Fear is the mind-killer

For the first time in a long time, I am worried about a race.

I typically have a very even-keel approach to most races and sometimes have way too much confidence even when I shouldn't (i.e., haven't trained enough). The funny thing is that I feel like I'm ahead of the curve with my training despite some of the randomness and gaps in mileage.

Only sci-fi buffs will get the connection with this blogs title

So why all the gloom regarding Zane Grey? I think it's just the "shop talk" from everyone else...

"Oh, it's going to eat you up"

"It's sooo rocky, your feet are going to be hamburger"

"The altitude is a killer"

Though I'm not completely sure what to think at this point, I do know that I've been up to this area (at least part of the Mogollon 100 route which I though was part of the Zane Grey route...) Either way, I don't remember it being that crazy. I was however, in peak condition prior to Lean Horse so that may skew my perception.

I'll be heading up there on Saturday to see if my memory is good or if I blocked out all the elevation. It will be a good gauge on what to expect and where I'm at.

Either way, I've had a good week and feel really strong. I'll be close to 70 miles and roughly 5-6,000' of climbing. Not too shabby, but still work to do as I prepare for the Mesquite Canyon 50 here in a couple weeks.

On the verge of crazy

After my run today, I honestly had to take a step back and really think about why I'm doing this race on Saturday. The SanTan Scramble (50K) is not your ordinary run - I've been having fun running the trails and casually getting used to the sand and rocks infiltrating my shoes, but the 5 miles you see below was one of the most difficult runs I've ever done. It bordered on treacherous in some places, not to mention over 1,000 feet of elevation change.


In honor of this run, I created the top 5 reasons why I don't want to do this race:

5. Rocks/sand in the shoes. A constant battle that either requires emptying the shoes every 2 miles or cataclysmic blisters if ignored.
4. Under training. Though only 5 more miles than a marathon, I still don't feel prepared.
3. Slight pain in my left arch. It crept up on me the last couple runs. It only hurts during the run, not after.
2. Elevation. Aside from the pure distance, the elevation gain within the 31 miles should be 3,000+ ft (cumulative)

.............

1. Hazardous trails

Oh, don't worry. I still plan on running it. My intent all along was to have fun and complete an ultra-marathon. There will be walking, resting and cursing during this race. Guarantee it.

9 hours to finish? I can do that...

Not many folks out there who have Ironman, marathoner and ultra-marathoner on their resumes.

Hot Springs Firecracker 10K

Bonus post today -

As part of the motivation we knew we'd need while being here in South Dakota, my wife and I signed up for a race on the 4th of July. For her, it would be her first 5k. It would be a great training run for me.

Now I've been to some small races but this one has to take the cake (actually, pie as I'll explain in a minute).

There weren't more than 100 people at this race. The start and finish line was the service entrance to the local Park near the old cemetery. The volunteers where sitting at picnic tables under the pavilion getting folks registered, taking their money and giving out the swag bags. The humorous thing about that scene was that each picnic table was marked with black marker written on a paper plate.

Having driven an hour to Hot Springs from Rapid City, we barely had enough time to get everyone ready and to the starting area in the 15 minutes we had let alone deal with my 4-year old son and his disdain of the number 595 for some reason (maybe because 593 is a prime number, who knows!?!). We barely had enough time to stand in line for the restrooms/out-houses before the lady organizer started shouting instructions from her bull horn.

Now we apparently didn't catch that the start of the 10k/5k was first and then everyone else doing the mile run/walk should wait until 8:15 to start. So while my wife and I take off running, Nana starts walking with the 10/5k-ers.

********************Pause********************
I have to say that I'm very proud of my wife for running her first 5K. It wasn't for time. It wasn't for glory. It was to finish. And that she did. I can't say that she has a passion for it like I do but that's not necessary. It keeps her fit and it's something she can do without going to the gym. Oh, and it keeps her sane by getting out of the house for 30-60 minutes at a time. I love you babe.
********************Resume********************

So apparently Nana and the kids apparently walk to the 1 mile point and turn around to head back. She relays that either it wasn't marked or she didn't see the half-mile point. So as Nana is finishing, my wife comes running up behind them and they all finish together. They find out later of course that the mile walk hasn't even started yet and that the course goes the opposite direction.

In the meantime, I am having the run of a lifetime. There are rollers, steep climbs and curvy roads all nestled in between on the most beautiful valleys I've ever had the chance to run. Imagine these blazing red cliffs surrounding you. A creek running at capacity only 3 feet away from the road. Perfect conditions - not too hot yet a slight breeze on your face.

I felt strong the entire way - strong enough to turn in a PR, which I'm very proud of.

After I finished my race, we hung out for a little while and relaxed. My daughter decided that she wanted to do the mile walk (again). So we all saddled up and went out for the actual mile walk they should have done in the first place. The irony of the day is that basically everyone did (at least) a 5k.

As we were leaving, we noticed a table full of brownies, pies and desserts. Yes, they held a drawing for all these homemade pies (and treats) made by the race volunteers. Each of the kids won one. Awesome.

It was a great day. A great race. A day we'll never forget. Thanks Hot Springs, SD.

Goodbye to The Hills

Today is our last day in South Dakota. I truly have enjoyed being back in my old stomping grounds to visit with friends while rediscovering the Black Hills through my training.

A big shout out goes to my buddy ToddG - I have trained by myself for such a long time now that I forget what it's like to have someone to chat with on bike rides or haul your ass out of bed on those "don't wanna" days. Thanks for the motivation and awesome trail runs!!

I was reviewing my training log last night and realized that I have only been swimming once since we've been here. Not good. On the other side of that coin however, I have taken full advantage of the elevation and hills the last couple weeks and am riding and running stronger than ever. For example, my last ride with Todd was a scorcher - now, we had almost perfect conditions that day so it's no surprised but still...

That previous ride was part of a brick that I decided to do the night before-hand. Realizing that there are many more weekends left before Lake Stevens 70.3, I added on a 6 mile run over the very same hills we just got done riding (ignore the splits, just look at the time - my Garmin freaked out halfway through so I only have a few splits and total time). Not a bad run if I do say so myself. I haven't seen anything under a 9-minute pace for quite some time.

So here ends a chapter of training that I must say I'm very very happy with.

Howling prairie winds....you can suck it.
Steep hills & elevation....kiss my ass.

I'm coming for you Lakes Steven's (and you too Mikel!).