TOPO Ultraventure Review

Ok this wont be as detailed as other blogs or magazine reviews going crazy about mid-sole and rockplate and everything else, but more just average guy's thoughts on a trail shoe.

Topo Ultraventure

So just a little shoe history on my end.  Started trail running (for the most part exclusively) back in 2012.  Ran in Salomon and Hokas.  Which I actually used both 50/50 during my Stone Cat 50 miler. 

From there I was for the most part 100% Hoka, and in 2016 I did a little with the Nike Wildhorse.  I run New England trails which are pretty rocky so I prefer cushion and in lack of that, a rock plate (shit I think I mentioned I wasn't going there - oh well).  I had my ankle fused back in 1974, and although I have tried Altras a few times (thanks Kyle - my friendly Altra rep), my legs and mostly my shins, just can't deal with the zero drop. 

After coming back from a hamstring injury that tabled me the last half of 2018, I started looking at shoes again.  I have to say that the Salomon Sense Rides, are a really good shoe.  Love the cushioning, they are super light.  But the toe box is a little tight and I get blisters occasionally between the big and second toe, and although I alternate them in there I was looking for something else as my go to.

Which brings me to the Topo.  I had been looking through different websites and recent reviews and Topo - which I had never heard of before - kept popping up.  In fact one of the quotes was; if Hoka and Altra had a baby. 

They really are a nice blend of the two.  I find the toe box to be little smaller than the Altra Temps.  From a cushioning standpoint they are no way as plush as the old Hoka Clifton 2's, but as a heel striker, they definitely do the job.  The heel cup is a little wide, and although you can "ratchet" down the laces to secure it, that is probably the only real dislike that I have.   At $ 130 they kind of top out at my shoe budget, but they have been wearing well.  With the recent rain and puddles, which I most certainly do not shy away from running straight thru, I have round that they drain pretty well.

All and all, I wholeheartedly give this shoe a big thumbs up.   


Below please find both the manufacturers video and shoe specs. 

Ultraventure Specs from the Topo website

• Best For:Trail Running
• Stack Height:30mm (heel) // 25mm (forefoot)
• Heel to Toe Drop:5MM
• Weight:10.4 oz (M9)
• Cushion:
  Less

  More
• Support:
  Neutral

  Stability
• Pliability:
  Flexible

  Stiff

How time flies OR where the F have I been ?

As I have been getting over, and stronger from the PT, a damn hamstring strain, I have been thinking more and more about my running and exactly what it means to me.   Both physically and mentally.

Physically - this is kind of a no brainer.  Since going to physical therapy with my Sunday winter Gilbert trail running friend Todd, who runs (Houghton PT), and all those damn glute exercises, I have to admit that I definitely feel stronger and steadier.  Especially on the uphills.  Still have a lot of work to do, but it's great to be able to get out there again.  Last weekend was able to not only knock out my first back to back without retweaking, but got in a back to back to back - with the last being a short 2.6 on the roads.  But hey I did it.  Progress is progress!

Mentally - insert your best Donald Trump impersonation here - "It's Huge". 

I don't do well when I am not running well or worse not running at all due to injury or sickness.  A while back I was out for a few months with pneumonia, and near the end, Laura stated "you really need to go for a run".  And I'm not really sure if I'm that much better when I am running like shit.  I don't need to set course records, but days of sluggish running doesn't cut it.  I start questioning why and blah blah blah. But the good thing is that going to the PT, since coming back about a month ago or so, that really hasn't been too much of a concern.

Anyway, I am hoping to get back to doing a weekly blog update.  Mostly for myself to rant, but in case anyone stumbles upon this, please feel free to comment.

So that's about it for now, but I did want to share a awesome moment when I caught up with my good friend and Western States Finisher, Kyle last night while we was back in town to pace at Ghost Train this weekend (which I was supposed to run, along with Hennepin but had to withdraw - fucking hamstring).  It was great to catch up with Kyle and to hear his WS adventure.  

And hold the buckle!!!!!!!!

Kyle killed this run !

Anyway, enough for now.  Best of luck to all my TARC friends running Ghost Train this weekend.  I'll be back next Friday. 

Be well and safe trails.

Sank

Mt Hood 50k

Holy shit I can't believe it has been so long since I posted on this blog, but hey it is what it is.   So last year I really wanted to run this race but as usual for me, I waited to long and the waitlist was very long so I ended up running the inaugrial running of the Grand Circle Trailfest.  Which was absolutely amazing.   Funny how things like that work out.  If you ever get the chance to do that race, GO FOR IT.  3 days of running in Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon.  Word of advice:  Make sure you have plenty of memory for the photos, cause you'll be taking a ton.  www.thetrailfest.com 

View from the plane ride from Boston

Laura and I a few days before in from of Mt St Helens

Ok back to Mt Hood, so registration opened, and I was on the computer the day it opened and I was in.  There was no way I was going to miss out this year.  Not sure what really peaked my interest in this race, but I was hooked from the first time I saw it.   I'm going to spare you the read on how cool Mt St Helens, Lange Winery, the town of McMinnville, Multnomah Falls, Timberline Lodge, Portland's Japanese Garden, Running in Forest Park, and the City of Portland is.  That said, seriously Portland you really need to address your homeless issue.

Ok the race - at the last minute one of my weekend trail partners, Jeff, cleared the waitlist and decided to come out and do it.  Laura and I had been out 5 days prior, so we met up with Jeff Friday at 10 Barrel Brewery for dinner, and made the plans to drive out to Government Camp/Mt Hood on Saturday.  We had rented a cabin on Airbnb for Saturday night.  The drive was super easy and quick and we got up in time to hit the Mt Hood Brewery for lunch, Timberline Lodge then back to the cabin to settle in.  One nice thing about going out west for races from Boston is that the time change works in your favor in regards to early wakeups.

Race day arrives, a quick ride up Rt 26 to road 42 and we are at the Clackamas Historic Ranger Station and ready to start.  The race is super organized and the race directors and staff are great.  The day before they had done the 50 miler so they seemed to have the "heavy lifting" already done.  We grabbed a cup of coffee and waited for the 8am start. 

Jeff and I waiting for the start

For some reason I was somewhat nervous about this race but as usual once the clock starts it doesn't take long for that to go away.  The course is beautiful.  You dont see Mt Hood for quite a while, but running in the trees is so cool.  These bad boys have got to be 100+ feet tall and 10-15 feet around.  Anyway, the gun goes off and really for as much single track as there was, the conga lines really worked into small groups of like paces really quickly.  Jeff had come up with a workable pace plan, which we actually seem to exceed to start.  Laura was going to go to the 2nd aid station (which you hit a second time after the turnaround).  We had conservatively planned on coming thru the 9.2 mile mark a little under 2 hours, but hit it at 1:38.  Which surprised us at between miles 6 and the aid station you go up and up and up.  Not crazy steep but unrelenting.  Quick bottle swap (Nuun), a handleful of snacks, and quick goodbye kiss and off we go to the turnaround (mile 13.4).  The trails then run along the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) and our first good views of Mt Hood.  AMAZING!!!!

Mt Hood through the trees on the PCT 

Jeff was feeling really well and was pushing the pace pretty good.  At this point, I was a little behind him but caught him at the aid station and we pushed back towards Laura waiting for us at the aid station.  Jeff was continuing to run very well, so I dropped to a workable pace as although he had opened a bit of distance between the two of us, when I hit the aid station Laura said I was about a minute or so behind him.  Switched bottles again, soaked my head with a cold sponge (felt great as it was starting to warm up a bit now) and was off.   And that was kind of the beginning of what turned out to be a longer day than expected. 

I had been hoping to break 6 hours.  And was in pretty good shape coming out of that aid station, but about 3/4 of a mile out and starting the downhills, I started to get one of my migraine auras.  I tried massaging the back of my neck and shoulders to see if I could minimize it but wasn't long before I was only able to see a small tunnel vision.  This has happened before (most notably Pisgah last year - huge thanks to Eric Randall for guiding me through), so I kept my eyes down to avoid rocks and roots and kept going.  My pace was fairly decent and I knew if I could deal with the 20-30 minutes of aura, that I could run through the headache once that hit.   Which luckily I was able to do and hit the Little Crater Lake aid station for the second time and got ready to run the last ten miles in.   A quick check of my watch and calculated that I could still come in around 5:50 or so.  Giving me a little time to spare.  

A couple miles down the trail and my toe hits a root and when trying to catch myself, my right knee decides it wants to bend to the right.  Which if you haven't done to yourself before, #1 - it's a really really weird feeling and #2 - I dont recommend it.  Because then the wheels really came off.  The knee started hurting which changed my gait, and then the hamstrings and hip, etc.... weren't having any part of a lot of running regardless of pace.  Did the on and off until the Dam aid station and then pretty much walked in the last 4 miles.  Finishing in 6:09.  Disappointed - yeah a little, but happy with the majoirty of the run before I tweaked my knee.

View from Timothy Lake on the way back to the finish line

Would I recommend this race to anyone - absolutely!!!  Would I do it again - probably not as it really is more of a destination race and there are so many others I want to do.  But that is completely the only reason.  I love the northwest and that race is so well done.

Stone Cat 50 Mile Race Report

I know for many Ultramarathoners that a 50 miler may seem the usual, but for a back of the packer that had really only started running on January 1st of this year, it seemed like a monumental if not overwhelming first year goal. I had researched earlier in the year what was an achievable 50 miler, and the only one that seemed to fit the bill, including being in New England, was Stone Cat. Registration day came and I arrived early to work to sit at my computer, credit card in hand and the open slots would fill in a little over an hour and fifteen minutes, and I was in. I probably put in a few less miles than I should have, and probably a LOT less miles than my co-runners getting ready for it, but the alarm went off at 3:11am Saturday November 3d and off I would go.

Paul and I at the start

I had made plans to ride up with Paul G, as I was unsure how I was going to feel afterwards and Laura was coming up later in the day to see me for a few laps and the end of my journey. Dropped my car off at the Charlie Horse Restaurant at 4:30 and an hour later, Paul and I were setting up our race stuff (ok honestly I was setting up my race stuff, Paul brought a bottle of Gatorade). Prior to race time, we would meet up with Dean, Mike, Eric and a few others I have been lucky enough to meet my inaugural year of trail running.

The race started about 15-20 minutes late, but the weather was great and no one seemed to really mind. But as we started a snake of headlamps would go out for the first of four 12 ½ mile loops. I would go for awhile with Paul, who is much faster, but once I hit the first aid station and realized how far ahead of my preplanned pace that I was, I let him go. I felt really good coming out of the second aid station and then the usual happened and happened quick. Before I knew it I was face down in a pile of leaves. Luckily I didn’t hit any rocks. Unluckily I tweaked my right groin, but not enough to slow me down YET, but it would hinder me the rest of the day. Regardless I came through the first lap 12 minutes ahead of my pace, but albeit sore, still felt really good.

Second lap was like the tail end of the first, feeling really good, but the groin not particularly happy with me. By this time, with the exception of the 4 or 5 runners that we kept passing each other back and forth, I was running alone. The weather was perfect for running and the course was well marked. Somewhere near the end of lap two, the ball of my left foot was starting to get really tender and I could feel every twig and rock. Having two miles to go, I kept my head down a little more than usual to watch my footing, and decided to change over from my Salomon’s to my Hoka’s at the turnaround for the third lap. I finished lap two 16 minutes ahead of pace, but would give back 11 minutes of that, with changing shoes and eating a little more at the aid station than planned.

Third lap was almost a carbon copy of the second lap, feeling good but not pushing overly hard. I know I was only half way thru and was just looking to get thru this lap until Hayley, my pacer, would help to drag me thru my last lap. I would end up giving back those 5 minutes (ahead of pace) that I had worked at, but the Hoka’s were doing their job, and I was pretty happy to be 37.5 miles in, and dead on my pace. I would hit the aid station and Laura was there to welcome me. I was getting cold so I decided to change my shirts. I text’d Hayley and out from the parking lot, she came running ready to get me thru.

Hayley has run a few Ultras, and is one of my Saturday running partners (along with Todd W), but with conflicting schedules, the three of us haven’t run much lately, so it was nice to catch up and lose a few miles in conversation. That is not to say that she was going to have any part of us taking a leisurely walk. She was the perfect pacer, pushing me when needed, encouraging me when it was obvious that I was hurting and getting me thru the aid stations as quick as possible.

I really can’t go any further without giving the aid station volunteers their due. They were absolutely the best! They were so accommodating and friendly, I can’t say enough good things about them. That being said, I regretfully did not catch his name, but at the first aid station on my last lap there was one individual in a clown costume that really made his mark. I was inhaling a grilled cheese and tomato soup when he came over and started talking and asking questions. Hayley mentioned that this was my first ultra. The genuine enthusiasm, pride and support that he showed to me, a perfect stranger, really got me excited to finish. I wish I knew who he was to truly thank him. Besides finishing, it was truly one of the great memories of the day. Well back to lap four….. we left the aid station and continued on. Now don’t get me wrong 50 miles is a long way, but I really hit me how long I was out there when the sun started setting. Thankfully I was somewhere around 48 miles down, so it wasn't too bad.

Hayley and I started down the final fire road heading towards the school. I thankfully had grabbed my headlamp for the finish. Just as we were taking the last left to go, we saw two glowing eyes looking back at us. A few steps later and this good size doe ran off into the woods. We turned the corner and started across the field. Hayley ran ahead and called out for Laura so she knew I was coming. That last 100 yards or so was almost surreal. It was like time slowed down as I passed the last family and friends waiting for my fellow back of the pack finishers, and heard Hayley and Laura cheering for me. I crossed the line in 11 hours and 46 minutes and 34 seconds, stopping a few feet afterwards to put my hands on my knees and to revel in this overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I had finished my first 50, I had gotten my finishers jacket, I had done it!

I am so appreciative of all the people that put the race together. The course was perfect and the volunteers were awesome. I also want to thank Laura and the people I know and love for all their support and for dealing with moving around their schedules and lives so I could get my runs in.   I couldn't have done it without you, and I thought of each and every one of you at some point(s) during the day. 

Well it's time..........

Well it's finally here.  I've been eyeballing Stone Cat since December of last year, when I figured I would attempt a 50 miler.  I've put in some decent mileage, although probably not as much as I should or could have, but there is nothing I can do about it now, so I look forward to Saturday. 

I ran the course a month ago or so, with a couple runners I had met at different races, or via Facebook or Dailymile.  It's a 12.5 mile loop that we will run 4 times.  It has a few uphill sections, but absolutely nothing like Bear Brook or Nipmuck.  And although the water crossing area was dry during my practice run, I guess we wont know until Saturday how Hurricane Sandy has left her mark on that part. 

Yesterday I sat down and came up with a pacing plan that I think will keep me on track to finish with plenty of time prior to the cutoff.  I just have to remember to start a little slower than I have been training lately (well actually a fair amount slower), to stop and drink at the aid stations, and finally to eat. 

I'm taking Friday (and Monday) off from work to sleep, relax and pack up my stuff to go.  I'm going to leave a bin at the turnaround with some extra clothes, GU's, My two bottles of premixed and flattened Coke and Mountain Dew, my Solomon's (or Hoka's depending on which I start with), S-Caps, and anything else that jumps out at me as I'm leaving.  I think I am going to go with my handheld water bottle, as there are 3 aid stations (approx 4 miles apart) for each lap. 

I am 99.9% confident that I can do the first 3 laps (37.5 miles) and I have my Saturday morning/Gilbert State Forest running partner. Hayley coming up to pace me the last lap (or perhaps 2 if she gets there in time).  Hayley assures me that come hell or high water (hopefully not to high) that she will get me across the line and to that Bad Ass Stone Cat 50 mile finishers jacket.

Well all, I will do as detailed as possible a race recap either Sunday or Monday.   Until then, Be Well and wish me luck

Sank

Bears and Beavers

Can't believe it's been almost 2 weeks since I posted, but it is and I have survived two races since then. 
Bear Brook Marathon and Ultra - well lets just put it this way, a complete bitch of a course but I finished (albeit slower than I wanted) but for the first time in a very very long time, I finished a race with a great sense of accomplishment. 

Elevation Map

And I guess since it was a half mile longer than a marathon technically that makes me an Ultrarunner (but I'm going to save that moniker for after I run 50k or Stone Cat).  Anyway back to Bear Brook;  the day started with temps in the low 60's which was a nice break from the 90's that had been plagueing our area for weeks.  Very grass roots in that it started in a dirt parking lot when the race director, Ryan Welts, pretty much yelled GO!  First 9 miles or so where pretty flat with some rolling ups and downs.  That didn't stop me from falling at about 2 1/2 miles, and having my right hip meet a pine root.  That chance encounter would rear it's ugly head off and on the rest of the day, as my lower back started spasming off and on throughout.  But I found a nice rhythm til I ran into the first uphill, around mile 9.  It wasn't too bad for a while, but God it just kept going.  Came down the backside and would run into the second uphill, this one was a bitch.  A few more inclines and then a nice long downhill.  I tried to attack that fairly hard as it wasn't very technical and it helped to stretch out my back a bit.  That would lead into a pretty tight single track, where it came into an opening and body would hit trail one more time.  This time I caught myself from a full face plant, but my left knee came down fairly hard.  But hey, what's a trail run/race without a little blood, right?  Shortly after that you come back around to the 3rd aid station, which is actually the same as the 2nd just on the back side of a loop.  That would lead to a fairly easy fire road, run which went for about a mile I guess.  From here I would meet up with a fellow Dailymiler Mindy R.  We would run the last 12 miles or so together, which would end up saving me twice.  A little after mile 19,  I was walking up this heavily wooded section, which had these rock formations that acted as steps.  It was at this point, that my mind and body just completely crashed.  I had left Mindy about a half mile back for a break, and she came up behind me.  Out of her vest, she pulled out some sugared gumdrops and handed me a handful.  I kept walking and she would go ahead.  About 5 minutes later, the sugar would hit my system, and I felt like a completely different runner.  I caught up to her, and we would run together up the 4th aid station (about mile 22).  Which was being volunteered by Adam Wilcox, fresh off his 7th place finish at Hardrock.  Talked to him briefly as he refilled by vest, and Mindy and I were off.  At about mile 23 the back spasm would act up, and I told Mindy to go.  Stretched it out the best I could and started off.  I then hit a nice downhill area of switchbacks and I took off, catching Mindy and passing about 3 other runners.  Not knowing the course, I then hit the last two uphills.  Simply: they sucked.  Mindy caught me at the last one, Catamount, and I wouldn't see her again til the end.  My hope was to finish in 6 hours, but not knowing the course I ended up running at 6:44.  Loved the race, loved the company, proud of run for the day.

Running with the Beavers:  I took a couple extra days off the following week, as my quads were tender and the left knee that I hit during Bear Brook was pretty sore.  Friday came around and I reached out to Todd, who I run with on Saturday's to ask him if he wanted to do this 10 mile race, instead of doing Gilbert.  Since it was about a 45 minute ride for both we went for it.  It was a double 5 mile loop course.  Todd and I went out for a quick 2 mile warmup, heard the pre-race talk and off we went.  He's a much faster runner than I, although he nevercomplains about my pace during our training trail runs, so about a half mile in, I told him to go.  It was a decent loop, some wood-chipped fire roads, some fairly technical with one "you better walk this" downhill, and some runs along the water.  About the 8 mile mark, my left knee started barking, but not enough to not finish.  I was hoping to do this one in 2 hours, so about a half mile left I checked the Garmin and realized I better take off or that wasn't happening.  So I came up the last incline and took off.  For the most part is was downhill, which helped.  Finishing the last half mile in 3min44 seconds.  Ended up finishing in 1:58:05 for 10.2 miles (I missed a turn in the first loop that I had to backtrack - what a dumbass as the course was more than adequately marked).

To Summarize: 2 back to back Saturday races covering 26.8 and 10.2 miles respectively.  One slower than I wanted, one a bit faster; but in the end I'm very happy with the end result on both.  Kind of babying the knee since Saturday as I haven't run yet, but I'm planning on going out tonight for 6, as I am less than 100 days til Stone Cat 50 miler (Nov 3rd).  Todd and I are looking into some trail marathons and up to use as training runs, as you can only do so many loops at Gilbert. 

Until next time, Be Well ~ Sank

Optimistically Nervous

Ok, I’m going to be complete honest in that I’m not nervous at all, I am 100% Optimistically Scared Shit. I have Bear Brook Mountain coming up this Saturday. It will single handedly be the longest race, hell for that matter, the longest single run I have ever done at 26.7 miles. So I guess if the definition of an Ultra-Marathon is anything over the standard 26.2 miles of a marathon is true, then I guess this is my first ultra! I know that in the world of Ultra’s this is no big deal, and after looking at the amazing finishes as Western States, Badwater and Hardrock, that I should just deal with it. But hey we’re all human right?

I am fairly confident that I can do this race, if I stay on top of my hydration (unlike my Pineland 25k issues) in which I have started to implement S-Caps with good success; and run a smart and conservative pace. From what the news says, it seems like the Weather Gods are shining down on me, as they have (or supposed to anyway) dump the Hell, Fire & Brimstone weather, for low humidity and temps in the high 70’s. Which is huge for me, as I perspire pretty good in the winter. 

But back to my nervousness, my training schedule does concern me.  I have kicked up my mileage over the past months; but per usual for me it's always something.  Be in work, life, my recurring respiratory infections, blah blah blah, excuse excuse excuse.  But I've been doing them.  I know it's not technically that long, but I have tried to taper a bit this week, to rest up my legs somewhat.  I skipped last night due to the weather (hot, humid, and some impressive lightning), but will do 5 tonight, and rest Friday.

Although I don’t know anyone personally, there’s a couple people that I “know” from either Facebook or Dailymile that are doing it, but I have never met anyone of them face to face, but obviously there’s a pretty good chance I will after Saturday.

Well that's enough for now.  I wish everyone racing at Bear Brook, Vermont 100, and a handful of others this weekend nothing but their perfect race.  If your not racing and you happen to look at the clock Saturday morning, send me some positive Karma.  Hell I can use all I can get.

Be Well ~ Sank

I put the map down below, as a point of reference.

Catching up

Been a bit since I posted, well except for my Stone Cat registration post, so I figured I would take a minute half way thru 2012 to catch up.  Been an interesting year so far in many ways.  I'll spare you all the personal details, except to say that; after the passing of my dad and my divorce in 2011, there wasn't really any where to go but up. 
Running wise the I've been pretty good about staying out there.  After hitting a short lack of motivation time, I have been more committed to the trails and extending my distance.  With the exception of running two Boston's (albeit as a bandit) in the mid-80's (yup I'm that old) and the numerous triathlon's I have completed, I ran my longest official (trail) race of 25k at Pineland Farms.  And with the exception of some hydration issues, I absolutely loved it. 
Lately I have concentrating on getting my base mileage higher and so far so good.  I calculated today that since the first of the year I have ran 475 miles or a daily average of 2.65 miles per day (including rest days).  And with a couple ultra's signed up for this year, I should be able to still hit my yearly goal of 1000 miles fairly easy. 
Sorry a pretty boring post I know, but wanted to touch base. 
Be well ~ Sank

Stone Cat Registration - COMPLETE!!

Well it looks like I've done it this time.  Actually after the past week or so, I am so excited about the opportunity to do this.  Registration started at 8:10 (a little late) and by 8:28 it was half full. 

My training as been going pretty well, and will continue to put "time on my feet" now that my other obligations (mostly coaching the boys team) is now over and my weekends are free.

Been also looking at some additional races to do, more as organized training runs, but hey if I can share the agony with a few others, who am I to be selfish. 

Jurek and McDougall at Harvard

Been dealing with some motivation issues, for as much as I loved the Pineland Farms 25k I ran, the hydration issues were leaving me questioning my running and putting doubts in my head about going longer distances.  I had bought a ticket a few weeks ago for a book 'review' discussion over at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge (right near Harvard University) where Born to Run author Chris McDougall and 7 time Western States Champion, who also just published a book, Eat & Run, Scott Jurek, were together to discuss their two books.

So I left work to take on the Cambridge traffic taking the 35 minutes to go 4 miles (about right).  Upon entering the theatre they handed us some literature and a free sample bottle of Udo's Oil.  I was in between books, so I put down my $ 26 and bought Scott's book. 

A few minutes after 6 the two guys came on stage and started to talk.  I was fearful that it was going to end up being a "lets turn everyone into Vegan Zombies" talk, but to my relief it wasn't.   The back and forth between Scott and Chris (although at times a bit scripted) was informative and fun.  You weren't going to get the secret of Ultrarunning success but it seemed to be just what I needed to get me back on track.  Chris McDougall is extremely friendly and outgoing.  Scott Jurek told some great stories but didnt seem to be a ease up there.

I ended up sticking around another 35 minutes or so at the end to get Scott to sign my book, and (being the 2nd to last in line) I asked for pic.  He said they had to head out of the theatre as another event was going on but told the few of us left, that he would meet us out front.  I was able to get a pic with both of the guys.  I have to say that in a one on one setting, Scott's personally was engaging and friendly. 

I am so glad that I got the opportunity to go and more importantly to get a chance to talk with the two of them quickly.

Well back to the trails tonight,

Be Well ~ Sank

Pineland Farms Finish Line 1:00 to 1:15 pm

I come across at 13:53 on this video.  Pretty cool to see yourself run. 

Pineland Farms 25k Race Review

Let me start off by saying that the race directors for the Pineland Farms Trail Festival really put on a tremendous event.  They have paid attention to all of the details and really make it one of the "go to" events in New England.  It's about 20-25 minutes north of Portland, Maine.  I absolutely love Portland, but sadly haven't had the chance to get up there for many a year.  So it was a great opportunity to combine the race and the long Memorial Day weekend into a nice mini get away for Laura and I.

It was a beautiful weekend as we went up Saturday.  We had arrived in the area too early to check in so we went right up to the course to register for the race.  Saturday was the race day for the shorter events and the Canicross.  I was totally blown away when I saw that the winner of the Canicross event finished in sub-6 minute pace.  Now I know it's only a 5k, but they're running with a dog on a leash no less!

Anyway, so Sunday comes around and the weather is beautiful.  Low 60's to start but it warms up to mid-70's by race time with not a cloud in the sky.  The 25k goes on a really nice course. Actually the 50k is 2 loops and the 50m is 3 loops with a slightly longer first loop to start.  The course is kind of unrelenting in that the roller coaster hills just dont stop and when out in the fields the side to side slanting makes it a bit tough at times. I set myself up near the back to start as I didnt want to go out to fast as they said the first 5k was downhill. I went out at a good pace and kept checking the garmin to make sure I stayed fairly steady. As I said the weather was beautiful but the sun was really bright when out of the woods.  Being cooler in the start I decided to wear a long sleeve wicking shirt.  In hindsight, maybe the long sleeve wasnt too wise.

About 4 or 5 miles out my right calf started cramping. The rolling hills helped a bit for me to be able to stretch it out, but by the 9 mile mark I realized that I had fallen way behind on staying hydrated. I started drinking what I could (another hindsight mistake was not bringing the hydration vest) and eating anything salty I could get at the aid stations (potatoes/pretzels/pickles) but with only 10k to go, I knew I was doing it to hold me over that I wouldnt be out there long enough to recover completely.

At one point at one of the last aid stations I was getting pretty lightheaded, so I sat for 15 seconds or so til it subsided; as there were just 3 miles to go and I knew I could finish this off. The legs for the most part felt great, and up until that last aid stations my pace was good.  I wasnt winded, I was just having a hard time focusing and at the finish, everything I saw was really bright and twinkling. It was a tough go near the end. Felt really weird when I finished, thank God Laura was around and taking care of me. Sat down for a bit, drank anything and everything I could get my hands on (I have a new love of chocolate muscle milk), and after a while we grabbed something to eat and I eventually felt ok. Chalk it up to a learning experience as I do sweat alot but I have never had issues like this with hydration before.  In the first day or so I was questioning what I should do and if my goals were too optimistic.  But last night and today I really have been realizing that it was a hydration issue, and that I could really have done well had I been able to stay hydrated.  Best to learn this during a shorter controlled environment with Laura around to help me.

So back to the trails I go.  After the next two weeks my basketballcoaching stint is over, and can commit the time needed.  I may pick up a few basketball ref'ing assignments to put a little cash in my pocket.  But I cant wait to lace up the Salomons.  Thanks for reading and Be Well ~ Sank

For what it's worth..... this guy has my respect.

Here's my disclaimer:  I have absolutely no idea who this guy is.  Never met him, never talked to him, never....nothing. 

The background story: If you have a YouTube account, when you log on, it will give you a list of videos that are similar to ones you've watched before.  So I sign on late last night and this one shows up.  I figure what the hell.....

This is the 2nd half of the run but it in a just 14 minutes video snipit, it allows you to share briefly, with his journey.  The pain, the anquish, and the triumph as he finds the last minute energy to run out to the finish of his 100 mile run.

So if you know this guy:  Shake his hand for me and tell him that somewhere up in Southeastern Massachusetts, there is a runner named Sank, and let him know that he has my respect and admiration.

Be well ~ Sank

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 review

Well my experiment with the New Balance Minimus has come to a sad conclusion.  Let me start off by saying that the NB's felt like slippers.  They are so comfortable, and I will continue to wear them when I go walking.  However being that I run at Gilbert, which is very rocky and technical in nature; coupled with my size and running style, my feet were consistently bruised and sore.  So I went on the hunt for some new shoes.

Unlike prior times, I went in with no preconceived ideas of what shoes to get.  I tried on some Montrails, some New Balance, some Salomons, and some La Sportivas.  Then I went home with a list of 2 or 3 shoes and did some research.  Went back to EMS, and tried back on the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2s.   LOVED THEM. 

So Wednesday night, I had the chance to finally throw them on the feet and try them out.  I was concerned a bit that coming from the Minimus and the "blocky" feel that they had coming out of the box that they might feel a bit stiff.  And in comparison they are, but it only took a little while for that feeling to totally go away.  It was and had been raining for days, so the trails were very wet and slick, but the XA's gripped well and held their footing great.  And surprisingly they feel extremely light.

But after 4 miles in I would branch off of the Megley Trail at Gilbert to an area that is fairly long, steep and very rocky.  Unlike the Minimus where I had to virtually tiptoe down, the sole of the Salomon let me really attack the downhills with no worries about my midfoot.

Final thoughts:  Love the Quicklace One-Pull lacing system, and the pocketed tongue to hide while running.  Lets you really ratchet them down and can quickly tighten if need be.  The mesh breathes well, which is great cause I most definitely do not avoid puddles!  And finally for someone like me that stubs my toe ALOT, the Toe Cap and Mud Guard is a "toe" saver.
All and All I give the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 a well deserved:  A.
Take care and Be Well ~ Sank

First Owl "sighting" of the year and request!

For those of you that had read my blog, you know that I take great pleasure in my run-ins with the Barred Owls that reside at F Gilbert State Forest, in Foxboro MA near where I live.  I have had then fly in front of me to land on a stump and watch me, or hearing a large group "hooting" back and forth while I ran the trails beneath them, to hearing them start their calls as the daylight ends and dusk falls upon the woods.

Last night, about 90 minutes before dusk, I heard my first call of the year.  Regardless of how I am running or the weather or what have you; the call always brings a sense of youthful exuberance to me.

 

So today I was googling Barred Owl's for a cool picture to post and I came across this website: http://savethebarredowl.com/.  I was absolutely floored that this is happening to there wonderful birds.  It's amazing that our government can sit in judgement to eliminate one type of owl, in this case the barred, to try to save another, the equally beautiful but sadly endangered spotted owl. 

 

If you have a moment please go to the website, and sign the petition.   Takes all of about 20 seconds.  It will be a sad day indeed, if the woods of Gilbert ever fall silent.

 

Thank you all and Be Well ~ Sank

Bronchitis, Motivation or lack there of, and Pineland/Bear Brook

Well it's finally May which means I am 27 days away from running my first official 25k Trail Run race.  From all I had researched it seems like Pineland Farms run a great festival.  It's also a nice chance to get away for a long weekend (being Memorial Day), as this spring has been insanely busy between: trying to keep the house a float, coaching a 7th grade boys AAU team, working, training, "Dad"ing, etc etc etc........

I had been debating on running the 50k, but after talking to a friend about it, he suggested to do the 25k and then do a training run in to get in some more mileage.  I'm pretty glad that I picked the 25k as the bronchitis that hit me in early March thru mid/late April, really did a job on my lungs and my endurance shape.  But this week, I have felt a world better, and been getting in some quality runs (not too much quantity but quality). 

After being sick for almost 6 weeks, I am hoping to get some mileage under my belt, as after Pineland I have registered for the Bear Brook Marathon and Ultra in July.  At the end of the 6 weeks (last week actually) I was seriously starting to question my running and my commitment to it.  So I made a deal with myself (does anyone else actually do that?) that I would put in the time and effort and do my absolute best to get myself ready for Pineland.  If when I had run that I wasn't into the distances, I would run Bear Brook (doing the 26.7 course) in July, but would NOT sign up for Stone Cat 50 miler in November. 

Actually being able to run without sounding and feeling like I am breathing in an iron lung machine, has definitely changed my mood.  My short term goal now is: a 30 mile week this week and to drop 7-10 pounds in the next few weeks (GOOD BYE ICE CREAM :(   going into to Pineland.

Well enough for now, hope all is well with everyone and anyone that reads this.

Be Well ~ Sank

Best Trailer to Date

Ok I have no problem admitting it, I am a pretty big Batman fan.  And no one, and I mean NO ONE, has done a better job bringing any of the comic book genres to the big screen better than Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale.

That being said, I cannot wait for this movie to be released in July.  Sad part is that this is the last one in the series with Nolan and Bale.  But it looks absolutely kick ass.

Be safe ~ Sank

Great Pre-Playoffs Video for all you B's fans

Upcoming Races & Garmin

I'll get the Garmin part done first. After a few years of consistent frustration with the Garmin 405 (mostly when it get damp and the beeping and bezel issues), I found a slightly used Garmin 610 on eBay.  Like to tell you how great it was, blah blah blah, but the truth is, it was at my office door this morning when I got it, so I cant honestly say anything.  But I will soon.....
I've been fighting this damn bronchitis (now that I finally wussed out and went to the dr's) for the past 3 weeks.  I'm on antibiotics but after 3 days and I thought I was getting better it is not going to go down without a fight.  Coughing and rhaspy voice back in full force today.  Hated taking yesterday off, being a Sunday and my long day, but figured I would live to fight another day.  My plan is to hit the trails today, probably an easy 4 or 5 and take each day as it comes.  If I dont feel much better tomorrow, I'll see if I can get another dose of meds before I leave for Myrtle Beach on Friday.
Ok - races:  The registration for Stone Cat 50 miler isnt up yet, but I'm still preparing the best I can try to plan so that I can be ready come November.  So in the past few days I have signed up for the 25k at Pineland Farms on Memorial Day weekend in late May and Bear Brook Marathon, which is a 26.7 trail marathon in mid-July.  I guess since Bear Brook is greater than 26.2, technically it would be my first Ultra, but whatever I just want to do the work and prepare so that I have the best shot I can to beat 11 hours at Stone Cat, and these are my first two steps in doing so.
Enough for now.  Until next time ~ Be Well, Sank

I interrupt my lack of blogging lately, to share some complete and utter awesomeness (is that a word?)