After running ultra marathons since 2006, I still consider myself a newbie in that sport which had been going strong throughout the last century. And with that, I have a lot of respect for the athletes who preceded us on our local trails in particular. Some of them were actually done with competing but remained actively involved through volunteering or race directing (e.g., Norm Klein). Some even gave their names to key races (e.g., Ruth Anderson, Dick Collins and... Helen Klein!).
Helen was born in 1923 and, yes, this isn't a typo, that makes her 103 years old. She started running at 55 and she would end up putting her mark on the Long Distance Running Masters history by setting world records in the marathon for ages such as 80 and 85 (a whopping total of 75 national and world records). She ran 90 marathons and quite a few ultra marathons too (she shows 102 results on UltraSignup, including 11 100-mile races, but this article mentions 143 ultras). She has been inducted in the USA Track & Field Masters' Hall of Fame.
Norm has run many ultra marathons too (28 results on UltraSignup including Western States 1984) but, when I started, his main fame was to direct classics such as Last Chance 50-mile, Rio del Lago 100-mile, and the Helen Klein Classic 50-miler, all along the American River, close to their home in Rancho Cordova. The main memory I kept from these events was Norm's toughness toward the runners, but it was his friendly way to challenge us to test our limits. When I took 2nd at Rio del Lago 2008, I also remember him instructing I receive an IV right after the finish... And the awards at his races were also particularly memorable!
Long story short, the number I had for Helen and Norm was discontinued so I activated a few ultra connections, to no avail on Saturday evening. This Sunday morning, I decided to take my (Last...) chance and drive to Rancho Cordova. To my good surprise, I was delighted to see Norm opening his door, and wearing a Western States volunteer t-shirt like he was waiting for me! Unfortunately, we stay on his door step as he shared he was tied-up, taking care of Helen who had recently returned from yet another trip to the hospital. A couple of years ago, they were running together when she tripped on the trail and broke her hip. A few weeks ago, she fell again at home and broke 3 ribs. And fell again a few days ago. The challenge of aging at home... He offered I stop by again, but with more notice. Next time I also hope to get a tour of the backyard, and hear Norm share his passion for cactuses! The front yard is already so impressive! (See Gerhard Bock's extensive post.)
Needless to say, I didn't see Helen this time. She and Norm needs all our prayers, thoughts and best wishes!
Still, reassured that they were still at home, I parked at the nearby Sunrise Park area for an 8-mile run along the river. Not much of a distance to brag about but, including a couple of sub 7 min miles and a few stops for pictures, that's all the time I had before the hotel check-out time and attending the end of Agnès presentation.
Running this section along the American River brought back so many memories from the races I named above, plus American River 50 and Folsom Lake 100K. My 5:43 PR at Last Chance 50-mile, thanks to the friendly emulation with Victor (Ballesteros). Rio del Lago which was my 2nd 100-miler, after Western States in 2007. Miles run during the day or at night. In the sun or the rain. With Folsom Lake being dangerously low, or full like it is today. Ultra memories of all the crews and volunteers helping us along...
Quite a special day to celebrate! I missed the opportunity to finally do a snowshoe race, and on my special day but, global warming permitting, there will be other years.
Now, what's up with snowshoeing? 2 years ago, Jason Reed, after a couple of unsuccessful years, convinced me to buy a pair of racing snowshoes, hoping I will like it so I could join him at one of the world championships which he has attended himself for a few years. That was early 2024, a few weeks before I tore/cut one of my left meniscus... right on my 60th birthday! Needless to say, with 7 months off running after that, the snowshoes remained in the garage.
No more, they finally hit the snow. Not really fresh snow as temperatures were in the 50s on Saturday, but snow anyway. After 8 miles of XC skiing, I went back on the trails for a 5K in snowshoes. To be honest, I found it exhausting: not sure if it was the nature of the snow, heavy and wet slush, or the elevation (7,000 feet), or being tired because of the faded XC skiing skills, I had to alternate running and walking for a pace between 12 and 14 min/mile, yikes! Granted, the trail included a few climbs, but still. I'll have to practice more. At least I was really pleased with the stability of the snowshoes, I only hit my ankles a handful of times.
By the way, Carol, the Race Director of that Fresh Track 5K race, emailed me on Saturday evening that they had managed to mark a 5K course in deep, not groomed, snow. Advising to do it with poles and even a buddy to get you back on your feet in case of fall. That didn't seem as close as snowshoe racing as I had imagined so I did pass on the invite this time. It will be on February 28 next year.
74 people posted good wishes on my Facebook wall this weekend, I wanted to write this up as a reply to all, short of replying individually to all, tonight. Hoping Helen and Norm share many more of their own birthdays together, what an honor to know them, such an inspirational and legendary ultra couple!
PS: oh, and in our small and connected ultra world, see who was working at Royal Gorge, Diana Fitzpatrick!
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