Weight = 254.6 (-3.4)
Body Fat = 26.1% (-0.4%)
Hydration = 52.5% (+0.3%)
Muscle = 179 lbs (-1.0)
Bone Mass = 9.2 (Unchanged)
BMR = 2546 (-51)
Metabolic Age = 49 (-1)
Visceral Fat = 12% (-1%)
Sat down with Coach Cyndee today to debrief on Showdown at Sundown. We discussed race conditions and strategy and I felt good about the conversation and the effort. While not my best time, where it all ended up against where we feel I should be at this point looks acceptable. Now the focus is on the OC Marathon coming up May 1rst. This is an "A" race for me and I have a very firm goal of breaking the 5 hour mark.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Weekly Schedule 3/28/11 - 4/3/11
MONDAY
Off Day
TUESDAY
Swim - 1:20:00/3000m - 100s and Drills
WEDNESDAY
Run - 0:30:00 - Easy Run
Strength - 1:00:00
THURSDAY
Off Day
FRIDAY
Swim - 1:10:00/2700m - 500 Pyramid
SATURDAY
Run - 3:00:00/16 miles - Long Distance Run
SUNDAYBike - 1:00:00 - Easy Effort, High Cadence
Swim - 0:45:00/1700m - 25s, 50s, 75s & 100s
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 8:45:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:30:00/0:24:17 Distance - 2100/1000
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 5:15:00/5:50:51 Distance - 56/81.06
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 3:15:00/3:41:53 Distance - 14.6/18.16
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time -0:00:00/0:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 9:30:00/10:01:36
Off Day
TUESDAY
Swim - 1:20:00/3000m - 100s and Drills
WEDNESDAY
Run - 0:30:00 - Easy Run
Strength - 1:00:00
THURSDAY
Off Day
FRIDAY
Swim - 1:10:00/2700m - 500 Pyramid
SATURDAY
Run - 3:00:00/16 miles - Long Distance Run
SUNDAYBike - 1:00:00 - Easy Effort, High Cadence
Swim - 0:45:00/1700m - 25s, 50s, 75s & 100s
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 8:45:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:30:00/0:24:17 Distance - 2100/1000
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 5:15:00/5:50:51 Distance - 56/81.06
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 3:15:00/3:41:53 Distance - 14.6/18.16
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time -0:00:00/0:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 9:30:00/10:01:36
Race Report - Showdown at Sundown - 3/26/11
When I was a kid, I used to watch Jim McKay on ABC's Wide World of Sports (back when cartoons were a Saturday morning thing). During the intro, he would always say, "the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat" (insert dramatic music here). Today was mostly an agony of defeat day for me.
SaS is a different race in that it starts in the afternoon and finishes in the early evening. Included are Sprint, Olympic and Half IM length races. This was my first year doing the race and I entered the Half IM as a "B" race to see how my fitness is shaping up for IM Arizona in November. This is my second Half IM length race.
The morning was cold, cloudy and windy with the skies threatening rain. Water temp was 54F. As a point-to-point race, there were two transition areas to setup. I did T2 first and then worked my way down to Lake Mead to setup T1. I had everything set, mentally rehearsed both transitions and was walking my wife Melissa back to the car when the RD announced that the swim was cancelled. What a killer! The RD told me that his concern was that people would just never get warmed up once they got out of the water. Race start would also be postponed until 12:30pm.
With the extra time, I decided to accompany Melissa back to the house to pick up the Lulu in "Team Lulu", our daughter Lucia. On the way home, I point out to Melissa that blue skies are headed toward the lake. Texting with my coach, giving her the 411 on what is happening, she comments that the temperature is expected to top out in the high 60s. She also warns me about the winds promoting dehydration. She notes that I need to be aware of my effort level and to take in lots of fluids.
When we arrive back at T1, the sun is out and athletes are frustrated with the cancelled swim. I notice that the swim course buoys have been pulled in. It's hard to blame the RD for his decision and it's a call I certainly would not want to make. I understand that it's for the safety of the athletes. Having said that, I paid full price for the event and have seen swims go off in worse conditions. I was in the water two days previously, and it worked out fine. Maybe an optional swim for those who wanted it would have been a better choice. I watched 8-10 athletes swim (I assume to make a point). A mute point as the decision had been made.
The start would now be TT style, with athletes moving up to the timing mat and then being released at intervals. I wait in line for my turn, pull up and watch for the signal. I am off.
The bike is historically the troublesome leg in the triathlon for me. I lack restraint and always want to hammer. I'm still trying to learn where I am from a fitness perspective and what I can put out without cooking myself for the run.
I ride out to the turnaround, just past Calville Bay at a good pace with the winds slightly helping. I am overdressed with a long sleeved shirt under my jersey. On the way out, I'm cooking a little bit. I started with one bottle of water and one bottle of coconut water tempered with Crystal Light Lemonade flavor. Pulling into the turnaround, I am cheered on by Team Lulu. I stop and rip off my shirt and get the jersey back on. One of the volunteers asked me if I needed anything. I told him no thank you and took off for the return leg. Looking back, I should have drunk more. At the time, I had taken in about half of each bottle and I seemed to remember an aid station on the map on the way back. I figured I would take on more then.
The two factors I did not take sufficiently into account were the winds, which were now headwinds of 20-30mph and the fact that the expected aid station would not be there.
The riding out by the lake is tough. It is almost always windy and the roads are a series of rollers that are substantial with several solid climbs at various points to get your attention. Technique and gearing here are a big part of what it takes to be successful and they are both things I am still learning and trying to develop. One of the things I already love about long course events is that it puts stresses on the body and mind that short events cannot. It's the combination of time and unrelenting stress bearing down on you for an extended period. It pulls things out of me that I am either unsure or afraid of and makes me confront them. Also, short event pain is different than long event pain. I don't know that I can explain it, but if you have experienced it, you know what I am talking about. The best I can do is say that for me, short event pain is more physical and long event pain is much more mental. The physical pain is there, but the battleground shifts to the mind.
At mile 48 or so, everything was stripped bare. Badly dehydrated, pissed off at the RD for skimping on the aid stations, mad at myself for not racing smarter and utterly beat down by the wind and hills, I am just utterly wiped. Competitors riding by me and telling me that we are almost there. The last 6 miles are the hardest part of the whole course and I know that. I'm losing the battle in my mind.
Somewhere around mile 50 there is a lady handing out water. I take the water and say thank you, but I think she can sense my disappointment. It's certainly not her fault, but I needed this 15-20 miles ago, when I could have kept my body from red lining. I felt ashamed for giving off that kind of negative energy, but it is real. The volunteers are always such amazing and wonderful people. My ability to be here testing and challenging myself is directly attributable to them. A huge THANK YOU to the people who volunteer their time for these events. The emotions that well up are just so strong as you struggle.
The last 6 miles of this bike course are steadily uphill, starting as a sneaky elevation gain and continuously increasing in grade until the last 2 miles which run between 6-13%. I start cramping. I end up getting off my bike 3 times and walking for 2 minute intervals during the climb to get the cramps to subside enough so I can control my legs again. Several people pass me as I crawl up the hill. After what seems like three lifetimes, I mercifully find the top of the hill and T2.
Coach Cyndee and one of her clients, Michael were standing outside the transition area looking for me. Spotting me in transition, Micheal calls out to me. I think I waved. Seeing them got me focused and back in the game again. I started getting myself through transition and let young developing habits take over.
The run was hard from the very beginning. Every stride felt like someone was driving an ice pick
into my kidneys. I took the approach of running 10 minutes and walking 2. I start trying to hydrate at each aid station, but I know it's too little, too late.
The run course is setup as an out and back, with aid stations at turnarounds for the Sprint and Olympic races. The first aid station with food is around mile 4. I eat a couple orange slices and take in more water. I push through another aid station and make my way to the turnaround.
At the turnaround, I stop in a porta-potty. My urine is just a couple shades under Newcastle Brown Ale...not good. I stop at the aid station, drink half a Coke and some water. Risky, I don't drink Coke. I start back up the hill toward Railroad Pass.
I originally signed up for this event with the idea that I would be making part of the run in the dark. I thought that this would be good practice for Ironman AZ. With a goal of 14:00:00, at least part of that run will be in the dark. When I realized that daylight savings would be in effect for this race, I thought I would be done before the sun went down. Now, here I am running the last couple miles in the dark.
Up the last hill to Bootleg Canyon. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. There will be no racing a little boy on his bike tonight. Instead I am getting beat by everyone. If I'm not the last one in off the course, I am definitely one of the stragglers to come in at the end. It is humbling. I can hear the MC giving out the awards for the various age groups. Certainly the name Eichelberger will not be in the announcements tonight. I run across the finish line and the day is finally over.
For me, while most of the race was the agony of defeat, the thrill of victory is in the glass being half full. Next time I will be smarter and more experienced. I will continue to lose weight and build fitness. I will build on this to become a better competitor.
Total Time - 7:10:52 / 69.1 miles
No Swim
No T1
Bike - 4:20:58 / 56 miles
T2 - 1:38
Run - 2:48:16 / 13.1 miles
SaS is a different race in that it starts in the afternoon and finishes in the early evening. Included are Sprint, Olympic and Half IM length races. This was my first year doing the race and I entered the Half IM as a "B" race to see how my fitness is shaping up for IM Arizona in November. This is my second Half IM length race.
The morning was cold, cloudy and windy with the skies threatening rain. Water temp was 54F. As a point-to-point race, there were two transition areas to setup. I did T2 first and then worked my way down to Lake Mead to setup T1. I had everything set, mentally rehearsed both transitions and was walking my wife Melissa back to the car when the RD announced that the swim was cancelled. What a killer! The RD told me that his concern was that people would just never get warmed up once they got out of the water. Race start would also be postponed until 12:30pm.
With the extra time, I decided to accompany Melissa back to the house to pick up the Lulu in "Team Lulu", our daughter Lucia. On the way home, I point out to Melissa that blue skies are headed toward the lake. Texting with my coach, giving her the 411 on what is happening, she comments that the temperature is expected to top out in the high 60s. She also warns me about the winds promoting dehydration. She notes that I need to be aware of my effort level and to take in lots of fluids.
When we arrive back at T1, the sun is out and athletes are frustrated with the cancelled swim. I notice that the swim course buoys have been pulled in. It's hard to blame the RD for his decision and it's a call I certainly would not want to make. I understand that it's for the safety of the athletes. Having said that, I paid full price for the event and have seen swims go off in worse conditions. I was in the water two days previously, and it worked out fine. Maybe an optional swim for those who wanted it would have been a better choice. I watched 8-10 athletes swim (I assume to make a point). A mute point as the decision had been made.
The start would now be TT style, with athletes moving up to the timing mat and then being released at intervals. I wait in line for my turn, pull up and watch for the signal. I am off.
 |
| Getting Started (photo: Melissa Eichelberger) |
I ride out to the turnaround, just past Calville Bay at a good pace with the winds slightly helping. I am overdressed with a long sleeved shirt under my jersey. On the way out, I'm cooking a little bit. I started with one bottle of water and one bottle of coconut water tempered with Crystal Light Lemonade flavor. Pulling into the turnaround, I am cheered on by Team Lulu. I stop and rip off my shirt and get the jersey back on. One of the volunteers asked me if I needed anything. I told him no thank you and took off for the return leg. Looking back, I should have drunk more. At the time, I had taken in about half of each bottle and I seemed to remember an aid station on the map on the way back. I figured I would take on more then.
 |
| The Calville Turnaround (photo: Melissa Eichelberger) |
The riding out by the lake is tough. It is almost always windy and the roads are a series of rollers that are substantial with several solid climbs at various points to get your attention. Technique and gearing here are a big part of what it takes to be successful and they are both things I am still learning and trying to develop. One of the things I already love about long course events is that it puts stresses on the body and mind that short events cannot. It's the combination of time and unrelenting stress bearing down on you for an extended period. It pulls things out of me that I am either unsure or afraid of and makes me confront them. Also, short event pain is different than long event pain. I don't know that I can explain it, but if you have experienced it, you know what I am talking about. The best I can do is say that for me, short event pain is more physical and long event pain is much more mental. The physical pain is there, but the battleground shifts to the mind.
  |
| Lake Las Vegas - Swim for 5150 Las Vegas and the 2011 ITU Long Course Championship |
Somewhere around mile 50 there is a lady handing out water. I take the water and say thank you, but I think she can sense my disappointment. It's certainly not her fault, but I needed this 15-20 miles ago, when I could have kept my body from red lining. I felt ashamed for giving off that kind of negative energy, but it is real. The volunteers are always such amazing and wonderful people. My ability to be here testing and challenging myself is directly attributable to them. A huge THANK YOU to the people who volunteer their time for these events. The emotions that well up are just so strong as you struggle.
The last 6 miles of this bike course are steadily uphill, starting as a sneaky elevation gain and continuously increasing in grade until the last 2 miles which run between 6-13%. I start cramping. I end up getting off my bike 3 times and walking for 2 minute intervals during the climb to get the cramps to subside enough so I can control my legs again. Several people pass me as I crawl up the hill. After what seems like three lifetimes, I mercifully find the top of the hill and T2.
The run was hard from the very beginning. Every stride felt like someone was driving an ice pick
into my kidneys. I took the approach of running 10 minutes and walking 2. I start trying to hydrate at each aid station, but I know it's too little, too late.
 |
| Team Lulu Showing the Love (photo: Melissa Eichelberger) |
At the turnaround, I stop in a porta-potty. My urine is just a couple shades under Newcastle Brown Ale...not good. I stop at the aid station, drink half a Coke and some water. Risky, I don't drink Coke. I start back up the hill toward Railroad Pass.
I originally signed up for this event with the idea that I would be making part of the run in the dark. I thought that this would be good practice for Ironman AZ. With a goal of 14:00:00, at least part of that run will be in the dark. When I realized that daylight savings would be in effect for this race, I thought I would be done before the sun went down. Now, here I am running the last couple miles in the dark.
Up the last hill to Bootleg Canyon. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. There will be no racing a little boy on his bike tonight. Instead I am getting beat by everyone. If I'm not the last one in off the course, I am definitely one of the stragglers to come in at the end. It is humbling. I can hear the MC giving out the awards for the various age groups. Certainly the name Eichelberger will not be in the announcements tonight. I run across the finish line and the day is finally over.
 |
| Mercifully Finished (photo: Melissa Eichelberger) |
Total Time - 7:10:52 / 69.1 miles
No Swim
No T1
Bike - 4:20:58 / 56 miles
T2 - 1:38
Run - 2:48:16 / 13.1 miles
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Scale 3/26/11
THE NUMBER = 251.2 (-0.6 pounds last week)
Actually really pleased this week. Volume was way down with taper for Showdown at Sundown, but I did not adjust my diet as I should and yet still lost weight. Also, second week with weight loss in a row.
Actually really pleased this week. Volume was way down with taper for Showdown at Sundown, but I did not adjust my diet as I should and yet still lost weight. Also, second week with weight loss in a row.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dispatches From The Field - 3/23/11 - Scouting the Showdown at Sundown (Part Deux)
The weather today is gorgeous and Lake Mead is like glass.
Water temp is 59F according to NOAA for Lake Mead today. I've got to be honest that I didn't even bother to check until I had already done the swim. I didn't want to know. Earlier this week I saw a woman in her 60s get out of the water in a Neoprene Cap and Booties to go with her full wetsuit.
I asked her how the water was:
What she said, "oh, it's not that bad".
What I heard, "listen sonny, I just froze my ass off, why don't you go jump in and tell me how cold you think it is!"
It's so funny, we are all competitors that never want to show any kind of weakness no matter who we are or how old.
I convinced co-conspiring triathlete Shawn Wallace (read here, I simply asked him) if he wanted to go for a swim in the lake. Having no more sense than I, he readily agreed. Which is how we ended up at Lake Mead at 10:00 this morning, grinning at each other like idiots while we put wetsuits on. We talked about course (Shawn was doing a longer course than I was) and set up transition, agreeing that we wouldn't kill ourselves on time for transition as we were going to leave the bikes locked up.
Just a quick word on Shawn before we continue. Truly one of the fundamentally good and kind people on this little blue orb in space. No bullshit, no posturing, no bluster. Just a talented guy who loves to be outdoors. He's also faster than I am, which seems to be a recurring theme with the people I exercise around. I guess I just aspire...
We walk into the water looking at each other with that excited, slightly manic look that people sometimes get just before a dare, or perhaps right before jumping out of an airplane. We start watches and then dive in the water and begin to swim.
At first I am thinking its not that bad. Sure its a little cold but...but I can't feel my feet. OK, so its cold, but honestly, its not so cold that its debilitating. I cruise to the first buoy where Shawn has paused to make sure I am alive. I want to waive him on, but I'm busy swimming.
We continue down the buoy line with Shawn stopping at strategic points to make sure I am alive. I keep checking myself and the signs are positive that I am (still alive that is). I am actually supposed to swim 500 meters today, but talked Shawn into more because I felt like I needed longer in the water to figure out how I would handle it in a couple days with the race. Shawn (who is racing the Olympic), was set just to do a brick before I got him out here. I'm sure he is wondering up ahead whose crack pipe I've been smoking with this inspired plan. I have to admit though that I'm actually enjoying the swim.
We make the boat ramp and I swim all the way until my fingers touch the asphalt of the ramp. They recently dredged and Boulder Beach is so much better than it was in winter. I was swimming here through November and I wish I had pictures of what it was like then. Really clean now. I stand up and head up the ramp toward the cars. Shawn asks me if I am dizzy, because apparently I'm weaving like I'm a little drunk. I tell him I'm OK ( I can hear the lady with the neoprene booties in my head). I get my wetsuit off OK, but when I go to put my bike shoes on, I have to grab the car to avoid taking a header. I hold on for dear life for 15-20 seconds while the vertigo passes. I must have been colder than I thought.
I actually beat Shawn out of transition because I have the combined advantages of his bike being locked to the top of the car and his waiting for my slow ass through the entire swim. Being a corrupt opportunist, I take off. The initial 3/4 of a mile is uphill and always kills everybody right out of the water. I feel good as I work my way up to Southshore Drive. Shawn will catch me soon.
Which he does in the first 3-4 miles of the bike and then casually blows by me. I sigh and keep peddling. I remind myself that the goal today is to take it easy and just put in an honest effort. Get the heart going and remind the body what is supposed to happen on Saturday. I try to ride the course strategically, with a mind to another 50 miles to go with the last 6 or so all uphill. I turn around at the 5 mile mark (feeling almost guilty as I watch Shawn tear off up the road).
The ride is totally uneventful, with me focusing on nutrition that I don't really need today and making sure my stomach is working right. Everything is good.
Transition is fine and Boulder Beach is finally showing some signs of life. The run goes smooth and easy. Frankly, it's way too short, but if I go longer, Coach Cyndee will be on me like white on rice. I feel really good for this race. Goal is 7:15:00.
Swim - 27:19/1000m
T1 - 3:07
Bike - 40:46/10.59 miles
T2 - 2:49
Run - 19:10/2.06 miles
Water temp is 59F according to NOAA for Lake Mead today. I've got to be honest that I didn't even bother to check until I had already done the swim. I didn't want to know. Earlier this week I saw a woman in her 60s get out of the water in a Neoprene Cap and Booties to go with her full wetsuit.
I asked her how the water was:
What she said, "oh, it's not that bad".
What I heard, "listen sonny, I just froze my ass off, why don't you go jump in and tell me how cold you think it is!"
It's so funny, we are all competitors that never want to show any kind of weakness no matter who we are or how old.
I convinced co-conspiring triathlete Shawn Wallace (read here, I simply asked him) if he wanted to go for a swim in the lake. Having no more sense than I, he readily agreed. Which is how we ended up at Lake Mead at 10:00 this morning, grinning at each other like idiots while we put wetsuits on. We talked about course (Shawn was doing a longer course than I was) and set up transition, agreeing that we wouldn't kill ourselves on time for transition as we were going to leave the bikes locked up.
Just a quick word on Shawn before we continue. Truly one of the fundamentally good and kind people on this little blue orb in space. No bullshit, no posturing, no bluster. Just a talented guy who loves to be outdoors. He's also faster than I am, which seems to be a recurring theme with the people I exercise around. I guess I just aspire...
 |
| Shawn Prepping in the Transition Area |
We walk into the water looking at each other with that excited, slightly manic look that people sometimes get just before a dare, or perhaps right before jumping out of an airplane. We start watches and then dive in the water and begin to swim.
At first I am thinking its not that bad. Sure its a little cold but...but I can't feel my feet. OK, so its cold, but honestly, its not so cold that its debilitating. I cruise to the first buoy where Shawn has paused to make sure I am alive. I want to waive him on, but I'm busy swimming.
We continue down the buoy line with Shawn stopping at strategic points to make sure I am alive. I keep checking myself and the signs are positive that I am (still alive that is). I am actually supposed to swim 500 meters today, but talked Shawn into more because I felt like I needed longer in the water to figure out how I would handle it in a couple days with the race. Shawn (who is racing the Olympic), was set just to do a brick before I got him out here. I'm sure he is wondering up ahead whose crack pipe I've been smoking with this inspired plan. I have to admit though that I'm actually enjoying the swim.
We make the boat ramp and I swim all the way until my fingers touch the asphalt of the ramp. They recently dredged and Boulder Beach is so much better than it was in winter. I was swimming here through November and I wish I had pictures of what it was like then. Really clean now. I stand up and head up the ramp toward the cars. Shawn asks me if I am dizzy, because apparently I'm weaving like I'm a little drunk. I tell him I'm OK ( I can hear the lady with the neoprene booties in my head). I get my wetsuit off OK, but when I go to put my bike shoes on, I have to grab the car to avoid taking a header. I hold on for dear life for 15-20 seconds while the vertigo passes. I must have been colder than I thought.
 |
| This will be T1 and start of the Bike for the race. |
I actually beat Shawn out of transition because I have the combined advantages of his bike being locked to the top of the car and his waiting for my slow ass through the entire swim. Being a corrupt opportunist, I take off. The initial 3/4 of a mile is uphill and always kills everybody right out of the water. I feel good as I work my way up to Southshore Drive. Shawn will catch me soon.
Which he does in the first 3-4 miles of the bike and then casually blows by me. I sigh and keep peddling. I remind myself that the goal today is to take it easy and just put in an honest effort. Get the heart going and remind the body what is supposed to happen on Saturday. I try to ride the course strategically, with a mind to another 50 miles to go with the last 6 or so all uphill. I turn around at the 5 mile mark (feeling almost guilty as I watch Shawn tear off up the road).
The ride is totally uneventful, with me focusing on nutrition that I don't really need today and making sure my stomach is working right. Everything is good.
Transition is fine and Boulder Beach is finally showing some signs of life. The run goes smooth and easy. Frankly, it's way too short, but if I go longer, Coach Cyndee will be on me like white on rice. I feel really good for this race. Goal is 7:15:00.
 |
| Apparently we were not the only ones to think about getting used to the water today... |
Swim - 27:19/1000m
T1 - 3:07
Bike - 40:46/10.59 miles
T2 - 2:49
Run - 19:10/2.06 miles
Monday, March 21, 2011
Taper Week Begins
VERY light week as I taper into Showdown at Sundown. I've got to be honest - I want to exercise so bad right now, I am crawling out of my skin. Just so much nervous energy. I don't know if it is the change in diet or an increase in fitness or both.
Weekly Schedule 3/21/11-3/27/11
MONDAY
Off Day
TUESDAY
Bike - 0:45:00 - Tempo Ride
WEDNESDAY
Run - 0:30:00 - Easy Run
THURSDAY
Mini Triathlon - 1:00:00 - 500m Swim/10 mile Bike/1.5 mile Run
FRIDAY
Off Day
SATURDAY
Showdown at Sundown (Half IM Distance)
7:15:00 - 1.2 mile Swim/56 mile Bike/13.1 mile Run)
SUNDAY
Off Day
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 9:30:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:50:00/2:03:03 Distance - 4800/4800
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 4:40:00/5:12:49 Distance - 55/82.70
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 3:30:00/3:52:52 Distance - 20/21.38
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:00:00/1:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 11:00:00/12:10:32
Off Day
TUESDAY
Bike - 0:45:00 - Tempo Ride
WEDNESDAY
Run - 0:30:00 - Easy Run
THURSDAY
Mini Triathlon - 1:00:00 - 500m Swim/10 mile Bike/1.5 mile Run
FRIDAY
Off Day
SATURDAY
Showdown at Sundown (Half IM Distance)
7:15:00 - 1.2 mile Swim/56 mile Bike/13.1 mile Run)
SUNDAY
Off Day
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 9:30:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:50:00/2:03:03 Distance - 4800/4800
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 4:40:00/5:12:49 Distance - 55/82.70
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 3:30:00/3:52:52 Distance - 20/21.38
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:00:00/1:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 11:00:00/12:10:32
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Race Report - LV Tri Club - 3/19/11
Cold and silly windy. That pretty much summed up the conditions with the wind coming off Lake Mead and picking up a biting chill that truly cut to the bone. You could feel the athletes universally mentally saying, "Dude, please start this thing." A lot of movement and active stretching going on, me included.
My hat is truly off to the LV Tri Club Board and the great people who came out and volunteered to make the race possible today. I at least had the crazy excuse to be out here that I wanted to race. These people are out here freezing to death for the love of the sport or the love of a loved one who loves the sport. However it works out, these people are all amazing for their generosity. Thank you!
The race today is a Duathlon, with a 1m run/12m bike/3.1m run. I am treating the race as a "C" race with the goals of simply getting back into the swing of things with transition, the feel of racing and nutrition. Pace is the other key point for me today - getting the most out of myself without melting down.
As we get ready to start the race, props to the RDs for making the decision to announce that the bike ride was optional in the interest of safety. The crosswinds on Lakeshore Drive were definitely something to be concerned about. Of course, it seemed like everyone did the race as advertised.
So off we go. This is my first Duathlon and I have to admit that the run start is a little odd for me. I'm used to getting roughed up in the water at the start of a race. This has the feel of a road race and I start in the very back to avoid getting in the way. With the combination of being a slower competitor and treating this as a training race, it seems like it would be unfair to get in the way of others. I make a point to intentionally slow down at the beginning of the run. I want to make sure that I don't injure myself and that I work on pace.
After about the first quarter mile, I pick up the pace a little (it is a race after all) and start to pass a couple people. When I get back to transition I'm completely in race mode. It takes me a little longer to put on my shoes than I think it should, but that's why I'm here.
Run - 8:28/1.03m (8:14 pace)
T1 - 1:14
The wind definitely is the factor on the bike. The course is a lot of up and down, which even on a good day, puts a premium on strategy and patience. Regardless of the length of the race, this is truly a thinking persons course. I know, because I've blown up here before. I make it a point to gear up on the hills when I feel the desire to put the hammer down. I'm riding at about a 30 degree tilt about half the time. As I get back to transition I feel like I have put just the right amount of energy into the ride (or maybe just a tad too much).
DISMOUNT! DISMOUNT! DISMOUNT! I almost ride into the transition area. Come on man! Where is your focus!?!
Bike - 40:49/11.91m (17.5mph)
T2 - 0:34
The second run starts well. I let my legs ease back in and then get going. There is a guy about 250 meters ahead wearing a blue and black jersey and we are similar in size. I key into his pace. Breathing is good. During the outward bound leg, I close the gap to about 10 meters. I passed on water at T-2 and am now wondering if that was really such a good idea. There is an aid station at the turnaround and I thank the volunteers and grab a cup of water.
With 1.5 miles to go, I take inventory and decide it is time to open it up and see if it all works. The blue and black jersey turns out to be for Wounded Warriors. This guy is a warrior, because he is not willing to give me an inch. I am maxed out as I catch him with less than half a mile to go.
"I love the jersey."
"I was wondering when you were going to make the pass."
"Dude, this is all there is."
"I can hear the speakers, we've got to be close."
I grunt as I move ahead. I can't talk anymore.
The last part of the run is killing me. I can feel things getting heavy, I push through. As I cross the line, I call out my number, "15!"
"Jeff ECKELBERGER! Great job Jeff!"
I smile, I couldn't figure out my last name for the longest time either.
I catch my breath and turn around to shake hands with Wounded Warrior. What a great effort from him. Definitely worthy of his jersey.
Run - 25:23/2.88m (8:48 pace)
Total - 1:16:29
 |
| Is there life beyond multi-sport? |
My hat is truly off to the LV Tri Club Board and the great people who came out and volunteered to make the race possible today. I at least had the crazy excuse to be out here that I wanted to race. These people are out here freezing to death for the love of the sport or the love of a loved one who loves the sport. However it works out, these people are all amazing for their generosity. Thank you!
The race today is a Duathlon, with a 1m run/12m bike/3.1m run. I am treating the race as a "C" race with the goals of simply getting back into the swing of things with transition, the feel of racing and nutrition. Pace is the other key point for me today - getting the most out of myself without melting down.
As we get ready to start the race, props to the RDs for making the decision to announce that the bike ride was optional in the interest of safety. The crosswinds on Lakeshore Drive were definitely something to be concerned about. Of course, it seemed like everyone did the race as advertised.
So off we go. This is my first Duathlon and I have to admit that the run start is a little odd for me. I'm used to getting roughed up in the water at the start of a race. This has the feel of a road race and I start in the very back to avoid getting in the way. With the combination of being a slower competitor and treating this as a training race, it seems like it would be unfair to get in the way of others. I make a point to intentionally slow down at the beginning of the run. I want to make sure that I don't injure myself and that I work on pace.
After about the first quarter mile, I pick up the pace a little (it is a race after all) and start to pass a couple people. When I get back to transition I'm completely in race mode. It takes me a little longer to put on my shoes than I think it should, but that's why I'm here.
Run - 8:28/1.03m (8:14 pace)
T1 - 1:14
The wind definitely is the factor on the bike. The course is a lot of up and down, which even on a good day, puts a premium on strategy and patience. Regardless of the length of the race, this is truly a thinking persons course. I know, because I've blown up here before. I make it a point to gear up on the hills when I feel the desire to put the hammer down. I'm riding at about a 30 degree tilt about half the time. As I get back to transition I feel like I have put just the right amount of energy into the ride (or maybe just a tad too much).
DISMOUNT! DISMOUNT! DISMOUNT! I almost ride into the transition area. Come on man! Where is your focus!?!
Bike - 40:49/11.91m (17.5mph)
T2 - 0:34
The second run starts well. I let my legs ease back in and then get going. There is a guy about 250 meters ahead wearing a blue and black jersey and we are similar in size. I key into his pace. Breathing is good. During the outward bound leg, I close the gap to about 10 meters. I passed on water at T-2 and am now wondering if that was really such a good idea. There is an aid station at the turnaround and I thank the volunteers and grab a cup of water.
With 1.5 miles to go, I take inventory and decide it is time to open it up and see if it all works. The blue and black jersey turns out to be for Wounded Warriors. This guy is a warrior, because he is not willing to give me an inch. I am maxed out as I catch him with less than half a mile to go.
"I love the jersey."
"I was wondering when you were going to make the pass."
"Dude, this is all there is."
"I can hear the speakers, we've got to be close."
I grunt as I move ahead. I can't talk anymore.
The last part of the run is killing me. I can feel things getting heavy, I push through. As I cross the line, I call out my number, "15!"
"Jeff ECKELBERGER! Great job Jeff!"
I smile, I couldn't figure out my last name for the longest time either.
I catch my breath and turn around to shake hands with Wounded Warrior. What a great effort from him. Definitely worthy of his jersey.
Run - 25:23/2.88m (8:48 pace)
Total - 1:16:29
Dispatches From The Field 3/16/11 - Showdown at Sundown Scouting
I had a rice and bean burrito for breakfast.
I know that because 500 feet into a 14 mile run I can taste it in the back of my throat. The beans in particular are leaving a somewhat nasty, lactic note in my mouth. I want to vomit, but can't quite seem to get there. This is especially frustrating because every 3-4 minutes as the re-taste reoccurs, I give myself permission to get it over with. I want, no need, to get it out of my system. Just as I get hopeful, everything subsides and I go through the whole process again 3-4 minutes later. This is going to be a long run.
So enough about my GI issues for now (which go beyond the upset stomach, but never mind). The real reason I am out here is to spend some time on the Showdown at Sundown Course. My experience with short course events in the Las Vegas area is that they all follow pretty much the same two courses, depending on whether the swim is in Lake Las Vegas or if the swim starts in Lake Mead.
Showdown had some difficulty early on and there were questions as to whether the race would even be held (Coach Cyndee mentioned that I might want to do Rage in the Sage instead). I wanted to do this event because it starts in the afternoon. With daylight savings, I don't think I am going to get to run in the dark, but I'm going to try and get in a couple runs to get used to it. The event is now definitely on, but the course has been changed to something new for the area.
The swim is in Lake Mead from Boulder Beach (normal). From T1, the bike leg will move down Lakeshore Drive to Northshore Drive out toward Calville Bay and back (normal). Then, instead of going back to Boulder Beach, athletes will ride out of the Lake Mead Basin to Bootleg Canyon which is a pretty good, extended climb (new). T2 will be here with the run from Bootleg Canyon down the hill and toward Henderson for 6.55 miles before turning around and coming back along the same course (new). For those who have not done any hill training, this is going to hurt.
I have ridden the River Loop Trail several times, but have taken the opportunity this week to refresh my memory about some of the nuances of the trail. Earlier this week, I did a brick here with Shawn and today I decided I would come back and do the run course.
Which is why I'm chugging along wishing I could just either throw up or die. Either one would be fine.
The weather today is actually pretty good. A little windy with a little overcast. Every once in awhile, both the wind stops and the sun peeks through. When that happens I start to roast a little and wish for the wind and the clouds. People, where did I put my rattle and pacifier?
On the weekends, this trail is busy. Today, midweek, things are quiet. I get passed by a handful of cyclists and I pass an older couple that is out hiking, but that's about it. Ordinarily I would really enjoy this solitude. Today I am listening to wine questions and answers that my friend recorded and in 90 minutes, I haven't heard a word he has said.
I make it to the bathroom and dirt parking area at the Equestrian access point. Just over 7 miles, this is going to be my turnaround today. I stop in the bathroom to just get it over with, maybe eau de la toilet will help me, but nothing. I sigh and start to crank myself up again. Everything is uphill to one degree or another on the way back with a couple of rollers along the way to break up the landscape.
The trail follows the outside of the mountain, giving you the ability to see what is coming for a long way. I have to say that the desert has a special beauty at this time of year. Grasses poke their heads up bringing a delicate green hue to the hills. Desert flowers of yellow and purple become little splashes of color that make a bold statement in this landscape. The constant desert breezes move everything adding changes in light and texture. It always amazes me how a landscape that advertises itself as a barren wasteland can harbor so much vibrant life if you are just willing to look.
The hill up the back side toward the Railroad Pass Casino is long, but goes by with surprising ease. Dare I hope that my stomach is settling. I am getting excited for the run back. I chug up the hill, trying to look smooth and easy for the guy riding his dirt bike through the desert. Hey, we all have our pride...
Cresting the hill I see an old man rock prospecting. I wave and wonder what he is looking for. I know there is a Gypsum mine out next to Blue Diamond (it's why they built the town), but I don't know what's here. I'd like to ask, but I gotta keep going.
From Railroad Pass to Boulder City the trail is gently up hill with rollers just to mix it up. The trail runs between the Cascata Golf Course and the Boulder City Railroad. If you live in the area and have kids, you should go check out the railroad on the weekends when they run the trains. The kids riding the train love to wave at the cyclists on the trail.
Still mindful of my stomach and the upcoming hill, I keep my pace easy and try to keep my heart rate down. Stomach is still good and I feel like I have turned the corner.
There is an initial turn into the hill that is a false hill. You go up for a little bit before the trail turns back on itself and moves toward the veterans center, before turning again and working around the base of the hill before the real push up the hill to Bootleg Canyon. I am ready for the false hill and watch my effort here, trying to avoid blowing up on the final push.
At the base of the final hill, I turn it on. Which means I look like someone trying to run in quicksand, but hey everything is relative and zone 5 heart rate is zone 5. Teeth clenched and arms and legs pumping I grind my way up the hill. How far left to go? I'm afraid to look at my Garmin. It would beg the question of whether my glass is half full or half empty and I am not feeling particularly philosophical at the moment.
There is a kid crawling up the hill on his BMX bike. He's probably somewhere between 7-10 years old, out of the saddle and pumping. As I catch him, I want to ask him how his watts look, but I don't think he would enjoy my humor and the hubs on his bike don't look right anyway. He looks over at me and starts to race me. You have got to be kidding me! I am a middle aged, overweight triathlete and this kid is going to make me suffer further? Alright my man, it is game on! He's got me by 30 years and I'm probably 4 of him in weight, but I have the benefit of life experience that he lacks. We battle each other in some macabre crawl up the hill, both of us grasping. My stomach kicks in again. The kid is not going to be happy when I hurl on his shoe. I squeeze my eyes closed and focus on my breathing.
We finally reach the top of the hill on the trail and as he prepares to dust me on the downhill, I turn left and continue up the hill the last 1,000 feet to the parking lot.
He calls after me, "no way Dude!"
I mentally give myself a tie. Ah yes, life experience still counts for something. I wave over my shoulder and pant and gasp my way to where it all started a few hours ago. I'm glad I didn't stop today before I started. The whole day is a little brighter for the effort.
2:47:30 / 14.25 miles
I know that because 500 feet into a 14 mile run I can taste it in the back of my throat. The beans in particular are leaving a somewhat nasty, lactic note in my mouth. I want to vomit, but can't quite seem to get there. This is especially frustrating because every 3-4 minutes as the re-taste reoccurs, I give myself permission to get it over with. I want, no need, to get it out of my system. Just as I get hopeful, everything subsides and I go through the whole process again 3-4 minutes later. This is going to be a long run.
So enough about my GI issues for now (which go beyond the upset stomach, but never mind). The real reason I am out here is to spend some time on the Showdown at Sundown Course. My experience with short course events in the Las Vegas area is that they all follow pretty much the same two courses, depending on whether the swim is in Lake Las Vegas or if the swim starts in Lake Mead.
Showdown had some difficulty early on and there were questions as to whether the race would even be held (Coach Cyndee mentioned that I might want to do Rage in the Sage instead). I wanted to do this event because it starts in the afternoon. With daylight savings, I don't think I am going to get to run in the dark, but I'm going to try and get in a couple runs to get used to it. The event is now definitely on, but the course has been changed to something new for the area.
The swim is in Lake Mead from Boulder Beach (normal). From T1, the bike leg will move down Lakeshore Drive to Northshore Drive out toward Calville Bay and back (normal). Then, instead of going back to Boulder Beach, athletes will ride out of the Lake Mead Basin to Bootleg Canyon which is a pretty good, extended climb (new). T2 will be here with the run from Bootleg Canyon down the hill and toward Henderson for 6.55 miles before turning around and coming back along the same course (new). For those who have not done any hill training, this is going to hurt.
I have ridden the River Loop Trail several times, but have taken the opportunity this week to refresh my memory about some of the nuances of the trail. Earlier this week, I did a brick here with Shawn and today I decided I would come back and do the run course.
Which is why I'm chugging along wishing I could just either throw up or die. Either one would be fine.
The weather today is actually pretty good. A little windy with a little overcast. Every once in awhile, both the wind stops and the sun peeks through. When that happens I start to roast a little and wish for the wind and the clouds. People, where did I put my rattle and pacifier?
On the weekends, this trail is busy. Today, midweek, things are quiet. I get passed by a handful of cyclists and I pass an older couple that is out hiking, but that's about it. Ordinarily I would really enjoy this solitude. Today I am listening to wine questions and answers that my friend recorded and in 90 minutes, I haven't heard a word he has said.
I make it to the bathroom and dirt parking area at the Equestrian access point. Just over 7 miles, this is going to be my turnaround today. I stop in the bathroom to just get it over with, maybe eau de la toilet will help me, but nothing. I sigh and start to crank myself up again. Everything is uphill to one degree or another on the way back with a couple of rollers along the way to break up the landscape.
 |
| Bat Habitat done as an Eagle Scout Project at the Equestrian Access Point |
The trail follows the outside of the mountain, giving you the ability to see what is coming for a long way. I have to say that the desert has a special beauty at this time of year. Grasses poke their heads up bringing a delicate green hue to the hills. Desert flowers of yellow and purple become little splashes of color that make a bold statement in this landscape. The constant desert breezes move everything adding changes in light and texture. It always amazes me how a landscape that advertises itself as a barren wasteland can harbor so much vibrant life if you are just willing to look.
 |
| The Road Back... |
The hill up the back side toward the Railroad Pass Casino is long, but goes by with surprising ease. Dare I hope that my stomach is settling. I am getting excited for the run back. I chug up the hill, trying to look smooth and easy for the guy riding his dirt bike through the desert. Hey, we all have our pride...
 |
| Railroad Pass Casino from the Boulder City Side |
Cresting the hill I see an old man rock prospecting. I wave and wonder what he is looking for. I know there is a Gypsum mine out next to Blue Diamond (it's why they built the town), but I don't know what's here. I'd like to ask, but I gotta keep going.
From Railroad Pass to Boulder City the trail is gently up hill with rollers just to mix it up. The trail runs between the Cascata Golf Course and the Boulder City Railroad. If you live in the area and have kids, you should go check out the railroad on the weekends when they run the trains. The kids riding the train love to wave at the cyclists on the trail.
Still mindful of my stomach and the upcoming hill, I keep my pace easy and try to keep my heart rate down. Stomach is still good and I feel like I have turned the corner.
There is an initial turn into the hill that is a false hill. You go up for a little bit before the trail turns back on itself and moves toward the veterans center, before turning again and working around the base of the hill before the real push up the hill to Bootleg Canyon. I am ready for the false hill and watch my effort here, trying to avoid blowing up on the final push.
At the base of the final hill, I turn it on. Which means I look like someone trying to run in quicksand, but hey everything is relative and zone 5 heart rate is zone 5. Teeth clenched and arms and legs pumping I grind my way up the hill. How far left to go? I'm afraid to look at my Garmin. It would beg the question of whether my glass is half full or half empty and I am not feeling particularly philosophical at the moment.
There is a kid crawling up the hill on his BMX bike. He's probably somewhere between 7-10 years old, out of the saddle and pumping. As I catch him, I want to ask him how his watts look, but I don't think he would enjoy my humor and the hubs on his bike don't look right anyway. He looks over at me and starts to race me. You have got to be kidding me! I am a middle aged, overweight triathlete and this kid is going to make me suffer further? Alright my man, it is game on! He's got me by 30 years and I'm probably 4 of him in weight, but I have the benefit of life experience that he lacks. We battle each other in some macabre crawl up the hill, both of us grasping. My stomach kicks in again. The kid is not going to be happy when I hurl on his shoe. I squeeze my eyes closed and focus on my breathing.
We finally reach the top of the hill on the trail and as he prepares to dust me on the downhill, I turn left and continue up the hill the last 1,000 feet to the parking lot.
He calls after me, "no way Dude!"
I mentally give myself a tie. Ah yes, life experience still counts for something. I wave over my shoulder and pant and gasp my way to where it all started a few hours ago. I'm glad I didn't stop today before I started. The whole day is a little brighter for the effort.
2:47:30 / 14.25 miles
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Upcoming Events
Just a note:
This Saturday is the first event for the season for the Las Vegas Triathlon Club. It is a Duathlon and my first ever. I will be treating this as a "C" race for my season. My goal is to not try to chase everyone I see down, but rather to run my own race and work on pace between the disciplines. I am hopeful that Melissa can make it to the event and Tweet the race for me @Libationguy.
The following Saturday is a little more important for me. This will be my second Half-Ironman distance event at The Showdown at Sundown. While a "B" race for me, this will be my first real indicator of overall fitness this season and will give me a comparison against the Half Silverman that I completed in November. This race was a little shaky earlier and there were questions about whether it was going to happen or not. They have changed to course and, as a result, I think this event might actually be harder than the Half Silverman was. I am very interested to see if I can beat my time from November. I am hopeful to have live Tweets from this event as well.
Stay Tuned...
This Saturday is the first event for the season for the Las Vegas Triathlon Club. It is a Duathlon and my first ever. I will be treating this as a "C" race for my season. My goal is to not try to chase everyone I see down, but rather to run my own race and work on pace between the disciplines. I am hopeful that Melissa can make it to the event and Tweet the race for me @Libationguy.
The following Saturday is a little more important for me. This will be my second Half-Ironman distance event at The Showdown at Sundown. While a "B" race for me, this will be my first real indicator of overall fitness this season and will give me a comparison against the Half Silverman that I completed in November. This race was a little shaky earlier and there were questions about whether it was going to happen or not. They have changed to course and, as a result, I think this event might actually be harder than the Half Silverman was. I am very interested to see if I can beat my time from November. I am hopeful to have live Tweets from this event as well.
Stay Tuned...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Weekly Schedule 3/14/11 - 3/20/11
MONDAY
Swim - 1:00/2600m - 100s & 200s
Run - 0:30 - Easy Run
TUESDAY
Strength - 1:00
Bike - 1:30 - Tempo Ride
WEDNESDAY
Run - 2:30/14 mile - Long Run
THURSDAY
Off Day
FRIDAY
Swim - 0:50/2200m - 25s & 250s
SATURDAY
Bike - 2:00/35 miles - Long Hilly Ride
SUNDAY
Brick - 1:40/23 miles - 20 mile Bike + 3 mile Run
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 11:00:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 2:45:00/2:37:54 Distance - 6900/5400
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 5:35:00/7:07:23 Distance - 70/87.07
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 2:50:00/3:29:19 Distance - 12/17.65
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:00:00/1:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 12:10:00/13:35:40
Swim - 1:00/2600m - 100s & 200s
Run - 0:30 - Easy Run
TUESDAY
Strength - 1:00
Bike - 1:30 - Tempo Ride
WEDNESDAY
Run - 2:30/14 mile - Long Run
THURSDAY
Off Day
FRIDAY
Swim - 0:50/2200m - 25s & 250s
SATURDAY
Bike - 2:00/35 miles - Long Hilly Ride
SUNDAY
Brick - 1:40/23 miles - 20 mile Bike + 3 mile Run
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 11:00:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 2:45:00/2:37:54 Distance - 6900/5400
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 5:35:00/7:07:23 Distance - 70/87.07
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 2:50:00/3:29:19 Distance - 12/17.65
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:00:00/1:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 12:10:00/13:35:40
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Dietary Changes
This journey really began for me almost two years ago in my doctor's office. I was vomiting at various points in the day that seemed to have no pattern. I couldn't tie it to diet or anything else that would make sense to me. I am the kind of guy that would not go to a doctor unless I was on my death bed. It was seeing blood in my vomit that made me see the doctor. Truth be told now, I thought I had some sort of cancer.
I won't go through the entire story, but there were two things about me that really came out during that doctor visit. The first was that I was not ready to die and I would be willing to do whatever it would take to be here for my daughter and to be in good enough physical shape to support her and allow myself to enjoy her growing up. The second thing was wrapped up in the doctor's survey.
I had no real medical history, which meant I had to fill out a questionnaire that spanned over several pages. Along with family medical history, there was a section about my personal habits. As the nurse was doing my preliminary screening and entering my information into the computer, she had a question about my soda consumption, "you drink an average of 4 sodas per day?"
I had a thought, "How big is a soda?", I asked quietly.
She paused, "say a 12oz can," she said.
I looked directly at her, "12".
She acted as if she hadn't heard me and actually shook her head like she had a bug flying near her ear, "how many?'
I cleared my throat, "I drink like 4 Big Gulps of Diet Pepsi everyday, so the number would be 12 cans of soda."
She kept her face neutral and professional and didn't comment further.
Dr. Mason had some thoughts when he came in. The key things for what we are talking about here were that I had to lose weight and I had to cut back on the soda consumption.
I told Dr. Mason that I had to stop drinking soda totally. If I tried to cut back I would be right back where I started in the next 2-3 weeks. For me the reality was that a dramatic overall change was going to need a chain reaction off another dramatic change that was more focused. I was 306 pounds, vomiting for reasons I couldn't understand and undergoing a battery of tests that would stretch out over the next two months.
If no one else would say it directly to me, I would say it to myself. I am an addict to foods that are slowly killing me. I live a life on junk and processed foods that suck the life out of me and add the pounds on at every turn. I eat nothing but crap and now due to a lifetime of conditioning, I crave foods that are loaded with fat, sugar, salt and chemicals.
Whatever medical jargon Dr. Mason wanted to use, it all boiled down to one thing: I had to get my shit together.
Fast forward to today. I have gotten things under some kind of control. My medical issues have improved, although I am still working on my cholesterol, and I have lost some weight. The reality is that I am still classified medically as obese and I have a way to go. My weight loss has stalled and I need to push it forward.
I appreciated the kind words of support given to me a couple weeks ago and have looked at the suggestions I have been given. I have decided to go to a vegetarian diet which in my case we will call flexitarian. So what does that mean?
There are three things that I felt I needed to achieve with a change in diet:
1. It needed to be safe and allow me to achieve my endurance goals. People have been eating vegetarian since we began as a species. There is a growing amount of science that is showing the consumption of animal products adds another level of exposure to diseases made popular by western dietary habits including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. a growing number of endurance athletes are competing at a top level on vegetarian and vegan diets.
2. I need a radical change. Let's call it the Diet Pepsi Principle. As I have tried to simply curve my diet and make adjustments, ultimately for me, I fall right back into the same habits that got me here in the first place. I have spent an entire lifetime living a poor lifestyle for my personal health. I need a diet that will force me to make choices each time I put something in my mouth because I have not been able to do that for myself in any kind of consistent fashion. I think it would be fair to say that a vegetarian diet is generally not supported by our society. Look at any 7-11 or Fast Food Restaurant to see what we support. A vegetarian diet will essentially force me into businesses that support the kind of foods that I want to eat. A vegetarian diet is also limiting enough that it forces me to be aware of what I am putting in my body every time I eat.
3. I need to have a combination of some flexibility and simplicity. It is not fair that I force my behaviors on my family any more than the time for my training. If my wife and daughter want to take on a vegetarian diet, I would welcome that, but if they want to leave their diet unchanged, I certainly respect that too. I also want to be able to live my life without anxiety over food. This is not a political choice for me, but a personal one for health. When I have complete control over my food, I will make choices for the best product I can get my hands on. If I am eating in a situation where I do not have complete control over my food, I will do the best I can with what I have and I will eat free of anxiety.
As I move forward, my plan is to continue to adjust and improve my diet to maximize the benefit for my body that I receive from my food.
I won't go through the entire story, but there were two things about me that really came out during that doctor visit. The first was that I was not ready to die and I would be willing to do whatever it would take to be here for my daughter and to be in good enough physical shape to support her and allow myself to enjoy her growing up. The second thing was wrapped up in the doctor's survey.
I had no real medical history, which meant I had to fill out a questionnaire that spanned over several pages. Along with family medical history, there was a section about my personal habits. As the nurse was doing my preliminary screening and entering my information into the computer, she had a question about my soda consumption, "you drink an average of 4 sodas per day?"
I had a thought, "How big is a soda?", I asked quietly.
She paused, "say a 12oz can," she said.
I looked directly at her, "12".
She acted as if she hadn't heard me and actually shook her head like she had a bug flying near her ear, "how many?'
I cleared my throat, "I drink like 4 Big Gulps of Diet Pepsi everyday, so the number would be 12 cans of soda."
She kept her face neutral and professional and didn't comment further.
Dr. Mason had some thoughts when he came in. The key things for what we are talking about here were that I had to lose weight and I had to cut back on the soda consumption.
I told Dr. Mason that I had to stop drinking soda totally. If I tried to cut back I would be right back where I started in the next 2-3 weeks. For me the reality was that a dramatic overall change was going to need a chain reaction off another dramatic change that was more focused. I was 306 pounds, vomiting for reasons I couldn't understand and undergoing a battery of tests that would stretch out over the next two months.
If no one else would say it directly to me, I would say it to myself. I am an addict to foods that are slowly killing me. I live a life on junk and processed foods that suck the life out of me and add the pounds on at every turn. I eat nothing but crap and now due to a lifetime of conditioning, I crave foods that are loaded with fat, sugar, salt and chemicals.
Whatever medical jargon Dr. Mason wanted to use, it all boiled down to one thing: I had to get my shit together.
Fast forward to today. I have gotten things under some kind of control. My medical issues have improved, although I am still working on my cholesterol, and I have lost some weight. The reality is that I am still classified medically as obese and I have a way to go. My weight loss has stalled and I need to push it forward.
I appreciated the kind words of support given to me a couple weeks ago and have looked at the suggestions I have been given. I have decided to go to a vegetarian diet which in my case we will call flexitarian. So what does that mean?
There are three things that I felt I needed to achieve with a change in diet:
1. It needed to be safe and allow me to achieve my endurance goals. People have been eating vegetarian since we began as a species. There is a growing amount of science that is showing the consumption of animal products adds another level of exposure to diseases made popular by western dietary habits including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. a growing number of endurance athletes are competing at a top level on vegetarian and vegan diets.
2. I need a radical change. Let's call it the Diet Pepsi Principle. As I have tried to simply curve my diet and make adjustments, ultimately for me, I fall right back into the same habits that got me here in the first place. I have spent an entire lifetime living a poor lifestyle for my personal health. I need a diet that will force me to make choices each time I put something in my mouth because I have not been able to do that for myself in any kind of consistent fashion. I think it would be fair to say that a vegetarian diet is generally not supported by our society. Look at any 7-11 or Fast Food Restaurant to see what we support. A vegetarian diet will essentially force me into businesses that support the kind of foods that I want to eat. A vegetarian diet is also limiting enough that it forces me to be aware of what I am putting in my body every time I eat.
3. I need to have a combination of some flexibility and simplicity. It is not fair that I force my behaviors on my family any more than the time for my training. If my wife and daughter want to take on a vegetarian diet, I would welcome that, but if they want to leave their diet unchanged, I certainly respect that too. I also want to be able to live my life without anxiety over food. This is not a political choice for me, but a personal one for health. When I have complete control over my food, I will make choices for the best product I can get my hands on. If I am eating in a situation where I do not have complete control over my food, I will do the best I can with what I have and I will eat free of anxiety.
As I move forward, my plan is to continue to adjust and improve my diet to maximize the benefit for my body that I receive from my food.
 |
| 'Nuff Said |
Friday, March 11, 2011
Weekly Schedule 3/7/11 - 3/13/11
MONDAY
Swim - 1:00/2600m - Short Intervals
Run - 0:40 - Easy Run
TUESDAY
Bike - 1:00 - Hill Work
WEDNESDAY
Strength - 1:00
Swim - 1:15/2800m - Longer Intervals
THURSDAY
Off Day
FRIDAY
Run - 1:30/8 miles - Long Hilly Run
Swim - 0:30/1500m - Optional Swim
SATURDAY
Brick - 3:30/44 miles - Hilly Brick (40 mile ride + 4 mile run)
SUNDAY
Bike - 1:45/30 miles - Tempo Ride
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 12:10:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 2:30:00/0:30:35 Distance - 6500/1500
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 0:00:00/0:00:00 Distance - 0/0
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 4:00:00/6:49:20 Distance - 19/34.93
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:00:00/1:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 7:30:00/8:19:55
Swim - 1:00/2600m - Short Intervals
Run - 0:40 - Easy Run
TUESDAY
Bike - 1:00 - Hill Work
WEDNESDAY
Strength - 1:00
Swim - 1:15/2800m - Longer Intervals
THURSDAY
Off Day
FRIDAY
Run - 1:30/8 miles - Long Hilly Run
Swim - 0:30/1500m - Optional Swim
SATURDAY
Brick - 3:30/44 miles - Hilly Brick (40 mile ride + 4 mile run)
SUNDAY
Bike - 1:45/30 miles - Tempo Ride
TOTAL TIME THIS WEEK
Projected - 12:10:00
PREVIOUS WEEK
Swim (Projected/Actual)
Time - 2:30:00/0:30:35 Distance - 6500/1500
Bike (Projected/Actual)
Time - 0:00:00/0:00:00 Distance - 0/0
Run (Projected/Actual)
Time - 4:00:00/6:49:20 Distance - 19/34.93
Strength (Projected/Actual)
Time - 1:00:00/1:00:00
TOTAL (Projected/Actual)
Time - 7:30:00/8:19:55
Monday, March 7, 2011
Dispatches From The Field - 3/6/11 - Going Home
Time to go back to work.
I'm helping my in-laws move back from PA to Vegas. My contribution is to drive their car from Memphis to Vegas. Need to be back by Monday afternoon to be at work. I stop to fill up the gas tank before leaving town and have my first moment of amusement...
The first day of travel was hectic with getting my family on a plane and getting the car packed, etc. Memphis weather was also still sketchy with heavy rain in the morning and then brooding clouds through the day. With the late start, I had to push until late to get to OKC, missing my 12 mile run in the process.
Today, I planned to run from the hotel in the morning, but sleep didn't come until the sun came up. By the time I woke up, I needed to get on the road again. Needed a big mileage day in the car today.
I drove across the bottom on the Great Plains, the tail really, and yet it seemed to run across my windshield for most of the day.
In the afternoon, there was a tangible change in the contour of the land as I got within 15 miles of the New Mexico border. The character of the plains remained but the face had changed adding slope and contour to the equation. As I came upon the town of Cuervo, I knew I had to stop.
Cuervo is three seemingly abandoned buildings with no parking signs and a half dozen ranches spread out overlooking I-40. I took a side road to a crest on the hill where I found a wide spot in the road to park. After a quick-change into some running clothes (fortunately avoiding mooning a rancher). I took off up the road.
The road takes a straight line to what looks like the horizon. Golden grass and a persistent headwind are the recurring themes, with the occasional scrub bush or stunted tree for flavor, as I push forward. After the first 20 minutes I am wondering if I really want to do this for 12 miles. Then I see the "T" in the road and the stop sign.
I actually laugh out loud for the grass. I can see for miles to the left and roughly two miles up the hill to the right. There is nothing but the ribbon of black asphalt splitting the dried desert grass. I break traffic laws and run the stop sign. To salve my conscience, I looked left - right - and left again, as I had learned on Saturday cartoons as a kid.
I chose to run up the hill into a quartering wind. At least that way, I could imagine what I would find over the hill. It turned out to be the same thing at higher elevation. I used what landmarks I could find to keep going. I would run to the tenth fence post...I also found a windmill, a dumpster, an abandoned shirt and a bulldozer along the way.
I also passed three cars (if you count the car that came back to make sure that the guy running down the road in the middle of nowhere was not a mirage). At six miles, I turned around and ran back, racing the daylight. The wind becoming my friend for most of the return.
The run felt good. On my way back into Cuervo, I see a Bobcat through the little town cemetary before running across the road in the pre-dusk. He hunkers down in the grass and waits for me to go by. I stop the car and we look at each other for what feels like five minutes, but certainly must have been less, before he takes off. I remember my Father telling me as a child that he had only seen two Bobcats in his life. I wish he were here to share this moment.
2:07:42 / 12 miles
I'm helping my in-laws move back from PA to Vegas. My contribution is to drive their car from Memphis to Vegas. Need to be back by Monday afternoon to be at work. I stop to fill up the gas tank before leaving town and have my first moment of amusement...
 |
| Memphis - What was he buying at Target? |
The first day of travel was hectic with getting my family on a plane and getting the car packed, etc. Memphis weather was also still sketchy with heavy rain in the morning and then brooding clouds through the day. With the late start, I had to push until late to get to OKC, missing my 12 mile run in the process.
Today, I planned to run from the hotel in the morning, but sleep didn't come until the sun came up. By the time I woke up, I needed to get on the road again. Needed a big mileage day in the car today.
 |
| Recurring themes in Oklahoma City |
 |
| Groom, TX - I was originally going to run here, but as you can see the winds were a little severe. |
In the afternoon, there was a tangible change in the contour of the land as I got within 15 miles of the New Mexico border. The character of the plains remained but the face had changed adding slope and contour to the equation. As I came upon the town of Cuervo, I knew I had to stop.
Cuervo is three seemingly abandoned buildings with no parking signs and a half dozen ranches spread out overlooking I-40. I took a side road to a crest on the hill where I found a wide spot in the road to park. After a quick-change into some running clothes (fortunately avoiding mooning a rancher). I took off up the road.
 |
| Starting out in Cuervo |
The road takes a straight line to what looks like the horizon. Golden grass and a persistent headwind are the recurring themes, with the occasional scrub bush or stunted tree for flavor, as I push forward. After the first 20 minutes I am wondering if I really want to do this for 12 miles. Then I see the "T" in the road and the stop sign.
I actually laugh out loud for the grass. I can see for miles to the left and roughly two miles up the hill to the right. There is nothing but the ribbon of black asphalt splitting the dried desert grass. I break traffic laws and run the stop sign. To salve my conscience, I looked left - right - and left again, as I had learned on Saturday cartoons as a kid.
I chose to run up the hill into a quartering wind. At least that way, I could imagine what I would find over the hill. It turned out to be the same thing at higher elevation. I used what landmarks I could find to keep going. I would run to the tenth fence post...I also found a windmill, a dumpster, an abandoned shirt and a bulldozer along the way.
I also passed three cars (if you count the car that came back to make sure that the guy running down the road in the middle of nowhere was not a mirage). At six miles, I turned around and ran back, racing the daylight. The wind becoming my friend for most of the return.
 |
| Finishing at Cuervo |
The run felt good. On my way back into Cuervo, I see a Bobcat through the little town cemetary before running across the road in the pre-dusk. He hunkers down in the grass and waits for me to go by. I stop the car and we look at each other for what feels like five minutes, but certainly must have been less, before he takes off. I remember my Father telling me as a child that he had only seen two Bobcats in his life. I wish he were here to share this moment.
2:07:42 / 12 miles
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Dispatches From The Field 3/4/11 - The Shelby Farms/Midtown Greenway - Memphis, TN
Rain.
Everything was going so well with the weather until today. The rain has been hard and consistent. Hard enough that I make Melissa take me to buy a raincoat.
The day has been hectic. I don't get out until about 30 minutes before dark. I put on my new raincoat and get to it.
The Greenway moves in a straight line between Shelby Farms and Midtown Memphis. The map says it is about six miles one-way. Today is a setup for tomorrows long run.
I just run a little past the prison...
44:41 / 3.54 miles
Everything was going so well with the weather until today. The rain has been hard and consistent. Hard enough that I make Melissa take me to buy a raincoat.
The day has been hectic. I don't get out until about 30 minutes before dark. I put on my new raincoat and get to it.
The Greenway moves in a straight line between Shelby Farms and Midtown Memphis. The map says it is about six miles one-way. Today is a setup for tomorrows long run.
I just run a little past the prison...
44:41 / 3.54 miles
Dispatches From The Field 3/3/11 - Tour de Wolf River Trail - Memphis, TN
The Interlude
Day three of running here and it just gets better every day. The weather has been beautiful although today was a little warmer. Still, no crazy humidity and no bugs. Each day, I have stretched out a little more trying to feel out my legs; and in the last two days I have been trying to expand my limited experience with trail running.
I have to say that the last couple days on the trail have made me realize why some runners never want to run on asphalt. The variance in terrain, the tactile feel of the ground and the constant mental and physical adjustments that are required as the environment around you is in flux takes running to a different place. The tree roots sticking up in the trail, the fire roads and single track trail, the squirrels and the robins have all made this a time that has completely recharged my batteries. Running is not a part of my routine right now, but rather an adventure.
Still...I like running on the road. The consistency of the surface and dodging cars has an appeal for me too. Does this show a schizophrenia in my running personality? I love pastures with the sweet organic smell of animal trails in the spring and I also enjoyed the hustle and compression of humanity when I was working in Manhattan. I feel comfortable everywhere. It's not a matter of adaption to an environment, I truly feel comfortable both places and I see that as a gift I have been given in life.
Also, to paraphrase a line from Christopher McDougall's Born to Run, I want to swim and bike and run anywhere at any time for any distance. I want to be a true athlete in the second half of my life. I want to be Tarzan.
The Run
I was excited as soon as I got out of the car today. It was just one of those days when I was truly looking forward to this from moment I stopped running the day before. Today I was back in the heart of Shelby Farms to try my hand at the Tour de Wolf Trail. This Mountain Bike track comes off the park's Visitor Center and makes a meandering loop to the east. After an initial jog up the road behind the Visitor Center, I find the trail marker that gets me started.
While I'm sure it's entirely inappropriate, as soon as I hit the tree line I started thinking about the Battle of the Wilderness from the Civil War. I've never been to that part of Virginia and have no personal association between the two places - call it free association. I will say that if you are a reader of historical nonfiction, you must read Shelby Foote's account of this amazing time in our history...but I digress.
The woods here have a different quality from yesterday. They are fairly thick, but with a lot less undergrowth. The air does not have the damp density of yesterday. Today will be lakes as opposed to a river. I move through the landscape here without the same feeling of oppression that I had yesterday. I listen to the birds in the trees and enjoy the gentle breeze in the leaves.
The trees part for a clearing and Beaver Lake. How could you ever get tired of this? The small boat dock and the light playing across the water are so inviting. Moving down the lake I anticipate the tree line on the far side.
The trail is nicely marked with mileage posts every quarter mile and signs pointing the way at every fork in the trail. After some more time in the woods I come to Boy Scout Lake, which makes me think of my own time in the Boy Scouts. If only I could remember what poison oak looks like and if it grows in this part of the country. I believe the Scouts would call me a Tenderfoot.
Back into the woods again. Ducking under the occasional branch and skipping over the occasional standing puddle of water (now three days after the rain). The ground here has the same feel as it did along the Wolf River yesterday.
Cruising along through what is roughly mile 3, I come across a strange sight in a small clearing within the woods.
How many years ago was this left here?
Small undulations in the trail play with my personal gravity. I work on being light as I move from up to down and back. I try to make myself flow with the land. Taking advice from a small video done by Scott Jurek, I shorten my stride further and take extra steps through the exposed tree roots to help maintain my center of gravity and not over commit on my stride.
The trail breaks into a clearing that will take me the last two miles back to the Visitor Center. It feels like pasture land without the animals. The trail meanders along the contours of the slope and I follow it feeling the warmth of the sun on my back.
I am supposed to run the last three miles at race pace today, but I normally to this kind of run on the street, where the circumstances are different. My goal in June at the Double Dipsea is to break 3:00:00 which would mean I have to run at a sub 13:00 pace, but that course is going to be tougher than here; I shoot for anything sub-11:00.
The final leg of the trail moves along a dirt road that takes you to a single track that follows the multi-use path around Patriot Lake on the back quarter. At the end of trail, I head left and make a lap around Patriot Lake to finish. I think about form and speed (to the best of my limited abilities). Mustn't disappoint the fishermen on the lake.
1:28:28 / 7.62 miles
Day three of running here and it just gets better every day. The weather has been beautiful although today was a little warmer. Still, no crazy humidity and no bugs. Each day, I have stretched out a little more trying to feel out my legs; and in the last two days I have been trying to expand my limited experience with trail running.
I have to say that the last couple days on the trail have made me realize why some runners never want to run on asphalt. The variance in terrain, the tactile feel of the ground and the constant mental and physical adjustments that are required as the environment around you is in flux takes running to a different place. The tree roots sticking up in the trail, the fire roads and single track trail, the squirrels and the robins have all made this a time that has completely recharged my batteries. Running is not a part of my routine right now, but rather an adventure.
Still...I like running on the road. The consistency of the surface and dodging cars has an appeal for me too. Does this show a schizophrenia in my running personality? I love pastures with the sweet organic smell of animal trails in the spring and I also enjoyed the hustle and compression of humanity when I was working in Manhattan. I feel comfortable everywhere. It's not a matter of adaption to an environment, I truly feel comfortable both places and I see that as a gift I have been given in life.
Also, to paraphrase a line from Christopher McDougall's Born to Run, I want to swim and bike and run anywhere at any time for any distance. I want to be a true athlete in the second half of my life. I want to be Tarzan.
The Run
I was excited as soon as I got out of the car today. It was just one of those days when I was truly looking forward to this from moment I stopped running the day before. Today I was back in the heart of Shelby Farms to try my hand at the Tour de Wolf Trail. This Mountain Bike track comes off the park's Visitor Center and makes a meandering loop to the east. After an initial jog up the road behind the Visitor Center, I find the trail marker that gets me started.
 |
| Leaving the road for the trail. |
While I'm sure it's entirely inappropriate, as soon as I hit the tree line I started thinking about the Battle of the Wilderness from the Civil War. I've never been to that part of Virginia and have no personal association between the two places - call it free association. I will say that if you are a reader of historical nonfiction, you must read Shelby Foote's account of this amazing time in our history...but I digress.
The woods here have a different quality from yesterday. They are fairly thick, but with a lot less undergrowth. The air does not have the damp density of yesterday. Today will be lakes as opposed to a river. I move through the landscape here without the same feeling of oppression that I had yesterday. I listen to the birds in the trees and enjoy the gentle breeze in the leaves.
The trees part for a clearing and Beaver Lake. How could you ever get tired of this? The small boat dock and the light playing across the water are so inviting. Moving down the lake I anticipate the tree line on the far side.
 |
| Looking down Beaver Lake |
Back into the woods again. Ducking under the occasional branch and skipping over the occasional standing puddle of water (now three days after the rain). The ground here has the same feel as it did along the Wolf River yesterday.
Cruising along through what is roughly mile 3, I come across a strange sight in a small clearing within the woods.
How many years ago was this left here?
Small undulations in the trail play with my personal gravity. I work on being light as I move from up to down and back. I try to make myself flow with the land. Taking advice from a small video done by Scott Jurek, I shorten my stride further and take extra steps through the exposed tree roots to help maintain my center of gravity and not over commit on my stride.
The trail breaks into a clearing that will take me the last two miles back to the Visitor Center. It feels like pasture land without the animals. The trail meanders along the contours of the slope and I follow it feeling the warmth of the sun on my back.
 |
| Looking back from the finish. |
I am supposed to run the last three miles at race pace today, but I normally to this kind of run on the street, where the circumstances are different. My goal in June at the Double Dipsea is to break 3:00:00 which would mean I have to run at a sub 13:00 pace, but that course is going to be tougher than here; I shoot for anything sub-11:00.
The final leg of the trail moves along a dirt road that takes you to a single track that follows the multi-use path around Patriot Lake on the back quarter. At the end of trail, I head left and make a lap around Patriot Lake to finish. I think about form and speed (to the best of my limited abilities). Mustn't disappoint the fishermen on the lake.
1:28:28 / 7.62 miles
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Dispatches From The Field 3-2-11 Wolf River - Memphis, TN
Wanted to do some trail running today to mix it up. I did a little research on the web before flying out to Memphis and one of the places mentioned on the web is the Wolf River. Stopped by a local running shop called Breakaway in Germantown to get the 411 on trails around the river. They were great and a huge help in my finding some parking and getting started. They had a group run on for the evening and invited me to come, but I was under a bit of time pressure and had to get going. The idea of a night run was exciting though as it is something I haven't done yet.
Directions were great and I was in the parking lot in no time. There was a mountain biker and another guy that looked like a runner in the parking lot. I got myself organized and headed over to the "runner" to get oriented. After saying hello and some brief small talk about the weather I got down to it asking where the trails were. He just smiled and pointed at the trees behind him. I smiled back.
"Just go?", I asked.
"Yep," he said.
I smiled, this guy is the master of compression.
"OK, thanks." Me too.
Fortunately the pavement gave out as soon as I entered the treeline. I had a simple choice at the start, right or left? Nature's very own Peace Maze. I go right.
As I begin moving down the trail I think of three things in this order:
1. This place is straight from a horror movie. Winter foliage on top with green undergrowth, everything is damp and grey and you can't see more than ten feet on either side. I'm somewhere in Blair Witch Project-land. I am half expecting to see an ash-grey bare foot poking out from under a bush.
2. The ground has a wonderful combination of being both soft but firm. I feel like I could run on this stuff for miles and miles. It's not going to be fast, but it is going to be forgiving.
3. The sommelier in me is thinking about Merlot. There is a lot of clay in the heavy soil here. While it is firm,
the soil is wet and has standing water in places two days after the rain. As the hikers, runners and mountain bikers have compacted the soil here over time, the tree roots are coming to the surface. Yes, I admit that thinking about this is silly. All I can say is that those studying for the Court of Master Sommeliers would understand...
About a mile in I come to a four-way intersection with a sign ahead (you'll see a picture of one like it later in the blog) warning me that anyone other than hikers will be prosecuted. I go right onto the White Trail.
The White Trail sits on a levee and is basically flat. I cruise along until I see a what looks like a firebreak to my left. I take that trail for about a quarter mile until I hit a bog that advertises itself as a shoe stealer. I turn around and head back to the White Trail. I continue the way I was going before I turned off White and after another quarter mile, I run out of trail again. I turn around again and head back the way I came. Passing the intersection where I originally turned I head down the trail another half mile until I hit both the Wolf River and the Yellow Trail.
I don't have any experience here, so I don't know if the river is normally brown or if the color is a product of the rains earlier in the week. As a desert boy, that much water is still exciting to me. As I head up the trail (I think I am going west...) the tree roots become more pronounced in sections. Still the trail is very runnable and because the underbrush is so dense, I can't see very far in any direction adding to my feeling of excitement and exploration about what is around the next corner. I am now thinking about the Snow White ride at Disneyland. This is just so much more fun than a treadmill.
It is here that I encounter my first people of the day, or rather, a man and his dog. I smile and apologize as I scare him to death as I come up behind (he must be living the Blair Witch movie in his mind too). The dog seems to be in heaven though as I smile down at him. It appears that his name is not Cujo.
I cruise along enjoying the trail until I hit where I think I should turn around based on time to get back. Along the way, I pass one more runner coming the other way and two mountain bikers.
I cruise back, noticing that for some strange reason the trail appears more open to me in this direction than it did as I was heading out. I also notice that I am doing the same thing with my running that I often do in a car - I am faster on the way back because I now know where I am going.
T-Burke should be here for this; simply incredible. What a different environment from what I normally run. I love the desert, but this is just so different! The run back to the car was in many ways way too quick.
1:17:00 / 6.73 miles
Postscript:
There are two things outside the run today that I would like to note:
1. If you look at the picture I took of the Wolf River, you will notice trash that has collected behind a tree branch that has dipped into the river. While I'm not saying that the people using these trails did it, it was sad to see it and a reminder that we need to pack out what we take in. Please leave it for the next person the way you would have liked to have found it yourself.
2. I read this on the Internet as I was looking for trails in the area:
The Wolf River trails are the most politically sensitive in our area. These trails are used by
many other groups that would like to see bikes banned completely...
Use policy from Lucius Burch Natural Area Management Plan, February 1999 prohibits jogging. The runners are due a wake up call.
When I used to rock climb access was always a major issue. I was always careful to treat the people I encountered with respect, packed out my trash and tried to keep noise levels down. It's a shame when people start to look on swimmers, cyclists or runners as a menace.
Directions were great and I was in the parking lot in no time. There was a mountain biker and another guy that looked like a runner in the parking lot. I got myself organized and headed over to the "runner" to get oriented. After saying hello and some brief small talk about the weather I got down to it asking where the trails were. He just smiled and pointed at the trees behind him. I smiled back.
"Just go?", I asked.
"Yep," he said.
I smiled, this guy is the master of compression.
"OK, thanks." Me too.
Fortunately the pavement gave out as soon as I entered the treeline. I had a simple choice at the start, right or left? Nature's very own Peace Maze. I go right.
 |
| Getting Started |
1. This place is straight from a horror movie. Winter foliage on top with green undergrowth, everything is damp and grey and you can't see more than ten feet on either side. I'm somewhere in Blair Witch Project-land. I am half expecting to see an ash-grey bare foot poking out from under a bush.
2. The ground has a wonderful combination of being both soft but firm. I feel like I could run on this stuff for miles and miles. It's not going to be fast, but it is going to be forgiving.
3. The sommelier in me is thinking about Merlot. There is a lot of clay in the heavy soil here. While it is firm,
the soil is wet and has standing water in places two days after the rain. As the hikers, runners and mountain bikers have compacted the soil here over time, the tree roots are coming to the surface. Yes, I admit that thinking about this is silly. All I can say is that those studying for the Court of Master Sommeliers would understand...
 |
| Leftovers from the rain in the Blue Trail |
 |
| The White Trail |
 |
| The Wolf River from the Yellow Trail |
 |
| Does this count as technical? |
I cruise along enjoying the trail until I hit where I think I should turn around based on time to get back. Along the way, I pass one more runner coming the other way and two mountain bikers.
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| Turnaround on the Yellow Trail |
T-Burke should be here for this; simply incredible. What a different environment from what I normally run. I love the desert, but this is just so different! The run back to the car was in many ways way too quick.
1:17:00 / 6.73 miles
Postscript:
There are two things outside the run today that I would like to note:
1. If you look at the picture I took of the Wolf River, you will notice trash that has collected behind a tree branch that has dipped into the river. While I'm not saying that the people using these trails did it, it was sad to see it and a reminder that we need to pack out what we take in. Please leave it for the next person the way you would have liked to have found it yourself.
2. I read this on the Internet as I was looking for trails in the area:
The Wolf River trails are the most politically sensitive in our area. These trails are used by
many other groups that would like to see bikes banned completely...
Complaints about bikes have increased. If this continues, Shelby Farms will take action
against us. The best was to improve our trail access is to peacefully coexist with the other
trail users...
against us. The best was to improve our trail access is to peacefully coexist with the other
trail users...
Use policy from Lucius Burch Natural Area Management Plan, February 1999 prohibits jogging. The runners are due a wake up call.
When I used to rock climb access was always a major issue. I was always careful to treat the people I encountered with respect, packed out my trash and tried to keep noise levels down. It's a shame when people start to look on swimmers, cyclists or runners as a menace.
Let's all work together to keep that from happening.
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| They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words... |
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