners on down to the ultra-fast. The dude had me remove my shoes and walk. He then knelt with his head to the floor and observed my arch and foot-strike. He had me try on several pairs of shoes but the problem with this store is there sizes. They have NO wides. They claimed to have some on order but I couldn't wait. With 14 days to 50 miles I need to get these guys broke in. I found a pair at Fleet Feet. They have been good so far. Second, I have been working on a new challenge. Barefoot-ish running. I also am running some of my shorter runs in Vibrams Five Fingers. These shoes have NO support and virtually NO cushioning. It requires a change in running posture. While running in traditional shoes, the elevated and highly cushioned heel encourages heel strike. While in Vibrams (and all cultures in human history where modern shoes were unavailable) the forefoot strike is required. Landing on one's forefoot or "the ball" of ones foot allows the flex of the arch and Achilles, and the musculature of the calves to absorb the otherwise devastating shock. Blisters have formed but they will soon be callouses. Pictures to come.

I am ULTRA!

I awoke at 4:00am to have my coffee and initiate peristalsis. I packed my cooler and ate some oats and was driving to my first ultra at 6:00am. Jessica and Liam were with me at the start.

Number 1 crew member.

 It was a decent morning. Not cool but comfortable at the start. At 7ish the race was on. There was a 200 yard parking lot for the runners to sort out based on pace and after that we entered the Blue Trail at Nesbit Park in Bartlett, TN. 

And we're off!

The blue trail is a short 1.6 mile loop that that is necessary for the mileage to be right at the end. We ran back through the parking lot toward the starting line and entered the forest again on the White Trail for four 7.4 mile loops. 

I ran the first loop fairly conservatively and met some interesting people. The ultra marathoners I met were gracious, humble, and helpful. They have checked their egos. They are also tremendously motivating. It was a good change to talk with people who could actually understand my motivation unlike most days when I'm told its just crazy. I talked to a woman who finished her first 100 miler. I asked her "how do you even get your mind around that." She said, Thats just it, its all in your head. Your body can do it. If you can run 50k you can run 50M, if you can run 50M you can run 100M."

The second and third loop I was all by myself. There is comfort in solitude, value in suffering. I was comfortable. I cranked up my pace and ran the numerous hills. At the mid-lap aid station, another dude followed me in. When asked about his distance for today. "I'm doing 40." My new motivation was to beat this guy so at least I wouldn't be last. 

On my fourth loop, at the mid-lap aid station, the workers said, "what can I get you?" "...muhh" I couldn't form words and I have no idea why. Maybe running silently by myself for 3 hours. Luckily she has obviously heard this lack of response and immediately began offering me things. Do you want water, gatorade, ice? Do you need salt? When was the last time you took in calories?  I really felt taken care of. I moved on and on my way out I saw the guy I had to beat. I was a half mile ahead.

I emerged from the woods on the white trail at 12:30ish and I saw Jessica, Liam and Tripper. I muscled my way to the 50k finish and the race director asked, "Are you finished or are you going on?" I muttered, I am going 40. I was then told that only 2 runners ahead of me had continued past the 50k point. "That means your in at least 3rd place." I was stoked, but suffering a great deal. I was significantly chaffed in several sensitive areas. 

Applying diaper rash ointment and snacking on some pretzels at 35.6.

The last 8.6 miles consited of 2 loops of the combined Blue and Yellow Trail. It was 92 degrees and humid. The first loops was ok. Tripper was there prompting me to keep running when I wanted to walk. The second loop, when I was at 35.6 miles, was excruciating. I sincerely could have wept. Tripper and I hit the pavement for 200 of the most poignantly painful yet satisfying yards. 

Final Stretch

ULTRA banana

Feet after 40 miles of trails.

Countdown to Ultra.

Its  been a couple weeks since my last entry. I finished up my extern in Senatobia and went home for break. I skipped all my runs the 5 days I was home because I was working all day at my dad's farm. It was great to shed the white coat and sweat for a change. Anyway, this week was back to business as usual. Several short runs through the week and a 3:00am 21 mile long run on Saturday. I am ready. My legs don't tire. I don't breath any harder than while watching TV. My feet still start hurting at 19-20 but my shoes are in desperate need of replacement. This pair has 450-500 miles on them.

I am back at school for my last internship before graduation. The schedule sucks and makes it hard to get the medium length runs in. I have to get up between 4-4:30am if I am to get to clinic on time. One early day is manageable but multiple early days SUCKS. The end justifies the means.

Next weekend, Sept., 11th, I run the Bartlett Park Ultra-Marathon. http://www.runacrossamericaontrail.com/Bartlett_Park_Ultras.html . I hear "good luck" a lot from people who hear about my goal. I graciously thank them but covertly I know I don't need luck. The training, 3 months of 20-30 milers each weekend, says luck is not needed. "The harder you work, the luckier you get." There is a heavy message in that simple saying.

A couple friends and I ran out at Bartlett Parks where the event is to be held this morning. I have crossed the finish line a million times in my head but being there makes it more real. The trails are almost completely shaded which should help with the predicted 91 degree high predicted for Saturday. The terrain is a bit hillier than the website lead me to believe but its very run-able. The good thing is this trip dispelled many of the "unknowns" that keep me awake nights before races. I now have a realistic expectation of the race day atmosphere.