Pre-Race- Buffalo Run 50

Spring is here! Well technically it is a day or 2 away but at least dirt is finally here. Getting out on some dirt and rocks has proven to be a huge lift in training. My mind and body were going through a bit of a lull with all this snow. It has been great for skiing but poor for trail enjoyment. When the snow first came it was new and fun but after months of cold slip and sliding around it just got old. I stayed off the road and hit the treadmill once and that proved to be a bad idea (power went out and down I went).

With the Buffalo Run 50 only a few short days away I think I finally got my mind wrapped around it. I just need to remind myself that it is not a focus race and there are bigger fish to fry later in the year. I am heading into it less prepared than last year but the weather looks to be on my side with the highs in the mid to upper 40’s- which is a huge plus. Last year it got hot and hot quick- the heat won but I slowly got to the finish. This year I am going to head out and try and enjoy it and not put too much pressure on myself. I need to focus on the journey and not the destination. Unfortunately that is easier said than done but if can dial in the mental part I think it has the chance to be a fun day on the island. I am looking forward to seeing many friends and always making some new ones.

Today marks a new day for me as a runner. I have joined Team PI for 2013. For that past 6 years I have managed the Pearl Izumi Ultra Running Team and they decided to make some changes to their program heading into 2013. I stepped down and away and it has been a hard transition. I helped start the team many years ago with a few others and had big dreams for its future.  It surpassed my dreams in many ways so separating has been rough. However, just last week I was contacted to be an “athlete and ambassador” for Team PI and I was more than touched.  Looking at Team PI’s 2013 roster it was glaringly obvious I would falling more into the ambassador side of it (the roster is loaded with some amazing athletes and it’s a privilege and honor to me linked with them) and I am more than okay with that……I love PI. Their new E:Motion Line and their apparel. I have been a PI billboard for over 6 years and regardless of being on Team PI or not I would be wearing PI with pride. The E:Motion line is amazing- I have been wearing the Trail N1’s for a few months now and they feel great. Being a bigger non-Kenyanesque runner, I can still wear the lighter N1’s without worry up to 40 miles (farthest I have taken them so far).  I plan on using them for the Buffalo Run 50 this Saturday and I am not worried one bit.

I am really looking forward to a race heavy year and all it brings. The biggest challenge for me in 2013 may not be the miles or the physical abuse I am going to put myself through but the mental attitude to keep things in perspective. Being a part of the HUMR group here (Happy Utah Mountain Runners) will be the key. There are so many of them I admire and look up to for their positive attitudes. I just hope I can continue to learn and incorporate all they bring to the table.  They inspire me every day and that just may be what the doctor ordered for 2013.

Wasatch 100 Pre-Race thoughts

2011 Finish with the girls

Its here- Wasatch 100 2012. The lottery took place on February 4^th- which seems like such a long time ago. I remember being out on a training run and hoping for the best. I have run Wasatch twice and was eager to give it another go. After I saw my name that night I remember the feeling of excitement and a bit of anxiety as well. I had 7 months of training and racing ahead to prepare which I knew if I stayed injury free would be enough. I began to pick up other races to help build for Wasatch and set me in a better mind set. It looked like this:

February- Moab Red Hot 55k

March – Buffalo Run 50

April- Grand Canyon R2R2R

May- Zion 100, HUMR Beer Mile and Timp Trail Marathon

June- San Juan Solstice 50

July- SpeedGoat 50k

August- El Vaquero Loco 50k

So I knew heading into Wasatch I would have some good races and plenty of training runs. Last year I only raced a couple times and didn’t run in July before running hard for 3 weeks in August just in time to start my taper.  This year is different, other than a few little nagging aches I have run much better, started doing Pilates and being much more consistent on my training.

So, with all that above I should be more than ready right? Well, I hope so. 100 miles is still a long journey and we all know anything can happen. There are so many variables that enter the equation- some you can control, some you can’t and some you should.  After last year’s crazy final 14 miles and a sub 30 finish I am not sure if that set me up with confidence or more pressure. I always want to become better and whatever I do and this year has seen 4 PR’s in my racing calendar already. Can I go under 29:46.30 or was my finish just dumb luck? If I finish over 29:46.30 is it a set back? These are only a few thoughts that are going through my mind.

 I am fortunate to have a STRONG group of pacers to help me cover the last half of the race. I am fortunate to have been able to train with an amazing group of people (without them I would be not be as consistent). I am fortunate to be running relatively injury free (far as ultra standards go). I am fortunate to have great support from friends and family as well. But what about my mindset? I feel like I have always been a strong minded, gut it out, git er dun type of person but the last couple weeks I have had a hard time with that mental edge. That is until I read a great blog post from a friend and fellow HUMR- Lindsay Lauck. I could try and paraphrase what it says or try and sum it up real quick but I am afraid it wouldn’t do it justice. This post really hit me- it spoke to me if you will. It was something I needed not just to hear but read so I could go over it and over it again. I pasted it below (I hope Lindsay doesn’t mind):

I ran on new trails this week, pushed myself up hills, climbed mountains and - most significantly - enjoyed it!  Ryan said something to me when we were running at Snow Basin this week.  He was coaching me along, proud of my consistency this week, and helping me stay focused and keep up the pace (probably because the sun was setting, and we were both hungry).  He said, "Most importantly, remember to Be Here Now."  I think I said something smart-assed to him, like "I am here now".  I don't remember. But, he had a point.

I think I am ready to stop comparing myself to others.  Or, to the version of myself I wish I was.  That's not to say I'm not focused on improving and getting better.  I'm about to run the biggest race I have run yet -50 miles.  That's nothing to shake a stick at.  But if you had asked me how I felt about it two months ago, I would have been positive that failing at this race would mean the end to my running career.  I've said it a few times this year, "I need to find another sport."  I just felt inadequate compared to others.  I'm not fast enough.  I'm bad at this. I walk the hills.  I take breaks.  I like rest days.  Beer is delicious.  I don't look as cute in these shorts as some of my running friends.

So, what?

 I like running! I enjoy this!  Actually, my favorite way to see anything is on foot.  I love summiting mountains.  I saw a goat the other day.  Deer!  Moose! I get a rush out of running downhill fast.  I love being outdoors.  I'm going to continue pushing myself.  I will get stronger, better, faster.  I know it takes work, and I am willing to put in the time.  40 mile weeks will become the norm for me, and I will put in longer ones.

But, I am also going to enjoy them.  I'm going to have a good time at races, even at the back of the pack. One day, I will be in the middle of the pack.  I'm going to run new races, and run farther in the future ones. But I will keep in mind that training, running, racing is enjoyable to me. Even at this level.  Even if it isn't as good as other people's levels.

And, I still think beer is delicious

Not much else needs to be said on my part. Pretty much knocks it out of the park. I will always set goals for running and races but maybe the order of my goals will change- #1- Be here now- enjoy it. I truly believe without #1, no matter how well you do, it will not be as fulfilling.

A lot goes into “ultra” running but if you are not present, why do it. If you are not in that moment and not enjoying what you do- is it really worth it?

I want to wish all my friends Good Luck on their journey this week. I hope to share a few beers with you all at the finish. It should be a great day + in the Wasatch Mountains. Thanks to everyone for their support and kinds words. You can follow the race by going to www.wasatch100.com – I will be wearing bib #146.

In 2008 I ran in 34:51- race report here- http://leavenothing-manners.blogspot.com/2008/09/wasatch-1003451.html

In 2011 I ran in 29:46.30- race report here- http://leavenothing-manners.blogspot.com/2011/09/wasatch-100-2011-race-report.html

2012- My goal is 27:30- can I shave 2 more hours? Who knows….I will let you know Saturday.

What I do know is that in a few short days I will “Be Here Now”. And there is no place I would rather be……..

2011- Trying to believe it.

Zion 100- Pre-Race

 

 

Well, the time is finally here. The much anticipated Zion 100. Actually, it did sneak up on me- I could use another month to get ready to be honest. The training has been pretty good. I got in some early season longer runs/races to hopefully help. I started Pilates and Power Plate and feel relatively strong. HOWEVER- being this is the first year of the Zion 100, I am a little very nervous. There is nothing to go off far as splits and general times between AS. The heat is looking a little frightening and then there is the course. I have never run in Zion before. There will definitely be a few sleepless nights this week.

 

On the flip side, the RD seems to have thought of everything! They are shuttling pacers to and from AS, the start/finish is the same location, the buckles for 100 mile finishers (hopefully I will be on the list) are made of materials found in Zion, the race shirts look slick, the course sounds like it will be marked well- they even have helium balloons with lights in them that will float in the air. I really am looking forward to the race and something a bit different to run on. I just hate to see things like this as course info-

 

Mile 45: The hardest hill of the race climbing to the top of Gooseberry Mesa. You’ll ascend around 1,500 feet in less than a mile. It is rocky and steep, and there is a high probability that your lungs will feel like they are filling with molten lava. I’d plan on hiking this section.

 

Yippee!!!! I can’t tell you how excited I am for that! The photos and talk of rattle snakes and mountain lions make me feel warm and fuzzy too.

 

I have entered three 100 mile races: Wasatch 100 (twice)-2 finishes and the SwanCrest 100 (DNF), so my experience isn’t a strong point. My goal is to finish, it’s early in the year and it isn’t my focus race so I want to make sure I do it right. Saying that, I am a little on the competitive side with myself. Not other runners or the course or even time….just me. I expect maybe more than I should from myself. I realize that training is the key and I am solely responsible for that but you never know- ANYTHING can happen during a 100 mile race. Those that have run one know of all the adversity you can encounter but the 2 factors that always have me concerned: stomach issues and heat. I HATE HEAT! I have tried (a couple times) to embrace it but it just sucks. Far as the stomach goes, that is an ongoing battle of wit and luck. Some days I think I have it dialed in and when I do- BAM! - it turns and so does the race. Since I am an old dude though, I am trying to dial in the mental game. I feel like I am a pretty mentally strong person and let’s face it- at the end of the day this could very well be our biggest strength or weakness.

 

Whatever happens in Zion.... happens. I can control some things and there are things I cannot. I don’t feel ready and even if I had more time to train I am sure I would feel the same way. It is what it is and it is too late now for me to do anything to get ready. So, time to embrace it and hope it embraces me back. I hope by the end of the week there will be another blog post of elation and triumph. I hope to come away with a PR while I am at it (sub 29:46- not stout but a PR is a PR). So whoever reads this post, send me some positive vibes, I am gonna need them.
A few of my favorite race mantras/sayings/whatever you wanna call them:

• No excuses, No Regrets- Leave Nothing. (Manners)
• Take chances. (BFish)
• Today is a crossroad where everything you want will collide with everything standing in your way.
• I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. -W.E. Henley
• I am powerful beyond measure.
• Bring it home empty.
• This is what you came for.
• Strength and courage.
• Be the hero in you own life's story.
• Take it!
• I will soar on wings like an eagle, I will run and not grow weary.- Isaiah 40:31
• I'm all in!
• Get out there and see who you are.

If you do read this and have a few more....please post them.

 

Here is a link to the race: https://zion100.wordpress.com/

Here is a link that was sent out of some course recon: http://www.fastcory.com/2012/05/zion-100-course-guide.html

Here is a link if you wanna track me- I am bib #563: http://ultralive.net/zion100/webcast.php

 

Pre- Moab Red Hot 55k

I will be traveling down to Moab tomorrow for the Moab Red Hot 55k on Saturday. I will be going with some mixed emotions. I am very excited to get out of town with the family and see some familiar faces as well....that's the good news. The other side is pretty nervous. I have been building up nicely for a decent run through the red rocks when I got sick a week ago. I lost not only some training and fitness but some confidence as well. I have been able to get out on a couple small trail runs and boy did I not feel the goods. So now I am shifting my mind set for a good "day on my feet". Makes it rough to know I felt good about my training leading in only to get side tracked by a darn bug.  Needless to say this will be my longest run of the year and I am going to try and keep my mind right and not get to "into" it where I end up pushing to hard and suffering for along time. I was looking forward to this race for some time but I may need to go play out my hand and re group for the Buffalo Run 50 next month.
Should be an interesting day to say the least!

Swan Crest 100 or bust!

So the time is almost here. My 2nd ever 100 mile trail race. I did the Wasatch 100 in 2008 and was put on my knees by course. Luckily for me I had an amazing crew and the best pacer you can find- Mr. Jaime. Looking back now I feel pretty fortunate to have all those people in my corner. It's hard to imagine what Scott went through that LOOOOOOOOONG day on the trail. 60 miles at a turtle pace. I appreciate it even more the more I run. I remember thinking that one day I wanted to try and 100 miler with no crew or pacer just to see if I could do it. Well.....fast forward to NOW!
I was hoping to have another 100 miler or 10 under my belt before I attempted such a thing but circumstances are what they are and going up to Montana I will be going SOLO. If you get a minute, check out the race info HERE. So 100 miles through grizzly bear country solo? I read it and thought what the hell but now I think WTF? Am I an idiot? Well okay, I am but seriously. I need to carry a can of bear spray the entire race, pre- race briefing has a video that is mandatory to watch on what to do in a bear encounter. There are only 49 runners and aide stations spread out -some 25 mile apart. The course markings well, let's say minimal to be nice. It will be an adventure. Am I ready- of course not.
My wife asked me what were my expectations. Well, to live and go under 36 hours. Simple right?
I had a more than tough month of June but July has been great. Being the co-RD for the NUTS races has taken it's toll on me but I still find time to do some nice running. Whatever happens on Friday and Saturday this week will be a great experience and one that will hopefully make me a stronger runner and human being. Maybe it is just what I need to re-charge and re-focus. I am planning on doing the Bear 100 in September so hopefully it will help me for that.
So after all my rambling I can honestly say I am very excited.....nervous....excited......nervous....excited......scared to death!
Whatever I am, one thing is for sure- I am not sane!

Squaw Peak 50 Preview

Well the time is here- Squaw Peak 2009- my first focus race. I think of it as my favorite because this is where I was able to cross the finish line in 2007 holding one daughter and running holding hands with the other (photo). My wife was at the finish with a huge smile and a much needed hug. We did it! From there a tradition was born. Seeing my 3 girls at the finish with huge smiles more than made it all worth it. To have them tell you they are proud of you will always bring a tear to my eye and make the pounding in my legs go away- only if for a moment.

This will be my 3rd running and takes me back to my 1st 50 miler. My first year 2007, it was hot and I don't like heat. Last year 2008, it snowed and rained half the day which was welcomed. This year, it looks like scattered thunderstorms and a high around 70....PERFECT! My training leading up to the race has been better than years past. I got a late start on training due to my Achilles but it seems to be accepting of my running. I have gotten some great longs runs and more vertical than the past as well. I was on a run yesterday with Joel and Cory to give the legs a spin and it was funny thinking how much I enjoy trail running but sure can tell when the races are close. In 2007 I just wanted to finish, that's it. I remember the joy of crossing the finish line in a whopping 14:27. Time didn't matter. 2008 I wanted a 12 hour finish (time mattered) crossed the line in 12:44. Rumor was the times were almost 1 hour slower due to the weather but in my book it was 12:44. I missed my goal but was still pretty pleased with how I felt. It was a truly EPIC race. This year I have a goal. Attainable- sure. Putting a time on my race really makes me nervous. Running to finish makes me feel a little better. My goal for 2009......(drumroll).......11:30. Now lets put that in perspective. I believe the winner will go sub 9. That makes me at least 2.5 hours off the leader. Crazy to think how amazing these athletes are. In my mind I know where I need to make up some time from last year but doing it is another thing. I need to "take chances" (thanks Fish). As many know, anything can happen no the course. 50 miles is 50 miles for everyone. Nutrition, hydration, weather, pace, injury and attitude all play factors in the run. I hope most of those come together for me.

The race is sure to be competitive. There are some great athletes toeing the line: Christian Johnson, Erik Storheim, Brian Beckstead, Kevin Shilling, Leland Barker and Scott Jaime to name a few (sorry I know I left out many others). It will be great standing at the start with some great people but I am looking forward to being there next to Fast Eddy. He paced me back in 2007 and was vital to me finishing. There will be a lot of my training friends there as well: Joel, Cory, Phil, Matt, Kacey, Shane, Tom, Jaime and Ron. Good Luck to all of you and thanks for letting me share those training runs with you! Should be a great day in the mountains and sure beats yard work.

Again-GOOD LUCK to everyone and see you all at the finish line!

Wasatch 100 preview

Well, it's here. The mighty Wasatch 100. I remember sending in my application and thinking, "why not, if it's meant to be-they'll draw me". On February 2nd, the call came. I was at a Chinese restaurant celebrating my father-in-laws birthday and my beautiful daughter Samantha's b-day. It was Eddy, he said that he did not make it in but Aric Manning did. What?? Sweet, damn, hell, awesome....oh shit! Lots of thoughts passed through my head. First was guilt- Eddy didn't get in so some over weight wannabe could get a shot. My thoughts went back and forth until Eddy said, "Okay, now its time to get to work" and "I will pace you and do whatever you need." Wow!
I never thought this day would come. Some are probably happier than me that it is here.
Eddy- Poor guy gets calls all the time with questions on- "is this right", "Should I do this", "what do you think?"
Wife- For putting up with my moods and juggling the entire families schedule so I can get time to do something only I do.
Kids- Waking up on weekends only to find their dad isn't home because he is up in the mountains.
Running partners (Phil & Scott Mendoza)- listening to me on the trails and even tailoring their runs to make sure I get in what I need.
Work- just plain tired of hearing about it.
I am sure I forgot countless others who have supported me along the way.
Anywho- I appreciate all of you very much and during my adventure in the Wasatch mountains, I will think of you all!
I felt like I had a pretty good race year to build up to this point. My training has been decent and I even lost some weight. When this crazy journey started in 2005 watching Scott Jaime in the Wasatch 100, I never thought it would get to this point. Whatever happens out there this weekend, I don't regret it! The journey has been great and now it is time for the celebration (thanks Ed).
The last time I was this scared/nervous was when my daughter Aspen was born, I realize they are at opposite ends of the spectrum but it doesn't take from the fact that I am down right scared. I am going into the unknown. I have read posts, blogs and spoke to elite athletes all year (Scott Jaime, Karl Meltzer, Anton K., Skaggs bros., Brian Fisher, Paul DeWitt, Josh Brimhall, Justin Ricks, Brad Mitchell, Lisa Smith-Batchen-just to name a few) and these individuals are truly amazing! I am not going out with false dreams but sure would like to see my dream come true. A finish at the Wasatch 100!
This will be my last post before the race. Maybe it is a way to get thoughts out of my head, maybe I am over thinking, maybe I am putting too much into something that I started for fun. Whatever the reason, at least I am not alone- to see so many people you admire, look up to and love support me- it's worth it. I wear emotions on my sleeve (no secret for those who know me) and this post may seem over the top but oh well.
Well, thanks again to everyone. I am running to prove something to myself why all the while I hope I will not let anyone down. This started on a birthday in February and after this race maybe its the re-birth of Manners!
No Excuses...No Regrets....Leave Nothing!

Pre-Race thoughts: Squaw Peak 50

Well, Squaw Peak is here! Only a couple days away. Once again I do not feel ready but that's just how it always is. There is nothing I can change at this point but I do feel like I am in much better shape than last year. I have put in much more work on the trails and dinner table. My weight is not the goal I was shooting for but I am lighter than last year and have felt good about getting it down. I have done more climbing this year than the past so hopefully it will help me a little in getting up to Windy Pass. I know the race is long and I need to focus on the entire course but I truly believe the race for me will really begin at Aide Station 8 (mile 33ish).
Mentally, this will be challenging. I have been a competitor my entire life and I have a goal of getting under 12 hours. Last year I did 14:26 (goal was 15:00). Again, not impressive or blazing but a goal for me. So do I shoot for under 12 and push hard or do I realize the big picture and use it as a Wasatch trainer? The ideal situation would be both.
There is more snow this year and that will slow me down but maybe add some more excitement.
Last years race was my first 50 miler and I didn't think I would be back. Windy Pass just kicked my ass. Saying that, I really enjoyed it and I feel I owe Windy Pass and cameo appearance. Round 1 went to Windy, Round 2 goes to........
Here is what my race card looks like that I am carrying:
AS #3- 2:19
AS #4- 3:13
AS #5- 4:30
AS #6- 5:22
AS #7- 6:23
AS #8- 7:21
AS #9- 10:00
AS #10- 11:21
Finish- 11:57
I want to say thank you to all my friends and family who have helped me prepare for the race- you all know who you are! I couldn't even attempt it without you. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!
I will have a race report when I return.
Remember- No Excuses, No Regrets- Leave Nothing!