364 Days Ago...

364 days ago (April 11, 2011), I checked into a Navy base in Gulfport, MS. Army uniforms issued, shots given, lots of briefs from benefits counselors, the Chaplain, and others and of course, shipping my Navy uniform home. I would not wear a U.S. Navy uniform again until my return home from war. I still remember that first week. I remember running in the green grass and seeing Mr. Moon high in the sky in the early evening just a few days before my 38^th birthday when I’d fly to South Carolina for 3 weeks with the Army where I’d get combat training with Army drill sergeants. Oh joy. I am forever thankful that chapter of my life is in the rear view mirror and hopefully, will never be repeated.

 

Today, life is new and fresh. I am daily reminded at how fast time moves “over here” vs. “over there”. I literally watched the clock tick away while in Afghanistan and my 6 months in country seemed to take an eternity. It’s hard to believe I’ve almost been home for as long as I was in country because since November, time has moved at warp speed. Since my return, I totally unplugged from news media and television almost completely. I rarely check on news from “over there” and rarely watch a television program. I’m a big “Top Chef” fan but couldn’t stand to sit through an episode once I got back. I just deleted the whole last season from the DVR last week to make more room for family movies that are often on ABC Family, like the “Sound of Music” that my girls have been watching the past few days. So many things that mattered before have no place in my life anymore. I find far more value in taking a walk in the neighborhood, playing a game at the table with my family, having little coffee dates while our girls are at music lessons, or just simply laying down on the couch together while the girls play on the floor. The days of making the most of every second of the day by being productive are gone. Sure, things need to get done and they do, but my family is priority now and nothing is going to trump that. No TV show, no obligation, no community event, no group run…nothing…all of that will have to fit in the new mold and if it doesn’t…it doesn’t. That’s OK.

 

I often do a self-check of myself and ask: “After I leave for work this morning, am I good with how I’m leaving things if that big 18-wheeler were to take me out? Are things that need to be said..said, and hugs that need to be given out given…and telling those whom I love that I love them? Have I kissed my girls goodbye and told them I love them even if asleep? Did I smell my bride’s hair one last time while hugging her goodbye should it be the last time? Did I look her in her eyes and tell her how much I love her and can’t wait to see her again? Have I fulfilled my purpose as a father, husband, and leader?” There have been days, no doubt, that I haven’t made it out the door on time because things just weren’t right. Late to work or not to work at all…both have happened many times. No regrets, though. While I “run the race set before me,” I run differently than before. I run with strength, endurance, and wisdom like I never had before. What I run “for” is also different and is faced with my first waking breath every morning. I must make the decision every morning to be the father, husband, and leader that I am supposed to be…as my faith has taught me. Houses, cars, Apple products, job descriptions, clothes on my back…all nice things but like I often say, “Will I take those with me to the grave? What will I be remembered for?” I choose to live a life of significance…not by the world’s standards, but by His standards. After all, it is He I will answer to one day. For now, though, I choose to love and love unconditionally those entrusted to me. That’s where true happiness is found.

 

Run Between the Suns 12hr Trail Run REGISTERED!

I’ve never run a timed event, meaning an event that has a distinct beginning and end based on the clock and not the distance covered. The most common one, I believe is 24 hour events. The course is normally on some type of relatively flat loop, not too long, and the point is to see how far one can go in the allotted time. While I’ve done a few 100-mile events in excess of 24 hours, I’ve always wanted to do a timed event. Enter the “Run Between the Suns” 12 hour trail run. (RBTS)

The RBTS is very near Oil Creek State Park in northwest Pennsylvania, the home of the Oil Creek Trail Runs each October, and about a 2 hour drive for me. The course travels a 5 mile trail around a lake. A fully stocked aid station will be at the start/finish along with showers for afterwards. Even a beach is nearby for families who are out there to support the runners. Well, I finally caved in and registered and in fact, the first from Ohio! I’ve gained many really good friends from the area since my 2009 OC100 finish so I’m really looking forward to the day on the trails. It starts at 7am and finishes at 7pm. I think I’ll just leave home around 4am and enjoy the early morning drive. The drive home will most certainly be laced with caffeine!


Predictions? I have no idea! I just plan move swiftly across the flats, challenge the hills with a purpose, and enjoy the gift of each downhill and whatever I do in 12 hours is fine by me! I need to stay healthy, though, since the Buckeye Trail 50K is only a few weeks later.


Race Website: https://sites.google.com/site/runbetweenthesuns/

Google Map of Race Location: http://g.co/maps/4ak6y

NOT M-Cubed...

I once wrote a Monday morning post every Monday morning dubbed "M-Cubed"...many of you certainly remember those days. "Monday Morning Musings" is what M-Cubed stood for. However, like the majority of my past routines, it is just that...my past and won't be brought back. I do, however, feel the inclination for a M-Cubed kind of post. M-Cubed was a smattering of bullet point thoughts that I threw together with no particular direction or subject so here are some tonight...just a smattering:

- Great Easter...one of the best, I'd argue. Great Easter sunrise 6-miler with my bride, Easter service at church, a few miles in a local Ohio State Park with my family, and wrapped with dinner at home with my wife's parents with all the fixin's. It was a wonderful day.

- Read the Directions: I was so proud of myself. I installed our new garbage disposal a few weeks ago nice-n-easy. So..very..proud. Well, my dishwasher stopped working just after that...like immediately after that. I called Whirlpool who I almost spent $300 on an immediate 1-year extended warranty on or had them come out to diagnose for $129. I also called Lowe's who said: "Just come on out and buy a new one!" I must believe that many people do that at the first sign of trouble. But, I just felt that I needed to do nothing. A few days later, friends of ours at our weekly marriage study gave us the name of a local guy who we finally called over the weekend to come on out...$79 to diagnose it. "OK," I figured. "Let's get this over with and the few hundred dollars it's going to cost me." So he finally comes out and just as soon as the words come out of my wife's mouth: "It happened right after my husband installed the garbage disposal..."....he knew what it was. You see, there's this little plug that BLOCKS the line that the dishwasher drains into when it runs. That little plug was still in there and kept the dishwasher from getting rid of its nasty water or completing its cycles. My bet is that it can sense the pressure in the line and just shuts itself down. Good thing, too, or my kitchen would be flooded with nasty dishwater. So, after many good laughs, we spent $79 plus tax for 2 minutes of work. It took longer to type this than it took to "fix" my dishwasher. :-)

- We ran 6 together on Saturday but I rounded that up to a half-marathon (13.1 miles) to make it 61.3 miles for the week...the most since sometime in 2010. I really felt good afterwards which was confirmation of a full recovery less than a week after the Fools 50K trail race.

- I finalized my route for my 39 mile 39th birthday run coming up in about a week. When I turned 36 and 37, I ran those distances from my home and through 4 different communities, stopping briefly along the way for photos and to see friends and family. Last year, many of those people ran varying distances to get me to 38 miles as I was traveling to combat training, en route to Afghanistan. This year, I want my run back and made up a 39 miler to fit the bill. I'll kick it off with an 8.2 mile loop with my wife then off I go. I'll be taking my new Brooks "top secret" wear-testers along for the ride.

- Being sponsored by Brooks, I have found some amazing people out there in the world. One happens to be Erin Henderson who is featured on pages 19 and 20 of May 2012's Runner's World (HumanRace), also a Brooks ID member. She is a 35 year old, mother of TWELVE children who has an amazing story. I've added her to my blog roll at the right if you'd like some inspiration (See Mom Run Far). She's headed to Boston this weekend, by the way.

- I'm all so close to registering for Run Between the Suns 12 hour trail race in northwest PA. It's on June 30th and the calendar works out very much in my favor. I just need to pull the trigger.

- Part of Easter Sunday, we spent time walking on the trails of Quail Hollow State Park in northern Stark County. Here is my public photo album of my photos from our hike, shot wide open with my Nikon D5100. Below are a few of my favorites. Click on any photo to view high quality, full screen that you can save.

One of the many wetland areas

Many things crawling around in there!

Beginning of life

My family in black and white

Have a great week, everyone, and Happy Trails!

You Must Believe

I read this yesterday on Facebook on “I Love to Run’s” daily inspirational posts. It’s called “I’m a Distance Runner”: ‘I’ve been trained to keep going even when it’s hard. When it hurts. When it sucks. When I don’t want to. I look past it. Relentless forward progress to the finish. Call it what you want: stubbornness, endurance, determination, guts. Deep down, I don’t know how to give up. (And it’s always worth it in the end.)’  I could give you a long story about how this passage directly parallels my life but I won’t. I think you can see how it would parallel many lives and perhaps even your own. In running, I hear all the time things like “You ran further on Sunday than I drive in a week” or “I can barely run 2 miles” or “I only run to the refrigerator” or the most common: “You’re crazy.” My reply?: “Yea, I get that a lot.” Here’s the deal if you are struggling with any physical issues with running now like injuries or energy. Or perhaps it’s simply the will to run and keep going. If you’re hurt, that’s one thing. If you’re simply tired, unmotivated, in a bad mood, etc., etc., etc….YOU NEED TO SNAP OUT OF YOUR FUNK!!!! Back in October 2009 on Columbus Day weekend, I toed the line of my third 100-mile trail race in Titusville, PA. It was my third 100-miler in 18 weeks and would eventually be my third finish. Around mile 20 that Saturday, my inner thigh hurt bad…so bad, that I couldn’t lift that leg to climb out of creek-beds that the trail went straight through.  I had to literally pick up my leg or step up with my right leg then drag up my left. Did I mention that was MILE TWENTY??? My elementary math tells me 100 miles – 20 miles = 80 miles to go. 80. I was in pain…real pain and it hurt more by the minute. I had read a LOT about ibuprofen and its limits during endurance events so I had a baseline of what I could take. Those little tablets were in my drop bags for such a scenario as this. I decided to keep going. My pace was dreadfully slow and I watched the hours tick by until I could take another 800mg of ibuprofen. The sun grew old, the sky was clear, and Mr. Moon would soon rise. I won’t repeat the entire race report (you can read it on the right sidebar of this blog) but eventually, the ibuprofen did nothing and at times, I had to walk backwards to mask the pain. Still, I would not quit. At Mile 92, my bride of now 19+ years surprised me as she stood in the middle of the path. The sun had risen on the second day of the event, I had been out there for 29 or so hours non-stop, and I lost it emotionally. I was doing everything I could do to mentally and physically keep it together. I WANTED TO FINISH SO BAD. I WOULD NOT QUIT. I fell into her arms and thanked her for making the drive into Pennsylvania to see me. We jogged a bit into the final aid station then I headed out on my last 7 miles, still in all kinds of pain. The math of pace vs. distance vs. reaching the 32 hour time limit haunted me. “Would I make it? Will I have gone all this way only to be disqualified because I ran out of time?” I continued on and finished in 30 hours, 49 minutes, 2 seconds. (Yes, I still remember the “seconds” of my finish time…one of those things you just don’t forget.)

I say all of this simply to say this: I’ve been there and done that...in running AND in life. Whether it is in running or life, when you feel you just can’t do “it” anymore, you must make the decision that you CAN. Like I read recently, whether you say “I can!” or “I can’t,” you’re right. (read that again) In distance running, the mind can and will get in the way of your finish line…I promise you. You have to turn the negative into positive and get it done. Believe me when I tell you that our physical bodies are capable of amazing things. They can go the distance and can do so much more than you know. Your mind simply has to order it to do so. Sure, training has immense value but even with all the training there is out there, your mind is what will save you in the middle of the night on the trail when the crickets are sounding, the trees are creaking in the wind, and the moon shines up above. You must decide to finish. Remember, you CAN. Now believe it. 

Run Happy!!!

Hummus Devoured and a Promotion

Pumpkin/chocolate chip muffins and my homemade hummus
(click on photo for high resolution version)

Since I wrote about my hummus yesterday, I thought I'd share the finished product. We had our FamilyLife Homebuilders study last night (5th of 6 sessions) that we host and it was our turn to provide the snacks. The red pepper hummus (red bowl) was SO good. Unfortunately, we ran out of those Wheat Thins! Scooping the remaining hummus out with our fingers and licking them just didn't seem honorable to the hummus so we saved some for later. :-) Those pumpkin/chocolate chip muffins? Oh my. 15 seconds in the microwave and the chips get hot and melted...perfect.

4 years ago this month, I began my new job with the government to marry up with my Navy Reserve career. A government job is perfect for the military reservist as no issues ever arise when the call comes from the Navy to go. No questions asked and job secured. Well, I have been itching to challenge myself further at that job and have been applying for developmental opportunities and promotions for awhile now. All along, my plan has been to hit that hard once I returned home from Afghanistan and be the very best I can be. That labor has been rewarded and I was selected yesterday for a promotion! I'll be moving to another office in the area where I'll be more in an "expert" role where I'll work on the complicated cases, review others' work, mentor new employees, and give training. I'll do this for at least a year. I'm very thankful for this and look forward to the new challenge!

It's a day off from running today but we'll be back out there tomorrow. I still plan to hit a 60 mile week this week and that means tomorrow needs to hit the 12 mile mark. Looking forward to it and a great Easter weekend with my family.

Have a great day and Run Happy!

Hummus Recipe, a Thrash, and Wear Testing

Dang, I feel good. I feel good enough to run another 50K today and I felt the same yesterday. Ever since I  ran on Sunday and got my deep tissue shred on Monday night, I have felt good...a bit worn down and tired, but good. Larry Karasek is my massage therapist in Cuyahoga Falls and I can't recommend him highly enough. I was his last and 9th client of the day but he saved plenty for me. The keys of "breathe through it" and "relax" were key in getting through my 1hr+ with him. My back, my quads, my right calf and hamstring...all needed work. It was definitely the toughest massage I've ever had but I am walking/running proof that HE IS GOOD and knows what he is doing. He commented while I was on his high-end, body-shaping table that I'd be sore in the morning from the thrashing. Quite the opposite, actually. I felt totally renewed and wanted to run badly, but I didn't. I knew that my 50K on Sunday followed by my relaxing 6 I had on Monday morning alone was plenty and a day of rest was mandatory. After all, this is when the body repairs itself and gets stronger. Today, I feel like a million bucks and am ready to run and run far. Thanks, Larry!!! Oh yea, that table...and you ladies will love this. It literally shapes itself to your body. When you turn to your stomach, it "drops" and contours around your "curves" then freezes in that form, allowing Larry to apply the needed pressure while not crushing you and all your "parts." Pretty amazing, huh? Anyway, my recommendation for Larry is my highest for all so if you're having issues with anything or simply need to get all the "junk" worked out, please give him a shot. 330-687-3555.

As you know, I'm sponsored by Brooks and can't say enough great things about them. In addition to wearing their gear head to toe, in all I do and run in, I'm also part of their wear-testing program. This is a very hush-hush program with strict rules so I can't show pictures, discuss model names/versions, or anything. I've wear-tested 3 or 4 different times. Sometimes, I send them back with surveys so they can be evaluated and other times, I just do the surveys and keep the shoes. This time around, it's a pre-production release which I LOVE to do! It's just cool to be a part of this company's R&D (research and development) to make an excellent product even better and tuned into the runner. My new pair of "secret" shoes arrived yesterday and dang, they are SHARP!!!  With my birthday looming in just over a week and my 39 mile birthday run shaping up in my head, I'm going to give them a true test over hours and hours of asphalt that day. I do hope I get to keep this pair, but if not, that's OK, too. Anyway, I'm looking forward to being a part of the test yet again and helping make Brooks even better.

Hummus...I sure do love it. We are hosting our marriage study again tonight in our home and it's our turn to provide the snack so it was requested I make my super-yummy hummus. I love hummus and I feel like I've got the recipe down pat. I made two batches last night which are chilling in the fridge for tonight. The only difference is that in the 2nd batch, I used fresh-sliced red bell peppers to add some sweetness to it. Wow, that was a GOOD choice! Anyway, if you're interested in trying it out on your own, it's easy. Here's the recipe: Get your food processor out first and add the following: 1 can of chick peas drained (but retain that liquid for later), 2 teaspoons of cumin powder, 2 tablespoons of Tahini Paste and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, roll a fresh lemon with your palm on the counter then slice in half and squeeze the juice in. I prefer to not add the outside zest unless I really want a strong lemon taste. I opted to not put zest in this batch. Last ingredient...fresh squeezed garlic. I used a Pampered Chef garlic press and fill it up. That's it. Start the processor and slowly add the chick peas juice to get the correct consistency. Be very careful not to liquify the hummus! Once you've added too much, you've ruined it. Also, be sure to add the peppers BEFORE this liquid if using them as they have a lot of moisture within them so less liquid will be necessary. Chill the hummus before enjoying with your favorite crackers or pita bread/chips!

OK, time to run, folks. Those wear-testers aren't getting tested by sitting in the garage. Have a great day!

Run Happy and Happy Trails!

<<< UPDATE >>>

GREAT run!!! Nothing quite like the inaugural run in a new pair of Brooks. 6 miles with Mr. Moon, 35F, at a comfy 8:01 per mile pace. PERFECT way to kick off the day...literally! I'm already at 48+ miles for the week. I see me topping 60 miles this week...first time that's happened since early to mid 2010. Run Happy!

Fools 50K Race Report

Before I started writing tonight, I scrolled down on the right on this blog to update my race-finish roster. Hard to believe that I hadn't finished an ultra-marathon in almost 2 years. July 2010 was my last finish...barely...at the Buckeye Trail 50K. I hope to do MUCH better this year at that event. I just registered on March 22nd and watched in sell out in well under 24 hours. Anyway, today was a PERFECT day:

It started early at 4am so I could brew my stovetop Italian espresso and heat up a homemade pumpkin/chocolate chip muffin. I need a good hour to let that espresso fire up the engines before a race. Once Marjie got up, she made our traditional fried eggs and toast for breakfast and we enjoyed some early morning conversation, eggs, and java. Perfect as we were both hitting the trails today. Today was the day where she was set to run her first 25K (15.6 miles) trail run. It's but one more step towards her first 50K this fall at Oil Creek State Park. Final preps made and we were out the door, en route to Pine Hollow within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the start/finish of the race. This was the Fools 50K/25K's fourth anniversary. I had a good streak going until last year when I missed it. It was 6 days prior to deploying to Afghanistan and time was precious so I passed. I was very thankful to return to Pine Hollow this year.

Lloyd Thomas, race director, runs a top notch event. As an accomplished ultra-runner, he knows exactly what the runners need and want: a well-marked course, excellent aid, and keep the frills to a minimum except for a great finishing award. "LT" does it all. He even dried out the trails for us this year...well, at least he thinks he did. About a month ago, we were out there and our feet disappeared under water/mud it was so bad. Luckily, we've had minimal rain and lots of unseasonable sun and warm temperatures. The result was a super-fast course with very little mud at all. Prior to the race start, I made my rounds through the crowd of runners, giving out lots of handshakes and hugs. For many, this was the first time I've seen them again since pre-Afghanistan. It was great to see so many familiar faces again. Lloyd is also a veteran, a past Army officer, so he planted a beautiful American flag at the start and we all sung the National Anthem just seconds prior to the start. It's planted perfectly atop the "Sound of Music Hills" so during the race, it can be seen from afar, blowing in the wind. "Lloyd, thank you for that. It means so very, very much to me." Here it is just prior to sunrise and the start.

(click for high resolution version)

At 7:30am, the race was off and my bride was at my side. We had taken the entire last week off from running due to some physical issues. After last Sunday's impromptu 20 miler, my right ankle really acted up. I had no idea why but every fiber told me "NO RUNNING" this week. None. I listened and am glad I did. For Marjie, her IT band has been acting up so with today's race looming, she joined me in our weeklong break. As we hit the trail, we both felt great. The early miles were uneventful and hardly muddy at all. We stuck to our plan of coasting the flats, cruising down the downhills, and moving up the hills with a purpose. As we began passing through aid stations, they were plentiful with typical ultra fare (pretzels, M&Ms, PB&J squares, Coke, water, and Hammer Nutrition's "Heed"...my personal favorite.) They even had pitchers of Heed to easily fill my handheld carrier I just bought last week that I reviewed on a previous post. Super convenient and fast.

Temperatures started in the upper 30s and slowly climbed into the 40s along with the sun clearing out the clouds. Marjie's IT band, however, really started being pesky. Downhills really became a problem and only got worse with under 5 miles to go. Flats..no problem. Hills...no problem. Downhills, which are supposed to be "gifts" as I call them, they caused a lot of pain. With absolutely no intention of leaving her side, we made our way through the hilly Salt Run Trail and we finished the 25K together in 3hrs, 48min, 8sec. HER FIRST 25K!!! I was very proud of her. True to the plan, I re-filled my bottle and ran on down to my car that I positioned so I could pop the trunk, apply some lubricant to the chafing areas on my body, change my shirt, and hit the trail. By that time, she had joined me at the car and we shared a hug, congratulations, and goodbye kiss and off I want, SCREAMING down the trail. The way I felt (I felt like I really hadn't run much at all), I wanted to tear the trail up and pass people for the next 15.6 miles, never get passed, and that's precisely what happened.

I couldn't believe how good I felt and I also wondered how long it would last. After all, I hadn't run over 20 miles lately and haven't run more than 4 hours on the trails for well over a year. "Oh well, let's give it a shot," I thought. I just went with it and started picking people off left and right while flying down the trail. Before I knew it, I was nearing the 3/4 done point, around mile 23, and felt GREAT. 8.2 miles to go. I shot off a few texts home to let her know I was cruising well and she had already been to Starbucks, showered and probably cuddled up reading a good book on the couch...or napping. Either was fine! She earned it. As I cruised along, passed the 26.2 mile marathon point, I really wasn't getting weak which amazed me. The fire was still churning out power in my legs so I went with it. All I was consuming was liquid electrolyte, the occasional salt tab, and occasional PB&J square and M&Ms here and there. That's really it. As I crested the last hill prior to entering the final trail, Salt Run Trail, I gave a point to Old Glory...blowing in the breeze. She looked so brilliant and I thought how much it stands for. That same flag is flying where our countrymen and women are at war and I thought for a few moments of them. "Come home soon, brothers and sisters. Your country wants you back." Back to the trail. I will admit, I was getting weary but like I was preaching to Marjie earlier, it's mind over body. Our bodies are capable of incredibly much but our minds get in the way. We simply need to tell our body to get moving and get it done, and so I did. I continued to pass folks throughout Salt Run and eventually, hit the 1/2 mile to go point. Game on and time to put this race into history! As I emerged from the final hill in Salt Run onto the grassy plain at Pine Hollow, I saw the finish line and made it mine. A handshake from Lloyd and the handmade finisher's mug were mine. I did it and I just didn't finish, I destroyed it. I finished in 6hrs, 41min, 22sec which is nothing too amazing to brag about, but I ran that second 25K 54 minutes, 54 seconds faster than the first 25K. AND, I felt great, like I had more to give but why do that? Chef Bill had homemade soup ready for me. I helped myself to veggie soup and potato soup...both amazing, especially the veggie one. Freshly cut veggies make a killer soup. I enjoyed them while laying in the grass, just a few steps from Old Glory.

Me holding my finisher's mug (Photo Credit: Celeste W.)

After some soup and more conversation, I made my way to my car, made up a recovery drink, and hit the road for home. Tonight, I enjoyed a baked potato with homemade red sauce and some leftover pork chops. Perfect. Oh yea, a Reese's Peanut Butter Egg for good measure. I also feel quite good but I will be crashing hard very soon. I feel the pull to the bed sucking me in. I do have something to look forward to tomorrow...we have a couples massage tomorrow night after work. This won't be for pleasure, though. This guy will shred us big time but we need it. Once he finds a problem area, stand by! Here's a pic of my Pure Grit trail shoes, the race sticker, the mug, and my race bib from today. It really was a great day and I'm already looking forward to the 5th installment next year.

(click for high resolution version)

Have a great week, everyone, and Happy Trails! Run Happy!

Impromptu 20 and "Eddie Vedder"

Picking up where I left off yesterday, the day ended up being just as perfect as it could be. After a morning on the trails (mud, water, the works!), sushi and Starbucks, and installing a new garbage disposal (I can barely swing a hammer and "I" got that done in 20min flat!), we enjoyed a great evening at a winery about 20 minutes south of us. It's become one of our favorite things to do on a Saturday night if our girls are staying at Grandma and Grandpa's. They always have live music, year-round, and great food/wine. Last night was a guy and his guitar playing lots of cover tunes....kinda sounded like Eddie Vedder. I had but one request (Jason Mraz' "I Won't Give Up") but he didn't know it. After toasting our way through Redneck Red, we ended the night with some warm strawberry rhubarb pie. What a night AND day.

Her desire for today was 5 miles but I wanted much more so I set my alarm for 4am and was on the road at 5:12am. The plan was to head out for 5 miles with her at 7:15am so my goal? 15 miles before sunrise. I bee-lined it over probably the hilliest street in my town and into the college town nearby then headed on back when it was time for the turn. I was averaging about 7:44 a mile but the return trip over those monster hills slowed me to 8:08 per mile. I did rack up a 1/2 marathon split of 1:46 which I was very happy with. Back at home at 7:15am, we headed on out on our normal course for an easy 5 while the birds sung LOUD. We even saw another bluebird along the way. The country agricultural landscape is sure getting green with lots of purple shades throughout. We did comment this morning how we run nearly the same route every single time yet we never grow tired of it. It's just so peaceful out there together.

Now for those 20 miles, they beat me up. The 20 a week ago felt really good but today, I was just pooped. I'm still happy with the 30+ since yesterday and will just relax today and keep that water intake going. My minimal Brooks PureConnects were my ride yet again today and they were great as always.  I did schedule a couples massage for a week from now after next Sunday's Fools 50K so that'll be nice.

Have a great Sunday, y'all!

Trails and Sushi

It's just been one of those days where everything has gone just right. We slept in then decided we really did want to be on the trails so after a couple of amazing eggs on toast, we headed to Pine Lane within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for miles on the Buckeye Trail. I love Marjie's attitude: she simply doesn't care where or how far we're going...just as long as we're together and regardless of how muddy it gets or how many hills we crest, she won't complain. Perfect. As we hit the trail late (9:30ish), it was MUDDY. Her IT band has been giving her issues which the mud doesn't help but it was feeling OK today. We had great miles and great conversation with the occasional kiss thrown in. (running with your wife of nearly 20 years has it's benefits, ya know!) She didn't know the plan as we ran but I developed it as we progressed. The rain was holding off, it was a comfy 62F, and the clouds were heavy. Spring sure was springing, though. Daffodils and all kinds of color lined the trail. Here's one shot I grabbed on my phone as we passed by.

As we passed the 4 mile point, we continued on up the Rollercoaster Hill (yes, that means steep) and then down the Piano Keys (88 wooden steps...get it?!). Eventually, we passed Blue Hen Falls and continued to follow the water to the little-known Buttermilk Falls. It's a gorgeous cascading waterfall full of countless layers of slate. We first stood at the top of the waterfall then headed on down to the base. Here are a few photos. The first few are from the top then at the base.

Standing at the top of Buttermilk Falls (click for high res version)

Underwater in our Brooks trail shoes at the top (click for high res version)

Buttermilk Falls from the base (click for high res version)

After Buttermilk, we kept our feet submerged and followed the water behind the Boston Mills Ski Resort and emerged from the rear of their property which put us back at the Boston Store where we headed on back to Pine Lane. Thanks to a stream just before the end, we washed up then wrapped our run with 10.35 miles. It didn't really matter what we ran today...just being out there together was perfect, regardless.

Lunch...oh, yes. I think I said "You cool with me handling lunch today? My choice?" No objection by her so I headed into Hudson and to Heinen's, the local "high end" grocery store. They have a sushi chef making sushi all day. My idea was a few orders of sushi, enjoyed at the Starbucks down the street. I had a free "anything" coupon for Starbucks that I wanted to use. So after selecting our sushi and picking up a few other items, we headed on down for our venti, soy, quad mocha. I always try to ramp up the free drinks to see how close I can get to 7 bucks. Today, it was a $6.50 drink for free. It was the perfect companion to the sushi that we enjoyed on their outdoor patio.

Raw salmon and avocado

After enjoying a light lunch and caffeine, we continued the romance at Lowe's where we picked up a new garbage disposal. Ours bit it this week and since Lowe's gives military discounts at all times, we headed on in, with the intention of purchasing and getting it installed. Thank goodness I passed on the installation, though. It took me a whoppin' 20 minutes to replace it. InSinkerator sure did it right when it comes to "EASY" for the guy who can barely swing a hammer.

Tonight? It's looking good so far. :-)

Happy Trails!

BT50K and the Run Between the Suns

Last night at 7pm, registration opened for the 2012 Buckeye Trail 50K. I hadn't decided to do this race  until yesterday afternoon but looking back on history this morning, I'm glad I took the plunge. This year's race is on July 14th. Exactly 5 years prior on July 14, 2007, I ran my first ultra-marathon at that race. I nearly passed out on the trail...I remember the heat well. I shaved a half hour off my time in 2008, two weeks prior to my first DNF (did not finish) at the Burning River 100 where I dropped out at Mile 55. In 2009 as I swore revenge on the Burning River 100 so I did not run the BT50K to try and prevent a lack of recovery between the two events. I ended up getting my buckle at Burning River in 2009. :-) In 2010, I returned and it was a TOUGH race. I really struggled and was heavily under-trained. It was my slowest 50K ever. I did capture one photo that made it into UltraRunning Magazine, though, of local legend, Ron Ross (see below). :-) In 2011, I was a few 7000 miles away but rooted folks on from afar via Facebook. This year, I want to rekindle the memories of where it all began.

I certainly don't want to replay history, though. I want this year to be fulfilling in every other way but the finish line. Of course, I want that great finisher's medal and another 50K finish, but I want to enjoy the friends on the trail and more than anything, the trail itself and the mortal ability to accomplish the distance. It's amazing what the human body can do. I am already on track for being lighter and faster than ever so hopefully as the Spring emerges and Summer arrives, I continue that trend.

I'm also looking at another race that precedes this one two weeks prior, up in the northwest area of Pennsylvania, near the Oil Creek State Park. It's a 12 hour timed event in a park that travels a 5 mile trail over and over again for 12 hours. I've always wanted to do a 12 or 24 hour timed event where. It's a true test of managing your nutrition, pace, etc. to efficiently pass the time and miles. It's dubbed the Run Between the Suns (details here). It's a first-year event and one I'm heavily considering. It circles a lake in Two Mile Run County Park. I haven't signed up yet but leaning towards it. Early registration doesn't end until May 15th so no worries.

Outside of these two events, I don't see much else happening this summer as for race registrations. "That'll do, Pig."

Have a great weekend and Happy Trails!