Sunday, March 31, 2013
The Duathlon - Event 11
I'm feeling pretty good about where we are in the 50at50 Project, although I'd like to be further ahead. This weekend makes ten weeks into this crazy goal and yesterday we completed Event 11, the Spring Classic Duathlon. This was a run-bike-run event, at distances of 5k-15 miles-5k, respectively. Other than the snowshoe race in January, this was the first event (of several to come in the next couple of months) that I felt would really push the limits. The distances themselves are not a problem. I can run the 5k - hell, even the combined runs at 10k total - and feel good. And biking 15 miles is easy enough. It's the combination that makes this difficult.
I embarked on this challenge to better myself. I knew it would get us out and active, and it is doing just that. I also knew that most of the events would, naturally, be runs and rides. The thing to keep in mind is that I am not built for either. Yes, I've completed four full marathons, numerous half-marathons, 10k's, 5k's; multi-day road bike rides, scrambles, trail runs, mountain bike rides - and don't forget the aforementioned snowshoe race. But if you look at the physique of a 'typical' biker or a 'typical' runner, I ain't it. What I do have is the ambition and the initiative and the guts to get out there to participate.
While I'm sure I'll never win an event like this, I look at it like this: there are about 750,000 people in the Portland metropolitan area and only 268 of them participated in the Spring Classic Duathlon.
I was one of them.
Camera Crew was one of them.
My sister, Susan, was one of them - AND she placed third in her division.
And two good friends - Kathy C. and Sebastian P. - did the event, as well.
This group accounted for almost 2% of the total number of participants!
It was a gorgeous day - blue skies, warm temperatures, very light breeze. I had scouted the location of the event earlier in the week so knew right where we were headed. The parking lot was pretty full but we got a nice spot. In fact, about 5 minutes after we got there, vehicles were lined up out to the road trying to find a place to park! As they say, timing is everything. CC and I walked to the start area and scoped out the transition staging compound. I say 'compound' because the way the security guy was acting, I was worried I needed my passport and would get strip searched to be allowed access. Truth be told, it's good to see this level of security at events, especially when there are some very expensive bikes and equipment involved!!
After milling around a bit, we went back to the SUV, got the bikes and our other gear, and headed to the staging area. In a duathlon there are two 'transitions' that take place: one occurs after the first run, when you switch to your bike gear; the second when you're done biking and change back to run the last leg of the event. The idea is to lay your bike gear out in such a fashion that you can run into the transition area, pull your running shoes off/pull the bike shoes on (in my case, Keen bike sandals), get the helmet, bike gloves, sunglasses, grab the bike and go. You must run your bike out of the transition area to the point at which it's legal to mount your bike and take off. Lots of rules and such.
When the bike ride is finished, you have to dismount prior to entering the transition area, run your bike to the rack, change back to running gear and take off for the final leg.
The pros will tell you that the time spent in transitions in a duathlon or triathlon can be the difference between winning and losing. Me, I was about 2:39 (minutes, not hours) on my first transition and 3:36 on my second. Meh.
Funny story: As mentioned above, my sister placed third in her division but on her first transition - to bike - she tried to put her helmet on. At about the exact same instant the straps didn't buckle she remembered her daughter had worn it last. So she had to quickly adjust the fit and boogie out. (snicker)
I should talk. I had my things all laid out nicely, ready to go. Included in my bike stuff were two energy gels and some Clif Shot Blocks (think gummy bears on 'roids). Since eating while running is more challenging for me, I had planned to take them on the bike and juice up during the ride to carry me through. Except I took off and left it all there. D'oh! My second transition was slowed down because I took the time to inhale a gel and chomp on a couple of shot blocks. Oh well - next time I'll get it right.
I can say with confidence that there is no weirder feeling than transitioning from biking to running. After being on the bike for 54 minutes, then switching to running shoes and heading out for another 5k, the legs don't feel like they're the ones you had before! They don't respond and feel rubbery because the blood flow is now different and completely different muscles are being called into use. It took about a mile or so before my gait felt normal, even though I'm sure it didn't look quite right - somewhere between Frankenstein and the Mummy.
"Mommy, what's wrong with that man?" "Honey, it's not polite to stare."
During all of this - the hurt and the sweat and the hard work - I'm pretty sure I smiled a fair amount. I love seeing Camera Crew on the course during events! Plus I saw my sister and other friends along the way, each of us shouting encouragement to the other. Mt. Hood was there in all its' snow covered beauty and the course took us along the Columbia River. It was pretty fantastic!
We also had a cheering section! My other sister, Pat, as well as Susan's hubby, Doug and their kids - Griffin, Julienne and Ian - were rooting for us every time we passed by. It's always good to know that people are supporting us in these races, but even better when they take the time to come out and cheer. And it truly warmed my heart to hear Julienne and Ian shouting 'Go, Aunt Bex! Go, Aunt Bex!"
After finishing, the post-race euphoria hit and we all hung out for a bit, discussing the race, our transitions and when can we do the next one! Methinks my sis is hooked on the multi-sport thing. All in all, a great day!! Camera Crew and I had a beer and visited with some folks, then loaded up for the drive home. Lugging bikes and gear and the bike rack back upstairs should have counted as another event! Food and a couple of drinks at the Pope House made us feel much better.
Next up: Event 12 next weekend, the Bridge to Brews 10k! See ya!!
I embarked on this challenge to better myself. I knew it would get us out and active, and it is doing just that. I also knew that most of the events would, naturally, be runs and rides. The thing to keep in mind is that I am not built for either. Yes, I've completed four full marathons, numerous half-marathons, 10k's, 5k's; multi-day road bike rides, scrambles, trail runs, mountain bike rides - and don't forget the aforementioned snowshoe race. But if you look at the physique of a 'typical' biker or a 'typical' runner, I ain't it. What I do have is the ambition and the initiative and the guts to get out there to participate.
While I'm sure I'll never win an event like this, I look at it like this: there are about 750,000 people in the Portland metropolitan area and only 268 of them participated in the Spring Classic Duathlon.
I was one of them.
Camera Crew was one of them.
My sister, Susan, was one of them - AND she placed third in her division.
And two good friends - Kathy C. and Sebastian P. - did the event, as well.
This group accounted for almost 2% of the total number of participants!
It was a gorgeous day - blue skies, warm temperatures, very light breeze. I had scouted the location of the event earlier in the week so knew right where we were headed. The parking lot was pretty full but we got a nice spot. In fact, about 5 minutes after we got there, vehicles were lined up out to the road trying to find a place to park! As they say, timing is everything. CC and I walked to the start area and scoped out the transition staging compound. I say 'compound' because the way the security guy was acting, I was worried I needed my passport and would get strip searched to be allowed access. Truth be told, it's good to see this level of security at events, especially when there are some very expensive bikes and equipment involved!!
After milling around a bit, we went back to the SUV, got the bikes and our other gear, and headed to the staging area. In a duathlon there are two 'transitions' that take place: one occurs after the first run, when you switch to your bike gear; the second when you're done biking and change back to run the last leg of the event. The idea is to lay your bike gear out in such a fashion that you can run into the transition area, pull your running shoes off/pull the bike shoes on (in my case, Keen bike sandals), get the helmet, bike gloves, sunglasses, grab the bike and go. You must run your bike out of the transition area to the point at which it's legal to mount your bike and take off. Lots of rules and such.
When the bike ride is finished, you have to dismount prior to entering the transition area, run your bike to the rack, change back to running gear and take off for the final leg.
The pros will tell you that the time spent in transitions in a duathlon or triathlon can be the difference between winning and losing. Me, I was about 2:39 (minutes, not hours) on my first transition and 3:36 on my second. Meh.
Funny story: As mentioned above, my sister placed third in her division but on her first transition - to bike - she tried to put her helmet on. At about the exact same instant the straps didn't buckle she remembered her daughter had worn it last. So she had to quickly adjust the fit and boogie out. (snicker)
I should talk. I had my things all laid out nicely, ready to go. Included in my bike stuff were two energy gels and some Clif Shot Blocks (think gummy bears on 'roids). Since eating while running is more challenging for me, I had planned to take them on the bike and juice up during the ride to carry me through. Except I took off and left it all there. D'oh! My second transition was slowed down because I took the time to inhale a gel and chomp on a couple of shot blocks. Oh well - next time I'll get it right.
I can say with confidence that there is no weirder feeling than transitioning from biking to running. After being on the bike for 54 minutes, then switching to running shoes and heading out for another 5k, the legs don't feel like they're the ones you had before! They don't respond and feel rubbery because the blood flow is now different and completely different muscles are being called into use. It took about a mile or so before my gait felt normal, even though I'm sure it didn't look quite right - somewhere between Frankenstein and the Mummy.
"Mommy, what's wrong with that man?" "Honey, it's not polite to stare."
During all of this - the hurt and the sweat and the hard work - I'm pretty sure I smiled a fair amount. I love seeing Camera Crew on the course during events! Plus I saw my sister and other friends along the way, each of us shouting encouragement to the other. Mt. Hood was there in all its' snow covered beauty and the course took us along the Columbia River. It was pretty fantastic!
We also had a cheering section! My other sister, Pat, as well as Susan's hubby, Doug and their kids - Griffin, Julienne and Ian - were rooting for us every time we passed by. It's always good to know that people are supporting us in these races, but even better when they take the time to come out and cheer. And it truly warmed my heart to hear Julienne and Ian shouting 'Go, Aunt Bex! Go, Aunt Bex!"
After finishing, the post-race euphoria hit and we all hung out for a bit, discussing the race, our transitions and when can we do the next one! Methinks my sis is hooked on the multi-sport thing. All in all, a great day!! Camera Crew and I had a beer and visited with some folks, then loaded up for the drive home. Lugging bikes and gear and the bike rack back upstairs should have counted as another event! Food and a couple of drinks at the Pope House made us feel much better.
Next up: Event 12 next weekend, the Bridge to Brews 10k! See ya!!
Monday, March 25, 2013
A Weekend Off!!
No event this last weekend! Our dear friends, Cuddlebuns and Lambchop, came south from Auburn, WA so that we could share in celebrating their one year anniversary! I had the honor of performing their ceremony a year ago and it was great to spend time with them. Plus, as their minister it's good to check in on occasion to make sure my record of 5-0 is still solid! '10-0' if you count husbands and wives separately.
We were also celebrating my dear wife's birthday! My beloved Camera Crew means the world to me and I love her dearly. Except when she misses the shot when I'm narrating events. Just kidding, sweetheart!! Love you - you complete me. You had me at 'Action!'
Spent Saturday down south in the valley doing some wine tasting. We hit one of our faves, Winter's Hill, for their rose' release party. Camera Crew and Lambchop are big fans and it's actually a really nice wine. Camera Crew bought a case! www.wintershillwine.com
From there we visited (um, er, uh...) Archery Summit www.archerysummit.com; Erath, one of our long time favorites www.erath.com; and I think that's it. Maybe.
Anyhoo, back in the big city and after 'freshening up', we had a fantastic dinner at Wildwood www.wildwoodrestaurant.com Our friend, Cana, is part owner there and took great care of us, the service was top notch and the food was incredible as always. After dinner, we introduced our guests to the phenomenon that is Salt & Straw. Late night artisan ice creams. The line was just out the door but moved pretty quickly. Still amazes me. www.saltandstraw.com
We enjoyed a leisurely brunch Sunday morning at ________________________ - still no line, still great food, still the best kept brunch secret in town.
Next event is where it starts getting serious! The Spring Classic Duathlon - 5k run/15 mile bike/5k run. Event 11 coming up!
See ya!
We were also celebrating my dear wife's birthday! My beloved Camera Crew means the world to me and I love her dearly. Except when she misses the shot when I'm narrating events. Just kidding, sweetheart!! Love you - you complete me. You had me at 'Action!'
Spent Saturday down south in the valley doing some wine tasting. We hit one of our faves, Winter's Hill, for their rose' release party. Camera Crew and Lambchop are big fans and it's actually a really nice wine. Camera Crew bought a case! www.wintershillwine.com
From there we visited (um, er, uh...) Archery Summit www.archerysummit.com; Erath, one of our long time favorites www.erath.com; and I think that's it. Maybe.
Anyhoo, back in the big city and after 'freshening up', we had a fantastic dinner at Wildwood www.wildwoodrestaurant.com Our friend, Cana, is part owner there and took great care of us, the service was top notch and the food was incredible as always. After dinner, we introduced our guests to the phenomenon that is Salt & Straw. Late night artisan ice creams. The line was just out the door but moved pretty quickly. Still amazes me. www.saltandstraw.com
We enjoyed a leisurely brunch Sunday morning at ________________________ - still no line, still great food, still the best kept brunch secret in town.
Next event is where it starts getting serious! The Spring Classic Duathlon - 5k run/15 mile bike/5k run. Event 11 coming up!
See ya!
50@50 Project - Event 9B - Challenge Nation San Diego - Intro
Good to see Camera Crew and her family having a good time!!
It must be the proximity to Hollywood that accounts for the professional pan left, then right by Camera Crew, Sr. Well done, sir!!
50@50 Project - Event 9B - Finally!!
Yes, yes - I know I mentioned this event several times and you've been checking in every half hour or so waiting for the recap. Well, here it is - finally.
As you recall, I ran the Buck Mountain Mudslinger 6.5 mile Trail Run a couple of weeks ago. And you also remember that Camera Crew was in San Diego with her family celebrating her grandfather's 102nd (!!) birthday. And you will of course recall that I mentioned the somewhat subtle competitive nature possessed by my wife. She'll tell you she isn't - but trust me on this one.
Since there is no way in hell Bex! would let me do a 50at50 Project event without her, she arranged to participate in Challenge Nation in San Diego. www.challengenation.com With her for this scavenger hunt-style adventure race: her mother, Anne; her father, Camera Crew, Sr.; her Aunt Debbie; her Uncle Alan.
Because this was a race in which they would have to solve clues and find their way around, possibly asking directions - and because 3/5's of the team hails from Alaska's state capital - their team name was 'Juneau Where'. As in "Excuse me, sir - do Juneau Where this statue is located?" I have to (humbly) say that is a clever team name! (Thank you, thank you)
The weather was gorgeous, from what I have seen in pictures and videos. The race took place in a fairly tight area around the Gaslight District of SD. Teams were required to solve 11 of the clues provided, getting photo evidence along the way, much like our Cartathlon race a few weeks back. I am happy to say that Juneau Where placed 87th among a couple hundred teams, which was not too shabby, especially since Camera Crew was breaking in some new adventure racers!! Well done, team!
Alas, for a mere 24 hours I was but one event ahead of my beloved.
But I'll take it!
PS - Add four more people to the list of 'participated in a 50@50 Project' event!
As you recall, I ran the Buck Mountain Mudslinger 6.5 mile Trail Run a couple of weeks ago. And you also remember that Camera Crew was in San Diego with her family celebrating her grandfather's 102nd (!!) birthday. And you will of course recall that I mentioned the somewhat subtle competitive nature possessed by my wife. She'll tell you she isn't - but trust me on this one.
Since there is no way in hell Bex! would let me do a 50at50 Project event without her, she arranged to participate in Challenge Nation in San Diego. www.challengenation.com With her for this scavenger hunt-style adventure race: her mother, Anne; her father, Camera Crew, Sr.; her Aunt Debbie; her Uncle Alan.
Because this was a race in which they would have to solve clues and find their way around, possibly asking directions - and because 3/5's of the team hails from Alaska's state capital - their team name was 'Juneau Where'. As in "Excuse me, sir - do Juneau Where this statue is located?" I have to (humbly) say that is a clever team name! (Thank you, thank you)
The weather was gorgeous, from what I have seen in pictures and videos. The race took place in a fairly tight area around the Gaslight District of SD. Teams were required to solve 11 of the clues provided, getting photo evidence along the way, much like our Cartathlon race a few weeks back. I am happy to say that Juneau Where placed 87th among a couple hundred teams, which was not too shabby, especially since Camera Crew was breaking in some new adventure racers!! Well done, team!
Alas, for a mere 24 hours I was but one event ahead of my beloved.
But I'll take it!
PS - Add four more people to the list of 'participated in a 50@50 Project' event!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
50@50 Project - Event 10 - Shamrock Run 8k
Well, hello there! Last Sunday was St. Patrick's Day and you know what that means: green beer, loud obnoxious drunks in our neighborhood (okay, I wasn't that loud) and the running of the Shamrock Run in PDX, this the 35th year. This event is the first big happening of Portland's running season so, needless to say, the turnout was huge. Over 35,000 people took part in one of the offered races - 5k, 8k, 15k. We chose the 8k, a good distance for us at this point in the 50at50 Project.
A fun little story for ya:
Six years ago when Camera Crew and I were first dating, we had decided to run the Portland Marathon. Most new couples make a commitment like 'Let's go away to the beach for a weekend' or 'I'm going to leave a toothbrush at your place' Us? We decided to run 26.2 miles. It's an October event so we had started 'training' at the first of the year. This consisted of running in cotton sweats and t-shirts; shin splints so bad I could hardly walk; labored jogs/walks around Lloyd Center and the Eastbank Esplanade; always knowing which businesses had a defibrillator and what hours they were open; cursing the saying 'no pain, no gain' - which is BS, by the way.
It was rough.
Well, it eventually got better. I bought actual tech clothing appropriate for running; real running shoes for the task; the shin splints subsided so that Boy Scout's wouldn't offer to assist me in crossing the street. And we got stronger. And faster. And better.
In March 2007, our very first event as a couple, and in our season leading up to the marathon, was the Shamrock Run 5k. Here it was 6 years later - married, happy, doing this crazy 50at50 thing and we were running the 8k together - as our TENTH event of the year! That was a good feeling!
Okay, put the tissues away.
We walked from our place over to the MAX stop by Jeld-Wen Field. Soon enough, it came 'round the bend as trains tend to do (according to Johnny Cash) and we were heading to the waterfront. Lots of Shamrockers on the train, eager and ready to run! Except for those pesky 15k runners whose race had already started, causing the street to be blocked. Train no go. So we hopped off near Pioneer Square and hoofed it down to Waterfront Park and the insanity that is Shamrock. There was a chill in the air, mostly cloudy but sunshine trying to break through. On the occasions that it did, the warmth was nice. Of course, there was warmth from the sea of bodies, too.
Remember, 35,000+ people in this event. It was by far the largest number of participants, waaaay more than the first 9 events combined! Even so, the race organizers did a fantastic job and we were able to get through the crowd to the clothing check, shed our warm ups and meld with the other 9,000+ people doing the 8k. They let us out in waves to control the start, giving us room to run, avoiding people having to walk the first mile or so.
We had a good pace going and before I knew it, I saw the 3 mile sign. Never even noticed the Mile 1 and 2 markers, which was kinda nice, actually. We got separated somewhere near the halfway point, but I knew she was right behind me, back there somewhere, waiting to make her move.
At around the 3 mile mark, I passed a couple who were not enjoying their outing together:
Him: I think I'm gonna throw up.
Her: Well, I told you to stop drinking last night.
Him: Really - I'm gonna vomit.
Her: You knew we had this run today and you just had to keep having 'one more beer'.
Him: I need to stop.
Her: Blah blah blah
I picked up the pace so I could get clear of the splash zone and didn't hear the rest of the convo. And they lived happily ever after.
The route started on Naito, out and back in the NW industrial area, then cut up through town. We went right by brother Bob's apartment then south on Broadway toward PSU. Once I cleared the gradual climb that is Broadway, it was all downhill from there. I 'let the dogs out', taking longer strides, passing people left and right. The finish line was literally right around the corner on Naito! Just after passing under the 'Finish' banner, I heard "Dave!" - turned around and there was Camera Crew - right behind me.
She claims she got held up by a streetcar or she would have caught me.
Which is probably true!
If you recall, two of the earlier events in the project were 8k's. One we did in 1:04; the other in 1:01. We ran Event 10 in the 50at50 Project sub-hour!! I finished in 58:33 and CC got a 59:something. We were THRILLED with this!
After post-race smiles and a beer, we walked across town and had brunch at (location withheld due to it being one of the few breakfast joints that doesn't have a line out the door every weekend) and boy was it fantastic!! The ________ was perfect and the way they mix their __________ makes them so refreshing. And the _________ - to die for!
Check them out at www._____________.com - you won't be disappointed.
We're taking this weekend off. We have some dear friends coming in town for wine tasting, which could be an event in itself! But - alas - it isn't. Lambchop and Cuddlebuns are celebrating their first anniversary and since I performed their wedding ceremony, we get to celebrate with them! Saturday wine tasting, followed by a nice dinner out. Can't wait!
Next up in the 50at50 Project - the Spring Classic Duathlon. A 5k run followed by a 15 mile bike ride wrapped up with another 5k run. Oy. Any of those on its own would be fine. hell, even combine the two runs into a six miler. But you haven't lived until you've run, ridden your bike, then TRIED to run again. That second run feels so weird, your legs don't want to work correctly. Stay tuned for the hilarity!!
A fun little story for ya:
Six years ago when Camera Crew and I were first dating, we had decided to run the Portland Marathon. Most new couples make a commitment like 'Let's go away to the beach for a weekend' or 'I'm going to leave a toothbrush at your place' Us? We decided to run 26.2 miles. It's an October event so we had started 'training' at the first of the year. This consisted of running in cotton sweats and t-shirts; shin splints so bad I could hardly walk; labored jogs/walks around Lloyd Center and the Eastbank Esplanade; always knowing which businesses had a defibrillator and what hours they were open; cursing the saying 'no pain, no gain' - which is BS, by the way.
It was rough.
Well, it eventually got better. I bought actual tech clothing appropriate for running; real running shoes for the task; the shin splints subsided so that Boy Scout's wouldn't offer to assist me in crossing the street. And we got stronger. And faster. And better.
In March 2007, our very first event as a couple, and in our season leading up to the marathon, was the Shamrock Run 5k. Here it was 6 years later - married, happy, doing this crazy 50at50 thing and we were running the 8k together - as our TENTH event of the year! That was a good feeling!
Okay, put the tissues away.
We walked from our place over to the MAX stop by Jeld-Wen Field. Soon enough, it came 'round the bend as trains tend to do (according to Johnny Cash) and we were heading to the waterfront. Lots of Shamrockers on the train, eager and ready to run! Except for those pesky 15k runners whose race had already started, causing the street to be blocked. Train no go. So we hopped off near Pioneer Square and hoofed it down to Waterfront Park and the insanity that is Shamrock. There was a chill in the air, mostly cloudy but sunshine trying to break through. On the occasions that it did, the warmth was nice. Of course, there was warmth from the sea of bodies, too.
Remember, 35,000+ people in this event. It was by far the largest number of participants, waaaay more than the first 9 events combined! Even so, the race organizers did a fantastic job and we were able to get through the crowd to the clothing check, shed our warm ups and meld with the other 9,000+ people doing the 8k. They let us out in waves to control the start, giving us room to run, avoiding people having to walk the first mile or so.
We had a good pace going and before I knew it, I saw the 3 mile sign. Never even noticed the Mile 1 and 2 markers, which was kinda nice, actually. We got separated somewhere near the halfway point, but I knew she was right behind me, back there somewhere, waiting to make her move.
At around the 3 mile mark, I passed a couple who were not enjoying their outing together:
Him: I think I'm gonna throw up.
Her: Well, I told you to stop drinking last night.
Him: Really - I'm gonna vomit.
Her: You knew we had this run today and you just had to keep having 'one more beer'.
Him: I need to stop.
Her: Blah blah blah
I picked up the pace so I could get clear of the splash zone and didn't hear the rest of the convo. And they lived happily ever after.
The route started on Naito, out and back in the NW industrial area, then cut up through town. We went right by brother Bob's apartment then south on Broadway toward PSU. Once I cleared the gradual climb that is Broadway, it was all downhill from there. I 'let the dogs out', taking longer strides, passing people left and right. The finish line was literally right around the corner on Naito! Just after passing under the 'Finish' banner, I heard "Dave!" - turned around and there was Camera Crew - right behind me.
She claims she got held up by a streetcar or she would have caught me.
Which is probably true!
If you recall, two of the earlier events in the project were 8k's. One we did in 1:04; the other in 1:01. We ran Event 10 in the 50at50 Project sub-hour!! I finished in 58:33 and CC got a 59:something. We were THRILLED with this!
After post-race smiles and a beer, we walked across town and had brunch at (location withheld due to it being one of the few breakfast joints that doesn't have a line out the door every weekend) and boy was it fantastic!! The ________ was perfect and the way they mix their __________ makes them so refreshing. And the _________ - to die for!
Check them out at www._____________.com - you won't be disappointed.
We're taking this weekend off. We have some dear friends coming in town for wine tasting, which could be an event in itself! But - alas - it isn't. Lambchop and Cuddlebuns are celebrating their first anniversary and since I performed their wedding ceremony, we get to celebrate with them! Saturday wine tasting, followed by a nice dinner out. Can't wait!
Next up in the 50at50 Project - the Spring Classic Duathlon. A 5k run followed by a 15 mile bike ride wrapped up with another 5k run. Oy. Any of those on its own would be fine. hell, even combine the two runs into a six miler. But you haven't lived until you've run, ridden your bike, then TRIED to run again. That second run feels so weird, your legs don't want to work correctly. Stay tuned for the hilarity!!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
50@50 Project - Event 9 - Buck Mountain Mudslinger 6.5 Mile Trail Run
Well, that was a kick in the pants! I enjoy races that challenge me in extreme ways, and this one certainly fit the bill. Event 9 in the 50at50 Project was Run Wild Adventures' Buck Mountain Mudslinger Trail Run, six and half miles of slop. www.runwildadventures.com Okay, it wasn't all slop but - trust me - there was plenty of mud, water, slipping, sliding, slogging. On the sections that were actually relatively dry, the running was very good. Much like the south end of Wildwood Trail in Forest park, the sections close to the road which are more heavily used seemed to drain the best. But on the sections deeper in, they were a mess. My poor New Balance trail shoes can attest!
As hard as it was, I crawled out of bed at 5:45 this lovely Saturday morning. Having learned from my wife, Camera Crew, I had set everything out the night before. I even ground up my coffee and had it all ready to go - just heat water and - boom - coffee! I hit the road about 6:30, excited to see what this event would bring. Took I-5 south and cut off on Highway 214 to Mt. Angel, then through the town of Silverton. About 15 miles down the road is Silver Falls State Park, a beautiful area of Oregon. The park features many waterfalls, hiking trails, mountain biking, yurts, and camping areas. This temperate rain forest is located in the lower elevations of the Cascade Mountains. Of the ten or so waterfalls, four of them have trails which will take you behind the falls!
Note to Bex!: Must explore here!
The event organizers did a great job with signage, leading me right to the parking area. I got checked in and refilled the coffee mug. When I got my bib number the guy at the table said "Hera ya go - number 301." I responded "What a coincidence - that will probably be my finish time."
It was below freezing for sure - very cold. The puddles in the parking lot were frozen and there was frost on all the shrubs and trees. As is usually the case, I arrived maybe a little too early, so had some hang out time. Some of it spent wandering around; the rest in the car to keep warm. As the sun came over the trees, runners stood in little clumps in the sunshine to soak up some warmth. After much waiting and several trips to pee, it was race time.
The starter made some general announcements about the timing and the trail conditions. He also said that the course would be marked with flower arrows. I thought this was a pretty cool, spring-like touch. It wasn't until we hit the first one that I realized what he actually said was 'flour arrows'. Heh heh (ahem).
About 3/4 of a mile in, we hit the first and shorter of the two steep climbs, this one about 300 feet over 1/2 a mile or so. Very tough going, most everyone walked. You see, it seems water runs down hill and for much of this hill and all the others, we were slogging through ankle deep, shoe-sucking mud and sometimes actual running water. It was awesome!!
Once I got to the top of Hill 1, I set a decent pace for myself as the course rolled along a ridge line. There were some ups and downs, and plenty of mud. You know that kind of mud that is so saturated and thick that it's slippery and yet sticks to your shoes? Yep. Had to scrape the bottoms of the kicks several times as I ran along, using a shuffling step to remove mud so the tread would grab a little. Hill 2 was a bear - I know I was breathing so hard I sounded like one, anyway. It was 600+' over about a mile - brutal. Got up it, though, then it was mostly downhill or flat all the way to the finish line. The latter stretches were more rock strewn, so picking my line kept me raptly focused on where my feet were setting down! And with the water running down the middle of the steeper parts, I had to use the side to side bounce technique quite a bit - right foot up on the bank then kinda hop-step the left foot to the other side of the trail, all in an attempt to stay out of the slimy slippery stuff in the middle.
I hit the finish line in 1:34, not super great - if it had been a 'normal' race. I felt pretty damn good considering the trail conditions and the two other facts: this was the longest distance I've done so far in the 50at50 Project; and it was the first trail run of the season.
Trail running is much different than road running. I look at road running as a necessary evil. If I could do all my running on trails, I would. For me, grinding out miles on the road is just boring. If I'm running in a place I've never been, like when we travel somewhere then that can be at least somewhat interesting. Trail running, however, requires that you are almost always focused on the path. You can sort of zone out on the road but you can't do that on trails. Roots, rocks, branches, slippery leaves, MUD all mean you have to pay attention. I like that. It's a mental workout as well as physical. And, man, all those fast twitch stabilizer muscles that you use when trail running - well, those are gonna be sore! Haven't yet had the need to call upon those this year.
After a couple of beers and some 'hanging out in the sun' time, I was ready to hit the road. About the beer, Seven Brides Brewing in Silverton provided the bevvies www.sevenbridesbrewing.com I had a very nice pale ale - they call it their LPA (Lauren's Pale Ale). Funny to see the difference between 'big city' PDX events and ones like this. In Portland, there are fenced in beer gardens, OLCC monitors and ID checks; here the guy from the brewery poured for a bit, then poured himself one and after that it was self-serve!
Drive back was nice, although traffic was much heavier, of course.
All in all, I am very pleased with the results and my performance.
Event 9B is tomorrow!! Remember, Camera Crew is in San Diego and is running a scavenger hunt race with her family. I can't wait to hear how it goes and to see the video she gets along the way.
For now, I am just going to enjoy the feeling of being one event ahead of her, even if it's just for a short time.
Ahhhhh!
As hard as it was, I crawled out of bed at 5:45 this lovely Saturday morning. Having learned from my wife, Camera Crew, I had set everything out the night before. I even ground up my coffee and had it all ready to go - just heat water and - boom - coffee! I hit the road about 6:30, excited to see what this event would bring. Took I-5 south and cut off on Highway 214 to Mt. Angel, then through the town of Silverton. About 15 miles down the road is Silver Falls State Park, a beautiful area of Oregon. The park features many waterfalls, hiking trails, mountain biking, yurts, and camping areas. This temperate rain forest is located in the lower elevations of the Cascade Mountains. Of the ten or so waterfalls, four of them have trails which will take you behind the falls!
Note to Bex!: Must explore here!
The event organizers did a great job with signage, leading me right to the parking area. I got checked in and refilled the coffee mug. When I got my bib number the guy at the table said "Hera ya go - number 301." I responded "What a coincidence - that will probably be my finish time."
It was below freezing for sure - very cold. The puddles in the parking lot were frozen and there was frost on all the shrubs and trees. As is usually the case, I arrived maybe a little too early, so had some hang out time. Some of it spent wandering around; the rest in the car to keep warm. As the sun came over the trees, runners stood in little clumps in the sunshine to soak up some warmth. After much waiting and several trips to pee, it was race time.
The starter made some general announcements about the timing and the trail conditions. He also said that the course would be marked with flower arrows. I thought this was a pretty cool, spring-like touch. It wasn't until we hit the first one that I realized what he actually said was 'flour arrows'. Heh heh (ahem).
About 3/4 of a mile in, we hit the first and shorter of the two steep climbs, this one about 300 feet over 1/2 a mile or so. Very tough going, most everyone walked. You see, it seems water runs down hill and for much of this hill and all the others, we were slogging through ankle deep, shoe-sucking mud and sometimes actual running water. It was awesome!!
Once I got to the top of Hill 1, I set a decent pace for myself as the course rolled along a ridge line. There were some ups and downs, and plenty of mud. You know that kind of mud that is so saturated and thick that it's slippery and yet sticks to your shoes? Yep. Had to scrape the bottoms of the kicks several times as I ran along, using a shuffling step to remove mud so the tread would grab a little. Hill 2 was a bear - I know I was breathing so hard I sounded like one, anyway. It was 600+' over about a mile - brutal. Got up it, though, then it was mostly downhill or flat all the way to the finish line. The latter stretches were more rock strewn, so picking my line kept me raptly focused on where my feet were setting down! And with the water running down the middle of the steeper parts, I had to use the side to side bounce technique quite a bit - right foot up on the bank then kinda hop-step the left foot to the other side of the trail, all in an attempt to stay out of the slimy slippery stuff in the middle.
I hit the finish line in 1:34, not super great - if it had been a 'normal' race. I felt pretty damn good considering the trail conditions and the two other facts: this was the longest distance I've done so far in the 50at50 Project; and it was the first trail run of the season.
Trail running is much different than road running. I look at road running as a necessary evil. If I could do all my running on trails, I would. For me, grinding out miles on the road is just boring. If I'm running in a place I've never been, like when we travel somewhere then that can be at least somewhat interesting. Trail running, however, requires that you are almost always focused on the path. You can sort of zone out on the road but you can't do that on trails. Roots, rocks, branches, slippery leaves, MUD all mean you have to pay attention. I like that. It's a mental workout as well as physical. And, man, all those fast twitch stabilizer muscles that you use when trail running - well, those are gonna be sore! Haven't yet had the need to call upon those this year.
After a couple of beers and some 'hanging out in the sun' time, I was ready to hit the road. About the beer, Seven Brides Brewing in Silverton provided the bevvies www.sevenbridesbrewing.com I had a very nice pale ale - they call it their LPA (Lauren's Pale Ale). Funny to see the difference between 'big city' PDX events and ones like this. In Portland, there are fenced in beer gardens, OLCC monitors and ID checks; here the guy from the brewery poured for a bit, then poured himself one and after that it was self-serve!
Drive back was nice, although traffic was much heavier, of course.
All in all, I am very pleased with the results and my performance.
Event 9B is tomorrow!! Remember, Camera Crew is in San Diego and is running a scavenger hunt race with her family. I can't wait to hear how it goes and to see the video she gets along the way.
For now, I am just going to enjoy the feeling of being one event ahead of her, even if it's just for a short time.
Ahhhhh!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
My apologies!
I am SO sorry! Yes, yes - I know there was a 50at50 Project event last Sunday and I know I haven't yet posted anything about it and I know how much that hurts your feelings. I've been very busy. I hope we can get move forward now, and just forget the whole thing happened.
Okay? Okay.
Event 8 in the 50at50 Project was the Red Lizard 5 Miler, held in Lake Oswego. We were met by yet another chilly morning, with the threat of rain looming in the sky. Although Foot Traffic has four locations around the PDX metro area, this appeared to be another small 'community' run. Bigger than last weeks' Hazel Dell 8k but only about 100 runners doing this thing. Temps in the high 30's again had us guessing and second-guessing what to wear. After last week, I decided on shorts and a short-sleeve running shirt. No gloves, no skull cap. No problem!
What's that? Haha! Yes, I wore shoes and socks, too. Are you going to be snarky through this whole post? I apologized - let it go already!
They ran a 1k race for kids prior to ours. I lined up against the 6 shorties and had them pretty darn nervous. Yeah, they knew I could smoke 'em. My mom raised a nice boy, however, and I backed out at the last minute. You're welcome.
The five mile course started near the Foot Traffic store on State Street, the main LO drag, then quickly dropped down to Old River Road in George Rogers Park. I would tell you more about George Rogers the Man but when Googled, the first several pages that pop up just have info about the park named after him and I don't feel like digging. Suffice it to say that A] he lived in Lake Oswego; B] he was rich; C] he was a nice guy; D] he donated the 26 acres for the park; E] they named it after him. Thus endeth the history lesson.
Very pretty area, lots of old homes and quiet streets. And hills. Did I mention the hills? Nothing bad, other than one wall-like scramble at the 3.5 mile mark. Oy.
We set a pretty good pace and enjoyed the scenery, finished in 1:01, which is about three minutes faster than we did the Hazel Dell run the week before. Feeling pretty good about that, actually. Good run, and finished just in time - rain. Near the park entrance - we noticed this walking back to the car after the run - on a residential corner, there is the cutest little book exchange kiosk. More like a small cabinet with a glass door, and mounted on a post. It held maybe 20-25 books - take a book, leave a book. Pretty cool idea. It started raining a wee bit harder as we walked back to the SUV.
Next up, this weekend, a 50at50 Project first: a split event, with me running the Buck Mountain Mudslinger 6.5 Miler and Bex! in San Diego participating with her family in a scavenger hunt race. So, Event 9A and Event 9B, if you will. I've instructed Camera Crew to get video and make it fun. We'll compile it all when she is back in town and get 'er posted.
What? Yes, of course - we'll try to get to it a little faster this time around. Geez.
.
Okay? Okay.
Event 8 in the 50at50 Project was the Red Lizard 5 Miler, held in Lake Oswego. We were met by yet another chilly morning, with the threat of rain looming in the sky. Although Foot Traffic has four locations around the PDX metro area, this appeared to be another small 'community' run. Bigger than last weeks' Hazel Dell 8k but only about 100 runners doing this thing. Temps in the high 30's again had us guessing and second-guessing what to wear. After last week, I decided on shorts and a short-sleeve running shirt. No gloves, no skull cap. No problem!
What's that? Haha! Yes, I wore shoes and socks, too. Are you going to be snarky through this whole post? I apologized - let it go already!
They ran a 1k race for kids prior to ours. I lined up against the 6 shorties and had them pretty darn nervous. Yeah, they knew I could smoke 'em. My mom raised a nice boy, however, and I backed out at the last minute. You're welcome.
The five mile course started near the Foot Traffic store on State Street, the main LO drag, then quickly dropped down to Old River Road in George Rogers Park. I would tell you more about George Rogers the Man but when Googled, the first several pages that pop up just have info about the park named after him and I don't feel like digging. Suffice it to say that A] he lived in Lake Oswego; B] he was rich; C] he was a nice guy; D] he donated the 26 acres for the park; E] they named it after him. Thus endeth the history lesson.
Very pretty area, lots of old homes and quiet streets. And hills. Did I mention the hills? Nothing bad, other than one wall-like scramble at the 3.5 mile mark. Oy.
We set a pretty good pace and enjoyed the scenery, finished in 1:01, which is about three minutes faster than we did the Hazel Dell run the week before. Feeling pretty good about that, actually. Good run, and finished just in time - rain. Near the park entrance - we noticed this walking back to the car after the run - on a residential corner, there is the cutest little book exchange kiosk. More like a small cabinet with a glass door, and mounted on a post. It held maybe 20-25 books - take a book, leave a book. Pretty cool idea. It started raining a wee bit harder as we walked back to the SUV.
Next up, this weekend, a 50at50 Project first: a split event, with me running the Buck Mountain Mudslinger 6.5 Miler and Bex! in San Diego participating with her family in a scavenger hunt race. So, Event 9A and Event 9B, if you will. I've instructed Camera Crew to get video and make it fun. We'll compile it all when she is back in town and get 'er posted.
What? Yes, of course - we'll try to get to it a little faster this time around. Geez.
.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Saturday = lazy day!
For the first Saturday in quite a while, there was no 50at50 Project event today! I was out of town a couple of weeks ago, but other than that it's been go, go, GO. It's actually kind of nice having a down day with Camera Crew here. While I am enjoying my mid-retirement being home, cooking, job hunting, etc. she has been out there winning bread. It's nice having a day together to hang out. She did, however, make me put on pants.
Tomorrow we are back at it - the Red Lizard Five Miler in Lake Oswego. Hopefully the course is kind. Not counting on it, though.
Camera Crew and I had a conundrum concerning next weekend, an issue we finally worked out. You see, she travels to Chicago this week on business for a few days, then to soCA for the weekend to celebrate her Grandpa Howard's 102nd birthday. Yep, one-zero-two - you read it right. She'll get some good quality time with her Dad's side of the family and her folks are flying down from Juneau, so that time together is always special for the three of them.
However, it does put a damper on the ol' 50at50 Project. While we have had, and will continue to have, double header weekends, it does induce a certain panic thinking that I'm missing two whole days on the event calendar. Aaagh! Yes, I could do events without Camera Crew but here's the thing: she is completely and totally invested in this goal of mine to complete 50 events prior to January 21st next year. It started as this crazy thing for me; she thought I was a little nuts (I am) but I had her full loving support. But now it's morphed into 'our' goal which is very nice! While Bex! isn't super competitive, the very idea of me doing races with her waiting at the finish line never crossed her mind.
Remember when I said I could sucker people into joining me on this adventure - she is Patient Zero.
Back to the issue at hand: There is a run near Salem next weekend called the Buck Mountain Mudslinger 6.5 Mile Trail Run. http://www.runwildadventures.com/index.php?p=1_15_Buck-Mountain-Mudslinger They promise plenty of mud, ankle deep puddles, possible snow and some serious butt-kicking climbs. Go to the website and check out the elevation chart!
We had it on our calendar but then she made her travel plans. Now, I really wanted to do this event - it's exactly the type of challenge I love. When I casually mentioned that perhaps maybe I could possibly do this event on my own, I was met with everything from pouty lip to foot down 'no way, you can't do an event without me'. See - competitive.
You will be happy to know that we worked it out! Next Saturday/Sunday will be the first ever split 50at50 Project event weekend! On Saturday, I will get to run my crazy Buck Mountain Mudslinger mess; Sunday in sunny San Diego, Bex! convinced her family to run a scavenger hunt race!
I'll shoot my own video and she'll get her event on tape, and it will all be available for your pleasure here!
So, you see sweetheart, after the weekend, we'll be even...
but for about 24 hours I will be one event ahead!
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Take that!!
Oh yeah!
Tomorrow we are back at it - the Red Lizard Five Miler in Lake Oswego. Hopefully the course is kind. Not counting on it, though.
Camera Crew and I had a conundrum concerning next weekend, an issue we finally worked out. You see, she travels to Chicago this week on business for a few days, then to soCA for the weekend to celebrate her Grandpa Howard's 102nd birthday. Yep, one-zero-two - you read it right. She'll get some good quality time with her Dad's side of the family and her folks are flying down from Juneau, so that time together is always special for the three of them.
However, it does put a damper on the ol' 50at50 Project. While we have had, and will continue to have, double header weekends, it does induce a certain panic thinking that I'm missing two whole days on the event calendar. Aaagh! Yes, I could do events without Camera Crew but here's the thing: she is completely and totally invested in this goal of mine to complete 50 events prior to January 21st next year. It started as this crazy thing for me; she thought I was a little nuts (I am) but I had her full loving support. But now it's morphed into 'our' goal which is very nice! While Bex! isn't super competitive, the very idea of me doing races with her waiting at the finish line never crossed her mind.
Remember when I said I could sucker people into joining me on this adventure - she is Patient Zero.
Back to the issue at hand: There is a run near Salem next weekend called the Buck Mountain Mudslinger 6.5 Mile Trail Run. http://www.runwildadventures.com/index.php?p=1_15_Buck-Mountain-Mudslinger They promise plenty of mud, ankle deep puddles, possible snow and some serious butt-kicking climbs. Go to the website and check out the elevation chart!
We had it on our calendar but then she made her travel plans. Now, I really wanted to do this event - it's exactly the type of challenge I love. When I casually mentioned that perhaps maybe I could possibly do this event on my own, I was met with everything from pouty lip to foot down 'no way, you can't do an event without me'. See - competitive.
You will be happy to know that we worked it out! Next Saturday/Sunday will be the first ever split 50at50 Project event weekend! On Saturday, I will get to run my crazy Buck Mountain Mudslinger mess; Sunday in sunny San Diego, Bex! convinced her family to run a scavenger hunt race!
I'll shoot my own video and she'll get her event on tape, and it will all be available for your pleasure here!
So, you see sweetheart, after the weekend, we'll be even...
but for about 24 hours I will be one event ahead!
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Take that!!
Oh yeah!
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