This time I would like to start by thanking all the people who put effort into this event!
Jodi Langely, race director. The Creemore 100M is a Fatass (free) event, so you know how much Jodi makes from the race. She also committed her own funds to any items that are imperative to a successful race, but might not be supplied by the runners. In a fatass, the runners supply all the materials for the event, but Jodi could not leave to chance that some runner would show up with a port-a-potty. So she ordered one. And belt buckles, propane tanks, tarps and 1,000,000 other items. I am positive Jodi is out of pocket. I just don't know by how much.
Stuart Lombard. Stuart has a beautiful house in the hills surrounding Creemore. He does not need the inconvenience of having 40+ runners (includes pacers) on his trails for 10 - 15 loops. Fortunately, Stuart is not only a neighbor, but a runner and has a keen passion for the sport. Securing a key component of the 100 mile course (Stuart's trail) was too easy, as Stuart was more than willing to share his trail.
Volunteers. I would truly love to list all their names, but would miss some for sure, as I did not see or speak with them all. Some showed up Friday evening and left Sunday afternoon. All were pivotal in assisting the runners when bad weather turned to cataclysmic Armageddon late Saturday night.
Runners. It might seem strange to thank the runners in an event that is free. They just sign up, show up, hand over items they need to run the race, and run. The runners make the biggest effort in any race. I would propose that for the 2012 Creemore 100 Mile Challenge, they dug a little deeper. Even those who did not grasp the belt buckle at the end of 100 miles, went well beyond what most runners are willing to endure in the name of testing oneself.
Runners 16, Weather 11
In case you have ever had a hypothetical debate about what is the toughest running conditions, the answer is mud. The race started with -5C and snow. Footing was good, required more energy than running on dry trail, but no wasted effort in forward motion. About 6 hours into the race, -2 and ice became the dominant surface. Ice requires careful foot placement, slowing down and always having an escape route. Runners in the 2012 Creemore Vertical Challenge will appreciate the following... 18 hours after the race started, at 02:00 on Sunday morning, the course was deluged by pounding rain, +3 degrees and 50 KPH winds. As reported by almost every runner, the course could not be navigated, let alone run. A course that is normally run with some effort at 1:20, became a nightmare to complete in under 2 hours. A good example is Steve Beach's time. In 2010, Steve was second overall in a time of 21:58. The course had about 3 inches of snow. Today, Steve finished in 26:53. In Steve's word, when his pacer, the accomplished Adi Schnall had to stop supporting him, "I fell apart". A 5 hour difference!
Dale Draaistra is on the podium at ultras with annoying regularity. Granted, the running earlier in the day was "easier", but completing a loop of the 10.6K Creemore loop in under 1:10 is very tough. Dale ran 4 loops (an ultra in itself) in under 1:10 per loop! Dale shaved almost 2 HOURS off the record. And Steve Parker was not far behind, in a time of 19:22. Kiriam, one of Ontario's finest ultra runners (she lives in Barrie, practically a neighbor!), clocked the 100 miles in 20:24. Wow!
The other 13 finishers were Andrew (25:20), Bill (27:43), Catherine (28:46), Debbie (22:03), Eman (25:01), Keith (also from Barrie - 23:01), Lisa (21:11!), Phil (24:51), Sharon (25:21), Steve Beach (26:53), Stephen Bradshaw (25:32), Scott Garrett (23:29 - his 12th 100 Miler in 2012!) and Wayne (22:23). A special note about Wayne Cho. This was his first ultra race. Yes, 100 miles. Go big or go home! Wayne is no stranger to running, having run across Canada... I would classify that feat as an ultra!
The weather started moderate for Ontario in December, got a bit worse, then turn downright nasty. At 04:30 Sunday morning, the 5K aid station called that they were not able to support runners as they were holding on to the 2 tents, or the tents would blow away. I headed up to the AS pronto, leaving my coffee at the start/finish behind. We did a complete makeover of the AS in about 15 minutes!
Runners who routinely complete long ultras were dropping like flies. Those who persevered versus those who dropped made no sense. Lee Anne (my wife) dropped at 94K, a long distance for her, but well within her means. One of this year's ultra phenoms, Jeff Ishazawa? Not today. Kinga and Stephan Miklos? Although both claimed to be under-trained, dropped. Chris Battaglia (sorry about the spelling)? Mr. automatic, who although not the fastest, hit the finish line about 35 times in 2012? Forced down to a walk, with time running out.
All runners deserve to be proud of their accomplishments this weekend, in weather that was not conducive to finishing a 20K, let alone 160.9946K. Well done.
After the race, a host helped clean up. Jodi, who had not slept since early Saturday morning, reminded me of the eveready bunny. I think she was afraid to shut her eyes, as it could very well mean waking up Monday morning! We had some interesting items left at the race site. Normally, Lee Anne and I are grateful for the odd gel or bottle of Gatorade left behind by someone too tired to care about finding such an item, when heading home. This race, we had leftover gels, head lights and a car. Unfortunately, Kiriam came by Sunday afternoon to pick up the car...
Quote of the race stems from a Michigan runner. I think his name is Phil and I paraphrase, as I was too tired to remember it accurately: "I have never seen a trail in such bad condition, that I could not walk it. I had to walk among the trees in order to find some footing". This from an experienced trail runner!
A last note on garbage. After breaking trail at Dirty Girls last year, I made the mistake of mentioning to Kinga Miklos that when people drop garbage on the trail, they should do so near a flag, so the volunteer does not have to bend down an extra time to pick up the garbage. I almost avoided the explosion. Kinga was adamant that YOU DO NOT LEAVE ANY GARBAGE ON THE TRAIL. She is, of course, 100% correct. If you eat a gel, put the garbage back in your pouch. Yes, it is sticky, that is too bad. At Dirty Girls, I collected 2 garbage bags of trash from the trails. Granted, a lot was trail tape. At the Creemore 100 Mile race? I found 1 gel container, 1 bottle from a hydration belt and a baggy with 3-4 salt caps. I honestly believe that none of these were deliberately thrown onto the trail. If someone who has run for 25 hours can carry out their trash, so can someone running a 10K.
Will there be another Creemore 100 Miler? To be honest, although the weather has been nasty, we have not seen extremes that can occur in early December. It is also an expensive proposition to undertake. The cost, coupled with the potential for more serious issues (no marshals, no ambulance, inadequate quarters at the 5K aid station and a plethora of other potential risks), dictates that the event should not be repeated. There is talk of a point-to-point 100 miler in the area around the same timing. There is definitely demand for such an event, but the demand should be met with adequate precautions.
Cheers!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Pre-Race Report: Creemore 100 Mile Challenge
Is there such a thing as good weather in Creemore? We all know there is exciting weather in Creemore. The Creemore Vertical Challenge in July experienced 3 inches of rain in the first hour of the 50K race. The runners probably did not notice since they were busy trying to avoid being struck by lightning and to climb hills that were conveniently converted into mudslides. What fun!
And in previous years, brutal baking hot temperatures made sure the runners heart rates were tapped out on the flats (or is it the flat?), let alone while striving to run up a 600 foot vertical hill in the heat... More fun!
In 2009, the OUS Spring Warm-up was held in Avening, a hamlet quite near Creemore. The race started in gale force winds and sleet, then the weather turned bad... I was asked by 2 runners if they could run the course backwards (counterclockwise instead of clockwise). Why? When running clockwise, the section of the course that went north was on top of the Niagara Escarpment and they were not able to make headway into the wind... The fun never stops, enjoy the buffet!
So when the long range forecast for December 1 & 2 called for sunny skies and a high of +3, I waited... And waited. I even had the temerity to joke that if the weather was good (okay, I'll say it - IDEAL) I would catch flak from those who had braved the Spring and July races. Now that the forecast has turned south, what the hell was I thinking, taunting the weather gods? Will I ever learn? No, don't answer that. I'm 54 and don't need the constant reminders.
For those of you reading this blog with trepidation (that would be the 29 rationally challenged individuals who signed up for the Creemore 100 Mile Challenge), rest assured that the weather is not horrific. There, now I've eased your minds!
I ran the course this morning and it is in surprisingly good shape. To preface the course update, it has been snowing "a bit" in Creemore for the last 3 days. The backroads have about 2 inches of snow (most have not seen a plow) and the trails have about 3 inches of snow. The footing is mostly good, with a few slippery parts. I have added a rope with knots at the steep downhill leading to the ridge run (the trail with 20 foot cliffs on each side) and cut stairs directly before the beaver dam.
The course requires effort to run, but has several long, gradual downhill sections where recovery is facilitated. You still need to burn calories to complete the 10.6K loop, but it is not a constant grind. I ran the 3 uphills (since I was only running one loop) and although tough, the course is not much more effort than running it when dry.
A huge thanks to Elise Maguire, who will be marking the course on Friday. I have run out of spare vacation days (I only get 34 per year) so it will be nice to ensure the course is well prepped the day before the race. Elise needs volunteer hours on the trail (as opposed to at an aid station) for entry into a race (I have forgotten which). Not a bad idea! Although fun, setting a course requires considerable time and effort. Much appreciated, Elise!
Well, let's get it over with... The Forecast:
Saturday:
Good! Cloudy with a low of -4 and warming to +2. This should keep the course from getting too muddy. Not too cold, so changing clothes every loop is not needed. The footing should be good (frozen) until later in the day.
Sunday:
Could be worse... A low of +2 and a high of +7. Light rain. The course will degenerate overnight. Hopefully, the runners will be far enough into their race that 2 - 3 final loops in the rain will not be significant. Change into dry clothes every loop or simply push through. I talked to Jeff Ashizawa after his 48 hours at Dirty Girls and he claims the runners would have done much better had it rained Saturday instead of Friday. Perhaps Jeff is the reason for the forecast? Jeff: Did you want rain on Sunday? Probably an academic question as Jeff is likely to finish before the rains makes an appearance.
Volunteers!
The Creemore 100 Mile Challenge is a Fatass. What this means is that it is not a sanctioned race. No person or body assumes responsibility for race details, such as aid station stock, volunteers, insurance, etc. This is all the responsibility of the runners. Hence the race is "Free" (try telling that to yours legs at the finish) as no one is ensuring the well-being of the runners. A good example is there are currently positions available for volunteers at the 5K aid station on Saturday night. If these positions are not filled, there will be less support for the runners. This is fine, as the runners simply need to take care of their hydration / nutrition requirements themselves. However...
Come on down to Creemore for an action packed night of cheering, yelling and yes, even whooping! We have 29 runners who would truly love to see you Saturday night / early Sunday morning. See the greats, such as Stephan and Kinga Miklos, the incredible Jeff Ishazawa and returning from an amazing showing at the 24 hour worlds, Sharon Zelinski! Get autograph worth hundreds of pennies! Rub shoulders with the who's who in Ontario Ultra running! Have the time of your life and most importantly, see people that look and feel much much worse than you!
A bit of a plug for vollies; please contact Jodi Langley if you can help out:
jodilangley3029@gmail.com
Hope to see you next Saturday!
And in previous years, brutal baking hot temperatures made sure the runners heart rates were tapped out on the flats (or is it the flat?), let alone while striving to run up a 600 foot vertical hill in the heat... More fun!
In 2009, the OUS Spring Warm-up was held in Avening, a hamlet quite near Creemore. The race started in gale force winds and sleet, then the weather turned bad... I was asked by 2 runners if they could run the course backwards (counterclockwise instead of clockwise). Why? When running clockwise, the section of the course that went north was on top of the Niagara Escarpment and they were not able to make headway into the wind... The fun never stops, enjoy the buffet!
So when the long range forecast for December 1 & 2 called for sunny skies and a high of +3, I waited... And waited. I even had the temerity to joke that if the weather was good (okay, I'll say it - IDEAL) I would catch flak from those who had braved the Spring and July races. Now that the forecast has turned south, what the hell was I thinking, taunting the weather gods? Will I ever learn? No, don't answer that. I'm 54 and don't need the constant reminders.
For those of you reading this blog with trepidation (that would be the 29 rationally challenged individuals who signed up for the Creemore 100 Mile Challenge), rest assured that the weather is not horrific. There, now I've eased your minds!
I ran the course this morning and it is in surprisingly good shape. To preface the course update, it has been snowing "a bit" in Creemore for the last 3 days. The backroads have about 2 inches of snow (most have not seen a plow) and the trails have about 3 inches of snow. The footing is mostly good, with a few slippery parts. I have added a rope with knots at the steep downhill leading to the ridge run (the trail with 20 foot cliffs on each side) and cut stairs directly before the beaver dam.
The course requires effort to run, but has several long, gradual downhill sections where recovery is facilitated. You still need to burn calories to complete the 10.6K loop, but it is not a constant grind. I ran the 3 uphills (since I was only running one loop) and although tough, the course is not much more effort than running it when dry.
A huge thanks to Elise Maguire, who will be marking the course on Friday. I have run out of spare vacation days (I only get 34 per year) so it will be nice to ensure the course is well prepped the day before the race. Elise needs volunteer hours on the trail (as opposed to at an aid station) for entry into a race (I have forgotten which). Not a bad idea! Although fun, setting a course requires considerable time and effort. Much appreciated, Elise!
Well, let's get it over with... The Forecast:
Saturday:
Good! Cloudy with a low of -4 and warming to +2. This should keep the course from getting too muddy. Not too cold, so changing clothes every loop is not needed. The footing should be good (frozen) until later in the day.
Sunday:
Could be worse... A low of +2 and a high of +7. Light rain. The course will degenerate overnight. Hopefully, the runners will be far enough into their race that 2 - 3 final loops in the rain will not be significant. Change into dry clothes every loop or simply push through. I talked to Jeff Ashizawa after his 48 hours at Dirty Girls and he claims the runners would have done much better had it rained Saturday instead of Friday. Perhaps Jeff is the reason for the forecast? Jeff: Did you want rain on Sunday? Probably an academic question as Jeff is likely to finish before the rains makes an appearance.
Volunteers!
The Creemore 100 Mile Challenge is a Fatass. What this means is that it is not a sanctioned race. No person or body assumes responsibility for race details, such as aid station stock, volunteers, insurance, etc. This is all the responsibility of the runners. Hence the race is "Free" (try telling that to yours legs at the finish) as no one is ensuring the well-being of the runners. A good example is there are currently positions available for volunteers at the 5K aid station on Saturday night. If these positions are not filled, there will be less support for the runners. This is fine, as the runners simply need to take care of their hydration / nutrition requirements themselves. However...
Come on down to Creemore for an action packed night of cheering, yelling and yes, even whooping! We have 29 runners who would truly love to see you Saturday night / early Sunday morning. See the greats, such as Stephan and Kinga Miklos, the incredible Jeff Ishazawa and returning from an amazing showing at the 24 hour worlds, Sharon Zelinski! Get autograph worth hundreds of pennies! Rub shoulders with the who's who in Ontario Ultra running! Have the time of your life and most importantly, see people that look and feel much much worse than you!
A bit of a plug for vollies; please contact Jodi Langley if you can help out:
jodilangley3029@gmail.com
Hope to see you next Saturday!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Creemore 100 Mile Training Run
Practice makes perfect, so in order to prepare for a 100 mile race, it is important to preview as many facets of the race as possible. This applies mainly to the runners, but is also important for pacers, volunteers and the race directors.
A training run also helps with the last minute details. Do we need a port-a-potty for 30 runners? Not necessarily, but what about the 20+ pacers and 25+ volunteers? Suddenly my cute little bathroom looks ill equipped to handle 75+ people over the weekend! There was also some secret details to discuss and what better place than the anonymity of the trail?
The nicest aspect of a training run is that it is a chance for runners, pacers, volunteers etc. to get out for a run, but also spend some time socializing after a "short" (only 6 hours!) run. This typically does not happen after a 100 miler, as everyone is cold and tired. A bed has more appeal than sharing a glass of wine with a friend! So we sat after the training run for a surprisingly long time, discussing the beautiful weather (it was sunny and 8C) and the upcoming race.
I am recovering from a cold that has an annoying aspect; I cough incessantly throughout the night. I had doubts that I could run today, but gave it a try anyway. Got in 10.6K on a beautiful day, with about 20 friends. Could not have asked for more! Might even go out for a repeat tomorrow.
Got some pictures, including a great shot of Jeff, Marylou, Maryka and Jodi high-fiving (yes, it's a real word, don't bother looking it up) after completing 4 or 5 loops of the course. Also of Ron and his pacer (yes, I'm terrible with names, how did you know?):
2 weeks until race day!
A training run also helps with the last minute details. Do we need a port-a-potty for 30 runners? Not necessarily, but what about the 20+ pacers and 25+ volunteers? Suddenly my cute little bathroom looks ill equipped to handle 75+ people over the weekend! There was also some secret details to discuss and what better place than the anonymity of the trail?
The nicest aspect of a training run is that it is a chance for runners, pacers, volunteers etc. to get out for a run, but also spend some time socializing after a "short" (only 6 hours!) run. This typically does not happen after a 100 miler, as everyone is cold and tired. A bed has more appeal than sharing a glass of wine with a friend! So we sat after the training run for a surprisingly long time, discussing the beautiful weather (it was sunny and 8C) and the upcoming race.
I am recovering from a cold that has an annoying aspect; I cough incessantly throughout the night. I had doubts that I could run today, but gave it a try anyway. Got in 10.6K on a beautiful day, with about 20 friends. Could not have asked for more! Might even go out for a repeat tomorrow.
Got some pictures, including a great shot of Jeff, Marylou, Maryka and Jodi high-fiving (yes, it's a real word, don't bother looking it up) after completing 4 or 5 loops of the course. Also of Ron and his pacer (yes, I'm terrible with names, how did you know?):
2 weeks until race day!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Phlegm Phor All!
Sorry about the title... Lee Anne and I are both sick and I have come to the conclusion that the reason I get so tired when sick is because it takes a tremendous amount of energy to convert half my body weight into phlegm...
I had visions of writing this entry about how fabulous it felt to run 25K this weekend, even though I'm ill. Guess what? I did not go for a run. I cut the grass on about 600 meters of the Creemore 100 Mile course, which left me panting, sweating and in dire need of a nap. Lee Anne ran 51K on Friday, took Saturday off, then 50K on Sunday. She is as sick as I am, so apparently we know who is the macho member of our family.
So, that's it! No run this weekend (probably for the best), but I hope to be back on the trails tomorrow.
I keep dreaming that the weather for the 100 mile race on December 1&2 will be close to what we had today: Blue skies, warm (for December) and DRY trails. I know I'm dreaming and if it did transpire, several of the Creemore Vertical Challenge 50K alumni would be out to lynch me. Nevertheless, the local trails are in fine shape and one can only hope that they remain decent, until the race.
A huge thanks to Stuart Lombard, who is allowing us to run his trail (the ridge run) for the training run on Saturday, November 17 and for the race on December 1,2. Stuart is also a runner and I hope he runs a loop or two with us next weekend.
Cheers!
I had visions of writing this entry about how fabulous it felt to run 25K this weekend, even though I'm ill. Guess what? I did not go for a run. I cut the grass on about 600 meters of the Creemore 100 Mile course, which left me panting, sweating and in dire need of a nap. Lee Anne ran 51K on Friday, took Saturday off, then 50K on Sunday. She is as sick as I am, so apparently we know who is the macho member of our family.
So, that's it! No run this weekend (probably for the best), but I hope to be back on the trails tomorrow.
I keep dreaming that the weather for the 100 mile race on December 1&2 will be close to what we had today: Blue skies, warm (for December) and DRY trails. I know I'm dreaming and if it did transpire, several of the Creemore Vertical Challenge 50K alumni would be out to lynch me. Nevertheless, the local trails are in fine shape and one can only hope that they remain decent, until the race.
A huge thanks to Stuart Lombard, who is allowing us to run his trail (the ridge run) for the training run on Saturday, November 17 and for the race on December 1,2. Stuart is also a runner and I hope he runs a loop or two with us next weekend.
Cheers!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Snow Run!
Well, it had to happen eventually. Lee Anne and I ran with Cathy, a longtime friend that hangs out with the Borden Striders. I hear through the grapevine that the Striders will be hosting trail races at Base Borden again next year. Not sure if it will be the same format (5K, 8K, 10K, 10K, 5/21.1K) but should be interesting! It can be quite challenging running on the base, with snipers trying to drop you, explosions all around and the constant shouting. I may be exaggerating...
What happened? Snow. Just a few flakes on the ground in Creemore, but once we climbed the escarpment, it is a whole different world up there! 4 inches of snow on some of the trails, unplowed roads with 3 inches of slush, snow and sleet stinging the face... Wonderful!
Although slow, I managed a respectable 18K that included some significant hills (is there any other type of run in the Creemore area?) and enough snow to up the exertion. Lee Anne remarked that if these are the conditions during the Creemore 100M on December 1/2, it could get ugly!
The scenery was certainly worth the discomfort. snow-clad branches overhanging the trails, beautiful sun drenched vistas to the west and what could only be described as weather that depicted toxic Armageddon to the east. A snow-laden streamer coming off Georgian Bay had just the right colouring of the apocalypse. We saw white-tail deer twice and red deer, which was easy to arrange as we ran past a farm that raises red deer!
So now we will prepare for 30 adventurous runners (there are other descriptions for people that attempt 100 miles in Creemore in December, but let's be polite) who will test their abilities in what could be a harsh environment. I had planned to mow the grass on one of the trails this weekend, but it would have been tricky as it was covered in snow. I still hope for reasonable running weather in early December. Stranger things have happened! But if there is a sprinkling of snow, the runners had best bring their A game... Completing the race could take total commitment and effort.
What happened? Snow. Just a few flakes on the ground in Creemore, but once we climbed the escarpment, it is a whole different world up there! 4 inches of snow on some of the trails, unplowed roads with 3 inches of slush, snow and sleet stinging the face... Wonderful!
Although slow, I managed a respectable 18K that included some significant hills (is there any other type of run in the Creemore area?) and enough snow to up the exertion. Lee Anne remarked that if these are the conditions during the Creemore 100M on December 1/2, it could get ugly!
The scenery was certainly worth the discomfort. snow-clad branches overhanging the trails, beautiful sun drenched vistas to the west and what could only be described as weather that depicted toxic Armageddon to the east. A snow-laden streamer coming off Georgian Bay had just the right colouring of the apocalypse. We saw white-tail deer twice and red deer, which was easy to arrange as we ran past a farm that raises red deer!
So now we will prepare for 30 adventurous runners (there are other descriptions for people that attempt 100 miles in Creemore in December, but let's be polite) who will test their abilities in what could be a harsh environment. I had planned to mow the grass on one of the trails this weekend, but it would have been tricky as it was covered in snow. I still hope for reasonable running weather in early December. Stranger things have happened! But if there is a sprinkling of snow, the runners had best bring their A game... Completing the race could take total commitment and effort.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
I'm not dead yet!
Okay, I've been lazy and took some time away from blogging, for several reasons. The season for me is winding down, I've applied copious quantities of "free time" to various projects, and I actually paid some money to obtain what is called VIP status in a car racing game I enjoy. The latter is a bit disappointing, as there are less VIP'ers to race against, hence less excitement.
Before I get to the projects, at the bottom of this post is the Run for the Toad race report I posted on Running Mania, with some reflection items kicked in pour gratis. So, what has kept me occupied since September 8? Let me explain the darker side of how I normally spend my "down time". For those who share the running passion, I need not explain the time needed to ramp up from surgery (or some fairly major injury) once we get the go-ahead to start training seriously.
I am a lumberjack. Technically, I was a lumberjack. In my 20's, I spent a couple of years as a skidder operator, then a cutter. A cutter is what is romantically referred to as a lumberjack, replete with suspenders, panties and a bra. For those not familiar with Monty Python, please do your research (the lumberjack song). One component of my down-time is to supply firewood to friends and family. They pay for this service and expect quality product delivered in a timely manner. This year, I helped Lee Anne with her inaugural Creemore Copper Kettle Dash, a 5K and 10K race held in late August, aligned with Creemore Spring's Copper Kettle Festival. Then we went on vacation. When we got back, I realized I normally spend a week in early September hauling and delivering wood (it is cut in the Spring to dry). I was late, but had to delivery about 10 bushcord of wood, driving a tractor with no cab, in 5 degree weather, in the rain. What fun!
Then I clad the house in pine (board and batten style) and painted it (the house. Yes, the whole house!). Here is a picture before the painting. I don't have painted pictures yet as it will not stop raining long enough for me to finish! And they think I control the weather? I wish!
The remaining trim will be painted tomorrow.
Here's a file picture of the wood before delivery:
Running? Oh yeah! Central to the blog... I remember! Surgery was July 17, running started in September, first race was (below) the Toad, which went better than expected. At 54, running 25K trail in 2:41 is not too shabby. I'm a long way behind an AC podium finish, but not the last in my AC to cross the finish line. I am not getting out for a run as often as I would like, but enough to consider what I am doing part of a painfully slow ramp-up. Today, I got in 18K, with a hill. Some of you might know the hill. I call it O2 and it is part of the Creemore Vertical Challenge. For those who have blocked it from their memory, let me remind you that it is 800 meters long and starts after an uphill section. I have heard it described as nasty. I have heard other descriptors, but will not repeat them here, as they were uttered by runners who were not having a good day. This includes almost everyone who has run the CVC 50K. Having only run 7K before O2, I was relatively fresh and tried to run the entire hill. I made it to within 50 meters of the top of the steep section (the scrabble) but could not find enough oxygen to keep running. I walked the 50 meters, but ran the remaining "grassy" hill. I'm quite proud of that!
Sidebar: I believe it was Dave Champion who claimed to have been worried about dying on his second ascent of O2, during the 2008 50K CVC. He was walking up the hill, but was quite dizzy from the heat and was worried that he would fall backwards, hit his head on a rock and expire. After today's ascent, I now understand how he felt!
Creemore 100 Miler is back!
To provide Scott Garrett, who is running a 100 miler every month this year, with a local venue for his last race of the year, the Creemore 100 Mile Challenge is back on, for 2012! Jodi Langely has taken on the role of race director and Lee Anne and I are again hosting the race. There will be a 2.6K spur, then 15 loops of a 10.6K course comprised of 60% road (paved and gravel) and trail. The course is mainly downhill, with 3 smallish hills (yes Kinga, small for north of Hwy 89) and one optical illusionary uphill. Sign-up already includes some big names from Ontario, although defending champions Ken Moon is injured and I don't believe Monica Scholtz will be making an appearance.
I would really like to start a rumour that Yiannis Kouros is competing, but it would be an outright fabrication. he has already run a race in Canada this year... The race is capped at 30 and there are already 25 signed up at Ultrasignup:
http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=17804
Run for the Toad
What an incredible race. Some consider the course easy, but try following the young man who won the 50K this year and tell me it is easy! He screamed the 12.5K loop 4 times, each in 50 minutes and change. Wow! I find the rollers wear me down in the 25K, let alone pushing hard for 4 loops. Thanks so much to Peggy and George for all your efforts, for helping the Canadian ultra team and (2013 and 2014) hosting the Canadian 50K championships. Simply a class act!
From the RR on Running Mania:
Leading up to my first race after knee surgery (torn cartilage), I was somewhat anxious, to say the least. Running had been fine since I started in early September (a few trial runs in August barely count), but I was not looking forward to toeing the line at such a large race, with a distinct possibility of having it end in a DNF...
For those who made it to the Toad, isn't it incredible how much of a show George and Peggy put on? Curly (Lee Anne) and I helped out on Friday by handing out about 600 duffel bags. We chatted with a million people, including Ryan Melcher, an incredible runner, who paced Ellie Greenwood this year at her Western 100M victory.
Race day dawned with about the best weather I have witnessed at the Toad. I asked Peggy to cancel the race as there was no freezing cold rain... Shorts and a T-shirt were all that was needed. The plan was to start conservatively, then slow down. I kept to plan for the first loop, clocking a 1:20 for the first 12.5K. I started the second loop slowly, although when the 50K leader (some young guy!) flew by me at the start of his 3rd loop, I thought that I was standing still! About halfway through loop 2, a funny thing happened. I didn't slow down and I didn't feel tired! I even started to catch a few people. In the distance, I say Joanne Barber (Doug and Joanne are good friends). What? I'm keeping up with Joanne? By the way, Joanne usually race-walks the Toad. In fact, she has won the race-walk outright, in times such as 3:00, for the 25K!
For the last 3K, I did something that was paraphrased in a Mr. Boffo comic. The picture is of a passenger flying a 747. The caption at the bottom reads: "The last thing airport control wants to hear, after a passenger has taken over control of a 747". The bubble states "Let's see what this baby can do!".
I figured there was little chance of a DNF at 22K, so, let's see what these knees can do! I would not call my pace "fast", but I dipped below a 6 minute K. I ran most of the little risers and tried to keep my breathing near max VO2. The second loop was also done in 1:20, for a finish time of 2:41 (2:40 chip time).
Very satisfied with my race and my finishing time. The hope is now that I can train up to a 50K next year.
See you at the Toad in 2013!
Before I get to the projects, at the bottom of this post is the Run for the Toad race report I posted on Running Mania, with some reflection items kicked in pour gratis. So, what has kept me occupied since September 8? Let me explain the darker side of how I normally spend my "down time". For those who share the running passion, I need not explain the time needed to ramp up from surgery (or some fairly major injury) once we get the go-ahead to start training seriously.
I am a lumberjack. Technically, I was a lumberjack. In my 20's, I spent a couple of years as a skidder operator, then a cutter. A cutter is what is romantically referred to as a lumberjack, replete with suspenders, panties and a bra. For those not familiar with Monty Python, please do your research (the lumberjack song). One component of my down-time is to supply firewood to friends and family. They pay for this service and expect quality product delivered in a timely manner. This year, I helped Lee Anne with her inaugural Creemore Copper Kettle Dash, a 5K and 10K race held in late August, aligned with Creemore Spring's Copper Kettle Festival. Then we went on vacation. When we got back, I realized I normally spend a week in early September hauling and delivering wood (it is cut in the Spring to dry). I was late, but had to delivery about 10 bushcord of wood, driving a tractor with no cab, in 5 degree weather, in the rain. What fun!
Then I clad the house in pine (board and batten style) and painted it (the house. Yes, the whole house!). Here is a picture before the painting. I don't have painted pictures yet as it will not stop raining long enough for me to finish! And they think I control the weather? I wish!
The remaining trim will be painted tomorrow.
Here's a file picture of the wood before delivery:
Running? Oh yeah! Central to the blog... I remember! Surgery was July 17, running started in September, first race was (below) the Toad, which went better than expected. At 54, running 25K trail in 2:41 is not too shabby. I'm a long way behind an AC podium finish, but not the last in my AC to cross the finish line. I am not getting out for a run as often as I would like, but enough to consider what I am doing part of a painfully slow ramp-up. Today, I got in 18K, with a hill. Some of you might know the hill. I call it O2 and it is part of the Creemore Vertical Challenge. For those who have blocked it from their memory, let me remind you that it is 800 meters long and starts after an uphill section. I have heard it described as nasty. I have heard other descriptors, but will not repeat them here, as they were uttered by runners who were not having a good day. This includes almost everyone who has run the CVC 50K. Having only run 7K before O2, I was relatively fresh and tried to run the entire hill. I made it to within 50 meters of the top of the steep section (the scrabble) but could not find enough oxygen to keep running. I walked the 50 meters, but ran the remaining "grassy" hill. I'm quite proud of that!
Sidebar: I believe it was Dave Champion who claimed to have been worried about dying on his second ascent of O2, during the 2008 50K CVC. He was walking up the hill, but was quite dizzy from the heat and was worried that he would fall backwards, hit his head on a rock and expire. After today's ascent, I now understand how he felt!
Creemore 100 Miler is back!
To provide Scott Garrett, who is running a 100 miler every month this year, with a local venue for his last race of the year, the Creemore 100 Mile Challenge is back on, for 2012! Jodi Langely has taken on the role of race director and Lee Anne and I are again hosting the race. There will be a 2.6K spur, then 15 loops of a 10.6K course comprised of 60% road (paved and gravel) and trail. The course is mainly downhill, with 3 smallish hills (yes Kinga, small for north of Hwy 89) and one optical illusionary uphill. Sign-up already includes some big names from Ontario, although defending champions Ken Moon is injured and I don't believe Monica Scholtz will be making an appearance.
I would really like to start a rumour that Yiannis Kouros is competing, but it would be an outright fabrication. he has already run a race in Canada this year... The race is capped at 30 and there are already 25 signed up at Ultrasignup:
http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=17804
Run for the Toad
What an incredible race. Some consider the course easy, but try following the young man who won the 50K this year and tell me it is easy! He screamed the 12.5K loop 4 times, each in 50 minutes and change. Wow! I find the rollers wear me down in the 25K, let alone pushing hard for 4 loops. Thanks so much to Peggy and George for all your efforts, for helping the Canadian ultra team and (2013 and 2014) hosting the Canadian 50K championships. Simply a class act!
From the RR on Running Mania:
Leading up to my first race after knee surgery (torn cartilage), I was somewhat anxious, to say the least. Running had been fine since I started in early September (a few trial runs in August barely count), but I was not looking forward to toeing the line at such a large race, with a distinct possibility of having it end in a DNF...
For those who made it to the Toad, isn't it incredible how much of a show George and Peggy put on? Curly (Lee Anne) and I helped out on Friday by handing out about 600 duffel bags. We chatted with a million people, including Ryan Melcher, an incredible runner, who paced Ellie Greenwood this year at her Western 100M victory.
Race day dawned with about the best weather I have witnessed at the Toad. I asked Peggy to cancel the race as there was no freezing cold rain... Shorts and a T-shirt were all that was needed. The plan was to start conservatively, then slow down. I kept to plan for the first loop, clocking a 1:20 for the first 12.5K. I started the second loop slowly, although when the 50K leader (some young guy!) flew by me at the start of his 3rd loop, I thought that I was standing still! About halfway through loop 2, a funny thing happened. I didn't slow down and I didn't feel tired! I even started to catch a few people. In the distance, I say Joanne Barber (Doug and Joanne are good friends). What? I'm keeping up with Joanne? By the way, Joanne usually race-walks the Toad. In fact, she has won the race-walk outright, in times such as 3:00, for the 25K!
For the last 3K, I did something that was paraphrased in a Mr. Boffo comic. The picture is of a passenger flying a 747. The caption at the bottom reads: "The last thing airport control wants to hear, after a passenger has taken over control of a 747". The bubble states "Let's see what this baby can do!".
I figured there was little chance of a DNF at 22K, so, let's see what these knees can do! I would not call my pace "fast", but I dipped below a 6 minute K. I ran most of the little risers and tried to keep my breathing near max VO2. The second loop was also done in 1:20, for a finish time of 2:41 (2:40 chip time).
Very satisfied with my race and my finishing time. The hope is now that I can train up to a 50K next year.
See you at the Toad in 2013!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Back from Vacation!
Well, time flies when you are having fun. I have been tardy in posting, as we have had a busy late-August / early September. I'll start with a summary, then wander aimlessly wherever my faulty memory circuits take me. Us. Sorry...
Creemore Copper Kettle Dash:
Setting up for every race involves planning, spending lots of cash and fighting a losing battle of trying to avoid forgetting anything of import. An inaugural event has that added bonus of the unknown. With 42 signed up and an estimated (you'll hear that word often) 80 expected for the race, what shirt distribution is best? How many pins do you need to buy. Water?
Lee Anne (she is the race director) and I put in countless hours (I did not count them) getting read for the race. Bought a new kiln (the old one blew up real good!) and had some issues with off-glaze pottery, 2 weeks before the race.
The race went smoothly, with one runner going off course. Last minute panic while talking to the antique car director, when it became apparent that cars would be trying to drive through the race course at the start of the race!
Aside from the glitches, the race itself was well received. There were awards and spot prizes for almost everyone who raced. Much positive feedback and some ideas for a better race next year. The finishing times for the 5K were good, with room to break the record in future years. The 10K is a different story. The 10K has a big hill. Try to remember who is writing this. Big = 2K up and up and up. Winning time? 37:31. I'm not sure which national team Nikoloy belongs to, but I'm not sure how a 10K with a 2K hill can be run in under 40 minutes...
Vacation:
Not sure how we pulled this one out of a hat, but after some fruitless effort trying to set up a trip out west, to climb in the Canmore / Banff area, this is what happened:
Lee Anne: 2nd in the Ottawa Ironman Duathlon (4K run, 180K bike, 42.2 run).
A good friend (can I use your name Dawn?) was being visited by her daughter, who has a beautiful house just outside of Gatineau park, north of Ottawa. Lee Anne signed up for the Ironman, we drove to Ottawa and Lee Anne tried her first Duathlon. It was a long day (13:42), but interesting, from a support capacity. During her race, I was able to get my first "long" run in, by running 14K of the bike course. The next day (Sunday) was recovery, with a short hike in Gatineau park.
Next, we drove to Lake Placid, for some "little" mountain hikes. Little is in quotes, because although the elevation was small (circa 3,000 feet vertical) and the hikes short (13 - 21K), the effort was incredible! Large sections of the Marcy, Phelps and Algonquin peaks were boulder fields. More up and down, right and left, than actual moving forward. Some 2K sections took an hour. Yes, we are slow hikers, but Marcy (highest peak in NY) took 10 hours to hike 15 miles.
We stayed at the Adirondack Loj for 5 nights. Deliberately rustic, the lodge has no locks on the doors, so keep your passports in your car. The town of Placid Lake is possibly in decline, although this would be difficult to tell from the restaurant prices. The food was great, but $30 for a main course usually accompanies a world reknown eatery.
So now I sit typing in a B&B in Niagara-on-the-lake, to end the vacation. Went out today for what was supposed to be a long run, only to find the knees (both!) were so beat up from hopping boulders in NY, that it took me 1.5 hours to run/walk about 10K. I guess that serious training for the 25K Toad starts this week!
Ramblings:
As I type, friends are running Haliburton. One of the plans was to show up today and run it. It fell through, primarily because we are both battered from the hiking in NY.
Other friends are running the 24H in Poland, which (as I type) started 2.5 hours ago. Thoughts go out to Sharon Z. in particular, who had a tough time in Wales last year.
Good luck to all of you, who toe the line in these epic races. I fervently hope to join you within the year!
Lee Anne was second, in a field of 2 women, at the Canadian Ironman Duathlon, in Ottawa. Nevertheless. it was a gutsy move, for a 58 year old women, to attempt an event that does not lend itself to 55+ women. The cutoffs, although generous for 30 year olds, can be difficult for older women.
Today is a small setback in my post-surgery running. I could not run at points because of knee pain, but the musculature is fine. I anticipate that a fine balance of ibuprofen and red wine will rectify the shortcoming within mere days...
Keep on running!
Creemore Copper Kettle Dash:
Setting up for every race involves planning, spending lots of cash and fighting a losing battle of trying to avoid forgetting anything of import. An inaugural event has that added bonus of the unknown. With 42 signed up and an estimated (you'll hear that word often) 80 expected for the race, what shirt distribution is best? How many pins do you need to buy. Water?
Lee Anne (she is the race director) and I put in countless hours (I did not count them) getting read for the race. Bought a new kiln (the old one blew up real good!) and had some issues with off-glaze pottery, 2 weeks before the race.
The race went smoothly, with one runner going off course. Last minute panic while talking to the antique car director, when it became apparent that cars would be trying to drive through the race course at the start of the race!
Aside from the glitches, the race itself was well received. There were awards and spot prizes for almost everyone who raced. Much positive feedback and some ideas for a better race next year. The finishing times for the 5K were good, with room to break the record in future years. The 10K is a different story. The 10K has a big hill. Try to remember who is writing this. Big = 2K up and up and up. Winning time? 37:31. I'm not sure which national team Nikoloy belongs to, but I'm not sure how a 10K with a 2K hill can be run in under 40 minutes...
Vacation:
Not sure how we pulled this one out of a hat, but after some fruitless effort trying to set up a trip out west, to climb in the Canmore / Banff area, this is what happened:
Lee Anne: 2nd in the Ottawa Ironman Duathlon (4K run, 180K bike, 42.2 run).
A good friend (can I use your name Dawn?) was being visited by her daughter, who has a beautiful house just outside of Gatineau park, north of Ottawa. Lee Anne signed up for the Ironman, we drove to Ottawa and Lee Anne tried her first Duathlon. It was a long day (13:42), but interesting, from a support capacity. During her race, I was able to get my first "long" run in, by running 14K of the bike course. The next day (Sunday) was recovery, with a short hike in Gatineau park.
Next, we drove to Lake Placid, for some "little" mountain hikes. Little is in quotes, because although the elevation was small (circa 3,000 feet vertical) and the hikes short (13 - 21K), the effort was incredible! Large sections of the Marcy, Phelps and Algonquin peaks were boulder fields. More up and down, right and left, than actual moving forward. Some 2K sections took an hour. Yes, we are slow hikers, but Marcy (highest peak in NY) took 10 hours to hike 15 miles.
We stayed at the Adirondack Loj for 5 nights. Deliberately rustic, the lodge has no locks on the doors, so keep your passports in your car. The town of Placid Lake is possibly in decline, although this would be difficult to tell from the restaurant prices. The food was great, but $30 for a main course usually accompanies a world reknown eatery.
So now I sit typing in a B&B in Niagara-on-the-lake, to end the vacation. Went out today for what was supposed to be a long run, only to find the knees (both!) were so beat up from hopping boulders in NY, that it took me 1.5 hours to run/walk about 10K. I guess that serious training for the 25K Toad starts this week!
Ramblings:
As I type, friends are running Haliburton. One of the plans was to show up today and run it. It fell through, primarily because we are both battered from the hiking in NY.
Other friends are running the 24H in Poland, which (as I type) started 2.5 hours ago. Thoughts go out to Sharon Z. in particular, who had a tough time in Wales last year.
Good luck to all of you, who toe the line in these epic races. I fervently hope to join you within the year!
Lee Anne was second, in a field of 2 women, at the Canadian Ironman Duathlon, in Ottawa. Nevertheless. it was a gutsy move, for a 58 year old women, to attempt an event that does not lend itself to 55+ women. The cutoffs, although generous for 30 year olds, can be difficult for older women.
Today is a small setback in my post-surgery running. I could not run at points because of knee pain, but the musculature is fine. I anticipate that a fine balance of ibuprofen and red wine will rectify the shortcoming within mere days...
Keep on running!
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