Two weeks now since my race. I am plotting for my next move. It might be a long time because at the present I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything. I am plotting though.
I know the feeling of having reach the highest of highs and now normalcy seems like the lowest of lows.
Nothing I want to do seems to reach what I did in term of satisfaction. There are harder races out there but hard races are not something I want to do any more. What about easy races?
I actually did a 10k race over the holiday (memorial weekend). I did quite well, got in under an hour, given I was not sure I could even run since it was my second time actually ‘run’ after my 100 mile race. My legs were still jelly. The course was hilly too (for city running).
This weekend I am volunteering/crewing at one of the ultra 100 mile grand slams – the Old Dominion. It is the first of 5 races. It will be hot and nasty and some rain. Runners are trying to get in under 24 hours.
Races like these are beyond my ability. One of the staff asked me if I would be willing to be a safety runner for one of the late participants who was pulled in from the waitlist.
I had to politely decline. With my pace like 16-18 mins, I would be a liability to the runner than helping them. They would be moving on average 14 min pace or faster. Though we will see, there is a runner I am willing to pace there, who had attempted this race couple times but couldn’t finish. The runner said it was because of lacking a pacer.
Anyway, I know what I need to do to stay off post race blue. I hope by helping others I might get some satisfaction in their accomplishments. I don’t know, maybe it is a new experience.
There were a bunch of races I want to do. But I feel like I am right now just going through the motion. This year I only did one state so far (Texas). I could have done a dozen or so as one of my friends did. I am trying to copy her this year’s schedule for next year (see below).
I am not sure why I am dragging my feet in signing up for those races though. Maybe they are not for me.
My race plan for next year (I just realized how horible the color is. I can’t read them either in dark mode)
I won’t be doing all of them.
Awhile back, I wrote I would think on it somewhat about my fall schedule. My so call sleeping on it. My fall schedule is mostly set.
My friend is going to do a marathon in Idaho in October and asked if I want to join. I am on the fence. I originally wanted to run the Lake Tahoe Marathon that weekend. I put Lake Tahoe aside for awhile back but now it came back into view. It seems I can do it, maybe after finishing the MMT gave me a fresh motivation. It is in conflict with the Idaho’s Marathon. We will see which one I will pick.
Plus now St George (Utah) might be in play as well. I am also looking at Sedona Marathon. These all clustering around the second week of October.
At the same time I could swing by twitchCon, a gamer convention, in Vegas. Yes, that seems to my focus. I don’t know why I want to go there, but also I might feel a bit out of place. Anyway, I am planning my races around the convention, hoping it will give me an excuse to go!
This is all for now. My life after the Big Race is quite tame.
My chimken stratches of my planning process for first half of 2024 races — basic trying to limit myself to 1 race a month. Nothing decided yet. Some races are open for registration! I have been playing with the sheet every day for the past week. It has been my plate mat.
Oh, biggest news, I am thinking of going to Sydney. I mentioned previously but hard to face the truth that I wanna go. There is the blue mountain marathon. It will take some work to make everything line up.
I have been dragging my feet. I want to feel excited again! For the Sydney trip, I am deferring the decision to fall.
Saying I am lost for words to describe seems like a lazy way to put it. This is not a race report. It is too raw and there are too many thoughts to condense it to something as a report.
I just posted the pre-race feeling. There were a lot of anticipations. There had been a lot of training runs and a lot work putting into it. Preparation. Thoughts. I looked at the last year race, especially why I could not finish and why this year would be different. The run was pretty much in line with my expectation at every phase.
100 mile races are tough. Unlike with marathons, I go in not knowing if I would finish. In fact the drop rate for any ultras are usually high, like 30-40% and sometimes even 50%. This year is no different. No one goes into a race and think they wouldn’t finish. We all go in thinking we have a fighting chance. For me, not having finished last year, put a lot pressure on me, because it is more likely I would not finish again. What happen once can happen again! I know couple runners who did not finish last year and I asked them what were their expectation. They didn’t tell me. Statistically, they did not finish. I was afraid myself.
With the dismal stuff out of the way, yes I was excited and I was confident. It was not a blind confidence like last year. I knew where I will be struggling and I knew almost every inch of the course. Some parts, I have been through multiple times training on it.
I entered the race probably was not in my optimal condition. Left foot was still bothering me since December. I was hoping it would be healed by now. I had a sprain (twice) during Naked Nick 50k. Ever since, It has been hurting. I haven’t reinjured it since but it hasn’t either completely healed either, maybe because I haven’t ever truly taken a break from running.
Also, nights leading up to the race, I haven’t been sleeping well. I stayed up late for way too many nights. Thursday night I stayed up till 3 packing (packing was done by 1 ish, but I was no longer sleepy afterward). Friday night was the pre-race camping out, bugs and cold temperature, and maybe anxiety had kept me up.
Lastly, I didn’t taper! I ran a 44 mile the week right before the race. Many of my running friends were suprised to see me still running. To say I was a bit tired is an understatement. Plus I was trying the Streak thing with Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee (GVRAT – Rat race). I ended the streak after day 14 though (not by choice), which was probably a good thing looking back to give my body a week of rest from running before the race.
There are just so much to say! The race is big. It has a lot of history. It is well known for friendly people. Everyone knows everyone! Last year I didn’t know anybody but this year coming in to the race, I almost know everyone (well maybe about 25% of the people there) and if I didn’t know them, I would be by the end of the day. It has many great aid stations, probably the best in all the races I have been to. It was super fun and well organized. The race is epic. I can just heap on superlatives. Unlike many popular 100 mile races, this one is one giant hoop in a relatively remote area and is a mountain race, so in theory, it is a bit hard to support, but the race did above and beyond to get the race done year after year.
There were those who ran it twenty years ago and came back for a second time! MMT branded itself as multi-generational race. I bet for every runner, they must have known someone from somewhere who had run the MMT before. There were very few fresh first timers (Costi & Charlie, Stuart and Wayne too, but it wasn’t their first rodeo), but who just happened to sign up for the race.
It is my second time running it, so a lot of the mysteries are no longer a surprise (my last year MMT’s report). The race being hard, and that was handled in training runs. The race being long (36 hours, new this year). I did a few 12-hr runs. I still struggled with sleep deprivation but it is no longer strange to me. A few times in the final miles I saw trees turning into people taking pictures of me and then turning back to trees! — or maybe they might have been actual people being camouflaged well, who knows.
The main things entering this race were to correct my last year’s mistakes. I wanted this race to be a redemption. It did. The joy of succeeding in doing something when the first time failed is so much enriching. Because last year there were a series of races that I DNF’d (didn’t finish) — Devil Dog 100k, MMT, and Iron Mountain. MMT was the most important to me. I was able to redo the Devil last December and redeemed it. I ran Blackbeard 100 successfully to show myself I can still do a 100 mile race. MMT was like the final exam. Can I put everything I have learned so far into the real deal?
My flaws of last year race was mainly not having sufficient energy for the final push up the last mountain (mile 88-mile 96), Scothorn. Also I was wasting too much time at many of the aid stations leaving not enough time for the run itself. Third flaw was physical condition, the long format race wears the body out, especially the feet. I was not taking care of my body enough.
So this time around, I prioritized more time on the course and less time at the aid stations. It mean being smart and planning ahead. It takes care of all my three major flaws.
Packing food and leaving them in drop bags, is one solution. My last year solution was to carry two foot long hogies and that did not work well once I finished eating them early in the race. My thinking back then was I wouldn’t have the appetite to eat on the second half anyway, so I pigged out at the beginning. It doesn’t work like that for ultras unfortunately. The key is to eat little by little!
They gave us 9 drop bag locations (actually 10, because we came through one twice, Gap Creek 1 and Gap Creek 2) and I packed 10 doggie bags of snacks (good snacks like granola and raisins as well as junk food like gummies — you need both because your appetite changes very quicky and you need to keep eating regardless, junk food makes good food goes in easier). I packed milk (muscle mik that doesn’t require refrigeration). I had sport drinks (Costco brand which has higher sugar and salt contents).
You can’t count on aid stations, some did have gatorade/Tailwind, but they do run out or being too diluted and they did run out. Always pack your own necessities. I don’t count calories and electrolyte intakes as some athletes do, but I monitor my overall feel. I had also a can of coconut juice for that extra refreshment. I ended up didn’t need it during the race, but at post race it was a wisdom from above and kept me awake for my drive home. As much as one been drinking, I was dehydrated, and that can of coconut juice was amazing.
I still ate at aid stations but my drop bags had my main meals. This allowed me carry food on the go, including the food provided by the aid stations. When I arrived at a station, first thing was to grab water, making sure I drink, then filled up all my water bottles (usually a voluntert would help you with that). Then I ate from the table or if something was too big (heavy) that needed more than a couple bites to chew, I’d toss them into my food bag.
Next is to go for my drop bag that is stored at the station. It either is to clean myself (like changing shoes, shirts, socks, etc) or get more food. Some drops I have baby wipes. But the most important thing is to exchange my food bags. My food bag does not always have the same food (a lesson learned from Blackbeard’s Revenge 100, where I got tired of my own food). The early stations I only leave a candy bar or so. But later stations have weightier meals. I don’t necessary finish eating everything, but I could make a decision whether to take a new bag or continue the current one, or mix-and-match food items that I like. The point is to keep eating. Note, I don’t eat much while I’m at the aid station, all those food items are meant to be taken on the go. I only eat while out on the trail to save time and to force myself to constantly feeding. Usually, time spent at a station is less than 5 minutes, but time on the trail between the stations is couple hours long. Hence, the reason to prioritize getting/packing things on the go instead of eating at the aid station (a big lesson I learned from last year MMT).
Nutrition is a big part in finishing an ultra. It is much more important than in a marathon run. In marathons, bonking usually results in a slowet finish, but with ultras, bonking usually leads to-flunking-out, because the body shuts down. I had that happened to me last year at MMT. I literally so tired that I could not even lift my foot for another step. I had seen ultra runners fainting (at the Devil Dog) and I had near fainting experiences. We were trained to push our bodies to the point of exhaustion, with very little left in the tank and if race conditions change for the worse, like temperature drops or the sun suddenly hotter than expected, or sudden climb in elevation, would lead to the body shutting down. It is a fine line we walk. The body is tough but also very fragile. You do see that in marathons too but it is so much more common in ultras. So watch the body, don’t push it till it can’t go any more.
Being smart about planning what I need and when reduced the time I need to spend an aid station leads to more time on the course. This was the key to success this year.
I might have gone out too fast last year. This year, I was willing to ‘wait’. My motto is slow is speed. By moving slower, I was actually making up more time at the end. Moving slowly actually saved me more time this year. Here is how: There were no conga lines on the way up the early mountain sections. That was always frustrating, when you felt you can run faster than the person ahead but they are blocking your way and it takes hours to clear up. Not just one person but whole line of them for the next few miles. Last year, I did not escape from the crowd until 33 miles later. I avoided all that this year. There were no frustrations and no trying pass one another. No conga line. None. Because I was willing to let all the hotshots go first.
There probably were traffic but I seemed to miss them. The first four miles seemed to separate the different pace groups well. Last year, I was passing people one after another for the whole first 33 miles. This time, I somehow hit the right pace very early on. There I stayed. No one passed me much and I didn’t pass others much either. Passing people takes a lot of energy. Not having to do it save those efforts for later push. It was amazing. If you do it right, this is how it should be. It was as if the whole field has disappeared and I was the only one running. I was very surprised myself.
One very important thing I learned this time is I could have anything solved while on the trail instead of waiting until I get to an aid station. Most of the time was being proactive at problem solving. I kept asking myself what is likely the biggest problem I am having right now or soon will have and how do I go about solving them and what is the optimal solution. I would rank them in my head and go about them in a round-robin way. I would repeat again and again. Always checking for any possibly issue. I kept asking myself “What can I do at the present.” This is the new insight I learned from this race! You have to proactively seek out problems (warning signs) — otherwise, the brain would hide them from you and you will forget them at the aid stations. This was the solution to my mistakes I made last year, when I repeatedly forget to eat, because I was so scattered brain at the aid stations. Runner’s foggy brain is real.
I surprised myself – for instance, I was finding I started to get some rashes from the rub burn. At first, I thought, hey it’s just a little discomfort, I could wait till I get to the station for some clean shirt. Then an idea came. I carried body lotion on me (sometimes sunblock lotion, body lotion, vaseline, or even lip balm, etc). I have heard stories someone used lipbalm for underwear rashes! You got to use whatever you have on hand!
So I asked myself: Why not stop and apply them. I did, it cooled the irritable area and the problem was dealt with. There were so many similar things. Stop rashes from starting. Stop blisters from happening. That quick one or two minutes on the trail fixes saved time when arriving at an aid station. Sometimes, it is unavoidable, but we deal with as much possible while during the run rather than wait till we get to the aid station. I also stopped whenever I felt grits had gotten into my shoes and I would stop and empty them.
When things done right, the race was pretty boring and uneventful. Unlike last year or previous races, I did not let things get too far out of hand. This race I think was very boring in term of my execution! Everything was done by the book. I was bored.
My biggest problem was and it was a rookie mistake. It was my hubris. I wore the wrong type of shoes for the race. I prepared four pairs of shoes. Two pairs are old shoes, and two are completely new (same two pairs I acquired at the Roanoke Marathon).
You probably know where I am going with this. I have been running for 7 years and I pride myself of being able to run in any kinds of shoes as long as they are not sandals. I probably would, but I stubbed my toes doing that before and stopped doing it. I typically do not wear trail shoes for trail running. However, I do most of the time break in my shoes long before an important race. This time I did not do so and I suffered for it.
It was not the shoes to be blamed. I wore two new pairs on my daily usuage and even light running and they seemed fine. I had them for maybe couple weeks. I had not used them for harder stuff.
As for the race, the shoe plan was to start with my trusted old pair first, and if I like it I will continue to wear it. I stove the first new pair at mile 33/35 at Elizabeth Furnace. The next pair was at Camp Roosevelt (mile 63-65-ish), it would be an extremely old pair because it would go through mud before getting to Gap Creek. From Gap Creek I (mile 70) to the finish would be my last new pair. The plan seemed well thought out to alternate between the old and new pairs.
It is the last pair that gave me the most trouble. Well the first new pair after putting it on, I know immediately I didn’t like it. Not because it was uncomfortable, it is very comfortable but the issue was I couldn’t “dance” on the trail. Shoes required trust. I was not trusting them.
I found out the reason why! I have been lucky in all my 7 years of having road shoes that are made of harder leathery materials that protect my toes and my side and the back of my heels.
These two newer pairs were made of the lightest fabric in the universe and they offer very little protections on rocks or what not. The shoes were like having a brain of their own. I went left they went to the right. When I hope on rocks, it slides under me – very dangerous. The inside of the shoes does not stick to my feet. The shoes were too soft, and plyable. I cannot land tip toe. Many times with trail running, you got all different kind of angles you will be landing on, and I need a shoes that does not bend or move away on their own. I need them to be able to balance from any spot/point under my feet. These two new pairs failed miserably. Note, I got them half a size larger anticipating my feet to swell, my feet did not, and so, it was too roomy! It was one of the reasons, the shoes were uncontrollable.
It is not the shoes fault but the user. I chose the shoes and I had to live with the consequences. The shoes were clearly not designed for trail running.
The first new pair from mile 33-62, I beared it grudgingly. But at Gap Creek I had the important decision to make to run with a wet and muddy pair or to which to the new pair. After weighting the pros and cons I chose the newer pair.
That might have been a bad decision because I would be going through one of the most technical sections on the course. The new shoes were not helping. Because of all the slipping and sliding around, my feet were messed up. I hated my shoes every moment of it for the next 12 hours (from 3:30 AM to 3:40 pm until I finished). It was basically no more running. Even walking on the trail was difficult with the new pair. I was lucky that I did not roll or sprain my ankles out there with new but useless shoes.
Conclusion: I learned a bit about shoes especially road shoes. Need to buy shoes that you cannot fold them in your hand or roll them into a ball.
I did not want this to be my race report. There were so many other dimensions about the race. Shoes and drop bags were just a small but important aspect.
I started this post before I wrote the race report. I did not expect to get the race report finished but I did. So what to do about this post?
The night before the race near Kennedy Peak trail (maybe 2 mile away from the peak). I drove up.our camp headquarter, not the barn. Some stayed in lodges, I camped in my car. Staff parking in the rear. We could set camp anywhere except like 200 yards from the start line.
I tend to overthink on things like with the aid stations and drop bags. It does get tedious and boring. They worked as intented during the race. I did better this year in packing not too much and not too little. Almost just right. Actually, I could maybe reduce them a bit. It was an improvement from the Devil Dog. It was my fourth 100, so yes, I learned and improved from all the previous tries.
Anyway, I had trouble of closing this post and I lost the energy to continue. I was glad I got the race report out. This post became secondary and even unneccessary. It is a mini report. It was originally to serve something in the interim before the final report is out. However, I hope this can be interesting to some of my readers. (I found it interesting myself).
This is one of the more difficult race reports to write. It is harder than last year when I didn’t finish the race. Basically then I said I couldn’t finish and here are the reasons why. But when things went well, what is there to say?
This time, I finished. I am pleased. I am happy. I am smiling and clutching my buckle in my sleep. It was a perfect race. I could not ask for more. Yes there are rooms for improvement, etc. However, whatever I set off to do in this race was done and I hit each check point as expected. Everything was smooth and easy to allow me to finish the race.
I did not want to bored my readers. I really have nothing to say but also have so much to say about the race.
I didn’t have many pictures during the race since I am usually too anxious and focused. My phone died by the next day. I so wanted to take a photo at Q view. Here is the sunrise after Moreland Gap. Maybe 5 miles into the race. We had beautiful weather for running. I was with Mike at the time. He is a dear friend who helped me at the Devil dog. I met him at Stone Mill training run last year and he impromptu crewed me at the Devil Dog at the final 10 miles. This time I got to run with him!
Apologize in advance that this report won’t be my usual report. It might be I need more time for everything to sink in for me to make sense what I did. It was two years of intense training! I wanted this race so bad. Now I had it.
Race HQ and assembly area. My friends from PA running club were also running in this race. Seeing them here was a surprise. They asked if I am going to World Ends this year! First AS, Mooreland Gap. water only. There were 15 AS plus 1 unofficial AS before Camp Roosevelt (someone hauled 20 1 Gal water jugs up on the mountain). It saved me. My splits: I am not a data guy, but I was pretty much on my planned pace almost exactly like last year. Only thing different was I get off Kern Mountain faster, from AS 11-AS12 (1hr ahead of last year). It earned an extra hour of buffer time. It guaranteed I would finish. The stress was off once I reached Visitor Center. I knew even if I walk, I have enough time to do it. I had 10 hours to walk 22 miles. (note, I just notice my pace chart final time cut off is wrong, it should be 17:00 (5pm) not 16:00 (4pm).
My whole plan was trying keep my time of 9 hours every 25 miles. I knew I would be tired later on, so in the beginning, I was doing between 7.5 hours to 8 hours marathon.
I did not have the time for the 25.8 mi stop. I reached Indian Grave, mi 50.1 (halfway point) at 20:15, in 15.25 hours, so roughly on target for 31 hour finish.
It was a bit slower (45 mins) than last year. It was fine with me. I was aiming to make up time at the aid stations. Last year Habron, I used up a lot of time fixing my feet, this time I was aiming to be quicker at each station while making sure I had everything. This made a big difference. Always do things with a purpose!
The fun of the race really began after dark! Sunset while I was making my way to Habron. It had rained earlier around 3 pm. I did switch to a dry shirt once the rain stopped. My shoes and my shorts and underpants though were wet. I had rub burns/chafing in various places. It was nothing too severe but definitely not comfortable. I did not do anything at the time, hoping I could dry out and got some cream once I reached the aid station.
At Habron, I met Amanda. She had been ahead of me whole day. We trained together. I thought she would be struggling in this race, but she was doing very well. In training we were about at the same pace. We were targeted about 31 hour finishes. It was a relief to see she was ahead and doing well. I had throughout the day wondering where she was, whether she was behind me or in the front.
This year, I hit my pace perfectly so I did not pass many runners nor many runners passing me. There were more than 200 runners, but I came across probably about 50 people, of the bottom half. We were together in this group pretty much for the whole race.
I did see Tracy and other fellow runners whom I used for gauging my pace. I passed her very early on. I was hoping she would be around the next morning. I ran with another runner, who said she reached mile 88 before running out of time last year. She said she would finish with the extra hour given. I was too tired to see if she made it in. I was too expecting to be with her for a long time, but we separated as we were near mile 33. She said the heat is making her go slower. I was also with Jeff, whom I trained with. He finished around 35 hours. You kind of have to know those who run around your pace.
Stuart too is another story. I trained with him. Stuart is over 70 year old. I ran with his son last weekend. And my original race plan was to be with Stuart for the first half then pick up my pace the second half. However, I think at around mile 10, Stuart felt he was moving too slow (he took a tumble). He basically asked me to go ahead. I did because I did not want him to be uncomfortable having the pressure of pacing me. Stuart met me at the finish!
So without Stuart, my race plan changed. I would try to run like last year. The key point would the middle of the night whether I could save time. As it have it, I lost my pace sheet. It felt from my pocket. I was having a little runner fog at the time. I was losing things left and right. I lost my chocolate milk, unopened. It also felt off from my pocket. I lost my rain cap. Also fell off. Exactly how and when was beyond me. I lost my garmin watch, thought it fell off too but found it later after the race in my hydration pack. It was what is up with me. I decided not to put anything in that particular pocket.
I later then caught up to Charlie and Costi at mile 25. These trio were whom I met on the first training run. They were saying just like the first training run, we are together again. They snapped a picture of three of us running (only Stuart was missing this time). I stayed with Costi until Shaw Gap. I felt I couldn’t keep their pace. I rather run at my own pace (sometimes slower and sometimes faster). Because I like to run up hills and run down hills. Costi is a very steady pace guy. I felt either I bumped into him for going too fast or being left way behind. During at one of the aid stations, I got all I needed, but Charlie was still needing more time, I set off alone leaving Costi and Charlie. Costi later (next day) at mile 88 caught back up to me. He paced me up over the final climb to Scothorn and to the final aid station at Gap Creek. Charlie dropped at Habron (we haven’t heard from him except that he was ok).
The night was indeed fun for me. I was moving slower but none of the climbs were difficult. I got up from Habron Gap alright. A lot of people said that was a killer. It was the beginning of my unraveling last year. So this year, I was extra careful. Jim and Jamie both were knocked out by the climb. Jim was a guy whom I ran with at the Devil Dog. He has great patience. He is normally Jamie’s pacer but this year he was signed up to be a runner. I was shock to hear Jim got sick and dropped out at Roosevelt/Gap Creek. Jim was suffering from hypothermia and heat exhaustion. We had temperature around 45-55 F, plus the rain, yup, it would put one out. Jamie later recovered (next morning) and finished in 34 hours! I felt so bad if she had to drop too, but she hung on. Ram took over to pace both Jamie and Amanda. I offered to take Jamie but only found out that Jamie was sick and she politely turned down my offer fearing she might slow me down.
I took a bit more time than last year getting off from Habron to Roosevelt. It was fine. I was not in a rush as last year. The key part would be going from Gap Creek to Kern Mountain and to the Visitor Center.
At Roosevelt, I kept my break short, remembering I overstayed here last year. I did stock up on food. The night got cold. I had a short sleeve shirt but regretted I did not pack a long sleeve here. I took it along to double up, but found wearing two layers was too warm for me.
Duncan Hollow/Gap Creek was as muddy as the previous year. I knew I had a new pair to change into at the Aid Station. I hated my new shoes.
This probably could have been the breaking point of the race. They say don’t do anything new on race day. I went and brought two new pair shoes and used for this race. I wore a good shoes from mile start to mile 33. Then swapped out to a new pair from mile 33-64, and the moment I wore it I knew and asked myself what had I got myself into. Mile 64-70 I had a good pair. 70 to the finish I had the bad pair, but they were new! They both were unacceptable for trail run. They were as bad as they can be. I leave the brand/model unnamed. It is not the shoes but me who picked the wrong kind.
So I finished Gap Creek, I had a decision to make, switch into a pair of shoes that I hate or kept the muddy shoes I like a lot. Both would give me blisters except which one would give me more than the other. I chose to go with the new pair.
I could not run or hike with the new pair. It does not protect my toes nor my heels. It slided around. I felt every rocks. It did not have traction inside or on the outside. I had the most difficult time with them. There was nothing I could do about it. The next option was to go barefoot. From the ordeal, I learned about shoes. My previous sets of shoes (and they were all road shoes) had stronger/tougher sides and back of the heel. Also the top were tougher. There wouldn’t be any rocks poking me. These new pairs are so squishable. You could roll them into a ball. Now I know, how to choose shoes. Pick the hard ones.
I survived the night to say the least. Morning was glorious. Many runners became faster. 15-20 so runners picked up their paces and passed me. They were miserable at night when I passed them. Now they were running. I wish I could join them.
I could run too but my shoes limited my mobility. Walking was what I could do.
Bird Knob was easy. Many said that was a hard climb, not me. Last year I fainted (blacked out) on here. I got up there in no time at all this year. I was surprised when I reached the top expecting to have a few more hundred of feet to climb. I got to the Picnic Area by 11. There I picked up Wang (Sheng). Wang is an interesting guy. He picked up running a year ago and he is hooked. He is running a 100 mile race every month.
I only needed 5 minutes at the aid station, but Wang was tired and we stayed forever (20 mins plus). I did not mind. Volunters reminded me several times to leave. Finally Jim kicked us out (jokingly of course). Jim is a friend of Wang. Costi came and took off. I actually wanted to stay ahead of Costi because he was ‘slow’ at the time. However, I already said I would keep Wang company.
Wang started running. I could kind of follow with a fast walk. We caught up to Costi at the Rt211 parking lot, 2 miles later. Last year I was struggling at this two miles. This year, my pace was flying. There Me, Wang, Costi, and Costi’s Wife (pacer), together tackled the last 6 mile climb (it was probably 3 miles, but trust me, it felt like 6). It was noon like last year. Sun was hot, like last year.
Last year, that was my bonking point. This year, I was stronger. I felt it was impolite to pass the group, so I followed them.
It was a long climb. Costi was moving slowly. No one complained. I felt I could have run up this climb. We passed couple runners. Once we reached the top, Wang took off. He was pretty fast going down hill. So did Costi. They finished about an hour ahead. I had bad shoes so couldn’t run. I did not want to risk breaking my ankle at this point in the race. I slowly made my way down. The last 4.8 miles were tougher, since it was on pavement. I got to give it to Costi and Wang. They ran in. I in theory could and should run. However, I started bonking. Costi too, at Gap Creek II, he seemed to suffer from heat exhaustion and was a mess. I left him, but 10 mins later, he caught up. He ran. Walking was all I could muster. My feet hated the pavement. I slowly in two hours made the final 5 miles. The last mile was back on trail, but it was bad trail. I arrived by 3:37 pm, ahead of 35 hours of last year cut off. This year, the race allowed for 36 hours, so we had a bonus hour. That was what I set off to do to use last year 35 hour cutoff as my goal.
Sleep deprivation. I had a bit of sleep deprivation around midnight, but then Amanda and Ram showed up and they kept me awake until we reached Camp Roosevelt where I had a cup of coffee. There was no more issue until the afternoon. The second time I had sleep trouble was around 3 pm on the final stretch to the finish. I saw trees turning into people who were taking pictures of me but when I took a second look to smile and wave, they turned back into trees again. I felt stupid. Who knows they might have been people. My mind was pretty loopy at the time. I did make it to the finish. I slept not long after. I wanted to wait for all my slower friends to come in, but the body was too much. Amanda came in about 15 mins after me. I got to see her. I heard that Jeff came in too. He was struggling. Jeff (60+ year old) on the training run, ran faster than me.
What went well: food. drop bags were pretty much on key. I had that system worked out at the Devil Dog and the Black Beard 100. Pacing was generally good. I could in theory go a bit faster. We had both the rain and cold and the heat, but I survived them all.
Shoes: Get better shoes for trails. No more soft shoes.
Also I learned to carry lotion on me later in the race. I was applying lotion constantly and that kept the chafing at bay. The most important thing I learned from this race is to heal yourself while out on the course, and rely less on coming into the aid station.
I did have fun. I was more relaxed when there was no cut off to worry about. My average pace was around 22 mins the second half. It was a relaxing pace.
The end was anticlimatic. Since 7 am after I got off Kern I knew I would finish. Unlike last year. Last year at 7 AM, I was struggling with cut-offs until 2 pm when I was no longer able to make it. It was stressful to race from one station to the next, but this year, I had two hours to spare. It was not even nail-biting. I was kind of floating in. Thus I struggle to say, is that all?
Many friends congratulated me. I was happy having DNF’d last year and to overcome it this time. I knew many could not make it this year even with the extra time. It humbled me. It helped me made so many friends. They all knew how crushed I was last year. Training did help. I saw myself being transformed since Training Run #1, when I was out of shape. But by race day, I was ready for all the climbing. My body shape is still the same. I am still feeling “not fit” but at least I could “walk” a 100 mile under 35 hours.
I have been a bit emotional as I stepped back on the MMT course the second time. I was not mad or disappointed the last time when I did not finish. I know I tried my hardest at the time. It is satisfying to be able to try it again.
I have been giddy all year looking forward to this. I have done plenty of training runs. January, February, March, and April. Now finally it is time for the real deal.
I know what to expect this second time around. I packed my drop bags, 10 of them for 9 dropbag stations (one station, Gap Creek we will pass by twice (there are total 15 aid stations)).
I spent whole Thursday night preparing. I did not sleep until 3 AM. I finished packing by 1 AM actually, but by then I was not sleepy. I know I need all the rest I can get. It probably pre race anxiety. Some runners go for med to put the body out for the night.
Friday. after work I drove to camp. It was exactly like last year. I was caught in the DC area traffic, but I used the Toll Road to bypass all the local traffic. Got to camp in time for the checking and dinner, but I missed the race briefing.
I met a new friend Zheng. This is his first year running the MMT. He was the sweeper of the last miles last year. Apparently I didn’t see him in the last year race. I know I was one of the last few on the course.
After dinner, I handed over my drop bags. They will be transported to various aid stations along the course the next day and will be available when I get there. I packed food, clothes, shoes, lubricant, wipes and various stuff. The race provides food, but sometimes it can get so crowded around the aid stations and there is no time to eat. Also the food the race provided many times would not be sufficient. As a runner, we learn to bring our own. The race provided food is supplemental only. I learned this the hard way last year. It is not that their food is not good or deficient, but that their purpose is to feed a lot of people in shortest amount of time, so it means to keep portions super small (finger food). The solution is to get a doggie bag and fill it up!
The night settled in. I slept in the back of my car. It is a perfect day to sleep under the stars. I brought a tent but too lazy to set it up (and to put in away the next morning). I just climbed on the back of my truck, laid down some yoga mats and blankets and crawled in.
I set an alarm for tomorow 4 AM. I made sure it is AM and not PM. Actually my watch is on military time this year so I will not mess up on the AM/PM thing. Last year, I messed up somehow and my alarm did not go off because I set it to PM. I almost missed the race. It was at the last moment I woke up in time and ran to the start line, which was only few hundred yards away.
I had everything ready this year. Even if I missed my alarm, as long as I could wake up, I could run any time. My hydration pack is filled. My shoes are right next to me. I dressed in the clothes I will be running in and I am sleeping in them. They will be the same set for the next couple days.
There are some annoying bugs. They don’t bite but they are crawling on me and are making me itchy. Soon I will get under my blacket and ignore the bugs.
It got colder at night. Of course the night dew too made things wet. I had a tarp on top of my sleeping bag so it kept my blankets and sleeping bag dry.
As you can see, I didn’t sleep too well. I checked my alarm every hour. Volunteers came a bit before 4 (maybe 3:30). A few early birds showed up and parking people were directing them how/where to park. I was awaken by then.
I didn’t feel groggy. It is race day. I am exicited. Race report will be continued in a later post. (This post was written before I felt asleep and added the morning bit subsequently)
Being a bit time crunch but I wish to get this out.
MMT 100 is this coming weekend. I should be ready. There are a lot I need to do. Get my pace chart ready, dropbags prepared, and make sure I get to start. This is the race I have been looking toward since last year.
Over last weekend, I drove down to Dublin, VA, to do the Lake Ridge Endurance run (at Lake Claytor State Park), – 12-hour category. This year I only ran 44 miles, 4 less than last year. I blame the weather being hotter. I also did not have a good night rest the night prior, my fault. I was very sleepy during the first 6 hours of the race.
It was my third year running it. I stayed over night after. I met Steven, who is this year winner. It is not a race per se but he has the most miles done for the 12 hour category. Fitz won the 24 hour. Fitz is Stuart’s son. Stuart will be at the MMT next weekend. We will see each other again since Fitz will pace his father at mile 62.
Chrissy paced me the last 10~ish miles. I was glad she did otherwise, I might only have done 36 or so miles instead of 44. As the night approached I was able to regain my strength and ran my “full” speed of 15 min mile pace. Chrissy recently moved to area. She ran the High Bridge 50K in 5.5 hrs, impressive to me. I recommended Eastern Divides ultra to her, which I signed up already. The race will be on the first week of November.
In the morning, I got one more lap in for my morning run. It doesn’t count toward my miles but I like to have my morning exercise. I went and did the lap with Katherine. She is a new friend I met. She did Vol State a few years back.
In closing, I was very tired. It took me more than 8 hours to drive back home, when it should be about 4-5 hours. I made many stops along the way. Slept a bit in a rest area to catch up on needed sleep.
I also started arranging my race schedule for next year. I signed up for Roanoke Doubler over the weekend (April 20, 2024). My cousin in Sydney sent me a save the date for her wedding. That is next year in March. I tried to look for a marathon there so I could hit two birds with one stone, but unfortunately, so far, no marathons found in Sydney in that time frame.
Other news, I am still streaking for the GVRAT. Day 14 so far. It has gotten easier after day 3 during my Canada trip. As for tapering for the MMT, I wish I don’t have GVRAT to do, because it gets my legs tired. But oh well. I chose this path. MMT will be interesting in that I am not entering it with a 100% fresh body. My next report will probably be the MMT race report or similar.
It was an exciting trip and a big race for me. I like it just because Toronto is a great city. Granted I didn’t explore much but just the area near my hotel, the place seems orderly and unlike many places in the US. It has been many years, might have been like 24 years since I have been to Toronto, or at least 10 years. Has it changed much? Not much. It is just as hip as back then. I felt honor to finally run in it.
For most marathons, I would fly in, run, and then fly out. I could have done the same too for the Toronto Marathon, but for traveling this far and not spending more time in the city seems like a waste.
My mom and aunt wanted to come along, so I made it into a 5-day road trip. There certainly could have been a 7 or 8 days trip. It was a bit rush with 5 days.
We arrived in Toronto on Friday afternoon having stayed the previous night at Niagara Falls. We stayed near a chinese center, Time Square in Richmond Hill/Markham. There were a lot of good chinese food to eat, which is mostly what I want to do in Toronto other than running.
On Saturday, I went to check out the starting line at Yonge and Sheppard to get a sense how far the drive would be from our hotel. The race goes from North York and finishes at the water front at the BMO Field (about 13 miles away).
At the same time, I was searching and was able to purchase a temporary Canadian phone plan. Most major US phone companies have data coverage allowance for Canada but my phone plan did not, so I had to purchase a SIM card to use cellular service and data in Canada. With a data plan, I was finally free from teethering to a wifi. It allowed me to contact my family to pick me up after my race. Wifi isn’t hard to find, since almost everywhere provide free wifi, but still having a phone data plan is kind of a must.
The Toronto Marathon is a point to point race for the full and half marathon. Logistically, it is a challenge because either you need to know two separate locations – a drop off at the start and/or a pickup at the end of the race. It is kind of hard to tell your family where to pick you up at the end. They would have to find their way there. The race provided optional shuttle buses to transport runners to the start from the finish innthe morning. We could park at the finish and then take the bus. However, then our family members would have to wait there until I finish since the bus ride was not for them. So, as for me, I was dropped off and picked up by my family. I did not use the bus.
The course being a point to point was one of the reasons I picked this race. I like to feel the distance I covered in a race and to see it on a map. I love to run across the city (actually any city). I like to feel I was going somewhere instead of running around in a loop as many marathons tend to do.
It was an inconvenience for the whole city because the course caused road closures to a big section of the city, effectively dividing it north/south and east and west. Many city drivers were not happy about us running on the roads (and took their outrage to social media). I think many did not expect the duration of the closure to be long and also there was a lack of communication from the race organization and alternative routes being provided. Having just a map of the closure on their website is not enough. Some were upset they were blocked up to an hour. Some cars went on the course (probably illegally) and was driving among the runners — it was caught on video. Yes, wtf.
My family too was having trouble going around the closures trying to find their way to pick me up post-race. The race website did poorly to direct where to park for post-race runner pickup. They mentioned a parking lot, but we being from out-of-town were not able to find the lot. My family circled around the area several times before contacting me to set a mutual meeting place that worked for both of us. I am sure locals have less a trouble with the post-race runner pickup. I ended up walking to them.
The race recommendation was to use public transportation. Yes, sure. I will do that next time. (Note, trains didn’t run before the marathon started).
Race day. Everything worked out exactly for me. I arrived 1.5 hrs early. I had my bib mailed to me ahead of time so I did not have to attend the convention to pick it up. There were issues for some runners receiving incorrect bibs or not receiving a bib at all before the race. Some runner’s bibs were not being recorded during the race either, which was a runner’s nightmare. Mine was working correctly.
We arrived at the Yonge-Sheppard Centre by 6 am. It was not my first rodeo, so I knew to arrive early. We got a parking spot. Other runners also arrived. They closed the roads by 6:30 and began setting up. It felt late. I have been to races where the starting chute was set up during the middle of the night. There was a slight delay of getting the race start on time (5 minutes late — not bad but it was a shame they could not start exactly on the dot. Certainly some runners also couldn’t make it to the race before the start due to traffic.
We lined up on the street. The race feels empty. There were supposed to be 3000 of us but it felt like 500-600 runners. It did not feel like a big city mega race. I had expected it for more runners, like 50 thousands. There was an announcer at the starting line. His voice did not carry to the back and, we who were lining up in the back could not hear much of what was said.
I wish they had place some loud speakers toward the rear so we were feel the festive too.
I am sure the announcer was giving out last minute instructions since there would be two other events happening. The half marathon started half hour after us. However, I think some half marathoners seemed to be mistakening joined us (I think unintentionally) and did the full.
Some of the half marathon – walkers (walkathon) intended to walk the course, they started 15 minutes after us. They might have joined the full unintentionally. There were certainly some confusions that morning. I think also lack of signages at the start advising the half marathoners to wait or where to wait created some confusion.
There were also runners without bibs — I don’t think they were race bandits, but likely their bibs did not arrive in time. Again, I think communication could have been better to resolve this. They mentioned they would have race officials to pull runners without a bib off the course. When I was reading over the postings on social media, there were some confusions out there.
There were supposed to have different waves (corrals) to separate out the fast and slower runners but I think because they did not have time to set it up or volunteers to enforce the separations, it became one giant wave start.
Some faster runners complained about the disorganization. I believe the slower runners must have gotten in the way of the faster runners and crowded the faster runners. For me, as a slow runner, I stayed to the right and let people pass on the left. I also lined up in the back instead of the front of the pack.
Also other big marathons have restrictions that dropbags to be of a certain size (and a clear plastic bag). Here too they did, but the rule doesn’t seem to be enforced or followed. I saw many people brought all kind of suitcases, backpacks, and handbags. I did not use a dropbag myself because I carried everything on me like in a trail race, but I found it was comical that people did not follow the rules/or that the race organization did not provide those clear plastic drop bags for runners. Of course, there bound to be someone who missed the drop-off time (7:00 am). The bag drop-off closed 30 minutes before the race start. Not sure why, since they could have kept it open for the half marathoners too. Anyway, rules are rules.
We had a lot of first timers and the race did not explain well what a bib is or what to put in a drop bag or generally what to expect. Some did not know they need to pick up their bibs un order to run. Some thought they could pick up their bibs on the race day (and they could with exceptions, for those who chose mailing but didn’t yet receive a bib).
What went well: I am not complaining, with a big race like this, something would go wrong. Social media just amplified it more. However, I felt a lot of these could have handled and communicated better.
As for myself, my race was a success. Everything pretty much in line to my expectation.
The weather was good. We had a week of bad weather leading up to the race weekend and a week of bad weather after we left. I felt pretty lucky on race day, we had dry, calm, and warm weather.
I started off with a good pace. I tried to keep a 7 min per 1 km pace (probably around 10-11 min-mile pace). There were a lot of people around me. Many could and did run faster. Slowly I made my way forward. I was not in a rush. I started in the back so there were a lot of room once the race started. The course was measured in KM and I adjusted in my head to KM. I counted my pace using mins per km. It was easier than I thought.
There were some pleasant runners around me. At one point, the first km, I did it in 7 mins and I was saying what 7 times 4. The runner beside me answered 28 when I could not say it out the answer. hahaha. I was struggling with math. She said I am having runner’s brain already. True. I was actually calculating my finishing time of 7 times 42 in my head (7x4x10+14), which is 294 minutes or about 5 hours. Complicated math for running. I was stuck on the first part of 4×7.
I know the course is 6 hours. I was not sure if I could do it under 5, or that I will need the full 6 hours. The first km allowed me to get a good projection of my finishing time. Note that I had not run fast for a long time, so I was not sure if I could do it in 4h30.
I did enjoy the course. It had couple big hills. I ran up on all of them. Those around me also run up, unlike many marathons I did where most people would walk the hills. I was impressed with the Canadians.
The crowd support outside the city was tame but I did not mind. Most runners were quiet too. No one talked much. It did not get boisterous until we merged back with the half marathoners and we arrived in downtown.
Generally, I like to run with a pace group but this time, I ran by myself because they did not have a 5 hour pacer. I did not wear a smart watch (I lost/misplaced mine somewhere since my last race) and so I kept my own pace based on feel and an old watch. I did not caught up to the 4:45 pacer until couple hours later into the race. I think it would have been helpful for first timer to have a later finish pacers. I wish I had volunteered for the 5:00 group.
Once we reached halfway (over 21 km), I saw a lot of runners went down from going out too fast. A lot of them needed medical services for cramping. They all sat down either in the middle of the course on the side. Medical personels would go to them and wheel them off the course. I felt bad that many of them could not finish their races. I wish I had stopped to help some of them. In races in the US, only serious injuries would require medical attention, as for cramps, I was told to walk it off, and I would tell others the same. I mean each runner would have to judge for themselves if they could still finish or they need medical aid. I was surprised so many called for help.
It could be that the temperature was a bit hot. It was in the 60 F. For me it was perfect, but many prefer to be cooler say 45-50s.
We were given plenty of water like at every 2 km except at the finish line. Some complained with a race this size not providing water or gels at the finish and it was a bit of a disappointment. It did not bother me, because as a trail runner, I learned to take care of myself. I brought my own gels.
The last 10K was on a bike trail. Some faster runners complained that the path was not wide enough to have runners running in both directions. They said they almost crashed into runners going in the other direction. I (4:33 finisher) did not have that problem. Everyone mostly stayed in their own lane. I guess, they just need to educate runners to “slow down” and stay in their lanes. Some might have taken the race too seriously.
Some also said not all the roads were closed off. The police/security people were letting cars to cross, and some runners said they did not feel safe having cars sharing the same road. Again I did not have that problem. I think it might be the very front of the race or the very back of the race where they let cars crossing the course or onto the course. Some runners said they were stopped by the police to let cars cross and they felt that was not right because they were held up from having a PB or BQ (personal best, boston qualified). Some said they were almost ran over (because they didn’t yield). I did stop twice to let an ambulance through and another time was to let the police to go through. Those two stops might have costed me the 4:30 finish. However, I didn’t mind, but you could imagine if someone was chasing a BQ and they had to stop for couple minutes.
There were a lot of course marshals on the course, but I almost missed a turn during the final half-full marathon split. The half were making a right turn to the finish but the full marathoners were supposed to go to the left.
They did say, know the course. However, somehow I missed this turn during my course study. It is on me but I wish they had made a mention on the course map, put a star or something to draw attention to the split. Also I wish they had several course marshals there to separate the full from the half. The race signage was kind of lacking. Their signs were small and easy to miss. I have done many marathons where they would use giant banners/flags to warn of turns. The signages here were like a 5k race instead a major city marathon. Not complaining. My race was saved when a spectator shouted out to me to make the left turn after I went the wrong way. I was forever grateful to him otherwise my race would come to an end at the turn.
Running the marathon distance was not a problem for me. By 32 km, I was getting tired. The turn around point for the full marathon was a bit later maybe at 35 km. It seemed an eternity. I carried some gels on me, so I ate my gel. Then I picked up my pace, running a 9m30 (per mile) pace. It started to rain. I was one of a few who could still run at the time. Many were walking or slow jogging. I was able to pass many people. I finished at 4h33. It is a good finish time for me.
At a turn around point, I met a friend was also running the full marathon. I was good seeing her. I was kind of searching for her during the race, knowing she flew in for this. However, we were not able to meet up beforehand. I tried to catch up to her but her pace was too fast for me. She finished 15 minutes before me. I did not have a chance to see her again at the finish. Maybe because of the rain.
Ice: The weather was warm. Around 37 km, someone had a small bag of ice (maybe 5-6 lbs or so) and she was giving them out ice to runners. So I stopped and received a handful from her. Ice was so good on a hot day. I ate them. It was one of the reasons I could pick up my pace toward the end.
The post-race was a bit disorganized. They guided the runners out of the finishing chute. We were then left on our own. Runners did not receive their medals or water nor were we directed into the Elizabeth where we could pick up our finisher’s swag. Some went home without picking up a medal!
There were no signs or instructions where to go. Many met their family there at the end of the exit. So it was crowded. The Elizabeth building was right in front of us. Many people were crowding around there trying to get in but that was the exit. They would not allow runners to enter. The other entrance we could enter into the Elizabeth building was on the side. There were also a crowd there because they were handing out the medals at the doorway. I think it was not a good idea, say a stampede condition in the making. I waited around a bit for the crowd to clear but it started to rain harder, so I joined in and entered the building.
Inside the building was not crowded as I expected. Some were saying there were no one handing out medals earlier, but I got my medal from a volunteer.
There were food tables. They were handing out electrolytes. They were out of water. Likely the 5k/10k runners took them all.
I also drank energy drink instead. They had bananas and muffins for us. Many runners grabbed a big box and filled up their boxes with food and drinks. There was no limit how much we can take. I think it is ridiculous people carrying boxes of food. It was not likely they would eat a whole carton of of waffles or drink cartons of 24 cans of energy drinks. People were extremely greedy and grabbed as much as they could carry.
Late runners were out of milk and a lot of good stuff. I saw the earlier finishers had a lot of good food. Runners also discarded boxes and trashes all over (when they decided to leave behind after couldn’t finish them or the stuff they took was not good).
There were volunteers cleaning up as quickly as they could but they could not keep up with thousands of runners throwing away their trashes onto the floor. To me, it showed the lack or anyone in charge inside the Elizabeth building and people were doing whatever they wanted. There should have been a one way direction to guide runner through the food tables and then exit the building and then to their ride pickup location. Runners were like a mob there, robbing the place. Some described it being like a refuge camp. I think refugee camps have more order than here. Yes, it is a shame.
My family came to pick me a bit later. It took them an hour to circle around all the road closures to get near the building where I was. This was unavoidable. However, I wish the race had mentioned or provided a place for “kiss-and-ride”, a pick up area for family, taxis, and ride-share. They probably did, but I did not know about it. I stayed and watched how others were being picked up and did the same. We waited near the fire house, it seemed easy enough for our drivers to find us.
I had runners asking me about whether shuttle was available to take runners back to the hotel or the start area. I doubt there was any race provided shuttling back. Again there was a lack of signs or communication post race of where to go especially for those who were from out of town. The website mentioned we can take a city bus to various points in the city. Those places were like greek to me.
Personally, I enjoyed the race. The race could improve a few things. When runners pointed out the deficiencies on its social site, however, their comments were deleted. I understand it is to creat a positive experience but it was seen as stopping negative press. The race only wants positive reviews but not the negative comments.
There will always be people complaining but if the race went out of its ways to antagonize both the residences and runners, the race would not last long. Some were calling to boycott this race. Before I ran this race, I had some hints that the organization would not be as top notch as the city’s other marathon races. I still picked it for the point to point course. Also it fitted my race schedule.
I was lucky the race was good for me and my time during my stay in the city was also good. There were runners who ran this race every year. If I am near, I would run it again but since it is so far, it is a once and done for me. They do have a few bad sides but the goods certainly outweigh the bads.
I am having my International Debut at the Toronto Marathon.
The trip has been short. I spent a night at Niagara on my way to Toronto. And two nights in the suburb of Toronto (Markam). It is maybe 45 mins north of Toronto. Traffic is pretty bad here but probably not as bad as back home in the Washington, DC area.
It is a bit far from the marathon start and finish, but there is a large chinese population and many chinese stores. Some considered this the new china town(s). For me, the whole weekend have been tasting many chinese cuisines. They are low price and good food. People speak my native language. I can understand them but I can’t speak to them. I had dimsum for breakfast, Hong Kong beef noodle soup for lunch, and congee/soup for dinner.
I had a bit of problem for the first couple days because of not able to connect to the canadian cellular network until I was able to sign up for a local data plan. I purchased a prepaid sim card at a supermarket. Many stores no longer sell sim cards because you could order them online. I didn’t know that before I arrived.
Tomorrow would be the Marathon. I have been resting quite well. My mileage has been quite low. I started the GVRAT – and this year, I am aiming to run 10k (ish, 5-6 miles) everyday for 123 days.
It adds a bit of challenge. Day 1 was good. Day 2 was a bit hard. Day 3 was very hard, especially with the trip to Canada. Day 4 and 5 were a bit better. The body started to adjust of being out there every morning. Tomorrow would be day 6 plus, the marathon. I don’t know if I could handle the day after tomorrow. I bet the body would be screaming for recovery.
The Amory at Niagara
One good thing about being able to run is exploring places on foot. I ran down either direction from my hotel, traveling 3 miles one way and then another three miles the other way. It doesn’t beat driving, but it does give a sense of accomplishment to cover the surrounding area of I am staying.
It is not my first time visiting Niagara Falls or Toronto, but actually the first time to cover a lot of miles on foot. One reason I picked Toronto Marathon (May race instead of the September race) is the course being point to point.
I think the race will be good. I will write more (hopefully).
C&O 100, I didn’t pull to the trigger to run it. I was on the fence. It was risky to do 3x 100 and expect to do well in the MMT. I could but who knows. I know some did do the C&O and would run the MMT too. I just have to be more conservative.
I don’t regret of sitting out on it. I went instead to volunteer from 1 am to 1 pm on Sunday. It was a hard stretch but satisfying. I got to see the first place came in at 9 pm Saturday night as well as almost everyone finishing. I actually arrived early on Saturday at 6 pm. The kitchen/food crew cooked us dinners (I didn’t eat them since I was not voluntering at the time).
I was one who handed out most of the medals (buckles). There was no first/second place awards. Everyone got the same prize.
I helped bind up someone’s feet because of blisters. I guided the person in popping them and then wrapped them up with tapes. The person did finish the race. It was her first time doing a 100 miler. I couldn’t be more pleased. I remembered when I ran my first 100, no one taught me how to deal with blisters. I ended up quiting. I was happy I saved someone’s first 100 race.
There were couple runners with very ugly blisters. Fortunately, I did not have to deal with them. RD himself helped pop them and blind up the feet. As for another runner, the Aid Station Captain took care. There was a concern that it was poison ivy and not blisters from rubbing against the shoes. We didn’t pop them. Instead, the Aid Station captain sent the person to lie down. The dude finished under 24 hours, and we think it was his body reacting. I think it was his first 100. Not sure what happened to him. The next morning, his feet seemed to not swell any more and seemed to return to normal. Yes, it was very disgusting when they swoll up.
Another runner came in to the aid station in the middle of the night and her headlamp was out. She asked if anyone has a spare. I gave her mine. Unfortunately, she was not able to make the cutoff the next day and did not finish. She did return me my headlamp.
Also another runner came into the station very late. By rule, 3:45 am was our cut-off. The person came in at 4 am. Luckily the race director was there during the night shift. He told the guy if he could make it out in 5 mins, he could continue. He did make out within 5 mins. He picked up his pace and made the rest of the cutoffs. He finished. I avoided making the dreaded decision of pulling a guy from the course. In some races, rules are rules, missed the cut-off, means you are out. I missed a cut-off twice, one in MMT and the other at Iron Mountain. Each one was about 15 mins after the time limit. I am not jealous, but sometimes, I wish I could be able to continue on.
There were many first timers. This was the 10th year for this race. I handed out a 500 mile buckle for those who finished the race 5 times. There was a guy who ran and finished 7 times. I met one who did it 10 times. He was at every single race.
C&O would have been my first 100. C&O was canceled in 2020 and I feared it would be too for 2021. So I went for Umstead, but Umstead was full, and I signed up for the Rocky Raccoon. So Rocky Raccoon became my first 100. I haven’t had a chance to go back to C&O to run it, just for fun.
Other news, I signed up to run across Tennessee in a virtual race again. This time we started in New Orleans and we would run to Tennessee along the Trace. It is a well known historic trail. I think it is 444 miles long. I would love to run that some day.
There is a Trace Trail run (50 miler) in Tennessee. I can’t do it this year due to schedule conflict, but I will try it next year.
That’s all. Voluntering was a different perspective. I got to talk to many people. I was able to relax at the camp fire. We had bad weather, but as volunteers, we were sheltered under the tents. I was dry most of the time. Runners were not so lucky. I was glad I was not out there running. The race was much harder when it was cold and wet. Some runners though had a lot of fun in the rain it seemed.
Sleep deprivation didn’t hit me until I was driving home. It was scary. Let just leave it as that.
It was a novelty when I ran the Blue Ridge Marathon in 2019. It was known as America hardest road marathon, the footlevelers, with 7000 ft of total elevation (gain and lost). I finished in 4:45 and I thought I was slow because I had expected myself to finish under 4:30 or less. Now four years later, I had a chance to redo it and up the game to run it twice in one day also known as doing the Double.
Blue Ridge Footlevelers is one of the few marathons (might be the only one) that has an event where you could run the course twice and receive a time and an award for it.
I became aware of the double marathon during my first time there when I saw the doublers finishing their first lap of their marathon as we were about to start our race. They would be then joining us on their second lap. It was beyond my imagination those days of anyone capable of running a marathon twice.
Now fast forward to November that year, I ran the JFK 50, my first 50 mile race. I probably knew I was going to do a 50 miler since I usually plan things a year in advance, but still since I hadn’t run it at the time, it was a wonder for me that there were people out there capable of running two marathon distance on the same day.
By February 2021, I ran my first 100 mile race. The rest is history, because I ended up doing several more by 2022 and 2023. I was just a matter of when I would to go back to Roanoke to do a double marathon.
By then the challenge was no longer that hard to me, since I could run a 100 mile on trails.
MMT has way more elevation gains than Roanoke of 17 or 18 thousand feet of elevation change meaning 32000 feet of total elevation (about 4 to almost 5 times as many), so 7000 feet at Roanoke seems minor. I did the MMT last year, well 95% of it at least.
Note most races are measured by elevation change instead of total elevation gain and lost.
Spoiler: Before reading further though I didn’t finish the double marathon. Not because it was too hard for me but because the race was canceled halfway due to a storm. I only finished the first lap, and had a time of 6:22:00 for my first lap. Compared to my 2019 time of 4:45, over 6 hours finishing is slow. Not that I would mind. I am pointing it out my understanding of slow also has changed.
I was at least 6 miles in on the second lap before the race was called. I had a good time nonetheless.
I drove down to Roanoke after work on Friday. The drive was long. It was about 200 miles away. It normally takes about 3.5 hours. I ran into some afternoon rush hour traffic and it was over 4 hours before I arrived. My eyes had glazed over. We runners joked about couldn’t drive more than an hour but don’t mind running 6 or more hours out there. Indeed, I don’t like driving that far.
I arrived around 6-7:00 pm and made it to the expo, which closed at 8 pm. There were some people still around, but not a lot. There was a free concert happening at the amphitheater. I brought two pairs of new shoes at the expo, Altra Rivera 3 and Estalante 3. I feel comfortable in them. The volunteer asked me if I would wear both of them the next day since it was obvious I was running the double marathon because I was holding my bib and race shirt in hand. Hell no, because rain was forecasted. I don’t wear new pair of shoes in the rain. Rain ruins good shoes.
The forecast had 100% of rain for race day. So I chose to go with my beat up trainer pair. I had two old pairs with me but I know if my feet feel fine, I would not even have to change shoes midway.
My hotel Econo Lodge was only a mile from the start. I decided to rest early that night. I brought a Subway sandwich from next door. Price has gone up and my dinner cost me nearly $20 and I was grumbling about my footlong and drink being expensive since I could get a chinese buffet of an all you can eat at around that price (Hibachi Grill I think was under $20, same for a large bowl of Pho and drink, $16). Traditionally, I go for a buffet the night before a race and Pho afterward. They are my comfort food.
I did not want a buffet this time because I did not want to go bed with a heavy stomach. After eating, I tried to sleep early since I know my double marathon event start in the middle of the night at 1 am, but I was unable to fall asleep until closer to 11 pm.
I don’t know when I felt asleep, it might have been 10 or closer to 11 but I slept like a baby with the light on and my clothes unchanged. I had my REM sleep, which was great because that all I needed to have energy for the run.
The race, my first lap was going to start at 1 am. We had a choice to either start at 1 am or 2 am depending how fast we think we were going to run. The rule was we could not finish before 5:30 am or after 7:30 am. I chose 1 am and was planning to need a 6 hour to do this for my pace. 7 am finish.
I set the alarm to wake up past midnight at 12:01 to be sure I get the AM/PM thing not be mixed up. Somehow I slept through the alarm or I might have messed up with the am/pm setting. It has happened before (at my MMT race when I overslept).
It wasn’t until 12:45 I was shock awake. I was having a real nice dream of running in some race. I was happily laughing in my dream. I remember in the dream I was running yet I was late to the event. I was running around trying to find to the start. It seemed stressful but I was having a happy dream somehow. That was when I woke up, and realized my dream had become my reality and you bet I was not laughing. I was about to be late in my real marathon. Thank to the dream I woke up, because I could easily have slept till morning and I could even have missed the morning marathon.
I already packed everything and had my bib on and water pack filled beforehand. So grabbing those, I put on a longer sleeve short, feeling it might be a cold night. I grabbed my rain jacket too and food bag, I got into my car and drove to the start. There was no time to lose. It should not take long for to drive a mile, maybe couple minutes, and at most 5 minutes.
However unfortunately, I drove down on Orange Avenue thinking the start was on Orange, due to my half awake state. I did not realize I had to make a turn on what was like the main street of Roanoke. I drove on for maybe 5-6 miles before realizing my mistake. Then I put on google map to help me get me back. By then the race had started.
I arrived to the race parking lot past 1 am. I put on my headlamp, my reflective jacket, and my flashing lights and walked to the start. Luckily they had a volunteer still there to check me in. I unofficially started my run at 1:12 am. I told the volunteer, I wouldn’t mind if she recorded me starting at 1 am, to make the math easier when they had to combine my time for the first lap with the second lap.
I didn’t remember to start my garmin watch until I reached Walnut Street’s bridge crossing. It was about maybe 5 minutes later. So my watched recorded my whole race time as 6:15:00. My official time for the first lap was 6:22:00. About 7 minutes more and half mile shorter of 28.5 miles.
It was a quiet night. About 40 other runners started ahead of me. They were now at least a mile ahead. I, having done the race before, the roads seemed familiar to me. Originally, I was worried and wanted to run with someone who knew the course. However, now having to run by myself, I just had to make it work. I did have the turnsheet/map in my hand. I also had the running app telling me where to turn but unfortunately, once I was up on the mountain, the app stopped working since it had no cell signal. I think I had the battery saver mode on, so it was interfering with the app. If I didn’t have that on, it would have drained my battery before the end of the race. Those running phone apps is kind of a catch-22. The newer Garmin watches can give turn directions and avoided this issue. You bet I want one of those.
The first 6 miles was pretty easy. It was just one straight road up to Mill Mountain and then to Roanoke mountain. There were check points along the way, where volunteers checked us in as we passed them. They also served as race marshalls, to ensure we were on course, plus also served as aid stations, with water for us to refill our bottles. Many of them had waffles for us. Cheers to them for staying up all night for us.
By mile 6, the fast people already reached the turn around point and were coming back down the mountain. I was able to see many of them as they passed me.
By mile 7 I was able to catch up to some of the slow runners, like about the last 4-5 runners slower runners.
Unfortunately on the way down from Roanoke Mountain, I did not pay attention and missed a turn at getting off of Blue Ridge Parkway. I added like 3.5 miles onto my run on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Later, I found out people did try to chase me to let me know I went the wrong way, but they just couldn’t catch me.
I was again about 20 minutes behind everyone. It was now around 3 am and 13 miles in (my watch distance, the race distance was much less, maybe at 10 mile). Runners who started 2 am caught up to me as they came down the mountain. They were very fast and an enthusiastic bunch. There were not many of them, maybe 5-8. They gave me encouragements. I couldn’t keep their pace though and soon I was alone again after they passed me. I noted that the first crowd of runners I passed were subdue and didn’t cheer but the second crowd (2 am people), they were as excited as I was and it was fun. The 1 AM runners were too serious in their run.
By mile 13, I caught up to the tail end again of the 1 am starters. I still knew I was about 15 minutes behind the race pace. Lucky there were no sweeps for the night run. Even though I was behind on my pace, I was not in danger of being pulled from the race. I got to Mill Mountain, it was all downhill from there so I could run much faster to make up the time.
It had a very nice view at the Mill Mountain, looking out onto the city below from the Roanoke Star. It was one beautiful sight. I did not take a picture because it was night time.
Location of my unofficial start (from garmin pov) Walnut St Bridge. Crossing this bridge would begin the climb to Roanoke Mountain. A lonely nightIt looks something like this on top of the mountain. This is at the turn around point at mile 7. I know it doesn’t look quite impressive, but the idea was while they sleep we run.
The rest of the night was uneventful. Once I got back down from the mountain, it was easier. We were in the city around 4 am. There were already some occasional traffic on the roads. The signs for turns were easier to spot and there were street lights. The terrain was flatter. I followed the road markings.
5 am. I think I was passing the hospital where the finish line was around the corner. Yet I still had maybe 8 miles to go. I had to get back to finish by 7:30 to start the second lap (2nd marathon). I remembered someone was passing me. I told the person, 40 more minutes before the finish line opens. we couldn’t finish before 5:30 am because the finish line was not ready yet. I think we had somewhere between 8-10 miles to go, likely 8 ish. I said he could finish before 5:30 (doing 5 min per mile), while I need two more hours for this. I was half joking of course. I was jealous of the fast people taking way less time than me.
Climbing Peak Hill was hard. I had to walk. The volunteer said I was not that far behind the runner ahead. I was estimating maybe 10 mins behind the pace. I hoped to close the gap.
By mile 20~ish, I passed the second to last runner. The sky was dawning. The time was around 6 am. I knew by then I could make it back in time. People were waking up and walking their dogs. The street was not so lonely any more.
A beautiful morning. Looking back up at the hill I ran down from earlier during the night. We were at the foot of the Roanoke Star. Rain clouds proved later of spoiling our race.
The final few miles I was able to see some runners at another out and back segment. I caught up to race pace of 16:20. They were couple miles ahead of me. They cheered me and I cheered them back. I am a loud and boisterous runner. I passed a few slower runners. My feet were still fresh. Catherine, I found out ran the course virtually a week prior and the year before, she finished with an hour to spare at the transition. Not this time. She came in just as the 2nd marathon was about to start.
Less than two miles from the finish, they had police blocking the traffic for us. I felt like a king as I was only single runner at the time running on a wide road. They allow us to use the road now. People who were running in the morning race were also arriving. Some cheered me. I started having the runner’s high and crowd support motivated me to run even harder. I made it to the finish line by 7:22 am crossing the finish. At least for the first marathon is done.
I had maybe 10 minutes to get to the car and freshen up before the start of the second race. I refilled up my water. I took my food bag with me. This would be my breakfast. I didn’t get to use the transition area they had for us. I used my car as an aid station instead.
The food was originally for my first lap but I didn’t bring it with me, and now I took it. I did not have time to change shoes or shirt. My feet felt great and had no blisters or hot spots. I kept the same shoes on then. I didn’t have to change socks or lube up. Though when the rain came later, I regretted of not having put on some lube because my shorts were cutting into my private area.
I got back to the start with about 5 minutes left. I missed the national anthem. There I met Iris, who was in my running club. I didn’t know she was running this race. We were excited and caught up on stories. Iris was one of my crew for the Devil Dog. It was good to finally see her again. Roanoke was her first marathon 10 years ago, she told me. This was her second time running it. She is a friend of Catherine. She said several members from my runner club was there that day. One was 4th female overall before the race was canceled.
For second lap, I planned to go slower. Having Iris as my companion helped. I kept at her pace. The second lap we had 7.5 hrs to run it. It was an hour more than our first lap. However, we had to reach mile 20 by a certain time, which means we had to maintain 16:20 pace for the first 20 miles. We were doing like 15-16 min mi pace, so we were a bit ahead.
6 miles in, it started raining. Then thunders and lightning started happening around us. It got very cold. I had my jacket on but I was still shivering. They called off the race around 9 am, about an hour and half into the race. We had to turn around and headed back. They reopened the roads. Police officers were telling us if we run, we run at our own risk.
I understand their policy because for the safety of the volunteers and runners, the event had to be canceled. However, I agreed too with many runners that we were left unsupported midway through the race and there were confusion as to what to do. Most of us turned around and headed back to the start/finish area. I was not sure if there were buses coming to pick us up. My motto was, I can walk back on my own power.
I wish they had closed the race in stages instead. I know there were no optimal solutions. With a canceled race, they were going get complaints. Some chose to continue on their own and were surprised no water or food served since the volunteers also had left their stations. Again the roads had reopened. I didn’t think that was safe but I think they wanted to send the message to us that we should not continue the run.
The rain lasted only about 15-30 minutes. In hindsight, the race could have continued. Many (ultra) runners said they had been through much worse and dangerous or exposed situations before. What they experience that day was nothing. Hindsight always is perfect 20/20.
As for me, I did not continue on. It was obvious we wouldn’t have the aid support. I had my water pack so in theory I could run a marathon unsupported. I was also having some rub burn issue so as soon as I could get to the finish area the better. I checked with Iris, she also wanted to get back quickly. It took us maybe an hour to get halfway down the mountain. We got to mile 12 and 13, where the buses made their way up. We got on the buses. We were overjoy that the buses came for us. I knew I could make it back to the start by walking or running (we were probably at most only 3 miles away) but having the bus take us back was way better than walking in our wet clothes. The bus waited until it was fully packed before heading off. There were maybe 50-60 of us on a bus. We arrived back at 10:30.
The finish line was a busy place. They were serving food and drinks still. I did not mind grabbing myself a slice of pizza. Those that did not take the bus were coming in. I guess they were the 3 hours finishers (half marathoners/marathoners). They were still handing out medals. The volunteers though received words that the race closed at 9, but had remained for last hour and half serving finishers. They were understaffed because majority of the volunteers had left. It was a shoestring operation! I did not stay for long because as more buses arrived, it was going to get more chaotic.
It was a hard call to whether continue the run or give up for a lot of people. There is a bit of shame of giving up on a race. RD made the call, so in a sense the RD took on the blame. The drama is still going on the social media. All runners who did not finish were converted to a virtual race. We could submit our time and get a medal. There were questions how many miles do we now run, since the race was shutdown halfway, whether we had to redo from the beginning and or how to combine the two timings and courses for the upload. Technically, I think you have to redo the course from the beginning, the whole 26.2 miles. But it is a virtual event now. Who cares. RD just wants everyone to be happy and go on until next year event. Some were calling boycotting the next year event. Some were asking for a discount or refund. Basically I think do whatever they want since it is a virtual race. The race would not count for anything. This got people upset.
FYI I took a medal and a finisher picture and I even cross the finish line (don’t tell anyone 🤫) and I rode on the bus back! People who rode with me on the bus, asked you could do that? sure! why not! Sorry for those who did continue the race in their own power and ran to the finish without the aid station supports. They were beasts. But you know I will do the full 52.4 mile run on my own, right (I will just use part of the upcoming 100 mile race as my time👍)?
My action somewhat took away their honor, but to me since the race was over by 9, anyone who came in after that would not be recorded. We made the finish celebration to mean whatever we wanted it to mean by then. Hence there were a lot of dramas happening and complaints on Facebook going on. People were discontent that they didn’t get the proper recognition or for some was the opportunity to continue. I don’t really care by then. You go out there and have fun and deal with what was given. Stop giving people a hard time. Having the race canceled is part of the journey. Iris told me in her years of running never once was a race canceled on her midway.
There was no DQ-ing for those came in after 9 o clock (or technically we all DQ-ed) and that was why people were upset.
For me I think, we received no words from race organization on what to do and there was a general of confusion! I mean we clearly understood the race was canceled. It was like what’s next then. None of us wanted to go home. For me it was a successful fun run finishing with a group of friends and we celebrated we survived the ordeal being three hours out on the course. It was for our friends and family also because they wanted to see that is the end of the trip and all the training. So we took photos at the finish line. Our group promised we will be back next year to do it properly.
Last season Re(view) of Day500, I ran a lot of races, such as MMT, Iron Mountain, Devil Dog. For my regular readers, this post is a repeat of what I have been posting, but for those who only tune in once every six months or a year, this post is for you. It also helps me placing mental separation like a season or so is done.
Looking back, my perspective has shifted since then. Day 500 was written just before I did the Devil Dog 100 race. I had at the time seemed to be in an unsucessful year due to the emotional beatings received from not finishing two races earlier, e.g., the MMT 100 race and the Iron Mountain 50.
The post ended of what would I do next, which is now and next year. I had at the time the Devil Dog 100 coming up and OBX 100 following.
Since then I have completed both, the Devil Dog 100 in December and OBX in March. The fall races prepared me well for them. The Devil Dog was not an easy race, but couple friends came and helped crew me. I managed to finish. The full report is here.
After running the Devil Dog, I took on the Outer Banks Blackbeard’s Revenge 100. It was an exciting race. I PR’d it, meaning beated my best time ever in a 100 mile distance, finished it a little over 26 hours. I was not even aiming for a PR. There is a lot to say. I went in not sure if 32 hours were enough for me to finish. The race for me was easier than expected and easier than any other previous races even though conditions were not as good due to the heat and strong winds and what seemingly the lack of food at aid stations. I love it a lot because I had a good time. Full report is here. This race was those once in a lifetime adventures. I was glad I ran it. It gave me the feeling I still got what it take to run a 100 mile race. This brings us to MMT 100 later of this year.
Now for 2023, I have been training a lot for the BRR 50 and the MMT 100. I did the BRR just couple weeks ago. MMT is coming up soon in a couple weeks. This report comes in the midst of things. I felt better prepared this year than last year. We will see how I will do. Wait till the Next report to know. Day 600 will be near the end of the year or even early next year (depends 25-30 weeks from now).
I ran several smaller races, e.g., Redeye 50K on New Year, Holiday Lake 50k, Cowtown 50K, Bull Run Run 50 Miler, Shamrock Marathon, Blue Ridge Double Marathon (report hasn’t written yet), Seneca Greenway 50K, Naked Nick 50k. Then there was the Reston 10 miler. I won’t link any reports here because there are just so many. Bear with me, I am throwing around a lot of names. Our virtual race around world (CRAW) is done. We finished early January of this year. That was a three-year project. I am taking part in the extended version of adding 6 more regions, which added maybe 25,000 km. Likely will finish it at the end of this year or some time next year. We have a fast team.
About races, each of them was a wonderful experience. Am I tired? Sometimes. I am used to now of running many races in a short span of time, I can’t remember them and I can’t even keep track of my up coming races. I can’t summarize them all here except each one was so good. I was living my best life to be able to experience them. They definitely helped prepare me for the next big race. I am grateful I got to run in them.
Physically, I have been dealing with my weak left ankle. I believed I injured it sometimes after the Devil Dog, maybe at the Naked Nick 50k event. It is healing but the process has been slow and long. I started to suspect I teared a tendon or something (but some say that would be painful if I did). Now four months later, I still have a slight discomfort. It doesn’t hurt any more, but from time to time, I felt like I have that hit my funny bone sensation in my left ankle. It would bring me to my knees. All I know is it has not healed 100% and it is affecting my trail races. Road races are fine. I just have a problem standing tip toe, going down the stairs, putting on shoes etc. Not pain but a weak sensation that my ankle can’t be trusted. I have been praying for a stronger ankle.
Now 2023, I will be going to Toronto, Canada. One of my dreams is to run outside of US and it is being come true. This race is in about a week. I just received my race bib the other day in the mail. News gets old fast. So by the time readers read this, it is likely be done or you might be reading the race report before this post.
I signed up for MMT 100 again this year. I have high hope I will finish. This soon will take place. I am repeating myself. Yes MMT is very important to me.
I signed for Grindstone 100 for the fall. It will be a hard race and hard training for next quarter. I might do Burnimg River 100 this summer. I think this pretty much it for 2023.
I am in the process of planning for 2024. Not much can be said at this time, but will leave this in a future post, I hope my plan will be clearer by then. I am struggling in defining what I want beyond 2024. Things are moving in the right direction. Red Dirt Lousiana and Pinhoti Alabama are in play. It’s a secret right now.
As for the Nepal trip, some new laws came in effect. One was we backpackers will be required having an approved mountain guide. No longer are we free to hike as we like by ourselves. I might not go there anytime soon because of this new law. It is a tiny setback. Having a guide is definitely what I like but I also like the free-ranch aspect and the sense of danger. I know the law is still evolving, so we will see. Too many people doing dumb things over there is the rumor. This trip was supposed to take place this year. Hence I set a relatively free running schedule. However, it is not on any of my immediate plan yet to do. It is one of my dream trip but I haven’t got off my butt to make it happen.
What’s next after this (for 2024 or 2025). I have a bunch of marathons to run. My friend Caroline inspired me with her exact plan of running in all 50 states. Next year, I plan to run a lot of marathons, many of the same races she did this year. Imitation is the best form of flattery they say. I am not ashame to copy. Basically trying to get all 50 states done as soon as possible, meaning I will need to do around 10 to a dozen races per year. Maybe looking at a shorter time frame of 3-4 years. I have about 36-ish races left.
Devil Dog 100 and Blackbeard’s 100 restored my confident in running longer races. 50 milers no longer seem that hard. 100 milers also seem a bit easier. I plan to do a lot more 100s. My goal might be also do a 100 in every state. My friend is tempting me to follow his footstep of doing 100 of 100 mile races. He is 62 year old I think. If he has such aspiration why can’t I? So instead of being a marathon maniac, I am now a hundred miler maniac.
I have been looking at oversea races for 2025 and beyond. One is in Mexico. One is in the Philippines. That is a bit of a distance future. Mexico might be part of 2024 plan. So planning phase should start soon especially for the mexico trip. Mexico is a scary world. I hope to go in and get out as quick as possible.
I need to constant push myself to do things outside of my comfort zone and leave things I am familiar with. 2021 and 2022 were like that when I reached beyond what I thought was possible. 2023 seems to have a safe schedule so far. How I know I am a bit over my limit is I when I started failing like in 2022. 2022 got me to admit I reached my limit and then I took remedial actions and redemptions this past winter and spring season.
I made more running friends. They inspired me. In beginning 2022, I only met one person (Tek) who I thought was crazy running 100 mile races as if they were running a marathon. Then at the end of 2022 and last few months, I met several more (especially Fernando). Likely either this year or by this time next year, I will be like them. I don’t think I am that far away. The gap between what I thought was impossible to possible has narrowed quite a bit. One was my perception of things, I am no longer afraid of 100 mile races. I will start running 100 milers like I run marathons in a higher frequency.
My Weaknesses: I have slacked off on my training a bit, last year. Miles wise is still pretty high but my effort has been lacking. Training is no longer “hard.” I could do better. I believe only we train against resistance do we improve. I still sleep through my morning training. It was one of my last year goals to wake up early and excercise. I only did it like once. I need to break that bad habit. That is my big weakness is I am easy to settle or compromise for less.
I gained weight. Not a bad thing but I could lose some body fat. Not fat shaming. I haven’t gone to the gym at all. I could improve on my physical build. I run a lot but other areas needed to be worked on too.
Fasting: My diet has not been that great last year. I need to eat less processed stuff and more fresh and natural food. I know so many people who eat cleaner than me. Fasting was not part of my training/life last year. I should occasionally fast to keep my body healthier. I plan to start fasting regularly, but staying away from food is hard for me.
I am struggling with defining my future direction. Yes I am doing the 50 states completion. I am running ultras and 100 mile races. I am attempting harder races. But that is only a small part. I need to ask what do I want more in life. How do I get from here to there? from my small tiny dreams to my bigger dreams. A lot of times, I just need to push myself, get off my butt.
If you ask what would be doped to do, I think hiking the triple crown would be it. PCT, CDT, and the AT. I consider hiking the Appalachian Trail a life dream. I need to actively reach for them. It is easy to dream, but action is hard.
Also if I could travel oversea, I think that would be wonderful. I don’t strive to be the best gamer etc. I am just an average person. But if I could do something epic, that would be so good. This would tie into my retirement plan of living oversea.
Lesson/observation/reminder. Life goes by so fast. I met couple friends who said 2017 was their best year in running and every since it has been downhill. Now I ran with them and they were far from the best forms. I don’t know if I have peaked yet, I hope this year is not my best year yet. I already ran for about 7 years and I felt I am just started. I fear in a blink of an eye I will be where some of my friends are now. I run with a lot of friends who are in their 60s. They are still going strong but no way were they compared to when they were in their 40s. It seems so fast. In a blink of an eye and they are “old.”
I need to put in the effort to make the most out of life. Every year, I need to optimize my time. Choose the best things to do. Let not waste the opportunity I have.
Another lesson, I thought I am in control of a lot of things, but these last few years, despite of my planning, there things like the covid interruption was beyong anyone could prepare for. I am just one of many floating in this sea of time. There will likely be major world events that will take place and that will turn everyone’s life up-side-down again. Yes, still got to make the best out of everything.
Am I on track? Yes and no. I think I am on track of doing what I like. I completed 4 x 100 races. But I haven’t been aggresive enough in going after my goals. I met both Frenando and Caroline who inspire me to be like them. They are both much older than me yet they are doing like 10 times more than I am. I know I shouldn’t compare to them, but they do give a good reference point to me. I started thinking, I could do what they are doing. The question then became why not!
Apart from running, I am or I hope to withdraw my time, energy, resource from the online twitch community. I supported several self-made artists/content creators last year and even past several years. They had kind of quit halfway. I am Not disappointed but also kind of am. It is hard to explain. I think it lacks closures. I will leave it to a future post to write more on this.
Anyway, I just put it out there. I have been involved in this streaming thing since the covid started. Things are winding down. Many content creators are back to their regular work (real life/real job). The so called final fantasy has ended.I credit this to be why I was successful running the two 100 mile races the last 6 months, Because I had more time for training.
I hope this has been a good read. That was about some of my current struggles and life updates. Until next time. Oh, here was a midterm review done not long ago for those who want to read more, Day532 (Feb 2023). It is pretty much similar to the present report. (I haven’t forgotten about Lake Tahoe). The next midterm maybe will be in July or August. Of course the next Re: will be 50 “days” from now and that is about maybe 25-35 weeks from today or 6-9 months.
In awe 