In awe

Author: Antin

  • [Day589] Eastern Divide 50K

    Last time I ran Eastern Divide was in 2019 (report). It probably would be interesting to look back. I will do it maybe after this post goes live.

    The race captured my imagination the first time I did it. At the time, this was a hard race. I finished in 6:54 h and I thought I was slow because in a previous 50K I did it under 6 hours.

    The race used to be in June. I was a new comer then in the ultra racing and in the trail running world. I did my first 50K in December 2018 at First Landing State Park and I wanted more. Eastern Divide was that next step due to elevation of the course.

    I remembered it being hilly. I liked the point to point aspect of the course. It makes me feel I was going somewhere. The scenery too is amazing, both summer and fall have their own beauty.

    This year the race was moved to the fall. The atmosphere was different. There were less runners running this time than before. Maybe because it is colder and also fall has too many choices in term of racing. For me, this race was in conflict with 3 or 4 other events I want to do. One was the Rim to River 100.

    We used to be have total participants near capacity of 200 people. Now it was about 70 runners. Being in the fall means cooler temperature. It was actually cold for me.

    I was just recovered from a virus or head cold and was not really ready to run it. In normal time, I am afraid being cold. That day, it was very cold for me because I was weaker. I put on plenty of layers.

    I stayed in Beckley West Virginia the night prior, due to I need to get back there (actually to Fayetteville) after the race. It was about two hours away.

    So I got up around three in the morning and got to the race around 5 AM. Because it is a point to point, we were told to meet at the finish at Mountain Lake (Tree Top Adventure Course, which was a mile up from the Mountain Lake Resort) and be shuttled to the start. Note, in a former year I ended up at the resort, but luckily someone led me to the correct place. Note, the instructions of where to go were very clear on the race website, it was on my part I did not read them carefully that year. We had to be on time because the last bus would leave at 6:30. The race was at 7:30.

    As you can tell, this race has these minor particulars that if not followed, as a runner you will be screwed. You might be disqualified or missed the start and so forth. Following their instructions is important. It is not hard, but every year there bound to be someone like me, who skims through stuff and misses pertinent information.

    There were parkings available at the start but not for runners due to race permit requirements. We could be dropped off at the start, but as a runner, we could not leave our cars there, since the park wants the spots to be for park visitors. RD said, every year, there is someone who did not read the instructions and would be surprised by this.

    This year I was the second person arrived, the race director Steve being the first. He had marked the course, set up cones and signs leading to the parking.

    I was surprised to see him already there. I thought I had time to catch some sleep before anyone shows up. He told me where to park. I parked. I had my brief breakfast, used the bathroom, and settled in. I seeing him standing alone out in the parking lot, so I joined him and we talked.

    I have done a few of his races since 2019. I did all of them you can say. Old Glory (report) was next race I tried and that was his hardest. His races have a progression. High Bridge 50K (report) being the easiest due to it being on a flat course. Eastern Divide is in the middle. It is mostly on roads with some trails and country/forest roads. Then there is the Lake Ridge at Lake Claytor (report). It is a timed loop course, where a runner chooses to run either 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours. I love Lake Ridge the best and have been at every single one but the corona year.

    As we waited, soon the buses arrived. Some volunteers showed up. Runners showed up as well. Steve left to show the bus drivers where to park. I was left to direct traffic into the lot. Initially, I panicked that I might misguide people. Runners are smart. They soon figured out where to park by following one after another. We made an informal parking lot out of the back of a farm.

    As it was time to leave, I gathered my stuff. It would be a one way trip, so I had to decide what to bring along and what to leave behind in my car. I needed my water pack, my running shoes. I changed into clothes I think I needed. The base layer stayed on me but I was switching my outer and mid layer. I had a buff and gloves. I don’t remember if I ran in shorts or long pants. Likely I kept my long pants on with shorts underneath.

    I was excited. I got on the bus with 20 other people. I think the other half would meet us at the start. Not everyone used the bus. The RD said every year, there would be someone arriving late. So he had two buses. The first bus left on time. The second bus was to catch those arriving late.

    The bus ride only took about half an hour. It took us into the the Appalachian, to Cascades Fall. It is supposed to be the lowest point of the course and we would run back out from there to Mountain Lake. Yes, several thousand feet of climbing. I think 4-5 thousand for the whole race. I don’t have the exact number. I am sure it is on the website. It is a lot of elevation gain. Many runners did not realize they are climbing from the valley to the mountain top.

    I did not pick up my bib the day before, so I had to pick up that morning at the start. I was nervous of being late and not getting a bib and could not run. It worked out. We got to the start as the sun was about to rise. It was still dark but the sun would rise within half an hour. We did not need a headlamp to run but it was good to have one in the early hours before the race such as using it in the bathroom. The bathroom was the warmest place. Maybe one or two would try to stay warm in there, but the rest of us, we braved the cold outside.

    Kim the co-race director gave us her briefing. I don’t remember what was said. We walked down to the trailhead by the creek, then she counted down and we went.

    I was not feeling well even early on and slowly became the back of the pack. I stayed in front of a lady and so avoid being the last runner. Slowly, I caught up a few others. I knew my pace was not good. I was probably 7-8 from the rear. Each time I passed someone I would keep the count in my head.

    About a mile in, we reached the fall. This was one of those places to take picture. The fall sight is different from summer when I first ran this. We took a series of stairs to get up.

    In this race, there is an award to be the fastest male and female to reach the ridge, I think abour 4-5 miles in. at the first aid atation. Our race director would be there waiting for us.

    I know I wouldn’t be first to get to the top but I had to try. Climbing is my strong point. I was able to pass couple people. One guy said he remembered seeing me before. We chatted and I found out he was from NC so he probably saw me at the Iron Mountain 50 Mile. He agreed.

    After reaching the Aid Station, we got on a jeep road. For the rest 20 miles or so we were on one road after another. There was no car driving on it but it was hunting season so occasionally we saw hunters or their cars on the side of the road.

    I was behind a woman. Sometimes I passed her other times she caught up and passed me. I don’t remember her name, but she said she came here with several friends and they talked her into running this. Her friend though dropped down to run the 8 mile instead of the 50K. Later her friend came out to pace and we found out she won first place for female. She was being humble saying she won by technicality because the initially first place runner made a wrong turn got lost at the last few miles and so she won without realizing. A win is a win.

    We were descending from Butt Mountain and we were heading toward civilization. We reached a small town or could be an area with some camping cabins. Then we made a long climb up to Wind Rock. It was past noon now. Carrie’s friends came out and met us saying we just have a few more miles to go. They urged us on to make the 1:30 (6 hour) cut off.

    I was hoping I would not make the cutoff so I couls go back into my car. The cutoff was near where we parked at the finish. I said if I could see my car, I would not want to continue. Fortunately, Carrie’s Friends said we would not see our car before we make the turn into the woods to an aid station (AS4).

    Our race director Steve was waiting us there (again). I think I was cutting close to the cutoff. RD Steve said it is up to me to quit or continue, he would not sway me one way or the other. We still had about 10K left and this part is the “fun” part around Mountain Lake. Indeed I like this the best out of the entire course. It was challenging in term of path finding and foot work.

    They changed the course slightly this year to avoid going through a shooting range. In previous years, they were able to negotiate with the range to temporary stop for a day.

    Why it is this part fun? It is most technical part of the course. There is no clear trail. It is a mountain bike trail but it goes all over the place. It is the place easily get off trail and make a wrong turn. I prefer to stick close to the runner before me (Carrie). We did not get lost. One time she went off the trail, and I was able to warn her in time.

    There were a lot of climbings. Soon we came out to an aid station at the top. We we ran down a mountain road that let us to the resort. At the Mountain Lake Resort, Carrie’s friend came out again and paced Carrie to the finish.

    We had maybe 2 miles left. We had to climb up a hill to an overlook. It was worth it. This part was new this year. We went around the “lake” (dry now). It would pop out to a field where the finish line is.

    I was the third from the last runner. Two more finished behind me. Two people DNF’d. I was fifth from the bottom. Two people passed me since the start (Carrie and a dude from NC). I don’t mind. I felt I tried my best in my condition.

    Also, I did hold back through the run. I felt I could have pushed a bit harder but I planned to pace a runner that night in a 100 mile race (though I planned to do only 30-40 miles), so I had to hold back. Carrie said the total milage was closer to 28 miles instead of 31. I was moving about 16.5 min per mile pace. However, because of my weaken state, even though I thought I was holding back, the race exhausted me. I ended up would not be able to pace Lynne at Rim to River that night (pacing).

    The finish line food was good. We had chili, one of my favorite food.

    My time was 7:37:55. I signed up this race thinking I could beat my previous time, but ended up finishing much later.

    Would I run it again? It usually is in conflict with my other races. If I do have a free weekend, I would like to run the course again. It is a trail race, but since most of it is on road, dirt road, gravel, etc, I am no longer a fan of road running.

    Steve said, the Old Glory one, due to not many people interested in it, it is no longer held. He said that race is expensive to host and last time I did it, there were only 20 people signed up.

    Next year, 2024, I know I would not be able to do Eastern Divide. I promise to pace a friend and this time for real, I would not try to run in a race on the same day I have pacing duty. I promise I would be a good pacer.

    (Meta/context/Note, this Eastern Divide was held on the same weekend of Rim to River 100, which I wrote couple entries ago).

    Sorry no pictures. The course was beautiful. It was a nice day

    Some civil war history. Union troop from West Virignia made a raid int Virginia and used this turnpike to retreat back to West Virginia. This place was a spa (salt/sulfur spring that was popular with the people at the time)

  • [Day588] double header (Stone Mill 50)

    Running races back to back is not uncommon to me. I have done so since the beginning. This past weekend I signed up to do both a 50 miler and a 10K. I chose to run Stone Mill 50 but walk the Bay Bridge 10K. I will leave the Bay Bridge for a later post. It was a good day, but there are just too much to say. I primary focus on running, so Bay Bridge, while was still a running event, came off to be more a social one. If I have time, I will go back and write about it.

    TLDR – It was a good weekend and a good race

    Stone Mill 50, It was my 4th time running this. If I can have one more finish, I will receive a jacket as a finisher prize. I started running it in 2020, the year I got serious with ultra racings. These are the three previous reports (2020, 2021, 2022). I haven’t reread them, but I guess they are pretty similar. I love this race. I always think it is a hard race before running it, until I run it and after finishing, it does not seem that bad. Each time, I step across the finish line like it was a cake walk.

    I have done many harder races than this. This one is not what I should say hard. The cutoffs are generous. However, in my mind I always feel a bit of fear before attempting because of the cold and some creek crossings and the distance. I have to give the distance the respect. The course also has a decent amount of rolling hills. It feels like always an uphill 12-13 hours climb.

    We probably had one of the best racing weather this time. It rained two days before, which helped a lot to pack down the leaves. It gave a more solid path to run on. I have been out on the course the last few weekends and running on leaves was a problem for me because they slided around underneath and also they cover over roots and rocks. The rain made the path easier to see. While rocks and roots and a bit of wet did make the course slipery at times, but generally, I think it was better than a totally dry course. The trail though was dry enough to run on. The day as any year started off cold (38F, and lower at some part), but it got up to 60 F, where we could be comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts. I dressed in layers and striped when needed. Some bridges had ice on them from frost. We saw a runner fell after stepping onto a bridge. I had a couple close calls.

    We started at 6:00 AM. There was a 5:00 AM start for those who believed they needed an extra hour. Many of those who trained with me took the earlier start. Many also were their first time running a 50 miler. This was the first year I saw those early runners off. I always arrive to the race early but usually I stayed in the car to get ready such as eating and final preparation before going to the start line.

    The 5 AM start. There were some timing issue with the laptop. Runners were waiting for the go signal from the RD.

    The course is open for 13 hours typically. 14 hours for the earlier start. There were several cutoffs. Generally, we had to maintain a 15-16 min-mile pace to finish by 7 pm. The first three cutoffs required about the same pace. The last cutoff was at 6:40 PM at RT355, and the pacing to reach that was a bit more lenient (20 min pace). Technically, in order to finish within 13 hours, you have to be at the last cutoff by 5:40 pm. But they gave us until 6:40 pm before the aid station closed, so I think that is quite lenient and they would leave to finish line open until everyone arrives, which is about an hour more than the posted time. This year was the current Race Director (Barry) last year, so next year there will be a new director and these cutoffs might change.

    Basically if you pass the last checkpoint, the finish line would be kept open until you finish. In a typically year, it means it would stay open until about 8 pm (imagine 15 hours to run this). Usually there were not many people that need that extra hour at the end, since if they could not make the earlier cutoffs, they likely would not have made it to the final one. There was not a person that went over 15 hours.

    This might seem counter intuitive of why the cutoffs are longer at the end but I found it was helpful that as long as you are determined to finish, you could and would (at least you don’t have to be stressed with the cutoff of the last 4-8 miles). You just have to at least get to mile 42 in a decent pace of 15.5 min pace.

    Cutoffs are not usually my worries. This was my four times running it. So I prepared a pace chart. Not blaming on my pace chart, but this year was my worst performance, coming in at 12:47. My previous times were 12:37, 12:21, and 11:16, with each year being faster than the one before. I was actually expecting to come in under 11 hours this time, but instead was closer to 13 hours.

    As to why I was slower? I think mentally, I was not as competitive. Physically, since Grindstone, I have not trained as aggressively as before. The week leading up to the race, I did not run for a full week. It showed. I was tired by 8 miles in. Mentally, I knew I could pull through a 50 miler (and more). Physically, my legs were screaming at me. It was not until after mile 34, I felt the legs finally relaxed and gave in to allow me to run at the pace I wanted. Note, there were significant climbs after this, so on my pace chart it did reflect that I was running faster.

    I was big on pace chart this time, since I have been pacing other people recently in their races and pace chart is one of the needed tools to accurately pacing someone. I wanted to have better gauge of my pace through various aid stations and it also would give me an assurance how much time and what pace I needed to run to finish. Previously in my other runs I do these kinds of rough calculations in my head. But this year, I created a spreadsheet that takes the mental load off me. I still do mental maths, but not too many at the same time. The interesting take away was the last cutoff would give runner enough time to finish. In previous years, I was always stressed out about the 7 pm finish, but not this year. Knowledge is power!

    I was targeting to run around 15 min mile pace. I hit this target. In the beginning I was a bit ahead of pace, running near 13 min (the time including spending at aid stations).

    I also was running by feel, which mean if I don’t feel well, I don’t push myself to run harder. There were several times I intentionally slowed down for others. I paced with several runners through the course, otherwise, I could have done maybe 30 minutes faster if that was not the case.

    The first couple miles, I ran with my recently found pacer (Wayne) who paced me at Grindstone, and also my to-be pacer at the upcoming Devil Dog in a couple weeks. However, his pace was too fast for me in this race to keep up, so I dialed back. Soon I found a woman who gave me a decent pace (#104). We were running around 13-14 min mile pace. It was slightly slower than I want but since the race was still early, it did not matter. It was good that I don’t go out too fast.

    I was with her for about 6 miles until we reached Seneca State Park (Clopper Lake). There I met Lee and Christen. We were still maintaining a 14 min pace. #104 passed us. I stayed with Christen, but she became slower still became she frequently needed to use the bathroom break. Lee pressed on ahead and was out of sight and never seen again. I tried to pace Christen to Riffleford (mile 12). Christen had her crew there, however, she was a few minutes slower in coming out from the aid station. I waited for her at a road crossing about a mile away while chatting to a volunteer. We then ran down the road segment together (RT 28). We had a good pace of even (9 min according to Christen’s watch). It think it was more like an 11 min pace. The road segment allowed us to catch back up on the time lost at the previous aid station. However the road was short, and lasted about 2.5 miles.

    We entered the Muddy Branch. This was a segment I did not train on this year because either I was away for Hayden Lake or was at Guilford, Connecticut. It felt long and not too familiar to me. Christen’s pace was alright, it was not fast or slow. We were passing people. Normally, here was when I would really run fast. Today I was with Christen. She was slightly slower. I promised her we would get to Pennyfield (mile 24) before noon. It was 10 am and we had 8 miles to go. Usually my goal was to arrive at Pennyfield by 11:30 or earlier. I could run a marathon under 5 hours and Pennyfield is about a marathon distance. Today, we only had to keep a 15 min pace to get there.

    Pennyfield was our first cutoff (at 12:30). My goal was to be there by noon based on the average pace required to finish the race before 7 pm. So 12:30 cutoff time was a more generous time. I told Christen we should leave Pennyfield by 12:00. My pace chart was based on time leaving an aid station and not on arrival time. So any time spent at an aid station, had to be earned.

    About couple miles before reaching Pennyfield, Christen took a fall and landed on her nose. She was a bit shaken up and also she had a slight cramp in one of her legs. Her speed suffered a bit. I went on ahead and ran with Sophia (who was passing us at the time), while she called her husband.

    But all three of us reached Pennyfield at about the same time. It think at 11:50. Christen had her crew to take care of her. I helped myself first with water, refilled my pack and got various food to eat. Also a volunteer (Mike) told me that my friend “Daniel” (David) already passed by the station. All this time I thought David was behind me. This news kind of shock me that he was ahead. It meant my pace was slower than I thought (at least slower than David and last year).

    It was not that it would matter much. Everyone runs their own race (pace). But I would like to catch up to David somehow. I figured (or guessed) that David had a mile on me, so if I run a minute faster at each mile, I would catch up to him about 15 miles later. We were at mile 24, so I would imagine catching up at mile 39 – ish (just before the Riffleford AS, which was at mile 42). I caught up to him at mile 44.

    Sophia was a lady we were chasing early of the day. She was initially ahead, but Christen and I caught up to her at the Muddy Branch and she then followed closely behind, but passed us at Quince Orchard Aid Station, while Christen was using the restroom, then we passed her again near Pennyfield. Just maybe five minutes before Christen fell, I happened to turned around and saw Sophia falling, so I went back to help her up. Not long later, Christen fell too in the front.

    Sophia explained she torned her ACL couple years ago and this morning while crossing one of icy bridges, she kind of tweaked it again. It was hurting. She had both her knees taped up. She was thinking of quitting at Pennyfield. Her boyfriend Keith is the famous runner who had run this race every year (14 times), who happened to run 70 miles one year after taking a wrong turn and still managed to finish in time.

    I kind of convince her she still had time to finish the race based on her current pace. And she was not walking but running at the time, so there should not be an issue of making the cutoff. Again, because I had my pace chart, I knew exactly how much time we had and what effort needed to arrive.

    I told her she needed to get out of the Pennyfield station fairly quickly. She had blister on one of her toes and she planned to pop it at the aid station. Gretchen, one of volunteers helped her with the antiseptic. I helped her with her shoes. She brought an extra pair at Pennyfield, so in my mind she was not so new to ultra running (though she said, this is her first 50 miler). My presence seemed to help Sophia and there was no more talks of quiting.

    We left Pennyfield together exactly at noon. Christen was not around at the time, so we did not wait for her. Later Christen said she left couple minutes behind us at 12:02. I paced Sophia with running and I think we were hitting about a 12 minutes pace. It was a bit too much and Sophia was getting out of breath. She asked if we could walk. I agreed. So we did run/walk. Usually our walk was less than 30 seconds and our run was about 4-5 minutes. I told her to aim for running every 100 yards or so. We reached Stone Mill ahead of schedule, with an average pace of 13.1, which was quite good. We were 40 minutes before the cutoff. Sophia told me her pacer would meet her at Stone Mill. I did not plan to pace her beyond the Stone Mill aid station.

    I did not stay too long at the Stone Mill Station. There were a lot of food available here. They were all good to eat. I took a chicken noodle soup here, because that was the easiest to swallow and I mixed in with some advocado and rice before heading off. Christen was fast in getting out. She actually caught up to Sophia and I, but Sophia went to talk to her crew and new pacer, so Christen and I left the station together without waiting around for Sophia. Also we caught up to #104.

    We ran maybe half a mile to a mile up the road before making the turn to the Seneca Creek Greenway. Because Christen did not have much sleep the night before, she explained she would be extremely tired and having hard time focusing. Her pace slowed significantly once we hit the trail. I decided not to wait for her. We discussed this couple hours beforehand, saying I would take off once I passed the Stone Mill Aid Station. It was not like I suddenly dumped her.

    I passed a few other runners as I climbed up, though not as many as in previous years. This was where I shined because of the hills and because of the endurance aspect, I felt I was stronger than others at later stage in the race.

    I felt finally I could run the race at my own pace. My feet were tired but I tried running whenever I could. This year, Gretchen was not at the Berryville Road (side trail) with her wagon and private aid station. I reached Rt 28 West Aid Station by 2:25, way ahead of the 3:10 cut-off. There were a lot of people here.

    Ben, one of race directors of Rock and the Knob race, was there to cheer me. I have seen him in couple of my other races (such as MMT). I think he has moved back to the area. The aid station here was just as good as any other. I tried to keep my time short and headed back out. A runner recognized me (I think was Carl from Ashburn). He decided to drop from the race. I sat with him a bit. At the time my calves were tingling, almost hurting but not. After resting a bit, I headed back out.

    I followed a woman out. She was moving fast (or faster than me). I thought there might be some epic battle between me and her for the next four miles. I stayed on her for about a mile until we reached a mill, and there she let me pass. I did not see her again. She was one of the heavier runners and I was surprised she could run as well as I was. I felt I was half her size.

    There were not many other runners on this trail at this time. In prior years, here was when I would be passing a lot of runners. I passed a guy, I didn’t know his name (could be Rob or Dan), but I remember him from a training run. Soon afterward, I reached the Germantown Rd Aid Station. This was a fun one. The pie and some adult beverage gave me a boost. I know I would reach Riffleford on time.

    Riffleford mile 42 (or 41.5 depending who you ask) is I believe the true cutoff for this race. I arrived at 4:25 pm, pretty much on pace. You have to reach here by 5:10. Which means a 15.9 min pace for the 6AM starters or 17.3 min pace for the 5AM. The reason why this was the “real” cutoff is if you reach this station by 5:10, you could move at an easier pace for the final cutoff at 6:40 at RT355, and there is no more cutoff for the finish line. Runners had only needed to maintain a 20 min pace to get to RT355. 20 min pace is a walking pace for most of us trail runners.

    At Riffleford, I met so many friends. Riffleford was in charge by people of my running club (Virginia Happy Trail people) I met Annie, Sue, Crystal, and another woman I forgot her name, (probably Grace). Soon too I caught up to David. I didn’t catch up to David until after leaving the Aid Station and outside the Seneca Park. I walked with David maybe over a mile or so. Night was coming. We had our headlamps on. David asked me to go on ahead. I reached the RT355 somewhat 20 minutes behind schedule at 5:45 PM, probably, I was more tired than I thought. Billy C was there to greet me. He had been at various aid stations. He was supporting his friends who came down from Frederick to run this race. Night was getting colder. I took a vegetable soup to go. It was a good thing I packed a jacket (and gloves) at Riffleford aid station. I put on my jacket.

    The final climbs to the finish line was in the dark. I passed a gentleman (Mike or Michael), he later was awarded as being the last official finisher of Stone Mill (under 13 hours and starting at 6:00 am). For those who ran enough ultras, would know the DFL award (dead freakin last; some races would use a different accronym to avoid profanity, but it symbolizes the persistency to hang on to be the very last finisher.)

    I then was alone for quite a time. I felt I could run and press the hills. My legs no longer seemed tired. I felt I was flying. My goal was to catch another runner before me because I renember from a prior year, the next person might be 20 minutes away. That I how I came across Sue. She did not have her headlamp. I think it died. She had one tiniest lamp on. It was part of her hat and could barely generate enough light.

    As I passed her I was thinking, if the person does not have a lamp, I would stay and walk with the person. But because I saw the person had on some kind of light, I did not stop but was going to pass quickly. Her light was like one of those Christmas tree lights for decorative only and not for illumination. It think you could hardly see the trail with those. As I was passing, she called out my name. Is that you, she said. Well, I was intrigue, I did not know (recognize) her yet she knew my name. It meant she was one of those who did the training runs with me. She indeed was from Frederick, one of Billy’s friends. She said, she might not have introduced herself before (Sue), I knew who she was. We did run together in the last training run. With light from my headlamps, she began running the last few miles. We were moving at a 13 minute pace. Her watch had died but I knew exactly where we were. We had about a mile of trail left. I could hear cars from the Watkins Mill Rd. We ran the last mile on the pavement and finished together. Her friends were waiting for her at the finish. I got recognitions and hugs from helping her.

    I stayed to wait for David. Alex (also a friend) already arrived before me. Alex and David ran with me last year and this year we decided to do the same. Alex finished an hour ahead. David did not come in until about half an hour later. In the interim, I saw many people I met on the trail coming in. It was joyous because all of them were people I met during training and here they came in.

    For many this was their first 50 miler. Sophia came in. I did not see Christen. I believe she must have dropped. I would like to know though at which aid station. I was thinking, likely at Riffleford. She should have no problem meeting RT 28 cutoff. #104 came in, either must have come in as I was leaving or after I left. It was reassuring when I checked the results, she made it. Her pace must have slowed significantly but she made it.

    Why was this race special? I guess as I run more, people started to recognize me. This was a race where several of our running clubs gathered (Baltimore, DC, Frederick, Virginia Happy Trail and West Virginia). Some big name local runners join us, like Carl B. and Michael W. I recognized the 2nd, 3rd and 6th place finishers.

    The truth is after a year, I probably would not remember any of these people. I reread my previous year report, I was scratching my head, who was Dan and who was Jeremy. However, I still remember vaguely the moment I had fun out on the trails.

    My two day-to-day running friends, David and Alex also joined me on the run. We carpooled together. David originally was not going to run but he signed up the day before the race. Wayne also is my friend but he left after he finished and we did not get to celebrate together. Wayne finished like two hours before me. John and Charleen were volunteering at an aid station. I was happy to see them. My finish time was not as good as prior years but I think I had one of the best time just seeing people and helping them during the race. Even without seeing friends, I would still enjoy spending time on the trails. I use races also as a training run, because it beats of doing it on my own.

    Some lessons: watch out from falling but we all do fall, don’t spend too much time at an aid station, don’t wait for people, keep moving, be friendly and enjoy the run. I think I did all that

    A side note, I put a drop bag at Riffleford (mile 42) but not Pennyfield (mile 24) this year. A bit different strategy but it worked out

    Morning Fog on Clopper Lake

  • [Day587] Rim to River Pacing

    Past weekend, was one of those walking down on memory lane moments. I ran Rim to River in 2021 as my second 100 mile race, which now seems ages ago, having done now 5 100s. Plus a few attempts of some other ones but unfinished such as the Burning River and Grindstone.

    I always wanted to go back and do Burning River again but the sign up had been difficult. You had to sign up the moment the race is open otherwise it filled up and you will ended up being placed on the waitlist. This year the waitlist had almost as many entries as entrants. It is crazy.

    My friend Lynne (newly met this year) was lucky enough to snag an entry and I promised to be there to pace her.

    Except, there was one problem. This weekend I already committed too to run in a 50K in Pembroke about 2 hours away.

    No problem I said. I would do both. As it turned out, there was no way I could pace 50 miles and also having ran 30 miles several hours beforehand. It was ludicrous. Not sure what gave me the confident to do such a thing.

    So the big weekend arrived and I drove down to Fayetteville, WV on Thursday afterwork. Actually, I stayed in Beckly, about 20 miles south of Fayetteville. The reason was I wanted to be tad closer to the Eastern Divide 50k I had planned to run on Saturday before my pacing duty at night.

    Back story on the Eastern Divide, 50K. I ran it in June 2019 and always been wanting to go back to attempt it again. I was not happy with my time the first time I ran it. I felt I could get it closer to 6 hours. I just did not have the chance doing so because each year it conflicted with something. 2020 and 2021 was with Laurel Highlands. 2022 was I think was Grandma Marathon. 2023, too originally there were so many races on this weekend I wanted to do, but I blocked them all just to run Eastern Divide. Then until I met Lynn, at Grindstone, I realized I had to pick one or the other. I chose Eastern Divide of course. And this decision kept coming back — even the morning of, I kept asking do I want to still go to Eastern Divide?

    Now you know, I have a policy of first-come-first-serve. Since I signed up for Eastern Divide, I had to carry it through. New River came second, so whatever energy I have left, I would give.

    What I did not anticipate was getting sick early in the week. I caught a cold on Tuesday. It might have started Sunday after the Marine Corps 50k since I did not feel well after the run, as mentioned in my report due to the unusual hot day.

    The cold just would not leave me. Maybe I was too optimistic that I could bounce back after a day. I was hoping for a day of rest and by Saturday I would be good. It was serious enough I had to be bed rested for 3 days. Even on Saturday, I was not in a running condition.

    I also could not stand even tiny bit of cold weather due to my sickness. I needed the temperature around 85F to feel comfortable. My body had lost the ability to self regulate its temperature. I was thinking how could I even stand being outside for more than a few minutes, but my pacing duty would have me outside for 12-14 hours.

    By Friday night my cold finally left me. I made it to the pre race meeting and met with Lynne. I was not confident. I said, it would have to be determine when I show up at the Fayette Station at 10 pm. If you see me there, then I would pace, if not, I wouldn’t.

    By 3:00 AM Saturday, I had to get up to get ready for my own 50k at Pembroke, VA near Blacksburg. It was not that far away but still I planned for a 2 hour drive. I arrived race on time (5:30) because we had to take a shuttle to the start at 6:30. The race itself started at 7:30. Note, this was my race — the Eastern Divide that I was running first before my pacing duty.

    The morning was as cold as it could be I think around 29 F and it got colder just before the sunrise. Anyway I ran the race. I was not fast. I felt weak. I finished as the last 3rd person on the course. It took me almost 8 hours but I met all the cutoffs even the last one by bare minutes (17 min pace on mountain, I was too trying to dial in the walking pace to pace Lynne at). I was hoping to be cut so I go get back to Lynne, but I made it. I have done this race 4 years before and that time I ran it in 7 hours. This year I finished around 3:00 pm. I rushed back to my hotel in Beckley, WV.

    The time was around 5:00 pm, still Saturday. I could have and should have gone straight to Lynne’s race to see where she was at, but I decided to shower first to freshen up. Then I wanted dinner. I felt sleepy after. I think I did nap for an hour until 6:00-6:30 pm.

    In hindsight, I should have gone to the course first. She probably needed me to crew her at mile 43 at Fayette Station when she passed around 5-6 pm. I could then still nap and get ready by 10-11 pm. It was an out and back course, so I could have remained at Fayette Station for next 5 hours and had plenty of rest. It would have given me enough time to sleep if wanted to. This was a miscalculation on my part to rest at the hotel.

    I repacked my evening bag to take to the course while at the hotel. It was good I tried to reorganize, but it was totally unnecessary. I ended up over-dressed and left out my lighter clothing behind because I knew it was going to be cold and I wanted to be 100% ready. I over did it. I regreted after I had left the hotel. (next time, I should bring everything and leave them in the car).

    When I was ready to set out, I made a stop at the finish place, which is at Ace Adventure Resort, Oak Hill, WV. It is nearby, but going in and out costed me an hour.

    This originally seemed smart but ended up a time waster. No one was there. Originally, I was hoping they might have some sort of tracking board at the finish, maybe a message board or something about the runners progress. I was hoping to find out Lynne’s progress but there was no information available. Not online and not in person. I was hoping too some other families or crew teams being there and maybe I could get a ride to my location so I would not have to drive out. I wanted my car to be safe at the finish. Thinking too what if Lynne plans to drop, maybe I should bring my car, so in the end, I drove.

    The time was still early. It was 7 pm Saturday. My expected meeting time is still a few hours away. Lynne should have passed by the Fayette Station going outbound already. My next safe bet was to get to Ansted at the 50 mile turn around point. It was only 15 ish minutes of driving from Oak Hill. I felt a bit hungry and decided to stop by a Walmart for some food. But after I made the turn into the Walmart’s parking, I was not that hungry any more. I decided only thing I needed was soup. I had cans of them in my car. I opened one and ate.

    By the time I got myself to Ansted, it was around 8 pm, Saturday. The volunteers there confirmed Lynne had not arrived yet. So I waited. I knew soon she would come in. I made couple trips walking back/forth to and from car. First was I forgot to lock my car. Second was I felt where I parked I might get towed because I was double parking outside a Walgreen’s. Walgreen business had went under so probably I could park outside.

    Anyway, the point was my mind was unsettled to commit to start pacing Lynne at mile 50 at 8 o clock, but I had to see her at least, in case she was planning to drop.

    Also the distance was quite a bit longer than I was comfortable of doing that night. I know I just had to get her continue walking until the morning, and that could be at Cunard, mile 80 (7 am) or mile 90 at Concho Rim. Concho Rim would mean 40 miles of pacing. I was balking internally at the distance. I hope to negotiate with Lynne about starting pacing at a later location.

    Lynne came in at 8:24 pm. It was not a bad time. There were about 27 runners behind her and we were 1:30 hours from the cut-off. The AS was to be open until 10 pm. Looking back, she had good chance to finish at this time, if I would just pace her from there!

    So I knew while she is not as fast as I expected but still should be enough time to finish. (I had expect her to come in at 7:30-ish to 8:00, because she was stronger a runner than me, at least at later stage; I came through here at 8:00 the year I ran it). Coming in now at 8:30-9:00, she would still be in the game. Lynne’s chance of finishing was still good.

    She gave me her status update. She was struggling with eating. Her stomach was upseting. She threw up her food. I gave her my status, I, though could pace her there, but prefer to start at Fayette Station mile 58. I would meet her in 2-3 hours. I felt she could make it back to Fayette Station in reasonable time on her own.

    She had some warm broth at Ansted and left at 8:37. She was cold and asked for my jacket and I gave that to her. Note, in hindsight, she shouldn’t have eaten while at the station, but should have taken her food out with her. 10 minutes spent at the station was meaningless other than resting.

    At first I was going to head directly to Fayette Station, which was only 22 minutes away. I could be there by 9:00. However, fearing the parking situation there to be crazy as the bulk of runners were arriving there at the time, there might not be enough room for me yet to drive or park. Roads in that part is on a one way/single lane, cliff side one edge and mountain the other. It was scary driving, with also runners running next to you.

    So I decided to go back to Walmart in Fayetteville to do some shopping and sleep. I brought a gallon of water and a liter of Coconut juice because I was so dehydrated after my own race. I brought myself a new jacket because Lynne took mine. I would need something warm for the night. I planned to be at Fayette Station by 11 pm. I didn’t think Lynne could get there any earlier like by 10 or even 10:30. I had about 2 hours. I slept in the car a bit. At little bit past 10 pm, I started out heading back to Fayette Station. I arrived around 10:30. The overflow parking lot had plenty of spaces for me to park. Indeed, I wondered what if I had arrived earlier.

    At the Aid Station I met my VHTRC friends John Hord and Charlene. They were crewing Toni. I never met the person. The year I ran this, I was already passed here around 10 pm. By 10:30 pm most runners passing through were seriously struggling. Toni did not look so well. Besides Toni, I saw couple other runners. One stayed for almost 30 minutes trying to bandage his foot. I think because of blisters. I was like that too the year I ran. I stayed maybe 30 minutes trying to wipe my butt that year. By the time I realized the runner might need my help, he was done taping. I told him, he has to leave the station soon for he has stayed there for too long. He knew. The guy said he was cold but I had nothing else to offer him. He was not looking for anything from me either, knowing he had to do with what he had. Poor guy. I wish he had a crew. I felt sorry that I was too slow to realize the poor guy was struggling by himself and might of needing my help. He didn’t ask and by the time I checked on him, he was ready to head back out.

    Another runner came in at 10:45. He was older maybe in his 60s. His team of pacers and crew was ready for him. They let him sleep maybe 15 minutes. I think he wanted 2 hours, but his crew would not let him. I was next to them and hearing the exchange. The runner was tired but they were able to get him out. I didn’t know when because I decided to sleep on the ground. I had my sleeping bag with me, so I could sleep anywhere. I set my alarm for 11:10 based on Lynne walking pace she would arrive by then.

    Lynne arrived at 11:05 pm. I didn’t see her but she saw me.

    What happened next is a failure on my part as her crew and pacer. My mind was on pacing and I felt my shift hadn’t started yet. But looking back, my duty too should get her to be out at the station as soon as possible. She already stayed too long at Ansted I felt (long enough for her to be cold there). The same was going to happen here at Fayette Station. In hindsight, I should have rushed her out because time was critical. She had less than 1 hour from the cut and I walked around as if she had two hours (indeed in my mind she had the time).

    She took a seat and started changing her clothing for warmer ones. She changed shoes. She requested food, and soup, and coffee. I forgot to even check for if she needed water. The soup was not good after she took one sip. Her stomach was not strong enough to take it. All these probably happened within first 5 minutes. As a pacer, I should have kept the time! As now every minute counts!

    I don’t know what happened next but it was a long time she did not move. Then she said she was cold. I covered her with my sleeping bag. She actually asked for my jacket, but I was planning to use it for myself. Thinking back I should have given it her and immediately have gotten her on her feet and should have marched her out the station. This was my first tactical mistake of not doing so. I was tired or just waiting for her to say lets go! It should have been me pushing her.

    Another Tactical mistake is to eat and drink in the station or get warm in a station. She did this at Ansted and now doing it again. Me, being her crew and pacer did nothing to prevent this was unacceptable.

    A second mistake if readers have guessed is, I was only reacting to what Lynne was asking instead, those basic stuff should have been anticipated by me. I should got her a bunch of food and drinks and let her choose. Also I should have prepare her clothes, pants and and things to change out and in including shoes and socks. My mind was completely blank that night. I blamed it on my fatique of doing the morning run also my head cold I was still recovering from. It was not my first 100, but I was acting as if I never ran one before.

    Third mistake is also obvious. We stayed too long, following the first mistake and also I was not helping her much by anticipating her needs and doing it for her. Usually a mistake is not an isolated thing but a compounded problem. Not taking care one thing let to another.

    Fourth mistake was I let my runner get cold. This was a big no-no for night running. It was because we stayed too long, she had cooled off already. Also I didn’t cover her. This is a number 1 to-do is to wrap the runner with a jacket or blanket when they come in. Experience ditates, to stay no more than 5 minutes. Thinking back on this, I felt so guilty.

    Fifth, doubts creep in. Also a big no-no. Runner’s worst nighmare. Also because we stayed too long. If we kept on moving there would not be time for doubts and second guesses. She was guessing if could finish because her pace has became slower than race pace. She was going at 20-22 min per mile. The race pace ditates 19.2 min mile. I did the calculation, it would be too close to call. We might make it to the final few miles before timing out. Of course, we could pick up our paces too. 40 miles is too far to predict. By now Lynne was convinced she was not going to finish. She was sick. She called her husband to tell him she was quitting. Because, I let her sit so long now, we were facing 30 minutes from the cut, at midnight.

    Sixth. Letting the runner quit. This is a hard decision. Yes ultimately it is the runner’s choice. Yet many times a runner picks their pacer is that the pacer would not let the runner quit so readily. There has to be a challenge first. We were suppose to fight this. I did not fight with Lynne. Yes a hard choice on me — I paced her before at Yetti and I knew what she was capable of. I knew her speed and even without eating, she is capable of running once the sun is up! It is a weakness on my part that I could not bear the responsibility of what if she is really hurt. She said she rolled her ankle three times on her way from Ansted to Fayette station. This is the worst part of being a pacer is to take this decision: to fight or not to fight with the runner. How much trust does the runner rely on you for their safety. I chose the safer path – that is to let Lynne quit.

    Seventh – I was pretty tired myself both due to my cold and my earlier 50k run. Thinking back if I did not run my race, I would have more strength and I would be more eager to do a night run with Lynne. But I was tired and wanted to head to bed if possible. I was not sleepy at the time, but I knew it would come in couple hours. My self-interest would be in favor Lynne to quit, so I don’t have to suffer myself. It is a reason, I quickly agreed with her.

    Eighth – My mind was preoccupied with my pace chart I had set up. It had some bugs. I was trying to debug it before we heading out. Also my mind was on my car, like how will I get back to it after finishing. Also, what if my runner drop, how do we keep warm. I was thinking of carrying my sleeping bag along. Note, no one carry this much stuff on a run, but my mind was on what if we could not make it.

    There were countless of things on my mind. We would go by my car, and I was thinking what things do I leave behind. I had a 28L backpack with me. I was debating to carry it or not (either to put clothes in it later or to bring more depending if I expect Lynne to be cut or to run fast). If she were to be cut, where would it be most likely? Those were some questions I was reflecting, when Lynne announced she was dropping here. My worries were solved.

    It was now near midnight (11:37) when Lynne finally got up to turn in her bib/announced to the timer that she was quiting. Thinking back, this 32 minutes sitting around, plus the 10 minutes at Ansted, we could have used the time to get to to Longpoint, the next aid station, mile 63. We would definitely arrive there around 12:30 or 1 pm. I knew if I reach mile 60 by midnight, there is no way I would not finish a hundred miler. We were at mile 58, only two miles away at 11:37 pm. Yes too much time was wasted at the station to let Lynne have self-doubt.

    It was a relief for her and myself once she made the call and we walked to the car. That was it for the weekend.

    There’s not much to conclude. Lynne told me not to beat up myself. Ultimately it was her decision. She knew her ability and body best. She had tried her best at the time. Based on the available information at the time, it was the best choice to make.

    I felt I was a good pacer at the Yeti 100. This time, the event ended even before I get to pace. I did not do so well from the initial to the final conclusion. There were some good lessons learned, even for my own race. I knew them before, but to see things blew up in that short span of time (probably about 15 minutes from coming in with a high expectation to zero) was a bit unpleasant and something I need to remember. Things can change bad very fast! I know it was not my race. I did not want my runner to feel bad just because I felt bad. Anyway, it was a good day. At least, I got to prepare and I can take away the lessons learned for my own race.

  • [Day586] MCM48

    Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is a favorite for many people. It has a cult following. I met many people who have done this race year after year. This year we are back to what it was used to be: a lot of people, heat, and thanks to the soldiers, the event was as well run as it could be. There were a few oopsies but they were quickly mitigated.

    First the heat. We knew ahead of time it was going to be a hot one. MCM sent out multiple emails on this regard. One of the small oops, was when people started fainting at noon, the race chose to “close” the race early by diverging runners in stages to a shorter course. I heard rumors that they ran out of water. They had more than a gallon per runner. I personally think that is more than enough. I carried my own water though.

    We knew ahead there were three cutoffs called the gaunlets. DC gaunlet was first to be closed and diverting running starting at 12:00 pm, 30 minutes early. Then the Bridge, not sure if this is the same as the DC gauntlet, but they started to close at 12:30 and moved people over to Crystal City. There was the Crystal city gauntlet, that also had a shorter version. In total, I think runners could shorten about 6-9 miles. However, many of those in the tail end were not doing that great. The sad part is they don’t receive an official finish.

    My MCM44 report is very different from this year. I did mostly the same thing. Woke up at 3 AM. I arrived at the Metro early 45 minutes before they were scheduled to be open. We could take the train at 5 AM. Last time, I took the train at 6 AM. I almost missed the race that year. This year, I did not have to do a transfer at Rosslyn, but instead I exited the station there and walked about a mile to enter the race area. I followed a runner who had used this way before. There was no crowd. Using the Rosslyn’s entrance was a vast improvement over the Pentagon exit.

    The best thing of this year was running with many people I know. I recognized several people I rode the Metro with that morning while on the course.

    There were also a dozen of my running friends who were in the race. However, due to the sheer size of the number of runners, it was almost impossible to recognize anyone I know. I only came across two people on the course. And one before the race began and one at the finish. So a total of 4 out of like a dozen people I knew that ran the race.

    My friend Tony E came from Colorado, and I met him at the first mile. Lynn came from New York, and I saw her before the 50K start. It was actually she saw me first and called out, because she went up to the 50K starting area, probably to look for me and someone, but she was actually running the marathon. She said her friend is the pacer for 6:30 hour group in the 50K. It was the group I was planning to stay with. That pacer had paced me before.

    Lauren lives in DC, but her sister Liz came from out of town to cheer and support her. I only saw them at the finish. They were wearing matching outfit. I would not have recognized her. I might have been ahead of her when the 50K rejoined back with the regular marathon course.

    My friend Scott, whom I met at Iron Mountain and Grindstone this year, drove from North Carolina for this. He said this was his first road race in 9 years. And he PR’d it, settling his personal record on the course and running his best.

    I saw Scott long after he had finished, and that was only by chance he was there at the exit area, waiting for his friend to finish. He kept saying how hot the weather was. He had changed to regular clothes by then, otherwise, I would tell him to take off his shirt. His friend did finish and might have walked past us, without us realizing. In the same way, many of my friends slipped past us, while we were waiting. We were just not that good at spotting people in a crowd.

    A few friends came out just to cheer me. Jana did the 10K that morning and then afterward went to the course to cheer the marathon at mile 17-18, probably my mile 22-23. I didn’t see them, but they told me they were there. I guess she missed me as well. There were just too many people.

    Another Lauren and Siri from my running club were also there to cheer. I only later linked up with them at the exiting area. They got drinks and snacks for us.

    They explained the tracking app was probably delayed in updating the runner’s positions. While they saw us passed by them on the tracking app, they said they did not actual see us on the course.

    They cheered nonetheless. We likely already passed by the time it showed up on the tracker, at least that what we like to believe.

    A note for future spectators, maybe go to one of the less crowded places. I think the steps at Lincoln is a good place. Somewhere before we get on the National Mall too would be a good place, such as the a long three miles around Hains Point on Ohio Drive. The pool outside the Capitol too had less crowd there.

    Some people held up big bubble head pictures. It helps runners to identify their friends or family from far away. Also, I saw some people held a big picture of their pets. Those signs stood out to me while running.

    I so happened to see coach Mike (one of the coaches from the Stone Mill training runs of the Muddy Shoes running club). He was not really my coach. He was one of couple people hosting the training I attended the day before the Marine Corps Marathon. I was not supposed to do a training run right before a big race. I did not tell a lot of people that I would be running it. He was cheering me as I made the turn onto Independent Ave, heading back toward the Congress. He was just at the right place at the right time. It was out of the blue I saw him around my mile 20. It did give me a boost.

    While on the course, there were 22000 runners (30000 later annouced, probably with the 10K runners included). I had crowd fatigue from staring at the runners for too long, every runner on the course became a blur. Even though I knew my friends were out there on the course, I did not get to see many. After the race, we did not get to link up, because everyone went their separate ways.

    During my run, I only came across Tony, who was running the 50K. It was by chance too. In the first mile, the runners had spread out a bit after the start. I was running near the end of the pack and I looked over shoulder and there he was, just like I when met him at Grindstone. I first met him this year at one of the MMT training runs. He was passing me when we were running on the mountain. I knew this old guy can run. He flew in that weekend just for the training run. Since then, he has always stuck in my head.

    Tony was one of the older gentleman maybe 20 years older than me. He did finish. He said it was his hardest run he had. He is also a friend of my friend, Caroline.

    The other person was my friend, Caroline. We ran a few races together recently. I had my eyes out for her throughout the day but I did not see her. I had given up by then. I passed her at her mile 12. It was my mile 18. It was so happened I looked over to the sideline and saw her, so I called out. She was walking on grass and off from the road where we were running. I guess, she was not feeling well and step off to make room for runners surging up from behind. This was after the Blue mile. I was not doing too well either. I guess it was hitting my wall (proverbial marathon runner’s wall), when the body has reached its glycogen’s limit and thus the point where it refuses to run any more. It did not occur to me at the time, that I was at my limit. I was walking along the other side. So I went over and joined her. She started running again and almost out-ran me. I told her in that case, I need her to pace me, jokingly of course.

    At the time, I came across two families offering us candies and water. I stopped by both booths. The second one was the best. The lady manning a small table had grapes, sodas, chips, Miller Lite beer, and shots. These are the fun stuff at an ultra. I was surprised many people did not stop for this. Maybe, many runners are not familiar with private aid stations or just being vary of meeting strangers. This used to be common in marathons, but this year there were not many private aids offer along the course as compare to other marathons I did.

    I, having run a lot of races, love this kind of imformal race supports more than the official aid stops. I think it is fun and the stuff they offered were actual the good stuff.

    MCM food wasn’t bad, but they are all processed stuff like gummies, honey waffles, apple sauce and gels.

    Those are fine, but nothing beat fresh fruits. I took some beer, and she poured me some Coke, and I ate some grapes. I stayed a bit there to reset my pace.

    It was worth staying. Caroline was already out of sight. I took a pong cup from her and this actually helped me at the next few refilling stations. People just poured water into my cup and I was set to go. I always carry on me a small cup, but I like the bigger cup better. This private aid station revitalized me. I know, some races, receiving outside help (away from an aid station) is ground of a DQ (disqualification). This is though a fun marathon. Those rules don’t apply. I don’t strictly follow this rule, unless it is a trail race, because it falls under the no muling rule or crewing outside the designated areas.

    By my mile 22, marathon mile 18, a family was offering me ice. That was the best I could ask for. It is better than beer or candies. I have been looking for ice on the course. I was sure they had them in the medical tents but I did not want to stop by a medical tent for ice, because they would then evaluate me for heat exhaustion. I know I was good on that front but I did not want any wasted time with a health evaluation.

    At this time some runners started having health issues due to the heat. One even had to airlifted out. They sent a helicopter right down on the grassy area. We were redirected at one point to the sidewalk away from the medical staff working on a runner I think.

    The ice from the family saved me. I put the ice under my hat. I carried some a spare sock, and I put some ice in it and kept it on my chest for the whole way till after Crystal city when it was all melted. The sock prevent the ice from melting too quickly. It took the ice a long time to melt under my shirt. I only learned of this trick this weekend. Got to keep a spare sock on you for situation like this. My pace picked back up afterward.

    I beated the bridge. There are several “hard cutoffs” they called it the gaunlets. There was the DC gauntlet, the Bridge, and the Crystal City Gauntlet. I had no problem in beating them. As long as we stay above 14 minute pace, we were good. Later, after the race, I learned they shortened part of the course early because too many people were fainting and overwhelming the medical staff. The 14 st Bridge cutoff was moved up to 12:30, instead of 1 pm and the DC gauntlet was moved up to 12 pm.

    Having experience the bridge section in prior years, I knew this was the hardest part of the course. Many people chose to walk across. It is about 2 miles long. It was also the hottest time of the day and humidity was high passed 70%. We reached a cupless water point midway. Many just drank out of the faucets because they did not bring a cup. Some let the water running down on them. I poured some water over me too to keep cool.

    We entered Crystal City. It was as I imagined it. Crystal City had good crowd cheering all the way from one end to the other. It was just a mile out and a mile back. I stopped for a fireball. I knew they were there from a previous year, people who handed out hard liquor. They gave me some. Someone offered me jelly beans and gummy bears. The fire department opened a fire hydrant and spayed water. I ran under one. There were slight breezes in Crystal City, so I was cooled off sufficiently.

    However, my pace continued to slow but I managed to finish. I haven’t checked but I felt beat previous time. I couldn’t find my previous result. I reached 26.2 miles under 5 hours (I think it was 5:54). I finished at 5:56:51 on the 50K. My previous time from 2019 was around that, close to 6 hours, at 5:58:45.

    There were several other friends running the race, but I did not get to see them. Alex did the 10K. Jeff (David’s coworker, who I met at package pick-up) was slower than me and was finishing at 6:10. Jeff did not get an official finish because he was part of the crowd that was diverted. Caroline finished at 6:00. Lynn was 14 minutes ahead of me.

    Only time I saw Lynn was at the start when she spotted me. My goal was to catch up to her, but it was not meant to be. I was hoping she would not run so fast. I am to pace her the following week at the Rim to River 100. I checked her pace, she seemed to handle MCM well. I just hope she did not exhausted herself. She ran the second half in a very controlled pace, so I guess she knew what she was doing. David finished half an hour ahead of me. Scott was 3:38, but luckily I saw him at the end.

    I was lucky to be spotted by Lauren at the exit. She was waiting for Lauren E. Soon Siri found us and brought drinks and snacks. We had a little reunion.

    Meeting people at the MCM was all happening by chance. Even with a phone it was hard to link up. Scott had a hard time to link up with the guy he came with. We waited like an hour and still did not find the guy, and they were in communication of where to meet. He kept saying he went to left or to the right. I think runners had runner’s fog at the end of their race so they could not communicate clearly. I think the best place to link up was by the UPS trucks where they returned the drop bags.

    I thought back to my first MCM, and I did not carry a phone at the time, but my mom did not tell me she was going to come, showed up at the finish area, just by wandering around and saw me as I was coming out. That was very lucky on her part. My mom did not know about the family link up area or any those things. Just by accident she saw me. I had completely forgot about this until she mentioned it. That was my first MCM in 2017.

    A race is fun when you get to do with other people or there are other cheering you.

    Rachel was asking after I finished, if I wanted to sit on the curb to stretch out my legs. We were sitting in a circle at the time. I was reaching down to sit on the road. I said, I used to running long distances and I am almost running just as far every weekend. I was not that tired. I sat cross-legged on the road just fine. It was good to have someone to celebrate with at the end of the run.

    Did I run hard? I did. I also had a 18 mile training run the day before. So my legs were a bit tired even before the start. I was built for endurance. So even without the training run the day before, I might not have done any better. Maybe a tad better. I should one day, train to run faster. Seeing couple of my friends to be able to run a 3:38 marathon was exciting. Mine, was like a 5 hour marathon.

    This was my third time running the MCM. I was well familiar with the course and how to get there. My friend Caroline has done it 25 times. The guy I rode the Metro with, ran it a dozen times. I like the race. Weather can be iffy. This year is one of the hotter years, but it was better than 2019, when there were floodings. We take it what was given. No complaining.

    Is it better than other marathons? Maybe not. I am a local, so I saw all the sights on my daily commute. The festival was subdue compared to other marathons I did such as Shamrock in the beginning of the year. It was a typical DC area with high transient. We came with a dozen friends, I only get a hold of one or two at most during and after the race. Locals wanted to leave as quickly as they could to avoid the crowd. Not a complaint. I went into the race and I enjoyed my time there. I would be better to celebrate the finish with someone, and I did, but it was never a planned thing. I sat at the steps leading up to the Rosslyn Metro. All my friends were gone by then, trying to beat the traffic out of Arlington. I had a bowl of Korean Rice and bulgogi. I was watching as the UPS trucks packed up and drove away. They had emptied all the drop bags. There were a few runners milling about, but the bulk of the crowd has dissipated. I was just taking things in. My two previous marathons, all I remembered was rushing there and then rushing home. This time I had the time to let it wind down. I finished my race at 1 pm but did not leave until 4 pm or so. Some races, I like it to be like this, just letting it go slowly.

    pre dawn photo of random strangers. They were giving an interview to the press. Later the startline would get crowded. We had a sold out event of 30000 people

  • [Day585] Race Report of Bimbler’s Bluff

    I feel so tired after running Bimbler Bluff 50k, an accidental 14th state completion.

    About this time last year, I reached a point when I did not know what to do because of a free weekend, I decided to look for a nearby state where I had not run before to run a marathon. I went to Atlantic City. I thought that was a long drive, but this year the drive was almost twice as long, 7 hours.

    Last year, I was walking by myself along the boardwalk. Shops closed early. A major casino had gone out of business and no other business had taken its place. It was dark and gloomy for a big section. I was thinking, I should not be there, but walking and hearing the ocean was quite relaxing.

    This year, it was a long drive from afternoon to night time. The drive was meh, uneventful. I got used to the droning noise of the engine. I had a friend coming along. We chatted all the way though I don’t remember what we talked about. Probably our discussion centered around running.

    At Atlantic City last year, I ran one of my fastest time, a little over 4:20. Note this time. I might get back to this, because, I needed that time as a qualifier for a race, I was going to sign up. This year though, at Connecticut, I ran a 8:16. It is on trail. They can’t be compared with one another, but I am significantly slower.

    At the present, is a time of peace. A calm before a storm, I think. I had a feeling I wish I could cross off a state or two in this waiting period, kind of time between some big races. I wanted to run in all 50 states. Last year I had reached 10th states. This year, I made some progress of getting to 14th, unexpectedly. I only planned for running in two new states, Texas. I attempted for Ohio and North Carolina too (but they were ultras, not that it matters).

    So by some coincident, I went to Idaho the week before and this week, I decided to go to Connecticut. To me it seems accidental, but my friend Caroline, pointed out everything is planned by heavenly father.

    Actually I did not really have any feeling for this race. My usual way of signing up a race is search for that feeling that draws me to a race. Bimbler Bluff did not have that attraction. Not saying the race was not great, it was. It fits me well because I love the hard trail races.

    I want my 50 states completion to be purely of marathons. Bimbler is a 50K, which is close enough but it is not the marathons of my first love, you know those that are pompous and have crowd cheering at every mile.

    As mentioned in a previous post, I came to it because a friend kind of wanted me to go, first to run Nipmuck and then this Bimbler. I did not get in at Nipmuck, because the registration had passed before I realized. I felt I do have to go for Bimbler.

    Anyway, I did not have a great feeling about the race. The only redemptive point is the race had a 10 hour cut-off. This is insane for a 50k. I knew I was in for some fun (hard) racing. I love hard races.

    Second redemptive point is the race price was quite low. You know now marathons are 100 to 200 mullars. This even with my late signup was only 65 mullars, which was like a local 10k pricing. I like cheap races.

    I had nothing to do for the weekend. My friend was going to run this race too. If not for her, I likely would not drive 6-7 hours to Connecticut. It was the farest I ever driven, besides Toronto, which for that trip I actually spent a night at Niagara Falls and we made multiple stops. This trip to Connecticut was one straight shot.

    We started late for our trip because I had a training run in the morning. On Saturday, I was preparing for Stone Mill 50. I ran 20 miles. It was a “hard” run. It was supposed to be easy but I had not been on running trail for some time so my legs were not used to it. Afterward, I was feeling it.

    Looking back, I probably should not have run a 20 mile before a hard race.

    We got to Connecticut about 10 pm. Only thing left was to sleep. The next day, we got up by 5. We left the hotel by 6. Race didn’t start until 8, but usually I wanted to get to race early. My friend wanted to run in the early start (7 am) for the full 10 hour.

    I watched her went off and went back to the car to prepare for mine. I slept with the clothes I was going to race in, a typical thing for me to do, so no change needed. I made minor adjustments. Ate breakfast. Since the weather should be warmer, I decided to run in t-shirt and shorts but brought along a long sleeves tied around my waist, just in case, since when I looked around everyone was mostly bundled up in couple layers. I felt I should do what the locals were doing. The temperature was supposed to be staying steady at 50F. The morning was 45-48 ish, and was a bit nippy cold. I was bundling up in layers too during the pre-race hours. This was the second time running the cold this season (Idaho, the week before, was my first cold running).

    The crowd of runners was of a decent size for a 50k. I think we had maybe 75 people. We received the briefing from the race director. I had it twice, since I attended the 7 o’clock one earlier. People were introduced. We went over a few gotchas of the course. The trails were well marked but my friend who had done it 7 times said turns can easily be missed. I paid attention. I did not have much time to study the course before hand. I could not get my hand on a trail map of the place, but I did look at the Google map. I had a general idea of the direction we were running, but I couldn’t run it without trail markings. Normally for a race especially trail races, I want to know the course well enough, I could run it with my eyes close.

    I have done enough trail races to know how to stay on the course. I did get lost once due to talking with another runner, but the turn was marked. It was my own fault for missing the turn. Some said they had 36 miles at the finish. We had 33 miles (I know GPS watches are not accurate, but I felt the course was a bit long). I don’t mind, trail races generally run long (and never measured to be an exact distance).

    The first 4 miles went by fast. I was not as strong as my usual self and even quarter mile in, I already dropped to the back of the pack. There were maybe 3-4 runners behind me.

    I stayed with a woman, but soon she dropped behind. A guy and another lady passed her. I followed.

    By mile 4, only Jessica was with me. I did not know her name at the time. We did not talk during the first couple hours, maybe until past noon (4 hours into the race). This was pretty strange, but I tried to be strange too, by refusing to talk. In fact no one really talked. I was able to have a few words with another woman who commented when I walked on the up hills. She was asking if that is how to do it. She said this was her first time on the trail. However, she was strong and passed me and I did not see her again. Only Jessica was still around.

    I tried to run away from Jessica and I thought I succeeded in getting away from her a few times, but every time I turned around she was still there.

    I got to mile 9, she was right on my heels. We made a big climb to the bluff. The scenery was impressive. I caught up to two other runners and passed them finally. Then I tried to catch a seemily father daughter team. We yo-yo passing and leapfrogging for a few miles and then finally Jessica and I were able to passing them for good.

    a look from the bluff. One of few times I got to see the leaves before it is too cold to be out. I am not a New Englander

    The race at this point was getting interesting (fun). The first few miles were technical but we were stronger at the time and because of the crowd we went slowly, but now, it was quite runable without the crowd in front of me and trail also became a bit more challenging, but runable.

    So Jessica and I were flying down hills and running up smaller hills. I leapt over blowdowns and rocks, startled some runners. I had too much fun. Soon though, my energy was drained by the time afternoon came about.

    This section was Jessica stumping ground and she said she ran these sections a lot because she lives nearby. She said it is easy for her to zone out because she got into a habit to running only certain trails during training.

    We paid extra attention because the course would go off on various side trails and then weaved back on the main trails. We kind of run in a zig-zag in and out on the main trail, and thus we had to be extra careful. We tried to suppress our tendency to stay on the main trail, which was the wrong way. We had to overcome our internal auto-pilot mode. Jessica at this point passed me and led the way.

    We got to mile 18. I finally chatted a bit with Jessica. She had done a 100 mile before. She is recovering from an injury about four weeks ago. She said she had a boot on but took it off for this race. I was thinking, oh no. She hoped to use this race as a qualifier for some other ultras, such as one in Zion NP. The course was less marked in this section. The RD sent out an email post race apologizing, since he marked this section. However, we believe it was course vandalism (someone removed the course markings).

    During this time, I missed a turn (the marker was on my side) while talking with Jessica. Jessica rolled her right ankle about this time too. Due to the distraction, we both missed a turn.

    We backtracked and found the house where the Race Director warned us about the owner used to pull off our trail markers in past races. I know now I we are more than halfway to the finish. We marched on.

    We arrived to the Renee aid station, a little after (maybe 45 mins later). I had my water filled. I ate whatever was available on the table. Food choice was good and plenty. There were enough choices. The most unusual was banana on bread (like baguette). It was interesting. It was like a banaba split. I wolfed it down.

    We were now at mile 22. I thought we had 8 miles left. I put in all my effort to pass Jessica and ran to the finish. She told me to go ahead. I felt a bit sad leaving her since she had been with me for 6-7 hours. Normally, in other races, I usually would stay with the person who had been with me. Not today. I was concerned about my other friend Caroline, who started the race ahead of me, but I never saw her on the course. It meant either she had gotten off course or quit or she was really still ahead of me. I needed to finish early to know.

    Most of this last section was easy to run. We were on a long jeep road, a double track trail. There were some long climbs. I ran until my feet were tired. I passed a few runners who walked. I wanted to walk as well, but I wanted to finish by 4. I had not reached the last aid station. My goal was to get there by 3:45. Someone then told me we had 5 more miles. I doubted, because I believed I had only 2-3 miles left.

    I finally reached the last station about 3:45 pm. The crowd told me I had 2.3 miles left. I caught up two more runners. These people were running it like me. I did not stay at the station long, but only enough to pick up an Oreo cookie and went back out. With only 2 miles left, I did not need anything substantial. They offered to refill my water, I declined. I actually wanted to empty all my water to lighten the pack.

    The trail at times became rocky. My feet were heavy. The lady I passed caught back up to me. She was too fast for me to stay with. Then another guy also caught up to me. He followed closely behind. Soon I let up and let him passed me too. I ran at every moment I could. Then I heard cheering and knew we had arrived at the finish.

    Jessica came in maybe 15 mins after me. I saw a few more people whom I passed earlier came in. At 5 ish, 5:20, the Race Director came to me said he had to cut my friend who was still on the course and had not arrived at the last aid station. The cut-off there was supposed to be 5 pm. I said I would go to pick her up there.

    I found my friend, who soon appeared from the trail. I almost decided to go back in to seek for her but fear that the course markings were already been removed by the sweeper and I would get lost, as night was approaching.

    She was in good spirit. I knew she had a tough day. People told me the early starters had more miles, 36 ish, due to running the wrong branch on one of the loops. We (based on Jessica’s watch) had 33 miles. We too, added extra miles for missing a turn. Personally, even without getting lost, I believe the course was a bit longer than 31 miles.

    Conclusion: I like the race. It ran like Catoctin, a race I DNF’d in the summer, but this was a bit easier. We had more time at Bimbler. Catoctin was too tight with the cut offs. I believe it was 8 hours. Here at Bimbler, we had 10 hours. I ran it in 8:16. I probably could have done it under 8.

    Looking back, if I did not do the training run on Saturday, I would have done a bit better. I felt I needed the double day long run for some future races. This race, Bimbler had everything for a good training. It was a good training to test all the system (hydration, endurance, fast run, climbing, technical rocky section, water crossing, muddy trail). It was the work.

    After this race, I will have the Marine Corps Marathon this following weekend. After that is Eastern Divide 50k and the same day pacing my friend at Rim to River 100, which will be a 80 mile day for me. It is probably my toughest day. Soon, I have Philadephia marathon in November and Devil Dog 100 in December. It was the reason why I needed a double hard run to prepare for the upcoming races.

    We drove back the same day. I had work the next day. Yes, the lack of sleep took a toll. My legs were a bit beaten up. My left foot hurt for some reason, probably from being over used. I took the week easy for it to heal.

    There is nothing much to add. I guess it was a good time with running with my friend. The day was fine.

  • [Day584] Hello 6

    I reached another year on WP. End of the fifth year and beginning of the 6th. See last year entry (here).

    This time I don’t have much to write. I have been busy doing so many things. Last year I wrote about mission creep (plan2023), indeed, I was drinking from the fire hydrant in term of running. I run in any races I could get my hand on. Each year, it seems I say the same thing, but each year I add on more and more races.

    I am a bit tired at the moment. I need to refocus of what I want to do.

    The idea I don’t need to do this has not occurred in my mind. Indeed, I don’t need to do it.

    I am happy though. 2023 brought me up on another level. At the start of the year, I did not know where I was headed. Somehow I managed. I can run some hard races and it was not a 1-off.

    I wanted to meet some awesome people and I did. This was one of the goal. I partly succeeded. People such as Greg, Wayne, Tek, Lynn and Caroline have made my running much more multi-dimensional. It has been an interesting year.

    I want to step out and be bold. I did. I traveled to Toronto and ran their marathon. I ran Blackbeard’s Revenge 100. I finished MMT 100 for the first time. I tried the UTMB Grindstone 100, which was one of the harder race. I did not finish but it was a leap of faith to try. Same for Burning River 100. Try something hard and even when I don’t succeed, I am still happy.

    Something new I did was pacing a friend in her 100 mile race and the emotion of seeing her crossing the finish line was exceptional, probably something I will remember for a long time.

    The question of what’s next is always on my mind.

    I want to do more. I want to do something unique and memorable. I want the next year to be new and different from before.

    Next year, I want to be radically different, yet still reaching my goals.

    I am imagining myself playing chess and then sweep all the pieces off the board and still play. I want to approach like that with my planning. Things currently are too messy. Let sweep everything aside and start fresh.

    End of a year and beginning of a new year is a good time to reimagine what and how I want to be.

    Simple is good. I need to simplify things. I don’t need to run gazillion races. Maybe one or two races is good.

    I think I got a bit race envy this year. I met some high power runners this year. Four or five people who are running (like me) every weekend in various places. It becomes like a friendly competition to see who can out do who. Not really, but our races were like our street creds.

    There is also kind of pressure I put on myself to do races so I could write about them. It is kind of silly. I am sure my readers what me to be healthy and enjoy the runs I do. It does not matter though if I don’t have fun. It has been hard for the last several weeks as I tried to set my schedule for next year. I know what races I want to do, but I was reluctant to sign up any.

    I am still looking for a race/run or an event that will define 2024.

    Less is more. What’s next. Soon. I don’t really know yet. To be determined. Hello Year #6

  • [Day583] slow news cycle

    From now to maybe the end of the year, I have a race or so every weekend. There will be plenty to write about. As of now, it is a waiting period.

    I know the end will come fast. I am waiting, because I haven’t decided what to do yet for next year. I touched on this a few times in earlier posts. I am procastinating.

    This weekend, there is a training run (for Stone Mill 50, which I will run next month). Then on Sunday I will run for my 14th state in Connecticut. Blimbler Bluff, a 50K.

    I never thought it would be a new state. It is a 50K. I might go back to run a bona fide marathon later.

    I don’t advertise things before they happen in case things don’t work out. Then there wouldn’t need for an explanation if things go down badly. I mentioned this now, so I will have to do well.

    I kind of decided to go to Connecticut at the last minute. I was originally bound for Vegas because I wanted to go to Twitch Con as well as a 6 hour race there. However, the price though for the airfare became too expensive. Prices nowaday are like that, but I felt I could have gotten it cheaper. Maybe for my pride, I am not going because I am not willing to pay more than I think I should pay. There is always next year, they say. $1000 for a party is maybe too excessive.

    My weekend opened up. My friend asked if I wanted to join her in Connecticut for a run. Sure, 50k in 10 hours. This seems like the type of race I like. If they give us 10 hours to do, it got to be hard. A 50k usually takes 6-7 hours. It was still open for signup.

    I needed the distance for my training. Training for what? Many runs, especially Stone Mill. I am excited about that. Lots to share in the coming weeks. Not just Stone Mill, but Marine Corps, and then Rim to River weekend.

    Now news of the day, I am still struggling of what races to run for next year. October is the planning month. I use this time to lay out all the trips and goals for next year. Here, I am being indecisive.

    Today, I signed up and booked flight and hotel for Space Coast Marathon 2023.

    Not sure I mentioned, Florida is on my target. I wasn’t going to pick Space Coast though I love space and technology because going to Orlando over Thanksgiving is so much more expensive than going there other time. I saw the price was falling, like by $50 the last couple days, and I jumped in this morning.

    I worked out the flight schedule and all. I tried many different ways and in the end, direct flight from my closest airport won out for less than $600. It is still a lot because I think normally, I could fly to Orlando for $200 ish.

    Couple weeks ago, when I decided to go to Florida, I signed up for Clearwater Marathon in Tampa because flight there was under $200. It seemed like a good fit. When I signed up, they offerred 50K as an option, so I picked the 50K. This will be next year. It should be my 15th state unless I fit another race before then.

    Finally, this is the race I have been on the fence. The New Taipei Marathon (they call it something else) in March has just open! I want to go while at the same time on my way to Sydney for my cousin’s wedding. I checked the airfare. It should be doable. I am nervous about committing it. I don’t get to go out the country much. I am sure there are people that can speak English in Taiwan, but still nervous to go to a chinese speaking country. My chinese is not that good.

    There is still so much to write about. I will stop now. What’s next is my 100 miler in February. Then maybe two or three more marathons. Baton Rouge, La Cruces, and maybe Myrtle Beach. I am so undecided.

  • [Day582] Hayden Lake Marathon

    Two weeks since Yeti, I was not doing or feeling very well. Usually feeling a bit of the blue after a big run is normal for me. Missing the Army Ten Miler last week really set me off in a bad way. Hayden Lake Marathon came at the right time to turn things around. There’s no depression that a little marathon could get me out of.

    My friend wanted to run in Idaho for one of her fifty states marathon goals back in the summer but due to some circumstances, she was not able to go during the summer. The race director allowed her to transfer her registration to the fall.

    I checked my fall schedule and it aligned to my goal of getting my 50 states marathon in. I joined her.

    It was a good choice for me. Originally, Hayden Lake was not on my radar. I wanted to do Lake Tahoe instead because I am more familiar with that, having been there maybe 10 years ago and I wanted a lot of miles (Tahoe Marathon was a three day running series, where on Friday if you like, to run 70 miles around the whole lake during the night). Because of lack of crewing, I did not sign up. Hayden Lake was my second best option.

    Before going, I knew the course was going to beautiful. Hayden Lake is near Coeur D’Alene. I have heard a lot of Coeur D’Alene. I didn’t know how to pronouce the name for this place, but the locals seem to say it like “quarter lane”.

    The Hayden Lake is just big enough for doing a marathon around it. People asked if I have driven around the lake as preparation. In my younger days, driving through the course is what I would do the day before the race. Now with plenty ultra distance races under me, I didn’t feel a need to do so. Besides, I flew in late the night before. There was no time for prepping as I normally would. There was no big chinese buffet for me as I normally do. And no pho at the end. (We went to a gas station next to our hotel, and brough cup of noodle).

    One word, the course was hilly. For me, I am fine with a hilly course. I like the extra challenge. We are talking about couple mile long climbs, something we don’t normally see in a marathon.

    The total elevation was 2600 ft, which is not typical either. The two big climbs are at Mile 4-5 and mile 17. There were also a lot of descents but the course is on rolling hills, so it went ups and downs. A few descents were over a mile long, which were fun for me.

    In getting to the race, we flew into Spokane, Washington on Friday. The race was on Saturday. I arrived late near midnight (intended), but I also ran into some delays and flight changes. My friend picked up my bib for me.

    Going from the east coast to west coast for a race is usually beneficial. Though I arrived late, I slept on the plane. I slept too on the way back.

    We woke up early around 4 AM, the next morning, since our body had not adjusted to the time zone changes, it was not that early for us.

    The temperature was a bit chilly for me. It was my first “cold weather” running. I wore a buff, arm sleeves, shorts, and a CC t-shirt. I was still feeling a bit cold. I wanted to stay in the car, but my nervous pre race jittery, required me to walk around. I had on a light jacket before the race, but I knew I like to run without the jacket on because I tend to warm up pretty easily.

    The race did not have many parking spots on site (Honey Suckle Rd). There were two satellite parking sites about a mile away. They had shuttle running through the race to bus racers and spectators to/from various parking lots.

    We originally parked about a mile away but seeing no one, we were not sure it was the right place. We did not know we were to park inside the construction site as there were no signages as to where were to park. A few cars pulled up next to us, but they soon drove off. We followed them and they led us to a parking off the side of the road right outside the marathon start (within a walking distance, 0.2 mile away). I was prepared to walk a mile as a warm-up but Caroline wanted to ride the bus. We walked back and forth without realizing the start was right there literally.

    For future runners, it always good to go early to get a parking closer to the start. We did not need a shuttle to our car.

    The Lake was beautiful. The leaves were turning. I like the pine trees. I couldn’t tell if some were douglass firs or not. There were some very tall trees.

    The event was not big. There were only about 75 runners for the marathon. The half marathon started half hour later. They also held a quarter marathon and a 5K. Probably a big event when all were combined together. I heard they had street food trucks. We had plenty of pizzas when we finished but the local food trucks were gone. Those shorter distance events were all finished by the time I got back to the start.

    I like hills. Running trail prepared me well for the hilly course. One person asked me how we trained for this. I think you just have to run on a lot of hills. There are training plans out on the web. As for me, I have built quite a good base, so not much training was needed to do a marathon, whether hilly or not I run it the same way. Most runners were from local areas so they were well trained on the hill aspect as well. I could tell, because though it was a hilly course, people were running up on all the hills, a rare sight in a marathon.

    I started off with my friend. I usually started off slow and today was no exception. I kept at her pace for about a mile. We talked to runners around us. I surveyed the field. We made good friends. Again, something you could not do at a big marathons, but in a smaller marathons everyome are friendly.

    I did not come in with a set goal of how I would run it. Only goal was to finish so I could cross off the state. I know my usual marathon time for this year was around 5 hours. My last marathon in August was a bit over 5. I was hoping I could finish in 5 hours. My Toronto Marathon was my fastest time this year at 4:30. I was not sure if I could get a 5.

    Runners were friendly. We talked to many people. Jeff, started with us and I got to know him. He and I started to run a bit faster and we soon left my friend Caroline behind. I did not intend to pace her in this race, knowing she would do fine by herself.

    Jeff had run a backyard marathon recently. I knew he should do quite well. Soon his pace was too fast for me to keep up, but he was too polite of not leaving me behind, and I did not want to hold him back, so I told him to run on ahead. He did. Later, I found him at the end of the race. We joked that our conversation at the beginning had kept him from getting the marathon under 4 hours.

    I enjoyed the scenery and I made a few stops to take some pictures after the first long climb up. Couple people also stopped with me and took pictures of the valley and the lake.

    I just love our first long descent. There were hardly any traffic

    We had a good decent after mile 5. I love a long descent but I was careful to reign in my pace lest I exhausted myself.

    Miles passed by quickly. My goal was to reach halfway. By mile 12, I was feeling a bit tired and stopped for more pictures.

    Fishermen in their boat out on the lake

    Mile 17 finally broke me. This was a second long climb. I was a too tired to run up on the hill. It was over a mile long and so like most people ahead and behind me, I walked up.

    By mile 19, I had recovered enough to run again. I came across a runner who was struggling kind of badly. He did not know he missed an aid station. Apparently it was closed earlier and by the time I reached mile 19, they just reopened it. However, the runner in front did not see that. He was bending over stretching his legs. I passed by to see if he was OK.

    We were already some distance away from the aid station, and so only way was to go forward instead of turning around to return to the aid station.

    He had gel on him and I urged him to use his gel now. It would enable him to get to the next aid station. He took my advice. I also ate mine. We paced him, with run and walk to mile 22. It was his first time running a marathon. He was experiencing hitting the wall. He said he felt a cramp was about to happen. I urged him take it easy and not to force it.

    I knew he would be fine soon with only a few miles left. Mile 20 was my pick me up time. I started running in earnest to catch back up of a few runners who passed me.

    There was a lady, she was quite strong. I saw her still could run up the hills this late in the race. I kept pace behind and closing in a bit at a time. Soon I was within earshot and heard her breathing heavily. I knew her pace was not sustainable. Soon she paused to walk. I could have passed her but I decided to pause my pace and walked with her too and I offered to pace her. We were maybe 3 miles from the finish. I got her to mile 25. She ran a good pace behind me.

    Mile 25 had the last aid station, there she rested. I ran ahead to get water then to pour it on myself to invigorate me for the final push. The cold water helped shocking my system awake. I ran at my full speed then.

    I caught up with another runner. We ran into the finish together. I finished under 5 hours, at 4:48.

    I was happy. The sun came out. They offered pizzas and fruits. I had many plates while waiting for Caroline! I saw Jeff again as he was going home. I asked him how he did, guessing he must have finished under 4 hours. He was close and got 4:01. We laughed at that because he slowed down to talk with me and my friend Caroline and caused him to miss the 4:00 finish.

    Caroline came in around 6:00. She made a few friends who were around her pace. The two ladies were running their first marathons. One of them (Nene) said we must be pros. We laughed. I said it was Caroline 45th marathon and mine #13. Actually my real count is around 50 something for full marathons. 13 is my state count. We had our meal and pictures taken, then we parted our ways.

    I am completely satisfied with my trip and the race. My trip home was a long one due to a fairly long layover in Seattle. I went out the airport for lunch at Pike Place (farmer market/wharf) about an hour train ride away. Something I wanted to do anyway. Originally, I wanted to go to Vancouver for couple days too.

    I have been the Wharf before but this time I took the public transport out, called the Link. It was a good tour of the greater city, riding the electric train (bus). Yes, there are tent cities etc. There are more homeless people than last time I visited. There were some weird people even on my train. As I rode, a guy behind me was explaining the local history and what he encountered with some scary people.

    See the mountain in the distance! I did not remember seeing that on my last trip. People said it’s Rainier. I called it Mt Fuji (sorry)

    The rail is a technological wonder to me. We had to pay to ride but I did not see anyone paying. I went to a booth and brought a whole day ticket for $6 (fairly cheap in my opinion). They did not have a fare gate to separate outside/inside. I saw everyone just walked through a painted area. I followed the same. I doubt my ticket stub is a RFID enabled. Later on my way back to the airport, I saw one passenger (out of a thousand), scanned his Orca pass at one of the posts at a corner. I did not have an Orca pass but just a normal ticket stub. Weird. I walked through the painted line like everyone else. I don’t know how they enforced fare evaders. I am just curious because in the DC Metro area, we are pretty serious here, with alarm beeping if one tries to hop over a fare gate. I think for most people, it was a free ride.

    The rest of the trip home was uneventful. My flight home was on-time. Well, I rather not say about my trouble with Uber/Lyft. Maybe the lesson there was to get a flight in earlier. I eventually reach home but not until after 2 AM, that is for another time.

  • [Day581] off week / non racing week report

    Life happened. I don’t remember much what happened during the last two weeks.

    Running front not much to report.

    I was going to run the Army 10 Miler, which I ran last year during the Columbus Holiday weekend. I was not going to do it again this year but couple of my friends wanted to do it, so I decided to join in (was pressured to join) for the fun of it. We signed up probably back in June or July. For some of them, that would be their longest run ever.

    Supposingly I’ve heard my friend looped in 20+ of us to sign up, but only about 8 showed up for the run. The one who gathered us all to run this jokingly said she should collect a fee from all the no-shows. We should have paid her instead of the Army Ten Miler! Easy money.

    Something happened to me and I did not get to run it though I signed up and paid for it.

    It was on me. I lost track of the day for picking up the bib. No bib meant no racing. They did not allow race day bib pick up.

    I was planning on going after work on Friday for the bib pickup because my workplace is closer to downtown where the race and pickup was. However, a last minute urgent task came in at work and I was stressed over in completing the task. I am blaming work but I know it was on me.

    In my mind, I already crossed off picking up the bib and so did not plan to go to downtown on Saturday. I had a training run scheduled on the Saturday. I did the training Saturday morning and went straight home afterward totally forgot about going by downtown for the bib or the next day event.

    It completely escaped my mind. By Saturday evening, I was mentally rehearsing through what I would be doing on Sunday and preparing for it. It then occurred to me I did not have my bib.

    I knew it was too late then. I did not know anyone who worked for the race organization to get it for me on a private channel. It is such a big event and there bound to be someone who know someone and possibly can get it during off hours. There were still 12 hours before the race. It was not happening. No way could I reach someone to get me a bib for the run.

    To say I was disappointed was a mild way to put it. I was frustrated at myself and the whole thing. I was fuming the whole night and all Sunday. I was sulking the whole Sunday (the reason I didn’t post this).

    I had this long 3 day weekend, normally I would fill it up with a long trip, like running or camping at somewhere far away. Now what was I going to do. I ended up doing nothing.

    The race fell off my schedule. I had nothing to cover for it. Ended up I did not do anything on Sunday either.

    Monday came. The holiday. Columbus Day. I was going to use it for my training. Then my good mother wanted me to take her to a park. That basically messed up whatever plan I had left for the weekend.

    I did not want to do it. I was like, my Saturday was ruin. My Sunday too and now my Monday. I wanted to head up to Shenandoah. My mom believed she “saved” me from my trip. She thinks I went on too many trips. I was a bit miffed and irritated by it. I took her to the park.

    In the end, no one to blame but for myself. I am very jealous of my own time. There is a tug of war: me or the world. I have been “winning” for a long time and this weekend was one of the “bad lucks” in that I did not get to do what I wanted. I gave in not because I lost, but because my heart was not in it any more.

    Summary, very little running was done comparing to my usual volume. My ankle though does need the rest. It recovered much since July trip to Ohio, but it never is at 100%. It does not hurt any more, but it does not feel strong. It always feels like I bump on the funny bone type of sensation when I run on it. It is a strange feeling. I don’t like the cracking sound it makes whenever I try to stretch it. It probably missed a bit of cartilage there.

    Whatever happened, I know it was meant to be.

    Other than running, I have been ruminating on my next year run schedule. I have been at this for a month with very little progress.

    I know what races I want to do. Yet unlike this year, I don’t have anything bold I wanted to try. This year was the Massanutten 100, Blackbeard’s Revenge 100, and Grindstone 100.

    I will run the Massanutten 100 and the Grindstone 100 again, but they won’t feel like I will be shooting the moon. They are not as challenging as before. All my runs of these past few years always have been me trying push the boundary of what I am capable of. Each time I pushed past one, it felt I have reached a new level. Eventually, I reached where I am today. It makes me pause like what’s next.

    I have to find my focus.

    I am proud of what I have become. I like running long. I don’t get tired. 30-40 miles are good distance for me. 50 mile runs feel really good. 26.2 are really easy now.

    I have a vague idea of where I am heading. A few new friends have a goal to attempt the grand slam (run 5 famous 100 milers). It would be nice for me to try those harder races.

    A 200 miler is also in the play. I think I can do it. Next year is not the right time yet. The one I wanted is cowboy 200, but I promised to pace a friend there. I am not serious yet to run a 200 at the same time. Maybe 2025.

    Another idea was to do fifty states for 100 miler. Two friends of mine are attempting. I don’t have to follow them. I know I will eventually do it since 26.2 no longer as appealing. I started on it already. However, I can’t run as many races as marathons. I already ran 50 marathons to-date but only 5 100 milers.

    I am paralyzed by indecision with regard to what races. I want to feel sure about what I am going to sign up. If a race no longer has the “feel” than I don’t want to force myself to run it. In the end I am running because I like it and not because I have to do it. Forgotten Florida 100 seems like a good race on paper, but I don’t have the passion for it, while Red Dirt 100 doesn’t seem to be as a good race, but I really want to do it. They are both on the same day. Normally, yes follow your heart! My head would not let me though. Red Dirt is “harder” in term of logistics.

    My next event would be pacing a friend at Rim to River 100 in West Virginia in November. Yes, I gave her my word I would do it. It is coming up in three weeks.

    That’s that. Nothing new to report except for my whining. Until next time.

  • [Day580] giving back at Yeti 100

    Grindstone 100 is still big on my mind. After a few days of rest and pondering, I committed myself to the next year event. Pre-registration actually opened before we even ran this year event. Some runners were offended by the “money taking” move. However, I am glad they open the registration already! Because I can sign up at a discounted price. It is about $20 more than than last year, about 6% increase. Inflation, what can we say, but please take my money.

    I have been feeling great so far. After Burning River in July, I was crushed, not so much because of the DNF, but something about that race just did not sit well with me. I did not run much for two months after that. It just sapped my energy.

    I was in motion but was not getting anywhere. I tried to sign up for other races next year, but was not able to will myself.

    After reading a friend’s post, it reminded me that, I possibly was having a burnt out at the time. For doing too much in things I no longer find joy in.

    I don’t mean that I have been running too much. As for the amount of running, the “much” part is relative. Some considers running 100 miles in a month being too much. I do that amount in a weekend.

    Grindstone helped me find or rediscover my mission. I did not want to run races just for the sake of it. I know I have a longer term goal of to run in all 50 states, because that was fun to me and it gives me a reason to travel, which I really enjoy. But that my mission has a component to help others achieve their running objective! I think that what energized me over the weekend.

    Something about Grindstone, that my neighbor said I looked more recharged. This is rare because usually after doing a 100 mile, I am beat up. My neighbor was asking what has changed in me. I said just a race!

    This was for the first time, I actually finished the race feeling more refreshing than going into it. My outlook changed too. The past whole week has been great. I have been asking myself, what races to do for next year. I am upbeat. I did sign up for Grindstone again for 2024.

    This weekend, I helped a friend with her 100 mile race. She was with me at Grindstone (Lynn). It was tough for her to do two big races back to back. Her third big race is in a month from now (and I might help her in that one too). On a side note, I checked the entrant list, and saw a few familiar names of those who ran Grindstone with me last week. There are some amazing people out there. I was rooting for my runner. I am excited for her and of her ambition, and so I was willing to help what I can to get her through this.

    From Grindstone, I had more realistic expectation as a pacer. My experience helped Lynn through her difficult times.

    Just a small update, I originally wrote this entry before Lynn’s race, and was going to publish it, but somehow did not have the time. Lynn finished her run. As a pacer, I could not take any credits for it. It is her own strength, she found somewhere to get her through.

    I was with her from mile 49 to miles 85. 34 miles-ish.

    I met her around 6:30 from Damascus crew station and we arrived back 6:30 in the morning.

    She was the first person I paced who actually finished! It was not easy for her. My job on the otherhand was quite easy. I just stayed with her and made sure she’d keep moving.

    The exciting part is sharing her finish. It was her hard work, yet I got to say, I helped! Back to the topic of finding joy! Yes, I had a good time. I met several other runners at the finish, and they were surprised to see me there, and I said, I paced my runner!