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