This is a well run, low key and cheap ($10) winter trail run. My friend Andy and I met at 5:00am at the park and ride to head down for the 7:30am start. We stated on major road adding 15 minutes to the trip, but a little safer as there was 3-4 inches of fresh snow in southern Wisconsin. We arrived at 7am and in a blink of an eye we were off and running. There are 5 loops to the race and each loop starts / ends at a heated shelter where we all parked.
Loop #1 I settled in chatting with people, but soon decided I did not want to get sucked along faster while talking, so I pulled over and walked as 25-30 people passed. I started running at the back of this pack and chatted with Kevin a person I just had met for a couple of minuted until I walked and let him go ahead. I find my trail running rythm is different than most people and I generally do not play well with others, so I try not to run with people very often. The trails were slick, so I just fell into a slow plodding pace without much of a push off in my stride.
At the end of this loop, I spent 10 minutes putting on Yak Trax. warming up, and eating some real food. Loop #2 was much the same, I would catch up to people chat a little and then either pass or start walking. After loop #2, I took the time to change clothes and warm up again. Loop #3 was not much different, I did not waste as much time at the shelter, I was just continued plodding along.
In loop#4 I was feeling the best I had felt all day and actually started to run more, walk less. I also started to use more of a run stride intead of a shuffle stride. I think by this time I just wanted to be done and drink a beer.
In loop #5 I passed at least a dozen people. It was not because I was "Racing", but because I wanted to be done. Funny it hurt like "racing", but it had nothing to do with a finish time, beating someone or a personal goal. Finally the race was over, I went in and wrote down my finish time on the clipbaord: 6:26, had a bowl of chili and found a kind person that gave me a very nice IPA.
Once again I have proven 2 things to myself: 1) You do not need to be in shape to run an ultra (50k-50Mile) and 2) It really hurts / sucks to run an ultra out of shape. I am hoping I found some motivation to continue my consistent training beyond the last 5 weeks.
Good running to all!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Gearing up for the John Dick Memorial "Crusty" 50k Feb 1
When it comes to running outside in the winter I am worthless and weak. One reason could be that I have a very high sweat rate, so tend to create a lot of ice between layers, the other reason is that I actually like running on the treadmill.
I think I have run outside twice since December 1st, not that I have run inside much either. So why not sign up for a 50k trail race? Since weighing in at #260 Christmas week, I have been startng to train again. The last 5 weeks my mileage: 39.25 / 53.75 / 73.0 / 86.75 / 105.25. This weekend I did 2 decent treadmill runs; 32 miles on Saturday and 17 miles on Sunday.
I am just hoping to finish the race and if I can break 6 hours I will be happy.
Good running to all!
I think I have run outside twice since December 1st, not that I have run inside much either. So why not sign up for a 50k trail race? Since weighing in at #260 Christmas week, I have been startng to train again. The last 5 weeks my mileage: 39.25 / 53.75 / 73.0 / 86.75 / 105.25. This weekend I did 2 decent treadmill runs; 32 miles on Saturday and 17 miles on Sunday.
I am just hoping to finish the race and if I can break 6 hours I will be happy.
Good running to all!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Update 1/22/14
It has been a long time since my last post. I did run the Glacial 50 mile race (October 13th) to get my Western States qualifying race. I ran a 1 minute negative split on the out and back course in 9:32:27. I do not think I could have run much faster for the shape I was in.
I failed to gain entry into Western States in the lottery.
I pretty much took most the rest of October, November and December off. But then something stange happened, I could barely tie my shoes. Many months of eating and beer drinking make my belly big enough that it was a real chore to reach those laces. Christmas I tipped the scales at 260 pounds. Enough is enough!
Although I do not plan on training "hard" or ever approaching my previous fitness level ... I have have to run. I have come up with a new plan that involves many activities other than running, but includes running almost every day. Well, to be honest, it is hobby jogging or gallow-walking at this time.
We have been downhill skiing when we can find the time for the 90 minute drive to Wausau's Granite Peak, so far 11 times this year. I have started playing racquetball again once or twice a week. Occassionally playing volleyball at the YMCA on pickup night and Walleyball with the family a few times a month. Next up is cross country skiing and snow shoeing.
So the bottom line is I will run, but less volume and less seriously. I will race, but slower and less seriously. I will post, occassionally.
Current weight #248 ... I can now tie my shoes again without straining.
Good running to all!
I failed to gain entry into Western States in the lottery.
I pretty much took most the rest of October, November and December off. But then something stange happened, I could barely tie my shoes. Many months of eating and beer drinking make my belly big enough that it was a real chore to reach those laces. Christmas I tipped the scales at 260 pounds. Enough is enough!
Although I do not plan on training "hard" or ever approaching my previous fitness level ... I have have to run. I have come up with a new plan that involves many activities other than running, but includes running almost every day. Well, to be honest, it is hobby jogging or gallow-walking at this time.
We have been downhill skiing when we can find the time for the 90 minute drive to Wausau's Granite Peak, so far 11 times this year. I have started playing racquetball again once or twice a week. Occassionally playing volleyball at the YMCA on pickup night and Walleyball with the family a few times a month. Next up is cross country skiing and snow shoeing.
So the bottom line is I will run, but less volume and less seriously. I will race, but slower and less seriously. I will post, occassionally.
Current weight #248 ... I can now tie my shoes again without straining.
Good running to all!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
7 Miles
I ran 7 miles last night without a walk break for the 1st time since the end of June.
It is sad how far out of shape I have fallen. But I find myself pondering a new thought ~ I wish I could hit the reset button and start over.
I often find myself burdened with memories of past fitness or accomplishments. I often let the past intefere with enjoying the experience of the present. I find these ghosts of the past constantly influencing my training goals and race expectations.
If I were starting today: 30 miles per week (MPW) would be solid, 100 MPW would be crazy talk. I could run races without expectations, because I would have no idea what I was capable of. Running would just be another thing I do for fitness. Running a marathon would seem out of reach. Running a 50 mile trail race not possible.
I could revel in the accomplishment of running 7 miles without a walk break.
I wish I had a reset button - putting me back to my orignal facotry settings.
I could feel the joy of each little accomplishment. The 1st time I ran 4,8, 10, 13, 15 or 20 miles would all special. The 1st time I won an age group award. Setting PRs in almost every race, many because I have never ran the distance before. Crying for no reason as I finished my 1st marathon.
I ran 7 miles last night without a walk break ~ Yeah, me!
Good running to all~
It is sad how far out of shape I have fallen. But I find myself pondering a new thought ~ I wish I could hit the reset button and start over.
I often find myself burdened with memories of past fitness or accomplishments. I often let the past intefere with enjoying the experience of the present. I find these ghosts of the past constantly influencing my training goals and race expectations.
If I were starting today: 30 miles per week (MPW) would be solid, 100 MPW would be crazy talk. I could run races without expectations, because I would have no idea what I was capable of. Running would just be another thing I do for fitness. Running a marathon would seem out of reach. Running a 50 mile trail race not possible.
I could revel in the accomplishment of running 7 miles without a walk break.
I wish I had a reset button - putting me back to my orignal facotry settings.
I could feel the joy of each little accomplishment. The 1st time I ran 4,8, 10, 13, 15 or 20 miles would all special. The 1st time I won an age group award. Setting PRs in almost every race, many because I have never ran the distance before. Crying for no reason as I finished my 1st marathon.
I ran 7 miles last night without a walk break ~ Yeah, me!
Good running to all~
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
5 days before Glacial 50M
I will be the least trained for any race I have done ... But I will also be the least over-trained for any race I have done.
I have had this habbit of over-training, then not tapering enough. I suck at taper and never taper enough to maximize my current fiteness.
At least for the Glacial 50M, I feel good ~ Not fit, but not beat up.
My training has been:
End of June to Mid September ~ Run / Walking on TM 4-5 times a week ... no core, weights or stretching
Week #4 ~ A couple of trail runs with my beautiful sister in CA ... total 38 miles for the week
Week #3 ~ Trained pretty hard: 1 30 mile rail trail run, one 100 minute technical trail run and one 20 mile trail on on actual race course ... Total 96 miles
Week #2 ~ 1 100 minute technical trail run, One TM hill workout ... Total 45 miles
This week ~ 1 80 minute technical trail run, 1 light TM hill workout ... total 30-35 miles pre-race
My back and hip and holding together, I can hear them wispering in the back ground, but they have not screamed since last Wednesday playing tennis.
I a weird way, I am looking forward to not caring about "racing efficiently". Taking my time at aide stations, diggin in my drop bag, chatting with other runners. A race with no self imposed pressures of finishing times or place.
The downside = By the time I finish, there will be little time left to sit and chat post race with other runners.
I am hoping to hit the turnaround at New Fane(mile 25) in 5 hours and finish between 9:45 and 10:30.
Good running to all!
I have had this habbit of over-training, then not tapering enough. I suck at taper and never taper enough to maximize my current fiteness.
At least for the Glacial 50M, I feel good ~ Not fit, but not beat up.
My training has been:
End of June to Mid September ~ Run / Walking on TM 4-5 times a week ... no core, weights or stretching
Week #4 ~ A couple of trail runs with my beautiful sister in CA ... total 38 miles for the week
Week #3 ~ Trained pretty hard: 1 30 mile rail trail run, one 100 minute technical trail run and one 20 mile trail on on actual race course ... Total 96 miles
Week #2 ~ 1 100 minute technical trail run, One TM hill workout ... Total 45 miles
This week ~ 1 80 minute technical trail run, 1 light TM hill workout ... total 30-35 miles pre-race
My back and hip and holding together, I can hear them wispering in the back ground, but they have not screamed since last Wednesday playing tennis.
I a weird way, I am looking forward to not caring about "racing efficiently". Taking my time at aide stations, diggin in my drop bag, chatting with other runners. A race with no self imposed pressures of finishing times or place.
The downside = By the time I finish, there will be little time left to sit and chat post race with other runners.
I am hoping to hit the turnaround at New Fane(mile 25) in 5 hours and finish between 9:45 and 10:30.
Good running to all!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Signed up for Glacial 50 Mile
I had promised myself I would not race again in 2013. I guess I am a liar ... A no good dirty dog!
I wanted the priveledge of signing up for the Western States 100 Mile lottery and I do not have a 50 mile qualifying race.
Glacial 50 mile: This is my favorite race, it has a low key vibe. Great organization, volunteers and race course. I have not trained since June, I have an angry back and hip, but what the hell? I pulled the trigger and signed up a little over a week ago.
11 days of training and 10 days of taper will not leave me with much room for error. But I believe if I pace very conservative, I can get the 50 miles done in under 11 hours, the required time to use it as a qualifying race.
If I were to race aggressively, I might be able to get under 9:30, but that is not the goal of the day so I expect to be around 10 hours ... as long as I am under 11, I am happy.
Good running to all!
I wanted the priveledge of signing up for the Western States 100 Mile lottery and I do not have a 50 mile qualifying race.
Glacial 50 mile: This is my favorite race, it has a low key vibe. Great organization, volunteers and race course. I have not trained since June, I have an angry back and hip, but what the hell? I pulled the trigger and signed up a little over a week ago.
11 days of training and 10 days of taper will not leave me with much room for error. But I believe if I pace very conservative, I can get the 50 miles done in under 11 hours, the required time to use it as a qualifying race.
If I were to race aggressively, I might be able to get under 9:30, but that is not the goal of the day so I expect to be around 10 hours ... as long as I am under 11, I am happy.
Good running to all!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
I still haven't found what I am looking for
I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But, yes, I'm still running ....
You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross of my shame
Oh, my shame, you know I believe it
...U2
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Nothing much has changed and yet many things have changed.
I am wrestling with the future and trying to break free from the past.
My hip and back (March 3rd ski crash) are about the same, but I have only recently started to try and strengthen the injured areas. Weight is still very high (235) and my fitness very low = a lot of run / walking. A few weeks back my good freind Richard and I hit a low point at about the same time and we have re-issued a fitness / weight loss challenge bet from years past. Funny we both weighed in at 241# that morning and reached out of the blue reached out to each other.
Between now and January 31st - I have my rules of engagement that should drive some consistency in my daily routine.
What am I looking for?
A return to the origins of running for me? I started running to increase general fitness that would support all the other activities I love. But it is hard to break the bonds of trying to focus on running and racing. I guess we will see how the next 4-6 months play out. Can I learn to run for fun?
Good running to all!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Racing year over ... Maybe
I have made peace with the fact that even if I get my issues fixed up, my racing season is over. I was reluctant to let go of my goal to run a sub 3 marathon every year. I really thought I would be able to do this for many years to come. The streak will end at 9 years in a row.
The "Maybe" is for a miracle - Miracles do happen, but I am not expecting one. I have looked at Marathonguide.com for what would be possible. The latest one in WI is November 10th ~ Mad City. The latest one that would work logistically is December 15th ~ Dallas White Rocks.
Four things would have to happen: 1) Specialist sees no long term issues in my vertebrea if I keep running, 2) I have to be injury free and 3) I have to lose 30 pounds and 4) I have to have enough time to actually train injury free for at least 12 weeks ... so basically be fixed up by September 15th. Like I said, it would take a miracle.
Good running to all!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Looking into the future
I am still fighting hip and back pain resulting from a March 3 downhill ski crash. It came to a head June 26th when I was already tired, but ran a couple hours on the Ice Age trail from Greenbush. I had to drive right by for a 2 day off site meeting and could not resist.
Since then I have made some bad choices to not cross train and eat and drink without much control. This has put 15-20 pounds on my already not too svelte frame.
I did see the general MD before vacation and I am now looking to get an appointment with a specialist. The MD did an ex-ray that showed some mild compression between a few vertebrae.
I see it likely as two unrelated issues. My back has a softball sized area that has remained tender / sore to the touch since the ski crash, it is half way between my spine my side. The mild compression of vertebrae would seem normal to me after 47,000 miles of running the last 10 years.
My DW and I have been thinking about retirement (15 years away) and trying to plan what we want to do during retirement. Looking into the future, I want to be active into my 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. I am seeing this issue as my "50,000 mile check up"
With the goal of being active in a relatively pain free manner, is it wise to continue to run? I hope the answer is yes and I am able to work through the current issue and the compression of vertebrae is a non-issue.
I am also more than willing to accept alternative ways to get my aerobic fix.
Until I get an answer, I have started to jog again on treadmill and trail trail to minimize the impact. I have made a plan to lose those 20 pounds by mid-September.
I am guessing it will be a couple of weeks before I know anything and may be a couple of months before I have the real answer.
Good running to all!
Since then I have made some bad choices to not cross train and eat and drink without much control. This has put 15-20 pounds on my already not too svelte frame.
I did see the general MD before vacation and I am now looking to get an appointment with a specialist. The MD did an ex-ray that showed some mild compression between a few vertebrae.
I see it likely as two unrelated issues. My back has a softball sized area that has remained tender / sore to the touch since the ski crash, it is half way between my spine my side. The mild compression of vertebrae would seem normal to me after 47,000 miles of running the last 10 years.
My DW and I have been thinking about retirement (15 years away) and trying to plan what we want to do during retirement. Looking into the future, I want to be active into my 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. I am seeing this issue as my "50,000 mile check up"
With the goal of being active in a relatively pain free manner, is it wise to continue to run? I hope the answer is yes and I am able to work through the current issue and the compression of vertebrae is a non-issue.
I am also more than willing to accept alternative ways to get my aerobic fix.
Until I get an answer, I have started to jog again on treadmill and trail trail to minimize the impact. I have made a plan to lose those 20 pounds by mid-September.
I am guessing it will be a couple of weeks before I know anything and may be a couple of months before I have the real answer.
Good running to all!
Monday, July 1, 2013
10 years of running - 47,120 miles later
Ten years ago I was 300+ pounds. I was an active fat guy , but I was tired of being fat. I was a family man, with a wonderful wife and a two year old daughter. I was tired of struggling with weight, tired of the yo-yo weight loss ... weight gain.
Ten years later, I still struggle with weight, but now the range is not 200-300+ pounds, but 195-235. Running always brings me ... sooner or later.
It has been a wonderful road of self discovery, new friends, new experiences and exploring many places. There have been sacrifices I wish I had not made ~ I have lost contact with many friends, I have given up or limited many activities that I enjoy. It is hard to find the energy for other things that I love to do.
Ten years and 47,120 miles later I am at a turning point in my life. After running > 6,000 miles in 2012, I decided to run a lot less in 2013. To run another 10 years, I will need to find more balance. My wife never complains and encourages everything I do, but she deserves more time. My daughters are now 12 and 8 and there activities are ever increasing. I need to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I need to have the joys of other sports.
I also need to figure out how to train while running 2/3 the mileage I have become accustom to run. I need to figure out how to eat for 80 mile weeks instead of 120 mile weeks. How do you effectively use a scalpel when all you know how to use is a sledgehammer?
It is time to re-balance the spiritual, mental, physical and social in this big experiment called life.
Good running to all!
Ten years later, I still struggle with weight, but now the range is not 200-300+ pounds, but 195-235. Running always brings me ... sooner or later.
It has been a wonderful road of self discovery, new friends, new experiences and exploring many places. There have been sacrifices I wish I had not made ~ I have lost contact with many friends, I have given up or limited many activities that I enjoy. It is hard to find the energy for other things that I love to do.
Ten years and 47,120 miles later I am at a turning point in my life. After running > 6,000 miles in 2012, I decided to run a lot less in 2013. To run another 10 years, I will need to find more balance. My wife never complains and encourages everything I do, but she deserves more time. My daughters are now 12 and 8 and there activities are ever increasing. I need to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I need to have the joys of other sports.
I also need to figure out how to train while running 2/3 the mileage I have become accustom to run. I need to figure out how to eat for 80 mile weeks instead of 120 mile weeks. How do you effectively use a scalpel when all you know how to use is a sledgehammer?
It is time to re-balance the spiritual, mental, physical and social in this big experiment called life.
Good running to all!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
2013 Maritime Marathon Race Report
Wow - My body rebelled for this marathon!
Ok, maybe I helped a little by going out with friends Friday night, eating food that was not good fuel and drinking beer.
Saturday the whole family headed over to Manitowoc to hang out with my Wife's Aunt and Uncle whom we had not seem for a long time. Great family time, but we got going late to their house and stayed a bit too long. Luckily we arrived at packet pick up 15 minutes before closing (4:00pm).
I went for a little 3 mile run after packet pickup and did a few striders. I felt sluggish and uncoordinated.
I slept decently and the morning went smoothly. Right before the race I chatted with Mike and Nic ~ 2 people I knew that were also going for a sub 3.
The gun went off and from the start it was hard. I was working my butt off, I felt sludgy and stiff. Mile #1-3 I was fighting to stay with a couple of people hoping my legs would loosen up. All I could muster in miles 1-3 were 6:55-7:00 miles. I knew I was in trouble and backed off.
Even running 7:15's felt uncoordinated and hard. At mile #5 I was passed by 3 people and I decided to tuck in behind and just try to relax. The pace was 7:05-7:10 and I was barely hanging on. I started to leave sweat foot prints before mile #6.
This was also the time I realized I had seen a guy with a sign "I don't know you, but your are a star #98 (My number) 3 times already. I say him maybe 9-10 more times in the race, it turns out he was there for his wife, but had randomly picked a number to also cheer for. I was close enough to her pace that I saw him a lot. Weird, but nice and fun.
Mile #10 I let them go and went into survival or "Faking it" mode. I relaxed and ran comfortable hard, I stopped looking at my watch and just smiled. If I am going to be slower, I might as well enjoy the day. I started to walk for 10 steps at aide stations to get both a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade.
I went through 1/2 Marathon at 1:34:35.
Sometimes smiling and deciding you are going to have fun works. I was feeling much better and smooth at mile #17, so I started tracking mile splits again. It was a 7:17, I decided it was time to re-focus and finish as best I could.
I could get my pace down to @ 7:05 before I would get light headed, my legs felt like they could go faster. I was fairly dehydrated at this point, so I just took what my body gave.
At mile #22 I saw 3-4 people ahead and just focused on them, although I did not pass the 4th person until near mile #24.
The last 2 miles have some short but steep uphills, a pretty mean place for hills! After mile #25, I saw 2 guys ahead. 1 was 2 bocks ahead and the other 2 1/2 blocks ahead. I caught up to the 1st one with 1/3 mile to go. He put the hammer down, so I just ran with him as we approached the 2nd guy. I passed the them both just before a 180 degree turn 1 block from the finish line. He immediately passed me back and I did not have the heart (Desire) to go after him again. He ended up 3rd in our age group and I was 4th.
2nd half was 1:35:39 for a 3:10:14 12th OA.
Both Mike (2:56 3rd OA) and Nic (3:08 9th OA) finished ahead of me.
My wife's cousin Jody and husband were at mile # 23 and the finish line with my wife and kids - I was nice to spend a little time catching up.
After the race we went to Neshotah Beach in Two Rivers. The wind was now straight from the East, making it fun to play in the waves. We added a little volleyball and beer and had a great time. The water was in the low 50s, making for a nice post race ice bath.
This was an amazing family weekend that just happened to have a race that I struggled running.
Good running to all -
Ok, maybe I helped a little by going out with friends Friday night, eating food that was not good fuel and drinking beer.
Saturday the whole family headed over to Manitowoc to hang out with my Wife's Aunt and Uncle whom we had not seem for a long time. Great family time, but we got going late to their house and stayed a bit too long. Luckily we arrived at packet pick up 15 minutes before closing (4:00pm).
I went for a little 3 mile run after packet pickup and did a few striders. I felt sluggish and uncoordinated.
I slept decently and the morning went smoothly. Right before the race I chatted with Mike and Nic ~ 2 people I knew that were also going for a sub 3.
The gun went off and from the start it was hard. I was working my butt off, I felt sludgy and stiff. Mile #1-3 I was fighting to stay with a couple of people hoping my legs would loosen up. All I could muster in miles 1-3 were 6:55-7:00 miles. I knew I was in trouble and backed off.
Even running 7:15's felt uncoordinated and hard. At mile #5 I was passed by 3 people and I decided to tuck in behind and just try to relax. The pace was 7:05-7:10 and I was barely hanging on. I started to leave sweat foot prints before mile #6.
This was also the time I realized I had seen a guy with a sign "I don't know you, but your are a star #98 (My number) 3 times already. I say him maybe 9-10 more times in the race, it turns out he was there for his wife, but had randomly picked a number to also cheer for. I was close enough to her pace that I saw him a lot. Weird, but nice and fun.
Mile #10 I let them go and went into survival or "Faking it" mode. I relaxed and ran comfortable hard, I stopped looking at my watch and just smiled. If I am going to be slower, I might as well enjoy the day. I started to walk for 10 steps at aide stations to get both a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade.
I went through 1/2 Marathon at 1:34:35.
Sometimes smiling and deciding you are going to have fun works. I was feeling much better and smooth at mile #17, so I started tracking mile splits again. It was a 7:17, I decided it was time to re-focus and finish as best I could.
I could get my pace down to @ 7:05 before I would get light headed, my legs felt like they could go faster. I was fairly dehydrated at this point, so I just took what my body gave.
At mile #22 I saw 3-4 people ahead and just focused on them, although I did not pass the 4th person until near mile #24.
The last 2 miles have some short but steep uphills, a pretty mean place for hills! After mile #25, I saw 2 guys ahead. 1 was 2 bocks ahead and the other 2 1/2 blocks ahead. I caught up to the 1st one with 1/3 mile to go. He put the hammer down, so I just ran with him as we approached the 2nd guy. I passed the them both just before a 180 degree turn 1 block from the finish line. He immediately passed me back and I did not have the heart (Desire) to go after him again. He ended up 3rd in our age group and I was 4th.
2nd half was 1:35:39 for a 3:10:14 12th OA.
Both Mike (2:56 3rd OA) and Nic (3:08 9th OA) finished ahead of me.
My wife's cousin Jody and husband were at mile # 23 and the finish line with my wife and kids - I was nice to spend a little time catching up.
After the race we went to Neshotah Beach in Two Rivers. The wind was now straight from the East, making it fun to play in the waves. We added a little volleyball and beer and had a great time. The water was in the low 50s, making for a nice post race ice bath.
This was an amazing family weekend that just happened to have a race that I struggled running.
Good running to all -
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Maritime Marathon - Full taper - No madness
Usually I cannot stand the 2 weeks of taper to a marathon. I get really irritable going from running a lot to very little running.
My training level for this marathon was 2/3 the normal amount = 85-95 MPW. This leaves me with a lot of time for other life activities.
I have not noticed any PMI (Pre-Marathon Irritability) yet and there are only 4 days to go. I usually end up mowing the lawn 2-3 times, getting a haircut, getting the oil changed, edging the lawn and applying weed and feed marathon week.
The weather forecast is pretty average for late June, but we have had a really cool spring, so I was hopeful for a bit cooler temps. Saturday night's low is forecasted for 62F and Sunday's high in the upper 70s with 75-80% humidity. Winds out of the south 13 MPH. The course heads North the 1st half and back south the 2nd half.
If I have a chance at sub 3 it will look like 1:27 / 1:32 with how the wind is forecasted.
I would put the odds 2/1 against.
But you never know. I have had a couple of races where I was sure I would be 2:55 and my legs only wanted to do 7:15-7:25 pace. I have had another couple race I felt I was in 3:05-3:10 shape and ran a 2:55-2:59.
I am hoping the 1st couple miles are 6:40-6:50 and feel easy ... But I will enjoy the exerience of another marathon.
Good running to all!
My training level for this marathon was 2/3 the normal amount = 85-95 MPW. This leaves me with a lot of time for other life activities.
I have not noticed any PMI (Pre-Marathon Irritability) yet and there are only 4 days to go. I usually end up mowing the lawn 2-3 times, getting a haircut, getting the oil changed, edging the lawn and applying weed and feed marathon week.
The weather forecast is pretty average for late June, but we have had a really cool spring, so I was hopeful for a bit cooler temps. Saturday night's low is forecasted for 62F and Sunday's high in the upper 70s with 75-80% humidity. Winds out of the south 13 MPH. The course heads North the 1st half and back south the 2nd half.
If I have a chance at sub 3 it will look like 1:27 / 1:32 with how the wind is forecasted.
I would put the odds 2/1 against.
But you never know. I have had a couple of races where I was sure I would be 2:55 and my legs only wanted to do 7:15-7:25 pace. I have had another couple race I felt I was in 3:05-3:10 shape and ran a 2:55-2:59.
I am hoping the 1st couple miles are 6:40-6:50 and feel easy ... But I will enjoy the exerience of another marathon.
Good running to all!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Maritime Marathon Taper
It is now 10 days before the Maritime Marathon in Manitowoc, WI. Since it takes about 10 days to get value from training stimulus ... all the training is in the bank and it's time to taper.
What? I really just started to train consistenly 6 weeks ago. I am just starting to make a little (very little) progress toward losing weight and getting a bit faster. May 4th I ran a 6:40 pace 10k and June 8th a 6:24 pace 5 miler.
I am finally getting comfortable with training within the limits of less miles. I have managed to match my eating to the lower mileage and I am starting to believe I can train and improve this way.
I signed up for this marathon to try and extend my streak of years with a sub 3 hour marathon to 10 years. Things are clicking a little too late to be confident. June 23rd is too late to expect great running weather, so I am a long shot at best.
10 days of doing everything right and I have a chance.
The other thing I like to keep in mind is hitting marathon times. From 2:45 - 3:00, I still need 2:46, 2:51-2:54. From 3:00-3:09, I still need 3:01, 3:02, 3:04 and 3:08. I am not even going to entertain that I need 7 times in 3:10-3:20 range - I will be faster than that!
The time I have run the most often is 2:56 and I have run 2:55-3:00 9 times, so I am just hoping my body knows what to do.
I believe with decent weather I am in 2:56-3:04 shape. More specifically 2:59-3:01 ...
Good running to all -
PS ~ Beer is evil until 10:00am on 6/23!
What? I really just started to train consistenly 6 weeks ago. I am just starting to make a little (very little) progress toward losing weight and getting a bit faster. May 4th I ran a 6:40 pace 10k and June 8th a 6:24 pace 5 miler.
I am finally getting comfortable with training within the limits of less miles. I have managed to match my eating to the lower mileage and I am starting to believe I can train and improve this way.
I signed up for this marathon to try and extend my streak of years with a sub 3 hour marathon to 10 years. Things are clicking a little too late to be confident. June 23rd is too late to expect great running weather, so I am a long shot at best.
10 days of doing everything right and I have a chance.
The other thing I like to keep in mind is hitting marathon times. From 2:45 - 3:00, I still need 2:46, 2:51-2:54. From 3:00-3:09, I still need 3:01, 3:02, 3:04 and 3:08. I am not even going to entertain that I need 7 times in 3:10-3:20 range - I will be faster than that!
The time I have run the most often is 2:56 and I have run 2:55-3:00 9 times, so I am just hoping my body knows what to do.
I believe with decent weather I am in 2:56-3:04 shape. More specifically 2:59-3:01 ...
Good running to all -
PS ~ Beer is evil until 10:00am on 6/23!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
2013 Walleye run 5 mile report
I last did this race in 1997. It is a fun, smaller family focused event. It has a 5 mile, 2 mile, kids 1 mile and kids 1/3 mile race. Walleye weekend is a big event for Fon du lac with tons of activities going on.
This was a family race ~ DD#1 (12) did the 5 mile race, DW and DD#2 (8) did the 2 mile race.
The weather was great for June in WI ~ 58F, cloudy with a light breeze. The only thing keeping it from perfect weather was high humidity, as sprinkles filled most the morning.
The last 5 weeks, I have had a little more consistency in my running and my weight is at 220 pounds, down 5 pounds from the 10k I did at the beginning of May.
I decided to run comfortably hard the 1st mile. I usually over-run mile #1 and then suffer as I fight hard to maintain pace the rest of the race in races 5k - 10k. My goal was to be under 32 and hoping to be near 31 minutes.
Mile #1 6:30 ~ There goes a 31:00. I decide to relax, but try and pick it up a little.
Mile #2 6:30 ~ I guess I only have 6:30 speed, so I might as well find an efficient stride and focus on maintaining pace. My limiting factor is getting oxygen.
Mile #3 6:33 ~ It dawns on me ... I am not suffering. I decide I should suffer some race pain the next 2 miles.
Mile #4 6:17 ~ Some suffering as I struggle getting enough oxygen, but I decide I can suffer more.
Mile #5 6:09 ~ I might have been able to get 4-5 more seconds out of my body the last mile if I pushed to pass out territory, but not today.
Final time 31:59 ~ 2nd AG.
DD#1 was 2nd in her age group.
DW and DD#2 were @ 25 minutes ~ reasonable for non-runners.
We celebrated with Beer, soda and deep fried cheese curds.
Nice family day!
I does leave me at the bare minimum speed to hit 2:59:59 in the marathon in 2 weeks ~ Darn ... I am enjoying running a lot less, but I miss being in better shape.
Good running to all!
This was a family race ~ DD#1 (12) did the 5 mile race, DW and DD#2 (8) did the 2 mile race.
The weather was great for June in WI ~ 58F, cloudy with a light breeze. The only thing keeping it from perfect weather was high humidity, as sprinkles filled most the morning.
The last 5 weeks, I have had a little more consistency in my running and my weight is at 220 pounds, down 5 pounds from the 10k I did at the beginning of May.
I decided to run comfortably hard the 1st mile. I usually over-run mile #1 and then suffer as I fight hard to maintain pace the rest of the race in races 5k - 10k. My goal was to be under 32 and hoping to be near 31 minutes.
Mile #1 6:30 ~ There goes a 31:00. I decide to relax, but try and pick it up a little.
Mile #2 6:30 ~ I guess I only have 6:30 speed, so I might as well find an efficient stride and focus on maintaining pace. My limiting factor is getting oxygen.
Mile #3 6:33 ~ It dawns on me ... I am not suffering. I decide I should suffer some race pain the next 2 miles.
Mile #4 6:17 ~ Some suffering as I struggle getting enough oxygen, but I decide I can suffer more.
Mile #5 6:09 ~ I might have been able to get 4-5 more seconds out of my body the last mile if I pushed to pass out territory, but not today.
Final time 31:59 ~ 2nd AG.
DD#1 was 2nd in her age group.
DW and DD#2 were @ 25 minutes ~ reasonable for non-runners.
We celebrated with Beer, soda and deep fried cheese curds.
Nice family day!
I does leave me at the bare minimum speed to hit 2:59:59 in the marathon in 2 weeks ~ Darn ... I am enjoying running a lot less, but I miss being in better shape.
Good running to all!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
24 Hour race fueling - The alternative view
At FANS 24 I crewed Don, his brother Tom also ran. They both hit 100 miles. Tom is built like a linebacker, his idea of fueling is 3 square meals. He eats 3 square meals every day, why should race day be different?
I have thought about this for a few days. Many runners have a big issue with their stomachs. We pound highly engineered calories, along with some easier to digest normal food.
I am able to eat a pretty darn big meal and go home and do a long "Feeling Guilty" run. It takes 3-4 hours for this big meal to empty out of my stomach. If I run too fast, I will fight the food trying to come back up. So a big meal pretty much forces me to take it easy.
I am seriously considering experimenting with Tom's 3 square meal (Plus a late night snack) plan. Eat a decent breakfast of eggs, bacon and waffles about 1 hour before the race. Eating chicken or hamburger along with pasta around 6 hour into the race. Having chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy 12 hours into the race and a 2am snack of 2-3 servings of Roman Noodles. In between this bigger feedings, I anticipate drinking water for 3 hours and then taking some engineered stuff until the next big feeding.
It may be the worst idea / biggest blow up ever, but I think it is worth the experiment.
Now I just have to find the desire to run another one of these puppies.
Good running to all!
I have thought about this for a few days. Many runners have a big issue with their stomachs. We pound highly engineered calories, along with some easier to digest normal food.
I am able to eat a pretty darn big meal and go home and do a long "Feeling Guilty" run. It takes 3-4 hours for this big meal to empty out of my stomach. If I run too fast, I will fight the food trying to come back up. So a big meal pretty much forces me to take it easy.
I am seriously considering experimenting with Tom's 3 square meal (Plus a late night snack) plan. Eat a decent breakfast of eggs, bacon and waffles about 1 hour before the race. Eating chicken or hamburger along with pasta around 6 hour into the race. Having chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy 12 hours into the race and a 2am snack of 2-3 servings of Roman Noodles. In between this bigger feedings, I anticipate drinking water for 3 hours and then taking some engineered stuff until the next big feeding.
It may be the worst idea / biggest blow up ever, but I think it is worth the experiment.
Now I just have to find the desire to run another one of these puppies.
Good running to all!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
2013 FANS 24 Crewing Report
June 1-2 was my 6th year involved with FANS 24 in some shape or form. I have participated three times, volunteered twice and this year I crewed a friend for the 1st time.
It is the 2nd time I have crewed for someone and I think crewing is hard. When I run, I am a very demanding runner and my wife is one of the best crew people on the planet. When I crew, I compare myself to the high standard she sets and I just cannot come close to her attention to detail and being on the ball all 24 hours.
My friend Don is a pretty good runner and has potential to hit a high number in the 24 hour. He came in with a nagging hip problem, but still anticipating a solid day. Secondarily, I was helping another friend Chris when his parents were not around. I was not much help, but it was nice seeing Chris in action ~ his attitude is always excellent.
This year the event is being held at Fort Snelling. Lots of room and parking, but the parking location made for a long carry of supplies to tent city. As always the FANS 24 hour organization and volunteers were as good as it gets.
The day started out warm and humid. The start was offset .135 miles, making the 1st lap 2.307 miles and the laps following were 2.17 miles. This allowed the 100 mile mark to be exactly at the start / finish line.
The course was 2/3 eight foot wide paved bike trail and 1/3 a little wide dirt / gravel trail. There were many places with opportunity to run in the grass alongside the trail. In my opinion this course was a little harder than the previous Lake Nokomis location, but still a good course.
The 1st mistake I made was not getting an exact time on all of Don's early laps. He was running @ 9 minute miles ~ Which is well within his skill set, but with the warm and humid temps it was a pace that was too fast. I did end up recognizing the pace versus the weather and eventually asked him to slow down to make sure he could Rock and Roll at night.
At the 4 hour mark we ran into a problem to solve. Don had lost 4% of his body weight. The race weighs you every 4 hours if you lose more than 5% they can pull you until you are back in range. Think of this as expiration date on beer. The beer may be fine, but they pull it from the shelf just to be safe.
A slower pace, S-Caps and drinking more than we would have liked solved this issue and he was up 1/2 pound at 8 hours. Between the faster starting pace and the solution to our weight problem, lead to issue #2 = Sour stomach. I also think that Gatorade and its simple sugars were a major contributing factor.
We fought sour stomach most the rest of the race.
Between 4 and 8 hours we had a pretty good storm roll through with heavy rain for an hour or so. It did cool things slightly, but it took a few more hours for the front to move completely through to give us relief from humidity and some really cool air moved in.
Somewhere between 8-12 hours we had issue #3. His hip was getting really tight. His calves were also crampy, but I think that is pretty normal in a race of this distance.
I have run enough 24 hours races (8) and suffered through 5 bad races that I understand the mental and physical battles. If we have only 1 issue to deal with, we are pretty blessed and almost anyone can handle it. But as the issues start to pile on one another, it takes more and more mental fortitude to not let them effect your race results.
Starting the race too fast is one issue that is difficult to overcome. The problem with pace is our bodies have something different to give every day. It can feel really easy, but even 15 seconds per mile too fast for a few hours and you have a mountain to overcome. Mountains can be conquered.
Injuries - Series or Nagy injuries going into a 24 hour race often will doom your chances. Sure you can gut out a marathon or 6 hour race with a bad hamstring, hip or knee issue. The 24 hour race is not so kind, to have a chance to achieve 90% of your potential you need to be injury free.
After 12 hours, Don continued to fight, hoping things would turn around. He continued to lower his goal, but set the new goal high enough to force himself to focus on his race.
In the end, he had to settle for the goal of "100 mile sweatshirt" they give to 24 hour people reaching 100 miles. He hit this goal with around 80 minutes left in the race, then pulled the plug to not cause further damage.
24 hour races are hard. There are 10 things that can go majorly wrong and blow up your race. If you hit 90% of your potential you have hit a home run. Like 100 mile race, often the person who problem solves the best wins the race. Something will always go wrong, but the goal is to resolve the issue quickly as possible.
I believe Don and myself are a little wiser through Don's suffering (Thanks Don). I think we are a little better equipped to be better at our next 24 hour race from the experience.
In the end being at the FANS 24 hour race was a really cool experience, but did not create any fire in my belly to return to racing the 24 hour. Next year is the 25th anniversary of FANS 24 ... and I do need 101 miles to get my 500 mile vest ... so maybe.
It is the 2nd time I have crewed for someone and I think crewing is hard. When I run, I am a very demanding runner and my wife is one of the best crew people on the planet. When I crew, I compare myself to the high standard she sets and I just cannot come close to her attention to detail and being on the ball all 24 hours.
My friend Don is a pretty good runner and has potential to hit a high number in the 24 hour. He came in with a nagging hip problem, but still anticipating a solid day. Secondarily, I was helping another friend Chris when his parents were not around. I was not much help, but it was nice seeing Chris in action ~ his attitude is always excellent.
This year the event is being held at Fort Snelling. Lots of room and parking, but the parking location made for a long carry of supplies to tent city. As always the FANS 24 hour organization and volunteers were as good as it gets.
The day started out warm and humid. The start was offset .135 miles, making the 1st lap 2.307 miles and the laps following were 2.17 miles. This allowed the 100 mile mark to be exactly at the start / finish line.
The course was 2/3 eight foot wide paved bike trail and 1/3 a little wide dirt / gravel trail. There were many places with opportunity to run in the grass alongside the trail. In my opinion this course was a little harder than the previous Lake Nokomis location, but still a good course.
The 1st mistake I made was not getting an exact time on all of Don's early laps. He was running @ 9 minute miles ~ Which is well within his skill set, but with the warm and humid temps it was a pace that was too fast. I did end up recognizing the pace versus the weather and eventually asked him to slow down to make sure he could Rock and Roll at night.
At the 4 hour mark we ran into a problem to solve. Don had lost 4% of his body weight. The race weighs you every 4 hours if you lose more than 5% they can pull you until you are back in range. Think of this as expiration date on beer. The beer may be fine, but they pull it from the shelf just to be safe.
A slower pace, S-Caps and drinking more than we would have liked solved this issue and he was up 1/2 pound at 8 hours. Between the faster starting pace and the solution to our weight problem, lead to issue #2 = Sour stomach. I also think that Gatorade and its simple sugars were a major contributing factor.
We fought sour stomach most the rest of the race.
Between 4 and 8 hours we had a pretty good storm roll through with heavy rain for an hour or so. It did cool things slightly, but it took a few more hours for the front to move completely through to give us relief from humidity and some really cool air moved in.
Somewhere between 8-12 hours we had issue #3. His hip was getting really tight. His calves were also crampy, but I think that is pretty normal in a race of this distance.
I have run enough 24 hours races (8) and suffered through 5 bad races that I understand the mental and physical battles. If we have only 1 issue to deal with, we are pretty blessed and almost anyone can handle it. But as the issues start to pile on one another, it takes more and more mental fortitude to not let them effect your race results.
Starting the race too fast is one issue that is difficult to overcome. The problem with pace is our bodies have something different to give every day. It can feel really easy, but even 15 seconds per mile too fast for a few hours and you have a mountain to overcome. Mountains can be conquered.
Injuries - Series or Nagy injuries going into a 24 hour race often will doom your chances. Sure you can gut out a marathon or 6 hour race with a bad hamstring, hip or knee issue. The 24 hour race is not so kind, to have a chance to achieve 90% of your potential you need to be injury free.
After 12 hours, Don continued to fight, hoping things would turn around. He continued to lower his goal, but set the new goal high enough to force himself to focus on his race.
In the end, he had to settle for the goal of "100 mile sweatshirt" they give to 24 hour people reaching 100 miles. He hit this goal with around 80 minutes left in the race, then pulled the plug to not cause further damage.
24 hour races are hard. There are 10 things that can go majorly wrong and blow up your race. If you hit 90% of your potential you have hit a home run. Like 100 mile race, often the person who problem solves the best wins the race. Something will always go wrong, but the goal is to resolve the issue quickly as possible.
I believe Don and myself are a little wiser through Don's suffering (Thanks Don). I think we are a little better equipped to be better at our next 24 hour race from the experience.
In the end being at the FANS 24 hour race was a really cool experience, but did not create any fire in my belly to return to racing the 24 hour. Next year is the 25th anniversary of FANS 24 ... and I do need 101 miles to get my 500 mile vest ... so maybe.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
May 29th Still Alive
I am remain on break from any serious running or training. This break may last the rest of the year.
I do hobby jog 5-7 days a week, once per day. If I feel like running long, I do. If I feel like a speed workout, I do that too. I often start the week with a pretty strong plan, only to skip or significantly shorted 3-4 runs a week as I am enjoying letting life get in the way.
Since my last post I have raced (Fun run)
3/23 - Clinton Lakes 30 miler 5:06:48 13/65
4/15 - Boston Marathon 3:12:39
5/4 - Run for Home 10k 41:27
All 3 runs were at least 1 minute per mile slower than I should be at if I were in serious training, but I did enjoy racing.
I am looking forward to crewing my friend Don Sullivan this weekend at FANS 24.
I have a few more fun runs planned this summer ~ But now it is boating season, and I doubt the training will get very serious.
Good running to all!
I do hobby jog 5-7 days a week, once per day. If I feel like running long, I do. If I feel like a speed workout, I do that too. I often start the week with a pretty strong plan, only to skip or significantly shorted 3-4 runs a week as I am enjoying letting life get in the way.
Since my last post I have raced (Fun run)
3/23 - Clinton Lakes 30 miler 5:06:48 13/65
4/15 - Boston Marathon 3:12:39
5/4 - Run for Home 10k 41:27
All 3 runs were at least 1 minute per mile slower than I should be at if I were in serious training, but I did enjoy racing.
I am looking forward to crewing my friend Don Sullivan this weekend at FANS 24.
I have a few more fun runs planned this summer ~ But now it is boating season, and I doubt the training will get very serious.
Good running to all!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Break from Running / Blogging
The reason I started this blog was to show my Clydesdale brothers and Athena sisters that we do not have to have a runner's body to succeed in this sport. My dream was that I might inspire a couple of people to start the journey and enjoy running.
I have only run twice since my last post (Ash Wednesday).
I have decided to take a break from being public about my life. I have not been on the running communities I frequent.
I have no idea what path I will follow next.
I am a physical person and will do physical things. I will run ... I might train. After a 3 week break, I am wiping the 2013 plan clean. I may write a new one, I may not.
I do need to start doing something as I have already gained 7-8 pounds ... only 2 months until swimsuit weather :)
I am not sure if I will blog again ... Probably, just much less frequently.
I appreciate all of your support.
I have only run twice since my last post (Ash Wednesday).
I have decided to take a break from being public about my life. I have not been on the running communities I frequent.
I have no idea what path I will follow next.
I am a physical person and will do physical things. I will run ... I might train. After a 3 week break, I am wiping the 2013 plan clean. I may write a new one, I may not.
I do need to start doing something as I have already gained 7-8 pounds ... only 2 months until swimsuit weather :)
I am not sure if I will blog again ... Probably, just much less frequently.
I appreciate all of your support.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Risk and reward of court sport cross training
Running is not the best sport for functional life. It trains the muscles in one repetitive motion. It coverts or at least enlists white muscle fibers to help with sustained running activity. Runners typically look slow (Almost goofy) doing sports like tennis, racquetball, volleyball or basketball.
Until 10 years ago I was a court sport person. I laughed at my runner friends in the racquetball court .. really could you 1st step be that slow. Since then I have run @ 46,000 miles. I have become what I mocked. I have lost 8-10 inches of vertical jump, my 1st step is slow as molasses and it is hard for me to change directions quickly.
Other than impressing your friend with your aptitude at court sports, what other benefits do they hold for you? Consistently playing court sports will lead to stronger support muscles around your ankles, knees and hips. This is something you also get technical trail running. Using your muscles in a different way will create a different stimulus than running, breaking up some of the running training monotony. These sports tend to be very social sports, allowing people with different fitness levels to play together.
What are the dangers of court sports? Since I have given them up for 5+ years, I have had significant atrophy of some of the support muscles in my hips, knees and ankles. This leads to a higher level of risk of injury as I pick them back up. I do not know how to play moderately. If I have done a hard run in the same day before playing, it is very risky. I have to treat playing basketball or volleyball as a hard workout day and run easy that day and know I will be a little sore the day afterward.
I know a lot of runners that get hurt playing court sports.
Is the risk worth it?
For me the risk is not worth the physical reward. I have started to play basketball, volleyball and racquetball again, not for the physical benefits, but because I love to play.
I am still uncoordinated, have no vertical and am slow as molasses ~ But with a smile on my face!
Good running to all!
Until 10 years ago I was a court sport person. I laughed at my runner friends in the racquetball court .. really could you 1st step be that slow. Since then I have run @ 46,000 miles. I have become what I mocked. I have lost 8-10 inches of vertical jump, my 1st step is slow as molasses and it is hard for me to change directions quickly.
Other than impressing your friend with your aptitude at court sports, what other benefits do they hold for you? Consistently playing court sports will lead to stronger support muscles around your ankles, knees and hips. This is something you also get technical trail running. Using your muscles in a different way will create a different stimulus than running, breaking up some of the running training monotony. These sports tend to be very social sports, allowing people with different fitness levels to play together.
What are the dangers of court sports? Since I have given them up for 5+ years, I have had significant atrophy of some of the support muscles in my hips, knees and ankles. This leads to a higher level of risk of injury as I pick them back up. I do not know how to play moderately. If I have done a hard run in the same day before playing, it is very risky. I have to treat playing basketball or volleyball as a hard workout day and run easy that day and know I will be a little sore the day afterward.
I know a lot of runners that get hurt playing court sports.
Is the risk worth it?
For me the risk is not worth the physical reward. I have started to play basketball, volleyball and racquetball again, not for the physical benefits, but because I love to play.
I am still uncoordinated, have no vertical and am slow as molasses ~ But with a smile on my face!
Good running to all!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Point Bock 5 Miler
This event closed out in less than 12 hours ~ A growing trend for all races.
It is the event that kicks off the Wisconsin racing season each year - A flatish, fast 5 miler with 1500-2000 people. A fun time of racing and beer, held at the Point Brewery to celebrate Point Bock Beer season!
Luckily for me a friend found an entry and they allow transfers.
I am happy to now have this race on my schedule.
They have a Big Bock (200-219) division and a DoppleBock (220+) division. I am currently DoppleBock, but I will be a Big Bock by race day.
Good running to all!
It is the event that kicks off the Wisconsin racing season each year - A flatish, fast 5 miler with 1500-2000 people. A fun time of racing and beer, held at the Point Brewery to celebrate Point Bock Beer season!
Luckily for me a friend found an entry and they allow transfers.
I am happy to now have this race on my schedule.
They have a Big Bock (200-219) division and a DoppleBock (220+) division. I am currently DoppleBock, but I will be a Big Bock by race day.
Good running to all!
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