Why we run and State #20

6/3/2012 Casper Marathon was marathon State #20 in my journey of running the 50 States.  

It was a great running weekend.  I flew into Denver and met up with Mike L, aka Yoda.  Mike and I then made the trek in his Jeep up to Casper.  For those unfamiliar, Mike is a former co-worker who moved to Denver two years ago.  While we worked together, Mike become somewhat of a running coach/partner for me as well as a good friend.  As a 3:30 Ironman marathon runner, Yoda as I call him, is in a different league from my pedestrian pace.  He taught me a lot about running, and we became good friends who talked everything from work to family life during our daily lunch runs.  The trip gave us a chance to catch up.  Other than the air conditioning cutting in/out of the Jeep, the road trip was awesome.

Going into this race, I knew I was well under prepared.  Since the ultra in April, I have not been mentally focused on running.  And given that I had set out to run only one PR race a year (earlier 2012 in El Paso), I did not train hard and did not expect a fast finish.  And the result showed.  4:31 is one of the slowest races I've run in recent years.

The marathon itself was a well organized and small (250 runner) race.

The "expo," well there really was not one, it was just for the packet pick up at the host hotel (Ramada Inn) in a function room.  There were a few t-shirts and other items for sale but it served primarily for bib pick-up and to answer any questions about the race, shuttle, etc.  The organizers were very friendly and answered our questions.

Casper Marathon was the first time I joined a race organized pre-race pasta dinner.  It was actually pretty good!  I avoided the cream sauce just to be safe :).  The dinner was probably 70% 50 State Marathon Club members!  I had a great time at dinner chatting with fellow MM and 50 Staters.  As we walked back after dinner, Mike said to me "I never knew there were that many crazy people out there."  That actually meant a lot coming from a guy who trains insane hours for the Ironman.  So thanks Yoda!  I take that as a compliment!

At race morning, there is A shuttle that runs from the Ramada up to the start of the race at the Casper Event Center.  The distance between the hotel and the center is a bit over 1 mile up a good hill.  It is walkable but we decided to wait for the shuttle.  One issue is that there is only one small bus running about every 15 minutes (which started at 4:30 AM).  The race actually started a few minutes late b/c they were not able to shuttle everyone up in time.  One big plus is that the event center allowed runners to stay warm inside and offered coffee and water.  it also provided real restroom which were clean and much preferred to porta-potties.

While the course was not breathe taking, it was very pleasant and on a beautiful town/course.  Front half of the course were on open roads surrounded by open fields where antelopes can be spotted.  Mid part of the course were largely on the paved trails along the river.  Final part of the race involved some more trail and a circle around the golf course.  caution of multiple (a lot) rolling hills throughout the course.  Much of the mid-late part of the course involved loops and turns which won't do well as a PR course.  Traffic was very well controlled with minimal road crossing (since most of the course was on the riverside trail).  Half marathon and marathon races were well spaced apart that I never even noticed the 1/2 marathoners.

I give major points to the finish line for pronouncing my name correctly;)  The finish area is well organized with lot and lots of food and drinks.  Watermelon was the best part for me!  Overall, Casper was one of the finer small races I've run and is recommended.  While I did not run a great time I had a good time.

The experience of this run gave me the inspiration and opportunity to ponder why people like us love to run and run as much as we do.  I think this question has been asked many times to almost every Marathon Maniac and 50 Stater  that we tend to give some generic answer or answer with something witty instead of really examining the answer at the core of what we do.  Perhaps it is just difficult to verbalize the answer in a clear and concise way.  Or perhaps the answer is more emotional than logical and is not meant to be shared.  Obviously everyone has a different story and draws on their own life experience for inspiration and motivation.  But, in my opinion, I think there is a clear common thread amongst all endurance runners.  

Running for people like us is our way to take control of our otherwise chaotic lives.  We define running as we see appropriate and running in turn defines us.  Running for us is both a physical and spiritual experience.  With each breathe, each stride, and each ache and pain, we feel our vulnerability as well vitality.  And with each triumph and defeat, we sail in waves of our emotional sea. I feel more alive during a marathon than I do 50% of everyday life.  What I see is that sometimes the love we have for running is cult like.  And although when we lace up our Nike (Asics in my case) NOT to meet the aliens in the space ship, we do so to get closer to our own divine entity.  We do so to feel alive.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

Addictive personality

Hi, my name is Jeff and I am an addict.

Oh God, this must be rock bottom...



Here, just replace the word "drinking" with "running". 

Alcoholism (Runaholic) Signs Self-Test:

1. In the last month, have you ran first thing in the morning to help recover from a previous run (hair of the dog that bit you)?

2. In the last year, have you ran while driving or have you driven while under the influence of running, even just a couple miles?

3. In the last 3 months, have you continued running until you passed out?

4. Are more than 50% of your friends runners?

5. Do you run more than 7 miles(runs/marathons) a week?

6. In the last 3 months, have you taken running to work to drink during your workday or chosen to skip a lunch because of running?

7. Do you hide your running from any friends or family? (i.e. create a separate FB page for running?)

8. Have you failed to keep a promise to yourself or a loved one that you would quit (or cut back) running?

9. Have you ever had trouble remembering what happened while you were running?

10. In the last year, have you done anything while running that you regret doing?

11. Do you find it difficult to stop after one or two miles(or marathons)?

12. In the last year, have you wet the bed or wet your pants during or after running?

13. Have you ever woken up after running in a strange place, or at home, but you don't remember how you got there?

The Ultra Experience

I've heard it said that a 5K is a sprint, a half marathon is a run, and the marathon is an experience. What then is analogical to an ultra marathon?

I am back from the Taipei University 12 Hour Ultra completed on 3/25/2012. The trip marked my first return to my native country in 15 years. There were many firsts on this memorable family trip. It was our first overseas trip as a family. It was the first time my kids have seen Taiwan. It was the first time we have been to Japan. It was the first marathon overseas, and of course the first time I’ve run the ultra.

The race was scheduled from 6AM to 6PM on 3/25/2012. Having had one full day to adjust to the time change, I felt fairly fresh on the morning of the race. I set my alarm for 3:00AM on the night before the race. But by 2:00AM race morning, I was awake and couldn’t go back to sleep. Instead of laying awake in my bad, I had a light breakfast of a banana, slice of bread, and a cup of coffee. My aunt was kind enough to not only house us for the trip but drove me race morning from Taipei to SanXia. The 45 minute drive gave us a good opportunity to catch up on the last 20 years or so.

When I arrived at Taipei U, the sun had not risen and the entire campus was still dark. I was directed to the race start inside the campus walls a short walk from the entrance. It was a windy morning and it was slightly chill (high 50s) without the warmth of the sun. The start area included various tents and was well lit by a good number of flood lights. I was able to get my race package immediately as the volunteers were already staffed and continued to complete the final touches around the start/finish/staging area. The Taipei U 12H Ultra is a pretty unique race. The course runs around the 3K (1.8 miles) loop on the road that encircles the campus. The start line is also the first aid and restroom area for the race. In order to be considered a finisher, one must complete 24 loops, or approximately 72K (45 miles) under the 12 hour limit. A “win” is based on the most distance covered under the timed limit. This year’s winner completed whopping 133K. (He also wore bib number 133, I don’t know if that is a coincident, but somehow I doubt it) My strategy for the race was to run as easy as possible and then walk for a minute every mile. My fueling strategy was simple, one GU pack every 45 minutes and drink water at every opportunity. Everything went according to plan and I tried to monitor my body along the way. During hours 1-3 I used the restroom once an hour which was a good sign of good hydration. I completed the marathon at 4:23, which was well within my planned time. During the 11:00AM to 1:00PM hours, the temperature really warmed up and my progress really slowed. By hours 5 and 6 I realized that I had not used the restroom for the past several hours. I began drinking triple the amount of water to rehydrate my body… I was a little worried b/c I had read a lot about runner’s body shutting down during ultra races and refusing to process water and food. Luckily, things started processing again at the end of hours six (let the pee flow!).

There were some fun surprises at the marathon I’ve never seen before. Food items like soy milk, rice cake, dumpling, and porridge were things I‘ve never seen in races in the States. The people there were friendly and crazy (they set up a Karaoke machine for runners to sing between laps!) at the same time. I met Robert and Alex from Canada who were friendly and kind enough to chat with me and lent me support throughout the race. The race director Mr. Lin even sought me out during and after the race to thank me for traveling across the world to participate in the race. How he managed to do that amongst 500 runners is still a mystery to me!

The race of course was not all fun and games. I really started to struggle the last 8-9 miles. The minute walk of each mile became 2, 3, and 4 minute walks. But I kept one thing in mind. “Just keep moving,” was what I said to myself. I never stopped moving other than to use the restroom or to grab a drink at the table. The pain started to really set in with 3 laps (about 6 miles) to go. My feet, legs, and even my shoulders ached with pain. My mind drifted from time and space and I did what I can to rein it back in place. At one point, I tried to count the number of cobble stones paved around one lap of the course. (I lost count after about the first 20 stones) When I reached the end of lap 24, 72nd kilometer, and 45th mile, I had reached my minimum goal and “finished” the race. I felt like I had no more to prove at that moment. So I called it a day.

For those of you who know me well. You know that immediately after I left the race I started to regret not going further. I felt that I had let myself down a little. I could have reached for 50 miles, perhaps 52.4. But today, I am not beating myself up over my accomplishment. I feel good about what I did. Could I have done more? Possibly. There WILL always be other opportunities to find out. So if the marathon is an experience, then what is an ultra marathon? I’d say that it is a battle. And that battle can be won with the right preparation and resolve. And how you put your blood and sweat out there is the legend you leave behind that battle. For now, I am just earning my stripe. One day, I hope to be legendary.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

http://connect.garmin.com/player/164705006

26.2+

I was never a big fan of Ultraman. But I would love to have some of the super hero powers. In particular, Flight (飛行能力 Hikō Nōryoku), and Teleportation (テレポーテーション Terepōtēshon)would def be helpful in my marathoning crusade.

In just 19 days, I will be able to call myself an ultra marathoner. What is an ultra marathon you ask? Technically, it is any race that is longer than the standard 26.2 variety. It will be my first ultra and my first race over seas. The race is "Taipei University 12 Hour Super (ultra) Marathon" scheduled for 3/25/2012. The race will be coursed around the University campus that is a 3K loop. I think it will be a good way for me to get into an ultra. My thinking is that aid stations will be readily available and there is less pressure given that it is a (generously) timed event. In order to receive the finisher trophy (yes trophy!!), a participant must complete a minimum of 72K. (24 laps, approximately 45 miles under 12 hours). Based on my double result in 2011, I think finishing the race is achievable. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

It will mark the first time I return to Taiwan in 15 long years... so there is a lot to be excited about. Looking forward to seeing my relatives in Taiwan and vacationing Japan with my wife and kids after the race. I am sure to gain a few pounds on this trip. I'll worry about that when I return. I'll try to post some photos after the race and trip.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

El Paso Marathon - State #19

2/7/2012

The high of a PR is difficult to describe. I suppose this is what keeps me so hooked on this wonderful sport of running. As I crossed the finish line at the El Paso Marathon on February 5th, 2012, I was in a state of emotional euphoria. I did it. I beat the only person I was there to race. Me. New PR of 3:51:28.

The time may be average relative to the population but I don’t really care. I am only there to prove that I am a better person today than I was yesterday, last year, or at my first marathon in 1998 (LA marathon 5:31). This race proved that hard (extra) work pays off, you get out what you put in, and there is no shortcut or cheats in running (or life in general).

Downtown El Paso is a small, quaint town. It has the outer look and feel of Phoenix… dry desert-like environment with a mix of industrial and business building. The area was visibly remote and lacked the hustle and bustle of other city centers. All of the locals I interacted with were working class folks who where friendly although noticeably occupied with their daily lives.

The race expo was small but included all the essentials. It was very well organized and even had volunteers greeting runners and assisting with bib number look-up upon arrival at the convention center. The organizers did a great job with location selection and communications. The host hotel (Double Tree) is a 0.5M walk from both the convention center and the start line. Information about race start, finish, and shuttle were published via the race website, Facebook, as well as bring printed and given with the bib packet. I really enjoyed this down-hill then flat course. This was the first year where the course starts on top of Trans Mountain. A 1,000 feet drop in elevation over the first 4-5 miles. A combination of strong winds, 35 degree weather, and a 7:00AM (sunrise) start provided an icy cold but unforgettable race start. We the runners were able to stay inside the buses until about 5 minutes prior to race start because the conditions pre-race was really very unforgiving. We gathered at the start line like a group of penguins desperate for heat. Even the national anthem singer seemed to shiver as she sang. I am thankful to have brought a racing jacket. As soon as I stepped outside the bus I was met with sharp pain on the ears, fingers from the cold. Then numbness takes over. Even with the jacket, gloves, and arm-warmers, I could not feel my hands, arm, and face for the first 4-5 miles. I just kept thinking, “keep running”.

The descent from Trans Mountain gave us a glorious sunrise the warmed out body and mind. I tried my best to slow my pace on the steep decline. After the initial descent plenty of water stations were available. Local residents and volunteers lined most of miles 6-20 and were wonderful as they cheered and provided water, aid, and inspiration to the runners.

There is a good section of the 20s that were more desolated. It could have just been my own metal fatigue. But near the finish back down town, crowds gathered to cheer for the last mile or so of the race. I loved the fact that (I think for the first time) the announcer at the finish called my name (correctly!) and hometown. It made the PR finish even sweeter. The finish area was easy to access and best of all there were plenty of water, bananas, CHOCOLATE MILK!, and BEER! I chose chocolate milk to celebrate the run…

Well, state number 19 is off the map. Overall, I had a great experience. I would highly recommend this race for anyone who is looking to PR and enjoy smaller races with personal touches. I will enjoy the rest this week then it’s time to prepare for the next adventure... Ultra marathoning…

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

#19

Two days before the big dance in El Paso, Texas.

(El Paso elevation map) I have had a solid January this year in training leading up to the El Paso race. For the first time ever, I have put together a streak of running over a month. I am a little worn down but I think the milage has provided a good foundation for the race. I just hope that nothing falls apart during the run. I feel like parts of my body is starting to fall apart but is barely held together by some tape... As a lesson learned from Seattle, I did not and will not speak about any PR possibilities. We will just see how it goes. This is the only window in 2012 that I can run a bit faster. So I will push a bit and leave the rest to God. I am excited b/c its not everyday one gets to run down over 1,000 ft in the first 4-6 miles of a race. Oh, but my knees might hate me afterwards. wish me luck! state # 19, you are coming off the map! one race, one mile, and one step at a time, Jeff 2/3/12

Looking both ways

Day 3 of 2012!
Wow, is it really 2012?

In the blink of an eye, I am 37 years old, my first born is in the third grade, and 18 States and 23 marathons have come and gone!

During the Christmas break, I was able to look back at the past year and reflect on the successes and failures. It really allowed me to also look into the next year and formulate some goals and resolutions.

In 2011
I yelled at the kids a lot.
I drank a little too much.
I wasn't always patient with my wife.
I failed to PR.


but,
I managed work and spent more time with the family.
We vacationed more as a family.
We (wife and I) maintained a loving but strict approach in raising A & A.
I accomplished some career objectives.
I ran hard, and got stronger.
I ran three marathons, including my first double, totaled 1,577 miles in 2011.

Taking the good with the bad, here are my goals for 2012.
[here is a side note: someone I really respect in running wrote that one should not blab about goals b/c 1. many do so only to brag about his accomplishment 2. many fail 3. just talk less and DO(RUN) MORE! In some ways I agree. However, I assure you that my intention is not to brag. Rather, I have always felt that once I've verbalized my goals, I am held accountable for these goals. So here goes]

In 2012,

I will be a better father
I will be a better husband
I will drink (FAR) less
I will be a better runner
I will be looking for a new PR < 3:58 I will chalk > 2,000 miles
I will run 4 marathons and one ultra marathon in 2012

Ok, there I've said it. I've said it in such a way that I think I can and will accomplish all of the above... some will be harder than other, but I hope to be able to post a nice report card at the beginning of 2013...

I hope everyone is off to a great start in 2012 and may this be the best year for everyone!

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff
1/3/12