3rd time the 50

So, I was not sure how I would manage to run for more than 8+ hours and complete a 50 miler on Saturday. I was actually excited to give it a try. It gave me an adrenaline rush just getting my gear ready for the race. So at around 5:30am I headed to the race site for a start time of 6:30am.

Like all the times I have towed the starting line for this race, they have a credo to repeated before the start of the race:

"There no place I rather be, then with you here today"

On that note, the traditional start happens: The race director says "GO"

So the 1st part was a 2 mile filler loop, I started in the middle of the pack, and was a little bit overdressed after the 2 miles. So I tried to unzip my sleeves from my jacket while I was running. That is when I had my wardrobe malfunction. I got one sleeve off, but the other one I asked somebody to help me. Then the zipper got stuck, so after a couple of minutes trying to remedy that, I just tucked it in my jacket and took off again. At that point I was at the way back of the race and tried to get to back to my original position. Not sure it was the right thing to do since I still had 45+ miles to go.

The 1st full lap went well, I tried to keep a steady 10 minute pace eventhough my heart rate was a little high. As I saw the marathon and 50k turnaround points go by, I felt they were the smart ones this day. So with the 1st loop and 18 miles done, CRAP, I just did my longest run since IM Wisconsin 7 weeks ago, what was I thinking?

So for the rest of the day, I felt the 2nd loop would be the hardest for me, and decided to take it a little easier if I needed to. I also had the bail out option of completing just two laps and getting credit for a 50k race. Even though it would be more like 34 miles instead of 31.

But I was surprised after completing the second loop that I was still not feeling to bad with all the miles I had just run.

So the 3rd and final loop began, somehow I had a gut feeling this was going to HURT. I started out and the wind gust off the Lakefront seemed to be stronger. A strong headwind, something I was not liking at all. But pushed on I did. I was still doing okay from running from aid station to aid station. The motivation came from the 50k and marathon runners on the course.

But at mile 40, the wheels started to come off a little bit. I had a run in with some big burly man at the porto-pody near the aid station. This guy was 10 feet away from porto-pody and a women was using it and just came out, I proceeded to use it as well. Then he yells at me saying: "I not standing hear for no reason". Okay I was thinking, I can't outrun him, I'm at mile 40, so I could get in a argument and have to kick his ASS. But I was racing, so I let him use it and I went on my way. Okay, the reason it was there in the 1st place was because of the race. C'mon big burly guy, YOU SUCK!!!

Enough of that rant!

So at the final turn I was on my way home, 8 more miles. It seemed forever, I was having a hard time just to run for 5 minutes, so I started to start walking a little more. I was getting mentally exhausted and my legs felt heavy and feet felt swollen. I knew I had a couple of blister growing in there. So I started talking to myself to keep going. C'mon, try one mile or 10 minutes a time, I said to myself. Sometimes that worked and sometimes it didn't.

Then the strong headwind that I just ran through was now a strong tailwind. "C'mon Wind" push me through, I think it actually helped. Or I think at that point I just wanted to finish this race.

6, 5, 4, 3, 2 more miles to go. I just put my head down and tried to play mind games and try to see if I could pass people. Boy, my legs were hurting.

Then the final stretch, no matter what, I always run to the finish line. As I turned the corner I saw and heard the people cheering me at the finish. They were telling me to sprint in. You kidding me, Then I saw I was a minute away from going under 9 hours. So I sprinted in and made it, I think the time was 8:59:5o (10:47 avg pace). I wish I could have done better but I will take it.

I was greeted by my blogger friend BAUN at the finish line. A big congrats for him in completing his 1st 50k this day, and a big THANKS for waiting the 2+ hours to greet me at the finish line. I think he is ULTRA hooked.

Overall, it was a great day for me, honestly I pretty much pulled this 50 miler, in no other way to say it, "BUT OUT OF MY ASS." It was hard, but seeing this guy with some kind of cerebral palsy just shuffling away trying to complete a 50k, pretty much put a lump in my throat when I saw him. I saw him finish, now that's determination. So I have no complaints about my aches and pains (okay maybe a little).

My 3rd 50 miler this year, I think I placed around 35 with 109 people registered. Not sure the number of people who actually finished, dropped out, or opted for just the 50k. But with chili in my tummy after the race, I had a great day and yes I'm DONE, NO more 50 milers for the rest of the year (okay, there is no more races in the area to enter in).

I did see the 1st place runner whiz by me, He shattered the course record with around a 5 hour and 30 minute (6:36 avg pace), 50 miler, is that sick or what?

I saw the juggler guy run the whole 50 miles juggling 3 balls, I think he is going apply for the "Guinness" world record status for his accomplishment.

Mann, I love this ULTRA community.

But right now, I think I need more tylenol to ease the pain!

"Crackers, I tell you"

I think I have lost the rest of my sanity.. I have been trying to debate whether or not to even do this race. I have nothing to prove, I've done what I set out to do this year, so why am I doing this?

Hmm, they added a certified marathon race, I could do that instead?

Hmm, I could always do the 50k?

Hmm, I think my longest run the past 4 weeks was around 20 miles and that includes the Chicago Marathon "Meltdown".

I seriously only have done less than 30 miles per week of running since end of August.

Reading "Studies in Clydeology" didn't help matters either, since his latest post was all about Ultra Marathons he is planning to do.

I actually should be running instead of writing this blog. Hmmm, you think?

So after much debate within myself, Yes, I finally registered:

"Thank you for registering for the Chicago Lakefront 50/50. Your Registration is confirmed"

"Question: Please select a category:"~ Answer: 50 Miles (10/27/2007)

Oh, this is going to really hurt afterwards if I finish the entire 50 mile ROAD Ultra.

So Why do it? I guess I'm just a CRAZY Ultra Runner, enough said.

~ But I think some of you know that already!!!

Angry Mr. Bunny Man!

So a week has passed since the race debacle I call the "Chicago Marathon". I think it was the right thing to do to cancel the race, but don't really agree how the Race director and Mayor were trying to put the blame on the volunteers and then the runners themselves for the shortage of water.

YES, we have to have some sort of responsibility as athletes to our own health. But when you pay a race fee, I would like to expect some sort of adequate support for our basic needs.

You think?

So as the news fades on this issue and the fingers become less pointed I will put away my "angry" bunny ears for now and see what I will do the same time next year.

But you know what, it did help me get off my ASS and start to do some descent training again.

With the Lakefront 50 mile/50k still looming on the race schedule and going back and forth on why I want to even consider running a 100 mile UltraMarathon in early '08,

I really need to start Running longer again!!!

So with a couple of sessions on the treadmill, my floppy feet are running again and for the most part enjoying it. Hopefully getting close to my weekly goal of running at least 50~70 miles a week. (Crap, Did I just say that?)

But concerning eating more carrots instead of eating a carrot cake, that still is a work in progress.

Marathon Meltdown!!!

So with the high heat in the forecast I knew it would be a tough day for a lot of people.

I was going to Crew/Sherpa for my friend who was going to try to complete his first marathon.

The race plan was to run around a 13 minute pace and walk every aid station.

We started at the 5 hour pace mark so not to be too far back from the start. It still took us almost 20 minutes to get to the starting line.

The pacing started out well, he actually was running around 12~13 minute pace for the first couple of miles. I had assured him that. "This is a BIG race for the City", they won't run out of water. But starting from mile 1 through 10, I had to fight to get water. Most of the Gatorade was gone by the time we got there as well. People were hitting water fountains in front of condos and parks just to cool themselves off.

Around mile 10 my friend started to slow down considerably, I had made sure to at least find him either some water at the aid stations to keep him hydrated. But his stomach was acting up and he just wanted to throw up. He started to walk more and he felt he was getting hot and was having a little trouble breathing. So I knew it was not going well. So around mile 11, he told me he was going to stop and called a friend to pick him up along the course and take him home. He is doing well now, disappointed, but not discouraged and will try again another time. So I'm glad for that.

After he dropped I was going to run the rest of the way at my regular pace. At that point everybody was pretty much walking. I didn't really think it was that hot until I started to run faster. My heart rate was spiking pretty high at a pace that should be comfortable for me. But I keep running, weaving through all the walkers.

Then at a certain point a cop was saying you only have a couple miles to go, I was only at mile 16, WHAT, is he pulling my leg. Nope, they had re-routed the course and I did not know it at the time, they closed the race at a certain cut-off point. Yes, I got caught up in that cut-off point, but the people who were denied the entire marathon course were all still determined to step across the finish line in some fashion in this chaotic mess. I was one of those determined runners as well.

They even tried to stop us from timing in at the finish line. With only 20 miles of running, I put my foot across the finish line, even got my finishers medal. Not sure if I deserved it?? But they ran out of water, closed the course on thousands of people, and the day looked like a medical disaster zone. But I told my daughter I would bring home a medal for her, and so I did.

(me with my bunny ears)

Personally, it was the most chaotic marathon or even running race I have ever done. With temperatures hitting the mid 80's or hotter. "Runner Down" was a common theme.

300 people hospitalized, some still in the hospital, and unfortunately 1 race related death at the race.

They ran out of everything at the aid stations. They ran out of ambulances to bring people to the hospital. I was totally disappointed of the race organizers handling of the heat!! They knew it was going to be a hot day and did not prepare enough for it.

I truly love my hometown marathon, I will continue to enter it as long as I can run, but was truly saddened by the events of the day. But all the people I knew who ran are home safe and sound, not in a hospital somewhere, including me, so I'm glad for that.

So I leave you with some pictures of some of the brighter moments of the race for me.

Yes! these are guys in drag..

A man running on top of a chicken.

"Go Go" Mr. Testicles..

October?

So what is October going to mean for me?

Trying to keep my streak alive with my high performance nutritional schedule:

So for the past 20 days. I have at least eaten one of these to start off my day along with 20 ounces of coffee.

~ A Jumbo danish filled with apples, cheese, or cherries,
~A Dunkin Donuts Apple fritter,
~And Yes, Jimmy Dean sausage/egg Croissant.

You gotta luv it, just bought another container of 9 Jumbo danishes to keep the streak alive.

October also means its time again for the Chicago Marathon. It will be my fourth year entering and the fifth 26.2+ running event entered this year (I guess the IronMan marathon would be 6). But this year is a little different. I told my good friend if he signs up I would pace and run the whole thing with him. So he signed up and as of now, he is planning on showing up. So even if I have to scream a bunch of expletives at him, I will get him to the finish line. I think a 20 minute run / 2 minute walk routine should hopefully get him under the 6 hour mark. That is my goal for him anyways. Also hopefully he will also realize when he crosses that finish line that there is more to life than just working all the time.

My goal is just to have fun and maybe get in a little extra miles before the race for my own version of a "Fat Ass" Chicago Run (50k).

October also means the start of more trail running. I did my longest and 1st trail since Iron-Man yesterday (8 miles). I was so excited to be out there again. I was expecting to run with only 3 people, but we had around 9 people to run the trails with. Yes, fresh horse crap on the ground and bugs buzzing around. It was a great morning. But, I was kinda of disappointed at the modifications of the trail, making the trail path a little easier for us folks to run on and building bridges over the two little streams on the route. So being the occasional "Smart ASS" I decided to protest the trail upgrades and not use the fancy bridges. One stream was just a muddy creek, the other almost knee deep, so the possibility of falling into the stream face first would have not been fun but entertaining to the rest of the group. But I ran across and made me realize why I luv trail running, it is always an adventure.

October also means the Lakefront 50k/50 mile on the tentative race schedule at the end of the month. Pretty much a flat Ultra-Marathon road race along the Chicago skyline, so which 50 I might do is still in debate. I have to see how my legs feel after the marathon.

Last of all October means another year my wife has put up with my nonsense. 8 years of marriage on the books now.. So we had our 5yr old daughter pick out our anniversary Dinner yesterday. So I guess a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken it is. Funny thing my wife was okay with it. Ahhh family life.

So what is October going to mean for you?