First, this includes a long overdo race report from the Twilight Trail.
The second annual Twilight Trail 8-k went off without a hitch. Well, there was the incident with the flour, but that was resolved. More on that later.
I started off and worked with Pat to mark the course. He devised an oversized shaker bottle which was filled with flour. We marked every possible turn on the course where someone could go astray. Right before we started though, it began to rain. We didn't get a hard rain in the park, and a lot of it is under the trees, but we were worried that the flour would wash away. Oddly, this is precisely why the park wanted us to use flour. So, after a few hours of shaking, and lining, the course was ready to go.
People were arriving (except a few from the west or downtown where it was apparently Noah-worthy flooding. So. the start was pushed back a bit, which would prove useful. I went for a warmup with a few other Striders and much to my surprise, there were no markings on the course all the way up to the big hill. @#$! So, I ran back, to the start to tell Kate. I reloaded the shaker and with the help of another volunteer, went along and relined everything. I managed to get back to the start with a little time before the first runners left.
By this time, everyone was there, so I found my teammate and readied for the start. However, I was by this time, completely soaked and in need of a new shirt, which I probably should have gotten. Oh well. The race started and as last year, each wave was launched with cheers and applause, a real treat for everyone (execept of course for the last group, which had the largest gap to make up and no crowd of runners. Oh well, the price of sort of youth.)
Some of the people ahead of me at the start surprised me, but I was about where I expected at the hill. Oh man, the hill. Former Orange X-C coach Keller would be proud. This is a long, steep, now muddy climb that doesn't really level out for another half mile or so after the crest. So, I plugged away at it, but it seemed to take more out of me than usual, maybe the earlier running/lining adventures were having their way with me. Still, I made it to the top and did my best to hold the pace.
One reward I enjoyed at the top was that I started to pass the slower runners who started before me. After I settled into my pace, I began passing more and more, and eventually other Striders, some of whom I managed to cheer for as I passed, others who managed to cheer for me as I passed.
I was really feeling it by halfway. I was in dire need of the second water stop and it was a help before the long downhill. The rain, winding road, and gravity made the descent treacherous as ever. I think there was another waterstop at the bottom of the hill, but I missed it. Just around Squire's Castle was the 4th mile mark, so the end was coming and not a moment too soon. I had pulled my shirt bethind my back to get some ventilation, but fully planned on returning it to the proper placement shortly before the finish. I probably should have done it earlier. I was caught on camera with it pulled back ala 1988. Oh well, at least I'm not drooling on myself this time....am I?
The finish couldn't come soon enough. After crossing the line and staggering around for a while, I regained my composure and balance and enjoyed the massive post-race spread and party.
I enjoyed food and drink and the company of other runners who had shared in the experience. Most people seemed pleased with their times, everyone was pleased with the race.
Two Twilight Trails done, two years with the running group in the books. Will it be another year the next time the race comes around or will it be a chance to return and see my friends again? Either way, sign me up.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
I'm all in
As a rule, I usually put off signing up for marathons until the last possible minute (or until just before the fee increases). However, sometimes that just won't work. For example, Chicago. It sells out quickly and you need to decide well before the race that you want to run, if you want a number.
Well, it is also the case for New York. They have a lottery each year. Some people get selected, some are forced to raise money if they want to find a way in legally. Unlike Boston, there is no qualifying, but getting in is not a given.
So, after a few months of waiting, I found out that this November, I'm headed to NYC!
Well, it is also the case for New York. They have a lottery each year. Some people get selected, some are forced to raise money if they want to find a way in legally. Unlike Boston, there is no qualifying, but getting in is not a given.
So, after a few months of waiting, I found out that this November, I'm headed to NYC!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Bay to Breakers
I've been wanting to do Bay to Breakers for years but never thought I'd get the chance on account of it taking place in San Fransisco.
All that changed last weekend as I made the trip out there for the race.
First, the expo.
It left a lot to be desired. It was basically a step up from what Cleveland's used to be. There were about 2 clothing vendors, a few shoe companies, and assorted foods and drinks, each with its own mystery ingredient. Now that I've been to countless expos I have some advice to all of you runners who are interested in maximizing your schwag.
First, there are usually bigger bags than they give you with your bib, somewhere at the expo. Find them and stuff away! Next, find something you like to eat or drink. This is key. Maybe you like gatorade, or a powerbar. Whatever. The reason for this is that every local health-food company is trying to cash in on the performance food market with their own special, performance-enhancing ingredient. I've sampled energy bars with everything in them: taurine, ginseng, haldol. And it isn't limited to drinks either. Power bars are filled with every recovery hastening, speed enhancing, nipple hardening substance known to man (and a few that to earth, presumably from outer space). Usually these are gourmet disasters. I actually went to one expo that had a booth touting sardines! So, after you've consumed a drink that tastes exactly like licking a carpet, go back to your old reliable, wash down the flavor, fight back what is threatening to climb back out and go try that spinach flavored energy gel!
So, after loading up on our free stuff (the orange sunglasses would prove key). All was set for the race.
One of my favorite things about a big, early race is seeing all of the runners on their way to the race in the morning. This was no exception. Aaron and I got out at the BART station and there was already a mass of people ready to get on the train. We sat down and they started streaming in. Usually you can spot runners in these situations: zero body fat, impromptu stretching, pierogi breath. Here, it was even easier. Everyone had on either a number, a costume, or both. We rode the train into the city with Nacho Libre, one of the incredibles, and a handful of other costumed folks. Man, this was gonna be fun!
I was actually surprised when we got out of the train at how few people there were. We started following a modest crowd towards the start (I assumed). Slowly, the numbers picked up and it was starting to feel like race day.
My primary concern was being able to get into the first starting corral. I had signed up too late to get into the first and was not looking forward to trying to push past everyone going half of my speed or less. We got to the entrance and people were directing us. I pulled my fuel belt up over my number and instructed Aaron to make like he was drafting off of me. In we went. No problem.
I pulled my belt down and separated slowly from Aaron. They immediately spotted us and told us to go to the other entrance. I nodded meekly and walked a few steps in that direction. By then, they had turned to other runners. I signaled to Aaron and we went on unmolested. Safe!
As we approached the starting area, I noticed a guy with tortillas. Oh well, whatever. Then, all of a sudden, I noticed tortillas flying overhead! Soon, the sky was filled with UFOs (unidentified flour objects). Aaron had a lot of fun picking up the wayward tortillas and tossing them into the air. We were surrounded by all manner of runners, costumes, and excitement. Now we were just waiting for the start.
As the mass lurched forward, they instructed runners left and walkers right. I wished Aaron luck and headed for the left edge. I shouldn't have bothered. There were so many people (60,000 or so) that it wasn't moving.
Ah, I thought, a little weaving and I'll be free!
Well, two miles later, I was still weaving. I managed a few short sprints, but mostly I was stuck in traffic, jogging at best. I was all over the place. Sometimes the sidewalk opened up and I had a little running room, but I was so far back that the runners who were up to speed were too slow for me. So, I continued to weave.
The highlight of the course is Hayes Hill. It goes up for at least a mile. This is where I was going to make my money. I finally had a little space on the hill and one other runner was pushing the pace. I stuck with him as best I could and gained a little momentum. Partway up the hill, they were handing out more of the orange glasses. I grabbed a pair and kept going. Along the hill there were all manner of revelers. Some people were hanging out of windows, others on top of buildings tossing mardi gras beads, encouragement, and even beer to the runners.
After the hill the course took a general downward trend. It wound through Golden Gate Park for the rest of the race. I hit the 3 mile mark in 29 minutes, about 9 minutes behind pace. So much for hitting 53 minutes. I pushed the pace, maybe I could still break an hour. The problem was, it was still jammed. It had opened up, but I was still weaving. Also, I had been doing what amounted to a fartlek workout for the last 3 miles. I was worried I was going too hard but was hitting 7 consistently on the clock for each mile.
At this point I had a little more time to admire the scenery. In the park there was a waterfall and some bands. I was also passing a lot more people, some of whom were not clothed. Let me tell you, when you are ducking between people and jockeying for position, it is important to steer clear of naked people. Advice for life, you'll thank me later.
I hit the 6 mile mark in 50 minutes. Great, all I needed to do was cover another 1.5 miles in 10 minutes or less and I'd break an hour. Sure.
The course wound down towards the ocean and turned to run along the shore for the finish. I kicked it into high gear and pushed for the end. Still navigating the crowds, I passed the line in just over an hour on my watch.
I wandered through the finish area and grabbed a water (the only refreshment they had there, booo!). There were guys spraying legs with something cool. I stood for a spritz, not sure what it was, but it felt good.
After a few minutes, I noticed my heartrate was still high and my breathing was quick. Uh-oh. I'd been fighting a cough and now I was concerned. I should have been able to catch my breath by then. Not sure that panicking helped my heartrate. After a few more minutes of admiring the spectacle, caught my breath and headed back up the course to find Aaron.
Aaron and I coordinated on the phone and I set out to meet him. Sure enough, about a mile from the end I found him. We walked in the last stretch of the course and then went off to celebrate together.
All that changed last weekend as I made the trip out there for the race.
First, the expo.
It left a lot to be desired. It was basically a step up from what Cleveland's used to be. There were about 2 clothing vendors, a few shoe companies, and assorted foods and drinks, each with its own mystery ingredient. Now that I've been to countless expos I have some advice to all of you runners who are interested in maximizing your schwag.
First, there are usually bigger bags than they give you with your bib, somewhere at the expo. Find them and stuff away! Next, find something you like to eat or drink. This is key. Maybe you like gatorade, or a powerbar. Whatever. The reason for this is that every local health-food company is trying to cash in on the performance food market with their own special, performance-enhancing ingredient. I've sampled energy bars with everything in them: taurine, ginseng, haldol. And it isn't limited to drinks either. Power bars are filled with every recovery hastening, speed enhancing, nipple hardening substance known to man (and a few that to earth, presumably from outer space). Usually these are gourmet disasters. I actually went to one expo that had a booth touting sardines! So, after you've consumed a drink that tastes exactly like licking a carpet, go back to your old reliable, wash down the flavor, fight back what is threatening to climb back out and go try that spinach flavored energy gel!
So, after loading up on our free stuff (the orange sunglasses would prove key). All was set for the race.
One of my favorite things about a big, early race is seeing all of the runners on their way to the race in the morning. This was no exception. Aaron and I got out at the BART station and there was already a mass of people ready to get on the train. We sat down and they started streaming in. Usually you can spot runners in these situations: zero body fat, impromptu stretching, pierogi breath. Here, it was even easier. Everyone had on either a number, a costume, or both. We rode the train into the city with Nacho Libre, one of the incredibles, and a handful of other costumed folks. Man, this was gonna be fun!
I was actually surprised when we got out of the train at how few people there were. We started following a modest crowd towards the start (I assumed). Slowly, the numbers picked up and it was starting to feel like race day.
My primary concern was being able to get into the first starting corral. I had signed up too late to get into the first and was not looking forward to trying to push past everyone going half of my speed or less. We got to the entrance and people were directing us. I pulled my fuel belt up over my number and instructed Aaron to make like he was drafting off of me. In we went. No problem.
I pulled my belt down and separated slowly from Aaron. They immediately spotted us and told us to go to the other entrance. I nodded meekly and walked a few steps in that direction. By then, they had turned to other runners. I signaled to Aaron and we went on unmolested. Safe!
As we approached the starting area, I noticed a guy with tortillas. Oh well, whatever. Then, all of a sudden, I noticed tortillas flying overhead! Soon, the sky was filled with UFOs (unidentified flour objects). Aaron had a lot of fun picking up the wayward tortillas and tossing them into the air. We were surrounded by all manner of runners, costumes, and excitement. Now we were just waiting for the start.
As the mass lurched forward, they instructed runners left and walkers right. I wished Aaron luck and headed for the left edge. I shouldn't have bothered. There were so many people (60,000 or so) that it wasn't moving.
Ah, I thought, a little weaving and I'll be free!
Well, two miles later, I was still weaving. I managed a few short sprints, but mostly I was stuck in traffic, jogging at best. I was all over the place. Sometimes the sidewalk opened up and I had a little running room, but I was so far back that the runners who were up to speed were too slow for me. So, I continued to weave.
The highlight of the course is Hayes Hill. It goes up for at least a mile. This is where I was going to make my money. I finally had a little space on the hill and one other runner was pushing the pace. I stuck with him as best I could and gained a little momentum. Partway up the hill, they were handing out more of the orange glasses. I grabbed a pair and kept going. Along the hill there were all manner of revelers. Some people were hanging out of windows, others on top of buildings tossing mardi gras beads, encouragement, and even beer to the runners.
After the hill the course took a general downward trend. It wound through Golden Gate Park for the rest of the race. I hit the 3 mile mark in 29 minutes, about 9 minutes behind pace. So much for hitting 53 minutes. I pushed the pace, maybe I could still break an hour. The problem was, it was still jammed. It had opened up, but I was still weaving. Also, I had been doing what amounted to a fartlek workout for the last 3 miles. I was worried I was going too hard but was hitting 7 consistently on the clock for each mile.
At this point I had a little more time to admire the scenery. In the park there was a waterfall and some bands. I was also passing a lot more people, some of whom were not clothed. Let me tell you, when you are ducking between people and jockeying for position, it is important to steer clear of naked people. Advice for life, you'll thank me later.
I hit the 6 mile mark in 50 minutes. Great, all I needed to do was cover another 1.5 miles in 10 minutes or less and I'd break an hour. Sure.
The course wound down towards the ocean and turned to run along the shore for the finish. I kicked it into high gear and pushed for the end. Still navigating the crowds, I passed the line in just over an hour on my watch.
I wandered through the finish area and grabbed a water (the only refreshment they had there, booo!). There were guys spraying legs with something cool. I stood for a spritz, not sure what it was, but it felt good.
After a few minutes, I noticed my heartrate was still high and my breathing was quick. Uh-oh. I'd been fighting a cough and now I was concerned. I should have been able to catch my breath by then. Not sure that panicking helped my heartrate. After a few more minutes of admiring the spectacle, caught my breath and headed back up the course to find Aaron.
Aaron and I coordinated on the phone and I set out to meet him. Sure enough, about a mile from the end I found him. We walked in the last stretch of the course and then went off to celebrate together.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Let the Sunshine In
Nothing too heavy today. I just want to revel in the beauty of the day.
As with all things, there is beauty to be found. Sometimes it is just too easy. On a day like today, all you have to do is open your eyes and you realize how extraordinary a day it is. The sun is pouring into every window, every crack, through every opening and between all of the trees. Even without stepping outside, it is undeniable that the seasons have changed and that all can be new again.
Even if I hadn't been nursing a sprained ankle, I would be enjoying the warmth of the sun as I made my way along paths and roads.
Even if I hadn't fought winds, snow, and the bitter cold all winter, I would be delighting in the cool breezes affording me both a gentle nudge from behind or a refreshing gust from the front.
Even if I hadn't cut my mileage down as life threatened to take away my time to run, I would be extoling the greatness of the spring run with the return of foliage, friends, and fun.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
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