After taking much of 2013 off due to a bike injury I've got my 2014 schedule in my mind and kicking off this weekend. We'll see how it goes, I'm not anticipating anything like what I was doing before, but it will feel good simply to get out there and start moving again.
Saturday, April 12th - Trail Mix 50k. An early season lap race in Rockford, MN I've run this once before and was miserable because of the weather. To forecast is looking much better this year and I'm excited to see where my body is at.
Saturday, May 3rd - North Face Endurance Challenge Bear Mountain. Another blast from my past, the last time I tried this race I was injured and pulled from the course. My friend Chris and I will be running this and I'm looking to erase my DNF (at least from my mind). Also a great chance to see New York City and visit McSorley's Old Ale House, a fantastic place to check out.
Saturday, July 5th - Afton 25k. A short but very challenging run in Afton State Park. One of the great Minnesota races, right near the river with lots of hills. This is a new one for me but I'll be running with my friend Scott, he is an old hand at this event so I'll be following closely.
Friday, September 5th - Superior100. 2014 is the year that I'll be tackling the 100 mile distance again, Chris and I have chosen the Superior 100 as our target. The last two years we've completed the 50 mile course and felt pretty good so naturally we've decided that it's time to bump it up. I'll be going up to the course in June to run the length over four days and get a sense of what the challenges will be.
This will be a big year for me after the injury in 2013, I'm excited and nervous about what is going to happen, miles to go before I sleep and all that. Enjoy the weather, get outside, and I'll see you on the trails.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Bike Life
Sometimes it can be fun to be cranky...
When I'm not out running trails I really enjoy riding my bikes, a more recent development for me. I did the bike thing growing up, then got my license and promptly decided never to sweat again. However in the last couple years I've become a regular rider, and made it a personal goal to use my car as little as possible. Living in the Twin Cities I'm blessed with miles of trails, both on and off of the road. Today's post is a quick peek at my current rides, much like my life these are subject to frequent change.
Surly Big Dummy
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| Regular grocery haul on the Big Dummy |
This is a recent purchase and I just can't say enough good things about it, stable, smooth, fun, practical the Big Dummy seems to be all of those things and more. From grocery runs to hauling bike frames to the casual ride this bike has performed above and beyond. With all the accessories available on the web you can turn it into a mobile bar, bring your children to school, or pick up all those supplies for the porch you haven't built on your house yet.
Surly Pugsley
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| Deep in the Minnesota River Bottoms |
Fat is always better, at least when it comes to the Pugsley. Riding over snow, sand, and anything else nature wants to throw at you it's the Hummer of bikes, without all the wasted gas of course. I've wanted one of these for a long time and this custom build is the end result. Living so close to the MN River Bottoms means that I'm out on this thing all the time. Pavement is no problem and of course the looks that you get are just priceless. I've lost count of the number of conversations I've had that started with, "What the heck is that thing?"
All-City Big Block
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| Snap on fenders to keep your butt dry |
The workhorse of my bike stable, fixed or free depending on how reckless I'm feeling. Front brake because I almost killed myself one too many times try to stop, yes I know I'm not a true fixed gear rider and I've made peace with that. Super solid custom build just gets me where I need to go and keeps me out of my car...shouldn't that be the goal for us all.
Bikes are tools, artwork, and marvels of engineering. I feel so much more connected when I riding, it's the perfect way to start and end every single day. If you've got one you haven't ridden for awhile take it out, brush the dust off, pay your friend some Mountain Dew to help you fix it up, and go hit those trails. Have a great day everyone!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Photos from Superior 50
I was disappointed that I couldn't find any pictures of Chris and I running the Superior 50 and then a couple days ago I bumped into the man who was shooting us during one point of the race. Totally random encounter while running the River Bottoms but long story short he hooked me up on Facebook with the shots, absolutely awesome of him!
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| This man was great at cheering us during the race, always nice to have support on the course. |
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| Judging by the look on my face I wasn't quite ready for my closeup. |
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| Moving steadily though some beautiful Northern MN woods. |
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Rugged and Remote indeed, the Superior 50
It's taken me awhile to write this post up but the good news is that the Superior 50 is over and after some disappointing results in my last few ultra attempts I'm proud to say that I was up to the challenge...and what a challenge it was.
Back on the trail we get caught in some brief downpours and again I think about the 100 milers still on the course, nobody wants to get drenched right before they finish. Swearing at the sky becomes more frequent, but every time we break through the trees and traverse a ridge overlooking miles of forest the rain becomes a minor inconvenience, this really is one of the most stunning runs I've been on. Most of the time we're staring straight at the ground waiting for the particularly clever root that will grab our feet and throw us to the ground, a few almost succeed but after a couple attempts at these distances we've both learned to stay aware.
We're running behind a women from St. Paul and enjoying the company when suddenly she jumps in the air, starts to yell, and takes off down the trail. Wondering what the heck is going on we stumble right into the swarm of hornets that were nesting on the ground, and suddenly the ultra shuffle becomes the ultra sprint...at least until we can get away from the stingers. Heading down the hill we hear the people behind us yell in pain and surprise, and all three of us quietly laugh about our shared misery.
The day passes, Chris's father meets us with pizza at 33 miles, and we start the torturous climb up Moose Mountain and head towards the finish. We left the 45 mile aid station after the mandatory headlamp time, but we're both wearing them backwards because we're so close and don't want to finish with our headlamps on, neither of us really can explain why. The trail abruptly turns into another dirt road, we've arrived at the service access to Caribou Highlands Resort. The dirt turns into pavement and our weary knees start to scream as we hammer the last little bit of the race. Near the end we almost go the wrong way down a hill, but fortunately there are some rowdy finishers on the hotel balconies and they scream to stop us. We both see the banner at the same time and try to plant our feet at the same instant, later we'll find out that the timer gives Chris a one second advantage instead of arranging our names alphabetically and we'll laugh about how he finally beats me, but for right now all we can hear is people cheering, and all we can see is Chris's dad waiting on the other side of the line, a hug for his son and a handshake for me. The winners probably could have run half the race again by the time we finish, but at 14:00:52 I'm so happy to cross the line that I couldn't care less, and neither could they. People who have been at the finish for hours come up to congratulate us and give us our post-race meal, sandwiches from a cooler that haven't fully thawed out yet. For the first time since six in the the morning I can stop moving and just sit down, although getting up later will be a big problem.
Friday afternoon
Chris, his father, and myself started the long drive up from the Twin Cities. Having never done this race before I was anticipating a trip similar to Duluth, little did I know that it would be about twice that far. The drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior was beautiful with the Fall colors just starting to arrive, and the time was well spent deciding which aid stations Chris and I would have support at, and where we thought the toughest sections of the course would be. We arrived at our campground, pitched the tent, and then heading up to the ski lodge to check in and grab our packets. The low key atmosphere made this race a real treat, and of course the t-shirts were fantastic. Afterwards we drove up to Grand Marais to eat at Sven and Ole's Pizza, a standard Northern Minnesota treat and a definite stop if you're ever in that area. Once the pizza was destroyed it was straight back to the campground to set every alarm on our cellphones and get some much needed rest.The Race
We're jarred awake at five by two different beeping tones plus some 80's rap, yes that was my phone, and we stumble out into the morning to head to the start. As we arrive at the parking lot we're told that the 100 mile winner has already completed the course, that really stops me in my tracks and I think about how I would approach that distance in 2013. There are some last minute instructions, a short countdown, and we're off on the gravel road for a short distance before we veer sharply to the left and onto the Superior Hiking Trail. Chris and I are caught near the back, but since that's where we belong neither of us minds. About 40 minutes into the run Chris darts off into the woods telling me that, "the pressure is building." Nothing like trail running to bring down the boundaries between friends, I step to the side and let runners slowly stream past me as the sun starts to rise.Back on the trail we get caught in some brief downpours and again I think about the 100 milers still on the course, nobody wants to get drenched right before they finish. Swearing at the sky becomes more frequent, but every time we break through the trees and traverse a ridge overlooking miles of forest the rain becomes a minor inconvenience, this really is one of the most stunning runs I've been on. Most of the time we're staring straight at the ground waiting for the particularly clever root that will grab our feet and throw us to the ground, a few almost succeed but after a couple attempts at these distances we've both learned to stay aware.
We're running behind a women from St. Paul and enjoying the company when suddenly she jumps in the air, starts to yell, and takes off down the trail. Wondering what the heck is going on we stumble right into the swarm of hornets that were nesting on the ground, and suddenly the ultra shuffle becomes the ultra sprint...at least until we can get away from the stingers. Heading down the hill we hear the people behind us yell in pain and surprise, and all three of us quietly laugh about our shared misery.
The day passes, Chris's father meets us with pizza at 33 miles, and we start the torturous climb up Moose Mountain and head towards the finish. We left the 45 mile aid station after the mandatory headlamp time, but we're both wearing them backwards because we're so close and don't want to finish with our headlamps on, neither of us really can explain why. The trail abruptly turns into another dirt road, we've arrived at the service access to Caribou Highlands Resort. The dirt turns into pavement and our weary knees start to scream as we hammer the last little bit of the race. Near the end we almost go the wrong way down a hill, but fortunately there are some rowdy finishers on the hotel balconies and they scream to stop us. We both see the banner at the same time and try to plant our feet at the same instant, later we'll find out that the timer gives Chris a one second advantage instead of arranging our names alphabetically and we'll laugh about how he finally beats me, but for right now all we can hear is people cheering, and all we can see is Chris's dad waiting on the other side of the line, a hug for his son and a handshake for me. The winners probably could have run half the race again by the time we finish, but at 14:00:52 I'm so happy to cross the line that I couldn't care less, and neither could they. People who have been at the finish for hours come up to congratulate us and give us our post-race meal, sandwiches from a cooler that haven't fully thawed out yet. For the first time since six in the the morning I can stop moving and just sit down, although getting up later will be a big problem.
Afterwards
We clean up in resort showers that look like a mud fight took place in them, collect our stuff and head to the car for the long drive home. The car flies down the road, covering the same distance we ran in less than an hour but Chris and I are both asleep. We stop at a gas station to eat whatever we can get our hands on, I've got my eyes on some beef jerky and Mountain Dew. As I'm hobbling up to the cash register the young girl working the night shift looks at me and asks the predictable question, "What happened to you?" I smile and tell her that I just finished the Superior 50 mile a couple hours ago and get the predictable response, "Why would you do something like that?" It's a tough question and I've thought about it for awhile now, ultra running has put me in an ambulance, scarred my body, and strained my relationships so why do I do it? The miles click away as we head back to Chris's house, his dad driving after crewing for us all day, it does indeed take a family to finish these races. I know the next morning my father will be proud, and my mom will be concerned, and I'll be looking for another race to run. I'd love to take everyone that's asked me why I try these races out the trail and let them experience the beauty and pain of running. I'd love to tell them how I think this sport has made me a calmer more focused person, and how the discipline it takes to train has spilled over into other areas of my life. Most of all I'd love for them to the feel the deep draining sense of accomplishment when you step across the finish line and take your ankle chip off, you know that you've pushed your body and your mind to a place that not all people get to experience. It sounds mystical and corny but that's why I run these races, I want to see what will happen if I do. We pull up to Chris's house and it's almost two in the morning, getting out of the car reminds me of standing up on the plan after flying to China and I know that I won't be making it to my Ultimate Frisbee league the next day. Chris's dad heads to bed and I prepare to camp out in their basement, there is no way I'm driving home right now. Morning will come soon, work will start again, and I'll be looking for the next race. It feels good to be back in the game.Wednesday, September 5, 2012
If at first you don't succeed...
After a disappoint attempt at the Kettle 100 I've set my sights on the Superior 50 mile taking place this Saturday in Northern Minnesota. I made it 72 miles in Wisconsin but dropped because due to swelling in my Achilles. Not the result I was hoping for but every race teaches you a little bit more about how to be successful at these distances. There is definitely still a mental block that I'm fighting when it comes to running beyond the pain and I hoping that I'll have better luck on the wild shores of Lake Superior.
Once again my friend Chris from NYC will be joining me on the race course and his father will be providing transportation and moral support. We'll be camping out thanks to a beautiful forecast and should be eager and well-rested at the 6am race start. If you haven't had a chance to check out this race I encourage you to do so, John puts on fantastic events and although this will be my first experience with the Fall Series I've had the pleasure...although sometimes excruciating, of running his courses before. Take care, take a moment to get outside, and remember to keep those legs moving.
Fall Race Series Superior 50 mile
http://fall.superiortrailrace.com/
Once again my friend Chris from NYC will be joining me on the race course and his father will be providing transportation and moral support. We'll be camping out thanks to a beautiful forecast and should be eager and well-rested at the 6am race start. If you haven't had a chance to check out this race I encourage you to do so, John puts on fantastic events and although this will be my first experience with the Fall Series I've had the pleasure...although sometimes excruciating, of running his courses before. Take care, take a moment to get outside, and remember to keep those legs moving.
Fall Race Series Superior 50 mile
http://fall.superiortrailrace.com/
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The countdown is on
It's been an April and May of ups and downs as far as preparing for the Kettle 100 goes. I dropped out of the Zumbro 50 after one lap, but was able to get five hours of night running practice in so I would call it a success. Temperatures were bitter, rain was falling, hail was pounding, and lighting was cracking, all combined it made for an experience that I'm not totally eager to repeat.
I've been averaging about 80-100 miles a week since the beginning of April and I think that I'm ready to take on my first 100. I've practiced running through the night twice now, and I have been able to consistently heading out for back-to-back five hour runs, so if anything forces me to drop I don't think it will be the training. I've also be practicing with a water backpack, I didn't think that it would be something I would enjoy, but it's turned out to be a great tool for training, and I think that it will work really well come race day. Kettle is in two weeks so I'm focused on riding my bike and getting 6-10 mile runs in until then, I feel like it's important to give my body some time to recover. Not much time left now, it will be a great adventure no matter what happens!
I've been averaging about 80-100 miles a week since the beginning of April and I think that I'm ready to take on my first 100. I've practiced running through the night twice now, and I have been able to consistently heading out for back-to-back five hour runs, so if anything forces me to drop I don't think it will be the training. I've also be practicing with a water backpack, I didn't think that it would be something I would enjoy, but it's turned out to be a great tool for training, and I think that it will work really well come race day. Kettle is in two weeks so I'm focused on riding my bike and getting 6-10 mile runs in until then, I feel like it's important to give my body some time to recover. Not much time left now, it will be a great adventure no matter what happens!
Friday, February 17, 2012
The season draws near
The new year is now in full swing and with it comes the opportunity to get out and hit the trails again! Thanks to an very mild Minnesota winter I've been able to get out almost everyday and discover some new paths, it's been a great time. Running trails has become much more than a physical activity, it's become a part of my daily life. I find myself counting the hours until I sprint out the door for a long run on the weekends and wondering just how long I can be gone today before someone needs me at home. I've pushed the River Bottoms trails to the max, running all the side tracks and discovering new hiking paths leading up and over the curves of the hills. I've covered all of the ground behind my apartment complex and my neighbors have heard so much about my event plans that I think they're starting to avoid me in the hallways :)
This year is going to be a big one for me, I've signed up for my first 100 mile run, the Kettle Moraine in Southern Wisconsin. It's a big step and I've tried to keep a decent fitness level as well as a positive attitude. I've discussed training with several friends that have completed the 100 mile distance before, and it sounds like it is going to be an incredible journey. Things like shoes, gels, socks, and all of the other little decisions that you make for a run have taken on a new significance in my mind, I'll most likely be out there for 24-27 hours and I'd like to remain as comfortable as possible. My high school friend who now lives in the New York City will be flying back to run the race as well, and my father has agreed to drive us down and provide some much needed support at the aid stations. We've been pouring over the maps, look at elevation, discussing what did and didn't work for us in our 50 mile runs, and generally acting like excited kids on the night before Christmas. The race is in early June so I've entered a couple of shorter distance events in April and May to get an idea of where my mind and body are at, I feel great at the moment but it will be nice to have some practice runs before the real deal.
The other big news is that my father has started trail running as well, after seeing my friend and I come through the woods at the North Face Endurance Challenge he decided that we looked so happy he had to give it a shot. I didn't spoil it by telling him that we were laughing from exhaustion, he's a tough dude and I think that trails are the perfect challenge for him. Normally I run alone so it has been wonderful to get out and share the woods with someone so important to me, we spend the time talking about life, careers, shoes, and the tracks that we've seen in the snow. Running in many ways has been an escape for me, a way to be alone with my thoughts, but now I'm discovering another side of the sport. It comes in the form of a greeting tossed my way by a fellow trainer, a smile and a pat on the back from an aid station volunteer, or simply getting to know my father a little better than I did in the parking lot when we were lacing up our shoes. It's been a good year so far and I think that it's only going to get better. Throw off those winter blues and lace up your shoes everyone, the season is coming.
This year is going to be a big one for me, I've signed up for my first 100 mile run, the Kettle Moraine in Southern Wisconsin. It's a big step and I've tried to keep a decent fitness level as well as a positive attitude. I've discussed training with several friends that have completed the 100 mile distance before, and it sounds like it is going to be an incredible journey. Things like shoes, gels, socks, and all of the other little decisions that you make for a run have taken on a new significance in my mind, I'll most likely be out there for 24-27 hours and I'd like to remain as comfortable as possible. My high school friend who now lives in the New York City will be flying back to run the race as well, and my father has agreed to drive us down and provide some much needed support at the aid stations. We've been pouring over the maps, look at elevation, discussing what did and didn't work for us in our 50 mile runs, and generally acting like excited kids on the night before Christmas. The race is in early June so I've entered a couple of shorter distance events in April and May to get an idea of where my mind and body are at, I feel great at the moment but it will be nice to have some practice runs before the real deal.
The other big news is that my father has started trail running as well, after seeing my friend and I come through the woods at the North Face Endurance Challenge he decided that we looked so happy he had to give it a shot. I didn't spoil it by telling him that we were laughing from exhaustion, he's a tough dude and I think that trails are the perfect challenge for him. Normally I run alone so it has been wonderful to get out and share the woods with someone so important to me, we spend the time talking about life, careers, shoes, and the tracks that we've seen in the snow. Running in many ways has been an escape for me, a way to be alone with my thoughts, but now I'm discovering another side of the sport. It comes in the form of a greeting tossed my way by a fellow trainer, a smile and a pat on the back from an aid station volunteer, or simply getting to know my father a little better than I did in the parking lot when we were lacing up our shoes. It's been a good year so far and I think that it's only going to get better. Throw off those winter blues and lace up your shoes everyone, the season is coming.
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