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