Western States 2008 Race Cancelled

The 2008 Western State 100 mile endurance run has been cancelled. The official announcement was made last night around 8 pm. Fires, smoke, danger to the runners, crews and support personnel contributed to the decision. When I heard the official news, I was not surprised, given the briefing we had yesterday at 3 pm. I couldn’t bring myself to post anything until now.

I’m not quite sure what to say, as this kind of thing is difficult to put into words. I’m in the best shape of my life. I’ve focused more on this race than any before. Just to get to the race took two years. Qualifying, the lottery, training, now its gone. Just like that. My disappointment is shared by thousands of other runners, crews and volunteers. Many of these folks have come from overseas.

But the world continues to turn. And the running gods will speak to all of us another day. Sure, we all lost out to mother nature. But no one can challenge her when her mind is set. As they say in ultras, there will be times when you feel terrible, and times when you feel good. You just have to keep moving forward. I must now set my sights on another race, and move forward, for another day.

Unofficially I was told that all the runners that were in this year will have a slot next year if they choose to run. That is a long way from now, but if it turns out to be the case, I’m in for sure. In the mean time, I’m looking to get into another 100 miler this summer or early fall. I need to put myself on the line, and waiting a whole year won’t cut it.

I want to thank all the people that got me this far. My wife, Jen, who has made so many sacrifices for me to be able to train. Rob McNair, who has been there without fail to train with me from the day I got into Western States. My two daughters who don't have their daddy to “hang with” on weekends when I’m out running all the time. Jeff Padilla for running my first 50 with me and being part of my WS crew along with Jen and Rob. And everyone else who has offered their words of encouragement and advice along the way. Thank you all. I’m saddened yet appreciative of all that its taken to get here.

The journey continues.

Holy Smokes--Update Number 2

Hold Your Breath. Drum Roll....

Hiking up to Emigrant Pass. Race Still On?

First Time WS Runners Receive Briefing on Fire Situation

When I awoke his am, it appeared to me that the negotiation between the running gods and mother nature was progressing fairly well. Coffee in hand, I strolled outside around 7 a.m. From the base of Squaw, I looked up to the summit, which was not visible yesterday as it was shrouded in smoke. Today I could see it clearly, despite a light haze that still hung from the sky.

I jumped on the tram to high camp and hiked the rest of the way to Emigrant Pass. Again, the air seemed decent, and the visibility good as well. I could see for what seemed like 10 to 15 miles. The wind was also starting to gust a little from the west, and seemed to be pushing the soot over Lake Tahoe and hopefuly all the way into Nevada. At High Camp I glanced at the weather instruments and noticed the wind speed was 10 miles an hour, and moving the smoke along. Could the running gods be making progress? Is mother nature willing to concede the weekend to a few thousand people?

What hope I had was dashed at 3 p.m. today when we received a briefing from a Western States board member. “It doesn’t look good” was all I remembered from the “official” presentation. Off the record I heard there was only a 10% chance the race will be held. Fires are burning on both sides of the trial and they are not being fought by firefighters due the sheer number of fires still raging in Northern California and the lack of fire fighting resources. Access roads for crews are being shut down. We were told that we will be given a definitive answer on the race this evening.
Yea, I know yesterday I said “whatever happens, happens”. But that was before the nasty, poor, brutish and short reality was delivered to me today. I’m now trying to pick myself up off the floor. The Sierra Nevada in my hand makes that difficult. From my vantage point down here it would appear that the running gods are being outmaneuvered by the almighty, mother nature.

My fingers remain crossed. But my spirit is beginning to fade.

Holy Smokes!

First Day in Squaw Valley. Not what I expected!

View From WS Trail 1 mile from The Village of Squaw Valley

As I sat in the back of the plane in my window seat, I glanced across the horizon when we started our decent into Sacramento. I nearly did a double take. Do I see what I think I see? What appeared out the window had me baffled. The sky was enveloped in a thick, grayish/brown layer of soot. Was it smog? Couldn’t be. Way too thick. Fog? No way. This was smoke folks. Thick smoke. The kind you’d find at a Cheech and Chong bong party.

First 3 miles of WS Trail. The Mountain in middle you can't see? 1 mile away.

Being from Orange County, CA, I’m not easily alarmed by a fire, or soot filled skies. Last October I had to train indoor on a treadmill two weeks before my 50 miler because of the dreadful fires near our home. So I decided to take this one in stride. I picked up my rental car and set forth on the road to Squaw Valley.

“There is a health advisory in place, people are advised to not engage in any physical activity” the radio man clamored. “The air quality is hazardous”. Oh boy. I continued down the road trying to find pockets of blue sky. But there were none.

As I drove along I decided to pull off the highway to stretch my legs. I happened on a ranger station. Big Bend ranger station in fact. The ranger explained to me the reason for all the smoke was that there were, as we spoke, 10 fires burning in Placer County, or more specifically in the forest area where Western States will be run this Saturday. These were set by hundreds of lightening strikes over last weekend. The good news, as I interpreted it, was all but two of these fires were “contained”. The other good news is that today is only Tuesday, and there are three days for this stuff to clear.

Once I arrived to my hotel in Squaw Valley, I hiked about half way up the face of the mountain, doing my best to stay on the WS trail. I stopped several times to look around and assess the sky, the wind, wondering along the way what the running gods might have in store for us come Saturday. As one must often do when mother nature rears her head, I continued along the trail with some solace that what ever happens, happens. Will the running gods speak to her? Will they convince her to calm these raging blazes and push this soot through with her winds? As I write this, I look outside at the graying sky from my bar stool in the Blue Coyote Sports Grill less than 100 yards from the start. I cross my fingers. Tip my Sierra Nevada. And hope these formidable forces of nature and fate take care of us runners this weekend.

Tapering Up High

Countdown…One Week to Western States!

Yes, I’m starting to feel a little anxious. What is one to do? I can’t run much because I’m tapering. Uh oh, does that mean I should starting worrying about the race? How hot will it be? What will I feel like at mile 80? Will I be able to run? How will my stomach perform? Will it help me along the way? How will my legs perform. Will they stand strong? Yes these thoughts have crossed my mind. At this point, though, I figure what happens, happens!

Here are a few photos of some hikes and runs I did this last week in the San Bernardino Mountains. My favorite was a 5 mile hike that took me to the foot of Sugerloaf Mountain, a dome shaped peak that stands an elusive 9,952’ feet (I made it to 9,000’). I took the 2E18 trail which approaches Sugerloaf from Bear Mountain ski area. This is really cool single track trail that gently rolls up and down from 8,500’ to over 9,000’ in elevation. It’s the highest I’ve found in the Big Bear area.

Sugerloaf Mountain (9,952') from the western ridge

Big Bear Lake in distance. Standing at 9,000' on 2E18 trail to Sugerloaf Mt.

All I can do now is reflect on the work I’ve done and the fun I’ve had along the way. I’m pretty confident that, regardless of what happens on race day, I will be able to look back on this experience with a smile. Its been a great ride!

Tree People...Run!

Running Central Park, New York

Start Spreading the News

When my plane touched down on the runway at Kennedy Airport, I glanced at my watch. Traveling cross country takes its toll on a runner. This trip was no exception. It was after midnight. And the trip to my hotel was far from over. After passing through a logistical labyrinth just to get from my seat on the airplane to my hotel, I finally laid my head down on the pillow. It was 3:30 am. My morning running plan was now officially scrapped. Yes, it looks like an evening run tomorrow.

So Many Runners

Central Park is one of my favorite places to run. There is an energy that seems to emanate from here, maybe because there are always so many runners in the park. I’ve run the park in the heat of summer and the coldest of winters. And I’ve never run alone here. With dozens of Central Park runs under my belt, I’m still exploring, still in awe of a scenery that lifts my senses every opportunity I get to come here.

Only In New York

Yesterdays run was no exception. As I strolled into the park an hour before dusk, I made my way toward the Jackie Onassis Reservoir. I meandered through the Sheep Meadow, The Boat House on the Lake, Belvedere Castle, and around Turtle Pond. Once to the reservoir, I began a series of intervals ranging from a half mile to a mile.

My legs turned in a relaxed rhythm as my mind wondered, back to my distant past. I pushed the pace. My legs responded. My stride lengthened. As I strode toward the last turn I remembered, long ago, when I was able to run with so little effort, so swift.

Its good to be back in the saddle.

Jackie Onassis Reservoir

Around the Reservoir At Dusk

San Diego 100

Congratulations to my friends that finished the San Diego 100 mile endurance run. Bill Ramsey finished 6th overall with a time of 23 hours and 29 minutes. This guy is a 50+ year old stud who simply keeps churning out great times and results. He also brews a mean beer I hear. I checked Bill's time as I was tipping beers in his honor yesterday, and he was WAY back in the pack. Things changed quickly though, as temperatures rose, Bill moved through the pack quickly and into 6th place overall. Bill has given me major input for WS 100, and the main focus is of course to run very conservatively during the first 50 to 60 miles.

Also completing their first 100 mile run where Gina Natera-Armenta (26:44), 1st overall woman! and Greg Hardesty 26:57. Good job guys, you rock! I've run with both Gina (Unknown ultra) and Greg (Saltwater and Unknown Ultra) and both of them are great talents. Gina picked up running less than just couple of years ago and Greg did his first ultra run (over 26.2) at Saltwater 5000 in 2006. These two have been gunning ever sense.

Mountain Miles

Saturday, May 31, 2008

No long story here. Just some glimpses of my run in the San Bernadino Mountains.

Total miles: 26.02.

Average elevation during run (est): 7,500'.

Total Climbing: approx. 3,200' (Big Bear Lake to top of Snow Summit 1,200', down Clarks Grade back up to Snow Summit 2,000').

Water consumed: 5 x 20 oz. bottles (had to lug 4 up the mountain!)

Total time: 5 hours, 55 minutes.

Est. Calories Burned: 3,968.

Muling Water

?????

Mt. San Gorgonio

Clarks Grade from Hwy 38.

Clarks Grade from Clarks Grade

Western States Training Camp -- May 2008

Saturday morning, May 24, 2008. At first I thought it was just a dream. But the sound grew louder and louder until it hit me like a cold slap of reality as I lay in bed. Raindrops. They first hit their mark above my head one at a time. Then they came with greater frequency. Finally, to a wet, roaring crescendo.

Participating in the "official" Western States training runs is recommended for first time WS runners. You get to experience the trail, understand the challenge in front of you and, weather permitting, taste the heat you’ll encounter race day. Apparently the weather permitting section wasn’t in the cards for us this weekend.

Waiting for our bus

Saturday’s run started with an hour long bus ride along Mosquito Ridge to a drop off point 5 miles from the actual WS trail. From there we ran along a very wet dirt and gravel road lined with pockets of snow. As the runners tread upon soggy trail, the grey skies wept with cold rain and sleet. My Asics Trail GT 2130’s were soaked to my skin in the first 10 minutes, but held on firmly around my feet.

Greetings along the trail

Our first contact with the "official" WS trail was Dusty Corners, an aid station 38 miles into the 100 mile course. From there we dropped into a meandering single track trail under a shadow of dense pine. The rain continued to fall in the dark forest when we reached Last Chance, mile 43.3 of the course and the starting point of the wicked "canyon" section. Under typical race day sun, temperatures of this section push well past 100 degrees. After Last Chance we continued into a 2.5 mile, 2’200 foot decent to Deadwood Canyon followed by the most difficult section of the race, a 1'800 foot climb to Devils Thumb.

Rob and I stopping for water

The Ultra Encounter. As I stood on the side of the trail taking yet another blog picture, I heard my pacer Rob McNair yell to a runner passing. "Hey Tweet, its Rob McNair". I glanced up and saw it was Tim Twietmeyer, 25 time finisher and 5 time winner of Western States 100. The two trail veterans exchanged a few words as I fumbled with my camera. Then, just like that, "Tweet" was off. Rob and I continued down the steep lower section of the canyon.

Just like that....Tweet (white jacket) running down trail

When we came upon the small footbridge at the bottom of Deadwood Canyon, Tweet and his friends were waiting for another runner. Rob grabbed my camera and asked Tweet if he would take a photo with me. Of course as I stood there watching Rob (wearing wet gloves) attempt to take a photo of me with one of the greatest ultra runners of all time, I realized the running gods would have to be in complete alignment. And just as Rob pushed the button, and the blackberry slipped from his soggy hands, it occurred to me that this moment was deemed by the gods to be captured only in my mind, and not to be recorded in the trivial annals of my blog. Then Tweet asked if this was my first WS run, and I said it was. He pointed out the river below us was a good place to douse yourself during the race, before climbing the 1’800 foot Devils Thumb in 100+ degree heat.

Rob and I pushed on, up the relentless Devils Thumb switchbacks, talking with several others as we power walked up and into the dripping clouds. Once we crested this brutal incline and started running again I slipped on some loose mud and ended up nearly head over heals and on my butt. Unhurt, but with an orange like slime dripping from my butt cheek all the way down my leg, I wondered if others wouldn't see this as some other kind of accident. As we came into the aid station I turned to see Twietmeyer running up behind us. Observing the grime dripping from my hip, Tweet asked if had taken a spill. "Yea I took a dive", I said, to which he replied "Rookie!" I had to point out amidst the laughter from the other runners that if I could choose anyone to call me a rookie, it would be Tweet.

"Rookie" running down the trail

When we finally finished the run, we’d run down to El Dorado Creek, up to Michigan Bluff then back to Bath Road and Forest Hill. We’d covered 27.1 miles and we were soaked to the bone. After finding a pitcher of beer in Auburn, we drove back to the home of Earl Towner and his wife Jennifer Mitchell, who graciously put us up for the weekend. That night, Earl, a 10th place finisher of Western States, shared many tactics with me about how I should run the course on race day. Key among them was to start slow! Jennifer, a local poet who has written many poems about Western States and experiences in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, made us all a great home cooked meal. After some good conversation I climbed into bed by 8:30 and was fast asleep.

Sunday morning, May 25th. This next day brought better weather and more ultra encounters. We started from Forest Hill and ran along the side of the Middle Fork of the American River. The trail progressed all the way to Rucky Chucky, where runners normally cross the river and head toward Auburn. This 16 mile section of the trail is beautiful and ideal for running. It’s mostly downhill single track, with a few short uphill sections. Many runners flew down this section, which may or may not be possible on race day with 62 miles under your belt.

Running single track from Forest Hill

Once we reached Rucky Chucky many of us walked down to the river and soaked our feet. It was a nice break before the last three miles up hill we had to do to get back to the buses. On this day there was again no shortage of runners with impressive resumes. Included in the group was Jenn Shelton, (14:57:18 at Rocky Raccoon 100 miler), ultra god Jorge Pacheco, Ashley Nordell, Luis Escobar among many others. For me, this day was a very fun, yet humbling experience.

Walking down to the river

Cooling the feet

Ashley, Luis and Jenn

Overall this Western States training trip was well worth it. Not the ideal race simulation weather I was hoping for, but nonetheless vital experience for this "Rookie". I owe a special thanks to Rob McNair for introducing me to so many other runners and to Earl Towner and his wife Jennifer Mitchell for putting up with Rob and I over the weekend. Thanks guys and we will see you all again in June!

Earl, Jennifer and Me

Jorge, family and friends at the Airport

Into the Heat

Just when I thought I was getting strong from my training for Western States, mother nature sent me a message:

"Tread lightly along this journey, don’t be overconfident, because you are in my hands now". This weekend I heard her message loud and clear.

The Western States 100 mile endurance run takes place on June 28th when temperatures in the Sierra Nevada Mountains can reach 110 degrees. During the race, runners must consume massive amounts of liquids to compensate for the amount of sweat the body excretes to keep its core temperature down. The challenge is to keep your stomach "working" while you push fluids, salt, gels and food into it while your heart continues to pump blood to the muscles and organs. This is complicated because an active stomach must divert precious blood supply away from the working muscles, or else it shuts down. If this happens, well, the game is over. Dehydration, hyponatremia, nausea, vomiting, heat exhaustion, and a host of other complications rear their ugly heads. Many a runner of great promise has been dwarfed by a failure of this simple, yet symbiotic relationship between the heart and stomach.

This weekend marked my first foray into heat training for WS 100. I had no plans, no strategic route to run. I just knew it was going to be hot and I needed to get out and run in the heat. This would allow my body to adapt to conditions it will face come race day. To date most of my runs have been in relatively comfortable conditions with no real mishaps. Something told me this was about to change.

Saturday, May 17, 2008: Seeking the sun at its highest arch, I started my run at 1:30 in the afternoon. It was 95 degrees when I left my house. I started with two 20 ounce water bottles, E-Gels, salt tabs and Cliff blocks. As I ran the first few miles up Buck Gully, I felt sluggish. My energy felt like it was evaporating from my body. I pressed on until I got to the hot, single track trail at Coyote Canyon.

As I entered the trial I noticed several black dots swirling around ahead of me. I continued up the trail until I was surprised by a loud buzzing in my hair. I looked up and I was in the midst of a swarm of bees. I turned around and immediately started running back down the trail while slapping at my head. I couldn't get the little bugger out of my hair! Then, just as I was expecting a sharp sting to the skull, I looked down and the little guy was stinging my arm. As if training for a 100 mile race in a heat wave isn't enough already! Note to self: did I really sign up for this program?

Single Track Trail...Seconds before Bees

I continued on and on a more positive note, found myself the middle of beautiful Bommer Canyon which I hadn't run before. After I climbed out of the canyon I encountered another swarm of bees. This time, while they chased me for several yards, I turned before they established radio contact with my sauteed skin. With no other options I had to cross the 73 toll road to finish my run via the top of El Moro and Spyglass Hill.

73 Toll Road Crossing

I planned on running Sunday with my WS pacer Rob McNair in Chino Hills. "You need to get into some radiant heat before Western" he kept telling me. This is heat that comes at you from all sides, the ground, the sky, the canyon walls. As if getting "cooked" on one side at a time isn't good enough. One must be "baked" on all sides to gain a real appreciation of heat.

So after spending five hours at my daughter's swim meet in 96 degrees of "radiant" heat, I met Rob to follow him out to Carbon Canyon, one of his recommended hottest places to run in Orange County. As we were driving I realized I forgot my shoes. Looking down at my flip flops, I had to make a choice: bag the run in Carbon Canyon, or figure out a plan B. I pulled over to a donut shop and, before Rob could lodge a single complaint, I told him to follow me, because the donut shop keeper informed me there was a Big Five Sporting Goods store two blocks away. I found my ASICS Gel Strive II's on sale for $49.95 in less than two minutes and we were out the door.

Asics Gel Strive II, $49.99 on Sale

Carbon Canyon is nestled in Chino Hills and is an ideal place to run in sweltering heat. There is no shade and not a whole lot of breeze. We started the run with two bottles of water each. Since it was 12 miles to the next water stop, we had to conserve as much as we could.

Once we made it to the ranger station to refill, I was beginning to realize what it was like to be hot and thirsty. A good sign that my body was being tested. We doused ourselves to bring our core body temp down as much as possible. When we finally made it back to our cars, the temperature reading was 104 degrees. Total mileage for the weekend: just under 36 miles. All in all, two solid training runs in conditions similar to the grand trail coming June 28th.

Why Music Matters To a Runner

There is something about music to a runner. At least this runner. I can run without music, and often do. I enjoy the natural sounds in the space around me. Yet a song, be it piercing or rhythmic, mystic or haunting, can pull my energy back from the arms of fatigue. The right song, at the right moment, can, even if only for a moment, overwhelm my exhaustion with euphoria. Bring a shiver to my soiled skin. Even relax my tense muscles.

One early morning last year I was getting dressed and ready for the Helen Klein 50 mile run. A song came into my head. It was Kid A by Radiohead. I don’t know why, but I just started humming the tune, its austere, serene rhythm. I quickly picked up my Ipod and searched for the song. I found it. As I walked toward the starting line of the race I was listening to it over and over. Normally I’m very nervous before a race, but at this moment I remember feeling a sense of calm, a stillness that seemed to come from the music.




Late in the race, as my legs were growing weary, I played a song list that I had prepared for that moment. These songs exude energy and carried me during earlier runs: “Crush” by Paul Van Dyke (one of my daughter’s favorites); “Harvey and the Old Ones” by Banco de Gaia; “Next is the E” by Moby; “Amo Bishop Roden” by Boards of Canada; and the ever-lifting “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters. I crested the last hill at mile 49 and could see the turn to the finish line. Every muscle in me was screaming to slow down. Somehow I didn’t. I made it to the finish, 10th place overall, a mere 5 seconds ahead of the next runner.

As the WS 100 mile race approaches another song enters my mind. It’s “Nude” by Radiohead, one of my favorite songs. I visualize myself coming through the finish line, stronger than I’ve ever felt as a runner. I clinch my fist in the air. Could this be? To finish WS 100 mile run through the mountains feeling on top of the world? Then I hear Nude playing in my head, I notice its tenderness, and the gradual, escalating tenor of Thom York’s piercing voice as he delivers the final lyric—“you’ll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thinking”.

A chill runs down my neck.


Control Click the Link below to play the Song “Nude”:


http://www.rhapsody.com/player?type=track&id=tra.17739336&remote=false&page=&pageregion=&guid=&from=

Thirty Miles. Five Canyons

Living at the foot of the San Joaquin Hills in the OC has its benefits. When I called Jeff Padilla last night to see if he wanted to run today, I suggested we should start from my house and run into the SJ Hills. Running from my house is usually an easy sale with Jeff, largely because my outside fridge is always filled with cold Coronas. "I'll see you at 7 am" he said just as I was about to walk out the door to go out to dinner with my wife Jen and friends. Jeff was only planning on doing 15 miles, or half of the 30 miles I was planning on running.

Jeff Padilla. The Man. The Legend. The Elvis.

6:50 a.m. -- Doorbell rings, Jeff is here. Kids and wife are asleep, now awake. I hastily assemble my gear. Gel in canister-check. Cliff blocks-check. Energy bars-check. Salt tablets-check. Trameal (anti inflamitory)-check. Emergency TP-check. Heart rate monitor-check. Garmin-check. Ipod-check. Sunglasses-check. Shorts (really now)-check. Sunscreen on-check. Who said running was simple? We're out the door at 7:10 a.m.

Jeff descending single track Coyote Canyon

Top of El Moro Canyon

The San Joaquin Hills consist of 17,201 acres of grasslands, coastal sage, chaparral, and riparian and oak woodlands. From upper Newport Bay these hills extend approximately 16 miles to Oso and Trabuco creeks, and includes Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso/Wood Canyons Reg. Park. To the east looms OC's majestic Saddleback Mountain and to the west the mighty Pacific Ocean, both within view when running the ridge lines. Simply put, the San Joaquin Hills are a beautiful, inspiring place.

View Acsending from Laguna Canyon

Our course took us from a few hundred feet at the start along upper Coyote Canyon to the top of Signal Peak (1,161'), the highest point in the range. From there the views are full and panoramic. Newport Bay below, Palos Verdes above, Catalina to the left. Keep turning. Laguna Beach, the entire San Joaquin Range, El Moro Canyon, Irvine Valley, Saddleback Mountain. They are all there, looking at you look at them.

Signal Peak - 1,161'

We continued on down the trail. Jeff turned to the ocean to head back while I soldiered on toward the warm canyons. My first decent was into El Moro Canyon via "Slow and Easy". This was a good 1.5 mile trail that descends to the bottom of the canyon. From there I headed right back up via "Elevator", the first hill we encounter on Saltwater5000. Once I crested the top I began another long decent to Laguna Canyon via Bommer Ridge.

Salt Tabs. Don't leave home without 'em.

Long descents are golden training opportunities for me for Western States 100. I'm told most runners that drop out of the WS 100 do so not because of the uphills, but because of the pounding of the down hills. The quads get so beat up that people can't continue. I liked this hill so much I turned around and ran up and down it again.

Pain. What Pain?

After "canyoning" twice at Laguna Canyon, I headed back up to the ridge and descended again into El Moro Canyon. From there I headed toward the ocean to finish up the run on the beach along Crystal Cove. I hit the beach at 25 miles and added another 5 on the hard sand.

Not a bad day at the office.

Tunnel to Chrstal Cove State Beach...Alas.