1st Annual RUT Fat Ass 50K(ish) at Pontiac Lake

Had a great time running this morning with a big group of crazies on the trails. Perfect weather conditions and company made for really fun time. Thanks Farra and everyone for putting on such a great non-event.

Dances With Dirt – Devil’s Lake 50 Miler

Running Fit has done it once again; they found a way to make people use expletives while praising their event. This was the hardest f@!%ing, most exciting race I’ve ever done. This race was 50 miles of running, 6000 feet of climbing and descending, temperatures hitting the high 80s, and trails covered in roots, rocks, stones, running water, and asphalt. It was awesome!

Running Fit was directing the race; it is one of four of the Dances with Dirt races that they set up. And, since Running Fit also runs the (RunningFit Ultramarathon Team) RUT, a bunch of us just had to be there.

After a lot of different plans, I finally set up a rental and room at the Devil’s Head resort; the location of the start and finish. We planned to drive out the day before and head back after the race. Just a quick, cheap trip to do the race. Friday morning came up and out the door I went. I swung by Farra's and Kai’s houses, and headed west. We were on our way to Baraboo, WI. More specifically, to Devil’s Lake; I now know that the name is appropriate for the occasion. After a nine hour drive, we arrived at our destination.

The race start was 5:30am, Saturday morning. We were up and ready with the rest of the runners watching the sun rise and the day come alive. Then I ran…

My first Ultra Marathon – 50 miles of running! Playing in the woods with friends for 10 hours was a great way to spend the day.

Thanks Kai, for suggesting the race. To Farra, Kai, Andrew, Mark, Ellen, and all the others - it was great fun and I look forward to the next one. To the Head Goat - "thank you" for letting us shower at your place after the race.

Ran the race on Saturday, July 10th 2010

Stony Creek MTB Marathon

I went out to the park today with Paula to meet up with the RBS Cycling team to ride the single tracks during the SC Marathon. This was a last minute decision, and I’m glad I decided to do it. The weather was great, the RBS turnout was large, and Paula also decided to race.

I signed up for the Sport class this year. I raced it last year as my first race ever, signing up as Beginner. It kicked my butt in 2009. So, I was a bit nervous about signing up for Sport this year (beginners do three 11 mile loops, while sport riders do four loops). But, screw it, if you’re gonna do a Marathon race, go big.

The race was great. I took my time and didn’t push it to the limit for the first three loops; rode it at a temple pace. I felt great until I started climbing the last big hill on the third loop; the left calf started to cramp. I slowed it down a bit, and after the climb the leg worked it out. But throughout the entire fourth loop, the calves were cramping periodically. Not too bad, just enough to remind me that they were working hard.

As I came into the finish shoot, I saw Paula waiting for me; she looked refreshed and excited. I finished strong and felt great – but a bit tired from the three and a half hours of riding.

We hung out with the RBS team for a few hours, watched the other riders come in, had some pizza and a beer or two, and watched the award ceremony. I placed 8th in my group and Paula placed 1st in her group – she rocked it! I should mention that this was her first race ever. I think she’ll be more competitive biking than running - and that’s saying a lot.



It was great fun. I really enjoyed sharing this day with Paula, the RBS team, and John and Jamie Martin.



Rode the race on Saturday, July 3rd 2010

The Big Fish Olympic Distance Triathlon

Well, my first triathlon has come and gone. It was a real experience, to say the least. I was really nervous about this race, mainly because I didn’t know when to really exert myself. I didn’t want to push too hard at the swim or bike, just to find out that I had run out of energy for the run. I should clarify; I wasn’t lollygagging through the race. I was pushing the entire time.

I’ve decided to break down the event into the three sports instead of treating it as one since I still have the mind-set that I went to the park to do three events, back to back.



The 1500 meter swim was first on the agenda, and started at 8:00am. This was a two loop, open-water swim in Big Fish Lake. It entered and exited on the beach area about 150 meters from the transition area. We went out clock-wise; which was better for me because I can get a better feel for where I am when I breathe on the right. But I still played it safe and swam at a comfortable pace and stayed wide of all the buoys. Exiting the beach area just a bit more than half of the pack back, I felt fresh and ready to get on the bike. It took me 32:49 to make the loops, and another 2:36 to transition onto the bike.





The 40K bike race was a blast. The out and back route was a scenic, rolling course with little wind. Not too much happened during this leg of the event except I realized two things. One, gearing really does come into play during a road race. I was riding a 50/34 chain ring while the Tri bikes were equipped with a 54/39, giving those riders an advantage on the down hills and flats; I still ended up passing many of them on the hills but could have done better with the bigger gear ratio. The second thing I realized was that riding was more legs than lungs for me. While I was exerting myself during the ride, I was limited by the leg muscles and the concern that they would be fatigued before the running began. I finished at 1:16:35, and was on to running less than two minutes later.



The 10K run was the last leg of the event. It was another out and back route, and was mostly rolling, shady dirt roads. This was just fun! I was in my element; I was experienced enough to push it to the limit without crashing. And since this was the last leg, I planned to give it all I had. I could feel I had another gear in me after mile one; my legs found their rhythm and I settled into a nice pace. Once I hit the first hill and realized that many of the racers were not prepared for the run, I picked up the pace and started to pass, and kept passing the entire time. I ended up finishing the run in a time of 43:37, and an overall time of 2:37:33.

After the finish, I felt great. I got some liquids and we hung out for the results and the drawing – I won some Heed! So I walked away from my first Tri feeling good, enjoying the lovely weather with Paula, and winning some swag.



Competed in the race on Sunday, June 20th 2010

The Trail Marathon

What can I say? It’s a 26.2 mile race on a trail.

What more can I say? It was a great time running my first trail marathon (already signed up for two more this year). A bunch of my RUT friends were also doing the run, along with Paula and a few others doing the Half (one loop). Before the race, we had a chance to relax, talk, and enjoy the cooler day. Everything was set-up, organized, and ready for the race; as it always seems to be with the RunningFit races.

As the race started and progressed through the woods, I found my pace and stuck with it. At about mile seven, Kai caught up and ran with me through the first loop and until mile 20ish. At which time I slowed down and dropped back.

The last few miles were a bear; I overdressed and didn’t drink enough. The clothing got me overheated in the beginning of the race. They became soaked from the sweat, and when I slowed down for the last four miles, I became extremely cold. Add the dehydration from not drinking enough and fatigue from running the Boston six days earlier, my body told me that enough was enough.

I finished the race at 4:14:00; not a bad time for my first. And looking back, it was a great experience and I can’t wait for the next one.

Ran the race on Sunday, April 25th 2010

The 2010 Boston Marathon

What a great experience. This was truly high up on my list of things to do before I die – and it was all I thought it would be. I enjoyed the trip from beginning to end; the drive out East, spending time with friends and family, the race experience, and the wandering back home.

Although I didn’t do quite as well as I was hoping, time wise, I did soak in the excitement and festive atmosphere of the event. I took full advantage of the Expo (very big, crowded, and not many deals) and the pre-pasta dinner (sat outside in the wind and rain and ate cold, icky food – but free beer!). I staked out the drive for the morning of, to get me there fast and in time (went right to the park and skipped the buses altogether). Hydrated and kept warm before the race started. And when the gun went off, I headed to Boston.

The race was great; so many runners and spectators during the entire course. The crowds were alive and cheering and the volunteers were expert. I hit my time at the half, but fell from grace at the 14 mile mark. By mile 18, I slowed too much to make up the time loss and decided to take the rest of the course easy and enjoy the people. After that point, it was a lot of hand slapping with the kids watching, smiling, and sucking in the mood of the race.

The CITGO sign was exactly as I expected. I knew that after I passed it, the road would soon lead me to Boylston Street and the Finish line. The people were going crazy with cheers and support, every racer that had reserves left kicked it into high gear, and I watched the last miles from my vantage point – some runners whipping by, some walking or limping, some waving their hands to get the crowds riled, and some doing the same as me.

Soon enough, the Finish Line was in view and the race was over. It ended as all races do; a blanket, water, a banana, a finisher’s medal, and a lot of “Good Job”s. For me, it was more than the end of a 26.2 mile race, but years of dreaming, months of training, and hours of running to accomplish The Boston Marathon…

Ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19th 2010

Running with the RUTsters

This was my first time running with this bunch of "crazies". I don't know what I was thinking. I had to get up at 5:00am just to get there in time - mad.

The plan was to meet up at some parking lot outside of Island Lake Recreation Area at 6:45am to hit the yellow loop. Then drive into the park and meet up with the less-crazy people at 8:00am. And then run some more.

The early bunch was going for 50 kilometers for the day, the rest of them were going for anywhere between 10-20 miles, and I needed to get in at least 18 miles; I had to get my mileage in by 10:15am. I opted to run early and was hoping to get over 24.

I woke up at 4:30 – wide awake, like it was a race day. I was excited to get started. I coffeed-up, got my gear together, and headed out for the hour drive to the park. I even got there ten minutes early (so I went to the gas station to get more coffee and ended up getting back last).

The day was just right; clear and chilly, but with the promise of warmth, sun, and trails ahead. The lakes were shaking off their sleep. The mist was lifting, evaporating for the day. And while dispersing, sticking gently to all of the spider webs that Farra would soon be running through.

I looked through the darkness to get a head count, 1 -2- 3- 4- 5 -6 -7. Seven people out this early Easter morning. Seven of us sneaking away from our sleeping families to take this opportunity to run with some friends. Introductions were made – “Greetings and Salutations”, Farra, Kyle, Kai, Martin, Matt, and Andrew.

And off we went with Farra in the lead…


P.S. This was my first run with the group. I was looking forward to it and was not let down. These guys are a bunch of good people and they made the run something more. And, I was glad to be a part of Kyle’s crossing over to the really dark side as he tipped the 100 mile mark for the week during the run (and went on to do a total of 31 miles for the day).

The Flushing Half Marathon - Well Worth the Price

I ran my first Half for the 2010 season on Saturday, March 27 - the Flushing Township Half Marathon.

Overall, I would say this was a very nice race. You couldn’t beat the cost. Registration was only $18.00 with a long-sleeve shirt (cotton) or $8.00 without; I opted for no shirt. The time of year was exactly what I needed, as well. With Boston coming up in a few weeks, this worked perfectly into my schedule of finding and running a half to check out my fitness level. The route was fast and flat, so there were no unexpected twists, turns, or huge elevation changes. The administration of the race was well prepared, efficient, and very friendly. The facilities were great; the Flushing High School. And the aid-stations were well stocked as well as nice post-race nourishments; apples and apple cider.

Above all, I ran into a host of friends and other runners from the area. That just made the day; to be able to chat before and after the race about it and all of the other up-coming events.



A couple of gripes. The first gripe – the race was a gun start. This wasn’t a problem, since it was so small and I was able to get to the front. But, I can see how it could be a setback for other runners further behind the line, or if the race were any bigger. The second gripe - the race took place on open public roads. The streets were busy and the curbs were hard to navigate. This I didn’t care for at all. During a 13.1 mile run, the last thing I want to worry about is getting hit by a car or twisting my ankle avoiding one.

Besides the two small grumbles I have with the race, it was well worth doing. I had a great time and would suggest it to anyone looking for a local, spring half-marathon. Well worth the price.

My First Road Bike - 2010 Trek Madone 4.7

This is a nice ride. I picked up my bike on Tuesday and took it out for a test spin on Wednesday. Smooth. The ride was great. I did a couple of loops at Stony Creek, tweaked the handle bars a bit, and headed home with a big smile on my face. Thoughts of heading out today for another spin.As I woke up this morning, I noticed rain. Rain, rain, rain. And since I’m a newbie to riding road, my thoughts now turn to a clear sky this afternoon. I think I see a sun ray peeking through.

This is the start of a beautiful relationship.

Four Weeks To Boston - Back on Schedule

I’ve been on a training schedule for Boston since late December. For the most part, I’ve followed it to the tee; some minor changes depending on the legs.

I fell off The Wagon. Three week sago, I tweaked a tendon and took the week off to let it heal – no biggie. Two weeks ago, the rest healed the tweak and rejuvenated my legs and spirit. I ended up doing recovery miles instead of my routine of speed/strength sessions to make sure the legs were back in order. By the end of the week, I ended up doing 71 miles (my schedule called for 64).

Last week, I went over again. I was supposed to do another 64 mile week, and ended up at 74 - including my speed and tempo runs. I feel great, but know I’m doing too much.

And just this morning I figured out why. I plan on running ultras this year, and have joined a group of long distance runners. Well, they started an unofficial weekly mileage challenge on the website Dailymile.com. I’m kind of competitive. So I’ve been playing along. It really is addicting to see your miles climb while comparing them to other runners in the group.

But I’m done with that nonsense – for now. Back to the schedule, back to focusing on Boston. After the race, I’ll get back to the mileage in preparation for my first 50 miler – the North Country Trail Run. Until then, Boston’s in my sights.

To everyone running Boston out there, I hope the training’s going well and you’re as excited as I am for the run.

First Ride of the Year

The Yeti saw the light of day, today. The first ride outside was great. Paula and I swapped our trainer slicks for some real tires, packed up the bikes, and headed to the park. Since the spring thaw tends to mush up the trails, I try to stay off them until mid April. So we opted to ride the bike loop a couple of times to get our bearings.

The park was packed with other riders, walkers, and runners – all trying to get some rays from the cloudless sky. The ride started off with me playing keep-up with Paula. She hit the loop hard and I saw why she calls her bike Speedy. Once I caught up, I did a bit of drafting for most of the first loop to let her burn off some of that extra energy – didn’t work. She was up and down the trail, like second nature.

We had some drinks at the cars, and headed out for a second loop. By this time, I was getting my biking legs back. I still wanted to go slow, but enjoyed the down hills and the bouts of wind – it felt good to push through the gales. Afterwards, we packed them up and home I went. A good 12 miler to start off the year.

The Yeti’s still on the roof of the Jeep and every time I walk by the window, I want to head back out. Tomorrow’s supposed to be nice.

Big Miles Week

Just going over my running for last week and realized that it was the most mileage I've ever done in seven days. I hit 71 miles and the old legs feel great! I had a tweak in a tendon two weeks ago which gave me a scare. I took the week off, and just did easy runs last week. Wasn't really paying attention to the mileage and they just kind of snuck up on me. I know, Luke, I know - I won't over do it.

With five weeks to go before the Boston Marathon, I'm feeling better than I ever have before a race. A friend of mine has really helped me out this time around with a training program, and as I get closer to the date I feel as if all the pieces are falling into place.

Today's run should be fun; a nice fast-paced fourteen miler at the park. The sun is out and not a cloud in the sky. More and more runners are coming out of hibernation and I'm seeing faces at the park I haven't seen in months. I do believe the saying, "Two things excite runners the most - clocks and people". It always gets me moving to see other runners when I'm out.

Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be the same, and I'll be searching for some hills and pretending I'm in the town of Newton.

Spring is coming. Boston is coming.

Getting Past a Pain

It’s now less than six weeks to Boston! The days are just flying by.

As for the six mile recovery run that I did on Monday. It went great. I took my time the entire run and just enjoyed the nice weather and the other runners – people watching is great. I waited all day to see of the ligaments would tighten up or do any other weird aches, but nothing ever surfaced. Just to make sure it was healing up properly, I went out yesterday for a easy 12 mile run, to see if the added distance would bother the old legs. Nothing abnormal at all popped up.

I’m heading out for another easy 8 miler today and see how it goes. That pain really unnerved me and now I just can’t get past the feeling that something is going to pop at any moment. It’s weird how a little twinge or pop can really get the mind reeling; “is it leg better?”, “are those phantom pains or real?”, “did I rest long enough?”, “is it going to get worse?” And since my mind won’t let me get past it so easily, this is going to turn out to be a recovery week; just easy miles until next Monday to see how everything feels. Then go from there. If a problem still exists, six weeks before the race is still plenty of time for almost any injury to heal. And if the problem is gone, than a recovery week won’t hurt a thing. It’s taken years to get here, no hurry now.

Supposed to rain today – time to wash away the snow.

Six Weeks to Boston!

Six weeks to Boston. I’ve been training since mid-December faithfully for the race. I’ve enjoyed the bumps and bruises, the aches and pains, the icing and the anti-inflammatories. The training is going great! I feel stronger and faster than I ever have. I’ve done strength training and my core and legs feel powerful.

When needed, I’ve done the I.C.E. injury treatment. I’ve iced my knees, my ankles, my hips, knees again (outer and inner), and can’t forget shins. I’ve compressed almost every part of my body below the waist at least twice since November. Sometimes looking like a mummy from certain angles. And I’ve elevated so many nights, and in so many different ways, that my pillow is having an identity crisis.

But I’ve never followed through on the R. Over the years, if something ached, hurt, or pinched I would run through it. I finally learned after a serious injury last fall that the R. is important, very much so. And because of that lesson, I decided to take this last week off. I had a great run last Saturday (eight days ago). I hit 18 miles at a 7:19 pace. I’d love to do 7s at Boston. But afterwards, a tendon/muscle pain started to pop up in my right leg. I ran Sunday, and got in 4.75 miles before the pain got so bad I had to stop (sharp/stabbing pain in the lower outside area of my leg).

One of my knees has been achy, and then this. Nothing serious, but I listened to the old body and took the week off. It paid off and all of the little aches and pains are gone; my tendons around the ankle don’t hurt and the minor knee thing is better. I feel rested and stronger than ever. But I’ve started to get a bit squirrelly and am ready to get back to it. I’m gonna head to the park today to get in an easy six mile run and see how the ankle feels. I’m a bit anxious and don’t know what to expect. And if it still hurts? Fingers crossed.

The coffee cup is empty - its time to run. Six weeks to go.

Seven Weeks to Boston!

Seven weeks to Boston. This seems like the longest time I’ve ever spent planning a trip in my life. It started about three years ago - December of 2006 - when I decided to take up running to drop some weight and cross train for mountain biking. My goals were simple at the time.

1. I wanted to be able to run a mile by January, 2007.
2. I wanted to be able to run a Marathon within three years.
3. I wanted to qualify for the Boston Marathon within seven years.
4. And, my ultimate goal was to be able to run Boston under 3:00:00 while looking good (no time frame because I never thought it could be possible).

That’s when the trip for me started; three years ago.

Since that time, I’ve fallen in love with running, to the point now that I cross train on my bike for the benefits of running, and am considered by my biking friends as a runner.

I love the sport. I run in the snow, in the mud, through the woods, on bike paths, roads, and even on tracks (which I said I would never do). Because of the years of mountain biking, I’m partial to the trails. I run them more than any other surface. I’ve peed behind trees and rocks and cars because I didn’t want to interrupt a run. I’ve been sidelined by injuries, and been beaten by my wife at races. I’m a runner. I am not a jogger!

I’ve become addicted to races. I got in sixteen in 2009, including two marathons - the Bayshore and Grand Rapids. The GR Marathon was a PR for me as well as a Boston Qualifying time, and I registered the first possible day. That’s when Boston became a reality sooner than I thought. Plans were set in motion. I wanted to do it the right way, so I healed after GR and then started a training program – 16 weeks.

My running has been going great. I’ve been hitting my times and my speed work. My mileage is increasing, as well as my pace. My last long run was the best yet; I averaged 7:19s for 18 miles, and felt like I could have kept on going.

Today’s my rest day but I want to run. I won’t, I’ll follow my program and not over-train. But as I sit here, drinking my coffee, it occurred to me that I really am going to run the Boston. I get to stand at the start in Hopkinton. I get to pass Wellesley College (maybe get a kiss – don’t tell my wife). I get to run the Hills of Newton. I get to feel the excitement of Boston as I run those last 385 yards to the Finish line!

It also occurred to me that this is happening faster than I ever thought it would. I ran that first mile by January. I ran my first marathon in October of 2008. I qualified for Boston in October 2009. And my marathon pace is getting close to 7:00 minute miles (almost there).

So, in ~three years, my ultimate goal is fast approaching. I’m nervous, excited, and anxious. And I’m happy.

Running From The Wolves

Yesterday was my first race of the year, The Witchy Wolf Run. This was a 15 mile run through the Omer Plains, and consisted of single track, two track, undeveloped roads, and back roads. And the start time - 6:30pm. That's right, running in the dark.

I had never even heard of this race until a bunch of runners belonging to one of the groups I'm in, the RunningFit Ultra Marathoners (RUT) started emailing about it. It seemed that everyone had done it and, in fact was old hat to most of the RUTers; the fifth time for some of them! Every email made the race sound more and more exciting; "Last year, there were snowdrifts as high as my waist", "two years ago, it was below zero - at the start!", "I fell during the river crossing, and had to run the last five miles with a Popsicle stick as a foot". Yea, after hearing about everyone's experiences, I knew I had to do it. Not to mention, meeting up with the RUT group; most of whom we hadn't had the pleasure of seeing in person yet.

After Paula got home from work, we loaded the jeep and headed out for our 2 1/2 hour drive north to Omer, "the smallest town in Michigan", to register and get a feel for the area. The town turned out to be all of 380 people, 1.5 square miles, a town hall, a old court house, and Ma's Girls Cafe. But, the real attraction is the Omer Plains and the legend of the Witchy Wolves. Supposedly, there are spirit wolves that protect ancient Indian burial grounds within the plains. And anyone foolish enough to go wandering through the woods at night would be attacked. Now I'm not superstitious at all, but at about 3 miles in, no one in sight, pitch black, and nothing around me but trees and shadows made me a bit nervous.

Anyway, at about 6:00, everyone started piling into the court house for directions and other information. We all walked about a block down the street, got our head lamps out and listened to the director explain the route. It went something like, "wa, wa, wa, turn left, then turn right, wa, wa, wa, turn right...no, left, wa, wa, wa...get ready, get set, oh yea, don't fall in the river, GO!!!"

The group of about 100 people stretched out into the night with nothing but breathing behind and tail lights ahead. And, after about two hours of ice and snow, a river crossing, and two scratches from tree limbs, I saw the finish line.

Paula and I were among the first to cross the line, so we headed over to the court house to warm up with soup and chili and wait for the rest of the runners to ramble in. After a time, when everyone had finished and changed into warm clothing, the awards were handed out; a bunch of the RUTers received awards, including Paula for Overall Female and myself for 1st Place Male 35-43.

When all was over, we headed for our car for the drive home - just in time for the Witching hour. Never did see any wolves.

Last Run - First Run

Last Run of 2009

Well, the year's end fell on a Thursday, which just so happened to be my recovery run day. I noticed that the weather was supposed to be mild (a warm 32 degrees)so I sent out some e-mails, got some responses, and headed to Stony Creek Metro Park for a fun morning run with some new friends from the SCRC.

Paula and I headed to the warming room and met up with the group. And after warming, streching, and a bit of gabbing we headed out for our last run of the year; for me, a nice 8 miler. I think we all had the same idea, to take it light and enjoy the run.

It was a great way to say good bye to 2009; doing the loop with Paula, Michelle, Gary, John, and all the rest.

Good group run guys.


First Run of 2010

The last run was fun because of the camaraderie, the first because of the intimacy. The start of 2010 began with a fun 16 miler in 8 degree weather (before the wind chill) at Stony Creek with just me, Paula, and the sounds of the wind.

We took our time looping the path a couple of times (plus some) and was rewarded by head winds, snow in the face, frozen eye lashes (and other important parts), and icicles in the goat - and loved every minute of it.

That’s how to get the year started off right.