Land Between the Lakes 50 Miler - My First Belt Buckle

The Land Between the Lakes is a trail running event put on by the West Kentucky Runners Club and is located at the Land Between the Lake National Rec. Area, just south of Grand Rivers, KY. They offer 23K, Marathon, 60K, and 50M distances, which take place mostly on single track meandering through the LBL Area with great views of both the Barkley and Kentucky Lakes.

A few of my friends – Andrew H, Ken A, Rick L, and Andrea E. - ran the race last year and were very excited about how well the course and amenities were, so I decided to look into it for this year as a first for 2011. There were a lot of bantering about of people going and not going, but when all was said and done, the road trip consisted of Kai K (60k), Jessy M (26.2M), Paula (23K), and me (50M).

Paula and I headed to Kai’s early Friday morning, and jumped into his Subaru for the trip south into Cincinnati to round up Jessy. From there, we highway-ed it through Ohio and across Kentucky to (almost) Grand Rivers. At this point, Kai ran out of gas on the highway in the middle of no where. We sat for about two minutes, Paula started for the phone for AAA, and I was out the door headed for the houses across the field for gas. We lucked out and a nice guy, Craig, had a tank and got us going – 15 minutes later, we on our way again.

By the time we got to the hotel, the weather had changed from Michigan’s 30s and 2 inches of snow to 60s and sunny – the weather was forecasted to be mid-60s and sunny for the race. We headed to the packet pick-up, got our stuff, and searched for food – no pre-race dinner for the runners. We ended up at the Yacht Club; a private club that let us sneak in for the night since we were running the next day.

Race Day:
We were in our own state of mind in the morning – moving around in the hotel room with the different pre-race rituals. Early, not much talking, checking and double checking to make sure everything was ready. One of my things is I need a good sized cup of tasty coffee – hotel stuff just doesn’t get it. So, I headed to the gas station and got a XL cup – delicious. We met up with Jessy in the lobby, packed up, and headed to the start.

The town was bustling with activity from the runners getting prepared and running the streets getting warmed up. We delivered our drop bags and headed for the start – Paula worked her way up to the beginning so she could get a nice head start on the slower people before hitting the trail (we had a 1.75 mile run on the main road before entering the trail system).

The Race:
Kai and I planned to stick together for as long as possible and to run the first miles a bit slower (9-10 minute miles) but ended up doing 7s until we hit the trail. The sun was just rising as we crossed the bridge and into the park – great views of Barkley Lake at this point. As we entered the trail system, we got our last glimpse of Paula about a half mile ahead.

Kai and I had both signed up for the 50M, so we found a nice pace and enjoyed the run. We were talking and taking in the vistas; the trail offered numerous points of interest overlooking the lakes and bays along the entire route.

We had four, eleven mile loops to complete before we headed to the finish line. The first two flew by easily, just meandering through the park and taking advantage of the Aid stations. By the start of the third loop, we both were feeling the mileage but were still feeling strong. We fueled up and headed out. Kai started to get leg cramps at about mile 30, after this point we split up and my race became solo – 20 miles to go.

I cruised through the next ten miles, hit the wall, got through the wall, and slowly jogged my way into the finish line feeling tired but solid. Cheering me in was Paula, Kai, and Jessy - Kai decided to be safe and drop down to the 60K.

My overall was 24th place, at 8:50:00. I think I would have done a bit better, but the mid-60s turned out to the low 70s and cloudless, and with the Michigan winter training, I wasn’t ready for such a hot day (I did hydrate like crazy, so it wasn’t too bad until the last few miles).

Heading Home:
Since I was the last one heading in from the trails, I ate and drank, got washed up and changed, and jumped into the car for home. Kai was feeling good, so took the wheel the entire time (thanks Kai). But I must mention that, if not for Jessy catching the fuel indicator, Kai would have run out of gas in the middle of Ohio (good eye, Jessy).

We all enjoyed the run and the trail, did well in our races, and came back healthy. Good trip.

My First (Super) 5K and Dailymile Meet-Up

Had a great time running the Super 5K this morning in Novi. Paula and I got there with plenty of time to see a bunch of friends and get a warm up on the course. For the beginning of the race, I wedged my way to the front and kicked it into high gear for the next 18 minutes to come in 33rd overall and 5th in my age group. Fun times!

After the race, we headed to Mo's to meet up with a bunch of Daily Milers that had also raced this morning. It was really good to meet so many of you. Fun day!

Winter Wolf Race - 15M

Well, Paula and I packed up our gear, extra clothing, and a bit more clothing then headed 120 miles North to Omer, "the smallest city in Michigan", for out first official race of the year - The Winter Wolf.

With the temperatures at a brisk 9 degrees and a wind of 8mph, 6:30pm is always the best time to start a race. A wonderful run along two-tracks, back roads, and through fields covered in a foot of new snow - in the dark. We got into town in time to register and change with plenty leftover to hangout and see friends as they arrived for the race.

At 6:15, the race director gave the last minute directions and course information. I should state that it sounded something like; "go down the road and turn left, then turn right at the tracks, this will lead you to a field - go into the field and follow the ribbon, turn right on the tracks, then left...I tried to mark the trail as good as I could, but I kept getting lost". After that, it was time to put the headlamp and MICROspikes on for the walk to the start line and get moving.

Afterward, as everyone trickled in, we met up at the Old Courthouse for awards and chili (I had two heaping bowls). Most of the RUT team members that made it up walked away with awards; I took 6th overall (2nd age group) and Paula A. took 1st Place overall for women. Rachel I., Hong W., Don, and Kathy A. all took home age group awards. Mark M., Rick L., and Fara K. also had strong finishing times.

This was my second year doing the race, mostly due to the people who put it on. Thank you for doing a great job making everyone feel at home, the well marked course, and the great chili at the end.

First Annual New Years Day Get Your Hung Over Fat Ass Running 26.2

I had a great time beginning the New Year with a FA Marathon this morning. The weather was mild and the company good, so the run was well worth the effort. Afterward, off to Antoniou's Pizza I headed for some carbs with some of the RUT group that attended the FA - Paula, Kai, Hong, and Andrew. Good way to start the year off - hanging out with friends, old and new.

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