Stage 3: 24.3 miles with 2700 feet of climbing from Leadville to Camp Hale. Lowest elevation is at the finish of 9200 feet with a peak elevation of nearly 11,000 feet.
I'm a little nervous for this stage. This is a long one and we're still at elevation. At 8:00am we begin Stage 3 running right down the main street of Leadville - 350 of us filling the street. It's chilly being at 10,000 feet still.
The first few miles are on road to get to the trails. My body is sore, particularly my hips and quads. I won't know much about how today is going to go for another half hour until I warm up; until then I have to be patient and listen to my bodily clues. At the longest, I'm expecting today will be near five hours - quite a long run for me. Even at a good run of maybe 4:15, it will be a long run for me. I want to pace myself.
I've run this stage before and know that most of it is runnable. There are still some steep sections that need walking, but for the most part it's runnable, both up and down. After turning off the road and onto trails and forest roads, like most days we start with climbing, though today it's only a 1000 foot climb to start with. I go back and forth between walking and running, smiling and greeting each runner as I pass. Again I'm further up in the pack seeing new faces and leg. The first downhill after 5 miles is a nice change - the legs are warmed up and I'm feeling alright. The downhill isn't too steep and I just float along. It does feel like I could run faster downhill if I had some downhill training or stronger quads.
The first aid station is at 7.2 miles and I pass through in about 70 minutes again grabbing a Coke and some Twizzlers. For the race I'm carrying plenty of gel and food as well as 2 quarts of water so I rarely need to stop long at the aid stations. I'm quite thrilled with the time for the first segment, and a little worried because it might be a bit fast considering I still have more than 3 hours to go.
From the first aid station it's a long, easy ascent over the next 5 miles. We pass through open, wetland areas, into the trees and denser forests. Most of this section is runnable and it's quite cool to be able to keep running uphill even at this elevation. Surprising to me is that I'm still catching and passing runners. It's also a little worrisome since these again are runners I haven't seen before - maybe I'm pushing too hard and won't have anything left for the finish. Still I feel like I'm running conservatively so I keep the pace and enjoy the running.
Aid station 2 is at Cooper Mountain Ski Area above Tennessee Pass. I pass through 14.3 miles in 2:26 - just slower than a 10:00/mile pace which I consider awesome. I fill up my water pak, grab some Coke and continue on. The volunteers out at these aid stations are awesome - ready to help in any way they can. As I do at each station, I yell out a thank you as I leave.
Hmm - 4 hours. 10 miles to go, with most of the climbing down - maybe I can do under 4 hours. No rush yet, there's still 10 miles to go.
Leaving this aid station I can see about 10 people in front of me. It looks like a good group to run with for awhile. After crossing Tennessee Pass we head onto the Colorado Trail - a beautiful singletrack. Soft ground, smooth with not a lot of roots or rocks. A steady, shallow downhill running with 3 other people - a team and a woman running the Run3.
We hold a nice pace for awhile and then turn off the Colorado Trail towards a high meadow which we follow for awhile. At some point in this stretch I pass several more people. I thought they were right behind me, but a few minutes later they seem to be gone. I'm feeling great running through the meadow and on this singletrack. Somewhere in here I pass 3 hours - somewhat of a milestone for me because that's around where most of my training has been. Into new territory here again. Still at least an hour to go.
We cross Highway 24 and onto more beautiful, rolling, singletrack. My legs feel good, my body feels good, quads are still sore - still I'm quite happy and enjoying the run. Several times during the past 4 days I've clipped my toes on a rock or root - not in any danger of doing a faceplant, but it kept me aware. This stretch went back and forth between open, clear trails to suddenly a few big rocks or roots to watch out for, and then open again. My attention had wavered and then I caught a rock. Yikes! My head went up looking at the trail in front, my arms went back for balance, my stride went really long and wild - this could be bad! And then the save - I'm caught my balance and I'm running smooth again. Yikes! I need to pay attention.
The last aid station of the day is about 3 miles from the finish and I pass through at 3:32. My pace has been amazingly consistent throughout the day and I'm completely thrilled at the pace, distance, and time. A quite pass through for Coke, I walk for a couple hundred meters to catch my breath and ready myself. 3 miles of basically flat left with two small bumps. I know the route having been here four years ago - and the last 3 miles seemed to take forever.
4 hours though - just 28 minutes and 3 miles. Could I break 4 hours? I'm going for it. I found a good, steady form and pace and keep moving. I only had my watch, no mileage, so I could only go by feel. I felt really good. A turn, some downhill, I can see the finish - 8 minutes to go.
The finish - yes - 3:58 (an hour better than 4 years ago). The Stage is down and my TransRockies Run3 for 2012 is done.
My best stage yet - I feel like I'm just getting warmed up so to speak. And I'm ready to be down. To recover for my next adventure in a couple months - an 8 day run around Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Thanks again to everyone for such an amazing event!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
TransRockies - Stage 2
Stage 2: 13.4 miles with 3200feet of climbing from Vicksburgs over Hope Pass to Twin Lakes. Lowest elevation is at the finish of 9200 feet with a peak elevation of 12500 feet at Hope Pass.
Stage 2 is an entirely different run from Stage 1 - it's a monster straight uphill, followed by a fast descent. And we've reached new heights, literally crossing past 12,000 feet.
Being in a valley and at a higher elevation, the starting temperatures at near 50, which is perfect to me. Again a rolling wave of people ease off at the start line to Highway to Hell. The first two miles are on a road to get the runner spread out before the ascent begins. I usually take 20 minutes or more to warm up so this road start helps me to get the blood moving before the tough stuff starts. My legs are sore, and still feel good. I'm ready for a good run today.
The climb up Hope Pass starts soon enough. From the south side which we are going up, it climbs about 2800 feet in two and a half miles, or an average of more than 20%. It's steep! It's at altitude! And more most people it's pretty much a walk/hike up. There are a few that can run it, but not many. I'm content to walk with a group of people and even with that group I slowly move forward bit by bit. I'm seeing new runners today and I'm pretty sure I'm farther up in the pack today. The lower part of the climb is almost all a beautiful forest of Aspens - really beautiful. As we ascend we cross boulder fields, we reach the thinning evergreens, and eventually are above treeline. Above treeline, we can see the 1000 feet to the pass and the line of runner stretched across the switchbacks. Even as the elevation increase, I'm keeping a steady, strong pace.
The top is amazing to look north and see Twin Lakes, Leadville, and the headwaters area of the Arkansas River. To the south I can see all the runners behind me and the Collegiate Peaks Range stretching south. Amazing and beautiful. It's a bit chilly up here so begin my descent quickly. I've covered that 2.5 mile climb in an hour.
In the next 4 miles we will descend 3000 feet. While the descent isn't as steep as the uphill, it's a challenge. The legs have to make a quick switch from powering up to controlling speed on the downhill. The top is quite steep with some switchbacks making it difficult to get a fast rhythm. As we head down into the trees again the ground is moist and soft - perfect for running. Still you need to pay close attention as there are roots and rocks everywhere. Still it's a blast going downhill! This is one of the reasons I love trail running - it requires full attention to watch every step and be ever present to your body. By mile 9 we have done most of the descending - and my quads are toast!
The last four miles are beautiful - fairly flat and rolling along the Twin Lakes. Soft ground, neat trails, thinner forests. Winding trails. Who wouldn't want to be out running on this?
But my legs are tired and I can feel it. I was starting to catch a few people, but now they are gone. I'm definitely seeing runners I didn't see yesterday. My pace is slowed but I'm still running. I'm starting to learn ultra-speed; that is how to keep running (or maybe the term is shuffling) at a slow, steady pace. That's where I am - ultra-speed making my way to the finish.
I finish in 2:38 - a little bit slower than I had predicted and yet entirely happy with this run. Four years ago this course was similar, but shorter at 10 miles and then I ran 2:43.
The post-race tradition of soaking in cold water continues in Twin Lakes. It feels good on the body. It's also one of the many places on the race to just start a conversation with those enjoying the water as much as you are.
After three long days of running in the last four, I'm starting to feel quite good. My body likes the distance. I'm ready for the last stage.
Stage 2 is an entirely different run from Stage 1 - it's a monster straight uphill, followed by a fast descent. And we've reached new heights, literally crossing past 12,000 feet.
Being in a valley and at a higher elevation, the starting temperatures at near 50, which is perfect to me. Again a rolling wave of people ease off at the start line to Highway to Hell. The first two miles are on a road to get the runner spread out before the ascent begins. I usually take 20 minutes or more to warm up so this road start helps me to get the blood moving before the tough stuff starts. My legs are sore, and still feel good. I'm ready for a good run today.
The climb up Hope Pass starts soon enough. From the south side which we are going up, it climbs about 2800 feet in two and a half miles, or an average of more than 20%. It's steep! It's at altitude! And more most people it's pretty much a walk/hike up. There are a few that can run it, but not many. I'm content to walk with a group of people and even with that group I slowly move forward bit by bit. I'm seeing new runners today and I'm pretty sure I'm farther up in the pack today. The lower part of the climb is almost all a beautiful forest of Aspens - really beautiful. As we ascend we cross boulder fields, we reach the thinning evergreens, and eventually are above treeline. Above treeline, we can see the 1000 feet to the pass and the line of runner stretched across the switchbacks. Even as the elevation increase, I'm keeping a steady, strong pace.
The top is amazing to look north and see Twin Lakes, Leadville, and the headwaters area of the Arkansas River. To the south I can see all the runners behind me and the Collegiate Peaks Range stretching south. Amazing and beautiful. It's a bit chilly up here so begin my descent quickly. I've covered that 2.5 mile climb in an hour.
In the next 4 miles we will descend 3000 feet. While the descent isn't as steep as the uphill, it's a challenge. The legs have to make a quick switch from powering up to controlling speed on the downhill. The top is quite steep with some switchbacks making it difficult to get a fast rhythm. As we head down into the trees again the ground is moist and soft - perfect for running. Still you need to pay close attention as there are roots and rocks everywhere. Still it's a blast going downhill! This is one of the reasons I love trail running - it requires full attention to watch every step and be ever present to your body. By mile 9 we have done most of the descending - and my quads are toast!
The last four miles are beautiful - fairly flat and rolling along the Twin Lakes. Soft ground, neat trails, thinner forests. Winding trails. Who wouldn't want to be out running on this?
But my legs are tired and I can feel it. I was starting to catch a few people, but now they are gone. I'm definitely seeing runners I didn't see yesterday. My pace is slowed but I'm still running. I'm starting to learn ultra-speed; that is how to keep running (or maybe the term is shuffling) at a slow, steady pace. That's where I am - ultra-speed making my way to the finish.
I finish in 2:38 - a little bit slower than I had predicted and yet entirely happy with this run. Four years ago this course was similar, but shorter at 10 miles and then I ran 2:43.
The post-race tradition of soaking in cold water continues in Twin Lakes. It feels good on the body. It's also one of the many places on the race to just start a conversation with those enjoying the water as much as you are.
After three long days of running in the last four, I'm starting to feel quite good. My body likes the distance. I'm ready for the last stage.
TransRockies - Stage 1
Stage 1: 20.8 miles with 2500 feet of climbing from Buena Vista, CO, to the Old Railroad Bridge park. Lowest elevation is at the start of 7900 feet with a peak elevation of 9300 feet.
Stage 1 is known for being hard and hot. It's hard because for many the elevation is a significant difference from where they live and train, and because it's the first stage. The body is ready to go and yet you have to gauge your effort for a week of running.
Despite the elevation at over 8000 feet, it's also usually hot, often in the 80s by the end of the stage, and also because there's very little shade on this course. The area around Buena Vista seems like a high desert even at these elevations. The ground is quite dry and dusty. The trees are short and stubby, often looking twisted by winds.
Even living in Boulder, I remember how challenging the first stage was 4 years ago when I ran. This was a different course - longer and with much more elevation, so I was prepared to start slow and easy. After running a trail marathon two days earlier, it was even more critical for me to start slow. Listenting to that experience, I placed myself towards the back of the pack in the starting chute - ready to run.
The gun went off exactly at 9:00am with Highway to Hell by AC/DC blaring, that song being the traditonal start song played for every start. With that, we were off. There was no rush off the line, this was an ultra after all. Quite different from a traditional race where everyone makes a quite start. Not so here. It was as if we were all going for an easy, long run.
After about a half mile on pavement we crossed a footbridge over the Arkansas River and being our ascent on singletrack. All at once with 350 runners trying to get the same place, we were single file and walking. To me this is perfect - a slow, easy beginning. After another half mile or two, we emerged on a forest road heading uphill. It's a little cooler than normal this morning after rain the day before and I settled into a nice rhythm. Slowly I begin passing people and with each one offer a 'nice job' or 'good morning'. In a few miles we are on a singletrack again and really start heading upwards. Still I'm making good progress. At mile 7.5, we've reached the peak elevation for the day at 9300 feet and this is where the first aid station is. I believe I passed through this in about 80 minutes which I've very happy with. I grab some Coke and water and keep moving.
The sun is edging its way up in the sky and I'm starting to notice the heat a little. Most of the next 4 miles is downhill and I just float along enjoying the pull of gravity. Through this stretch I'm starting to settle in with a group around me. We pass each other - some faster and smoother on the downhill, some capable of a faster uphill. I'm feeling comfortable and running well, not pushing it at all knowing there's still a ways to go today and two more days of running. The next stretch is rolling trails, some singletrack, some ATV trails, some forest roads, all still dry and dusty.
At mile 17 we reached the last aid station and we are back near 8000 feet on a road that parallels the Arkansas River. I am near the 3 hour mark, which has been a benchmark for me for training, so I'm now stretching my normal marks. The last 4 miles for the day are tough - a gradual 1-2% steady uphill, a noon sun, no shade, and some tired legs. I do a lot of walking even in this last stretch unable to find a good rhythm to hold on to - either too fast or walking. I worry a little bit that the other days will be like this feeling like this on Day 1. Still I know this is one of the tougher days.
After 3:28 I finish holding a 10:00/mile pace. Meanwhile, the first runners have cruised the course in under 2 hours - amazing! I've done well and am happy with my run. I had much better pacing and intentions for this run, especially after the last run which was such a challenge.
It's traditional to fit the nearest cold water and sit/stand in that for 20-30 minutes after the stage. Sort of like nature's own ice bath to cool the body and flush the legs of the soreness. Today it was the Arkansas River right at the finish. It's quite a sight to see so many people just sitting in cold water, but it really does feel good.
I'm happy with Stage 1 and ready for Stage 2 over Hope Pass.
Stage 1 is known for being hard and hot. It's hard because for many the elevation is a significant difference from where they live and train, and because it's the first stage. The body is ready to go and yet you have to gauge your effort for a week of running.
Despite the elevation at over 8000 feet, it's also usually hot, often in the 80s by the end of the stage, and also because there's very little shade on this course. The area around Buena Vista seems like a high desert even at these elevations. The ground is quite dry and dusty. The trees are short and stubby, often looking twisted by winds.
Even living in Boulder, I remember how challenging the first stage was 4 years ago when I ran. This was a different course - longer and with much more elevation, so I was prepared to start slow and easy. After running a trail marathon two days earlier, it was even more critical for me to start slow. Listenting to that experience, I placed myself towards the back of the pack in the starting chute - ready to run.
The gun went off exactly at 9:00am with Highway to Hell by AC/DC blaring, that song being the traditonal start song played for every start. With that, we were off. There was no rush off the line, this was an ultra after all. Quite different from a traditional race where everyone makes a quite start. Not so here. It was as if we were all going for an easy, long run.
After about a half mile on pavement we crossed a footbridge over the Arkansas River and being our ascent on singletrack. All at once with 350 runners trying to get the same place, we were single file and walking. To me this is perfect - a slow, easy beginning. After another half mile or two, we emerged on a forest road heading uphill. It's a little cooler than normal this morning after rain the day before and I settled into a nice rhythm. Slowly I begin passing people and with each one offer a 'nice job' or 'good morning'. In a few miles we are on a singletrack again and really start heading upwards. Still I'm making good progress. At mile 7.5, we've reached the peak elevation for the day at 9300 feet and this is where the first aid station is. I believe I passed through this in about 80 minutes which I've very happy with. I grab some Coke and water and keep moving.
The sun is edging its way up in the sky and I'm starting to notice the heat a little. Most of the next 4 miles is downhill and I just float along enjoying the pull of gravity. Through this stretch I'm starting to settle in with a group around me. We pass each other - some faster and smoother on the downhill, some capable of a faster uphill. I'm feeling comfortable and running well, not pushing it at all knowing there's still a ways to go today and two more days of running. The next stretch is rolling trails, some singletrack, some ATV trails, some forest roads, all still dry and dusty.
At mile 17 we reached the last aid station and we are back near 8000 feet on a road that parallels the Arkansas River. I am near the 3 hour mark, which has been a benchmark for me for training, so I'm now stretching my normal marks. The last 4 miles for the day are tough - a gradual 1-2% steady uphill, a noon sun, no shade, and some tired legs. I do a lot of walking even in this last stretch unable to find a good rhythm to hold on to - either too fast or walking. I worry a little bit that the other days will be like this feeling like this on Day 1. Still I know this is one of the tougher days.
After 3:28 I finish holding a 10:00/mile pace. Meanwhile, the first runners have cruised the course in under 2 hours - amazing! I've done well and am happy with my run. I had much better pacing and intentions for this run, especially after the last run which was such a challenge.
It's traditional to fit the nearest cold water and sit/stand in that for 20-30 minutes after the stage. Sort of like nature's own ice bath to cool the body and flush the legs of the soreness. Today it was the Arkansas River right at the finish. It's quite a sight to see so many people just sitting in cold water, but it really does feel good.
I'm happy with Stage 1 and ready for Stage 2 over Hope Pass.
TransRockies Run
The TransRockies Run has just completed its sixth year of being run. The original TransRockies is a 6 day mountain bike race in Canada and through demand, the run was added. In total the run is 6 stages totaling 120 miles and over 20,000 feet of climbing all in the central Rockies of Colorado. The event has grown from a couple dozens teams of two, to over 350 runners, about 100 running the first 3 stages solo, the rest on teams. As I heard several times on the event, it's summer camp for adults!
This year was the second time I've run in it. The first time was in 2008, the second year of the event, on a team, and this year I ran Run3 which is the first three stages solo. I came back because this is an AWESOME event!
Everything about the event is superb! To begin with, it's fabulous to run in the Rockies in the summer with great weather, cooler temperatures, cool trails and roads - and above all the views! There are so many spectacular views along the course, the best probably being on top of Hope Pass at over 12,500 feet where you can look south along the Collegiate Peaks Range to north and seeing Twin Lakes, Leadville, and the Arkansas River headwaters area.
The event organization is amazing. I've talked with the event organizers and they use the image of duck on a pond; on the surface everything looks smooth and easy, but under the water, the duck is paddling away. So it is with this event, they make everything look smooth, even with whatever glitches are happening, and they always do. I've organized big events like this and they do it well. The food is great, there is a shower truck to get cleaned up after running, they setup and take down tents, they transport all the luggage, there is massage available. Every night after dinner is an awards ceremony which includes more than just the winners of the day with awards like King and Queen of the Day. There's also photos and videos from the day. All in all, an amazing production and well done.
Truly what makes this event is the people, which includes the event staff and the runners themselves. The event staff during the run now numbers almost a hundred people and every one of them is friendly and so supportive of everyone. The organizers are great people who really want everyone to have a fabulous experience and seem to go out of their way to ensure that happens. The runners are from all over the world and it's easy to meet and talk - on the run, over dinner, on a shuttle.
For many people, this event is a stretch, even to run 3 consecutive days of trails at altitude. Regardless of your ability though the cutoff times are ample enough that the entire course can be walked and you'd still be a finisher. If you've ever wanted an adventure, this is one to truly consider! Will I back - most certainly!
This year was the second time I've run in it. The first time was in 2008, the second year of the event, on a team, and this year I ran Run3 which is the first three stages solo. I came back because this is an AWESOME event!
Everything about the event is superb! To begin with, it's fabulous to run in the Rockies in the summer with great weather, cooler temperatures, cool trails and roads - and above all the views! There are so many spectacular views along the course, the best probably being on top of Hope Pass at over 12,500 feet where you can look south along the Collegiate Peaks Range to north and seeing Twin Lakes, Leadville, and the Arkansas River headwaters area.
The event organization is amazing. I've talked with the event organizers and they use the image of duck on a pond; on the surface everything looks smooth and easy, but under the water, the duck is paddling away. So it is with this event, they make everything look smooth, even with whatever glitches are happening, and they always do. I've organized big events like this and they do it well. The food is great, there is a shower truck to get cleaned up after running, they setup and take down tents, they transport all the luggage, there is massage available. Every night after dinner is an awards ceremony which includes more than just the winners of the day with awards like King and Queen of the Day. There's also photos and videos from the day. All in all, an amazing production and well done.
Truly what makes this event is the people, which includes the event staff and the runners themselves. The event staff during the run now numbers almost a hundred people and every one of them is friendly and so supportive of everyone. The organizers are great people who really want everyone to have a fabulous experience and seem to go out of their way to ensure that happens. The runners are from all over the world and it's easy to meet and talk - on the run, over dinner, on a shuttle.
For many people, this event is a stretch, even to run 3 consecutive days of trails at altitude. Regardless of your ability though the cutoff times are ample enough that the entire course can be walked and you'd still be a finisher. If you've ever wanted an adventure, this is one to truly consider! Will I back - most certainly!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
There are days
There are days when it's more challenging than excepted. Today was one of those days.
Today I ran my third marathon ever at the Honey Stinger Trail Marathon in Steamboat Springs. It was a very well organized event with beautiful and amazing trails. It's no wonder Steamboat is so great for mountain biking. I finished a tough trail marathon course. I feel like I have joined a new club.
Still not my best day. I know they happen. They have happened in the past and they will happen again. It wasn't terrible, in fact in many ways inspiring with many strong, solid moments. I have had so many fantastic runs the benchmark seems pretty high now.
Today was just simply challenging. Some was my fault like not drinking enough water. Some not, like three tough nights of sleep in a row. Some of it was doubt, like what was I doing out there running at all? Some of it was not being well recovered from the last marathon. Some was not being as prepared and as focused as I can be. Wanting to be fresher and run more - I ended up walking a bunch on sections that were easily runnable, but the body needed the walk. There was never a thought to quit, though perhaps wishing it was over sooner.
Most for this was written in my head during the run, but as I sit here actually writing it down, I feel so much differently. It is so true how memory and perception change so quickly, and reflection and choice are so significant.
I recall a challenging run. A beautiful run. Ferns and lush underbrush like you'd see in the Northwest. New things I tried that worked well, like Using Tailwind Nutrition products and carrying my prayer beads. Inspiration - seeing Lance Armstrong on the start line. A body that struggled and held up well. I'm proud of the run, even with the doubts that still linger in my head.
Often there is a point that stands out from a post or a run. Today it's nothing specific, just thoughts and feelings from another run, one I'm happy I did.
I love/hate Coca Cola
I'm not a big fan of soda, but my preference is Pepsi, a taste acquired as a kid.
On a long run or long bike, there's nothing like a cold Coca Cola!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Flexibility – keys to agility and speed
Do I have your attention now? Most people would like to go faster I’m sure, so let’s get down to it.
Almost every book on sport, whether its running, swimming, cycling, hockey, etc, will talk about the importance of stretching. It’s usually one of the first chapters with some guides and visuals to help you along. Stretching certainly does make a difference as it helps the muscles and body stay looser, move blood, and get us ready to run (or swim or ..) or helps us recovery. There’s also plenty of scientific evidence to back this up as well.
I have to admit I rarely stretch. I walk out the front door and usually run right from the front step. If I have to wait for my Garmin to locate satellites I’ll do a little, but only a minute or so. I’m just anxious to get to the main event. I will also freely admit that when I do stretch and do it consciously it feels really good to slow down and feel the body. It’s another great feedback mechanism. Even better for me is going to a yoga session where there’s a combination of listening, stretching, strength, and focus.
What about speed you’re asking …
When I ran the Tunnel Marathon a few weeks ago I felt great until the last four miles when both calves and my right hamstring cramped up. In a matter of seconds my form went all to hell. I went to a nearly straight legged run (which for me is hard to do) to keep my legs from bending and cramping worse. With a straight legged run, my hips twisted in weird ways and that cascaded up my back to tight shoulders, a stiff neck, and a rough armswing. Not only was this very uncomfortable, but my speed dropped as well. For almost two weeks after the marathon my legs were still very sore and I could feel the residual nature of the cramps. My form wasn’t as bad, but it was similar.
What occurred to me while in this awkward form was how limited my range of motion was and how severely that affected my form, and therefore my speed. When I can bend my legs, extend them back, and lean forward with my upper body, my form is quite natural and I can almost pick almost speed I want. If I can’t bend my legs, or push off, or have limited upper body motion, my stride can only be short, and that’s never good for speed.
As I’ve loosened up and recovered from the marathon, the looseness has come back. And just as easily the ease of running is back in place. And while I’m still tired, it’s somewhat fluid to find a good speed.
The other part of this is agility and this is more aimed as trail running. On a trail, it necessary to watch the trail and constantly adjust stride for rocks, roots, puddles, or whatever else is in the trail. If you’re loose, your agility is much greater and it’s much easier to bound around to find good foot placement. I accidentally took a trail in the first two weeks after the marathon that had lots of rocks and really needed that ability to bound around. Being still sore and tight, the trail was very difficult even to the point of walking at some points. So again it comes back to looseness in the body.
Off to stretch – after all I like running fast, especially down fun trails. After all this is about Dancing with the Dirt!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Seven Days in Utopia
This is about Utopia, Texas – and golf. Rather it’s a movie about golf in Utopia, Texas. And there really is a place called Utopia, Texas, and there really is a golf course there. For all I know about Texans, I’m sure the people that live there truly believe it’s their own Utopia.
The movie is about a professional golfer who had a horrible tournament. After the tournament he’s meandering on backroads driving home when he nearly hits a cow in the road – guess where, near Utopia. It’s going to take a week to fix his car. So he spends 7 days in Utopia.
In turns out there’s a retired professional golfer in Utopia who coaches the young golfer over those seven days. Each day is a different lesson about how to play the game. It’s not necessarily about technique, but about focus, determination, visualization. It’s all about sports psychology and ways to better yourself as an athlete, whether you’re a golfer or participate in any other sport.
After the week in Utopia, the golfer heads to his next tournament where he demonstrates all that he learned in Utopia. He ends up in a tie-breaking hole after 4 rounds. On the very last putt he has a chance to win the tournament. It’s great drama for a movie. As the golf ball rolls across the green heading towards the hole, the movie ends. As much as I wanted to know if the putt went in, I loved the ending because it points at playing the game, being the athlete, being in the adventure of sport, and not about winning or losing.
The movie is a good movie and I enjoyed it. I have to say there are some better golf and sporting movies out there, and I really liked the way this one was done. The movie is also a showcase of Dr. David Cook’s philosophies and teachings about sports psychology. The movie ends with a link to the website http://didhemaketheputt.com/. This is where you can see the trailer to the sequel and discover for yourself some of Dr. Cook’s techniques.
If you like sports movies, this one is definitely worth watching. You might just pick up something to help your sport of preference!
A Slower Rhythm
Since running the Tunnel Marathon several weeks ago, I’ve been in recovery mode. I had read and heard many times that after running a marathon, recovery can take four weeks or more. I have to say I was a little skeptical and disbelieving, but not without reason either. For all the ultracycling I did, recovery came pretty quickly, and really it had to be quick because long events were sometimes just two or three weeks apart. The difference is the intensity – I raced the marathon, whereas the cycling was paced and also knowing there was another ride coming.
This has been another new phase of learning and patience. My body really has wanted to slow down, and even sleep a lot. I’ve had a couple of massages since the marathon as well and both really moved a lot of soreness out of my body. Even the desire to go running is reduced. There is still desire and there’s also my body quietly speaking its own voice of ‘not today’.
I have been out for a few runs, probably just two a week. For the first couple, I felt like I had someone else’s legs. My stride was awkward and stiff, armswing was shortened, I felt like I was running flatfooted. Forget about any kind of pace either, it was just simply slow, or at least slow by my standards. Still I could appreciate that I could still run. The runs the past couple days have finally extended to over an hour again. Still quite slow, or at least they seem so. I’m not running with a watch because right now it’s not a focus. What I’m finding again is simply the need to listen to my body and what it needs, and certainly speed is nowhere on that list.
With a slower flow of the run, I’ve also had the chance to again find the meditative quality of the run when there’s no particular focus like pacing. Even on this morning’s run I was really able to find a deep peace in the run, I even stopped for a few minutes in the middle of the run on the top of a hill, faced the sun, and meditated soaking in the new day.
The marathon was amazing, and even intense. Recovery has been another surprising journey as well, even with its own concentration on a slow, easy rhythm. So despite the usual fullness of summer, I am quite enjoying a relaxing beginning. That beginning will surely lead to more running joy as well.
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