070429 Diablo 50M - A Tough Footrace I'll Ever Love but Never Quit

Date: April 29, 2007
Race: Diablo 50M
Location: Mt. Diablo State Park
Distance: 50 miles
Profile: 13,400ft gain/loss, highest: 3840 ft, lowest: 500ft, start/finish: 520ft (image/data courtesy of PCTR)

Result: 11hr 39min 31sec (pause 39 min), 21/66 overall, Complete Results
Photo: 070429 Mt Diablo 50M/Marathon

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 Miwok 100K. Therefore, I think I have to do it this year. And it's at good timing - two weeks after American River 50M. This gives me enough time to tune my condition for the intense ultra season starting with Diablo 50M.

At the PCTR message board, 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.

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.

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.

Kermit, Brian Wyatt, Keith Blom, and Joseph Swensen, etc

Mitchell Canyon (Start) => Juniper Campground: 5.88 miles , 1:22:13, 13:59 min/mile

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.

Runners with fresh legs in the bginning climb

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.

Streaming above the cloud

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.

This is also a test for my Vasque Lightspeed. 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.

Runners spread out in the vast meadow

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.

Juniper Campground => Summit => Juniper Campground: 4.21/10.09 miles , 48:03/2:10:16, 11:24 min/mile

Juniper Campground aid station

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.

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.

Me and Harry Walther at the observation deck

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.

photo courtesy of PCTR and printroom. Thanks Sarah.

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 Western States 100M last year, so he knew about me. I tell him that I use his 8 hr splits for my American River 50M reference, but I could not make it.

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.

Juniper Campground => North Gate: 4.34/14.43 miles , 38:37/2:48:53, 8:54 min/mile

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 the Poetic Runner Rajeev Patel and his wife is a coach for Asha. 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.

Keith Blom shows me and Harry the route

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.

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.

Look afar from the trail to North Gate aid station

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.

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.

The brutal downhill in front of the North Gate aid station

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.

North Gate => North Gate: 4.96/19.39 miles ,1:00:37/3:49:30, 12:14 min/mile

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 Miwok 100K 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 Ohlone Wilderness 50K finish where she had her family and I met Mike.

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!

North Gate aid station

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Dirt Diva Catra Corbett, looking comfortable and positive as usual.

Cartra Corbett looks strong for the North Gate loop

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.

North Gate => Rock City: 5.16/24.55 miles , 1:17:57/5:07:27, 15:07 min/mile

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.

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 "Race for the Soul".

Dawn Inferna-Bean runs strong and gets ready to pass me

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rock City => Finley Road: 6.65/31.20 miles , 1:25:18/6:32:44, 12:49 min/mile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mike/Karyn Hoffman at the fire road to the Finley Road aid station

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.

Me at the fire road to the Finley Road aid station - ready to drop but have no place to go

Somehow I slowly get better. The situation is similar to what I was in my first 100 miler Tahoe Rim Trail 100M 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 "Race for the Soul", "..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.

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.

A kind of stretch - crossing the wire fence

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.

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.

Mark Tanaka pushes up the steep climb with Alan Abbs following behind

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.

Finley Road => Rock City: 16.47/37.67 miles , 1:28:41/8:01:26, 13:42 min/mile

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 Ohlone Wilderness 50K. 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.

Will G and Joseph Swensen at the Finley Road aid station

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.

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.

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.

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 Miwok 100K this Saturday (same with me). I keep pushing hard and pass Joseph Swensen.

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.

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.

Catra Corbett and her friend marching forward to the Finley Road aid station

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.

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.

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.

Me is still smiling after a fall

Rock City => Juniper Campground: 2.77/40.44 miles , 49:07/8:50:33, 17:43 min/mile

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 "Race for the Soul" about Western States 100M in 2001 because he is in the film.

Me and Clem Choy at the Rock City aid station

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.

When leaving, I spot the "Race for the Soul" stars Terry/John Rhodes. I am impressed with their way to tackle and finish Western States 100M 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.

Me and Terry/John Rhodes, the "Race for the Soul" couple

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.

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.

Juniper Campground => Summit: 1.49/41.93 miles , 28:56/9:20:11, 19:22 min/mile

The last visit of Juniper Campground aid station

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.

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!

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.

Summit => Mitchell Canyon (Finish): 7.92/49.85 miles , 1:40:58/11:01:09, 12:45 min/mile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three weeks ago, I did the trail work and went to Mt. Olympia (see Trail Work at Mt. Diablo - Knowing Ultrarunning Friends and Poison Oaks). 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.

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.

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.

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.

I'm finally done - 11 hr 39min 31sec!

Going Home

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.

"The toughest footrace you'll ever love". This is used to describe Wasatch Front 100M. 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 Wasatch Front 100M this year.

Other Reports

Addy - The Race! (With a report as long as the course)
Terry - Mount Diablo Marathon

070414 American River 50M - Toughing out the Cold and Rain with Minimals

photo courtesy of Brightroom

Date: April 14, 2007
Race: American River 50M
Location: Sacramento to Auburn along the American River trail
Distance: 50 miles
Profile: 3,474ft gain/2,139ft loss, highest: 1,424 ft, lowest: 20ft, start: 20ft, finish: 1,355ft

Result: 8:31:56 (10:14 min/mile), 88/477 overall, 67/347 Men, 14/288 age group, Complete Results

• Marathon: 3 hr 45 min (8:35 min/mile)
  
• 50K: 4 hr 38 min (8:53 min/mile)

Splits:

I somehow messed up my Forerunner 305 a few times. I'll describe this below.

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%.

Training

Early this year, I had been bothered with ankle issues as the Inov8 315 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 Ohlone Wilderness Trail 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 Alameda Creek Trail. Therefore, I thought these long training runs should improve my performance at later miles. Yes they did. I was able to complete Ruth Anderson 100K without issues even when I caught cold a few days earlier.

Two weeks later, I'm going to do this American River 50M. Since American River 50M has less than 3,500ft climb and has the first 27 miles pretty flat bike path, I believe Ruth Anderson 100K is actually a great training run. After a few days of rest from Ruth Anderson 100K, 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 Trail Work at Mt. Diablo - Knowing Ultrarunning Friends and Poison Oaks). I assumed it's a kind of hill work needed since the last 23 miles in American River 50M is the hilly section.

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.

My past experience told me the Central Valley where the course was could be pretty warm during the day. The Ultrarunner List 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!

Other than training in endurance and speed, I was also boosted by some inspirations.

Inspiration and Strategy - Pushing to my limits and Embracing the Pains

I ran for fun and as part of survival in my the first two years in American River 50M. 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.

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 38 min 20 sec faster.

There is an interview in the April issue of Ultrarunning Magazine - The Younger Ultrarunner: 100-Mile Record Setter Jenn Shelton. It is written by Tony Krupicka. Both are 23 year old female and male champions in Rocky Raccoon 100M this year.

Jenn described her approach as "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." and "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."

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.

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 2005 split results). His split is,

• Nimbus (mile 19.4) - 2:31:11
• Beals Point (mile 27.4) - 3:43:49
• Horseshoe (mile 38) - 5:48:59
• Rattlesnake (mile 40.7) - 6:11:46
• Last Gasp (mile 47.6) - 7:33:49
  

While my family are away in Taiwan during spring break, I have been watching Race for the Soul a few times every night. When being asked about the second half of the Western States 100M, Gordy Ainsleigh says "..through the devastatingly low, things would normally get better..."

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.

Getting There

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 Capitol Corridor to Sacramento and then the Light Rail Blue Line with three miles of walk afterwards. However, my wife, far away in Taiwan, has some concerns.

Thanks to Rajeev Patel, aka the Poetic Runner. 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.

We arrived at the Fleet Feet to pick up our packets. Someone commended my old but favorite Ohlone Wilderness 50K T-shirt. No wonder he is Bob Bryne, the Ohlone Wilderness 50K 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.

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.

It is Dawn Inferna Bean checking the bus passengers. She is the main character in the film Race for the Soul. 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.

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 Tahoe Rim Trail 50K 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.

Meeting Friends

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.

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.

I am also very glad to meet Steve Ansell, aka Mountain Man Steve 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.

During the trail work at Mt. Diablo, I knew Charles Stevens, Jim Hildreth, Kermit Cuff Jr would run American River 50M. 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.

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.

We took some pictures. Glad to talk with her at her first American River 50M. She has very positive attitude with such a nice smile!

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.


Within seconds to go, we are counting down and ready to start our timers. Rain is still with us.


Start => Watt AVe. => William Pond: 8.5/8.5 miles, 1:11:02, 8:22 min/mile

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.

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.

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!

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.

William Pond => Sunrise => Nimbus Overlook => Negro Bar - Mess up my Forerunner 305
14.66/23.16 miles , 2:05:00/3:16:15, 8:32 min/mile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Ohlone Wilderness 50K 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.

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.

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.


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!


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.

Negro Bar => Beals Point - Run like a 3 hr 45 min Road Marathon
3.87/27.03 miles, 39:00/3:55:15, 10:04 min/mile

I push myself and am able to reach the Marathon distance at 3 hr 40 min. 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.

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.

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.

photo courtesy of Brightroom

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 Race for the Soul, where he ran as a cancer survivor in 2001 Western States 100M. I also met him and worked with him as volunteers in the Tahoe Rim Trail 100M last year. At Rio Del Lago 100M 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.

I go through the gravel road and THE school, where Rio Del Lago 100M and Helen Klein 50M are held. It begins the rolling hills. Amazingly, my body is like having recovered completely. Perhaps I was born to run on trails.

Beals Point => Granite Bay - Complete a Fast 4 hr 38 min 50K
4.53/31.56 miles, 44:46/4:40:00, 9:53 min/mile

When I arrive at the Granite Bay aid station, I reach 50K at 4 hr 38 min. 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.

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.

Granite Bay =>Buzzard's Cove: 3.19/34.75 miles, 34:07/5:14:07, 10:42 min/mile

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.

Buzzard's Cove => Horseshoe Bar: 3.40/38.15 miles, 41:23/5:55:31, 12:10 min/mile

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 American River 50M for the first time. Bob and I pick up gels and go. Along the way, we pass each other once in a while.

Horseshoe Bar => Rattlesnake Bar: 2.72/40.87 miles, 32:20/6:27:51, 11:54 min/mile

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.

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.

Rattlesnake Bar => Mahattan Bar: 2.38/43.25 miles, 27:22/6:55:13, 11:29 min/mile

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.

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.

Manhattan Bar => Last Gasp: 4.31/47.56 miles, 55:29/7:50:42, 12:53 min/mile

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.

I power up on the river bed and pass a few runners. I know the finish is not far.

Last Gasp => Finish: 2.44/50 miles, 30:54/8:21:36 , 12:40 min/mile

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 8 hr 31 min 57 sec. Although I can not get to the 8hr goal, I'm very happy to set my PR at this course, improved by 29 min 10 sec!

photo courtesy of Brightroom

The Finish Area - Too Cold to Stay Longer

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!

John immediately mentions the Western States 100M safety patrol. Both of us have not been paired up. We are happy to work together as a pair on the safety patrol.

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.

Going Home after a Long Day and a Great Run

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 Altamont Pass and leave the Central Valley and, we have a sunny weather in Bay Area.

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.

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!

Other Race Reports

Rajeev Patel - American River 50 Mile Endurance Run with a poem!
Steve Ansell - Everything comes together when the weather falls apart

Trans Korea 308K, 537K, and 643K

Korean Culture and Running

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.

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 Bong-Ju Lee won the Boston Marathon among the world best runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, etc. Last year, Sim Jae Duk won Massanutten Mountain Tails 100 Miles on the second day of arrival from Korea. This year he is one of the hottest runners in the Western States 100M. Have we had ever non-US runners winning Western States 100M?

I don't understand Korean language, but there is an email on the Ultrarunning List about Trans Korean. The race looks like interesting and highly recommended. I went to the web site Korean UltraMarathon Federation. I found there are three distances.

• West to East Sea 308K. Check the very touching video http://www.kumf.org/Video/1.asf.
  
• South to North End 537K
  
• South to North End 643K
  

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!

Here is the invitation letter for the West to East Sea 308K.

West to East Sea 308K

A Letter of Invitation

Dear fellow ultrarunners,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When : Sept 13 - 16, 2007
Where : Seoul, Korea
Organization : Korea Ultra Marathon Federation
Contact : www.kumf.org Trans Korea 308km
e-mail : korimex@korea.com

Reg. fee : US$300.- per person ( Local transportation inclusive from hotel to the start then from the finish, back to the hotel )

Remarks : A Free Home Stay program will be offered for those who want to know more about Korean culture and tradition.

Sincerely,

Park, Bokjin

Race Director President
Organizing Committee of Lee, Youngsik

Trans Korea 308 km Ultramarathon '07
Korea Ultra Marathon Federation

When Am I going to do it?

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.

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,

• West to East or vice versa 150K to 200K on three major road (north, mid, and south)
• North to South or vice versa 400K
• Around Taiwan 1000K since Taiwan is an island

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.

Trail Work at Mt. Diablo - Knowing Ultrarunning Friends and Poison Oaks

I was looking for an 8 hour trail work project to fulfill the service requirement for Wasatch Front 100M. 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.

Finding a Trail Work

I talked with Harry Silcock of East Bay Trail Dogs. 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 Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. 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.

Same with another trail work organized by Quicksilver Runner Club in the Almaden Quicksilver County Park on Saturday (4/7). This was for the Quickcilver 25K/50K/50M event coming in May. It'll be a nice one for Angeles Crest 100M service requirement. I checked with Dorsey Moore. It's only a half day and I found no way to get there with less driving.

Near where I live, there are some East Bay regional parks such as Alameda Creek Trail, Coyote Hills, Quarry Lakes, Mission Peak, and Garin/Dry Creek. I checked the park district but they don't have trail work during these two weeks. There is also a Don Edward Wildlife Refugee. 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.

Finally and fortunately, PCTR has a trail work at Mt. Diablo State Park. 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 BART 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 - Tri for Fun. 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 Mt. Diablo State Park.

Getting to Mt. Diablo State Park

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 Union City to Concord. It's over 1 hour on the BART to get there. When I get to Concord at 7:01, there should be enough time for me ride 7 miles to Michell Canyon visitor center in Mt. Diablo State Park.

As I arrived at Concord, 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.

Briefing

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 Barkley Marathon, 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 Western States 100M, Wasatch Front 100M , and Angeles Crest 100M. Including myself, there are 3 for Wasatch Front 100M, the most among the races. This is probably because Wasatch Front 100M requires "trail work" only. They don't accept volunteering at aid stations.


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.

My Group to Mt. Olympia

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.


From left to right, here is our team,

Jim Hildreth - Wasatch Front 100M after his amazing 26 hour finish in the hottest Western States 100M last year! He tells us a lot of this trail since he finished Diablo 50M last year in twilight. I have little memory of my run two years ago when I ran the Marathon option.

Chihping Fu - Wasatch Front 100M. Myself

Charles Stevens - Will do Western States 100M this year and Wasatch Front 100M two years in row. He is from Stevens Creek Strider and becomes our group leader. He has a few (actually "all three") sub-24 hour Western States 100M under his belt.

John Koester - Has done a lot of PCTR runs - I mean a couple of dozens! Who else has more PCTR runs than John? He will try his first 50 miler at Headlands 50M

Kermit Cuff Jr. - like me, he just finished Ruth Anderson 100K last week. He was fast and got third place overall in 100K. After finishing Javelina Hundred under 20 hours and 5th place overall last year, he'll run Angeles Crest 100M and Headlands Hundred as well. Kermit and I spend a lot time hiking together at this trail work. Both of us are in American River 50M 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!

We have Chris in the group. He is a PCTR 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 Diablo 50M.

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?

Anyway, after a while, we can see Chris coming. He and Kermit stay at the arrow for me to take a shot.

It's time to rewind back to the beginning after introducing our group.

Off We Go for the Trail Work

On our way, we meet groups of hikers.

We start with climb. Everyone is happy about the cool weather.


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!


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.

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 Coyote Hills.


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!


But we have to be flower killer once in a while. Sigh!



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.

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.

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.


About Angeles Crest 100M

Kermit and I also see Jonathan Kimura, a young runner from Cupertino, doing his 15 mile training for the coming the marathon distance in Diablo 50M. He was coached by the Angeles Crest 100M record holder Jim O'Brien. We talk a lot about ultrarunning. Jonathan did Angeles Crest 100M back in 2001 and has great experience with it. I introduce Kermit to Jonathan since Kermit will do it this year.

I hear about those interesting things about Angeles Crest 100M and how to face the big hills coming at last few miles, how the mind set plays a lot in running Angeles Crest 100M, 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, Angeles Crest 100M is one of the few "runnable" mountain 100 milers.

Heading Home

I'm about to go home because it will be a long way up to two hours - 30 min to the Concord BART station, 1 hour BART, and 30 min from Union City BART station to my home.

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 Concord BART station.

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.

I am so hungry when I get out of the Union City BART station. 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.

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!

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.

With such a trail work experience, I should be able to easily get into the four such volunteer work to be done next year.

• Two volunteer work at PCTR aid station - Western States 100M and Vermont 100M.
• One trail work for an Ultra (like this at Mt. Diablo) - Angeles Crest 100M
  
• One pure trail work (East Bay parks) - Wasatch Front 100M