tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21738943616983312652024-03-07T10:49:20.249-08:00Ultrailrunning Family Man (超馬阿爸)I enjoy staying with my family while having lots of fun in ultra/trail-running. I know this is not easy, but, being an Ultrailrunning Family Man, I want to strive harder for a nice balance. This is a blog that I record my hobby and family life.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-83488155850708930982009-07-31T15:25:00.000-07:002009-07-31T22:02:32.020-07:00Blog TagI was tagged by <a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Alan Geraldi</a> on this topic. Please check my responses below and how this tagging works.<br /><br />"It has been awhile since us <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Ultraholics</a> and friends have played that old game called Blog Tag. Here is how it works (or should work in theory). I pose a few questions, answer them and then tag three other blog owners to answer the same questions, and so on and so on (they also have to tag the person who tags them). So, here it goes:"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Do you have a favorite race you ran this year - if yes, which one and why.</span><br /><br />That would be finishing <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Western States 100M</a>. No doubt this race stays high in almost every ultrarunner's wish list and always my favorite race. However, it also means a lot to me this year as my first time doing it.<br /><br />First, as many of you know, I have had a couple of 100 miler DNF before that. I had not finished a 100 miler race since Sept 2007. In between I DNFed ALL 100 milers, closed to 10. I don't want to count the number for there are a few reasons behind them. Job changes, natural disaster, and, especially, my stress fracture injury. So finishing <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Western States 100M</a> after so many DNFs is important to me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs118.snc1/4863_1124279041416_1660344819_322265_5567775_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" target="tag" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs118.snc1/4863_1124279041416_1660344819_322265_5567775_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Fu family finishing WSER 2009</span></span><br /></div><br />Secondly, because of another injury, I was not well prepared for <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Western States 100M</a> such that my hope was to go as far as I could. This was named as "Chihping style" by Martin Casado recently when Martin decided to run the coming <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Headlands_Hundred.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Headlands Hundred</a> in the same attitude. For me, I had no other choice, so show up and go is the only thing I can do.<br /><br />As usual, there were some lows or devastating lows through <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Western States 100M</a> such as the altitude and muscle cramp before <a href="http://webcast.ws100.com/RS-DC.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Duncan Canyon</a>, becoming exhausted at <a href="http://webcast.ws100.com/ED-MB.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Eldorado canyon climb</a>, extremely sleepy at <a href="http://webcast.ws100.com/PS-FB.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Peachstone</a>. I even planned to drop to get a ride back to the hotel and stay with my family.<br /><br />There were also highs in the race such as flying after <a href="http://webcast.ws100.com/MD-DU.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Robinson Flat</a>, speedy climb at <a href="http://webcast.ws100.com/DT-ED.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Devil's Thumb</a>, cruising after <a href="http://webcast.ws100.com/FB-RCb.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">River Crossing</a> that I was able to pass 52 runners before the finish.<br /><br />These highs and lows made what <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Western States 100M</a> is my favorite race this year so far. Plus with my latest plantar fasciitis injuries with nearly record high temperature make it my most memorable race that I was able to overcome these adversities and finish it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Have you selected any race goals for 2010?</span><br /><br />I like to be in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Barkley Marathons</a> as my friend <a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Alan Geraldi</a>, but I'm always short of budget and vacation. So I think <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Barkley Marathons</a> is not in my list for next few years.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ws100.com/images/wser-buckle-24.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" target="tag" src="http://www.ws100.com/images/wser-buckle-24.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Currently I don't have any specific goal in 2010 except being selected in <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Western States 100M</a> and staying healthy to improve my base training if I want to pursue my best performance. If there is no surprise, I think I'll have my goal to be finishing those favorite mountain ones or unfinished 100 milers such as <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Massanutten Mountain Trails 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.olddominionrun.org/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Old Dominion 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.vermont100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Vermont Trails 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Cascade Crest 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Wasatch Front 100M</a>, and <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Angeles Crest 100M</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5930_1216979985034_1244891477_30664523_6747580_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" target="tag" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5930_1216979985034_1244891477_30664523_6747580_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My exhausting trail work at Bishop Ranch</span></span><br /></div><br />Btw, I really don't like so many trail works involved. Don't get me wrong. I highly esteem the value of trail work. I simply have difficulty performing that many trail work among my other busy commitments.<br /><br />I'll participate in <a href="http://www.hardrock100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Hardrock Hundred</a> lottery and will seriously consider doing it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Did you discover any new (non-race) trails this year?</span><br /><br />During my 2+ week family visit in Taiwan two weeks ago, I really loved the trails in Taiwan mountain - gnarly, rooted, muddy, slippery, rope rappelling, stairs. Very challenging, full of O=O but no PO (ouch, I have to be careful not to wake up my PO spots). See one of my video<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350" align="center"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/1214529443772"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/1214529443772" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />But don't be scared. There are also very nice groomed trails. Visitors will be amazed that there are so many trails with lots of varieties in Taiwan, considering its size is smaller than Florida or about 1/300th of USA.<br /><br />Btw, if you need altitude or snow, there are over 100 mountains of over 10,000 ft connected with trails to be explored and take your breath away.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Why do you run?</span><br /><br />One simple reason that I usually tell others to run is running is a very efficient and effective exercise - you don't spend much time and can achieve the results or goals. And running is simple ad cheap, a kind of freedom. A pair of shoes/socks and a short, and You're ready to go anywhere just from your house. These fit myself - a cheap busy over-achiever. :-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/images/running-heart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 166px;" target="tag" src="http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/images/running-heart.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Also running does not need much skill. It is said that we were born to run. I myself am not good at sport skill, so running is becoming to me.<br /><br />However, this may need to go back to why I started my running. It was mostly from healthy reason. My Dad passed away with with heart disease. I was told that this is genetic, so I wanted to pick up exercise to improve or overcome any of my heart defects, which had been found by my doctors. Also at that time, I started to feel going down in my overall fitness condition. I wanted to improve it. Therefore I ran. When running started to show the positive results, I became addicted since then.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. There are extreme ultramarathons - <a href="http://www.spartathlon.gr/main.php" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Spartathlon</a>, Run Across America, <a href="http://www.badwater.com/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Badwater</a>, etc. are you planning any?</span><br /><br />Sorry - Nope.<br /><br />They are beyond my limits. <a href="http://www.spartathlon.gr/main.php" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Spartathlon</a> may be possible as it's not far from the 100 mile distance I've usually done. I'd love to do some 120K or 400K cross Taiwan before considering it. However, the other factor is the expenses. Currently traveling to out of state is the most I can afford. I never think I'll be able to get to Europe to do races there. Perhaps wait another 10 years!<br /><br />I guess when I am able to run the 1,000K around Taiwan, I'll have much confidence in doing Running Across America.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.badwater.com/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Badwater</a> is probably impossible too for it is expensive and requires too much resources other than running.<br /><br />Oh, forgot to mention, road running is currently not my favorite. I'm very addicted to mountain trail running.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Favorite food during ultras and favorite post-race food?</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://foodphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/blogs/7634.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" target="tag" src="http://foodphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/blogs/7634.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm a little minimalist regarding this. Gel is best. If not, I'd like to have the food easy to chew and swallow. Somehow my mouth and teeth are exhausted through the miles like my legs. Grilled cheese sandwich is great at night running.<br /><br />My favorite post-race food will be hot cheese burger. Two come into my mind - <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/page2.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Quicksilver 50K/M</a> burgers and <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Ohlone 50K</a> burgers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Are ultrarunners part of your life outside of races?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/19248886/homepage/name/homepage.jpg?type=sn"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" target="tag" src="http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/19248886/homepage/name/homepage.jpg?type=sn" alt="" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Ultraholics</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> bound closely</span><br /></div><br />I consider some ultrarunners my best friends. I have known some ultrarunners for many years because we worked in the same company or near to each other that we had run together since the early days.<br /><br />I usually make friends with ultrarunners over the trail. There is nothing to hide or shameful. We share our laughters and suffering, talk about everything, sad or joyful, like siblings or parents with children. After the race, we normally keep close touch and look forward to meeting again in future races since we usually live far apart. They are all my friends.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. What do you consider the most beautiful ultra course you have run?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs084.snc1/4576_86687932454_557892454_2386560_7554729_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" target="tag" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs084.snc1/4576_86687932454_557892454_2386560_7554729_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me running</span><br /></span></div><br />To me, doing ultra is not only to test my limits, but the same important is to experience it as a journey. I think those mountain 100 milers are beautiful, and that's why I keep doing them every year. <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Wasatch Front 100M</a> is very beautiful, so is <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Angeles Crest 100M</a>. <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Cascade Crest 100M</a> in the Pacific Northwest is also pretty. In the East, there may not be that mountainous as in the West. They have the other kind of beauty - lush green with a bit of history - <a href="http://www.vermont100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Vermont Trails 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Massanutten Mountain Trails 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.olddominionrun.org/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Old Dominion 100M</a> I always want to do them if I have chance and can afford to.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Favorite race director?</span><br /><br />Ouch - that is a tough one. I have not up close relationship with race directors. I can only just tell from the race quality and they mostly have done great job.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. What is your longest streak at running the same race?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_q07FbPIMr80/SCcC2d48p4I/AAAAAAAACr0/9XETq6nSe-8/s640/P5100766.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" target="tag" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_q07FbPIMr80/SCcC2d48p4I/AAAAAAAACr0/9XETq6nSe-8/s640/P5100766.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/page2.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-style: italic;" target="tag">Quicksilver 50K/M</a></span></div><br />Unlike some of my friends like to do different races each time, I will do a race in streak if I like it. I have run <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/page2.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Quicksilver 50K/M</a> 6 times since 2004 though the first time was a 50K, my first ultra. The entry fee is reasonable and course design wonderful, race overall is top notch. This should be my longest streak and will continue to be.<br /><br />I have run <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">American River 50M</a> 5 times with my first 50 miler in 2005. However, it is becoming an exception to what I said above. I'm getting to have difficulty doing it because of its high rising entry fee and 2hr driving each way for the event. Perhaps this year will be my last one :-(<br /><br />I have done some other races in streak. 4 times <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Ohlone 50K</a>, one of my favorite races, but I have stopped my streak to volunteer again due to the high entry fee. 3 times <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Miwok 100K</a>, same reason such that I skipped this year and probably future years.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Ruth Anderson</a> 3 times. The race Director is our best friend <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Rajeev Patel</a>. and the fee is very affordable, so I'll continue to do it. 3 times <a href="http://www.firetrails50.net/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Firetrails 50M</a>, The entry fee is reasonable, so I'll continue to do it.<br /><br />I will tag <a href="http://mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Steve Ansell</a>, <a href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Mark Tanaka</a>, and <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="tag">Jean Pommier</a>.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-9590803922101343072009-04-23T09:49:00.000-07:002009-04-23T16:02:51.468-07:00090422 - Taste of Grouse GrindI had a wonderful chance to be on my first business trip to Vancouver for one week. I worked hard and did some running for the first few days. I may write stories on them, but on Wednesday ....<br /><br />I did not went to <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.tctrail.ca/home.php" target="grouse">Trans Canada Trail</a> section in Burnaby since it was said it might be flat. Just kidding, but I was thinking between running in North Shore or strolling in Vancouver downtown to see if I can buy some souvenir for my family after being away for a week.<br /><br />When I wrapped up my work and got back to my hotel, I decided to go to <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/218860_grind07.html" target="grouse">Grouse Grind</a>. It was about 6:30pm and I quickly changed into my running gears. Off I went and I did not get lost for the first time, thanks to carefully and repetitively studying the direction before I left.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9NOJbx47GwoEQDgAeCyN3gY0DyNMjDuZZSvEXFKJNMqVhseCsFX0NTWvAjedxHB1Nb7v3mFvoYDuMibK3DbFi4V_eDt9ZyEd8gpeZqzoUBvYXuyy5X_V4Io7cbsXHEhTD2RlUXxBJUz0/s1600-h/P4220272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9NOJbx47GwoEQDgAeCyN3gY0DyNMjDuZZSvEXFKJNMqVhseCsFX0NTWvAjedxHB1Nb7v3mFvoYDuMibK3DbFi4V_eDt9ZyEd8gpeZqzoUBvYXuyy5X_V4Io7cbsXHEhTD2RlUXxBJUz0/s400/P4220272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327994860742366530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Entering Grouse Grind</span></span><br /></div><br />Finding a FREE parking, just next to the pay parking lot, I was glad to made there and also saw the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden-Powell_Trail" target="grouse">Baden-Powell trail</a> sign, but sadden in no time when I was told and saw the sign that the trail is closed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT0fb-y6FwfQIdnMavav7_mcW4bKw_-O23dBaLfzftlX7Rh8gAwR55TnLIAxdfCVXr6nIKx8n34Xu0QlAmCCPKw8GQhALe13ASWg0XcywwfxItIZBXyd6C_5szIP4VaSGMGZS0IZjelts/s1600-h/P4220278.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT0fb-y6FwfQIdnMavav7_mcW4bKw_-O23dBaLfzftlX7Rh8gAwR55TnLIAxdfCVXr6nIKx8n34Xu0QlAmCCPKw8GQhALe13ASWg0XcywwfxItIZBXyd6C_5szIP4VaSGMGZS0IZjelts/s400/P4220278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327995271429710242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The trail was closed.</span><br /></div><br />I got a tip from other snow athletes that there is a trail nearby to get into. I had no difficulty to find the entrance - Wow! it's a steep climb up that I imagined it the entrance to "Trail From the Hell" at the roadside. Whatever, just go!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCcKG8oARtxEUdYZ_kYYnfMO5CLcXp6xylfrLWSv96j3semJlx-5Sl30xAmCEhReYQqQXt-d-Ea9qy68VdPGEtK7N4b9hcNidKEgVdtQz8eQDqxO74D5uv8zd6sdIskVKAUgsvJi9gRm3/s1600-h/P4220279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCcKG8oARtxEUdYZ_kYYnfMO5CLcXp6xylfrLWSv96j3semJlx-5Sl30xAmCEhReYQqQXt-d-Ea9qy68VdPGEtK7N4b9hcNidKEgVdtQz8eQDqxO74D5uv8zd6sdIskVKAUgsvJi9gRm3/s400/P4220279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327995471778704306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But there was a "backdoor", class 3- climbing?</span><br /></span></div><br />As I went up, after giving up running on it, I thought that it would be more difficult going down. At the top, I quickly found a real trail nearby. It's the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/218860_grind07.html" target="grouse">Grouse Grind</a> trail winding up from the other side of the fence, which stopped here. I now went on the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/218860_grind07.html" target="grouse">Grouse Grind</a>. It was steep with stairs, just like the trails in Taiwan, an island of the size as Florida but with 100+ mountains of over 3000m. I saw a few more signs about the trail closure and the exciting <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden-Powell_Trail" target="grouse">Baden-Powell trail</a> signs along the way.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuE19fXGqNLewzaS06F2_qwsrzEA-vFXV4jr_phbh5PgwZTtlNNSoPa4T3AOKfLDCgxex-ndiEK3iEVZqRvSf7Z8NlqNG5yB-MZZcAGO6ps1Lf-7WVEO4D08WCMMSAwLQz7i859ZKgTnf/s1600-h/P4220284.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuE19fXGqNLewzaS06F2_qwsrzEA-vFXV4jr_phbh5PgwZTtlNNSoPa4T3AOKfLDCgxex-ndiEK3iEVZqRvSf7Z8NlqNG5yB-MZZcAGO6ps1Lf-7WVEO4D08WCMMSAwLQz7i859ZKgTnf/s400/P4220284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327995781079696194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The trail - steep, rooted rocks, and stairs.</span></span><br /></div><br />I now remembered a miss - I did not bring my flashlight. I peeked through the deep forest to estimate how much time I had before sun dived into the back of the mountain far away. It certainly would be soon sunset. From a hiker coming down, I understood what I had worked hard for don't-know-how-much time is only a quarter of the trail for I did not carry a watch either. I figured out that I can't get to the top and come down safely without a light. While I kept moving up as quickly as I could, I had to make a decision when to turn around.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEJ8YajYsprS8PVeHbzkA1iu8C4_5uLQXqLVm5nFiHGZEg7_glBT6IYqQoJhsMzWXxHsRO9Dg8JdMkN2d48JqI2vQJUL9n9wi6XYkgMWYS3gcPAsHJIKw5sH-Zcz5iZZeZU1LDysJRN7I/s1600-h/P4220285.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEJ8YajYsprS8PVeHbzkA1iu8C4_5uLQXqLVm5nFiHGZEg7_glBT6IYqQoJhsMzWXxHsRO9Dg8JdMkN2d48JqI2vQJUL9n9wi6XYkgMWYS3gcPAsHJIKw5sH-Zcz5iZZeZU1LDysJRN7I/s400/P4220285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327996127618383954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Right turn with a bridge ahead</span><br /></span></div><br />I started to see loose snow field not far away from the trail. I also crossed a simple bridge. The trail was challenging rooted with irregular dodging-ball size rocks and even more, as I imagined, when coming down. Oh well, after I thought I can come back early morning tomorrow, I felt comfortable to be ready to turn around to save my legs. In deed coming down did not make it much faster than going up with fresh legs and aspiration. I had to be very careful not to trip or fall for any fall could have me rest for a few days, which I never liked.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJE5fzb05h4m9d-KAaghYZjjAdbPAUF_RhBKIEbCgeCx6VwG26hyphenhyphenx5g9faY6lzqne_L6a9wmj2n-vkOUxOWY55sVBU3p6FpWzWTHBVpHPqp0ObpgzOllxmokp1oiBSfoeTg1f2fjOsxPF/s1600-h/P4220287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJE5fzb05h4m9d-KAaghYZjjAdbPAUF_RhBKIEbCgeCx6VwG26hyphenhyphenx5g9faY6lzqne_L6a9wmj2n-vkOUxOWY55sVBU3p6FpWzWTHBVpHPqp0ObpgzOllxmokp1oiBSfoeTg1f2fjOsxPF/s400/P4220287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327996308683864786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A snow field at the side of the trail</span></span><br /></div><br />Still I ran into a couple going up. They were prepared, so could kept going without worrying like me. After some time, I started to notice that I should look for the side trail so as not to get to the closed fence on the regular trail. I was usually not good this, but I was lucky this time. I found the trail and started to be on the steep down. I imagined it the rope rappelling in <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="grouse">Cascade Crest 100M</a> but without a rope on "easier" surface. Still I had to slowly place my foot at safety spots. With a camera in one hand, I essentially had only one hand left for emergency to grab not-too-many branches in case I lost my footing. Finally, I got down to the ground, i.e. the free parking lot.<br /><br />Finding my car, I enjoyed the scenery around for moments. It was still bright but, I was afraid, not for next hour. While I thought that I should have gone even further, I was glad to have a taste of Grouse Grind and truly experience the technical trail in Pacific Northwest, compared with which the technical trails in my area were simply too mild, just as I was told the other day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiB1naA0CwOoghDZqTxVri1fBWmKmgLOEJeiro_hCihBsbCsTEkSSTATEc3iVYMj5A37em8O8xeJL1hlvMW-Q9ZBU7K-WBqrbDbju5Tv248jORzRT29gkyQhvxGZl7nFBpbO3msm1qIto9/s1600-h/P4220290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiB1naA0CwOoghDZqTxVri1fBWmKmgLOEJeiro_hCihBsbCsTEkSSTATEc3iVYMj5A37em8O8xeJL1hlvMW-Q9ZBU7K-WBqrbDbju5Tv248jORzRT29gkyQhvxGZl7nFBpbO3msm1qIto9/s400/P4220290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327996667564473906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Crossing on Lion's bridge to enter Vancouver downtown</span><br /></span></div><br />Since it was still early, I planned to strolling Vancouver downtown by crossing Lion's Bridge for the first time. Remember that everything in this Vancouver trip had been somehow totally new experience to me like being in a country much foreign to me. Keeping my finger crossed, I carefully looked at every traffic sign along the speedy down from Grouse mountain. I came to the bridge without problem and entered the downtown.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjrea7gy7-U5FsMyv-IpLlI9PNnQ7Y9IKTqkjy0YbGpfY9a4TsT7aFcO_7qLO3xQdHSA4fW1PBEW3-BU870nVpQSLQfx3QjMXrj3d4SQvUWcisEdaEqO9Y9cOrG9_9U_BVVdXVD8EvQsP/s1600-h/P4220293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjrea7gy7-U5FsMyv-IpLlI9PNnQ7Y9IKTqkjy0YbGpfY9a4TsT7aFcO_7qLO3xQdHSA4fW1PBEW3-BU870nVpQSLQfx3QjMXrj3d4SQvUWcisEdaEqO9Y9cOrG9_9U_BVVdXVD8EvQsP/s400/P4220293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327996910950351938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The skyscrapers in Vancouver downtown</span></span><br /></div><br />At one corner after <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/" target="grouse">Stanley Park</a>, I spotted a running store and a couple of female runners stretching outside. I thought they are ready for a group run and I had a urge to join them, but I had difficulty finding a free parking. Not that I was cheap (I indeed try to save $$ once in a while), but I had only little Canadian money. As I returned to the same corner after some time, they were gone. I had to continue to return to hotel as a quick decision. Along the way, I drove into <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.gastown.org/" target="grouse">Gastown</a> and <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://vancouverchinatown.ca/" target="grouse">Chinatown</a> to have a glimpse of them so I could return to visit them later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vIk0ciJWL._SL500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 250px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vIk0ciJWL._SL500_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It was nice to return to the hotel so "early" - before 9pm. I had all my time. After a shower, I found TV was not so interesting, so I got back to my book - War and Peace. I had read it for more than a month and I brought it along in this trip. I had not read it when I arrived since I read in in the flight. Now it's time to pick it up so that I won't forget the story at my last page. I guessed it was the whole day work that my eyes were sore after an hour or so. I also finished the leftover from our delicious "Penne..." pasta. I decided to go to sleep early since the network access in the hotel room was down.<br /><br />I was hoping to get up at 4am so that I could finish <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/218860_grind07.html" target="grouse">Grouse Grind</a> before work. However, I wanted to sleep more. I missed the time today. I had good time finishing a few more pages in my book.<br /><br />Still hope to finish <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/218860_grind07.html" target="grouse">Grouse Grind</a> before coming back California on Saturday.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-44724965961264793522009-01-21T21:20:00.000-08:002009-02-13T15:19:17.507-08:00Mission Peak Repeats 12hr (Training for Barkley, etc)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: blink; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Date: 7pm, Feburary 26, 2009</span><br /></div><br />Just came back down from Mission Peak while waiting for my son in the writing class nearby. I'm thinking about doing Mission Peak repeats some time. Each repeat is 6.5 miles out-and-back with 2500ft straight up and down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpu8SxySmDg_mFABSO26bCN-jXFb7gqUlZWwTwddGjbABvG7KDMddbBhklkj4jl6XZpd5XEvHyyLTDZw-dqAWWDspz_Xy-loqDAVhU3eOYLIn-HffGb7bcGTdNgGqDjGHGBdkHZCS1cDV/s1600-h/mission-peak-repeats.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpu8SxySmDg_mFABSO26bCN-jXFb7gqUlZWwTwddGjbABvG7KDMddbBhklkj4jl6XZpd5XEvHyyLTDZw-dqAWWDspz_Xy-loqDAVhU3eOYLIn-HffGb7bcGTdNgGqDjGHGBdkHZCS1cDV/s400/mission-peak-repeats.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294251193693500754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><center><br /><table style="margin-top: -150pt;" border="1"><br /><tbody><tr><td>Point</td><td>Elevation</td><td>Change</td><td>To Next</td><td>Mileage</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car</td><td>250ft</td><td>+140ft</td><td>0.12M</td><td>0</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Trailhead</td><td>390ft</td><td>+1070ft</td><td>1.67M</td><td>0.12M</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Peak Meadow junc</td><td>1460ft</td><td>+480ft</td><td>0.65M</td><td>1.79M</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Peak Tr. junc</td><td>1940ft</td><td>+90ft</td><td>0.30M</td><td>2.44M</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Eagle Tr. Junc</td><td>2030ft</td><td>+487ft</td><td>0.51M</td><td>2.74M</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Mission Peak</td><td>2517ft</td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td>3.25M</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /></center>1. It will be mostly at night, so you won't miss work or miss less from family.<br />2. We'll park on the streets about 1/4 mile down from the trailhead to avoid possible vandalism.<br />3. We'll use the main trail instead of the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="mp">Ohlone 50K</a> course. The main trail is wide and obvious, while we don't want to disturb cows mostly resting at the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="mp">Ohlone 50K</a> course, where you know has more dung.<br />4. If your company has shower, we can start from the time after work and finish at some time next day when heading to work.<br />5. Your car will be the AS on your visit every time, or can cache a ice chest near the trailhead.<br />6. There is a water fountain and a restroom at the trailhead.<br />7. Do as many repeats as you want.<br />8. I plan to do this at the end of Feb or Early March because I'd like to have our <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/2009/01/barkley-it-is-official.html" target="mp">Barkley Alan</a> lead us for his training run. I know this is not as steep as <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/" target="mp">Barkley Marathon</a>, but this is the steepest trail I know nearby.<br /><br />These are just some rough ideas when I plan to do some training on my quads and legs. Anyone interested? Or any other suggestions?<br /><br />Now I need to do more hills so I can do more repeats then.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Comments from <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/" target="mp">Ultraholics</a> emails</span><br /><br /><img src="http://michiganlegalaid.org/check_icon.gif" valign="center" border="0" /> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" target="mp">Endurazone Alan</a> plans to join<br /><br />Wow - with all these people volunteering to flog me I am overwhelmed by the love! Must be "beat the sh!! out of your favorite attorney week".<br /><br /><img src="http://michiganlegalaid.org/check_icon.gif" valign="center" border="0" /> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/" target="mp">MountainMan Steve</a> - plans to join to train for <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.zombierunner.com/events/zombierunner_sponsored/coyote_two_moon_ultras/" target="mp">Coyote Two Moon</a><br /><br />"a little piece of single track off the Peak Meadow trail that goes up 456ft in just a quarter mile. ... to practice a 35% grade, its a good place for some repeats." and "some swatches when he trims my rose bushes." to "whack him (<a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" target="mp">Alan</a>) about the body with the thorn-covered branches. "<br /><br />Can park at Steve's driveway (3.25 miles away) and run or carpool to trailhead. If running there, I can help by taking all drop bags to the trailhead.<br /><br /><img src="http://michiganlegalaid.org/check_icon.gif" valign="center" border="0" /> Martin Casado plans to join.<br /><br /><img src="http://michiganlegalaid.org/check_icon.gif" valign="center" border="0" /> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://outdoorzone.blogspot.com/" target="mp">Outdoorzone Anil</a> plans to join<br /><br /><img src="http://michiganlegalaid.org/check_icon.gif" valign="center" border="0" /> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://adirtrunnersblog.blogspot.com/" target="mp">Dirt Runner Bill Cotton</a> from Monterey plans to join.<br /><br /><img src="http://michiganlegalaid.org/check_icon.gif" valign="center" border="0" /> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.runningandrambling.com/" target="mp">Running and Rambling Donald</a> from Carmel plans to join.<br /><br /><img src="http://michiganlegalaid.org/check_icon.gif" valign="center" border="0" /> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" target="mp">The Poetic Runner Rajeev</a> will start late.<br /><br />Bob Becker - Can't find such steep hills in S. Florida<br /><br /><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/" target="mp">Ultrailnaka Mark</a> not sure due to work schedule, but who knows.<br /><br />"And everyone has to run to work. Doesn't anyone have to stay awake when they work?"<br /><br /><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/" target="mp">Farther Faster Jean</a> won't join but plan to do it in May.<br /><br />"Only you, Mark, in case someone gets in trouble and needs a visit to ER. In which case YOU have to stay awake, PLEASE!!! =:-o"Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-61628362514617312402008-10-20T17:02:00.000-07:002008-10-21T10:52:08.947-07:00A Green WS100 TripJust thought a <span style="color:green">green</span> way to do <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="green">Western States 100 Miles</a> in 2009 in case my family want to leave for the annual two month visit to Taiwan earlier and can not go with me. Then I have to leverage my pain tolerance level as an ultrarunner :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Good Old Friend Amtrak</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://archive.railpac.org/images/200612-4.jpg" target="green"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://archive.railpac.org/images/200612-4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nice Capitol Corridor Train</span><br /></span></div><br />I can take Amtrak to Truckee on Friday and come back from Auburn on Sunday,<br /><ol><li>Home (7:00am) to Fremont Amtrak (7:09am) - $1.75, <a href="http://www.actransit.org/maps/schedule_results.php?ms_view_type=1&version_id=7&maps_category=2&maps_line=210&map_submit=Get+Schedule&current_schedule=3776" target="green">AC210</a></li><li>Fremont (7:09am) to Sacramento (9:45am)<br /></li><li>Sacramento (10:00am) to Truckee (12:45pm)</li><li>Truckee (1:30pm) to Squaw Valley (1:54pm) - $1.5, <a href="http://98.129.89.114/tahoe/164/site/graphics/pdf/2008_TART_summer.pdf" target="green">TART</a></li></ol>The Amtrak ticket costs $43. Without using drop bags, I should be more flexible on arriving time. I'll need to check the RD to confirm if I can check in late. Otherwise, I need to leave on Thursday noon, costing me half day of work.<br /><br />On coming back,<br /><ol><li>Auburn (1:50pm) to Sacramento (3:20pm)</li><li>Sacramento (3:35pm) to Fremont (6:07pm)</li><li>Fremont (6:16pm) to Home (6:26pm) - $1.75, <a href="http://www.actransit.org/maps/schedule_results.php?ms_view_type=1&version_id=7&maps_category=2&maps_line=210&map_submit=Get+Schedule&current_schedule=3775" target="green">AC210</a></li></ol>After running 100 miles, coming back on Amtrak is cheaper - $34 :-) The total cost for the trip, including the local buses, is $82.<br /><br />After the awarding ceremony, I'll have to walk a few miles to the Amtrak station from the Placer high school. If I crawl and can not make the 1:50pm Amtrak bus, I think I need to hitch a ride to Sacramento, where there is 5:40pm train.<br /><br />I don't know if this is cheaper than carpooling. Both are <span style="color:green;">GREEN</span>. This is just another way to do it in case I have any difficulty.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday Night</span><br /><br />To save money, I can just sleep outdoors at the start for the night before the race like my favorite way at <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="green">Wasatch Front 100 Miles</a>. Then I'll have to find a way to deliver my stuff to the finish. I'll check if I can give it to the race personnel to bring it to the finish. Hey, I have done this at Wasatch for the past two years :-)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/Chihping.Fu/RuUHDHJLQBI/AAAAAAAAHGI/qAS8_1L88Jg/P9070050.JPG" target="green"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/Chihping.Fu/RuUHDHJLQBI/AAAAAAAAHGI/qAS8_1L88Jg/P9070050.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >My Friday night at <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="green">Wasatch Front 100 Miles</a></span><br /></div><br />Otherwise, I'll have to haul my stuff all the way to the first aid station at mile 16 of Red Star Ridge that accepts drop bags. I'll have to add the weight training into my schedule so that I can carry sleeping bag, clean clothes, etc on the race day for 16 miles without feeling too tired.<br /><br />Not too tired? According to the <a href="http://webcast.ws100.com/wstrail.htm" target="green">WS100 Course</a>, this involves 4,353ft gain and 1,327ft loss in elevation - not very gentle for this 16 miles. Plus there is altitude :-( I'm not sure how much time I'll lose. Thinking positively, I should feel flying after dropping the stuff at the Red Star aid station.<br /><br />Ha Ha Ha!Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-58748840759455048722008-01-21T21:52:00.000-08:002008-07-12T08:52:43.144-07:00Ultrailrunning 2008 Ultra Costly (keep counting)I'm glad that one truth still holds - <span style="font-weight: bold;">the cost per mile in an ultra is less expensive than a road race</span>. However, I have to admit that the cost of running ultra's is no longer ignorable that I thought before. As I participate longer distance of a race and the more number of races in a year, the yearly cost in races climbs up a lot.<br /><br />Besides, running a race outside California incurs a great amount in traveling. It turns out that the total cost for a cheaper Eastern 100 milers makes me appreciate the once-complained $300 high application fee for the <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="cost">Western States 100M</a> within 4 fours of driving.<br /><br />Anyway, taking the "rare" opportunity of running <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="cost">Western States 100M</a> this year for my first time, I decided to pursue the so-called <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="cost">Grand Slam</a> and <a href="http://www.run100s.com/lgr.htm" target="cost">Last Great Race</a>, which have a lot of out of CA races. I think this year will definitely set the record for expense in doing races, so I put down the expenses in this post. It's really painful with my wallet!<br /><br /><table style="margin-top: -860pt;" border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th style="text-align: center;">Items</th><th style="text-align: center;">Expenses</th><th style="text-align: center;">Total</th></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">2008 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="cost">Grand Slam</a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$80</td><td align="right">$80</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">01/05 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://run100s.com/entries/eu08.pdf" target="cost"><strike>Epiphany 50K</strike></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>FatAss</td><td align="right">$0</td><td align="right">$0</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">01/26 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/01/inaugural-fremont-fat-ass-50k.html" target="cost"><strike>Fremont Fat Ass 43M</strike></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>FatAss</td><td align="right">$0</td><td align="right">$0</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">03/21 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.zombierunner.com/events/zombierunner_sponsored/coyote_two_moon_ultras/" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><strike>Coyote Two Moon 100M</strike></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$225</td><td align="right">$225</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">04/05 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="cost"><strike>American River 50M</strike></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$95</td><td align="right">$95</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">04/12 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Diablo.htm" target="cost"><strike>Diablo 50M</strike></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$85</td><td align="right">$85<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">04/19 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><strike>Ruth Anderson 100M</strike></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$40</td><td align="right">$40</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">05/03 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="cost"><strike>Miwok 100K</strike></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$107</td><td align="right">$107</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">05/10 <a style="text-decoration: line-through;" href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/page2.html" target="cost">Quicksilver 50M</a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$65</td><td align="right">$65</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">05/18 <a style="text-decoration: line-through;" href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ohlone 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$75</td><td align="right">$75</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">06/07 <a style="text-decoration: line-through;" href="http://www.olddominionrun.org/" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Dominion 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$135</td><td rowspan="3" align="right" valign="top">$551</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Airfare</td><td align="right">$339</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car rental</td><td align="right">$76</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">06/28 <a style="text-decoration: line-through;" href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Western States 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$300</td><td rowspan="3" align="right" valign="top">$500</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Thu Hotel</td><td align="right">$86</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Fri Hotel</td><td align="right">$104</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">07/19 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.vermont100.com/" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vermont 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$200</td><td rowspan="3" align="right" valign="top">$722</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Airfare</td><td align="right">$376</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car Rental</td><td align="right">$146</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">08/16 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/merchant.ihtml?id=1427&step=2" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leadville 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$215</td><td rowspan="4" align="right" valign="top">$554<br /><br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Airfare</td><td align="right">$231<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car Rental</td><td align="right">$108<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://www.leadvillehostel.com/" target="cost">Leadville Hostel</a></td><td align="right"><br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">08/23 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cascade Crest 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$195</td><td rowspan="3" align="right" valign="top">$370<br />???</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Airfare</td><td align="right">$175<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car Rental (3 Days)</td><td align="right">$84<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">09/06 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wasatch Front 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$150</td><td rowspan="2" align="right" valign="top">$328</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Airfare</td><td align="right">$178</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">09/13 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Angeles Crest 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$190</td><td rowspan="2" align="right" valign="top">$190<br />???</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car Rental (4 days)</td><td align="right">$94</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">09/27 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/rdl100main.html" target="rdl100" title="goal: 21hr"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rio Del Lago 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$225</td><td align="right" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">10/04 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.runarkansas.com/AT100.htm" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arkansas Traveler 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$145</td><td rowspan="3" align="right" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Airfare (OKC)</td><td align="right">$196</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car Rental (3 days)</td><td align="right">$55</td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">10/11 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.firetrails50.net/" target="firetrail" title="goal: 9/24hr"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Firetrails 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee</td><td align="right">$85</td><td align="right" valign="top">$85<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td colspan="3">11/08 <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.mountcheaha50k.org/pinhoti100/pinhoti100registration.pdf" target="cost"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pinhoti 100M</span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Entry Fee (+ shuttle bus)<br /></td><td align="right">$150</td><td rowspan="3" align="right" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td>Airfare (BHM)<br /></td><td align="right">$243</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Car Rental (2 days)</td><td align="right">$48</td></tr><br /><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="left">Forthcoming / Paid Grand Total</td><td align="right">$5,310</td><td align="right">$4,070</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />I feel very guilty spending so much. I hope I can finish my goals this year and make up in future for what my family have sacrificed for me. I'm thinking to break my rule by looking for any chance to get sponsored though the success is very low.<br /><br />[added 08/02/13]<br />No way! Forget about the money thing. Just go out and have fun. This is a great chance to see the country!<br /><br />Removed the sponsorship words from the title.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-5115528687346656352008-07-03T10:19:00.000-07:002008-07-04T20:37:16.938-07:00Tagged - And I'm It (for now)Sorry for copying some of <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Rajeev</a>'s (Patel) response (see <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/2008/06/tagged-and-im-it-for-now.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Tagged - And I'm It</a>)for my template :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" style="text-decoration: none;">Rajeev Patel</a> (<a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">The Poetic Runner</a>) tagged me a few weeks ago with the 5 questions below. I will try my best to be reasonably honest in answering them. Let's see.<br /><br />Drumroll please.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(151, 151, 255); font-weight: bold;">1. How would I describe my running 10 years ago?</span><br /><br />Last year was my tenth year of running, so I was really a rookie about running 10 years ago regarding this question.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.geocities.com/thuesday_us/thuesgroup6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.geocities.com/thuesday_us/thuesgroup6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Oracle <a href="http://www.geocities.com/thuesday_us/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Thuesday Runners</a></span><br /></div><br />I had my first job at <a href="http://www.oracle.com/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Oracle</a> in 1997. <a href="http://www.oracle.com/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Oracle</a> had the best Gym in the area. I started to use it as a way against the work pressure while improving my fitness.<br /><br />I went on the bike path just outside the company for a run. Don't laugh at me, but I was able to run only 10 minutes. I found a group of runners (called <a href="http://www.geocities.com/thuesday_us/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Thuesday Runners</a>) who also worked in <a href="http://www.oracle.com/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Oracle</a>. I joined them, but had to turn around after 10 minutes or so. Since then, I ran every day and kept a running log. In a few weeks, I was able to run 45 minutes. Then I reached one hour of running. After some time, I was able to run to San Mateo Bridge and back. This landmark used to be a remote artificial to me. This was 10 mile running. In a year, I ran my first half marathon. This was my running 10 years ago!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(151, 151, 255);">2. What is your best and worst race experience?<br /><br /></span>I love running and I really don't have bad experience. I do have DNF (Did Not Finish) and DNS (Did Not Start), even am proud of being in DNH (Did not Happen) for the prestigious <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Western States 100M</a> this year (See <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Jean Pommier</a> <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2008/06/western-states-2008-dnh-like-did-not.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Western States 2008: DNH like... Did Not Happen</a>), but I still enjoyed every second I was in any run. Almost every run was my best experience no matter if I had best performance or not. For example, I suffered in <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> and <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Wasatch Front 100M</a>, but I somehow enjoyed them and love to do them every year even my time were not good enough (had 9 min to spare as an official Wasatch finisher last year).<br /><br />If I have to find a run of <span style="font-style: italic;">fair</span> experience, I'd pick <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/raceseries/helen_classic.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Helen Klein 50M</a> I did in 2006. Don't get me wrong. It's a wonderful run named after the great ultrarunner <a href="http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/MountainUltraTrail/Klein_Helen.asp" style="text-decoration: none;">Helen Klein</a> and hosted by her husband, the great RD Norm Klein. Check <a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/2008/04/american-river-night-before.html" style="text-decoration: none;">AMERICAN RIVER 50 MILER- THE NIGHT BEFORE</a> for a visit by my friend <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01054828169827277709" style="text-decoration: none;">Alan Geraldi</a> (<a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Endurazone</a>) and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" style="text-decoration: none;">Rajeev Patel</a> (<a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">The Poetic Runner</a>) the night before <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">American River 50M</a> this year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__MxPevU6WuE/R_kn6npHDmI/AAAAAAAAA1A/81b53PK8azo/s320/attachment1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__MxPevU6WuE/R_kn6npHDmI/AAAAAAAAA1A/81b53PK8azo/s320/attachment1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lots of buckles from Norm/Helen Klein.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01054828169827277709" style="font-style: italic;">Alan Geraldi</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (</span><a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Endurazone</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br />I did not plan to run it at the end of the calendar year in 2006. I thought I entered the rest period. However, I was notified (Thanks <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13506740152878287937" style="text-decoration: none;">Mark Tanaka</a> - <a href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Utrailnaka</a>) that I'd better run it in order to win the <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/raceseries/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">FeltBelt Ultrarunner.net</a> Age Division. It was quite an honor, but I had to persuade my family to go with me as a family trip. I also found out the competition will be tough for me with the veteran Jack Meyer not far behind in scores. The course is actually an out-and-back 27 mile bike path of <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;">American River 50M</a>, which is not my favorable surface to run. At the end, I ran faster than Jack Meyer and won the place. This was always a nice reward and honor.<br /><br />I think I normally have no best experience if I can not find a lot of motivation in it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(151, 151, 255);">3. Why do you run?</span><br /><br />In the beginning, running was a way to go outside of my work space for a while. As I kept doing it, I found more and more improvement in my fitness as the reward. I set up confidence in myself. This was a joy coming all the way when I explored myself. The exploration began in my physical fitness, but became more on the mental strength. Dawn Infernal Bean said something in the film <a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" style="text-decoration: none;">A Race for the Soul</a> like that if she can run a 100 miles, there is nothing to worry when in bad situations.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNo8IEbwAdwT6_9msti4deBAzxdOHm807sMvQATDdRTVsVItTW6fwe8PpisLGM4nScUMZIt3lSwhIz2SWlH1tCd9lQT55Wql6KOFkbsv3pym6QjK3dHw2PPwonuou9eADp6tDsRIfGhQN/s400/IMG_0535.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNo8IEbwAdwT6_9msti4deBAzxdOHm807sMvQATDdRTVsVItTW6fwe8PpisLGM4nScUMZIt3lSwhIz2SWlH1tCd9lQT55Wql6KOFkbsv3pym6QjK3dHw2PPwonuou9eADp6tDsRIfGhQN/s400/IMG_0535.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dawn Inferna Bean at </span><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070429-diablo-50m-tough-footrace-ill.html" style="font-style: italic;">PCTR Diablo 50M</a></span><br /></div><br />Plus I am proud and glad to know a lot of friends at the trails. They are the best persons I've ever known. I can figure out that running requires the best performance of a person, so called <span style="font-style: italic;">dig deep</span>, while presents the best personality of a person.<br /><br />Therefore, running has become a part of life since long. Perhaps it's more like what <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945" style="text-decoration: none;">Jean Pommier</a> said <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Running, my second job and passion...</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(151, 151, 255);">4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Worst piece of advice</span> - don't run as it will hurt your knees. Or you'll take the consequence when you get older<br /><br />But somehow I have strong knees. I can see a lot of runners older and stronger than me. I may not be at their level, but perhaps I can try a little to get closer.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Best piece of advice</span> - "When devastatingly low, things will normally get better..." <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordy_Ainsleigh" style="text-decoration: none;">Gordy Ainsleigh</a>, the father of 100 milers, said this in <a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" style="text-decoration: none;">A Race for the Soul</a> about the second half of <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Western States 100M</a>.<br /><br />This always broadens my sight and helps me see things positive. There is no help to be negative.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(151, 151, 255);">5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pro.corbis.com/images/CB037784.jpg?size=572&uid=%7B71BF8B6E-3777-4DBB-B83F-A1922DDA91EA%7D"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px;" src="http://pro.corbis.com/images/CB037784.jpg?size=572&uid=%7B71BF8B6E-3777-4DBB-B83F-A1922DDA91EA%7D" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Would rather be running in a swimming trunk</span></span><br /></div><br />I guess it would be in the <a href="http://www.olddominionrun.org/" style="text-decoration: none;">Old Dominion 100M</a> this year. It was so hot and humid that all my anti-chafing tricks failed. It was usual that I had to tape my nipples. However, I also had to taped my inner thighs as the never-failed Vaseline I applied earlier were all gone from heavy sweating. There was already a hot spot of 3 inches in diameter. The industrial tape could no longer attach to it due to the sweating. I had to run with my short rolled up to avoid the rub on my thighs. I wished I had run with a swimming suit. I thought I looked pretty awkward so that I let go when approaching a female or an aid station.<br /><br />Time to pass the baton, but I guess it's too late - every blogger seems to have been tagged. I'll find someone in the mean time :-)Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-46324697225269184562008-06-30T14:37:00.000-07:002008-06-30T20:44:34.340-07:00Special Grand Slam for 2008<span style="font-weight: bold;">The details is here - </span><a href="http://www.run100s.com/2008GSO.pdf" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;">Steve's email</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC-hbmBYD3Czm39OujFriBpa2ftHFZR50sWRJrixg6H-6LJXFsXWEgLtmrkAqgmj9VQOTMuyO4PmbHO8PV6FB08039yCeIfAjV051r8DZUtz2RyUkCox7YvJEVp6AkdTiJRnApf5jML7O/s1600-h/gs2008.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC-hbmBYD3Czm39OujFriBpa2ftHFZR50sWRJrixg6H-6LJXFsXWEgLtmrkAqgmj9VQOTMuyO4PmbHO8PV6FB08039yCeIfAjV051r8DZUtz2RyUkCox7YvJEVp6AkdTiJRnApf5jML7O/s320/gs2008.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217804505764681282" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning award</a> is recognition for those who complete four of the oldest 100 mile trail runs in the U.S. The "Slam" consists of officially finishing the <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run</a>, the <a href="http://www.vermont100.com/" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run</a>, the <a href="http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run</a> and the <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run</a> all in the same year. The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Award was established in 1986, when Tom Green was the first finisher.<br /><br />The first one in the series <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run</a> was canceled last week for this year because of the fire and smoke at the course. This raised a question how the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Grand Slam of Ultrarunning</a> can be continued this year.<br /><br />Steve Baugh met with the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Committee at Sunday night (6/29). They came up with the solution.<br /><br />First grand slammers are allowed to withdraw by 7/16 prior to <a href="http://www.vermont100.com/" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run</a> and get full refund ($80).<br /><br />For those willing to continue the pursuit,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.runarkansas.com/AURA.h1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.runarkansas.com/AURA.h1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"We are pleased to offer an alternative run which would be the 4th leg of the Grand Slam for 2008. The </span><a style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.runarkansas.com/AT100.htm" target="gs">Arkansas Traveller 100</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> will be the official alternative for the 2008 slam. It will be held on Oct 4th & 5th, four weeks after the <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Wasatch Front 100</a>. The </span><a style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.runarkansas.com/AT100.htm" target="gs">Arkansas Traveller</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> is a quality 100-mile run with a rich tradition and history. 2008 will be their 18th running. You can print off an entry form by going to </span><a style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.runarkansas.com">www.runarkansas.com</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. We are appreciative of Chrissy and Stan Ferguson, the AT 100 Race Directors, for their willingness to allow any slammers to continue with their quest to complete the 2008 Grand Slam. They will also allow us to have time at their awards ceremony to recognize successful Grand Slammers on their accomplishment."</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.runarkansas.com/AT100.1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.runarkansas.com/AT100.1.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.runarkansas.com/AT100.htm" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Arkansas Traveller 100</a> is not in my wish list of <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2008/06/list-of-epic-like-p2p-etc-trail-races.html" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">epic-like courses</a>, but the course is only one out and back course. I actually would like to do it at least once in future. I should consider doing it now as part of my <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Grand Slam of Ultrarunning</a> this year.<br /><br />The problem should be more about race conflict, travel expense (for a Traveller), and family approval. I have <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ftf.htm" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Dick Collins' Firetrails 50M</a> a week later, while there is <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/raceseries/rio_del_lago100.html" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Rio Del Lago 100M</a> a week before. I have not signed up the latter yet, but it's the run I'd like to do year after year. Btw, today is the last day for the lowest entry fee of <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/raceseries/rio_del_lago100.html" target="gs" style="text-decoration: none;">Rio Del Lago 100M</a>. It will be $15 more from $210 right now!Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-60165767975664079932008-06-15T11:06:00.000-07:002008-06-16T13:24:35.547-07:00List of Epic-like (P2P, etc) Trail RacesJust like hiking, I am fascinated with such epic-like trail running without going through the same section of trails more than once. Don't know if there is a name for such running courses because point-to-point or P2P seems appropriate but might be be limited as seen below when some courses have loops.<br /><br />Listers from <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Ultrarunning List</a> gave me a few such races. Combining with those what I know, I compiled the following list. Most of them are point-to-point (P2P) and some others have non-repetitive loops.<br /><br />090214? <a href="http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/07lost.txt" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail 118 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">One big loop</span><br />Alternates CW and CCW each year. (Thanks BMarysdad)<br /><br />090404 <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">American River 50 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt;" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />From Sacramento to Auburn on the American River trail - 27 mile pavement and 23 mile dirt trail.<br /><br />090425? <a href="http://www.zanegrey.info/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Zane Grey Highline Trail 50 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />Along Highline Trail around Payson, AZ 85541.<br /><br />090516 <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Loops</span><br />"actually is a loop course but still quite epic" (Thanks Bedford W. Boyce, Jr.)<br />It is always on the same weekend as my backyard <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> (see below). Also after running part of its typical rocky trails in <a href="http://www.olddominionrun.org/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Old Dominion 100M</a> last week, I found some difficulty to persuade myself to take on the ankle twisting challenge :-(<br /><br />090517? <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />From Fremont to Livermore via Sunol on the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ohlone" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Ohlone Wilderness trail</a>.<br /><br />090613? <a href="http://www.laurelultra.com/index70.htm" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Laurel Highlands 70 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />"The 70.5 mile race traverses the entire Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in southwestern Pennsylvania."<br /><br />090613? <a href="http://www.peakraces.com/ultrachallenge.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Pittsfield Peaks Ultra Challenge 53 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">A few distinct loops</span><br />"Start will be at Amee Farm and the finish will be at Riverside Farm."<br />"Race course will be on country roads, logging roads, NFS roads, snowmobile trails, and rugged single track trails" with 14,005ft climb. (Thanks <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Sherpa%20John%20Lacroix" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Sherpa John Lacroix</a>)<br /><br />080615-21 <a href="http://geminiadventures.com/DesertRATS.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Desert R.A.T.S.</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">7 day P2P stage run</span><br />"Run from Grand Junction, Colorado to the world famous Moab, Utah along the beautiful 148-mile Kokopelli's trail. Distances will range from day to day between 9 and 50 miles." (Thanks Peter Bakwin)<br /><br />080628 <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Western States 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />From Squaw Valley to Auburn on the Western States Trail.<br /><br />080711 <a href="http://run100s.com/HR/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Hardrock 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">One big loop</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />Start/Finish at Silverton, CO. Alternates CW and CCW directions each year. In 2008, the course will be run clockwise - a big loop through the San Juan Mountains of beautiful southwest Colorado: Silverton - Ophir - Telluride - Ouray - Sherman (Lake City) - Silverton<br /><br />080719 <a href="http://www.wakelydam.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Damn Wakely Dam Ultra</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span><br />"...a trail run through the Adirondack Park Wilderness of New York State along a remote and uninterrupted section of the Northville Placid Trial between Piseco Lake and Wakely Dam. There are no cross roads. There are no aid stations. Runners must be prepared to complete the entire 32.6 miles (52.5K) of rugged technical trail unassisted. It's just you, the trail and the company of like-minded runners." (Thanks Mike)<br /><br />080727 <a href="http://escarpmenttrail.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Escarpment Trail 30Ks</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span><br />But maybe a bit too short to be epic (IMO). (Thanks Greg Goodson)<br /><br />080802 <a href="http://www.burningriver100.org/wp/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Burning River 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span></span><span> with some small loops</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />Starting at Squire’s Castle in Willoughby Hills, the run follows the scenic Cuyahoga River Valley Corridor and finishes in Cuyahoga Falls. It travels Northeast Ohio through several of the region’s most scenic areas, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cleveland Metroparks and the Metro Parks.<br /><br />080809 <a href="http://claudesinclair.com/Laurel-Valley/lv2008app.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Laurel Valley White Water Run</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span><br />31, 35, 40 Miles. A "spectacular, quad-busting,<br />unsupported" run in August in SC. The entry fee is only $25 to cover all the cost. (Thanks Mike Day)<br /><br />080816 <a href="http://www.wpsp.org/ww100k/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Where's Waldo 100K</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Almost a big loop</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />I DNSed last year between <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Cool Night 12hr</a>, long driving, and <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Cascade Crest 100 Miles</a> (Thanks Peter Fish)<br /><br />080823 <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Cascade Crest 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">One big loop</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />Start/Finish at Easton, WA, featuring 10am start, Goat Peak, Rail Trail Tunnel, Trail from the Hell, Cardiac Needles, etc with only 15 aid stations.<br /><br />080829 <a href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">UTMB 166K</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">One big loop</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />Ultra Tour du Mount Blanc<br /><br />080905 <a href="http://uppermidwesttrailrunners.com/superior/fall/100mile.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Superior Trail 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />Along the Superior Hiking Trail From Gooseberry Falls State Park to Caribou Highlands Lodge in Minnesota.<br /><br />080906 <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Wasatch Front 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />"The Wasatch 100 is a point-to-point race that traverses the heart of the central Wasatch Mountains, one of the most beautiful ranges of the Rocky Mountains."<br />"The run stretches from Layton, Utah to The Homestead in Midway, Utah and covers some of the most beautiful scenery the Wasatch Mountains have to offer."<br /><br />080907-13 <a href="http://www.tt252.com/%20target=" epic="" style="text-decoration: none;">Tuscarora Trail 252</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">7 day P2P stage run</span><br />Start in PA, through MA, WV, and finish in VA. If it is 252 Miles, then its $500 entry fee should be fine based on the West Coast race fee standard, though East Coast usually has lower entry fee. (Thanks Peter Bakwin)<br /><br />080913 <a href="http://cascaderunningclub.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Plain 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Two distinct loops</span> (55 and 45+ miles) <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />$60 low entry fee. "NO AID STATIONS, NO PACERS. WATER FROM STREAMS SO BRING YOUR FILTER. CREW ACCESS AT 55 MILES ONLY. DROP BAGS AT 55 MILES ONLY. BRING YOUR WATER FOR DROP BAGS."<br /><br />080913 <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Angeles Crest 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt;" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />From Wrightwood to Pasadena in San Gabriel Mountains, California<br /><br />080920 <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Skyline_to_the_Sea.htm" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">PCTR Skyline to the Sea 50K</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />On the 30 mile Skyline to the Sea trail in California, "from the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains at Saratoga Gap through Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the oldest park in California (est. 1902), and ends at the Pacific Ocean at Waddell Beach. It travels through tall redwoods and high chaparral along the way."<br /><br />080927 <a href="http://www.badtothebone.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=204" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Great Eastern Endurance Run 100K</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Loops</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />The name of the event tells everything! (Thanks Bedford W. Boyce, Jr.)<br /><br />081101 <a href="http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/mmtr.htm" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Mountain Masochist Trail Run 50 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />"The race begins at the James River Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile 63.6) and finishes in Montebello. National Geographic Map #789 (Lexington / Blue Ridge Mts.) is the best topographic map for the area." (Thanks John Price)<br /><br />081108 <a href="http://www.terrigaltrotters.com.au/GNW100s_Home_Page.htm" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">The Great North Walk 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />On part of the 250K Great North Walk in Australia from Teralba on Lake Macquarie to Patonga on spectacular Broken Bay.<br /><br />081108 <a href="http://www.mountcheaha50k.org/pinhoti100/pinhoti100registration.pdf" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Pinhoti 100 Miles</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />Starting in Heflin, AL on the unmolested Pinhoti single track<br />trail and finish on the rubberized track in the Sylacauga High School<br />Football Stadium.<br /><br />081122 <a href="http://www.jfk50mile.org/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">JFK 50 Mile</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />The largest ultrarunning event in USA with 1,078 finisher in 2007. Could not find the course details from the web site :-( (Thanks John Price)<br /><br />081207 <a href="http://www.othtc.com/ultra/index.htm" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">HIGH DESERT 50K</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">One big loop</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />"Very run able desert course, some challenges but a very fast course." (Thanks Chris)<br /><br />081207? <a href="http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/hellgate_100k.htm" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Hellgate 100K</a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">P2P</span> <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/><br />66 Miles and 13,500ft climb according to Keith Knipling Race Report: <a href="http://keith-knipling.com/?p=19" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">2007 Hellgate 100K</a>. See how he decided that <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=349" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Garmin 305</a> for 50 miles or shorter and <a href="http://www.polarusa.com/Products/consumer/s625x.asp" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Polar S625X</a> for 100 miles. (Thanks John Price)<br /><br />Some of them are outside US. I think I might be able to afford to going some day.<br /><br />I know there are P2P road ultras - <a href="http://www.keys100.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Keys 100</a>, <a href="http://www.badwater.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Badwater 135 Miles</a>,<br /><a href="http://www.spartathlon.gr/main.html" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Spartatholon</a>, <a href="http://www.motherroad100.com/" target="epic" style="text-decoration: none;">Mother Road 100 Miles</a>. However, I prefer to stay at trails since I was an avid hiker before taking on ultra/trail running.<br /><br />I marked my favorite with <img width="16" style="border:0pt" src="http://www.pavingexpert.com/images/pagegfx/twisting_star.gif" title="must-do"/>Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-68520145039418549042008-05-09T13:56:00.000-07:002008-05-09T15:11:56.088-07:00Good Luck on 5/10 - PCTR Lake Merritt and Quicksilver<a style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Lake_Merritt_Half_Day.htm" target="luck">PCTR Lake Merritt</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/images/Lake_Merritt_Design.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pctrailruns.com/images/Lake_Merritt_Design.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy of <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="luck" style="text-decoration: none;">PCTR</a><br /><br /></span></div>Ron Duncan - possibly win the 6hr, going north from his place , while I'm traveling south tomorrow. Will we see each other on I-880? There is a <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/LM_Webcast.htm" target="luck" style="text-decoration: none;">Webcast</a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="luck">Quicksilver</a> - The number of race entrants is at new high (314 last night!), but the race is not yet closed. Please keep coming over. Today is the last chance because there is no race day registration.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/qsprofile.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/qsprofile.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy of <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Quicksilver</a></span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.adamblum.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Adam Blum</a> <a href="http://coursetrained.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">(Course-Trained</a>) - one of his weekly races,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Chihping Fu</a> (<a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Ultrailrunning Family Man (超馬阿爸)</a>) - will listens to his injured body - stress fracture for 6 months and cold symptom after <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Miwok 100K</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01054828169827277709" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Alan Geraldi</a> (<a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">EnduraZone</a>) - not racing but come over-dressed for heat training?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03107458485357799934" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Sean Lang</a> (<a href="http://bushidorunner.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Bushido Runner</a>) - upgrade from 50K last year and after great performance so far this year<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Rajeev Patel</a> (<a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">The Poetic Runner</a>) - First race after helping <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Miwok 100K</a> and RDing <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Ruth Anderson</a>. Thank you!, I'll think of your buddy <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Anil Rao</a> (<a href="http://outdoorzone.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Adventure Unlimited</a>).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13506740152878287937" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Mark Tanaka</a> (<a href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Ultrailnaka</a>) - I can see a lot of your competitors. Please beat them!<br /><br />I'm excited to have the party of seeing all the ultra/trail friends over there. Then I'll think of the famous Quicksilver burger and massage during the run.<br /><br />Btw, Quicksilver reminds me when the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/thuesday_us/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Thuesday</a> leader Eric Belden first introduced me and <a href="http://mixi.jp/show_friend.pl?id=2967268" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Yuki Negoro, プロフィール</a> this run back in 2004. We were so nervous about running 50K on hills when our longest distance was only a Marathon. To me, the training run with Eric and Yuki over Rancho San Antonio got me a taste of trail running. In the 50K, I was actually amazed that I was able to keep moving after the Marathon distance. Since then, both me and Yuki have got addicted to ultra/trail (ultrail?) running.<br /><br />Good luck our <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="luck">Ultraholics</a> and all the friends I'll see tomorrow!Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-60913660916212403012008-01-13T16:48:00.001-08:002008-01-15T14:42:35.738-08:00Looking Back at 2007 (Trail Running Blog Tag)My friend <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01054828169827277709" target="tag">Alan Geraldi</a> (a hell of an ultramarathoner and blog owner of: <a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" target="tag">EnduraZone</a> ) "tagged me" with this list of questions. So, I will try to respond below (and then figure out who else to tag):<br /><br /><strong>1. The most memorable moment on the trails was…</strong><br /><br />Every race is special to me, so this is a tough question. <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="tag">Cascade Crest Classics 100M</a> has the unexpected cold mountain rain at the night, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierogi" target="tag">pierogies </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Pierogi_frying.jpg/250px-Pierogi_frying.jpg" target="tag"><img style="margin: 10pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Pierogi_frying.jpg/250px-Pierogi_frying.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>saving me from complete exhaustion, the rope rappelling along the steep muddy trail, the 3 mile rail-trail tunnel, the 2.5 hour effort on the 6 mile <a href="http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/" target="tag">Barkley</a>-like "trail from the hell", the cardiac needles dwarfing the infamous steep hills in <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/rdl100main.html" target="tag">Rio Del Lago 100M</a>, and the unexpected "racing" with the 100 miler legend Hans-Dieter Weisshaar. These are the most memorable moments, while the nettle whipping, native American tribes, anti-oxidant rich huckleberry feast on the run, and bush whacking, are just icing on the cake.<br /><br />On the other hand, <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html" target="tag">Wasatch Front 100M</a> has tough climbs everywhere and exhausted me many times. I sleep walked and fell down on my way to the Desolation. Those are great and miserable moments.<br /><br /><strong>2. The best new trail I discovered in 2007 was…</strong><br /><br />I have run quite a few new races in 2007. Every trails was great, so this is another tough ask. How about the worst shape "trail from the hell" that I cursed all the way in <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="tag">Cascade Crest Classics 100M</a>? Trails at <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html" target="tag">Wasatch Front 100M</a> course are also out of this world!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcToroAg-IAC4Sc71havuAajy5J5WaE2Qz-N-J4_NB56rLoKhY-nwTQ1h00pNcpf11tpp4r_KDqG99wNGwOOu-kgBCPpyewDi-ohYmU1RNJSBE2lZwE28H96hhXEczqp0H5NfDDUbzyQl/s400/IMG_0194.JPG" target="tag"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 0px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcToroAg-IAC4Sc71havuAajy5J5WaE2Qz-N-J4_NB56rLoKhY-nwTQ1h00pNcpf11tpp4r_KDqG99wNGwOOu-kgBCPpyewDi-ohYmU1RNJSBE2lZwE28H96hhXEczqp0H5NfDDUbzyQl/s400/IMG_0194.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>However, my best new trail in 2007 should be 11-12 miles virtually flat <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/trails/alameda_creek" target="tag">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. It runs along Alameda Creek as a border of Fremont and Union City. It connects between the Bay and the East Bay hills. It has trail markers at every half mile showing two numbers for distances to Bay or the hills. I always run 1.5 miles from my home to get to mile 6.5/4.5.<br /><br />At the south side of the creek, it is an 11 mile paved bike path, belonging to Fremont. I'd been very familiar with it. Its half mile painted trail markers were my training run for road races. When I got to the trail, I always ran to one end without any gut to run the entire trail out-and-back 22 miles, plus 3 mile home trip. I knew every bit of the trail, so this trail is not new to me.<br /><br />Across the 100 ft wide creek from the paved bike path, I could see the dirt trail at the other side. Until I started to run ultras for a while, I had never tried the north side of the creek, belonging to Union City. Somehow, it is 12 mile long, 1 mile more than the south side. The painted trail markers are replaced with real trail sign posts.<br /><br />This dirt path was completely new to me until I ran the inaugural <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/01/012707-fremont-fat-ass-50k-dnf-after-33.html" target="tag">Fremont Fat Ass</a> in 2007. I was amazed at such a wonderful dirt path to a trailrunner's mind. I was also surprised why I had no temptation even to try it for so many years before.<br /><br />Since then, the north side 12 mile became my training run area. I set my training distance record - 40 miles (See <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/03/070318-finishing-40-miletraining-run_22.html" target="tag">Finishing a 40 MileTraining Run</a>). I was able to run the entire out-and-back 24 miles, which I never dared to dream about it. Getting to one end at Bay was such an inspiration that I felt like being the center of the Universe with sensible civilization surrounding me to the farthest.<br /><br />Being easily accessible with 1.5 miles from my home and scenic with Bay, wilderness, City street, and convenient water spots, <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/trails/alameda_creek" target="tag">Alameda Creek Trail</a> was the best new trail I enjoyed in 2007.<br /><br /><strong>3. My best performance of the year was…</strong><br /><br />Although I was bothered by the frequent ankle twist issue in the first half of the year, I was fortunate enough to have one race that I was proud of. It is <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/04/070414-american-river-50m-toughing-out.html" target="tag">American River 50M</a>, in which I made my 50 miler PR - <span style="font-weight: bold;">8:31:56</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UZjULHvfQnrrwFL2fH_VpLVoam2c94qpJnD4tyt69pK6SsgFRroUADmmtLDEt0HL_xCnbVhJhwc0EYD6hswwkPdtQ-jFCkKN2ucIUecIHqVKhwlFeEXqywquGMKTjF9jw5DQUmV3pSxk/s400/2007-ar-5.jpg" target="tag"><img style="margin: 10pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UZjULHvfQnrrwFL2fH_VpLVoam2c94qpJnD4tyt69pK6SsgFRroUADmmtLDEt0HL_xCnbVhJhwc0EYD6hswwkPdtQ-jFCkKN2ucIUecIHqVKhwlFeEXqywquGMKTjF9jw5DQUmV3pSxk/s400/2007-ar-5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know how I signed up my first 50 miler in 2005 <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="tag">American River 50M</a>. Being a mediocre road marathon runner (3:19 PR) usually hitting the wall at mile 22, I was really scared at the concept of "running 50 miles".<br /><br />Me and a good friend Yuki Negoro, who was in the similar situation but a better runner, decided to do 10 min run/ 1 min walk. He had a timer, but we both agreed from our legs at later miles that the 1 min walk seemed getting shorter every time. Also being passed by many runners in the beginning was a hurt on our morale. Luckily, I seemed to turn on my engine when we hit the trail at mile 27. I kept passing people and was able to have a <span style="font-weight: bold;">9:39</span> finish.<br /><br />After proving that we can finish a 50 miler, we would like to further explore our limits. Next time in 2006, we got rid of the run/walk by running from the start though at reasonably slow pace. We found we were still alive when the trail started. I loved the trail section and was able to do <span style="font-weight: bold;">9:01</span>, while at the final climb talking with now <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/12hrsatcool.html" target="tag">Cool Night 12hr</a> RD Nancy Warren about breaking 9hr.<br /><br />Last year I ran alone and decided to push myself even more. I barely made my 4hr goal at the 27 mile bike path, and I was more tired than ever at the trail section. I found I was passed by more runners later. Still I was able to continue the streak of 30+ min improvement by finishing it <span style="font-weight: bold;">8:31:56</span>.<br /><br />Therefore, for three years in row, I was able to run more than 30 minutes faster each time - 9:39, 9:01, and 8:31. I should be looking forward to an sub-8hr in 2008, but it will be extremely difficult to continue the three year streak and make a sub-8hr at <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="tag">American River 50M</a>.<br /><br />This year I have no particular goal in mind (perhaps just finish it) since <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="tag">American River 50M</a> is two weeks after <a href="http://www.zombierunner.com/events/zombierunner_sponsored/coyote_two_moon_ultras/" target="tag">Coyote Two Moon 100M</a>. Also I'm afraid 8:31 is too fast and will be my fastest 50 miler for my lifetime. But who knows?<br /><br /><strong>4. I do not know how I previously survived without...</strong><br /><br />This is the most difficult to answer of all the questions. I really had thought of quitting for a times, but I was able to keep going with my mental strength to the finish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nolashaolin.com/images/grandmaster%20med.gif" target="tag"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.nolashaolin.com/images/grandmaster%20med.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>In <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070505-miwok-100k-enjoy-run-among-ankle.html" target="tag">Miwok 100K</a>, I was bothered with too many ankle twists for the first 10 miles and nearly dropped. I kept faith and gave some chances to myself, while adjusting my footing and running style. I finally finished it, though missing a turn cost me an over-12hr finish.<br /><br />In <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="tag">Cascade Crest Classics 100M</a>, I was struggled and exhausted by the unprepared cold mountain rain at mile 30-ish. Knowing quitting was not a better solution under cold rain without shelter, I was grateful for a rest and some food (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierogi" target="tag">pierogies</a>) that I was able started to walk and run again. I finished the run.<br /><br />In <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html" target="tag">Wasatch Front 100M</a>, I felt very sleepy due to cold, altitude, and exhaustiveness on leaving Lamb's Canyon (mile 40). It was a very tough night that I sleep walked through it. My body gradually woke up as the daylight came in little by little on my way to the Brighton mountain resort. The rest 25 miles were not easy at all, but I was able to gut through them and finished it.<br /><br />I guess my mental strength is a little tough to beat!<br /><br /><strong>5. The person I would most like to meet on a trail in 2008...</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.google.com/Chihping.Fu/RqTNUtYTFYI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/LaGW_xzCPyw/P7210028.JPG" target="tag"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://lh6.google.com/Chihping.Fu/RqTNUtYTFYI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/LaGW_xzCPyw/P7210028.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Although there are still many ultrarunning celebrities that I have not met before, I don't have any strong desire to see any particular folks. Actually, I think I love to meet anyone running along with me or just us passing each other. Anything on the trail are fun enough and I'm very satisfied with these.<br /><br />However, I found out the one I like to see at trail running after finishing this post. It is Yuki Negoro. Yuki and I have been training and racing for many years. He was one of those who inspired me a lot in running.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.google.com/Chihping.Fu/RoErpfeHyiI/AAAAAAAAET8/60WM-0KNqNQ/P6230304.JPG?imgmax=640"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://lh6.google.com/Chihping.Fu/RoErpfeHyiI/AAAAAAAAET8/60WM-0KNqNQ/P6230304.JPG?imgmax=640" alt="" border="0" /></a>However, he has been bothered for injuries in past two years. He expects to recover in Spring and becomes our familiar fast Yuki. Just saw his name on the <a href="http://run100s.com/HR/entriesreceived.html" target="tag">Hardrock applicant list</a> along with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01054828169827277709" target="tag">Alan Geraldi</a> and myself.<br /><br />If I have to pick one particular person for this question, it will be Yuki Negoro! Go Yuki!!<br /><strong><br />6. The race I am most excited about for 2008...</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.google.com/Chihping.Fu/RoEguveHvEI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/ANRKhgrV4Sk/P6220073.JPG" target="tag"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px;" src="http://lh3.google.com/Chihping.Fu/RoEguveHvEI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/ANRKhgrV4Sk/P6220073.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Of course, it will be <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="tag">Western States 100M</a> after three years of waiting. Since I'm pursuing <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="tag">Grand Slam</a> and <a href="http://www.run100s.com/lgr.htm" target="tag">Last Great Race</a>, I'm going to do some new races. I'm looking forward to have exciting thing on my trip and the courses that are completely new to me.<br /><br />On the other hand, the scary <a href="http://www.hardrock100.com/" target="tag">Hardrock 100M</a>, the wonderful <a href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/" target="tag">Cascade Crest Classics 100M</a>, the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="tag">Grand Slam</a> final <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html" target="tag">Wasatch Front 100M</a>, and the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/lgr.htm" target="tag">Last Great Race</a> final <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="tag">Angeles Crest 100M</a>, are all exciting to me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Tagged Fellows</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18107967737535707878" target="tag">Steve Ansell</a> (<a href="http://mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/" target="tag">Mountain Man Steve</a>) - <a href="http://mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/2008/01/im-it.html" target="tag">I'm it!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00025651220566756466" target="tag">Adam Blum</a> (<a href="http://coursetrained.blogspot.com/" target="tag">Course-Trained - Ultra</a>) -<br /><a href="http://coursetrained.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html" target="tag">More 2007 Retrospective and 2008 Plan</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584" target="tag">Scott Dunlap</a> (<a href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/" target="tag">A Trail Runner's Blog</a>) - <a href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2007/12/looking-back-at-2007-trail-running-blog.html" target="tag">Looking Back at 2007 (Trail Running Blog Tag)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02831196294867106529" target="tag">Paul Charteris</a> (<a href="http://trailrunz.blogspot.com/" target="tag">Do more trailrunz</a>) - <a href="http://trailrunz.blogspot.com/2007/12/trail-running-blog-tag.html" target="tag">Trail Running Blog Tag</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01054828169827277709" target="tag">Alan Geraldi</a> (<a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/" target="tag">EnduraZone</a>) - <a href="http://endurazone.blogspot.com/2008/01/looking-back-at-2007-trail-running-blog.html" target="tag">LOOKING BACK AT 2007 - TRAIL RUNNING BLOG TAG</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09879965812417533648" target="tag">Pete Lubbers</a> (<a href="http://runlaketahoe.blogspot.com/" target="tag">Run Lake Tahoe</a>) - <a href="http://runlaketahoe.blogspot.com/2007/12/looking-back-at-2007-trail-running-blog.html" target="tag">Looking Back at 2007 (Trail Running Blog Tag)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="tag">Rajeev Patel</a> (<a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" target="tag">The Poetic Runner</a>) - <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/2008/01/tagged-youre-it.html" target="tag">Tagged! You're it!!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13506740152878287937" target="tag">Mark Tanaka</a> (<a href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/" target="tag">Mark Tanaka's Trail & Ultra Running Blog</a>) - <a href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-running-2007-in-review-tag-answers.html" target="tag">My Running 2007 in Review (Tag Answers Part 1 of 2)</a>, waiting for his Part 2!<br /><br />I'll try to tag the following friends and spread the tagging - <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18107967737535707878" target="tag">Steve Ansell</a> (<a href="http://mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/" target="tag">Mountain Man Steve</a>, Thanks!), Ron Duncan (sub-3hr marathon runner), <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00025651220566756466" target="tag">Adam Blum</a> (<a href="http://coursetrained.blogspot.com/" target="tag">Course-Trained - Ultra</a>, Thanks!), <a href="http://www.trailrunners.net/reports/index.html" target="tag">Keith Blom</a> (<a href="http://www.trailrunners.net/reports/index.html" target="tag">trailrunners.net</a>), etcChihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-78820497706958393292007-04-04T18:07:00.000-07:002007-11-18T22:18:08.858-08:00070331 Ruth Anderson 63 Miles - A Training Run Without Walk<span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: March 31, 2007<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race</span>: <a href="http://www.run100s.com/entries/ra07.rtf" target="ra100">Ruth Anderson 100K</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location</span>: Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Merced</span>, San Francisco<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance:</span> 63.16 miles<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Profile:</span> 1,400ft gain/loss<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span> 10:29:53.85 (9.58 min/mile), <a href="http://www.run100s.com/results/ra07.txt">Complete Results</a><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marathon:</span> 3:51:48.55 (8:55 min/mile)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">50K:</span> 4:42:06.04 (9.04 min/mile)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">40M:</span> 6:09:44.24 (9:15 min/mile)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">50M:</span> 7:58:05.79 (9:34 min/mile)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">100K:</span> 10:22:05.03 (9:57 min/mile)</li></ul><center><table border="1"><br /><tbody><tr><th>Laps</th><th>Distance<br />(miles)</th><th>Time</th><th>Pace<br />(min/mile)</th><th>Accrued Time</th><th>Calories<br />(cal)</th></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">1</td><td align="right">3.98</td><td align="right">33:55.04<br /></td><td align="right">8:31<br /></td><td align="right">33:55.04<br /></td><td align="right">524<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">2</td><td align="right">4.50</td><td align="right">39:04.86<br /></td><td align="right">8:41<br /></td><td align="right">1:12:59.90<br /></td><td align="right">590<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">3</td><td align="right">4.51</td><td align="right">39:46.93<br /></td><td align="right">8:50<br /></td><td align="right">1:52:46.83<br /></td><td align="right">588<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">4</td><td align="right">4.51</td><td align="right">39:44.98<br /></td><td align="right">8:49<br /></td><td align="right">2:32:31.76<br /></td><td align="right">593<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">5</td><td align="right">4.53</td><td align="right">40:59.17<br /></td><td align="right">9:03<br /></td><td align="right">3:13:30.93<br /></td><td align="right">596<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">6</td><td align="right">4.17</td><td align="right">38:17.62<br /></td><td align="right">9:11<br /></td><td align="right">3:51:48.55<br /></td><td align="right">547<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="center">Marathon</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">26.2</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">3:51:48.55<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">8:51<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right"><br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">3438<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">7</td><td align="right">5.15</td><td align="right">50:17.49<br /></td><td align="right">9:46<br /></td><td align="right">4:42:06.04<br /></td><td align="right">677<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="center">50+K</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">31.35</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">4:42:06.04<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">9:04<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right"><br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">4115<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">8</td><td align="right">4.25</td><td align="right">42:31.12<br /></td><td align="right">10:00<br /></td><td align="right">5:24:37.16<br /></td><td align="right">564<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">9</td><td align="right">4.40</td><td align="right">45:07.08<br /></td><td align="right">10:15<br /></td><td align="right">6:09:44.24<br /></td><td align="right">582<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="center">40 Miles</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">40</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">6:09:44.24<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">9:15<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right"><br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">5261<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">10</td><td align="right">4.65</td><td align="right">49:01.15<br /></td><td align="right">10:32<br /></td><td align="right">6:58:45.39<br /></td><td align="right">613<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">11</td><td align="right">5:35</td><td align="right">59:20.40<br /></td><td align="right">11:06<br /></td><td align="right">7:58:05.79<br /></td><td align="right">705<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="center">50 Miles</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">50</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">7:58:05.79<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">9:34<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right"><br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">6579<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">12</td><td align="right">3.65</td><td align="right">39:59.57<br /></td><td align="right">10:57<br /></td><td align="right">8:38:05.36<br /></td><td align="right">484<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">13</td><td align="right">4.48</td><td align="right">52:47.35<br /></td><td align="right">11:47<br /></td><td align="right">9:30:52.71<br /></td><td align="right">570<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">14</td><td align="right">4.37</td><td align="right">51:32.32<br /></td><td align="right">11:48<br /></td><td align="right">10:22:25.03<br /></td><td align="right">557<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="center">100K</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">62.5</td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">10:22:05.03<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">9:57<br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right"><br /></td><td style="font-weight: bold;" align="right">8190<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">15</td><td align="right">0.66</td><td align="right">7:28.82<br /></td><td align="right">11:18<br /></td><td align="right">10:29:53.85<br /></td><td align="right">89<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><th>Total</th><th align="right">63.16<br /></th><th align="right">10:29:53.85</th><th align="right">9:58</th><th align="right"><br /></th><th align="right">8279</th></tr><br /></tbody></table></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strategy</span><br /><br />This time I decide to complete 100K without quitting at 50K like last year. Doing 100K equivalent to nearly 14 laps around Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Merced</span> becomes a lot of pressure.<br /><br />I have been thinking about the strategy at my spare time these days. It's all about drinking and eating. In training runs, I usually start to drink at mile 10 and eat at mile 14. In the race, I'll over hydrate myself before start and try to extend the first unstopped section of run. I also need to consider the intervals among the two aid stations.<br /><ul><li>start to eat and drink after three laps</li><li>eat only gels</li><li>eat one gel around an aid station, i.e. two gels each lap</li><li>drink at least one 20 oz bottle of salted sports drink each lap</li><li>take three salt tablets at every other lap<br /></li><li>eat, drink, and fill my bottle only at the finish aid station</li><li> skip the other aid station</li></ul><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get to the Race</span><br /><br />As usual, I felt reluctant to get up that early with pressure. I got up at 4am and left home at 5am, hoping to get everything ready. I had two banana and one can of V8 done at home before I left for the race. Since I had cold and have been headache for some time, I take one Contact tablet and carry one. I plan to take that one when I get to 50K.<br /><br />On my way, I was thinking that I can take BART and walk another 3 miles instead of driving, but it need <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">planning</span> and it's too late. Maybe I can do it this way next time.<br /><br />Last year, I drove around the lake to look for the start. I was luckier this year as I only missed a turn and had to drive half of the lake.<br /><br />It's darker than last year because the race is 3 weeks earlier. However, the large parking area looks like nearly full. I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lucky</span> to find a parking near the course. I can see there is a long line in front of the only one bathroom.<br /><br />I met a couple of <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/">Ultraholics</a> friends there - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rajeev</span> Patel, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Yuki</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Negoro</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Miho</span>, Alan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Geraldi</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Anil</span>. Ron Duncan is there. He is training for Boston and Comrades.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc2r_YSObURj_UI5Sw0BalZCFahw1AZUDz6qCGrn95FeDUXShRDuTOBetht98A7oWpGYLwTgaI4RxhYlUUCqmmixN-_S02vD_jdPtGjwpK2C-d90ktj2KHYxOh8sV_gKWVZXKYUK6NUvA/s1600-h/IMG_0268.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc2r_YSObURj_UI5Sw0BalZCFahw1AZUDz6qCGrn95FeDUXShRDuTOBetht98A7oWpGYLwTgaI4RxhYlUUCqmmixN-_S02vD_jdPtGjwpK2C-d90ktj2KHYxOh8sV_gKWVZXKYUK6NUvA/s400/IMG_0268.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048457200008085554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is cold, but gets better after a half mile walk to the start. The RD John Burton briefs for minutes, relaxing a little the atmosphere. Off we start.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 1 (mile 0 ~ 3.98): 3.98 miles/33:55:04, pace: 8.31 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 2 (mile 3.98 ~ 8.48): 4.50 miles/39:04.86, pace: 8.41 min/mile</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 3 (mile 8.48 ~ 12.99): 4.51 miles/39:46.93, pace: 8.50 min/mile</span><br /><br />The first three laps I ran with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Yuki</span> and Ron at an easy pace with our fresh legs. I am able to run fast and take a picture for runners behind - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Yuki</span>, Ron (in red), and 15 years old Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kanning</span> (front).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTJss1_-mts3LtwxoVfviMl7MtBkNXkcVyWo2uWpraNmqD36K_MdGAJ9WWxpIm6hAE9cR4nuTnhrTLCtbHN162rbWGZSb9eL6zjpixXjO6zACM-2E-sFmGhyphenhyphen6qfrVrAMlWOcCC_YcY3Rx/s1600-h/IMG_0269.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTJss1_-mts3LtwxoVfviMl7MtBkNXkcVyWo2uWpraNmqD36K_MdGAJ9WWxpIm6hAE9cR4nuTnhrTLCtbHN162rbWGZSb9eL6zjpixXjO6zACM-2E-sFmGhyphenhyphen6qfrVrAMlWOcCC_YcY3Rx/s400/IMG_0269.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048457075454033954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also run with Eric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Barkenkotter</span>. He recognizes me. He is the one who was one minute ahead of me in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ohlone</span> 50K last year and got the age group award. He says he wants to try 100K and hope to run a 100 miler in near future. He is definitely faster than I, so he pulls away later and finishes a fast 50K at 4 hr 33 min.<br /><br />Both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Yuki</span> and I wear a Forerunner 305 GPS watch. While we are running at sub-9 min pace, we are joking that we also race with the watch. I was told that the battery can last only 10 hours. Since I plan to run this 100K at 10 hours (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Yuki</span> has 9 hours in mind), we would like to see either we finish first or the watch dies first. I also think we probably need to collect three watches for a 100 milers - one in a drop bag every 33 miles.<br /><br />Ron is a fast guy but he is enjoying the run and prepare to speed up later. He kindly takes a picture for us when we just finish a lap.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y5NNv196nStuffoc4spkKlVGY4Y8PltOGV8JwQwwZiXsWi1_u5Kjc1GvxtM7gcXZAFKnALFHlN2DmXyn7JvACGJVpzVPT-dUcIOOWLJ-lV4GBGPDMvDb9CTmmte9TpynuH11GNXsgE6P/s1600-h/IMG_0271.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y5NNv196nStuffoc4spkKlVGY4Y8PltOGV8JwQwwZiXsWi1_u5Kjc1GvxtM7gcXZAFKnALFHlN2DmXyn7JvACGJVpzVPT-dUcIOOWLJ-lV4GBGPDMvDb9CTmmte9TpynuH11GNXsgE6P/s400/IMG_0271.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048456920835211282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As planned, I do not drink or eat, and skip every aid station. I do stop at bathroom once and then catch up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Yuki</span> later. I feel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">amused</span> at the porn drawings <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">in the</span> bathroom.<br /><br />So far so good. I am ready to get resupply once I finish the three <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">warmup</span> laps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 4 (mile 12.99 ~ 17.50): 4.51 miles/39:44.98, pace: 8.49 min/mile</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 5 (mile 17.50 ~ 22.03): 4.53 miles/40:59.17, pace: 9:03 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 6 (mile 22.03 ~ 26.20): 4.17 miles/38:17.62, pace: 9:11 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marathon: 3:51:48.55, 8:51 min/mile</span><br /><br />Now I feel like racing - I start to eat and drink regularly according to my plan. I eat one Gel around every aid station pass. I stop only at the finish aid station to refill my bottle. I drink every half mile. These pretty much follow what I did in my training and it worked well.<br /><br />Regarding electrolyte, I have to add some salt into my water bottle because I found I need more salt than usual. I have a small bottle of affordable kitchen salt, so I drop a little at every bottle refill. To add some flavors, I mixed the salt with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Gu</span>2O powder and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">GreenToGo</span>. It tastes great! Besides, I remind myself to take three salt tablets every other lap.<br /><br />We ran from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">pre</span>-dawn darkness. Now we can see daylight coming up. The lake is beautiful at different shades of lights. Look how happy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Yuki</span> is at the sunrise!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5K9W1VrRNtGsREBqagVh3r6yQyyeSIXj2fzzz9j96G9qrkpR3j9LkOiPpG098_VnJL330Qs9ZVeKbEyVwWOSSnmVx7SYnDpBnJiGDVq6FHXzjoaRHIkPcuDpwbgAhmkaWhKieK08uqc/s1600-h/IMG_0272.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5K9W1VrRNtGsREBqagVh3r6yQyyeSIXj2fzzz9j96G9qrkpR3j9LkOiPpG098_VnJL330Qs9ZVeKbEyVwWOSSnmVx7SYnDpBnJiGDVq6FHXzjoaRHIkPcuDpwbgAhmkaWhKieK08uqc/s400/IMG_0272.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048456800576126978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At mile 20, I am passed by Alan, so I wish him well. Then I catch up John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Mintz</span>, who is the 50 mile winner last year. He normally shows up (and wins) in many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">PCTR</span> events. He seems to have some issues. We run together to the other aid station. He stays there, but I wish him good luck and keep running. Then I am passed by Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Tanaka</span>. He is flying by. Within minutes I can see him catch up Alan far ahead. I look at my watch and figure out they are running at 3hr marathon pace! This is Alan comfortable pace, but I can not imagine Mark will run this pace for his 100K. Anyway, such a fast pace is usually out of my comprehension :-)<br /><br />At the marathon distance, I carefully press the lap button. And I finish it at 3 hr 51 min 48 sec - 7 minutes faster than my training run. I am satisfied about it because I feel better and this course has some small hills, compared with the flat <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="40miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 7 (mile 26.20 ~ 31.35): 5.15 miles/50:17.49, pace: 9:46 min/mile<br />50+K: 4:42:06.04, 9:04 min/mile</span><br /><br />Once I pass the marathon distance, I know the 50K is not far - less than 8K to go. But somehow my 50K lap is at mile 31.35, a little over 50K. Perhaps I press the button at the 50K finish line and my 50K from the GPS watch comes before the 50K line. I felt much better than last year when I struggled a bit to finish only 50K. I guess I have trained better so far thanks to those 30-40 miles training runs in previous weeks.<br /><br />At the half-way aid station I meet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Anil</span>. He seems very comfortable, but I am thinking where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Rajeev</span> is. They both plan to run 50 miles today. It turns out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Anil</span> finishes 100K. What a strong determination in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Anil</span>!<br /><br />I made this 50+K 6 minutes faster than the 50K in my training run. It's even improved by over 10 minutes from last year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 8 (mile 31.35 ~ 35.35): 4.25 miles/42:31.12, pace: 10:00 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 9 (mile 35.35 ~ 40.00): 4.40 miles/45:07.08, pace: 10:15 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">40 Miles: 6:09:44.24 9:15 min/mile</span><br /><br />Now I set my target to 40 miles since I have done a 40 mile training run. Because I caught cold early this week, I take one Contact tablet, which can last 6 hours, in case I have headache.<br /><br />I see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Rajeev</span> happily at the finish area. He turns out to have leg pain. He has to stop at 50K and save for the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50" title="goal: 8hr">American River 50M</a> two weeks later. He kindly takes a picture of me.<br /><br />I catch up Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Kanning</span>. He now runs without shirt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3LRKmFXOriQSTbBR1Ww3ZjvebLOBlvGqTRhqbpKzLzhbmxp2jpLWiwnPAeryHQBfwO9DefZWxE_uAFuXgwXWsAg5vWjx2tjVanI1OHGtM2NgKC9vbLrv48OSAKQevtXE2vrHhY8TLIgh/s1600-h/IMG_0273.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3LRKmFXOriQSTbBR1Ww3ZjvebLOBlvGqTRhqbpKzLzhbmxp2jpLWiwnPAeryHQBfwO9DefZWxE_uAFuXgwXWsAg5vWjx2tjVanI1OHGtM2NgKC9vbLrv48OSAKQevtXE2vrHhY8TLIgh/s400/IMG_0273.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048456706086846450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We talk a while. Like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Yuki</span>, who made an unbelievable 50K PR in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Prirate</span> Cove 50K a week earlier, he did it as well under 6 hours. His photo is on the <a href="http://www.ultrarunning.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Ultrarunning</span> magazine</a> Jan/Feb issue for the report of <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/hkmain.html">Helen Klein 50 miles</a>, when he ran it at the age of 14. He plans to run <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/rdl100main.html">Rio Del <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Lago</span> 100 miles</a> this year as his first 100 miler at the age of 15. He said the current record of the youngest 100 mile finisher is age 16. If he finishes it, he'll be the youngest 100 mile finisher. I wish the nice young man good luck and pull away.<br /><br />At one moment, I suddenly start to feel thigh cramp. I don't know why because I have taken salt tablets regularly. Perhaps it's noon time and I'm sweating more and losing more salt. I swallow two salt tablets right away. The symptom goes away after 10 minutes. I'm glad to carry some salt tablets with me.<br /><br />When I reach mile 40, it is 6 hr 9 min, well faster than my 40 mile training run of 6 hr 40 min. I start to feel tired but much better than in the 40 mile training run. At least I can keep moving at 10 minutes pace.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 10 (mile 40.00 ~ 44.65): 4.65 miles/49:01.15, pace: 10:32 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 11 (mile 4.00 ~ 8.50): 4.50 miles/40:00.00, pace: 11:06 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">50 Miles: 7:58:05.79 9:34 min/mile</span><br /><br />Now my target is 50 miles. I have run races of longer distances. However, if I see today's run as a training run, this is an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">unheard</span> territory for me. I start to struggle, but I feel great mentally. Since my training is up to 40 miles, anything beyond that becomes the test of my mental strength.<br /><br />Near the end of the lap, I see Ron Duncan. He has finished 50K with 4hr 8min, third place overall. He comes to run with me. We talk along the way, but I am too tired to say much. After finishing one lap, he has to go and head home. Thanks Ron help me pass one lap.<br /><br />When Ron leaves, I see my friends Alex and 崝萍 at the finish aid station. We knew each other back in Taiwan long ago. They just live in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Daly</span> City near Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Merced</span>. They told me they'll come around between 9 and 10 in the morning, but I did not see them. Now they show up and I am really excited. They quickly join me for the lap. I am still too tired to say much with them. They follow me behind.<br /><br />Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Tanaka</span> passes me again. I thought he was doing the shorter 50K since he ran so fast when he passed me for the first time. Now I'm sure that he's running for 100K. He is slower than earlier, but still much faster than my pace. I am thinking that if he can call me out before passing me, I can turn around and take a picture for him since I have carried a camera all the way. I don't want to interrupt him and I have no way to catch him to tell <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">him</span> about this.<br /><br />When I finish 50 miles, it's about 100 yards before the official finish. My time is 7 hr 58 min. This will be my record. I am happy about it, but I'm also worry at the same time. Two weeks from now, I'll run <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50" title="goal: 8hr">American River 50M</a> and my goal is 8 hours. I think I need to run harder to make it because <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50" title="goal: 8hr">American River 50M</a> has more hills and can be warmer. Anyway, I'll try my best. Perhaps today's run is really a training run that helps me run better in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50" title="goal: 8hr">American River 50M</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 12 (mile 50.00 ~ 53.65): 3.65 miles/39:59.57, pace: 10:57 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 13 (mile 53.65 ~ 58.13): 4.48 miles/40:00.00, pace: 11:47 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 14 (mile 58.13 ~ 62.50): 4.37 miles/51:32.32, pace: 11:48 min/mile</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">100K: 7:58:05.79 9:34 min/mile</span><br /><br />After 50 miles, I actually solely rely on my mental strength. I keep counting down the laps whenever I pass the finish area. I see Yuki at the finish area ready to leave. Yuki just finished a speeding 50K a week ago. He has some leg pain and have to stop at 50 miles. I think it's only me to run 100K (without knowing Anil is working hard at 100K as well). There are much fewer runners on the course right now.<br /><br />With one last lap to go, I am standing in front of the table. I look blank for a while and can not move until Mark Tanaka calls me to go. He already finishes the 100K at 7 hr 57 min, 46 min faster than last year. He is 2nd place overall.<br /><br />I appreciate he urges me to keep going. Once I move forward, I am able to pick up the slow but good 11-ish min pace. At this last lap, I say goodbye to the volunteer at 50 miles and at the other aid station. I feel great to get to the finish area. About 100 yards before the finish, I press the lap button at 62.5 miles, i.e. 100K. I get to the finish, but decide to keep running. The RD John Burton catches up and I explain that I want to run to the start to make it exactly 14 laps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 15 (mile 62.50 ~ 63.16): 0.66 miles/7:28.82, pace: 11:18 min/mile</span><br /><br />I now run at comfortable pace and it's downhill. This half mile feels like a mile! When I get the to start, I can not run back. I'm totally done. Walking back is slow and it's uphill.<br /><br />It's over 10 hr and I find the Forerunner 305 indicates 2 levels out of 4 of battery power. It seeems that it can last over 12 hours. I think I'll use it in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok" title="goal: 11hr">Miwok 100K</a> as well.<br /><br />When I get to the finish, it's nice to see my friends there. I don't know why, but I was set to lie down on a chair. It seems my cold symptom comes out since I am no longer running and the medicine is gone after 6 hours. With the chilly wind and wet clothes, I have a little hypothermia and start to shiver even with some blankets. I had a cup of hot chicken soup to warm myself, but it helps only a little. I chat with Charles Blakney, who volunteers the finish area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgCIMe6BZ2VR9oPSajChSPN7kMDADDDeiL4kbXVj3U971RmM15lBXNQCIfAeKcsRY_y7CFSciYT3kLjU8t1mrEzfdQhS4sIN0PYCBwa4-T-OJg9NFkx9tDAfScEIOVMr0PTTId5MFD4Jc/s1600-h/IMG_0278.jpg"><span img="" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgCIMe6BZ2VR9oPSajChSPN7kMDADDDeiL4kbXVj3U971RmM15lBXNQCIfAeKcsRY_y7CFSciYT3kLjU8t1mrEzfdQhS4sIN0PYCBwa4-T-OJg9NFkx9tDAfScEIOVMr0PTTId5MFD4Jc/s400/IMG_0278.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048456371079397346" border="0"></span></a><br />My friends generously invite me to their place to take a shower and chat. We have great time chatting and I get to know their gentle cat. My kids must love her.<br /><br />I recall I really like this loop course. I never like a loop course, but this one is in the city. Although the course is the same, the surroundings keep changing all the time - people, cars, streets, etc. The lake is beautiful. The 4.5 mile length of the loop is appropriate for every resupply. I would like to do it every year in future. I think I will shoot for faster 100K time such as 9 hours target or plan to run 100 miles instead - starting midnight and complete 22+ laps. Let me call it Ruth Anderson Midnight 100 Miles. I'm looking forward to this wonderful run in future! Thanks John and Amy Burton and all the volunteers.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-44197977972058670412007-09-12T09:32:00.000-07:002007-10-13T22:54:07.943-07:00070908 #6 Wasatch Front 100M - Out of this World through Heavens and Hells<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqTZSebF16Kpy25IF8NKdqbJgYZoYeFpzFSJmaVAMFA5FW96FZA1m82mkyjjIKcmPKpbVumt5uRYQfxaI0BUSw7uxmJeEbYD7frlgU3lNxy8UlipYQNPJc7Fihi3ks6-5llXfZ-FUgjC0/s1600-h/P9300452.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqTZSebF16Kpy25IF8NKdqbJgYZoYeFpzFSJmaVAMFA5FW96FZA1m82mkyjjIKcmPKpbVumt5uRYQfxaI0BUSw7uxmJeEbYD7frlgU3lNxy8UlipYQNPJc7Fihi3ks6-5llXfZ-FUgjC0/s400/P9300452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119405491520951570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A very nice plaque and a belt buckle</span></span></div><br /><dl><dd><div style="font-size: 85%;"><cite>(Wasatch) ... is a study in contrasts: peaks and valleys; trail and scree; heat and cold; wet and dry; summer and winter; day and night; Desolation Lake and Point Supreme; "I can't" and "I will!" Dickens had the Wasatch in mind when he wrote, "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."</cite></div></dd></dl><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >- from <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/wstch07.htm">http://www.wasatch100.com/wstch07.htm</a></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: Sept 8-9, 2007<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race</span>: <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Location</span>: <a target="wasatch" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasatch_Range">Wasatch Mountain Range</a>, from <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.co.davis.ut.us/aging_services/davis_county_walks/getting_started/where_to_walk/gold_medal_miles/kaysville_east_mountain_wilderness_park.cfm">East Mountain Wilderness Park</a> to <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.utah.com/stateparks/wasatch_mtn.htm">Wasatch Mountain State Park</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Distance:</span> 100 Miles<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Profile:</span> 16,000m elevation changes over 160K! - 26,882ft gain, 26,131ft loss, highest: 10,450 ft, lowest: 4,880ft, start: 4,880ft, finish: 5,720ft (image/data courtesy of <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.run100s.com/">Stan Jensen's run100s.com</a>)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.crockettclan.org/running/wasatch_files/image004.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px;" src="http://www.crockettclan.org/running/wasatch_files/image004.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/course.htm" target="wasatch">description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span> 35hr 50min 56sec, 157/160 overall, 70 drop, <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.brettneilson.com/wasatch100/2007/RunnerFinishers.aspx?cat=finishers">Complete Results</a>, <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.brettneilson.com/wasatch100/2007/RunnerDetail.aspx?cat=number&id=56">Split Result</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo:</span> <a target="wasatch" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070908WasatchFront100M">070908 Wasatch Front 100M</a> (264 pictures!!!)<br /><br /><a name="NAV"></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Section Navigator</span><br /><br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#CHIN_SEC">CHINSCRAPER</a> (Mile 0 - 18.76) Start Line, Francis Peak<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#BOUN_SEC">BOUNTIFUL PEAK</a> (Mile 18.76 - 23.95) Bountiful "B" (23.95 miles)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#SKYL_SEC">SKYLINE</a> (Mile 23.95 - 39.40) Sessions (28.23 miles), Swallow Rocks (34.91), Big Mountain (39.40)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#MULE_SEC">MULES EAR</a> (Mile 39.40 - 53.13) Alexander Springs (47.44 miles), Lambs Canyon (53.13 miles)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#BEAR_SEC">BEAR BOTTOM</a> (Mile 53.13 - 61.68) Millcreek(Upper Big Water) (61.68 miles)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#DESO_SEC">DESOLATION</a> (Mile 61.68 - 66.93) Desolation Lake (66.93 miles)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#BRIG_SEC">BRIGHTON</a> (Mile 66.93 - 75.61) Scotts Peak (70.79 miles), Brighton Lodge (75.61 miles)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#SUPR_SEC">SUPREME</a> (Mile 75.61 - 83.39) Ant Knolls (80.27 miles), Pole Line Pass (83.39 miles)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#MILL_SEC">MILL CANYON PEAK</a> (Mile 83.39 - 93.13) Rock Springs (87.39 miles), Pot Bottom (93.13 miles)<br /><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#WASA_SEC">WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK</a> (Mile 93.13 - 100) The Homestead-FINISH<br /><br />Wasatch has been a special word with mysteries to me, a non-native English speaker who just started to try some ultra's. Last year, I got to know more about the run when I was tracking the progress of my city heroine Catra Corbett (<a target="wasatch" href="http://trailgirl.blogspot.com/">Dirt Diva</a>) running Wasatch as her weekly 100 milers.<br /><br />Therefore, as early as a year ago, I have set Wasatch as my target race in 2007. I was simply attracted by its claim "The toughest footrace you'll ever love" I would have run a few 100 milers by then, so Wasatch should be an excellent challenging race for me in 2007. And I guess Wasatch seems far but actually like a neighborhood area among other 100 milers.<br /><br />I had never had a domestic travel by flight simply to run a race, but I planned to have a few in 2007. When I planned for Wasatch trip, I found that the airfare is pretty cheap and Salt Lake City has wonderful public transit system - <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.rideuta.com/">RideUTA</a>. These perfectly worked for me to do a thrifty trip - <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2006/12/thrifty-travel-plan-for-wasatch-front_25.html">Thrifty Travel Plan for Wasatch Front 100 Miles</a> as a way to save air and money.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flight to Salt Lake City</span><br /><br />I could have caught a bus (<a target="wasatch" href="http://www.actransit.org/maps/stoptostop.php?version_id=2&line=210&current_schedule=1385">#210</a>) to the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.bart.gov/index.asp">BART</a> station without driving. The bus stop is about 20 min walk from my home. My wife nicely insists in taking me to the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.bart.gov/index.asp">BART</a> station. It is another 20 min ride on <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.bart.gov/index.asp">BART</a> and there is a convenient <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.bart.gov/guide/airport/oak.asp">AirBART</a> shuttle that takes me to Oakland Airport.<br /><br />I was at Oakland Airport two weeks ago for <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a>, so I know better where I should do the check in, TSC, and departure gates. I was notified that the flight has about an hour delay. I guess I'll get to Salt Lake City around 1pm. This should be be fine. Even if I am late, there is still checkin after the race meeting. To kill time while waiting for my flight, I only regret to leave a paperback in my luggage, not carried with my backpack.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Schooled Running</span><br /><br />Well, it's not a ordinary backpack. I am actually in what I will wear during the run except that I am wearing a long pant instead of a short. I always try to save something in addition to air and money. As usual I want to do this trip as a minimalist. I carry even fewer items, so I simply have the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.fuelbelt.com/">FuelBelt</a> backpack with me along with a medium size <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.napavalleymarathon.org/">Napa Valley Marathon</a> duffel bag, in which a sleeping bag and a matte take up most of the space.<br /><br />From my past 100 miler runs, I figure that I probably only need to change socks during the run. Since I was told that the weather in Wasatch can change at any time, I guess I just carry everything needed all the way. I have done such way without drop bags in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> and it worked pretty well. Then why do I need a drop bag this time?<br /><br />Yes, I'll run without drop bags, plus no crew and pacer. I'll stay with trails, mother Nature, and ultrarunning fellows. I'll live on aid stations. Perhaps that's the old schooled way as it is called. I feel comfortable to stretch the simple way of running to this level.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get to My Flight</span><br /><br />OK, back to the airport. I look around to see if there are any runners like me or anyone that I know of. I was told that there is a small Oakland elite contingent going for Wasatch, including the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a> winner <a target="wasatch" href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/09/interview-with-jasper-halekas-2006.html">Jasper Helenka</a>, the runner-up Mark Giligan, and fast Rob Evan, etc. Later in the race checkin, they tell me they are in the other flight, which is on time.<br /><br />I pick up the course description and read it a few more time. The profiles still look scary, but I don't know what the course really is like. I guess I just go wherever it wants me to.<br /><br />Time to board on the plane. As before, I have a window seat, but the passenger next to me is a 400lb guy. He feels sorry by saying the seat is getting smaller nowadays. I am a little squeezed, but have no choice. I can only wish the 2 hour flight to be faster by looking out the window and enjoying the view.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Views over Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and Utah</span><br /><br />I expect to see the wonderful view when I am above the Sierra Nevada, in particular Yosemite area. I guess I'll be at 30,000 ft above, I should be able to admire those 14,000er's along I-395. However, the flight actually follows I-80 and flies above the Tahoe Area. It's still exciting to see Lake Tahoe high above. It reminds me of the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a> a lot of friends and myself (2nd time) did 7 weeks ago - Spooner Lake, Marlette Lake, Washoe Lake, Tahoe Meadow, Mt. Rose, Carson City, etc. Those nice memories!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEN-f8vbSwIRP8UHvRYEGHgzgnYs3RQEtzlU5pz4qxuqd_OjUM_Gk30wFQ7SjRHM6qbRPMjMwR5ug2ahfV61kcsLj5FosEVNPKLLTUYIvhPbhzvD6wFSzJvfZkf5w9Hop__C9kRSwFYwtz/s1600-h/P9070009.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEN-f8vbSwIRP8UHvRYEGHgzgnYs3RQEtzlU5pz4qxuqd_OjUM_Gk30wFQ7SjRHM6qbRPMjMwR5ug2ahfV61kcsLj5FosEVNPKLLTUYIvhPbhzvD6wFSzJvfZkf5w9Hop__C9kRSwFYwtz/s400/P9070009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413454390318370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M Course seen from sky</span></span><br /></div><br />After that is a huge barren area in Nevada. It looks like desert everywhere. However, I start to see some green hills and then mountains after some time. I have an AAA map at hand to check. There are some National Forests in Nevada and I know Utah is not far.<br /><br />Near the border in Utah, there is beautiful mountain range. It's so huge that I actually mistaken them as the <a target="wasatch" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasatch_Range">Wasatch Range</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiEFDyLs6ANnBNXM3Z0WL9JUjs2c_J3C70cmYXd07tl3pqmgBkCGPCMk-T1YaFbFBvsV_hXXDzkt7f-ju6kB6J3TuI_TpLwfXHKK51OhupJ6AN74lzO6_ipdw9ufcImmChPCqPXaHJFJe/s1600-h/P9070017.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiEFDyLs6ANnBNXM3Z0WL9JUjs2c_J3C70cmYXd07tl3pqmgBkCGPCMk-T1YaFbFBvsV_hXXDzkt7f-ju6kB6J3TuI_TpLwfXHKK51OhupJ6AN74lzO6_ipdw9ufcImmChPCqPXaHJFJe/s400/P9070017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413694908486962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Huge mountain range in Utah</span></span><br /></div><br />Hey the Great Salt Lake is bigger the Lake Tahoe! Nearby there are some salt ponds. They look pretty nice under sunshine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8BNgleHlOglZkuGAjfAMjnQl239jgGEtll4m4jWbd4BP4IGBGFAbhyphenhyphen9Hh89fTCBvEwlxxH3IiEZQmK6SXalFAHOWVooIdWSWLNCDD3wD3iWoefFgvQegc72xq3yLOGw5xYNxdHukT4gb/s1600-h/P9070015.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8BNgleHlOglZkuGAjfAMjnQl239jgGEtll4m4jWbd4BP4IGBGFAbhyphenhyphen9Hh89fTCBvEwlxxH3IiEZQmK6SXalFAHOWVooIdWSWLNCDD3wD3iWoefFgvQegc72xq3yLOGw5xYNxdHukT4gb/s400/P9070015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413901066917186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bonneville Sale Flat?</span></span><br /></div><br />From above, I have a glimpse of the city. It does not look like as crowded as those in Bay Area, but seems to be a pretty comfortable city.<br /><br />The plane is now lowering. We fly over a piece of marsh wet land near the lake before landing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buses to Race Checkin</span><br /><br />At the airport, I spend only 15 minutes getting my bag and arriving at the bus top in the parking building. I'm waiting for bus <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.rideuta.com/ridinguta/routeMapImage.aspx?abbreviation=550&signup=68">#550</a> to take me to the downtown. Then bus <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.rideuta.com/ridinguta/routeMapImage.aspx?abbreviation=220&signup=68">#220</a> can take me to the race checkin at <a target="wasatch" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_House,_Salt_Lake_City,_Utah">Sugar House Park</a>.<br /><br />The bus waiting time is pretty short - less than 10 minutes. It's enough for me to take a walk around and capture some pictures.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtufA-pR5L6GRzV8CpwAptqbm4LH3mp03JftbLqg3wRIDKjJvnKm1rwbaWS2NtHHa4eSVn98eg8LkDhdpzQr3g740zDgZ3Ts-fQrLsFoM6YYDFtOnZvOd4hrdiWcY4NDlekvjIOXpr38xd/s1600-h/P9070038.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtufA-pR5L6GRzV8CpwAptqbm4LH3mp03JftbLqg3wRIDKjJvnKm1rwbaWS2NtHHa4eSVn98eg8LkDhdpzQr3g740zDgZ3Ts-fQrLsFoM6YYDFtOnZvOd4hrdiWcY4NDlekvjIOXpr38xd/s400/P9070038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119414102930380114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me waiting for bus #220</span></span><br /></div><br />Taking bus <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.rideuta.com/ridinguta/routeMapImage.aspx?abbreviation=550&signup=68">#550</a> is nice for me to take a tour into the crowded area in the city. Along the way, I am completely awed by the <a target="wasatch" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasatch_Range">Wasatch Range</a> towering and shadowing the city streets. The mountains are pretty huge. I am a little scared at the idea of running there tomorrow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQmzr1rbYiicFHnD3Fb4OGj71II0qENePr6BcJ1gSztVIxbSOZ4C2ryc-oIUlZXYCsRoLF6qwK5AW7YNxQ2cEuywd0jnJZ7PBXb1CPaORM5HysLfZAF0GoWh3_kg3maMH6cFQ1o0pnPU9/s1600-h/P9070034.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQmzr1rbYiicFHnD3Fb4OGj71II0qENePr6BcJ1gSztVIxbSOZ4C2ryc-oIUlZXYCsRoLF6qwK5AW7YNxQ2cEuywd0jnJZ7PBXb1CPaORM5HysLfZAF0GoWh3_kg3maMH6cFQ1o0pnPU9/s400/P9070034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119414304793843042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Huge Wasatch Mountains shadow the city street</span></span><br /></div><br />The second bus, <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.rideuta.com/ridinguta/routeMapImage.aspx?abbreviation=220&signup=68">#220</a>, is also nice. It gives me a brief grand tour around downtown. It passes <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.utah.edu/home/index.uofu">University of Utah</a>, which used to host an important events in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.utah.com/olympics/">Winter Olympics</a> in 2002.<br /><br />After a nice residential area, I arrive at <a target="wasatch" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_House,_Salt_Lake_City,_Utah">Sugar House Park</a>. A couple of teenagers carrying their skateboards also take off here. There should be a lot of fun facilities in the park for all ages.<br /><br />The race checkin is right near the pond called Lake Terrace. Far away, I can see a lot of cars parking there. Nearby is a big drop bag area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD9DFR8vVPdmdTh83X25kwpLkgz_y1YldTJA05-r6pO2Q74wjo5IuByRZwynadirT-IOqqIpWmYEixtyfK-yH4Ksqb7pmS7vq8nwjhYJdV1149bhULH8mninGQH_pP6ssuwFNSi5_IzCR/s1600-h/P9070044.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD9DFR8vVPdmdTh83X25kwpLkgz_y1YldTJA05-r6pO2Q74wjo5IuByRZwynadirT-IOqqIpWmYEixtyfK-yH4Ksqb7pmS7vq8nwjhYJdV1149bhULH8mninGQH_pP6ssuwFNSi5_IzCR/s400/P9070044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119414553901946226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Race checkin area with drop bags</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends - Hiroki Ishikawa, Oakland Contingent, Hans-Dieter Weisshaar</span><br /><br />There are already a lot of people around. I do not see any familiar faces, so I quickly check in, weigh in, and pick up my good bag. As we are close to the 4pm meeting, there are more people. I am happy to see <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.montrail.com/AthleteDetails.aspx?id=157&sport=2">Hiroki Ishikawa</a> (his web site <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.hirokiishikawa.com/">http://www.hirokiishikawa.com/ </a> seems to be stolen right now?), the most famous Japanese Ultrailrunner. He is going to finish Wasatch for the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm">Grand Slam</a>. He said he is a little injured from <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/merchant.ihtml?id=1427&step=2">Leadville 100M</a> last month, but I believe he can get the job done no matter what.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uzwtxjx96Vl13Qwqt36_JeDYskefAToI6-u0CkCfrdm6L7Srrr-I7XtGXqysUzY5GwFXDjq3e2-rA8hW8Zp6K-wpqVOiZoBxXJdbg-MljpHEZfX_OlWmEW89MnlnHjx5VZtsIuBMAv2-/s1600-h/P9070047.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uzwtxjx96Vl13Qwqt36_JeDYskefAToI6-u0CkCfrdm6L7Srrr-I7XtGXqysUzY5GwFXDjq3e2-rA8hW8Zp6K-wpqVOiZoBxXJdbg-MljpHEZfX_OlWmEW89MnlnHjx5VZtsIuBMAv2-/s400/P9070047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119414747175474562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me and Hiroki Ishikawa</span></span><br /></div><br />Mark Gilligan spots me and I have a pleasant chat with the Oakland contingent - <a target="wasatch" href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/09/interview-with-jasper-halekas-2006.html">Jasper Helenka</a>, Rob Evan, etc. Hope I can memorize more of your names next time. It turns out they were on the other flight and it was on time. I guess I lost a little trust on Delta Airlines. Mark will not run, but crew Jasper. I don't know if I can see him during the run unless he is willing to wait very long time after Jasper leaves at an aid station.<br /><br />Hans-Dieter Weisshaar is there with his wife Susan. They hug me right away. I met Hans two weeks ago in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> for the first time. I am proud to know this Ultra legend, who owns the number of finished 100 milers - over 100 and counting!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends - Dean Alan Dyatt, Kelly Ridgeway, Andy Kumeda, Janice O'Grady</span><br /><br />Dean Alan Dyatt calls my name during the race meeting. We don't know each other, but he probably recognizes me by my ever-present <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/06/070520-ohlone-50k-20th-anniversary-of.html">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> T-shirt, which appears in all my race photos. He likes my <a target="wasatch" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu">ultrarunning pictures</a>. We actually run with each other in the beginning during the run and finish it within 10 minutes!<br /><br />I also meet Kelly Ridgeway (<a target="wasatch" href="http://ridgrunner.blogspot.com/">Running Free</a>), who I had fun time chatting with in <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070505-miwok-100k-enjoy-run-among-ankle.html">Miwok 100K</a>. We wish good luck to each other. Andy Kumeda is there too. He is from Southern California. We first met at <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a> during my <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.newcastlecrosscountry.com/safetypatrol.html">safety patrol</a>. He has run a lot of races and I hope to see him in the run. Janice <span>O'Grady </span>calls my name. She and <span>Tom O'Connell </span>were <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070512-quicksilver-50m-love-never-flat_19.html">Quicksilver 50K/50M</a> for years and retired this year. We exchanged a few emails about this run. We wish good luck for next day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends - Jamshid Khajavi, Randall Gillete, Charlie Crissman</span><br /><br /><a target="wasatch" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002509136_swimmer21.html">Jamshid Khajavi</a>, with several slam's in bag, runs for the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm">Grand Slam</a>. I have heard about him long ago (another ultra celebrity). I first met him at the start of the climb to Robinson Flat in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a>. He comes with his pacer Randall Gillette.<br /><br />They are nice and happy to give me a ride to the race start at <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.co.davis.ut.us/aging_services/davis_county_walks/getting_started/where_to_walk/gold_medal_miles/kaysville_east_mountain_wilderness_park.cfm">East Mountain Wilderness Park</a> on their way to the hotel in Ogden. I very appreciate this help; otherwise I have to walk with my luggage for 7 miles and that should affect a lot for the race next day.<br /><br />Along with us is Charlie Crissman, the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> RD. Charlie ran Wasatch a few years ago. He would like to run a fast time tomorrow. We have a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant near Charlie's hotel in the downtown and talk about everything about running near the Seattle area.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Wild Night</span><br /><br />After a little route finding on I-89, we finally get to the race start <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.co.davis.ut.us/aging_services/davis_county_walks/getting_started/where_to_walk/gold_medal_miles/kaysville_east_mountain_wilderness_park.cfm">East Mountain Wilderness Park</a>. On our way, Jamshid and Randall also plan the logistics how they get here tomorrow morning. The park is a little primitive with only a small dirt parking lot. I estimate 20 cars will be very crowded over there. There is no drinking water as I expected, so Jamshid kindly gives me a 20oz bottle of water for the night.<br /><br />I like to stay at soft dirt ground, but I have difficulty to find a spot. It's either full of horse dumping everywhere or not safe from being run over by a car. I have to look for spots outside of the parking lot. I want to save my legs in any walking activity, but I'm lucky to find a spot near the gate along the road. That should be safe for the night as long as the barbed wired gate does not fall on my head.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WqUd9klIQ6YNSLoeqvPy9z-kx1KwKJoMhria0aepjVLdIlaUIUWLnWK7cgQ9OTQ-JM5dx0NciD7KKr9_ofV5qHK2J11o1nOaWAToj2eTovPs1Do5m3eBwSHMadN6iehX7PZvIs4pMueb/s1600-h/P9070050.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WqUd9klIQ6YNSLoeqvPy9z-kx1KwKJoMhria0aepjVLdIlaUIUWLnWK7cgQ9OTQ-JM5dx0NciD7KKr9_ofV5qHK2J11o1nOaWAToj2eTovPs1Do5m3eBwSHMadN6iehX7PZvIs4pMueb/s400/P9070050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119414940449002898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">That's all for the night</span></span><br /></div><br />Not many people and cars are around. It's quite peaceful. I enjoy the feeling of lonely moment. It gets darker, but still warm even at 5,000ft here, according to Jamshid's altimeter. The gown sleeping bag turns out to be a little warm. I would like to take it away. However, surprisingly, I am bothered by the mosquitoes. They are hovering around my face, the only exposed body part. I have to wave them away once in a while when I feel like getting mosquito bites.<br /><br />Luckily, the temperature keeps going down. As it gets cooler, the mosquitoes gradually leave me alone. It's totally dark except the city lights a miles away. There are getting more stars in the sky, but I only want to get enough sleep. I guess I can enjoy the starry sky tomorrow night in the run.<br /><br />As I get used to the darkness, a few cars pass by and bother me with strong headlights. There are even two times that patrol cars stop, wake me up, and nicely check me. The policeman are aware of the run, so they wish me good luck. However, I am waken up about every 20 minutes like these.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Busiest and Shortest One Hour</span><br /><br />When I feel like being into the sleep, my alarm goes off. It's 4am and runners are coming here for the start. I have to get up. This reminds me of the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.burningriver100.org/">Burning River 100M</a> that I did 5 weeks ago. I did not have enough sleep as well and felt sleepy during the run. I'm going to take this and hopefully I can get it through.<br /><br />The one hour before the 5am race start is the shortest I've ever had. I quickly go to a port a john, but no good. I go back to my sleeping site and wrap up all my stuff in dark. I need to be careful to have things in my run and not miss any items. I spend some time to get my sleeping bag and matte into the bag. I also grab a few bottles of water and pour it into the water bladder. It's not all easy to do all these in dark. When the race starts, I just finish packing the luggage. I hand it to a volunteer so that it can be shipped to the finish area. When I start to run, it's been past one minute. This is fine because there are over two hundred runners waiting to be squeezed into the single track right at the start.<br /><br /><a name="CHIN_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Chinscraper Section</span> : 18.76 miles (0-18.76), 5hr 2min 35sec/5hr 2min 35sec (normally 3.5 - 6 hr)<a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/chnscrpr.htm"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/chnscrpr.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/chnscrpr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Profile (<a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/chnscrpr.htm">description</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >)</span></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start => Grobben's Corner</span> : 14 miles (0-14), 4 hr 12min 29sec /4 hr 12min 29sec<br /><br />Nice Rolling Hill Start</span><br /><br />The trail begins with a single track. Unlike <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070505-miwok-100k-enjoy-run-among-ankle.html">Miwok 100K</a>, which also has a single track in the beginning, it dose not have a 200 yard sand beach to spread out the runners. All of us have to settle to walk. This is fine since there are 100 miles to go.<br /><br />I quickly catch a few friends. Hans-Dieter Weisshaar from German has run over 100 100 milers at 67 year young. I met him at <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> and was impressed with him achievement and performance (He beat me at the downhill to the finish).<br /><br />I am surprised that he uses trekking poles in the run. The discussions on <a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html">Ultrarunning List</a>, Karl Meltzer <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wasatchspeedgoat.com/">WasatchSpeedGoat</a>, <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.scottjurek.com/blog/">Scott Jurek Blog</a> about them being used in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php">UTMB</a> are still fresh. I did not notice this usage is ever mentioned in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/">Wasatch Front 100M</a>. But since this run is so technical, using trekking poles should be appropriate as in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php">UTMB</a>. Later I found a few other runners using them as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qlCCkgKJMB4/RvFaK9AQv3I/AAAAAAAAH0E/toT2dwG-txg/s1600-h/P9080055.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qlCCkgKJMB4/RvFaK9AQv3I/AAAAAAAAH0E/toT2dwG-txg/s400/P9080055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111966196263075698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hans starts in dark with trekking poles like some other runners.</span></span><br /></div><br />I also catch Janice O'Grady, the former many year RD for <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070512-quicksilver-50m-love-never-flat_19.html">Quicksilver 50K/50M</a>. She retired this year and moved to Colorado. After she living there a few months at high altitude, I guess she will have no problem with the altitude in Wasatch.<br /><br />It's all pitch dark but there are not many stars in the sky. Instead, I enjoyed the starry light from the runners and some city lights around me. Looking at the runners at the corner quarter mile behind, I suddenly have a very bad ankle twist. It is the worst in the year and happens at virtually flat trail at mile one. I almost scream out and become very nervous about how I can continue for the following tough 99 miles day and night. I have to stop and walk. Janice kindly asks me about it, but I can only say I'm fine. I walk at the side of the trail and a couple of runners pass me, including Hans-Dieter Weisshaar.<br /><br />I walk a few minutes and feel better. I am motivated by how I finished <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070505-miwok-100k-enjoy-run-among-ankle.html">Miwok 100K</a> this year with the similar situation. I had several ankle twists in the beginning and thought about quitting the run. I continued and finished it in the end. I am simply wishing that I have the same luck this time since this is my target race this year and I have gone a long way here in the trip.<br /><br />I started to run more and catch Janice after a while. Perhaps I'm still in awe of the run and my ankle issue, we don't have much talk. We carefully pass a few water crossing. It's all flat, or slow rolling hills, and runnable until we get to a small parking lot, where there are a few volunteers collecting the empty water bottles that we carried from the race start. I would like to collect the spring water later, so I just keep my own one because it is not easy to fill the water bladder from the spring.<br /><br />There we turn right and start the monster - 5000 ft climb in 5 miles! We'll get to Chinscraper, a word I have no idea about.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chinscraper Climb</span><br /><br />I have prepared for the steep climb mentally, so I start to walk. I know the altitude is there waiting for me as I go higher. I start to drink more. It is now single track. I have to follow a slow string of runners ahead of me. I can pass them, but I would rather stay at comfortable level to please the altitude beast.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2u24lIV43aaHfXbgwBiBd-FMfNnN1GPRujMymSE-OlVUq22OMdn62UdYAgeCCTco35jGFmKhgPui7g6L6eNLr9YlQ8RUSBhEjKL9wPDDfi5tT-94NsS6YVJ-1Xyl9z1Z9l0QPFzRBmmG/s1600-h/P9080068.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2u24lIV43aaHfXbgwBiBd-FMfNnN1GPRujMymSE-OlVUq22OMdn62UdYAgeCCTco35jGFmKhgPui7g6L6eNLr9YlQ8RUSBhEjKL9wPDDfi5tT-94NsS6YVJ-1Xyl9z1Z9l0QPFzRBmmG/s400/P9080068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119442642988062114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dean Alan Dyatt (without shirt) and a string of runners</span></span><br /></div><br />Dean Alan Dyatt is right in front of me. He just caught me at the race briefing yesterday and told me he likes my ultrarunning photos. I find I have to keep a safe distance from behind so as not to be hit by his trekking poles. I was surprised that he wears no shirt, while I feel cold in my <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/06/070520-ohlone-50k-20th-anniversary-of.html">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> T-shirt.<br /><br />Talking about T-shirt, I spot a cool one as we go higher. The trails becomes steep and rocky. A runner behind wears a <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php">UTMB</a> shirt! He just finished the prestigious race two weeks ago! He comes to run Wasatch. I guess this will give a good comparison about these two runs since they have very similar amount of climb and distance.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrYbRm4-r79iRcKRyA4rQ7dm_Aomx3YSSil2j7SYRtxFy1JUybYY4FdEQd_a5_1CSp1niZc_01zrufqtjKkxlJ4YnzdR0jV3EeGcO_7ANe_t2AFqwiQXOhlyACw9wCx9mQ8cxGdRKJs9k/s1600-h/P9080079.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrYbRm4-r79iRcKRyA4rQ7dm_Aomx3YSSil2j7SYRtxFy1JUybYY4FdEQd_a5_1CSp1niZc_01zrufqtjKkxlJ4YnzdR0jV3EeGcO_7ANe_t2AFqwiQXOhlyACw9wCx9mQ8cxGdRKJs9k/s400/P9080079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119442862031394226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A runner with <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php">UTMB</a> shirt</span></span><br /></div><br />The city is still in the wake at about 6-ish, but the view below becomes awesome. I guess I am at over 3,000 ft above. Hey! it's now 8,000ft. No wonder I start to feel dizzy. Within short time, I have some light chest pain. I think it's time for me to stop to take more breath. Yes, it's time to take more picture!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD9acdhO80s4qNjAL77o5X4yRoCXD35XcRjGxINncD1sPHjdS5Jr4XwDlidSCf31laTv9PJ7yZaUi00xQaCoyTA0KZrk1kJ0wwZ_-Nm0ppWqGLxUnTu4RjXxedRtZv876ot3WzewgOtNd/s1600-h/P9080080.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD9acdhO80s4qNjAL77o5X4yRoCXD35XcRjGxINncD1sPHjdS5Jr4XwDlidSCf31laTv9PJ7yZaUi00xQaCoyTA0KZrk1kJ0wwZ_-Nm0ppWqGLxUnTu4RjXxedRtZv876ot3WzewgOtNd/s400/P9080080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119443051009955266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me and Michael Perkins</span></span><br /></div><br />After some breaks and distractions from the views, I feel better and start to move faster. The trail is simply straight up as the only way to accumulate 5,000ft within the short 5 miles. Later I think this is a taste (or test) for the remaining Wasatch type climbs - straight up and down - no compromise.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDmohwAYrhI39K4P23dKn1mqaNLdfmMneFweTWBDnDNLj10JO0QcUXM7IU25nXU6AmC9EvaYNv1XIMFq-zWcJlpn0qM6FSTararJ3gyGhZkH4P1IV3j19gzpSFuLjsgPTPuJd4WNrYsf4/s1600-h/P9080088.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDmohwAYrhI39K4P23dKn1mqaNLdfmMneFweTWBDnDNLj10JO0QcUXM7IU25nXU6AmC9EvaYNv1XIMFq-zWcJlpn0qM6FSTararJ3gyGhZkH4P1IV3j19gzpSFuLjsgPTPuJd4WNrYsf4/s400/P9080088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119443235693549010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Straight up climb with awesome city view behind</span></span><br /></div><br />Someone points me a rock far away at a mountain top is where we'll go to. I guess it's the Chinscraper. I feel nervous about how we can ever get there. It seems that we have got to a flat area. I's pretty high and about 9,000 ft. We then crest a meadow and enter a small woods. We exit the woods within a minute. What stands in front us is the huge rocky monster - Chinscraper!<br /><br />Brandon Sybrowsky flies by with his fashion sporty beard. His brother Travis comes immediately behind. I can not believe any one can run that fast at such a steep section. But they are several years Wasatch veterans - Brandon 15 times finishes, along with many respected winnings in other great ultrarunning, and Travis 6 finishes (from my fainting memory)!<br /><br />All of us are now running at the narrow single track around the cliff to get to the last pitch to the summit. I can hear a few screaming from the top, but dare not to check closely. I guess they are from those runners finally get to the top. It's a temporary relief from the grueling climb. I need to be very careful about the footing. Sometime it becomes very rocky full with football size loose rocks. Sometimes a fall means 10 feet straight slide down from the side.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1poCnoxCoBmWdC4tbsAldSPo_q3nlTr0ATWeoRpE5FqV4ntWk6Pl5ysdMBPOs0x3-zqKI2UU60pBHpPsUYEbJGOwjUBUIYiTmcHIQK69UxXD32rMp64fwizikGjDHxu4dCJ87dWOTlJE/s1600-h/P9080109.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1poCnoxCoBmWdC4tbsAldSPo_q3nlTr0ATWeoRpE5FqV4ntWk6Pl5ysdMBPOs0x3-zqKI2UU60pBHpPsUYEbJGOwjUBUIYiTmcHIQK69UxXD32rMp64fwizikGjDHxu4dCJ87dWOTlJE/s400/P9080109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119443437557011938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Approaching the final pitch</span></span><br /></div><br />We get to the final pitch at right hand side. We turn right and start our class III rock scrambling. It is extremely steep and rocky all the way to the cliff - much worse than Encarpment or Cougar Rock in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a>, or Goat Rock in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> that I have ever experienced. I feel fortunate that I use a backpack instead of handheld water bottles. I am able to apply my hands to position myself and pull myself up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4c_OMkIL_6H57LZjKnNacDagOqZioRRpRex6ZgwefkUkvmaLGYQtjdtLAs2r3vsB2LsWsOqc7hPPvy1avTjqzqN4jfHQoBu8cZFLvvZk0GzIgCjx69lBdvpzsrWVRDZHBKXedkwn-dzd/s1600-h/P9080110.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4c_OMkIL_6H57LZjKnNacDagOqZioRRpRex6ZgwefkUkvmaLGYQtjdtLAs2r3vsB2LsWsOqc7hPPvy1avTjqzqN4jfHQoBu8cZFLvvZk0GzIgCjx69lBdvpzsrWVRDZHBKXedkwn-dzd/s400/P9080110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119443635125507570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The final pitch - class-III rock scrambling</span></span><br /></div><br />Wow! What a great view at Chinscraper!. It is 9,300 ft, about 5,000 ft above the city right below our feet. I must scream as well - for the accomplishment or the relief, although I'm not sure. I guess the scream I heard earlier must be mixed with awe, joy, and relief. The reward is truly out of this world!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbUgBOnL9aNFFXjhDSTNHcCe9Pp4cnD_DCAjrPKlOHHEKWRRczausapTSFO2br6EN4Ryg2vGBFLFoybQUvmDETLNO3-9Pcxyilzn6INxeh4fmiBOhd5rInXYtIti0ta69l0PMGsu3G70t/s1600-h/P9080111.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbUgBOnL9aNFFXjhDSTNHcCe9Pp4cnD_DCAjrPKlOHHEKWRRczausapTSFO2br6EN4Ryg2vGBFLFoybQUvmDETLNO3-9Pcxyilzn6INxeh4fmiBOhd5rInXYtIti0ta69l0PMGsu3G70t/s400/P9080111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119443811219166722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Chinscraper!</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The way to spring water</span><br /><br />I'll be wrong if I think the trail becomes easier after getting to the top at Chinscraper. But only for a while. Still full with the excitement from Chinscraper summit, I happily run on the nice rolling hill along the mountain.<br /><br />My water bottle is now empty. I do have 60 oz water in my water bladder, but would like to portion it for this long and unknown 18 mile section. I have drunk from my water bladder for a while. It's salty with some secrete ingredients. I need to get to the spring for more plain water.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cool Springs</span> at mile 8.93 is ahead, but no one stop for it. The water is also slow, so I better skip it as well. By passing the spring, I'm pleased to know I have run 9 miles - half of the section. The next spring should be not be far - 1.5 mile to go.<br /><br />I run fast and it seems that the suffering from the altitude was a super fast altitude acclimatization. I am able to fly by any technical sections with all my might without feeling out of breath.<br /><br />It seems that I am running back and forth with Bonie Jo Shupe. We finally get to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Landis springs</span> at mile 10.58. We and a few others stop for the water. The water is strong and it takes only 5 second to fill up my 20 oz bottle.<br /><br />Wow! the water looks so clear and the taste is also great. I guess I can sell it on the market!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DeeLmdZdPmXGQgCrlwmgI0PQ1loXKXgTeFXQZaXpXCV4hJP3iKANpoxpsWQzbO7RM9S8ajX59iUhC-xxR6He7G8doodQJ3bOtOF_EG8Gw_x7UqS8cq_8gtOx83xxYe_9xeqR8RYyyju-/s1600-h/P9080114.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DeeLmdZdPmXGQgCrlwmgI0PQ1loXKXgTeFXQZaXpXCV4hJP3iKANpoxpsWQzbO7RM9S8ajX59iUhC-xxR6He7G8doodQJ3bOtOF_EG8Gw_x7UqS8cq_8gtOx83xxYe_9xeqR8RYyyju-/s400/P9080114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119443995902760466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Landis Springs at mile 10.58</span></span><br /></div><br />The nice section is soon gone after we fetch the spring water. About a quarter mile away, we turn left and start to do one straight up climb along the ridge. It's steep and long. A long downhill comes after it, but at the end of the it immediately comes another long and steep climb on the ridge<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rh9jf623F0meu6N7HtsZqQKULfXhGufJlIRV09cty45R4r_wyC7bLBg8W7tOnxz49zKbvg6OV9dhrLlNlkjVAvZOlZhqM0m2eYII7PgdZL3kmNRitlI6t_I9GdbRlw_Bde48ugHYzOkT/s1600-h/P9080117.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rh9jf623F0meu6N7HtsZqQKULfXhGufJlIRV09cty45R4r_wyC7bLBg8W7tOnxz49zKbvg6OV9dhrLlNlkjVAvZOlZhqM0m2eYII7PgdZL3kmNRitlI6t_I9GdbRlw_Bde48ugHYzOkT/s400/P9080117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119444287960536610" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">More climbs after Chinscraper</span></span><br /></div><br />A few men come down from the top with guns. I chat with them whether they did some hunting during my sleep hour last night when I heard some gun shots from mountains above.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EHCES1lmtODPhxAiSBkI9u1nNxes2lTN7RYuy7mtoW7_0PnP88BaINWyu1OdsLVZ83N22PnGjpwYz9xtTToEJhB9aiAPJoQHTyJ8vkc1d28YGgwbcYLbIbQMN-449_r95vhTOYoPUXNj/s1600-h/P9080120.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EHCES1lmtODPhxAiSBkI9u1nNxes2lTN7RYuy7mtoW7_0PnP88BaINWyu1OdsLVZ83N22PnGjpwYz9xtTToEJhB9aiAPJoQHTyJ8vkc1d28YGgwbcYLbIbQMN-449_r95vhTOYoPUXNj/s400/P9080120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119444794766677554" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Need to pass two big mountains</span></span><br /></div><br />Once we finish these two climbs, the course becomes wider. It looks like a fire road. It's pretty flat and I feel like running in the sky with the city view 5,000 ft right below.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Grobben's Corner</span> : mile 14, 27.68 sec/4 hr 12min 57sec<br /><br />The footing is very nice and we soon get to the Grobben's Corner, where the RD John Grobben drives and has a trunk of water. My bottle is filled. I'm happy to know I have run 14 miles and the first official aid station at Francis Peak is only 4 miles away. However, it's been 4 hours. I am a little disappointed that I have run my slowest half marathon! But I don't mind since I have another 86 miles to go.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidw_I_sDjH3WuAnUUcB2k9B1kHIwZ6NHSQdxutcpduEjXWLYBMESfadu6Kha1KmOQ3FmJlZ9Q0cPztcm-_499MwLP7jfR7BolUIup-yk9KhFkakzSabr_qFRenblnn_pCXM2C96thXvcEY/s1600-h/P9080124.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidw_I_sDjH3WuAnUUcB2k9B1kHIwZ6NHSQdxutcpduEjXWLYBMESfadu6Kha1KmOQ3FmJlZ9Q0cPztcm-_499MwLP7jfR7BolUIup-yk9KhFkakzSabr_qFRenblnn_pCXM2C96thXvcEY/s400/P9080124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119444983745238594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Grobben's Corner with plain water at mile 14</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Grobben's Corner => Francis Peak</span> : 5 miles (14 - 18.76), 49 min 38sec /5hr 2min 35sec<br /><br />Not far away, I spot a huge white ball at the top. This is actually I saw yesterday on my way to the race start. It was so high and far away, but now it is just in front of us. I was amazed how far and high I have run. This is only 15 miles into the 100 miler!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2i8bapJptyC8PADDE0v-aElWzZNmzu9mqnLmsHHxgGj6bMerULzM1lcJP5v-YbYPY6PUmgYGBTNKCQpL7ww8RtUJv02IagF2QvuCX1OteJ1-clkgQFB_6YPBMqPTCFfYAjGZTZiiFlul/s1600-h/P9080125.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2i8bapJptyC8PADDE0v-aElWzZNmzu9mqnLmsHHxgGj6bMerULzM1lcJP5v-YbYPY6PUmgYGBTNKCQpL7ww8RtUJv02IagF2QvuCX1OteJ1-clkgQFB_6YPBMqPTCFfYAjGZTZiiFlul/s400/P9080125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119445211378505298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Run toward the sky</span></span><br /></div><br />As we are so close to the mountain top, we are running across the sky. The surrounding is pretty barren. It makes me feel like being in another world - also away from the civilization, which is far below. This is such a great feeling that this four miles to the aid station seems to pass by so fast.<br /><br /><a name="BOUN_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Bountiful Peak Section</span> : 5.19 miles (18.76 - 23.95), 1hr 32min 43sec (normally 1-2 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/bntflb.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/bntflb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/bntflb.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Francis Peak</span> : mile 18.76, 6min 30sec/5hr 9min 5sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3qpbmoFUVT27zjSNRudUWhNoNx3IGyghTnUpDI_pJXWMuqVs3XnUnxysuFFMJIJAJRCGeNbrWme20mo0fJ-BuSiohMgt1vv7pW1r4GKFovcm2xEaHWQhwioWt5dwHOhHdViRtzUYLa9s/s1600-h/P9080130.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3qpbmoFUVT27zjSNRudUWhNoNx3IGyghTnUpDI_pJXWMuqVs3XnUnxysuFFMJIJAJRCGeNbrWme20mo0fJ-BuSiohMgt1vv7pW1r4GKFovcm2xEaHWQhwioWt5dwHOhHdViRtzUYLa9s/s400/P9080130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119445473371510370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Francis Peak Aid Station at mile 18</span></span><br /></div><br />A volunteer is taping the video on me. I turn around and around saying that I'm running without drop bags. These are all I have. Well there are 82 miles ahead, day and night, with all kinds of extreme conditions. I better keep my finger crossed and wish me good luck. I have my water bladder filled. I eat enough and go.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Francis Peak => Bountiful Peak</span> : 5.17 miles (18.76 - 23.95), 1hr 26min 13sec/6hr 35min 19sec<br /><br />Even with the downhill prior to the aid station, I guess we are still at top of the mountain range, so we are treated a nice section of flat dirt road.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_tdFYi-0I_7pPlWoPjFuNSQGABD1YHs-3RKznDqeUeXI0MGgfzf3JS_b71JWQ7ZHFrc03_9xbM6leTGMoxCMMuywOsV87O5b0RFuc040U8A4Kea3r7KUJ0T2_GTuFGuwUQknErd43kDP/s1600-h/P9080135.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_tdFYi-0I_7pPlWoPjFuNSQGABD1YHs-3RKznDqeUeXI0MGgfzf3JS_b71JWQ7ZHFrc03_9xbM6leTGMoxCMMuywOsV87O5b0RFuc040U8A4Kea3r7KUJ0T2_GTuFGuwUQknErd43kDP/s400/P9080135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119445649465169522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Flat dirt road leaving the Francis Peak aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />Apparently, this is a multi-use trail. There is an ATV. A runner stop to chat with them. Half mile away, there are even motorcycles! First time I run with them on trails. Gun shots, Hunters, ATV, and now motorcycles - Interesting!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFfmzKneVOumX1ptzag6TyNW_2eGeA_IgE5tXmvzXGlE_um-7DYVM92M2XYLndSnpbEWr6MYy3DDmkYC3DmvF2z0f85fKjJt8RtrczZre24q8Fz_8YnS5dCf8pm80KA693DbnjCSKA-jA/s1600-h/P9080137.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFfmzKneVOumX1ptzag6TyNW_2eGeA_IgE5tXmvzXGlE_um-7DYVM92M2XYLndSnpbEWr6MYy3DDmkYC3DmvF2z0f85fKjJt8RtrczZre24q8Fz_8YnS5dCf8pm80KA693DbnjCSKA-jA/s400/P9080137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119445851328632450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Run with motocross</span></span><br /></div><br />The trail stays with the same width, but becomes rolling hill and not in good shape. There are loose rocks along the trail, which is now Utah specific red.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiFogyurYhQ41lkqHkPA20vKt_eNMsCUnQ4P6zvfk99YkfdRppJxsWVnY3NE6DU4CzAWQAXvZ_qctvEw81sR2k2Ry_3hRGN_kwLZVHH7HyAijoit_rHVKKHj-QNT7rNhpfftncj1rb-9C/s1600-h/P9080139.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiFogyurYhQ41lkqHkPA20vKt_eNMsCUnQ4P6zvfk99YkfdRppJxsWVnY3NE6DU4CzAWQAXvZ_qctvEw81sR2k2Ry_3hRGN_kwLZVHH7HyAijoit_rHVKKHj-QNT7rNhpfftncj1rb-9C/s400/P9080139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119446070371964562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Red rocky road</span></span><br /></div><br />The trail becomes a single track. I can not see the profile ahead, but can only follow the rollings. There are overgrown bushes and a few easy water crossings. At the end, the water crossing means the finish of a downhill and the start of a climb. It seems that we are entering a trail without much maintenance. There are fallen logs across the trails. This is fine to me now since I just came back from the infamous "Trail from the Hell" in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> two weeks ago.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKoFm4r13nEoW3T9f3sJuIZuPHlSgHLQIaRMNyGLFPnZ88QBP6RwyTcp0eyKZsPINydY5TiZ6gEQF8z_jiXvmO2tO6efvc0pMohiVq3Z1IhUSzTAFHlodGSL-jsuKHJihMPf8b_ReyPjw/s1600-h/P9080142.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKoFm4r13nEoW3T9f3sJuIZuPHlSgHLQIaRMNyGLFPnZ88QBP6RwyTcp0eyKZsPINydY5TiZ6gEQF8z_jiXvmO2tO6efvc0pMohiVq3Z1IhUSzTAFHlodGSL-jsuKHJihMPf8b_ReyPjw/s400/P9080142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119446255055558306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Not much maintained trail</span></span><br /></div><br />The trail is actually slowly up. After a few small water crossing (Not really because some are just muddy), the real climb is there. It is as steep as in the Chinscraper climb - something like 1,000ft per mile. I feel fine and stay patient because I know this will not be long. The Bountiful Peak aid station is finally in sight.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeFy7timUOMChooB5Fsz16tykkQCiNYBQL5qQaiYLR31_iY7ABzYc2Et2EGmQZ-4VU_RGxtZuQXd31dT4EYo9GpqzrUhPpQTYzq7HFgzqYF7LL7KJYHq1wzOGqrHBSdZ35QLmIG6RqJGu/s1600-h/P9080146.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeFy7timUOMChooB5Fsz16tykkQCiNYBQL5qQaiYLR31_iY7ABzYc2Et2EGmQZ-4VU_RGxtZuQXd31dT4EYo9GpqzrUhPpQTYzq7HFgzqYF7LL7KJYHq1wzOGqrHBSdZ35QLmIG6RqJGu/s400/P9080146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119446435444184754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">At the top of the hill is Bountiful Peak aid station</span></span></div><br /><a name="SKYL_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Skyline Section</span> : 15.45 miles (23.95 - 39.40), 4hr 38min 8sec (normally 3.5-6.5 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/skyline.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/skyline.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/skyline.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Bountiful Peak</span> : mile 23.95, 2min 44sec/6hr 38min 3sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiSfz5i8aLY-WBjzbX6kRyFqLTZikYk0vGtlzxIyy-_v2F7iOGCIJIapxXokrU-B61YGAesgxL4qX3-rqkvfbGcUO18d2FUtJWA49xl1fVDfVGXd-FysntwJ4CZiUW0nze4WUGgKrOVZ6/s1600-h/P9080147.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiSfz5i8aLY-WBjzbX6kRyFqLTZikYk0vGtlzxIyy-_v2F7iOGCIJIapxXokrU-B61YGAesgxL4qX3-rqkvfbGcUO18d2FUtJWA49xl1fVDfVGXd-FysntwJ4CZiUW0nze4WUGgKrOVZ6/s400/P9080147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119446645897582274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bountiful Peak aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />Although my pace is slow, it's great to get to this aid station at mile 23.95 - almost a quarter of the run! The aid station is set up at the ridge. I think we are starting running at the mountain ridge.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Bountiful Peak => Session Mountain</span> : 4.28 miles (23.95 - 28.23), 59min 2sec/7hr 37min 4sec<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"></span><br />The trail is wide and not very hilly, but has rocks everywhere. After a while, I somehow hear a few screaming far away. Sounds like asking for help. I'm not surprised giving this very tough course. I can not move any faster, but only hope to get there soon to see if I can help a little.<br /><br />As I get closer, it turns out to be several mountain goats "chatting" in the woods near the trail. I saw deer before, but never goats. This is the first time I spot goats in the run. I guess this is possible in Rocky Mountain Area and why the Wasatch legend Karl Metlzer has his blog named as <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wasatchspeedgoat.com/">WasatchSpeedGoat</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1QO5MK-OLYZ9I2hyphenhyphencGVmlkwS33xt93o7TtwN_6UlXgTC30WJ61_XHxpKV7qEoXS2_K41i4J_YBVSRxYTNYiEy77c-PgmOqS0XL-LGUUP7qnaq6Ap4lUwdUlmsoRiAA9qiFmz9G3UMNOS/s1600-h/P9080151.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1QO5MK-OLYZ9I2hyphenhyphencGVmlkwS33xt93o7TtwN_6UlXgTC30WJ61_XHxpKV7qEoXS2_K41i4J_YBVSRxYTNYiEy77c-PgmOqS0XL-LGUUP7qnaq6Ap4lUwdUlmsoRiAA9qiFmz9G3UMNOS/s400/P9080151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119447315912480466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sheep or Goats chatting in the woods</span></span><br /></div><br />There some uphill but not steep. It's pretty runnable. The view is wide open at 8,500 ft high here. I can see a couple of runners nearby. I caught up Rick Gates. Without knowing who he is, I asked him about his experience of the course. I am totally stunned when he tells me he has finished Wasatch 23 times and is the record holder. How can he have run this tough course so many times and still enjoy? See how he is smiling! I think it's the history, the challenge, and the beauty that attract people to keep coming back! I guess I will as well. I can not believe my eyes that I am running and talking with the Wasatch legend here.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51_ko-AB42lRGoOmpCHubBq4kAlTa7upw2m9b5AX79JSFkPcS_JX3VkHId7DjeMEcKqbzjqOoCrwV9SUMLh7okPkbBgYKl3N7ZdPBcZBbYNG-u-l_y5R86Ok2IqkYGF-ps188eBfPLurZ/s1600-h/P9080152.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51_ko-AB42lRGoOmpCHubBq4kAlTa7upw2m9b5AX79JSFkPcS_JX3VkHId7DjeMEcKqbzjqOoCrwV9SUMLh7okPkbBgYKl3N7ZdPBcZBbYNG-u-l_y5R86Ok2IqkYGF-ps188eBfPLurZ/s400/P9080152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119447526365877986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rick Gates smiling, with the record of finishing Wasatch 25 times</span><br /></span></div><br />Not sure if I'm not smart enough. I pass Rick when my legs are OK. Am I too fast now?<br /><br />From behind, I catch Marcie Nielson and have a chat. She wears a T-shirt about Grand Slam 2006. Pretty neat. Guess some day I'll have one such T-shirt.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Session Mountain</span> : mile 28.23, 2min 16sec/7hr 39min 21sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUR_jndQjFl9gUsaXYXgE-aZKl0MONDF1Da3TodaUrCw7MxGf6LvKZZDOe2kA5nHB7mu3g3zWYlXCfLeHlnR0ZZiP2uzhPxa4CoAZrdXa6YvPINKPoLe88D0EyzNzrYzqieaxOkd2117e/s1600-h/P9080159.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUR_jndQjFl9gUsaXYXgE-aZKl0MONDF1Da3TodaUrCw7MxGf6LvKZZDOe2kA5nHB7mu3g3zWYlXCfLeHlnR0ZZiP2uzhPxa4CoAZrdXa6YvPINKPoLe88D0EyzNzrYzqieaxOkd2117e/s400/P9080159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119447745409210098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Session Mountain aid station</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Session Mountain => Swallow Rock</span> : 6.68 miles (28.23 - 34.91), 2hr 4min 39sec/9hr 44min 1sec<br /><br />We begin with a short downhill and enter a woods. This is first time to have rooted trail in the run. The trail becomes steep and switch back. Everyone slows down to walk and we somehow stay close together till the top. All of us feel awed about the mountain view.<br /><br />It's afternoon and I start to feel the welcome sunshine. However, it's comfortable warmth at over 8,000ft in elevation. As we climb higher, we leave the tree line and run at the mountain ridge. The view is wide open and we can see vast mountain range far away. It seems that I can find out where I have run earlier and I am amazed how far it is right now. But it's only 1/3 of the 100 miles!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hATh4cu-gCl1Vgy69CQwpSFX2T7TuxAFDp44hagkzTM6gNUrS7maFQ-s-QANSEq-08nyAQE1YzpUULy63KjchqlDZAKJjJx8SkmnmsjVUC8IqsguV9WI31uW-1yY8nQaZ-lsaGW5HL0N/s1600-h/P9080162.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hATh4cu-gCl1Vgy69CQwpSFX2T7TuxAFDp44hagkzTM6gNUrS7maFQ-s-QANSEq-08nyAQE1YzpUULy63KjchqlDZAKJjJx8SkmnmsjVUC8IqsguV9WI31uW-1yY8nQaZ-lsaGW5HL0N/s400/P9080162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119447908617967362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winding through a vast mountain ridge</span></span><br /></div><br />We simply follow the mountain ridge and wind around them. The trail becomes single track and more technical with loose rocks. I think it's because we are going to the next aid station called "swallow rocks".<br /><br />Since we can see very far at the ridge, I try to locate the aid station. This is a long and difficult section. After an hour or more, I finally can spot an artifact far away and trail to get there. I guess it's the aid station and I get a little excited to keep moving. It's pretty far, about 1 mile in straight line distance, so I need to have another 2 mile worth of trail to get there. At least, I have a goal (and hope) in sight.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Swallow Rock</span> : mile 34.91, 6min 47sec / 9hr 50min 48sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgeEzoyu3nOJk3lH3uK_PmU9aEJtcZcLhqACKFRIQEuz2aGMDsTaP6JbcD5yttA0mUo6aJKbGxZ_Oz-tI1gge7U76fJzpViWtWjgBUvVDoQHiJDmheZssGalvmBgIrwIRjlPfMyXYsU1a/s1600-h/P9080167.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgeEzoyu3nOJk3lH3uK_PmU9aEJtcZcLhqACKFRIQEuz2aGMDsTaP6JbcD5yttA0mUo6aJKbGxZ_Oz-tI1gge7U76fJzpViWtWjgBUvVDoQHiJDmheZssGalvmBgIrwIRjlPfMyXYsU1a/s400/P9080167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119448097596528402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Swallow Rock aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />I finally arrive at the aid station. It seems to sit at the top of a cliff. A medium size tent is full of runners and volunteers. I eat and drink a lot. I say hello to Brandon Sybrowsky and his brother Travis. They have stayed there for a while. I'll leave right away, but expect them to catch me soon.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Swallow Rock => Big Mountain</span> : 4.49miles (34.91 - 39.40), 1hr 23min 3sec / 11hr 13min 51sec<br /><br />Since the aid station is right at top of the ridge, the following trail basically stays on the ridge. We completely run along the mountain profile. The view is again simply magnificent.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5gCogLvix0koIEQXWUjrckkGq5ftIe0lcawx9-FumiuOnKDtiHNH6E23bV3gD7-3N6yj986aoouZGh_rXXZvc3CgzPxyzZKFrNtPI1yeWR8xhphAOz58B3fI1UwkH8D156EV9GGbpQM9/s1600-h/P9080170.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5gCogLvix0koIEQXWUjrckkGq5ftIe0lcawx9-FumiuOnKDtiHNH6E23bV3gD7-3N6yj986aoouZGh_rXXZvc3CgzPxyzZKFrNtPI1yeWR8xhphAOz58B3fI1UwkH8D156EV9GGbpQM9/s400/P9080170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119448260805285666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Awesome ridge running after the aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />Like the previous few miles, the trail is still pretty rocky. It's becomes very tough on some steep downhill part.<br /><br />Amazingly, there are a lot of various terrains along this 4.5 mile section. One time, I enter a woods area. Mike Price nicely take a picture of me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile2XU0U8ruOwnrQXtsOf1vvwt6mzrV0xEjKq_FiXowgThn62exdBbA8trgmnGrVtCBMDGnzJq679JVYPmFChOy4vhVbJwJUQOwkZx-_Ekv_2Fq-1HVNOQAH-3ddrsJyh99V7Lgw7QX1UJ/s1600-h/P9080173.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile2XU0U8ruOwnrQXtsOf1vvwt6mzrV0xEjKq_FiXowgThn62exdBbA8trgmnGrVtCBMDGnzJq679JVYPmFChOy4vhVbJwJUQOwkZx-_Ekv_2Fq-1HVNOQAH-3ddrsJyh99V7Lgw7QX1UJ/s400/P9080173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119448441193912114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me in a woods (Thanks Mike Price)</span></span><br /></div><br />Without wonder, The brothers Sybrowsky catch me again. We actually catch each other all the way from the begininng till near the finish. Not at all that I am fast but because they want to run slowly and enjoy the run after so many years of speeding and racing! And I am fortunate to have such a rare chance to run with such elite ultrarunners.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUGbvANyN6npGEv8cbdluNklxnviF39RK768J0YtPtzTWwG-GgUCgjI4rzNHoT5BxES_LZrfDx22ByVOJumXViFbQrDvwhIifC8zsqPzH0iQBE90ai8VgFN1pGxU7JTHvr2DTcbNhSHle/s1600-h/P9080175.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUGbvANyN6npGEv8cbdluNklxnviF39RK768J0YtPtzTWwG-GgUCgjI4rzNHoT5BxES_LZrfDx22ByVOJumXViFbQrDvwhIifC8zsqPzH0iQBE90ai8VgFN1pGxU7JTHvr2DTcbNhSHle/s400/P9080175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119448612992603970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Team Sybrowsky enjoying the run</span></span><br /></div><br />After an hour, there is a long steep downhill full of loose rocks. It is so steep that walking is not possible and running is dangerous. I slip and twist my ankle twice. It's so painful that I have to stop and sit down to tender my ankle. It's not easy to sit down as well because I am right at the narrow steep downhill. I have to keep moving in a cripple way after sitting on the trail for 10 seconds.<br /><br />I believe I feel better after a few minutes. I don't remember the details, but I did get encouraged with the road, parking lots, and the aid station in sight, just a few hundred feet right below.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwDCYZjYhfFGaVUbbQb67xEzLZ_avNM_exjp3Xy43ELmtkmcLOOao7eLTDWwma2TDAxFO-2QADclFoQUak6srdfA4eCdpUcLLVg3WLeVHWvUoDA6MdCTn3V7JQqTAXht6RUXblamwuE5C/s1600-h/P9080179.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwDCYZjYhfFGaVUbbQb67xEzLZ_avNM_exjp3Xy43ELmtkmcLOOao7eLTDWwma2TDAxFO-2QADclFoQUak6srdfA4eCdpUcLLVg3WLeVHWvUoDA6MdCTn3V7JQqTAXht6RUXblamwuE5C/s400/P9080179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119448771906393938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pirates waiting for us at Big Mountain aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />Within a minute, I'm glad to see the welcome signs toward the aid station.<br /><br /><a name="MULE_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Mules Ear Section</span> : 13.73 miles (39.40-53.13), 5hr 20min 1sec (normally 3-5 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/mulesear.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/mulesear.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/mulesear.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Big Mountain</span> : mile 39.40, 2min 20sec / 11hr 16min 11sec<br /><br />Crossing a road, I get to this major aid station. It feels like the Highway 49 aid station in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a>. I am very excited to see a lot of people there. I seem to forget the falls and pain that happened not long ago.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqufoX0iXtteTyt3YvS2r_ItgV2oMulkGj6vyCDvN9yXtnIwKULR2cOHtHuDou1M8KEAiozC3DuQIjuGG5FGg-2e-wLSd6CK-O6kyNk6eBedhFxHVlx4pNZOirtgw0GU4ivn5r7MHUhIOQ/s1600-h/P9080180.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqufoX0iXtteTyt3YvS2r_ItgV2oMulkGj6vyCDvN9yXtnIwKULR2cOHtHuDou1M8KEAiozC3DuQIjuGG5FGg-2e-wLSd6CK-O6kyNk6eBedhFxHVlx4pNZOirtgw0GU4ivn5r7MHUhIOQ/s400/P9080180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119448965179922274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Big Mountain aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />I quickly weigh in, grab some food, and have my water bladder filled. A volunteer is assigned to me when I mention that I don't have crew. I plan to clean my shoes and feet, and then change my socks. I need help to have wet and dry tissues, and Vaseline ready. My feet are pretty damage after this 40 mile of tough running.<br /><br />A lady calls me from behind while I sit in a chair. She is Susan, Hans-Dieter Weisshaar wife. I met Hans at <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> for the last 15 miles and he beat me at the finish by a few minutes.<br /><br />At the age of 67, he already finished over 100 100 milers - a world record! I remember passing him very early today, but he'll catch up when I get exhausted very soon. I tell her that Hans must be a few minutes behind me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZzWaAdLMp9aqb5PFCgS6eRzw_MaPeYsBzBgguo9xtrScTD0kmky2mwe5qxC5utOcgOYoKCYjyGcllkfzjqR0JTmKekXzvZUhao9Q9a8fp23giidzVSiU3VTCNhFQhzQL7ud63Mm0UCYK/s1600-h/P9080183.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZzWaAdLMp9aqb5PFCgS6eRzw_MaPeYsBzBgguo9xtrScTD0kmky2mwe5qxC5utOcgOYoKCYjyGcllkfzjqR0JTmKekXzvZUhao9Q9a8fp23giidzVSiU3VTCNhFQhzQL7ud63Mm0UCYK/s400/P9080183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119449158453450610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Susan helping Hans</span></span><br /></div><br />As I stand up to check the food table, Hans comes in. Susan takes care of him. Before I am ready to leave, he has already left and stays a few feet ahead of me. Even with the help of his wife, I am still amazed such short time he spent at the aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Big Mountain => Alexandra Spring</span> : 8.04miles (39.40 - 47.44), 2hr 38min 53sec / 13hr 55min 5sec<br /><br />Leaving the aid station, We start with a steep climb for 500ft elevation change to the mountain ridge at 8,000ft. Hans is only a few feet ahead of me with his efficient way to overcome the climb like I learned from him in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a>.<br /><br />Phil Rosenstein and his pacer pass us after a few minutes. I met Phil right Highway 49 aid station in the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a> this year. He is from Wisconsin and likes to race all over the country. Now he is doing both <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm">Grand Slam</a> and <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.run100s.com/lgr.htm">The Last Great Race</a> this year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZyNoSSUn0S9cKCkJqEhDa41Hajyt9UgB6KxZwZ8NzgVGvNwZHv8aTzYblP-NlsMf5qqTtU5RyMCsQAIlf3mGHyajBjYh4mf1TKnxe28LJAjFdrnNx8T9wc0PUT2oT9sHDGxYBvDeG-pL/s1600-h/P9080185.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZyNoSSUn0S9cKCkJqEhDa41Hajyt9UgB6KxZwZ8NzgVGvNwZHv8aTzYblP-NlsMf5qqTtU5RyMCsQAIlf3mGHyajBjYh4mf1TKnxe28LJAjFdrnNx8T9wc0PUT2oT9sHDGxYBvDeG-pL/s400/P9080185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119449467691095938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Marcie Nielson and her pacer ready to pass me</span></span><br /></div><br />I somehow start to feel tired and many runners pass me. Marcie Nielson and her pacer pass me, too. At the end, it is only a guy ahead of me. He looks also the same tired or worse than me so I can catch him. I guess we are stricken by both altitude and climb. We run together and chat a bit. He actually has kids learning Chinese. His family will wait for him at Lamb Canyon. Perhaps I can talk with his son in Chinese later. It turns out I never see them until at the finish area.<br /><br />We finally get to the top of the climb. While we enjoy the view for seconds, a group of runners come up as well, including the Brothers Sybrowsky and Allan Holtz. I invite everyone for a group picture.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQxsWuX7oV-qxeByfGRUbjpkPCPRRhq-J1xUvdYbMiN6PKSffScqGcHkKcqU9hMpO6P04NfBYVlwSqW6qN9SGKctLjtmmOz7pXiKjGzpdDOj4W9AdFVRwIUx4X312UxfTdYZFL8yBTZeU/s1600-h/P9080189(2).JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQxsWuX7oV-qxeByfGRUbjpkPCPRRhq-J1xUvdYbMiN6PKSffScqGcHkKcqU9hMpO6P04NfBYVlwSqW6qN9SGKctLjtmmOz7pXiKjGzpdDOj4W9AdFVRwIUx4X312UxfTdYZFL8yBTZeU/s400/P9080189(2).JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119449643784755090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A group picture after a tough climb</span></span><br /></div><br />I want to hold back a little, so I let everyone go ahead. It's rolling but at high mountain ridge. The view is amazing that I can see the entire mountain range.<br /><br />I start to feel the close to the end of the day. The sun is lower and has all its lights shining on a pretty lake.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2RRUkvsOO8HDLbXYrL52MzOhk9hf_Dg1M1L5XJRscu9FU60ME9hVGeK0aHtDMM0lgflDtJiARAdEzNVx33knt-uC6JPmLk1MtKK24ao3gJ5JWEKdbxmWkyvNkRYzTSTBjpK6jvQeONL9/s1600-h/P9080192.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2RRUkvsOO8HDLbXYrL52MzOhk9hf_Dg1M1L5XJRscu9FU60ME9hVGeK0aHtDMM0lgflDtJiARAdEzNVx33knt-uC6JPmLk1MtKK24ao3gJ5JWEKdbxmWkyvNkRYzTSTBjpK6jvQeONL9/s400/P9080192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119449815583446946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Dell Lake under the afternoon sunshine</span><br /></div><br />It's mostly downhill with only a few short uphill in between. They are steep and rocky. The trail is completely exposed. It's not warm but starts to become chilly as the wind blows strong everywhere. We'll go down another 2,000ft to the aid station called Alexendra Spring.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Alexandra Spring</span> : mile 47.44, 12min 6sec / 14hr 7min 5sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZM99H6PdwD0IW0Y1suj7av6kBNq4hqxdh8MoC2Lfz88kU7eGA2Y1Go71zMePHePnixmu53WzxYezlL4opF4P7wMKAp1yxj9cljgG72lTtcB8yMYL7EN8znxkvbYnej0dHIur752vejzy/s1600-h/P9080195.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZM99H6PdwD0IW0Y1suj7av6kBNq4hqxdh8MoC2Lfz88kU7eGA2Y1Go71zMePHePnixmu53WzxYezlL4opF4P7wMKAp1yxj9cljgG72lTtcB8yMYL7EN8znxkvbYnej0dHIur752vejzy/s400/P9080195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119450013151942578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alexandra Spring aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />The aid station just sits within the golden grass field at the end of the downhill ridge. There is a volunteer without shirt and have all Indian paint on his upper body. It's entertaining. Thanks!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZYCr7WUJVpoSaN0lOT4fQO3HoCaYaHrZ6_ChD1afw4apmUxZMQWBUYmeMaVIFjYA9wLiyHVGKn3DVcCKrOy57KGUpotUQW0xPnTXcZ5dor7kRGOdY0NC0jNXsQzh0Vww4qn2ooKmp0DI/s1600-h/P9080196.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZYCr7WUJVpoSaN0lOT4fQO3HoCaYaHrZ6_ChD1afw4apmUxZMQWBUYmeMaVIFjYA9wLiyHVGKn3DVcCKrOy57KGUpotUQW0xPnTXcZ5dor7kRGOdY0NC0jNXsQzh0Vww4qn2ooKmp0DI/s400/P9080196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119450176360699842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A volunteer from Indian Tribe?</span></span><br /></div><br />It's windy and becomes a little chilly. I figure that I'll start nightly running very soon. I decide to add a long sleeve for the next section, which I think I'll enter the night. I also check my flashlight, but don't know that it becomes low batter later when I start to use it. Eating, drinking, and chatting with other runners soon ease my concern and motivate me a lot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYXMLWw8JwFwQotMZPdB1dL_933ByE85xa4vYfGi247KuXTVFy61E_EMjrxh0_yI-k1pW7128KosXsISmt5wR82_gsi8Hm8fR19sGegvsIol1ZYCBGbvWHem9zSlnIg7MbV2P0_mlHzdi/s1600-h/P9080197.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYXMLWw8JwFwQotMZPdB1dL_933ByE85xa4vYfGi247KuXTVFy61E_EMjrxh0_yI-k1pW7128KosXsISmt5wR82_gsi8Hm8fR19sGegvsIol1ZYCBGbvWHem9zSlnIg7MbV2P0_mlHzdi/s400/P9080197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119450352454358994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me in long sleeve preparing for night running</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Alexandra Spring => Lamb Canyon</span> : 5.69miles (47.44 - 53.13), 1hr 50min 59sec / 15hr 58min 10sec<br /><br />The Sun is going down. The sunshine dies the entire field into a splendid golden area. The trail from the aid station goes straight all the way to the end. The hill is slowly rolling. Having a long sleeve, I feel safe to this exposed and windy part. A little civilization appears as a paved road along the trail but stays about 200 yards away at the right hand side.<br /><br />I thought I am alone as I find no one ahead or behind me. After 10 minutes or so, Bonie Jo Shupe and her pacer (Eric) pass me. Bonie was pretty strong in the beginning when both of us passed each other after Chinscraper section. I don't know how she slowed down afterwards. However, she looks great and I'm glad that she picks up her pace right now. I guess pacer helps!<br /><br />I patiently run on this straight line trail that looks like forever. I pass a runner and his female pacer. He looks miserable and walk slowly. I encourage him to take it easy and will recover later. After five minutes or so, they catch me and all of us show smiles about how he recovers so soon. We run faster and I point out a left turn into a bushy trail so that we nearly miss this turn. I let them go ahead. It's immediately a steep climb and we are winding through thick bushes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX5BpmiLbM0Kt6eAfYBfO27PpNVs2LJqdxSxy5bZy-KZnviql1w6o7WHDKD1BpnvZN756fsFCmlY4ISP2EdsHP07vP00BBl4-TcUxzLD619Mn-YCOD33lt_YaCygf25Nz84NWpuIOR1Hj/s1600-h/P9080198.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX5BpmiLbM0Kt6eAfYBfO27PpNVs2LJqdxSxy5bZy-KZnviql1w6o7WHDKD1BpnvZN756fsFCmlY4ISP2EdsHP07vP00BBl4-TcUxzLD619Mn-YCOD33lt_YaCygf25Nz84NWpuIOR1Hj/s400/P9080198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119450541432920034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sun setting down with straight trail with no end in sight</span></span><br /></div><br />It's darker now and its time to use my flashlight. Just like my light is not bright enough due to low battery, I start to feel tired after the whole day covering such a tough course. As I sense the lights from runners behind, more and more pass me and it seems to lower my morale a bit. I struggle and move slowly. Perhaps I walk more often.<br /><br />After a while, it seems that everyone has passed me. I feel like running alone in dark with my dimming light. The trail keeps going down. I can see some grand scale of civilization down below - a highway! The aid station must be there. With lights here and there down below, it's still hard to tell where the aid station is.<br /><br />The trail switchback down. I finally enter a thick tree area that the sky is almost fully covered. At one place, my weak flashlight indicates that there is a water ahead. However, the light is so weak that I have hard time to find a way to pass it without wetting my shoes. The shoes are GoreTex, but I don't want to test them right now when my condition is not good.<br /><br />After a while, I feel that I probably get to the ground level. A light from behind tells me that another runner speeds up and get ready to pass me. After I let him pass, I hear a pretty strong water flowing. It sounds like a small river ahead. I pray and hope it not a deep water crossing. I start to go steep down to the river. Hey! there is a bridge.<br /><br />Crossing the bridge and climb up a levee for 20 yards, I complete half of the distance and arrive at the Lamb Canyon aid station.<br /><br /><a name="BEAR_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bear Bottom Section</span></span> : 8.53 miles (53.13-61.68), 3hr 47min 31sec (normally 2.2-3.5 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/bearbotm.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/bearbotm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/bearbotm.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lamb Canyon</span> : mile 53.13, 38min 2sec / 16hr 36min 12sec<br /><br />The aid station is like a night party with lights everywhere. And there are lots people, at least 200. Although I was very tired earlier, I feel pretty excited now. I sit down and regroup myself. I decide to put my camera into a bag. I sense that I probably won't have a good night pictures and need to fight for the nightly running coming ahead.<br /><br />I follow the smell and walk to the grill stand. While I am waiting for my order of a hot sandwich, a volunteer tells me that it will be very windy ahead.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lamb Canyon => Upper Big Water</span> : 8.55miles (53.13 - 61.68), 2hr 59min 5sec / 19hr 35min 17sec<br /><br />Leaving the aid station, I'll cross the highway 89 from under. The check out area is over a hundred yards away from the checkin. I started to feel a strong windy coming toward me through the tunnel under the highway.<br /><br />After check out, we are running at a single lane wide paved road along a river. I can hear loud water flowing. Actually, the road seems to set up at the top of the river because there is water flowing at both sides. Left side is like a river, while the right side like a creek.<br /><br />This is Lamb Canyon, so it's very windy when all the wind blows through this narrow area. And it's cold. I catch up a guy staying low, wearing an extra jacket. It's all uphill from 6,000ft at the aid station. There is over 2,000 ft climb coming right now.<br /><br />I have only one clothes left - the thin AR50 jacket. I planned to wear it later when I get to the top and the ridge. I figure it will be more frigid there. However, the chilly wind has changed my mind. I'm not sure if I can keep moving without more clothes right now. I think I will definitely start shivering very soon. I better to wear my last clothes now at the nice paved road. When I enter the woods, it will be more difficult to do so at the single track steep hill.<br /><br />I find a rock at the road side. I sit down to fetch the jacket, better hat, and gloves. I have to do all these very carefully because I might drop the small handheld flashlight to the creek. Within a few minutes, some runners pass me. I now feel a little better with all my clothes on.<br /><br />After a mile or more on the paved road, we make a right turn down from the road. There is a small bridge to cross the creek. There is a group of runners resting or preparing at the entrance.<br /><br />Across the bridge begins a narrow steep uphill single track in the woods. After a while, the switchback is over. The trail becomes a straight up. There is water flowing at the left side and the trail follows it for long way. I guess it's the creek I crossed earlier.<br /><br />The trail is steep, so I guess I'm getting higher and higher above the creek. However, the loud water flowing still echoes through the entire woods. I'm now alone without anyone around. There is even no light I can see through the woods from any runners. I guess I have gained over 1,000 ft since the aid station. It should be at 7,500 ft.<br /><br />The altitude has come to me again! I feel exhausted and want to stop and rest. The trail is so narrow and tricky that there is no place to sit down at the trail or at the side. At last, I stop and stand with my eyes closed. I have to open my eyes after a few seconds for the fear of falling asleep and falling down at the trail or sliding down to the side.<br /><br />It's still windy even in the woods. It's getting cold. I better keep moving. Looking far above, I try to find out the top that I'll get to. I can see the sky, but the top of the mountain seems very high and unreachable. The woods just extends forever into far distance.<br /><br />Don't know how much time has passed. I finally get to the top at 8,100 ft. This is the worst suffering since the run started. Shall I say it's a Hell? At the top, I seem to be able to see city lights far away down below. There are two female runners there. I'm not sure if I catch up them or vice versa.<br /><br />The trail immediately drop down on a steep single track. They fly down with me following behind. I feel better now perhaps because I don't need to work that hard as earlier on the climb. The altitude does nothing to me.<br /><br />After about 1.5 miles downhill, the course continue on a single lane paved road. I guess I have climbed out of Lamb Canyon down to the other side. There are cars around with strong car lights. I have to use my flashlight to show my presence. These are the crew cars from or to the aid station ahead.<br /><br />We'll stay on the paved road for over 3 miles. There are runners ahead and behind me. We try to run a bit on such a nice surface, but the paved road is mostly steep. We soon give up and walk more.<br /><br />I think my mental is low so that I have been scared a few times by the strong lights from behind. I mistaken them as the car light coming and have to look over my shoulder.<br /><br />Walking three miles with exhausted body makes it feel like forever. I wonder why this is so long. Will we keep going on to make up the elevation drop we had on the previous downhill? I am concerned with such an idea, but the only thing I can do is keep moving.<br /><br />Every time I see some lights ahead, I am hoping it's the aid station, but it turns out to be a car coming down. With several frustration like this and not knowing how much time has passed on the paved road, I spot a parking lot ahead without mistake and the aid station is just a hundred yards after that.<br /><br /><a name="DESO_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Desolation Section</span> : 5.25 miles (61.68-66.93), 3hr 3min 46sec (normally 1.2-2.5 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/desolatn.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/desolatn.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/desolatn.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Upper Big Water</span> : mile 61.68, 28min 26sec / 20hr 3min 43sec<br /><br />This aid station is called Upper Big Water since we climb up to 7,700 ft along with another creek at the right side to get there. It's also called Millcreek. I guess it's the name of the creek.<br /><br />It's another nightly party here. There is so much light in such a dark area. A big tent is set up for cooking hot food. There are many runners around, resting for the coming challenges.<br /><br />I ask around what the condition will be like ahead. I already feel cold with all my clothes on. My answer is it'll be colder and windier ahead because we'll keep going higher to 9,300 ft at the next aid station - Desolation.<br /><br />I have to say I'm in very bad condition. I have the idea of quitting, but still think if I can move a little farther and have the quitting at the next aid station. What if it rains or snows, can I survive it and make it to the aid station? This is my long waiting run this year. This is my target race. Shall I give up or give in now? I have the doubts. Say I can move harder to generate heat when the weather becomes worse.<br /><br />With the allure or fear of the name Desolation, I go ahead.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Upper Big Water => Desolation</span> : 5.25miles (61.68 - 66.93), 2hr 52min 38sec / 22hr 56min 21sec<br /><br />The trail enters the woods with everywhere so steep. Oh my god! It seems to be the same thing as the previous Hell. The trail goes straight up and steep. There is no evidence where the climb will end. The top of the mountain is not seen at any direction. Looking ahead is only tall trees lining up higher and higher.<br /><br />But at higher elevation, I feel worse now. I'm moving towards 9,000ft. On the other hand, I feel numb at my body and mind. I am extremely exhausted. I have no control over my body and am doing sleep walk. The trail is wide and in very good condition. However, it is not like a two lane paved road that I could easily did sleep walk in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a>. The trail is not wide enough for sleep walk. I then fall to the right side where there is creek over 10 feet below. Luckily, I grab a rooted rock and pull myself up. I was scared at this and have a minute or two to get back to my conscience. I think I still keep sleep walk, but with better alerted on the trail.<br /><br />Not only me. Along the trail, I find a runner lay down at the side of the trail for sleep. His pacer is waiting at his side. I have no such a luxury because my clothes are not enough and I need to keep moving to get a little warmth. I hug myself to keep more heat from dissipating from my from body.<br /><br />I'm in a miserable condition and very low mental strength. I start to think about why I have to go through these. I'd better drop at the next aid station. I have a few running events coming up. I want to retire from all of these. I have DNS in <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.wpsp.org/ww100k/">Where's Waldo 100K</a>. I think I can DNF at this Wasatch. And DNS in all other runs - <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/rdl100main.html">Rio Del Lago 100M</a> and <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.firetrails50.net/">Firetrail 50M</a>. I also miss my family very much.<br /><br />After a while, I no long run along with the creek. As we climb over the first 1200 ft hill, we continue on another 1,000ft climb before the next aid station at 9,300 ft Desolation. We now run with a pretty Desolation lake at the right hand side. It's pretty big. Some one indicates that across the lake is where we will go to. Indead, I can spot some flash lights across over one mile wide lake.<br /><br />We keep climbing higher. I also try to locate the aid station. The aid station must be somewhere pretty bright in such a dark area. I think the light will be my only hope to keep moving. But I don't see any.<br /><br />Until after long time that I get to the highest of the trail. The aid station is just hidden 50 feet right below the highest point so that there is no way to see it until now.<br /><br /><a name="BRIG_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brighton Section</span></span> : 8.68 miles (66.93-75.61), 3hr 22min 34sec (normally 1.7-3 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/brighton.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/brighton.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/brighton.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Desolation</span> : mile 66.93, 11min 8sec / 23hr 7min 29sec<br /><br />Wow! There is a camp fire at Desolation aid station. A couple of people stay around it, including brother Sybrowsky and Brandon's pacer. I find the last chair remained and sit down for the warmth. I also hope to see if I can take a nap. Too bad, this is the worst seat that no one want to stay. Within a minute, I have to jump out of it when all the smoke come to me.<br /><br />I walk to a hot pot nearby and ask for a cup of hot soup as an alternative way to get warmth. It is so salty that I can hardly finish my first mouthful. I don't want to throw it away to hurt the volunteer feeling. I may not throw away the soup, but I forget how I deal with that soup.<br /><br />I stay for another minute and think I have nothing to do except keep going. A volunteer tells me that I need to get to a foothill about 100 yards away to start a steep switchback climb. Once I get to the top, the trail just follows the ridge. He also warns me it will be very windy and chilly over there.<br /><br />I think I am at the point of no return. Life will not be easier if I give up and drop right here. It's less than two hours to the second sunrise. I guess it should bring me some power to move on. Off I go. I say bye to <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.pbase.com/gtach/image/33866602">Team Sybrowsky</a> and expect them to catch me later.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Desolation => Scott's Peak</span> : 3.86miles (66.93 - 70.79), 1hr 50min 50sec / 24hr 58min 20sec<br /><br />I look ahead and can see the mountain ridge. It is not that high since I'm already higher than 9,200ft. I soon get to the foothill and start the climb. Like what I was told, the switchback is pretty steep. I tell myself that's the shorter way for me to get to the top.<br /><br />As I finish the 500 ft elevation worth of switchback, I leave the tree line and stand at the ridge. However, I'm still not at the highest. I need to run on the ridge and get higher. It's called "Red Lover's Ridge". I don't know how the name connects to such very steep and rugged terrain. It might be red rocks, but I can't see this in the night. All I can see is brilliant starry sky that almost makes me dizzy (altitude?)<br /><br />It sometimes like cross country on a 20ft wide boulder path with both sides dropping unknown depth below. I try to locate the course marker and do route finding among boulders between two markers. On the other hand, it's completely exposed and I just take the wind from all directions.<br /><br />Among these adversity, hopes come up far away. Wow! It's like being at Chinscraper ridge again nearly 24 hours ago. Standing at the ridge, city lights are just down below, 5,000 ft I guess since it's nearly 10,000 ft height. I am touched by this first time of seeing such a civilization since race started. City lights reflect on the dark sky and display dim light at the sky nearby.<br /><br />Far away, it seems that Sun is sending his light winding through clouds so that the sky is changing its color. I still feel sleepy, but better now that I no longer sleep walk. I keep moving slowly but, I think, faster than earlier.<br /><br />I spot a gal sitting at the trail side. Wendy is actually a pacer. Her runner just found the energy and sped away. This is her first mountain running and she has some stomach issues. She seems to recover a bit, so we run together. I am joking that she can be my pacer. The trail is narrow, so I go ahead and she follows me. We chat a bit along the way. I'm glad she starts to try more trail running, but I hope this stomach experience won't keep her scare away from it. After some time, she has the same issue again and has to sit down. I encourage her to take more rest so that she can leave at the cozy place Brighton, which is not far away. I also want to see her at the next aid station.<br /><br />I run by myself and it's nice to see the color change everywhere in the sky, but It's still cold. I have made decision that I will take a nap even if I feel better because I want to get prepared for the next same tough 30 miles to the finish.<br /><br />The trail goes steep rolling hills, but I know I keep getting higher elevation overall. Finally, at the very end of the ridge, which I can feel is top of the mountain, there is an aid station in a small tent.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Scott's Peak</span> : mile 70.79, 16min 42sec / 25hr 15min 2sec<br /><br />The tent is pretty crowded with a cooking table for hot food. There are three people sleeping, two sit in the chairs and one lie down with sleeping bag. There are chairs not taken. Both are close to the entrance to take the wind blowing. I picked the one and asked for a hot sandwich. After I finish the sandwich, I sit and try to sleep.<br /><br />I seem to fall asleep pretty soon, but am wakened up right away when another person come into the tent. It is Wendy. She picks the last chair and seems like to take a nap, too. I say "Hi" and try to sleep again since it's only 5 minutes.<br /><br />I am wakened up again. One of runners having slept there decides to go. I find I have "slept" for 10 minutes. I think I seem to have some power nap and I'd better go as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Scott's Peak => Brighton</span> : 4.82miles (70.79 - 75.61), 1hr 9min 47sec / 26hr 24min 49sec<br /><br />I grab a sandwich and follow him to continue. It is chilly outside at nearly 10,000 ft. The trail starts with a short slow uphill. It's less than 200 yards. We chat a little and find both of us ran <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a> this year. He is Gilles Barbeau from Vancouver and actually finished one place ahead of me when I made 29 hr 29min 29sec - 6 minutes behind him.<br /><br />I feel pretty good right now. It begins downhill. I think it will be a long downhill all the way to the Brighton aid station. I start to pick up my pace and run faster. I encourage Gilles to run with me because I think he should be better than I and can run as well. However, he seems to reject and keep walking.<br /><br />This is 1,300 ft descent. I keep increasing my pace. Some parts of the trail are rocky and steep, but I seem to gain some energy as it gets brighter in the sky. I already turn off my flashlight. I keep my eyes on the course markers and any tricky spot on the trail for the fear of making wrong turns or getting ankle trips.<br /><br />Then the course goes to a 2 lane wide nice paved road. It's still downhill, but not that steep. I can see I'll follow the road winding down to a village not far away, where I think is Brighton. A hundred yards away are two runners just out of a civilized roadside restroom built with bricks. They are walking and I pass them like flying. I encourage them to make it to Brighton.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yi45YfibRJ9rp0ThpfioEPbekR_jiCLca8Zz1QiQFIcRbmb_7LVisoxRxdRT3dh7ayAguxBrfw1dUA4SNa4GkJOXbtxtp_Qf0kIIBrjsqScHSJVZaYQpZpGlFpzDmXgJmb6XpLX4MhL5/s1600-h/P9090200.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yi45YfibRJ9rp0ThpfioEPbekR_jiCLca8Zz1QiQFIcRbmb_7LVisoxRxdRT3dh7ayAguxBrfw1dUA4SNa4GkJOXbtxtp_Qf0kIIBrjsqScHSJVZaYQpZpGlFpzDmXgJmb6XpLX4MhL5/s400/P9090200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119450751886317554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Passing a runner and his pacer in the beginning of the second day</span></span><br /></div><br />It's now second day. Sun has risen, but I don't see it. I only feel myself totally refreshed from the second sunrise again. It's truly a magic that amazes me. I keep my fast pace. Well, I would say it's sub-10 min given my sour legs.<br /><br />A few hours ago, I was thinking all the way that I'm going to quit. Now I can run and decide that I'll keep running until I am forced to stop due to some cutoff. I am also inspired by my friend Mark Tanaka (<a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/">Ultrailnaka</a>) at the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a> last year. He had a lot of issues including sleep and altitude like what I had earlier. However, he continued the run and finally finished it as the respected last finisher. It will be great that I can make the last cutoff. Then even if I can not be an official finisher under 36 hr, I'm still very happy. At least , I have been through the entire course!<br /><br />Mountains ahead are changing colors as well. It's truly magnificent! They all look pretty high. I try to guess which one is the 10,500 ft Point Supreme, the scared or sacred name I'll climb right after Brighton. I still have no idea, but have my mental ready for the tough climb later.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0zg6oVCrc4C3mrTlh_mdZiJzPfVZ5gUbQZ8wKdZWXNXOF_FKibE7t9Kv7k_X8llCMUFMP7og_6MT6dFSuRftggRlZ3LbHoBUJYSbvMkxwXHJFXY0YV25TqFIhDndeAShLUhx4fvFCo1P/s1600-h/P9090205.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0zg6oVCrc4C3mrTlh_mdZiJzPfVZ5gUbQZ8wKdZWXNXOF_FKibE7t9Kv7k_X8llCMUFMP7og_6MT6dFSuRftggRlZ3LbHoBUJYSbvMkxwXHJFXY0YV25TqFIhDndeAShLUhx4fvFCo1P/s400/P9090205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119450936569911298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mountains in the early morning - which is Point Supreme?</span></span><br /></div><br />There is no traffic on the road I have run so far, but the course continues to a major road that there are cars moving around. There are still not many cars. They all roll down the window and cheer me.<br /><br />It's now slow uphill. I still run until half mile later. I have passed a few houses and they are not Brighton. The aid station seems not close enough. I switch to fast walk so that I take it easy without missing the house called Brighton.<br /><br />At last, there is a mansion like a recreation center ahead. It should be the aid station but I don't know how to enter since it has many doors and there are no more markers around. A gentleman shows me the entry and I get to the Brighton aid station.<br /><br /><a name="SUPR_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supreme Section</span></span> : 7.80 miles (75.61-83.39), 3hr 13min 52sec (normally 2.3-4 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/supreme.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/supreme.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/supreme.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Brighton</span> : mile 75.61, 5min 13sec / 26hr 30min 3sec<br /><br />At the entrance, I meet Andy Kumeda. He has just finished the aid station and ready to continue. I wish him good luck.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqvgGMiytZZXmd7n1SKNTnX6QtIgoG7EDz-xPW0cZz-NDA1OExXc7jwL_JYUTBNoNGQGadJfSidyG_yFZpPRB7bpbb8UUQFgef72ZiPfMW5KQT3NlYsMB_uYlveKH4GPXwgs8nUvOb5vL/s1600-h/P9090207.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqvgGMiytZZXmd7n1SKNTnX6QtIgoG7EDz-xPW0cZz-NDA1OExXc7jwL_JYUTBNoNGQGadJfSidyG_yFZpPRB7bpbb8UUQFgef72ZiPfMW5KQT3NlYsMB_uYlveKH4GPXwgs8nUvOb5vL/s400/P9090207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119451134138406930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Brighton Resort!</span></span><br /></div><br />Wow! What an aid station in such a resort house. There is heater, several meeting chairs and tables, and even vending machines! John Grobben, the RD, just sits at the door side and put down my time. I weigh and check in. I am amazed how the luxurious Brighton aid station is set up. Charlie Crissman, the <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.cascadecrest100.com/">Cascade Crest Classic 100M</a> RD, running this race too, told me that there is a rest room that you can shave your beard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPsO9z_zvpcJXvpB563NQFnX0jGN4AmM7TDiGhEeueUpJVCXMA2RHTo0VJpV-1Ka6Q3CK8odjxPwVjpItOFPHHnGl7p3orDTsE1MzsSl2CKL5J8FV9i4M9XYtfTvRuv4CgEVoAmm8swGi/s1600-h/P9090208.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPsO9z_zvpcJXvpB563NQFnX0jGN4AmM7TDiGhEeueUpJVCXMA2RHTo0VJpV-1Ka6Q3CK8odjxPwVjpItOFPHHnGl7p3orDTsE1MzsSl2CKL5J8FV9i4M9XYtfTvRuv4CgEVoAmm8swGi/s400/P9090208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119451314527033378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cozy Brighton aid statoin</span></span><br /></div><br />The place is crowded with over 30 people. Some are volunteers, but I'm not sure how many runners are there and have stayed for some time.<br /><br />I have one word from my friend Keith Blom (<a target="wasatch" href="http://www.trailrunners.net/reports/index.html">TrailRunners.net</a>), who did Wasatch last year. He warned me not to stay at Brighton for too long or I won't be able to leave. With the interrupted 10 minute power nap and the second sunrise, I feel great right now after such a tough 75 mile Wasatch runnning. I don't need any rest, so I grab some food and have one grilled sandwich to go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Brighton => Ant Knoll</span> : 4.66miles (75.61 - 80.27), 1hr 56min 38sec / 28hr 26min 41sec<br /><br />Some runners reported to have problem finding the course leaving Brighton, but I quickly follow the course right under the ski lift route. I eat and move at fast pace. I power walk and run sometimes on the steep hill. I'm fully prepared for the climb and 10,5000ft altitude mentally.<br /><br />The nice groomed trail is replaced with boulder route after half mile. I catch up Andy Kumeda. He seems to have problem to move fast so he walk slowly. I encourage him that the second sunrise will do some magic and help him later. I pass him and continue the bouldering.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz8C8o0OF7DSbpxdnSlzlf6B5VeXEZigzsVLVvBFu8xJsS4qKw9NMLtlrIhJYGa99K1AXuvHAVUoXDQmDDGf2SrkU5raskOm-S-UY4KnvVspkvo17jLXJ-yugbQQGDQXWUOXWTi9LdRUp/s1600-h/P9090211.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz8C8o0OF7DSbpxdnSlzlf6B5VeXEZigzsVLVvBFu8xJsS4qKw9NMLtlrIhJYGa99K1AXuvHAVUoXDQmDDGf2SrkU5raskOm-S-UY4KnvVspkvo17jLXJ-yugbQQGDQXWUOXWTi9LdRUp/s400/P9090211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119451490620692530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Andy Kumeda starts the Point Supreme climb</span></span><br /></div><br />Soon I spot a trail sign that says the alpine lake at the right hand side is called Dog Lake. Interesting name! After that, the trail is now paved with pine needles. It's very nice to run on such a soft surface.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVaqFk_h5E2UVssMShuAj_KHZgfh30TIuqNFnziMTVHggRGwGxCYRtsP4MFYnDqZwkY0dlRzLjMd40ulLKTLutuDMremJfhjmBBjI3S1YMAmcgZvTE_zM3PYMJfGI27PEla2Ni6t0f6ZA/s1600-h/P9090215.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVaqFk_h5E2UVssMShuAj_KHZgfh30TIuqNFnziMTVHggRGwGxCYRtsP4MFYnDqZwkY0dlRzLjMd40ulLKTLutuDMremJfhjmBBjI3S1YMAmcgZvTE_zM3PYMJfGI27PEla2Ni6t0f6ZA/s400/P9090215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119451671009318978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pretty the alpine Dog Lake</span></span><br /></div><br />After a few switchbacks, I come to a pass with an awesome view of peak and valley, which is about 500 ft down below. At the turn, I catch Michael Kelly Gleman and his pacer. I pass them and continue. I'm getting higher and I sense the high mountain blocking ahead. It's now rock scrambling. This slows me down, but it's fine because I need to slow down to get through the altitude that I feel right now. It's also steep.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB7S9uAdGwq-ngqG-EwmvV72_Hybyr130Js07EM7R7Ejk95ljjioHnd43Q9NWq_yxE17MN2yvqUlE29Gu_KGfHhkNhEnXPqCYIGbz38RzLlwgLg84qQyUGj3dd4d09DqMeJIOyCNYozvX/s1600-h/P9090220.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB7S9uAdGwq-ngqG-EwmvV72_Hybyr130Js07EM7R7Ejk95ljjioHnd43Q9NWq_yxE17MN2yvqUlE29Gu_KGfHhkNhEnXPqCYIGbz38RzLlwgLg84qQyUGj3dd4d09DqMeJIOyCNYozvX/s400/P9090220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119451838513043538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Do we need to the peak, which I guss is the Point Supreme?</span></span><br /></div><br />Now here is my question. Are we going to get to the peak? It is still about 1,500 ft higher and looks pretty steep there. It looks pretty like the name called "Point Supreme". I feel a little scared about whether I can hike up there.<br /><br />As I walk up to the pass, I take a break. It's already 80 minutes for the climb. Michael Kelly Gleman and his pacer are also getting closer. I say "Hi" to a few hikers there. I follow the course ribbon. There is another magnificent view at the pass. While I am enjoying this, Michael Kelly Gleman catch me. We take pictures over there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAUC9N6Qys-1ol_9eNMrRqts4mzJAJ3ZVqCcNKDmJnL3h1nut57mhV7R9vepTReLyLxxkC83ejBmZwUtIiHhU5SMZ9lHAQ0JNYHvZaKkM5wuKw_ke_NV53I_Atp54LD-HYxBzxr-L6c9E/s1600-h/P9090224.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAUC9N6Qys-1ol_9eNMrRqts4mzJAJ3ZVqCcNKDmJnL3h1nut57mhV7R9vepTReLyLxxkC83ejBmZwUtIiHhU5SMZ9lHAQ0JNYHvZaKkM5wuKw_ke_NV53I_Atp54LD-HYxBzxr-L6c9E/s400/P9090224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119452027491604578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me at the Point Supreme</span></span><br /></div><br />Immediately, it's downhill from the pass. I'm happy that we don't need to follow the ridge and continue to the peak. The pass is so called "Point Supreme", but it's not that hard!<br /><br />The downhill is narrow, very steep, and full of loose rocks. I run away while Michael Kelly Gleman seems to decide to walk slowly down. As I am enjoying the technical downhill running, I also challenge myself by replacing my camera batteries. Both actions have to be done with extreme care because I don't want to fall down or drop any parts of my camera. Fortunately, I do them without any problems.<br /><br />After a while, I look back and there are a few runners also moving down from the pass. They seem like walking. I keep running down, but some part are extremely steep and slippery with rocks. To my amazement, I feel runners approaching from behind. They are Team Sybrowsky!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMqgJs-zrjKKm68Ha3WJ84fP_OlsLjvez2NAdw0Rn9dWIW3NnLwuKBmFT8eOZR_QcLRMtQ9f5-M-qbvxRbH2TizCvOJIeAxnW3lJNCFNh_36H_v-lEA9V3a8eGJSObqgHhb_dUAg8Sw7g/s1600-h/P9090229.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMqgJs-zrjKKm68Ha3WJ84fP_OlsLjvez2NAdw0Rn9dWIW3NnLwuKBmFT8eOZR_QcLRMtQ9f5-M-qbvxRbH2TizCvOJIeAxnW3lJNCFNh_36H_v-lEA9V3a8eGJSObqgHhb_dUAg8Sw7g/s400/P9090229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119452207880231026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Brandon Sybrowsky and his pacer catch me</span></span><br /></div><br />Brandon and his pacer run surprisingly fast that I move to the side for them to pass. I tell Brandon that he was expert at the uphill yesterday during the Chinscraper climb and downhill now. He replies with smile and expects to see me at the aid station. Not far behind him is Travis. He is probably at my pace, but I let him pass too. I follow them for a while and they move away from me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHDqPCpAkyRK31ZQM85QRHkr_eLMjeRnb49OpQYY-1kLb3GBE8tUq3yDbUZJUhbKBXPNRgMGkJr_ZjolVmu7HblxIVH-CJw07KnBIyJoIBxEJcT75QBwxYT82yguqnuwe0vu0u5SzTVa4/s1600-h/P9090231.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHDqPCpAkyRK31ZQM85QRHkr_eLMjeRnb49OpQYY-1kLb3GBE8tUq3yDbUZJUhbKBXPNRgMGkJr_ZjolVmu7HblxIVH-CJw07KnBIyJoIBxEJcT75QBwxYT82yguqnuwe0vu0u5SzTVa4/s400/P9090231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119452422628595842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A steep downhill with loose rock before the aid station. I fell twice!</span></span><br /></div><br />I seem to spot the aid station tent, but there is a steep downhill, again full of loose rocks. I fell down twice within a second. I even nearly crash my camera at the first time. I get up and fall again immediately. The aid station is now 50 ft away.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ant Knoll</span> : mile 80.27, 2min 49sec / 28hr 29min 29sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1UzZFj5kuOP2vJRp3xmpDGN47ZTNllNDOHynRsFZeWJtlYH3CsIKd_05FfuYzgIWyTg82a2ixMBN4zl_VGeo3fJkaA2prdnY7b51XBxe6zaT4ALSYA7uGuo3vSDqFMUqzv_C39FVNMww/s1600-h/P9090232.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1UzZFj5kuOP2vJRp3xmpDGN47ZTNllNDOHynRsFZeWJtlYH3CsIKd_05FfuYzgIWyTg82a2ixMBN4zl_VGeo3fJkaA2prdnY7b51XBxe6zaT4ALSYA7uGuo3vSDqFMUqzv_C39FVNMww/s400/P9090232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119452697506502802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ant Knoll aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />Team Sybrowsky already take all the chairs and enjoy the hot food. I thank them for waiting for me, but Brandon actually wants to make sure I encounter no problems. I am very touched by such camaraderie in ultrailrunning.<br /><br />Brandon's sandwich looks pretty delicious, so I ask for the same one. I am joking that they are having the breakfast. I decide to go with the sandwich. I tell them to catch me later and leave.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE-mRxx7kODpiXFZkCfry-7qvIe6126LAAJWa8fx2Mli_4laP4AdN61sBohyj39nZwjwVcm6GZ7T7tVuylMjH8LTeJO7jshSnCLgMuwnOSJ5sZSlfW-6m1VY6tAroqI2-IMF4WuonpxC7/s1600-h/P9090233.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE-mRxx7kODpiXFZkCfry-7qvIe6126LAAJWa8fx2Mli_4laP4AdN61sBohyj39nZwjwVcm6GZ7T7tVuylMjH8LTeJO7jshSnCLgMuwnOSJ5sZSlfW-6m1VY6tAroqI2-IMF4WuonpxC7/s400/P9090233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119452899369965730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Team Sybrowsky on their breakfast</span></span><br /></div><br />Outside the tent is a volunteer playing a huge instrument that I've never seen. I am amused and I guess it's a pipe from Native tribe.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzUW4WLsLQkA13yh18AdLYyVRChHaNk8mxfk1cdgoKT2f34rjndcY6KXzpQvTTKE4A1yPKCOJvz_f2RSvufOVekJf8jyeZULJjo8UVbzuE2bQl6QFGzwGcUsHePaGGjh3RBPJsIA3cNfQ/s1600-h/P9090234.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzUW4WLsLQkA13yh18AdLYyVRChHaNk8mxfk1cdgoKT2f34rjndcY6KXzpQvTTKE4A1yPKCOJvz_f2RSvufOVekJf8jyeZULJjo8UVbzuE2bQl6QFGzwGcUsHePaGGjh3RBPJsIA3cNfQ/s400/P9090234.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119453096938461362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A volunteer playing a native tribe musical instrument.</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ant Knoll => Pole Line Pass</span> : 3.12miles (80.27 - 83.39), 1hr 13min 37sec / 29hr 43min 7sec<br /><br />Woods is right ahead of the aid station. As I enter it, the trail becomes long steep switchback. There are not many turns, but I am quickly passed by Team Syborowsky. I walk pretty slow, but their legs seem to ignore the steepness and hop to the higher. I am totally amazed. I think this is how those elite runners deal with such a tough course.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0cQyETpWyVKht69gv1AqljthYA81t57U8gcWTpzA8pmR44Jh98sAcjav8l6wY_lw7L9rPwK78wkw5Zclq4SdtdQ47GkH5iojT1pQM4GaY0kSpcupVhl2tncmsLbFAw8OwYrCyNZeMq2-/s1600-h/P9090238.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0cQyETpWyVKht69gv1AqljthYA81t57U8gcWTpzA8pmR44Jh98sAcjav8l6wY_lw7L9rPwK78wkw5Zclq4SdtdQ47GkH5iojT1pQM4GaY0kSpcupVhl2tncmsLbFAw8OwYrCyNZeMq2-/s400/P9090238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119453277327087810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me struggling but still stay positive</span></span><br /></div><br />I then pass a guy and get to the top of the switchback to complete this 700ft climb. The view is awesome now. The trail is narrow but runnable except some very steep sections like those I have seen all the time. I can see mountain range far away, but there is no evidence that an aid station is anywhere closer. Moving from one aid station to the next one is my way to keep going.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEm2LzloMlra4a8WIyGwKf6kyx934-fSFxfTxuiLpWJxhr9nwLRrKa_AjT3eX3DMZnP_MKKjDkj1rK3CpAgTCgjZfFAJWmuVS9SyHUlnlAFMcXfrsSpDMQOoAR9ihOg2oB47CrkR7UWuV2/s1600-h/P9090241.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEm2LzloMlra4a8WIyGwKf6kyx934-fSFxfTxuiLpWJxhr9nwLRrKa_AjT3eX3DMZnP_MKKjDkj1rK3CpAgTCgjZfFAJWmuVS9SyHUlnlAFMcXfrsSpDMQOoAR9ihOg2oB47CrkR7UWuV2/s400/P9090241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119453453420746962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Still great mountain view all the way</span></span><br /></div><br />After some time at the wide open mountain area, the trail enters a woods with slow downhill. The weird cloud pattern that I felt curious about earlier now shows drizzles.<br /><br />Ahead is a person walking with shoes like hiking boots. I guess he is a visitor to the area. Sounds weird because it is so remote here. I pass him but find a bib number. He is Allan Holtz running the race, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPuW8ktC1n1WatVqvE2NhSv5sxaYK3k5V8e7HdGwTEu1AB_n3I9B95ubwtSC6mCoeYBQNBovzNKoKcL6feitIzVx2VYAM-FRvI7xLfjjPfwTKJskiJLv7WKSMz1E65FzfXZMqsC0QZ1tm/s1600-h/P9090245.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPuW8ktC1n1WatVqvE2NhSv5sxaYK3k5V8e7HdGwTEu1AB_n3I9B95ubwtSC6mCoeYBQNBovzNKoKcL6feitIzVx2VYAM-FRvI7xLfjjPfwTKJskiJLv7WKSMz1E65FzfXZMqsC0QZ1tm/s400/P9090245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119453642399308002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Allan Holtz</span></span><br /></div><br />Later I sadly know he has to drop at the aid station coming up in a few hundred feet.<br /><br /><a name="MILL_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Mill Canyon Peak Section</span> : 9.74 miles (83.39 - 93.13), 4hr 7min 45sec (normally 2.5-4 hr)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/millcan.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/millcan.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/millcan.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pole Line Pass</span> : mile 83.39, 49sec / 29hr 43min 55sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEZlOYhjFHkNRteN8xvS8ScFQxT540Mj09F1qVA-2dbivFsb_K_SkZYyB9W4dh1JYF2mwlDlhN9aad0k1ri6KS9XRecWkDZzXLFj7qK3pbJDfIYlfmLVjAYU5o6gmAgvbMlvtPki2OzGm/s1600-h/P9090247.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEZlOYhjFHkNRteN8xvS8ScFQxT540Mj09F1qVA-2dbivFsb_K_SkZYyB9W4dh1JYF2mwlDlhN9aad0k1ri6KS9XRecWkDZzXLFj7qK3pbJDfIYlfmLVjAYU5o6gmAgvbMlvtPki2OzGm/s400/P9090247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119453852852705522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pole Line Pass aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />This is actually a major aid station with all the services. My water is enough, so I don't stay long but grab some food and go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pole Line Pass => Rock Spring</span> : 4 miles (83.39 - 87.39), 1hr 38min 14sec / 31hr 22min 10sec<br /><br />Th trail becomes steep rolling hills. It's a little warm with sunshine, but the elevation is still well over 9,000ft. A lot of time, trail is inside the woods of giant redwood. It's not cold anymore. I still run with my nightly suit. I want to take off the thin AR50 jacket, but not now. I want to keep up my pace and don't want to be passed. So far, so good. I don't feel hot or sweat too much.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9m7LiM36GTfSdF6zGsK1_F3G7zdeaj6CtMNHJlTY4l6ZRhTZXoe0gZI2Cdr935unNMWWsC746weijd-5lFpdBAffwzr75byMeZ4zGjDouWt4NK2BviwGem4sXgh8NV3PhyphenhyphenCGduVj9wbb/s1600-h/P9090249.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9m7LiM36GTfSdF6zGsK1_F3G7zdeaj6CtMNHJlTY4l6ZRhTZXoe0gZI2Cdr935unNMWWsC746weijd-5lFpdBAffwzr75byMeZ4zGjDouWt4NK2BviwGem4sXgh8NV3PhyphenhyphenCGduVj9wbb/s400/P9090249.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119454050421201154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mountain views are pretty and so surreal</span></span><br /></div><br />When I get out of woods, there is always awesome Mountain view. I try to get distracted from the view because the trails are steep or rocky. They force me to push myself very hard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X9Ay5SaxM6puqQ4HOBFtWN-iQgUEbuXsOc81yn3FJYOLCw0ZXp3V0Kvih-kyDS4SxTIz1ki4ZihnI2L8XSE9qVVOHL5SNS-KY9Jetc5jXZLwBCVYBoWBm3qH5lANCiAoBfPndq2aGGa3/s1600-h/P9090250.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X9Ay5SaxM6puqQ4HOBFtWN-iQgUEbuXsOc81yn3FJYOLCw0ZXp3V0Kvih-kyDS4SxTIz1ki4ZihnI2L8XSE9qVVOHL5SNS-KY9Jetc5jXZLwBCVYBoWBm3qH5lANCiAoBfPndq2aGGa3/s400/P9090250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119454230809827602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Trail with loose rocks</span></span><br /></div><br />I seem to start to have hallucination. Many times I mistaken a few objects far ahead as the aid station. They turn out to be some gray pole line woods. That's why the aid station is called.<br /><br />This 4 mile to the aid station seems pretty long. I finally spot a simple tent far ahead. I am sure that it's real and I will not make mistake this time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rock Spring</span> : mile 87.39, 9min / 31hr 31min 10sec<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnh6KPY0XgikND6eNoqcb09T_2Bort0mqUK8bG_2MS0Fu7Ltx6HH-TMPFXpPnBdUKwa5dcMDhp_mD0F9p_p74VhJ6lS_Zpn3DCrTj0z0kwzxU-araj8ujzN3IpYwDESE-aCYcrFcbbCQ/s1600-h/P9090252.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnh6KPY0XgikND6eNoqcb09T_2Bort0mqUK8bG_2MS0Fu7Ltx6HH-TMPFXpPnBdUKwa5dcMDhp_mD0F9p_p74VhJ6lS_Zpn3DCrTj0z0kwzxU-araj8ujzN3IpYwDESE-aCYcrFcbbCQ/s400/P9090252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119454445558192418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rock Spring aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />I don't know why this is called "Rock Spring". Where is the spring? At a quick look, I wonder how this aid station is set up. There is no way to drive a truck here. I very appreciate the volunteer work to make this aid station. The water here is precious. Food is limited.<br /><br />While I refill my water bladder, I think it's time to gather myself a bit. I take off the AR50 jacket, hat, and gloves. I stuff all things not needed into my backpack and wear my day suit. While I am doing these, a gal and her pacer finish the aid station quickly. They pass me and go away.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rock Spring => Pot Bottom</span> : 5.74miles (87.39 - 93.13), 2hr 18min 31sec / 33hr 49min 41sec<br /><br />Leaving Rock Spring, it starts another the climb but the view is stunning. What a lifetime chance to see these views for the whole day and more!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_v_Ov_MbgDbjSUXiGXzxCuzVO2jju7lzN2PGtajTRR9ltja5f2vavBsTCB_-PMlmTTc8TfIAaIJEp6qI0_mKb00Jr8dEzsOo0aRi6QLW0C0sEHxuFEOprW6VeRSj-FjJ_y_39lvdGj3k/s1600-h/P9090253.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_v_Ov_MbgDbjSUXiGXzxCuzVO2jju7lzN2PGtajTRR9ltja5f2vavBsTCB_-PMlmTTc8TfIAaIJEp6qI0_mKb00Jr8dEzsOo0aRi6QLW0C0sEHxuFEOprW6VeRSj-FjJ_y_39lvdGj3k/s400/P9090253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119454694666295602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mountain view - looking for the finish area?</span></span><br /></div><br />After a while, the hallucination comes to me again and gets worse. I continue to mistaken objects as the aid station and this happens pretty often now. The white woods quarter mile away is one example I have again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdAvMeX8L07PQm_n0-dmK33WKY5tVTtzmpuxo5fOQcy4nOinn7TYlH6Yw8o86mmKHtRxjiuM02U7356j7TneAN1bMGjT9H5zW2tdWrMjOVRivxelowq1LPY6bLzqnfd3E_JQHHIjE7D2U/s1600-h/P9090254.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdAvMeX8L07PQm_n0-dmK33WKY5tVTtzmpuxo5fOQcy4nOinn7TYlH6Yw8o86mmKHtRxjiuM02U7356j7TneAN1bMGjT9H5zW2tdWrMjOVRivxelowq1LPY6bLzqnfd3E_JQHHIjE7D2U/s400/P9090254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119454918004595010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Entering a woods, but wonder where the final aid station is</span></span><br /></div><br />I notice this, but find the runner and pacer far ahead as aid station volunteer. They are in the mid of a steep climb and walk very slowly. I am fine, so I quickly find my mistake when I get close as 20 feet behind.<br /><br />I pass them and tell them my mistake. The runner in turns mistakens me as Japanese. This should have nothing to do with hallucination because I have usually been mistakened as those famous Japanese runners like <a target="wasatch" href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/02/ultrarunnings-new-boy-wonder-interview.html">Chikara Omine</a> and Mark Tanaka (<a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com/">Ultrailnaka</a>). People should know that no such famous runners are so slow as I am. They also guess me as Korean runner. I tell them that I am originally from Taiwan, but come from San Francisco Bay Area.<br /><br />After these chats, we start to complain why we have not seen the aid station yet. We believe that we have tried hard, but we may not sense that we are still at pretty slow pace. I felt pretty good, so I run away from them. I speed up at a downhill and a flat after I climb to the top. After a while, I still can not feel any evidence of the aid station.<br /><br />After a steep climb to a pass, a long and even steeper dreadful downhill comes up all the way down to a valley. Again, loose rocks make every step slippery. I start to feel pain from my feet. I can no longer take more impacts to run hard on this steep downhill. I have to find a way to slow down.<br /><br />When it is over, it goes to a wooded area with slow downhill. I wonder why this section is so long. Did I miss the aid station? I am figuring this idea and finally welcome this consequence. This is because it means that I am closer to the finish and will run all the way to the finish.<br /><br />However, I finally spot the aid station ahead. Um. I did not miss it or make wrong turn. The next 7 miles is my last unfinished job!<br /><br /><a name="WASA_SEC"></a><a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/09/070908-6-wasatch-front-100m-heaven-and.html#NAV">Back to Section Navigator</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Finish - Wasatch Mountain State Park</span> - 6.87 miles (93.13 - 100), 1hr 58min 61sec (normally 1.25-2.5 hr)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/wmspark.jpg" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.wasatch100.com/wmspark.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Profile (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wasatch100.com/wmspark.htm">Description</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pot Bottom</span> - mile 93.13, 1min 59sec / 33hr 51min 40sec<br /><br />"Can I make it?" This is the first thing I ask. It still about 20 feet from the last aid station Pot Bottom. I have run 33 hr 49 min. I have over two hours to cover less than 7 miles to be an official finisher. The answer is I have 30 min sweet margin.<br /><br />Later I find out the 30 min margin is only for elite runners since they can run the section about 1.5 hours. For me slow poke, the time is pretty tight. I also ask if there are any climb later. There is only a gentle but long climb. After that, it's all downhill. Thank god, there is no steep climb any more!<br /><br />Sounds like a good news. I waste no time at the aid station. I do not fill my water bladder, but have a few cups of all kinds of drinks. I grab two PB&J and go. I spend only 2 min 18 sec. A few minutes later, I feel regret because I was too hurry to take a picture of the aid station. Sorry!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pot Bottom</span> => <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Finish</span> : 6.87miles (93.13 - 100), 1hr 59min 16sec / 35hr 50min 56sec<br /><br />It starts with rolling hills. I run any flat or downhill. On the uphill, I power walk and it's time to chew the sandwich. There is small creek crossing of about 10 feet. A gal waiting at the other side. She is ready to pace a guy named Frank. I tell her that I am not aware anyone behind me or I passed for the last 30 min called Frank. I bid her good luck and go.<br /><br />This is really long slow uphill. I keep my patience on uphill. I try not to use all my power, but cruise them with something left for the downhills. As I get higher, I look behind and down. I do not see anyone within a mile. It seems that anyone behind me must be 20 min away.<br /><br />Coming to me are a group of ATV. They sense me running hard on the uphill. A lady checks me, I tell her "It's been 93 miles!" but no energy to say any more. They are amazed.<br /><br />It seems I get to the top. It becomes a two lane dirt and some paved road. There are two visitors and tell me the way while I am looking for the marker. OK. Another uphill, I try to suppress my little frustration with patience. I go for it with gentle jogging. The hill seems to be forever as I can see far ahead. "Where is the downhill?"<br /><br />After less than a mile, there are several ribbons at the right hand side. Yeah, the 2 mile uphill is finally over and it begins the downhill! I slowly start my engine so that my joy won't lead to any ankle twists. I smoothly speed up. The downhill is a little nice but still has the same Wasatch technical element. There are dirt surface and loose rocks that try to attack my feet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAIt0lQMvF_kIaPuXD4kmwNUFDwx4j01vApTPRs0wXNKvu3c_H4-JcJ6hezIwyVSrOL8oEpMS7wllKb77UhSWons_wPEn56uumjUDzuPvt8D_sIZbXMPuAmPLAtpmi4EbCWwwZhSHnegK/s1600-h/P9090256.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAIt0lQMvF_kIaPuXD4kmwNUFDwx4j01vApTPRs0wXNKvu3c_H4-JcJ6hezIwyVSrOL8oEpMS7wllKb77UhSWons_wPEn56uumjUDzuPvt8D_sIZbXMPuAmPLAtpmi4EbCWwwZhSHnegK/s400/P9090256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119455300256684370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Steep dowhhill with loose rocks</span><br /></div><br />I keep going down, but it seems that I'm still high above the finish. I have slowed down, thinking to be the last finisher. I'm sure to finish it and once in a while, I look behind to make sure no one is slower than me.<br /><br />After a while, I guess I have made a good amount of descent. A visitor is there. I start a chat with him. Somehow, a runner comes to us with her pacer. It is Bonie Jo Shupe. I am surprised to see her because she was pretty strong when I saw her yesterday before dark. She also asks how far it is to the finish. I overhear and have a faint feeling that there are some miles ahead. I do not notice this but tell Bonie that go ahead and I want to be the last finisher. She seems not agree with me but warns me to run hard. She flies away with her pacer Eric.<br /><br />Within a minute, I seem to sense of the risk and start to chase her. I actually have no idea what's ahead. It might be a lot of downhill coming according to my knowledge of the profile. However, there might be some killing climb not shown from the profile. And what if I get lost and waste time in finding routes? I am forced to push myself very hard after thinking about these uncertainties.<br /><br />I run hard but Bonie is moving farther away from what I can see. It's OK that I have tried my best. I leave the trail along the mountain and get to a single track in the nice woods after crossing a meadow. I have some joy by thinking that the tough Wasatch run is nearly finished. Also I was amused by the fall color everywhere on the tree.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgb74ELgLlVH3u2VtkrHl9oLAumO3UGA8OxXj1hFdS2SSwVJMGICXx2VxpiLbBTmG_AacP1yztkw75UGIKicDWqXx3IINhcGOOVcgHi4-0OrcOpHe6oL_xM_OAyPxvSzXZESzmWDB9XHy/s1600-h/P9090261.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgb74ELgLlVH3u2VtkrHl9oLAumO3UGA8OxXj1hFdS2SSwVJMGICXx2VxpiLbBTmG_AacP1yztkw75UGIKicDWqXx3IINhcGOOVcgHi4-0OrcOpHe6oL_xM_OAyPxvSzXZESzmWDB9XHy/s400/P9090261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119455506415114594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Fall color to greet our finish</span><br /></div><br />The single track seems no ends as I can not see far ahead. And it's nearly flat. I can figure I'm still pretty high. If it's flat, I still have some miles to go. Time is not enough now! I nearly scream out this alarm. 36 hr cut off is approaching. I start to feel nervous. My adrenaline level has got to the highest. I push myself even harder.<br /><br />On the other hand, I have a feeling that I might be too focused on my pace and have made a wrong turn because I have not seen any markers for a while. I slow down and consider turning around and back track the course. I nearly collapse or heart break by this kind of feeling. Fortunately, I spot a ribbon ahead. No I can rest assured to pick up my pace.<br /><br />Now It seems that I can see a little bit of Wasatch Mountain State Park, but I 'm still about 500 feet above. Weird enough, I don't see any crowd there. It does not look like the finish. I ask God - "How far should I get to the finish?" After a while, there finally a steep downhill towards the road and I get to the surface! A volunteer cheers me and urges me to push hard. I then get to a intersection and don't know where to go.<br /><br />I try a little on the left trail, but don't think it's a right one. I turn around and go back to the intersection. I was very nervous and the volunteer show up and point me to the trail at the right hand side. Yes, right one is the right one! He runs with me. Both of us get to the two lane paved road.<br /><br />The park I saw earlier is here, but he says the finish is about a mile ahead. He says it's at the banner or flag somewhere far ahead, but I can not see it. I know I will make no wrong turn and I'm going to finish it. Therefore I focus on my pace. Somehow, my body and legs feel like fresh. It seems that I have dedicate all my remaining energy to the last one mile. The volunteer and I keep picking up the pace. I feel like running a 5K race.<br /><br />With half mile to go, he turns around and runs back to take care of other runners coming down the trail. I thank him and now I'm on my own. All passers-by walking or driving cheer me.<br /><br />Within a minute, a guy far ahead calls my name. He runs toward me. It is Mark Giligan. He finds me by my yellow <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/06/070520-ohlone-50k-20th-anniversary-of.html">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> shirt. We run together for the last quarter mile. He and his friends were checking my progress and wondering where I am on the trail. I tells him that I want to be the last finisher. He checks for me that there are no one behind me within a mile or less. I'll never and ever be the first place, so it'd be cool to be the last one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LzY95Nw2eCrZIvn-_IuQH-rfxwZbcj5F_yqitZLRA_BOuJBFMFsz42CqJ3ic0vrKDOENUERb6iIQxCV6wpzu1JocYSCnT-EtsrlQUEzKSHzWOlvGKCmiWESMwUA3VcWukQE8xNFfk4Y7/s1600-h/P9090268.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LzY95Nw2eCrZIvn-_IuQH-rfxwZbcj5F_yqitZLRA_BOuJBFMFsz42CqJ3ic0vrKDOENUERb6iIQxCV6wpzu1JocYSCnT-EtsrlQUEzKSHzWOlvGKCmiWESMwUA3VcWukQE8xNFfk4Y7/s400/P9090268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119455729753414002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The tough finish</span></span><br /></div><br />Finally, I can see the finish. There are a lot of people. As I come closer, I can feel that everyone is cheering for me. I guess it's great to be the last few finishers as there are most people around and I can get the most cheer from them. I do not speed up, but slow down and stop right before it. I take my hat off and bow to everyone. Thanks them to cheer me for the last 100 feet.<br /><br />I slowly walk through the finish and have my hat on. I feel very emotional. What a great run for me to spend nearly 36 hours. It was tough that I almost quit at half. It's true that I have to run the second half with my mental strength. I suddenly feel extremely exhausted. I almost burst into tears when thinking about what I have been through for the run from total breakdown to rebuild myself for this victorious finish!<br /><br />This is really the toughest run I'll ever love. I love it to dig the deepest into my body and soul and reveal what I can do and achieve. I know I can do it, so I decide right away that I'll come back next year.<br /><br />It turns out that I am not the final finishers. Within 9 minutes, there are another three runners coming in - Leonard Martin, Dean Dyatt, and Andy Kumeda.<br /><br />I immediately go to the drop bag area. I call my wife for my finish. My wife has monitored my progress all the way. She was worried about the last 7 miles. She wonders why it took me so long for such downhill - nearly 2 hours. I have to explain that it actually starts with a 2 mile climb and I decided to take it easy for the remaining.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Awarding Ceremony</span><br /><br />There are a lot of friends around. Along with the post-race buffet, the awarding ceremony is started right away. Glad to see Paul Sweeney and Betsy Nye who I ran with in <a target="wasatch" href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070505-miwok-100k-enjoy-run-among-ankle.html">Miwok 100K</a>. this year.<br /><br />I don't have time to change clothes and take shower. I still stay there because I don't want to miss any moment of the ceremony.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ_t4QapI9fxL42xOaul4VNyOd4t9JE9Cop_o9f_p208Oyc0kB30UlYv_puOeL7CrhKkZJYR51qjd-SIrlEpUPWUEdqcrdPngM0rprH5w7YaKS0hbGGA16KN-b1oi2xxdj9_EHx2r8GwW/s1600-h/P9090267.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ_t4QapI9fxL42xOaul4VNyOd4t9JE9Cop_o9f_p208Oyc0kB30UlYv_puOeL7CrhKkZJYR51qjd-SIrlEpUPWUEdqcrdPngM0rprH5w7YaKS0hbGGA16KN-b1oi2xxdj9_EHx2r8GwW/s400/P9090267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119455948796746114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Top finishers receiving the spirit of Wasatch</span></span><br /></div><br />It begins with the top finishers. They all need to kneel down to accept the spirit of Wasatch. After finish the 100 miler, this is a pretty tough action even for those best runners. Then we have the 10-finish award.<br /><br />Another big award is for Grand Slam because Wasatch is the last race in the series. Only 11 of 30 runners complete this year. This winner is Hioroki Ishikawa. Jamshid Khajavi and Phil Rosenstein are in the list. Worth to mention is that Dan Brenden at the age of 56 has completed it for three years straight.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnq9pxdyQryLOilLcjLZ656cQDGnqRMnbMKR89PeDNl4f30J4o3fKWzVpN9-85bZEEgRCG9fc9ztfSdnOYrMeH60h5gmsq_qkfOT4leU00BB5brBcTFg8QfSEm-LoHYtp1dVcGbhpn9T6/s1600-h/P9090275.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnq9pxdyQryLOilLcjLZ656cQDGnqRMnbMKR89PeDNl4f30J4o3fKWzVpN9-85bZEEgRCG9fc9ztfSdnOYrMeH60h5gmsq_qkfOT4leU00BB5brBcTFg8QfSEm-LoHYtp1dVcGbhpn9T6/s400/P9090275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119456137775307154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Gram Slammers</span></span><br /></div><br />It's windy and I start to feel cold in running attires in the evening at 5,700 ft. The awarding can go pretty long because it nows go to award individual finishers. I want to know every brave finishing this run.<br /><br />Charlie Crissman and Randall Gillette are there, but have to leave early. The Wasatch legend Rick Gates is nearby. He is nice to take my picture.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLuz_AooS4FLMDp53BrGh2KmqmgOG9e41FjA6UbVpEtEiYE3Ds6GY7R8UgzKOFu2U-pvd3ek9dDTJ1b60z9Oh8anHZyd8TL8m7XZ0eTf2cocGamRzGE8cpDUj_oEUxUicb3WmMggiSv2y/s1600-h/P9090282.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLuz_AooS4FLMDp53BrGh2KmqmgOG9e41FjA6UbVpEtEiYE3Ds6GY7R8UgzKOFu2U-pvd3ek9dDTJ1b60z9Oh8anHZyd8TL8m7XZ0eTf2cocGamRzGE8cpDUj_oEUxUicb3WmMggiSv2y/s400/P9090282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119456292394129826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me receiving the award (Thanks to Rick Gates)</span></span><br /></div><br />Unfortunately, they somehow run out of the finisher plate. I don't know what it is but am very happy to receive the belt bucket.<br /><br />When the plate was mailed to me after three weeks, I was so excited and amazed how nice looking it is. This is the best award I've ever had in a race.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqTZSebF16Kpy25IF8NKdqbJgYZoYeFpzFSJmaVAMFA5FW96FZA1m82mkyjjIKcmPKpbVumt5uRYQfxaI0BUSw7uxmJeEbYD7frlgU3lNxy8UlipYQNPJc7Fihi3ks6-5llXfZ-FUgjC0/s1600-h/P9300452.JPG" target="wasatch"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqTZSebF16Kpy25IF8NKdqbJgYZoYeFpzFSJmaVAMFA5FW96FZA1m82mkyjjIKcmPKpbVumt5uRYQfxaI0BUSw7uxmJeEbYD7frlgU3lNxy8UlipYQNPJc7Fihi3ks6-5llXfZ-FUgjC0/s400/P9300452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119405491520951570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A very nice plaque and a belt buckle</span></span></div><br />Thank you John Grobben for organizing such a great run and all volunteer helping us to finish the run.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Going Home</span><br /><br />Mark Gilligan plans to give me a ride to the airport, but we somehow missed each other at the awarding ceremony even he ran with me to the finish. I almost to take the patrol shuttle back to the city and worry about not taking shower with bad smell.<br /><br />Dean Alan Dyatt's dad, Richard Dyatt, comes to me. He is extremely nice to give me a ride and agrees to wait for me to take a shower. On our way, he tells a lot of history and stories about the area we pass by. I am excited to hear these and know a few places that I actually ran nearby in the run.<br /><br />We finally make it to the airport with enough time for me to check in. Richard wants me to contact Dean next time. I will do that for Wasatch next year. Thank you!<br /><br />I am told my flight will delay. Again! My trust to Delta Airlines goes down a bit. I get to my gate and there are a lot of people around. I think I have some time, so I check the other flights to Oakland. I go around and find our Oakland contingent - <a target="wasatch" href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/09/interview-with-jasper-halekas-2006.html">Jasper Helenka</a>, the runner-up Mark Giligan, and fast Rob Evan, etc. We sit down on floor and have great time chatting.<br /><br />I guess I have to check my flight again, so I say good bye and head to my gate. It turns out my flight is on time. I board the plane after a minutes. This is nice to hear because my wife does not need to pick me up so late.<br /><br />Well, when I get home, it's 1am. I carry all the adventures with me until one month later now, am I able to write down this blog!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Reports/Photos</span><br /><br />Kelly Ridgeway <a href="http://ridgrunner.blogspot.com/" target="wasatch">Running Free</a> - <a href="http://ridgrunner.blogspot.com/2007/09/today-is-better-day.html" target="wasatch">Today is a better day</a>, <a href="http://ridgrunner.blogspot.com/2007/09/getting-spanked-in-wasatch-mountains.html" target="wasatch">Getting Spanked in the Wasatch Mountains</a><br /><br />Ryan Lauck <a target="wasatch" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2173894361698331265&postID=4419797797205867041">Running on Fumes</a> - <a target="wasatch" href="http://ryanlauck.blogspot.com/2007/09/2007-wasatch-front-100-mile-endurance.html">2007 Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run</a><br /><br />Jeff List - <a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0709C&L=ULTRA&P=R2278&I=-3&K=1&X=06A2C42A9FB0260D6F&Y=chihpingfu%40yahoo.com&d=No+Match%3BMatch%3BMatches"> Wasatch race report</a> (<a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html">Ultrarunning List</a>)<br /><br />Brennen Wysong - <a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0709C&L=ULTRA&P=R4116&I=-3&K=1&X=06A2C42A9FB0260D6F&Y=chihpingfu%40yahoo.com&d=No+Match%3BMatch%3BMatches">Reply to Jeff's report</a> (<a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html">Ultrarunning List</a>)<br /><br />Linda Dewees - <a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0709B&L=ULTRA&P=R19570&I=-3&K=1&X=06A2C42A9FB0260D6F&Y=chihpingfu%40yahoo.com&d=No+Match%3BMatch%3BMatches">Wasatch race report</a> (<a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html">Ultrarunning List</a>)<br /><br />Dean Allan Dyatt - <a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0710B&L=ULTRA&T=0&F=&S=&X=3930197C7D3861A080&Y=chihpingfu%40yahoo.com&P=27223"> Another Wasatch 100 report (Long)</a> (<a target="wasatch" href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html">Ultrarunning List</a>)Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-16057340420458865262007-05-11T07:19:00.001-07:002007-06-12T10:56:03.649-07:00070505 Miwok 100K - Enjoy the Run among Ankle Twists and Missing a Turn<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFnq6j8dmIFqNfR_QCjmz4QAubYsUCPTBziGHuj-qIqPlKi1brrokeOfa2OR4aa6P_J4uwlRuI8grsKoMknZCogQ-pmEwPmh1NcwV8LFQLTU-yDKWneyje5eGk59riuY-b4mwaaMCQ_94/s1600-h/IMG_2974.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFnq6j8dmIFqNfR_QCjmz4QAubYsUCPTBziGHuj-qIqPlKi1brrokeOfa2OR4aa6P_J4uwlRuI8grsKoMknZCogQ-pmEwPmh1NcwV8LFQLTU-yDKWneyje5eGk59riuY-b4mwaaMCQ_94/s400/IMG_2974.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062932986768834498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">At a "mobile" aid station. Courtesy of Mike Hoffman</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: May 5, 2007<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race</span>: <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location</span>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marin_Headlands" target="miwok100k">Marin Headlands</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance:</span> 100K<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Profile:</span> 9,500ft gain/loss, highest: 1,600 ft, lowest: sea level, start/finish: 20ft (image/data courtesy of <a href="http://www.run100s.com/" target="miwok100k">Stan Jensen's Run 100s</a> and <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a>)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/altprofile.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/altprofile.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span> 12hr 12min 25sec (run 11hr 53min 12sec, pause 19 min 13sec), 74/200 overall<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo:</span> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070505Miwok100K" target="miwok100k">070505 Miwok 100K</a>, <a href="http://public.fotki.com/yukin/2007miwok100k/">2007/05/05/ Miwok 100K</a> (Yuki Negoro), <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tropicaljohn/MiwokPhotos2007" target="miwok100k">Miwok photos 2007</a> (Tropical John),<a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/" target="miwok100k"></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/FurtherFaster/Miwok100K2007" target="miwok100k">Miwok100K-2007</a> (<a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/" target="miwok100k">Jean Pommier</a>)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Expectations</span><br /><br />I have waited for this run for so long, well, since it was sold out within the first 5 days this year. It was a great run last year - epic-like course, wonderful venue, and my first 100K. I had to resist the desire to pin the bib number, which had been on my desk for the last ten days. I needed to be patient and complete <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M</a> first 6 days before the race. Yes, I safely completed <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M</a> without injuries, but have stayed with sore legs since then. It was mainly because I have not done any trail training so far this year. Running <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M</a> became my trail training and very tough (See <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070429-diablo-50m-tough-footrace-ill.html" target="miwok100k">070429 Diablo 50M - A Tough Footrace I'll Ever Love but Never Quit</a>)<br /><br />For the past six days, I kept massaging my legs whenever I could - stuck in the I-880 south bound traffic, thinking at my job (I write software), meetings, and daily walking. Just like my scratch wounds from the fall in running <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M</a> healing so fast, my legs amazingly got better a lot every day. This must be the intensive ultrarunning that helped the body work at the higher level.<br /><br />While massaging my legs, I also found out my time split last year and thought about the pacing strategy this year. Partly motivated by the honor of having been the <span style="font-size:130%;">1</span><span style="font-size:85%;">st</span> place in the age group of USATF Pacific Association Ultra so far this year (see <a href="http://www.pausatf.org/data/2007/umstandm2007.html" target="miwok100k">Ultra Standing</a>), I eyed at Greg Nacco, who was close behind at 2nd place. Based on his sub-10 hr time in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a> last year, I set my 10 hr goal time. I knew this is nearly impossible, but why not giving it a try and see how it goes and how close I can do.<br /><br />Of course, my rare 1st place standing will soon disappear after today's run because there are so many super fast runners on the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/2007runners.html" target="miwok100k">entrant list</a>. I have saved a snapshot of the page for myself,<br /><br />Master Men 40-49<br />Plc, Points Name Age<br />1, 99.20 Chihping Fu 41<br />2, 93.40 Greg Nacco 47<br />3, 83.00 Mark T Lantz 41<br />4, 71.00 Jean D Pommier 43<br />5, 58.60 Paul A Brunner 45<br />6, 49.60 Yuki Negoro 46<br />7, 40.60 Bob A Gilbert 44<br />8, 40.00 Roy A Rivers 49<br />8, 40.00 John R Mintz 40<br />10, 38.40 Kenneth E Gregorich 48<br />11, 35.40 James Barstad 42<br />12, 34.40 Eric R Ellisen 45<br />13, 32.00 Karl K Hoagland 42<br />14, 31.00 John R Blue 43<br />15, 30.20 Tim Ruffino 44<br />16, 25.60 Jeffrey S Barbier 42<br />17, 24.00 Tim Wallen 43<br />18, 20.40 Bob G Tabler 47<br />19, 17.60 Rob Byrne 49<br />20, 16.00 John K Nichols 42<br />20, 16.00 Donald B Lindsey 46<br />22, 14.00 Kevin Sawchuk 41<br />23, 12.80 Jim K Schollard 40<br />24, 12.00 Mark R Murray 44<br />25, 11.00 Mark E Grismer 48<br />26, 10.00 David Leipsic 42<br />27, 8.00 John P Feeney 47<br />28, 6.00 Wendell Doman 47<br />29, 3.00 Stephen M Itano 47<br />30, 2.00 Eric L Vaughan 47<br />31, 1.00 Eric J Bohn 40<br />32, 0.00 Christopher E Craig 41<br /><br />As of now, 6 days after the race, I dropped to the 3rd place after <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a> is considered in the standing.<br /><br />1, 163.00 Mark T Lantz 41<br />2, 141.40 Greg Nacco 47<br />3, 111.20 Chihping Fu 41<br />4, 103.00 Jean D Pommier 43<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting to the Race</span><br /><br />Thanks <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18107967737535707878" target="miwok100k">Steve Ansell</a> for offering a ride to the race. According to Tia Bordington (the RD), there seems to be some privilege to carpool. It's also nice to have a chance to chat with Steve. Steve picked me up at 4am. We eagerly went for the race and had great time along the way talking about our running experience.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iSKZdtpyKRRYllqYuw2Up6pm_47I3LG7t9CI5LAK6bKwbczCoZv6p1Re9g-ILzrUtu5yiJfCZ6hLzM8q495an7wSzpEKllD3S4buI9o4EQh1JX8_OACPUmDzdUyMzJ7zlpQXDRSs5Pto/s1600-h/IMG_0587.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iSKZdtpyKRRYllqYuw2Up6pm_47I3LG7t9CI5LAK6bKwbczCoZv6p1Re9g-ILzrUtu5yiJfCZ6hLzM8q495an7wSzpEKllD3S4buI9o4EQh1JX8_OACPUmDzdUyMzJ7zlpQXDRSs5Pto/s400/IMG_0587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062547474799312146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18107967737535707878">Steve Ansell</a> at the checkin area</span></span> </div><br />Along the way, there are not many cars in such early morning. Right after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, we have to take the first exit. We are in a long stream of cars after going through the tunnel. Is it like runners at single track trail? These are the runners for today's race. Right in front of us is the car for <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="miwok100k">PCTR</a> Wendell and Sarah for I can recognize by their vanity license plate.<br /><br />We spot the small checkin area about 200 yards away (near the restroom). On thinking about whether we should just pull over and get out of the car right away, a volunteer lets us move forward and park close to the start. Perhaps cars with the single driver will be asked to return to the parking area here at 200 yards away from the race start/finish. Yes, it seems we have some privilege by carpooling. This is great because we won't be able to walk that far back to the car after running 100K today.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mj1xUcAlIxCpw2ACQ2A7_0cFbZ2zzZ8vMgJgaSPZnWHSvLFve04jpUe9Fqq_j5wkALcViRV10lGA1iECrVfe08K1QPXZK6858ER_95KW1Ot6WJeHhYeB0QTrW7MPyQz-zQxppg2Wb3y9/s1600-h/IMG_0589.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mj1xUcAlIxCpw2ACQ2A7_0cFbZ2zzZ8vMgJgaSPZnWHSvLFve04jpUe9Fqq_j5wkALcViRV10lGA1iECrVfe08K1QPXZK6858ER_95KW1Ot6WJeHhYeB0QTrW7MPyQz-zQxppg2Wb3y9/s400/IMG_0589.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061960670597528770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stan Jensen (in blue) and the other volunteer helping at the Checkin Area</span></span><br /></div><br />The pre-race moment is always the social time. Ultrarunners from all over the country probably only meet right here in a race. We can see all the runners. Once the race starts, we'll be at different place in the course according to our pace. At the finish, those very fast runners may have left, while sometimes we can not stay for too long to see the rest of the runners. The situation at the pre-race conversation is that we can feel the nervousness, which is often disguised under laughters. However, the excitement of meeting friends does relieve our nervousness.<br /><br />I chat with Jon Olsen and agree to take a good photo for him. Unfortunately, I still get a blurred one like last time (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/02/070217-sequoia-50k-barely-finish-with.html" target="miwok100k">070217 Sequoia 50K - Barely Finish with a Screaming Ankle</a>). I think I have a lot to learn and practice in sports photography. I also spot a glimpse of <a href="http://www.scottjurek.com/" target="miwok100k">Scott Jurek</a>. Hope he can stay longer until I finish. I promised my kids that I would like to chat with him and take a picture with him.<br /><br />Mike/Karyn Hoffman are coming. It was Mike to run, Karyn crewed and paced him last week in <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M</a>. Today, Karyn is going to run, while Mike will crew and pacer her. What an ultra couple! Yuki Negoro is there too. He is training for the <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="miwok100k">Western States 100M</a> this year and I'll pace him after I finish the <a href="http://www.newcastlecrosscountry.com/safetypatrol.html" target="miwok100k">safety patrol</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-C9P3EXkrdzJWkj4_wyYPIvGce4KJAHGrCyFMF-hubXypwMycfvG30jL0O_3N8qMjIcv-YBuGGGh7zXRnYxy5XM7ArLt23I9P6otN6e4nD5PYmYmPb-qRLdnbcJeRtCDQo88ubvHHHqh/s1600-h/IMG_0594.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-C9P3EXkrdzJWkj4_wyYPIvGce4KJAHGrCyFMF-hubXypwMycfvG30jL0O_3N8qMjIcv-YBuGGGh7zXRnYxy5XM7ArLt23I9P6otN6e4nD5PYmYmPb-qRLdnbcJeRtCDQo88ubvHHHqh/s400/IMG_0594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062551018147331378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Race briefing at the start</span></span><br /></div><br />As we move to the start half mile away on the beach, I am walking with Linda McFaden and wish her good luck. She'll be in the prestigious <a href="http://www.badwater.com/" target="miwok100k">Badwater 135M</a> again this year among her amazing ultra's. It is still dark and we'll start before sun rise. Walking on the soft sand, I can feel a lot of excitement in everyone more than anything else. We are nervously waiting for the start of the run. There are professional photographers shooting the race, while Tia is talking about race and trail etiquette. I thought they come for TV or documentary film. Or since they look like Japanese coming for the Japanese ultrarunning star in this race, <a href="http://www.hirokiishikawa.com/" target="miwok100k">石川弘樹 Hiroki Ishikawa</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rodeo Beach => Bunker Road: </span><span>6.2 miles , 56:58, 9:29 min/mile, last year: 58:32<br /><br />Everyone is excited on the Rodeo Beach. It's dark and a little cold. We are eager to take off.<br /><br />Off we go right at 5:40am. After 100 yards of running on the soft sand, we begin the first climb immediately. We have to follow each other in the stream up on the narrow single track climb. For most of us, we don't need to speed up in the beginning, so everyone is patiently walking up on the trail.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirialFD8tfabbV4MMzuKVKs_DvFnIcucPuEYsmSShO-yWNfk9gbM8WCjZc6KhEEyZcdWjdZ1DhqL_d8n1eqQNNPG8SUp_agK-GgHJ96b-jOHtzEgBgFkj3QDnBkVoKGpWVLMN4la7k0O6/s1600-h/IMG_0599.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirialFD8tfabbV4MMzuKVKs_DvFnIcucPuEYsmSShO-yWNfk9gbM8WCjZc6KhEEyZcdWjdZ1DhqL_d8n1eqQNNPG8SUp_agK-GgHJ96b-jOHtzEgBgFkj3QDnBkVoKGpWVLMN4la7k0O6/s400/IMG_0599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062906388036370210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Patiently streaming up on a narrow single track climb</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />After half mile or so, we run on the paved road. Around me are Betsy Nye and Paul Sweeney. Both are <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="miwok100k">Wasatch Front 100M</a> veteran and, like me, ran <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M</a> six days ago. Rena Schumann is a few yards in front of me, while Karyn Hoffman is 30 yards away. All of them soon move away.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LLBmxqnVvfnlpfjSsberGntX8HQOZaG1ZfDLR89m9BzyuPTJxCm1f6tBvC8Iu0YDgOv_bmU450QG7nPO9wYFQBEFOtSgwH0GkSVtK-B5b0jnfb-H8_5ZvBtdkBWkZT2lgR7Ns2uyMRXi/s1600-h/IMG_0603.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LLBmxqnVvfnlpfjSsberGntX8HQOZaG1ZfDLR89m9BzyuPTJxCm1f6tBvC8Iu0YDgOv_bmU450QG7nPO9wYFQBEFOtSgwH0GkSVtK-B5b0jnfb-H8_5ZvBtdkBWkZT2lgR7Ns2uyMRXi/s400/IMG_0603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062551576493079874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Betsy Nye (won 4 of her 8 Wasatch. just finished Diablo 50M six days ago)</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />There is a biggest deer that I've ever seen hopping across the road right in front of me. It was too fast for me to take a picture. The deer seems awakened by us on one day in May of a year, so it goes out to show who is the master of the hills.<br /><br />I chat with Julie Arter nearby. She is pleased with the weather right now. It's clear sky unlike the foggy day when she ran <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a> a few years. She is from the same town as the queen of <a href="http://www.badwater.com/" target="miwok100k">Badwater 135M</a> Pam Reed - Tucson, AZ. She actually has run a lot of 100 milers, including <a href="http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/" target="miwok100k">Leadville 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="miwok100k">Wasatch Front 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="miwok100k">Wester States 100M</a>. She will run <a href="http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/" target="miwok100k">Leadville 100M</a> this year and next year. I plan to do <a href="http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/" target="miwok100k">Leadville 100M</a> next year as well and love to celebrate her 10th finish.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ElqAMocahiKdtn82C5qrD5RtNpWieWNGrPj8fCK0lzu4dZ6WboIoLSJlF6zhJT_wP3CLsBtztnOhHqMd_gdZ4Pr_Gmbya-XtsqsWnESKHzWtouudFBXnY2neMmE5k6MbQMfSeGkNmYlo/s1600-h/IMG_0615.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ElqAMocahiKdtn82C5qrD5RtNpWieWNGrPj8fCK0lzu4dZ6WboIoLSJlF6zhJT_wP3CLsBtztnOhHqMd_gdZ4Pr_Gmbya-XtsqsWnESKHzWtouudFBXnY2neMmE5k6MbQMfSeGkNmYlo/s400/IMG_0615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062557860030233938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julie Arter from Tucson, AZ</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />Those fast runners speed away. I'm getting to run by myself and enjoy the view and joy coming out from myself inside. This is the precious moment that I can run all on my own without pressure - no body fatigue, no pacing strategy, no finishing goal, no pushing pace from behind. It's the steep climb on the road adjacent to the Bay, one of great highlights in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a>. The climbing is not difficult as my legs are still fresh and the view is awesome. As we get higher, we enjoy more on the Bay and the beautiful San Francisco that seems still in sleep a few miles away.<br /><br />Yuki Negoro catches up with me. I'm very excited to see him in the run. We are wondering not finding <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="miwok100k">Rajeev Patel</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704" target="miwok100k">Anil Rao</a> before the race like last year. Out of his wonderful positive personality, Rajeev has a very distinct voice usually with joy and excitement, which can be easily recognized within the crowd. Rajeev comes for his second time in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a>, while Anil is on his debut after successfully pacing Rajeev last year.<br /><br />Yuki also carries a camera. We can't miss such a grand view at beautiful San Francisco and Golden Gate Bridge, so we are busy at taking pictures.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ07j5yHfJVzn5KHSv3sl0UG_rAK4eNQRCE5FjkcfS6q4NElQc5vhIWDxLC3uI2b71jvIM9gMshbxq5defv05oqqpa83ciFYgPUVDCB5KolSF6FX8HxCTFQaLM3LZOdDAK58_-4IOeZib/s1600-h/IMG_0627.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ07j5yHfJVzn5KHSv3sl0UG_rAK4eNQRCE5FjkcfS6q4NElQc5vhIWDxLC3uI2b71jvIM9gMshbxq5defv05oqqpa83ciFYgPUVDCB5KolSF6FX8HxCTFQaLM3LZOdDAK58_-4IOeZib/s400/IMG_0627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062550318067662114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yuki Negoro taking a picture of Golden Gate Bridge</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />Yuki mentions he has some leg issues and may drop later, so he carries a cell phone as well to call his wife for pickup. I encourage him not to quit but run safely to the finish and build up the training mileage for <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="miwok100k">Western States 100M</a>. I also wish him not to miss a turn like last year. Unfortunately, both in turns happen to me later in today's run.<br /><br />We start to run on the dirt trail after the 2 miles sightseeing on the asphalt. Yuki bid me good luck as I speed up a little on the trail. Within 100 yards, I have a hard twist on my fragile left ankle immediately after a slight twist on my right ankle. The trail is not technical at all. It is probably that my legs are not fully recovered from <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M</a> six days ago and has not enough control over my footing. This is a bad sign in the beginning because I have such hard twists on my left ankle over ten times in next 10 miles.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4fOAiBPHqce-RsLuFcwKfzUDK1E9E3XfIa-H0wJWd9J38tsMiIT9maa1Ay4q8kdK4YBUsGfpm3hHakmBNVlovrTVmfBYkYEHxGQ4aWChDfgfHYbbZ4CcLcSI2LNLkXtMY8jtT33NpdbR/s1600-h/IMG_0632.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4fOAiBPHqce-RsLuFcwKfzUDK1E9E3XfIa-H0wJWd9J38tsMiIT9maa1Ay4q8kdK4YBUsGfpm3hHakmBNVlovrTVmfBYkYEHxGQ4aWChDfgfHYbbZ4CcLcSI2LNLkXtMY8jtT33NpdbR/s400/IMG_0632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062561446327926146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The dirt trail after the sightseeing paved road climb<br />Paul Sweeney at the back<br /></span></span></span></div><span><br />Each ankle twist is so hard and painful that I am afraid to get injured seriously. I have to scream a little and slow down for minutes. Climbs become a welcome treat because the slow pace or walking on the climb relieve the pain and recover my ankle a bit. I start to be very careful about my footing and slow down my pace. I start to think this is not a good day for me. There is no way to run 10 hr or fast time. Maybe finish without getting injured badly is my only best wish since dropping from the race has stayed in my mind for a while.<br /><br />Along the downhill, I can see front runners far away down in the valley. They have passed the first aid station. I can not imagine their fast pace, but they must have run all the way up on our first long climb at the asphalt, while the rest of us simply took a stroll and enjoyed the view. Maybe I can try to run the whole climb next year to test my strength. Why not?<br /><br />When I get to the Bunker Road aid station, I still have faster time than last year even I have slowed down for sightseeing and ankle twists. I have made 3 minutes faster<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bunker Road => Tennessee Valley:</span> 5.7/11.9 miles, 54:48/1:51:46, 9:52 min/mile, last year: 57:18<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGi7nJluOHOvolzmEch_rhk66OdbEvN_Qs-zsWj4dYewkAmptzqG8KsDkxKdS5hkxHXehHpWllU6r_YT-QNOL2d0d2AjzeyZedCSrHwzTgLNsCweC_Ja6Mguxg-vSwry3Z9pgRKXmqS1z/s1600-h/IMG_0633.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGi7nJluOHOvolzmEch_rhk66OdbEvN_Qs-zsWj4dYewkAmptzqG8KsDkxKdS5hkxHXehHpWllU6r_YT-QNOL2d0d2AjzeyZedCSrHwzTgLNsCweC_Ja6Mguxg-vSwry3Z9pgRKXmqS1z/s400/IMG_0633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062561021126163826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bunker Road aid station (H2O only)</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />The first aid station is water only with volunteer standing along the trail. I decide to skip it and test my thirsty limit since I have hydrated myself before the race. It starts with wet and soft trail after the aid station. I'm happy that there are no muddy water spots to wet the feet at early mileage like last year.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFXGXOtezFlnwLVaNswbZ3xsopKCM-99R4hs-9GvsgFTR038txYSnMf1311BNjLLMBPqlOM9Uemtf8U3QfpeN54BQivYPSCcmken-plh18z9tjF8Jykq5TZEDULcXZ82svelvZjMklXeH/s1600-h/IMG_0634.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFXGXOtezFlnwLVaNswbZ3xsopKCM-99R4hs-9GvsgFTR038txYSnMf1311BNjLLMBPqlOM9Uemtf8U3QfpeN54BQivYPSCcmken-plh18z9tjF8Jykq5TZEDULcXZ82svelvZjMklXeH/s400/IMG_0634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062562820717460882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On the wet trail right after the aid station</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />At about half mile, we start a one mile climb. I run or walk and finally get to the top . I can see Yuki not far behind. Hope he has a good day. Then I switch to the trail and crest high on the hills. The view is great as I can see the green valley wide down below and far away. Sometimes it becomes wooden paved trail to prevent erosion. There are lots of giant wild flower absorbing the rich moist at the coastal area.<br /><br />At one left turn, I notice that this is place on the returning course. After long hours today, I'll visit it on coming back. Before the next aid station, there is a steep downhill for about half mile. I pass Julie and continue to go fast but carefully about my fragile ankle.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tennessee Valley => Muir Beach: </span></span><span>4.1/16.0 miles, 45:25/2:37:11, 10:49 min/mile, last year: 44:02</span><span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJjwIkwweAMhAEq2oU8InLFqmh7_GLkkbwjTECIuyR-JeJuoiQTnZ1u19rq5S4dXj0keXXKYyelWkKk4Gs-NE67bA-IFMqsssx6sUTDZnECU2CxKDrAPZi4FyIiI_Uc_lsQIO3ifATaAT/s1600-h/IMG_0637.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJjwIkwweAMhAEq2oU8InLFqmh7_GLkkbwjTECIuyR-JeJuoiQTnZ1u19rq5S4dXj0keXXKYyelWkKk4Gs-NE67bA-IFMqsssx6sUTDZnECU2CxKDrAPZi4FyIiI_Uc_lsQIO3ifATaAT/s400/IMG_0637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062560540089826658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tennessee Valley aid station</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />At Tennessee Valley aid station, Thanks Stan Jensen (in blue jacket) for filling up my bottle. Karyn Hoffman is also there with his husband crew Mike Hoffman.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJigA19ftN8sgswncS1ueCBqnhpH4UAHL1MXzPjeGJO4t9-jTpqbglZnxiIMCuqOCkjG3kMeIBfrt1cC2bgiQUB5LxoO6sX69Qcbq1sCotHBGhcZ49E9gpJz7IcHPuLuoFi5h-2TeW1S23/s1600-h/IMG_2960.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJigA19ftN8sgswncS1ueCBqnhpH4UAHL1MXzPjeGJO4t9-jTpqbglZnxiIMCuqOCkjG3kMeIBfrt1cC2bgiQUB5LxoO6sX69Qcbq1sCotHBGhcZ49E9gpJz7IcHPuLuoFi5h-2TeW1S23/s400/IMG_2960.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062929945931988882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me at Tennessee Valley aid station. Stan Jensen (in blue). Courtesy Mike Hoffman.</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />I quickly take off to continue on the paved road for half mile. Paul Sweeney passes me (forever). Wally Hesseltine runs towards me. He seems working as a mobile volunteer on the trail. I met him last year when I was struggling around Pan toll going out. He is an ultrarunner that I have admired since beginning.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJJO806XPD_51edJdFLVNsSm5V2HzP60SzwgwVGNnUMewBv1mbN7SJUFfYHcbAPZIg2qdC-U0SMy49_d0npNKSWIvECHopzOGliPPFlRXVZTYnh0kqNmsda4L0bS_OoW3Yrj6CfX8p6S6/s1600-h/IMG_0643.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJJO806XPD_51edJdFLVNsSm5V2HzP60SzwgwVGNnUMewBv1mbN7SJUFfYHcbAPZIg2qdC-U0SMy49_d0npNKSWIvECHopzOGliPPFlRXVZTYnh0kqNmsda4L0bS_OoW3Yrj6CfX8p6S6/s400/IMG_0643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062911533407190834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Karyn Hoffman (in green) and runners far away</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />There are other visitors on the trail and even on the climb that comes at the end of the paved road. Karyn passes me on the climb. We will climb until we are higher than the nearby hills and see the ocean. A few others pass me, but I feel great to stay at the back to selfishly enjoy everything at my own pace. I take a lot of pictures about Karyn along the way as she is ahead of me at such a wonderful place of ocean view. This is yet another great moment in </span><a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a><span>.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIAQAoJbZtNmSufT6mQMTy70P4OwVLIuQgDzDvB7mg4xX1RMJe8wAKLFk9EonEmwYtmLZlu5Lgw7JX-TenxbGWLNKVTfHQMPkNa9SLhCukmVL5uWeWg96OAo3JUM9apaydOYMGBHHW2e4/s1600-h/IMG_0645.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIAQAoJbZtNmSufT6mQMTy70P4OwVLIuQgDzDvB7mg4xX1RMJe8wAKLFk9EonEmwYtmLZlu5Lgw7JX-TenxbGWLNKVTfHQMPkNa9SLhCukmVL5uWeWg96OAo3JUM9apaydOYMGBHHW2e4/s400/IMG_0645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062911700910915394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">WOW! Only after hard work on the climb.</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />We run along the coast at a few hundred feet high above the ocean until we run on a downhill to the next aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Muir Beach => Pan Toll: </span></span><span>5.7/21.7 miles, 1:08:25/3:45:36, 12:54 min/mile, last year: 1:03:13</span><span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMnP8T5JcbVyi-piHbOJPSDLlVua-bic_5IC1p8aI8HO-WV-95E2R3qnZFb5KWKzSjB7sDpSHWyfrG2HxAGOWjvOpV43XvonHI6gHXCEeBEsE344zCznN2gUTFqqGQ4NkX6IewHBUBycD/s1600-h/IMG_0646.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMnP8T5JcbVyi-piHbOJPSDLlVua-bic_5IC1p8aI8HO-WV-95E2R3qnZFb5KWKzSjB7sDpSHWyfrG2HxAGOWjvOpV43XvonHI6gHXCEeBEsE344zCznN2gUTFqqGQ4NkX6IewHBUBycD/s400/IMG_0646.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062692490075094498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Muir Beach aid station</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />Leaving the aid station, there is a quarter mile section along the paved road in a small neighborhood. Karyn Hoffman is about hundred yards in front of me. As the course turns to a narrow trail at the left side of the road, I can no longer see Karyn. It is now single track trail in the meadow and trees. There are some wooden bridges. One of them is very bouncing, feeling like a hanging bridge. I'm not sure if they can hold well after hundreds of us stamping on them every year like this.<br /><br />Running on this trail for a mile, we need to cross a small paved road and start the climb. It's more exposed and we can feel the heat on the climb. Near the top of the climb, the course stays close with <a href="http://www.run100s.com/qd.htm" target="miwok100k">Quad Dipsea</a> run. It becomes wide open. It is still uphll and we can see ocean after a mile. Then we turn to redwood forest.<br /><br />Fast Andy Black catches up and I am able to see his bleeding wounds after a hard fall.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWJ2JhQq02KLLQtafd0dwTz10Z53j-GhkE01pgb5NMALi2Cyg77sNeMqaiOfVfiyMco5BjwSLV_SNgGoxsNH2zUXxYhkD3-DBy3LnhISoU101z1SCqWOOXGkpebBP6O4i3Fm2FZOzXM37/s1600-h/IMG_0649.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWJ2JhQq02KLLQtafd0dwTz10Z53j-GhkE01pgb5NMALi2Cyg77sNeMqaiOfVfiyMco5BjwSLV_SNgGoxsNH2zUXxYhkD3-DBy3LnhISoU101z1SCqWOOXGkpebBP6O4i3Fm2FZOzXM37/s400/IMG_0649.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062691124275494338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fast Andy smiling after a hard fall</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />At one point, we have a giant fallen redwood across on the trail. I just climb over, while Andy and some other runners walk around it from the right side.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxte33IwiKd1it9AkHpy1lzF_oxkdkdRurhrBfDa0a3bwGmiJCFMWZIo2DD_qyU9Eei1XYzYagDomTDjHGLvL30qq8_Wm9rK6d5jRUpcc3sDnKQ1sdLzKbuuodjnuFHupyyyidQRFNIDJT/s1600-h/IMG_0650.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxte33IwiKd1it9AkHpy1lzF_oxkdkdRurhrBfDa0a3bwGmiJCFMWZIo2DD_qyU9Eei1XYzYagDomTDjHGLvL30qq8_Wm9rK6d5jRUpcc3sDnKQ1sdLzKbuuodjnuFHupyyyidQRFNIDJT/s400/IMG_0650.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062692051988430290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Need to tackle this fallen giant redwood tree</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />We also see Tropical John on the trail taking pictures (See his photo at <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tropicaljohn/MiwokPhotos2007" target="miwok100k">Miwok photos 2007</a>).<br /><br />I know this section is not easy as we need to complete nearly 1,800 ft climb and get to the ridge. I start to feel nauseous but not serious. I think I am a little dehydrated as it gets warmer and I have only one water bottle. Apparently, I should have drunk more. I finally get to the next aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pan Toll => Bolina Ridge: </span></span><span>6.7/28.4 miles, 1:14:23/4:59:58, 11:43 min/mile</span><span>, last year: 1:10:58</span><span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZdALym1M7p2SO3_8JSvf1z7pEubK2cKJCRhyphenhyphen0ZGQHqja9S5CPyKpo9dIxXmwRXnM6vFYye2gukyhxtsGO3GXCPwDPeYYWaaRqQUqFMOg-MH8_SRMv4DdBgYODMRblnU9IwA0hrBfurwR/s1600-h/IMG_0652.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZdALym1M7p2SO3_8JSvf1z7pEubK2cKJCRhyphenhyphen0ZGQHqja9S5CPyKpo9dIxXmwRXnM6vFYye2gukyhxtsGO3GXCPwDPeYYWaaRqQUqFMOg-MH8_SRMv4DdBgYODMRblnU9IwA0hrBfurwR/s400/IMG_0652.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062693426377965042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pan Toll aid station</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />I look for <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16256451142660464796" target="miwok100k">Addy</a> but did not see her. I guess she will be there on my way back. There are a lot of people around and it seems to be the main spot for crewing and pacer. Actually, the pacer is allowed from here on coming back. I quickly leave the aid station and go into a shady narrow trail under redwood trees. After a mile, the course goes to the beautiful narrow single track trail along the coast. We can see Stinson Beach far away and unbelievable 1,500 ft below. This is another great view in </span><a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a><span>.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LcCIqJWEQLJm0TGuEJrNRDuZXutWJwhNUy7KCAtvF7e_wKj1m8k_InXylEfYA_uIM-dBzHBRvawVdcfdvS2oz0aAIZWgAe-8_nKLDvByg2eKBN86Msh-bWa2xidxwpIgpd2Sxh-6iBNr/s1600-h/IMG_0656.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LcCIqJWEQLJm0TGuEJrNRDuZXutWJwhNUy7KCAtvF7e_wKj1m8k_InXylEfYA_uIM-dBzHBRvawVdcfdvS2oz0aAIZWgAe-8_nKLDvByg2eKBN86Msh-bWa2xidxwpIgpd2Sxh-6iBNr/s400/IMG_0656.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062694590314102274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ocean is 1,500 ft below and far away is Stinson Beach</span></span> </span><br /></div><span><br />I run along with Fast Andy. As usual, we pass the junk car. Andy says it used to stay away from the trail. My faint memory from last year seems to agree with this. Perhaps some geological factor has been working through the time. Fast Andy speeds up and moves away from me.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVRtIfKiekxC-0OSG97-32t4Po2Zwo-OIREtzQ9oHhJaDv2HNfGjleRHT5-T3JM8AnvLVl3Mnib7nscdak8nuapdanz-YbRxN3ZiMz0X72xQVqtcC0-UQ1dvts6cLj9kHMRxmEzU7NWWi/s1600-h/IMG_0659.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVRtIfKiekxC-0OSG97-32t4Po2Zwo-OIREtzQ9oHhJaDv2HNfGjleRHT5-T3JM8AnvLVl3Mnib7nscdak8nuapdanz-YbRxN3ZiMz0X72xQVqtcC0-UQ1dvts6cLj9kHMRxmEzU7NWWi/s400/IMG_0659.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062694727753055762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fast Andy looking above to see how the car fell to the trail</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />Later during a quarter mile section of dense forest, Jeff Barbier catches up after getting lost somewhere. We met in a few other races. One is </span><a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="miwok100k">Diablo 50M/Marathon</a><span>. He ran Marathon, while I did the 50 miler.<br /><br />I run ahead and turn around to take a picture for him. I then trip and fall to the ground right away after taking the picture. I can not get up even with Jeff's help until a second try. I have a bleeding 2 inch cut on my left inner elbow and two longer 3 in bleeding cut next to my heart right at the center of my chest. Perhaps the heartbeat belt protect me from more cuts. I am scared a little and hope these not are serious. Luckily, I seem to be able to keep running.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp9z82zOeRbobU9LRuMZkyMi_D7G-ZJMXNqgbGAn7H5egTGsEILfLacB07k5RxnpVsxGUFhsZ-toJH278n9Z2OmYreCib9cYK1YqJHLdR4iTMEipp7yYTQrvTlM6s6PNNboGsQryRCcgl/s1600-h/IMG_0660.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp9z82zOeRbobU9LRuMZkyMi_D7G-ZJMXNqgbGAn7H5egTGsEILfLacB07k5RxnpVsxGUFhsZ-toJH278n9Z2OmYreCib9cYK1YqJHLdR4iTMEipp7yYTQrvTlM6s6PNNboGsQryRCcgl/s400/IMG_0660.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062694985451093538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jeff Barbier catches up after getting lost</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />This is a long 6.7 mile section. Some part are exposed with magnificent views, but it does not help my feeling of dizziness. I maybe need to drink even more at the next aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bolina Ridge => Randall Trail: </span></span><span>7.2/35.6 miles, 1:08:54/6:08:52, 10:30 min/mile</span><span>, last year: </span><span>1:17:27<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT6tC6QhNiMQwdlzohVwyRFMG2XSq8rv2KoSFTbxHUh_9twjghHR_Mi_1fy_lqgkw4cNLefG2aISFlXlVRfEaP9L9ZdtLe_c9QYAMdD4rlnSV5ePrO9WWNnpWMe7La720wf4eko2VIowF/s1600-h/IMG_0662.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT6tC6QhNiMQwdlzohVwyRFMG2XSq8rv2KoSFTbxHUh_9twjghHR_Mi_1fy_lqgkw4cNLefG2aISFlXlVRfEaP9L9ZdtLe_c9QYAMdD4rlnSV5ePrO9WWNnpWMe7La720wf4eko2VIowF/s400/IMG_0662.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062695067055472178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bolina Ridge aid station</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />The aid station is crowded with runners. I quickly drink a lot and leave. We'll run 7.2 miles on this trail to the next aid station, which is the turn around. Unlike last year, there are a few wide water spot. All except one can be run around without getting wet feet. I have to run through the water at only one water spot. The fun is more than the anxiety. My feet get cooler with the water, but the <a href="http://www.vasque.com/products/m-lightspeed.cfm" target="miwok100k">Vasque Lightspeed</a> shoes dry my feet very quickly that I don't feel any wetness within minutes.<br /><br />I know it's time to watch the front runners coming. It is a nice thing to have this out-and-back section. I have my camera ready at my hand. Unexpectedly, the leader Lon Freeman is coming at such an early time. This is my mile 28 and his mile 42. Wow! He has been running 50% faster than I! He must be on the record setting pace because I spotted the front runner far later in this section last year. He finishes it at 8 hr 9 min, breaking 8 year old record 8 hr 22 min set by the ultrarunning legend Carl Andersen.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHQg8-UJZ7hEovh_yt-_UdAG8LoS-yook-S8CIWsprE7KtIN2ZUDiWgaPrIfQOOijt5GhgXJil0-MoCT6XXZqyPqpc-Iu-pUH5e0hwZrLXM8fWp80Ydw2goSxsxvYiYPGbTm7e0NiL34I/s1600-h/IMG_0664.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHQg8-UJZ7hEovh_yt-_UdAG8LoS-yook-S8CIWsprE7KtIN2ZUDiWgaPrIfQOOijt5GhgXJil0-MoCT6XXZqyPqpc-Iu-pUH5e0hwZrLXM8fWp80Ydw2goSxsxvYiYPGbTm7e0NiL34I/s400/IMG_0664.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062695165839720002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The lead runner Lon Freeman at his mile 42 (my mile 28).</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >He sets the course record 8 hr 9 min 52 sec.</span><br /></div><span><br />Following behind is Greg Growler. He just won 50K and 100K USA championship a few months ago this year. Today he seems to be some distance behind Lon Freeman. It's great to see those elite ultrarunners in running along the way - </span><a href="http://www.scottjurek.com/" target="miwok100k">Scott Jure</a><span>, Kami Semick, Nikki Kimbal, Jon Olsen, Mark Lantz, Bev Anderson-Abbs, Alan Abbs, etc. Also </span><a href="http://www.hirokiishikawa.com/" target="miwok100k">石川弘樹 Hiroki Ishikawa</a><span>, strong and smiling. I call his name and he looks a little surprised that someone recognizes him on the trail.<br /><br />When can you run up close with Kenyan or Ethiopian runners in Marathon road race?<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopgmiNB6ko6VlD0_lJCbqAPcQ58UB7YQjpDUExB_Dajdv71RYr6BbQKqe5-p2-OSxScu1eJLceTp315_L8I3QuRHEn85HAT9hlnOxQ_P4MQeuzkmzQakVBLKURpQWuEvhjvGLw83vfk8W/s1600-h/IMG_0679.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopgmiNB6ko6VlD0_lJCbqAPcQ58UB7YQjpDUExB_Dajdv71RYr6BbQKqe5-p2-OSxScu1eJLceTp315_L8I3QuRHEn85HAT9hlnOxQ_P4MQeuzkmzQakVBLKURpQWuEvhjvGLw83vfk8W/s400/IMG_0679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062922137681444690" border="0" /></a></span><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bev Anderson-Abbs flyies by.</span></span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">She finishes 9 hr 47 min 7sec, 14th overall, 3rd women.</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />I recognize Wendell Domain by his <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Index.htm" target="miwok100k">PCTR</a> T-shirt and he looks fine. He mentions Sarah also runs today. Another wonder ultra couple! I pass him but think I'll see him later coming up as he also shows his better endurance in past races.<br /><br />After the long rolling, we need to make a left turn to the 1.5 mile steep down hill all the way to the aid station. Here I see Brian Wyatt coming back. He is now 3 miles ahead of me. He has been running so fast within the past year. No wonder he is at sub-10 hr pace.<br /><br />I try to be careful on this downhill for fear of getting ankle twisted. I can see all those runners ahead of me, including Rob Bryne (the <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="miwok100k">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> RD) and young Michael Hayden at the age of 17.<br /><br />This is really a long downhill. I enjoy the speeding , but am thinking that I need to pay the downhill later on coming up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Randall Trail => Bolina Ridge: </span></span><span>7.2/42.8 miles, 1:27:39/7:36:31, 13:34 min/mile</span><span>, last year: 1:24:17</span><span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0S9YRHXXbpS_BPNi1dnZXfqCUXjsaerS_b5wQK5cFyYu3QYT1J4PWdsu43dBhyszbd0A-x9JP7_qCac89VEvtm7M5Fdm9Z2_Q8Z1F3sVE-8Cz7wuy1Jagl-0P7Aosq2elyt44jDRUujaB/s1600-h/IMG_0681.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0S9YRHXXbpS_BPNi1dnZXfqCUXjsaerS_b5wQK5cFyYu3QYT1J4PWdsu43dBhyszbd0A-x9JP7_qCac89VEvtm7M5Fdm9Z2_Q8Z1F3sVE-8Cz7wuy1Jagl-0P7Aosq2elyt44jDRUujaB/s400/IMG_0681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062928623082061682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Randall Trail AS (the turnaround)</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />It's great to get to the turnaround, although there is still over 25 mile to go. Wendell Domain comes in as well. I quickly drink a lot and leave. Somehow I am able to run part of the 1.5 mile climb. After about 10 min, I see Yuki Negoro. We talk about how we will meet </span><a href="http://www.hirokiishikawa.com/" target="miwok100k">石川弘樹 Hiroki Ishikawa</a><span> in future.<br /><br />With patience, I finally finish the climb. Right there Penny Beeston just comes in enjoying the downhill. I'm glad to see her as we met in other races a few times.<br /><br />Perhaps thanks to slow pace in the beginning, I seem to be able to run most of the hills right now. After a while, I see Marrisa Walker running with smile. Soon being a personal trainer like the fast Brian Wyatt, she has kept running more and more ultra's with him. This is her first 100K after she finishes her debut <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/" target="miwok100k">American River 50M</a> three weeks ago. I greatly admire her spirit and effort.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQckc8mF5Z9iYojbo3n-1gQaXqZovFt9M_VX5hjTn2z04qJxW_0kOb5E76kNSAibLpvyLk0P0o7en3pvn_4Cq6snk6xqVQyY6Jf8QC2fAdtvcuEjL3T05kxmmMAvy8kgc0mQT2kqI9Abp/s1600-h/IMG_0682.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQckc8mF5Z9iYojbo3n-1gQaXqZovFt9M_VX5hjTn2z04qJxW_0kOb5E76kNSAibLpvyLk0P0o7en3pvn_4Cq6snk6xqVQyY6Jf8QC2fAdtvcuEjL3T05kxmmMAvy8kgc0mQT2kqI9Abp/s400/IMG_0682.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062928455578337122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bolina Ridge trail on my way back</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />I also see </span><span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="miwok100k">Rajeev Patel</a></span><span> and </span><span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704" target="miwok100k">Anil Rao</a></span><span> running together. They look so great right now and ready to make a blast today. Rajeev finishes nearly an hour faster than last year. Anil completes his first </span><a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a><span> only a few minutes behind Rajeev. Both have a great job and a wonderful day!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bolina Ridge => Pan Toll: </span></span><span>6.7/49.5 miles, 1:23:34/9:00:05, 12:54 min/mile</span><span>, last year: 1:22:51</span><span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgNBQjbv2YXFsl4Ypt3AkDH1626rAMTOM-VbfmsGi75VNy4FKekEB68XrhxtS88MgakPWIJQStgm9uerottwD3QNEp76hXD1S9ZN-YkWjJlbYVEl9Om51QNtm-3Esa1PDrkRGanhWNuqU/s1600-h/IMG_0683.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgNBQjbv2YXFsl4Ypt3AkDH1626rAMTOM-VbfmsGi75VNy4FKekEB68XrhxtS88MgakPWIJQStgm9uerottwD3QNEp76hXD1S9ZN-YkWjJlbYVEl9Om51QNtm-3Esa1PDrkRGanhWNuqU/s400/IMG_0683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062931191472504754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Great view but has to work hard with tired body to come back</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />Leaving Bolina Ridge aid station, the course gets to exposed but with great view rolling single track trail. I'm slow and have trouble with the narrow trail because the trail is tilted to one side. It seems I can easily get my ankle twisted. I have to run carefully. I am a little tired and a few runners pass me. However, as time goes by, I feel better with my legs. When entering the woods a mile before the next aid station, I feel like fully recovered.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pan Toll => Highway 1 Crossing: </span></span><span>5.2/54.7 miles, 1:01:40/10:01:45, 11:14 min/mile</span><span>, last year: 1:07:51</span><span><br /><br />I see Addy at the aid station. I quickly swallowed a slice of watermelon. I leave after my water bottle is filled. I don't see Kermit either because He has left for pacing Michael Hayden, who is ahead of me.<br /><br />Wendell Domain comes in. This reminds me that he gets stronger at later miles and starts to pass me. I have all I need at the aid station and take off. Betsy Nye is a few feet ahead of me and waiting for her pacer. I feel reluctant but to pass her because I know she is faster. I feel great at this moment. It begins with the trail in giant redwood forest. I get to the fallen tree again. I don't climb over this time but walk around it. Soon I leave the nice forest and get to the open area that is shared by <a href="http://www.run100s.com/qd.htm" target="miwok100k">Quad Dipsea</a> race.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrms2WrV5UKguxPfMR5ptBKcU2ZJqWbJ-voZprB6Lz-S753ZpxYBH_2oRgIMYgVhgZfyM8ai10GoTexsJ1oKvhaz6BlKTGxF9snaqNnyf0CVzAdpuN0sth4aL9MlKE_9dJhRli_7tlopq/s1600-h/IMG_0684.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrms2WrV5UKguxPfMR5ptBKcU2ZJqWbJ-voZprB6Lz-S753ZpxYBH_2oRgIMYgVhgZfyM8ai10GoTexsJ1oKvhaz6BlKTGxF9snaqNnyf0CVzAdpuN0sth4aL9MlKE_9dJhRli_7tlopq/s400/IMG_0684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063289705277603794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Running close to the </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.run100s.com/qd.htm">Quad Dipsea</a></span><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> course</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />After a while, it's a long steep downhill, where I passed Scott Leonard and Ken Ward from Oregon. They have run with each other all the time to the finish. As I cross a road, the trail becomes winding in forest with wooden bridges. I paid more attention here because the instruction mentions this is some runners easily missing the turn. Basically we have following the same course on coming back, but there is a left turn going to another trail which gets to the Highway 1 Crossing aid station. I pass a gal there, who is listening to music and scared by my voice. I want to tell her to notice the turn nearby.<br /><br />Within seconds, I spot the left turn where there are lots of ribbon. The trail becomes switch back up along overgrown plants. Amazingly I am somehow able to run all the way up with feeling sore on my legs. At the top, the trail leaves the trees and becomes exposed. It goes up but not that steep as the switchback. It winds around hills. The area is wide open. I can see Betsy and her pacer about 200 yards behind and a runner 100 yard ahead.<br /><br />At the REAL top, there is a volunteer telling me the aid station is within 100 yards. This motivates me a bit, but I later find out it's more than that. Before I get to the aid station, I just pass the runner ahead of me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Highway 1 Crossing => Tennessee Valley: </span></span><span>3.7/58.4 miles, 40:46/10:42:31, 10:47 min/mile,</span><span> last year: 47:05</span><span><br /><br />I quickly leave the aid station after refueling at the aid station. It begins with a long slow climb, winding along the mountain up. On the left side, Sausalito lays down below. I think this is the first time I see a city after I saw it in the early morning.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSCcJX5fT_gQUPxv3faPzIFbD9SLhRt5b0dI58Te8U77QRizDrfSQ8Bz_-5ZpsEC9_Og7bpgHcz5Cgllal6T28YKVlvR8EfZkKSqW77MJdcccTJJNjcPMvb_W8z03_E0j9Z77HEBy5zjD/s1600-h/IMG_0686.JPG" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSCcJX5fT_gQUPxv3faPzIFbD9SLhRt5b0dI58Te8U77QRizDrfSQ8Bz_-5ZpsEC9_Og7bpgHcz5Cgllal6T28YKVlvR8EfZkKSqW77MJdcccTJJNjcPMvb_W8z03_E0j9Z77HEBy5zjD/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063290663055310818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Long slow climb right after the Highway 1 crossing aid station</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />Along the climb, there are a few runners walking slowly, while I do not stop running. I am glad about it because I was walking last year and got passed by a couple times. I pass them (Sy Vu, etc) one by one. After I pass them, they are motivated and start to run. I talk to Martin Fagan who is recovering from stomach issue. I encourage him to speed up once he feels OK. Within a minute or two, I am glad he starts to run.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYrbXS4j8HEU793af_4VXwIdMzf4j3ThXUo9aPcSWCx4rISnTbbAgXOgigTAET50Q9h0m5StU9Pka0EV8JTDaOtH9QQ_ipRarahXEZzTYl2htbrROAnQFODwuF0kux4vOBuxegdhePiDh/s1600-h/IMG_0687.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYrbXS4j8HEU793af_4VXwIdMzf4j3ThXUo9aPcSWCx4rISnTbbAgXOgigTAET50Q9h0m5StU9Pka0EV8JTDaOtH9QQ_ipRarahXEZzTYl2htbrROAnQFODwuF0kux4vOBuxegdhePiDh/s400/IMG_0687.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062663696614342050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Martin Fagan is recovering from a stomach issue</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />Looking back far away, I can see Betsy Nye and her pacer working hard on the climb at about 150 yards behind. At the top, we are running on the rolling ridge. Then it goes steep down hill. It becomes very rocky with lots of hard soil at the end.<br /><br />As I can see the Tennessee Valley AS less than a mile away, I am speeding on the rocky steep trail. Thanks to the protection from my real trail shoes, the footing is hard but I feel fine. Betsy Nye is also catching up. I have passed a couple of runners, but Betsy Nye always gets closer and closer from behind. I am happy that the duel is finally over when she passes me. With so many tough 100 milers under her belt, Betsy Nye demonstrates her strength at the later miles. I express best luck to her. Her pacer and crew also comes by, although I though she is a runner, too. We soon get to the aid station after a quarter mile on the asphalt.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tennessee Valley => Rodeo Beach:</span> </span><span>5.8/64.2 miles, 1:10:42/11:53:12, 12:47 min/mile</span><span>, last year: 54:04</span><br /><span><br />At the aid station, there is Kevin, with whom I shared the same shuttle bus at the </span><span><a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/">American River 50M</a></span><span>. Betsy Nye does not stop but keeps walking to pass the aid station. Her pacer does everything for her at the aid station and catches up. Now I know what a good pacer should do for the top runner. This will be helpful when I pace Yuki in </span><span><a href="http://www.ws100.com/">Wester States 100M</a></span><span> this year.<br /><br />There is another runner there earlier than I. He takes off but walks slowly. After quickly drinking enough fluid and filling up my bottle, I leave the aid station with full prepare on the final stretch.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd-wt436bGYsMQOBzPA2WXwPIg0sj4zTrZVmqMHW1LOtpENSWyhVhO-7St2x5YI8Wtyxwzre7pOOCXXDRtH4yajCj0QPNd380CZQIU50ZtpTmE5faxzxTlD1p_1laV-UTaKyxyuyClwEq/s1600-h/IMG_0689.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd-wt436bGYsMQOBzPA2WXwPIg0sj4zTrZVmqMHW1LOtpENSWyhVhO-7St2x5YI8Wtyxwzre7pOOCXXDRtH4yajCj0QPNd380CZQIU50ZtpTmE5faxzxTlD1p_1laV-UTaKyxyuyClwEq/s400/IMG_0689.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062667519135235506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Long ridge trail leads to the finish at the beach</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />I run and pass the runner at the stable right before the switch back climb. This is where I ran down fast in the morning.<br /><br />I can see Betsy Nye about 100 yard away. There is no way for me to catch up. Looking back, I also move farther away from the runner behind. I'm alone running so I focus on my pacing. My running at the coming back course has been excellent and far beyond my expectation so far. The only exception of being passed by Betsy Nye is also acceptable.<br /><br />I carefully follow the course, but still can see Betsy in blue running ahead. I am running at a wide trail over the rolling ridge. After I get to the top, I enjoy the speedy steep downhill. Then I miss a right turn to the Wolf Ridge trail but stay at the Miwok trail all the way down. I am simply enjoy running 8 min pace until I feel suspicious that I seem to run alone. And, most importantly, I have not seen ribbon markers for a while. There are no one around, nor can I see Betsy in blue ahead.<br /><br />I keep running downhill, but slow down because of this concern. After a mile or so, there is a group of visitors ahead. When they do not see a female runner in blue or any other runners, I know I have missed a turn. I have go to back to where I made the mistake. The thought of keeping going down and get to the finish easily soon disappear. This will make me disqualified!<br /><br />All I have to do is work on this one mile climb back and continue the race. I am a little disappointment, but I let it replaced with the runner's high that kept me all the way back. After I patiently run or walk for over 20 minutes, I spot the turn. There are some people sitting there. I wish they could have yelled to me earlier.<br /><br />Now I need to overcome the dreadful climb ahead of me. It's the hill that looks so scary at the end of such a long run, but I know I'll get to the top after a few minutes. I have the final view in mind. At the top, I'll see beach, ocean, and finish tent. Therefore, the climb is almost effortless or I simply ignore the pain.<br /><br />When I get to the asphalt at the top, I feel great to finish the long run with such a beautiful view. I look for the finish tent.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz1OcVGS63fQbZqDBBlXX6f16QzwJLjnWdbswbe5wgJ39T8Dy-NVJOR7jKNJlsu_OImIVci7Lfrj5aqyKqvSiLWMJw9au8ghWrlGnWqHAW66n5awh9ZL2yAspw4CiD_aOv1UIKFr-8UDE/s1600-h/IMG_0694.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz1OcVGS63fQbZqDBBlXX6f16QzwJLjnWdbswbe5wgJ39T8Dy-NVJOR7jKNJlsu_OImIVci7Lfrj5aqyKqvSiLWMJw9au8ghWrlGnWqHAW66n5awh9ZL2yAspw4CiD_aOv1UIKFr-8UDE/s400/IMG_0694.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061962096526671058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The finish area down below near the beach</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />There is still 1.5 miles to go, but I feel relaxed with no one behind to push the pace. I ran casually and carefully without hurting my injured ankle. There is small uphill taking me 20 second walk. Otherwise, I cruise down the winding paved road. Sy Vu, whom I passed earlier, seems to be in pains and walks very slowly on the stairs, shortcut for the winding paved road. I pass him again here. I think he also has the finish in mind and is willing to tolerate anything for a few minutes.<br /><br />The cheering noise gets louder, I finally cross the finish line without any effort. I have spent </span>12hr 12min 25sec. This is the longest and my first time over 12 hr in any sub-100 mile run! I learned a lot from the run and look forward to next year as I can do it better.<br /><span><br />At the finish, I saw a lot of friends, who arrived earlier than I. I answer a bit about how I missed a turn when they have a question why they did not feel passing me.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.scottjurek.com/" target="miwok100k">Scott Jurek</a><span> is there, too. I patiently wait until he finishes his conversation with others. I introduce myself and have a chat with him. I feel like staying so close with a celebrity for the first time in my life. I'm excited. I have a picture with him and have my race T-shirt signed.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4IYOxSJi6QjmOo5ZqTIs8cxkLCZIJKsjkY6URmQ3ZnBJPlpDkbWYWShSUCSIL0fMvppW58q4Dn8IpJPUeqZVp2zrWquJjVQEq203aDKjLmL4dzRXHlo-Gb0uF6zR49x1qJlphSxPZC8f/s1600-h/IMG_0696.jpg" target="miwok100k"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4IYOxSJi6QjmOo5ZqTIs8cxkLCZIJKsjkY6URmQ3ZnBJPlpDkbWYWShSUCSIL0fMvppW58q4Dn8IpJPUeqZVp2zrWquJjVQEq203aDKjLmL4dzRXHlo-Gb0uF6zR49x1qJlphSxPZC8f/s400/IMG_0696.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061960095071911090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me and </span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.scottjurek.com/" target="miwok100k">Scott Jurek</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > at the finish</span><br /></div><span><br />Another great ultra couple, Mark Lantz and Rena Schumann, also come over and we have a nice chat. I'll see them in Quicksilver a week later.<br /><br />While I am taking a cold shower, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18107967737535707878" target="miwok100k">Steve Ansell</a><span> also finishes. He has a great run today and runs strong at later miles while others are struggling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Reports<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="miwok100k">Rajeev Patel</a> - <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/2007/05/miwok-100k.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K</a>, <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/2006/05/miwok-100k-may-6-2006.html">Miwok 100K in 2006</a>. Both have a poem each.<br /></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18107967737535707878" target="miwok100k">Steve Ansell</a> - <a href="http://mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/2007/05/recipe-for-success.html" target="miwok100k">Recipe for Success</a><br /><span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945" target="miwok100k">Jean Pommier</a> - <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2007/05/miwok-100k-2007-farther-with.html" target="miwok100k">Miwok 100K 2007: farther, with breathtaking views</a><br /><a href="http://ridgrunner.blogspot.com/" target="miwok100k">Kelly Ridgeway</a> - <a href="http://ridgrunner.blogspot.com/2007/05/running-friends-at-miwok.html" target="miwok100k">Running friends at Miwok</a>, <a href="http://ridgrunner.blogspot.com/2007/05/satisfied-at-miwok-100k.html" target="miwok100k">Satisfied at Miwok 100k</a><br />MarinIJ - </span><a href="http://www.marinij.com/sports/ci_5829802" rel="nofollow" target="miwok100k">Freeman sets Miwok 100K record</a><br /><a href="http://www.penpalworld.com/about.asp" target="miwok100k">Jakob Herrmann</a> - <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0705B&L=ULTRA&amp;amp;amp;amp;T=0&F=&S=&X=1DEBEA42E3BD5ECD3F&amp;amp;amp;Y=chihpingfu%40yahoo.com&P=26735" target="miwok100k"> MiWok 100 Race Report - Jakob</a> (need <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html" target="miwok100k">Ultrarunning List</a> subscription)<br /><a href="http://www.running-blogs.com/crowther/" target="miwok100k">Greg Crowther</a> - <a href="http://www.running-blogs.com/crowther/2007/05/a_day_of_surprises.html#comments" target="miwok100k">A Day of Surprises</a>Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-54920355929401906622007-06-02T00:07:00.001-07:002007-06-11T10:41:11.237-07:00070520 Ohlone 50K - 20th Anniversary of the Epic Running<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdey-M3vFWJulphCfkxMN9RgX34SH-zYGCEGAchU7u2E00Jc47k-mKw0YMbDyN93EMyXcAz8fc5JmfNqxLKk7OWhakpSnQXetzQQqWn0VO2yQwJPxZIlJlXIXjQudu5NJVFt03w9bbiaJ/s1600-h/P5200168.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdey-M3vFWJulphCfkxMN9RgX34SH-zYGCEGAchU7u2E00Jc47k-mKw0YMbDyN93EMyXcAz8fc5JmfNqxLKk7OWhakpSnQXetzQQqWn0VO2yQwJPxZIlJlXIXjQudu5NJVFt03w9bbiaJ/s400/P5200168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068500697709952002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me at a break in the mid of uphill. Thanks Marc Dube.</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: May 20, 2007<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race</span>: <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="ohlone">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location</span>: <a href="http://www.geocities.com/almadenqs/" target="ohlone">Ohlone Wilderness Trail</a>, from Fremont to Livermore<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance:</span> 50K<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Profile:</span> 7,800ft gain, 7,440ft loss, highest: 3,817 ft, lowest: 390ft, start: 390ft, finish: 750ft (image/data courtesy of <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="ohlone">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a>)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.abovethefog.net/Ohlone50K/Course_Info/Elevation_Chart/Elevation_Chart_580_pixels.jpg" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.abovethefog.net/Ohlone50K/Course_Info/Elevation_Chart/Elevation_Chart_580_pixels.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span> 5hr 53min 9sec, 21/139 overall, 1 drop, <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/Ohlone50K/Prior_Results/2007_Results/2007_results.html" target="ohlone">Complete Results</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo:</span> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K" target="ohlone">070520 Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> (206 pictures!!!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volunteering</span><br /><br />When the RD Rob Byrne sent an email for the <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/Ohlone50K/Credits/credits.html" target="ohlone">volunteering</a>, I figured that perhaps my family can help at the easy race checkin at the start area. It's close to my home and a nice chance for them to experience the race is about.<br /><br />I told my two kids about this volunteering and they were excited. I woke up my family by 6am so we could get there at 6:30am. After my family completed the first assignment by setting up the banner, they were really into the job. They helped on the checkin table with Pat Wellington.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AMkXufDJHGnBkTK5ZWPCsKwYONdtcRHNc04SoQ9m9aqiJ08lGLCYi2hb_KgsH4BaorwsFwxdhfTpw1DBeyUUP6c9Eq0gQIlQlkawH0AnkZbO-jgd0s1iy0xsr18F4lP7IqlyK65d0X0J/s1600-h/P5200321.jpg" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AMkXufDJHGnBkTK5ZWPCsKwYONdtcRHNc04SoQ9m9aqiJ08lGLCYi2hb_KgsH4BaorwsFwxdhfTpw1DBeyUUP6c9Eq0gQIlQlkawH0AnkZbO-jgd0s1iy0xsr18F4lP7IqlyK65d0X0J/s400/P5200321.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071857691393146226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Patt Wellington and my Family help at checkin table</span></span><br /></div><br />Our <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/" target="ohlone">Ultraholics</a> <a href="http://lh5.google.com/image/englandlej/RlaCSfQl4qI/AAAAAAAAAmI/A4vmW0Z2jxY/P5200081.JPG?imgdl=1" target="ohlone">Padma Subbaraya</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2173894361698331265&postID=5172324909414451765" target="ohlone">Kiran Karadi</a>, and <a href="http://lh3.google.com/image/englandlej/RlaB1_Ql4iI/AAAAAAAAAlI/PAB67XLVP_o/P5200073.JPG?imgdl=1" target="ohlone">Viswanath Vinod</a> arrived by 7am. They are ready for the early start. Off they go. <a href="http://lh6.google.com/image/englandlej/RlaBOvQl4XI/AAAAAAAAAjw/57ws6qcKQ7A/P5200062.JPG?imgdl=1" target="ohlone">Anil Rao</a> also comes. Yuki Negoro comes with Miho.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh013wJzwrfHfuAMZNLsqvi1nWFShN7hyZ047Lf4zNYsmtnrAQEjEcyZ3izU0gJrV7M3qXPbwdXyc_Hid-6EohGtbn4eFLnxnzdKF66RIRYkuN96qwjJHioXbRJACTiBQLYZ85NydqxKj7x/s1600-h/DSCF1503.jpg" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh013wJzwrfHfuAMZNLsqvi1nWFShN7hyZ047Lf4zNYsmtnrAQEjEcyZ3izU0gJrV7M3qXPbwdXyc_Hid-6EohGtbn4eFLnxnzdKF66RIRYkuN96qwjJHioXbRJACTiBQLYZ85NydqxKj7x/s400/DSCF1503.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068831470321286226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me and Yuki Negoro (my WS100 runner). </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Courtesy of Yuki Negoro.</span></span></div><br />Soon a lot of runners arrive at about the same time. They are from the finish area taken by three unprecedented <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/Ohlone50K/Prior_Results/2007_Results/Larry_and_Stan_Limo.jpg" target="ohlone">Limo</a>. This is only for the anniversary run today. I just live too close to the start and miss the Limo.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpNItDAywTFqGPbJALqcy_yAn34bQHAZ1olkWTyyxHlrqDH9nsEcVhFCqAi9dFOkaBwmbBbpQx2A0n7pzEhcPmzim3oWMilbwOOc9ZGh-_cJl8j-O9oe32FJCtbiTL9UGrdG-1ovs2tJB/s1600-h/P5200063.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpNItDAywTFqGPbJALqcy_yAn34bQHAZ1olkWTyyxHlrqDH9nsEcVhFCqAi9dFOkaBwmbBbpQx2A0n7pzEhcPmzim3oWMilbwOOc9ZGh-_cJl8j-O9oe32FJCtbiTL9UGrdG-1ovs2tJB/s400/P5200063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071081796961189042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The start area</span></span><br /></div><br />A few minutes before the 8am race start, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067003652499185282" target="ohlone">Rob Byrne</a> gives a briefing about the run. He mentions that several past year winners are in the race and also a few who ran the first year 19 years ago. Then <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067003742693498530" target="ohlone">Kap'n Kirk Boisseree</a>, the course marking captain, talks about the course.<br /><br />Facing the coming Mission Peak climb bathing in the light morning sunshine, all of us are excited and chatting with friends. Most of us live and work far apart. We see each other only in races, where there is full of camaraderie!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start => Laurel Loop: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">5.43 mile, 1:08:00, last year: 1:13:29</span><br /><br />Off we go! The trail starts a slow climb and goes all the way 2200 ft up for 4 miles. We will get to the top of Mission Peak at 2517ft. I am proud to see my Fremont folks, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067003515060231762" target="ohlone">Will Gotthardt and his training partner Ryan Commons</a>, lead the front pack.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC7Fxab6t15kpgqSHEDsf3a1rwdG5HFyjDP-1TZQrqsHJ3JGQsDaiNkHadNQhs-PLI3ofSwgR_loPGVPyBzfAwidGBG7I1nFLyYGcDN1coPobWi9YSrgJ3LVI1CRHXNubNAKun_4gSsc6/s1600-h/DSCF1506.jpg" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC7Fxab6t15kpgqSHEDsf3a1rwdG5HFyjDP-1TZQrqsHJ3JGQsDaiNkHadNQhs-PLI3ofSwgR_loPGVPyBzfAwidGBG7I1nFLyYGcDN1coPobWi9YSrgJ3LVI1CRHXNubNAKun_4gSsc6/s400/DSCF1506.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069194639870934146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Off we go! The front runners. Courtesy of Yuki Negoro.</span></span><br /></div><br />The course basically follow the main trail shared with park visitors. I run with a few ultrarunners around such as <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067003987506634514" target="ohlone">Rena Schumann and Yuki Negoro</a>. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067003837182779090" target="ohlone">Erik/Tera Dube</a> I met in <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/page2.html" target="ohlone">Quicksilver 50M</a> last week. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067003867247550178" target="ohlone">Greg Nacco</a> I meet for the first time. I know Greg from the <a href="http://www.pausatf.org/data/2007/umstandm2007.html" target="ohlone">PAUSATF ultra standing</a>. This is the first time I introduce myself before he passes me forever. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067003914492190450" target="ohlone">Brian Koo</a> who I met every time in <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="ohlone">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> for three years. I also run with <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067004258089574274" target="ohlone">Nobert Leinfellner</a> for a while, who gave me a ride to <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="ohlone">Diablo 50M</a>. I don't know if I am pushing my pace, but I take a lot of pictures to capture the steepness of the hill that most of us are walking.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2KK3paqf7-ZjaPiKZn9CPJ7QOsDql14tQIoRemWW_Tjj1fgb0zxbLmleicjq9TPb_bCSrpo4zMwuBRZlqKPLHc25ACoFGxBPb7vmMqkoeDdwjlr6BUSzJJu1dVw5FcbfjHIWPsPaILoZ/s1600-h/P5200092.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2KK3paqf7-ZjaPiKZn9CPJ7QOsDql14tQIoRemWW_Tjj1fgb0zxbLmleicjq9TPb_bCSrpo4zMwuBRZlqKPLHc25ACoFGxBPb7vmMqkoeDdwjlr6BUSzJJu1dVw5FcbfjHIWPsPaILoZ/s400/P5200092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071083330264513730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Up and steep!</span></span><br /></div><br />At mile 1.5, we switch to less crowded Horse Heaven trail. We encounter some cows and they probably wonder why there are so many people running. I follow <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067004769190682706" target="ohlone">Joe Swensen</a>, who seems to know how to deal with them. So does <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067004717651075138" target="ohlone">Don Hogue</a> who knows about running with cows.<br /><br />This is shady part with a view of the Fremont city among the trees. It's a little downhill. There is a meadow at the other side of it and leads to a switchback. Over the switchback, I can see runners ahead and behind me moving harder. Following the switchback is a very steep straight up climb. Only at the tougher trail, can we get a better view. Me legs are fine and I am just keep following runners in front of me and pass them once in a while.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbGXkwVAq0eU6cc3_SDnb-IN83IpidAy-8TgiItoe2v6yKSHwQOeXTpju9OJNmxdXN6k8RC-t5LYaKDR4chIXCGEhpoIVetjQXaMb_Dbwff9CccU4ZBPDgCi0eRe9BKUbhr_FVw2xE6wk/s1600-h/P5200106.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbGXkwVAq0eU6cc3_SDnb-IN83IpidAy-8TgiItoe2v6yKSHwQOeXTpju9OJNmxdXN6k8RC-t5LYaKDR4chIXCGEhpoIVetjQXaMb_Dbwff9CccU4ZBPDgCi0eRe9BKUbhr_FVw2xE6wk/s400/P5200106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071340933812993346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Joe Swensen and Don Hogue on the climb</span></span><br /></div><br />At the top of the steep climb, we open a gate and get to a nice muddy spot, which is fed from the free flowing water above. It is drinkable and looks like a self-service aid station. It's too early to drink water, so most of us just pass it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI3gtVFSU1v_efbo3-aB3zBA8Yq9MJo6UY4SpXJEzjMo1ZwtKQ8TxZkpcQKeNPEQeAx0yNoCYQPcfTi3e_ysezVv3xnkK3zRUKPRt8OGCsZBrWaJnfVEGIW_h9AjGLbkNYH7rfLJDI6RH/s1600-h/P5200117.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI3gtVFSU1v_efbo3-aB3zBA8Yq9MJo6UY4SpXJEzjMo1ZwtKQ8TxZkpcQKeNPEQeAx0yNoCYQPcfTi3e_ysezVv3xnkK3zRUKPRt8OGCsZBrWaJnfVEGIW_h9AjGLbkNYH7rfLJDI6RH/s400/P5200117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071083828480720082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On a mud pit - one of many technical parts on the course</span></span><br /></div><br />Then we get to the ridge for the last climb to the top of Mission Peak. Erik/Tera Dube are 20 yards ahead of us. I run with <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067005555169698210" target="ohlone">Harry Walther</a> for a while. It is interesting that Harry and I summit Mt. Diablo together when we did <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="ohlone">Diablo 50M</a> three weeks ago. Now we seem to summit Mission Peak together now.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfhxCzrw4vznQBlJdqxCpzO-GZ6-a5VrrYZSMSBaQl-d0HXO03zP3uo5_pRVZFGOhf8OCfK33XLjlon8lN1T3x9OGqPmbbANLOwozfXYK3Nx_WOqPlWQLJZ4c9hRv55yCYvSSZ5jthqoL/s1600-h/P5200124.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfhxCzrw4vznQBlJdqxCpzO-GZ6-a5VrrYZSMSBaQl-d0HXO03zP3uo5_pRVZFGOhf8OCfK33XLjlon8lN1T3x9OGqPmbbANLOwozfXYK3Nx_WOqPlWQLJZ4c9hRv55yCYvSSZ5jthqoL/s400/P5200124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071084562920127714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Catra Corbett at the top greeting us</span></span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00009441300980173501" target="ohlone">Catra Corbett</a>, aka <a href="http://trailgirl.blogspot.com/" target="ohlone">Dirt Diva</a>, a famous ultrarunner from my town Fremont, and her friends are already there at the top greeting us. Catra used to do 100 miles when we ran 50K in this race. This is a tough course that I can not imagine how we can run the course three times and more, but Catra did it every year. I think I have to do such a training this year for my target race at <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="ohlone">Wasatch Front 100M</a>. According to its distance and course profile, <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="ohlone">Wasatch Front 100M</a> is like what Catra did running Ohlone 50K course three times. And Catra has done <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="ohlone">Wasatch Front 100M</a> five times as well (she can be exempted from the "<a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/selection.htm" target="ohlone">selection process</a>" in future)!<br /><br />It take me 53 min to get to the top. This is 6 min faster than the previous two years. I wonder if this is due to the course change or I have been running with fast runners.<br /><br />I am not fast, but I has trained at Mission Peak for years. This is the time that I like to show off my downhill speed/skill from the Mission Peak top. This 150 yard section is very steep and full of loose rocks. Unlike I passed about ten runners last year, I pass fewer runners now, including Tera/Erik Dube. I think I run faster so far this year, so there are fewer runners in such a faster pace group.<br /><br />Leaving the loose rock section, the trail keep going down steep on the dirt path. I also pass a few. Then it connects to a rolling single track. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067005795687866914" target="ohlone">Lee Jebian</a>, who is early start, kindly lets me pass. He has run the course since the first time 19 years ago, and still enjoys it at the age of 65.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGHTT29vX-DPI2ZxGcEITyeL1MFBf6got6aJXWvKgZt2U9qJ8d7STWxqiS_QKuUCasnHXgzhaFMayv2U5hd1SMgJjQal7xd2lN0-ZYoO_cv0hBbNTh44HYUXahHXlR3HgT94y1IniDcPk/s1600-h/P5200126.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGHTT29vX-DPI2ZxGcEITyeL1MFBf6got6aJXWvKgZt2U9qJ8d7STWxqiS_QKuUCasnHXgzhaFMayv2U5hd1SMgJjQal7xd2lN0-ZYoO_cv0hBbNTh44HYUXahHXlR3HgT94y1IniDcPk/s400/P5200126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071085340309208306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Single track trail down from Mission Peak to the first aid station at Laurel Loop</span></span><br /></div><br />The single track continues only a quarter mile. The course becomes rolling for another half mile to the aid station. When the trail turns lower, there are shady spot as it's the place for water to accumulates and plants to grow. I run with <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067005898767082082" target="ohlone">David Rhodes</a> for a while until the aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Laurel Loop => Sunol: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">3.68/9.11 miles, 24:00, last year: 27:33</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcKKUWMXpyh9qVb4HB7BPhjXNeET_bQ5mZBtIJQkc6ncN2IG8wy1ff1Rl5UnyPdRUvFg_oMmHF5IHEvARE9VnfbuIjlgJPu631eBaWwMW7rDTT9Kwl99FH8z6Jpd_fddndfb0DktZ0vaM/s1600-h/P5200133.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcKKUWMXpyh9qVb4HB7BPhjXNeET_bQ5mZBtIJQkc6ncN2IG8wy1ff1Rl5UnyPdRUvFg_oMmHF5IHEvARE9VnfbuIjlgJPu631eBaWwMW7rDTT9Kwl99FH8z6Jpd_fddndfb0DktZ0vaM/s400/P5200133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068501560998378530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Laurel Loop aid station. Marissa Walker is writing down our number.</span></span><br /></div><br />Marrisa Walker is helping at the aid station and puts down our bib numbers. I decide to pass the aid station as I think I can keep running without drinking or eating until Sunol at mile 9. I pass <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067006010436231858" target="ohlone">Mario Jackson</a> who stops at the aid station. Not far ahead is <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067006087745643218" target="ohlone">Vladmir Gusiatnikov</a>. I catch up and have a chat with him for the first time although I have seen his name a lot in other races. He carries a set of maps and seems to continue his orienteering hobby.<br /><br />From Laurel Loop, it's a mostly downhill for 3 more miles to Sunol with nearly 2,000 ft elevation loss. I run faster, but do not push hard. Therefore, a couple of runners behind now pass me, including the Dube trio, Tera/Erik/Marc Dube.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIljvtMsRNTql0C8lOnZrfVxp67eb7GfWLoKLFI990fXcAtmiR9po6RXyoTE0WaVJqVl2jvUaik1ueWOwXcRbXKlGg-JgVcUdKLjxqs-5TXccaAV9mTr4jMzrwX3vrGynvDT88QfXmW5n/s1600-h/P5200138.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIljvtMsRNTql0C8lOnZrfVxp67eb7GfWLoKLFI990fXcAtmiR9po6RXyoTE0WaVJqVl2jvUaik1ueWOwXcRbXKlGg-JgVcUdKLjxqs-5TXccaAV9mTr4jMzrwX3vrGynvDT88QfXmW5n/s400/P5200138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071086581554756866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Dube trio - Marc, Tera, and Erik.</span></span><br /></div><br />It still a nice downhill. It's partially shady and we are able to see the Sunol Valley, who is getting closer as we are going down. The wonderful but gentle sunshine ahead greets us, but seems to show us the warm condition ahead. We enjoy the speed and have a chance to relax our legs after the Mission Peak climb and get ready for the coming long climb after Sunol.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqEwMV8stFOcwFYrPD7onOPhdCT0yEwtLIgC8KBxCur-NYEOFi20DFmjkHANceohWhGEjZ_IcXvUjvLiRs_7mDt_GLmCEipyZ9lNAfix_umukwgAxWjrPlS1qTHhf_RL-6wlOt1bAZ10T/s1600-h/P5200141.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqEwMV8stFOcwFYrPD7onOPhdCT0yEwtLIgC8KBxCur-NYEOFi20DFmjkHANceohWhGEjZ_IcXvUjvLiRs_7mDt_GLmCEipyZ9lNAfix_umukwgAxWjrPlS1qTHhf_RL-6wlOt1bAZ10T/s400/P5200141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071342484296187218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The shady trail to Sunol</span></span><br /></div><br />Quarter mile before the aid station is a short switch back across the hill with some trees. When we finish it, we pass the stable, where people come to Sunol for horse ride. Aid station is just over there.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunol => Backpacker Camp:</span> 3.37/12.48 miles, 41:00, last year: 40:18<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDf7JPs0ttmmHUVSPKsLYKwv-0yJwFKAcBrZvQQ6uAakRsVmD157BHa7pQtdnRo546N7wo43gzRwdhzuOQa1M-_bSBon_xdrwotHWr9rBFa3kHao2Tx39-Qgk-LFWsUSJjJjCUnkSJNuh/s1600-h/P5200153.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDf7JPs0ttmmHUVSPKsLYKwv-0yJwFKAcBrZvQQ6uAakRsVmD157BHa7pQtdnRo546N7wo43gzRwdhzuOQa1M-_bSBon_xdrwotHWr9rBFa3kHao2Tx39-Qgk-LFWsUSJjJjCUnkSJNuh/s400/P5200153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068501191631191058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sunol aid station at mile 9.11</span></span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067006929559233586" target="ohlone">Amy Burton</a>, the co-RD of <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" target="ohlone">Ruth Anderson</a>, is helping at the aid station. My bottle is filled. I also drink enough because this section is uphill and exposed.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007041228383314" target="ohlone">Adam Blum</a> and I cross a nice bridge immediately. We run on a flat section for a minute or two and turn left to start the steep climb. It is very steep that I have to power walk, but I can see <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007114242827362" target="ohlone">Beth Vatalis</a> running behind and <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007148602565746" target="ohlone">Adam Blum</a> running ahead. Beth was women champion of this race a few years before. She focus on having this run as her 100K training instead of winning it. I can run this section only when I did my training run. Not now because I have 20 hilly miles ahead.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ-Rc_7weDklTJBd5L9tPx4PJituu3qY6YK5MEW5jV_nC7ctQbgo7QYlywvFrT15K3i5NkVKTdjEPpx9lROShOt_OEAQtIKzunMAzcTD1rt3AOUgMNDet7b3VLg5JsA8d7USUKMIi-t5e/s1600-h/P5200164.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ-Rc_7weDklTJBd5L9tPx4PJituu3qY6YK5MEW5jV_nC7ctQbgo7QYlywvFrT15K3i5NkVKTdjEPpx9lROShOt_OEAQtIKzunMAzcTD1rt3AOUgMNDet7b3VLg5JsA8d7USUKMIi-t5e/s400/P5200164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068500409947143154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The ultra couple - Padma Subbaraya and Kiran Karadi (7am start).</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Mark Williams is behind.</span></span><br /></div><br />I pass <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007333286159538" target="ohlone">Vinod</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007389120734418" target="ohlone">Kiran and Padma</a>. They start an hour early. They walk on the hill but are great. I can see they'll have great time and get to the finish!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007483610014962" target="ohlone">Marc Dube, Beth, and her pacer</a> are getting closer. They are moving fast and I am surprised that Beth starts with such a speed and plan to run 100K today, i.e. double Ohlone 50K. I can't believe this, but this is the beauty of ultrarunning. Ultrarunners are only ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things. We just keep exploring our limits. Perhaps someday, I'll feel surprised (but my running friends) and do the same. They kindly take a picture for me. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007638228837698" target="ohlone">They and Adam</a> pass me.<br /><br />On a right turn, we get to an area of mostly downhill with some rolling hills. After a few minutes, the aid station is seen down below under a tree. I quickly get ready for my camera because the ultra legends Ann Trason and Carl Anderson are there helping.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Backpacker Camp => Goat Rock: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">2.48/14.96 miles, 41:00</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOvkOTmEHJuwCsGzlwxEt0kLFF44t_QZ62y0HX6-pOSbjqt973FKFcM_IWO2ZVmMuirnhn5EukH9voQ2tv1uEueqNXyPrzkkr3ALEKvkTHHws41Xyrmn1ayQSBbM1nOSj1vC4hpre8sPm/s1600-h/P5200178.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOvkOTmEHJuwCsGzlwxEt0kLFF44t_QZ62y0HX6-pOSbjqt973FKFcM_IWO2ZVmMuirnhn5EukH9voQ2tv1uEueqNXyPrzkkr3ALEKvkTHHws41Xyrmn1ayQSBbM1nOSj1vC4hpre8sPm/s400/P5200178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068498790744472530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The ultra legend - Ann Trason</span></span><br /></div><br />My kids have watched "<a href="http://www.kvie.org/programs/kvie/araceforthesoul/" target="ohlone">A Race for the Soul</a>" many times with me. They know the <a href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a> 12 times women champion Ann Trason well. I promised my kids that I'll take pictures with Ann. Another Ultra Legend <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067007968941319602" target="ohlone">Carl Anderson</a> is also helping there.<br /><br />The aid station is crowded and everyone is very busy. Marc Dube and Vladmir Gusiatnikov are there. I quickly take a few pictures without interrupting everyone. I tell Ann that I'll see her at <a href="http://www.firetrails50.net/" target="ohlone">Firetrails 50M</a> this year since I have signed it up right away when the registration is opened early this year.<br /><br />Leaving the aid station is a steep uphill immediately. I catch up <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008132150076930" target="ohlone">Mark Williams</a> and pass him. He and I have mostly run nearby since the Laurel Loop aid station.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGufOBFjQSLkApE7ruXG6IcNkUfudAeOS5futvUSUgfApx2Zcd7OrIXoeK0-hdspTnkOoUYIhFcmX29VMvOqnie2XBXBxIS2-R1kFqSN4cL_eIf5BstNTo5Ded56f1KfpGHlyo2xAtkEi/s1600-h/P5200189.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGufOBFjQSLkApE7ruXG6IcNkUfudAeOS5futvUSUgfApx2Zcd7OrIXoeK0-hdspTnkOoUYIhFcmX29VMvOqnie2XBXBxIS2-R1kFqSN4cL_eIf5BstNTo5Ded56f1KfpGHlyo2xAtkEi/s400/P5200189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068499147226758114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Beth Vitalis and another runner working hard on the climb.</span></span><br /></div><br />About 100 yards ahead are <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008166509815314" target="ohlone">Beth Vitalis and Miles Welze</a>. I first met Miles at <a href="http://www.run100s.com/qd.htm" target="ohlone">Quad Dipsea</a> in 2005. Behind are <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008213754455586" target="ohlone">Mark Williams and Marc Dube</a> working hard on the hill. Then I catch up with <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008252409161282" target="ohlone">Miles </a> but still have some distance from <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008286768899666" target="ohlone">Beth</a>. Beth now runs by herself. I imagine that she some how fired all her pacer as she wants to run at fast pace. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008325423605346" target="ohlone">Denise Basso</a> is also there taking a break on the long uphill and enjoys the <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008355488376434" target="ohlone">view</a>.<br /><br />I'm getting closer to Beth and have a chance to run together for a while. She is doing 100K today as a training for <a href="http://www.bighorntrailrun.com/" target="ohlone">Bighorn 100M</a> on 6/15. This reminds me that another fellow blogger and endurance athlete <a href="http://365ultra.blogspot.com/" target="ohlone">Rick Gaston</a> will also run that race. I wish her has great time at <a href="http://www.bighorntrailrun.com/" target="ohlone">Bighorn 100M</a> and wins it. When we talk about our works, I somehow trip my feet and nearly fall down on four. I guess my work is not comparable with running at such a pretty place. I pass <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008389848114818" target="ohlone">Beth</a> later as she decides to slow down to wait for her pacer.<br /><br />I run by myself now. Now I have a chance to look back and see how far I have gone through after leaving <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008488632362674" target="ohlone">Mission Peak</a> for two hours. I remember <a href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/" target="ohlone">Scott Dunlap</a> and I talked about this last year at the same place. In the absence of Scott, I have to take more pictures :-)<br /><br />I spot <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008518697133762" target="ohlone">Mario Jackson</a> not far ahead. I feel great even after a great amount of hills. I guess I can catch up with him as I'm getting closer from behind. After the last <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008656136087314" target="ohlone">hill </a> before the aid station, I pass him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Goat Rock => Maggie's Half Acre: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">4.74/19.7 miles, 55:00, 1:36:00, last year: 1:27:03</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH-wzXtikq5gWktbiO3uiyqZh-1oI1IhhlJpYqdBFNOVsogLVY37HlD9dbQCxcen5uZDKqO0ASwGvKhqmh5wlI1um1YCIwWc-AlD-gkvYSA_feZCyeyLb1SrATZpIoCp2viaUjOfDeaSK/s1600-h/P5200198.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH-wzXtikq5gWktbiO3uiyqZh-1oI1IhhlJpYqdBFNOVsogLVY37HlD9dbQCxcen5uZDKqO0ASwGvKhqmh5wlI1um1YCIwWc-AlD-gkvYSA_feZCyeyLb1SrATZpIoCp2viaUjOfDeaSK/s400/P5200198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068496544476576706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Goat Rock aid station (mile 14.96)</span></span><br /></div><br />At the aid station, there is <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067008716265629474" target="ohlone">a volunteer taking pictures</a>. I have my bottle filled and get everything ready for the coming climb to the highest of the course - Rose Peak. This is a tough section by thinking about the Rose Peak climb at this nearly 5 mile section. The trail is mostly exposed.<br /><br />Even it's hilly, the trail is still mostly runnable. As we go higher the view becomes wonderful. We seem to be at the top of San Francisco Bay Area. Mission Peak becomes lower and we feel like getting to the same height of Mt. Diablo (3,849ft or 1,173m) and Mt. Hamilton (4,360ft or 1,330m), two highest mountains here.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD92TbySvTRI2ymV4Ec4UyzGOGBIsRtWrDEQJVq9loJPQX7hvKIJx-x_52Dfmdut9gTKnXJ4P0DZa01CWllAs2Iw54RtzWvcVcCpPIXUGRWac8Rfbow1G2v6P5YhSVl_Tc_lCJO4SG6el/s1600-h/P5200202.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD92TbySvTRI2ymV4Ec4UyzGOGBIsRtWrDEQJVq9loJPQX7hvKIJx-x_52Dfmdut9gTKnXJ4P0DZa01CWllAs2Iw54RtzWvcVcCpPIXUGRWac8Rfbow1G2v6P5YhSVl_Tc_lCJO4SG6el/s400/P5200202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071091898724269330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"I spy" a runner behind me - Matt Anderson in blue....</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Mission Peak is far away with Santa Cruz Mountain even farther.</span><br /></span></div><br />I move farther away from the runners behind, but I notice <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067009450705037410" target="ohlone">Matt Anderson</a> is catching up from far away. He is very strong and finally catching me before the last quarter mile to the Rose Peak summit (3,817ft or 1,163m). With the performance in today and past races early this year, I believe he will run his best in <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="ohlone">Western States 100M</a>.<br /><br />The final climb to the summit is steep. We'll do a loop to the summit and come back. We see fast runners coming back from the summit - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067009506539612274" target="ohlone">Suzie Lister, Mark/Tera Dube</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067009678338304162" target="ohlone">Lee McKinley</a>, and <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067009742762813634" target="ohlone">Jeff Bell</a>. Both Suzie and Tera won women group before.<br /><br />We patiently walk toward the summit. At the summit, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067010004755818786" target="ohlone">Ryan Commons</a> is there for me to take a picture.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3QhGJnHum9PjhjIdaa-aYdlx70-KK-c9I8-cs2uVGbYgVz6qZDrEKlRNH8zD48DSIExIoPVahr673I7USXeC_BvkQNEp_FV6ZprYtm-p2E9EGoO8rLHOHAwaV_apMOzIHvhM3en7jxE9/s1600-h/P5200226.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3QhGJnHum9PjhjIdaa-aYdlx70-KK-c9I8-cs2uVGbYgVz6qZDrEKlRNH8zD48DSIExIoPVahr673I7USXeC_BvkQNEp_FV6ZprYtm-p2E9EGoO8rLHOHAwaV_apMOzIHvhM3en7jxE9/s400/P5200226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071094681863077154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Matt Anderson (and I) seems on the trail to the sky!</span></span><br /></div><br />We go down from the summit to complete the loop and meet more other runners. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067010142194772338" target="ohlone">Don Hogue</a> heading for the summit. Behind are Beth Vitalis and her pacer. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067010189439412610" target="ohlone">Mario Jackson</a> is happy to get the final climb to the summit following with David Rhodes. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067010253863922098" target="ohlone">Miles Welze</a> also arrives to start the loop.<br /><br />A few minutes after I finish the loop, I can see the aid station ahead. It's great after this nearly 5 miles climb!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maggie's Half Acre => Stewart's Camp: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">3.9/23.6 miles, last year: 48:44</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcNSGNA9OgCJHkmlSaPa0sHuWueaQkxoiicie5EK8pN6uD5MYr48exmA_vEVItiN8D2f8c3K6gwRhWbmFjabWpYOvUz062CSuUZ0D4urnoyV7lDjjTds6qU5stozxK9DiSt8JbYnTSdsR/s1600-h/P5200235.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcNSGNA9OgCJHkmlSaPa0sHuWueaQkxoiicie5EK8pN6uD5MYr48exmA_vEVItiN8D2f8c3K6gwRhWbmFjabWpYOvUz062CSuUZ0D4urnoyV7lDjjTds6qU5stozxK9DiSt8JbYnTSdsR/s400/P5200235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068850488436472930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Arriving Maggie's Half Acre aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />I stop at the aid station and have enough supply because I want to skip the next aid station. Here is 3,500 elevation. There are some steep rolling hills coming. This is a beautiful part with some shady primitive trail. There are fallen trees/branches, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067010812209670802" target="ohlone">water spot</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067010855159343794" target="ohlone">pond</a>, etc. They look unmaintained like our civil trail, but, actually, maintained by Nature and it's pretty!<br /><br />On a downhill, I twist my ankle badly. I slow down and patiently get to the coming uphill. Walking for a while, my ankle pain becomes better.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICLbHe5awaE_1r1I9pBvL_22yN-MmfAw40qi1BrViGAK37-XuCksmAuFcGD5SUsaJfNSS5050KTQ7sqBdK1SOhQUfWaXkjt5e_bPB0VLVdKyCVr0G89Q0K8EtsZpveI81SBpn9w73ceD6/s1600-h/P5200238.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICLbHe5awaE_1r1I9pBvL_22yN-MmfAw40qi1BrViGAK37-XuCksmAuFcGD5SUsaJfNSS5050KTQ7sqBdK1SOhQUfWaXkjt5e_bPB0VLVdKyCVr0G89Q0K8EtsZpveI81SBpn9w73ceD6/s400/P5200238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068851038192286834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A scenic downhill</span></span><br /></div><br />It's very nice to run alone without seeing any one for a while at such a pretty trail. After a while, I spot a runner ahead. It is John Burton, the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" target="ohlone">Ruth Anderson</a> RD. He has some muscle issue. We start to run together. He seems to get better so he picks up the pace.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stewart's Camp => Schlieper Rock: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">2.05/25.65 miles, 1:09:00, last year: 1:13:00 (24:18)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwY3dhZrhIrktLCttnHRzY7DrFqNIl319tj4k7qdjLn3ZaPPVXEnGBGmI9-G1KsGkM2vN6O-nKC4_UPFAe01iHyxnFn4fX6xOq9pbPzdc178WplH5FZRxgVgqUhs8VWJ_jeoFnzZK7DGu/s1600-h/P5200249.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwY3dhZrhIrktLCttnHRzY7DrFqNIl319tj4k7qdjLn3ZaPPVXEnGBGmI9-G1KsGkM2vN6O-nKC4_UPFAe01iHyxnFn4fX6xOq9pbPzdc178WplH5FZRxgVgqUhs8VWJ_jeoFnzZK7DGu/s400/P5200249.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068494461417438098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The self service Stewart's Camp aid station at mile 23.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">6</span></span><br /></div><br />I'm still running with John. We decide to skip the self service Stewart's Camp aid station. The trail becomes a climb and we are happy to take a walk break. As we climb higher, we are happy to see the Del Valle valley for the first time. It is the finish and we know it's only one more hour.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6ySjP3uV6JMJkEetrn95nk0yOUu7sEWtOhCPLUYBiK7h2sIvPo_sVVBJ9p5flADaCDzO1SUe_RS3HTh0OsyXPdP8NE7nnAcyvgPlyQBUVI6wAF-7cPsmNC9nE3ukMTu9bYIxHwwy8PL9/s1600-h/P5200257.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6ySjP3uV6JMJkEetrn95nk0yOUu7sEWtOhCPLUYBiK7h2sIvPo_sVVBJ9p5flADaCDzO1SUe_RS3HTh0OsyXPdP8NE7nnAcyvgPlyQBUVI6wAF-7cPsmNC9nE3ukMTu9bYIxHwwy8PL9/s400/P5200257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068494727705410466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">John Burton runs with smile</span></span><br /></div><br />John is getting better on his muscle, so I can find out his smile with his solid running. He is kindly take a picture of me. I try to smile to hide my exhaust body, but it may not look working when I check my picture.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIvAGGb-ZRjK6OwZKVlBtSVMjhxD9LCdfxGwg0oeAhRmxhcByDt2dFCqfJ43tqF9-tmsnQEKznfJBJIIjUklm6i1nfjBwMPvfM5Rdlf8wUiJ7rLyFhDdBjdCWqzgRsjgmrUXi8lHx1gS-/s1600-h/P5200255.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIvAGGb-ZRjK6OwZKVlBtSVMjhxD9LCdfxGwg0oeAhRmxhcByDt2dFCqfJ43tqF9-tmsnQEKznfJBJIIjUklm6i1nfjBwMPvfM5Rdlf8wUiJ7rLyFhDdBjdCWqzgRsjgmrUXi8lHx1gS-/s400/P5200255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068494998288350130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me, a little tired, producing smiles</span></span><br /></div><br />John an I are happy to take some walk break on some long steep climb. We finally spot the aid station at the other side of the hill.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Schlieper Rock => Stromer Spring: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">3.35/29 miles, 40:00, last year: 33:16</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxRQNY-iITkymlKoIgp_AnSkrrMA89_XJpqrDmW6P59v_QEh0H9LzAPHbSzI0jVHZ0FdRrfPrxkc2_18OW5gQeBNBPGHQh14AT2It71IY_Lsr9qBe_ruMRhkYGgGruzi6F45fplJg3IbB/s1600-h/P5200260.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxRQNY-iITkymlKoIgp_AnSkrrMA89_XJpqrDmW6P59v_QEh0H9LzAPHbSzI0jVHZ0FdRrfPrxkc2_18OW5gQeBNBPGHQh14AT2It71IY_Lsr9qBe_ruMRhkYGgGruzi6F45fplJg3IbB/s400/P5200260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068493761337768834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Great volunteers at Schlieper Rock aid station (mile 25.65)</span></span><br /></div><br />I make sure to drink enough and go because I plan to skip the next aid station at Stromer Spring, two miles to the finish.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OgwtB5fpo9xesTDfZYAt9dwDE-zL2Oj3S1Ghfgj_FY1KLSCY1TWL8qriPBgKE80AwpmGX_JHrMAWjX6KkN-tFdhrUgdqEsbB1kBwatUn5AmG98-2kNtgE5FNXWHhKErz6VeTf9CGh6ft/s1600-h/P5200262.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OgwtB5fpo9xesTDfZYAt9dwDE-zL2Oj3S1Ghfgj_FY1KLSCY1TWL8qriPBgKE80AwpmGX_JHrMAWjX6KkN-tFdhrUgdqEsbB1kBwatUn5AmG98-2kNtgE5FNXWHhKErz6VeTf9CGh6ft/s400/P5200262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068493503639731058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks Larry England (co-RD) for the event and being here taking pictures.</span></span><br /></div><br />It's a single track steep switchback downhill from the aid station. The co-RD <a href="http://lh3.google.com/image/Chihping.Fu/RlGkH87SK8I/AAAAAAAACaY/Jp-heJAEAiI/P5200262.JPG?imgdl=1" target="ohlone">Larry England</a> is there taking pictures. This downhill leads all the way to William Gulch where there is a nice shady creek. Then the scary Rocky Ridge climb comes after it. It was wet last year and the trail was full of Poison Oak. It caused me itchy for a week when I came home. It is dry so I hope there will be no Poison Oak.<br /><br />John Burton is in front of me at fast pace and I follow him closely. We are all the way down. The pace is fine, but near the bottom, John let me pass. At the bottom, we cross the creek. There seem always some hikers enjoying the creek every time I got here. I have a desire to try the cool water there - sprinkle my heated body. It seems that I have no spare energy for doing so in face of the scary climb.<br /><br />When I get to the other side of the creek, my legs somehow nearly stop working even at the relatively flat beginning. The coming Rocky Ridge trail is so steep and exposed that even walking is difficult. I remember when I got here for the first time in my Ohlone hike. I had to walk up in the zig zag way. Like switching to the lowest gear before a climb when riding a bike, I quickly take one Gel. I power walk with all my strength. I don't even have anything left for taking pictures. Now I regret this after a few days when writing the report. Next time I should take some pictures there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6cb5DQK_tLibrQmAiwgzqiSnd0jem_opyQBHhO-dbNZ-vX8t870eF9if-sfn4qLjtghcbzCePBuv0yLV7zbybN6kaaSreMXzZiB1BqYp5fEBXKsec6bvc7pkhpiv1LuI-nm2wLBwItba/s1600-h/P5200264.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6cb5DQK_tLibrQmAiwgzqiSnd0jem_opyQBHhO-dbNZ-vX8t870eF9if-sfn4qLjtghcbzCePBuv0yLV7zbybN6kaaSreMXzZiB1BqYp5fEBXKsec6bvc7pkhpiv1LuI-nm2wLBwItba/s400/P5200264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068493258826595170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The lake is our finish!</span></span><br /></div><br />It's good to have been here for a few times that I know the climb is not long. I only need to push myself for some short time, I'll get to the top meaning the finish. Finally, I get to the top. The trail becomes flat, but my legs are sore that I can not pick up my speed right away. I slowly increase my pace at seeing the entire view of the Del Valle valley. The lake down below 2000 ft is the finish. I expect such a downhill speeding, but it does not come right away. At the top here, there is half mile flat trail with strong head wind. I think the breeze at the noon becomes windy as we get to the afternoon. This will be great for other runners who have to stay at exposed trail later.<br /><br />With no one around, I'm happily to set up my pace. The welcome downhill is coming. It's steep and I enjoy it with the finish line image in mind. Not far ahead is the Stromger Spring aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stromer Spring => Finish: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">2/31 miles, 11:09, last year: 13:57</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxlpqZODdZpk0hzps_i88sM3hwqJFwk312YDzIFypMYGpwDW3Cmx_EvBI3LTB6WRaUIKUjsLjAK6L1OhwkkMirElE3jrEei_Fp0fe1oHu-L_Y1F4cDkR-1L05FlWFKYwrp8jeOhIiWBx1/s1600-h/P5200265.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxlpqZODdZpk0hzps_i88sM3hwqJFwk312YDzIFypMYGpwDW3Cmx_EvBI3LTB6WRaUIKUjsLjAK6L1OhwkkMirElE3jrEei_Fp0fe1oHu-L_Y1F4cDkR-1L05FlWFKYwrp8jeOhIiWBx1/s400/P5200265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068492593106664274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Arriving Stromer Spring aid station at mile 29 after surviving the William Gulch switch back downhill and brutal Rocky Ridge climb.<br />2 miles to go!</span></span><br /></div><br />Since there is only two miles to the finish, I decided to skip this aid station. It's all down hill from now. My speed is not as fast as last year because I don't want to get more ankle twists.<br /><br />Perhaps due to my desire to make it finish, the two miles seem longer than I expect. In addition, there are two slow hills that I'm familiar with. I planned to run all over them, but have to power walk for one minute or so in order to save energy and maintain my speed after the hill.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwsljbecYzPELAYHcRVGtv8R6AjggXmKSAXY2E3cCqZjRcCwIke7qoeeOGkokDZ9e9RM4fR77mavGZL9M2Lp8i4NiJvipE78AxR8hRWRLYZWfOXRJC5foTWyqe8f7pJFyVCcl8Z6bqb5s/s1600-h/P5200266.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwsljbecYzPELAYHcRVGtv8R6AjggXmKSAXY2E3cCqZjRcCwIke7qoeeOGkokDZ9e9RM4fR77mavGZL9M2Lp8i4NiJvipE78AxR8hRWRLYZWfOXRJC5foTWyqe8f7pJFyVCcl8Z6bqb5s/s400/P5200266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068492348293528386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The final short climb before the finish</span></span><br /></div><br />After the hills, it's a half mile to the finish. In no time, I finish the run just under 6 hr, although slower than last year by 5 min. I'm very satisfied with this given I have ankle issues bothering for months. I also had some good timing in the beginning. These give me confidence that I'll make some progress next year. On the other hand, I'm happy to set a short period of my intense series of ultra's so far this year. It's time to fix my issues and take a month break until WS100 safety patrol and pacing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finish Area</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKoF8getbKl6c9w-IOk2Xs8xlXAbvsZIk7vNFBxUhcvQDoHnztgJELqubj5HwcFyOEtqXaLbwr9SjjACRXG_ulq6v9TXeNwNE4NNbLTyCy7foXqEnIFiWrxCHiAqbSXXFlexvtZDMoW2R/s1600-h/P5200361.jpg" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKoF8getbKl6c9w-IOk2Xs8xlXAbvsZIk7vNFBxUhcvQDoHnztgJELqubj5HwcFyOEtqXaLbwr9SjjACRXG_ulq6v9TXeNwNE4NNbLTyCy7foXqEnIFiWrxCHiAqbSXXFlexvtZDMoW2R/s400/P5200361.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071369229057539426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me and Rob Bryne greeting other finishers. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Courtesy of Yuki Negoro.</span></span></div><br />At the finish area, need to mention about the food not available in the run. There is a <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067011722742737954" target="ohlone">long table of all kinds of food</a>. Even after two bottles of water and a can of Mountain dew, I am still so thirsty and missing of sweet to swallow a lot of watermelon slices and strawberry. Sorry for not helping cut those watermelons, but I won't forget to help while taking so much great food.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiAwc4IEaJh5RZA0llkupJk-Y0mnrtWQwbTwAF8KkyjFu3xjvRCalOu7Vg5zB_xyE6uP2p1SRMLQtZNUKE-_bNx1E0t-TBVqiAU-So_WdcDArua4T613jmR15cHs57n5jpqpbO5knGArP/s1600-h/P5200271.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiAwc4IEaJh5RZA0llkupJk-Y0mnrtWQwbTwAF8KkyjFu3xjvRCalOu7Vg5zB_xyE6uP2p1SRMLQtZNUKE-_bNx1E0t-TBVqiAU-So_WdcDArua4T613jmR15cHs57n5jpqpbO5knGArP/s400/P5200271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068491300321508146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rob Byrne (RD) and John Vonhof (the race founder) working at the finish timing tent.</span></span><br /></div><br />The fourth place <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/englandlej/OhloneWilderness50KTrailRun2007/photo#5068374215844289122" target="ohlone">Mark Tanaka</a> and his family have great time even he has finished 4th place, nearly one hour than me. So are <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/FurtherFaster/Ohlone50K2007/photo#5067141248213661346" target="ohlone">Jean Pommier</a>, the new Ohlone 50K winner, and his family. They all play around the big nice green field at the finish area. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067012006210579602" target="ohlone">Catra Corbet</a> also walks with her adorable Rocky.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBaAnBiPsl9vWS-YicHVc5BmigV5_wFnZXQUC1o6kXSdQxSPCMCsPTpq0q62tRChzDg8Km3POWz66wKDi5JX6ULVYG84Z6hMnLmr-AvUXuz8GmTcCKPIAoY3YkT1EHCyKi1KUeYTebF35/s1600-h/P5200273.JPG" target="ohlone"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBaAnBiPsl9vWS-YicHVc5BmigV5_wFnZXQUC1o6kXSdQxSPCMCsPTpq0q62tRChzDg8Km3POWz66wKDi5JX6ULVYG84Z6hMnLmr-AvUXuz8GmTcCKPIAoY3YkT1EHCyKi1KUeYTebF35/s400/P5200273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071333507814538546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks for grilling my burger!</span><br /></span></div><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067011821526985810" target="ohlone">Joe Swensen</a> arrives without any issues like last time he had in Diablo 50M. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070520OhloneWilderness50K/photo#5067011928901168242" target="ohlone">Yuki Negoro</a> gets to finish when I finish the fruit meal. His wife Miho arrives in a few minutes, we go ahead to the grill area. I normally don't eat burgers so often, or just grab a small $1 burger from a fast food restaurant with my family at weekend. Only after a race did I feel deserved to get ready for a big juicy burger. Onlone 50K and Quicksilver 50M are two races I'm looking for.<br /><br />Thanks all the volunteer to make this event so great every year. In particular, this race runs through such a remote area so we can enjoy the places that are unseen by average people. I am very touched that the volunteers have to work much harder at such areas to cater us runners. In particular, some of the volunteer (like the RD Rob Byrne) have to sacrifice their joy of running to help the event succeed. Right now, I don't know how I will not run this race in future, but I will definitely join the volunteer when I "retired".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Reports/Photos</span><br /><br />Yuki Negoro - <a href="http://public.fotki.com/yukin/2007ohlone50k/" target="ohlone">2007/5/20 Ohlone 50K</a><br /><br /><a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/" target="ohlone">Jean Pommier</a> (the winner) - <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2007/05/ohlone-wilderness-50k-chasing-myself.html" target="ohlone">Ohlone Wilderness 50K: Chasing... myself!</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/FurtherFaster/Ohlone50K2007" target="ohlone">Ohlone 50K 2007</a><br /><br />Jurek Zarzycki - <a href="http://zarzycki.org/jurek/var/2007_O50K_runners/" target="ohlone">2007 Ohlone 50K</a> - Almost every runner at Maggie's Half Acre<br /><br />Jurek Zarzycki - <a href="http://zarzycki.org/jurek/var/2007_Maggies_crew/" target="ohlone">2007 Ohlone 50K Maggie's crew</a> - the volunteer crew at Maggie’s Half Acre<br /><br />Jurek Zarzycki - <a href="http://zarzycki.org/jurek/picts/Travels/2007_sunol/index.html" target="ohlone">Sunol, California</a> - Beautiful course at Sunol the day before<br /><br />Chris Marolf - <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13669710@N00/sets/72157600257451634/" target="ohlone">Ohlone 50k 5/20/07</a> - A slide show<br /><br />Larry England, Ian McFaden, Ken Howell, and Bob Hallam - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/englandlej/OhloneWilderness50KTrailRun2007" target="ohlone">Photo Album</a> from Schlieper Rock, Stromer Spring, etc.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-44385021080872856562007-05-19T07:42:00.001-07:002007-05-20T05:05:30.869-07:00070512 Quicksilver 50M - Love the Never Flat Course<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW2SCfb1yB00YVzuA4FZOzYxDcEZGCcjNLniTL_Jux1xj-oMtlgn4-nJiv0ouw8fN5QeCDcsMmrlLpEH5KZcVGgeWoSGO3kLenPldU7LHzkzCQvANAGGh-Sw9FuXGE2KZtWOt2xV4ORNj/s1600-h/P5120095.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW2SCfb1yB00YVzuA4FZOzYxDcEZGCcjNLniTL_Jux1xj-oMtlgn4-nJiv0ouw8fN5QeCDcsMmrlLpEH5KZcVGgeWoSGO3kLenPldU7LHzkzCQvANAGGh-Sw9FuXGE2KZtWOt2xV4ORNj/s400/P5120095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064299125671383426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Looking Fresh at the top of the climb. Thanks Alan</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: May 12, 2007<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race</span>: <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location</span>: <a href="http://www.geocities.com/almadenqs/" target="qs50m">Almaden Quicksilver County Park</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance:</span> 50 miles<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Profile:</span> 8,530ft gain/loss, highest: 2,000 ft, lowest: 360ft, start/finish: 5400ft (image/data courtesy of <a href="http://www.run100s.com/" target="qs50m">Stan Jensen's Run 100s</a> and <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a>)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/qsprofile.gif" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/qsprofile.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span> 9hr 8min, 22/76 overall, 17 drop, <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/50MileResult2007.html" target="qs50m">Complete Results</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo:</span> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070512Quicksilver25K50K50M" target="qs50m">070512 Quicksilver 25K/50K/50M</a>, <a href="http://public.fotki.com/yukin/qs07/" target="qs50m">2007/05/12 QuickSilver</a> (Yuki Negoro)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Love Quicksilver</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a> has a special meaning to some of our <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultraholics/" target="qs50m">Ultraholics</a>. It is the third anniversary of ultrarunning to me and Yuki Negoro when both of us did the 50K in 2004. It is the second anniversary of ultrarunning to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="qs50m">Rajeev Patel</a>, who did the 50K in 2005. It is the first 50 mile trailrunning to our fast Ironman Alan Geraldi today.<br /><br />Besides, why I love <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a> run? I somehow like its Cytomax drink provided at the aid station - tasty but not too sweet. The juicy burger at the finish is also a motivation for me to get to the finish with all my best. How about its very affordable entry fee and convenient location with 45 min easy drive? I also want to mention its excellent course design to have a grand tour at every piece of the park. It may look like going back and forth from the course map, but they mostly on different trail or opposite direction of the same trail. I never feel bored. The infamous roller coaster hills near the start/finish shows its personality of ultrarunning. I first hate and fear it. Now I think I love it because it means that I can almost smell those perks at the finish.<br /><br />I have been thinking coming back to <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a> every year. I think maybe some years I can not go. This is because I found that <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/" target="qs50m">Massanutten Mountain Trails 100</a>, high in my wish list, happens to be on the same weekend as <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a>. Hope there'll be better arrangement in future and I'll be happy to do both. Anyway, knowing there is a mining award for those done 10 times in <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a>, I guess I need to wait for a few years until I get the same award before taking a leave to try <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/" target="qs50m">Massanutten Mountain Trails 100</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pre-Race</span><br /><br />I had a couple of hard ankle twists in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok 100K</a> a week before. This is basically continued from those ankle issues in races early this year (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/02/020307-woodside-50k-stumble-farewell-pr_16.html" target="qs50m">070203 Woodside 50K - A Stumble Farewell PR</a> and so on). Unlike the muscle soreness after running <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm">Diablo 50M</a>, I don't know how to relieve the pains on my ankles and other joints in my legs. I guess I had to take rest. OK. No running for another week since I did not run a whole week a week before.<br /><br />I was actually busy at writing <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok 100K</a> race report. It's kind of pressure because I don't have much time in writing. I need the time exclusive belonging to me so that I can bring up my recollections and every details in the race. I also had to give up thinking about the excitement of going back to <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50M</a> - just focus on finishing the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok 100K</a> race report. I was happy to finally finish it (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/05/070505-miwok-100k-enjoy-run-among-ankle.html" target="qs50m">070505 Miwok 100K - Enjoy the Run among Ankle Twists and Missing a Turn</a>) on Thursday so that I had less than two days to enjoy thinking to study the course and profile, which is part of the fun before a race!<br /><br />On the other hand, I seemed a little tired in the race morning after weeks of tough ultra's. I almost slept through my alarm set at 3:30am until a few minutes later when I figured out I have a race today. Going through what I need to do for the usual race morning, I soon forgot all the nervous feeling but get ready for the whole day running.<br /><br />Having been there for years, I was familiar with the highways to the race start. The traffic was always great in such an early morning. I thought maybe I left home too early and I could have more sleep. However, if I get there early, I'll have a nice parking spot near the finish. Yes, I did. The checkin tent is only 30 yards away.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6paKZ2TJ3DgrgeZVrncvCIKjwArPSO4Ug7L8Zhg_c1Ow1gbYwnTPLaO4n14pcOdLRusrpPg0BOuPdNVtUDrbJZilq3Lx3K-HrnadKwlLqCUdnpFuJUTQ-kqZjqkk9Y-7sNHE8O1SGYC-/s1600-h/P5120002.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6paKZ2TJ3DgrgeZVrncvCIKjwArPSO4Ug7L8Zhg_c1Ow1gbYwnTPLaO4n14pcOdLRusrpPg0BOuPdNVtUDrbJZilq3Lx3K-HrnadKwlLqCUdnpFuJUTQ-kqZjqkk9Y-7sNHE8O1SGYC-/s400/P5120002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064296282403033378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Me at the checkin tent in the chilly morning. Thanks Anil.</span><br /></div><br />I headed to the checkin tents to pick up my bib number. It was chilly but I knew it'd become warmer later in a day at south San Jose area. I met <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="qs50m">Rajeev Patel</a> there. He looks so fresh and did not show any fatigue sign from his PR finish in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok 100K</a> a week ago. Then I know later at the finish that he makes a PR again in 50K today. So is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704" target="qs50m">Anil Rao</a> nearby. He made a <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok 100K</a> debut - a kind of PR. Now he comes for 50K and has another PR in <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50K</a> today. They have been making amazing progress these days!<br /><br />When I get back to my car for some precious rest, I find out Chau Pham and Mylinh Nguyen just parked next to my car. They are a great ultra couple. They nearly ran every ultra together. They'll head for the great <a href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php" target="qs50m">Tour du Mont-Blanc</a> in summer. Yuki Negoro also parked close by. I can see his wife Miho still sleeping in the car. Miho always comes with Yuki in every race even she always feels sleepy in the morning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkuU4BjD3Yxk9Mem-hA7UCc5BMyVXhpUzFnOPz58cu73ycGgX1VwWsunqyr3c1NJhThkNIH_i4s-buj0Qo4fj3RV9Q6LGIiy7jCbVuHGExyv1xiiKsR0jOiGVZh7IkI5hdYAr7wPZOsFa/s1600-h/DSCF1368.jpg" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkuU4BjD3Yxk9Mem-hA7UCc5BMyVXhpUzFnOPz58cu73ycGgX1VwWsunqyr3c1NJhThkNIH_i4s-buj0Qo4fj3RV9Q6LGIiy7jCbVuHGExyv1xiiKsR0jOiGVZh7IkI5hdYAr7wPZOsFa/s400/DSCF1368.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066247201384176962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Our Ultraholics - Me, Yuuki, and Rajeev</span></span><br /></div><br />Alan Geraldi, an Ironman and sub 2:50 marathon runner, just arrives for the 50 miles as his first trail ultra after he finished the same in <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/sf_one_day.htm" target="qs50m">San Francisco One Day</a> last year. Today will be his training for his first 100 miler - <a href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/" target="qs50m">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a>. He'll experiment all kinds of ultra varieties during the run.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05136335498532576460" target="qs50m">Rick Gaston</a> is there too. He has run a lot of ultra's but today is his first appearance in Quicksilver. He has a camera, so are a few other runners. Today there are many more runners willing to carry a camera on the run. Rick and I agreed that it is < href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584" target="qs50m">Scott Dunlap who first popularize running with a camera and it brings us so much fun! Thanks Scott!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mockingbird (Start) => Webb Canyon:</span>6.4 miles , 1:01:49, 10:43 min/mile<br /><br />The minutes before the race start is now getting shorter since I know more ultrarunners. There is hardly enough time to talk with everyone I know. As the race start, we will have to become more serious and focus on our running.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PseTgj5ucXI7f4PCIvqkdrR85TTyh8ZuWa3_1voKNahdVeZT3wNzZNlj9L2Vh-42V67ze8aQUKZdRjcU-GjJhnLCundNfnEv6hkXkewnnU4FmQpowCHE3CbVPXEq6tUz4xW5zECGQqyI/s1600-h/DSCF1371.jpg" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PseTgj5ucXI7f4PCIvqkdrR85TTyh8ZuWa3_1voKNahdVeZT3wNzZNlj9L2Vh-42V67ze8aQUKZdRjcU-GjJhnLCundNfnEv6hkXkewnnU4FmQpowCHE3CbVPXEq6tUz4xW5zECGQqyI/s400/DSCF1371.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066247837039336786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Race starts! Me, Alan, Yuki, and other ultra friends</span></span><br /></div><br />Off we go. It begins with a steep downhill. Everyone is excited and is willing to run fast with fresh legs. Perhaps I forget my ankle issues among the excitement. I have a few very hard twists on my ankle within a minute. This is a bad sign, but I need to slow down and run in a gentle way. It's hurting, but the coming steep climb helps a bit because walking relieves the pain. Now I remember I planned to run with care on the first 6.4 mile section. It is single track with a lot of technical parts. But it's too late. I have to work on my ankle to avoid more twists and get away with the pain.<br /><br />I pass a few friends - Wally Hesseltine, Rob Bryne. They are wise enough to run conservatively in the beginning. I just want to test my limit so I try to push myself a little. Yuki Negoro is not far behind. I also pass Michael Kanning, a nice young 15 year old ultrarunner. Very few teenagers are willing to spend long time in running. I love to see such a great young man there enjoy the run.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eIv56YeH6fdXG7e7wq6raJXkDCJxhu-GSsjBgeZLv8PuD_Tp7H01nZ79DgwLSeBkFY63Tz_aJ74iErs68NgfjKIdH27TlqiFjqMIIW0ghcHSLQMU1RNxUbd8TWRYqI_qjjpiN5Uw7Ox_/s1600-h/P5120006.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eIv56YeH6fdXG7e7wq6raJXkDCJxhu-GSsjBgeZLv8PuD_Tp7H01nZ79DgwLSeBkFY63Tz_aJ74iErs68NgfjKIdH27TlqiFjqMIIW0ghcHSLQMU1RNxUbd8TWRYqI_qjjpiN5Uw7Ox_/s400/P5120006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064295990345257234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wally Hesseltine (with a WS100 waist pack), Rob Bryne (in blue)</span></span><br /></div><br />The course has very steep rolling hill, which I call "roller coaster", in the beginning. After a mile or so, we'll make a left turn where volunteer block the trail to show us the turn. I know going straight is the way to get to the start/finish when coming back. I'll get there twice a few hours later and finish....<br /><br />As I feel better with my ankle, I speed up a little carefully on the single track. I run with Haiming Yu and we exchange our places a few times. He looks like a triathlete and is running 50K today. Since he can run better than his 5 hr 15 min training run on the same course, I let him go without burning myself too much.<br /><br />Along the trail, I can see clearly how the trail work weeks before has made the trail easily runnable. I planned to join them, but decided to do the trail work at Mt. Diablo (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/04/trail-work-at-mt-diablo-knowing.html" target="qs50m">Trail Work at Mt. Diablo - Knowing Ultrarunning Friends and Poison Oaks</a>) because I found a way to get there without driving. I always want to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas. They remove a lot of overgrown plants.<br /><br />We are running in beautiful shade, but we can see the city on the right hand side. The daylight just come in and is not enough to for the day. Under such a dim light, the city looks like sleeping but is going to wake up in any minutes.<br /><br />The trail is rolling, but stays going down. It does not take much time before I feel the first aid station is just ahead. It is right at the lowest in the canyon, as it is called "Web Canyon".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Webb Canyon => Dam Overlook:</span>3.3/9.7 miles , 31:22/1:33:12, 10:10 min/mile<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDo92moPssuECeUEasigGF_HrTljTvdSFQoXuXVFcWf2ys8od5FQYJlpE_OXUbWGuehsM3DPcqG4Tlrudbt88JEBzF8_jtHSGACP4NGEANFWUEg1oEHDifyA-fyedd9xBxd1fG7Z195TO/s1600-h/P5120297.jpg" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDo92moPssuECeUEasigGF_HrTljTvdSFQoXuXVFcWf2ys8od5FQYJlpE_OXUbWGuehsM3DPcqG4Tlrudbt88JEBzF8_jtHSGACP4NGEANFWUEg1oEHDifyA-fyedd9xBxd1fG7Z195TO/s400/P5120297.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066249713940045154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Web Canyon aid station. Courtesy of Yuki Negoro</span><br /></span></div><br />I was very hydrated in the beginning, so I figure I might be able to run a few more miles without drink. I skip the Web Canyon aid station and say "Thank you".<br /><br />Leaving the canyon means the climb coming ahead. It will go all the way to the next aid station at Dam Overlook, where we'll visit three times in the run.<br /><br />It still single track trail. It seems that Alan Geraldi running strong 20 yards ahead of me, but I'm not sure if it is Alan. I don't want to distract him here where there are some technical, so I do not call him. The trail becomes wide open and there are early volunteer standing there showing us the route. Thanks for coming here. We need to make a left turn and continue the climb. It becomes a fireroad, so I call Alan. We run together, well sometimes walk, as we have to save our legs in the beginning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgT6PoFesbHU5XVQMGJOGVYuW7xkopeYdOApyuqJ_Qis7mjo6QLouXDzfwCFh-1f_qX6s76_-Rj6ZfdRpFlq7OZzIKxqFH94XTz6nI9svOj72rBi15y5OVvunmqhlK0GWlXj2QVKGErH2/s1600-h/P5120043.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgT6PoFesbHU5XVQMGJOGVYuW7xkopeYdOApyuqJ_Qis7mjo6QLouXDzfwCFh-1f_qX6s76_-Rj6ZfdRpFlq7OZzIKxqFH94XTz6nI9svOj72rBi15y5OVvunmqhlK0GWlXj2QVKGErH2/s400/P5120043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064296836453814594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alan heads for the Dam Overlook aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />At the end of climb, we are able to see Mt. Umunhum (3486 ft) bathing in the daylights. The artificial structure at the top is very shiny by the early sun light. This will a wonderful day to come.<br /><br />We get to the Dam at the corner and the aid station is on out left with a 100 yard climb.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dam Overlook => Capehorn:</span> 4.8/14.5 miles , 46:55/2:20:07, 10:24 min/mile<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz5yqYoKz7WMOXDHx0UokVE8Th4mP2o9rP8A5BZ2J3SMlLSFUI3xWp7HqbVQIWYgZP2R_uLr-_9OPWk41eDLMOMZxZkGhvsDX6KE8Ebrk49XghRkDWAOw1GkKXo-AJmtB4eXh0NfmqYQj/s1600-h/P5120046.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz5yqYoKz7WMOXDHx0UokVE8Th4mP2o9rP8A5BZ2J3SMlLSFUI3xWp7HqbVQIWYgZP2R_uLr-_9OPWk41eDLMOMZxZkGhvsDX6KE8Ebrk49XghRkDWAOw1GkKXo-AJmtB4eXh0NfmqYQj/s400/P5120046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064296548691005746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dam Overlook aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />This is my first stop at the aid station after running 9.7 miles. I have my empty bottle filled up and leave. Alan wants to put some stuff back to his drop bag.<br /><br />The course is a rolling hills slight climb to the next aid station Capehorn. Without wasting much time, I eat a Gel while leaving the aid station. I plan to eat another one near Capehorn.<br /><br />Although there are some runners on the trail, I feel running by myself but it is nice to enjoy the trail without any pressure from peer runners. Maybe this is more single track in the beginning and runners have thinned out after 10 miles.<br /><br />When the course becomes a little open, the city can be seen at the left hand side down below. The course runs along the mountain at the right hand side. It also gets to our first mining relic - Buena Vista Shaft. I know the aid station is not far.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaWrPRkFx8isu6Lzz9DDyhPS-wdQHy6NEH7UHYD3ZgOzNwBeD3Cb6DWDM3JdA0ZR06MeyB3vjvkW5nunndH1Oi8AicSIGk7vUlBVS2SgPObG9XUoyffmL-vDh4rIhK-AdDiZKebxBZpJD/s1600-h/P5120054.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaWrPRkFx8isu6Lzz9DDyhPS-wdQHy6NEH7UHYD3ZgOzNwBeD3Cb6DWDM3JdA0ZR06MeyB3vjvkW5nunndH1Oi8AicSIGk7vUlBVS2SgPObG9XUoyffmL-vDh4rIhK-AdDiZKebxBZpJD/s400/P5120054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064297519353614690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alan is catching up after dropping 2 pound stuff into a drop bag</span><br /></span></div><br />Maybe my legs are still fresh after 10 miles, this 4.8 mile section goes so easy with nice view of the city and trails. Near Capehorn, I can see Alan is catching up from behind. He looks like running his fast road race (sub 1:20 half marathon) after dropping a lot of extra stuff at Dam Overlook - 2 pounds worth. He easily passes me right before the aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Capehorn => </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dam Overlook</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span><span>4.5/19 miles , 45:54/3:06:00, 10:36 min/mile<br /><br /></span><span>Here the 25K runner will make a left turn back to Mockingbird and the job is done. We'll turn right and continue on the hill. I feel lucky to always run the longest distance in an event to get all the best of it.<br /></span><span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNAtt77THd_pnBt5RtTqNOA4mBNnmHzCqe9zZdcRXmPb15gMCyijeU2epoElbeEcTtbI5arJK69AQSsJEBcMGZbmRpErpEVypdgzFbAFEguQyicnPslgPUSl08aRlMU7x7tjzXuMM0DZP/s1600-h/P5120057.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNAtt77THd_pnBt5RtTqNOA4mBNnmHzCqe9zZdcRXmPb15gMCyijeU2epoElbeEcTtbI5arJK69AQSsJEBcMGZbmRpErpEVypdgzFbAFEguQyicnPslgPUSl08aRlMU7x7tjzXuMM0DZP/s400/P5120057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064297227295838546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alan at Capehorn aid station</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />I stay longer after Alan Geraldi leaves. I'd like to make sure my food and drink are enough for me to skip the next aid station. This will be a 9.2 mile section for me. Bob Bryne also comes in when I leave.<br /><br />It starts with climb so all of us are walking. I remember I ran this part last year, so I try to run as much as possible. The trail then goes down after a mile or so until the mining relic Power House. After that, we need to run on a steep uphill all the way to the top to enjoy the long downhill to the next aid station. And great views there!<br /><br />I run most on the second climb, but Rob Bryne and another 50K runner are even faster. They pass me over there. A great volunteer (an ultrarunner) standing near the top of trail show the route and cheer for us. This is also the place when we come back from the Dam Overlook and need to make a turn to Englishtown aid station. He is also ready for the front runners arriving in any minutes.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr4HRS8z0P4D7av1q6R_W4Y0lrtDPauvthY0yeBuGMPkD9wxjiX5FOQp_Y-pWV7npmr2nLQO7gT87-Kc2oGkCR1xWnZ8L2Yh0bjJ_D1r2OgMr861xAfwrEQT8fp5dhEMnLV8rCLzuJqYW/s1600-h/P5120063.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr4HRS8z0P4D7av1q6R_W4Y0lrtDPauvthY0yeBuGMPkD9wxjiX5FOQp_Y-pWV7npmr2nLQO7gT87-Kc2oGkCR1xWnZ8L2Yh0bjJ_D1r2OgMr861xAfwrEQT8fp5dhEMnLV8rCLzuJqYW/s400/P5120063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065886952412290338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A great volunteer showing us the routes with cheers</span></span></span><br /></div><span><br />It's great to get to the top and start to enjoy the speed and the famous view of Guadalupe Reservoir. I speed up but not too fast to hurt my ankles. The front runners are coming with Graham Cooper leading the 50 miles and the other one for the 50K. They both look great and have over 6 miles ahead of me.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjz6pACadei-r2RC2FkLUi13iIevS3inOjf3h34Wkk4Hj4if7XKhP43WfBSoAEYcoDFesu6pOyAbc5M3LIo3RDMp3MZnE05z8m1TRK3cH-9s79c3htkCvkzG5NkNH9oCOLBex4w_Pubcvp/s1600-h/P5120077.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjz6pACadei-r2RC2FkLUi13iIevS3inOjf3h34Wkk4Hj4if7XKhP43WfBSoAEYcoDFesu6pOyAbc5M3LIo3RDMp3MZnE05z8m1TRK3cH-9s79c3htkCvkzG5NkNH9oCOLBex4w_Pubcvp/s400/P5120077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065887708326534450" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A grand view of Guadalupe Reservoir</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dam Overlook => Dam Overlook:</span> 4.7/24.7 miles, forget to press the lap button<br /><br />As planned, I skip the second visit to the Dam Overlook aid station. I'll stop at the next and last visit after I finish the 4.7 mile Dam Overlook loop. Immediately the second place 50 mile runner Jeff Riley is coming - 4.7 miles ahead of me. I also spot Alan Geraldi 20 yards ahead of me, so I am able to catch up with him. I am surprise that he has run without a water bottle, but he said he somehow does not need a lot of water. Amazing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK3voKKgY97NXmxUCXuVsGIqykzmH3m_R9QdkfDAccyMOA_u1zq9ckK4Udpe2L52MAFiSU-zDoVVSFRABk-aTzNS1HNOnR5UgOJqtQkntq3l4faQxrGqAPkJi8UcTW1vB_jIWvHl6V9N5/s1600-h/P5120094.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK3voKKgY97NXmxUCXuVsGIqykzmH3m_R9QdkfDAccyMOA_u1zq9ckK4Udpe2L52MAFiSU-zDoVVSFRABk-aTzNS1HNOnR5UgOJqtQkntq3l4faQxrGqAPkJi8UcTW1vB_jIWvHl6V9N5/s400/P5120094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065883155661200658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alan Geraldi</span></span><br /></div><br />The course continue the downhill and Alan and I are running with nice speed together. Rick Gaston also flies by. He usually gets stronger as more miles. This has been proved in my experience last year when he passed me in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok</a> at the turnaround and he passed me at the last few miles in <a href="http://www.firetrails50.net/" target="qs50m">Firetrails</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz8sHHt6QTMau_Y3ETwGSd55rusVTU8JuZKXsmtulYV8GetmQLknWJGX_NGWA_SYXI05HvF4LY8-bFjuHA7OmPN5Wqqu9Iisr8okN6LoGjGeOUkD-BH4plOXHA-bCH43vo-1PsVisHWUO/s1600-h/P5120093.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz8sHHt6QTMau_Y3ETwGSd55rusVTU8JuZKXsmtulYV8GetmQLknWJGX_NGWA_SYXI05HvF4LY8-bFjuHA7OmPN5Wqqu9Iisr8okN6LoGjGeOUkD-BH4plOXHA-bCH43vo-1PsVisHWUO/s400/P5120093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065879500644031746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Runners come for the nice climb</span></span><br /></div><br />At the end of downhill, there is a steep quarter mile climb. It is so steep that there is no way to see where is the top of the climb. Alan and I simply power walk with patience and we finally get to the top. Now it becomes a quarter mile steep downhill to the mining relic Senador Mine. Alan needs to do some stretch, so I just keep running with gravity pull.<br /><br />Then the course stretch another 300 yards on a nice flat dirt path all the way to another park entrance at McAbee Road. Since this is near the entrance, there are more visitors and better facility with a water fountain and a bathroom.<br /><br />The course turns right to an over two miles long climb back to the Dam Overlook. It is shady in the beginning and I am still running. After a quarter mile, it becomes steeper and exposed. I start to power walk and know it is close to the place where we ran in the beginning on our way from Web Canyon to Dam Overlook. I run with Sean Lang for a while and know he has run a few other <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="qs50m">PCTR</a> 50K.<br /><br />Again Alan comes closer from behind. He seems lighter on his legs after his stretch. We arrive the Dam Overlook together. I'll stop at the aid station for refuel as my bottle is almost empty after this 9.2 mile section.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dam Overlook => Englishtown:</span> 3.3/27 miles (8.0 mile, 1:32:24/4:38:24, 11:37 min/mile)<br /><br />Since I skipped the previous visit of this aid station, I am very thirsty after finishing this 9.2 mile section. I'm glad that I am fine right now. Alan seems to stay here for longer time to work on his stuff. I leave the aid station after I make sure I have had enough drink and have enough water in my bottle. I plan to skip the next aid station.<br /><br />From here, I have to run back on the hill and climb back to the highest. Last year I was able to run all the way and meet <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640">Rajeev Patel</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704">Anil Rao</a> there. This year I don't see them. This means they have run much faster than last year. They eventually set their PR's at the finish!<br /><br />Since there are more runners coming down, I have my camera ready. Thanks to Dave Combs telling me names of some famous runners - 10th finisher Dan Marinsik and Carol Cuminale, ever-present Barbara Elia, and Christina Brownsen. Dave, managing the <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html" target="qs50m">Ultrarunning List</a>, is running his first 50K after a few years.<br /><br />I have tried to take a picture for every runner, but later I seem to have some issue with my camera. This is first time to use it. I don't have time to figure it out. I think it's about battery, so I just put my camera back to the pocket and hope the battery will recover later (just like our running needs some breaks).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV3g52Bjxs_S0JMR4fxzUY05T9qe-6gHDW6gxWaT-HCVt_v9n0OGFskhyphenhyphen5hVHLPXa5JHJbKEQqzJT7CogOxbMdpkm8fgnWeFsiLHEZyBEyJBofQjnRU31rdSbi_8H3IUvXsrtVQddXHAe/s1600-h/P5120113.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV3g52Bjxs_S0JMR4fxzUY05T9qe-6gHDW6gxWaT-HCVt_v9n0OGFskhyphenhyphen5hVHLPXa5JHJbKEQqzJT7CogOxbMdpkm8fgnWeFsiLHEZyBEyJBofQjnRU31rdSbi_8H3IUvXsrtVQddXHAe/s400/P5120113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065872980883676322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rena Schumann and a 50K runners take a walk break after a long climb</span></span><br /></div><br />As I work hard on the climb by patiently running it. Rena Schumann and another 50K runner catch up. Rena is running her 10th Quicksilver and receives the mining award at the finish. It's almost the top of the hill, so I am glad to switch to walk break when they also walk ahead of me. Shuffling between run and walk, I catch up and have a chat. I am pleased when Rena told me that the pictures I shot for <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok 100K</a> was put in <a href="http://planetultramarathon.wordpress.com/" target="qs50m">Planet Ultramarathon</a>. They run strongly, so I let them go and I just follow my pace.<br /><br />When I get to a wide fireroad, I know it's about the marathon distance and the Englishtown aid station at mile 27 is not far. There are lots of pretty wildflower along the trail.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj8nkuZbTuuSM0rx70XGO0fbIt9_ngnaYFb9LyvmUw5qaMKZi8dz5FvGdH338UMPdpa-QufEn5x2IQYF-140aIuE232fHn4mmb3PF3RGBd_6frBdBYUVHbVZ90m4gljDtLe228QutlDPl/s1600-h/P5120114.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj8nkuZbTuuSM0rx70XGO0fbIt9_ngnaYFb9LyvmUw5qaMKZi8dz5FvGdH338UMPdpa-QufEn5x2IQYF-140aIuE232fHn4mmb3PF3RGBd_6frBdBYUVHbVZ90m4gljDtLe228QutlDPl/s400/P5120114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065873371725700274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The wildflower lane at the marathon mark</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Englishtown => Mockingbird (50K Finish):</span> 4.5/31.5 miles , 42:58/5:21:23, 10:30 min/mile<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLogbOqzYdmgHp624SzYHm3RUBx-dpRvlERewGLU4SGbJj-r7fPmlYBif0vOS7wywssOK3IKBm33PkMnPRUWNhHziE5Kdx3kg0n7NfC-BDwtGmXDDQ5JZqjKTdI00Qt1ND3_H12-inHS9d/s1600-h/P5120115.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLogbOqzYdmgHp624SzYHm3RUBx-dpRvlERewGLU4SGbJj-r7fPmlYBif0vOS7wywssOK3IKBm33PkMnPRUWNhHziE5Kdx3kg0n7NfC-BDwtGmXDDQ5JZqjKTdI00Qt1ND3_H12-inHS9d/s400/P5120115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065873964431187138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Englishtown aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />Since I have enough water in the bottle, so I just skip the Englishtown aid station. This is a bold move as I still have 4.5 miles to go, including some scary hills, and it'll getting warmer. Anyway, I want to give it a try about my thirsty limit.<br /><br />It begins a downhill. Within minutes, the front runners coming and they already finished 50K! Jeff Riley leads the pace and Graham Cooper is only 1 minute behind. Mark Tanaka is about 5 minutes behind. They all working very hard on the exposed climb.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZW2qRlKx7AsFDGZkUg0vkOsQ7aIcRdagLPpLLYIHhVBvqef4z_2Jx1Dpxn-N2vlZ3fLOXVLX4jNHWDHEqlkT4FdaAXS2ooZvjksSTO1WfxGGEPM48k8n2uNGdm-kCR3BngrG2MNM3F-vZ/s1600-h/P5120116.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZW2qRlKx7AsFDGZkUg0vkOsQ7aIcRdagLPpLLYIHhVBvqef4z_2Jx1Dpxn-N2vlZ3fLOXVLX4jNHWDHEqlkT4FdaAXS2ooZvjksSTO1WfxGGEPM48k8n2uNGdm-kCR3BngrG2MNM3F-vZ/s400/P5120116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065874350978243794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mark Tanaka working hard on the climb. His 33 miles and my 29 miles.</span></span><br /></div><br />Along the way I run mostly with 50K runners, including Erik Dube. I catch up with him at the roller coaster hill. I heard about his name for a while, but never saw him. It's kind of amazement that I can run with such a fast guy. Perhaps he is doing a training run for the <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="qs50m">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> eight days later.<br /><br />I catch up with Rena Schumann nearby. However, we can chat only a little at the roller coaster hill because we want to be more careful about running at such a steep hill. I remember I fell down over here when I ran <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/" target="qs50m">Quicksilver</a> for the first time. Now with trail shoes and good at downhill, I carefully speed up with gravity pull. Rena is more careful, so I pass her.<br /><br />After passing a few other runners, I get to the place that we turn left in the morning, but we need to go straight. It is still downhill, but I know it's close to the 50K Mockingbird aid station. After easily run over a small uphill, the aid station is there. Some runners are happy to finish their run today. We 50 mile runners will stop the aid station for a while to continue the rest of 50 miles.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mockingbird => Englishtown:</span> 4.0/35.5 miles , 52:12/6:13:35, 13:43 min/mile<br /><br />I think I'm slower than last year by about 10 minutes when I get to the 50K, but I feel better. I guess it is mostly because I have been running conservatively due to the ankle issue. I should be able to make it up later.<br /><br />Rob Bryne has been there , so he is ready to leave. Kermit Curt Jr. is there too. I am excited to see him. He is very kind to help me a few things at the aid station. He is going to pace Linda McFadden and waiting for her. What intrigues me is that there is a free massage at the finish, as he said. I'm going to try it so I need to make my 50 miles finish. After drinking a can of Sprite and other fluid. Off I go. Rena Schumann just comes in when I take off.<br /><br />The course re-trace the beginning run for a while - steep downhill followed by steep climb, i.e. pre roller coaster. I run carefully on the downhill, still remembering how I twisted my ankle in the morning.<br /><br />I work hard on the climb. Rob Bryne and the other guy are about 20 yards in front of me, but I am getting closer. Different from the beginning that we made a right turn at the top of the trail, we turn left to re-visit the roller-coaster hills that we got there less than 30 minutes ago!<br /><br />It's now a little bit crowded. We are going out after 50K, while there are runners coming back for 25K/50K finish or looking for the Mockingbird aid station at 50K to continue their 50 mile journey. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704" target="qs50m">Anil Rao</a> is there, and he looks great and ready to finish around 6 hours and set his PR. I briefly check with him about <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="qs50m">Rajeev Patel</a>, but he has no idea. Rajeev must be even faster and actually finishes under 6 hours - another PR! Amazing both guys keep making their leaping PR's in these weekly ultra's - <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ar.htm" target="qs50m">American River 50</a>, <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="qs50m">Miwok 100K</a>, and today!<br /><br />Obviously, a lot of runners are become very careful on the roller coaster hill. I no long fear about it, so I pass through it without any problem. It's noon time and Sun has come out high to greet us at the exposed trail. I pass a few runners, including Rob Bryne at the start of the last climb before the next aid station.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEmTpp8iX1ZE-3ptBewoc4DgJ7GYqkMO_bAcYF9Bt8qGDogYnyRWVqj6zAv4NQC7iyAhHpctrGa1Nt-df-cQW_oZc8yspzi4YmXJD4sVuVox71HRBpDMpuaJqO9awAwdUwuzSyM9ZEo-v/s1600-h/P5120117.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEmTpp8iX1ZE-3ptBewoc4DgJ7GYqkMO_bAcYF9Bt8qGDogYnyRWVqj6zAv4NQC7iyAhHpctrGa1Nt-df-cQW_oZc8yspzi4YmXJD4sVuVox71HRBpDMpuaJqO9awAwdUwuzSyM9ZEo-v/s400/P5120117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065874728935365858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The triathelet Nan Nguyen takes it easy on her first ultra (50miles!) with her pacer</span><br /></span></div><br />Since I feel better than last year right now, I keep pushing myself. Nan Nguyen is not far ahead running her first ultra (and 50 miles!) with her pacer. I catch up later and have a nice chat with her. She is a triathelet and would like to try some trail ultra's. This section is one of the toughest, but She looks amazingly great with smiles. We run together and arrive at the aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Englishtown => Hicks Road:</span> 2.0/37.5 miles , 24:10/6:37:45, 12:01 min/mile<br /><br />I planned to skip Englishtown aid station but stop at the next at another 2 miles away. However, I have been a little torched by the climb from the 50K and wonder if I can keep the same strength for the next two miles, which is mostly exposed. I decide to stop and drink enough fluid.<br /><br />Nan Nguyen and her pacer are gone, so is Rob Bryne. I soon follow them after I finish a can of Sprite. The course starts with a single track for less than a quarter mile. Within a minute, Jeff Riley just comes back fast. He has another 2.5 miles to go before the finish!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DY2ayu_IIJBJMuMvdy3_vtHGrN6cu8Vv4hGSVXUoTjd8KT7PFqugHj_7x7QrWImXP46ZK5tJWDNchAWYIhCauVUxIs5wgsgl2g8l1UyfllQMyZhUuFIsn_XIj9oFuSV97tVa0PAO8NYn/s1600-h/P5120118.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DY2ayu_IIJBJMuMvdy3_vtHGrN6cu8Vv4hGSVXUoTjd8KT7PFqugHj_7x7QrWImXP46ZK5tJWDNchAWYIhCauVUxIs5wgsgl2g8l1UyfllQMyZhUuFIsn_XIj9oFuSV97tVa0PAO8NYn/s400/P5120118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066256512873274738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jeff Riley comes back strong for his second place finish. 2.5 miles to go!</span></span><br /></div><br />After the single track is an exposed wide fireroad. Mark Tanaka also comes back, but I am not able to take a picture this time as I had some technical issue with my camera (first time used). I hope I can meet him at the finish, but he is always fast and ready to go home at the finish.<br /><br />I catch up with Rob and can see Nan at about quarter mile ahead of us. I run with Rob together till the quarter mile shady trail before the next aid station. Then he moves ahead. Rob and I arrive the Hicks Road aid station about the same time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hicks Road => Sierra Azul:</span> 4.0/41.5 miles (3.61 miles, 44:27/7:22:12, 12:19 min/mile, No Battery!)<br /><br />I quickly drink another can of Sprite so that I'll have better chance to complete the 4 mile climb to the turnaround. Rob Bryne is already gone and soon speeds away from me. I just stay with my pace instead of chasing him.<br /><br />The course enter the trail once we cross the road and a small parking area. It is nice and shady with rolling hill and downhill from time to time. However, I know I need to face the exposed climb later on the trail. I can hear runners getting closer from behind. Rena Schumann and another runner pass me in minutes.<br /><br />The trail slowly becomes climbing and I'm getting tired. I can tell by the fact that I mostly think about finishing the run instead of speeding up. In the mean time, faster runners keep coming down from the turnaround. I can tell the distance to the aid station at the turnaround by how fresh and happy they look.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Qu4m0LEOXm8prFC3hwzoBzgTKAVwZUIFtQ9B8an6e2bRnbLTJEhy2iQYeuSG74O12c4w1fkmb25lxsVVwIY9TNlaEA06FOtUSSUVWrX-H_BcCjgngmdxEY5GzX_FK3ENqsQKOzP0wExG/s1600-h/P5120120.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Qu4m0LEOXm8prFC3hwzoBzgTKAVwZUIFtQ9B8an6e2bRnbLTJEhy2iQYeuSG74O12c4w1fkmb25lxsVVwIY9TNlaEA06FOtUSSUVWrX-H_BcCjgngmdxEY5GzX_FK3ENqsQKOzP0wExG/s400/P5120120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066257453471112578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Smiling after replenish at the Sierra Azul aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />I envy them a little, but I'll be the same fresh when I finish the climb and get to the aid station. That's my hope. I also roughly count the number of them and think I probably at 20 something place, not better than the 10th place last year. I don't really care as long as I have always tried my best. All these thoughts bring me the image of finish area that I'll get to in an hour - icy drinks, chair, juicy burger, medal, going home, etc!<br /><br />The trail is now totally uphill and exposed. Somehow my Forerunner watch has gone dead. It ran out of battery after 7 and half hours into the run. My previous experience is it can last over 12 hours, so I turned it on when I left home at 4:30am. This means the battery lasts only 9 hours today. I remember I fully charged it the day before. Anyway, I'll find out why; otherwise I'd rather carry my 150 laps Timex watch next time.<br /><br />On the other hand, I can only counting the runners in front of me as an estimate of the distance. As I keep counting, I excitedly spot the aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sierra Azul => Hicks Road:</span> 4.0/45.5 miles<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfuMYEwTHJHLJT-apEStNHK2fYTSRgH43QJP3aUm1bvEj-qGtM3TI7kwlk1KlvLqGKNdZHuh2Mj9uYn6yz86dj-TFA50SZxR4p0FzzyOZPIKUxiEcjF1FotPfWOjCgk5Tizkyl24rnIn/s1600-h/P5120121.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfuMYEwTHJHLJT-apEStNHK2fYTSRgH43QJP3aUm1bvEj-qGtM3TI7kwlk1KlvLqGKNdZHuh2Mj9uYn6yz86dj-TFA50SZxR4p0FzzyOZPIKUxiEcjF1FotPfWOjCgk5Tizkyl24rnIn/s400/P5120121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065529993385352338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sierra Azul aid station</span><br /></span></div><br />The aid station is the turnaround of the 8 mile out-and-back course. It's at such a nice and shady spot. It's kind of reward to take a break after 4 mile climb in the afternoon. Runners are stretching or fixing the feet.<br /><br />I feel fine, so I take off after quickly finishing a sprite and have my bottle filled. It's great to turn around and enjoy the downhill. When going out to the turnaround, I did not feel how it will be so nice on the coming back. Perhaps I was suffering, or perhaps I was still in good shape to feel it like a rolling hill. Anyway, it is true that it's downhill right now and I am enjoying the speed.<br /><br />One good thing about this nice out-and-back section is that not only can you enjoy seeing the speed of front runners, you can cheer the rest of runners when coming back. I can see runners coming up and happily tell them the distance to the aid station. Alan Geraldi also comes in a pack of three with Lon Monroe and Mario Jackson. Lon is in the film "<a href="http://www.kvie.org/programs/kvie/araceforthesoul/" target="qs50m">A Race for the Soul</a>". He claims stretching in the creek under the Deadwood Canyon before the dreadful Devil's Thumb climb is "better than sex" and it's worthy to lose 5 minutes (to stretch) in a long run. I am glad to see Alan get to this point. It is tough but I have confidence that he's going to finish it no matter how. Yes, he finishes his first 50 miles trail ultra. I have not seen Yuki Negoro and worry if he got some issues. I know later that he had to stop at 50K to avoid more injuries.<br /><br />At the end of the long downhill, I expect a creek, but there is a small water flowing across. After this, it is a slow uphill. I am actually happy to see this because I know the aid station is not far.<br /><br />David Jordan catches up and asks me how far it is to the aid station. My Forerunner is dead, but I have some memory about this trail. I say "half mile to go". He passes me. Within a minute, I can see the road and the entrance only 100 feet ahead. Hope he is not mad my wrong answer, but more glad to see the aid station not far away. Although I was wrong in telling the distance, I guess both of us should be happy to know the aid station is far less than "half mile".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hicks Road => Englishtown:</span> 2.0/47.5 miles<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5GqpLfBlRGdv1ejprt_wPNAatAJFPpyqEFY8TAnNwKXTKzzZWdkL47Tbdg2euH_6zmgTYmdgurZc3lUkO1vDUn5qOorxzy0gl_hIYoStGZxZlZtx_g_nIw2jvOwWl54mFgZWrWwFoKK2/s1600-h/P5120122.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5GqpLfBlRGdv1ejprt_wPNAatAJFPpyqEFY8TAnNwKXTKzzZWdkL47Tbdg2euH_6zmgTYmdgurZc3lUkO1vDUn5qOorxzy0gl_hIYoStGZxZlZtx_g_nIw2jvOwWl54mFgZWrWwFoKK2/s400/P5120122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065521884487097474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">David Jordan prepares himself for the last few miles to the finish at Hicks Road aid station</span></span><br /></div><br />I arrive the aid station seconds after David Jordan. He seems very tired and is grabbing food. I take a picture of the aid station. They are surprised and excited about me carrying a camera in running. Anyway, all of us have fun!<br /><br />While David keeps staying the aid station, I decide not to stop because I have enough water for the next 2 miles. I know it'll be mostly exposed and uphill in the next 2 miles except the last 200 yards single track trail. Right now, I seem to have recovered and been "<a href="http://www.kvie.org/programs/kvie/araceforthesoul/" target="qs50m">Running Through the Wall</a>". I am able to run all the hills. Within a minute, Mylinh Nguyen comes strong and seems ready for the 8 mile Sierra Azul out-and-back. I see a few other 50 mile runners coming over the hills, including Barbara Elia, Carol Cuminale, etc.<br /><br />I patiently run all the hills and feel fine. I am glad to get to the single track downhill and know the aid station is only 200 yards away. Suddenly, there is an engine noise roaring behind. There is actually a truck forcing through the single track from behind. With more fun over scare, I run faster and imagine that a truck is chasing me. Perhaps this is an easy way to maintain the single track trail from plant overgrowth.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UtPSdBcZ5reiF2aLwi2nqJIrtvo9dBEwuQEgQjsG5eOFqVBcxkYG1NLbeTepnsnUocDsiYyNPwUmAAzpHIzDgECcwuvnun1fqZnuVKn_QO0Zln3L9iwlHFDNy3jEy43KKOD46_n-_xbe/s1600-h/P5120126.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UtPSdBcZ5reiF2aLwi2nqJIrtvo9dBEwuQEgQjsG5eOFqVBcxkYG1NLbeTepnsnUocDsiYyNPwUmAAzpHIzDgECcwuvnun1fqZnuVKn_QO0Zln3L9iwlHFDNy3jEy43KKOD46_n-_xbe/s400/P5120126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065521643968928882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Roaring truck forcing me to run faster from behind</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Englishtown => Mockingbird (50M Finish):</span> 2.5/50 miles<br /><br />I could have passed the last aid station at Englishtown as it's only 2.5 miles to go and I have some water left in my bottle. But there is no hurt to have a quick stop and get myself ready for the coming roller coaster hills and run strong to the finish. Again, I ask for a can of cold Sprite to make sure I'll deliver my best where most of the next 2.5 miles is exposed and warm, although I can finish only half of it.<br /><br />My Forerunner 305 is dead, so I check the time with a volunteer - 2:56pm. I am a little disappointed that I can not break 9 hours, but I am happier to get to this point and ready to finish the run.<br /><br />Off I go with a victorious shout. One nice thing about Quicksilver run is 50 mile runners come back to the start/finish twice but on different route, so we never get bored but feel better that the finish is not far. The second time is shorter with said with breathtaking downhill. This motivates us a lot. However, newcomers may be fooled with this but forget some heartbreaking climbs. With four years in the run, I have mindset for this. Since I am going to finish, I'm not scared and ready to take whatever difficult trails ahead.<br /><br />It starts with a nice shady downhill right after the aid station. After about than half mile on this Mine Hill trail, it gets to Capehorn Pass with the exposed climb that can be seen some distance away. I'm not scared and nor upset, but to run or power walk on it with patience. It's time to take one Gel to get some power.<br /><br />There are no other runners around. I can run without pressure. I simply cover the climb with patience since my legs are not sore. I need to only be careful on the steep and slippery downhill for fear of ankle twists.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6MIjSRG1yd66xDnbh3uoPaX7Ozt2uigXjWSkg-XiY3Reqoow866yYI6oQmT-AQ2LsCgnAYv2CWDK0kxzvPt6h6dfZK75BaZ3xQ54ApzCHEEV5ejsePLdEsPTm2zMqUtksMezTyHNsVmG/s1600-h/P5120127.JPG" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6MIjSRG1yd66xDnbh3uoPaX7Ozt2uigXjWSkg-XiY3Reqoow866yYI6oQmT-AQ2LsCgnAYv2CWDK0kxzvPt6h6dfZK75BaZ3xQ54ApzCHEEV5ejsePLdEsPTm2zMqUtksMezTyHNsVmG/s400/P5120127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065138640260307906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Imagine this roller-coaster hill. Or come to see it next year!</span></span><br /></div><br />I take a picture of a climb, but my picture is still not good at showing the steepness of the climb. You have to be there to be awed by the climb.<br /><br />It's great that I'm familiar with every scene along the way in the last stretch to the finish. I know how far it is. I finally pass the place we made the right turn in the beginning of the run. I am excited to know there are no more climbs.<br /><br />Since I have run slowly, I expect that I'll spend 20 minutes on this 2.5 mile, 2 minutes slower than last year and my finish time will be like 9hr 15min based on the time given at the Englishtown aid station. No pressure on 9 hours, I run gently with gravity pull. With joy, I don't feel the time passing by and I get to the place we made the left turn to a single track trail in the beginning. I know it's a quarter mile steep downhill to the finish.<br /><br />There is a final small climb before the finish. I don't push myself and easily pass it. Yuki Negoro is waiting there<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvC5I3hgs1WtLV_8KOpEc-MUBmrQGooD5-HPJYZElmwT2Lbz6OVsql7ba7NnZxx7l4DPRGGlGs-VbquqyWKzSvxhhyphenhypheng7-Lj6NuA-yOhsFtCvNtV4JfZAH_zfJmXt_k8piQ8-jdd5ArA9t/s1600-h/P5120320.jpg" target="qs50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvC5I3hgs1WtLV_8KOpEc-MUBmrQGooD5-HPJYZElmwT2Lbz6OVsql7ba7NnZxx7l4DPRGGlGs-VbquqyWKzSvxhhyphenhypheng7-Lj6NuA-yOhsFtCvNtV4JfZAH_zfJmXt_k8piQ8-jdd5ArA9t/s400/P5120320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065520376953576546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm done and, most importantly, smiling! Courtesy of Yuki.</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Reports</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640" target="qs50m">Rajeev Patel</a> - <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/2007/05/quicksilver200750k.html" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50K</a>, <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/2006/05/quicksilver-50k-may-13-2006.html" target="qs50m"> Quicksilver 50K (May 13, 2006)</a>. Both have a poem each.<br />Dave Comb - <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0705C&L=ULTRA&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;T=0&F=&S=&X=1DEBEA42E3BD5ECD3F&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Y=chihpingfu%40yahoo.com&P=260" target="qs50m">Quicksilver 50K race report</a> (need <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html" target="qs50m">Ultrarunning List</a> subscription)<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05136335498532576460" target="qs50m">Rick Gaston</a> - <a href="http://365ultra.blogspot.com/2007/05/quickie-at-quicksilver-50m.html" target="qs50m">Quickie at Quicksilver 50M</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584"target="qs50m">Scott Dunlap</a> - <a href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2007/05/racing-2007-quicksliver-50k.html"target="qs50m">Racing the 2007 Quicksliver 50k</a>Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-39676159132358857582007-05-03T17:08:00.001-07:002007-05-04T15:13:58.329-07:00070429 Diablo 50M - A Tough Footrace I'll Ever Love but Never Quit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPxfUKizNU0whAYTfhYWn1Te3m7PVyUvMNB04mBpmxVaod_z9CLlnL6Mqns-hIxWYiwi4SneJmiiDX5m5hv4ZtN6yURZH9zmf7b77ve82C7hres4K1K4TjH4ftIk6wcWUBKiOqB-xfAFJ/s1600-h/IMG_0513.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPxfUKizNU0whAYTfhYWn1Te3m7PVyUvMNB04mBpmxVaod_z9CLlnL6Mqns-hIxWYiwi4SneJmiiDX5m5hv4ZtN6yURZH9zmf7b77ve82C7hres4K1K4TjH4ftIk6wcWUBKiOqB-xfAFJ/s400/IMG_0513.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060046008536707282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: April 29, 2007<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race</span>: <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="diablo50m">Diablo 50M</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location</span>: <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517" target="diablo50m">Mt. Diablo State Park</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance:</span> 50 miles<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Profile:</span> 13,400ft gain/loss, highest: 3840 ft, lowest: 500ft, start/finish: 520ft (image/data courtesy of <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/">PCTR</a>)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/images/Diablo_50_Elevation_Profile.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.pctrailruns.com/images/Diablo_50_Elevation_Profile.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span> 11hr 39min 31sec (pause 39 min), 21/66 overall, <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Diablo_Results_07.htm" target="diablo50m">Complete Results</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo:</span> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Chihping.Fu/070429MtDiablo50MMarathon" target="diablo50m">070429 Mt Diablo 50M/Marathon</a><br /><br />After running the Marathon course in 2005 and a few other ultra's, I decided to try the 50 miles last year. Unfortunately, the race date was changed to be the same weekend as <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="diablo50m">Miwok 100K</a>. Therefore, I think I have to do it this year. And it's at good timing - two weeks after <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="diablo50m">American River 50M</a>. This gives me enough time to tune my condition for the intense ultra season starting with <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="diablo50m">Diablo 50M</a>.<br /><br />At the <a href="http://pctrailruns.proboards104.com/index.cgi?board=general" target="diablo50m">PCTR message board</a>, there was a thread written by Zach Grossman to find a ride. I was thinking the same because I could not think of a way to get there without driving. I always want to find out if I can get to somewhere without driving. I was grateful that Norbet Leinfellner generously offered me a ride.<br /><br />Norbert picked me up at 5:30am. On our way, we had wonderful time talking about ultra experience. We excitedly found out we'll meet in other races in future. It happens that I'll run most of his monthly ultra.<br /><br />Like other ultra events this year, there are record number of runners today. Norbert was right to get there early. The parking area is overly full. It took us some time to pay the park entrance fee and park the car. It is funny that my only time to socialize is the long line in front of the restroom, where I meet Karyn Hoffman, Kermit Curt Jr, Jonathan Kimura, Mark Tanaka. We soon have to hurry to the race start when Wendell gives us a brief of today's run.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p6-BodvLV7H0yXSCmJZB9lz4vU9wQTOgEdZZJ6s4MYyFWzbijqvy0LmIcXHwXAZyKwYZKDMATd2Ndxxfrhd4p6RUidxLF7wpiqArk2mjtxLvEXlsFRcedHYALuikXEr089dY5XQQMM3W/s1600-h/IMG_0497.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p6-BodvLV7H0yXSCmJZB9lz4vU9wQTOgEdZZJ6s4MYyFWzbijqvy0LmIcXHwXAZyKwYZKDMATd2Ndxxfrhd4p6RUidxLF7wpiqArk2mjtxLvEXlsFRcedHYALuikXEr089dY5XQQMM3W/s400/IMG_0497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060193862785872146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Kermit, Brian Wyatt, Keith Blom, and Joseph Swensen, etc</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mitchell Canyon (Start) => Juniper Campground: </span><span>5.88 miles , 1:22:13, 13:59 min/mile</span><br /><br />With excitement, We start with a long climb immediately. First we need to get to Eagle Peak at 2500ft. Everyone has fresh legs to push hard on the climb.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRp0w8CBqdNRRL9BYeIMZ_7-anELcocvPdRXdEdPUejJkAb_ko59-d2NWNkvENUisWMorfAp_tpnYbwzIytUgpU-M-impiDeK1j4Q25dNaKvaOEbRCpEMuUWYXZb4RF5SDY736jfx0wpA/s1600-h/IMG_0504.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRp0w8CBqdNRRL9BYeIMZ_7-anELcocvPdRXdEdPUejJkAb_ko59-d2NWNkvENUisWMorfAp_tpnYbwzIytUgpU-M-impiDeK1j4Q25dNaKvaOEbRCpEMuUWYXZb4RF5SDY736jfx0wpA/s400/IMG_0504.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060430317915386258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> Runners with fresh legs in the bginning climb</span><br /></div><br />Before we get to our first peak, we are already above the cloud. It's all single technical trail, so it's not easy to control the pace. I have to follow the flow. One runner even stops at side to let others behind pass by saying that he is running 50 miles. So am I, but I pass him and keep pushing myself hard and up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCctbSE1vy4gIjeER4BAaDb2rwtOxBe4e2-zxJmtRXSJZB72VCYeDDCHgqSfK_jDJOGFT5nOjd8fdiw8MDIF3mVSnBVgxmwi7Q1LylH5kWPeNAWdWez6I0zgqnHRMfeG2DcqgV4b6RgA3/s1600-h/IMG_0516.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCctbSE1vy4gIjeER4BAaDb2rwtOxBe4e2-zxJmtRXSJZB72VCYeDDCHgqSfK_jDJOGFT5nOjd8fdiw8MDIF3mVSnBVgxmwi7Q1LylH5kWPeNAWdWez6I0zgqnHRMfeG2DcqgV4b6RgA3/s400/IMG_0516.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060430515483881890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Streaming above the cloud</span><br /></div><br />Once we get to Eagle Peak, it follows a long steep technical rocky downhill. I speed up a lot as a revenge of the strenuous climb earlier. I pass everyone and develope a quarter mile ahead. I feel totally satisfied by speeding at such a technical downhill. Although I have doen only one Mission Peak trainingso far this year, I still have the techniques of tackling such a difficult downhill similar to the one near the top of Mission Peak.<br /><br />This is also a test for my <a href="http://www.vasque.com/products/m-lightspeed.cfm" target="diablo50m">Vasque Lightspeed</a>. I was worried that it might be too heavy compared with my other Saucony road-trail hybrid shoes. It turns out the solid design provides firm grip on the rocky trail for me to speed up safely. It also provides better support than Inov 315. I never get any twist on my ankles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEINPBxMDOW25w8MK0eDhICdbt6d8WngOuaU9YrKfgBXUyB4eyWsadzD9eAqIkw5PXyIjbnhaf4Say_cRpI-LM_G5oVXtqd06DXnWnMyI654g9rmRMrz596xmjddA4g8U3UrLnvMh0tUtf/s1600-h/IMG_0521.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEINPBxMDOW25w8MK0eDhICdbt6d8WngOuaU9YrKfgBXUyB4eyWsadzD9eAqIkw5PXyIjbnhaf4Say_cRpI-LM_G5oVXtqd06DXnWnMyI654g9rmRMrz596xmjddA4g8U3UrLnvMh0tUtf/s400/IMG_0521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060434226335625650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Runners spread out in the vast meadow</span><br /></div><br />At the end of the downhill, the trail goes slowly up for a half mile until it connects to a fire road. I power walk on the climb and take a break for the previous speeding. At the fire road, I run with a few runners come forth from behind. The fire road first goes down a bit and then starts with a steep wide switch back all the way to the Juniper Campground aid station. The view is awesome when we crest to the top.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Juniper Campground => Summit => Juniper Campground: </span><span>4.21/10.09 miles , 48:03/2:10:16, 11:24 min/mile</span><span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2GN8WHVuvT_ql5nrCpVoTzLbA1oRv8M_jmmj294tcXzwXth1cQzi8ZacAw97XOlpNqAE6FmA8-NcREpTHifjTNKTLBXd69xvXQ1Qxt2V5nWlPU5s47uW0MkQy8aF08uHJH8t5MCqj4Ia/s1600-h/IMG_0525.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2GN8WHVuvT_ql5nrCpVoTzLbA1oRv8M_jmmj294tcXzwXth1cQzi8ZacAw97XOlpNqAE6FmA8-NcREpTHifjTNKTLBXd69xvXQ1Qxt2V5nWlPU5s47uW0MkQy8aF08uHJH8t5MCqj4Ia/s400/IMG_0525.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060194532800770338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Juniper Campground aid station</span><br /></div><br />Mike Hoffman with another runner are at the Juniper Campground aid station, while Harry Walther are busy at grabbing food. Leaving the aid station, I run with Harry on the 1.6 mile technical trail straight up toward the summit. On our way up, I see Kermit run down and so is Oliver Chan. They are fast enough and have already visited the summit.<br /><br />We finally get to the summit and walk on the stair to the observation deck. There used to be someone taking picture for us, but today I'll do this myself at the observation deck.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqiCryRAYOe_oL8UFlvZAdxalpl9vQJuCCWKZKlj1G8ytpZbJ3UBKcjcV17wwQHwj4dvx3PEEYmyZjyK1l5ShXHKKLq_ofYxdsgmr5BDROi-dV8PSgZ5pWmB27ka2ACH4F6yjAOXGRJIK/s1600-h/IMG_0529.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqiCryRAYOe_oL8UFlvZAdxalpl9vQJuCCWKZKlj1G8ytpZbJ3UBKcjcV17wwQHwj4dvx3PEEYmyZjyK1l5ShXHKKLq_ofYxdsgmr5BDROi-dV8PSgZ5pWmB27ka2ACH4F6yjAOXGRJIK/s400/IMG_0529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060195486283510066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Me and Harry Walther at the observation deck</span><br /></div><br />It's great to get to the summit after over an hour climb. I go down and switch to a steep downhill trail. I speed up a lot until the paved road at the end of the dirt trail. There is a photographer. I hope he makes a good shot on me while I am running strong.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mG9MEfpdPYpmHCILWixOZwwAh-S_cGH3Y6aKcYs8S0MAOjmkMDIUtasjF2hKDwYAW6MQQalL2VAT09NiuYu5Akvq2nrNjVwuYzpzpEQKmrMQJyuoiH4b4x6O1mnjHCUHpuWikCAgF61D/s1600-h/chihping+fu.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mG9MEfpdPYpmHCILWixOZwwAh-S_cGH3Y6aKcYs8S0MAOjmkMDIUtasjF2hKDwYAW6MQQalL2VAT09NiuYu5Akvq2nrNjVwuYzpzpEQKmrMQJyuoiH4b4x6O1mnjHCUHpuWikCAgF61D/s400/chihping+fu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060524201605509602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="diablo50m">PCTR</a> and <a href="http://www.printroom.com/ViewFoundPhoto.asp?userid=pctrailruns&group_id=0&stype=0&sword=chihping&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tcount=3&gallery_id=673196&image_id=38&scount=3">printroom</a>. Thanks Sarah.</span><br /></div><br />I then speed up on another steep downhill trail. I pass Oliver in minutes. I also spot Keith Blom ahead running fast. I gradually catch up and stay close behind. I start our first conversation. I have known his name for long time since he is always at the top runners in the results. I met his wife at Michigan Bluff in the <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="diablo50m">Western States 100M</a> last year, so he knew about me. I tell him that I use his 8 hr splits for my <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="diablo50m">American River 50M</a> reference, but I could not make it.<br /><br />I can not maintain his pace for too long, so I slow down at my own pace. I keep going down on the steep trail until a place we need to make a right turn for the 50 miler. I remember I made this turn when I did the Marathon distance two years ago. I turned out run extra miles. Being a 50 mile runner, now I feel comfortable to make this turn. It starts with a small switch back climb, but becomes slow rolling uphill until the aid station. I come back to the Juniper Campground again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Juniper Campground => North Gate: </span><span>4.34/14.43 miles , 38:37/2:48:53, 8:54 min/mile</span><br /><br />I quickly refill my bottle and leave the aid station with Keith and Harry. It happens that we know each other a bit although we have not met in person before. Harry knows <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" target="diablo50m">the Poetic Runner</a> Rajeev Patel and his wife is a coach for <a href="http://www.ashanet.org/" target="diablo50m">Asha</a>. This is really a small world in the ultra community. I run ahead and ask them keep running to take a picture for Keith and Harry.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqRftBZphZvLSh1SyU_PCh9rnocOv_BV7mS8ZBigZP7NloIjgDxCzymFR2C1zRQNTZz6aIivF9X3V1YmJVm7WHDTk9w5op9Kfrcp_kcIoP1hybm-YauIjbpOWkGsjpMs5HZ3nYNr_op_T/s1600-h/IMG_0530.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqRftBZphZvLSh1SyU_PCh9rnocOv_BV7mS8ZBigZP7NloIjgDxCzymFR2C1zRQNTZz6aIivF9X3V1YmJVm7WHDTk9w5op9Kfrcp_kcIoP1hybm-YauIjbpOWkGsjpMs5HZ3nYNr_op_T/s400/IMG_0530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060200202157601090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Keith Blom shows me and Harry the route</span><br /></div><br />Keith kindly stays with us for a while to show us the route. We begin with the route we came from the start, but need to take a left trail after half mile. This is the way to get to the North Gate otherwise we'll go back to the start. Then Keith flies away.<br /><br />From the course profile, this section is a welcome downhill. Harry and I run together and enjoy the grand view facing the Bay and Oakland area below and far away. The downhill is acceptable and pleasant so far. At one place, we somehow have not seen the ribbon for a while. We fear we might have missed a turn until we spot Keith far away at this trail.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU_UUEyLcrMtwgpzYNOOVOW70RUIuOnMCDreXK1ySyJ4BSx8_xZA4ymXT-O6d4u4Ydg-wjGU7LzZ1-cJX7pjHEmv18petjlQOvxg_b7S66rmtqC3AKQBmeofCKFgGWN8Tgze-ijHOQLwU/s1600-h/IMG_0523.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU_UUEyLcrMtwgpzYNOOVOW70RUIuOnMCDreXK1ySyJ4BSx8_xZA4ymXT-O6d4u4Ydg-wjGU7LzZ1-cJX7pjHEmv18petjlQOvxg_b7S66rmtqC3AKQBmeofCKFgGWN8Tgze-ijHOQLwU/s400/IMG_0523.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060441128348070338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Look afar from the trail to North Gate aid station</span><br /></div><br />Following the scenic downhill for about two miles, it becomes a rolling trail. I somehow feel a little tired at such early mileage. Some runners approach from behind and maybe pass me.<br /><br />There is a killing brutal downhill half mile all the way to the aid station. I never saw such a beast. It seems designed for animals instead of us and so steep that there is no way to stop or brake. Although my half size larger shoes worked pretty well at the previous downhills, my toes keep hitting the rocks inside my shoes here. My heels are rubbing the sole, too. I'm afraid there could be some blisters developing under the heels. When I finish the slide, I take a picture when Harry runs down the same trail behind me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcBWQO2BSalmPEka1YIhnvenKBU9H2ZM-JuOjOvB0FzmkZ3iHRTQozV-nzqJ_RXBadtVu2VCWQf9gYebQgJKUXzQkAbwgR2RzsBObPQ2_2MaGk2h3gf5wHpdJPq_CuqxMKdL5xjInj9jW/s1600-h/IMG_0531.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcBWQO2BSalmPEka1YIhnvenKBU9H2ZM-JuOjOvB0FzmkZ3iHRTQozV-nzqJ_RXBadtVu2VCWQf9gYebQgJKUXzQkAbwgR2RzsBObPQ2_2MaGk2h3gf5wHpdJPq_CuqxMKdL5xjInj9jW/s400/IMG_0531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060200326711652690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The brutal downhill in front of the North Gate aid station</span><br /></div><br />With the aid station in sight within 50 yard, I somehow miss a trail head for a while. I run extra but still able to come back with Karyn Hoffman greeting me there.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">North Gate => North Gate: </span><span>4.96/19.39 miles ,1:00:37/3:49:30, 12:14 min/mile</span><br /><br />I am wondering why Karyn is at the North Gate aid station because I thought she is a runner as well. Actually she is here to crew and pace her husband Mike Hoffman. I first met Karyn in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="diablo50m">Miwok 100K</a> last year when we ran together for a while. I was worrying about the longest distance I'd never run before. I then met her again two weeks after at the <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="diablo50m">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> finish where she had her family and I met Mike.<br /><br />Harry Walther and Betsy Nye also come in. Karyn is very busy helping me and other runners with full energy that she has in her speedy ultrarunning, remembering she did a sub-8hr in AR50 two weeks ago!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuLY7DT0VN5c3dPFYsg_bfrwjsq_oHDU1ULR-gsW8f8_fHOcakhbq4gzmN3vMsIzGpEfl6z8Z8tzW_Ho-vQhQPjYDzqVJn0SLfExIIINw9E3jXI5_g7GXD4x8Nhi9KgjakHGfAgCJAT8q/s1600-h/IMG_0532.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuLY7DT0VN5c3dPFYsg_bfrwjsq_oHDU1ULR-gsW8f8_fHOcakhbq4gzmN3vMsIzGpEfl6z8Z8tzW_Ho-vQhQPjYDzqVJn0SLfExIIINw9E3jXI5_g7GXD4x8Nhi9KgjakHGfAgCJAT8q/s400/IMG_0532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060322844948738402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">North Gate aid station</span><br /></div><br />I stay a little longer, while Harry and Betsy are already gone. This seems to be the begininng of a bad sign to me. I leave and will see Karyn later when I finish the North Gate loop.<br /><br />It begins with a small uphill until we get to the beginning of the loop. It becomes a half mile of rolling hills. Steep and single track downhill comes ahead. I am trying to find the returning connection of the loop or the beginning of the loop but do not find any. I have no problem at the downhill, but start to feel soreness from my legs. The trail seems to go down to a pretty valley where I can see a couple of visitors taking leisure walk. There are a few water crossing, but they are not difficult. I am able to run through without getting wet feet.<br /><br />There are a few runners passing me as I feel my legs heavy. At the end of the valley, it is a slow uphill. There are two mountain bikers with me. They are at lowest gear pushing up on the hill. All of us happen to be at the same pace, while I pass them after a few minutes. This is why I personally like running better than biking. Not a good biker, I normally suffer a lot at uphill with my 80lb family (read: grocery) mountain bike. To me, it's better to be a runner carrying nearly nothing extra in this situation.<br /><br />At the end of the half mile slow uphill, the course turns right to a very steep half mile climb. A young gal wearing Hammer Gel shirt easily passes me. She looks like a front runner, so I don't want to push myself hard to race with her.<br /><br />The course completes the loop at the top of the hill. I feel better in hoping that the aid station is not far, only half mile away. Here come other runners toward me, including the <a href="http://trailgirl.blogspot.com/">Dirt Diva</a> Catra Corbett, looking comfortable and positive as usual.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xgOk_f4sOaLU-8rs9gnVKHu6yK0v7gF0Tw1kJNWohHrVJllw4yyZj8Y-csG7B1QNL5HA-VHgEf-Kq5oVrkrGgQywjzKrBt-claEJcTBZtu74QB1_C-MAL9q1xkaX3_HhIHFeeIYdIrZ3/s1600-h/IMG_0533.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xgOk_f4sOaLU-8rs9gnVKHu6yK0v7gF0Tw1kJNWohHrVJllw4yyZj8Y-csG7B1QNL5HA-VHgEf-Kq5oVrkrGgQywjzKrBt-claEJcTBZtu74QB1_C-MAL9q1xkaX3_HhIHFeeIYdIrZ3/s400/IMG_0533.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060346394254422386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Cartra Corbett looks strong for the North Gate loop</span><br /></div><br />It's a welcome downhill to the aid station. I am glad to see Karyn again over there. I seem dehydrated a bit, so I stay longer to drink more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">North Gate => Rock City: </span><span>5.16/24.55 miles , 1:17:57/5:07:27, 15:07 min/mile</span><br /><br />Leaving the aid station in my deteriorating condition - sore legs, low eneregy, and tired body, I have difficulty in pickinig up my pace. It's about mile 20, but I feel like having run 50 miles and start to run the rest mentally, as we used to describe the second half of a 100 miler. I think it's my lowest right now. I start to suspect how I can finish Wasatch 100M, which is twice of this run.<br /><br />A few other runners pass me, including Dawn Inferna-Bean. When I sense her to approach me from 30 yards behind, I slow down. She is very nice and willing to chat with me for a while. I try to take a picture for her as I promised my kids that I'll talk and take a picture for the "school teacher" in "<a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" target="diablo50m">Race for the Soul</a>".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNo8IEbwAdwT6_9msti4deBAzxdOHm807sMvQATDdRTVsVItTW6fwe8PpisLGM4nScUMZIt3lSwhIz2SWlH1tCd9lQT55Wql6KOFkbsv3pym6QjK3dHw2PPwonuou9eADp6tDsRIfGhQN/s1600-h/IMG_0535.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNo8IEbwAdwT6_9msti4deBAzxdOHm807sMvQATDdRTVsVItTW6fwe8PpisLGM4nScUMZIt3lSwhIz2SWlH1tCd9lQT55Wql6KOFkbsv3pym6QjK3dHw2PPwonuou9eADp6tDsRIfGhQN/s400/IMG_0535.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060347661269774722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Dawn Inferna-Bean runs strong and gets ready to pass me</span><br /></div><br />Dawn looks strong, so she passes me and so are a few other runners. I move slowly and met Joseph Swensen later. He looks fine but seems to start to have issues about the salty sticks given by the race packet. He goes ahead at faster pace.<br /><br />The view is also great here. I try to distract myself to enjoy the scene. There is a huge rock towering quater mile away on the right down in the valley. There are some people at the top of the rock. There seem to be some rock climbing activities on the rock. I think the Rock City aid station should not be far.<br /><br />Mike and another runner catch up. It is exposed here and becomes warm, so we do not say much but work hard on the trail. The course then turns right to a steep technical downhill. I think it's the trail to the aid station. It turns out we have to go on a climb on a paved road at the of the quarter mile long trail. I think all of us, including Mike, have no motivation to run any more. I only wish to walk over it and get to the aid station sooner. Yes, it is the Rock City aid station at the end of half mile paved road.<br /><br />I have been thinking about quit at the Rock City because I don't know how I can continue and finish the second half of the 50 miles. It's time to make decision.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rock City => Finley Road: </span><span>6.65/31.20 miles , 1:25:18/6:32:44, 12:49 min/mile</span><br /><br />There are a couple of runners at the aid station. They were all ahead of me ealier. It looks like they either have some problems or want to have long break here. Joseph Swensen has issues about the salt sticks provided at the aid station. Karyn Hoffman is here again. She comes over to help Mike Hoffman and busily prepares his supplies. Karyn will pace him from here. I jokingly say I will stay close to them to get a little of service leftout from Karyn.<br /><br />Almost all the runners are gone. I had troubles earlier and thought about quitting here, now it becomes a question as I am inspired by those runners who are in troubles but still keep going. How can I just drop without trying any more? Also without strong mentality by giving up the effort, how can I get back because I still need to climb up the summit one more time before finish. If I can get to the summit, why not just keep trying without giving up on this out-and-back stretch. I decide to go.<br /><br />Karyn is waiting for Mike, so I go ahead with some hope but a lot of stress, sore, and pain. I enter the shady gently downhill single track trail. A gal (Vicki Hunter?) passes me. I get to the lowest, where there is a small bridge crossing a creek. This is the Marathon turnaround.<br /><br />The thought of turning around comes up because I think I am too tired to continue. The trail ahead starts with a climb, which is unknown to me. My GPS watch reads only less than 1 mile of progress. I suspect I can continue on the entire 6.5 miles to the next aid station. Even if I can, I am not sure if I can come back for another 6.5 miles.<br /><br />I don't know what drives me forward to keep going, but I slowly walk up the trail. It's nice and shady, but my body is in bad condition. I can see and hear Karyn and Mike pushing up 100 yards behind. I would like to take a picture for them, so it becomes an excuse for me to slow down and take a break. As I get to the top or the end of the single track, I wait for them to come over. Here is a fire road and we take pictures.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbFBdCJqvYFO1T3eWkKO7D8c7to91Adepoks5cNZea-fQo8shVVhL6F7fRvZc-jItAmBlgUht1f2pXJ5usDYLanxnyOoBov-vembQjujgyCf9zLrku-KayA3rJXrwESmcraMSFO29b9s9/s1600-h/IMG_0537.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbFBdCJqvYFO1T3eWkKO7D8c7to91Adepoks5cNZea-fQo8shVVhL6F7fRvZc-jItAmBlgUht1f2pXJ5usDYLanxnyOoBov-vembQjujgyCf9zLrku-KayA3rJXrwESmcraMSFO29b9s9/s400/IMG_0537.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060060555590938866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike/Karyn Hoffman at the fire road to the Finley Road aid station</span><br /></div><br />I tell them that I would like to turn around and quit. They encourage me, while I suspect if I have any energy left to go back with such a distress. I still don't know how I start to keep going with them, but this is the place I have no place to go but move forward. Karyn keeps encouraging us with me dragging dozens yards behind.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe2CXQlKX6ij_F6HzK4njHs8felocsg2gGrfJ7q0oIhGnJ-whgvpsVSlE0hBlTzfamgCmdczl-OvTyya_hW5NVRmrk6slDyadOilaC_7Wvg5-nErl9JYLHzfhCjoUm3sAfsdOeE022kny/s1600-h/IMG_0538.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe2CXQlKX6ij_F6HzK4njHs8felocsg2gGrfJ7q0oIhGnJ-whgvpsVSlE0hBlTzfamgCmdczl-OvTyya_hW5NVRmrk6slDyadOilaC_7Wvg5-nErl9JYLHzfhCjoUm3sAfsdOeE022kny/s400/IMG_0538.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060060641490284802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Me at the fire road to the Finley Road aid station - ready to drop but have no place to go</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>Somehow I slowly get better. The situation is similar to what I was in my first 100 miler <a href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/" target="diablo50m">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a> last year. I was at very and extremely lowest, but got better after long time of struggle and fight. Perhaps it's like what Gordy Ainsleigh said in the "<a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" target="diablo50m">Race for the Soul</a>", "..through the devastatingly low, things would normally get better...". I catch up with Mike and encourage him. I also get to know how important it is to have an excellent pacer like Karyn.<br /><br />Out of sudden, we see the front runner Jasper Halekas coming, but I am not prepared to take a picture. He must be at course record pace, set by Scott Jurek two years ago. Immediately, we get to a wire fence. We have to crawl under to get through. This is so tough because our quads are hurting after the long way covering so much elevation changes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXQTZ339JWcrRwymWyScUBZorz_o5W0TJ3iu5MgfDpTsUw7B7JoLzcVSLBlZoBaten9ac9X3LVIgT-x4H4tCJ8UuBlfEh2MXvFYE2rEM9oi8ShssFw7ERZV9gM4hvsQj683HnBH0Jxkav/s1600-h/IMG_0540.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXQTZ339JWcrRwymWyScUBZorz_o5W0TJ3iu5MgfDpTsUw7B7JoLzcVSLBlZoBaten9ac9X3LVIgT-x4H4tCJ8UuBlfEh2MXvFYE2rEM9oi8ShssFw7ERZV9gM4hvsQj683HnBH0Jxkav/s400/IMG_0540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060059722367283426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">A kind of stretch - crossing the wire fence</span><br /></div><br />I gradually pick up my pace and move away on my own. Beth Vitalis comes strong next after some time. She kindly tell me and runners behind about the tricky right turn ahead. I leave the partly shady fire road and get to a wide open area. Yes, it's really tricky because runners can easily make the first wrong right turn since we can see runners ahead near it. We should take the second right turn. It's not obvious becasue the small ribbon fixed at the ground can be easily overlooked.<br /><br />Here I need to climb a small hill. There come Bev Anderson-Abbs and some other front runners. I also need to climb over a fence and start the brutal downhill. Starting the downhill, I spot Mark Tanaka work hard on the climb. This is a rare chance that I can take a picture for him because he used to be too fast for me to see him in a race. Not far behind him is Alan Abbs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutcobflrps3-X_WTfBEqgtlLy-qYzrpVSMZNF4SVskqt-HFgzs8U7LTXVf18_-UX2QYx0D7r3rbEjJ-zgeIVLIAn4U5UBVrYTr51VVcCSoucx4fRt2PKoxrRkn-jEjyi5mTr8dNsdjVKy/s1600-h/IMG_0547.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutcobflrps3-X_WTfBEqgtlLy-qYzrpVSMZNF4SVskqt-HFgzs8U7LTXVf18_-UX2QYx0D7r3rbEjJ-zgeIVLIAn4U5UBVrYTr51VVcCSoucx4fRt2PKoxrRkn-jEjyi5mTr8dNsdjVKy/s400/IMG_0547.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059658958968893602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Mark Tanaka pushes up the steep climb with Alan Abbs following behind</span><br /></div><br />Then I see Kermit. He looks good, but have some injuries on his legs. He later says he had a roll-over accident on the brutal downhill in front of the North Gate aid station. He had to roll to the side on the grass to stop it. It is amazing he can still run that far and fast here. Then there are three other gals running (or competing) closely in a group. On my way to the aid station, I see a couple of runners over the 1.5 mile shady fire road. I can tell the distance of the aid station by finding how fresh those runners look. There is also an abanden (or historic) house on the trail. A good distraction to me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finley Road => Rock City: </span><span>16.47/37.67 miles , 1:28:41/8:01:26, 13:42 min/mile</span><br /><br />At the Finley Road aid station, I'm busy at talking with volunteers, including Will Gotthardt from my town Fremont. He has performed wonderful in the past few PCTR runs and will be ready for his debut at <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="diablo50m">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a>. He looks in execllent shape as a speedy trail runner. I explain to Will how I struggled in the beginning due to lack of hill work this year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvw1Q-KOo3kMxt0bFH5_m2rpOjhLvlqGgPuKK9U4nEWzK3sbMtj9R65pmRBvz3ucqjW3o0EWe3pEfDroSC0N86vIJhD2sTGt6OhmCdA1l0-Qxxzss6mS9XRytEovzF2k5gw5bUOE0zXiO/s1600-h/IMG_0568.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvw1Q-KOo3kMxt0bFH5_m2rpOjhLvlqGgPuKK9U4nEWzK3sbMtj9R65pmRBvz3ucqjW3o0EWe3pEfDroSC0N86vIJhD2sTGt6OhmCdA1l0-Qxxzss6mS9XRytEovzF2k5gw5bUOE0zXiO/s400/IMG_0568.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059659165127323826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Will G and Joseph Swensen at the Finley Road aid station<br /></span></div><br />Joseph Swensen is there, too. I thanks him for the advice he gave me at Rock City. I drank more Sprite there and never felt naucious. He has got similar issues about the salt intake, which I had at the early mileage.<br /><br />Runners behind me keep coming in and leave after refuel. I stay at the aid station longer and try to drink more. I become the last one to leave. Coming back, I have the same long 6.5 miles to go. I'd rather to prepare myself better and don't want to have some mistakes on this long stretch.<br /><br />Time to go and I guess I have stayed for nearly 10 min. I begin to pick up my pace at the first half mile shady fireroad. I take a few shots on the runners coming toward to me, but find out my camera is very low in battery power. I should have charged it full the day before. There are not many runners coming and it seems that I am at the tail of the group. Since the brutal climb is coming, I think I'd like to have my camera rest for a while and focus on running.<br /><br />I pass a few runners at this shady half mile, the course around the "house", and the climb. On the climb, I catch up Joseph Swensen. He has some heel issue as well and plans to save a few miles to the finish by skipping the final 8 mile technical downhill. I encourage him to go for the 8 miles to make it finish. And I tell him that if I still with him at the summit, I'd like to go with him on the stretch. Later from the results, I am happy to know he made the finish. Hopefully he was not injured from that and get recovered fast as he has <a href="http://www.run100s.com/miwok/index.html" target="diablo50m">Miwok 100K</a> this Saturday (same with me). I keep pushing hard and pass Joseph Swensen.<br /><br />Before getting to the top of the hill, I pass another runner. I regret for being too focused and not having a chance to talk to him because we run back and forth with each other within some short distance for the next 7 miles. He should be the one that I'd love to know about.<br /><br />I climb over the fence and find the sign reading like "Private Property". Looking back, I enjoy the view of being at the top. Within a second, I have to go for the amazing fireroad ahead. It's rolling, but I now feel like it's mostly downhill and that was the place I rose from dead and came back with my trail legs revived. With such an optimism, I run mostly all the way. I meet Catra Corbett and her friend. They are having fun. I also meet Mylinh Nguyen and Chau Pham. I feel very glad to see all these friends.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvp2Qc1Y2feNW3noTQsG4mH9jt0X4KPcCCjKB5VdjHJEnh_bXXqR-nGliTSZ3eX2i49Z3-ofv-NrMAzg3dh8E-wgzGrZ0vP-v860hSesKxQ4BhbFGVo-oQtzmLnrcWNjcFnZreHNIZBAa/s1600-h/IMG_0572.JPG" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvp2Qc1Y2feNW3noTQsG4mH9jt0X4KPcCCjKB5VdjHJEnh_bXXqR-nGliTSZ3eX2i49Z3-ofv-NrMAzg3dh8E-wgzGrZ0vP-v860hSesKxQ4BhbFGVo-oQtzmLnrcWNjcFnZreHNIZBAa/s400/IMG_0572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059965460720038082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Catra Corbett and her friend marching forward to the Finley Road aid station</span><br /></div><br />The fire road is exposed, so the view is nice and wide open. I can see how far I need to go on the fire road but it seems forever. No problem as I have recovered from my worst and ready to finish this run although there will be hours away. I try to grab everything at any moment until next year - scenic view, suffering, joy, and thoughts. This is wonderful.<br /><br />I get back to the shady single track, which leads to the bottom. I pretty much stay with 10 min pace or so until the bottom. Crossing the bridge, which is the Marathon turnaround, it's a little over 1 mile uphill all the way to the aid station. I power walk and run whenever I can. On one side, I spot a huge rock, which I did not notice at the first time going out to the Finley Road. It is comparable with those in the Pinacle National Monument. I guess there must be some rock climbing activities. That's why this area is called Rock City. I love this name - a city in such a hidden natural place.<br /><br />However, I somehow trip on a rooted rock and fall down flat. I can not get up after a minute. Under the dust all over on one side of my body, I have a big bruise on my right shoulder, peeled skin on my knees, hands, and fingers. Fortunately, my Forerunner 305 looks OK but dusty. I have to run right away, so I simply ignore them. It's only a quarter mile to the aid station.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJWhyphenhyphenW2reVUzlVG5M9Xkm35UQYocbZsJgyffSlMEDNTjulVojQCoIJMlIlVwPsb8dKt1zWstek_g5MFC7SeQeliEs_eGyKbRkYt7VgOotmFx5w02-g5D7IwoJ37l_FU19oluTBbCf2_7l/s1600-h/IMG_0574.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJWhyphenhyphenW2reVUzlVG5M9Xkm35UQYocbZsJgyffSlMEDNTjulVojQCoIJMlIlVwPsb8dKt1zWstek_g5MFC7SeQeliEs_eGyKbRkYt7VgOotmFx5w02-g5D7IwoJ37l_FU19oluTBbCf2_7l/s400/IMG_0574.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059658636846346370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Me is still smiling after a fall</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rock City => Juniper Campground: </span><span>2.77/40.44 miles , 49:07/8:50:33, 17:43 min/mile</span><br /><br />Now the Rock City aid station is like a party. Clem Choy is there greeting me. He must have been awakened by our fun activities from his house nearby, but he has good time meeting with all ultrarunning friends. I (and Yuki Negoro) recommend that he must watch "<a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html">Race for the Soul</a>" about <a href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a> in 2001 because he is in the film.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4Fk5F8aFmjVVuPYi3_f1cw6CengsEjAo1gTyvExGZjKVNvqDVVnwz2If9SpufQ0mPBsY9XMHxa0-tYkgf81vmCk99UJGlNYpzQEWk2YEnjoltHtiThyphenhyphenSQB61rAOEXorfKvNjoc7fsvgm/s1600-h/IMG_0575.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4Fk5F8aFmjVVuPYi3_f1cw6CengsEjAo1gTyvExGZjKVNvqDVVnwz2If9SpufQ0mPBsY9XMHxa0-tYkgf81vmCk99UJGlNYpzQEWk2YEnjoltHtiThyphenhyphenSQB61rAOEXorfKvNjoc7fsvgm/s400/IMG_0575.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059658507997327474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Me and Clem Choy at the Rock City aid station</span><br /></div><br />I take it easy and spend some time drinking a lot and preparing my bottle. The Runner comes in as well and leaves quickly. I have no chance to chat with him.<br /><br />When leaving, I spot the "<a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" target="diablo50m">Race for the Soul</a>" stars Terry/John Rhodes. I am impressed with their way to tackle and finish <a href="http://www.ws100.com/">Western States 100M</a> amazingly in 2001. I am eager to have a picture with them so that I can show my kids, who have known them very well from watching the film.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWAtTdfuIjr5b2DbhEOBcla7JONujab5y3L9Ug0h1DwPuyvfw0O5GRsF0SFqvDFQPT-5fTurVz0IeMSc6E6pJP3qfDd7lEe16x00E7rmx-tLg8f3MQepSwkTrwSUfTOLagm6In1MMF71i/s1600-h/IMG_0576.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWAtTdfuIjr5b2DbhEOBcla7JONujab5y3L9Ug0h1DwPuyvfw0O5GRsF0SFqvDFQPT-5fTurVz0IeMSc6E6pJP3qfDd7lEe16x00E7rmx-tLg8f3MQepSwkTrwSUfTOLagm6In1MMF71i/s400/IMG_0576.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059658138630140002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Me and Terry/John Rhodes, the "Race for the Soul" couple</span><br /></div><br />I am asked if I want to quit. I say "Never quit!" Off I go. From the profile and my experience in doing this as the Marathon course two years ago, I know it's a steep climb to the Juniper Campground aid station near the summit. It will be tough, but I have full spirit to go for it. I patiently walk up the trail with all might. I meet Jerry Roninger coming down to pace or crew Catra Corbett. A few minutes later, I catch up the runner I have run with for the past 7 miles but did not chat more.<br /><br />I keep pushing myself on the steep climb until a left turn to a section of rolling slow hill. It leads to the aid station. I meet a few hikers, but can produce only smile out of pain and soreness. I finally make it to the aid station and run towards.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Juniper Campground => Summit: </span><span>1.49/41.93 miles , 28:56/9:20:11, 19:22 min/mile</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyydIOXH_IG5iQyVBYrNJUF8oOlNQSdj89klHaDcKLhun-hTWTihnPPFb3kS81Vu8qebIRMXbeBQp4ZGCSpydk13Y15lIOCrwx1tDKdAoo33UqTN4Xdxofck2N97fKkK95hlo-APnFtKQ/s1600-h/IMG_0577.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyydIOXH_IG5iQyVBYrNJUF8oOlNQSdj89klHaDcKLhun-hTWTihnPPFb3kS81Vu8qebIRMXbeBQp4ZGCSpydk13Y15lIOCrwx1tDKdAoo33UqTN4Xdxofck2N97fKkK95hlo-APnFtKQ/s400/IMG_0577.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059657902406938706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The last visit of Juniper Campground aid station<br /></span></div><br />Here at the aid station, Terry and John again. We chat more. I even rehearse their dialog in the film. Matt Keyes also comes in. He must be at very fast pace as I did not see anyone behind earlier.<br /><br />A lady at the aid station tries to speak to me in different language - Japanese, Korean, etc. Then I tell her I am from Taiwan and know only Mandarin and Taiwanese. She is from Singapore. She nicely helps me fill up the bottle. She says "加油" ("way to go"?) to me when I leave. I am too tired to start any more conversation. Thank you lady!<br /><br />There is still 1.6 miles uphill to the summit, mostly technical trails. Matt Keyes from Auburn soon catches up with some power to spare and we chat a little. At the observation deck, Matt just comes down for the final section. I send my congratulations to him because he looks great for the finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summit => Mitchell Canyon (Finish): </span><span>7.92/49.85 miles , 1:40:58/11:01:09, 12:45 min/mile</span><br /><br />When I come down from the observation deck at the summit, the small aid station nearby seems ready to close. I wonder why it is closed so early since there are other runners on the trail. I can not get any gel, so I just quickly leave, thinking what I have in my pouch should be enough for the downhill to the finish.<br /><br />Like the first time, I fly down on the technical trail for a mile or two leaving the summit until a short flat trail. A runner runs toward me saying he missed a turn. I don't knwo why it happens here. He probably could have just run down to the finish, but he needs to prepare for this long section.<br /><br />This is a great view where we can see a vast range of Mt. Diablo. I soon get to a swtich back deep down. There used to be wild flowers everywhere when I ran the Marathon two years ago. However, it's too late in the day for 50 mile runners. All the flowers are close right now near 6pm. Far away, I spot a runner moving on the final long climb. It must be Matt Keyes.<br /><br />A runner and his pacer stop 20 yards ahead to let me pass. He calls me "Mr. downhill". Perhaps he saw me how I was speeding on soem technical downhills at early miles. Within minutes, I catch up with Keith Blom and run behind him for a while. This reminds me how I was racing with him ealier at one downhill for a mile. But he lets me pass this time.<br /><br />Now it's my turn to walk on the climb at the end of the fast switch back. It goes to the North Peak. I knew it before and knew it's the last significant climb, so I patiently put one foot in front of the other. I feel relaxed as I get to the top. It becomes a technical steep single track downhill. This is welcome, but my quads are very sore from the climb. I carefully run down it and gradually increase my pace. It's tough but full of fun to hop around the rocks without slipping over my foot at the very narrow trail. I pass a runner, who looks like a triathlet. He seems to suffer at the downhill, so he slowly walks and lets me pass.<br /><br />Three weeks ago, I did the trail work and went to Mt. Olympia (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/04/trail-work-at-mt-diablo-knowing.html" target="diablo50m">Trail Work at Mt. Diablo - Knowing Ultrarunning Friends and Poison Oaks</a>). I noticed the trail goes up to Mt. Olympia from North Peak. With this in mind, I feel comfortable to run up slowly on the last part of the trail to Mt. Olympia.<br /><br />When I get there, I figure I have nothing left to summit the Mt. Olympia even it's only 20 yards away. I quickly follow down and the trail becomes even more technical. It's very steep, slippery, and loss of any traction because of the sand. It's difficult to walk on it under such a gravity pull. I have to keep running without getting tripped. This section ends at a fireroad, but in no time, I have to make a left turn to stay on another single track trail. It's time to examine the trail condition after we did the trail work three weeks ago. It looks great and the poison oak are still away from the trail.<br /><br />With about 5 miles to go, I start to take one gel every two miles in order to sustain the energy to finish strong. I think it works. My quads hurt, but I am able to run at full speed. I pass Vicki Hunter and let her know there is only 3 mile to go. It's a good thing with a GPS watch. I know how far I am in the course.<br /><br />Along the way, there are some small climbs, but I just patiently power walk and run whenever I can. Thanks to the trail work, I am family with the trail coming back. This helps me a lot mentally. I know how close I am to the finish (But, yes, I have Forerunner 305 telling me the mileage). At the last half mile, I spot Jeff Huff 30 yards away walking. He seems to sense my approaching, so he picks up running. My legs are working very well, so I pass him after telling him we are ready to finish in less half mile. At this moment, I seem to be doing a speedwork and sprint to the finish. Kermit and other friends are there greeting me. I am so glad to finish this tough run with the trophy on my body from a fall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk14nRYItAhFajFaBK6USqUgHXXRQcEFatGVH-xdFav77DFk3k9750rlr4GvCKaIsQ1J9ykh033IZ-Vm3vKUsXUtnFNnUT8fOgFxpBROFu6cLJab7nfXxSPAE-MYoKYvUQyFGFC3w6o4Hl/s1600-h/IMG_0578.jpg" target="diablo50m"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk14nRYItAhFajFaBK6USqUgHXXRQcEFatGVH-xdFav77DFk3k9750rlr4GvCKaIsQ1J9ykh033IZ-Vm3vKUsXUtnFNnUT8fOgFxpBROFu6cLJab7nfXxSPAE-MYoKYvUQyFGFC3w6o4Hl/s400/IMG_0578.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059657666183737410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I'm finally done - 11 hr 39min 31sec!</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Going Home</span><br /><br />Norbert Leinfellner could not wait for me after 6pm and he had to leave. Kermit generously provides me a ride. I am happy to stay more with this nice and respectful runner. I clean myself. It's partly because I might get some objection in future ultra's when my wife sees me dusted with wounds.<br /><br />"The toughest footrace you'll ever love". This is used to describe <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="diablo50m">Wasatch Front 100M</a>. Diablo 50M is only half of it in terms of distance and climb. With over 13000 ft climb on 50 miles, it is definitely the toughest footrace I've ever run before. I loving this challenge and embrace the scenic course. This is a test before I experience the great <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="diablo50m">Wasatch Front 100M</a> this year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Reports</span><br /><br /><a href="http://addygrl.blogspot.com/" target="diablo50m">Addy</a> - <a href="http://addygrl.blogspot.com/2007/05/race-miles-0-6.html" target="diablo50m">The Race! (With a report as long as the course)</a><br /><a href="http://flyingrunner.blogspot.com/" target="diablo50m">Terry</a> - <a href="http://flyingrunner.blogspot.com/2007/04/mount-diablo-marathon.html" target="diablo50m">Mount Diablo Marathon</a>Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-55630139059703302842007-04-19T00:07:00.000-07:002007-04-21T21:58:14.569-07:00070414 American River 50M - Toughing out the Cold and Rain with Minimals<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6VBcDhNmMdd8r9t6DiFX0FmCd1zG3dJCbg2elPtA5KxQrMtmfk_VZt-P2iv3ZC-znI_XpLfvxUFAr5CgDwCaSrV8b5oonzgisi6aYl6S31jo7jxE2mY25mHjFTkKOd_-TSqbt1gQcEEe/s1600-h/2007-ar50.jpg" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6VBcDhNmMdd8r9t6DiFX0FmCd1zG3dJCbg2elPtA5KxQrMtmfk_VZt-P2iv3ZC-znI_XpLfvxUFAr5CgDwCaSrV8b5oonzgisi6aYl6S31jo7jxE2mY25mHjFTkKOd_-TSqbt1gQcEEe/s400/2007-ar50.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055031237324628818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=17918&ID=34007777&FROM=photos&BIB=220" target="ar50">Brightroom</a><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: April 14, 2007<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race</span>: <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/" target="ar50">American River 50M</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location</span>: Sacramento to Auburn along the American River trail<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance:</span> 50 miles<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Profile:</span> 3,474ft gain/2,139ft loss, highest: 1,424 ft, lowest: 20ft, start: 20ft, finish: 1,355ft<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/AR50Profile.gif" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/AR50Profile.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span> 8:31:56 (10:14 min/mile), 88/477 overall, 67/347 Men, 14/288 age group, <a href="http://www.capitalroadrace.com/results/07AR50OVERALL.HTM" target="ar50">Complete Results</a><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marathon:</span> 3 hr 45 min (8:35 min/mile)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">50K:</span> 4 hr 38 min (8:53 min/mile)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Splits:<br /><br /></span><span>I somehow messed up my Forerunner 305 a few times. I'll describe this below.<br /><br />I wore the heartbeat belt for the first time in a race and felt very comfortable with it. However, I had no time to monitor my heartbeat. Later I found out, the intensity during the run was about 85%.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Training</span><br /><br />Early this year, I had been bothered with ankle issues as the <a href="http://www.inov-8.com/Product.html#315" target="ar50">Inov8 315</a> was not fit with my running style. I thus avoided hill work helping recovery on my ankle injuries while staying in good shape. I probably had not trained at my favorite hilly <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ohlone.htm" target="ar50">Ohlone Wilderness Trail</a> this year. On the other hand, I knew I was good at technical trails, but might be lack of endurance. I had run a few long training run up to 40 miles in one shot on flat <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="ar50">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. Therefore, I thought these long training runs should improve my performance at later miles. Yes they did. I was able to complete <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" target="ar50">Ruth Anderson 100K</a> without issues even when I caught cold a few days earlier.<br /><br />Two weeks later, I'm going to do this <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/" target="ar50">American River 50M</a>. Since <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/" target="ar50">American River 50M</a> has less than 3,500ft climb and has the first 27 miles pretty flat bike path, I believe <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" target="ar50">Ruth Anderson 100K</a> is actually a great training run. After a few days of rest from <a href="http://www.run100s.com/ra.htm" target="ar50">Ruth Anderson 100K</a>, I started to run for a day or two in the first week. During the weekend, I went to Mt. Diablo for trail work (See <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/04/trail-work-at-mt-diablo-knowing.html" target="ar50">Trail Work at Mt. Diablo - Knowing Ultrarunning Friends and Poison Oaks</a>). I assumed it's a kind of hill work needed since the last 23 miles in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/" target="ar50">American River 50M</a> is the hilly section.<br /><br />The trail work actually exhausted me a bit. The second week, i.e. the race week, I could only run once. I needed to do this training run as early as possible in order to let my body rest more. I did a 10 mile run at the fast sub-7 :30 min/mile pace on Tuesday. It was tough as I had not run that pace and distance combined for years. I had to rest enough to recover from such a training run. Fortunately, I recovered well and it did help me to speed up in the race.<br /><br />My past experience told me the Central Valley where the course was could be pretty warm during the day. The <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html" target="ar50">Ultrarunner List</a> had some discussions about this. I decided to wear minimal to embrace the heat. I also did a few times of heat training run. I basically wear three thick layers of long sleeve shirts and sweaters, plus two long pants. I went out for my usual lunch time run. My body was steaming within 5 minutes. The heat simply forced me to slow down and take hard breath. It turns out it was very effective!<br /><br />Other than training in endurance and speed, I was also boosted by some inspirations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspiration and Strategy</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Pushing to my limits and </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Embracing the Pains</span><br /><br />I ran for fun and as part of survival in my the first two years in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50">American River 50M</a>. In 2005, I ran and walked for the first 27 miles of bike path because I had no confidence in completing my first 50 miler. With still some energy left, I sped up the hills and to the finish.<br /><br />Last year, I decided to push myself a bit after I had run a few other ultra's. I no longer walked. I ran all the way with at a comfortable pace at the bike path. I was still able to speed up at the trail section and powered up all the way from the river bed to the finish. I made <span style="font-weight: bold;">38 min 20 sec</span> faster.<br /><br />There is an interview in the April issue of <a href="http://www.ultrarunning.com/" target="ar50">Ultrarunning Magazine</a> - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Younger Ultrarunner: 100-Mile Record Setter Jenn Shelton</span>. It is written by Tony Krupicka. Both are 23 year old female and male champions in <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/Rocky.html" target="ar50">Rocky Raccoon 100M</a> this year.<br /><br />Jenn described her approach as "<span style="font-style: italic;">I'm gonna go for it and see what happens. If I fail miserably, it's not a big deal because I know that I get stronger with each race.</span>" and "<span style="font-style: italic;">If I go out at eight minutes per mile in a 100-mile, it's not because I think I'm going to hold it for 100 miles, so let me see how long I can hold it today. But more importantly, it's because it's no fun running slow.</span>"<br /><br />Therefore, I plan to be more aggressive. I'm not that young in terms of age, but everything else in myself becomes younger after years of running. This year I am going to race it and find out my limits. I would like to see how far I can hold that pace. I know it will be more pain by running faster.<br /><br />I set 8 hr high standard goal in my mind. I find out Keith Blom did 7 hr 59 min 8 sec in 2005 (See <a href="http://www.run100s.com/results/ar50_2005.html" target="ar50">2005 split results</a>). His split is,<br /><ul><li>Nimbus (mile 19.4) - 2:31:11</li><li>Beals Point (mile 27.4) - 3:43:49</li><li>Horseshoe (mile 38) - 5:48:59</li><li>Rattlesnake (mile 40.7) - 6:11:46</li><li>Last Gasp (mile 47.6) - 7:33:49<br /></li></ul>While my family are away in Taiwan during spring break, I have been watching <a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" target="ar50">Race for the Soul</a> a few times every night. When being asked about the second half of the <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="ar50">Western States 100M</a>, Gordy Ainsleigh says "<span style="font-style: italic;">..through the devastatingly low, things would normally get better...</span>"<br /><br />The "low" means the Devil's Thumb climb and Canyons during the hottest of the day. Once a runner survives this section, the condition will get better. The temperature is going lower into the night. The terrains from Michigan Bluff at mile 55 become gentle toward the Auburn finish. I need to learn to enjoy the pain and overcome it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting There</span><br /><br />It's only two hours of driving to the start, but, as usual, I want to find out if I can get there without driving. I can take <a href="http://www.capitolcorridor.org/" target="ar50">Capitol Corridor</a> to Sacramento and then the <a href="http://www.sacrt.com/schedules/current/routes/R533.htm" target="ar50">Light Rail Blue Line</a> with three miles of walk afterwards. However, my wife, far away in Taiwan, has some concerns.<br /><br />Thanks to Rajeev Patel, aka <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/" target="ar50">the Poetic Runner</a>. He picked me up from my home and took me to the hotel in Auburn. Although we left earlier, we encountered Friday traffic on the major highways. The conversation on Ultra's definitely helped us through the Friday afternoon traffic.<br /><br />We arrived at the Fleet Feet to pick up our packets. Someone commended my old but favorite <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="ar50">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> T-shirt. No wonder he is Bob Bryne, the <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="ar50">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> race director. I also ran into Jerry Roninger. We'll see each other in Ohlone 50K. I bought some souvenir for my wife and daughter.<br /><br />We checked in a hotel in Auburn. Anil Rao and his wife joined us later in the night. Like other nights before a race, I could not have a sound and enough sleep. We had a few alarms going off from 2:30am, but at last waked up by 3am in order to get ready to take the 4:15am shuttle to the start.<br /><br />It is Dawn Inferna Bean checking the bus passengers. She is the main character in the film <a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" target="ar50">Race for the Soul</a>. My third-grade son is interested in knowing a school teacher can run a 100 miler. I should have talked with her more, but I do not have chance until later in the race when she passed me.<br /><br />The bus driver starts with a joke and heats up the atmosphere without turning on the heater in such a chilly morning. Rajeev and I chat with Jeff Barbier a bit. He did <a href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/" target="ar50">Tahoe Rim Trail 50K</a> last year and somehow recognized me. We all agree to meet at Tahoe Rim Trail running this year when Anil, Rajeev, and myself are going to do the 100 miles.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Meeting Friends</span><br /><br />Around 5am, an hour before the 6am start, we arrive the race checkin area. Wearing a sleeveless shirt and a short below 50 degree, I am freezing and feel reluctant to leave the bus. I soon to stay near the checkin tent where it seems warmer.<br /><br />The time before an ultra event is our social time. Here we have our Ultraholics (from right to left) - Rajeev Patel, Anil Rao, and myself. We also have Rajeev's friend within us and Deb Clem at rear. I did not find out another ultraholic Shige Takada perhaps because it's too dark around. Later I know Shige was too sick to come.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrzjVNQUtTzU2yPvFnohyLegmcCs6pHpPvWtHW7FwMhVr10R5WO5zr9vV2pkCNl480Mebdjyykm9TINgl2q0omrt6ws4mnqWfJ7pJMU20EIPe7mJGNWkwTIHoWyF3SMS8vaHz86XSye5C/s1600-h/IMG_0302.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrzjVNQUtTzU2yPvFnohyLegmcCs6pHpPvWtHW7FwMhVr10R5WO5zr9vV2pkCNl480Mebdjyykm9TINgl2q0omrt6ws4mnqWfJ7pJMU20EIPe7mJGNWkwTIHoWyF3SMS8vaHz86XSye5C/s400/IMG_0302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053540888845080578" border="0" /></a>I am also very glad to meet Steve Ansell, aka <a href="http://mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/" target="ar50">Mountain Man Steve</a> who is from my town Fremont. We had a few encounters in other events before, but did not have a chance to chat. He looks like ready for his first AR50.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByEiloKME8V_yvnV7qThXLWGwsiU6cowzwFTpMXz6kVZUSNbkKO4d8NiuLW7_7AR5KQhX14ttyPywDwcFMfGS83nfLVb1MmrYfMT8q4ZGQjjvj04IWdE6YASXRkHqzuto5jK7PRq3WVVu/s1600-h/IMG_0303.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByEiloKME8V_yvnV7qThXLWGwsiU6cowzwFTpMXz6kVZUSNbkKO4d8NiuLW7_7AR5KQhX14ttyPywDwcFMfGS83nfLVb1MmrYfMT8q4ZGQjjvj04IWdE6YASXRkHqzuto5jK7PRq3WVVu/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053540764291028978" border="0" /></a>During the trail work at Mt. Diablo, I knew Charles Stevens, Jim Hildreth, Kermit Cuff Jr would run <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50">American River 50M</a>. However, I only spot Kermit Cuff, Jr. perhaps it is too dark and too many runners around. When Kermit and I did the Mt. Diablo trail work a week ago, we worked together most of the time. We take a picture in front of the checkin tent. It is raining and I am freezing, but I have to give out a smile in facing the camera.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kKiNUjG6ypNsPfr844SvC1dbFKDZ-cZR9-E0IiEUgcSrQZUPVDdtrfdXPME_xndaIWfLSECPuoiCcbj8RxdHAHY9qbnYj31f9TrXJhUC31N2diyePy3A9sjV62JLCfXDoTwVYFPDGSuG/s1600-h/IMG_0304.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kKiNUjG6ypNsPfr844SvC1dbFKDZ-cZR9-E0IiEUgcSrQZUPVDdtrfdXPME_xndaIWfLSECPuoiCcbj8RxdHAHY9qbnYj31f9TrXJhUC31N2diyePy3A9sjV62JLCfXDoTwVYFPDGSuG/s400/IMG_0304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053540588197369826" border="0" /></a>Here Marissa and I at the start. Our friend Brian Wyatt has run faster and faster each time. I love to see how fast he can run this time. However, he is not here.<br /><br />We took some pictures. Glad to talk with her at her first <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50">American River 50M</a>. She has very positive attitude with such a nice smile!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoDJGBtteczk_Y7pgpXepScPutA7ImGI7KQRzDz85RdYgqwa2sK0ENJdIx250_YAaD8bL7-J8aqsLoQKddlq6Zm562BiPOrRoDYBmIYc6VuuKdMoLAAaAKwc0C7tZDprkB2XxS37imeg4/s1600-h/IMG_0305.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoDJGBtteczk_Y7pgpXepScPutA7ImGI7KQRzDz85RdYgqwa2sK0ENJdIx250_YAaD8bL7-J8aqsLoQKddlq6Zm562BiPOrRoDYBmIYc6VuuKdMoLAAaAKwc0C7tZDprkB2XxS37imeg4/s400/IMG_0305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053540446463449042" border="0" /></a>We laugh a bit and feel relaxed. On the other hand, laughing also heats up my body. I no longer feel freezing. I'm ready to embrace whatever ahead.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27tkyeTDPnlMoTJSMH6kLSryxHyqAA4egCht0R8prBbPIcZ6iBLFpq6z9Bb0rvsqS0EnzU_xSXMOhuMBqNSeRRHgWMpVp5uHydeT1v_H3hZKsMYzoRMPQY21VLmBvgIMISnOKSS9xfjHs/s1600-h/IMG_0306.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27tkyeTDPnlMoTJSMH6kLSryxHyqAA4egCht0R8prBbPIcZ6iBLFpq6z9Bb0rvsqS0EnzU_xSXMOhuMBqNSeRRHgWMpVp5uHydeT1v_H3hZKsMYzoRMPQY21VLmBvgIMISnOKSS9xfjHs/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053540300434560962" border="0" /></a><br />Within seconds to go, we are counting down and ready to start our timers. Rain is still with us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixruTWED_kYewBk8I-j2p-R-X6L-IEFiOQFStqtNFHAofCo9mkEVd8hEfNVxK8qzr9yIcKxGBOFXn5MxLqS-lsef83rglPshe3h6EarHrKRQFXV6sgmPpW_bmArNxAP-IBxjoZqHkm7L95/s1600-h/IMG_0308.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixruTWED_kYewBk8I-j2p-R-X6L-IEFiOQFStqtNFHAofCo9mkEVd8hEfNVxK8qzr9yIcKxGBOFXn5MxLqS-lsef83rglPshe3h6EarHrKRQFXV6sgmPpW_bmArNxAP-IBxjoZqHkm7L95/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053539986901948322" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start => Watt AVe. => William Pond</span><span>: 8.5/8.5 miles, 1:11:02, 8:22 min/mile</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />Off we go! I checked the course map earlier. I like the first mile of switch back loop. I expect to see other runners at different paces and I can take pictures for them. Unfortunately, it is simply too dark for my camera even with a flashlight. I have a few failed pictures.<br /><br />I run with Kermit in the beginning and the pace is fast foe me. I run ahead a bit to take a picture for him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0zHGlwwNueUCPvwTOcTAVspYvjs7cbmZZvnAeSAtfbsxJG6Rsw_dsaWLFyfrTa8kA8OavVOttCzqpyQpHsvOOZU8antBT9f5unG7nr_GAY-7166QRTusG3M7DzuZwYuTyRMIa88B1qIz/s1600-h/IMG_0309.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0zHGlwwNueUCPvwTOcTAVspYvjs7cbmZZvnAeSAtfbsxJG6Rsw_dsaWLFyfrTa8kA8OavVOttCzqpyQpHsvOOZU8antBT9f5unG7nr_GAY-7166QRTusG3M7DzuZwYuTyRMIa88B1qIz/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053539866642864018" border="0" /></a>Within a few minutes, I heard a familiar voice from behind. It is Wally Hesseltine. He is a runner that I have admired since I began to run ultra's. Look how strong a 63 year young man can be!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83A6bXMU2SY67CMFYuZyPeq2BH58tiuuzoVHXEO1AK6K-Dm34sEqYBtzIitsT8vOOGHXghoNSkkMuQYpd06F7eo814A0uxOo6lOD_lqyLWd95Cd1vs6N7A7-zcuuKupL3UyeVv2UTVYw6/s1600-h/IMG_0310.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83A6bXMU2SY67CMFYuZyPeq2BH58tiuuzoVHXEO1AK6K-Dm34sEqYBtzIitsT8vOOGHXghoNSkkMuQYpd06F7eo814A0uxOo6lOD_lqyLWd95Cd1vs6N7A7-zcuuKupL3UyeVv2UTVYw6/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053539742088812418" border="0" /></a>I skip the first aid station at Watt Ave. Before I get to the second aid station at Williams Pond, I start to feel hungry. I think I had my breakfast too early - 3 hr before the race. I had simple whole wheat bread and I should have eaten them an hour before the race or even during the run. They are easily digested into energy.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />William Pond => Sunrise => Nimbus Overlook => Negro Bar</span><span> <span style="font-style: italic;">- Mess up my Forerunner 305</span><br />14.66/23.16 miles , 2:05:00/3:16:15, 8:32 min/mile</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />Rena Schumann is a female runner that I have admired since last year. She is running at very easy pace, while I'm pushing myself hard. I suspect I have run too fast and she'll last longer. But my plan is to push myself and find my limit.<br /><br />After appreciating her when she encouraged me to "get the job done" in the Rio Del Lago 100M last year, I keep my pace and go ahead. I take a picture of her and hope she catches me later when I wear out myself.<br /><br />It looks like when there is some light, my camera does not do a good job at action photo. Sorry Rena. This is a little out of focus. I promise to make it better next time. I'll see you in Miwok, Quicksilver, and Ohlone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQTcjkDAIUxLn2_rX2kiPWRKaVAbBlYURlrhPG1hgcIaEouI5jEusgKQqwCRG584HuSfaGWHjyCHRQFQEfoGOdklFi_7OEX8QJjtUBiHr7GX_zai1anyfD28VZQ-g92LSmDo7GTZF38_N/s1600-h/IMG_0312.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQTcjkDAIUxLn2_rX2kiPWRKaVAbBlYURlrhPG1hgcIaEouI5jEusgKQqwCRG584HuSfaGWHjyCHRQFQEfoGOdklFi_7OEX8QJjtUBiHr7GX_zai1anyfD28VZQ-g92LSmDo7GTZF38_N/s400/IMG_0312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053539651894499186" border="0" /></a>I don't remember when the rain stops and for how long. My thin running shirt does dry for a while. I am very focused on my fast pace and keep pushing myself. I feel like running a road marathon.<br /><br />Matt Anderson catches up and we chat a little. He soon takes off with faster pace. Same with Olivier Chan, a young runner from San Francisco. Oliver also runs away at faster pace. I keep my pace without chasing anyone. I ran with Eric Berkenkotter for a few miles. I first met him at <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="ar50">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> last year. I was one minute behind him, but he got a special trophy for the third place for the age group. I then met him in the Ruth Anderson and He finished 50K. We happen to be at our agreed pace and are able to talk a lot about our hobbies and families.<br /><br />I pass one aid station and another without stopping too long. I also somehow forget to press the lap button. I also stop the timer by accident. I take only Gels and I take off once the bottle is filled up. I think I stop less than 30 seconds at every aid station.<br /><br />On a bridge to the Nimbus Outlook, which is at the top of the hill. I pass Rob Bryne. He walks on the uphill to stretch his legs, but I keep running and decide to walk on the steep hill at the other side. While pushing up the hill, I see runners power walk or run up the hill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQdNsUuBFmcuiMbXWA-GkJsTpui3aP8mPQIYNkcraa_uOSsLGN-TiMOEanRSH8Gpgs-Bt26QNxdhuaebiBmUGjHcCfZrWGiKx4M0WY0yTd_K04uGDTX8rLj_PYqWp2tuvUc0bftMRu6dM/s1600-h/IMG_0314.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQdNsUuBFmcuiMbXWA-GkJsTpui3aP8mPQIYNkcraa_uOSsLGN-TiMOEanRSH8Gpgs-Bt26QNxdhuaebiBmUGjHcCfZrWGiKx4M0WY0yTd_K04uGDTX8rLj_PYqWp2tuvUc0bftMRu6dM/s400/IMG_0314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053539402786395986" border="0" /></a><br />When I get to the top, it is the Nimbus Outlook aid station. A volunteer greet me with "We have Gu2O". Having my camera ready, I call out "I have a camera" and take a picture. Thank you volunteers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_el5ItUUt6XzgYtIIdrM2WF1S7f7YYH2cbyy2TeXDGKEetVAuL8aPmOND0-QmNVamnS1rpXphZM6YexcyH32j404Bni8Iy2l2PeYW3AfSDY89npbFKgEo7E9AXYZ1Y5vVY9txoTbdZJTb/s1600-h/IMG_0315.JPG" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_el5ItUUt6XzgYtIIdrM2WF1S7f7YYH2cbyy2TeXDGKEetVAuL8aPmOND0-QmNVamnS1rpXphZM6YexcyH32j404Bni8Iy2l2PeYW3AfSDY89npbFKgEo7E9AXYZ1Y5vVY9txoTbdZJTb/s400/IMG_0315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053539299707180866" border="0" /></a><br /><span>I somehow messed up my Forerunner 305 - I accidentally stopped the timer and found out this 15 min later. I have to do some "adjustments" on my time and distance at that section. Hope it does not deviate too much. I also forgot to lap on the first few sections, but this won't affect it's correctness.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Negro Bar => Beals Point</span><span> - </span><span><span style="font-style: italic;">Run like a 3 hr 45 min Road Marathon<br /></span></span><span>3.87/27.03 miles, 39:00/3:55:15, 10:04 min/mile</span><span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br />I push myself and am able to reach the Marathon distance at <span style="font-weight: bold;">3 hr 40 min</span>. It is really close to my road marathon pace - I did 3 hr 34 min in the Silicon Valley Marathon last year. The consequence is I start to feel exhausted at the mid-way of the 50 miles. This is not a good sign to feel so tired that early.<br /><br />This reminds me when I ran it for the first time. Although I executed ran/walk in the beginning, I still felt like hitting a wall at the same spot. This is also the moment that I and Yuki Negoro met our pacer Rubik during our first run. So many memories from such suffering and the same place, I have Gordy's words in my mind. Once I get through this "devastatingly low", I'll get better.<br /><br />I try to enjoy the pain and then ignore it. After 10 minutes, I feel better and arrive at Beals Point of mile 27.4. With many people along the trail near the aid station, I felt recovered a little. I am looking for Yuki, who planned to get here directly from SFO after a business trip. He would like to pace our friend Shige Takeda. Later I know Shige is sick and is not able to make it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rNdj7mIvnA-RdgllzCsFcgwVvJREQ3c-7phPwokjhyIT4OxmPbAxIysTbJA44A7iPgdnQXLYyGD6dXDdy8Wl1TjUouhfdmhZ0n19jDcuth213KnU8Yrrn3cCiuCrG6JhtAAKTcdA1Vcq/s1600-h/2007-ar-6.jpg" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rNdj7mIvnA-RdgllzCsFcgwVvJREQ3c-7phPwokjhyIT4OxmPbAxIysTbJA44A7iPgdnQXLYyGD6dXDdy8Wl1TjUouhfdmhZ0n19jDcuth213KnU8Yrrn3cCiuCrG6JhtAAKTcdA1Vcq/s400/2007-ar-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055345693355205490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?PID=&EVENTID=17918&amp;amp;PWD=&ID=34008680&FROM=browser&START=616&SHOW=50&CAT=0&SUB=0" target="ar50">Brightroom</a><br /><br /></span></div>From here, we enter the trail section. I know I'm good at trails, but I suspect how much energy I have left right now after pushing myself so hard. Here I run into Barry Fisher walking with his dog. He must be waiting for his wife Lucinda Fisher coming. I first saw Barry in <a href="http://www.kviestore.org/dvdraceforsoul.html" target="ar50">Race for the Soul</a>, where he ran as a cancer survivor in 2001 <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="ar50">Western States 100M</a>. I also met him and worked with him as volunteers in the <a href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/" target="ar50">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a> last year. At <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/rdl100main.html" target="ar50">Rio Del Lago 100M</a> last year, he refused to let me stay longer at the Auburn Dam Outlook aid station and I was able to continue without quitting due to my troubles during the day.<br /><br />I go through the gravel road and THE school, where <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/rdl100main.html" target="ar50">Rio Del Lago 100M</a> and <a href="http://www.ultrarunner.net/hkmain.html" target="ar50">Helen Klein 50M</a> are held. It begins the rolling hills. Amazingly, my body is like having recovered completely. Perhaps I was born to run on trails.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beals Point => Granite Bay </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Complete a Fast 4 hr 38 min 50K</span><span><br />4.53/31.56 miles, 44:46/4:40:00, 9:53 min/mile</span><br /><br />When I arrive at the Granite Bay aid station, I reach 50K at <span style="font-weight: bold;">4 hr 38 min</span>. This is again faster than what I have done in any other races. I don't worry too much because my plan is to push my self and I feel great right now.<br /><br />I don't care too much about the rain because I'm still very focused on my pace and energy level. To me, it seems that the rain never stops and it rains even harder. It sometimes seems pouring rain. I have run with Rob Bryne for a while. We pass each other once in a while. I am passed by a group of female runners. One of them is Dawn Inferna Bean. I am able to chat with her a few, but she looks strong and runs away.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Granite Bay =>Buzzard's Cove</span><span>: </span><span>3.19/34.75 miles, 34:07/5:14:07, 10:42 min/mile<br /><br />I quickly leave the Granite Bay aid station but forget to pick up some gels. I figure out that the next aid station is marked as "water only". I am afraid the gels I have will not be enough. I confirm this with Bob Bryne running a few feet ahead. He is kind to give me one spare gel. Thank you Bob.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buzzard's Cove => Horseshoe Bar</span><span>: </span><span>3.40/38.15 miles, 41:23/5:55:31, 12:10 min/mile<br /><br />When I arrive the Buzzard's Cove aid station, I find it is a simple aid station, but has more than "water". I remember this aid station has to be set up by volunteers taking boat there. There was ice cream served in 2005 when I ran <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50">American River 50M</a> for the first time. Bob and I pick up gels and go. Along the way, we pass each other once in a while.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Horseshoe Bar => Rattlesnake Bar</span><span>: </span><span>2.72/40.87 miles, 32:20/6:27:51, 11:54 min/mile<br /><br />It is still raining. There are water spots everywhere on the trail. I am joking to Bob that we are getting close to the swamp. The swamp was famous in last year that runners had to run through it. Somehow, we don't see it anymore at the place. I think it's because the rain just started today. The land is able to absorb all the water. Later today or tomorrow, I think the water absorbed will flow out and form swamps.<br /><br />There is still a wide water crossing. There are loose rocks for footing. I am running fast and step into the water by accident. I have no feeling about wet feet perhaps because my feet are already wet or I am focused on running.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rattlesnake Bar => Mahattan Bar: </span><span>2.38/43.25 miles, 27:22/6:55:13, 11:29 min/mile<br /><br />I'm now able to recognize poison oak and can spot it a lot on the trail. Although I applied something like ivy block before the run, I still try to be very careful to avoid having any contact with plants.<br /><br />At one place, I missed a turn without notice until someone behind yelling. I find no one around and decide to trace back to find the correct route. This costs me an extra quarter mile. I try not to be upset about it so that I can keep strong mentally. I am able to chase and catch up a few runners before the next aid station.<br /><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manhattan Bar => Last Gasp</span><span>: 4.31/47.56 miles, 55:29/7:50:42, 12:53 min/mile<br /><br />There is ice cream served at the Manhattan Bar. I go for my speed, so I take only gels and fill up my bottle as before. I go away immediately to tackle all the technical trails, including the steep river bed.<br /><br />I power up on the river bed and pass a few runners. I know the finish is not far.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Last Gasp => Finish</span><span>: 2.44/50 miles, 30:54/8:21:36 , 12:40 min/mile<br /><br />I do not stop at the last aid station at Last Gasp but push myself up on the paved road. My legs are very sored. All the way, I am passed by a few runners. Up to the last hill, I can see the finish area. The last quarter mile is one of the toughest mentally. I have no way to catch up anyone, but I still try to run as fast as I can. I finally finish it at <span style="font-weight: bold;">8 hr 31 min 57 sec</span>. Although I can not get to the 8hr goal, I'm very happy to set my PR at this course, improved by <span style="font-weight: bold;">29 min 10 sec</span>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UZjULHvfQnrrwFL2fH_VpLVoam2c94qpJnD4tyt69pK6SsgFRroUADmmtLDEt0HL_xCnbVhJhwc0EYD6hswwkPdtQ-jFCkKN2ucIUecIHqVKhwlFeEXqywquGMKTjF9jw5DQUmV3pSxk/s1600-h/2007-ar-5.jpg" target="ar50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UZjULHvfQnrrwFL2fH_VpLVoam2c94qpJnD4tyt69pK6SsgFRroUADmmtLDEt0HL_xCnbVhJhwc0EYD6hswwkPdtQ-jFCkKN2ucIUecIHqVKhwlFeEXqywquGMKTjF9jw5DQUmV3pSxk/s400/2007-ar-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055228681266193250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?PID=&EVENTID=17918&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;PWD=&ID=34007561&FROM=browser&START=301&SHOW=50&CAT=0&SUB=0" target="ar50">Brightroom</a></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Finish Area</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">- Too Cold to Stay Longer</span><br /><br />John Fors comes 30 second behind me. He says he found a camera when he finishes. I look at my pouch and it's open. John picked up my camera, which I did not know dropped. It must be near the river bed when I thought about take a picture on the steep river bed but pushed myself instead. Thanks John!<br /><br />John immediately mentions the Western States 100M <a href="http://www.newcastlecrosscountry.com/safetypatrol.html" target="ar50">safety patrol</a>. Both of us have not been paired up. We are happy to work together as a pair on the <a href="http://www.newcastlecrosscountry.com/safetypatrol.html" target="ar50">safety patrol</a>.<br /><br />I clean up myself with nice warm water. I did not notice until now that dirt covers all over of my legs. My shoes and socks are soaking wet. I meet Eric Berkenkotte again there. It is still raining and windy at the finish area. I feel freezing cold even I wear everything I have including the AR50 Polartec jacket. I'm not sure how long I can stay there and wait for Rajeev and Anil. I would like to leave quickly and Eric is kind to give me a ride to Bay Area. I explained to Norm Klein so he can tell Rajeev that I have to go ealier.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Going Home after a Long Day and a Great Run</span><br /><br />On our way to Bay Area, we go through storm-like weather. It rains so hard that all traffic on the highway has to slow down a lot once in a while. After we climb over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altamont_Pass" target="ar50">Altamont Pass</a> and leave the Central Valley and, we have a sunny weather in Bay Area.<br /><br />I am dropped at a BART station and able to get to Union City BART station. I just miss a bus there and have to wait for 40 minutes for the last bus on Saturday. It's chilly and windy, so I would rather go get some Chinese deli nearby and stay warm in the stores.<br /><br />I take the bus and get home. Once I can sit down for the meal after taking a shower and washing all my stuff, it is 9pm. What a long day and a great run!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Race Reports</span><br /><br />Rajeev Patel - <a href="http://rajeevtherunner.blogspot.com/2007/04/american-river-50-mile-endurance-run.html" target="ar50"> American River 50 Mile Endurance Run</a> with a poem!<br />Steve Ansell - <a href="http://mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/2007/04/everything-comes-together-when-weather.html" target="ar50">Everything comes together when the weather falls apart</a></span>Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-76155485365780846432007-04-12T20:35:00.001-07:002007-04-13T10:44:46.890-07:00Trans Korea 308K, 537K, and 643K<span style="font-weight: bold;">Korean Culture and Running</span><br /><br />Korean drama and culture is popular in Far East Asia. My country people (Taiwan) around the world (Taiwan, USA, etc) love to watch their drama and celebrities. Korean has the highest plastic surgery rate in the world, so the same become popular in Taiwan, Japan, and other countries around there. My family love Korean food as well as Japanese food. We like their variety of dishes, so called appetizer, before the meal.<br /><br />On the other hand, Korean is also very competitive in long distance running in the world. I clearly remember two things. In 2002, the Korean runner <a href="http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/16/images/2002101601761901.jpg" target="korea">Bong-Ju Lee</a> won the <a href="http://www.bostonmarathon.org/" target="korea">Boston Marathon</a><a> among the world best runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, etc. Last year, </a><a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/2006/sim-win.jpg" target="korea">Sim Jae Duk</a> won <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/" target="korea">Massanutten Mountain Tails 100 Miles</a> on the second day of arrival from Korea. This year he is one of the hottest runners in the <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="korea">Western States 100M</a>. Have we had ever non-US runners winning <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="korea">Western States 100M</a>?<br /><br />I don't understand Korean language, but there is an email on the <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html" target="korea">Ultrarunning List</a> about Trans Korean. The race looks like interesting and highly recommended. I went to the web site <a href="http://www.kumf.org/#" target="korea">Korean UltraMarathon Federation</a>. I found there are three distances.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.kumf.org/Record/?p=Intro&idx=15" target="korea">West to East Sea 308K</a>. Check the very touching video <a href="http://www.kumf.org/Video/1.asf" target="korea">http://www.kumf.org/Video/1.asf</a>.<br /></li><li><a href="http://www.kumf.org/Record/?p=Intro&idx=17" target="korea">South to North End 537K</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.kumf.org/Record/?p=Intro&idx=16" target="korea">South to North End 643K</a><br /></li></ul>I don't know the differences between the last two because I can't read the language. I guess they are probably on different routes with 106K difference!<br /><br />Here is the invitation letter for the <a href="http://www.kumf.org/Record/?p=Intro&idx=15" target="korea">West to East Sea 308K</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">West to East Sea 308K</span><br /><br />A Letter of Invitation<br /><br />Dear fellow ultrarunners,<br /><br />We are happy to introduce you to a really spectacular long distance ultramarathon race in Korea that has been a highly kept secret outside of Korea.<br /><br />This is "Trans Korea 308 km Ultra Marathon race ", which has been held yearly since the year 2000. This trail / road race is a crossing of the Korean Peninsula, starting from the West Sea (Yellow Sea) to the East Sea (Pacific Ocean), with a cut-off time of 64 hours.<br /><br />The whole race is organized by KUMF, the Korea UltraMarathon Federation, which has proved its outstanding ability of race organization to the world through the recent IAU 100 KM World Cup '06, Misari, Seoul, Korea.<br /><br />Runners will be aided for drinks or some very basic food items every 50km and any further sort of personal needs must be met by the runners themselves.<br /><br />Last year, the number of runners who ran the race were, (please don't be surprised) 203, and finishers 151. This year you could be one of the intrepid challenging runners of over 400, in view of the current long distance running boom here in Korea.<br /><br />Should anyone want to challenge the absolute solitude of the Far East, enjoying the awesome wind-chimes far away from the temples in the misty moon light, why not come and join us the challenge of Trans Korea 308 km Ultramarathon 2007 in Korean peninsular, the land of morning calm!!? We bet it's going to be the most spectacular, unforgettable experience that you will cherish the whole rest of your life.<br /><br />When : Sept 13 - 16, 2007<br />Where : Seoul, Korea<br />Organization : Korea Ultra Marathon Federation<br />Contact : www.kumf.org Trans Korea 308km<br />e-mail : korimex@korea.com<br /><br />Reg. fee : US$300.- per person ( Local transportation inclusive from hotel to the start then from the finish, back to the hotel )<br /><br />Remarks : A Free Home Stay program will be offered for those who want to know more about Korean culture and tradition.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Park, Bokjin <br /><br />Race Director President<br />Organizing Committee of Lee, Youngsik<br /><br />Trans Korea 308 km Ultramarathon '07<br />Korea Ultra Marathon Federation<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When Am I going to do it?</span><br /><br />I love Korean cuisine and am interested in their culture, so I'll choose FREE home stay. I think my family will love this trip as well. In particular, it is only two hour flight from Taiwan. We can plan this on our annual visit Taiwan afterwards.<br /><br />However, it will be a few years from now since I'm focusing on the races in US and it will take me some time to be capable of doing such a long distance. I'll keep in this my mind. I think I want to finish similar things in Taiwan first since Taiwan is smaller (but may not be easier). Here are my estimates,<br /><ul><li>West to East or vice versa 150K to 200K on three major road (north, mid, and south)</li><li>North to South or vice versa 400K</li><li>Around Taiwan 1000K since Taiwan is an island</li></ul>One thing that stands out is that Taiwan is mountainous and hilly. Crossing Taiwan sometimes requires climbing over the passes at 10,000ft from sea level.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-19318515171414376292007-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:002007-04-10T11:19:23.928-07:00Trail Work at Mt. Diablo - Knowing Ultrarunning Friends and Poison OaksI was looking for an 8 hour trail work project to fulfill the <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/trailwork07.pdf" target="trail">service requirement</a> for <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a>. This is the best time since my family are away in Taiwan for two weeks. I desperately check for local parks because I don't want to drive far. In particular, I'd like to see if I can go even without driving.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finding a Trail Work</span><br /><br />I talked with Harry Silcock of <a href="http://www.eastbaytraildogs.org/" target="trail">East Bay Trail Dogs</a>. They had a trail work this Thursday (4/5) on the Tassajara regional park. I never heard about this park, but finally located it on my map. It is only a few miles north from Dublin/Pleasanton. I guessed I can ride my bike there from <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_DUBLIN.asp" target="trail">Dublin/Pleasanton BART station</a>. However, it's on weekday and I was not sure if I could take that day off since I had been busy at work lately. Also the trail work was only a half day and not a full 8 hours. I probably can not do another one to make it up.<br /><br />Same with another trail work organized by Quicksilver Runner Club in the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/almadenqs/index.html" target="trail">Almaden Quicksilver County Park</a> on Saturday (4/7). This was for the <a href="http://www.quicksilver-running.com/page2.html" target="trail">Quickcilver 25K/50K/50M</a> event coming in May. It'll be a nice one for <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a> service requirement. I checked with Dorsey Moore. It's only a half day and I found no way to get there with less driving.<br /><br />Near where I live, there are some East Bay regional parks such as <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="trail">Alameda Creek Trail</a>, <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote.htm" target="trail">Coyote Hills</a>, <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm">Quarry Lakes</a>, <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mission.htm" target="trail">Mission Peak</a>, and <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/garin.htm" target="trail">Garin/Dry Creek</a>. I checked the park district but they don't have trail work during these two weeks. There is also a <a href="http://www.fws.gov/desfbay/%20target=" trail="">Don Edward Wildlife Refugee</a>. I had no luck either because they mostly had plant rehabitation or Earth Day cleanup. I did not think they would be accepted as trail work.<br /><br />Finally and fortunately, <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="trail">PCTR</a> has a trail work at <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517" target="trail">Mt. Diablo State Park</a>. I did not consider that earlier because it was a long drive (anything longer my daily 22 mile commute). I checked the map and found out maybe I could take <a href="http://www.bart.gov/index.asp" target="trail">BART</a> and ride my bike. It is an all-purpose family bike with a basket at the front and a child seat at the rear. I once used it in my only one Triathlon event - <a href="http://www.onyourmarkevents.com/TriForFunInfo.htm" target="trail">Tri for Fun</a>. It serves both simple grocery shopping and taking kids for a fun ride. I think my family bike should be able to survive 24 miles round trip. I need this trail work to be done, so I decided to do the trail work at <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517" target="trail">Mt. Diablo State Park</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting to Mt. Diablo State Park</span><br /><br />I got up at 4:30am and left home at 5:30am in order to ride 6 miles and catch the 5:56 BART from <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_UCITY.asp" target="trail">Union City</a> to <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_CONCD.asp" target="trail">Concord</a>. It's over 1 hour on the BART to get there. When I get to <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_CONCD.asp" target="trail">Concord</a> at 7:01, there should be enough time for me ride 7 miles to Michell Canyon visitor center in <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517" target="trail">Mt. Diablo State Park</a>.<br /><br />As I arrived at <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_CONCD.asp" target="trail">Concord</a>, the ride was along Clayton Rd. This is a beautiful moment in early morning. The street is quiet with very little traffic. All the way is the fragrant smell with lush green along the road. This may cause people with allergies headache, but certainly helps relax me a bit on the slow climb toward the right turn at Michell Canyon Rd. From there, it is a 1.5 mile into the visitor center. The climb becomes obvious and there are actually a few roller coaster hills. I struggle to paddle the bike forward. Around 10 minutes before the designated time 8am, I am there.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Briefing</span><br /><br />There is only one car there. Jim Hildreth and I introduce ourselves. Within next few minutes, we have almost everyone of 20 people or so, including Wendell and Sarah Domain. With legs crippled from <a href="http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/" target="trail">Barkley Marathon</a>, Wendell could not go with us, but gave the brief for today's trail work. They are also busy at signing our trail work forms. We have forms for <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="trail">Western States 100M</a>, <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a> , and <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a>. Including myself, there are 3 for <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a>, the most among the races. This is probably because <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a> requires "trail work" only. They don't accept volunteering at aid stations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rFKTWRGoDCU7g6E4zW7EP-myzK-113gzubsxh-bPqQYrP-nJnC02kmEFdlpSMCrLhug0UUV00FtyKO3ENfhGxzSS_bb-RmL3TV6JOl5klb6YGWMphBpSjsqUXt1N9crEwTRyU4OUgLfa/s1600-h/IMG_0280.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rFKTWRGoDCU7g6E4zW7EP-myzK-113gzubsxh-bPqQYrP-nJnC02kmEFdlpSMCrLhug0UUV00FtyKO3ENfhGxzSS_bb-RmL3TV6JOl5klb6YGWMphBpSjsqUXt1N9crEwTRyU4OUgLfa/s400/IMG_0280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050908758881370050" border="0" /></a><br />Picking our tools, we are organized into two groups. All our three Wasatch participants are in the group on the long way to Mt. Olympia for the full 8 hour work. We have Charles Stevens from Stevens Creek Strider as our leader.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Group to Mt. Olympia</span><br /><br />Let me fast forward a bit to show our group. When we get to the top of Mt. Olympia 2900 ft elevation. There are father and his 8 year old son Josh picnicking there enjoy the panoramic view. We wait for Chris (don't know his last name) until we are ready to leave. Five of us warriors take a picture, showing off our weapons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIX8A5AGjuxnmzrF143VI1j14x5Qo9mk50rvJ_7casCMT5Bx57MFwIsX1BXS-ads4e5gx3ThHGC8-pFVktodBONZf_JfuMiyNEkd1jdBzr3oCrgsvycC0kS9K6eAooSZNHL60BSshLls6/s1600-h/IMG_0289.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIX8A5AGjuxnmzrF143VI1j14x5Qo9mk50rvJ_7casCMT5Bx57MFwIsX1BXS-ads4e5gx3ThHGC8-pFVktodBONZf_JfuMiyNEkd1jdBzr3oCrgsvycC0kS9K6eAooSZNHL60BSshLls6/s400/IMG_0289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050907354427064130" border="0" /></a><br />From left to right, here is our team,<br /><br />Jim Hildreth - <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a> after his amazing 26 hour finish in the hottest <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="trail">Western States 100M</a> last year! He tells us a lot of this trail since he finished <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="diablo">Diablo 50M</a> last year in twilight. I have little memory of my run two years ago when I ran the Marathon option.<br /><br />Chihping Fu - <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a>. Myself<br /><br />Charles Stevens - Will do <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="trail">Western States 100M</a> this year and <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a> two years in row. He is from <a href="http://www2.blogger.com/www.stevenscreekstriders.org" target="trail">Stevens Creek Strider</a> and becomes our group leader. He has a few (actually "all three") sub-24 hour <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="trail">Western States 100M</a> under his belt.<br /><br />John Koester - Has done a lot of <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="trail">PCTR</a> runs - I mean a couple of dozens! Who else has more <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="trail">PCTR</a> runs than John? He will try his first 50 miler at <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Headlands_Hundred.htm" target="trail">Headlands 50M</a><br /><br />Kermit Cuff Jr. - like me, he just finished <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/04/070331-ruth-anderson-63-miles-training.html" target="trail">Ruth Anderson 100K</a> last week. He was fast and got third place overall in 100K. After finishing <a href="http://www.javelinajundred.com/">Javelina Hundred</a> under 20 hours and 5th place overall last year, he'll run <a href="http://www.ac100.com/">Angeles Crest 100M</a> and <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Headlands_Hundred.htm" target="trail">Headlands Hundred</a> as well. Kermit and I spend a lot time hiking together at this trail work. Both of us are in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50">American River 50M</a> this week have the same 8 hours goal. It should be an easy job as he did it 8 hr 15 min last year. To me, it will be very challenging!<br /><br />We have Chris in the group. He is a <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="trail">PCTR</a> veteran. He is not in this picture because our pace is a little faster than his. We leave the top and hope to meet him somewhere. Going down, we meet Chris. It's very steep technical trail with loose rocks everywhere. It's very slippery, a good test for our trail shoes. Walking down is difficult. I guess we'd better run it. I don't remember how I ran here when I did the marathon two years ago. I know I'll be here three weeks from now at the <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="diablo">Diablo 50M</a>.<br /><br />We lose Chris behind again. At one left turn, which is not obvious, John made an arrow in case we have to leave and Chris can find the way. Without such a sign, Chris or any one else can just keep going on the wide fire road without making the correct left turn here. We also think about leaving all our tools and gloves to show the trail. Then Chris can carry them for us :-) How about placing a bunch of poison oaks to block the fire road so Chris would know to make a turn?<br /><br />Anyway, after a while, we can see Chris coming. He and Kermit stay at the arrow for me to take a shot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGwhAiBNKX6Rp2zOlm75WwaFsYlfWm4piqNjuUp8EhW9zA35g0LZhCCeXdIbs1jkAScodjAt3Elg1yppWwrPBnQvMSztzI185ZtIn2mbdXZc9dpgd31H62pn1DDpv_NUmVFrObTQAkjpM/s1600-h/IMG_0290.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGwhAiBNKX6Rp2zOlm75WwaFsYlfWm4piqNjuUp8EhW9zA35g0LZhCCeXdIbs1jkAScodjAt3Elg1yppWwrPBnQvMSztzI185ZtIn2mbdXZc9dpgd31H62pn1DDpv_NUmVFrObTQAkjpM/s400/IMG_0290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050906877685694258" border="0" /></a>It's time to rewind back to the beginning after introducing our group.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off We Go for the Trail Work</span><br /><br />On our way, we meet groups of hikers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurkp1e5o09CMbrxCqV51YToXy9CF2vM_TxQacAN341Y3XSQuQQU1bggINqvgYD1dYVgi4ATAddGjr49g60F2bbS2SBKeXWV5GMM0NWIo9shZBQtCBfm_84mrqzDIer_leSF9gvN9-04wE/s1600-h/IMG_0281.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurkp1e5o09CMbrxCqV51YToXy9CF2vM_TxQacAN341Y3XSQuQQU1bggINqvgYD1dYVgi4ATAddGjr49g60F2bbS2SBKeXWV5GMM0NWIo9shZBQtCBfm_84mrqzDIer_leSF9gvN9-04wE/s400/IMG_0281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050908599967580082" border="0" /></a>We start with climb. Everyone is happy about the cool weather.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5N8zUAIpwYLTfMfjTfLZ_6haSb95znHD75WA9qa4uzbvLunSC62XvZevJk1aLR64-gYSucfyR-N5UGhRdWlr2nMHMpAnzL_Nm3jevkjI44s60SaB9c3xZe9QWb50BwnlMl-Dd77Mpgxg/s1600-h/IMG_0282.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5N8zUAIpwYLTfMfjTfLZ_6haSb95znHD75WA9qa4uzbvLunSC62XvZevJk1aLR64-gYSucfyR-N5UGhRdWlr2nMHMpAnzL_Nm3jevkjI44s60SaB9c3xZe9QWb50BwnlMl-Dd77Mpgxg/s400/IMG_0282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050908445348757410" border="0" /></a><br />Perhaps being ultrarunners, we are in great shape and move far away from the group of hikers in a few minutes. The background is a mountain ugly chopped for mining aggregates for construction. Sigh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiA3-OI_xnKV5o2UBOotfeaSN9Af-nzpw3NYrhrOMV4hFkb20c-pfD4lPlQbFkqzd5sfv-cxH7IxkNJlzCrKsSR9ol6z_sFrc9947npH9OIA9aXbMGoUTyqp8_MElJ0Wg5R5qlewIZruk/s1600-h/IMG_0283.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiA3-OI_xnKV5o2UBOotfeaSN9Af-nzpw3NYrhrOMV4hFkb20c-pfD4lPlQbFkqzd5sfv-cxH7IxkNJlzCrKsSR9ol6z_sFrc9947npH9OIA9aXbMGoUTyqp8_MElJ0Wg5R5qlewIZruk/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050908286434967442" border="0" /></a><br />There are a lot of overgrown Poison Oak along the trail. Here is a big one. All of us are busy cutting it off the trail. We also need to do this very carefully to avoid having any contact with it.<br /><br />Even if Poison Oak is not friendly to human, I would like think about alternatives. It is said goat love to eat them. How about bringing some goat to eat these poison oaks? This can be delicious to goat but we are destroying them. East Bay park district has used goat and sheep to do park maintenance. I have seen this a few times at <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote.htm" target="trail">Coyote Hills</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrWbuY_3OAr5cqotlTL8QAiiaNiKXO6-DBHkFVqZzVhcAzBqJYJ5VMs03DU3R7pJc7HnbBErL6PePNcBA2yAEs4nqAQseZanvSEm5JJu3d_9GitsbhKZWbJVEYFbIc3ThYbortFDuSKfn/s1600-h/IMG_0284.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrWbuY_3OAr5cqotlTL8QAiiaNiKXO6-DBHkFVqZzVhcAzBqJYJ5VMs03DU3R7pJc7HnbBErL6PePNcBA2yAEs4nqAQseZanvSEm5JJu3d_9GitsbhKZWbJVEYFbIc3ThYbortFDuSKfn/s400/IMG_0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050908075981569922" border="0" /></a><br />There are also full of wild flowers. We were told to cut them as well, but sometimes hesitated to do so. They are simply gorgeous!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8RXS13hOSDtvjOE4pmNRHqqFIp9n3UtPpK72hyphenhypheny3egS7rpZwh4zYSDuNUK9mFVPogr2JYYqMtMPousE16DaBpnVsTbK_7xedVoY42HvYhvneKfaqvLM_9CFu_GruAjHrwZq84P9eggjM/s1600-h/IMG_0286.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8RXS13hOSDtvjOE4pmNRHqqFIp9n3UtPpK72hyphenhypheny3egS7rpZwh4zYSDuNUK9mFVPogr2JYYqMtMPousE16DaBpnVsTbK_7xedVoY42HvYhvneKfaqvLM_9CFu_GruAjHrwZq84P9eggjM/s400/IMG_0286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050907874118106994" border="0" /></a><br />But we have to be flower killer once in a while. Sigh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJLKRYca85Wy_wqUzqE7GP_VmDLYrrPhu6s5htauz93Pn9OC3mXMaF9g2r0PuauDlI0WRUA-jevxa_BP-wgxHuKZ6nrIIi3ygkzbkAYeHC8VXIVSWSqaLosmbikrqSX1Lb-_i5l9-wdTI/s1600-h/IMG_0287.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJLKRYca85Wy_wqUzqE7GP_VmDLYrrPhu6s5htauz93Pn9OC3mXMaF9g2r0PuauDlI0WRUA-jevxa_BP-wgxHuKZ6nrIIi3ygkzbkAYeHC8VXIVSWSqaLosmbikrqSX1Lb-_i5l9-wdTI/s400/IMG_0287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050907680844578658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />About mid way, we can see cloud looming on the peaks - Mt. Olympia and North Peak. You need to witness this to be touched by the scene.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBFBVh3RAHlXpre3JqCAZizuhKrTgNSfwnmEB0DG5qaR43Uv9iiifyVTnyvrvMtN2jbwfBdCj0zDCCgjjkYw4UuWhNREBaTKxhSwXxBV0qvgSjDL6ziw0I4PvmmRdPuXTtAZuh9kQAdgZ/s1600-h/IMG_0288.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBFBVh3RAHlXpre3JqCAZizuhKrTgNSfwnmEB0DG5qaR43Uv9iiifyVTnyvrvMtN2jbwfBdCj0zDCCgjjkYw4UuWhNREBaTKxhSwXxBV0qvgSjDL6ziw0I4PvmmRdPuXTtAZuh9kQAdgZ/s400/IMG_0288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050907496160984914" border="0" /></a>We finally get to the top of Mt. Olympia 2900 ft elevation and take a group picture as seen above when I introduce our group.<br /><br />When we went out in the morning, it was chilly. I even thought that I might feel miserable when I get to the mountain where it can be windy. That's why those cold blood animals would rather stay homes and take cozy sleep. Coming down from the mountain in the afternoon, we can see more visitors walking with family. We see a few snakes around on the trail. We have to poke them to move out of the trail. There are traffic of hikers and bikers and they can be run over. Here is one snake that kids of a family are excited to see and Kermit helps it to go into the bushes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PpjOnum8nSm1XZSS-RzKM5XyUMocPjDFyZ_LojZlkF06mV1sDBSywIk6NGZVXLjKbziEqGtRfA8toomgSbUjU0VGSFJHpnl4w-BK7jH8QINmPXRiY6Su30JGjFWyp7QZpeUNsqM4sl6l/s1600-h/IMG_0291.JPG" target="trail"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PpjOnum8nSm1XZSS-RzKM5XyUMocPjDFyZ_LojZlkF06mV1sDBSywIk6NGZVXLjKbziEqGtRfA8toomgSbUjU0VGSFJHpnl4w-BK7jH8QINmPXRiY6Su30JGjFWyp7QZpeUNsqM4sl6l/s400/IMG_0291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050906693002100514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">About Angeles Crest 100M</span><br /><br />Kermit and I also see Jonathan Kimura, a young runner from Cupertino, doing his 15 mile training for the coming the marathon distance in <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="trail">Diablo 50M</a>. He was coached by the <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a> record holder Jim O'Brien. We talk a lot about ultrarunning. Jonathan did <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a> back in 2001 and has great experience with it. I introduce Kermit to Jonathan since Kermit will do it this year.<br /><br />I hear about those interesting things about <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a> and how to face the big hills coming at last few miles, how the mind set plays a lot in running <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a>, and how it is easy to miss a turn and get lost at some section full with boulders and crowded with people . According to Jonathan, <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a> is one of the few "runnable" mountain 100 milers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heading Home</span><br /><br />I'm about to go home because it will be a long way up to two hours - 30 min to the <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_CONCD.asp" target="trail">Concord BART station</a>, 1 hour BART, and 30 min from <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_UCITY.asp" target="trail">Union City BART station</a> to my home.<br /><br />Going back downhill is a very nice reward to my tired body. However, riding on Clayton Rd is now a horrible job. No fragrant smell and the street is neither quiet. There are a lot of traffic. I am eventually forced to ride on the sidewalk, which sometimes has wide pits here and there. I hurry up in fast gear. It becomes stunts until I safely get to <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_CONCD.asp" target="trail">Concord BART station</a>.<br /><br />On the BART train, I am very tired and fall asleep a few times. I wake up quickly for fear of missing the transfer in Oakland and getting to San Francisco.<br /><br />I am so hungry when I get out of the <a href="http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_UCITY.asp" target="trail">Union City BART station</a>. I stop by Ranch 99 Asian grocery market and buy a few deli. I am not able to enjoy the longly waited dinner until I take a shower and get a vegetable soup done.<br /><br />It is 7pm now. What a long day! But I get acquainted with a few great ultrarunning friends and recognize the vicious Poison Oak. I got poison oak twice last year for the first time, but still had no confidence in telling which is poison oak. Now I know it very well!<br /><br />On the other hand, I never knew trails are such a hard work. I can not imagine how we can have a machine to create a trail and maintain it even in this modern technology age. Doing trail work may not be as intensive as running on a trail, but it requires the same effort in order to do it well. It is such a precious and rewarding activity. From now on, I think I have totally new experience with my feet on the trails - full of appreciation and respect.<br /><br />With such a trail work experience, I should be able to easily get into the four such volunteer work to be done next year.<br /><ul><li>Two volunteer work at <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/" target="trail">PCTR</a> aid station - <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="trail">Western States 100M</a> and <a href="http://www.vermont100.com/" target="trail">Vermont 100M</a>.</li><li>One trail work for an Ultra (like this at Mt. Diablo) - <a href="http://www.ac100.com/" target="trail">Angeles Crest 100M</a><br /></li><li>One pure trail work (East Bay parks) - <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="trail">Wasatch Front 100M</a></li></ul>Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-67653204071665353182007-04-03T04:23:00.001-07:002007-04-03T04:41:32.216-07:00My Ultra BiographyAfter reading the <a href="http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/archives/ultra.html">Ultrarunning List</a> for months and learning how to write an ultra biography, it's time to complete mine and introduce myself on my birthday.<br /><table><br /><tbody><tr><th>Name:</th><td>Chihping Fu</td></tr><br /><tr><th>City/State/Country:</th><td>Fremont, CA, USA</td></tr><br /><tr><th>E-mail:</th><td>chihpingfu@yahoo.com</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Occupation:</th><td>Software Build/Release Engineer (aka. SCM)<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><th>Height:</th><td>5'10"</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Weight:</th><td>160 lb<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><th>Birthplace:</th><td>Taipei, Taiwan</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Date of birth:</th><td>4/3<hidden></hidden></td></tr><br /><tr><th>Years running:</th><td>10 (since 1997)<br /></td></tr><br /><tr><th>Years running ultras:</th><td>3 (since Quicksilver 50K in 2004)<br /></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: bold;">PRs:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mile</span> - 5:40 (speedwork)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">5K</span> - 18:50 (Oracle 5K in 2004?)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">10K</span> - 39:55 (Mercury News 10K in 2002, a bandit runner)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">1/2 Marathon</span> - 1:29:43 (2004 Home Depot San Francisco Half)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marathon</span> - 3:19:19 (2001 Silicon Valley Marathon)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shoes I run in: </span>any name brand running shoes marked down to $40.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite running surface:</span> wooded trails<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Some ultras I have completed:</span><br /><ul><li>a couple of PCTR 50K's in SF Bay Area (since 2004),</li><li>Stevens Creek 50K (2006),</li><li>AR50 (since 2005),</li><li>Ruth Anderson (since 2006),</li><li>Miwok 100K (since 2006),</li><li>Quicksilver 50K/50M (since 2004),</li><li>Ohlone 50K (since 2005),</li><li>TRT 50M/100M (since 2005),</li><li>RDL 100M (since 2006),</li><li>Firetrail 50M (since 2005),</li><li>HK50 (since 2006),</li><li>Quad Dipsea (2005).</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite ultras:</span> Those I've run and others trail ultras I have not run.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ultra achievement I am most proud of:</span> finished strong weekly ultras in 2006 - Miwok 100K, Quicksilver 50M, and Ohlone 50K. The same challenges come again this year by adding Diablo 50M.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Typical training week:</span> 8-10 miles daily during weekday and 20 (hilly Ohlone Wilderness Trail) - 40 miles (flat Alameda Creek Trail) on Sunday<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Injury history:</span><br /><ul><li>shin splints for six months in my first year of running (1997-1998).</li><li>ball pains lingering for a year after finishing San Francisco Marathon in 2002.</li><li>None for trail running except ankle twist when wearing Inov 315 this year.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite ultra foods:</span> salted potatoes, brownies, juicy fruits, all brand and flavors of gels, chicken soup.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite ultra beverages:</span> any sports drink, coke<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things I like most about ultras:</span> people, stories, trails, camaraderie, accomplishment, and cheaper than road races ($$/mile).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things I hate most about ultras:</span> No but I normally spend time figuring out how to get to the race start and return home with minimal impact on environment<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What got me started doing ultras:</span> I was kind of idle and lack of motivation after running road marathons for years. A friend (Eric Belden) mentioned about Quicksilver 50K in 2004. I began to train on hills but still had doubts in myself. When I finished the race, I was glad to run beyond marathon and appreciate the terrains. I started to get addicted to run ultras.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why I do ultras: </span>a great way to reveal myself and enjoy the most of trails in short period of time with the help from volunteers (Thank you all).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where I found out about the list:</span> told by my friend Rajeev Patel (the Poetic Runner) when I was looking for a ride to my first 100 miler - TRT100 in 2006.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Short-term ultra goals:</span> Complete my this year race calendar listed on http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/ (just did Ruth Anderson 100K), in particular, my target race - Wasatch Front 100, and four ultra slams next year when I'm in WS100 for the first time (a two-time loser).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Long-term ultra goals:</span> Keep working on my Ultrailrunning Family Man blog. Complete most of the USA 100 milers and all ultra slam series listed in www.run100s.com. And the beautiful Tour du Mont Blanc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy ultra goals:</span> run beyond time (day and night and my age) and beyond distances (> 100 miles). For example, multi-day solo run touring an area such as run across or around Taiwan, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite ultra quote(s):</span><span> I actually enjoy reading other's "favorite ultra quotes". They always inspire me!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-71622645819626470952007-03-22T22:01:00.001-07:002007-03-30T19:37:52.776-07:00070318 Finishing a 40 MileTraining Run<table border="0"><br /><tbody><tr><th>Distance:</th><td>40.06 miles</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Time:</th><td>6 hr 40 min 43 sec</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Avg Pace:</th><td>10 min/mile</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Marathon:</th><td>4 hr 15 min</td></tr><br /><tr><th>50K:</th><td>5 hr 5 min</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Calories:</th><td>5260 cal</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><center><table border="1"><br /><tbody><tr><th>Laps</th><th>Distance<br />(miles)</th><th>Time</th><th>Pace<br />(min/mile)</th><th>Accrued Time</th><th>Calories<br />(cal)</th></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">1</td><td align="right">2.32</td><td align="right">21:28.92</td><td align="right">9:15</td><td align="right">21:28.92</td><td align="right">300</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">2</td><td align="right">8.04</td><td align="right">1:17:16.54</td><td align="right">9:37</td><td align="right">1:38:45.46</td><td align="right">1049</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">3</td><td align="right">8.06</td><td align="right">1:17:50.96</td><td align="right">9:40</td><td align="right">2:56:36.42</td><td align="right">1053</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">4</td><td align="right">7.92</td><td align="right">1:19:34.50</td><td align="right">10:03</td><td align="right">4:16:10.92</td><td align="right">1038</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">5</td><td align="right">7.84</td><td align="right">1:21:49.05</td><td align="right">10:26</td><td align="right">5:37:59.97</td><td align="right">1039</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">6</td><td align="right">5.88</td><td align="right">1:02:43.91</td><td align="right">10:40</td><td align="right">6:40:43.88</td><td align="right">781</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Total</th><th align="right">40.06</th><th align="right">6:40:43</th><th align="right">10:00</th><th align="right">6:40:43</th><th align="right">5260</th></tr><br /></tbody></table></center><br />After the 50K training run last week (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/03/070311-50k-training-run-and-anew_17.html">070311 50K Training Run and Anew</a>), I got more confident in going farther this week. I planned to do 40 miles and I had never run that far.<br /><br />Even with that, more doubts were still wandering in mind and stayed even longer. In particular, I found <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="40miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>, which I'd run on, was so windy and chilly when I had a bike ride with my two kids the day before. I imagined it could be even worse when I set out in the early morning.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Day </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Early Bird</span><br /><br />Now it seems much easier to get used to DST (Daylight Saving Time) than the usual jet leg between USA and Taiwan. Unlike last Sunday when I couldn't start early for a 50K training run, I easily wake up at 3:30am earlier before my alarm set at 3:40am. However, the doubts are there about "Shall I?" or "Can I?". I am nervous about how tough it'll be to run the entire 40 miles.<br /><br />Feeling sleepy, I finally get up 10 minutes after I reset the alarm. It's 3:50am. Again, busy morning ritual and preparation help me forget the doubts and I am motivated with some confidence.<br /><br />Walking out to pick up the heavy Sunday paper, I find it's not that cold out there. But who knows what it is like a few miles away in the wild open area near the Bay?<br /><br />I wear a long sleeve tech shirt and a short. I have two cans of V8 in one hand and a 24oz water empty bottle with a flashlight in the other. I have two pouches pinned at my waist belt with the following items.<br /><ul><li>8 variety of Gel packets (GU, HammerGel, CytoMax, CliffGel)<br /></li><li>1 small bottle of GU2O powder with salt<br /></li><li>3 GreenToGo Fruit/Vege powder (bought from Costco)<br /></li><li>1 Gummy bear packet (with sugar and some Vitamins)<br /></li><li>2 pain reliever - ibuprofen (in case my toothache bothers me again)<br /></li></ul>Sorry no camera this time because I want to execute this training run successfully. I'm not sure if I can complete it today (still have doubts). Once I am able to do it and set up confidence, I'll bring it next time for fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 1 (mile 0 ~ 2.32): 2.32 miles/21:28.92, pace: 9.15 min/mile, Accrued: 2.32 miles/21:28.92</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Practicing Carrying All Supplies</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />I wait for my Forerunner 305 to capture satellite signals in front of my garage. It's right before 4:40am. The street is quiet. I'll have to run 0.75 mile on my neighborhood streets. Then run another 0.75 mile on a paved trail called Ardenwood Path before get to the paved <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="40miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. Finally, there is another 0.75 mile paved trail to the dirt path at the other side of the creek. This is the first lap of mileages.<br /><br />It takes some time to get used to carrying two cans of V8, a water bottle, and a flashlight with my hands. As later in the run, I find I have better arm strength to hold them possibly thanks to the training last week.<br /><br />The end of the lap is the sign post of mile 8/4 that I will start the run on the dirt trail. It is 8 miles to the hill near Mission Blvd and 4 miles to the Bay, both end points of the 12 mile trail. I hide the V8 at one secret spot near this sign post because I'll visit it a few times.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 2 (2.32 ~ 10.36): 8.04 mile/1:17:16.54, pace: 9.37 min/mile, Accrued: 1:38:45.46</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Enjoy the Solitude</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />On the dirt <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="40miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>, I'll first run the 4 mile section to the Bay and back - 8 miles in total. I'll do this 8 mile lap twice before heading toward the other part of the trail. Having this plan is because I love this remote wild open section. Since there is no water there and it can become hot without shade later in the day, I'd like to do it as early as possible.<br /><br />It seems darker than last week perhaps due to the DST. I have a flashlight in my hand but do not use it for a while because I can still recognize the trail about 10 feet ahead. There is dense cloud above covering the entire sky, even the Moon. The city lights from Union City and Fremont are getting farther and dimmer behind as I run toward the Bay. Those little lights reflecting from my surrounding are able to show me just enough, though little, about the trail ahead.<br /><br />It's windy like yesterday and it's headwind. It is maybe chilly but I can take it because I'm running and able to get warm. To be honest, this is great running temperature with heat and sweat brought away so quickly that I do not break any sweat until two hours later - stay hydrated.<br /><br />As I move farther into the Bay, I feel the city lights ahead from the other side of Bay getting closer even they are over 5 miles away. Although I can see the trail, I turn on my flashlight at half way as a way to practice using it in future 100 milers. I remember how I was nervous about nightly running before and how I suddenly had great time in some 100 milers I've done last year.<br /><br />I am able to see the Bay water ahead knowing the turnaround is not far. When I get to the sign post of mile 12/0, it's the end of the trail and the place I'll turn around. The Bay water is only a few feet away. I'm far away from any city lights, or, as you may say, the civilization. It should be totally dark, but I can see only a little around me possibly with the help from the lights travelling from 5 miles away. Now city lights seem to form a big circle of a universe with myself alone at the center. I'm not sure if this is enough for a genius to find out that Earth is not flat. I only stop for a minute or less (to relieve). A great feeling of solitude mixed with joy fills up my mind. The joy comes from the intimacy with Nature, feeling like having sex. I guess endorphin, said to be secreted during exercise and making love, is now working. What a wonderful moment! Maybe that's why I love running :-)<br /><br />Turning around, I'm facing the direction where Sun will rise later. A little sun lights seem to arrive first before Sun comes out of the hills. I still have my flashlight turned on for a while on my way back. At about half way (~ mile 9), I suddenly twist my ankle just like in the races early this year. It is painful, but what I worry about is how I can continue and finish the 40 miles with this happening at such an early stage. Fortunately, my ankle gets better when I slow down for a while.<br /><br />I turn off the flashlight as I can see the trail more clearly and I think the training of running with a flashlight is done. It's not that I did not see the trail that tripped me, but I think I did not pay attention to running. Therefore, I don't need flashlight but need to focus more on my steps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 3 (10.36 ~ 18.42): 8.06 mile/1:17:50.96, pace: 9.40 min/mile, Accrued: 2:56:36.42</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Feeling Joyful about Lives</span><br /><br />Before starting this lap, I hide the flashlight at somewhere nearby since I don't need it any more. At the end of the run, I'll stop by and pick it up.<br /><br />It's getting brighter. However, it seems that I focus on the trail ahead instead of my sides. At the Alameda Ponding area, 3 miles toward the Bay, I am shocked by the ghostlike presence of a big object at my right only 10 feet away. It is a bull staring at me, and looks like the one we met yesterday.<br /><br />On our way back during the bike ride yesterday, we were told by a scared woman that she could not keep going back since there is a bull with horn tips cut wandering on the trail. We then walked with her to pass that quarter mile of the trail. I used to deal with hundreds of cows when running at <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ohlone.htm" target="40miles">Ohlone Wilderness Trail</a>, so I felt quite comfortable under such a situation. Right now, I do not slow down, but keep my pace. It does not bother me.<br /><br />As I run toward the Bay (for the second time), the trail is now more alive with lots of songs from all kinds of birds. Once in a while I see hares running across the trail ahead of me. This is a great magic to feel so close with them. It seems that the daybreak is a natural alarm for these creatures. Therefore, we need DST to adjust our daily life. I imagine they are busy at hunting, feeding, and maybe going to bathroom just like our busy morning before work or school.<br /><br />I turn around at the Bay after taking the first Gel (~ mile 14). I have planned to take Gel every 4 miles, so I'll take another one when finishing this lap at the sign post of mile 8/4. After a mile, I start to see a runner far away running toward me. I feel so refreshed to welcome the beginning of the day even after I have run two hours, while others may be still at beds or just start to get up. Sun must have floated above the mountain, but is hidden behind the heavy cloud. This is certainly a great day for running - without much sunlight.<br /><br />The trail is still full of voices and songs from birds. There are some hares busy around. When I approach the Alameda Ponding Area where I met the bull, there are now a dozen of bulls there. They all stare at me as usual, but they begin to move away, seeming scared at my presence, a moving object with noises from my footsteps. They soon clear the trail for me to pass, but stay at the lower hill, staring at me again. I say "Good morning!"<br /><br />I can see a few other people doing morning walk. All of us early birds have the privilege to enjoy the pristine green land.<br /><br />I finally finish the lap at the sign post of mile 8/4. I drink the last can of V8 and take one Gel. Now it's time to run to the other end of the trail - 8 miles to go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 4 (18.42 ~ 26.34): 7.92 mile/1:19:34.50, pace: 10:03 min/mile, Accrued: 4:16:10.92 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Begin to Race with My Will</span><br /><br />I'm entering my usual "wall" at 3 hours, but I feel better this time, thanks to the 50K training last week. I soon find out I forgot to take salt tablets with V8 when I finish the previous lap. I have to wait for finishing 5 miles before I get to a water fountain at <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="40miles">Quarry Lakes</a>. Fortunately, the various nutritions and sodium in the V8 does help me a lot at this 5 mile stretch. That's why I usually like having V8 in my training.<br /><br />At the sign post of mile 4/8, I take one Gel as planned. Then at the sign post of mile 3.5/8.5, I stop at the water fountain to take all three salt tablets sticking to each other in a small plastic zipped bag. I finally can throw away the bag after carrying it in many races in the past.<br /><br />Along <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="40miles">Quarry Lakes</a>, the trail is now run outside of the fence for a mile or two. I can see more visitors. At one time, I spot three runners inside the park on the trail parallel to mine. I catch up and pass them, trying to find out if I know them, but no.<br /><br />After I pass <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="40miles">Quarry Lakes</a>, I get to another water fountain at a nice neighboring community park. I stop and fill up my water bottle for the first time, where I already put Gu2O powder and salt. I plan to drink at every half mile sign post from now on.<br /><br />As usual, the dogs from the neighborhood backyard show their greeting by barking at me. They seem eager to jump over the fence and chase or bite me. Right before I get the end of the trail to finish this lap, I reach the marathon distance at 4hr 15min. I turn around at the trail end and take one Gel, completing this lap. The feeling of going home boosts a little on my mentality.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 5 (26.34 ~ 34.18): 7.84 mile/1:21:49.05, pace: 10:26 min/mile, Accrued: 5:37:59.97</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Struggling But Feeling Home</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />Now I follow the pattern of eating and drinking completely - one Gel every 4 miles and drink every half mile. I also start to take pieces of tasty Vitamin Gummy Bear to complement with Gel on energy and nutrition.<br /><br />However, I start to feel tired, but legs seem to be fine. As I approach the entrance of <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="40miles">Quarry Lakes</a>, I decide not to enter it for a big loop over the pretty trails inside because I'm not sure if I can run back home after doing that loop. It turns out later that I have to do some extra to make it 40 miles. I think I should include this scenic loop in my next training run.<br /><br />I stop at a water fountain and fill up my bottle again with a mixture of powder and salt. I soon pass the 50K mark at 5hr 5min. I'm glad that this is faster than last week. However, I become struggling and start to feel the heat, although the sunshine is better than I expected. As I get to the sign post of mile 8/4, I figure that I need another 3.5 miles to make it 40 miles.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 6 (34.18 ~ 40.06): 5.88 mile/1:02:43.91, pace: 10:40 min/mile, Accrued: 6:40:43.88</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Finish Gracefully with my Training Record</span><span style="font-style: italic;">s in Distance and Time</span><br /><br />I could have run on the bridge crossing the creek and head back home. However, I want to make up the 3.5 miles. I have to run on the trail toward the bay that I did in the first two laps. I'll run 1.5 miles out and 1.5 miles back. On the way out, the 1.5 miles looks like forever because Sun already comes out and show his power over this part of unshaded trail. Also I am really exhausted. I sometimes close my eyes, enjoying the pain, but wishing time going by fast and getting closer to the turnaround at a sign post.<br /><br />Mentality is working again because I finally get to the turnaround and feel much better when I head toward home on the 1.5 miles back. There is a water fountain at the side trail, so I decide to go there and get resupply. After drink enough water, I feel more motivated in running with my exhausted body as I know I'll finish my longest training distance in 30 minutes.<br /><br />Now I run magically better even when I'm running on the paved trail and neighborhood streets. I keep counting any progress in distance and it seems that every half mile is a milestone to me. Within 200 yards to my home, I found I have half mile short for the 40 miles, so I have to run around my neighborhood to make it up. At last, when I stand in front of my garage, the Forerunner 305 reads 40.06 miles. I feel like I can do even longer training run in future. I happily finish my training today and set my records in training distance and time!<br /><br />Now I'm thinking when I can do 50 miles or 100K training run. I guess it should be in June between <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="ohlone" title="goal: 5hr 45min">Ohlone Wilderness 50K</a> and <a href="http://www.ws100.com/" target="ws100" title="goal: 58 mile safety patrol and 38 mile pace Yuki under 24hr">Western States 100M</a>. I think I should be able to run better 100 milers in the second half of the year after training runs covering 60% of the distance in the first half of the year.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-3247905154393551742007-03-28T06:42:00.000-07:002007-03-30T19:37:30.898-07:00070325 33 Mile Tapering Run for Ruth Anderson 100K<table border="0"><br /><tbody><tr><th>Distance:</th><td>33.32 miles</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Time:</th><td>5:12:42</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Avg Pace:</th><td>9:23 min/mile</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Marathon:</th><td>3:58:59</td></tr><br /><tr><th>50K:</th><td>4:47:25</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Calories:</th><td>4334 cal</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><center><table border="1"><br /><tbody><tr><th>Laps</th><th>Distance<br />(miles)</th><th>Time</th><th>Pace<br />(min/mile)</th><th>Accrued Time</th><th>Calories<br />(cal)</th></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">1</td><td align="right">2.32</td><td align="right">20:01.35</td><td align="right">8:39</td><td align="right">20:01.35</td><td align="right">298</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">2</td><td align="right">8.04</td><td align="right">1:12:07.70</td><td align="right">8:58</td><td align="right">1:32:09.05</td><td align="right">1043</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">3</td><td align="right">7.90</td><td align="right">1:12:36.59</td><td align="right">9:12</td><td align="right">2:44:45.64</td><td align="right">1028</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">4</td><td align="right">12.76</td><td align="right">2:01:37.62</td><td align="right">9:32</td><td align="right">4:46:23.22</td><td align="right">1671</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="center">5</td><td align="right">2.31</td><td align="right">26:19.23</td><td align="right">11:23</td><td align="right">5:12:42.45</td><td align="right">294</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Total</th><th align="right">33.32</th><th align="right">5:12:42</th><th align="right">9:23</th><th align="right">5:12:42</th><th align="right">4334</th></tr><br /></tbody></table></center><br /><br />I'm getting to love running alone and afar at the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="33miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. However, as usual, I feel really reluctant to get up early on Sunday morning. In particular, after spending the whole Saturday with family, I have a temptation to stay in warm bed and talk with family.<br /><br />On the other hand, I keep reminding myself that I need solid training for the intensive races this year. Somehow, with this lingering in mind, I was able to wake up before the 3:30am alarm.<br /><br />Since <a href="http://www.run100s.com/entries/ra07.rtf" target="ra100" title="goal: complete 100K">Ruth Anderson 100K </a>is a week from now, I need to taper my training run. I thought about doing either 20 mile mountain run between Fremont and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sunol</span>, or a 50K on the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="33miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. I decided to do the flat <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="33miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a> since the coming <a href="http://www.run100s.com/entries/ra07.rtf" target="ra100" title="goal: complete 100K">Ruth Anderson 100K</a> is nearly flat in the city. The following <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="ar50" title="goal: 8hr">American River 50M</a> two weeks after also relies on the first 27 mile paved path before switching to my favorite trail running. Then I can to save my ankle, which was injured last month. I think I can start to do hill runs after <a href="http://www.run100s.com/entries/ra07.rtf" target="ra100" title="goal: complete 100K">Ruth Anderson 100K</a>.<br /><br />This will be a shorter run, so I carry less. I have a 20oz water bottle, one can of V8, 5 various Gels, 2 packets of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GreenToGo</span> Fruit/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vege</span> powder, and a bottle of GU2O powder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 1 (mile 0 ~ 2.32): 2.32 miles/20:01.35, pace: 8.39 min/mile</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Prepared to face the Darkness</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />I thought I have everything ready, so I left home and started to run at 4:36am. It turned out I forgot to bring a flashlight after 5 minutes in the streets. To save the weight and hassles, I don't not carry the key. I did not want to ring the bell and wake up everyone. I decided to try my gut to run in dark without a flashlight.<br /><br />Since I have completed a 40 miles last week, I suppose this 50K to be easier. This might be a chance for me to run faster and test my limit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 2 (2.32 ~ 10.36): 8.04 mile/1:12:07.70, pace: 8:58 min/mile, Accrued: 1:32:09.05</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Running like a Blind Man</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />As usual, I hide a V8 near the sign post of mile 8/4. I go out in the direction of the Bay. It's 4 miles to the Bay. Within half mile or so, the city lights can no loner reach the trail ahead. What about star light? Nothing! It's heavy dark cloud over the entire sky. The cloud even covers most of the city light across the Bay - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Melo</span> Park and Redwood City. To make it worse, the cloud seems ready to pour down by starting with drizzles. I'm actually not sure if my glasses are fogged or wet. I have to wipe my glasses once in a while.<br /><br />Not able to see anything, I slow down and carefully listen to the sounds from my footsteps on different terrain - sand, rocks, gravel, marsh land. They all give different sounds. I run away from the trail and into the marsh a few times.<br /><br />Finally, I can see Bay water ahead. It looks like a mirror even in the dark so that there is enough light reflected in my sight. I am happy to get close to the turnaround, but the problem is I have no idea where the trail ends. I keep running until I step on something soft feeling like a beach. I stop for fear of stepping into the Bay water. Again, I feel like being at the center of the big circle universe.<br /><br />I turn around and expect to have better sight on the trail. It turns out the trail is even darker because the city lights from Fremont and Union City are now blocked by the hills. The hills are small but good enough to block the lights coming from horizontal. I have to keep listening to the sounds from my footsteps. Perhaps I'm now experienced. I no longer run into the marsh. Once I pass the hill, the trail becomes twice wider and recognizable. I have no problem finishing this lap at the sign post of mile 8/4.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 3 (10.36 ~ 18.26): 7.90 mile/1:12:36.59, pace: 9.12 min/mile, Accrued: 2:44:45.64</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Run faster and Test my Thirsty Limit</span><br /><br />I quickly drink the cached V8. Today I don't turn around and run to the Bay again. I just keep running to the other end. It is daybreak and I can see a few people walking by.<br /><br />Like last week, I start to one Gel after 4 miles and one every 4 miles. With the V8, I skip the first water fountain near <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="33miles">Quarry Lakes</a>, but stop at the second water fountain to take two salt tablets. I am wondering if I want to go into the park on my way back, but I will be tired then. When I get to the end of the trail, i.e. sign post of mile 0/12, I take one Gel and turn around.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 4 (18.26 ~ 31.02): 12.76 mile/2:01:37.62, pace: 9:32 min/mile, Accrued: 4:46:23.22 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Struggling for Marathon and 50K Targets</span><br /><br />I start to feel tired. When I see a runner 100 yard behind me, I somehow motivate to pick up my pace.<br /><br />I decide to enter <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="33miles">Quarry Lakes</a> and do a big loop. I figure I need to do this loop to make today's route enough for 50K. I thought the loop is no more than 3 miles, but it turns out to be 4 miles. The minor difference predicts my struggling later.<br /><br />The trail in the park is a little rolling compared with the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="33miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. I feel tired and frustrated when I can not open a power bar with my sticky sore hands and my teeth tied to my tired body. It takes me a few minutes and I finally finish the power bar. I think it can last 2 miles until the next I take a Gel at the sign post of mile 4/8.<br /><br />I finally complete the loop and go back to the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="33miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. I figure that I will be very close to the Marathon distance at the last water fountain. Therefore, I run back and forth there, try to get to the Marathon before the final supply of water.<br /><br />Last week, I reached the marathon distance at 4 hr 15 min. I push myself a bit thinking if I can do a sub-4hr marathon. Finally, I am able to do it and have 3hr 58min 59sec for the marathon - 16 minutes faster than last week. Then I am happy to drink enough water and ready to go for my next target - 50K under 5 hours.<br /><br />Sun already comes out, but it's not that bad. I'm struggling and, as usual, I sometimes close my eyes to let the time and distance go faster. You may say it's a way to enjoy the pain. I figure I should be able to run a sub-5hr 50K if I can keep this slow pace. Therefore I have faith and keep moving my arms and legs forward. I pass the gravel path, paved path, gravel path, and a few underpasses that the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="33miles">Alameda Creek Trail</a> goes under the streets. I regularly drink electrolyte drink and take Gel as I count the half mile sign posts. I finally get to the end of this lap - sign post of mile 8/4. However, it's still about 100 yards short of 50K, so I do not stop and head toward the bridge.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lap 5 (31.02 ~ 33.32): 2.31 mile/26:19.23, pace: 11:23 min/mile, Accrued: 5:12:42.45</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Take Easy and Go Home</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />When I run on the bridge across the Alameda Creek, I just make up the 100 yards for the 50K. I make it under 5 hours - 4 hr 47 min 25 sec, 18 minutes faster than last week. I feel totally exhausted. I walk for a few seconds as a reward, but then pick up my slow pace in order to feel better for the last two miles. As I run closer to my home, my energy level goes up little by little. I'm happy to finish this "shorter" run and get ready for <a href="http://www.run100s.com/entries/ra07.rtf" target="ra100" title="goal: complete 100K">Ruth Anderson 100K</a> on the coming Saturday.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-86943812233758341462007-03-17T06:39:00.001-07:002007-03-17T11:29:12.687-07:00070311 50K Training Run and Anew<span style="font-weight: bold;">So What's New?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">First run after DST</span> (daylight saving time)<br /><br />I really like this idea. It gets people to make more use of the day. I remember we had this when I was a kid in Taiwan. Taiwan no longer does this, so I don't like to see people still at home when there have been warm sunshine at 6am. This is a little waste of productivity.<br /><br />However, as a runner having to get out early for a run to save family time, I feel like losing one hour. In particular, I need longer training run to build up as my series of races are approaching.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Taste Various of Gels</span><br /><br />Talking about gels. Knowing that I would need to do long training run, I bought a bunch of gels from <a href="http://www.zombierunner.com/" target="50K">Zombie Runner</a> last year - one for each brand and each flavor. Later after the run, I can say which one is better. I guess I love gels overall, but I remember becoming sick of them after taking 20 or more in longer run.<br /><br />Today, I'm going to run long hours, so it's a chance for me to carry a few different kinds of gels.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">First Training run with my camera in a pouch</span><br /><br />The camera <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd600.asp" target="50K">SD600</a> is needed for my family. Since it's lightweight, I'm happy to have it during a run. I'd like to capture any moments to share with my family and post them on this blog to share with my friends. I did use it in a race (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/02/070217-sequoia-50k-barely-finish-with.html">070217 Sequoia 50K - Barely Finish with a Screaming Ankle</a>), but this is the first time I carry it during a training run. I bought a "weather-resistant pouch" made by Case Logic. I feel fine with it, but still keep reminding myself to take great care of the camera for fear of dropping it, in particular, when my hands become sweaty, sticky, and exhausted.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">First Time to use Forerunner 305</span><br /><br />Yeah! I finally bought a <a href="http://www.garmin.com/products/forerunner305/" target="50K">Forerunner305</a> after months of thinking about having spent too much on entry fees so far this year. Today I do not carry the heart beat monitor because I want to get used it in other casual run first so that I won't get screwed up in those important long run like today. It is more important that I'll correctly record my mileage.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">First Time to complete Alameda Creek Trail Round Trip</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="50K">Alameda Creek Trail</a> is a 11 mile paved road at south side of the creek and a 12 mile dirt path at the north side. It borders Fremont and Union City. I have trained there for years ever since I started to run. However, I only ran part of it at a time. To run the entire course in one shot has been an impossible dream to me. Today, I'm going to run the entire 12 mile dirt path out and back - 24 miles, and more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two Hours in Dark</span><br /><br />I did not go to bed until midnight. I somehow was busying checking how my friends were doing in <a href="http://www.run100s.com/wtc.htm" target="50K">Cool 50K</a> (Congrats to our Ultraholic folks - Yuki, Rajeev, Anil, see the <a href="http://www.run100s.com/results/wtc07.htm" target="50K">Results</a>). I did not adjust my alarm for DST, so it was actually 4-ish when I got up on the alarm at 3:40am. The usual doubt of why I should do today's long run disappeared during my busy morning ritual. I had six Gel's, one small prescription used bottle of GU powder, one 24-oz empty water bottle, and my <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd600.asp" target="50K">SD600</a>.<br /><br />Since I have lost one hour due to DST and stayed late last night, I run out from my home at 5:20am, which is 4:20am the night before. I hold a can of V8 and I'll drop it at a place of 4 miles out and back, where there is no water available.<br /><br />The street is quiet and I feel great. However, within a quarter mile, I feel a minor lingering pain from my previously injured ankle (see <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/02/070217-sequoia-50k-barely-finish-with.html">070217 Sequoia 50K - Barely Finish with a Screaming Ankle</a>). After 20 minutes or so, it disappears. I guess I was a little nervous about today's training. Although keeping moving triggers the symptom, but also relives it afterwards.<br /><br />My pace is gentle - 8:15 min pace. It takes me 11 min on the neighborhood streets before I get to the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="50K">Alameda Creek Trail</a>. I first get to the paved path, i.e. at Fremont side. It takes me another 6 minutes to get to the other side, the dirt path at Union City side. I drop the V8 there and begin to run toward the Bay for 4 miles out and back, i.e. 8 miles in total.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDlOjLOvCK5xr0dDrBV8wU9WJWlrtVuMNAJD1_Jo_9MnESbk1cQy4A2y5FpJ6D1FjR7ytGBc9TLb6ds2Cfd6FGYZLobtB3fTRISN3SslI9MSiphUbvzgqLW-JbSlwUKLdfwtvPRZ1nhLz/s1600-h/IMG_0189.JPG" target="50K"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDlOjLOvCK5xr0dDrBV8wU9WJWlrtVuMNAJD1_Jo_9MnESbk1cQy4A2y5FpJ6D1FjR7ytGBc9TLb6ds2Cfd6FGYZLobtB3fTRISN3SslI9MSiphUbvzgqLW-JbSlwUKLdfwtvPRZ1nhLz/s400/IMG_0189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040758300722690914" border="0" /></a><br />Running towards the Bay, I am surprised to feel the warmth. It's not like spring, but more like early summer (Again global warming). I can see city lights at the west across the Bay 10 miles in front of me. If I happen look over my shoulder, I can see city lights with 5 miles in Fremont at left and Union City at right. It's foggy so I can not see many star but a bright half moon above. Populated across the sky are the busy flights and they are definitely not UFO. Alone is myself running on the trail, which I can only faintly see 10 feet ahead. I feel alone but my mind is as clear as a crystal. Running always brings me chances to think about some tough questions that are not easily figured out at other time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunrise</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5mJ2WhNOz00WTeADGCTw1b1HhVpFcN6Dk5L1WMLPa0p-dvMoW4hvYA5EV48PPwtH2K44_JMKfxeH9gXW2EJaafcE0uWy6kOdV2nFNNvvaTCkHVv5GLKIoKxBqwyOzI9EtZMi8mEaVPYq/s1600-h/IMG_0193.JPG" target="50K"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5mJ2WhNOz00WTeADGCTw1b1HhVpFcN6Dk5L1WMLPa0p-dvMoW4hvYA5EV48PPwtH2K44_JMKfxeH9gXW2EJaafcE0uWy6kOdV2nFNNvvaTCkHVv5GLKIoKxBqwyOzI9EtZMi8mEaVPYq/s400/IMG_0193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040758128923999058" border="0" /></a><br />When I get to the Bay, I stop for seconds, relieve myself, and turn around. There is a V8 waiting for me 4 miles away. I can see some lights far ahead in the sky toward east. I'm going to <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mission.htm" target="50K">Mission Peak</a>, or not due to the dense fog. Oddly, it becomes a little colder as I leaving away from the Bay and run toward the hills even when it is near sunrise.<br /><br />Now I can hear a lot of sound around from birds. I smell skunk, but I don't spot them but see rabbits once in a while. It is a busy hour for them. I get motivated and feel very energetic with so many life around.<br /><br />I try to take a few shots, but find them failures later at home. The best one is shot when I turn around from the Bay and waiting for sunrise from <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mission.htm" target="50K">Mission Peak</a>. The sunlight reflects through the cloud and spread itself all over. Within 30 minutes, I can see orange dyed sky ahead. What a great day coming for today!<br /><br />I later pick up the V8 and feel replenished. I keep steady 8:30 min pace but don't feel any rising in temperature around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcToroAg-IAC4Sc71havuAajy5J5WaE2Qz-N-J4_NB56rLoKhY-nwTQ1h00pNcpf11tpp4r_KDqG99wNGwOOu-kgBCPpyewDi-ohYmU1RNJSBE2lZwE28H96hhXEczqp0H5NfDDUbzyQl/s1600-h/IMG_0194.JPG" target="50K"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcToroAg-IAC4Sc71havuAajy5J5WaE2Qz-N-J4_NB56rLoKhY-nwTQ1h00pNcpf11tpp4r_KDqG99wNGwOOu-kgBCPpyewDi-ohYmU1RNJSBE2lZwE28H96hhXEczqp0H5NfDDUbzyQl/s400/IMG_0194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040757995780012866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When I am near <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="50K">Quarry Lakes</a>, I decide not to enter the park, but stay on the this trail to avoid any possible paved road. I also know there are two water fountains ahead. I skip the first one as the way to test my thirsty, but I take my first Gel. The second one is within one mile, where I'll take two salt tablets as it is almost two hours.<br /><br />Running toward the hill end of the 12 mile <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="50K">Alameda Creek Trail</a>, there are dogs barking at the other side of the fence. Like I did in the <a href="http://ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/01/inaugural-fremont-fat-ass-50k.html">Fremont Fat Ass</a>, I take my another Gel at the turnaround.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coming Back and Start Struggling</span><br /><br />I came back to the second water fountain again. I drink enough water and fill up my water bottle for the first time. Yes, I started with an empty bottle. One entrance to <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry.htm" target="50K">Quarry Lakes</a> is nearby, but I feel not ready to enter it and do loops there. When I did a shorter training run last week, I did a big loop inside the park. The park was beautiful in the morning and I regretted not bringing my camera. I'll enter the park next time when I do a longer training run.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6-3DEq8ZJXhgzTM3lMFljn_bEgQ2gn8NQVhNXC9OvIUWlqvyWKyD4pLhiqg7A1ZlV6u7PwHzWLTAWg4HhpMIUAN_wJMC1Ai_frxxfpGkm4iEEel1B5_bm4Ufmoax6ZtJl-okjWywRzPU/s1600-h/IMG_0195.JPG" target="50K"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6-3DEq8ZJXhgzTM3lMFljn_bEgQ2gn8NQVhNXC9OvIUWlqvyWKyD4pLhiqg7A1ZlV6u7PwHzWLTAWg4HhpMIUAN_wJMC1Ai_frxxfpGkm4iEEel1B5_bm4Ufmoax6ZtJl-okjWywRzPU/s400/IMG_0195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040757828276288306" border="0" /></a><br />Sun has risen for an hour. I started to get warm and tired as well. Coming back to the first water fountain, I'm taking another two or three salt tablet since they are stick to with each other. There do have about half mile on the asphalt. It becomes less tolerable when body is tired and sun is up.<br /><br />Sometimes I think i should take some break for more pictures when I am tired. Now I'm tired but it's not true. I feel no energy to repeat the process of taking pictures. Still I feel like taking shots for the last and save my little energy for the last few miles. I know it's getting close to done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhWiDfrZt-eN6hMzGKjQimgwFMx3XbpOp1Vxqjd3s-wk9Pt4ZLN3thUiAVWRS9NfpjCeI9U9N3n4iFHd7ZZLzK6a8bBUCqQBI2exdtrr-T4w9dr9ROdNf_Tr8gMtlTeWzRSppbmCsvsoN/s1600-h/IMG_0196.JPG" target="50K"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhWiDfrZt-eN6hMzGKjQimgwFMx3XbpOp1Vxqjd3s-wk9Pt4ZLN3thUiAVWRS9NfpjCeI9U9N3n4iFHd7ZZLzK6a8bBUCqQBI2exdtrr-T4w9dr9ROdNf_Tr8gMtlTeWzRSppbmCsvsoN/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040757686542367522" border="0" /></a><br />Looking back at the hill, I take the final shot on the beautiful trail. No matter how I train or become an ultrarunner, I find I always hit the wall at mile 22 or so. Here I am, but I don't feel that exhausted as before. I think that's a great thing to become an ultrarunniner. We usually hit a couple of walls in an ultrarunning race.<br /><br />I am tired and feel like I have 10% or less energy left. Finally I arrive at the place where I drop the V8. It is where I can turn around and head home. It is also the place for the 4 miles out and back to the Bay. Next time I'll do this 8 mile stretch one more time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Going Home</span><br /><br />Before I leave the <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/alameda.htm" target="50K">Alameda Creek Trail</a> with 1.5 mile to go, I decide to run an extra mile because I need it to make a 28 mile according to the mileage on my GPS. Somehow I feel a little recover perhaps because it's close to finish or because of the ultrarunning training, whatever.<br /><br />When I get home, I figure out I accidentally stopped my GPS in the beginning for 30 minutes or so. It was so dark at that time and I was not familiar about <a href="http://www.garmin.com/products/forerunner305/" target="50K">Forerunner305</a>. Hence I am even happier because I have done about 50K and run over 5 hours (about 5:10). I'm totally satisfied with today's training and looking forward the longer one on next Sunday.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-2539764188305955222007-03-09T17:05:00.000-08:002007-03-09T21:03:30.590-08:00Hit by a Car While RunningToday I went out for the usual lunch time run around my company in Sunnyvale. It was another great day and I met a couple of runners. I remember complaining how dangerous to pass the I-237 underpass.<br /><br />On my way back, I carefully went though the I-237 underpass at Maude St. Within 30 seconds (about 50 yd), I was hit by a (Civic-like) car rushing out from a company parking lot. My right leg was hit by the front bumper. I was flying up for two feet high and landed near at the rear bumper. I had my hands and legs on ground. I rose up and, miraculously, I was not injured at all, not even a scratch. I had to find out why the senior lady behind the wheel did not stop at the intersection and pay attention to the pedestrians, but she was too stunned to say anything. Two other ladies passing by nicely asked if I was injured. I checked and felt fine. I immediately sprinted away (as a way to examine my precious legs)<br /><br />I recall I was lucky. When it happened, I must be up in the air at my stride so that I was like a free object and took only minimal impact from the car after gaining momentum (Physics). Also after running an hour with sweat, my body was more agile than usual and had better landing. (been trained on technical trails ;-))<br /><br />Anyway, running is great and has helped me in this accident, but be careful if you have to run on streets. Have a safe and enjoyable running!Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173894361698331265.post-38100717343884695962007-02-28T15:01:00.001-08:002007-02-28T15:38:00.010-08:00070217 Sequoia 50K - Barely Finish with a Screaming Ankle<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NHT0lWxNozcsVZ3b8bx1h-nPUM4kWEwTDZ8-6qFKMzZlwJt158DOvn8FYdIntLnIYQ1EP-z26rwAjJnEzSDstR1ncPWM1Z2k3WDj6mQfY27zwsmwI4eJPcwFluoKXv5yGZXl-F2111bj/s1600-h/IMG_0091.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032715892416583810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NHT0lWxNozcsVZ3b8bx1h-nPUM4kWEwTDZ8-6qFKMzZlwJt158DOvn8FYdIntLnIYQ1EP-z26rwAjJnEzSDstR1ncPWM1Z2k3WDj6mQfY27zwsmwI4eJPcwFluoKXv5yGZXl-F2111bj/s320/IMG_0091.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Thanks Will taking a picture for me)</span><br /></div><br />Date: Feb 17, 2007<br />Race: <a title="goal: 5hr" href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Sequoia.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Sequoia 50K</a><br />Location: <a href="http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/Facilities/parks_joaquin_miller.asp" target="sequoia_feb">Joaquin Miller Park</a><br />Distance: 49.6K<br />Profile: 5,030ft gain/loss<br /><a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/images/Sequoia_Elevation_50Km.JPG" target="sequoia_feb"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://www.pctrailruns.com/images/Sequoia_Elevation_50Km.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Result: 6:04:34, total - 17/54, age group - 7/15, <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Sequoia_Results_07.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Complete Results</a> <center><table border="1"><tbody><tr><th>Section</th><th>Length<br />(Km)</th><th>Time</th><th>Pace<br />(min/mile)</th></tr><br /><tr><td>Start (Joaquin Miller) - Moon Gate</td><td style="text-align: right;">4.5<br /></td><td style="text-align: right;">26:35</td><td style="text-align: right;">9:27</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Moon Gate - Canyon Meadow</td><td style="text-align: right;">11.8<br /></td><td style="text-align: right;"><p>1:12:26</p><p>41:42+30:44</p></td><td style="text-align: right;">9:49</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Canyon Meadow - Moon Gate</td><td style="text-align: right;">11.1<br /></td><td style="text-align: right;"><p>1:12:09</p><p>(34:00+38:09)</p></td><td style="text-align: right;">10:24</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Moon Gate - Joaquin Miller</td><td style="text-align: right;">2.7<br /></td><td style="text-align: right;">18:53</td><td style="text-align: right;">11:11</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Joaquin Miller - Moon Gate</td><td style="text-align: right;">4.5<br /></td><td style="text-align: right;">35:40</td><td style="text-align: right;">12:41</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Moon Gate - Moon Gate</td><td style="text-align: right;">12.3<br /></td><td style="text-align: right;"><p>1:54:11</p><p>(1:00:00+54:11)</p></td><td style="text-align: right;">14:51</td></tr><br /><tr><td>Moon Gate - Finish (Joaquin Miller)</td><td style="text-align: right;">2.7<br /></td><td style="text-align: right;">24:22</td><td style="text-align: right;">17:43</td></tr><br /><tr><th>Total</th><td style="text-align: right;">49.6</td><td style="text-align: right;">6:04:34</td><td style="text-align: right;">11:46</td></tr><br /></tbody></table></center><br /><a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Sequoia.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Sequoia</a> is held at the local <a href="http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/Facilities/parks_joaquin_miller.asp" target="sequoia_feb">Joaquin Miller Park</a>. The course starts at <a href="http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/Facilities/parks_joaquin_miller.asp" target="sequoia_feb">Joaquin Miller Park</a> and reaches <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Redwood Park</a>. It has 10K, 20K, 30K, and 50K distances. Both 50K and 30K runners start at the same time. When they come back to <a href="http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/Facilities/parks_joaquin_miller.asp" target="sequoia_feb">Joaquin Miller Park</a> and finish the 30K, 50K runners need to go out and continue a 20K course.<br /><br />The park might not be as famous as nearby <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/" target="sequoia_feb">East Bay Regional Parks</a> such as <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Redwood Park</a> and <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/anchabot.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Anthony Chabot Park</a>. I have not walked around the park either (I ran). However, I can make sure it's a very nice park with wonderful trails after I ran it last year (the race was called Redwood Park).<br /><br />This year is my second time to do <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Sequoia.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Sequoia 50K</a>. When I did it last year for the first time, I missed a turn at the second loop of 20K and ran to the 10K course. I quickly returned to the Moon Gate aid station and knew I had missed a turn and had to do extra miles and restart the 20K loop to finish. I decide that I need to be careful about the turn this year and hopefully won't make the same mistake.<br /><br />Initially, I did not plan to run this race because my family wanted me to stay home after I finished <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Woodside_Feb.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Woodside 50K</a> two weeks ago. I promised but then decided to persuade my family. This is because my next race is <a href="http://www.run100s.com/entries/ra07.rtf" target="sequoia_feb">Ruth Anderson</a>, which is over one month away. Having an ultra event like <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Sequoia.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Sequoia 50K</a> will help me train better for coming intensive ones. Also my family will be away while I am doing <a href="http://www.run100s.com/entries/ra07.rtf" target="sequoia_feb">Ruth Anderson</a> and <a href="http://www.run100s.com/AR50/index.html" target="sequoia_feb">American River</a>, so they won't feel my "absence" until the end of April when I run <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/diablo.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Diablo 50M</a>. Therefore, I should try to do <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Sequoia.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Sequoia 50K</a> and they agree. I signed up by Thursday 5pm cutoff.<br /><br />By the way, I am also excited to bring my camera <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd600.asp" target="sequoia_feb">Canon SD600</a>, which I just bought a week ago. I expect to carry it in my future running. I will get my blog more vivid. I will be able to tell stories about my run for 100 milers, some remote wilderness, etc. Today is my test and see how I feel using camera during a run.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (Joaquin Miller)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span><span style="font-style: italic;">Meeting Friends</span></span><br /><br />Call me Tanaka. I am intrigued with the starting sentence in Moby Dick. Mark Tanaka is now in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584" target="sequoia_feb">Scott Dunlap</a>'s recent interview - <a href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2007/02/interview-with-mark-tanaka-2006-pausatf.html" target="sequoia_feb">Mark Tanaka</a>. This is actually second time. First time was in <a href="http://www.firetrails50.net/" target="sequoia_feb">Firetrail</a> 2005 and I did not know who the fast Tanaka is since I just started to run trails. I am proud to be mistakened as my friend Mark Tanaka, but I am afraid that people may think Tanaka is running for fun since I am much slower.<br /><br />Been there done that. I do not get to the race start that early. Approaching to <a href="http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/Facilities/parks_joaquin_miller.asp" target="sequoia_feb">Joaquin Miller Park</a>, I can see cars fully parking along the street, but I know there are park areas very close to the park. I still keep my finger crossed because these areas seem to be very full. Luckily, I just spot an slot near the entrance, where there is a pickup truck. He kindly lets me park next to his truck. He checks me by calling "Mr. Fu?"<br /><br />I am surprised and he introduces himself as Will. Now I know him. He is a super fast runner from my town Fremont! I knew him first from Scott Dunlap's Pacifica 50K report - <a href="http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2007/01/pacifica-50k-oceans-cliffs-and-smiles.html" target="sequoia_feb">The Pacifica 50k - Oceans, Cliffs, and Smiles</a>. I usually noticed <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11381638" target="sequoia_feb">Catra</a> or Kirk from Fremont in ultra's events. In recent months, Will seemed to come out of nowhere (well, in Fremont) but stunned everyone in local races. In particular, I just read his aim to break 5 hr in <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="sequoia_feb">Ohlone 50K</a> from Scott Dunlap's interview with Mark Tanaka.<br /><br />I am very excited to bump into him right here. We eagerly start our conversation on training and racing in Fremont. I am amazed when he says that he can run from Fremont to Sunol at 15min faster than my best. And we both enjoy running the whole way without walking. I am impressed with his training to Rose Peak, which I have not done and plan to do in March. His claim to break 5hr is found to be feasible according to his training on Ohlone course. I'm looking forward to a Fremont runner winning <a href="http://www.abovethefog.net/ohlone50k.html" target="sequoia_feb">Ohlone 50K</a> (since Dave Scott in 90's) this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFE_EB8UPs8uWQne5rcJK11IEkABHYSPY-d0sCwtmun_3NGUsqo7m1JTB2zcX64G-92GhfIydHgmZQ8cu0xElzlI8ofiWLs5railz7J2apbsMKEgAGr84kwkEcoxpK3GlpUoP9lBdDDxV/s1600-h/IMG_0086.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032712138615166834" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFE_EB8UPs8uWQne5rcJK11IEkABHYSPY-d0sCwtmun_3NGUsqo7m1JTB2zcX64G-92GhfIydHgmZQ8cu0xElzlI8ofiWLs5railz7J2apbsMKEgAGr84kwkEcoxpK3GlpUoP9lBdDDxV/s320/IMG_0086.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have only a few minutes left, so I have to be quick to check in and get my number. At the tent, I meet Brian Wyatt, a.k.a. the Hippie runner. He has been darn fast for the past year. He used to run along with me, but now he leaves me in dust and gets to another level of racing. He can do 50K easily under 5 hr. I tells him he could break the course record of 5:10 without a problem, although we both know Andy Jones-Wilkins, the 2005 Western States runner-up, is also in the lineup. (Brian later impressively finishes 5:02:24, 5th place overall.) Marissa is also around. We all in the Woodside two weeks ago, so it seems that we are all doing races after races. These races are great, we just can not help keeping doing everyone. Sending my best wish to them on today's run, I walk around to chat with friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmImNf-frJX6RZEF7lGyflUflBd8bmnKNxVUgxeSTPFNpFyenDyXBfRgacm7yWv1u3bsmQuiSH2pDxQCFWBWYBrYlDbLQkGuVqy-u0OeGEqbmXAjAQAgAMN06r-a0IbTPaJhaIT82mK6wP/s1600-h/IMG_0087.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032712297528956802" style="margin: 0px auto; float: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmImNf-frJX6RZEF7lGyflUflBd8bmnKNxVUgxeSTPFNpFyenDyXBfRgacm7yWv1u3bsmQuiSH2pDxQCFWBWYBrYlDbLQkGuVqy-u0OeGEqbmXAjAQAgAMN06r-a0IbTPaJhaIT82mK6wP/s320/IMG_0087.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm also looking for Peter Lubbers. Although we worked in a large company before, we knew each other after I started to run ultra's. To me, Peter seems to be the king of Lake Tahoe. He has been doing Lake Tahoe running events year after year and keeps making a lot of progress every time. In 2006, he even won the unbelievable Lake Tahoe Super Triple race, running two marathons and a 72 mile around Lake Tahoe all in three days! See his <a href="http://runlaketahoe.com/blog/blog.html" target="sequoia_feb">Run Lake Tahoe Blog</a> for details. He will no doubt do the same this year (to defend his championship). Plus, both of us will do <a href="http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/" target="sequoia_feb">Tahoe Rim Trail 100M</a>, his first 100 miler. Without seeing him for months, he is now even more fit than ever!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdjb4l0PYEIA8c2RrdhPvNbIsALlzDtIX-vQtBR4STSYnMMOnUn3VpEMg35MyjQa_Gntgv1DSLSwN21W1a3fzWJLUv4yIG0AAqS0h35K0edI5g_G25vY-FIVs-NBN3K7VO7fNG6zkiLBb/s1600-h/IMG_0089.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032716270373705890" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdjb4l0PYEIA8c2RrdhPvNbIsALlzDtIX-vQtBR4STSYnMMOnUn3VpEMg35MyjQa_Gntgv1DSLSwN21W1a3fzWJLUv4yIG0AAqS0h35K0edI5g_G25vY-FIVs-NBN3K7VO7fNG6zkiLBb/s320/IMG_0089.jpg" border="0" /></a>What a great day! It was freezing last year. Now we can feel the warming sunshine. I love this although the concern of "global warming" is still lingering in my mind. I pick up my camera and practice a little "sports photography", while Wendell is briefing the course as usual. In addition to Andy Jones-Wilkins, there is Jon Olsen, who just won <a href="http://www.pctrailruns.com/Pacifica_Jan.htm" target="sequoia_feb">Pacifica 50K</a> this year after a couple of great winning last year. What a lineup for today's run!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start (Joaquin Miller) - Moon Gate: 4.5K, 26:35, 9.27 pace </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Take Easy on Some Technical Hills</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40xYnmp0UHTQRYB8awZ3NyfyZ4t4Z-8lydmQPoK1xvwmJV096uhYdfrR218x616yXQ125I8NhcPj_0N-vtnroDvaJaPZq4ej3Ste6fT9hyzLEvDAqeq4rIGo5REsDGNUr0McE_fcSBzY9/s1600-h/IMG_0092.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032715681963186290" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40xYnmp0UHTQRYB8awZ3NyfyZ4t4Z-8lydmQPoK1xvwmJV096uhYdfrR218x616yXQ125I8NhcPj_0N-vtnroDvaJaPZq4ej3Ste6fT9hyzLEvDAqeq4rIGo5REsDGNUr0McE_fcSBzY9/s320/IMG_0092.jpg" border="0" /></a>Off we go, our big crowd soon lead into a narrow technical steep and loose footing uphill. The expected winner Jon Olsen easily sets up his pace. He is smart and seems to take time and enjoy. He does not to race right in the beginning because we are mixed with 30K runners and some will run their best in only 30K.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGzCQuj59gafTQgw2-HjhPpsE09_7uE2vWL2aSMwCTpcsKFWQkHcVNxglBmwzDxHE49vc8vVuCDYhMdfmxWEEAEBbR3tRBjzjcky6KUU-EvgyasVjV5hyltLHi9trW6Fiyba2Lap-DXDZ/s1600-h/IMG_0093.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032715535934298210" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGzCQuj59gafTQgw2-HjhPpsE09_7uE2vWL2aSMwCTpcsKFWQkHcVNxglBmwzDxHE49vc8vVuCDYhMdfmxWEEAEBbR3tRBjzjcky6KUU-EvgyasVjV5hyltLHi9trW6Fiyba2Lap-DXDZ/s320/IMG_0093.jpg" border="0" /></a>Within the deep and dense woods, we can see great sunshine outside the top of the canopy. On the trails, it's fully shaded. This can be proved by the 3M reflective strips shining on every runners when I take a shot using flash. I also enjoy the run and start to set up my pace. Peter (in red short) catches up with me. I happily let him go ahead and I take picture of him and other others.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xhKWP4kxLUNj_WqisV8jLUHi6QyCraOrOMvIvhpCF_nGJQ7rGVQk4hEkiR9e15qHQbDZBKcRhNIPboDgDPfpgdBGmRmOSC84WHCU394_1x5J9GUbt95_FBj_d3hca859f2KY16CWRdS9/s1600-h/IMG_0094.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032715346955737170" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xhKWP4kxLUNj_WqisV8jLUHi6QyCraOrOMvIvhpCF_nGJQ7rGVQk4hEkiR9e15qHQbDZBKcRhNIPboDgDPfpgdBGmRmOSC84WHCU394_1x5J9GUbt95_FBj_d3hca859f2KY16CWRdS9/s320/IMG_0094.jpg" border="0" /></a>Near the first aid station, Moon Gate, there is a short and steep uphill, most of us can run as the legs are still fresh. I spot Maura, who has a very distinct running style. She ran Woodside two weeks ago and passed me while I was chatting with Taylor in the Wunderlich loop uphill. She was amazing that she ran the uphill. Now she did it again. I forget when I will pass her later, but near the end of today's run, she passes me when I am struggling. I find her still running every hills.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Moon Gate - Canyon Meadow: 11.8K, 1:12:26, 9:49 pace </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Badly trip my ankle</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvtZr88JHwp_hmpDqu8aE9BdnotRMv2u1iZB0C_hhDrjVtxOCj4Y0IYZ79u9cY3fuXrfAZiHEzWuS4dRh2yA9d9_D2GIv6gksqeroyWoOaixJd8uXvxwWYKbtS4gQqRR6FOV5POH5h0w5/s1600-h/IMG_0095.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032715170862078018" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvtZr88JHwp_hmpDqu8aE9BdnotRMv2u1iZB0C_hhDrjVtxOCj4Y0IYZ79u9cY3fuXrfAZiHEzWuS4dRh2yA9d9_D2GIv6gksqeroyWoOaixJd8uXvxwWYKbtS4gQqRR6FOV5POH5h0w5/s320/IMG_0095.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Moon Gate aid station is kind of famous as many local races always has this aid station. I was told by Will that Catra will be here, so I immediately pull my camera. Surprisingly, I also see Jerry. I take a picture for Catra and Jerry at the aid station. I jokingly say this is a proof for their service requirement. No doubt, Catra will do a lot of 100 milers this year.<br /><br />I soon leave the AS. We lead to a steep and loose footing technical downhill. I had a slight trip earlier in the first section, which is fine. Although I am very careful, my <a href="http://www.inov-8.com/Product.html#315" target="sequoia_feb">Inov8 Roclite 315</a> still gives me a hardest trip ever on my ankle. I can hear a cracking sound from the joint. It sounds like I am having a fracture. I feel scared at getting such a bad injury at the very start of the race, mile 4, and the very beginning of the racing season. I think about going back and drop, but I decide to give it a try. I slow down in hope of relieving the pain as time goes by.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrvYzVoGovnCzHwMWvJeH63q1-meY8JRPwx1d8TMmAA3MkfXR4jk-2UM47srqxS8eGJEnY9dpwW7U-6RUhlU_42EJhvuJfpRFzG_QaHwrUudCkzYunG5P6LKFh6jTmMbk6PAlhyphenhyphenfYaOWi/s1600-h/IMG_0096.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032714968998615090" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrvYzVoGovnCzHwMWvJeH63q1-meY8JRPwx1d8TMmAA3MkfXR4jk-2UM47srqxS8eGJEnY9dpwW7U-6RUhlU_42EJhvuJfpRFzG_QaHwrUudCkzYunG5P6LKFh6jTmMbk6PAlhyphenhyphenfYaOWi/s320/IMG_0096.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZuMSbRrU98c9hMm6tmn07nzh-1pjWKmQk-T-0bgV9H4wZ-jFVuJzReERLvLUERAhyphenhyphenOamE_zhYOzIUC44BWOGOzv1o5Nc_epv2mAh_GtcJWD_IO7YEqZpfnGa3iJBSCGPN5sGoPtuEt8G/s1600-h/IMG_0097.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032714801494890530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZuMSbRrU98c9hMm6tmn07nzh-1pjWKmQk-T-0bgV9H4wZ-jFVuJzReERLvLUERAhyphenhyphenOamE_zhYOzIUC44BWOGOzv1o5Nc_epv2mAh_GtcJWD_IO7YEqZpfnGa3iJBSCGPN5sGoPtuEt8G/s320/IMG_0097.jpg" border="0" /></a>We start to go up on a steep hill when we get to the gulch, crossing a small creek. We are covered with woods. It's almost 10 o'clock, but still shady here. This is yet another nice area on the course. It's a single track uphill. No one wants to push hard as we have many miles to go. We walk in a single profile. It begins getting some lights as we move out of the gulch.<br /><br />While we are moving slowing on the rolling hills, some fast runners catching up. They are doing 20K and has made up the 15 min difference between our start times. I can see Will passing me fast on the nearly single track trail. He seems to be very focused so I don;t want to distract him. He aims to win the 20K.<br /><br />The trail is narrow, but we somehow have a group of runners in the opposite direction. They seem doing a fast training run. While they are passing us, I hear someone calling me "Chihping". I look over my shoulder and guess it probably Oliver Chan. I don't know why he comes here since he is in San Francisco. Or maybe the real Mark Tanaka since he lives close by, but he seldom does group run due to his schedule. Or whatever. Keep working on my legs!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgct-frGAIx6AuAnpih9PyMNRMsvB5ZdcEtZtgdpPgvgoTFLdlsrutpjPOxoHEg4j_5K5d2AuCOQv8JEnru4NR9BTi2vb3Ib5OvcKs_9Hqb1WjsiF8i8Uj3ShYmQyCVntWMXGvGV7_uf62p/s1600-h/IMG_0099.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032713959681300482" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgct-frGAIx6AuAnpih9PyMNRMsvB5ZdcEtZtgdpPgvgoTFLdlsrutpjPOxoHEg4j_5K5d2AuCOQv8JEnru4NR9BTi2vb3Ib5OvcKs_9Hqb1WjsiF8i8Uj3ShYmQyCVntWMXGvGV7_uf62p/s320/IMG_0099.jpg" border="0" /></a>After leaving the steep gulch, we run on the rolling hill until we get to the ridge trail at a steep climb, where I catch up Cheryl and Chris. Based on my last year experience, once we get to the ridge trail, the climb is over and we'll go all the way down to the Canyon Meadow aid station in Redwood Park. When I know they are doing 30K, I feel lucky for them because I need to do this climb again at the 20K loop after this 30K.<br /><br />We finally get to the ridge. It is wide like a fire road so I can easily move around and take a picture for them. Chris is kind enough take a picture for me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ457N6UJ4p6-eLTICxeFjiOBJwIk8NWeb26fJ6gtzSKCUKyE1puBxMH98zOzGotwkymd4pZS-7jzHqPtZuMmQ7ICWEmlGByOzNOQ-QtPE0g_3P3VfujQgVXoHVOUpUexTd49G7NLDTD4/s1600-h/IMG_0100.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032713770702739442" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ457N6UJ4p6-eLTICxeFjiOBJwIk8NWeb26fJ6gtzSKCUKyE1puBxMH98zOzGotwkymd4pZS-7jzHqPtZuMmQ7ICWEmlGByOzNOQ-QtPE0g_3P3VfujQgVXoHVOUpUexTd49G7NLDTD4/s320/IMG_0100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is a trick part. The trail is wide enough so we find a runner can not see a turn at the right side into a narrow trail. Well, we almost miss it, too! I should check map. Maybe it's a shortcut!<br /><br />When we move on the narrow trail. It's actually switch back steep down a canyon leading to Redwood Park. I take the lead while chatting with Chris and Cheryl. They are from Modesto and they know Jon Olsen. In particular, Chris is going to run Boston this year, so I believe he is a fast runner. This looks like his first trail running. Hopefully he will love it although he has a light trip somewhere. This part is a little technical. Running downhills requires a lot of attention. I'm trying to ignore the growing pain from my ankle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfkc892U8UreTYnHyIrWaRyiLh9yvwoZFn4IVWTLHIeLtFMFT2oyGQil_Ej6M4TSLvypM8YxVr40h8vhH3kL3NbaAGNyaYIKfRRtCX5e1_eBprNaOFP_esvoGtC5ZWCSR-ExPFvYzFcNQ/s1600-h/IMG_0101.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032713495824832482" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfkc892U8UreTYnHyIrWaRyiLh9yvwoZFn4IVWTLHIeLtFMFT2oyGQil_Ej6M4TSLvypM8YxVr40h8vhH3kL3NbaAGNyaYIKfRRtCX5e1_eBprNaOFP_esvoGtC5ZWCSR-ExPFvYzFcNQ/s320/IMG_0101.jpg" border="0" /></a>Less than two miles to the turnaround at Canyon Meadow aid station, I figure that it's time to pull my camera to capture some fast runners running back. I catch a lead runner coming back, but I don't know him. He must run 30K only. After seeing a few others, I spot Jon Olsen. He is nice and smiling perhaps seeing my camera. My bad, I screw up and are not able to hit the shuttle right away. Sorry Jon. I'll do better next time. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzWYMrebA-E16vVeA-RVjpVTj80_sB5jaTBQmeIEXq07zMQ3uAOhwGecaxyXfpQmKP1QDc9O4I-rb0I9ln8-7pPoZZ-2gkBtWYYq9CcAPrHjpZhrRgGNYayp-trGyNHhblgLFQ0h4URQq/s1600-h/IMG_0102.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032713302551304146" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzWYMrebA-E16vVeA-RVjpVTj80_sB5jaTBQmeIEXq07zMQ3uAOhwGecaxyXfpQmKP1QDc9O4I-rb0I9ln8-7pPoZZ-2gkBtWYYq9CcAPrHjpZhrRgGNYayp-trGyNHhblgLFQ0h4URQq/s320/IMG_0102.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fast Brian coming afar with a red shirt. Now I am able to take a picture for him. I guess I am about 1.5 mile behind him right now since the aid station is well under one mile away.<br /><br />Following immediately is Peter. He said he will try something minimalistic. I can see him running without a water bottle! I want to take a picture for the proof, but later I check and find it's a bad picture . My bad again. OK I'll do it better next time. Perhaps I can see Jon or Peter later in the race.<br /><br />The last quarter mile to the Canyon Meadow aid station is a paved road, the main street of Redwood Park. Along the road sides, there are playground, big pasture field, tall redwood trees, and winding stream. For runners exclusively on dirt, there is always a dirt path. At the end, we lead to the aid station.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Canyon Meadow - Moon Gate: 11.1K, 1:12:09, 10:24 pace</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Face the Heat with Worse Ankle Condition</span><br /><br />It's a populated area at the turnaround. I meet a lot of runners - faster or slower than me. Leaving the aid station, there is about one mile flat surface. This is a popular section, so I try to recall other races I have run here and some turns along the trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWva3ZwaoputDxb0wQC8vPpb-zGNz2ym4GLKDifCxxV_ATwivmlSXV7KkzXFi-IQ64-vkTyoiP7AoUELlvQi8-tf6bp5Ulk0BHYPE1eaoR0y7Zi2EiSu6zVcq0umXaj7-EXjm0fkIUwV0/s1600-h/IMG_0104.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032713083507972034" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWva3ZwaoputDxb0wQC8vPpb-zGNz2ym4GLKDifCxxV_ATwivmlSXV7KkzXFi-IQ64-vkTyoiP7AoUELlvQi8-tf6bp5Ulk0BHYPE1eaoR0y7Zi2EiSu6zVcq0umXaj7-EXjm0fkIUwV0/s320/IMG_0104.jpg" border="0" /></a> The climb comes after this in order to get out of the canyon to the ridge. It is gentle in the beginning and grows steeper later. Some parts are switch back and rooted. I still have my camera as I want to take pictures for other firends. Here I spot Marissa. She is smiling and look easy. Perhaps it's her downhill part, but she is always strong at the finish. Although she is about 3 miles behind me at the point, I expect she might catch up with me later before finish. I don't think my ankle will get better.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D6lAB7dce8j2Uule3KSE-bHAOsYkSiicukORPJCUQgxiRe4kLTE60F2UItgeA6K7uTVU0iegp0q8YLzhtoqGviv1sqZ90W0szKvc3OBghfTLZsBEm-8g2HLcs39Q__w1NKppJog3ETBo/s1600-h/IMG_0105.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032712890234443698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D6lAB7dce8j2Uule3KSE-bHAOsYkSiicukORPJCUQgxiRe4kLTE60F2UItgeA6K7uTVU0iegp0q8YLzhtoqGviv1sqZ90W0szKvc3OBghfTLZsBEm-8g2HLcs39Q__w1NKppJog3ETBo/s320/IMG_0105.jpg" border="0" /></a> We are still on the climb, but now the area gets open once we get higher. It's near noon time, so I can feel the heat right now. Climbing plus heat is not a good condition for running, in particular when you are tired. It's no comparison, but I try to imagine what will be like in the Devil's Thumb climb in the heat. I now feel a little dizzy.<br /><br />Finishing the climb, we get back to the fireroad-like ridge trail. We'll run all the way to the Moon Gate aid station. I try to stay in shade if there is any. I'm saving my water, but thinking how Peter can survive this 11.1 K long section - climb and heat. Hope he is OK. If not and I meet him later, I'd like to share my water.<br /><br />We pass the turn that we climbed to the ridge earlier. We need to go straight in order to get to Moon Gate. We are still at the ridge, but the trail becomes shadier with more trees along the sides. Sometimes we can look through the trees and enjoy the views of East Bay. I don't know what the city is, but it's a nice treat to be higher.<br /><br />I pretty much run with a group of 5 runners. We pass each other through the time, but mostly I am behind. Some of them are doing 30K and ready to finish, but I'm on 50K have more to go. At one point, one of us is found screaming on his legs. He stop and cripple. I don't have salt tablets, but I suggest him to take a break to easy the cramp.<br /><br />I pass the Roberts Recreation Area. It is a nice picnic area with towering redwood trees covering the sky. I have passed it almost every time in East Bay races. I always wonder I can get here from driving because the area seems to be outside of our cities.<br /><br />I am struggling but able to move. I finally get to Moon Gate aid station. Jerry is gone. Catra is sitting in chair. I have to take care by myself. Catra says I was slow today and I have to explain my ankle problem.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Moon Gate -</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Joaquin Miller</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">: 2.7K, 18:53, 11:11 pace</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Crippling at Downhills</span><br /><br />Leaving the aid station, I unexpectedly meet Jon Olsen coming on his 20K loop. I am 7K behind him! I have no camera handy, so I lose a chance to take a picture for him. Hope I can see him in another race soon. At least, I'll have some talk with him.<br /><br />The downhill to the start/finish for the 30K is welcome. However, I need to be very careful so as not to trip my fragile ankle and it's been hurting. I follow a runner and get to the "finish". He is lucky and that's all for him. I have to keep going for the 20K loop. Hey I'm also lucky too as I'll enjoy more. What a nice course! Wish I had no ankle issue!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Joaquin Miller</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> - Moon Gate: 4.5K, 35:40, 12:41 pace</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Better with a Company</span><br /><br />Compared with other 11~12 K sections, it's a short distance from Moon Gate to here and back to Moon Gate. It's only 4.5 + 2.7 = 7.2K. I decide not to stop at the aid station. I continue to run the 4.5K back to Moon Gate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK1iCPf-fnqbV-MvWm2TDMznfhHM1UC5EPOdNsyGzLa6haMFo4s8Wpn9NIanyfs53FNBG9dWV6i7nUl041Cgo6bK3gT3GqTki67arr1Sv6aUHrrzF1PG2rhy_z4Ryer8VF4K-EzhlGKNo/s1600-h/IMG_0106.jpg" target="sequoia_feb"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032712705550849954" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; float: right; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK1iCPf-fnqbV-MvWm2TDMznfhHM1UC5EPOdNsyGzLa6haMFo4s8Wpn9NIanyfs53FNBG9dWV6i7nUl041Cgo6bK3gT3GqTki67arr1Sv6aUHrrzF1PG2rhy_z4Ryer8VF4K-EzhlGKNo/s320/IMG_0106.jpg" border="0" /></a> I meet Peter here and we start together. He looks very fresh after a few minute break at this aid station. Given the bad picture I made earlier, I run ahead of him and take a picture.<br /><br />He explains the earlier tough 11.1K section back to Moon Gate without a water bottle. I'm impressive how he went though it with minimals. Only by this can we get a glimpse of our limits. We can then make full use of our potentials.<br /><br />I used to be able to run without drinking for over two hours. Carrying a water bottle makes me feel better in a race, while lets me losing the capability to explore myself. I think I should do something similar in future races as a test on myself.<br /><br />Peter mention a struggle in his last 72 mile leg in Tahoe Triple and this definitely helps him go through any hardships. We talk about everything from running, training, and nutrition. Peter is kind to slow down for me. This 4.5K climbing section goes by fast although it takes me longer to get to Moon Gate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Moon Gate - Moon Gate: 12.3K, 1:54:11, 14:51 pace</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Follow Mile Beeps and Crawl Out of Energy</span><br /><br />It was a busy aid station, but there is not that crowded now. It's now near the end of the run and it's probably only 50K runners still on the course. I somehow can not find my favorite potato and no gel at all. Feeling Peter waiting for me ahead, I have to quickly grab a few something that I don't know but look like some energy.<br /><br />Here comes the same technical downhill that badly tripped my ankle earlier. I'm very careful, but it's more hurting now. I trip my ankle again. It's now on my the other foot. The trip is more gentle before before, but I feel like screaming and need to slow down.<br /><br />We continue on the same pretty trails. It's rolling hills, but mostly we climb up toward the ridge. The conversation between Peter and me eases the pain a lot. The beep from Peter's 205 at every mile motivates me to keep moving. I'm counting the miles!<br /><br />We get to the ridge. This section is a loop. We'll go back to Moon Gate. Having taken any carbo (potatos or gel), I start to feel hungry. Somehow I could not get any gel like other PCTR races. I regret not carrying some gel with me. I pick up the things I grabbed at the aid station, but find they are only chocolate chips. I eat all of them, but feel like nothing. Also chocolate is mostly slow burning fat. This does not help much on my hunger. When I become starved, Peter generously offers a gel. It tastes so good, but I still feel our of energy.<br /><br />Half way on the ridge fire road, I am not able to keep up with Peter. Peter saves enough energy by running slow with me. He now flies away for the final sprints. Later at the finish, a few other runners mention that they are stunned at his speed near the end.<br /><br />I move slowly and try to enjoy the view. It's been a while with no one around. It's great to be on trails without competition. Later, I found Maura approaching from behind with her distinct running style, strong enough to overcome any hills. Near the end of 50K, she is still able to run all the hills. I cheer for her and get a little motivated to move faster. Spending nearly 2 hours, I finally get to Moon Gate. It's slow, but what an endurance test for me!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Moon Gate - Finish (</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Joaquin Miller)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">: 2.7K, 24:22, 17:43 pace</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Ankle Hit by Every Gravity Pull</span><br /><br />Catra is not there and she has to go for her work. There is only one volunteer left. I now find potatoes. I don't remember if I eat it or not. It's only 2.7 K to go and mostly downhill, so I pick up some delicious chocolates to enjoy.<br /><br />Two runners (Trudy and Lester) pass me at this time. Trudy has a wound at her knee. She says it was caused by passing with another runner. I bid them farewell, let them go ahead, and become ready for the finish. Still I meet runners coming toward. I guess they are 50K runners and starting to do the 20K loop.<br /><br />Facing the same technical downhill, my ankles is hurting more. I try my best to take it easy and I don't want to get very injured. Every step hurts. This reminds me of the second painful 50 miles in my first 100 miler - Tahoe Rim Trail 100 mile in 2006. Now it's only 2.7K! I'll be fine and I am enjoying seeing people taking stroll in the nice park.<br /><br />Quarter mile before the finish, I decide to be like a runner. I forget my pain for a moment and pick up my pace. I finish it at 6 hr 4 min 35sec. Not better than last year, I determine that I'll come back next year.Chihping Fu 傅治平 (超馬阿爸)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15841260427578138489noreply@blogger.com8