Sherpa John: Human Potential

YOU have a voice

2015-08-18T09:55:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I posted a blog post about the Leadville 100. (It is Leadville week after all.) Only 70 of you managed to find and read the post, which pales in comparison to the typical average of 500. It's not something I broadcast or shared as normal. I just typed and plopped it there. In short.. I posted MY thoughts on the continued issues that plague the Leadville Race Series. So in that post I touched on these points:

1.) There continues to be HUGE amounts of trash left behind on the Leadville Race Courses, and left mostly by the bikers. (PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE)

2.) The lottery this year, was too much a secret for a company that could use more transparency. Not only that, but they've introduced more changes to the lottery which affects those who have supported the race for nearly a decade or longer. (PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE)

3.) The new race insurance policy, and lottery entrance fee, are just more ways that LTF (Life Time Fitness) increases their bottom line. (PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE)

4.) Because of their mission to increase the bottom line, LTF has put runners, some traveling from sea level with little to no ultra experience, in dangerous high altitude situations while ignoring the concerns of more than one volunteer.

5.) The Leadville Race Series has never had to complete a NEPA study in its long history. That changes this year as the USFS is finally looking into doing so. (PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE)

Most of what I shared above, as you'll see, is not a secret. It's public knowledge. I have the privilege and honor of being friends with a number of folks who live, and work, in the towns of Leadville and Twin Lakes. I also put on my own series in Fairplay, which is only about 10 miles as the crow flies over the Mosquito Range from Leadville. Word travels fast in the mountains, and things that happen over the hill I am privy to in Fairplay because it usually comes with, "Don't do....." or "We just heard that this took place in Leadville/is happening in Leadville and we want to be sure it doesn't happen here." Yet, after sharing yesterdays post, I was sad to learn that people who live and work in Leadville were actually being threatened, publicly, at their place of work.. for sharing their concerns and opinions about how things are going up there. This.. is not only one of the more ridiculous things I've heard, but it's really truly very sad. (By threatened I mean.. Someone walked into their place of work and threatened to harm an individual who shared honest, though negative, thoughts on Lifetime in her town).

Over the last few months, a lot has gone on in the endurance world especially here in Colorado. It started with the Revel Rockies run. Where the bus company contracted by Revel, failed to send enough buses to transport half marathon runners from the parking lots to the starting line. They cancelled the race and blamed the bus company. The reality is... Revel should have done their due diligence by researching the bus company they contracted with a little more. If they had done so, they'd have discovered that they are not recognized by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and operating illegally. Yes.. Revel signed a contract for services with an illegally operating bus company and there are ample ways to find this information out before signing on the dotted line. A number of people (hundreds) spoke up about the fiasco.

The Denver Rock N' Roll Marathon changed one of the run courses from a tour of Denver Parks to a more urban course. They announced this change on July 1st, but runners are just speaking out about it now.. and a LOT of them are. Why? Because the changes were made after folks had signed up for the event. They changed runner's expectations, and did so far into training plans for the event. Personally, not a big deal in my world, but there are literally a few hundred pissed off runners on the fence about if they run the race or not.. (Note: RnR Marathon Denver is now offering full refunds to runners upset about the last minute course changes)

These are just two examples of how the runners in the marathon, and under, world ban together to speak up about issues at races. Doesn't matter if the issue is large or small, they have a voice and they let it be heard together. It really is amazing, and I've acquired a whole new respect for "road runners" because of this. They stick together, they speak when something isn't right, in turn.. stuff get's done. These people understand that change only happens when you have a voice and you voice it loud.

Which brings me to ultra running...
I remember back a number of years ago, when the Ultracentric Races in Texas failed to award the promised prize monies to those who won the event and/or set records while there. We're talking thousands of dollars, that the RD spent instead of putting aside for the over-advertised purse. The course which was also advertised as flat with zero elevation change, ended up having over 1000' of gain and loss. Runners were FURIOUS. It spawned an Irunfar.com article, I posted here on my blog, and runners who were there/involved spoke loud and proud about their negative experience. Ultracentric went away for a short time in order to regroup. But the fact remains that the runners spoke up, and it forced change in our sport, and to my knowledge nothing like that has happened since.

Look at Leadville 2013. It was such a fiasco, and so many people (not just me), wrote about it and shared their disgust that the event was a complete turn-around in 2014. Enough voices spoke up and demanded better of race organizers that they had no choice but to deliver and they did. However.. It came at a price to us runners. What has transpired (and continues to transpire) in Leadville has polarized our sport. Either you care or you don't. Some folks who care... really don't because they'll admittedly keep running in the event anyway for sentimental reasons. Either you have issue with how LTF runs things, or you could care less. Either you think trash is an issue on the course, or you acknowledge they'll eventually pick it up. You have an issue with the lottery and choose not to even enter.. or you throw your name in the hat and see what happens. Either way.. those who dared to have a voice in 2013, those who continue to have a voice now.. are consistently drowned out by the die hard supporters.

That's how the world works I guess, but in the process, we're starting to breed a culture of spineless ultra runners. People are starting to fear speaking up, and in turn, they just aren't anymore...

The Ouray 100 experienced a number of issues that, I feel, are detrimental to the sport and to other race directors in the area. Issues that include but are not limited to: No medical staff, aid stations not where they were supposed to be if existent at all (as in, 3-5 miles down the trail from where they were supposed to be), no swag, no shirts, no awards, no one awake at the finish line, or no one even at the finish line, errant course marking, sections with no course marking, course changes mid race, race director showing up at 3:58a for a 4:00a start, an RD making light of how he pissed off 50% of this years crews and next year he's "going for 75%," more water crossings than advertised, crews jumping in to not only set up aid stations but having to share their food, on and on and on..

Of the 47 runners who started the Ouray 100.. only 9 finished. Most runners bailed on the event after realizing it was not only incredibly unorganized, but unsafe. Of those 47 runners, some have professed that "The course was so beautiful!" "Ultra runners don't whine!" The RD seems like a good guy" and "I had a great time.." While a very few others have offered their experiences/concerns publicly. I know of others who have chosen to keep their thoughts and feelings personal, and instead chose to write letters to the appropriate land managers as well as other RDs affected by what went on at these races. (For more information about what went down at the Ouray 100 from runners' perspectives, see The Ultra List archive from August Week 1, and the Ouray 100 Facebook Page/posts to Page).

As one of those other RDs, there is little that I can do about other RDs. I have a voice, and I chose to let it be heard. That's the best you can do, we can do, as a community to make changes in our sport. Speak up! Let people know if a race was a train wreck, or if there is something about a race you don't like or appreciate. It doesn't need to be nasty, but you have a voice, and voting with your wallet doesn't work in our sport because there are always more runners who are willing to take your spot nowadays. There are people speaking out about things they don't like at my races. A lot of these folks, have actually tried my series out, and they voice their concerns in email. I don't have to agree with their points of view (neither do other RDs) and the concerns at my series' events are mostly small beans considering the big picture.. but these people, I know, still talk to others. That's great!

But I fear we've gotten to the point where people in the ultra world are afraid to speak up. Afraid because their concerns won't be heard. They'll be poo-pooed by the louder supporters. They'll be brushed off as whiners. They'll be threatened by locals who want the races to go on as they do. I've heard it time and time again.. "Stop your bitching and vote with your wallet." Last I checked, that's not how this country worked and it's certainly not the vision of 'Freedom of speech' our four-fathers penned on paper for us.

There has been a lot of change in ultra running and it will continue. However, it's up to the runners to hold race organizers to a higher (or even the highest) of standards. I take my job very seriously and when people don't like something I do.. I may cry about it on my end.. but I do my damn best to fix it. But that's me.. I have a series that's still getting started. I can't afford to not make fixes. But it's also not fair that the little guy like me is forced to make changes while the bigger older races seem to get a free pass based on their history alone. People in our sport are afraid to speak up. The road runners have us beat.. they speak loud and proud when somethings not right. But ultra-runners.. we claim to be "more laid back" and.. we just don't care about that stuff as much. I don't believe that. We care, we have thoughts and opinions, we have real concerns... but our community is so small, so niche, that we fear being ostracized for not going with the majority. It's sad..

I guess I'm a good example of why there is fear. I've always been unafraid to post my thoughts and feelings about issues in our sport. Even if they are issues that only I feel are real issues, I speak up. In turn, I'm like a lightning rod. I get hate e-mail, hate comments, and all kinds of other notes from anonymous people. I get it.. we cannot share our honest thoughts and opinions publicly anymore for fear of persecution. That's not right and to some extent, we as ultra runners should be ashamed.

A good race is a good race. A great race is a great race. A race with issues, is a race with issues. No matter how it goes, we should feel free to express our praise and concerns equally without fear of being ostracized, persecuted, or threatened. There is no website that adequately rates races, RDs, or other. It just doesn't exist. The only thing we have is each other and our voices. Let's try and be better about sharing our thoughts with the goal being to make our sport the best it can possibly be. We must hold each other, other RDs, other races to a higher standard. THIS is what will allow our sport to excel and move forward. We owe it to future generations of ultra runners to make each and every event as awesome as it can truly be. We can do that by volunteering/lending a hand.. we can do it by voicing the wrongs to make them right.. we can do it by not trouncing each other for doing our part.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." ~Steve Jobs

RR: 2014 Bighorn 100

2015-02-25T16:37:00.005-07:00

June 20-21, 2014
Dayton, WY
Time: 32:13:36
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Road to Redemption
The say you measure a man not by how many times he gets knocked down, but by the number of times he gets back up. I vividly remember sitting at the Footbridge Aid station in 2012. I had slowly peeled my shoes off my feet to look at the maceration, to poke at the blisters, and decide if I wanted to continue. I was looking for someone to tell me it was OK to go home, and my crew had done just that. Normally in races, I make a list of what I'm willing to go through to reach the finish line. For the 2012 race, I didn't make that list. I didn't care. I was tired, worn out and ready to take a break from Ultra Running.. so I did.

After 4 months off in 2012, I rediscovered what Ultra meant to me and the role it played in my life. I got back into the swing of things, lost a ton of weight and strived to keep knocking off the BHAG goals I set for myself. Since 2012, it's been in the back of my mind that I need to return to Bighorn to finish what I started. I needed redemption.. this is that story.

Sick As A Dog
In the days leading up to this years Bighorn 100, my wife had a bout with Food Poisoning. I did everything I could to try and stave it off but it was no use. Thursday morning, the day before the 100, the day I was to drive the 6 hours to Sheridan Wyoming.. I woke up early to puke my brains out. It came out of both ends. My stomach turned and churned all day long and I struggled to keep myself hydrated and fed... and prepared to run 100 miles. Instantly, thoughts of doubt came into my head. I was so sick, I doubted I would make it past the first crew station. I knew I would start, but lasting was hugely in question.

I did everything I could and kept myself in check, I made it through the night, woke up race morning with the runs still and some stomach distress. I ate my normal pre-race breakfast of yogurt with oats, chia and strawberries.. then I went to the preface meeting. Bighorn holds it's pre-race meeting on race morning, then let's the runners simmer in town for a few hours before the race officially starts at 11am. After the meeting, we all slowly head over to Tongue River Road and bake under a very hot sun while we await the start. Runners are looking for shade, I'm just getting used to the heat I know we're going to endure for the next few hours.

They're Off!
We all start to huddle closer together, the mass slowly moves to the starting line.. its time to go. I'm fed, my stomach is churning, I have a headache and I have no idea how this is about to go. But I'm determined to make it to that finish line against whatever odds are thrown a me, and redemption with surely be mine. Go! We're off! I start down the road with some of my fellow Front Rangers.. Hawaiian Shirt Ray, Andrea, Neeraj.. I'm glad to have their company and the conversation quickly turns to finishing so we can have our Hardrock Qualifier. That's all that matters right? I take out the pace chart I had printed out and laminated. I put times down for a sub-24 hour finish.. I must have been high or something because there is no way in hell.. that's where I'll end up. I stuff the chart back in my pack only to have it fall out. I run back on the road, pick it up.. stuff it back in. 5 minutes later.. I've lost it again. No clue where it is.. and my mileages, aid station checks and everything I had planned and put on that card.. is gone.

I'm not wearing a watch, I have normal shoes on, what's the difference if I have a pace card or not? I'm going old school.. when things were simpler. When ultra-runners just showed up and ran the damn race. As we climb out of Tongue River Canyon, I like many others are sucking wind as we climb long and strong out of the valley. The wild flowers are out and everywhere. I team up with Andi Ramer from San Diego and we talk for quite awhile. I really enjoy her company and conversation and we solider on into the first aid station together.

I see something that looks like jello on the aid station table. I ask the volunteers what it is and they tell me "Jello Shots." "Really?" "Yeah" "No... really?" "No." "Well... you have no clue what us runners are like. When I come back through here tomorrow.. I expect jello shots. I'll even chug a beer with you dammit!" I leave and head on up the hill knowing that my crew is waiting for me at the next aid station. As I saunter in, my stomach is still churning, I feel winded and sick.. I'm already tired and I tell Sarah "I forgot how hard this can be." I get what I need and prepare myself for the long journey. My plan was to not bother sending my crew to footbridge, and just have them see me at the turn around. In leaving Dry Fork Aid... I was on my own from miles 13 to 49. God help me now.

I tried hard to run the next section of long rolling ATV Roads. I had Neeraj Engineer with me, and Gary Harrington. Someone from my now and someone from my past. We all had great conversation as we ran into and through Cow Camp. I then managed to hook up with a guy from Ohio, whose name escapes me right now and we ran quite a few miles together. I enjoyed the conversation about Ohio Ultras like Mohican and Burning River, some folks we both know, and even discussing races the two of us have done even if in different years. After hitting up the stock pipe for some water, I left him behind and continued to push forward towards the river. I had a time I wanted to hit for my arrival there to ensure I stay on track.

The Pinery
I ran alone for quite awhile enjoying what is actually one of my favorite sections of the course. The single track is night now as it winds its way through a thick spruce/pine forest. I'm careful to not trip on any roots or slip on any rocks. It's some tough negotiation, more so than anything we typically run in Colorado yet far easier than most trails in New Hampshire. Maybe I'm just enjoying the run through the scented Christmas Trees. I hit Bear Camp which has a scant amount of aid. There is nothing here that I need other than a hello, so I pass on by without much of a care knowing the river is just down the hill. "Just down the hill" is being easy on it. It's a quad pounder. Nearly straight down for the next few miles.

I finally catch up to Neeraj and ask him how he's doing. I'm shocked to be anywhere near him knowing that his skills and ability far exceed my own. Turns out he hadn't peed for quite a while, so I told him every trick I knew in the book to help him along with that. It finally worked as he squeezed a few drops out. In the meantime, I enjoyed my run down through a hillside littered with yellow and orange flowers. I glanced to the horizon, also known as Montana, and places where the Battle of Little Big Horn took place. Then finally, descended back into the trees until finally hitting the river, crossing Footbridge, and sauntering into the aid station.

Footbridge
I got my drop bag right quick and did a shoe change here before continuing on up the hill. Basically, I traded out my good shoes for a crummy pair of shoes knowing that the mud is what's ahead. My stomach has finally settled down after feeling sick all morning and I'm feeling surprisingly GREAT. The race is finally turning around for me, I'm not feeling sick anymore, my stomach has settled down and I'm ready to settle in for the long haul. I grab some food and start my hike up the hill. I'd spend the majority of the next 6-8 miles alone, as I slog my way up to Moose Swamp. I watch as the sun sets behind the hillsides. I make sure I take some time to enjoy the alpine glow, the silence, the alone time, and the sheer beauty of this moment in time.

Upon arriving at Moose Swamp under increasing darkness, I sit down in a chair and have a sandwich. I ask how many have come through and I'm shocked to learn the number is over 100. This is the kind of information I'm better off not knowing, simply because of what it does to my train of thought. I immediately feel a little demoralized. I could care less about the race.. but it is a race, and my performance is sub par. So I spend a little extra time, licking my wounds, telling jokes, and then deciding to carry on further uphill.

Not far out of the aid station, the first of the front runners came cruising down the hill. He and his pacer with no headlamps on, looking fresh as daisies. I couldn't believe it wasn't Rob Krar and in fact.. it would be awhile before I would lay eyes on Rob who blew up on the long ascent into the turn around. This young man running downhill was telling jokes, being fun, and incredibly supportive of all runners he happened upon on his way down. I cannot even begin to tell you how much this pumped me up. What surprised me even more was that the next morning during the awards breakfast, after this young man had won, Luke Nelson stood up in front of the crowd and thanked everyone for being there even calling upon the individual who finished DFL to hand him his buckle first. THIS is the ultra I knew a decade ago, that I always thought was lost, and it was a 33 year old from Idaho who restored my faith in all that is ultra running again.

Thunderstruck
Further up the trail I started to see bright flashes in the distance, and faint rumbles of thunder. I started to count the time between flash and rumble to determine if we were going to be hit. In the distance I could also hear a herd of elk bugling into the night. Incredibly eerie yet surreal. I determined the storm was getting closer and I was assured to get wet. I was to continue uphill, into more open country, maneuvering mud and pond along the way.. I started to think about my options. As I got to the next aid station, I grazed at the food as the rumbles got louder. A young volunteer just stared at me for the few minutes I was there until he stumbled to get a few words out.. "S.. So.. are you like.. crazy?" I looked up at him wide-eyed with a shit eating grin on my face. I ate some reeses' cups, and answered.. "You're the crazy one dude. You're missing out on some of the most incredible shit a human being can do. Train. Come out here next year. LIVE." Then I took off...

Not long out of the aid station, I could hear the rushing sound of the downpour approaching. I stopped to cover up a little bit with my jacket, then continued on up the trail. It poured a frigid rain onto the course. Water was running off of everything from everywhere. The lightning flashed brightly and the thunder cracked loudly. My choices were to sit in the aid station and wait it out, where there was no cover, and a small fire, or keep going. I've been here before.. I kept going. Not much longer up the trail I hit it. "IT" refers to the part of the course where the mud gets sloppier, slipperier, deeper, colder, and leftover drifts of snow from the harsh winter remains. While these drifts look solid and for the most part are, there were times would I would step on the snow to avoid the mud only to sign in up to my knee. The both 1/3rd was below the snow and into frigid muddy waters. This is Bighorn right here, besides the sheer beauty of this course, this is what it's known for.. the muddy turn around.

JAWS
I made it to Jaws, the 50 mile turn around, where my crew was waiting. The rain had let up and we could see our breath now. I ducked into the aid tent to check in. What a HUGE mistake. I wish checking in OUTSIDE the tent was OK because it was warm in that tent. About 80 people huddled together while runners grazed the table, crews worked on feet and legs, race staff checked us in and out. Medical teams asked questions to check in on mental status. I saw Robbie and Neeraj and knew I didn't want to head down the hill alone, so I waited for them a little bit before walking out of the tent alone. As soon as I stepped outside of the tent, I froze. I started to shiver uncontrollably. The damn tent was so warm that all the time I had spent getting used to the chill in the air was gone. I grabbed my puffy coat from my crew to get warmed up while on the run and I took off alone. On the way out I saw a number of Front Range runners I knew. We all checked in with each other, seeing how the day was going, encouraging each other to continue and I of course warned them about the warmth of the tent.

A few miles out Robbie and Neeraj caught me. I hung onto them and followed them down the mountain. For the most part we all stayed together. There was no doubt that I was moving much slower than Neeraj but for some reason, he didn't seem to mind. It was his first 100, I think he wanted company as much as I even though he had a pacer. At times we all talked, but for the most part, it was a quiet concentration as we maneuvered the mud and muck. At one point, I tried and totally super manned into a mud hole. The entire front of my body was covered with mud. It got into my handheld, only me hands, and there was really no clean way to wash it off.. until the next aid station.

The further down the hill we get the more sleepy I start to get. I can feel Neeraj starting to pick up the pace again as the sun slowly starts to come up on the horizon. Thankfully it's one of the shorter nights of the year. I'm moving pretty well with these guys but find it increasingly more difficult to just keep my eyes open. When we get to the cowboy aid station, I tell Robbie and Neeraj to go on without me as I'm going to take a nap. I just laid down right in the weeds at this aid stop, and feel asleep for 5 minutes. I wouldn't call it "sleep though" it's more of a vegetative state. As I laid there I could here runners come into the station. Some would point at me and say, "What's wrong with that guy" to which a volunteer would say, "I don't know.. just tired I guess." While my body rested as if I was in REM sleep, my brain stayed on, I could hear everything. It really is like a bad dream. After 5 minutes, I pop up and take off running again, heading down to footbridge.

Foot-wash-Bridge
When I get to the Footbridge I see Robbie and Neeraj tending to his feet. I look around and it seems like most everyone is sitting in a chair getting a foot wash and changing socks and shoes for the long road yet to come. This is the spot where I had quit last time. I came in knowing that there was no way in hell I'd get stuck here again. I sat in a chair and immediately start taking my socks and shoes off. I take the footpath in excruciatingly cold water. When I'm done, I put my good socks and shoes back on. I say bye to Robbie and Neeraj, and chill a bit longer munching on an Egg McMuffin... breakfast.

As I leave Footbridge, I'm all smiles knowing that at least I'd gone further than I had last time I took on this race. But I had to make a #2 stop in the woods. I peeled off the trail and into the woods for a break. Did what I had to do and started going again. This is what they say is "The Wall." I don't know how long it is, or how steep.. but I can tell you it's too damn long and too damn steep for having just run 18 miles downhill. I am literally crawling up this hill making my way up to Bear Camp. The sun is out now and it's starting to get warmer. It's humid, and the flowers are out again. One after another, it seems, runners and pacers are passing me by as I slowly slink up the trail. This is one of those places in ultra where ALL of your energy goes into one foot in front of the other. I start doing math in my head, begin worrying about finishing, worrying about my time.. and talking myself out of the cycle.

When I get to Bear Camp, they don't have much for aid, but I do make a point to stop and talk for a bit. I'm still incredibly tired, struggling again to keep my eyes open. About 20 minutes outside the aid station, I stop again. I walk 10 feet off the trail and take another 5 minute nap in the weeds. After 5 minutes.. I get up.. and continue going. Not much longer down the trail, I feel my eyes so heavy I can't keep them open. I'm swaying back and forth from side to side as I continue to fall asleep. I stop again, and crash into the deep ferns. While laying there... every time a runner came by me, they'd wake me up to ask if I was OK. I was irate. I'd be MORE OK if they'd let me sleep.. but I get it. It was the last runner who passed me by, a 50 miler and her pacer, who asked if I was OK. I told them I was just taking a nap. They asked for my bib number so they could report me to the next aid station to let them know I was out here.. I jumped up from my 15 minutes of non-sleep to snap back, "This is damn near my 20th hundred, I'm fine. I just need a god damn nap! Can you let me sleep!" and I laid back down..

Sleepy-Jean
After 15 minutes I got back up and started running again. I'd eventually catch that woman and her pacer at Cow Camp. We all sat down for another round of breakfast. I had hash browns and bacon that were on a scale of delicious most humans don't know about yet. I apologized to them for my grumpiness and assured them I was fine. I watched as the cutest little girl was running around filling water bottles, serving food, and just being... you know.. Cute. I'm starting to wonder if I was going to finish and I think about my son... I don't want to disappoint him. So I get up, and head out at a fast hike. I'm still slowing down. I can feel it. I'm out of energy. I'm still tired. Struggling to keep my eyes open. Not far out of Cow Camp, Sheila Huss catches up to me. Her dad is pacing her.. her first question was if I'm OK as she couldn't believe she caught me. I told them about my sleepies, lack of energy.. worrying.. and her dad opens up a zip lock baggy. He hands me a HUGE pill called Red Line (by GNC). It's a caffiene pill. I take it.. asked how long it would last for and the response was, "You won't sleep tonight." "Give it 5 minutes to kick in"

About 10 minutes later I was more alert and ready to run than I had been in the entire race. Whatever that pill was that I just took, saved my race. It's ON. I start heading up the hill into dry fork. Sheila stopped to soak her legs in a frigid stream. I saunter into the aid station looking for Sarah. I'm offered pizza and beer, cheeseburgers.. I eat some lunch, take some fruit, refills, and some ginger ale. I'm wide awake now.. ready to go, and focusing on getting to the finish line with Sarah. I've been running Ultras for 9 years, and in all that time Sarah has paced me once. The 2010 Western States 100 where she ran the last 3 miles with me to the end. Today, she was to take on the final 18 miles of the Bighorn 100. It'll be the further this Type 1 Diabetic has ever run. I helped train her and watched her work the last 4 months to get to this point in helping.. whatever was about to happen.. I was proud of her.

Sarah joins the party
As we leave the aid station, Sheila and he Husband catch Sarah and I. Sheila's done had finished his shift and it was her hubby's turn. How appropriate that it was them two and us two. We hiked uphill a little bit. I stopped to look back and point out to Sarah where I'd been.. it's still pretty impossible to accurately fathom the distance when you aren't out there yourself running each and every step. She tried though. Soon the trail levels out and we just enjoy running through the woods. Our friend Val who was in the 50 Mile caught us just a bit down the trail. She stopped and pulled bacon out of her bra and offered us some. You're damn right we took some before saying bye to Val and promising to see her at the end.. It started to thunder again, and the sun disappeared behind a pitch black sky.

As we ran down into the next aid station, the lightning got more frequent, the thunder louder and closer, and the rain began to pick up. We jogged into the aid tent right as the rain hit. It poured, and we just stood there eating and talking to the aid volunteers while waiting it out. Some runners checked in then right back out, opting to take off into the severe storm. I kind of licked the idea of staying put knowing it was just a passer by. As soon as the rain stopped, Sarah and I got out of the aid tent and kept going. The sun was out again yet the challenge before us was just starting to show itself.

We could see the next big hill which would end up being the last big climb of the race. I knew it was steep and that in wet situations, incredibly slick. I was coaching Sarah into just taking her time, showing here how to duck walk a hill, seeing as every 3 steps forward featured a sliding step back. We were able to get some purchase in the tall grass lining the sides of the single track but after 80+ miles of running, this is some of the last crap you want to deal with. We found ways to laugh about it. We chuckled with other runners. We worked our way every so slowly up the hill. Once we got off the single track, we ended up on a dirt road that led to the top of the hill. Once we crested the top, I took Sarah by the hand, and we walked over into the wild flowers. We sat down.. and just quietly looked out over the course. We could see the line of runners descending back into the canyon below. It was one of the more surreal moments of my ultra career.. mostly because of what Sarah said next.
S: "I get it now."
J: "What...?"
S: "Why you do this. What you're doing out here. I always thought I had an idea but I really didn't. But today.. today I do. Today.. I get it."

We hadn't gone far from where I picked Sarah up at Upper Dry Fork, but already the journey was epic. I had just run 80+ miles all day and night, through two torrential and rather scary thunderstorms. Up and down mountains through fields of countless flowers.. to this moment. Sitting here amongst the flowers with Sarah just looking out at nothing.... After nearly 50 ultras... she finally understood why. This would become one of the most profound moments I've ever experienced..

We stood back up and I gave Sarah the lead. She charged down the mountain like a woman on a mission while I struggled to keep up behind her. Sarah felt good and I felt.. well.. terrible. Every downhill step was agony on my quads. I was so done running.. but we still had miles to go. I ended up literally chasing Sarah down the mountain. Our favorite aid station of the while race was the last one on the hill, run by BNSF Engineers who had hiked water and fruit into their spot. We stopped here and I ended up geeking out over trains with one of the retired engineers. So much fun. Then we continued on to the aid station at camp. When we got there, volunteers slathered sun screen on us. We grazed more food and learned about the popsicles just 3 miles down the road.

Ice Cream! Lieutenant Dan!...
We were on a new mission, the mission to get an ice pop. Except it wasn't at 3 miles, 3.25, 4, 4.5... nope.. 5 miles later we finally hit the ice pops after 2 extra miles of discouragement. By now I can smell the finish. I'm trying to pick up the pace while Sarah is finally losing steam. I want to run it in, and Sarah didn't have it in her. So I just kept hiking fast allowing her to walk when she wanted and run when she could. It worked out fine. One of the lead guys of TrailandUltraRunning.com caught up to us. This particular dude said hi to me and not much else. I used to write for them.. and decided not to anymore.. and they never asked why. Sarah had no idea who he was, but it wasn't long after he passed us by that she asked who that "guy was, and what's up his ass?" I got a good chuckle which is always appreciated late in a race. Those who know Sarah know that she is one of the kindest, most compassionate people on earth. There's an issue if she thinks you're an ass. Hehe..

The closer we got to town the darker it got again. We could see storm clouds circling above once more. The winds were picking up and getting gusty. Thunder rumbled in the distance again and it looked more ominous now than either of the two previous storms during the race. We just wanted to get done. As we hit Dayton, it started to rain HUGE drops of water, but not in a downpour. It was mostly a wind storm. As the wind kicked up harder, most of what was falling was coming out of the trees. We hit the edge of the park where the race finishes and we both began to celebrate. Sarah her longest run ever, and I.. redemption at the Bighorn 100. At 32 Hours, 13 Minutes and 26 Seconds.. I finished the Bighorn 100 in 108th place (149 finishers). It is now the 16th time I had run 100-Miles or more, and my 14th official 100-Mile Finish/Buckle.

The next morning at the awards breakfast, Sarah was visibly out of it. After we got in the car and began our drive home, I found out why. Not many people knew that we were expecting another child with Sarah being 9 weeks pregnant. Turns out that on her drive up to Wyoming on Friday, she began to miscarry in the car. As if it wasn't tough enough for Sarah to run 18 miles, the longest distance of her life, she did it all the while still miscarrying.. which she continued to due during breakfast on Sunday. Ultimately, this made it difficult to celebrate redemption at Bighorn yet, we found the time to really celebrate the time we spent together on the trail, what we endured together out there, and ultimately that helped us cope with this heartbreaking loss. Life has a funny way of working sometimes... just when you think you've climbed ever mountain.. another appears from the valley you're in. During a 100-Mile Race, it is often that a pacer will say they had no business complaining knowing what the 100 Mile Runner is going through. Sarah had plenty of reason to complain.. yet she didn't. What I endured in Wyoming during this race pales in comparison to all that she endured that weekend.. and beyond. I think as ultra-runner we sometimes forget how hard this stuff is... so to.. in life.
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In 2012 I made a short documentary about running Ultras at the Bighorn 100 called "90 Percent", you can see that video here: http://youtu.be/h7aNdSHwx3g

In 2014, I made the sequel.. Redemption: http://youtu.be/SEJQ6a96VPk

The RD: Final Commentary

2014-10-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is it, the final post in this incredibly long series of posts on Race Directing. My goal with this series was to offer up my own perspective on race directing. To share what I've learned and to hopefully dispel a number of myths that exist out there. I'll let you figure out what those myths are or are not. But ultimately, jumping back into Race Directing has continued to teach me about the changes in resource management, and the changes in ultra running. In this final post, I'm wrapping this series up with some thoughts, opinions, comments, and what-have-yous. Again.. this is a personal blog. It's a place where I get to share my thoughts and opinions based on my own personal experiences, and gained knowledge over time. You may not agree with what you read here, and I'm OK with that. To each his own.. take it with a grain of salt I guess and remember.. we as Ultra Runners have been encouraged for a few years now to "Vote with our wallets."

First, Over the years I have made a number of comments on this blog about race directors making a living doing what they do. In becoming a Full-Time Race Director myself now, I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that Race Directing is a LOT of work and is more thankless a job than you'd imagine. However, being a race director was my choice. I feel I am ultimately owed nothing. I decided to be an RD for a number of reasons: To give back to my sport, to bring Ultra back to the roots that I know and understand, and to offer something different in Colorado. Now.. yes, RD's do in fact deserve to be compensated for their time and effort. That was the hardest thing for me to admit and it took 13 of my friends to nail that into my thick, stubborn, ultra running skull. I still do not believe it is appropriate for an RD to make upwards of $35,000+ on the directing of ONE race. However, throw in training camps, other shorter events, and/or an entire series of runs.. and I can see where the salary is warranted. One of my goals was not to come into race directing with the idea of getting rich quick or capitalizing on the "boom." Because, even though business is business, treating Ultra like that is personally insulting to me. So I designed a series, so I could make a little money off of each event, that some day might equal a decent yearly salary for my entire year of work. This is what I view as fair and appropriate and I think this line of thought will help keep my entry fee's respectful towards runners.

There are a number of people who think that I'm new to this. I'm not. Again, I co-directed a popular and tough 50-Mile run in Vermont. In 2008 I directed North America's First (and at the time only) 200 Mile Trail Race. That same race was also host to a 50 and 100 mile distance. I've personally run in nearly 50 official ultras, and have finished 15 official 100-mile races. This isn't a fun little hobby for me. I take what I am doing and what I'm capable of doing for the sport of Ultra very seriously. I'm NOT a new RD, and I'm NOT just some guy trying to capitalize on the boom.

I've written and re-written this post a number of times now. There is a LOT of information I'd love to share, but in the end, it's just not worth it. It also goes against the very thing I'm trying to build here in Colorado.. which is ultimately a better Ultra Community. What you are about to read is the final, most PC version I could write. The version I could write without doing to other RD's the kind of carnage and unethical business tactics they've done to others. That's right, I said it. A majority of race directors lack real integrity, they lack very real knowledge of the sport, they are careless of it's past, and they are unethical in their business practices.

With that in mind.. Race Directing is more cut-throat in this area than it ever needs to be. I am actually quite disappointed by what I have experienced over the last year in my quest to do this. It is very clear that the ultra "community" is now the ultra "business" on all fronts. I've been denied advertising my races at other ultras because I'm "the competition." I've been ignored by other RD's with the same request simply because he "doesn't like me." I feel I am unfairly judged by some of the RD's in this area, based solely by the fact that I'm apparently in some kind of competition with them. I don't look at it like that. This is a community. A community that I'm trying to build, bring closer together, and make better for the few thousand ultra-runners here in Colorado. That's my goal. Either you're on board with that.. or you're just looking to make a buck.

As I've muddled through the long process of creating a race series and obtaining permits, I've hit a number of road blocks. Road blocks that have been put in place because of the costly mistakes of a few other race directors. It is no secret, that UROC has done some damage in our mountain communities that now prevents anyone from getting a race permit for anything in White River National Forest. Not a 5K, or a 10K, or a vertical mile.. nothing. For no one.

Regardless of what you hear.. the effects of the 2013 Leadville 100 are deeply rooted in the high country communities. Every single time I approach a land manager, town/city, county.. proposing a race, I have to spend more time talking about how I'm not Leadville, and how I'm different than Leadville, than who I actually am and what I want to bring. The small local communities in Colorado's High Country want nothing to do with Leadville or that type of race series. Only Leadville wants anything to do with Leadville. Surrounding towns call it a fiasco. When they hear that another race is coming to their town, they immediately come out to fight it. That's sad... and these two races have proven that everything everyone else does out there, affects all the others. There are no two ways about it. I view it as Greed vs. Community in our sport. Again.. what side are you on? This recent article provides more insight into what Leadville is about.. which is the money. Whether that be for the town, or Lifetime, matters not. It's a corporate money making machine that slips through loop holes and is doing more damage to our sport than good. I truly believe that, regardless of what the politician Mr. Chlouber will tell us. I'm not in this for the money, I'm in this for the community and the sport.

We have Races that are one and done. Races that are cancelled before they even happen. We also have the races that cancel because, "Not enough elite runners signed up" (looking at you Red Bull Rise). We have race directors giving runners Ibuprofen at the finish line for their discomfort. We have races that do not follow through on the promises laid out in their permit, leaving course markings and litter out on the course for upwards of a year post event.. leaving land managers no choice but to deny re-permiting of these events, and also putting a block on any new events coming in. We have RD's who don't even preview the course they design.. not themselves, and not another runner.. before sending runners out there.

The examples I've listed above do more damage to those of us looking to do thing right; do right by the runners and land managers; that it's becoming increasingly harder to host an event and earn the trust of runners. No one wants to run a first year race anymore.. because sometimes the mistakes make the training all for not, or the expense to travel a bust. Imagine if you paid a few hundred dollars to run a race, a few more hundred in travel expenses, just to take part in a race directed by someone who has no idea what they're doing.. you'd be pretty damn pissed. This is the stuff that's happening.

If you are interested in becoming a race director.. I beg you.. please don't do it for the money. Do it because you LOVE ultra running and you want to give back. Don't try and "throw it together" or "make it work" or whatever... Find out what the community needs, wants.. and create it. Don't just do it to do it. Don't just build it to have it.. think. Work! WANT! But be prepared.. it's HARD work. You'll be plunged into the world of dealing with various bureaucracies and no two are alike. You are a business owner. This "community" is gone, it's dead. It's not about the runners anymore.. it's about business. Plan to weave your way through that. You are not just a business owner. You're not just a logistics guru. You are the risk manager. Your job is to create a quality event and keep people safe. Business, money, greed, the numbers... that should all come last. In my opinion of course. Good luck

The RD: So How Did It Go?

2014-10-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

On September 6th I hosted the first official race of the Human Potential Running Series. As part of "The RD" series here on my blog, I wanted to give an honest recount of how the entire event went from beginning to end. Any good race director should be able to take a huge step back, post event, and look at every little thing they endured. They should be able to honestly view it, addressing what went well and what did not, then suggesting changes for the next year based on their own honest feedback. Race Directors should also be compelled to ask their runners for feedback. Whether that comes from in e-mail form, or via Survey Monkey.

Even though I have been involved in race directing for a number of years... (Co-Directed some Peak.com Races in Vermont from 2007-2009, Directed the New England Ultras 50/100/200 Milers in 2008, and the HPRS Fat Ass Series here in Colorado) the race did not go off with a number of hiccups. There was a great deal that went well also, and at the end of the day I completed my goal. My goal was to direct a first year race that broke even or made money, and did not have the feeling of a first year event. We've all been to at least one first year horror story. This, was not one of them.

The course I had originally mapped out, was a no-go with the Forest Service. The original layout had the entire course as one big 100K loop and one big 50K loop on 95% Single Track trails. Those trails are used by dirt bikers and has a host of blind curves. The Forest Service asked if I wouldn't mind moving my course out to the OHV/ATV Roads. After a re-map, the course was still one big 100K loop and one big 50K loop and we were approved by the Forest Service. However, the County did not approve the route which utilized a 1 mile section of paved road through a subdivision. They were not comfortable with the prospect of noise disturbing neighbors. After 2-3 other options were discussed by the County and the USFS, the permit application from the County was ultimately denied.

I then was informed that the proposed event was getting caught up in local politics of the potential host site with nearby neighbors. I started working on my USFS permit about a year and a half out from the event. I now had to pick everything up and immediately find a new host site and reroute the entire event just 3 months out from the event. After planning the repute, I had to resubmit my permit applications to the USFS and the County and pray it was approved or we would not have a race. What made this process even more difficult is that a local "paper" caught wind of the issues and published a story saying the race was denied and was no longer happening. All the while, I was still working on the permits. This caused us to start losing business from runners who had read the article. What a fiasco! Eventually, we got it all straightened out and permits were never officially secured until 3 weeks out from race day. The newspaper never wrote a retraction.

I arrived at the race site about 2 hours later than I wanted to. I had a sufficient number of volunteers to help with set-up and getting everything organized on site for pick-up. This mostly involved getting the aid station supplies separated and prepared, setting up the start/finish and preparing for packet pick-up. All of this went smoothly. We had a plan for the pre-race meal if the weather stayed fair, and a plan if it went south. It went south and we had an indoor pre-race meal that was really yummy. The host facility was great to work with and incredibly welcoming.

Course Marking was rocky. We started marking the course way too late in the day, and then our volunteers were out in the pitch dark, marking a course they were very unfamiliar with. Upon checking the course after pre-race festivities, I caught a number of issues. I then spent my entire night.. until 5am, marking the course and double/triple checking as much as I could. I made my way back to the start line for the 2am 100K start, sent them off, then headed back out to mark more of the course. Incredible headache but we got it done. At one point I ran out of orange tape and switched to all that I had.. which was yellow caution tape. I forgot to tell the runners about this change pre-50K. So some were confused in this section but no one got lost. It just so happened to also be the toughest hill on the course.

Two runners in the 100K were disoriented about 1 mile into the race. The local sheriff, whom we were required to have, escorted the runners up the dark road with his lights flashing. These two runners stopped to delayer, and when they were done, they missed the first left hand turn due to being disoriented by the lights. Earlier in the day, I caught a volunteer marking the road in the wrong direction. He was supposed to remove those markers after marking the rest of the course, but he was still out there. So after being disoriented, these two runners kept going on what they thought was the right course. They were wrong, and went 10 miles in the wrong direction. They returned to the start/finish. One of them went home, disappointed, but happily ready to return in 2015 for redemption. The other, she decided to sleep a few hours in her car, then line up for the 50K instead. When she woke up in the morning, I greeted her at her car with a partial refund, which was the difference between the 50K and 100K registrations. She would finish the 50K, with a huge smile.

The week of the race I received an email from one of the USFS Rangers that a local land owner had swung a gate on the course. They were trying to contact him to find out why but were unsuccessful. I did not need the gate open, so I told them I was ok with it being closed. At 3:30am, runners entered this property as we were permitted to do, and they were greeted with a flashlight shining in their eyes. This was the girlfriend of the contractor who was working on the house. She was spooked, apparently they were approached earlier in the week by some crazy dude wielding a gun, the house was broken into, and $20,000 worth of items was stolen. She got her boyfriend, the contractor, outside and they interviewed the 100K runners. After a brief discussion, the runners continued down the road and the contractor fired a shotgun into the air to scare them.. which he did.

Hours later during the 50K, I received word that a number of runners were lost on the course. They had followed orange arrows and flagging down the wrong trail. My volunteers jumped into action to get everyone back on course. I dispatched one volunteer to head to the location of the issue, turn runners around, and remove any wrong markings they found. I sent another volunteer out with water and food in the back of his truck to care for the runners given the new long distance to the next aid station. This was an incredibly successful operation which immediately corrected a potentially disastrous situation. How many times have you heard of this kind of response in Ultra? We had 4 DNF's because of this snafu and I was able to quench the disappointment of these runners. However, one of them was upset.. I'll explain more later.

With everyone back on course, weather moved in during the race. We had a few thunderstorms roll through which dumped about an inch of rain and two separate hail storms. The runners took it in stride, everyone was safe, all runners were accounted for and the race continued on. The storms never got bad enough that we needed to consult our Emergency Action Plan for immediate action.

At the finish line, all runners seemed pleased yet adequately worked. One runner was incredibly upset by the extra miles, and was so tired he was.. well... irked. He crossed the finish line, refused to shake my hand by putting his high into the air (like.. stick 'em up) then left. Sorry bud! Another runner was upset that the BBQ was so-so at best. True.. we were not allowed to cook for ourselves given county regulations for a food permit (= expensive). So we had a local BBQ place deliver on a recommendation. I agree that the BBQ was, so-so. This same runner was upset there was no beer. Our race was hosted by a Christian Camp. We respectfully asked them if alcohol was OK and they preferred that we NOT have alcohol at the event. Therefore, no beer at the finish line. Sorry.. rules are rules. Besides these two runners.. I heard no other major complaints.

At the end of the event, we left the national forest better than we found it, picking up ALL trash that we saw. This was regardless of if the trash was produced by us or other users. We left the host site better than we found it and they have happily agreed to host again. All runners were accounted for and safe. We didn't have one single drop of blood and certainly nothing to award the Best Blood Award. We gave out awards for DFL, which the two last finishers of the 50K shared by splitting the comp entry to a 50% discount for each instead. This indicated that the idea of "community" was not lost at our event. Those who attended, and their families, have all approached me to mention the true community feel at the event. The runners loved their shirts. We did not lose money on the event.

The last snafu was the finishers award. We had a local artisan help us in hand making each one of them. They said, "Tommyknocker Ultra 100".. since we had a 50K and a 100K.. this confused some runners at the race. We turned these awards into glass magnets.. and no one really seemed to mind. I guess we don't do this for the awards after all.

At the end of the day, the event was a huge success. Our aid stations were mentioned at being some of the best they'd ever seen and certainly advanced for a first year event. With the permit issues worked out, permitting for next year should go smoothly. We have a new plan for course marking. We have a new plan for awards. The course will be re-rooted to not include the questionable landowners parcel. At the end of it all, when you look back.. if that's all that happened.. we did good. I wanted to move the event to October in 2015, but due to muzzleloader season for hunting, we have to keep it in September. We take what we learned, and we'll apply it to the upcoming Indian Creek Fifties.

Directing the Tommyknocker Ultras was incredibly challenging. A lot happened from beginning to end. Some good, some bad, some unavoidable, some unimaginable. I'd like to think that we took the time to address every situation with professionalism and care for the runners. It was by far the most rewarding experience in race directing that I've had and I have my many volunteers and runners to thank for you. I'm looking forward to Indian Creek Fifties as I know, it will be above and beyond expectation.
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This is Part 9 of a multi-part series focusing on the ins and outs of race directing. You can read the previous three parts by clicking their links below:
Part 1: The Decision
Part 2: Your Course
Part 3: Permits
Part 4: Infrastructure
Part 5: Expenses
Part 6: Insurance, Shirts, Shwag, Volunteers
Part 7: Advertising
Part 8: Bringing it all together

The RD: Bringing it all together

2014-10-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

We've covered a lot in the previous 7 parts of this series on Race Directing, and you can find links to all of the previous postings at the bottom of this post. Again, this is just a synopsis of my experience in being a race director and I wanted to share the information because we as runners and constantly fed information that, well, just isn't entirely true. It is my hope that this post help dispel a number of myths and legends of Race Directing.

In this post, we're going to get right to it and bring it all together. You've made the decision to jump in, created a course, got your permits, purchased or borrowed most everything you need, incurred a huge amount of expenses, purchases insurance, shirts, obtained shwag and suckered volunteers to help. You event spent money on advertising and did what you could on a grass roots level to get the info out there. What else is there?! THE RACE!

Race Day is when you really have to bring it all together. This is where your passion comes through to your runners. Remember, these are not just your fellow runners anymore.. they're customers! You must deliver a product, and event, that is sufficiently comparable to the entry fee they've paid. Now.. entry fee's vary greatly across the board. I can tell you right now.. I'm not paying more than $125 for a first year 50 Mile, nor over $100 for a first year 50K. Everything you do on race weekend, race day, sets the tone for what you will deliver in events to come. You'll have hiccups and burps, you'll have to overcome a great deal of things, and how you overcome will set your reputation. Screw up now.. and recovery could take awhile.

Your race is all about the details. Setting up your finish line in a place where a runner can finish the run, and celebrate their accomplishment with their fellow runners, friends and family is key. This area should also be a place where you can provide further nourishment. That's right, a HUGE part of Ultrarunning is the after party. Don't have an after party and forget about having future races. At Tommyknocker Ultras this year, I failed to have beer at the finish line. Why? Because the race was at a Christian Camp that prohibits alcohol on property. I got some complaints.. but there is nothing I can do about it. But it goes to show you.. it's the details. UROC was criticized in 2013 for not having a very good post-race feed. They had less than HALF the registered runners in 2014 as compared to the year before. Case in point.. you forget something, screw it up bad enough, the word gets out.

Make sure your packet pick-up is in a place where runners can mingle with other runners as they arrive. Don't pack 'em in some place like sardines and make sure it's welcoming. Make things streamlined and smooth. Separate your shirts by gender and size. Have em at the ready so a volunteer can just grab and give. The whole check-in process should take 30 seconds a runner. If you're relaying information at check-in for each and every runner.. it should be pertinent to where the start is, what time to be there, and where to get food.

As an RD who had a pre-race meal at our first race, I can see why this is a dying trend in Ultrarunning. Pre-race feeds are EXPENSIVE and they can be more expensive than you think depending on your county's rules regarding food licenses and such. Also, it takes a huge chunk out of your bottom line to the tune of $10 a runner. However, I LOVE pre-race meals and wish they would make a come-back. This is the best place and time to build community. Runners catch up, talk about their training, geek out on the sport, and find folks to run with. It's a price to pay but it's all about that experience. I have personally LOVED the Pre-race meals at the Vermont 50, Vermont 100, Rockin' K in Kansas.

Make sure you've contacted ALL of your volunteers (and heard back from them) a week out from the race. Then, make sure you provide them with a volunteers manual that outlines your expectations of them. Have a pre-race volunteer meeting to go over any last minute details, re-establish your expectations and answer any questions they may have.

Course marking.. not everyone is going to know the course you've laid out. Try and find someone willing to mark your course for you. As the RD.. you don't have time. Consider taking someone out on a run in the weeks leading up to the race to show them the course. Hell, drive them around if you can. Don't give someone a map and blindly tell them to mark your course for you. The old school rule is, "The runners are responsible for knowing the course." But we don't live in the old school anymore. Today's ultra runner wants to be able to run the course with their eyes closed and not get lost. Plaster the crap out of it. Just make sure it's done by someone you trust and YOU are able to check major intersections. If you don't know your own course, if you haven't seen your entire course within the last 1-2 months prior to the race.. you are negligent by sending runners out there. Do the work or don't RD.

Your time on race day, race weekend, should be spent putting out fires and helping set everything up. You are the conductor of a multi-faceted orchestra. You need to make sure everyone is doing the work you need them to do in a timely fashion and in a way that accurately portrays your vision. You are the master of this destiny. Conduct! Spend your time talking to your runners. Thank them for coming. Answer their questions. Answer your volunteers questions. Lend a hand.. but stay close to the hub of it all. You're needed more than you'll ever imagine.

The most Important thing I'll mention in this post is your need to have an Emergency Action plan (EAP). This is the black and white, in print plan that explains what you will do if ______ happens. This could be anything from a forest fire, to severe thunderstorms, tornados, snow, other natural disasters, etc. it explains who has command over the event in all circumstances. It explains under what circumstances you will postpone or cancel the event. It will explain what you will do in the event that a runner becomes lost, or injured. What will you do if 911 needs to be called? Who calls 911? You or anyone? What is the number for Search and Rescue. Everything. You should plan to leave no stone unturned in this plan and make it available to anyone who wants to see it. This way, if anything happens, you can pull it out and say.. "This is what happened, this was out plan, this is what we did." Most importantly of all follow your plan.

After everything is set-up, prepared and ready to go.. you just have to say "GO!" and send your runners off. Make sure your Start Line is lively, fun, and is in a spot where family and friends can see their runners off and wish them luck. Play some music or do something else unique to send them off. I'm as patriotic as anyone but I hate the pre-race national anthem.. unless it's being played on bag pipes.

During the race.. you should do your very best to stay within radio/cell phone contact at all times. YOU are the decision maker. If you should roam the course, do so by not jeopardizing your ability to direct. Make sure you are only going to major intersections where you are needed and always make sure you are back at the Finish line for the Finish. Your finish line should have food, drink, music, and a place for family to gather. Make it fun. Make it welcoming. Make it a place to hang out for a few hours. As runners cross that finish line, you should be there to shake each of their hands and hand them their award. Thank them for coming. Ask them if they had a great time. Show them to the food. Be active. Be engaged. Be thankful. Yes.. you put in a ton of work, but these people gave you money for it. It doesn't matter if it's a loss, or a huge hit.. these people paid you and they deserve your thanks.

As the race ends, keep your finish line open. No runner likes to cross the finish line with 80% (or more) of the event packed up and put away. Every single runner deserves the same welcome at the finish line as every runner before them. Same thing with your aid stations. Have all the cut-offs that you want, but keep that aid station open and supplied until every runner is accounted for coming in, and accounted for getting to the next one. Keep it up and until it's OVER.

Once the race ends, don't wait a week to get the results posted. Most runners want to know how they did that night. Within 24-hours is reasonable. 48 Hours.. you're pushing it. More than 2 days.. you've got to be kidding me. Input the information and upload the results. Then send out a thank you e-mail with a link to where results can be found. Some races offer a Survey Monkey survey for runners to fill out for feedback. Be open to feed back, good, bad, indifferent or other. Take it as your keys to future success. Welcome the thoughts and use it.

You did it.. you're a race director. You're now exhausted, emotional, and wondering what you were thinking and seriously doubting your ability and/or desire to do it again. Set yourself up for success. "Fail to plan and plan to fail." It takes a Herculean effort to make a race happen no matter who the RD is. I just outlined 8 parts to the puzzle in this series. Race directing is a thankless job and by no means, is it get rich quick. It will take a few years to build your brand and get people coming to your race. Most races don't make any money until after year 3... if they get to year 3. Do it because you want to, and you are good at it, and because you truly wish to give back. Don't do it because there's a boom, or it sounds cool, or because you want a new hobby. It's a full time job. Commit.

*Two more posts on Race Directing coming up. I'm going to let everyone know how Tommyknocker Ultras went from beginning to end. Basically, I'll outline what went well and what not so well. My insight on that first event is sure to open some eyes. Also, I've mentioned quite a few races in this series. Thoughts, opinions, and hiccups.. There are a few examples of things that have happened over the years that I want to share as examples of what I think, are to the detriment of our sport. So I'll be sharing those in the hopes that some of these mistakes, are not made at other races in the future. None are the end of the world, but they certainly had an impact on a race, it's reputation, and it's success.
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This is Part 8 of a multi-part series focusing on the ins and outs of race directing. You can read the previous three parts by clicking their links below:
Part 1: The Decision
Part 2: Your Course
Part 3: Permits
Part 4: Infrastructure
Part 5: Expenses
Part 6: Insurance, Shirts, Shwag, Volunteers
Part 7: Advertising

Movie Review: "100: Head/Heart/Feet"

2014-10-03T11:47:00.001-06:00

In 2013 I returned to Vermont to run in my 5th Vermont 100-Mile Endurance Run. In the months leading up to the race, I had caught wind of a documentary film that was to be filmed during last years race. The film producers had caught wind of my upcoming 5th Vermont and asked if I wouldn't mind conducting an interview for the film on race weekend. I was happy to help with their project. A year later, I was sent a link to view the film privately. I sat on it for a week or two, then finally turned it on. In this post, I'm going to try and find the words to tell you what I saw and experienced in watching the final product.

Hammer & Saw Films is an independent film studio in New Hampshire, co-owned by Mike Mooney and Will Peters. First, these two are some pretty creative cats with wonderful personalities. The way they talk to you is enough to draw you in. Or maybe it's Mike's voice.. he sounds like a real life Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs, Deadliest Catch). They have created some short films in the past but this was to be their first feature length film. As a documentary film-maker myself, I could tell that these guys were operating on a different level right out of the gate.

The film, "100: Head/Heart/Feet” will follow the day-to-day life of ultra-runner Zak Wieluns as he trains for and finally runs a 100 mile race. The actual event is called the Vermont 100 Endurance Race, one of the original 100 mile runs in the USA. This year the Vermont 100, which raises funds to benefit the Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Association, celebrates its 25th anniversary, promising an even more competitive challenge for the 300 dedicated runners who attempt to complete this grueling competition over Vermont’s paved streets, gravel back roads and wooded trails…in daylight and darkness…all within 30 hours. A well-trained few will complete the race; many will never cross the finish line." (From http://www.hammerandsawfilms.com/100.php)

Years ago, I had approached Jim Hutchinson, who is the former RD for the Vermont 100 (now deceased), about making a documentary film about the event. He agreed so long as a major portion of the money I made went straight to the events beneficiary, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport. I never did get around to making that film, so the fact that these professionals were taking it on, excited me. Now, I've seen a number of the ultra films out there:
The Runner
Chasing the Bear
Massanutten: Two Runners, 100 Miles
Unbreakable
Running on the Sun
The Distance of Truth
Whatever that one about Yannis Kouros is out there
Running Madness

What I experienced in watching "100: Head/Heart/Feet" moved me like no other film about Ultrarunning has. From the moment the film starts, you are sucked in by the carnage of Bill's Barn. Mile 88 of the Vermont 100 is known as the triage station.. watching runner Zak Weiluns keep it together so he can continue on his journey to 100 miles, is enough to catch any ultra runners attention. From there, the film weaves it's way through the story of Zak and his quest to complete the Vermont 100. A race he had DNF'd twice before, and his attempt to get the monkey off his back. Anyone who has ever experienced the heart break of DNFing in a major race, or who has suffered injury, or who simply loves all that is our sport.. will want to see this film.

Now, it's easy to say that I'm biased because parts of my interview and voice over appears in the film a number of times. I have no financial interest in this film, and my true interest is to help promote a film that I feel.. FINALLY.. in all it's intents and purposes, has captured the true spirit of Ultraurnning and running 100 Miles. These guys truly outdid themselves in both telling the tale of the Vermont 100, a classic 100 mile ultra that has been around for over 25 years now (and one of the 1st major 100s in our country), and telling the tale of a runner with a distance dream. They nailed it. From start to finish I was riveted. On the edge of my seat, watching, waiting. I got choked up. I laughed. I certainly cried. And I cheered for Zak, who is a member of the Trail Monster Running Club of Downeast Maine.

I've run the Vermont 100 5-times. This film did right by the race. It does right by the organization it benefits. It does right by Zak the runner. It does right by everyone in this community to finally share an accurate accounting of what the hell it is we're doing out there. That no.. we're not crazy. We're awesome. This film is the one film you can show to anyone, and they'd actually GET IT. PERIOD. Of all the films I've seen about Ultra running... this is the one. The Best One. You owe it to yourself to see it... and I'm about to embark on a journey to do what I can to bring it to the Western United States.

If you're sitting there saying, "Sherpa only cares because he's in it." Think again. Already, this is the most decorated and celebrated film ever produced about Ultrarunning. Here's the list of Film Festivals they've been invited to and the awards they've won.

Vermont International Film Festival

New Hampshire International Film Festival

Cincinnati Film Festival

Boston International Kids Film Festival

Pollygrind Film Festival

Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Newburyport Documentary Film Festival

Flatland Film Festival

Kingston Film Festival – Directors Award

Here's the latest trailer: (This should be enough to give you chills)
100: Head/Heart/Feet - Official Trailer - (2014) from Hammer & Saw Films on Vimeo.

The RD: Advertising

2014-09-30T12:42:00.001-06:00

Before I sink too far into today's post.. I want to make sure I add the following preface. What I am sharing with you all in this sort of "expose" series on Race Directing, is my own personal experience in creating the Human Potential Running Series. The thoughts, opinions, facts, and facets that I have shared with you in the previous six parts is in no way a sweeping representation of what all race directors go through in directing their own races. This is merely a representation of what I've discovered, what I've gone through, and in a way.. I'm trying to debunk a number of myths that I know runners have bought into through the years. Ultimately, I'll let you come to your own conclusions.. but just know that, this is just my own personal experience.

In this post, I want to talk about advertising. We've already gone through discussing the motions of bringing your race to birth. Now what? Now, you need runners. So let's be honest.. if you're a virtual unknown in the community and are starting from scratch.. you have a long climb ahead of you. If you are active in the running community (and by active I mean: You show up to a lot of group runs, you talk with people, you blog, you run in a lot of races, you organize other smaller events..) then this is going to be a lot easier for you.

There are a number of people in the sport, who walk in to race directing with a shovel. They use that shovel and dig themselves a rather large hole to the tune of thousands of dollars to get their race(s) off the ground. If you don't have a following, or the funds, you're going to struggle from the get go. What I want to do is lay out what I've done here in Colorado to create my brand and get these races off the ground without diving into insurmountable debt.

The first thing I did when I moved to Colorado was to find some of the local running groups. There are many in Colorado's Front Range. Denver Trail Runners, Boulder Trail Runners, Fort Collins Trail Runners, Team CRUD (Coloradans Running Ultra Distances), Rocky Mountain Runners (new), Boulder Banditos, Team Alpaca.. these are just a few. I sought out some of these groups group runs and went for a run. What I discovered what that each and every group was vastly different. For awhile I thought that this place, with more ultra/endurance athletes than anywhere else in the world, wasn't running together. What I discovered was that.. they were.. based on geographic location in the metro-areas, and overall abilities. Most runners here in Colorado are competitive and care way too much about their time. All of this was different than what I'm used to back east.. where all abilities, desires, and geographical areas still run together.

So after diving into some of these groups, I was able to learn more about what Colorado had and did not have. There were few Fat Ass runs.. certainly a lot less than what I was used to having. So, I created a Fat Ass Series. I don't want to get too deep into what that is if you don't already know. Basically, they are glorified group runs. 100% Free. No Aid, No Fees, No Awards, No Wining. The first winter I had 14 individuals come out. Then the second winter I was up to about 35 individuals. Last winter I decided to take registration to Ultraisgnup.com. Doing this alone was a way at FREE ADVERTISING. People scour through the Ultrasignup.com website to see what's out there. Suddenly, people were stumbling across the Fat Asses. I created a mailing list on Mailchimp.com to communicate with everyone and suddenly, I had a mailing list of close to 300 people where 120 individuals showed up for at least one Fat Ass Run. BOOM... I had a following. Keep in mind though.. I built a following on Fat Asses over the course of three years. That's right.. it took me three years.

Once I got the Fat Asses off and running, now I was reaching people. I had a following and I built myself some credibility. But to me, it really goes beyond that. In doing this, I was able to display to everyone my true passion for this sport and to create some expectations of what people are going to get from my events. People now know that my events are well organized, welcoming, a great place to meet new runners, and challenging. How much did it cost me to do all of this? Over the last 3 years, a few hundred dollars.

So when it came time to jump into being a full time race director and creating my own series I already had a customer base at my finger tips. Not only do I post to the list-serves and e-mail groups of the number of clubs I listed above, but I also have my own e-mailing list that I personally manage from the Fat Asses. Now, I understood pretty early that if I'm going to compete in this market, I need some start-up funds. I'm not independently wealthy and I've only been employed for 6 months out of the last 2 years. So I started to get my message out there. A "Hey, this is what I'm building and why. Care to support us?" I started an indiegogo campaign, asked for donations, and boom.. over $3000 from local (and national) runners who want to support what we're building. MORE advertising and more getting the word out about our brand.

I then sought out some runners who were talented and interesting in volunteering their services. For what? The first thing my brand needed was race logos. One race logo typically goes for about $2,400. However, I was able to find a local graphic artist willing to donate his time and energy to helping us out. In exchange, I give him free advertising space on our website, mentions on Facebook and in our newsletter. He is also trying to start-up his own business so... it's a "back scratch" type situation. Now.. he didn't do it for free.. but the discounted rate on artwork has helped immensely. Then I was approached by two local ultra runners who wanted to help. One is an amazing social media person who is good with website content... but not so great at coding. The second.. is great at coding but not so much with content and social media. So I put them together and made a great team of talented web people who crafted an amazing website for us. The exchange? Comp race entries.

So now we have a fully functioning website that looks professional and is light years ahead of a number of race websites that exist out there. We have logos that match the look and feel that we want. We have a following of people who supports us.. and we're only about $1,000 in the hole... but not really since we raised $3000+.

The next step was social media. Let's face it.. it's a booming enterprise these days. Creating Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Accounts.. with the same handle.. is essential to continue to reach runners and make it easy for them to connect with you. Then.. you have to be active. You can't sit idly by and only post when a race happens. You have to engage them. I'm not going to get into the science of social media.. there are whole semester long college courses on this. Having these accounts helps with your advertising. Some Race Directors go out and make a Facebook page for every single race they direct. This ends up being wasteful and spreads runners out across your brand. Instead of having one place for them to go to see and discuss all of your offerings.. you now make them engage with 3, 4, or however many pages you have. People don't have this kind of time. Getting Page likes on Facebook comes two ways really.. Organically through word of mouth.. and through Facebook Ads. We currently have over 1200 Facebook Likes on our Page and we've only spent $200 on Facebook Ads to do so. You pay by "like" or whatever other way you decide on the ad setup page.

There are magazines out there that a lot of races advertise in. Magazines have rate sheets, that tell you how much an X-SizeD Ad costs in their publication. Ultrarunning Magazine has rates for their online newsletter and their in-print ad's. These run anywhere from $200 to $2,400 PER MONTH. Depending on the ad you want in the magazine. Trailrunner Magazine run's special rates for the following year in the Fall... but you can spend similar amounts of money to advertise there as well. Let's face it, putting print ad's in these magazines can cost you a pretty penny. For the first year race director, you might abstain from doing so until you've started making a little more money. Year two or three is a great time to extend your reach to the national audience.. especially while you concentrate on building your brand and working out your kinks. The local crowd will be a lot more forgiving or your shortcomings than a national crowd who starts flying in. Think about that..

The most powerful advertising you can do for your race... is to put on a top notch, well run, nearly flawless event that people have a great time at. You can have the prettiest website, beautiful ads, rocking social media presence.. but if you can't deliver the product in the way our community expects to receive it.. you are sunk! When people run a race.. they tell everyone about the race they've run. They tell the good, the bad and the ugly. They write blog posts and race reports. They make videos and add it to their YouTube Channels. Come up short in far too many areas, especially those the runners in the community deem most important.. and you're just building your own disaster. Figure that 1 runner will reach 10-15 people while talking about your race. It's not that big a community, so if the wrong words gets out.. it'll spread quickly. An example would be UROC here in Colorado. In 2013, they had 307 finishers at their event. However.. word quickly got out that Killian Jornet quit the race after finding it to be "boring," their post-race celebration was incredibly lacking if not non-existent, and word quickly spread through the community. This year, even after adding a half marathon to the fray, they only saw 126 finishers. That's a HUGE Decrease in their business!

Which brings me to my next point. Before I even got started with my own race series here in Colorado, I started a spreadsheet. On this spreadsheet I have every single ultra in the state of Colorado. I then went back in history for the last 10 years (2004-2014) and plugged in the number of finishers for each race over that time span. I even separated races on my spreadsheet by who owns that race, and list all the other races in their series. (See example below). While the number of finishers for a given year could be indicative of conditions on race day more so than the number of entrants, it does still give a good snapshot on the trends in the area. Doing this snapshot allows me to see who is succeeding, how long it took them, then I can take an even closer look to see what they're doing to succeed..

Lastly.. I want to talk about Prize money as a mode of advertising. If you are offering prize money at your race... you are ONLY advertising to the few people who come to your race and have a chance at getting it. So if Anton shows up.. you just spent $1000 on having Anton come up.. and likely a comp entry. Sure.. if Anton run's your race, it looks good for your race. If you have Anton, Killian and Karl Meltzer come in the same year and they run against each other... that's fantastic. Certainly it gives you more visibility. But.. does prize money really help you advertise? I think it's good for the Front Runners.. but that's about it. At my races, I give a comp entry to a future race to those who come in DFL. I put a 50lb rock out on the course and challenge someone to carry it to the finish in exchange for $250. The pictures from this stunt went viral on social media. That to us was worth more than shelling out a few grand for fast people. 95% of the field in your race.. doesn't care how much money the 1st-3rd place runners made today. They'd rather you sink that money into better shirts, more company on the course, and immaculate aid stations. Choose where you spend your money wisely!

Lastly, you can make posters and post cards on Vista Print. You can even advertise on a business acrd size piece of cardboard. I spent two days driving to every single running store in the Denver-Boulder Metro area to drop a stack of these off. It's time consuming.. but it has to be done. Ask other races if you can put cards in their race packets. Most will say yes and generally.. this is an old school way in the community. But with Ultra Races becoming more and more about business.. I'm being told NO by other area RD's or not being answered at all. That's right.. I'm being told, "No.. you're competition" or being down right ignored. All because this is business. True.. it's business.. but again.. this used to be a community.

I think I've done a good job discussing a lot of the many aspects of advertising your race in this post. There are a number of things to consider. I truly believe that in this sport, the best way to advertise is to put yourself out there. Not by paying for ads or sinking deep money into flashy stuff.. that has never worked in this sport.. but by putting YOU out there. Being a member of this community, a respectable member, is worth more than any print ad in a magazine. You need credibility above all else, without it, you're done before you really get started. The two races I showed you above, are directed by runners who have been in this sport for a decade or more. Same with Gnar Runners, Collegiate Peaks, Leadville, Hardrock.. they're all run by folks who have been in the sport and have run DOZENS of ultras over the years.. not just a few. Look at Aravaipa. The Coury Brothers have been running ultras for a decade and between the two of them, they have over 100 finishes. With those numbers alone, their advertising is done for them.

So instead of laying down the bills, and trying to sink deep dollars into advertising.. do the real work. Meet the people. Get out there. Be a part of your customer base. Run with them. Build this community, and celebrate all that it is. Together.
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This is Part 7 of a multi-part series focusing on the ins and outs of race directing. You can read the previous three parts by clicking their links below:
Part 1: The Decision
Part 2: Your Course
Part 3: Permits
Part 4: Infrastructure
Part 5: Expenses
Part 6: Insurance, Shirts, Shwag, Volunteers

The RD: Insurance, Shirts, Shwag, Volunteers

2014-09-23T12:49:00.000-06:00

Throughout this series we have taken a closer look at what it takes to be a race director. We have explored how one comes to the decision to take on directing a race, we talked about course design, we talked about permits. Then we talked about the costs of building an infrastructure and a whole host of other expenses incurred by the RD. In this post, we're going to wrap this up by looking at some other final considerations such as insurance, shirts and other shwag. We'll also look at runner feedback. The final paragraph will be a short opinion piece on some things that I've experienced here in Colorado.

By now you should have come to the conclusion that being a race director is NOT an easy job and in general, is rather thankless. There is a lot that goes into putting on an event and ultimately, YOU as the RD are on the hook for everything. Think about that for a minute. If someone dies on your course or is seriously injured.. you're on the hook. A lot of RD's think that just because they've had their runners sign waivers, they are exempt from litigation and liability. NOT TRUE. Waivers hold up in court differently in different states. If you live in a state with Ski Resorts, you're protected pretty well with waivers. But in a state like Texas.. you could be screwed. So don't be naive or get caught with your pants down. YOU.. as the Race Director, are liable to and for every single runner and volunteer out there. Your volunteers don't sign waivers, and neither do other trail users. Do your due diligence to ensure that you're protecting yourself, your family, and your investment in the race.

Insurance
Many think that obtaining insurance is the hardest thing to do and so it becomes one of the most intimidating things to obtain. It's really not that bad thanks to organizations like the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). You can obtain an RRCA membership for about $100 a year. Once you are a member organization, for profit or non, you can obtain insurance for your event through them. They base the price of insurance on the total number of individuals coming to your race. This will include runners, volunteers, staff and spectators. You guestimate that number and they'll give you a price for 1 or 2 Million dollar policies. Check with the land managers to make sure you have the required coverage for the event. Most require a $1mil policy. Insurance for the Tommyknocker Ultras cost be about $158 to ensure myself/business, the event, and all additionally insured which would be our race host and associated land managers. The whole process of getting insurance and insuring additional parties was incredibly easy. Just add this to your list of expenses.

Shirts
There are two ways that races make shirts. One is Screen Printing and the other is Sublimation. Screen Printing is incredibly expensive especially seeing as the price goes up with each color you use. The paint is expensive and it's a multi-step process that is rather time consuming. Because it is so time consuming, race directors have to do what is called a "Future's Order." What is that? Basically as the RD you have to guess, a few months out, how many runners you'll have at your race. This is your shirt needs. Runners, volunteers, thank you's, etc. You either give this number to the shirt supplier (Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, etc.) and they ship the shirts, OR, you give it to the company doing your screen printing and they get the shirts. Then, the company screen prints the shirts. There are a million ways this can happen.. you get the shirts directly then bring them to a screen printer, the supplier does it all for you, you get the shirts and the screen printing done from the same company.. etc.

So Screen Printing shirts is time consuming, expensive, and at the end of the day, you don't want to run the risk of not getting enough shirts, so you typically order MORE than you need, which you end up stuck with. Those who have gone to the Big Horn 100, Vermont 100, Western States, etc.. have seen the racks of old race shirts that are still for sale. That's what that is!

So the other option is called Sublimation and it's what I used for Tommyknocker. As long as your shirt is at least 60% synthetic/polyester, you can do this method of shirt making. Basically the shirt company prints off a copy of your design on special paper, then heat transfers it onto the shirt. The great thing about this method is that you can do one-offs and made to orders. There is no futures order. Also, with screen printing, the ink eventually cracks, fades and falls off the shirt. With sublimation, you don't have to worry about that. Colors are not always perfect with sublimation (For instance: white is a hard color to heat transfer) but otherwise, this process is MUCH cheaper and allows RD's to be able to keep registration open longer and still provide runners with a quality shirt.

Lastly, every runner has a huge pile of shirts at home. Many no longer want or need shirts and they'd be willing to pay a cheaper entry fee if it meant not getting one. This is something to consider. A lot of races are offering shirts as a straight-up add on to registration rather than including it. Food for thought.

Other Shwag
There are a number of companies who are willing to provide you with freebie bag stuffers for your runners. This is a great way for them to get their product into the hands of those whom they want using it. So always explore that option. Then there are other things that you can buy as an RD like tiny trinkets. At this years Miwok 100K, I got a magnet, a stainless steel cup, and a small pad of note paper. Really cool and useful stuff that constantly reminds me of the race I did.

However, some races like Western States spend a lot of money on shwag for runners. A large portion of that $400 Entry Fee for Western States comes back to you in the form of shwag. So decide if you want to be a high priced race that offers a lot of quality goodies, or that low cost race that provides an amazing race experience at an affordable cost.

Volunteers
No race is successful without volunteers. The more aid stations you have, the more volunteers you need. The longer the race, the more you need. I've heard stories of new ultras here in Colorado that have a skeleton volunteer crew of the RD and a family member... they ran around like a chicken with their head cut-off, could not cater to all runners as they should, and their race experience suffered because of it.

I went to the Aravaipa Running website and found out that the Coury's use iVolunteer.com to host a volunteer sign-up page. I paid $40 for a 6 month membership to the site and set-up volunteer pages for each event. Then, folks who are interested in volunteering, can see what it is your needs are and sign up for what they want to do. You even schedule shifts so they know exactly the time commitment they are required to adhere to. It really is incredibly brilliant and easy.

But remember this.. you cannot count on volunteers. They're not being paid, so it becomes difficult to expect that they'll actually show up. Try and recruit more than you need to ensure you'll have coverage. Also, consider that runner complaints about inferior aid stations volunteers is on the rise. They want actual experienced ultra runners out there helping them out. Something to consider when you start to solicit help. The success, or failure, of your event rests heavily on the help you obtain or don't.
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This series will continue on for at least a few more posts. Have questions? Things you want to see discussed or outlined? I'd be happy to entertain!
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This is Part 6 of a multi-part series focusing on the ins and outs of race directing. You can read the previous three parts by clicking their links below:

Part 1: The Decision

Part 2: Your Course

Part 3: Permits

Part 4: Infrastructure

Part 5: Expenses

Tragedy of the Commons: Revisited

2014-09-19T12:30:00.002-06:00

In March 2011, I wrote a post on this blog titled, "Tragedy of the Commons." In that post, I spoke about what the Tragedy of the Commons is and how it relates to both hiking (in the Northeast) and Ultra Running. I wanted to take a moment to revisit these thoughts, and provide an update on where we're at some 3.5 years after the original post.

"The tragedy of the commons is a dilemma arising from the situation in which multiple individuals, acting independently and rationally consulting their own self-interest, will ultimately deplete a shared limited resource even when it is clear that it is not in anyone's long-term interest for this to happen. " [1]

So here we are, almost 4 years after the original post and the growth in ultra running is only getting bigger. For those of you who are new to the sport, welcome to the party. You should know that a LOT has changed since I started running ultras in 2005. Some of those changes are good, some bad, some are simple "meh." However, I'm here to tell you that what I wrote in 2011, is happening now...

In 2011, I wrote: "Ultra/Trail Runners need to be careful and as a community, we need to begin to consider ways in which we can avoid the Tragedy of the Commons. The trends are out there, it's going to happen, and in a community where our races take place through delicate lands and often include delicate land owners.. the time is now for us to consider how we plan to give back."

What am I talking about? Let me provide some examples of what we've gone through and will continue to go through and how it will continue to change the very fabric of trail and ultra races.

It wasn't long ago when the Mountain Bike Community was receiving a ton of flack for their use of public lands, and the subsequent damage cause by their bikes. They faced the very real danger of being shut out of the many places they loved to ride. They needed to take action. So IMBA was formed, and Mountain Bikers took an active role in maintaining/caring, repairing, and creating more of the places they loved to ride. Mountain Biking is now one of the more respectable users of our resources and they are greatly celebrated for it.

There has been exponential growth in Ultra and Trail running of the last 5 years. With that growth comes a demand for more races. It is easy for us trail runners to forget that we're not the only group who uses the resources. For instance.. it's not just a world of Ultra races. There are 5K's, 10K's, Marathons, Half Marathons. Then there are races for the mountain bikers. Races for the road bikers. Races and Rides for the Horse folks. Then there are commercial guiding companies, christian and youth camps, Orienteering groups, ATVs/Dirt Bikes.. etc etc. We sometimes fail to consider the various other parties who are fighting for permits, user days, and to otherwise gum up the trails of a park for the weekend.

So where does this leave us? Here in Colorado, the USFS has started implementing a moratorium on permits. A few counties have as well. What does this mean? It means you can't get a permit because they are no longer entertaining new proposals for events. Why? Because they are understaffed, under funded, and the resource can no longer accommodate all of the groups who are looking to use public lands.

Simply put.. just over 3 years after originally posting about it.. it's happening. The Tragedy of the Commons in Ultra and Trail Running is now a reality. We need to do more as a culture to give back. Many runners complain profusely when a race requires they do volunteer trail work as part of entry. As runners, we should be jumping at the opportunity to do trail work so we can help preserve the sport we love and resource we use. It can't always be take take take. It;s time for us to give give give.

Do it now.. before it's too late!

The RD: More Expenses

2014-09-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

In our last post about Race Directing we discussed Infrastructure and the costs associated with getting your race started up and looking like you've been around awhile. In this post, we're going to talk about all of those other expenses that you'll encounter in directing a race. There are a number and already, we've discussed that just getting your race up off the ground can cost you more than $3,500, and we haven't really discussed the expenses that makes the race happen to begin with. So here it is..

So what I'm going to do is something very few races do. I'm going to share with you the financials from last weekends Tommyknocker Ultramarathons. Keep in mind, that putting on that one race involved hundreds of hours of work on my part, that I have not been paid for, nor will I be paid for years to come if at all. Race Directing, especially first year races, is not as lucrative as some people think. For instance, the number I shared above, $3500, is a fraction of how much I'm actually in the hole to pay for the infrastructure of the race series. I haven't made that back yet and not sure when I actually will. Thankfully, a number of local runners donated to our Indiegogo Campaign to help defray some of those costs.
The Tommyknocker Ultras saw 42 registered runners. Seven of those runners were comp entries (for various reasons). Total income for the race from all paying runners was about $3,775. This is the money we had to work with in order to make the race happen. Let's look at where that money went.

Awards: $11 each x 40. We had about 40 awards handmade here in Colorado from a local artisan. They charged us $11 per award. You never know how folks are going to do at your race. We started 37 runners and had a 65% finishers race.. So we didn't need 40 awards but I'd rather make sure everyone has an award than have someone cross the finish line and get nothing. Total: $440.

Aid Station Food: I went to costco a few days before the race and bought the aid stations foods. I bought sodas, chips, bananas, watermelon, grapes, gummy bears, snickers, m&m's (plain and peanut), hard boiled eggs, wraps, hummus, bread, peanut butter, jelly, paper plates and bowls, utensils, aluminum trays to hold food in. I also bought some whiskey at a local liquor store. I spent about $500 on aid station food.

Water: I was able to get 5 Gallon Jugs of water. These usually cost about $9 each but was able to get the water for the event, 17 5-gallon jugs, donated by Eldorado Springs Water and we thank them. Cost: $0

Pre-Race Meal: The local county government required that either we have a food license, or whomever prepared our pre-and post race meals has a food license. Our race host, Camp Elim, has a food license so we asked them to cook for us. We paid about $342 to feed everyone the pre-race pasta feed.

Post Race Meal: Same thing, we had to find a local vendor to cook for us, deliver the food, and at a reasonable rate. $238 fed everyone a pretty simple BBQ meal at the race. I honestly wish it was a little better but, compared to some post-race food I've had.. it wasn't that bad.

Bib Numbers: $9

Insurance: You have to insure yourself, and all the other land managers who permit your race. For Tommyknocker, we had to add additionally insured for the host Camp Elim, The United States Forest Service, and the County. It cost $100 to join the RRCA, then $158 to insure the race. This fee is based on the number of runners and volunteers you have. Over a certain number and that rate increases. For this race, we paid $158.

Shirts: If you get screen printed shirt, you need to do what is called a futures order. This means, you have to order the number of shirts, and in correct sizes, for the runners you "think" you're going to get. You place this order 3 months or more out from your event. We went with Sublimation and our friends at Brand Evolutions West hooked us up with quality shirts and a great design. Shirts for everyone cost $7 a shirt +tax. So far I've paid $375 for shirts. Late registrants still need theirs and it'll likely run us an extra $100.

Course Marking: Surveyors tape, surveyors flagging, clothes pins and the reflective tape on them, ground paint, laminated signs for out on the course and at the aid stations. Total: $30.

EMS/Sheriff: The County Sheriff's Department wanted to charge us about $600 to have a deputy on patrol during the entire event. We managed to talk them down to what we needed. Which was a deputy at 2-2:30a, another from 8a-8:30a and then one from Noon to 8pm on the road that the runners run out and back on from the start/finish. Total: $240.

Permits: The county did not charge us for a permit but the USFS did. It equates to 5% of your income for the event. So far we've paid them $137. We owe them $52 more. Total: $188.75

Porta Potties: We had to rent 2 of them for the start/finish line so we wouldn't overwhelm camp elm's septic. This cost us $290 for the weekend. The only deliver on Friday and pick up on Monday. So you have to rent for the entire weekend.

Electrolytes: We bought GU Brew from GU Energy Labs at a discounted rate, and S-Caps from Succeed! at Full price. We spent about $200 on electrolytes for our runners. NO HEED!! :)

Rent: Camp Elim was our event host. They not only cooked our pre race meal but they put up with us for the weekend. We paid them another $305.. which is about $5 per person who was on site for the race on Saturday.

Awards: Othman Doubiany carried a 50 lb rock about 3.5 miles to the finish line. When he crossed, I gave him a check for $250. I bought a few frames and printed the other awards out on photo paper. I haven't included this cost as it came out of my personal pocket.

So.. we had $3,775 to work with for the race. After expenses, we ended up in the black... a whole $110. Guess where that $110 goes? Right back into the race series to pay off that other $3500 we're in the whole from infrastructure. Think about that for a minute. I worked for 2 years to put on this ONE race. I struggled and ripped my hair out just to get permits. In the end, I made $110 on the race we put on for 42 people. Then, I took that money, and paid some bills, for the races, with it.

Why did I lay all of this out there? Easy.. there are a number of Race Directors who will tell you that expenses for a race are incurred MONTHS in advance. This may be true but it doesn't have to be. I paid for 95% of my races expenses, the week of the race. I'm not sure if I'll always be able to do this, but for this years Tommyknocker, that was the case. It will be the same case for our second race, the Indian Creek Fifties. There are a lot of expenses involved with a race as we've pointed out. Maybe all the other RD's are paying the bills too.. so most of the money is gone and their in the hole too.. for awhile.. but really.. you don't pay for much more than 2 months out.

There are a number of folks out there who think that just because Ultra Running is experiencing a boom, they're going to get into Race Directing and make a pretty buck doing it. Maybe so.. but it's going to take a few years before that is even close to a reality. Directing a race is expensive from a monetary stand-point, and a time standpoint.. and time is money. It may be 3 or more years before it's truly worth it to most. For me, when that first runner crossed the finish line, it was totally worth it to me despite all the time and money that had to be spent.

Race Directing is NOT an easy gig. You are responsible for everyone and everything that happens during your race. From top to bottom. You not only have to be willing to take on the financial burdens of the race, but the risk and responsibility for all runners and spectators alike. In the end, your race director puts a lot of time, money and effort to make these races happen. THANK THEM. You'll be able to tell the ones who truly love what they do.. they don't complain about it, and they keep going for years to come.

This is Part 5 of a multi-part series focusing on the ins and outs of race directing. You can read the previous three parts by clicking their links below:

Part 1: The Decision

Part 2: Your Course

Part 3: Permits

Part 4: Infrastructure

The RD: Infrastructure

2014-08-25T21:33:00.000-06:00

At this point, you've made the decision to become a race director, you've designed your course, and you're working (and likely praying) for your permits. What next? Putting on a successful race cannot be done without a number of items that one needs to purchase, or borrow from friends. A race is only as successful as the tools at your disposal in your tool belt. In this post, we're going to discuss the things that you should, or could, consider getting to make your race a success for years to come.

Let's face it, your number 1 goal of any first year race is to try and break even and not fall flat on your face. There are countless stories of "things" that have gone down at first year events.. things that have helped cause an event to be one-and-done.. or things that created a reputation that is hard to shake.. and things that leave such an impression that it's hard for folks to not talk about you, to not come back, and to not help make your event bigger and better next year. Ultimately, what you create plays a huge role in the story that is to be your race. I truly believe that the infrastructure of your race plays a major role in the overall success or failure of your event.. not just in year one but in year 2 as well. Doing this work now, setting yourself up for longterm success, is just as important as the permitting process.
Some of the best advice I receive was from the Coury Brothers in Arizona. They told me, "Start out small. Borrow what you can. Don't over build in your first year or you'll go bankrupt." Incredibly sound advice from a couple of experts. The Coury's started their Aravaipa series by borrowing or renting much of what they needed to keep the bottom line in sight. Things you can always borrow are things like pop-up canopies ($60-$100 ea), coolers ($40-$60 ea), 5 gallon water coolers ($40-$50 ea), and tables ($40-60 ea) for your aid stations. If your event has 5 aid stations, the minimum you'll need is 5 canopies, 5 tables, 3 coolers, and 10 Water Coolers. Right off the bat, you're looking at about $800-1000 to get the above materials. Or you can ask your volunteers to bring what they have and scrounge all of these up from wherever you can. Also consider what you need at the start/finish line for canopies and tables. Maybe water for the start of the race. You'll need more tables and coolers there as well.

You can't forget garbage cans at your aid stations and garbage bags. You'll need to purchase all the food for your runners, electrolyte drinks, chews and gels, water. You may need camping stoves to heat some soup or make grilled cheese sandwiches. You may need lanterns for night time so runners can find the station and your volunteers can work it.

Perhaps you want a fancy finish line at your race. One of those hefty scaffolding like finish lines cost anywhere from $2500-$5000 depending on size. Inflatable finish lines are about the same price and depending on materials they are made of, the price can skyrocket from there. Some of the best ultras I've been to, put a line in the dirt and an orange cone on each side. Others, they buy 60' of triangle flagging for about $5 a reel and makes a chute. You can borrow a banner flag from a local running store. Know someone with a tig welder? You can manufacture your own finish line out of aluminum and vinyl banners for about $500. So, finish lines run the gambit. Whatever you do.. don't put two garbage cans out. This is not a necessity, but if you want your race to have a solidified feel during it's first time out, it's something to think about.

Course marking is another consideration. You'll need surveyors flagging of some color for your entire course. In the old days of Ultra, it was the runners responsibility to know the course. Now-a-days, runners want the most immaculate of marked courses, with little to no question about where to go just shy of holding their hands. So, buy some tape. You may also buy surveyors flagging, florescent spray paint, and all of this should match. You may also have printing charges to print arrows and other signs. If your event happens at night, you'll want to decide if you'll do glow sticks or reflective tape on clothespins. Glow sticks are easy but expensive. Only last a short time and need to be snapped while on the course. Reflective tape is time consuming. You have to cut it to size and lay it on the clothespins.

If you're not a graphic designer, you'll have to hire someone to create your race logos. Usually, ONE logo costs up to $2400. If you can find someone willing to do it cheaper, you've hit a home run. Then there's your website. Most races are using word press to create their websites, and another web host to play host. Some races, as many of you know, are still doing it themselves with less than runner porn type web pages. They are rudimentary at best. If you know someone who is good with coding, you may be able to get them to design the site for you in exchange for comp entries. Otherwise, you guessed it.. if you don't know how to do it yourself, you're going to pay through the nose for a website to be designed for you. Remember.. your website makes a bold statement about the professionalism of your race. The success, or not, of your website can make or break your race as well. Last thing you want, is potential customers coming to your site and saying, "Woah... is this 1980?! What the heck is this?" Whatever registration site you use, will either take a cut of your registration fees or add fees to your customers. So this can either cost you money or cost your customers extra money.

As you can see, creating a race can easily cost someone in excess of $3500 just for your very basic needs, and there are many other things that can cost you beyond that. I really don't think runners sign up for, and come to a race, with these thoughts in mind. That just getting a race off the ground, is enough to drive a race director into a hole that takes 2-3 years of directing to dig out of. Personally, I'm not of the thought process that charging an exorbitant fee to recoup your costs as an RD is a particularly "nice" way to go about getting your money back. Focus on the runners, walk into the project with patience and the expectation that you WILL be in the hole for awhile... and build your dream.

This is Part 4 of a multi-part series focusing on the ins and outs of race directing. You can read the previous three parts by clicking their links below:

Part 1: The Decision

Part 2: Your Course

Part 3: Permits

Sherpa John is the owner and race director of Human Potential LLC and the Human Potential Running Series. Registration is now open for their first two offerings.

The RD: Permits

2014-08-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is Part 3 of a multi-part series focusing on the ins and outs of race directing. You can read the previous two parts by clicking their links below:

Part 1: The Decision

Part 2: Your Course

Permits. This is by far the hardest most tedious part of putting on a race. Anytime you are gathering a large group of people to use public lands, especially if you are accepting payment to do so, you need a permit. Parties who could require permits are Town/City and County Governments, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States Forest Service (USFS), Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP), and some of the above even require you obtain special written permission from private land owners before a permit is issued.

Each land manager is different, in that they each have a different set of priorities in deciding whether to issue a permit or not. No Town/City government is the same. No two county governments are the same. Even the USFS... no 2 ranger districts within the same National Forest are the same. For those who are attempting to put on multiple events, this fact alone can make the delicate balance of weaving ones way through bureaucracy to be rather overwhelming.

So go back to the course you've planned. Take a look at the map and determine if your route goes over any Wilderness or other Federally Protected Areas. If it does, kiss the idea of obtaining a permit good bye. In most, if not all, cases.. you CAN NOT obtain a permit for special events in these areas. There is no loop hole, there is no "what-if." Also look at your course map and see what areas your course goes over to determine the entities you'll have to acquire a permit from. Examples:

Race #1: Teller County and Pike National Forest Pike Ranger District
Race #2: Douglas County, Pike NF South Platte RD, Roxborough State Park
Race #3: Park County, City of Fairplay, Pike NF South Park RD, Private Lane Owners
Race #5: Park County, City of Fairplay, Alma, Como, Pike NF South Park RD, White River NF Dillon RD, Town of Breckenridge, Summit County, Private Land Owners.

In every instance above, you will not obtain a permit from one organization without having approval for permitting from all of the other organizations. Sometimes it is hard to wrestle with "who do I get the permit from first?" There is a process I follow that has been very successful to date.. here's how I work it:

1.) Plan a course.. RUN the course and make sure it works.. put it to a map. Hey.. you should never ask anyone to do something you wouldn't do yourself. Even if it's in sections when you do it.. get out there and run it. Make sure it works!

2.) Come up with a race name, date, and how many runners you'd like to max out at.

3.) Create a proposal to send to ALL of the land managers you'll need to contact. Be ready for some of those land managers to tell you additional land managers you'll need to contact. Some will be ones you didn't know about, others will be ones you've already contacted.

4.) Your proposal should be a brief summary of what you are planning. Dates, times, lands to use, number of runners, number of spectators, why it's good for the Town/City or County, how you plan to be amazing stewards of the resource for the USFS.

5.) Find out who from each agency needs to be looking at your proposal. Let them know you're just "feeling things out" for now to see if it's even possible to hold the event. From there.. if they like your proposal, you'll be thrust quickly into the permitting process. OR, you'll discover that they are not issuing new permits and asking them do so would be a huge waste of your time.

6.) Once you get the initial "on board" from all entities involved, you'll be pushed into Permitting which will require you to submit a formal application for a permit. This application is a black and white copy of your entire event in words. Every detail.. Turn by turn course directions, parking, traffic routes, waste disposal, porta potties, aid stations, medical and other EMS services, emergency action plan, detailed maps, EVERYTHING will be put into black and white documentation and submitted with your application. This can take weeks to craft, start early! I took me a year and a half to obtain permits for Tommknocker Ultras. On the other hand, it took me 3 months to obtain a permit for Indian Creek Fifties.

Here are some things to consider; everything you do as an RD, and a permitted party of the lands used for your race, affects all other permitted users of the same lands. So if Race Director "A" screws up royally, it will affect Race Directors "B" and "C."

Some Examples:

When heading up to Fairplay Colorado to plan the Human Potential Running Series events starting in 2015, I was required to answer a ton of questions based on the outcomes of the 2013 Leadville Race Series. Now, I have nothing to do with Lifetime Fitness and the Leadville 100, but the mistakes they made in 2013 were far reaching in Colorado's High Country. I had to prove to permitting agencies that I am not Lifetime or the Leadville race series and I was not going to be issued a permit for anything unless I adequately did so.

Ultra Race of Champions.. they applied for a Special Use Permit from the USFS for their event last year and were denied. They appealed all the way to the US Congress and was ultimately given a permit for one year. This year, they are putting on their race under the umbrella of the Special Use Permits for Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Vail ski areas. This is also why they were forced to move their event date from October to early September. Think about how their actions have also affected parties trying to get permits for other events in the Colorado High Country. The National Forest Ranger Districts that UROC races in have already implemented a moratorium on permitting of new events in the area and other ranger districts are soon to follow suit. All because it's more trouble than it's worth for them to issue the permits.

There are others starting races in Colorado. One of these race directors went through the permitting process and then cancelled the event before it ever even happened. This was an incredible waste of time to the USFS. Another one of this individuals events, is happening in 2014 and then never again. It's already a one and done event. Instances like this have caused the USFS to be very skeptical when it comes to issuing permits to new events. Why? Because they already lack time, money and other resources to permit events. In many cases, they are now asking race management entities to provide more information about their business that proves your race is there to stay for a number of years. If you are deemed as a liability, or likely a one and done individual, it is likely you won't get a permit. The more this happens, the less likely it is for others to get permits in these same areas. The actions of each RD affects everyone else. Hence, the moratorium on new permits.

Just because you get a permit does not mean you have it long term. Typically the USFS issues a one year probationary permit to see how things go. If your race is well directed, well attended, and you follow the guidelines set forth in your permit.. it is likely you'll then receive either a 3 or 5 year special use permit from the USFS for the years following. But you have to prove yourself first and even then, you can always lose a permit for any reason the governing body deems fit.

Also keep in mind that Town, City and County Governments are looking at infrastructure and money when it comes to permitting. They want to know how much of the their resources you're going to need to use to make the race happen. How many ambulances, police/sheriff, etc. Then they'll look at the kind of draw your event will bring to the area. Will people be spending money on local business filling beds, eating food, shopping at stores? The USFS and BLM only cares about one thing.. the resource. They don't care how much money they make (it's minimal), they don't care about how much money the town makes.. they care about the land.

In most cases, the USFS will permit your event for one year and see how it goes. After that, if you want to move ahead, a NEPA Study will have to be conducted before you are issued a multi-year permit. These studies are expensive, and YOU will have to help the USFS recuperate some of the costs to have that study completed. This factors in to the race coffers as well.. when you think a race is making tons of money 2 or 3 years in, it's still paying for the NEPA study. (More on this in Expenses coming up)

Permitting is the single hardest process of race directing. Without obtaining permits, you don't have a race. Piss land managers off, and you can affect the permitting of so many other events. Another Example: Badwater. There are various stories about why Badwater was denied permits this year. From what I understand it came down to one thing, the RD pissed off a land manager and she held the better hand. She denied permits for ALL races in Death Valley and that was that. Being careful not to pee in your neighbors backyard is HUGE. Knowing what you're doing is even bigger.

The RD: Your Course

2014-08-15T10:59:00.001-06:00

Either you've decided to become a Race Director or you discovered an amazing place that would work well for a race. One of the two happened first and it depends greatly on the individual. I believe that deciding to be the RD is a much easier decision, than is where to have a run. Coming up with an idea for an Ultra is easy, making sure it can actually happen.. are the pieces of the puzzle that are often overlooked. In this post, I'm going to lay out all of the things one should consider before diving too far in to the race directing process, as pertains to determining your course.

I hear it all the time, "This would be a great place for a race!" It's not as simple as finding an amazing place for a race, decide to be the RD, and have a race. Many of the areas we'd all love to have a race are not, what I call, permitable. For instance, if your amazing course goes through a federally designated wilderness area.. and I mean, if it so far as touches it for all of 1 inch... you can kiss the idea goodbye. On that same note, if your course crosses any Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, it is possible you can get a permit but it all depends on what the BLM is protecting on that given parcel of land. We'll get into permitting more in our next post. These are just two important things to consider before you get all head over heels for your race idea.

There are many other things to consider in regards to your course. For instance:

How many people can the roads and trails on your course handle in a day? This will come up again in permitting. It's good to have an idea of how many runners you think you can have, and ensure that it is a number responsible to the resource. If your area goes through a United States Forest Service area, they actually have a certain number of "user days" that are allotted to certain areas. You'll want to be careful not to go over, or use all, of the user days because that number also includes regular trail users. Want an example? Leadville Trail 100 in 2013. Their permit allows for 850 runners and they allowed almost 1000 to start. This number did not include spectators and pacers out on the course as well. The result? A nightmare. The race is too crowded (opinion) and after their special use permit expires in 2015, there is loud chatter that their permit will be knocked down to 500. So be responsible.

Where is everyone going to park? Just because you managed to find a parking spot at a trailhead last weekend on your perfect course, doesn't mean it's an appropriate place to have all of your runners park. Most trailheads are not designed to handle parking for a trail race for 200 people. And even if they are, the trails are still open while your race takes place so it is unlikely you'll even be allowed by land managers to use that trailhead lot for event parking. You need to allow other trail users adequate access to the trails even while your race is going on. In Colorado, the Golden Gate Dirty 30 takes place in Golden Gate State Park. There's no place to park the 1000+ runners that attend the race. It used to be that runners were encouraged to carpool up from the Front Range below. Now, you park at the local fairgrounds and runners are bussed in. As a race director, you may be charged to have cars park at the fairgrounds and then charged again for the buses. Parking is a HUGE consideration when it comes to planning an event. Just another reason why "This would be a great place for a race!" may not always be a true statement.

Is there a race here already? Just because you think it's a great place for a race, doesn't mean someone else hasn't already thought of that. Do your due diligence and scour the internet for races in your area. If you're looking at putting on an ultra, go as far down the line as 5Ks. Search! Do the work. If you find a race that shares the same proposed course, and it's shorter than an ultra.. call the race director. Ask them if it's ok to share the area. Ask them if they wouldn't mind you putting an ultra out in the same area. Then LISTEN. Most times, your call will be appreciated and the answer will be sure. Ultimately, if someone else already has a race there, you two are now working together whether you like it or not. Why? Because everything you do (or don't do) will effect the other RD. Everything the other RD does, will effect you as well. This is mostly as it pertains to permitting. If the other RD screws up, it's a very good possibility that the both of you will lose your permits as the land manager says "that's it, no more races in this area."

If there is already another ultra that uses the trails you want to use, go away. Forget about it. It's just common courtesy to take your idea and go home. If you and another RD are looking to put on a race in the same area on some of the same trails, and you both are making money off of your races, it's just bad form to move your race in on someone else's turf. On the popular show, Deadliest Catch.. this is called "potting down." In ultra running, I call it a "dick move." Best example? The 2011 Slickrock 100 in Moab. A portion of this course piggy backed on top of the Red Hot 55K course. Word is that the two RD's got into a heated discussion about the new race sharing some of the same course. Race weekend, course markings were taken down (course vandalism) essentially sabotaging the event. There is much discussion, mostly speculative, that the course was vandalized by the competing RD. Bottom line, if a race already exists on that track of land, reroute your course and/or move on. Should you decide to stay, give the other RD a call and ask them if it's OK for you to put on a race in the same area. Be a good neighbor.. you're working together now.

When should I have the race? That depends on the ultra-market in your area. There are so many ultras now that it's nearly impossible to keep track of all the new ones that spring up. So do a thorough search of all the ultras in your immediate area, and the region, before deciding on an approximate date. You're not going to want to put your race on the same weekend as the Vermont 100 up in New England. Let's face it.. most of the community will be at the VT100 and your race may struggle for a few years to get off the ground. UNLESS... you make a conscientious decision to have your ultra on the same weekend as another local ultra to "offer something different."

Also know that sometimes you have no control over the date you get. A great example is the race series I'm directing in Fairplay, CO in 2015. Upon meeting with the town and county up there, we sat down and looked at a calendar of the already existent events in the area. These events are weekend long concerts and festivals, bike races, motorcycle rides, pack burro racing, chili cook-offs, etc.. they wanted to make sure that my dates didn't interfere with any of the larger events. Essentially, the dates of my 2015 races in Fairplay were chosen for me. So be open to the possibility that the event is going to take place on the weekend after or before the one you ultimately wanted. If you really want to have the race, you'll play along.

Choosing when to have your race is a big decision. Our Tommyknocker Ultras is in September. UROC is on the same day as our race (they used to be in October), Devil on the Divide 50K is the same day, and then there is The Bear Chase and Run Rabbit Run. September is crowded in Colorado. In 2015, I'll be moving Tommy to October. With that in mind, it's also important to consider the weather for the date you have in mind!

Ultimately, does my area need this race? What are you offering that someone else already doesn't? It's important to answer all of the questions above when answering this one. What are you offering that's different? Why is what you're offering something that fills a void or a niche in your market? Don't just make a race to "make a race." Just as you shouldn't become an RD simply because you want to make money being an RD. Have a passion for this stuff. Want it. Understand the sport of ultra running from the top down. Consider it's history. Where it's been and where it's going. Play a role in the sport by being a responsible steward of the community. What is your message and your vision and how will your course convey that message? Don't just have a race to have a race. Don't just have a race because it would be an awesome place to have a race. All of that already exists in copious amounts. Have the race because your area NEEDS this race.

Here in Colorado, there are so many beautiful areas to have a race. When designing a course, I like to consider what else is out there. I'm known for challenging courses with ominous elevation profiles. I want my runners to have as close a wilderness experience as possible without actually being out in wilderness areas. I don't want to assemble another boring multi-loop course. I don't want to have a course in an area where another offering already exists. I want to challenge my runners mentally and/or physically in an area where the beauty will stamp an impression in their minds and in their souls. I also want every runner who runs my race to feel like a front runner. My intention is to treat all runners as equals and celebrate the community as a whole. That's the niche I'm filling and my courses are top notch.

Sherpa John is the owner and race director of Human Potential LLC and the Human Potential Running Series. Registration is now open for their first two offerings. To read his previous entry "The Decision" Click HERE.

The RD: The Decision

2014-08-11T11:19:00.002-06:00

Note: "The RD" is what I'm calling my post series on Race Directing. Since beginning this newest journey into the world for directing races, I've learned a lot. A lot of what I've learned has reshaped quite a number of my thoughts and opinions on the subject and I'd like to share those thoughts. The other aspect is that I hope some of the things I share through this series will continue to enlighten those of you who read this blog about the many intricacies involved in putting on an event.

Being a race director is not something that is new to me. In fact, my history of putting on events goes back a lot farther than most people think. In 2007, I was on the front lines of helping to co-direct a series of events in Pittsfield Vermont. This included a snowshoe marathon, 50-Mile Ultra, and the first Death Race. Most of my involvement in these events was working under the wing of Andy Weinberg. Andy is the original RD of the McNaughton Park Trail races in Pekin, IL (now known as Potawatomi).

I was first approached by Joe Desena in the fall of 2006, while running the Vermont 50 that year, to be the race director of the Peak.com race series in Pittsfield, VT. At the time, my life had little direction and while I did not agree to be the RD, I agreed to help. Andy ultimately became the RD of the series, and I was excited to be playing a supporting role working alongside him. Most of my role included marketing, sharing of ideas for the races, route finding, and course marking. Andy, in my opinion, had been long regarded as an amazing RD so being able to work with him taught me a lot.

In 2008, I put on my first race in Pittsfield, VT. I was the RD of the New England Ultras. A race I directed under the umbrella of Peak Races. The race featured distances of 50, 100, and 200 miles. We had a little over 60 runners run in that first year offering. Ultimately, however, the experience of directing that race was a rotten one. There was a lot that went right for that event, and we ultimately managed to pull it off, but there was a lot that went wrong too.

My experiences in helping Peak Races weren't always the greatest. I did learn a lot from a veteran RD and how "business" plays a role in taking on the role of being an RD. At the end of the day, my previous experiences from 2007-2010 were incredibly educative. However, on that same thought.. It was my experiences there that had prevented me from directing races again for quite a number of years...

Then there are Fat Asses. I organized my first Fat Ass run in 2005, 1 month before my first official Ultra. The ultra-veterans in New England had instilled in me the ideals behind the ultra community in that area and how import an the community truly was. So I began organizing Fat Asses. They never really did take off in New England as I had hoped, but I held them every year until I moved in 2011. Upon coming to Colorado, I re-started my Fat Ass series here in this new location. Slowly, the series has grown to 7 offerings with over 350 runners on our mailing list.

Directing a Fat Ass run is WAY different than directing a race. Let me be clear. It is Night and Day. Apples and Oranges. Personally, more folks should stick to organizing Fat Asses than deciding to become race directors. I also feel that more people should consider organizing a few fat ass runs before taking on directing an official race. There is a lot of learning and research one can do in the process of organizing a fat ass that in indeed transferable to directing a race.

The Decision:
Over the years I have always kept the idea of directing races again in the back of my head. It's something I wanted to do and to some extent, something I had to do. It was my way of giving back to a community that had given so much to me and very much continues to do so. But it was my previous negative experiences that made me hesitant. I'm also someone who wants to do something right and to it's fullest extent. Without money to start my own business, I couldn't clearly see how I could indeed do it right without adequate funding.

Let's face it. Everyone thinks they are a race director these days, or so it seems. People who have never run an ultra before... are suddenly ultra RDs. Others have run 2 or 3 ultras over the last decade.. and decided they know what it takes to offer races to this "type-A" community. Others have been in the sport a long time, decide to make the leap at directing as a way to give back, and their first race doesn't go as well as they'd hoped. The result, is a one (or 2) and done event that we never see again (ex: Slickrock 100). Others, are just trying to capitalize financially on the incredible boom in popularity our sport has experienced the last 5 years.. they're just in it to make money.

A lot of my hesitation to direct again focused on my previous experiences, how much hard work I know is involved, the fear of being a one-and-done event, and the increasing over saturation of new races in our sport. Ultimately, I have really good friends. Friends who sat me down and buried it into my head that I needed to do this. Because my Fat Ass series has grown almost too large and my offerings there have a reputation for being better than most races we run in the area. Creating my own running series was the logical next step and a risk I and our local runners could afford to take.

The decision to become an RD was not easy for me and it's not a decision I took lightly. Since mid-March I have averaged about 50 hours a week on the project. Some weeks, I've worked as many as 70 hours on the races. It is a labor of love. I've had other RDs contact me and encourage me NOT to direct races because.. "It's more trouble than it's worth" or "You work way too hard and hardly make any money." While I agree with them in some respects, I disagree on others. These conversations have been welcomed, and entertaining as well. They don't know me too well, and what I am capable of when I put my mind to something. I can't just walk away now.. because some other RDs have told me so.

I decided that I would do this with my mission and vision in mind from beginning to end. I'm not in this to "make money." Certainly, I would LOVE to make Race Directing my full time job that pays me well enough to do so.. but at the end of the day, it's not and never has been my true mission. My mission is to provide a race series here in Colorado that celebrates all runners as equals. No more celebrating just the front runners, no more selling out to huge corporations. My races are focused on the community, just as my Fat Ass series. My races are responsible to the resource in that we'll only put runners on terrain the resource can handle, and in numbers that the resources can support. This is what is truly important to me. A responsible race series that treats all runners as equals and celebrates the entire community.

So I'm an RD now.. and I learn something new everyday. As we continue on this journey, I'm hoping to be able to share with all of you the many ins and outs that I've dealt with to date. There is never an easy day thus far. I've shed quite a few tears.. mostly because my passion for this is so strong. Returning to race directing was never an easy decision for me.. but as Ultra has become my life.. it is indeed time to give back and create an ultra series that reflects my views of what the sport once was and always should be.

For anyone looking to become an RD, I would highly suggest you truly consider your motives for doing so. If you're in it to simply make money, or if that's your first thought "Ultra is booming.. what a chance to make some money!" don't do it. Like with anything you should take on in this life.. do it for the love.. not for the love of money. It'll be a greater service to the community so many of us truly love.

CLICK HERE to move on to Part 2: Your Course

Sherpa John is the owner and race director of Human Potential LLC and the Human Potential Running Series. Registration is now open for their first two offerings.

Video: Bighorn 100 "Redemption"

2014-06-30T12:13:00.000-06:00

In 2012, I ran in the Bighorn 100 Mile Endurance Run... and dropped out of the race at Mile 66. The decision to quit that day, was the right decision, but is a decision that has weighed heavy on me ever since. My big goal for 2014, was to train for and return to the Bighorn 100 in search of redemption.

I made a documentary film in 2012 titled "90 Percent." Today, it is my most watched video on YouTube by quite a gap. I also wanted to document my stab at redemption... and thankfully it has a happy ending. While I continue to write my Bighorn 100 Race report, I hope you'll enjoy the video below.

RR: 2014 Miwok 100K

2014-06-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Miwok 100K Ultra Run

62 Miles - Marin Headlands, CA

___________________________

The Miwok 100K has been one of my bucket-list races since 2007. In early 2008, I started talking to an ultra-runner that I’d met through the Ultra List Serv. Her name was Alyssa Skye and she lived in the San Francisco Bay area and regularly ran on Mount Tam and the surrounding Miwok course. Alyssa knew of my struggles and ongoing battle with depression and resolved to give me a vacation. She surprised me with a plane ticket to San Francisco where she picked me up and we spent the next four days running the trails on and around the Marin Headlands.

In December 2010, Alyssa unexpectedly passed away in a tragic car accident. I was pretty devastated by her passing, a stranger who opened her heart and her life to me, to simply make me smile and give me hope. After her passing, I knew that I would one day run Miwok and I deliberately saved the 100K distance for this race in particular. I flew to San Fran alone this weekend. No Pacer, no crew. Just myself and a course I’ve always wanted to run… for Alyssa. Turns out that all these years later, she’s still giving me surprises.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this weekends race other than relentless hills. The Miwok 100K is a 62.2 mile run with 12,000’ of climbing and 12,000’ of downhill. There is nothing easy about 24,000’ change at near net zero. Even though I live at the higher altitude of Denver, I knew the relentless ups and downs of the Miwok course would be punishing. They didn’t disappoint. My goals for the race were the typical for me. #1 was to finish, #2 was sub 13 hours. A goal I knew would be hard to catch given the course and my not having a pacer or crew. The absolute best day would be sub 12:30.

I arrived in Stinson Beach around 4:30am on race morning and parked my car down in the town beach lot. From here it’s a ½ mile walk to the starting line. I followed the sea of headlamps as they made their way to the start/finish, hauling my drop bags and seriously under rested. I had only slept about 3 hours last night and I was groggy. After finding the community center, I checked in to receive my bib, dropped off my drop bags and began to wait. The bathroom lines were long, 4 toilets for 400 runners… and it smelt like they were all using them. Thankfully I didn’t need to go but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to wait inside the heated (and stank) community center, or outside in the chilly air. I decided to hang out around the door where the warm air from in was flowing out.

It seemed like it was a blink of an eye and were lining up on a tiny side street in this beach town. Tia Bodington, RD, began her countdown. When she reached zero, she held up a piece of cardboard on it that said “Go!” and from there.. we were off. The mass of more than 400 runners took of running and made it a whole 30 yards. Then, we stood still and bottle-necked onto a bridge that dumped us onto the single track trail. From there.. it was a headlamp tramp winding it’s way up the switchbacks.. up.. and up.. and up what seemed like forever. It was neat to see the snake of lights above and below you.

There was so much conversation out there. I was tired, so annoyed. I pick up on things being said in the crowd and in my head give, “Oh really??” and “that’s BS,” and other personal comments. After a short while I stopped myself and my thoughts, and just took a few deep breaths. I don’t know why I was so angry or what the problem was. I was here to enjoy the experience. So a few more deep breaths and I listened again. I heard a lot of chatter about “qualifying for Western States” and this crowd of enthused California runners.. actually had me excited as well. Finish the run in 15:59:59 or less and I’ll qualify for Western States. A race that has once again changed it’s qualifying standards and a race.. that I might as well try and run again for that sub-24 hour buckle… the crowd did it.. they got me excited about it…

As we continued to climb the sun began to come out to the East. Our view was of the ocean to the west. I watched as the ocean and sky turned the same color which made it difficult to figure out which way was up and which way was down. The more the sun rose the more that was revealed in our surroundings. Soon, we found ourselves running across pristine, rockless-rootless, singletrack through high grassy meadows filled with wild flowers. You could hear the waves crashing on the beach and against the rocks and cliff sides, you could see towns, beaches and waves far below.. It truly was a sight to behold.

After finally reaching the ridge line of the Mount Tam area, we then took to the Redwood forest, running under incredibly old giants and their hanging beards of moss. Such an amazing place to run beneath the giants and wonder just how many rings one could count inside. At the north end for the ridge, we endur a quad busting downhill. It was steep for sure and I took my time so as to not blow out my quads. As we descend the hill I am careful to try and count just how many of the 500 starters are in front of me. By the time I reach the bottom and the Randall aid station, I surmised that I was in the top 100 runners. This excited me.

I found my drop bag and stooped down to refill my bottles and my pack. I knew from here it was a long way to Muir Beach where I’d next see my drop bags again. After giving attention to my needs, I snagged some fruit from the aid table and started walking uphill alongside a cowboy! This cat was rad. He wore a straw cowboy hat and was from Crested Butte, CO. This kid as a riot and we pulled and pushed each other up that climb. We took turns leading the way, trading spots and making as good time as we possibly good.

Once we reached the top I once again ran along the ridge. That down and up in and out of Randall was great at spreading the field out. I now found myself running around 3 or 4 other runners but despite there being 500 runners on the course, I was still relatively alone. I decided to just settle into the saddle, and let the miles roll on by.

I ended up making up what little time I had lost on that hill and the early miles inside the horde of runners on my way back across the ridge. We started to weave our way in and out of national park parking areas which led me to believe that we were now in Muir Woods. The course takes us on and over small sections of the famed Quad Dipsea course before shooting us up and down modest hills, to Muir Beach. As I ran along the valley roads towards Muir, I spotted a race volunteer dressed as a pirate. I couldn’t not get my picture taken with the guy, so I stopped for a selfie. As I left the cross walk he worked, I found another runner and we started conversation. Turned out he was local and accused me of cheating having come from elevation. He had a great sense of humor and filled me in on some of the history of the area and what the local running clubs enjoy running from time to time and even a place they stop for beer on night runs.

We make it to Muir Beach and the parking lot is loaded with runners and their crews. I grabbed a little soda and a bunch of fruit and took off running once again. We then ran through this really neat organic garden before once again climbing a relentless hill. I tagged a long an army guy who seemed to be an ultra-fan boy. He was a name dropper for sure, even mentioning that he knew Dean Karnazes. While I was enjoying his company, and the comedic value of the names he chose to drop (he obviously didn’t know me… who the hell am I anyway…) I had to let him go. So I put down the hammer once we topped out on the next climb and started running the next downhill.

As I made my way up and over, down into Tennessee Valley and out and up the other side again, it hit me. When I visited California in 2008, Alyssa knew I had wanted to run the Miwok 100K. So she took me running for 4 days and over the course of the 4 days.. she showed me most (if not all) of the Miwok 100K course. At this point I knew the way back towards the finish. It hit me that I knew the entire course before I even showed up and for that reason alone, I was incredibly comfortable all day out there.

It was incredibly easy to find my drop bags at Tennessee and I tended to my needs. It was getting hot now under a high noonish sun. I took stock of what I had left in my pack and what I had in my drop bag knowing that I’d return to this spot once again.

Up and over the next incline and the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. I see Eric Lee, another Boulder runner, heading back towards the finish and figure he’s a good hour and a half ahead of me. He’s all smiles but I could tell he was ready to be done.. so was I. Things were finally starting to tighten up and my legs began to tire. My mind was with it. This was the first race I used Succeed Amino ONLY from start to finish and I had yet to bonk, fall into a haze, or lose focus. That stuff is amazing. I hit the Bridge View aid station with a whole group of runners. I had no idea where half these people had been all day. It was as if the main throng of runners was now closing in on me.. I wanted to pick it up.. I just needed to find the gas.

I took off from Bridge View slowly running downhill while I continued a systems check. I mowed down some gels and chews. Tried to eat fruit from the aid station and vurped here and there. This would end up being the lowest spot of the race for me. After I bottom out in the valley here, the climb back up before descending back into Tennessee Valley is grueling. It’s hot now, the wind is blocked by the hill sides and all of us runners together are roasting. There are only a few still running. I start to catch and pass runners who have crumbled and can barely walk uphill, others are coming up from behind running like they just started. It was the most diverse collection of runners I have seen at post 40 miles of a race ever and I loved it.

When I hit Tennessee Valley I start asking for the time. I had no clue where I was without my watch, and while that doesn’t bother me much.. I still wanted to break 13 hours. I start doing the math and figure that it’s going to be close if I can make it. So my stop at my drop bag is short, I grab what I need and get the heck out of there. I climb up the next hill out of Tennessee Valley and run the trails Alyssa and I ran on our best day together during my visit. I put my headphones in and listen to Imagine Dragons. As I climb higher on the hillside I can’t help but think of my lost friend.. and I cry.

After hitting the top I run high above the coastline. I see Keith Knipling from Virginia. He turns around and runs with me for a little bit, describing what’s ahead. I tell him to say hi to his pops for me and then he takes off looking for the runner he’s going to pace.. .his wife. Then I see Glenn Tachyama taking pictures along the seashore. His runner photos are second to none… maybe even better than Luis Escobar. I say hi to Glenn and thank him for being out there. Then.. I’m alone.. and pushing.. with the music blaring in my head.

Up and down, the course continues as it has all day except now, the hill repeats are truly starting to take their toll. I run down into Muir Beach and ask the time. I quickly refill my bottles, grab more fruit and soda and take off running albeit much slower than I had run through here before. There are moments where I feel 13 hours slipping away and I begin to doubt myself, then there are moments where I feel alive and strong and it comes reeling back in. I put my head down and just kept running.

After winding our way around the roads, we hit the climb known as Cardiac. This climb takes us from the valley, back to the top of Muir Woods. It is steep and the grade is ridiculous. It’s right up my wheelhouse, I love stuff like this. Hands on knees, crawling along. Runners pass me and I pass a few. But when I say pass..we’re like a herd of racing turtles. At the top we hit an aid station. The crew here was the best. Even though their station was open, the shoed all runners right out the door without even stopping. It’s all downhill to the finish from here. I ask the time.. it’s stll close.

I tried my best to find whatever gears I have left. I took time to talk to Alyssa and thank her.. and for also thanking her for being there with me today. I take my headphones off and resolve to listen to the wind, the ocean and the trees while I barrel ass down into Stinson Beach. The downhills through the red woods are still grueling. My quads are fried. Then there are small wooden steps that never seem to end, one after another after another for MILES (it seems). Then, you can hear the music playing, people cheering. I know I’m late.. but I still push..

The cut-off for the Miwok 100K is 16 hours. To qualify for the Western States 100, one just needs to finish in 15:59:59. I manage to come in at 13 Hours and 13 Minutes, good enough for 123^rd place of 357 Finishers (500+ Starters). I am incredibly pleased that not only did I have the chance to run the Miwok 100K, but I finished with a great time, and in the top 3^rd of what is typically a very competitive California Ultra Scene. (8^th of 12 finishers from Colorado).

The Miwok 100K was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. The truth is, of the nearly 50 Ultras I’ve run, this was the most perfect race from top to bottom. The aid stations, volunteers, pre race, post race, shwag, the course, course markings, fellow runners, course marshalls, EMS.. you name it.. everything was top notch. This race is a not-to-miss run in Ultrarunning. Get there!

See you in Squaw??

Video: 2014 Trans-Zion Run

2014-05-22T10:38:00.000-06:00

If you've never been to Zion National Park, you owe it to yourself to go. This truly is a national treasure and one of the most stunning places on earth. On Saturday, May 17th, a few friends and I had the privilege of running from the parks west rim to the east. It was by and large, one of the most magical runs I've ever been on and I am forever grateful to have done it.

Enjoy this short video of what we experienced out there. I hope you enjoy it through our own eyes.

Video: 2014 Miwok 100K

2014-05-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

I finally made it to the Miwok 100K. My first 100K distance race, and at the race I've held the distance off for. I was incredibly excited to win a spot through the Miwok Lottery and wasn't disappointed by the experience provided by RD Tia Bodington, Stan Jansen and the rest of their amazing volunteer staff.

Below is video I shot during this years race. A short 4 or so minute musical jaunt through California's Marin Headlands. I hope you enjoy it. Race Report coming soon!

RR: 2014 Rockin' K 50 Miler

2014-04-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

Saturday, April 4, 2014
Rockin' K 50 Mile Ultra
50 Miles - Kanapolis State Park, KS
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Kansas is NOT flat

After visiting the Rockin' K 50 Miler last year, it was an easy sell to return this year. The Kansas Ultrarunners Society puts on races seldom seen in the state of Colorado. Old School ultra traditions are alive and well in Kansas and it's easy to feel like part of the family from the moment you arrive. Last year, I was on a mission to lose 30 lbs and run my 5th Vermont 100, in 100-Mile PR time. This year, I'm just enjoying the journey, training for Redemption at the Big Horn 100 in June.

I've been running Ultras for 9 full years now and come July I'll be starting season 10. That seems like a long time and even feels like it. There have been few times in the 9 years I've been running ultras that I've felt ready or even equipped to try and land amongst the top runners at a race. This year, going into Kansas, I was feeling great and knew that now was as good a time as any to give it hell and see if I could land in the Top 3.
I had a few thoughts on that in mind. 1.) I knew the two boys from Nebraska were registered so they'd likely finish 1.2. I knew Jeremy Ebel was coming from the Front Range.. he was in my carpool after all.. and if he had a great day, he could win or finish top 3 as well. I don't mind losing to Ebel if it came down to it.. but at the end of the day, the race is till with myself. So.. I prepared and planned to go for it in Kansas and that's exactly what I did.

In the moments prior to the race start, I was comfortably numb.. or better yet.. I was frozen. It was damn cold at the start of this years race with temps hovering around 30 degrees. What little breeze grazed the Kansas Prairie made it feel even colder. All of us runners huddled together to try and stay warm. A brief pre-race meeting instructed us on the color ribbons to follow. I then had to try and find an easy way to relay the color scheme to my running friends. "Checkers, Stripes, Checkers, Green, Stripes" was the easiest I could come up with and it seemed to work. In the tom foolery of the start, one of my carpool mates ripped my earbuds from my ear. I have been wearing those yurbuds for a bit now. They rock unless the rubber ear piece comes off.. which it did. So in the waning seconds before the race started, I found myself incredibly annoyed and scrambling to put the rubber ear thingy back on. Just as I got it on, I pressed play, ran to the start line and we were off.. in one swift motion.. phew.

So there I was... racing down the first hill, up the next and onto the single track trail.. with the leaders of the pack. It was so cold and I was running so fast (easily a 7 min mile or faster), that tears from the cold air were streaming down my face. As we got onto the single track, I was in third.. and starting to trail already. I was soon passed by a few runners and was sitting as the 6th or so runner in the pack of over 100. The bearded guy from Kansas was even running faster than me now... compared to his performance the years before, I had to ask if he was in the 50 or the marathon. He told me the 50.. and I started to wonder if I was blown up already or if this guy just ate his wheaties. I even got passed by a dude wearing all blue with the real signature of his outfit being a Captain America shirt. This guy took off after the front 3 and then 15 minutes later, I caught up to him as he walked.. then he passed me, then I him, then he I.. you get the idea.. until I just let him go.

So I settled in to 6th or 7th or 8th and decided to get comfortable. I sunk into the music and let the miles glide by. Being sure to let no one but myself to dictate my pace and my race. So with that, I ran alone for most of the race. Hardly a sight of anyone in front of me or behind for miles. I loved it. So easy was it to sink into a state of flow and just let it all flow by. The sun rise was incredible and for as much as we Coloradoans (and every else) craps on the drive through Kansas.. being out there is a much different experience. Watching the sun rise over America's Grasslands, and then realizing how out in the middle of nowhere you are, and how vast an expanse it actually is.. is sobering. I feel privileged to know I've been able to experience that thought and feeling multiple times in my life.. even if in Kansas.

Upon reaching the first aid stop, my feet were still dry, my head was clear and I had no idea what time it was. I left my watch in the tent since the battery was dead. I left for the rock loop which consisted of the rugged terrain for the day. The sun was shining full on now and it was hard for me to see the white and red checkered ribbons. Thankfully, the photog was nearby and he told me where to go. I scurried up the steep hill, thanked him and pushed on. Not long after I caught Captain America, who was walking, and asking if the race got harder, "Mmmhmmm." :) And I even caught two marathon runners who I observed running with no bottles, not stopping at any aid stations, and now cramping in the calves. Silly runners...

About 4 miles out from the end of loop 1 (mile 22), Jeremy Ebel caught up to me. He remarked on how awesome I was doing and that I wasn't easy to catch. Which was BS. Jeremy had gotten lost out there and managed to catch me at mile 22 which was really his mile 29.. then.. run in to the half way turn around with me. Once there, I stopped for a #2 bio-break, then grabbed my aid supplies. While grabbing my supplies, Jeremy took off down the road. In the few miles I shared with him, Jeremy challenged me more, to push the pace. "Let's win this thing John.." I pushed with him and started to run his race.. and to be honest.. it gassed me a little bit. But I didm't mind, the kid is one of my best friends. So I hung on and pushed.

At the turn around, we asked where we were in the pack. I knew there had to be 2 ahead of us, and it was confirmed. I looked over at the rock hut and saw the beard as he called out, "I quit!" I chuckled.. I figured as much knowing how hard he ran that first lap. Chuckling was over for a bit though, because as I gave chase to Jeremy down the road as we left for loop 2, I knew he was now in 3rd and I in 4th. It was exciting to think I had been in 3rd for awhile, and I was even more excited for Jeremy and pleased with where I was. I tried to catch him on the road, but couldn't.. the kid had gas.. literally.

Not long down on the trail section, it got hot. Real hot. Temps were now near 65 and that Kansas sun is STRONG with no shade in sight. Swamp ass was in full effect. It was at that moment that I realized I had forgotten to put the body glide on this morning and after the recent bio break.. I did some damage. The chaff monster was here and it burned!! I walked some and thought about it. "Maybe I'll catch up to Jeremy and ask him if he has some glide in his pack." Good thought except.. he was long gone now.. So.. I looked around and saw NO ONE. I had to dry my crack out.. so I did what anyone else would do. I dropped the backside of my shorts and ran bare ass naked for the next 2 miles to air my crotch out. And ya know something?? It worked!

After I cleared things up, I hiked my shorts up and got to work. My legs were gassed now despite my mind being in great shape. I was now just working through fatigue and wondering how long I could hold on. I knew others would catch me, but my goal was to not let anyone pass. On the way to the first manned aid stop, I looked back at one point to finally see a few runners gaining on me. I worked my way to the rock loop as quick as I could, grabbed what I needed at the aid station and walked out.

I was spent.. no doubt about it. Hey.. I went for it. Top 3. I wanted to see where I could land if I pushed and I did that. Now.. I'm hanging on. Not long into the rock loop, you cross a road with a port potty on it. I wanted to take a sit, so I stopped. As I went to put my bottles down, I looked back and saw a runner. Crap! I picked my bottles back up and started running hard again. I scurried around those steep ups and downs trying to keep him at bay. If I couldn't have 3rd I wanted to keep 4th. It was no use. An older runner from the front range filed in behind me and I let him go. I tagged along behind him for awhile marveling at how steady he was running, how smooth, how deliberate and gentle..

That's when it hit me. I was so balls to the walls all race long that now I was playing that game where.. when I could run, I ran hard until I couldn't.. then I'd be reduced to a walk. This is called the yo-yo show.. where you run like a damn yo-yo. I stopped to walk for a bit to reset my mind. I'm in 5th now and if I wanted to keep that I need to worry about just being steady. So.. I eased off the throttle and just focused on my feet. Running when I could and not going hard. Walking if I had to. I never saw another runner behind me for the rest of the race, but still tried to slowly chase down the guy who just passed me.

At the last manned aid stop, I went into my drop bag and took out my 5 hour energy. I chugged it, ate a hunk of banana, and 2 seconds later, I hurled everywhere. Out came the banana, all of the 5 hour, and the orange I ate at the half way point. Huh.. no wonder my stomach felt like it had an orange in it.. it had an orange in it. I felt better now for some reason, and it was enough of a boost to keep me going.

During the final miles of the run, you run across these beach sand sections. That sand sucked what little life was left in me, out of me as I staggered through the Kansas beach. Yeah.. I had to go to Kansas to enjoy a run on the beach. It was hard. Demoralizing and great training. I hung on tight. 2 miles out, I took the headphones off and enjoyed the quiet serenity of the grasslands. I listened as the wind crashed the tall stalks of gras together.. go beautiful. What a great day.

I ran up that final hill and finish in 10:16. Eighteen minutes slower than last year and finish in 5th place (6th last year). I'll take it. I gave it all I had an pushed to see what I could do. You never know unless you try. I'm happy that after laying it all out there, giving it hell, falling apart, 2 miles naked, a scorching sun, and beach sand.. I was still able to finish top 5 and only 18 minutes slower than last year. I'll take that as a victory, and welcome the beginning of a new season of Ultra.

5th Place our of 20 Finishers.
10:16:41
I love the Ultrasignup rankings. I'm the guy with a 66% ranking nestled in between the guys in the upper 70's and 80s, (#Sandbagger) which once again proves that the rankings aren't worth a hill of beans.

RR: 2013 Vermont 100

2013-08-01T23:02:00.001-06:00

July 20-21, 2013
Woodstock, VT
The 25th Anniversary Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run

Pre-Race:
It had been one incredibly long journey over the last 8 months preparing for my 5th Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run. I imagined that I'd feel an immense amount of self-imposed pressure returning "home" to run in my favorite 100 Mile Event. Vermont is the only 100 I've been able to finish in under 24-hours. In 4 previous starts of the race, I have 4 finishes. The pressure would come from going 5 for 5, making all of that hard work pay off and finish in sub-24 hours, and achieve my ultimate goal of running a Personal Best 100 Mile time of 23 Hours and 19 Minutes or faster.

Arriving at Silver Hill Meadow on Friday afternoon was incredibly nostalgic for me. I felt right at home, as one always does here, as I parked my car in the muddy fields and began to walk over to race check-in. Just before entering the tent, I ran into my old training buddy Nate Sanel. He had checked in, was shirtless, and looked great as always. "The scale is a little light," he told me. I walked into the tent, after we talked for a bit, and got my bib #.. lucky #100 for the 5th time. I then went to the medical check-in. There, I recorded a weight of 166.4 lbs.. seemed pretty darn accurate to me. Then a personal best blood pressure of 136/82.. yeah.. that's an all time best for me.

The rest of the evening consisted of the pre-race meeting, catching up with many old friends and meeting a few new ones. Conducting an on camera interview for the "100: Heat/Heart/Feet" film being produced. Eating dinner with Team Robert, then enjoying some fun and funny downtime inside the tent city before bed. Then, around 10:00pm.. the thunderstorms rolled on in. The lightning flashed like strobe lights for a few hours and thunder loudly cracked across the green mountain valleys. By the time the storms ended, and the downpours subsided.. it was midnight. Those of us who can't sleep through all that, enjoyed a pre-race 3 hour nap before Chariots of Fire played over the sound system to wake us all and corral us into the tent.

I'm more ready for this race than any other race I've ever been in. I feel great. I'm no nervous and feel remarkably relaxed. It's business as normal for me. Taking 8 years of ultra-running experience and pouring it all into this one performance. Everything I know and try to teach others. Allowing my training to take me to the finish line. I still wasn't sure how I'd ultimately do today, but I knew I'd certainly give it everything I had. I'd lost the 20 lbs, weighed in the lightest I ever have at the event, and was ready to earn my PR... I stood in the meadow on a very humid and foggy morning, with 325 other starters, while fireworks soared into the night sky from 2 miles away on a hill used for the Vermont 50 Course. We all watched silently and reminisced as the race celebrated year number 25. And then.. we were off...

Start to Pretty House
I've always found it easy to run the first few miles without carrying a headlamp at this race. All of us runners are so close together still, and everyone else seems to be wearing one, so I leave mine behind. I did however carry a small handheld flashlight, that I never actually used. I found this to be a lighter carry than a headlamp. After all, it is 22 miles until our fist crew stop and you'd end up carrying the headlamp needlessly for more than half of that distance.

Just a mile or two into the race and I find myself running with Zac Weiluns. Zac is the main subject of the documentary film being produced this weekend titled 100: Head/Heart/Feet. Zac has tried to run the Vermont 100 twice previously, being stopped short of the finish line both times. If his current pace was any indication of his preparedness for this years run, and how the day would come out, I felt he was going to do just fine. Zac is incredibly friendly. A quiet presence about him, he only spoke when necessary for the conversation and I found him to be quite honest yet reserved. It was an honor to share these few miles with him before I watched him pull on ahead.

At the bottom of the first hill around mile 2 or 3, another round of fireworks blasted off into the night. We are much closer to the site they were shooting them off now. I could only assume they went off to signify the leaders passing on by. It certainly did the trick in waking me up a little more. Not long after, we continue to run towards Woodstock by the light of dawn. Then, a hungry sun rises above the nearby country side. It's so humid it's foggy. Dew rests on every blade of grass and you can smell that New England summer smell of must and mold.

A few folks are running around me at mile 7 and the field has all ready begun to spread itself out. I'm sharing the road with three guys. I didn't know any of them but one certainly left an impression. It never amazes me these days how everyone is an expert at 100 milers during these things. This one runner in particular decided to run down his resume so everyone around him could hear him. "But the Hurt 100 is the last one I did... nothing compares to that one.. it's the hardest." Of course I had to chime in with, "What about The Barkley?" ... There was no response. Without much sleep last night I'm easily annoyed. Running my 18th 100, I could easily run down my list for the guy, but decided to distance myself by hanging back and letting him have his fun.

After the next unmanned aid stop, I was running down the road into Woodstock when Nate Sanel caught up to me. Turns out that Nate had stopped for a little bio-break and in that time, I had run past him. The fact that I was saying to myself, "Nate caught up to me," was an early indication that I had gone out too fast. Nate said he just "wanted to take it easy." I looked at my garmin to see us running at 7:45 pace into town, and my average was hovering around 9's. Easy my ass.. So I slowed down and let Nate run ahead, convincing myself that I needed to relax and force myself to ease up a bit. As I ran onto the pavement of Route 4 in town, I met up with AJ Johnson, a fellow Team Animal Camp runner of mine and we continued to run the next few miles together, catching up, and of course he blamed me for suckering him into running this years race.

Running through town is a new part of the Vermont 100 for me. We used to run over the Taftsville Covered Bridge. Hurrican Irene did a number on the bridge 2 years ago and it's yet to recover. While they continue to do work, we get rerouted through town. The new section is mostly flat and runs through some of Woodstock's historic district. It's still very gorgeous, but the flats allow for us runners to catch up on some time. It was good knowing where I was the whole time given my intimate relationship with the area over the years. This is calming mentally. Before we know it, we're back onto the normal course and running up and over the final hills before Pretty House. We cross over the Appalachian Trail, past a few notable farms, the "bulls yard" and then just before running down into the Crew Station, the first horse of the day catches me. This is the farthest into the race I've ever been before the horses, who start an hour later, have caught me. Besides Nate catching me, this was my next "too-fast" moment of the race.

I checked in with my crew around the 3:48 mark. Ya.. that's 3:48 for 22 miles. The fastest I'd ever checked in at Pretty House and it's a mile later into the race than normal. I stopped for a bio break while my crew worked on my bottles and waist pack. When I came out, I grabbed some fruit, got my gear and was gone. The best part was running down the hill and seeing my 16 year old nephew Kenny waving the Colorado Flag. I brought one so it would be easy to find my crew in the stations. It didn't disappoint. It was also great to see my old friend Drew, who chased me down the road to his car before leaving. Of course, I got all the "get the lead out" I could handle for the day before he took off.

Zepp, Mike and Kenny

Mt. Drew

Pretty House to Stage Rd.
Running down the road out of Pretty House we run back onto pavement and head uphill. I felt good so I just kept running. Typically I've walked this little incline, not this year, I had "PR" on my mind. So I ran when I could, all the way up to that next steep incline which takes us up and over a pasture abutted by a small gray house. A few years ago, the little old woman who lives here came out to cheer us on. I've yet to see her since.. but I think of her every time. The road undulates mercilessly through here. The skies were darkening and I wondered if it would rain. I didn't have to wonder long as a quick shower blew in and out. It didn't cool us off it only made things muggier.

As I approached "Sound of Music Hill" I ran into Henry Peck. A gentleman who has a very long running history, is a sound marathon runner, whom I'd e-mailed with before.. and was now finally meeting. He gave a long and firm handshake which was strangely comforting for the middle of a race. He gave me a nice tap on the shoulder, and we took on Sound of Music together. After cresting the top and taking in the best view on the course, we eased on down the hill, and ran into Stage Road. Quickly, we've come to Crew stop #2, and I know it'll be a while now before I see them.

I take the hard left onto the road here, and see Jack Pilla. He says hello with a smile as he always does while I pick at the aid table for fruit. Jack asks if I need help or what not and I assure him I brought a crew. I really appreciated him jumping into action for me if I needed it. I spotted the flag and my crew was ready and waiting. I stuff my face with more gels, protein shakes, whatever.. and quickly head out of the aid station. We're 50K into this thing and everything is working like clock-work. I knew I had gone out too fast but I wasn't obsessing over it. I've run the first 33 miles of the race in 5:30... faster than my official 50K PR. I was more concerned about my stomach and my constant vurping. This would consume my mind for the next few miles while I tried to sort out what was going on internally.

Talkin to Jack

Stage Rd to 10 Bears 1
We leave Stage Road and head onto the hill that climbs the backside of Suicide Six, I think. All I know is that this hill is a killer. It's steep as hell. This year, it's a mud bog and it's tough to climb without getting wet and muddy. The sun is definitely up now and the humidity and mugginess is really starting to crank itself up. As we enter the woods the deer flies come out. I'm still vurping and I've figured out the problem. Though I'm burning calories like crazy, your body can only absorb about 250 per hour. I've stuffed way more than that down my throat in the first 5 or so hours of the run. So, I threw up a little and shook it out, then, I decided to ease back a little bit on the intake to ensure that I'm really getting full value of all that I'm ingesting throughout. It worked, and a few miles later, my stomach settled down.

Back down into Woodstock, we cross a route 12 and hit the U-Turn aid station. I grab some more ice and fruit and prepare to dig in a bit. For some reason this next section over to Lillians has been a killer to me. Having gone out too fast in the race, I worried that I would struggle on these hills heading to Lincoln Covered Bridge and then into Lillians. It was certainly hot, humid, and muggy.. but I felt relatively good. So I put my head down and dug deep. I ran these sections as best I could. I was patient, picking away at them, but definitely felt my pace beginning to slow.

I approached the reservoir and was glad to see they had ice in a cooler for us. It's about 10:30/11am and my body is really starting to struggle cooling down. I'm soaked from head to toe. Sweating like a pig, even my shorts are soaked through, simply from sweat. I was used to this humidity at one time. I expected it coming back. I didn't expect my body struggling with it. I guess living in the desert has done away with that aspect of my repertoire. So I shove some ice cubes in my bottles, which was melted and warm again within 10 minutes, and a few under my hat before carrying on.

After the reservoir we run a nice relaxing downhill to US Route 4, we cross the road thanks to the help from local police, run the pavement, and then cross the Lincoln Covered Bridge. I run down into the aid station where an aid worker is waiting with the bucket of water. This aid station is known for having a bucket of cold water from the river waiting for the runners. He didn't even need to say anything as I take off my hat and sunglasses, bow, and let him douse me. It was cold enough to take my breath away and I was instantly soaked and cooled. I grabbed fruit at the aid table while the staff helped refill my bottles. Tammy was there, I have no clue who else but they knew me.. John Geesler had trickled in and I asked him how he was doing, "Not so good was his answer" as he looked for ice cubes.

I took off running up the next long and rather steep incline. Another hill that is a soul sucker for some. I put my head down and continued to run alone. About halfway up is an unmanned stop with sodas, I take a shot of coke, and winced as it's warmth went down harshly. I remembered a trough with a hose typically being out up the hill, I knew I could cool off again up there. When I made it to the trough, I just dunked my hat and slapped it back on my head. I'm still over heating in the worst way, I'm slowing, and I'm beginning to panic.

As I begin to run off the top of the hill and down towards Lillians, I see something crashing down through the woods. After quick examination, I realize it's a moose. I must have scared him as he scurried off into the dense forest. I ran into Lillians where I had another bio-break. This porta-potty is known for sitting in the sun and being hot like a sauna. Last thing I needed, but I needed it. I emerged and walked to the aid table. Geesler had caught up to me again and he was looking for ice. He spoke softly to the little girls who were working the station, cutting fruit. He was sounding weary. I dared not talk, it took too much energy. I grabbed fruit and ice and took off up the road.

The longest paved section on the course is here. The horse hold used to be up the road where we duck back off into the woods, it's back at Lillians now. This confused me a bit, but thankfully I'm not a horse. I run down 106, careful not to be killed by any traffic. It's obvious that many of the locals don't like us or want us out here. Over the years this seems to have gotten worse and worse. I was beyond counting on one had how many times a driver has nearly hit me or refused to slow down for us runners on the road. Rte 106 was the worst of this all day. They speed by at 60 mph, and even though cones are out in the road to slow em down.. they don't. I was glad to get off the road, and back into the wood. I climbed the steep embankment through the maple farm, and dumped out at Jenne Farm.

One last short hill and I was running down into 10 Bears. I was so excited to be here. 47 Miles into the race. Almost halfway done. 9 Hours and 20 Minutes. Still a personal best split for me to this point. But in my head, I've slowed down to barely running sub-24 hour pace. I'm obsessing about it now and a huge cloud of worry falls over me. I run into the station and step onto the scales. 159 lbs. I'm up 2.6 lbs from the start. Right where I want to be. I walk to the aid table and look for grilled cheese. It's after lunch now, and I need something solid. A female aid worker asks me what I need. I tell her, "grilled cheese" she says, "I'm not cooking yet.. next time through." This was the first time they hadn't been cooking at lunch here.. so I kinda stared at her waiting for her to say she was kidding. Instead, we engaged in an intense stare down before she started barking at me that she "wasn't cooking yet!" woof!

10 Bears 1 - Walking to the scales.

I found my crew and slumped into the chair with some fruit and a cup of ginger-ale. My stomach is much better than before but I still have some acid to settle. I ask Sarah to get me my other yogurt. The same thing at breakfast that tends to fill my stomach and give me energy.. I suck half of it down. I then changed my socks and put the same shoes back on. One look at my feet and they look ok, just a bit soggy and they needed a little drying. This has always been an important stop over the years. I did the best I could in the station to get ready, get fueled and get going. The next 20 miles, the 10-Bears loop, is the toughest section on the course. It'll make or break your day and I wanted to be prepared to take it on.

10 Bears Loop
As I was running out of the aid station I ran into Jack Pilla again. He asked me how I was doing and I hemmed and hawed over the answer. I told him I wasn't sure, I felt like I was behind. He looked me dead in the eye and said, "Well... just be patient John. You know how to do this. Be patient and it'll come to you." I knew he was 100% right. To this point, over the last 8 months, I had done everything right.. except for patience on race day. With that golden nugget of advice from a decorated veteran, I settled in to patient mode and let some miles come to me.

Up an over the sharp hill out of 10 Bears, I was amazed at the places cars were parked waiting for runners to come in. Some of those crews were in spots I'd never expect mine to be, and they were simply waiting there for their runners. I took to the next flat section which is notorious for being hot. Luckily, the skies are overcast now and it's not too bad. I didn't even notice being done with this section and taking to the next few hills. Here we run through a few yards, where the home owners were all out offering to spray us down with hoses or pesticide sprayers. I took up the offer of the first person I came to, and was sure to thank all of them for allowing us to pass on through. Despite being hosed down, I'm still having trouble cooling down. It was sucking the life out of me, yet I pushed on.

Agony hill is next. It's a steep S.O.B. Someone finally bought the property near the top of the hill, so a large section of it, which used to be a drainage, is now a long steep gravel driveway. A lot of trees have been removed to make way for phone lines and electricity. It's not here now. It was a bit demoralizing to look up and still see more hill in front of you, with no end in sight. So I kept my head down and just plugged up the hill. I saw no runners in front of me, or behind me, the entire climb. Another first.. in fact, I haven't seen many runners or horses all day, and I began to wonder if I was missing something and the race had been called off.

On my way into Pinky's I see a guy standing next to his pick-up at the end of the driveway. He asked me if I was doin' all right, I was walking some. I told him yeah and he said, "Hey.. is your name John?" I said, "Yeah" and he jumped with excitement. "DUDE! IT'S CAVE MAN!" Unfrozen Caveman to be exact. A guy whom I'd hiked a few New Hampshire peaks with 5 or 6 years ago. It's been a long time since I've seen the guy, maybe 4 years. So he walks with me a bit and we catch up. As we enter the aid station, the volunteers look at us puzzled, like if I had an illegal pacer or something. I think I was pacing him to be exact. The aid volunteer asked, "You ok?? You're walkin in here a bit." I looked at him and said, this is mile 51.. I tend to walk from time to time after running that far (with a smile). I said by the Mr. Chadwick and was off on my own again. I was giving chase a female whom I had caught before the aid station but passed by while I was in it. There was another runner sitting down checking his pulse in there.. I'm sure his heart was still beating.

Down the road I went, crossed through the cemetery, down the road, and caught the female again. I let her run in front of me for a bit as we started up the next climb. About half way up the hill is a horse trough where they usually leave the hose running for us. She stopped, picked up the hose and sprayed her entire body down. She was obviously having a cooling problem as well. But I was amazed when she shoved the hose down the back side of her shorts and sprayed her ass, then she took it out and soaked her feet. In that moment, I knew she just screwed her race up a bit.

I went past her and kept running for Birmingham's. I saw a few runners there volunteering whom I'd spoken to during pre-race festivities. The conversation was light and after grabbing fruit and ice, the theme for the day, I was out of there. Across the soggy field and into the woods, I emerged onto a driveway and headed down to Tracer Brook. I ran right past the unmanned station here knowing my crew was a mile and a half up the road. I reached them at Seven Sees. A new aid station to relieve previous congestion at Tracer. My crew was once again ready to go, it was starting to spit from the sky a bit. I told Sarah, that I really just needed it to rain. Something. Anything.. to cool me down or this is going to get ugly.

Over heating at Seven Sees

I grabbed everything I needed, and decided to go to the porta-potty and relube. While inside I heard a strange sound. When I opened the door, I stepped out into a deluge. It was all out pouring. Raining buckets. The rain was coming down sideways, the wind had picked up, and it was all very cold. Just what I needed. I looked at my crew and smiled, thanked them for everything, and headed off into the rain as is. No rain gear, jacket, nothing. Just the soaking I had ordered.

Along the way to Margaritaville I picked up a few runners on these long hills. One of which is the highest point on the course. You can see the attrition on some of these folks now. Some of whom went out even faster than I and were beginning to crumble. One chap was limping. I asked if he was ok and he said he had a blister on the ball of his foot. I've been there before, and told him it wasn't a blister, but a skin fold. Basically his feet have been wet for so long that they're wrinkled and are macerated. The fold of his skin on the ball of his foot is irritated. I told him to get to 10 Bears, DRY his feet as best he can and change his socks and shoes and he'd be good to go. Funny thing is, after that downpour and really having my feet soggy for much of the day, I was experiencing the same problem and I had the same plan. Kindred spirits.

So we run into Margaritaville together. I told my crew to skip it this year as I tend to loligaging here. My plan was to get in and out. Especially there. Their hospitality is way to good. A typical place to drop out of the race. While I picked at the table offerings, they offered me a cheeseburger in paradise, beer or margarita. I laughed and said, "I need to just get the hell outta here." I ate some watermelon and pulled the limping guy out of that station with me. And we were off, heading for Browns School house.

After Brown's School house we climb to the top of the hill just outside of there. On the way, some guy came tearing down the hill in a pick-up truck hauling a trailer loaded with 4-wheelers. He really had no business going that fast, ever, on those dirt roads giving his haul and how narrow the roads are. He didn't care one way or another that we were out there. This was the 8th time I'd cheated death this race.

The last downhill into 10 Bears 2 is long and grueling. It's the muddiest I've ever seen it and Irene did a number on it. A rutted mess. Rocks everywhere. The Deer flies were notoriously bad. It was a tough section. It's also a great segment of the course to really make some time up on and I took advantage of it. Passing a few more runners along the way, feeling great, and thinking about new socks and shoes. I'm plenty cooled off now, and the heating of the day is done. It's starting to cool outside.. and I'm feeling 100%.. finally!

Upon entering 10 Bears I get back on the scale. I weigh 157. I'm down 2 lbs from the last time. I'm good to go. I tell my crew what I need while I take a bio break. When I come out, my brother Bill has arrived to help. My brother-in-law Mike is ready to pace, Kenny is still waving that flag.. and they've got what I need. I do a sock and shoe change, eat a grilled cheese sandwich, drink some ginger ale, and get to my feet. With my hand held flash light in my bag, with plenty of day light left, I'm 70 miles into the Vermont 100 and fully charged. Mike and I head off into the woods together.

Arriving at 10 Bears 2 - Feeling Good

10 Bears 2 to Spirit of 76
Mike has paced me here before and it's really great to have his company. We catch up and tell stories as we head off up into the woods. The next hill is known as Heartbreak. And some say that if you can make it to the top with energy to spend, you'll finish the race. I think it's still way to early to predict that. The start of the climb is a driveway now, I assume washed out by Irene as was much of the rest of Vermont. I see a runner walking slowly ahead of us, not that we were speedy on the steep climb. As it turns into a drainage, I can hear the runner talking to himself. It was Keith Straw. This guy is a machine. Usually he is wearing a pink tutu. This year, just pink gaitors. Keith had run in and finished the Badwater 135 just 4 days prior to this race and now here he is on sub 24-hour pace. Incredible!

Keith is talking to himself, and I asked him who he was talking to. Our conversation was of course light and full of whit. My brother-in-law was certainly entertained. Keith and I are all ready doing the math in our head of a sub-24 hour finish. I want more than that. I'm still chasing 23:19. I feel like I'm up against it, so we leave Keith and soldier on. At the top of this climb, we pace the "party house" and head back into the woods. Some great singletrack winds steeply downhill through here. Tonia Smith from Colorado Springs passes me with her husband who was pacing her. She looks very strong and I knew her goal was 21-22 hours. I'm starting to get more life in me and I decide to try and keep up with them a bit. Mike comes in tow and he forgets how these steep downhills can easily trash your quads. After 73 miles of running, he's preaching to the choir.

We check in at seabrook. Grab some soda, and we're off. We run to the end of the road and enter this gorgeous pasture. This is my favorite spot on the entire course. The sun is setting, the sky turning pinks and reds, the clouds are moving out, two horses trot uphill ahead of us. We walk along a long rock wall, large maple trees adorn the field.. it is amazingly peaceful. At the top, back into the woods, and we quickly run the single track down to the road, cross it, and we're all ready at Spirit of '76.

Wahoo! We're super excited. In 2010, I took a two hour nap here...

2010

This year, like the rest of the race, is a different story. Zeke Zucker is working the aid station, ready for the triage it's sure to come in a few hours. Bill Stillson is on there working on the soup as well. We all have a few hearty laughs and joke. I chug some orange soda, which truly hit the spot, then have some of Bill's soup. My crew gets my Ultimate Direction pack ready for me. My forearms and hands are exhausted from carrying and squeezing the handhelds all day that I'm not switching to a bladder in my pack, and one small hand held for water. I quickly decide that it's time to go, and Mike and I leave with day light still left. I've always said, if it's still light when you leave Spirit of '76, you can make it in under 24.

Spirit of '76 to Polly's
We negotiate the next hill through some dark woods, leaving Spirit, and when we top out at the top of the hill, we're back onto the farm roads and it's still a bit light out. It's not a quest to see how far I can go before it's officially dark. Definitely the furthest I'd run before dark yet, and I'm getting more and more hopeful for that PR finish. Mike and I continue to talk, we continue to leap frog and joke with Keith Straw, and all three of us keep doing the good math in our heads associated with pace and possible finish times.

We approach a female runner, it's the girl who hosed her backside and feet earlier. She's hurtin' bad now, and it's obviously blisters and chafe. I'm sure she'll she think before hosing herself off. We come to another runner. A young guy in yellow, being paced by Gary Bennington. He's walking slowly, mad at something or someone, we leave him be and joke around with Gary. Then suddenly, we're at Bill's Barn. We check in to the aid station and I weigh in. 154. I'm down 2 on the day and 3 from last check. The med staff looks me in the eye and asks, "Are you good?" I've been forced to sit here before in a previous race.. I'm not fond of the VT100 med staff.. I look him dead in the eye and say, "Another day in paradise bud.. where's the soda?" I chuckle and grab some mountain dew. Walk out of the barn, check in with the crew and we're out.

Not much time has been spent in aid stations all day. I've certainly struggled with my ups and downs. I still have plenty of energy left. But my legs are truly starting to hate me. I sat in the chair for a minute at Bill's and when I stood back up I really needed a hand to straighten up. Creaky little bugger I was.. I knew I just needed to get this thing done.

At some point on the way to Polly's, I do the math, calculated with my pace and figure I could do this in 22:45. It would be a PR by a little more than a half an hour. Once the sun went down, things start to change for me, as they often do. We hit this long section of seriously dark woods. A near full moon is lighting up every single road we're on and a headlamp isn't even needed. In this densely wooded section, its seriously pitch black. I yawn, and yawn, and yawn.. Mike counts some 20 yawns in a row.. no joke. We make conversation about it, and I take out my secret weapon. I chug an extra strength 5-hour energy. 5 Minutes later, I'm making Mike work for it. We're running hard, charging down every down hill, running some flats, and even a few ups. We're making great time. I'm carefully mixing my walk breaks in to strategic spots where I know I could rest while doing work.

We're just ticking off miles now, running past aid stations after quick check's in. Leap frogging with Keith Straw. Everything is going perfect. Then, we're at Polly's. Now I say goodbye to Mike, and pick up Kenny. Kenny is Mike's son, and my 16-year old Nephew. I always wanted on of the kids to pace me during one of these, and it was finally happening. Kenny and I take off together into the night, he's ready to go and excited, barely awake even.. but lovin it. And so am I.

Pollys to the Finish
I wanted to be sure I told Kenny why I run these things and what I hope he's gotten out of watching me, and hearing about me, doing these silly things over the years. After all, I've been running ultra's since he was 8 years old now.

Kenny (Middle) and Timmy years ago

I explain to Kenny that our family genes suck. Riddled with diseases such as heart, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, bi-polar, manic, cancer, etc. And addictions such as alcoholism, gambling, drugs, sex, etc. I told him that we owe it to ourselves to fight against disease by taking care of ourselves. We owe it to ourselves to stave off addiction by exchanging bad habits for good ones. We have to do the work and it won't just come to us. If we don't, we fall into the same traps as others in our family lines, past and present. I hope.. that in all these years, Kenny will have seen that this stuff is what I do to fight my demons and live a better life. I also told him, that he didn't have to run 100 miles.. but I hoped he'd always have something in his life to use as his sword.

Beyond that... Kenny's not much of a talker. What can I say, at 16.. the kid loves to sleep. So does his uncle at 31. Bed is calling me, we just need to run there. We hit the final aid station and I suck down one last 5-hour energy. I was immediately fighting off throwing it up, but I knew whatever energy was in that bottle, would help get me to that finish line faster. We walked some of that last uphill, but once I knew there was a half mile left, even Kenny was working for it. We ran down the hill and started seeing the lit milk-jugs. Usually I get emotional.. I guess I was.. but it was different this time for some reason. We could hear the generator running at the finish. I give a loud "Hoo-Hoo!" into the woods, no response. We run a little further.. I do it again.. the folks at the finish line make noise back.. Then, I yell on the top of my lungs, just as my pacer did the first time I ran the Vermont 100.. and just like I have every year since.. now for the fifth time.. "NUMBER ONE ZERO ZERO!!"

The Finish
Man... It's really hard to describe my feelings crossing the finish line this year. This was my 18th 100 Miler, having run my first in 2007. The 2007 Vermont 100, was my first Vermont.. my second 100 ever.. and stood as my Personal Best Time ever since. 23 Hours and 19 Minutes. Those who have followed my blog or followed on Facebook since October, know what the mission was. Lose 20 lbs. and show up at the 2013 Vermont 100, weighing the same as I did in 2007. Then, go out and run the thing in a PR time.

It's been six years. I was 25 then, I'm 31 now. Things do get harder the older we get. But in the last 8 months, I've found that they're more worth it as well. My friend Lara, told me on the way to the airport, "Even if you don't PR.. look at what you've done over the last 8 months. You've turned your life completely around. You've lost 25 pounds, eat healthier, live healthier, are happier.. you've busted your ass.. you did that.. You DID THAT." She was right.. the PR was icing on the cake compared to all I've accomplished in 8 months.

Kenny and I run across the finish line. I see my crew standing there. They're yelling, I'm screaming. As I cross the finish line I jump high into the air. I'm yelling, "Yeah!!! YEAH! YEAH! Wooo!!! I DID IT!!" I didn't even know what my time was yet. I just knew I had done it. I did it.. I was honestly.. in disbelief. I believed every step of the way that I could do this.. and.. I doubted myself every step of the way as well. There was no crying.. just sheer happiness. I freakin' did it. Sarah told me to look at the clock.. She said, there's a 2 on that board." Yeah.. 22:42. My new Personal Record for 100 Miles.. 22 Hours and 42 Minutes. 37 Minutes faster then the time I set, here, at this spot.. 6 years ago.

YEAH!

One Happy Sherpa

Checkin' Out The Clock

Sarah was also holding up a big picture. I had to take a double take. She had blown up the picture of Carter and I. One that I took after one of my last training runs back in Colorado. A 100 degree day where i pushed Carter 10 miles around the neighborhood. He was my little coach. I guess in a way, as selfish as this sport is.. I did this for him. I pushed Carter over 100 Miles in June.. and well over 300 miles between March and Race day. He trained with me. We did this together.. and he's a bit too young to be there.. but the picture was truly great. It made it all the much better.

Carter, Sarah and Disbelief

This years Vermont 100 was the 25th Running of the event. It was an honor of mine to raise over $1,100 for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport. I finished the race in a new Personal Best time of 22:42. Good enough for 64th out of 205 finishers, and 325 starters. I was 25th in my age-group, the impossible M30-39, out of 54. It was my 13th successful 100 mile run out of 18 attempts. It wasn't just about losing 25 pounds and running the PR.. it was about that 500 Mile Buckle. For finishing the Vermont 100 for the 5th time (in 5 tries) I received a special 500 Mile finishers buckle. I'm now one of less than 100 runners to have finished the Vermont 100 five or more times. A goal I set out to accomplish the very first year I ran it. Is 10 in my future?? Who knows.

Vermont is NOT Easy

Isolation

2013-07-31T12:52:00.000-06:00

Almost 4 years have passed now since I first met Randy and Quinn on Mount Agamenticus in Southern Maine. Prior to that meeting, I had never met a blind hiker, though had heard stories of a few in existence. They were largely elusive in nature to say the least. It has been an immense pleasure to get to know Randy over these years and to watch hime develop and ultimately flourish as your every day peak-bagger. When I first met Randy, I wrote a trip report of my own titled "Seeing Is Believing." Everytime I hike with Randy, I try to bring some new folks along so they can indeed see it, and believe it, that a blind man and his dog are legitimately tackling each and every Four-Thousdand Footer in New Hampshire.
I've done the 48, a few rounds now actually. I attempted to hike them all in one winter and came a few peaks short in the final week. I know a small part of the struggles, both mental and physical that Randy is taking on in his quest to complete the 48. Certainly winter hiking comes with perks. The rocks and roots are largely filled in by deep sticky maritime snows. Summer offers challenges some would say unimaginable for this team. And yet, they soldier on. The rocks and roots are all there. So are the raging stream crossings of an unusually wet spring and summer, mud pits of various and sometimes surprising depths adorn the trails, and the bugs are as bad as they've ever been.

Before moving to my new home state of Colorado, I had the honor of guiding Randy and Team out to Owls Head. Many consider Owl's Head to be one of the least popular summit of the 48. Nine miles from the nearest road and without any spectacular summit view. It was a two day excursion that took everything we had to make it out and back. We took on bushwhacks, steep rocky slides, feet thick ice and knee deep snow on that trek. Not to mention the mind numbingly frigid streams. On our first trip together, Randy stood emotional on top of South Twin and asked if I "really thought he could hike Mount Washington." Never mind the 48, in one trip, Randy went from thoughts of 48 success to just summiting the tallest one. I told him then, "Randy, I truly we believe that with patience, we can so anything we put our mind to." And so it was. It was on the Owl's Head trek that I saw just how far Randy's Patience and mental resilience would take him on this journey. To the end.

So it was with Isolation that I had the honor once again to guide Randy to and from one of New Hampshire's Highest Peaks. This time, to the other of the least popular peaks. Isolation is a 14.6 mile round trip on the Rocky Branch route from US Route 16. A closed hike, we had packed it with 10 human souls and one guide dog. Unfortunately, the day of, only saw 6 Human souls and the dog. Doubts were expressed in the parking lot about our ability to negotiate the days hike with such a small crew. I never doubted it for a minute. I've seen what Randy is capable of, and heard of other tales along the way. Never once did I doubt our ability to make it to the summit, especially now with Randy exhibiting signs of "Summit Fever." Though, I had convinced myself early on, that we'd get as far as we could before having to turn around at a reasonable time and that's truly it.

Courtesy: Mike Cherim

Our crew consisted of Randy and Quinn, Tracy, Jim Roy, Mike Cherim, Rick Stevenson, and myself. Quinn led to the height of land before I took over and guided Randy down to the first of five river crossings. It's tough being 5'6" and guiding a 6'1" blind man. Trees I causally walk under without a thought I sometimes forget to mention to the other guy. Randy, in all likelihood, has a few dings on his head from this hike. It's ok though.. it builds character. While guiding Randy, I watched him flip upside down and lay in a trail turned stream, bump his head a few dozen times, and get lost in shin deep muck. Mike took over from River Crossing 1 to the summit. He did a fine job for his first time, really communicating well with Randy to tell him of the trails hazards and obstacles. They made surprisingly great time. We were on the summit in about 7 hours. There, we enjoyed a spectacular views of a cloud covered southern presidential range. I'd guide Randy back through the river, which we chose to just trudge through given our wet status, and then Mike would guide him back out to the car from there. All told, our 14.6 mile day took around 14 hours to complete.

Mike Guiding Randy

I could go on and on about the beauty of the Dry River Wilderness. The soggy trail. Soul sucking mud. Lack of any truly spectacular views we all long for. I could go on about how well this team worked together to seamlessly get to and from one of the longest summits in a day. I could go on and on about how it rained at the end, and we all finished a bit soaked from head to toe. But that's not the story here. The story continues to be Randy, Quinn and Tracy. A family who has set out on an unimaginable journey to complete the 48 Four-Thousand footers in the non-winter season. Close your eyes and hike a mile sometime, then think about it, then remember that that's not even close to what it's like for Randy. Think about his tenacity, his resiliency, his mental drive. Get out there and see it with him. See it all. Because Seeing is Believing.

It has been an incredible honor to guide Randy on his Owls Head and Isolation journeys. I appreciate his trust in me and others to lead him to these places given their unfair and unfortunate reputations. But as I've always told him, "Sometimes the view within is better than the view out." We all need to remember that Randy continues to lead us.. where our leading him is merely circumstantial. Thank You Randy.. Left-Right-Repeat my friend. The end is near. It's all down hill from here now. We're all with you in spirit, no matter how near or far away we live. And thank you for the amazing opportunities to be a small part of your journey.

RR: North Fork 50K

2013-07-15T04:00:00.000-06:00

June 29, 2013
North Fork 50K
Pine, CO
---------------------

North Fork, a race run in Central Colorado on trails notorious for being hot. A majority of the race traverses through some old burn area terrain in Pine, CO. Wildfires that happened nearly 20 years ago, and the vegetation is rally only just starting to come around again. I've heard enough about this race to get me up the hill to check it out. I was on the fence for awhile.. do I run the 50K or the 50 Mile? 3 Weeks out from the Vermont 100, I decided the 50K would make a great last test before the big race.

My goal, as always, was to finish. A sub 6 hours finish would be great.. but setting a new PR for 50K would be the perfect day. I needed a good race for my confidence heading into Vermont. I'm all ready worrying about if I trained enough. Did I run enough miles? Did I do enough climbing? Am I ready? Questions I haven't asked in a long time, which is good because it means I'm scared. I respect the sport, I respect these distances. Standing on the starting line, I was feeling all warm inside. Once again, I had made a great choice. Here was a race that was old school to the core. There was no inflatable start/finish line. My shirt had no sponsor's littered all over it. It was as grass roots as it gets. The race is directed by an ultra-runner, all of the aid stations were manned by ultra-runners.. this was a race for ultra runners.

Water?! WATER?!
I scurried around before the official start looking for water. I couldn't believe they didn't have any water at the start for us runners. Thankfully, a little begging found me a few runners who had some left over water stashed in their cars. I ran into the parking lot, gnawing some water from here and there, then returned for the pre-race meeting. There weren't many of us out there. I like that.. the race wasn't crowded. It had that family feel to it. Janice, the RD, kept the pre-race meeting short and sweet.. then told us we had about a minute till we took off.. and then.. off we went.

Jerry has been training hard for the Tahoe Rim Trail 100. Missing Nail, who writes for TrailAndUltraRunning.com was in the group.. and so was fellow ninja Kurt Hardester. Kurt hasn't run in 3 weeks, so I know I want to stay ahead of him. Nail beat me by 5 minutes at Golden Gate, and is running the 50 miles today.. sticking with him awhile wouldn't be bad. Jerry is a faster dude than I.. I thought I'd keep him in my sights early then let him go.. which wouldn't be a problem. Perhaps I'd catch him later if it got hot.

The course is like a big roller coaster. A long winding up, long winding down.. repeat. 32.5 Miles with 4600' of gain and 4600' of loss. It was perfect for a last run before Vermont.. especially since it's mostly run at an elevation of 7500' above sea level. Everything goes according to plan. I see Jerry up ahead, Kurt behind and Nail is within conversation distance but he's not much of a talker. In fact, the only thing I can concentrate on early is his friend.. who reeks of B.O. I don't mean to be a jerk.. but I think it's bad form to show up to a race without having put deodorant on. There's no way this guy couldn't smell it, no way nail didn't smell it.. and personally.. it's a big F.U. to the runners around you. I spent a good few miles trying to get ahead of this guy and stay ahead of him so I didn't have to engulf his stench. Yeah.. I'll be the jerk who points it out and says it.. with the hopes that the guy will think again next time.. for the rest of us. :)

After the first hill Jerry is gone. And I mean gone. I didn't see him anywhere and wouldn't see him again until the finish line. Jerry has a great sense about him. Settling into the race and then at mile 2 or 3.. he takes off like it's a 10K. He can though.. he works for it. Nail and I are still in the same area, but I'm starting to pull away a bit. Which is good because I'm in the shorter distance and can afford to push some. I meet two new comers to our sport, running their first 50K. Kelly Stevenson and Eliot Lee. They ask me for some first timer advice and I'm happy to share. We walk together, run together, and head into the Homestead aid station together.

Fruit and Pancakes
At the last aid stop I grabbed some fruit and a pancake. Here, it would be more fruit and a refill of my bottles. I didn't want to hang around the aid stations too long. So I grabbed liquid and did the rest on the go. I left the new kids behind, hoping they'd catch up. The next section of trail features a lot of awesome winding singletrack downhill. I wanted to get into the zone, feel some flow, and just get lost on the trail. I was never pushing it out there, just a nice easy run on the trails and see where it shakes out. I enter the next burn area and start to head down towards Buffalo Creek. I can see it in the valley below, and there are some runners between me and the station. I aim to catch as many of them as I could and pass em by. I love the downhills. One of the runners is Carson Greenhaw who is running his first Ultra.. and it's the 50 mile at that. He took off in the early start. I enjoyed the conversation with him as it slowed me up a bit and helped me relax a bit more. A generally friendly guy.. who reminded me a lot of my old friend Josh Robert back in New Hampshire. "This is a guy I could have some beers with," I thought. I bid him adieu and wish him luck.. I'd later find out he made it to the finish line! I feel really good about that.. for him.

Not long after saying by to Carson, I'm back in the zone. I trip on something. To this day I have no idea what it was. There was no rocks or roots anywhere on that trail. Somehow I trip and superman forward. I somehow manage to roll into my fall, to a forward summersault on the ground, and pop right back up onto my feet.. and continue to run.. in one fluid motion. When I checked into the aid station down below, I was covered in dirt. Everyone had a comment for me about my falling. But the best came from the dude who was behind me. "That...was amazing.. like nothing ever even happened." "That's because nothing did.." I said back with a smile. I grabbed some more fruit, filled my bottles and was off.

Up the trail a bit from the aid station, I notice that during my fall, I popped a gel that was hidden in my hand helds. I'm sticky now. My hands, legs, bottles. I'm angry too. Thankfully a frigid stream is rushing by and the temps are starting to rise now. I pull off and get down into the stream. I suck down what's left of the gel, wash my legs, hands and bottles.. dip my hat and buff.. and I'm good to go. All clean, cooled down and fueled. Perfection. I start to slog up this next hill alone.. and soon, I come to the fork in the road. 50 Milers go straight and us 50Kers go left. I take the left and look back to see Kelly again. I decide to wait for her and enjoy some conversation for a bit.

We take to the hill and share a few laughs. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was moving a bit faster than she was. Or maybe she was just starting to slow down a bit. A runner was coming up from behind us, and she held back to wait for him, while I ran ahead and tried to catch the guy in front of me. This guy was tall, with super long legs. Always annoying when traveling uphill, at 5'6", trying to catch someone. I caught him eventually, and moseyed on past. Then, a few mountain bikers came flying down the hill from ahead of us. Obviously they weren't too keen on us having a race today. The rules in Colorado state that us runners have the right of way over the bikes. They're supposed to pull over for us. Not only did they ride through, but they almost hit me. I got a good chuckle out of it, but felt sad that those few are giving all mountain bikers a bad rap in our running community.

Teeny Greeny Bonker
After topping out on the hill I continued on alone. Winding my way back downhill on winding single track that seemed to be never ending. The sun was out.. and it was hot. But in the distance, storm clouds were gathering. I came upon a petite female runner wearing bright green florescent shorts. She turned to me when I asked if she was ok coming upon her walking downhill. She turned back and slurred her speech trying to explain that she was all right. Clearly she wasn't. I asked if she had had any salt. She hadn't. So I gave her 2 pills before taking off.

I made my way into the Shinglemill aid station, about 20 miles in and feeling great. I grabbed some fruit while the aid folks filled my bottles. I asked where the Duncan family was. The family of another runner on the course. I thanked them especially for being out there today, and since all of the aid workers were part of Todd Duncan's family, it explains why they were so darn good to us runners. I warned them about the girl in green shorts behind me, and asked them to give her some extra attention when she staggers in. Then, I asked what time it was, which escapes me, but knew that if I pushed a little, I might be able to PR for 50K today. With that in my mind, I took off running.

Run To The Buffalo
I started downhill towards Buffalo Creek for the final time. After a short downhill, we were heading back up again. I followed a few bikers for a time. They were moving slow enough on the uphill that I let them pace me for awhile before I hiked on by. The clouds have finally moved in and thunder is cracking in the distance. The wind is picking up and the temps have cooled. The remained of the race features us running through some pretty exposed burn areas. With the sun behind clouds, those wouldn't be nearly as scorching hot as they would have been otherwise. I picked up the pace when I could, eventually starting to catch other runners. The first runner I came to was Joshua, another 30 something new father who I ran with during my High Line Canal Fat Ass in 2012.

Sharing miles with Joshua is fun. We caught up on fatherhood, our friend Kyle, kept things light and fun and the pace always moving forward. We run into Buffalo Creek aid station together. They refill my bottles, I grab more fruit, and prepare for the final 8 miles into the end. I ask what time it was, and I was running out. Doing the math and figuring the elevation gain ahead, I knew a PR was going to be a close call. I was encouraged to stop talking and leave the aid station before it slipped too far away. I left Joshua behind and climbed the last long hill as fast as I could. I slip into the zone, singing to myself, experiencing flow and trudging on towards that final aid station.. Homestead 2.

Running into Homestead I saw Ryan Lassen with a camera. He's taking photos of the race. I grapped a huge hunk of watermelon and scarfed it down, filled my bottles one last time and asked where Jerry was. Ryan was telling me about Jerry laying down next to a tree and chugging water at the aid station. But he was 30 minutes ahead of me and probably finished by now. Well.. so much for chasing him at the end. I asked what time it was, and knew my PR was gone. Now.. it was just time to finish strong, and not let anyone pass me on the way in.

Clock Chaser
I was still chasing the clock into the finish, wondering how close I could get. I see a few runners ahead of me in the next burn area, but they're moving strong and not within reach. They would soon disappear into the woods. I'd later find out that I was only 2 and 3 minutes behind them in the end. It was behind me that I grew concerned. I could see a runner in a green shirt coming up from behind. He was about a half mile back with 2 miles to go. I kept running, resolved to look ahead and not behind.. at .8 miles I checked back and he was within 200 yards of me. After we leave the trails, we empty out onto a gravel path next to a fishing pond. I looked back and he was all of 50 yards back and closing in. CRAP! "This guy is going to make me race it in.. for real?!" And so it was. Whatever I had left in me I dug for and pushed for the finish line, ensuring that this guy would not pass me. He wouldn't...

I finished the run in a time of 5:46. 10 minutes shy of a PR for 50K and my 2nd fastest 50K time ever. Not bad considering this race is held at an average elevation of 7500' with 4600' of gain.. when my PR race was at sea level with only 2500' of gain. I'll consider this a huge success, and the momentum I needed heading into the big race I've ever run. 14th place out of 97 finishers.. 5th in my age group. I LOVED this race, and so long as I can, I'll be keeping it on my schedule to either run or volunteer.

Gear Review: Balega Socks

2013-07-11T04:00:00.000-06:00

Balega Enduro 2 Quarter socks with Drynamix
MSRP: $11
Produced in Cape Town South Africa
Distributed from Hickory, NC
Company Website
Product Page

I had been e-mailing an old friend of mine about outdoor business issues here in Colorado a few months back, when I noticed her signature at the bottom of her e-mail had changed. I noticed the new company she worked for, called Balega, and checked out the website. Socks.. When it comes to adventuring in the outdoors, there is a rather important saying, "Your heels are your wheels." Therefore, we never can check out too many brands to determine what will work for us, and take care of us, the best.

So I asked her if she wouldn't mind kicking me a pair of socks. I specifically asked for a pair of Balega Enduro 2 Quart socks as they sounded closest to the Darn Tough's I've been wearing, every day, since 2008. She gladly sent me a few pairs, free of charge, to check them out. There was no catch, I didn't even promise a review. But I feel I'd be cheating my readers if I didn't tell you about them.

Some of you, who have been reading here for a long time now, may remember my experiment with Smartwool and Darn Tough Socks. Since then, I've worn Darn Tough religiously, aside from the Smartwools I've worn to bed. I could never replicate that particular "Science Experiment", Darn Tough generally works for me, so I had to put a lot of faith into these new socks if I was going to trust them. So, I really went out on a limb. I wore them here and there while training, but the big runs I wore them for were my High Line Canal end to end 100K run, The Rockin K 50 Miler in Kansas, my Grand Canyon R2R2R, and most recently the North Fork 50K. Between training and the aforementioned runs, I used the same exact black pair of socks for each run. Basically, I beat the crap out of them, then threw em in the wash. I then took a separate pair of Balega socks, and just wore them around the house, did yard work in them, went on walks etc... basically I wore them every day for a week, washed them, then wore the same pair for another week. So.. 2 weeks, same pair of socks..

Note: I wore these socks as part of a larger sock review on TrailAndUltraRunner.com as well. You can read Craig Lloyds sock review HERE.

Durability: 5
Oh yeah, these socks pass the test. I put them through hell. No holes, no wear spots, no pulls, no random strings hanging off, no stretching, and they return to form after the wash rather than being deformed. My ONLY complaint would be from the pair I wore every day. There was some matting of the socks fibers on the foot pad side of the sock. Just normal wear from the compression of walking. So, it shows me that over time, these socks will indeed lose their cushion. But it'll take some time.

Fit: 5
Like a glove. These things fit me like a sock should. Perfectly. There's no extra space on the heel, no extra space or bunching in the toe, just.. perfection.

Comfort: 5
This is pretty important to me. I need a sock that I can wear for 24+ hours straight all the while pounding on trails. With that, they'll stay comfy from start to finish. I was shocked when they passed the comfort test on the High Line Canal and again in the Grand Canyon. No better tests.

Breathability: 5
On hot days they keep my feet cool. I like that they're comfy in offering cushion and support, yet don't overheat my feet as cushion socks tend to do. I think the stitching does cause a problem with debris though.. see below.

Wickability: 5
Get em soaked, they shed the water and dry quickly. If your shoes dry, the socks will dry with it. The breathability helps avoid some sweat issues, which is also a testament to the wickability of the sock. Unless I was walking through a stream, my feet were dry, cool and happy.

Debris: 2
The Grand Canyon offered the best test of this. The stitching of the sock invited a lot of that fine Grand Canyon sand into my socks. So.. whatever debris (sand) made it through the mesh on my running shoes, also made it's way into my sock.. then caked itself under the ball of my feet where a tiny sand castle began to form. This was my only problem with the sock. Something that Darn Toughs do well is keep debris out.. but this isn't a huge enough problem to make me dislike the sock. I just make a point to not run on the beach.

Overall Design: 4.5
Hey, I really love these socks. So much so that I'm considering wearing them for the entirety of next weekends Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run. It takes a lot for me to want to wear a pair of socks, and trust them, for 100 miles. I've worn Darn Tough religiously for 5 years.. Balega just took over the thrown. Welcome the new king. Balega.

Interview: 100 Head/Heart/Feet

2013-07-04T04:00:00.000-06:00

This July in the Green Mountains of Vermont, a very special documentary is being filmed. 100: Head/Heart/Feet chronicles the drama of Zac Wieluns, an ultra-runner from Maine and a member of The Trail Monsters running club. Zac has failed to finish Vermont in his previous two attempts, and is hoping the third time’s the charm.

The film is being produced by Hammer and Saw Films of Colchester, VT. Michael Mooney is Co-Director and Producer of the film, along with Associate Producer and Ultra-Runner Ben Watts. I have the high privilege of interviewing these two about the film and ways in which our running community can help them out.

(Don’t forget to check out a sneak-peak of the film by viewing the trailer at the bottom of this interview. Also, the film’s producers need your support to make this event happen. You can offer your support byCLICKING HERE.)

Sherpa John (SJ): Gentlemen, thanks again for taking the time to conduct this interview. Myself and countless others are incredibly excited about another Ultra-Running film being put out there, but most importantly about the, now 25 year old, Vermont 100.

Michael Mooney (MM): SJ, it’s our pleasure. We couldn’t be more excited to capture this amazing race and being the 25^th anniversary makes it that much more special!

Ben Watts (BW): Happy to be here, SJ. And thanks for baking these muffins; you’re an exceptional host. Is that nutmeg?

SJ: It’s actually paprika, you’ll figure it out in a few minutes. Now let me start by asking.. why a running movie? Are you guys’ runners yourselves? Ultra Runners? What has you itching to produce this film and tell this story? And.. I ask because, there are a handful of Ultra-films out there all ready.. what is going to set your film apart and make it unique?

MM: Two years ago, I had the privilege to be a handler/sherpa for Zak Wieluns at his first attempt at the Vermont 100. I have been an athlete in one shape or another my entire life and this race was the most spectacular act of athleticism and courage I have, or had, ever seen. As a filmmaker, I knew right then that there was a story. Now, after two attempts at the Vermont 100 and two DNF’s, I asked myself, why would Zak keep on going back? It was for that exact reason I knew I had to capture this race. I have done my research as well and, unlike other ultra-films, 100 Head/Heart/Feet concentrates on a regular guy who, like 95% of the ultra-runners out there, has a job, family, and bills to pay. It is certainly not an easy task considering the hours training, the injuries endured and overcome as well as the pure guts it takes to toe the line. To say the least, we are in awe and totally inspired!

SJ: There are many of us out there that can appreciate your perspective Mike. Ben, your crew has been following Zac through the winter, filming his training, races he’s run in to prepare.. what kind of effort does it take a film crew to capture the true tale of Zac’s journey?

BW: As independent filmmakers, it takes a lot of effort to make a film come together considering the limited budget that we’re working with. Like Zak, we’ve all got other jobs and families, so we’re using most of our spare time to see this film to fruition. I like to think that, given our experience with short film-making over the past three years, we’ve run this figurative race before and have a better idea of challenges to expect and shortcuts we know we can take. The challenge that we face this time versus our other projects is not having a script as we go into this. We have an outline that we know we want to follow, but the story of the film can change day to day given Zak’s health or maybe some unpredictable weather. And given that the Vermont 100, the main focus of the film, has yet to be run, there’s no telling at this point where the story might go.

SJ: It’s the 25^th Anniversary of the Vermont 100, one of our nations oldest 100-Mile races, how did the importance of this celebration factor in to your plans to film this year? Or did it just happen to work itself out that way?

MM: The stars have aligned for this project on a number of levels, capturing the 25^th anniversary is icing on the cake. The excitement for this race is at an all-time high and I could not have planned this myself

SJ: How easy or hard do you think it will be to convey the message of your film about Zac, and how his struggles and triumphs as an ultra-runner, are not much different from those he’s out there running with?

BW: I think that the message of this film is what is going to make it much more appealing to a broader audience. This isn’t a film that might only be appreciated by the technical runners, it’s a story of an average athlete who just decided one day to go for it, and wasn’t going to let anything get in his way. This isn’t a professionally trained, sponsored athlete with coaches and nutritionists. He’s a humble Mainer with a remarkable support system of friends and family, and the sheer will to get out there and do it. We hope to inspire the audience to succeed in reaching their own goals, whether it’s running a 5K or hiking the Appalachian Trail.

SJ: What kind of hurdles does your team need to overcome, or challenges are you faced with, on race weekend in order to make this movie come together and happen?

MM: The key for Hammer & Saw Films is to treat this event as a race as well, we will be following Zak from Friday to Sunday and we will be capturing hundreds of hours of footage. Like any race you need to prepare for heat, rain, bugs, pretty much any kind of conditions you could possibly think of and maintain composure all while having no effect on the race or the participants. So basically, we just need to be movie making ninjas. But, with the large crew that we have, we should be able to accomplish this more easily than running the race itself.

SJ: Ultra-running is quickly becoming more mainstream and acceptable compared to how it was perceived a half decade ago. How do you think your film will continue to foster the growth of the sport? What kind of message do you hope the film will convey to those intrigued by the sport and are looking to join in the craziness?

BW: There is one thing that is so underlying in this sport that we see everywhere we go with Zak: community. It’s really what sets it apart from many others. I think that people will see that in the film and feel more welcome to sign up for a race. Personally, I think it’s easy to feel isolated at a 1000+ person half marathon, as strange as that sounds. Everyone seems to be solely focused on PRs and cash prizes. At the races we’ve been to, the groups (however smaller) are encouraging and supportive. Faster runners will always hang back with someone if they appear to be struggling. And there is just as much cheering at the finish line for the first place finisher as there is for the last. People bring food to share, and top runners seem more excited to rib their teammates than to hold a trophy over their heads, knowing that the tables can easily be turned next time.

SJ: Many think what ultra-runners do is crazy, how can you folks produce a film that celebrates the sheer spirit and determination of the athletes, without making them seem like social outcasts. In other words, we’re not crazy.. how do you avoid painting us in that light and really focusing on the time, dedication and drive we all possess?

BW: I think that the spirit and determination of the ultra-running community is going to shine through in this film, and that’s not a hard thing to convey. This is essentially a story about Zak, but we are also interviewing several other members of the community who have no ties to Zak about their experiences in the sport. Additionally, at the Vermont 100, we’ll see first hand how much dedication these athletes put into the sport, whether they are actual competitors or pacers/crew. I do also like to correct people when they see the trailer and say “that guy’s crazy!” I point out that he could barely finish 5Ks when he picked up running not too long ago, so if he can do it, why can’t you?

SJ: This is Hammer and Saw’s first feature length film, but everyone on your team has ample film experience. What are your plans with the film when it’s done? Film showings? DVDs? A premiere?

MM: We have submitted all of our films to festivals in the past and this very moment, that is what we are looking to do once we complete this project. The hope is to share this inspirational story with as many people as possible. We also have a great deal of local interest to screen our films at independent theaters and colleges, so we will probably couple the festival circuit with a college and independent theater tour. My number one concern right now is making the best film that we can and we will go from there.

SJ: You folks are about $8,000 in to a $16,500 fundraising drive on Kickstarter. Your fundraiser ends on July 20^th, race day. How can folks best help you guys achieve your mission in producing this film?

MM: I have been amazed at the amount of support we have received to date and couldn’t be more pleased with our fund raising efforts. We have been promoting the kickstarter, but what has amazed me the most is the reaction and support we have received since we have started. I believe we will hit our goal and I believe the key has been the virality of the story and folks sharing are going to get us there. Every single dollar counts too, even if it is just a dollar.

SJ: The Vermont 100 is on July 20-21, 2013; it is the 25^th Annual running of the event and Zac.. will be there searching for the finish line for the third time. A very lucky man to have a film crew chronicling a journey so many of us struggle to put into words ourselves.. we wish you and your crew the best of luck.

MM: SJ, thanks you very much for chatting with us! Looking forward to seeing you in Vermont very soon!

BW: Thanks! We really appreciate you sharing our story with the community at large.

SJ: Thanks again for your time guys. We’ll see you at Silver Hill Meadow before the race. I’m looking forward to it. In the meantime, we invite folks to help your production become a reality by donating to your Kickstarter page by CLICKING HERE And of course, check out the trailer for the film below.

RR: 2013 Golden Gate Dirty Thirty

2013-06-23T21:15:00.000-06:00

June 1, 2013

Golden Gate Dirty Thirty

Black Hawk, CO

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I had heard a lot about the Dirty Thirty since moving to Colorado. Friends tossed around words like challenging course, relentless uphills, beautiful scenery, tough. I had to find out for myself if the race lived up to it's reputation and, thankfully, it didn't disappoint. The way they get this thing off the ground is humbling. 300 runners start the 50K and they all squeeze into less than 100 parking spaces. Runners are requested to carpool to the event. But wait a minute.. 300 runners for a 50K! I marveled at the size of the field at the starting line. I looked at Jeff Friedman and said, "Jesus, this is the new marathon now-a-days huh?" It sure is..

The Vermont 100 is inching ever closer. This race was to play itself out as a tough long run where I accumulated some time on my feet. But I needed more. How do I truly train for 100 miles? I want to be prepared for the last 30 miles of a 100 mile race. How do I do that. I stayed up far too late the night before the run, and drank. I then only got one hour of very broken sleep. Which means that when my carpool crew showed up at 4:30am, I was still a bit drunk and incredibly sleep deprived. Perfect... let's race!

After a wonderful rendition of the Star-Spangled banner, all 300 of us were off. We ran up a short dirt road to the main parking area and then boom!.. single-track trail. We all slowed to a crawl. A lot of the runners were trying to figure out how to pass or if they could pass. "We're not supposed to step off trail" I heard one rookie quip. Whatever... I snuck by a few by stepping off trail. I slogged up the first hill as hard as I could and then spent the next mile trying to get my heart rate to come down. My biggest worry for the day thus far was not barfing and not having to take a drunk crap in the woods.

I felt awful.. and for some reason it was perfect. I needed this. I settled in to a pack of runners who seemed to want to go my pace, but let's face it.. it was crowded out there. I took stock of the group of runners around me, and promised myself to see them later in the race when they died out. Most of them were running every hill... except for me and one other runner. A female, whose name escapes me. Every single incline, slight or steep, which started to take more energy than she cared... she'd stop to walk. I honed in on her and stuck with her for awhile.

"You're obviously an ultra veteran!" I said to her. Come to find out she'd run many many ultras, and her and her husband coach folks to realize their true potential as athletes. She was upbeat and moving at the perfect pace. I stayed with her while I continued to rehydrate and sober up. We chatted quite a bit. The first half of the course indeed showcases brutal never ending climbs. I don't think there's much in the way of a downhill for the first 12 miles or so. Just the big one before the 5 mile aid stop. When we finally reached the top of the first climb, I took off running down the rocky slope of the first big down.

The rocky trails in Golden Gate Canyon State park remind me of what I used to run on in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Scree covered, rock strewn, mess of a trail where it is easy for the unsuspecting to ruin an ankle. I didn't care though, and I flew down passing about a dozen runners with ease. I'm sure I made others feel uneasy as I snuck by.. and I do apologize. I ran into the first aid stop being manned by Brad Bishop and some of the other Denver Trail Runners. I snagged form fruit and left. No time to stay, just a quick hello and I was gone, working my way up the next hill.

The next section of the course takes us through an awesome fir forest and past a few of the state parks camping areas. It's pretty mellow with plenty of run able uphill sections. We still take to walking though, conserving our energy for what is sure to be a long day. 50K with 8000' of gain is nothing to joke about. Running the early hills spells disaster for the late ones. I stay with my veteran as long as I can. After passing through the 11 mile aid station, we started to slow and I was finally starting to feel good. I was sober now, hydrated, and feeling good. So, I picked up another runner to tag along with. Josh Gray.. a southern boy who now lives in Fort Collins.

Josh was great company as we ran about the same pace. We had some really awesome conversation about typical ultra topics "in the news." We also enjoyed bantering on about some of the races out East like The Barkley and Massanutten. Conversation into dove into talking about ultra-runners who we greatly respect, like the Pero's.. and how they are all about Hardrock and the MMD in New Hampshire. We gladly agreed on the wealth of knowledge the old goats are and how we've both hung on to many of their spoken words over the years.

The miles just seemed to role on by as the further into the race the better I felt. I was no longer drunk or buzzed, no more headache, I was well hydrated and feeling like a million bucks. I started to push the pace towards the finish, as my goal of sub 7-hours was teetering on the brink. After climbing "wood-chip hill" we finally enjoyed some long downhills as we cannonballed down into Forgotten Valley. There, Brad Bishop grabbed my hand held, filled it with water and no sooner as I had turned around.. there he was with the filled bottle. Creepy fast! Every aid station should be like this.. sadly.. they're not. Thanks Brad.

After Forgotten Valley, we had 8 miles to go and most of it was the formidable Windy Peak. We picked up another runner as we climbed the warm up hill before Windy, then the three of us stuck together. We trudged to the top of that sucker about as fast as we could. What a grueling climb that never seemed to end. Before reaching the summit, I started to see some of the folks I had run in the Grand Canyon with, and carpooled up with in the morning. Jeff Friedman, Walter Olsen, David Hill, Bill Ahlers, Missing Nail.. they were all there.. and all of 10-5 minutes in front of me. I smiled at each of them.. and they knew damn well in seeing my smile that my mission would be to hunt them down in those final miles.

I got to the top of Windy where Chris Gerber and Misti Hurricane were tagging numbers for proof of being there. I thanked Chris for taking a great picture of me last year at Big Horn.. where someone asked if I had lost a ton of weight. Chris replied, "No.. it's the camera angle." That lit a fire under my ass. I thanked him for for the flame.. and took off down the trail. Like a New Englander.. I bounded down the trail dancing over the rocks as if they didn't even exist. I pushed hard in those final miles to try and track down those who were ahead of me. But I was also just tracking down that sub-7 hours.

With 2 miles to go.. it happened. The "prairie dogger" was making his presence known. I just wanted to finish before I had that bio beer moment. I did my best to gut it out and get into the finish shoot and across the line before the 7 hour mark.. This was a tough course. Nothing forgiving about it. It is gorgeous, grueling and challenging. More climbing than not and downhills that always seem to short. Crossing the finish line in 6:56 was a testament to my training this year. I'm feeling amazing. The Dirty Thirty is a race I'd assuredly run again.. but it's definitely one not to take lightly. It deserves the respect of a solid training plan.