Okay, I was a little disappointed that my surgeon, Dr. Koo would not lend me his cute little camera, used for arthroscopic surgery. I understand; he has standards, a professional reputation, blahblahblah... And honestly, I'm joking about using the chainsaw to make the incision. I figure the Dremel tool would be ideal for that!
My wife Lee Anne dropped me at the hospital at 10:30 for surgery on the torn cartilage of my right knee. The day seemed to progress without a hitch as the nurses/doctors prepped me for surgery. I think half the questions are intended to make you aware that although arthroscopic surgery is routine these days, things can still go south. I was asked several times if I was on medication, had any allergies or if I had died during my last general anaesthesia. Truth is, the last time I had a GA was for knee surgery on my left knee (my other bad knee).
By 12:30, I was in the operating room with more tubes sticking out of me than in an episode of MASH. The doctor asked me if it was the right knee (it was) and for once I didn't feel like using some glib reply. I quickly overcame my hesitation (in answering with a glib reply) and said "You can try the left knee, but there isn't any cartilage left". In the early '70's, the standard procedure was to yank out the whole cartilage.
The next thing I remembered was waking up at about 2:00 PM, post-op. I was surprisingly alert, so the nurse phoned my wife to provide me with a ride home. Lee Anne was dropping my daughter Celeste at work, so I chatted with the hospital people until almost 3:00, when Lee Anne phoned that she was at the hospital. They took me in a wheelchair to the front door. I walked from the wheelchair to the car. It dawned on me later that, although the hospital policy (insurance?) was to shuttle you to the door in style, perhaps trying to walk for the first time on a road is not such a bright idea!
Although I walked from the car to the couch, I was very careful, especially since I was feeling no pain. Lee Anne picked of some Tylenol 3 that I had been proscribed, of which I have a profound aversion. If you ever see the movie Jacob's Ladder, then you know how T3's affect me. I decided to take no pain killers until the knee was hurting considerably. Guess what? I took 200mg (1 tab) of Ibuprofen the next morning, to ward off any inflamation, but so far (54 hours after surgery) there has been almost no pain. The odd twinge if I try a back flip, or something stupid (what could possibly be more stupid than a back flip after knee surgery? You don't know me very well, do you...).
Dr. Koo indicated that the surgery went well. I'm hoping that during the post-op meeting next week, his comment will translate into "you can start running anytime". I know... not going to happen, but one can always hope. I signed on for physiotherapy starting Monday, July 23 in Alliston, with the intent of a speedy recovery.
Surgery Synopsis: Not too bad. Although it is a major inconvenience to your lifestyle, it is manageable, and hopefully well worth it. I keep thinking I'll put on the running shoes and go for a quick 10K, then realize that walking is not all that smooth and easy. Eventually, the shoes will go on!
It has been a hectic July, with the race, then surgery. Our plans for a vacation (those all-too-brief sabbaticals from work) are still up in the air, as our usual passions such as mountain hiking, are not in the cards for the next 5 weeks. One option is for me to take a pottery glazing course, while Lee Anne runs and bikes in Haliburton.
Well, this is quite enough about a topic no runners ever wants to entertain. As a word of reflection, having surgery to trim knee cartilage is not too bad. Of course I'm saying this only 2 days after surgery. If my recovery does not adhere strictly to my plan, I might be of a different opinion. For the sake of my family and friends, let's hope not!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Creemore Vertical Challenge: Race Director Report
Creemore Vertical Challenge
Race Director Report
It has been 5 days since the race, enough time to reflect on what went well and where improvement is needed. For 5 of the 6 years, the weather could have been better. Not quite in my control, but there are opportunities to make improvements that can mitigate the impact of severe weather. This year, sponge stations were added to the aid stations, for the typically hot weather. Not of much use in a downpour, at least they could be used to clean the mud from hands, before holding and eating fruit!
Starting a race in thunder and lightning presents a challenge. The forecast indicated the rain would move out of the Creemore area before noon, but that was of little consequence at 08:00, when the race was supposed to start. With almost 80 runners shivering in the rain, and factoring in volunteers at the aid stations, a short delay seemed the most reasonable course of action.
One area of improvement is the handing out of race kits. The bib and name stapled to the bags got wet, making it difficult to hand out race kits promptly. Perhaps handing out bibs and the tech T-shirt instead of a bag would be faster and less prone to impact from the weather. Runners could then pick up the promotional material that they want, resulting in less waste.
Race Prep
The 25K course is comprised of about 12K of trail (some of which is on road allowances) and 13K of dirt road. Preparing the 12K of trails requires considerable effort and at least four passes to remove downed trees and branches, cut the grass or whipper snip the weeds, then add trail flags and signs. Ken Moon (2010 OUS champ) was instrumental in helping prep the trails, reducing what is normally a 4 day effort into 2 days. Ken also helped to stuff the race kits, a laborious job at best. Thanks so much for all your help Ken!
Race Day
After eight full days of prepping the course and race site, Saturday dawned cloudy and cool. Some last minute activity, to post signs in high traffic areas and we were ready for race kit pick-up and to start the race. Then the rain came. So much for smooth registration! The timing equipment (clock, computer, printer, etc.) had to be quickly moved to better shelter.
The rain came down so fast, everyone’s shoes were wet and any paper became damp or eligible. The lightning strikes, at first far off, came closer and closer until the storm front was overhead. At what time do you think this occurred? Yes, 08:00, the planned race start! Delaying the race was a wise precaution, but delaying the start for too long would affect both the runners, who were starting to shiver, and the aid station volunteers, many of whom had to leave directly after their AS was to be shut down. At 08:15, the lightening stopped and the rain reduced in intensity. I thought, let’s get these people running!
So, heat at Creemore is tough on you? Those long uphill slogs make controlling your heart rate tricky? All you really wanted was a bit of rain, to cool the air and make running easy as pie? Do you now know what it is like to run in mud? I actually had one runner mention that he hoped next year would be hot and dry!
Fortunately, most of the runners laughed off the slower times, mud-caked legs, arms and faces, and soggy shoes. One woman in the 25K was incensed that she had taken the wet option and her friends had not bothered to point out there was a dry option (the suspension bridge near the end). For some unknown reason, she was blaming her friends instead of the jerk (me) who had created the option in the first place. The reasonable side of my brain (it is small and atrophied) was screaming to back away slowly and then run… However, I couldn’t help but mention to her that she was by far the cleanest of her group. As the saying goes, if looks could kill…
Did the rain affect the top runners? In the 50K, Corey Smith blasted the course in 4:06. I cringe to think what he would have done, had the second loop of the 25K course been dry. 4:06 stands as the record, as the course was lengthen this year, but I have to think he would have had the best time regardless, on a dryer day. In the 25K, the rain added considerable drama. I may not have the story straight, but I believe that at the 24K point, Kyle Aitken was just in front of Mike Tickner. Kyle did not see the first rope that helps runners up the small cliff, when it is slick with rain. In retrospect, perhaps Kyle had never used the ropes before; the course being bone dry in all previous years. Kyle used hands and feet in an attempt to reach the top of the small cliff, and then proceeded to slide back down to the bottom! Mike grabbed the rope and the lead, holding off Kyle to win by 11 seconds! Of note, the new course record of 1:42:46 set by Mike and Kyle’s time of 1:42:57 would have both eclipsed the old record Kyle set in 2011 – 1:41:42, as the course was lengthened by about 250 meters.
I can only imagine what people who were running Creemore for the first time, were thinking of that #^%@ who designed the course! Paraphrasing Bill Wheeler: Most years it is the long uphills that are cause for concern. This year, it was getting down the steep descent intact that took so much energy. So the newbie’s would be thinking of me: Trying to kill us on the massive-long uphills is not enough. The downhills are even more treacherous.
Laurie Mcgrath, holder of the previous course record (F 50K) told the best story. Laurie ran the 50K with her dad, Ron Gehl. At the 47K mark, Laurie and Ron hit the “swamp” for the second time. Laurie had trouble telling the story without breaking out into laughter. Ron mistepped just before the narrow 20-foot bridge that offers some relief from the swamp. He sank knee deep in the bracken water. His other leg also went awry and before he could react, Ron was hands and knees in the muck. With his face only inches from the water, he called to Laurie for help. As Ron said, no luck there, Laurie was bent over laughing so hard, he was on his own. Then the leg cramps struck! By this point, both Ron and Laurie were thinking that Ron was about to die in a swamp in the wilds of Creemore! Ron proceeded to crawl 20 feet through the swamp (he could not climb onto the bridge with cramped legs) and thence safely onto solid ground. Both Ron and Laurie chuckled about the incident, but if I were Ron, I would be re-writing my will!
Awards
I had a significant issue with the 25K finishing times. This forced me to tabulate the award winners manually, never an easy task, especially when the ceremony was to take place in 15 minutes. Some mistakes were made, such as Wanda Ferguson was first in the 25K F 50+, and the results could not be posted until the next day, but most awards were handed out correctly and I think the winners and spot prize winners ended up with some interesting swag.
The 50K awards went smoothly and since the Creemore Springs did not run out this year, I saw and talked mostly with runners who were happy to be finished and proud of completing one tough race.
Many Thanks!
So many people contribute to making a race a success, it is difficult to figure out whom to thank first. This year, I would like to focus on the volunteers. Creemore does not have a large running community. I like to state that with Peter Taylor running Sinister 7, one third of the race community was abroad! So what do Lee Anne and I do, to compensate for a lack of “runner” volunteers? Two things: Import them, and conscript family. Ken Moon (mentioned above) was not available on race day. His son had the temerity to get married on July 7. I know, you question Ken’s loyalty to running, but in truth, Ken gave us 3 days before the race, to help mark trail and fill race kits. Ken, your sacrifice is truly appreciated!
Running friends: Kinga and Stephan Miklos, Charlotte Vasarhelyi, Scott Jurek (sorry, Garret), Donna and Herb Broome, and Henri Ragetelie. The key benefit of having an experienced runner at an aid station (or being a rover, such as Scott’s duty) is that they know what to do in a situation and when a runner is under stress.
Family: Christine and Tyler Myers, Michel, Conar and Daniel Marcoux, Louise and Terry Phillips, and Marianne Cheney (my sister, who flew in from her home in Florida for the race). Louise and Marianne are runners, but most have been at the aid stations for many years and sacrifice a day once a year to help their slightly deranged brother with his exercise in pain tolerance…
Other friends, such as Katie Dawson and family, and Dave Kennedy (he showed up with blackened teeth and a shotgun) helped as well.
The course is run through private land. This happens at other races, but Creemore is unique in that the use of the land is freely given, by 7 families: Audrey Tidd, Cliff Weston, Paul Carruthers, Stuart Lombard, Jeanette Poste, Rene Petitjean and Ron Flack. This is what makes the Creemore course so varied, challenging and provides incredible views!
Sponsors help to keep the cost of holding a race reasonable. I would like to single out Steve Martin, of Foodland in Creemore. The regular source for cups and bags fell through in the eleventh hour. Steve donates all the water for the race, from a water purification machine. In addition, he provided 200 bags used for the race kits. Many thanks, much appreciated! Also of note was Tim Hortons in Stayner. With almost no lead-time, they donated coffee, bagels and Timbits. Creemore Springs Brewery has been a sponsor from the onset. This year they provided 3 kegs of their finest beer, and cups. Most runners are quick to point out that although the Creemore course is punishment personified, holding a Creemore Springs while sitting in the Mad River is pure bliss. The sports drink HEED (High Energy Electrolyte Drink) and gels were donated by the main series sponsor, Hammer Nutrition.
Many thanks to all the sponsors, landowners and volunteers. You (and the severe thunderstorm) made this year’s CVC memorable!
Next Year
I know I shouldn’t say this, but what’s left? Aside from 2009, the Creemore race has only seen extreme weather. In fact, those who ran the OUS Spring Warm-up in 2009 (-2C, sleet and gale force winds) don’t believe there is such a thing as mild weather in Creemore. I assure you, there is! If we ever have mild weather, I wonder how many regulars would be disappointed?
Dig Deep!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Creemore is Capped!
Hey all.
Creemore reached cap over the weekend (June 23). I finally had a chance to look through my emails and the waiting list is now also capped at 10. That was fast!
Niagara:
My knee was not in the mood to run the half marathon, so at 2K I decided to make it a short training run. I turned back at 3.5K and "finished" 7K. I beat the front runners!
Lee Anne had an incredible race, looking strong up to 85K and finishing 100K in a time of 12:29. Good for first place in her age category. Since the Niagara 100K was also the Canadian 100K championship, I've started calling her my little national champ!
Well, hope to post soon, but gotta run!
Creemore reached cap over the weekend (June 23). I finally had a chance to look through my emails and the waiting list is now also capped at 10. That was fast!
Niagara:
My knee was not in the mood to run the half marathon, so at 2K I decided to make it a short training run. I turned back at 3.5K and "finished" 7K. I beat the front runners!
Lee Anne had an incredible race, looking strong up to 85K and finishing 100K in a time of 12:29. Good for first place in her age category. Since the Niagara 100K was also the Canadian 100K championship, I've started calling her my little national champ!
Well, hope to post soon, but gotta run!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Pace Bunny at the Barrie Half
As mentioned previously, I work at Honda, the main sponsor for the Barrie 5K and half marathon, which took place on my birthday, June 17! With Honda footing the entry fee, it was a no-brainer to sign up. I even attended the volunteer meeting, but in reality, with running the half, I could not help on race day and there were plenty of non-race day volunteers. Then I got that innocuous email that seemed so innocent at the time, but caused me much more worry for a mere 21.1K race, than I have experienced since being wholly unprepared (and DNF'ing) my last 50K. A fellow asked if I could be the 2:00 pace bunny. The simple answer is no... But I'm not good at accepting my limitations.
Sunday morning was almost perfect for a race, with a cool breeze floating off lake Simcoe. Holding the "2:00" sign high, we started down a small hill. Out and around the south side of the bay, I was able to maintain roughly a 5:30 pace. For a 2 hour half, you need to average 5:40. I figured that starting a bit faster would help to bank a bit of time, yet not hurt anyone who would have difficulty maintaining 5:40 for 21.1K.
We were 1 minute ahead of pace at the 5K, so I thought it was reasonable to slow the pace slightly, to 5:40. This seemed to be working well, but my old Garmin tends to read long on straight flat pavement. It is fine on tree covered trails, but the sampling out in the open tends to hopscotch about, reading slightly long, with the pace coming in slightly fast. I forgot all this, but it all came back to me when I hit the 10K sign and the Garmin read 10.26K. Oops! Now I was a minute behind pace!
Due to my torn cartilage, I had explained to the group that I would pace at 5:40 until 15K (when it tends to act up), but they might be on their own after that! Nevertheless, at 10K, I had to pick up the pace to 5:20 (5:10 on the Garmin) for about 2K. Unfortunately, several in the group could not sustain the pace, after already running 10K. I like to think that they would have had problems maintaining a 5:40 pace regardless, but it is not the greatest feeling to hear people muttering and exclaiming as the were forced to drop back.
From 10K to 15K, I could only manage to maintain a 5:40 pace. At 15K, we (I) were behind target by about one minute. With 6K to go, I made a decision that a pace bunny should make, but not someone running with a torn cartilage. I increased the pace in an attempt to erase the 1 minute deficit. The group (including me) were now struggling. As we passed the KM markers, I figured we would have an outside chance of making (not breaking) 2 hours. I was calculating that at 19K, if any in the group could maintain 2 - 5:00 K's, they would cross the finish at 2:00:xx.
Remember my bad knee? I might have been ignoring it, but at 19K, it decided to gently explain who was truly in charge. I fervently hope my surgeon is not reading this... With sharp shooting pains, I told the group that if they wanted to finish in 2 hours, they had to increase their speed. I would be slowing down. Good luck!
A group of about 3 did go ahead. I don't know if they finished in 2 hours, but they would have been close. I looked at the remaining 3 - 4 people and reiterated that now was the time to press hard, to finish on goal. They sort of looked at each other, then at me. Remember, this is at the 19K point of a half marathon. They have not been out for a leisurely jog, but pushing fairly hard. They turned to me and declared that finishing in 2 hours was no longer a top priority!
The finish is up what I call a little hill. About 200 meters at about 7% grade. I'm in pain and with my ultra background, this is an ideal time to walk. Except, there are about 300 people cheering you on. I'm the 2:00 pace bunny and the clock is already at 2:01:xx. I kinda chuckle, then increase my cadence, if not my speed. Finishing time is 2:02:xx. Chip time is 2:01:56. I don't think I let many people down, but in retrospect, pacing the 2:10 crowd would have made more sense.
Now the bad news. My knee is swollen and for the last 3 days, I have not been able to run. Of concern is that walking is painful. Yes, I have another half marathon in 3 days: Niagara Ultra on Saturday, June 23. I have never DNF'd a race shorter than 42.2K. I see 2 choices: Run the race very slowly (try for a PW) or DNS (did not start). I know what you are trying to tell me, and yelling at a blog makes no sense whatsoever. What you are not considering is that I will be forced to stop running for 6 weeks after my surgery on July 17. This has altered my normally good sense (all right, borderline delusional sprinkled with hyper optimism) so that I would like to get a few races under my belt, before the forced hiatus.
I have told Lee Anne that if I run the Niagara half, I will not be pacing her for the last 50K in her 100K Niagara Ultra. I think this speaks volumes for my sensibility.
Surgeons should be barred from reading blogs...
Sunday morning was almost perfect for a race, with a cool breeze floating off lake Simcoe. Holding the "2:00" sign high, we started down a small hill. Out and around the south side of the bay, I was able to maintain roughly a 5:30 pace. For a 2 hour half, you need to average 5:40. I figured that starting a bit faster would help to bank a bit of time, yet not hurt anyone who would have difficulty maintaining 5:40 for 21.1K.
We were 1 minute ahead of pace at the 5K, so I thought it was reasonable to slow the pace slightly, to 5:40. This seemed to be working well, but my old Garmin tends to read long on straight flat pavement. It is fine on tree covered trails, but the sampling out in the open tends to hopscotch about, reading slightly long, with the pace coming in slightly fast. I forgot all this, but it all came back to me when I hit the 10K sign and the Garmin read 10.26K. Oops! Now I was a minute behind pace!
Due to my torn cartilage, I had explained to the group that I would pace at 5:40 until 15K (when it tends to act up), but they might be on their own after that! Nevertheless, at 10K, I had to pick up the pace to 5:20 (5:10 on the Garmin) for about 2K. Unfortunately, several in the group could not sustain the pace, after already running 10K. I like to think that they would have had problems maintaining a 5:40 pace regardless, but it is not the greatest feeling to hear people muttering and exclaiming as the were forced to drop back.
From 10K to 15K, I could only manage to maintain a 5:40 pace. At 15K, we (I) were behind target by about one minute. With 6K to go, I made a decision that a pace bunny should make, but not someone running with a torn cartilage. I increased the pace in an attempt to erase the 1 minute deficit. The group (including me) were now struggling. As we passed the KM markers, I figured we would have an outside chance of making (not breaking) 2 hours. I was calculating that at 19K, if any in the group could maintain 2 - 5:00 K's, they would cross the finish at 2:00:xx.
Remember my bad knee? I might have been ignoring it, but at 19K, it decided to gently explain who was truly in charge. I fervently hope my surgeon is not reading this... With sharp shooting pains, I told the group that if they wanted to finish in 2 hours, they had to increase their speed. I would be slowing down. Good luck!
A group of about 3 did go ahead. I don't know if they finished in 2 hours, but they would have been close. I looked at the remaining 3 - 4 people and reiterated that now was the time to press hard, to finish on goal. They sort of looked at each other, then at me. Remember, this is at the 19K point of a half marathon. They have not been out for a leisurely jog, but pushing fairly hard. They turned to me and declared that finishing in 2 hours was no longer a top priority!
The finish is up what I call a little hill. About 200 meters at about 7% grade. I'm in pain and with my ultra background, this is an ideal time to walk. Except, there are about 300 people cheering you on. I'm the 2:00 pace bunny and the clock is already at 2:01:xx. I kinda chuckle, then increase my cadence, if not my speed. Finishing time is 2:02:xx. Chip time is 2:01:56. I don't think I let many people down, but in retrospect, pacing the 2:10 crowd would have made more sense.
Now the bad news. My knee is swollen and for the last 3 days, I have not been able to run. Of concern is that walking is painful. Yes, I have another half marathon in 3 days: Niagara Ultra on Saturday, June 23. I have never DNF'd a race shorter than 42.2K. I see 2 choices: Run the race very slowly (try for a PW) or DNS (did not start). I know what you are trying to tell me, and yelling at a blog makes no sense whatsoever. What you are not considering is that I will be forced to stop running for 6 weeks after my surgery on July 17. This has altered my normally good sense (all right, borderline delusional sprinkled with hyper optimism) so that I would like to get a few races under my belt, before the forced hiatus.
I have told Lee Anne that if I run the Niagara half, I will not be pacing her for the last 50K in her 100K Niagara Ultra. I think this speaks volumes for my sensibility.
Surgeons should be barred from reading blogs...
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Convocation! My little Brit!
Okay, I've been remiss in posting lately, for no good reason. Perhaps the 6 week post-surgery hiatus, to start July 18, is dwelling more heavily on my mind than I am willing to admit. It is not that I have run every day since 1973, far from it. But I have run with few extended breaks, for the last 40 years. 40 years! Ouch. I'm old and injured...
Enough self-introspection. I'm approaching much too closely to where no man has gone before. I made one of those tactical errors that, in hindsight, makes you want to hit yourself with a sampling of blunt objects. Emails are insidious. I was asked by a fellow worker if I could be the 2:00 pace bunny for the Barrie half marathon. Honda has footed the bill for me to run the half. Sweet! In a reply email, I theorized, with copious conjecture, that I might be able to pace the 2:00 crowd. The next email? "Great! You are now the 2:00 pace bunny!"
Did I mention ad nauseum that I am having knee surgery on July 17? Did I not intimate that I have run no faster than 6:00 K's since last year? You must have heard my surgeon, in a voice stuttering with disbelief, indicate that running was not something I should be doing just now, and racing was (what would be a good German phrase?) VERBOTTEN.
So, last week's training (I can't hear you shouting "you #@&#@^ IDIOT", as this is a blog) involved some attempted speedwork, liberally laced with failure. Read "brown-out periods". Read "not going to happen on my shift". Not surprisingly, I am doubtful if running 5:40 K's will be possible on Sunday, June 17 (my birthday). Hey! great idea! I can use the "birthday" card to avoid getting lynched by irate runners, who failed in their attempt to break 2 hours in the half, due to some disillusioned physical-wreck-pace-bunny. Soon to be the late wreck...
6 days after the Barrie half, I'm running the Niagara ultra (again, the half) then pacing Lee Anne in her 100K race. I'm going to pace her for about 15 - 20K. Did I mention my pending surgery? Do you think surgeons bother to read their patients' blogs?
Oh yeah, the title.
Today, my oldest daughter Brittany, graduated with a BA from Nipissing University. Yes, the spelling is correct. Unfortunately, that is the name for a Canadian university... Brit will go to teacher's college next year, hopefully graduating in 2013 and obtaining placement soon thereafter. Brit and her beau Geoff just moved into a house in North Bay, situated very close to Nipissing lake. The house Geoff bought is small, but well appointed and surrounded by mature trees. Very relaxing!
Nipissing...
After Niagara, I am hoping to run 28K at Limberlost, one of the finest trail races in Ontario. Limberlost will likely be my last race for a while. If physio and training go well, I have my eye on Run For the Toad. I would love to show up at Haliburton, but it lies within the 6 week moratorium my surgeon has imposed on my running career. Running Toad assumes I can ramp up to 25K in about 1 month, after knee surgery. Too easy!
The Creemore race progresses nicely. It will reach cap within days, possibly before the Niagara race on June 23. 160 people have already decided that running hills is a good idea. Another 40 rationally challenged and the cap is reached. Details are also coming together and hopefully we have good weather (warm, but not crazy hot).
Well, if you hear about irate half marathon runners in Barrie, who could not meet their goal due to some peg-legged 2:00 pace bunny, pay no attention to the story. The media exaggerates everything!
Enough self-introspection. I'm approaching much too closely to where no man has gone before. I made one of those tactical errors that, in hindsight, makes you want to hit yourself with a sampling of blunt objects. Emails are insidious. I was asked by a fellow worker if I could be the 2:00 pace bunny for the Barrie half marathon. Honda has footed the bill for me to run the half. Sweet! In a reply email, I theorized, with copious conjecture, that I might be able to pace the 2:00 crowd. The next email? "Great! You are now the 2:00 pace bunny!"
Did I mention ad nauseum that I am having knee surgery on July 17? Did I not intimate that I have run no faster than 6:00 K's since last year? You must have heard my surgeon, in a voice stuttering with disbelief, indicate that running was not something I should be doing just now, and racing was (what would be a good German phrase?) VERBOTTEN.
So, last week's training (I can't hear you shouting "you #@&#@^ IDIOT", as this is a blog) involved some attempted speedwork, liberally laced with failure. Read "brown-out periods". Read "not going to happen on my shift". Not surprisingly, I am doubtful if running 5:40 K's will be possible on Sunday, June 17 (my birthday). Hey! great idea! I can use the "birthday" card to avoid getting lynched by irate runners, who failed in their attempt to break 2 hours in the half, due to some disillusioned physical-wreck-pace-bunny. Soon to be the late wreck...
6 days after the Barrie half, I'm running the Niagara ultra (again, the half) then pacing Lee Anne in her 100K race. I'm going to pace her for about 15 - 20K. Did I mention my pending surgery? Do you think surgeons bother to read their patients' blogs?
Oh yeah, the title.
Today, my oldest daughter Brittany, graduated with a BA from Nipissing University. Yes, the spelling is correct. Unfortunately, that is the name for a Canadian university... Brit will go to teacher's college next year, hopefully graduating in 2013 and obtaining placement soon thereafter. Brit and her beau Geoff just moved into a house in North Bay, situated very close to Nipissing lake. The house Geoff bought is small, but well appointed and surrounded by mature trees. Very relaxing!
Nipissing...
After Niagara, I am hoping to run 28K at Limberlost, one of the finest trail races in Ontario. Limberlost will likely be my last race for a while. If physio and training go well, I have my eye on Run For the Toad. I would love to show up at Haliburton, but it lies within the 6 week moratorium my surgeon has imposed on my running career. Running Toad assumes I can ramp up to 25K in about 1 month, after knee surgery. Too easy!
The Creemore race progresses nicely. It will reach cap within days, possibly before the Niagara race on June 23. 160 people have already decided that running hills is a good idea. Another 40 rationally challenged and the cap is reached. Details are also coming together and hopefully we have good weather (warm, but not crazy hot).
Well, if you hear about irate half marathon runners in Barrie, who could not meet their goal due to some peg-legged 2:00 pace bunny, pay no attention to the story. The media exaggerates everything!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sulphur on a Fine Day
Lee Anne and I visited the grandchildren (oh! and their parents - hmmm - Lily and Daryl) Friday evening and slept over in Toronto in order to get to the race site without leaving at some ungodly hour in the morning. Some might take offense to calling 04:30 a late start, but compared to 03:30, worlds apart man!
Sulphur hosted arguably the largest ultra race in Canada yesterday (Saturday May 26), with 250 people running 50K, 50M and 100M. The 50M and 100M runners started at 06:00 (Lee Anne was running the 50 mile race) and it was a bit eerie to see so many people starting such a long race. Lee Anne ran a smart race, paying attention to her salt, food and liquid intake. She shaved 15 minutes off her 50M best, with at time of 10:10. Good enough for second in her age category.
I ran the 25K as I'm not trained for anything longer. Although the 50K looked tempting, with knee surgery scheduled for July 17, perhaps some semblance of moderation would look good to my surgeon. It is quite interesting to run Sulphur, with the staggered starts and sections with 2-way traffic. You tend to see friends and fellow racers for much of the race, which gives the race a wonderful social aspect. I said hello to many people, although dredging up a name quickly is not my strong suit. I said hello to Jeff Cooper twice, calling him Jeff the first time and Jim the second. Perhaps he should change his name. He kinda looks like a Jim!
The 5K spur went smoothly, as I kept the pace down in an attempt to favour the knees and legs. The 20K loop was in fine shape, although I had a few moments where I fondly recalled all the water and mud on the course last year. Although dry and fast, last year's conditions where much more exciting!
I ran the first 15K without issues. I am just getting over a significant bout of the flu. I had not run much of the last 2 weeks, being "mostly dead". With the lack of training, torn cartilage and a cough that could stop traffic (hey you! Can you hand me that lung?) I was concerned that finishing could be problematic. In short runs last week, I was having trouble getting oxygen. Sure enough, I started to struggle at about 20K, at the top of the 3 hills on the lollipop loop (I've heard them called the 3 sisters). My bad knee flared (strike 2) forcing me into a lurching run. I almost had to walk the downhill section on the backside of the lollipop, as my knee was misbehaving badly.
Just like in longer runs, he who tries to outlast a bad spot either does better or ends up in the hospital. In this case, with the finish so near, my body gave up on complaining and I was able to finish at a run, instead of a painful shuffle! Walked the final hill, but could not resist breaking into a run for the top part, finishing in a respectable 2:45.
A humorous note on finishing: One of the runners who finished near me claimed I must have won the "most greeted person" award. I explained it was mainly due to being a race director, although you see a lot of the same people when you attend ultras for 10 years! I only wish I could greet everyone by name, but that would require a memory and I lost mine (can't remember where...)
After completing the 25K and while waiting for Lee Anne to complete the 50M, I helped John Turner hand out medals to the finishers. It's great fun to see all the smiling faces as people complete their races, happy to be done. I mentioned to several racers that they are encouraged to run an extra loop, at no charge. All declined!
When Adam Hill came in, 6 hours and 49 minutes into the 50 mile race, I was thinking it was a bit slow for Adam, at the 60K point, then it dawned on me, he was finished! Adam shaved 58 minutes off the previous record, making us all look bad... Congrats Adam!
Well, with a date for the knee surgery (July 17), it means that Niagara will likely be my last race until October. Now what's a good 25K trail run in early October? Hmmmm. Talked to George and Peggy Sarson for a brief time, while blocking the road near the finish line. It was great to see everyone again, hope to see you soon. Outside chance of doing Kingston, although we are supporting Charlotte V's Bruce Trail speed attempt and Creemore falls on June 7 and possibly the 8th. Definitely Niagara!
Sulphur hosted arguably the largest ultra race in Canada yesterday (Saturday May 26), with 250 people running 50K, 50M and 100M. The 50M and 100M runners started at 06:00 (Lee Anne was running the 50 mile race) and it was a bit eerie to see so many people starting such a long race. Lee Anne ran a smart race, paying attention to her salt, food and liquid intake. She shaved 15 minutes off her 50M best, with at time of 10:10. Good enough for second in her age category.
I ran the 25K as I'm not trained for anything longer. Although the 50K looked tempting, with knee surgery scheduled for July 17, perhaps some semblance of moderation would look good to my surgeon. It is quite interesting to run Sulphur, with the staggered starts and sections with 2-way traffic. You tend to see friends and fellow racers for much of the race, which gives the race a wonderful social aspect. I said hello to many people, although dredging up a name quickly is not my strong suit. I said hello to Jeff Cooper twice, calling him Jeff the first time and Jim the second. Perhaps he should change his name. He kinda looks like a Jim!
The 5K spur went smoothly, as I kept the pace down in an attempt to favour the knees and legs. The 20K loop was in fine shape, although I had a few moments where I fondly recalled all the water and mud on the course last year. Although dry and fast, last year's conditions where much more exciting!
I ran the first 15K without issues. I am just getting over a significant bout of the flu. I had not run much of the last 2 weeks, being "mostly dead". With the lack of training, torn cartilage and a cough that could stop traffic (hey you! Can you hand me that lung?) I was concerned that finishing could be problematic. In short runs last week, I was having trouble getting oxygen. Sure enough, I started to struggle at about 20K, at the top of the 3 hills on the lollipop loop (I've heard them called the 3 sisters). My bad knee flared (strike 2) forcing me into a lurching run. I almost had to walk the downhill section on the backside of the lollipop, as my knee was misbehaving badly.
Just like in longer runs, he who tries to outlast a bad spot either does better or ends up in the hospital. In this case, with the finish so near, my body gave up on complaining and I was able to finish at a run, instead of a painful shuffle! Walked the final hill, but could not resist breaking into a run for the top part, finishing in a respectable 2:45.
A humorous note on finishing: One of the runners who finished near me claimed I must have won the "most greeted person" award. I explained it was mainly due to being a race director, although you see a lot of the same people when you attend ultras for 10 years! I only wish I could greet everyone by name, but that would require a memory and I lost mine (can't remember where...)
After completing the 25K and while waiting for Lee Anne to complete the 50M, I helped John Turner hand out medals to the finishers. It's great fun to see all the smiling faces as people complete their races, happy to be done. I mentioned to several racers that they are encouraged to run an extra loop, at no charge. All declined!
When Adam Hill came in, 6 hours and 49 minutes into the 50 mile race, I was thinking it was a bit slow for Adam, at the 60K point, then it dawned on me, he was finished! Adam shaved 58 minutes off the previous record, making us all look bad... Congrats Adam!
Well, with a date for the knee surgery (July 17), it means that Niagara will likely be my last race until October. Now what's a good 25K trail run in early October? Hmmmm. Talked to George and Peggy Sarson for a brief time, while blocking the road near the finish line. It was great to see everyone again, hope to see you soon. Outside chance of doing Kingston, although we are supporting Charlotte V's Bruce Trail speed attempt and Creemore falls on June 7 and possibly the 8th. Definitely Niagara!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Practice Makes Perfect
For the Creemore Vertical Challenge, I invite runners to participate in a training run. Not many partake, as the trip to Creemore to experience the "Scream More" course (people can be so insensitive when describing a race while the race director is standing nearby...) can be a bit of an ordeal. The training runs also should fit in between other races, but close enough to the race date to make it effective. Can you say long weekend?
This year's practice session #1 (there is another on June 2) was attended by Doug Barber, who recently smoked the Mississauga marathon in 3:55. At 65 years of age, that is some cool running! Doug dragged another famous runner from Owen Sound, Joan Matthews, who happened to run the CVC in 2009 in 2:15, for second women overall. Elise Maguire showed up early (can you say more punishment, please) and added a bit to the course, for a total of 34K during the training session. Elise was going to run the course twice, but was a bit tired, after her 84K Seaton trail second place finish last weekend.
Round out the group with eveready bunny Lee Anne Cohen (50K? why don't we run long instead?) and I'm looking at a recipe for disaster. I am battling a significantly vicious bout of the flu (plague?) and have not run all week. I have a torn cartilage. (Violins please). I'm supposed to LEAD this group?
Fortunately, Doug has a knack for remembering race courses, so I was able to "waive" a few of the sections and pare down my run to about 20K. The group was most sympathetic, especially when Joan handed me one of my lungs, after a nasty coughing fit. Fortunately, the temperature soared near the end of the run, so it could be considered true training for CVC. Doug asked if he could drop to the 25K...
Overall, the day was fun and a great chance to catch up with my buddy Doug. Elise, Joan, Doug and I sat in the Mad river and enjoyed some running talk and about the coldest water I could endure. Think torture, with your legs going numb in about 3 minutes. Perfect recovery! Lee Anne (of course) decided to tack on another 25K to round out the run to 50K.
So, today (Sunday, May 20) I could enjoy a day off, right? I earned it, didn't I? Have you met Lee Anne? "Let's go for a little bike ride". I'm a man, not a quivering pool of jelly. Okay. (Note to all men married to an Amazon, never EVER say the O word). From Creemore, we biked to Collingwood, then up Osler Bluff road (a nice hill, about 5K long, very doable, on FRESH legs), then on the Ravenna for a coffee and a date square. Then retrace our route. I kinda forgot to mention that we also took the rail trail from Collingwood, about halfway to Thornberry, before going back to Osler Bluff road, Ravenna, blah blah blah.
Did I mention I have the flu? It was 31 degrees out. At 85K, near the Collingwood airport, I bonked. The sun was beating down, my calves and hamstrings were cramping and I also didn't feel very good. Fortunately, Nathan (Lee Anne's son) was in Creemore and drove out to pick me up. Lee Anne continued home on her bike. Let's add it up! 50K run yesterday and 105K bike ride today. Yes, Lee Anne is tapering for the 50M Sulphur Springs race in 6 days, why would you ask?
Take care, but make sure you also do something really stupid!
Round out the group with eveready bunny Lee Anne Cohen (50K? why don't we run long instead?) and I'm looking at a recipe for disaster. I am battling a significantly vicious bout of the flu (plague?) and have not run all week. I have a torn cartilage. (Violins please). I'm supposed to LEAD this group?
Overall, the day was fun and a great chance to catch up with my buddy Doug. Elise, Joan, Doug and I sat in the Mad river and enjoyed some running talk and about the coldest water I could endure. Think torture, with your legs going numb in about 3 minutes. Perfect recovery! Lee Anne (of course) decided to tack on another 25K to round out the run to 50K.
So, today (Sunday, May 20) I could enjoy a day off, right? I earned it, didn't I? Have you met Lee Anne? "Let's go for a little bike ride". I'm a man, not a quivering pool of jelly. Okay. (Note to all men married to an Amazon, never EVER say the O word). From Creemore, we biked to Collingwood, then up Osler Bluff road (a nice hill, about 5K long, very doable, on FRESH legs), then on the Ravenna for a coffee and a date square. Then retrace our route. I kinda forgot to mention that we also took the rail trail from Collingwood, about halfway to Thornberry, before going back to Osler Bluff road, Ravenna, blah blah blah.
Did I mention I have the flu? It was 31 degrees out. At 85K, near the Collingwood airport, I bonked. The sun was beating down, my calves and hamstrings were cramping and I also didn't feel very good. Fortunately, Nathan (Lee Anne's son) was in Creemore and drove out to pick me up. Lee Anne continued home on her bike. Let's add it up! 50K run yesterday and 105K bike ride today. Yes, Lee Anne is tapering for the 50M Sulphur Springs race in 6 days, why would you ask?
Take care, but make sure you also do something really stupid!
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