text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233786432015-06-29T17:12:01.363-04:00Running With My DemonsThis is a blog that will follow my training for a Trail Running Ultra Marathon and other outdoors experiences in the NY Hudson Valley.Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-1245592978496966992014-12-17T11:39:00.001-05:002014-12-17T11:39:50.233-05:002014 The North Face 50 Mile Endurance Challenge

On December 6, 2014 the most competitive 50 mile race on US soil took place in the muddy trails of Marin Headlands. Leading up to the event, we chronicle thoughts and training of 5 noteworthy athletes.

From Boulder to Mammoth Lakes, follow athletes Sage Canaday (Hoka One One), Tim Tollefson (Nike Trail), Alex Varner (Nike Trail), Dylan Bowman (The North Face) and Timmy Olson (The North Face) in their quest to stake a spot atop the coveted podium.

Directed & Produced by: Billy Yang
http://billyyangfilms.com

Sage Canaday: @SageCanaday
Alex Varner: @afvarner
Dylan Bowman: @dylanbo
Tim Tollefson: @TimTollefson
Timothy Olson: @timmyolson_run

The 2014 North Face Endurance Challenge Championships
From DuctTape.TV
On Vimeo.

Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-68932740000540558722014-11-21T13:19:00.000-05:002014-11-21T13:19:27.862-05:00'E:60' - Catching Kayla

Tom Rinaldi tells the remarkable story of Kayla Montgomery -- who, despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, has become one of the best young distance runners in the country.Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-63805926435050379202014-11-12T15:33:00.000-05:002014-11-12T15:33:50.278-05:00Western Time: A WS100 DocumentaryBilly Yang's latest film production, Western Time, features Nike Trail athlete Sally McRae and her long journey to Auburn

 <object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/eHoXgYPvj6o?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/eHoXgYPvj6o?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

On June 28, 2014 Nike Trail athlete Sally McRae ran the original and most prestigious 100 mile race, the Western States 100 for the very first time. This short film documents her story and her journey leading up to this event including qualifying at the Montrail Ultra Cup race, the inaugural Sean O'Brien 50 mile earlier in the year.

 Although recently garnering a sponsorship, Sally opens up about her personal struggles and self-doubt leading up to the race. Her story also involves the tremendous support of her friends who were with her throughout her journey to and during the race of her life, the Western States 100.

Starring: Sally McRae | www.sallymcrae.com
Facebook: facebook.com/YellowRunner
Instagram: @yellowrunner
Twitter: @SallyMcRae

Film by: Billy Yang | www.billyyangfilms.com
Facebook: facebook.com/BillyYangFilms
Instagram: @BillyYangFilms
Twitter: @BillyYang

copyright Billy Yang Films 2014Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-36270731385283017222014-10-23T16:15:00.000-04:002015-02-12T16:28:12.787-05:002014 Hambletonian Marathon Race ReportI pulled into the parking lot at 7:20 AM and quickly realized how unprepared I was for this marathon.

The sun had just come up and the thermometer in my car said 52 degrees, the overcast-clouds were grey (with even darker bottoms) and the flags was blown straight out from their poles.

I looked around the car and didn't see my "race bag".

I had just realized that under my fleece I was only wearing a short sleeve shirt, the first pules of panic began to circulate through my chest. This could be a very long, cold day.

My race bag, which for some reason I left at home is usually stuffed with couple of different shirt options, arm-warmers, hats, maybe another pair of shoes, nipple bandages, food, gloves, powdered drink-mix, extra socks, you name it, it's ALL in that bag.

I was, however, lucky enough to have put a couple of energy bars and my favorite pair of painter's gloves into a small bag I usually just put my phone and wallet in.

Today, the painter's gloves were going to have to do.

I zipped up my fleece got out of the car and walked a few hundred yards over to the starting area to use the porta-potties. As I crossed main street, which was now closed to traffic, the leaves were blowing across my path like tumbleweeds in an old western.

My stomach felt nervous and very unsettled and seemed to be draining the energy from me. It took me and uncomfortably long time to emerge from the blue plastic bathroom, and when I did i felt weaker than when I went in like it was some energy-sucking, phantom toll booth.

I tried to compose myself and started to head-back to the car to try to stay warm till it was race time, which fortunately wouldn't be long.

As I was approaching the parking lot I saw a colleague from work. We spoke a few minutes and he accompanied me back to my car where I ditched the fleece and we headed to the starting area where we huddled between the buildings and other runners shielding ourselves from the wind.

I chatted with a few people I know, and before too long the winds seemed to have calmed and we shared a moment of silence for Carlos Santory, held our hands over our hearts for the National Anthem and we were off.

26.2 here we come!

Times Herald Record

The Hambletonian Marathon is a small town race only in its second year. The course features picturesque farmland, scenic vistas, hard-packed trails, fall foliage, a bike trail and The Historic Trotter Track in Goshen, NY.

Being local and living only 20 minutes from the race start I was regretting having never trained on the course -- there would be many places I would be familiar with, but for the most part I never did any real preparation on this course. -- Even more shameful, is that the race organizers hold weekly training runs right here on the actual course -- I did not attend a single one.

Heading down main street I was pretty happy to be warming up, there was a slight head-wind, but nothing as serious as it looked earlier.

We found our respective spots in the pack as we headed down main street onto the first 11.5 mile loop of the figure eight course.

The first loop was beautiful, within a mile we had crested the 1st hill and at just over 8 miles we entered onto the unpaved portion of The Heritage Trail. I had never been here before and really enjoyed the beauty of the woodland trail running alongside a nature preserve.

Emerging from the trail and back into Goshen, I figure that I had been running at just under 9:00 minute miles for the first 10.5 miles and was feeling that I was going to need something more than just water and gels to support that effort. I normally don't like to drink Gatorade, but it is what was available so I decided I was going to have to go for it.

My colleague caught up with me at just about 10.5 miles and we ran together through the town of Goshen and left town together for the second loop of the figure eight course.

As we passed through town, we saw the race director Kathleen Rifkin who shouted a few words of encouragement to us and almost under hear breath said "Now for the hills", with a smile.

So here we go, the second loop with the majority of the hills. We climb up and over the Victoria Street hill to get out of town again and continued onto the roller-coaster of hills that is Sarah Wells Trail.

As hilly as Sarah Wells is, the vistas are spectacular. The clouds were lifting, it was not nearly as dark, the winds were strong but didn't seem to be really impacting forward progress and the fall foliage was beautiful.

At 14.5 miles we take a right onto the aptly named Purgatory Road, home of the dreaded Purgatory Hill. The base of the hill resides at just over mile 15 and climbs about 200 feet in a half mile. -- Brutal stuff, and yes, it would have been nice to have run this once or twice, but whatever... I pushed my way to the top.

Following Purgatory there's about 3 miles of recovery in which I felt like I was running pretty well along the beautiful Ridge Road and onto Craigville Road. Occasionally a relay runner would pass me, but I was pretty solid into my pace and fairly well distanced from any other runners for the moment.

Turning onto Johnson Road at about mile 19 was another moment to collect myself and prepare for Cow Bell Hill. I stopped at the aid station, had a gel and some water and psyched myself up to take on this final beast.

About 3/4 of the way up I stopped to walk a bit, remembering the trail runner mantra of "If you can't see the top, you should be walking".

I reached Rt 94, crossed over, passed the 20 mile marker and headed on the Meadow Rd which runs
along side the black dirt fields. A tough stretch of road that seems to go on for quite some time while your totally exposed to the winds coming off the fields -- Remarkably, this is one of the few places that I actually felt cold.

I reached 20 miles at just over 3 hours and was hoping I could do the final 10k in under an hour. That would get me in around 4:05 for the marathon.

At mile 21.5, I rounded the final relay transition and onto the paved portion of The Heritage Trail for the final leg back into Goshen. Just over 4.5 miles to go.

My legs waved in and out through the final leg, at times they felt strong and able to hold onto the pace and then like a lapse in concentration they were shuffling along, unable to pick up the pace.

I passed mile marker 24, seeing my friends Todd and Catherine, who cheered my name and encouraged me that there was only 2 and a quarter to go -- I departed with "You got it!" ringing in my head.

I was struggling more mentally than physically, I wasn't going to do that last 10k in an hour and all I could think of was how much I wanted to be off this bike path and get into town!

And finally there it was... a right-hand turn, up a hill and around a left corner and I would be finishing on the track in Goshen.

I entered the track and was flabbergasted at how big this final loop was. It seemed to take forever to make the final turn and push to the finish.

I looked up and saw 4:13 and pushed hard enough not to see the clock flip to 4:14

I crossed the line, got my medal, wrapped myself in a foil blanket and found my wife.
It so cold and windy on the track, all I wanted to was go home and warm up.

So yeah, although I didn't really prepare too well for this day, I didn't do too badly.

Distance: 26.2 Miles
Time: 4:13:52
Elevation Gain: 1,411 ft

Finish line Video:
http://results.chronotrack.com/athlete/index/e/11337866

Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-88212673507987470022014-10-23T13:13:00.000-04:002014-10-23T13:21:14.405-04:002014 Pfalz Point Trail Challenge Race ReportJust a week after running the grueling 35 miles on the SRT, I was scheduled to run The Pfalz Point Trail Challenge. Again on The Shawungunk Ridge, but this one would be entirely within the Mohonk Preserve.

After running the SRTRun/Hike just the week before I was looking forward to getting back out on the trails. I had lived a week with "my demons" that I picked up on the SRT.

I arrived at the Spring Farm Trail-head with ample time to check-in, use the bathrooms, double-check my gear/attire, lock the car, etc.

As a photo drone hovered overhead, I mingled with some familiar faces from both Rock the ridge and last weekends SRT. It was a beautiful morning with a crystal clear skies and a "Million Dollar View".

I was told by folks who have run this in previous years that it's critical to find a place in the start where you're not too far back where you get stuck behind the first-time trail runners looking down at the roots and rocks and yet not being too far in the front to block the "real racers" or burn yourself out trying to keep from getting run over by the faster runners behind you (on the single-track).

When the gun went off, I felt like I was in just the right spot. I clicked along well, with only a little difficulty seeing the trail beyond the feet of the runner in front of me.

I moved out to the edge of the trail and ran along the edge of the trail where I could see the ground again and waited for the pack to thin.

After a sprint through one field and through a wet meadow, we turned up and into the woods on the Blue Trail.

My eyes quickly adjusted to the shadows as I focused in on the rocks and roots along the trail as we hit the first climb of the day.

Turning right to the yellow Ski Loop Trail I found a moment to catch my breath as the the foot steps from behind were thinning.

A slight down grade and across Table Rock Trail we emerge briefly from the woods back and crossed the Spring Farm fields to a winding climb on The Northwest Trail (part of the SRT).

I walked the steeper portion of the single-track climb and resumed my run as I turned left onto the wide Cedar Drive carriage path, where again I was able to catch my breath and get my heart-rate under-control as I prepped for the next long climb.

Turning right, I settled in with a small group of runners as we pushed our way up the 1 mile Spring Farm road climb. The climb finishes at the Mohonk Golf Course and it's just a brief moment to recover before the Guyot Hill climb.

Guyot Hill is part of Rock the Ridge and I've done several training runs through this part of the course and I knew there was still some deceptive little hills as we wind our way to the highest point 5 miles into the 10 mile run.

I felt really great, so I picked up the pace as I wound my way along the relatively flat Bonticou Road carriage path and back across the Old Bonticou path which revealed the most amazing view of the Bontcou Crag.

Then came the final climb, a lot of power hiking back up to Bonticou Road. Knowing this was the last climb I pushed hard but couldn't seem to catch anyone above me.

Emerging at the top on Bonticou Road, I skipped the water stop where I finally passed the runners I was trying to catch on the hill and I started the final leg of the run.

I pushed the pace and took advantage of the downhill. Turning right onto Cedar Drive I was still feeling good and was pushing it hard. I passed a few runners and felt like I was really making up some ground.

One last right hand turn returning on Spring Farm Road, blasting into the sun and as the photographers, volunteers and earlier finishers cheer me on through the final stretch onto the finish.

Being careful to keep the rubber on the road on the downhill finish, I could see the pavilion and the finish line I pushed hard and blew past the finish at full speed.

Distance: 10 Miles
Time: 1:40:56

Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-40051966020237879782014-10-22T16:13:00.001-04:002014-10-24T10:49:47.303-04:002014 SRT Run/Hike Race Report (32 Miles)
Last night I tossed and turned as I tried to fall asleep. My mind kept flipping back and forth between recent runs and my performance. And I admit it, I'm well past due on updating the blog, so I hope to expel some of my demons and put up a few updates. The first of which will be The Shawungunk Ridge Trail Run/Hike. <o:p></o:p>

As the event website states, "The Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT) is a 74-mile hiking trail that crosses High Point State Parkin New Jersey, where the SRT intersects the Appalachian Trail, all the way to the town of Rosendale, New York, where the trail ends at a restored railroad trestle high above the Rondout Creek."

The run/hike event featured a weekend of three different distances all ending in Rosendale. The first event that started on Friday (September 19th) was a 74 mile event traversing the entire length of the trail. I think there were only six hearty soles/registrants, only one of which successfully completed the distance. The Saturday (September 20th) event was the one I registered for which was slated as a 32 mile unsupported run/hike from Sam's Point Nature Preserve to Rosendale. And the Sunday (September 21st) event was a 20 mile version that I volunteered for starting at Peters Kill in Minnewaska State Park Preserve and again finishing in Rosendale.<o:p></o:p>

I arrived at the Binnewater parking area in Rosendale, to catch a shuttle-bus to Sam's Point Preserve. Binnewater was the finish line so having my car at the finish was the idea, rather than shuttling back to the start after running the 32 miles. I got out of my car and was greeted by Todd Jennings one of the co-race directors and a running friend. We made small talk as my friend and co-founder of Trail Whipass (the 1strunning club I ever joined), Dylan Armajani and other runners began to arrive; many had obviously far more experience running ultras than I did. <o:p></o:p>

For some reason, I started to get a bit nervous and I felt like I couldn't control the way I was feeling. I hid it as much as possible as we finally boarded the yellow school bus bound for Sam's Pont. After what seemed like an endless bus ride through Ellenville and up to the Sam's Point parking area we departed the bus to temperatures that felt like some 20 degrees cooler than the lower elevation Binnewater parking area, it was now about 8:00am, It was cloudy, cool, and the air was damp with a foggy mist, the temperature was now in the low 50s. <o:p></o:p>

The Race didn't start till 9:00 so we shuffled into the Sam's Point Conservation Center to stay warm and get to know each other. My nerves were starting to get the best of me. I made numerous trips to the bathroom and started to feel weak, I could feel the energy leaving my body with each visit to the bathroom. I couldn't wait to get going, hopefully I could run through this and it was just nerves about a 32 mile unsupported run on some of the toughest single-track trail running in the area.<o:p></o:p>

www.tombushey.com

Ken Posner (co-race director) finally called us out for some final instructions and a playing of the National Anthem. Soon after, we lined up in two waves of 15 runners. Feeling the way I did, I decided to sit back in the second group. Before long we were off and running. Within 100 yards we're climbing about 200 feet to Lake Maratanza at 2,245 feet above sea level.

Passing through the fog and watching the footing we enter into the vast fields of blueberry bushes of the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail. The bushes glowing in the haze were beautiful, but only the foolish would look too long. This trail is pocked with rocks securely lodged and point out of the middle of the trail. A stumble here could certainly break and arm or severely bruise a knee or shin.

The pace was brisk as the group ran single-file and burned off the nervous energy of race day. We emerged from the blueberries and dwarf pitch pines into the deciduous forest that crosses over the Verkeerder Kill Fallsand on to Mud Pond.

The trail to Mud Pond features a rocky scramble and levels out on the backbone of the ridge and reminiscent of a western movie with the expanses of white rock and emerging vistas of the Hudson Valley. <o:p></o:p>

At this point, glad to still be moving, I'm thinking I might need to stop pushing so hard, so early, but I was looking to find a comfortable cushion between runners I could hear behind me and the runners I could see ahead of me. I didn't want to get dropped – which happened soon enough.<o:p></o:p>

From Mud Pond, we head traversed the ridge to Castle Point within the fabulous Minnewaska State Park. Another climb and a very brief stint on a carriage trail and we entered the woods and climbed up to Castle Point.

There was a squeeze which I chose to go around and a hand over hand scramble that challenged my still fluttering stomach.

Emerging at the top of the scramble the view is stellar. Looking to the South we could see Sam's Point (where we started), and to the south-west the beautiful Lake Awosting lays out before you like a mirror in a mossy thicket.

I stopped to soak it in knowing that this was the first milestone of the day at only 7.5 miles.<o:p></o:p>

Departing Castle Point is a mix of carriage trail, rock face and single track that meanders throughout the cliffs of Minnewaska. After what feels like endless weaving across the top of the ridge we started to descend into a set of Pine Barrens with some much needed softer ground.

Eventually crossing Upper Awosting carriage road I swiftly shot down a set of stairs and continued through the shaded woods. At just about 10 miles I reached Rainbow Falls. Pretty much the first sign of water, but I wasn't yet in need – but it was definitely on my mind!

A grueling climb to the top of the falls and a moment to check the maps to be sure I was on the right track to the next milestone, Jenny Lane. The Jenny Lane trail is fairly flat but can't be underestimated.

Similar to the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail, Jenny Lane is littered with tripping hazards. At a moment's notice and fortunately where it was most convenient to go down, I did, and a stick jabbed my knee drawing some blood. Hey, it's trail run isn't it?<o:p></o:p>

After assessing that it wasn't serious, I got up shook it off and carried on. Within a few hundred yards off my fall, I came come across another set of runners (the ones who dropped me earlier), one of which tripped over one rock and fell into the next.

The fall split open her knee cap and sprained her ankle, injuries bad enough to require her to drop out after walking the .6 miles to the Jenny Lane-Route 44/55 checkpoint (just about 13 miles).

At this point, It's getting warmer and I'm starting to need to drink more and feel like need to be very conservative since I haven't seen any water since Rainbow Falls. I tried to eat but I made the mistake of trying to eat a peanut chip Mojo bar. My throat collapsed around it, the moisture left my mouth and it was completely impossible for me to swallow. I was beginning to struggle with nutrition as well as hydration. I was headed to the bad place.<o:p></o:p>

It was pretty warm heading over to the Peter's Kill area of Minnewaska State Park. The trail is very challenging with lots of cliffs with picturesque views. <o:p></o:p>

The trail is full of ups and down and tricky footing – not a good place when you're starting to feel weak.

Finally getting to Peter's Kill, the first sign of water, I pulled my remaining bottle (I had saved for so long) and sucked it down in virtually one gulp. We went down to the rocks and straddled the flowing water to fill our bottles and bladders. The cold spring water in the bladder felt great on my back. Knowing I was able to refill, one less worry (for now).

<o:p></o:p>

Climbing out of here was a bitch, my weakness was showing it's true colors, the rock crown was in the sun and my body temperature skyrocketed as soon as I started the climb. I could feel the sweat streaming down my back and I felt fluttery. I slowed way down trying to control my body temperature while trying to keep moving and struggled to the top.

The cool descent was strewn with some nasty rocks. It was very tough to keep it together as I tried to collect myself on the descent to the Coxing Kill Check Point (17.5 miles) -- I would later volunteer at this checkpoint on the following day.<o:p></o:p>

After crossing Clove Road, I cross the wooden bridge over the Coxing Creek to the Old Minnewaska Carriage trail. Soon, too soon, the trail turns to an eroded path that looks like a dry riverbed. I pretty much mix this with slow trotted running and power hiking. At one point I decided it would probably be a good idea to just sit down and work on my nutrition.

I found a rock and took off my backpack and squeezed down a couple of fruit/veggie baby food packets and fig bars. As bad as I felt, the views from here were stunning, looking northwest to the Catskills.<o:p></o:p>

Knowing I had a bit of nutrient in my body I was hoping I could push through this thing. Turning into the woods, I thought I might be heading downhill to Chapel Hill but alas that was not to be (yet).

Instead I found myself at the base of yet another rock scramble. I couldn't believe this insult… I'm trying to do this and I can't believe this climb. Suck it up and get over it. -- Once at the top, running was possible again, the slight downhill helped me run all the way to Old Clove Road and to the Chapel Trail (at just over 22.5 miles).

This was an important place for me to get to. I know this part of Mohonk from my Rock the Ridge training runs. Although I wasn't feeling very strong I was much more confident knowing that I knew where I was.

I knew I was going to have to climb my way up to the Mohonk Golf Course and that if the rest of the day was an indicator, the SRT was n't taking any prisoners and I'd be single-tracking it up and over the ridge.<o:p></o:p>

The power walking mixed with slow shuffling trots up and over the ridge began. Once again I was struggling to manage my body temperature as best I could. I pushed on and continued the mantra of Relentless Forward Progress (RFP) – never stopping always moving, no matter how badly I felt.<o:p></o:p>

Eventually topping the ridge and crossing the golf course I started the long awaited descent from the ridge. A few frustrating climbs and an earlier missed turn and I eventually made it to the Route 6 check point at just about 25.7 miles in just less than 8 hours.<o:p></o:p>

The descent on the Route 6 was steep and brutal, the Saturday car traffic was humming up the sharply-curved road and hugging the inside of every turn. I felt like a speeding performance car was on the cusp of every turn just as I got there. The relentless downhill was battering my tired legs and yet, after what seemed like a maddening amount of time on the road a final left-hand turn (at 30 miles) and I was at the bottom and turning onto the Walkill Valley Rail Trail.<o:p></o:p>

The rail trail is pancake flat which after 8 hours of climbs and descents, rocks and roots it made for some brutally mind-numbing miles to finish out this run. <o:p></o:p>

Problem was… I've run and ridden my bike here before. I'm pretty damn sure that from the intersection of Springtown Road and The rail trail is more than 2 miles. The question was, how much more?

I had no choice but to find out for myself. I was running on the soft packed trail, granted not very fast, but I was able to move faster than a walk. Eventually It was starting to get darker, the sun hadn't set yet and it seemed like I could see a mile ahead of me and a mile behind me and there was nobody to be seen.<o:p></o:p>

Occasionally, like a ghost a mountain biker would emerge from the distance and pass me without saying a word. I wonder if he could see my pain or knew what we were doing out here. I wanted to know how much further. In time and I came upon The Rail Trail Café folks cheered me on and said only 2 more miles to go!

I was stunned. My GPS was telling me I had already run 33 miles. I asked them again "How far"? Two miles, they shouted back.<o:p></o:p>

Ufff… OK, keep going and then I could see the familiar rock outcropping and I knew I would soon cross the trestle to the finish. As I finally crossed the trestle, just as the streetlights were coming on, I could hear music from a street festival in Rosendale. It inspired me to push through and finish just as it was getting dark I was back at Binnewater parking lot.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>
</o:p>

As difficult a time as I had, I did it! And I enjoyed IT!... <o:p></o:p>

The SRT is a tough run and I finished it and now have a time to beat<o:p></o:p>

I vow to redeem myself – watch out SRT! I will be back!<o:p></o:p>

Distance: 35.1 Miles
Time: 9:55:17
Elevation Gain: 4,354 ft

Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-31225144742520483522014-10-21T13:26:00.000-04:002014-10-21T13:26:49.709-04:00Sky High Flag: the Town | the People | the Race
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/zgc-60SCgN4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/zgc-60SCgN4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

On October 4, 2014 the Flagstaff Skyrace - the final race in the US Skyrunning series - presented by Aravaipa Running took place in the mountains of Flagstaff, AZ. With an ever increasing magnifying glass on the endurance community of Flagstaff, some of the locals share their thoughts on the town and trails they live and train in over race highlights of the tough, rugged and scenic terrain of the San Francisco Peaks.
Interviews (in order of appearance): Rob Krar, Chris Vargo, Emily Harrison, Christina Bauer, Ian Torrence, Brian Tinder, Jamil Coury, Ian Sharman, Daniel Kraft, Alicia Shay
Film by: Billy YangAdditional Footage: Jamil CouryBixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-8420566013294578092014-10-14T10:39:00.000-04:002014-10-14T10:39:24.451-04:00The Ingenuous Choice - Mountain Running with Anton Krupicka
The Ingenuous Choice - Mountain Running with Anton Krupicka from Outdoor Live on Vimeo.

"We can never have enough of nature". Discover how Anton Krupicka experiences mountain running and challenges himself running ultra distances on the trails. Summary: Why do we decide to explore mountains, trails and the wilderness? Perhaps because "we can never have enough of nature" as Henry David Thoreau once described. The Ingenuous Choice features mountain runner Anton Krupicka exploring the wilderness of the mountains, racing 100 miles and reflecting on what makes mountain running essential to him.

Comments & questions Your feedback matters - please do let a comment below, that will make our day.

You can also contact us at email@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-6728591630088454562014-10-07T12:51:00.002-04:002014-10-07T12:51:59.252-04:00Jean-Paul The Marathon RunnerWith marathon season approaching, a small bit of advice inspired by Seinfeld.

Set your own alarms and get to your race on time!
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/Khys7LfwT8c?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/Khys7LfwT8c?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Jerry takes over the job, from Elaine, of making sure Jean-Paul gets up in time for the marathon. He missed the Olympics because he over slept once.

"SEINFELD S07E05 The Hot Tub - Season 7 - Episode 5" (Amazon.com)Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-66748837529804519712014-10-06T14:14:00.002-04:002014-10-06T14:14:38.540-04:00What Doesn't Kill YouOn the way home from a recent ultra run this song came on the car radio and I could only think how appropriate a song for after completing an ultra.
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/bxjZbFpBpbE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/bxjZbFpBpbE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Jake Bugg -- 'What Doesn't Kill You' -- out now on iTunes http://po.st/WDKY
Taken from the new album 'Shangri La' out now: iTunes - http://po.st/ShangriLaYTBixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-60004297368973741252014-10-01T13:39:00.000-04:002014-10-06T14:20:18.576-04:00THE SQUAMISH 50/50 | A Ginger Runner Film

SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/subGINGERRUNNER Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-9581699182035783002014-08-28T11:49:00.000-04:002014-08-28T12:25:22.708-04:00TEDx RunsI had no idea there were so many TEDx talks related to running. Here's a collection of running related talks that I've found. Most are pretty inspiring. Have fun watching!

Running forward to alleviate homelessness: Anne Mahlum at TEDxAustin
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/LVWCqCe1D8Y?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/LVWCqCe1D8Y?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>While running through the streets of Philadelphia, Anne's mission caught up with her.

Dispelling the belief that those currently experiencing homelessness don't have what it takes to be runners, she founded Backonmyfeet.org, an expanding model that addresses this issue with empathy, accountability and fresh sneakers.

With chapters forming around the country, everyone will have the chance to run in the right direction, empowering them to change their perceptions of themselves and what is possible.

The runner's low - depression & the badwater ultra marathon: Hannah Roberts at TEDxHonolulu
<object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/EeWCbd6rbzE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/EeWCbd6rbzE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Hannah grew up mostly in southern Delaware and attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland for her undergraduate studies. She commissioned as an ensign in the navy and met her ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. While on sea duty and between deployments, Hannah became very involved in ultra endurance sports, including running and cycling. Happiest on technical single track mountain trails, she trained for the 2012 Badwater 135-mile ultra marathon while underway on the destroyer Hopper, based out of Pearl Harbor. She was one of the youngest runners in Badwater. Visit www.runsealegsrun.blogspot.com for more information.

TEDxHull - Robin Harvie - Running To The Edge
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/-yilSud7GdE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/-yilSud7GdE?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Everyone has their limits. But what happens when we hit them Endurance running, the simplest of extreme sports, takes us to the edge of our physical and mental capacity and distils that experience of destruction and empowerment into its purest form to reveal to true boundaries of human possibility.

From couch to ultra marathon: Bill Hoffman at TEDxAlbany 2013
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/sQsaI8wfr8k?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/sQsaI8wfr8k?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Bill Hoffman is the founder of Kitware and currently serves as the company's Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. He spoke at TEDx Albany 2013 about his journey "From Couch to Ultra Marathon in 2.5 years."

Zoe likes to run: Zoe Romano at TEDxCharlottesville 2013
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/CrG0xJybpHI?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/CrG0xJybpHI?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Zoë Romano really likes to run. In 2011, she ran 2,800 miles across the US, churning out 30 miles a day to become the first female to complete such a trek without a support vehicle. And, along the way she raised more than $15,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Romano was struck by the power of this "odyssey run" — for her own growth as well as for others.

Romano strongly holds the belief that everyone is capable of achieving the extraordinary and that endurance athletics are a powerful platform for advocating this philosophy. Her mission is to engage local and global communities in her odyssey running as a way to inspire them to not just dream big dreams, but to go do them. She first fell in love with running while a student at the University of Richmond, earning degrees in Spanish and International Studies, magna cum laude, in 2009. She is currently a freelance writer and tutors Spanish in Richmond.

While she is one of a few hundred people who have run across the U.S., Romano's next odyssey is to be the first person to run the Tour de France. She started May 18 and will be running through the summer...

The game theory/ultra running connection: Lisa Donchak at TEDxSacramento
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/w6TZRvVUsHM?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/w6TZRvVUsHM?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Running is a mental game. How do ultramarathoners motivate themselves to run 20, 50, or 100- mile races? It turns out that running is as much a mental game as a physical game.

Lisa Donchak is a Business Strategist for Google: Google Apps. She's an accomplished ultramarathoner, having completed over 20 marathons and ultramarathons, including four 50-mile races and a 100-mile race, as well as the 2012 Boston Marathon by the time she was 24. Earlier this year, she competed in the first annual Inca Trail Marathon, a 26.2-mile race at 13,000 feet of altitude, ending in Machu Picchu.

Lisa graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Santa Cruz. During her undergraduate career, she studied behavioral economics at Oxford University and helped spearhead the first undergraduate program in game theory at UCSC. She currently lives in San Francisco, California and aspires to run a marathon on every continent.

TEDxDubbo - Tristan Miller - Inspirational Talk: 52 Marathons In 52 Weeks
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/CW1K4xUJGA4?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/CW1K4xUJGA4?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Tristan Miller is "that guy", the one who ran 52 international marathons in 52 weeks in 2010.

Tristan Miller spent many years working in ad sales, before the "call of the wild" took hold. In the Global Economic Crisis of 2009/10, Tristan lost his job at Google when they shut down the Melbourne office. Instead of looking for a new job, he decided to take on a new challenge.

He sold everything, laid out an extraordinary strategy and left Australian shores to attempt to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks -- 42 countries, 7 continents -- raising money for the charities, UNICEF and Facing Africa. Tristan's crazy idea turned into an epic journey as he traipsed the world, mostly alone, to see what it was like to run around the planet. He ran in all the major international marathons, including New York, London, Berlin and Tokyo, but also found himself in Rwanda, Mongolia and on Easter Island, in Chile, to name a few. He even ran across the frozen fields of Antarctica!

TEDxPhoenixville - Christopher McDougall - Barefoot Running
<object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/1i5SAYBvCYk?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/1i5SAYBvCYk?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Author of the New York Times Bestseller, "Born to Run," Chris shares his conviction that the secret to happiness is right at your feet with sharp wit and wild exuberance.

TEDxYALE - Sam Fox - Run While You Can
<object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/l6OgyuAsjaM?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/l6OgyuAsjaM?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Sam Fox, Yale '09 graduate, talks about his experience completing running along the entire Pacific Coast Trail from Canada to Mexico for RunWhileYouCan.org

Wanted - a runner with soul: Gai Ben Dor at TEDxIDC
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/goiyLgCzgSI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/goiyLgCzgSI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>An online ad stating: "Wanted: A Runner with Soul" led Gai Ben Dor and his father to embark on a challenging and inspiring journey; guiding a blind person all the way to the special Olympic marathon and later a climb to Mount Everest!! Inspired by the success of their journey, Gai initiated a groundbreaking project; he established a running group for people with physical, mental or cognitive disabilities, enabling them to run for the first time in their lives. Through this project, Gai and other volunteers help these people overcome impossible challenges and experience significant moments of hope and happiness in their lives. This unbelievable group of people just finished climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-40267780216948411752014-08-27T16:14:00.000-04:002014-08-27T16:17:13.306-04:00Dozer the Marathon Dog<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/Takc4WL_aqQ?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/Takc4WL_aqQ?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

E:60 - Marathon Dog

On May 15, 2011, the Maryland Half Marathon had an unusual and unexpected competitor - a four-legged canine named Dozer. E:60 takes you to the course and reveals how Dozer reached the finish line and bested thousands of runners.Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-596267088000109392014-08-27T16:09:00.001-04:002014-08-27T16:09:48.188-04:00The World is Filled with Noise<object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/pQZOzJpaqA8?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/pQZOzJpaqA8?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Arc'teryx - Silence

Interesting video from Arc'teryx. an outdoors gear and apparel manufacturer. The only product shots that I was able to notice were Solomon shoes and hydration pack.

Either way I can very much relate to the message in this video. Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-26870160440707335222014-07-30T15:17:00.000-04:002014-07-30T15:24:26.611-04:00Your Heroes Suffer Too<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/chTYAsYdDZQ?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/chTYAsYdDZQ?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Hardrock 100 2014

"I Got Rocked" - Timothy Olson

To me it's very interesting to see those who you admire having a tough time out on the trails. It goes to show that everyone suffers... regardless of their status.

I've always admired Tim and seeing this helps to solidify my respect for the man and his respect to the event, the effort and the tradition of the event.

Congrats!!Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-40515186665192228592014-06-06T07:46:00.000-04:002014-06-06T07:46:49.705-04:00Barkley 100

Barkley 100 from Brendan Young on Vimeo.

This documentary tells the story of one of the world's most difficult and bizarre sporting events: The Barkley Marathons. This 100-mile footrace and its 60-hour time limit force athletes to run, crawl and climb an elevation gain equivalent to two treks up Mt. Everest. In nearly thirty years, only fourteen runners, out of over one thousand participants, have finished The Barkley.

Directed, Edited and Filmed by Brendan Young
Director of Photography: Isaiah Branch-Boyle
Original Score by Keith ShacklettBixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-74337362994304089422014-05-28T11:24:00.003-04:002014-05-28T16:40:10.251-04:00Reflections on My First Fifty Mile RunSeveral weeks have passed since I completed my first 50 miler and the glow of the accomplishment has somewhat begun to fade. Over this period I've had time to reflect on the achievement and some of what I perceive to be some of the keys to my success.

The Training Plan

I found a 50 mile training plan online and printed it out. The idea was to use the plan as a guide for recommended mileage and not to be obsessed with sticking to the daily/weekly workouts. In fact the plan was from the Santa Clarita Runners Club in Southern California. With the early stages of my training being during one of the worst winters we've seen in the Northeast it was pretty easy to see that a Southern California training plan was not going to be 100% compatible with a Spring Ultra in the Northeast.

I continued to use it as a guide and tracked rest days and back to back long runs against it but I didn't do anywhere near the number of miles that the plan recommended. You also have to remember, the terrain is going to have a big impact on the number of miles you run. For all I knew, the Santa Clarita plan may not have even been designed for a trail ultra. Either way, I made sure I was (somewhat) consistent and that I spent a lot of time on my feet.

In the early weeks of the training, the trails were deep in snow so I did a lot of long road runs on the road and before that was possible I ran for time (not miles) on the treadmill.

Scouting the Course
For several weeks prior to the event I spent time scouting different portions of the beautiful course in The Mohonk Preserve. I realize this wont always be an option but it was part of the reason why I selected Rock the Ridge 50 Mile Challenge as my first 50 miler. Within a 40 minute drive, I would get up early on a weekend morning and drive to the trail-head. Over the course of 5 or 6 trips I managed to run most of the course in various segments, familiarizing myself with the terrain and most importantly gaining an understanding of where the big hills were. In my training runs I would build my strength by running the hills with a plan that on race day I would be walking them. The trail-head I used was at the start of the course and featured a 3 mile climb to the top of the ridge. In training I would "settle in" and run the hill knowing that on race day I would walk this bad-boy. I didn't want the excitement of race day to inspire me to attempt to run it (like a real man) with 47 miles still to go. There were several other formidable hills and I knew where they were and more importantly, I knew where they were not. On the final 12 mile stretch, I knew the path and what was in store for me as I wound my way along the ridge-line, slowly descending and working my way to the finish. This lifted my spirits as I was able to gauge how I felt and how hard I could push myself in the final miles.

Equipment
During every training run I wore my Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Hydration Vest. At one time I debated whether to wear a vest or a single-bottle belt but I reviewed the course description and saw that some of the aid stations were a little far from each other, particularly late in the course, so I went with my gut and wore the vest that carried two bottles, my camera and enough bars and gels to get me through.

One of the stranger and more risky moves was a last minute change in shoes. I had been complaining about tired feet and an occasional blackened toe nail, so after a 20 mile run I was wondering how I would be after another 30 miles. So I decided I was going to try something different. I had always been told not to go changing things just before a big race, but I threw that advice out the window and the weekend before the event, but I decided I would trade in my traditional trail shoes and join the Fat Shoe Revolution. I went to the official equipment outfitter Rock and Snow and tried on a pair of Hoka One One Stinson Trails. I even went so far as to go a 1/2 size larger. I consulted some friends and online communities, I did one 4 mile training run (on the road) and I was sure I was going to wear them.

There was an aid station that we would pass two times (miles 24 and 38) that we could visit our drop bags. In my drop bag I had extra shirts, socks, cold drinks, bandages, a hat, visor, sunblock a couple of pairs of alternative shoe choices and a single-bottle belt. I stuck with what was working but I did stop to change my socks at mile 38. I've read how this is like a gift from heaven late in a ultra so I figured I would give it a try even though I couldn't say that I had any real need to do so.

I've been wearing Injinji toes socks which have been working out real well for me so I had a spare pair in my bag as well as a couple of other pairs of traditional socks. I struggled to sit on a rock and pull the toe-socks onto my feet. I probably could have saved 8 to 10 minutes if I chose the traditional socks as it was difficult to master the art of mashing my toes into the individual holding cells after running 38 miles. But I got them on and it felt good.

Nutrition

All through my training I used Vega Sport products. Being vegan, their products are plant-based endurance products designed specifically to help performance. I found the Energizer to be a great pre-workout drink and their Hydrator and gels as my choice for nutrition during my runs. I would also mix in some of their energy bars for real food on some longer training runs. The only other nutritional product that I used was Cliff Blocks and/or Honey Stinger Chews. I found these to be great for late run nutrition when it's harder to swallow real food.

My weekend long runs were largely run on a very light breakfast. My plan was to train (into) a slight nutritional deficit so when race day came and I was properly fueled I would feel far better than I did in training.

Additionally, on race day I stuck to what my body knows. I carried my own hydrator powder packets and filled my bottles with water and mixed my own fluids deliberately staying away from the highly-sugared Gatorade that was available on the course. My plan was to avoid the sugar highs and more importantly the sugar crash. I wanted to stay as far away from the emotional lows or "bad patches" that I've read so much about.

I sipped from my bottles frequently, and ate my gels a regular time intervals, when I hit an aid station I would munch down a peanut butter finger sandwich, and later when it was harder to swallow the dry sandwich the blocks and chews were my lifesaver. They seemed to work in magical ways. And oddly enough, I'm not repulsed by the thought of eating them again, which has often happened with gels or GUs after other events.

Have Fun

There are so many things in our lives that we are responsible for that we often rush through training runs thinking of all the things we need to do over the course of the day or the weekend. We get in the car and rush back to family, work or weekend chores. As the big day approached I repeated to myself "This IS What You Are Doing Today". This helped me to relax and have fun and enjoy everything that went into it and the experience that is forever.

Having a great support crew will make everything better and more enjoyable. In this case my support didn't have any pacing or other responsibilities but was solely there for emotional support. My wife Janine, was a trooper on my longest of days. She drove me to the event and rode with me on a shuttle-bus to the start and helped me stay calm as the start grew near. I saw her at the first aid station at mile 10 and again at the aid stations at miles 24 and 32. And of course she was there at the finish. I could see her as she cheered me on through my final 100 yards. It put a smile on my face to know she was there to share this great achievement with me.

I also carried a camera. I took some photos (when I remembered) but didn't let it become an obsession. As I look through the volunteer photos of the day, in every picture I have a big smile on my face. A testament to my preparations for this big day and the hard work of the volunteers, race directors and fellow runners.

Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-8395822157527993182014-05-15T19:12:00.000-04:002015-04-09T09:54:02.178-04:002014 Brewery to Brewery Run

Wounded Warrior Project

Just one week after my first 50 mile run I participated in the 2nd Annual Brewery to Brewery Marathon. Essentially an informal marathon relay from Newburgh Brewing Company to the Peekskill Brewery.

I told Paul Halayko (President of Newburgh Brewing Company) that as long as my feet weren't hamburger after last weekend's 50 miler, I was in.

I mean running and beer... what could be better? Two of my favorite things right? And I was asked to be a member of the Newburgh Brewing Company team. I think even if my feet were completely destroyed I would have found a way to make this happen.

The B2B Route

But the most incredible aspect of this whole adventure is that the event was a brainchild of Pat Mahady as a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Pat put together a pretty simple route using MapMyRun that mapped out to 23.77 miles, just shy of the 26.2 mile marathon distance. We all got together for a meet and greet at Newburgh Brewing company at 11:00AM for a Beer and the 1st set of runners would head out at Noon. this was my 1st meeting with Pat and his extended family of charity runners and committed souls.

Pat had friends, family and his students in attendance, everyone was friendly and a pleasure to talk and meet with, especially Pat himself, there's no wonder that so many people were willing to help him.

We gathered in front of NBC and listened to Pat's last minute directions and words of inspiration and just like that the 1st leg runners were on their way. Sam Masotto of Team Newburgh was running 11 miles across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, through Beacon (we would wait for him at mile 5) and on to the 11 mile mark.

After checking in with him at mile 5 we shuttled up to a parking lot at Mile 11. We waited in a parking lot on Route 9D and before we knew it Sam arrived sweaty and brimming with enthusiasm. Today was in the low 80s and more humid than any day so far this year.

We exchanged brief runner pleasantries and Paul and I were off to complete the run to Peekskill where more cold beer was waiting.

We started out in the heat and humidity and waved to our crew (my wife Janine) and Sam as they passed. Sam was on his way to play the Best Man in Tony and Tina's Wedding and Janine was going to find a spot to wait with water and support.

Paul was leading the way, and let me say he is no slouch. I found myself having trouble keeping up with him. I hung with him for the first mile and then told him he should run at what feels comfortable for him.

Basically I blew up in the first mile and a half. The heat, humidity,hills and just coming off a 50 mile run the weekend before I was suffering. My radiator was overheated and I was red in the face to show it.

I struggled through 6 miles (praying for a cooling rain), made a corner and saw Janine waiting for me. She knew I was in trouble and insisted on shuttling me ahead.

At first I resisted and then gratefully caved to her demands and relished sitting in front of the cooling A/C vents in the car.

As we continued a steady climb (still in the car), I was grateful to get a lift, we passed Paul and shouted out barely coherent words of encouragement as he continued to look amazing on the long climb.

We found a quickie mart less than 4 miles from the Peekskill Brewery and we pulled over for me to continue the run to the beer at the end of the journey.

I had cooled off and was feeling better, still tired, but much better than when I got in the car. I muscled through some relatively boring stretches and came upon some somewhat dangerous crossings, including the Bear Mountain traffic circle. All of which brought to mind the old Frogger video game.

I successfully negotiated the traffic circle by running out in front of a slow-moving State Trooper SUV. I couldn't tell if he was slowing to assist my perilous attempt or if he was going to pull me over and read me the riot act.

On the other side I climbed over a guard rail to find a nearly abandoned walkway over Annsville Creek. The causeway led to a steep downhill to a Annsville Preserve Park, where volunteers were cleaning up garbage as part of the Great Hudson River Sweep.

I passed through a gate to the park and headed down a dirt road spotted with puddles and entered N. Water Street where I heard footsteps approaching from behind. It was Paul, perfect timing!

I had to turn on my turbo jets to stay with him and he and I hustled down the last few blocks and there it was. The brewery!

We exchanged high-fives, caught our breath for a moment or two and entered the 2nd brewery of the day for more socializing about running and the great experience... not to mention a few nice hoppy beers.

when we finished, my Garmin had just chirped 9 miles. A bit shorter than what I had anticipated but a great day nonetheless.

Some interesting facts about our Brewery to Brewery Run. Our Race Director pointed out (via email);

 His ten year old granddaughter ran 2.5 miles with his daughter (who ran 8 miles total) who has rheumatoid arthritis.

 His wife did 2.5 miles while undergoing chemotherapy.

 His student Kara ran 5 miles with one lung...the result of childhood cancer.

 His former cardiac patient ran the whole distance after losing 70lbs and having three stents.

 These are special people and they drive me to pursue being happy by making other people happy. And as healthy runners we are ALL part of that energy!

Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-41254550676427654942014-05-13T15:11:00.002-04:002014-05-14T08:14:25.033-04:00My First 50 Miler | 2014 Rock the Ridge 50 Mile Challenge Race Report
I heard about the Rock the Ridge 50 Mile Challenge early last year and knew it was my opportunity to step into the world of the 50 miler.

I've done a few 50k runs but really wanted to test myself at the 50 mile distance

I begged my wife to let me register as part of my Christmas present. She agreed and it was game on!

We had an exceptionally difficult winter for ultra-training; I ran and ran as best I could. I used the treadmill when the roads weren't clear and I used the roads when the trails were too deep. I logged many miles and trained hard, while trying to keep focus on endurance.

Eventually the harsh winter withdrew and I was able to do some reconnaissance training at Mohonk Preserve. I put my weekend long runs at the top of my priorities and headed into the trails weekend after weekend. I explored the less populated northern reaches of the Mohonk Preserve. I came to enjoy the solitude of running for hours at a time and seeing less than a handful of people and an occasional canine companion.

Race day started to approach quickly, I took a few extra days off from work trying to avoid the coughs and sniffles that were going around the office (I had already missed one 50k due to illness). The nerves hit hard on Thursday but by Friday night I was relatively relaxed and totally committed to my game plan.

Arriving at the start the weather was perfect as the morning sun lit the Gatehouse to reveal a majestic grandeur. The race started slow with a 1 mile warm-up before our first climb of the day. In all of my training runs I had run the 3+ mile uphill, but today I would walk it to conserve my energy for the remaining 47 miles.

When we reached the first fluid station at the top of the climb I was feeling quite good. I had met had some great people on the climb, we exchanged jokes, reasons for participating and strategies for the day, and when we crested the bridge one couldn't help but to take in the backdrop of the ridge and the gorgeous sunrise.

We looped our way along the Mohonk Mountain House golf course and through the northern trails of the preserve (Springfarm Road, Bonticou Crag and Guyout Hill). And before I knew it, the Springfarm Aid station (9.8 miles) was in view through the trees. A gradual descent to the pavilion and I topped off my fluids, had a salty handful of potato chips and a couple of peanut butter finger sandwiches.

As I started to leave Springfarm, I took in the million dollar view (looking to the lower Catskills) when my wife Janine, emerged from the field parking lot (just in time). We hugged, took a photo and with a wink I told her I felt great and only had 40 miles to go and I would see her in a few hours.

I headed out in the shadows of the western-side of the ridge on Cedar road. Having run this several times over the last few weeks it was easy to settle into a pace and let the miles pass me by. A few miles later and I was climbing my way up toward Skytop Tower. Views of the Mohonk Mountain House and the Wallkill Valley teased us as we made our way up the climb. I monitored my effort being careful not to get carried away as the excitement of the views teased me to the top of this climb.

I took just a moment for set of photos of Skytop Tower (15.1 miles) and the full beauty of the Shawungunk Ridge to the south and began weaving my way down and onto the next leg of the journey.

A nice descent and I was traversing the sun soaked eastern side of the ridge again on Forest Drive, Home Farm, and a long downhill on Old Minnewaska Road to an aid station at Rhododendron Bridge (19.4 miles).

I again topped of my bottles and added my own powdered drink mix (avoiding the sugary Gatorade) and set my sights on the next leg, a long gentle climb up the back of the ridge on Overlook Road. I passed the 20 mile marker and mentally patted myself on the back.

I crossed Trapps Bridge over Route 44/55 (mile 21.9) and proceeded to the lands of Minnewaska State Park. A few gradual uphill miles and I would be arriving at The Lyons Road Aid station (mile 23.9). Lyons road was a spot on the course we would hit two times so we had opportunity to have our drop bags shipped here.

I rolled into the aid station at a gentle jog and saw my wife waiting for me. We pulled some more nutrition (powdered drink mix and a couple of bars) from my drop bag. Again I said I was feeling good, we got some salty pretzels, and again topped off my fluids. I think I had a couple more peanut butter finger sandwiches and off I went.

From Lyons road I jogged a steady pace up the inclined path along the scenic brook that was fed by Awosting Falls (mile 25.7). The falls were roaring with power and energy. They provided inspiration as the path took on some incline as it climbed to Lake Minnewaska. Eventually this was a no brainer – time to walk. I took opportunity to drink more fluids and chew a few Honey Stinger blocks (which seemed to be my preferred source of energy today).

Eventually getting to the Lake Minnewaska aid station at just past the marathon distance (mile 26.4) I made sure I filled up on everything and gobbled a couple of extra Cliff Blox since we would be heading out on a climb to Castle Point the highest part of the course at 2,180 feet and we would also be circling back to this aid station, but we wouldn't see it for another 8 miles.

Things got a little tough for a bit, my energy was a low and it was just about time for my Garmin to die. It chirped its low battery call and I slowed to pull out my Battery USB charger and attached it to my Garmin so as to try not to lose any data. It chirped again, and one last time and died. In my haste I forgot to turn on the charger and struggled to flip the little switch. Now my Garmin was back recording again and receiving an infusion of energy.

I struggled around the climb to Castle Point (mile 30.2), each vista looking like the highest point only to find
there was one more step and one more vista beyond that one. This seemed to go on and on like some cruel Groundhog Day joke, when the terrain finally started to ease back down the elevation chart.

It seemed to be just what I needed as I began to feel more elated and motivated as I made my way down from the cliffs and along the views of Lake Awosting. Just four miles back to the Minnewaska aid station. At what I think was mile 32 I started to feel good again. My pace picked up and I ran my way through the warming sunshine into the Lake Minnewaska aid station (mile 35.2). I was feeling good and I was pleasantly surprised to see my wife there waiting for me. She had hiked up from Lyons road to meet me for one last time on the course. 15 miles to go and I was feeling I was going to do this!

I filled up fluids, had some more rocket fuel (Cliff Blox and Honey Stingers) and headed back past the roar of Awosting falls and the beauty of the gentle downhill grade of the path by the brook down to Lyons Road (mile 37.7). This time I thought I would change my socks for the last 12 miles of the run. I pulled out a fresh (ice cold) bottle from my bag and struggled to sit down on the hardest rock I've ever sat upon. I wrestled with the Injinji toe socks as the toes on my feet and the toes in the sock just wouldn't match up. Eventually I was up and on my way again.

It was warm but I was determined, I was being consistent and it was clear that I had the energy to push through. Crossing over Trapps Bridge and past the 40 mile marker on Undercliff Road, I knew I was going to be able to do this. And not only was I going to be able to do it, if everything held true, I would finish better than anticipated.

My training runs were paying off. My familiarity with Undercliff Road and the gentle grade back to Rhododendron Bridge (mile 42.2) was paying off and my confidence was building. I was running this thing…

I could sense the finish was within grasp and it was giving me strength as I wound my way back to Oakwood Drive and up to the last climb on Forest Drive. I ran at an inspired pace, it started rain a little as I wound my way around Duck Pond and back on Farm Road, emerging on Lenape Lane where this grand journey started.

On Farm Road I passed a runner and gave him a few words of encouragement. Those words seemed to have worked as he started up again and I pulled him along for about a mile of downgrade on Lenap lane.

I knew there would be a spot where I was going to need to walk it in as the grade started its last rise before reaching the final flat to the finish. I spotted a shadow just past a tree and marked that as the point where I would start my walk.

As I brought it down to my last walk of the day, the other runner joined me and thanked me for the motivation. We agreed to walk to the top and across the bridge over Butterville road. I spotted a set of rocks as our next point to start it up again and bring this run home.

The Gatehouse loomed in the distance and miraculously it did get closer and closer, I could see my wife waiting for me and then the tunnel of the Gatehouse and passing the finish line.

The timekeeper told me I finished in 11 hours and 18 minutes and Todd Jennings the Race Director place the medal over my head and congratulated me.

This was a day like no other… I have now run a 50 mile Ultra Marathon!

What a great event! Thank you to all the volunteers, race directors & fellow runners.

Congratulations to all!

The 50.5 mile route

elevation chart - 4,368 feet of elevation gain

Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-85717388623859777212014-04-04T14:29:00.000-04:002014-04-04T14:29:37.936-04:00How To Be An Ultra Runner<object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/VytCTHrnShc?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/VytCTHrnShc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Awesome video... I caught myself laughing at myself (at least) a couple of times. Enjoy.Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-84967598738736979212014-01-21T10:44:00.002-05:002014-01-21T10:54:06.907-05:00A Run Around the Sun<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/S2qIDILG5ms?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/S2qIDILG5ms?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Awesome video of a guy who ran every day of last year and videotaped it. The video shows one second of every day. I guess you could call it a video-streak. Enjoy.Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-1047080977171982602013-12-19T12:26:00.004-05:002013-12-19T12:26:26.597-05:00Running at Night

space.com

Last night I was admiring the moonlit landscape from my backyard. The moon wasn't quite full, maybe just a day or two past, but nonetheless, the illumination was impressive.

Over the last few days we experienced two winter storms leaving us with about 8 or 9 inches of fresh snow on the ground. Last night the sky was clear and the reflecting lunar light was bright like an early morning dawn.

I couldn't help but wish that I was out running the local trails under the stars and radiant moon. It's not often when the moon is full, the skies are clear and there's snow on the ground to light the way.

If I'm feel inspired tonight, I'll see if the trail head is clear. Otherwise I'll see if the skies stay clear through the weekend to give it a shot.

In the meantime, here's a nice bit of nighttime trail porn.

<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/YzSUs-MZcVA?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/YzSUs-MZcVA?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
RUNNING at NIGHT - with Kilian Jornet, Seb Chaigneau, Fernanda Maciel and Jared Campbell

Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-51088472725937718052013-12-11T11:28:00.000-05:002013-12-11T11:35:15.938-05:00IS JFK Responsible for the 50 Mile Ultra?I recently went to a mixer for the Rock the Ridge 50 Mile Endurance Challenge. It was held at Newburgh Brewing Company and I thought it would be a good chance to have some good beer and get a good dose of inspiration from the Race Director and last year's finishers.

Not only did I succeed in achieving my first two goals of inspiration and good beer, I learned a little bit about America's history with the 50 Mile Challenge.

Did you know?

John F. Kennedy came into the Presidential office with a goal of improving the health of the nation as part of his New Frontier.

As President-elect, he wrote and published an article for Sports Illustrated (December 26, 1960), called The Soft American which warned against becoming an unfit nation in a world where leisure replaced exercise and hard work.

Official US Physical Fitness Brochure
JFK Library Image

Kennedy addressed physical fitness topic frequently in his public addresses and The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (previously established by Eisenhower).

But...

Kennedy's most famous intervention in the area of fitness was The Fifty-Mile March.

The concept of the march developed from Kennedy's discovery iof an executive order from Theodore Roosevelt challenging U.S. Marine officers to be able to finish 50 miles in twenty hours.

Kennedy too challenged his military officers to meet the requirements that Teddy Roosevelt had set for his own officers

When word got out about the "Kennedy Challenge", non-commissioned military personnel also wanted to take the test themselves as did certain parts of the public population.

The President's brother (then the U.S. Attorney General) had undertaken the march (from Great Falls, Maryland to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia) on an impulse, and although only wearing leather oxford shoes, had slogged the distance through snow and slush proving it was indeed an achievable distance.

But the real impact of the fifty mile march was with the public at large, which took it as a personal request and a challenge from their President.

Click here for a complete history of the 50-Mile Hike Phenomenon that swept the country in 1963.

Unfortunately,since JFK's assassination these marches have diminished in popularity and existence. Although several still remain in the U.S and Europe, the most famous of the the enduring event bears his name, The JFK 50 Mile an annual ultra marathon held in Washington DC. Rock The Ridge is the latest event to celebrate those days of the early 1960s when America first heeded their president's call to action.

You can help me to meet my commitment to action by considering a donation to to my effort. Donations are easily made through the crowdrise website link below.

http://www.crowdrise.com/2014rocktheridge50individuals/fundraiser/jimbixler

Bixhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-55569286914817127342013-12-10T15:29:00.004-05:002013-12-10T15:29:47.724-05:00Who's Ready for Winter?
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/-R6ix_n4H9c?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/-R6ix_n4H9c?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Winter is just hitting a large portion of the country this week and as the snow falls outside my window I thought I'd share a little inspirational snowy trailporn. Enjoy!Bixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23378643.post-64447484464301556822013-12-09T13:36:00.001-05:002013-12-09T13:36:37.223-05:00Angels Staircase 35/60k Video

Here's a beautiful and inspiring video of trail and ultra running at the Angels Staircase 35/60k from Project Talaria

 For more race information visit: rainshadowrunning.com
For more videos, blog and information regarding charitable initiatives visit: projecttalaria.com
Musical contributions by Kincaide: soundcloud.com/kincaidebandBixhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Chris Denson was voted to the SEC Coaches All-SEC Second Team, the league office announced on Tuesday.
Click here for the original story.
Welcome to SECTalk.com
|Welcome to SECTalk.com -- The Home of 6 Straight National Titles!
You are currently accessing our site as a guest which means you can't access all of our features such as social groups, sports betting, and many more. By joining our free community you will have access to all of these great features as well as to participating in our forums, contacting other members, and much more. Registration only takes a minute and SECTalk.com is absolutely free, so please join today!
If you have any problems registering or signing in, please contact us.
Latest Topics
Latest News
Top Bettors
Top High Fived
League coaches vote Denson second-team All-SEC
Started by Spunk, Mar 11 2014 09:02 AM
Similar Topics
|Started By
|Last Post Info
3 Auburn Tigers to play in NBA Summer League
Started by Spunk, 03 Jul 2015 In: The West → Auburn Sports → Auburn News
- 0 replies
- 97 views
Six Gamecocks Earn Coastal Plain League All-Star Honors
Started by GAMECOCK_FAN, 03 Jul 2015 In: The East → South Carolina Sports → South Carolina News
- 0 replies
- 84 views
VFL Ready For NBA Summer League
Started by SECTalk.com, 02 Jul 2015 In: The East → Tennessee Sports → Tennessee News
- 0 replies
- 74 views
Aaron Harrison Named to Charlotte Summer League Roster
Started by UKat, 01 Jul 2015 In: The East → Kentucky Sports → Kentucky News
- 0 replies
- 93 views
Levi Randolph Set to Play in Orlando and Las Vegas NBA Summer League 2015
Started by Tider27, 30 Jun 2015 In: The West → Alabama Sports → Alabama News
- 0 replies
- 85 views

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In evidence to an inquest into the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans, Trevor Hicks and his former wife, Jenni, recalled how 19-year-old Sarah Hicks and her sister, Victoria, 15, died together "in horrific circumstances supporting the team they loved".
On what would have been Sarah's 44th birthday, Mr Hicks remembered her as an attractive, sociable person with a lovely disposition who took everything in her stride.
The long-standing Hillsborough campaigner, who split up with his wife two years after the disaster, said his younger daughter had exhibited a "strength of character and determination that was scary at times".
Addressing jurors five days before the 25th anniversary of the tragedy at an FA Cup semi-final on April 15, 1989, Mr Hicks, who lived in Middlesex at the time, said of his daughters: "They were very different maybe, but they were very much a pair.
"They had their arguments but they would defend each other to the death. Literally, as it turned out.
"The loss of a child is one of the worst things that can happen to a parent. The loss of all your children is devastating. You lose everything - your present, your future and then your purpose."