tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39457460337060546172024-03-26T23:36:44.057-07:00Running, my second job and passion...Except for a very few Kenyans working extremely hard, it's impossible to make a living out of running. So better be a second job, and a passion!
Sharing a few personal notes on my journey in endurance running and ultra running. To meet you on the web if not on the road. Happy trails to all, farther and faster!Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.comBlogger749125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-12894933954117267702024-01-28T19:43:00.000-08:002024-01-28T19:43:54.061-08:00PAUSATF 2023 season award banquet: back to exceptional normal!2022 still had quite some pandemic after state. Our society and world is still healing from the global shock but, for our Mountain, Ultra and Trail Running Grand Prix, things were pretty much back to pre-pandemic normal, that is, with many exceptional achievements from all!<div><br /></div><div>As the LDR (Long Distance Running) MUT sub-committee chair, I cover mostly that part of our Pacific Association business, and have been since starting running ultras in 2016. See for instance these posts of our yearly editions of this award banquet: <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2009/02/ldr-2008-awards-tim-twietmeyer-and.html" target="_blank">2008</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2010/02/quicksilver-rhoquick-team-scoring-and.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2013/02/pacific-association-long-distance.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2014/02/why-do-we-ultra-run-for-some-hardware.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2015/03/pausatf-ldr-2014-awards-another-great.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2017/03/pausatf-ldr-2016-awards-banquet-10th.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2019/05/pausatf-ldr-awards-celebration-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2020/02/pausatf-2019-season-awards-banquet.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/02/pacific-association-2021-awards.html" target="_blank">2021</a> on Zoom, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/02/2022-pacific-association-recognition.html" target="_blank">2022</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47FEDZIo00Bq0iR_iqFq3SaNT500w9mZKeY9p17STGBi_AAGVM539mfZ6zNviqEgrG5UHdpcnIW7TFztS-OZi1ZtFx1HZjuqu193gPAwN1PqHwXX6jeobkAGwXllARrUWOIlLn_7cLiSal-3FTrPIAsT6JUc5q1e0gPODsN25IfdG01olYE6j6Olm5k5l/s4032/IMG_5656.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47FEDZIo00Bq0iR_iqFq3SaNT500w9mZKeY9p17STGBi_AAGVM539mfZ6zNviqEgrG5UHdpcnIW7TFztS-OZi1ZtFx1HZjuqu193gPAwN1PqHwXX6jeobkAGwXllARrUWOIlLn_7cLiSal-3FTrPIAsT6JUc5q1e0gPODsN25IfdG01olYE6j6Olm5k5l/s320/IMG_5656.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />While this edition was called the 4th, we've had LDR-specific banquets long before. Our Grand Prix started in 1992, so we are in our 33nd year, counting the 2020 season we started but aborted in March. Some great traditions stick, thankfully! Although, not without a lot of work, support and engagement from many!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, why 4th? Because, in the midst of the start of the pandemic actually, on February 1, 2020, our leadership took the decision to gather all our sports and committees into a single celebration. To give a voice to all, to invite everybody to learn from others. While that worked at the top, and for other reasons like member priorities, we actually saw a decrease in the number of representatives of our LDR members to these celebrations. Subtle balancing act... What we gain at least though, which was one of the main initial drivers for the change, is an official recognition of the promising Track & Field Youth. Kids love it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, some posts take much more time than what I expect. I'm a collector -don't get Agnès started on the reationale of keeping years of issues of UltraRunning Magazine...- and kept all the programs since the first banquet I attended, in 2008. I was quite disappointed to learn that, for the first year, nobody had stepped up to create one this time. Although I know it takes a lot of work as I provide the MUT-related information. At least, our hard-working communication lead, Cynci, gathered all these inputs into several slide decks online on our association's website. With this additional switch to a digital mode, I took the time this Sunday to go through previous programs and recreated the award history since 1992, phew! Making it available to all in <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15Sx-lZrM2dCuRWeWgupwSTEbZyh8OTm0-aIrZZlnqRk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">this spreadsheet</a>, let me know if you spot mistakes or commissions, that was hours of edits...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bDjvxeBtinVX17t_3vYE54US2TLqmKcDJo5k_CF-kftlJ9FP9ozaQg4ErEuP83cNijkZR6EeRqVcR5yRS6QrKil4n-z9DvLqXS1RF3XfJzX-sYuofhHTMlvWpGySvjp9x_tepIqjACh0HYlLaybnMSqYmIRyiDGS6CvUQLRtTZALRqeex090RpRsNYIK/s2256/Public_MUT_Grand_Prix_Log.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="2256" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bDjvxeBtinVX17t_3vYE54US2TLqmKcDJo5k_CF-kftlJ9FP9ozaQg4ErEuP83cNijkZR6EeRqVcR5yRS6QrKil4n-z9DvLqXS1RF3XfJzX-sYuofhHTMlvWpGySvjp9x_tepIqjACh0HYlLaybnMSqYmIRyiDGS6CvUQLRtTZALRqeex090RpRsNYIK/w400-h115/Public_MUT_Grand_Prix_Log.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />With that long preamble, let's report on that special evening. While my MUT theme was "back to normal" I'm going to suggest another one for the overall ceremony: "MUT isn't the only group running long..." Indeed, instead of finishing by 8 pm, the award presentations were still running at 9. Maybe the good time to situate the venue, Brentwood. Despite having lived in California for now a quarter of a century, and roamed quite a lot across the large area of our Pacific Association ranging from San Luis Obispo to Reno, I have to admit I've yet to explore more. Brenton is half way between San Jose and Sacramento but kind of far from the main axis (80, 5, 680, 580) so, I dare to say, it felt quite in the middle of nowhere and I'm very appreciative of my MUT colleagues for having stayed until 8:30 already. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs35bjiN1lVj7zKZtispDrD7ZzqOKmMGHjqKvHdpMHKaT-gGV6UUI5OcQS4KVkvqo1lcjQirXxpQQPRiZqZJ2WRhoyK7alAVQ1ntUr7AD-zCY-JTe0cFQNjqSMQgJhh7SgRIMSpsoybemSfelAz0fYQ_20nLintjh1ECIzbTr1tZ4LHO-pSqpMKeNfpMu/s4032/IMG_5652.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs35bjiN1lVj7zKZtispDrD7ZzqOKmMGHjqKvHdpMHKaT-gGV6UUI5OcQS4KVkvqo1lcjQirXxpQQPRiZqZJ2WRhoyK7alAVQ1ntUr7AD-zCY-JTe0cFQNjqSMQgJhh7SgRIMSpsoybemSfelAz0fYQ_20nLintjh1ECIzbTr1tZ4LHO-pSqpMKeNfpMu/s320/IMG_5652.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CZNgOgVYWUcwn89lRulR6DqxMSGY6_509xppnd5sMl0vrcr1TgaOLbM4n-3Aw-mkVFPEyOtt4cQNE0egVuXBqtUrkmW4Cb8v6b27DbticuNkpOpVQIgDRPVc8KEFyYBnoBaNWQ3eHQwvVje5V2mKDWvUnOcQnbTQUPz3aRiju_zXT_QbbNKCFpUdWZfu/s4032/IMG_5653.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CZNgOgVYWUcwn89lRulR6DqxMSGY6_509xppnd5sMl0vrcr1TgaOLbM4n-3Aw-mkVFPEyOtt4cQNE0egVuXBqtUrkmW4Cb8v6b27DbticuNkpOpVQIgDRPVc8KEFyYBnoBaNWQ3eHQwvVje5V2mKDWvUnOcQnbTQUPz3aRiju_zXT_QbbNKCFpUdWZfu/s320/IMG_5653.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />For a nice change, the registration fee included two alcoholic beverages and the bar was actually quite loaded! There you are for a great start. The room, a veterans' hall, was rustic but the team had put a lot of work in creating posters, and buying a boat load of colorful balloons, to create a clear USATF touch.</div><div><br /></div><div>The program started with a keynote by <a href="https://www.usatf.org/teams/world-athletics-championships-budapest-23-team/women-s-discus-throw/elena-bruckner" target="_blank">Elena Buckner</a> who recently competed in the Discus at the World Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGTtZd6rBGahFAIePpR5zFAjkG3heijYeNUj2p80Do4U3gc0cpU2X0g_aam45z6w0ySBFxhtxe8PIg9g8rMuqxTlEMT-z3cnfdHEqUm_ib8VurTWfNEBl7RrdYe41ToOvDD_2rtI-cbW8V1aknFgC1bcjrPOwXOkwXDTwnNEE3dBF_xAswAtqcxj-MAB-/s4032/IMG_5658.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGTtZd6rBGahFAIePpR5zFAjkG3heijYeNUj2p80Do4U3gc0cpU2X0g_aam45z6w0ySBFxhtxe8PIg9g8rMuqxTlEMT-z3cnfdHEqUm_ib8VurTWfNEBl7RrdYe41ToOvDD_2rtI-cbW8V1aknFgC1bcjrPOwXOkwXDTwnNEE3dBF_xAswAtqcxj-MAB-/s320/IMG_5658.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />From her passion for all sports through middle school, to her specialization and successes in the discus and shot put in high school, Elena very genuinely and eloquently invited us through the peaks and valleys she went through College, the extremely hard work she invested in these years in Texas and the heartbreaking challenges when being dropped by coaches. Elena's main mantra: "Learn how to believe in yourself! And when things don't work out, find a way to still do it!" Despite a lack of progression in her athletic performances through College, Elena's parents still supported her to persevere and Elena is so grateful to the Pacific Association Foundation for also supporting her three years in a row, keeping believing in her. And all that paid off when Elena hit the 61.55-meter mark which qualified her on Team USA. And, as she shared with humor, making her "good enough for drug testing!" What an inspiring journey of hard work and perseverance, and realization of her childhood dream. Indeed, when she was a kid and people were asking her what she wanted to do as an adult: "an Olympian!" Her closing was to cheer for the promising youths and the critical importance of coaches in shaping lives. All the best, Elena: Citius, Altius, Fortius!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-sQacqsRybwmcyDvXGMte3TAxeTlShaegtRbpUWR-5p69oMHXRGoftEZhk1hdazvYu_0kjXQReyofZNj1b1bAgCPXpb5B6Q43r3KpO608GUb2G8hZ3o_xImkJnsHAm8mGAD_LC8oby9XO1xs0wJz6avMRupynBnNVNAlVWpMaAN5yckJH07ioc_KmXYg/s4032/IMG_5671.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-sQacqsRybwmcyDvXGMte3TAxeTlShaegtRbpUWR-5p69oMHXRGoftEZhk1hdazvYu_0kjXQReyofZNj1b1bAgCPXpb5B6Q43r3KpO608GUb2G8hZ3o_xImkJnsHAm8mGAD_LC8oby9XO1xs0wJz6avMRupynBnNVNAlVWpMaAN5yckJH07ioc_KmXYg/s320/IMG_5671.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTBQZ43eys2TGwE9tTBdJXAPDX_QUigJfsuC8iPG5NjUNZ9ReWkh05_L9P9kM3a2pKvC9YIiTa8ZyxxjFPzWvp0i9q4TDGs4ZyHhgh6XuDG9HEBiJFaBrCI4tGW5Plo2TExXIjrTdQ5zOJ3JzLu2makhdnp4uL9u_Em0zljJXVdmhVCPiG4w0aSEbtWwW/s4032/IMG_5672.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTBQZ43eys2TGwE9tTBdJXAPDX_QUigJfsuC8iPG5NjUNZ9ReWkh05_L9P9kM3a2pKvC9YIiTa8ZyxxjFPzWvp0i9q4TDGs4ZyHhgh6XuDG9HEBiJFaBrCI4tGW5Plo2TExXIjrTdQ5zOJ3JzLu2makhdnp4uL9u_Em0zljJXVdmhVCPiG4w0aSEbtWwW/s320/IMG_5672.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Then the long series of awards started, punctuated by a few trips to the Mexican food buffet which even had deserts later.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2k0uqoGK9LvF58HA7IPebjeB8DkqLsxYrgaiuHXlhr41ulXJJTpfZ-z-npPVIYgj9q5oaRO_l0Sm5il7bONhceQd9x2k7JBh3cIDMhaCSmCBrey6DO6TMItgO2JeDbK8plt5Ovni9Qvw7zZd1An8AdyGFINQOvKd-vw4F7j-Nrx-nQbv50CkbRP4k-sT/s4032/IMG_5645.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2k0uqoGK9LvF58HA7IPebjeB8DkqLsxYrgaiuHXlhr41ulXJJTpfZ-z-npPVIYgj9q5oaRO_l0Sm5il7bONhceQd9x2k7JBh3cIDMhaCSmCBrey6DO6TMItgO2JeDbK8plt5Ovni9Qvw7zZd1An8AdyGFINQOvKd-vw4F7j-Nrx-nQbv50CkbRP4k-sT/s320/IMG_5645.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Our entertaining MC, Past President, Charlotte, was helping on multiple fronts, from thoughtful introductions of presenters, to serving at the buffet, supervising the bar, giving hints to the DJ, phew!</div><div><br /></div><div>And now a zoom on the MUT section. For the sake of (my) time, let me include below the notes I had prepared to accompany the slides I had made and which <a href="https://www.pausatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/4thAwardBanquetSlideShowFinal1.27.23LoRes_30-45.pdf" target="_blank">will be available soon on the PA website</a> (I had asked Cynci to remove the Volunteer and Runners of the Year slides ahead of the presentation in order to maintain an Oscars-like suspense...).</div><div><br /></div><div>Per <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/12/and-pa-mut-oscars-should-go-to-help.html" target="_blank">my previous post in December</a>, I designed a framework to remove some of the subjectivity from this selection exercise but, with so many brilliant MUT athletes in our association, it's still very hard. Special thanks to my partner in crime, Shiran, and those who voted among our community of runners, volunteers and Race Directors, essential partners of our Grand Prix.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm very excited for our three top awardees who happen to all be first recipients at that level! Congrats Jessi, Mandie and Jonah, and all the very best to you and our Age Group Champs for keeping inspiring our local community this way!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHyieakUYjaS0rTqCn0kdbxcDTG-bJbE7cMQmqp_Sln8fz3Fr6sSogx8X_OKhxGbJkTKatOwIzsl9jSxDg79DCkAX8ws3-fruKxrqH19y2rJh_CLI-HvgeluE7e8YrFcusMSerWGvuC9u3hlx05NEmczPktdnpgtVn6TYIhCQvcj1aaOEOcatwPNrXS_T/s3007/IMG_5661c.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2308" data-original-width="3007" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHyieakUYjaS0rTqCn0kdbxcDTG-bJbE7cMQmqp_Sln8fz3Fr6sSogx8X_OKhxGbJkTKatOwIzsl9jSxDg79DCkAX8ws3-fruKxrqH19y2rJh_CLI-HvgeluE7e8YrFcusMSerWGvuC9u3hlx05NEmczPktdnpgtVn6TYIhCQvcj1aaOEOcatwPNrXS_T/s320/IMG_5661c.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb_I5p67PjEaBasuE-3e7HL5HeXUcOe71hD3BsBRB_E5g93-okHQmIJaHZM28DVwrG_zfJsoxicwg0JNhtxdRxdkWloiyk1w8EIilTvSZMGL2gXaf-tF5qIfz5y6_hvSC0A5kCs-olussGGNoOUCsFV8KkoxwdjeLv5kDjDRTkq_CsMzBZJ9AIwxBzE91/s2690/IMG_5663c.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2198" data-original-width="2690" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb_I5p67PjEaBasuE-3e7HL5HeXUcOe71hD3BsBRB_E5g93-okHQmIJaHZM28DVwrG_zfJsoxicwg0JNhtxdRxdkWloiyk1w8EIilTvSZMGL2gXaf-tF5qIfz5y6_hvSC0A5kCs-olussGGNoOUCsFV8KkoxwdjeLv5kDjDRTkq_CsMzBZJ9AIwxBzE91/s320/IMG_5663c.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Charles (M60 champ) and I (M50) with our Quicksilver team captain, Stephen:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ0FMIOxHMc9qAyLafsOSmJtnKpJVnfhJkbFU0Z0wUQEJk6DyzGHzAV22sY29fJXbZFTD7RmO9z3YCc828XlPx_rN_UzSkY6qnioA391gzVSVKL7T_6CzS658DgGNVnbjcA8T04jLWTh7Xxg61tIL1lOTFsPzoDU-Y1Af-M75l4VSlQ2W_RRiNW5F9deM/s2650/IMG_5669c.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="2568" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ0FMIOxHMc9qAyLafsOSmJtnKpJVnfhJkbFU0Z0wUQEJk6DyzGHzAV22sY29fJXbZFTD7RmO9z3YCc828XlPx_rN_UzSkY6qnioA391gzVSVKL7T_6CzS658DgGNVnbjcA8T04jLWTh7Xxg61tIL1lOTFsPzoDU-Y1Af-M75l4VSlQ2W_RRiNW5F9deM/s320/IMG_5669c.HEIC" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienAOJK82lAsen_14FIDNvE_g-nzrCYBP6NVWYJpnd_7wVienfQuFSV1pU1D73-Lr1Ux9LyETcZK6HhVVvZLEeF5mel9DbGpzzmof6qKsVzuVzp0LLENDubeMLMizMNzuYKFnRiRZRdR59HPL4QDx4afO4uWoi_U_3aIgW4ebJBCoOOyKgrvNDjiSBH9RR/s3015/IMG_5664c.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2748" data-original-width="3015" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienAOJK82lAsen_14FIDNvE_g-nzrCYBP6NVWYJpnd_7wVienfQuFSV1pU1D73-Lr1Ux9LyETcZK6HhVVvZLEeF5mel9DbGpzzmof6qKsVzuVzp0LLENDubeMLMizMNzuYKFnRiRZRdR59HPL4QDx4afO4uWoi_U_3aIgW4ebJBCoOOyKgrvNDjiSBH9RR/s320/IMG_5664c.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />This year, we finish second in the Men Team competition, 1 point behind Pamakids' 86, so close!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, for a bit of embarrassment: while I was happy that MUT did get the very last slot this time, we may want to get the Youth recognition earlier in the program, not at 8:30 pm. Although, maybe that helped get them to patient more quietly though long presentations otherwise. Yet, they were adorable, taking turn at the mic then in front of Irene's camera, so many inspiring performances at the Junior Olympics and joyful smiles, beyond the timidity of coming under the spot light!</div><div><br /></div><div>On the other side of the spectrum, the excitement of Elsbeth Padia, 85, was even higher than the kids. She ran to the stage, was jumping while telling us how happy she is to set records at the National level in her 80s. She got into Track and Field at 73 so she is just getting started! What another inspiration! When I grow-up I want to be like her!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh7KUYQfOjQyd7exF7evRx4SxFLfehTNWYRD1UGIywiHXfyQXot_R8lzUj93xwWEFqIjpi_qFicS0i897uj7U9rBVC4uh25Nhucu1Bq8jLVXvFbNdDhUwVfIUzBr9zOxStgYjGbWOl8mHq7DwOjWlWL1mwnDtLkJOytPEd45K9Op0G9QSIMRMpVeihL0U/s4032/IMG_5673.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh7KUYQfOjQyd7exF7evRx4SxFLfehTNWYRD1UGIywiHXfyQXot_R8lzUj93xwWEFqIjpi_qFicS0i897uj7U9rBVC4uh25Nhucu1Bq8jLVXvFbNdDhUwVfIUzBr9zOxStgYjGbWOl8mHq7DwOjWlWL1mwnDtLkJOytPEd45K9Op0G9QSIMRMpVeihL0U/s320/IMG_5673.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX6pBIqHcxY8ngO4vQnnsAa99g9w1q2CqVO886xVUnnjVmDj8CyPbcr_Kx3Az1FCfJTJLsbfreSGXu1kylLSBRnDP_reXpZ8n-Zll2X_SclUDdoCgzv319X2AmLjLYkWtuayakBdv-NFU4YayVuqOTM_Cy42aKaiOJL5SpjbaHTLzN_DRz-4VP3F0kXaS/s4032/IMG_5674.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX6pBIqHcxY8ngO4vQnnsAa99g9w1q2CqVO886xVUnnjVmDj8CyPbcr_Kx3Az1FCfJTJLsbfreSGXu1kylLSBRnDP_reXpZ8n-Zll2X_SclUDdoCgzv319X2AmLjLYkWtuayakBdv-NFU4YayVuqOTM_Cy42aKaiOJL5SpjbaHTLzN_DRz-4VP3F0kXaS/s320/IMG_5674.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuCO4OfVZlDRPKxt3PMmBOjPIO-a46pc-BoSZfR4Q5qluy4eTr2TScCYU348cmUTiPj9pAxTiZyORHQqtUPjKr3yjNU8I9X2XdDM79Sq0P3n08KX3O7tLPnqkfZfKFZOqIBGD70pYGYiYhBUw8_N4xFLiPrB7-CdWwKhNu5LnqURdZ9_BCJ16GZfXWTMv/s4032/IMG_5675.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuCO4OfVZlDRPKxt3PMmBOjPIO-a46pc-BoSZfR4Q5qluy4eTr2TScCYU348cmUTiPj9pAxTiZyORHQqtUPjKr3yjNU8I9X2XdDM79Sq0P3n08KX3O7tLPnqkfZfKFZOqIBGD70pYGYiYhBUw8_N4xFLiPrB7-CdWwKhNu5LnqURdZ9_BCJ16GZfXWTMv/s320/IMG_5675.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Speaking of excitement, what about this other pillar of our association, having fun popping balloons, after receiving a life achievement award for decades of leadership of our coach community: Dave Shrock (tonight was at the PA level, he had been recognized already at the National level in 2021):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ide7PDZL8ec" width="320" youtube-src-id="ide7PDZL8ec"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf22L97bwUiQxnov0DzdGsGCE4fBdGu_ThsP87C2VamX6IQvaMhqhsydUotdEDCvEPZ4aJTldnfW_vjksrzcMFFbBoRdHlUBAwRuIvAlV2ScaJQFhNkt6Ken6NMAWiSxvhEe160FVqy4M2rkWPuQWWMaKZpSLCxhGTCofYobkSV2FVyvmShNeDifKGdgCh/s4032/IMG_5676.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf22L97bwUiQxnov0DzdGsGCE4fBdGu_ThsP87C2VamX6IQvaMhqhsydUotdEDCvEPZ4aJTldnfW_vjksrzcMFFbBoRdHlUBAwRuIvAlV2ScaJQFhNkt6Ken6NMAWiSxvhEe160FVqy4M2rkWPuQWWMaKZpSLCxhGTCofYobkSV2FVyvmShNeDifKGdgCh/s320/IMG_5676.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dWZPckX8ip6Fe138G7Y_bJAVofQxYpuljP9u66NbS8u0zQ6CBx_HNeJpwkcmMMIsxRm9n3QMrxkJDVgky8UVueXvfrgaOxqwdy0cH9IfpR9V6vlC8e5f6ebJmw6oXk_VVvznRTxK5A8A0BgeOsup02KajnedK3Zn_j98qJEi7vwTh3JpOmPqs2ztnNyn/s4032/IMG_5678.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dWZPckX8ip6Fe138G7Y_bJAVofQxYpuljP9u66NbS8u0zQ6CBx_HNeJpwkcmMMIsxRm9n3QMrxkJDVgky8UVueXvfrgaOxqwdy0cH9IfpR9V6vlC8e5f6ebJmw6oXk_VVvznRTxK5A8A0BgeOsup02KajnedK3Zn_j98qJEi7vwTh3JpOmPqs2ztnNyn/s320/IMG_5678.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Past 9, there was quite a sense of urgency to quickly clear not the dancing track, pun intended, but the field. With the 70 miles to home, that made it for a long day, albeit not as bad as when the banquet falls on the same day as Jed Smith, which happened several times in the past. Have a great 2024 season all, see you at the many PA events throughout the year and next year for another celebration!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIJW25ulPnka9WFQyDGCyFYqKiwk4LZ_83SDGjriFlb95IWu9-jXoR_zTcS14LnVSFj0xkVQVlLfq2gdEaLaO4MrKmYZM8tU2oWPBZmQ11SAOOebcBfykz_aJnOdCmTfWYRBmYuYBnAp6pFz8mqmrAKQ7lwErPseRj8gAkUxqq3FGFhkBfk-LnNwZELIf/s4032/IMG_5656.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIJW25ulPnka9WFQyDGCyFYqKiwk4LZ_83SDGjriFlb95IWu9-jXoR_zTcS14LnVSFj0xkVQVlLfq2gdEaLaO4MrKmYZM8tU2oWPBZmQ11SAOOebcBfykz_aJnOdCmTfWYRBmYuYBnAp6pFz8mqmrAKQ7lwErPseRj8gAkUxqq3FGFhkBfk-LnNwZELIf/s320/IMG_5656.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>Raw notes for MUT award presentation</div><div><br /></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-001bddb3-7fff-bbb6-7df1-6eacce8dd673"><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 28px;"><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /></span><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few words on our 2023 Season</span></span></p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 28px;"><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Main theme: Back to normal, phew!</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">A lot to say but for the sake of time, Charlotte, I’d just give a few stats: 2 cancelation (thanks to a much welcome rain last winter!), 1 replacement, 1 change of distance from 24-hour to 12-hour (darn coyote in Golden Gate Area), 14 events overall</span></p></span></li></ul><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Let’s start recognizing our age-group champions. I want to highlight that we do have a few returning champions but also a fresh set of first-time ones! Speaking of which…</span></p></span></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 28px;"><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">20-29 Margie Cullen from the speedy Impala</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">30-39 Katherine Song from Strawberry Canyon, yes Coach Carl, your track girls do run fast, and they can run long too, please keep them coming!</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">40-49 Christina Vincent from Pamakids</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">50-59 Louise Stephens, from… Pamakids</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">60-69 Karen Romagnoli, from Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">70-79 Kat Powell, from… yes, Pamakids</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">On the Men side:</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">20-29 Victor Skorapa IV, Excelsior</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">30-39 Jakob Walter, Pamakids again</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">40-49 Karl Schnaitter, Excelsior</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">50-59 Jean Pommier, Quicksilver for another change!</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">60-69 Charles Blakeney, Quicksilver</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">70-79 Carl Jacob, from the most respected, albeit aging, Tamalpa</span></p></span></li></ul><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">On the teams’ side</span></p></span></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 28px;"><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Well, while Grand Slams have happened in the past, for the first time in our quarter century Grand Prix history, Pamakids takes a Grand Slam home 2 years in a row! Most notably, despite or in spite of a change of Captains, from Pen Perez, incidentally our ultra pro photographer, to… Shiran Kochavi!</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Give me this plaque, Shiran…! ;-) </span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, you’ll notice how close Quicksilver was in the Men competition</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">And how Impala could easily win would they score 7 events, not just 5!</span></p></span></li></ul><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">A special mention and thank you to Kendra Hershey who took over our scoring duties mid 2023. Thank you for volunteering her, Pamakids and Shiran!</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">And now for the coveted top awards… </span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">I want to thank my partner in crime, Shiran, for his diligent work on our selection. We had 14 women and 18 men under consideration this year.</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Ladies first! Female Runner of the Year</span></p></span></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 28px;"><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Mandie qualified for the 24-hour Team USA, and went to Taiwan to represent our country a month ago</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Sylvie had 11 podiums out of 11 races in UltraSignup, a rising local trail star!</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">And, drum roll, the winner is… Mandie Holmes!</span></p></span></li></ul><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">On the Men side</span></p></span></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 28px;"><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">A returning short listed, finally out of injury, with 4 podiums despite his age… me… Thank you, Shiran!</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">And Jonah with 3 podiums</span></p></span></li><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">And the winner is, your overall National 100-mile Road champion of 2023 at no less than 49 years old, Jonah Backstrom!</span></p></span></li></ul><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">As for the inspiring Volunteer of the Year</span></p></span></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 28px;"><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="2" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0; margin-top: 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">After considering inputs from our PA MUT community, and our Race Directors partners, the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award goes to someone omni-present on the sideline of our races, committed to helping our trail and ultra runners reach their goals, a member of the San Francisco Running Company club… Jessi Goldstein!</span></p></span></li></ul><li aria-checked="false" aria-level="1" dir="ltr" role="checkbox" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="unchecked" aria-roledescription="checkbox" height="22.399999999999995px" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAA1ElEQVR4Ae3bMQ4BURSFYY2xBuwQ7BIkTGxFRj9Oo9RdkXn5TvL3L19u+2ZmZmZmZhVbpH26pFcaJ9IrndMudb/CWadHGiden1bll9MIzqd79SUd0thY20qga4NA50qgoUGgoRJo/NL/V/N+QIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIECBAgQIAAAQIEyFeEZyXQpUGgUyXQrkGgTSVQl/qGcG5pnkq3Sn0jOMv0k3Vpm05pmNjfsGPalFyOmZmZmdkbSS9cKbtzhxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="margin-right: 3px;" width="22.399999999999995px" /><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: -22.5pt; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">And with that, let me close by giving you a visual glimpse of our 2024 season, which already started with Quad Dipsea in November. Announcing the inaugural stand alone “Shorter Trail” series scoring. Credit for the idea to our PA leader, John Mansoor, with the hope this will be appealing to our younger runners especially. But that should actually be appealing to our older runners as well!</span></p></span></li></ul></span></div><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-48561810674430155742024-01-01T19:01:00.000-08:002024-01-01T19:16:48.545-08:00Kicking 2024 off at Wilder RanchI've fallen so behind with my blog, I still have to write the blog post I intended to on January 1... 2023, dang! For 12 years (2007-2018), I was able to hold a weekly pace. With the hamstring tendon injury of November 2018, which hampered my running for almost 4 years, there was less to write about. Besides, with and since Covid and job changes, I'm not traveling much for work so less opportunities to share about new places. But 2023 was almost back to normal, otherwise and running wise in particular, it's just that busyness and other focuses got in the way. Let's see what 2024 has in store, starting with this New Year Day run.<div><br /></div><div>As a matter of fact, although not much exceptional from a running standpoint, still a very meaningful run for two key reasons. First, Agnès <i>love</i> this opportunity to kick off the year with an outdoor activity, shared together! And it would certainly be a pity not to respond to that invitation with the outstanding weather we are enjoying in California. Second, she picked a State Park and there is so much to love and appreciate about our California State Park system, which contributes to make California so special.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09GMOwvN4SrNGC2UfIgiXUEFfIzASbdx-jc50o86Vh8jY7V_Y_UirLy3aI6XM_c5eMUDDR6SsXB5ckzm9sY8tgaqKmeA65cqmGeaAG0uyk5kqdt4vuf-c1kiRWb60vBEkQE0LMnH0vJtQmcRkPPx-Z0lOfRWqAaFJef0-jaCWAiP_jEpagBvrq5KuKPZR/s4032/IMG_6498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09GMOwvN4SrNGC2UfIgiXUEFfIzASbdx-jc50o86Vh8jY7V_Y_UirLy3aI6XM_c5eMUDDR6SsXB5ckzm9sY8tgaqKmeA65cqmGeaAG0uyk5kqdt4vuf-c1kiRWb60vBEkQE0LMnH0vJtQmcRkPPx-Z0lOfRWqAaFJef0-jaCWAiP_jEpagBvrq5KuKPZR/s320/IMG_6498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Why did I mention this outing wasn't spectacular? Because, due to the rain of these past weeks, 80% of the park was closed, that is all the trails North of Route 1. That still left the spectacular trail and views along the shore but I was looking forward to exploring the various inland loops while Agnès was hiking along the coast. In particular, I was looking forward to explore part of the numerous loops: Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Enchanted, Cowboy, Eucalyptus, Engelsmans. Maybe even as far as running a section of Twin Oaks Trail. Quite a disappointment to get blocked by these trail closure signs right off the bat, at the entrance of the highway underpass behind the visitor center!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgM0-MazjaXQejBwEe4A2COpmZ8PBtHSKXvDCFpf3KVDGOEfa2M5sbBmBtuvOsTcvHU1gqzzHlnGPc8QCLyEpJU3gO0-C9D3T6nrtuOK_nlRWhqq094Tucc5g6EUTsi9VpDN77wC0NCnzDyKdcRPsjJim7KyjLz1qqUDKXLgHB7zwlQ3h0r4XktEbOaqr/s4032/IMG_5502.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgM0-MazjaXQejBwEe4A2COpmZ8PBtHSKXvDCFpf3KVDGOEfa2M5sbBmBtuvOsTcvHU1gqzzHlnGPc8QCLyEpJU3gO0-C9D3T6nrtuOK_nlRWhqq094Tucc5g6EUTsi9VpDN77wC0NCnzDyKdcRPsjJim7KyjLz1qqUDKXLgHB7zwlQ3h0r4XktEbOaqr/s320/IMG_5502.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZGUPcGi9TKCAOtjLe4ODQEvW6KEPXs8Dn0494IFiOSrvJaslj9EBq-6qVCtLcsYhTd-TL8xzWnbNH32EHVFBfdsw3NycoQ3QonIJ8B4l6iTffF4G-pX6zhAh9pFfOpsWqYp33i74EfRGMy2Mp1kL1G1ae4fbKEHTvO2kUHoi4HNkxaSKOyBclBherHq8/s4032/IMG_5503.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZGUPcGi9TKCAOtjLe4ODQEvW6KEPXs8Dn0494IFiOSrvJaslj9EBq-6qVCtLcsYhTd-TL8xzWnbNH32EHVFBfdsw3NycoQ3QonIJ8B4l6iTffF4G-pX6zhAh9pFfOpsWqYp33i74EfRGMy2Mp1kL1G1ae4fbKEHTvO2kUHoi4HNkxaSKOyBclBherHq8/s320/IMG_5503.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />At least the visitor center provides a picturesque experience of California coast farmland and is worth the stop.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6zRSySsXIuDg497cDfJ5gLIziLb74a7PrSINoaX6dW33VLc0qTIxiNX32sVt9pEc0O2d-EhmOWGyYk32mFQ_JAl8XJxY0W12tRFeuMCA4pzkXM2pFCEvDebcLb3P09kKuDEldWmvQ_p-N6uMjVNV6KVJ8jnDv4fDEFHIgrv_IsgTpwWblZgBRlOE_IJF/s4032/IMG_5497.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6zRSySsXIuDg497cDfJ5gLIziLb74a7PrSINoaX6dW33VLc0qTIxiNX32sVt9pEc0O2d-EhmOWGyYk32mFQ_JAl8XJxY0W12tRFeuMCA4pzkXM2pFCEvDebcLb3P09kKuDEldWmvQ_p-N6uMjVNV6KVJ8jnDv4fDEFHIgrv_IsgTpwWblZgBRlOE_IJF/s320/IMG_5497.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoyvQ5AWyciotC9iiceiPMtdQATiT1OJYftL5LvZqySDdWqdnRh0-e9IQUoapsXGvFgdl5Re9BlZhGKJXx3t_7BpGhzYPhQvvm_fH2v6SrIKKkNuuoAh7fTxYDF_auxSsTatrylJc3TkZni7j10PM7db9p_b7_Vxrjp2w_eNnJxSl2Pf1rZjOw7yF47nW/s4032/IMG_5499.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoyvQ5AWyciotC9iiceiPMtdQATiT1OJYftL5LvZqySDdWqdnRh0-e9IQUoapsXGvFgdl5Re9BlZhGKJXx3t_7BpGhzYPhQvvm_fH2v6SrIKKkNuuoAh7fTxYDF_auxSsTatrylJc3TkZni7j10PM7db9p_b7_Vxrjp2w_eNnJxSl2Pf1rZjOw7yF47nW/s320/IMG_5499.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0x6sw5FWX7xYdKVj0j0AaLYnvYtwvFIG0voGi4c1B2UA5xmv38Fz_Qkx_4ZxtU88rXcEmHTmh4F4lH7nxrBoMtntf19tAj0no8uk7s17J0jk0q1DbO4kC8D1xv6oLXZQ0KSFBTNQyOCP1WVnb5DEHx42uCePmDn3lbwiW0PCSAt2aUeD_WvfquTIfJUL/s4032/IMG_5495.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0x6sw5FWX7xYdKVj0j0AaLYnvYtwvFIG0voGi4c1B2UA5xmv38Fz_Qkx_4ZxtU88rXcEmHTmh4F4lH7nxrBoMtntf19tAj0no8uk7s17J0jk0q1DbO4kC8D1xv6oLXZQ0KSFBTNQyOCP1WVnb5DEHx42uCePmDn3lbwiW0PCSAt2aUeD_WvfquTIfJUL/s320/IMG_5495.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b11G1J1zhovWc6okqS0xCCfnmOfEzklAi2uv3F9nW7c1GjrAR7zrj5kL_7YStgX1oVD3kpt-16uK49KIRTOADGsWrv_j_ufC5PgcjTD6gpyoefy4yi3cGH-VBLYUSeyfV4nTcJWIgaoW2sjvCaOnuy0WPb0VkM5NO5lRa_9WYXTy1hAVcFu6UbULNrn2/s4032/IMG_5496.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b11G1J1zhovWc6okqS0xCCfnmOfEzklAi2uv3F9nW7c1GjrAR7zrj5kL_7YStgX1oVD3kpt-16uK49KIRTOADGsWrv_j_ufC5PgcjTD6gpyoefy4yi3cGH-VBLYUSeyfV4nTcJWIgaoW2sjvCaOnuy0WPb0VkM5NO5lRa_9WYXTy1hAVcFu6UbULNrn2/s320/IMG_5496.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt1jAskN_xL0VWaIwYzmri_yu8BaRheHkeoqAnglqdnTLYS6EQPBaiX0r3dtZtvOWC1FCAK7kUWvSEhsADuzKIBVtRAyCLwkoFVFokkQ4GhYvVVPeYOIa95lsIUsV2iRs66bXxT0D7-cTmydzklUsnwbm5aN2Itwo3eBDwCNhNdYLDlvrqDumKkBnFByg/s4032/IMG_5501.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt1jAskN_xL0VWaIwYzmri_yu8BaRheHkeoqAnglqdnTLYS6EQPBaiX0r3dtZtvOWC1FCAK7kUWvSEhsADuzKIBVtRAyCLwkoFVFokkQ4GhYvVVPeYOIa95lsIUsV2iRs66bXxT0D7-cTmydzklUsnwbm5aN2Itwo3eBDwCNhNdYLDlvrqDumKkBnFByg/s320/IMG_5501.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />With that I only ran a total of 20K today, mostly on Ohlone Bluff Trail then, enjoying the spectacular views of the Ocean on such a clear day!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbhdPCGaHR4R0ProtywnihZziy7fSj0v2ipaJpC-jya-O_gjyMjnCWsltKsXFjlpBall4N8ixxrc9YKlcH4ICZtJtKHI7gP-6kSWUua09cLXTD2KLdC4CYts-lnjuFCRx6lawa_O53MFRbysGqHSgBwg8J1ymgSLPN7lUCKcXZHOZGdJbHeH0pTimeH-L/s4032/IMG_5506.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbhdPCGaHR4R0ProtywnihZziy7fSj0v2ipaJpC-jya-O_gjyMjnCWsltKsXFjlpBall4N8ixxrc9YKlcH4ICZtJtKHI7gP-6kSWUua09cLXTD2KLdC4CYts-lnjuFCRx6lawa_O53MFRbysGqHSgBwg8J1ymgSLPN7lUCKcXZHOZGdJbHeH0pTimeH-L/s320/IMG_5506.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuR8nbdBRLXAPz3XyAdf8Tgpa4y3CH2hfobAswFE31VtEFVj8zn0oF-yZfawSgMhd5AtkwugDi_n-ppfiLPnWbMv3SHwKwuooKgmRTPm-IBKAT3zVf4Hci7c7CyG6xHzvuMGNfE0DfcHVDW1p-AoWO8vq5BfkgdtNcKlJJtvE4zB3gZMuL7G5vkeaE98p/s4032/IMG_5520.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuR8nbdBRLXAPz3XyAdf8Tgpa4y3CH2hfobAswFE31VtEFVj8zn0oF-yZfawSgMhd5AtkwugDi_n-ppfiLPnWbMv3SHwKwuooKgmRTPm-IBKAT3zVf4Hci7c7CyG6xHzvuMGNfE0DfcHVDW1p-AoWO8vq5BfkgdtNcKlJJtvE4zB3gZMuL7G5vkeaE98p/s320/IMG_5520.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cuc6XxMsTuvk7Ote5wvp01jvdbKAcLrSql6rbpzTdGDDuPLlsqW69fWvcOCHSD0w9fqWeVQmKOSufzp0yFTC3d6jYRJQH4jIdE83K9fg1vVzHJR4GDW3yFy3ywXUSnNTnlkEPRRDz4n9HfHVxfNoX5qhZDiTMgYALF15j22xPB3paVb5CvFyVaNrCa_u/s4032/IMG_5523.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cuc6XxMsTuvk7Ote5wvp01jvdbKAcLrSql6rbpzTdGDDuPLlsqW69fWvcOCHSD0w9fqWeVQmKOSufzp0yFTC3d6jYRJQH4jIdE83K9fg1vVzHJR4GDW3yFy3ywXUSnNTnlkEPRRDz4n9HfHVxfNoX5qhZDiTMgYALF15j22xPB3paVb5CvFyVaNrCa_u/s320/IMG_5523.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucRJlcXNej-zmb7sEVq7IHiiZXCbu7CwCLVT4U0duasoGP8MvTYqYoeSzy2dKbZjXHeaD8VWpsbs8iKsrE76Qiyj63UqPQ5fNRt_AfE2SGeg58WyxeaHW4rxOYsOv-p1xIHY0uTvw19wXRJDHM0gWkdJ0S970Wf6poZH83aB3-5xRt4Nmpe1aDwVw5nv1/s4032/IMG_5531.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucRJlcXNej-zmb7sEVq7IHiiZXCbu7CwCLVT4U0duasoGP8MvTYqYoeSzy2dKbZjXHeaD8VWpsbs8iKsrE76Qiyj63UqPQ5fNRt_AfE2SGeg58WyxeaHW4rxOYsOv-p1xIHY0uTvw19wXRJDHM0gWkdJ0S970Wf6poZH83aB3-5xRt4Nmpe1aDwVw5nv1/s320/IMG_5531.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1YtQj1oN8IznMrr6igxtqOOKvSLKS_aziBeAEjtgaKlKXCe3iLBDOQ8dp268npY1c6nfnmOuCQOwQkZSMyUIcygGIqBMNfzajORgEXsO8H0NJ2VoPDDmCuoy5VIw3GBs1RbgWA6Vm2heJcdK-QCuYvg6PQan3KvAXqNptvihXSWzVgh-MJp_0Jn4tHQC/s4032/IMG_5533.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1YtQj1oN8IznMrr6igxtqOOKvSLKS_aziBeAEjtgaKlKXCe3iLBDOQ8dp268npY1c6nfnmOuCQOwQkZSMyUIcygGIqBMNfzajORgEXsO8H0NJ2VoPDDmCuoy5VIw3GBs1RbgWA6Vm2heJcdK-QCuYvg6PQan3KvAXqNptvihXSWzVgh-MJp_0Jn4tHQC/s320/IMG_5533.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3eUG_FNVRhw9Ju6IcveJdl1yyDolJLT3nLhFGhOfgDJufj8RqPPBjIOr2lyXk8YDRLiviNt7FQ6GVQQmhhB4d7hu1E0GMRyfmeVniy7akROJLkmxW0GDEr1-B3NrV_BCBQve37x_JVHdZ3toD0pc1_osZE9YVHc48lPiDnVBG5woUpmJgv5oGPt1WBco/s4032/IMG_6517.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3eUG_FNVRhw9Ju6IcveJdl1yyDolJLT3nLhFGhOfgDJufj8RqPPBjIOr2lyXk8YDRLiviNt7FQ6GVQQmhhB4d7hu1E0GMRyfmeVniy7akROJLkmxW0GDEr1-B3NrV_BCBQve37x_JVHdZ3toD0pc1_osZE9YVHc48lPiDnVBG5woUpmJgv5oGPt1WBco/s320/IMG_6517.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />After taking a week off since <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/12/last-and-35th-ultra-of-year-on-familiar.html" target="_blank">I passed that 4,000-mile milestone the day before Christmas</a>, today's run was a nice way to get back at it and spend some of the calories amassed over the Holidays. A Relive.cc flyover, full of Ocean views, including a few from Agnès, out of sync (click on <a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE2ZDMZwO" target="_blank">this link</a>, or that screen shot, below):</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE2ZDMZwO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etB1lbw3xKeXuE0ZxIRGPenOylmZA62EiL7goKyThIXg_Zn_fMtp9KEouXDQpVeeVkVkeNq-dnaaQro7tKvS9l9NV_3v5AENQ1z-VxMU04uC4v8bcY5vtvr_T1FiDOti4Tml5jbOFEljIPx8SI1g_veU4Dn5LpEcY80kIU9Tk0SfGvK_B6zm99peUBVn/s320/IMG_5551.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I certainly need to get back to explore the rest of the vast network of trails on the other side of the highway. Although, as some of you know have heard, I so much prefer not to drive to run, except to races.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4aaCyeRUJknlWXpJL0pOfXI3KehaHv5t9OoW52rCHHefQXhqihffmOyBGbDH5ZtCekMiKpgyjRN-FGgnVqAiGNI7C5uDWgI2Kce6cqaAI7LTISJ0lwkBfnVbr3ZqknHMjXM5tJibLI4Kv0A_whfxlEe3xB7zVRDNJPHz3MR7xJoKnubBp0mt27fdbouC/s4032/IMG_5494.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4aaCyeRUJknlWXpJL0pOfXI3KehaHv5t9OoW52rCHHefQXhqihffmOyBGbDH5ZtCekMiKpgyjRN-FGgnVqAiGNI7C5uDWgI2Kce6cqaAI7LTISJ0lwkBfnVbr3ZqknHMjXM5tJibLI4Kv0A_whfxlEe3xB7zVRDNJPHz3MR7xJoKnubBp0mt27fdbouC/s320/IMG_5494.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />All the best to you all for a wonderful 2024, hoping for a saner World especially! Meanwhile, after this resuming of my second job, back to work tomorrow already, at the one paying the bills, and in that new role. Life goes on, keeping navigating change and uncertainty about the future!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJebmJr27IYwqzkpu2UlXOOsximZ7Dw5v80lzTyUrwsh40808bP5MJtAeW5qV1bHPOL3Q_MXp-71K4_VQ_ucITk6iAc4qur1Ssfe9HMvVwQOIn_JraTG-r0S9epUFM2zDVaUhy2mqLQsdpYPZHafbOPUa9xhxyk1deT8PP9S7Ge_8becFdDc2bStwKQng/s4032/IMG_6530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJebmJr27IYwqzkpu2UlXOOsximZ7Dw5v80lzTyUrwsh40808bP5MJtAeW5qV1bHPOL3Q_MXp-71K4_VQ_ucITk6iAc4qur1Ssfe9HMvVwQOIn_JraTG-r0S9epUFM2zDVaUhy2mqLQsdpYPZHafbOPUa9xhxyk1deT8PP9S7Ge_8becFdDc2bStwKQng/s320/IMG_6530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-68409974761833207422023-12-31T19:00:00.000-08:002024-01-01T17:32:37.950-08:00Sparathlon 2023: γένεση (genesis, part 1 of 4)<div>At last… A month has passed, then two and now almost three, I’m so torn between the great memories of finishing this beast and the delay in recollecting my thoughts and journey related to this major accomplishment of my 2023 season. Let me try to get at least one part of it out in the same year. All this time I had kept 2 or so dozens of tabs opened in Chrome to get prepare for the big endeavor and, yesterday, I got a major crash and that corrupted my browser. I ended up losing 420 tabs out of the 560 I has still opened after recently closing 200. I know, that’s erring on the ultra multi-tasking side…</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3wk6Rxma9qOxs4C54y9vdFtWcJnjcvjygBrOrtXyP2qaflFhHRdJkYUuAYhtij9LMcKfVdOHqkd8u6FcfH4OG7YMMgNBBnRiVD0ITKgs4VS9aC87br_eeG0bhYhaGUleHSJgvkwsOxtGICPnN8pZylDUkTTPXk_fExh5J4RWwbt1lfbEiHw9h3S-S1CK/s3357/IMG_5493.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3357" data-original-width="2894" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3wk6Rxma9qOxs4C54y9vdFtWcJnjcvjygBrOrtXyP2qaflFhHRdJkYUuAYhtij9LMcKfVdOHqkd8u6FcfH4OG7YMMgNBBnRiVD0ITKgs4VS9aC87br_eeG0bhYhaGUleHSJgvkwsOxtGICPnN8pZylDUkTTPXk_fExh5J4RWwbt1lfbEiHw9h3S-S1CK/s320/IMG_5493.heic" width="276" /></a></div><br />After taking a week off for Spartathlon, not to mention months of preparation, I had a lot to catch up and focus on, including finding another role in IBM in a challenging and stressful setup. Plus the family, friends, more racing and training, a few trips, several major milestones in my volunteering gigs (USATF and AFAM) and key home maintenance projects.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, as a pro procrastinator multi-tasker, I never stopped thinking of this project. First, I thought I’d wait for the official race pictures, and that took 3 weeks in October. Then I was waiting to receive David Crokett’s book in which he covers the history of Sparathlon. Then, the intimidation of the sheer size of recounting such an experience. Then, as mentioned above, all the rest…</div><div><br /></div><div>As the saying goes, and not just about Big Blue, the best way to eat an elephant is bit by bit, one bite at the time. Before the race, I came up with the idea of splitting my race report into 4 parts. And since I studied Greek for 2 years in middle school and loved it so much thanks to an amazing teacher, Mr. Goudet, who also taught us about Greek and Roman history and mythology, picking 4 Greek words as themes (I can still read Greek, but that doesn't help understanding modern Greek though):</div><div><br /></div><div>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The history of the race, or <b>γένεση</b> (genesis);</div><div>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The preparation phase, or <b>προπαρασκευή</b>;</div><div>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The race itself, or <b>αγώνας</b> (which doesn’t mean agony but race!);</div><div>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The post-race phase, or <b>επίλογος</b> (epilogue).</div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly or oddly enough, the timespans covered by each part are really different: a few centuries for part 1, almost 9 months for the second, less than 2 days for the race itself, and weeks or now months for part 4.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few centuries, that’s going to take time, right? I have to confess I’m really not great at history, one of the many topics my dad was mastering with his encyclopedic culture, but I really love it, that so much experience is made available for us to leverage and learn from. As a matter of fact, that is one thing which exasperates or depresses me these days, to see how stupid our world remains by still fighting wars, like we don’t know how bad they are and how much they hurt short and long term. Especially in this digital age in which we have access to so much information in real time, or artificial intelligence, really? But I digress...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Pheidippides and Marathon myths</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, speaking of conflicts, that’s of course one major historical connection to Sparathlon, with the battle of Marathon. That battle is certainly not a myth: in 490 before Christ, the Persians (from today’s Iran) were sailing toward the coast of Greece to invade the country as they had done through the middle east already. Despite their overwhelming numbers, the Persians got defeated by the Greeks, or more precisely the Athenanians, and that battle became a pivotal moment, leading to 200 bright and dominating years for the Greek civilization in particular.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, let’s talk about running. First, the historical and geographical facts. Yes, there are about 40 kilometers separating Marathon and Athens. Yes, Athens and Sparta were the dominating cities of Greece. Yes, Athenians and Spartans weren’t really friends, they actually had their own army. Yet, it seems very legit for the Athenians to send a messenger to Sparta to ask for help, given the frightening danger of the Persian invasion and the size of their army and fleet. And, yes, the modern marathon distance is 42.195 km after the addition of a 2-kilometer detour at the London Olympics so the King of England could see the race from his castle.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what about the story about Pheidippides racing to Athens after the Marathon victory and dying after announcing the joyful news? Which is of course what everybody knows about the origin of our mythical marathon race format, right? (By Luc-Olivier Merson - [1], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10678715" target="_blank">Public Domain</a>.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIBWGuAUs2C4gz_7NdkrQqawOAONdBee1Jxo8M5RI689FkxQiGOD5lRT6Dv81rYdL2FtWtcEdJTXMLo_NSeSbxM8654lgro6wlsvIs5DS8CYCiGfeesIOvxdtRrhGJYtj3ALYu6YQ4fwhyphenhyphenIyKbEqcDGoNDddQ9YIcckMpIE7KcJJKJnf1tAW-YXlU8fQz/s1958/Phidippides.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="1958" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIBWGuAUs2C4gz_7NdkrQqawOAONdBee1Jxo8M5RI689FkxQiGOD5lRT6Dv81rYdL2FtWtcEdJTXMLo_NSeSbxM8654lgro6wlsvIs5DS8CYCiGfeesIOvxdtRrhGJYtj3ALYu6YQ4fwhyphenhyphenIyKbEqcDGoNDddQ9YIcckMpIE7KcJJKJnf1tAW-YXlU8fQz/s320/Phidippides.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />While the Marathon messenger seems to have existed, and even died after the rush, it was most likely NOT Pheidippides. Although Pheidippides was indeed a messenger who more likely was sent to Sparta a few days before the battle, to ask the Spartans for help. The Spartans argued that they could come when their ongoing religious festival was over, and also waiting for the full moon. With that, even if you might be disappointed by learning Pheidippides wasn’t the one running from Marathon, he still covered the distance of 6 marathon, reportedly reaching Sparta before the dawn of the second day, then returning by foot and over the famous Mount Parthenion, where Pheidippides was instructed by the god Pan to let the Athenians know he would help them if they were to worship him again. Myths and legends are sure to make Sparathlon mythical!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have to say that, after 25 years of intense and competitive running, I find surprising to have to enter the Sparathlon in order to figure all this out. Even the Wikipedia page is still ambiguous about all these myths, despite what seems to be enough historical evidence available today…</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fast forward 2,500 years, the demystification experiment</b></div><div><br /></div><div>There is hopefully much more clarity in the roots of today’s Spartathlon. In addition to what you can find on the web, ultra historian Davy Crockett recently published <a href="https://ultrarunninghistory.com/book-classic-ultramarathon-beginnings/" target="_blank">the book <i>“Classic Ultramarathon Beginnings”</i></a> in which he covers Sparathlon over 39 pages in chapter 9. A great read full of details about John Foden in particular (some details also available on <a href="https://ultrarunninghistory.com/spartathlon-1/" target="_blank">Davy's remarkable Ultrarunning History website</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>In line with the weaving of history by conflicts, John was in the Royal Air Force when he formed the dream to check if it was indeed possible to run from Athens to Sparta in 36 hours or less. He was joined by 4 other British military men and a crew of 6 composed by an eclectic mix of British and local teachers and students. They started their experimental journey on October 8, 1982. While Foden missed the 36-hour goal, he still managed to finish in 37:37, despite being the oldest at 56. John McCarthy finished in 39 hours. John Scholtens actually claimed a 34:30 finish but, later, Foden stated that Scholtens must have had taken a 10-mile shortcut, off the planned course. Still, they were delighted to have demonstrated the feasibility of Pheidippides’ legendary run and thus was born a new mythical race!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>41 years later</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to the entrepreneurship spirit of local Michael Callaghan, the first official race was held a year later on September 30, 1983. It had 45 starters from 12 countries, 44 men and 1 woman. 16 finished and the winner was no other than the ultra famous Yiannis Kouros, already setting the bar super high at 21:53! He will lower that already mind blowing mark at 20:25 (make a note for this year’s edition). He would end up winning the race 2more times in 1986 (21:57) and 1990 (20:29). The ultra king, or god…</div><div><br /></div><div>Our own Scott Jurek would end up winning 3 consecutive times in 2006, 2007 and 2008, with times ranging between 22:20 and 23:12.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year, the 40th anniversary run had 182 finishers.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What else to know</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>The race format</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, poor Pheidippides didn’t have a paved road to follow between Athens and Sparta! Nor aid stations, nor running shoes, nor energy gels, chews, sun glasses, anti-chaffing lube, crew, all the support we now get.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today’s course is 153 miles or 246 kilometers, all on pavement except for 3 miles of rocky trails over Mount Parthenion. If asphalt looks better than trail from a running performance standpoint, most roads are open to traffic and half of these roads are actually busy highways. That is one part of the experience which I was not looking forward to, although I did many miles of training on such roads in Europe and the US, to help prepare.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is how the course looks on a map of Greece:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONXwms7UQ-3I1eT9tiz5ojF-t6tu_E6HOTbZBjXzHPeFvDuoSZ8YsZ9IHnJLEhaiQsDiTq9pc-L6w16pQLzaHpVVtt0Xxzb4Lfp3W5uSnopxQnXJ_t6DjUmf15fnJzeZuTRso3t6j8pwXoiKm8m2sbpEgBEZUhstO1jJWd5tTYHYe0MLJIIFsr-Gvfkr3/s2420/StravaMapGreece.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2420" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONXwms7UQ-3I1eT9tiz5ojF-t6tu_E6HOTbZBjXzHPeFvDuoSZ8YsZ9IHnJLEhaiQsDiTq9pc-L6w16pQLzaHpVVtt0Xxzb4Lfp3W5uSnopxQnXJ_t6DjUmf15fnJzeZuTRso3t6j8pwXoiKm8m2sbpEgBEZUhstO1jJWd5tTYHYe0MLJIIFsr-Gvfkr3/s320/StravaMapGreece.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The run is so long that you can <i>see</i> it on a whole map of the Mediterranean sea!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZylBsc0pMgU19mMAFIF-OH-c23mRbjOZJHqN9IgC5MvQCNhc6H24z95ei5vqAR48GjAvOnL4ink5cGXW6NxUBHo8PoLIp0Fh7ChbuAOzuccrq_uwtdorJmzYHQXapLD7g5qOxDsiZE3kd_EjHrXgjicimuijxBZStVdda8bIGGuqgTWjC2nJxDaio6iU/s2804/StravaMapEurope.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="2804" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZylBsc0pMgU19mMAFIF-OH-c23mRbjOZJHqN9IgC5MvQCNhc6H24z95ei5vqAR48GjAvOnL4ink5cGXW6NxUBHo8PoLIp0Fh7ChbuAOzuccrq_uwtdorJmzYHQXapLD7g5qOxDsiZE3kd_EjHrXgjicimuijxBZStVdda8bIGGuqgTWjC2nJxDaio6iU/s320/StravaMapEurope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The elevation isn't terrible, my Coros watch measured a gain of 9,800 and loss of 9,500 feet, with Mount Parthenion culmunating at 4,000 feet (1,215 meters).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZFrNEmb8VO45kFYPI-bT9GDQEr1nnTyQDZ7bvV-RpIdYCFMXckHwoYnAXTuUQTj0S1SfdL83iQ04hxpUx6Q9xDYU1on4nI4-h08_GMBzBHWVbUa_NkmLLpC2-DikwSPg-MDgH2UHkscYQQtioGWmzCx45CPwC4AALpGwcWKmTLk1B9VT28-BecW9QjNQ/s1398/SpartathlonCourseProfile.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="1398" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZFrNEmb8VO45kFYPI-bT9GDQEr1nnTyQDZ7bvV-RpIdYCFMXckHwoYnAXTuUQTj0S1SfdL83iQ04hxpUx6Q9xDYU1on4nI4-h08_GMBzBHWVbUa_NkmLLpC2-DikwSPg-MDgH2UHkscYQQtioGWmzCx45CPwC4AALpGwcWKmTLk1B9VT28-BecW9QjNQ/s320/SpartathlonCourseProfile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Beyond the intimidating distance, one which I had never covered in one shot with my longest being 133 miles at the 2014 24-hour Nationals, there is also the pressure of a 36-hour cut-off. And to make the matter worst, not just one cut-off but 75 of them as you can get pulled at each of the 75 checkpoints along the way. And to make the matter even worst, the pace isn’t even linear, not just to take into account the course profile but also to factor in the fact that you will likely slow down. Although it is highly NOT recommended, you still have to start at a faster pace to make these cut-offs early on. While the overall pace corresponding to the whole 36 hours don't seem outrageous at 14:08 min/mile, the first part should be run at close to 10 min/mile, you have to keep moving!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>How to get in</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Between the myth, the international format, and the 40-year history, you’d think the entire planet would want to enter that race. In an interesting dilemma, the organization committee wants to keep the event both open to as many as possible, internationally, but without making a big fuzz out of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, the qualification criteria which I include below for your perusal. Note the lack of generosity for women for whom the minima are really close to men’s. I used to easily meet criteria a to e a few years ago, it was time to put my name in the hat with a couple of “b” qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><i>INTERNATIONAL RACES</i></div><div><i>a) Cover a 120 km (men) or 110 km distance (women) within 12-hours.</i></div><div><i>b) Finish a 100-mile race in 21:00 hours (men) or 22:00 hours (women).</i></div><div><i>c) Finish Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, within 24:00 hours (men) or 25:00 hours (women).</i></div><div><i>d) Cover at least 180 km (men) or 170 km (women) in a 24-hour race.</i></div><div><i>e) Finish a non-stop 200-220 km race within 29:00 hours (men) or 30:00 hours (women).</i></div><div><i>f) Finish UltraBalaton (221 km) in 31:00 hours (men) or 32:00 hours (women)</i></div><div><i>g) Finish a longer than 220 km non-stop race within 36:00 hours (men) or 37:00 hours (women).</i></div><div><i>h) Finish Badwater race within 39:00 hours (men) or 40:00 hours (women).</i></div><div><i>i) Finish Grand Union Canal Race within 34:00 hours (men) or 35:00 hours (women).</i></div><div><i>j) Finish Sakura Michi 250-km race in 36:00 hours</i></div><div><i>k) Finish Yamaguchi 100 Hagi-O-Kan Maranic 250-km race within 42:00 hours (men) or 43:00 hours (women).</i></div><div><i>l) Cover a distance of at least 280 km (men) or 260 km (women) in a 48-hour race.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>RACES IN GREECE</i></div><div><i>a) Finish Spartathlon race within 36:00 hours.</i></div><div><i><And a few other local races></i></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Second, the field remains limited to 390, not far from the Western States Endurance Run quota of 369. But it’s actually more complex than just a single number: to maximize international representation, the organizers limit to 25 the number of runners from each country, just keeping 50 aside for the Greeks. They also reserve the right to invite a dozen or so elites.</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides, runners meeting the pre-requisite marks by 25% or more are auto qualified, meaning they don’t have to go through the lottery. Depending on the size of the country, and the popularity of Spartathlon within that country, the odds vary a lot. For instance, there was only one entrant representing the 1.4 billion Indians! Conversely, and thanks especially to Bob Hearn’s advertising of the event in our local circles, we had quite a few Americans on the wait list this year. Including Bob himself, victim of his own marketing efforts to advertise for Spartahlon. Bob was trying to enter for the 6th time, for a 5th finish.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>But... why did I get in?</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>That's a question I got quite frequently through 2023. Primarily, I felt that, one year before turning 60, it was about time I give it a try. I had thought of entering before but it felt way too intimidating, between the international reputation, the distance and the international logistic. Beyond the athletic challenge and must-do nature, I was also attracted by the mythological and historical connections. As I mentioned, I loved that subject in middle school thanks to the communicative passion of our teacher.</div><div><br /></div><div>I felt important to give you in that initial part some background so you can put some perspective on the unique nature of the event. Which Davy Crockett labels himself as: <i>"one of the most prestigious ultramarathon in the world."</i> In the next part, I'll cover the 9 months leading to the race. A kind of pregnancy...</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-45006541518727311962023-12-25T22:26:00.000-08:002023-12-25T22:26:52.438-08:00Last and 35th ultra of the year: on familiar grounds!After the 4 years it took my hamstring injury to heal, 2023 has been a much better year, finally! There is still so many muscle fibers to rebuild, quite a hefty challenge with age, in order to regain pre-injury speed but at least the pain is gone. A good setting to get back to higher mileage although I had made a resolution not to reach again the 3,100-miles/5,000-kilometers levels I had reached for the 8 years leading to that injury (when I slipped in full stride extension on a wet crosswalk at the 2018 Turkey Trot 10K). But... I dared to put my name in the Spartathlon lottery and got picked on my first run and that required a very special preparation, including higher mileage, oops! Long story short, I ended up logging 4,001 miles in 2023!<div><br /></div><div>4,000 miles never seemed to be a reasonable goal to me and, sure enough, I'm finishing the year quite exhausted. But if you think that's an impossible goal, know that others put even more miles in! For instance, the fastest woman on the ultra scene today, Camille Herron, just closed her 12th year above 5,000 miles, with 4 more years above 4,000 miles before that when she was still focusing on the marathon distance. And she isn't slowing down in her earlier Masters years! In contrast, Kilian Jornet has quite a different philosophy has he is mixing with more activities, exemplifying the power of cross-training: while his running mileage seems low at 3,200 kilometers (2,000 miles), <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kilianjornet/posts/pfbid0skGikxUFzYUy31SjgURMUXo2wkrHk2UgLyBdtKhF7VDmCfen3m9ZhcbiMBFzJecMl" target="_blank">he boasts mind boggling numbers</a> in other dimensions such as 584,270 meters of vertical (yes, that's almost 2 million feet)! Lot of food and scattered data points for thoughts on what best to do in 2024...</div><div><br /></div><div>The day before Christmas was open and I decided to go for one last ultra to close on that elusive 4K-mile goal. We had a project to fly to Africa for the holidays but had to reschedule for next year, ended up at home. And with home goes the familiar ground. While this isn't making up the carbon footprint of my air travels, I don't like to take the car to drive somewhere to run long, I much prefer running from home. I have a few familiar long run courses from home:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>For a marathon distance: the entrance of the Palo Alto Baylands park at the end of San Antonio Road, in Mountain View.</li><li>For 50K, continue on through Byxbee Bridge Park, to the ex/historical/defuncted Palo Alto Yacht Club.</li><li>For 50 miles, keep going along the Palo Alto airport on the Bay Trail, across the Dumbarton Bridge and turning back at the Pump House of the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge.</li><li>Alternatively, for some vertical, up to Black Mountain on Montebello Road with variations ranging from 22 to 28 miles, or more with additional loops on Bellavista and Indian Creek Trails.</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF74WSTgOtuYLmQm5Dbd-9F8Tdj3x5J1sA_IWBpZPENX0RztAew1701_6PhkyqECf6Mo91kgp9j-turKxIBNM_2iQHPeddE7V2DxOfVORSMG1Skns5jEuv-5fSVg0uihJQnTqCfmLGZwcvtw164K6XW08HIY08r37-oF_gpFkJhRHgYH_RjSR9T6qdei7N/s1784/StravaMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1784" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF74WSTgOtuYLmQm5Dbd-9F8Tdj3x5J1sA_IWBpZPENX0RztAew1701_6PhkyqECf6Mo91kgp9j-turKxIBNM_2iQHPeddE7V2DxOfVORSMG1Skns5jEuv-5fSVg0uihJQnTqCfmLGZwcvtw164K6XW08HIY08r37-oF_gpFkJhRHgYH_RjSR9T6qdei7N/s320/StravaMap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This Saturday, to build on the familiar and family theme, Greg joined me to run the first 11 miles together.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O7X4oIaplz0biECkGXUUOeH0CrMvUSD8dmWUvnb1NRRBU7M4dJA-E8hD83hYrM_qnbF3BTm-iff_KLhpRSS091dh7EG-U9Ikcr9_OpzGzPQ9kzb3qJop032i2OtRfo17iaJss7JM8Yn1VrXe7GW-zLu87DxpAmLXsXQ1-wh2lxJcHycZ3I1BstrfhxG1/s4032/IMG_5432.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O7X4oIaplz0biECkGXUUOeH0CrMvUSD8dmWUvnb1NRRBU7M4dJA-E8hD83hYrM_qnbF3BTm-iff_KLhpRSS091dh7EG-U9Ikcr9_OpzGzPQ9kzb3qJop032i2OtRfo17iaJss7JM8Yn1VrXe7GW-zLu87DxpAmLXsXQ1-wh2lxJcHycZ3I1BstrfhxG1/s320/IMG_5432.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq2_AEdXzPhuD5lmyUal2v7X9xs3guUVDTGIuxFqKn8qaPJC05JXq_0CF7SKsu-hdE3lvpAf2atoS8tX29CSghy3KIhUv5R6hpAx96tfVhnAdFKioyEpS15vGsy_wdHo1r0deifYUIZik9oeETTddZHPp_bN8k458aw0jBylcIGembE3KX08scpW3jXre/s4032/IMG_5433.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq2_AEdXzPhuD5lmyUal2v7X9xs3guUVDTGIuxFqKn8qaPJC05JXq_0CF7SKsu-hdE3lvpAf2atoS8tX29CSghy3KIhUv5R6hpAx96tfVhnAdFKioyEpS15vGsy_wdHo1r0deifYUIZik9oeETTddZHPp_bN8k458aw0jBylcIGembE3KX08scpW3jXre/s320/IMG_5433.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We also <i>ran</i> into Agnès and Max at Shoreline who hiked there before stopping by the Google visitor center for a short visit.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e1VMSXu4J3G4NkyPSikgTmHR9i4UiibR3Y50hmVntLEazuz0TVegzhjWS5eiA-14QmRfQqE0BqPy5O7j_uSkaGi6ZX4xIX-O1ypD2CcQKxuiMMOqAyirmU1i3zDWhIVEgOVuSfuILKhjkoARBxsLfQyJwQHWwwIxJWIsJgGU6T-_6g6Zmaw0H6PKNfKf/s3088/IMG_5437.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e1VMSXu4J3G4NkyPSikgTmHR9i4UiibR3Y50hmVntLEazuz0TVegzhjWS5eiA-14QmRfQqE0BqPy5O7j_uSkaGi6ZX4xIX-O1ypD2CcQKxuiMMOqAyirmU1i3zDWhIVEgOVuSfuILKhjkoARBxsLfQyJwQHWwwIxJWIsJgGU6T-_6g6Zmaw0H6PKNfKf/s320/IMG_5437.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Every time I run through Shoreline, I wonder if I'm going to see Jean-François (Maitrot) training there and, sure enough, we crossed him just after seeing Agnès and Max. Jean-François was on his way toward Microsoft but changed his plan to join me for the next 2 miles. Which, after a leisurely 8:20 min/mil average pace turned into a 7:20 min/mile tempo, all while chatting to catch-up about our respective racing, training tips, shoe trends, and the way too typical running topic, injuries. Jean-François is on a great quest of famous marathons: after qualifying and running Boston, he has run Amsterdam, ran Berlin after being picked in the lottery and is going to run Tokyo next! 13 marathons out of a goal of 26. Or maybe 42 after all, crazy runner moving goals... ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdL7RidL-nj4qK0AVgsfszq5hL2fkxZE47G08PoNmW_DL_Smbk6yWBgRAdF5EjbBWYOGDVQs-bhYub_kycChPzg49eH_M0-ssso5rKvPts6BSHPVMcMFdneD7jbf6NLhv37d4Tsf7xH4yIU6hliUuI0n_PPMIdAsL3JBt4RZD8GxUp_9_sM_ZpMNDAUTn/s4032/IMG_5438.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdL7RidL-nj4qK0AVgsfszq5hL2fkxZE47G08PoNmW_DL_Smbk6yWBgRAdF5EjbBWYOGDVQs-bhYub_kycChPzg49eH_M0-ssso5rKvPts6BSHPVMcMFdneD7jbf6NLhv37d4Tsf7xH4yIU6hliUuI0n_PPMIdAsL3JBt4RZD8GxUp_9_sM_ZpMNDAUTn/s320/IMG_5438.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />After Jean-François turned back before the Bowl, I continued to my own turnaround and returned toward Cupertino. A few pictures and one <a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqN1N98236" target="_blank">Relive flyover</a> (click on first picture below):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqN1N98236" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1596" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-NTjvY0WlWK1d9zTRQsB2xaTg2Wus6Qetd2RkXaZjHhAa22QUL8BrCoK7zWfG1mBTl9V5CHtdF5PvoOdHDegZ_efO5HAL2M63LK-hA3Kacf8q12iLKIP4HUppBOxWfvFRmPdcwIbVtyyM3jDn80ixYhSn39iyK9sR410JieZBGC8Jm5mzvzvtvnUFqGc/s320/Relive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCx2ed7zXr1uQFdk4hNb8PZEw9LocCGwMlCy-mGDw4TKXrDpbF9EUAzqRHeXIc6IpsBmeIs3fxmnyG-0h247arne7-iIQHWrddYSVuvzoGsBXpN_6yTcv7hrk3YkuCnZSFCBh1K9QtsOoPMM6AjOpR-M4CZ1Fkxi8sU7yep3xG8IPEUoomtwSNnzQWi3A/s4032/IMG_5439.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCx2ed7zXr1uQFdk4hNb8PZEw9LocCGwMlCy-mGDw4TKXrDpbF9EUAzqRHeXIc6IpsBmeIs3fxmnyG-0h247arne7-iIQHWrddYSVuvzoGsBXpN_6yTcv7hrk3YkuCnZSFCBh1K9QtsOoPMM6AjOpR-M4CZ1Fkxi8sU7yep3xG8IPEUoomtwSNnzQWi3A/s320/IMG_5439.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_eenCrq-B-G0p-tHgkU_adZhf0JANkIBlLIUk_TbTTK5RxnTq5ttsWPxk03cKOb82B1ZR-3esE1amZKflYVH6XbpuOEwJmlYnf1eQsKoLLX6-m9NqSZGRg3lVV5QjOBIojH9NAcnWN2324mqKUT2k-14YMKNf6bbbv_M4MbXsQAKwFanKIdfG3f8iX17/s4032/IMG_5440.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_eenCrq-B-G0p-tHgkU_adZhf0JANkIBlLIUk_TbTTK5RxnTq5ttsWPxk03cKOb82B1ZR-3esE1amZKflYVH6XbpuOEwJmlYnf1eQsKoLLX6-m9NqSZGRg3lVV5QjOBIojH9NAcnWN2324mqKUT2k-14YMKNf6bbbv_M4MbXsQAKwFanKIdfG3f8iX17/s320/IMG_5440.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfjAi4UAsbHTZhyZ1lB96lpSLv16Zf14vxVkFapo4055GJfnSuzNx9VXeOEFNKkeh_txgBoz0KFNQUIBIuQPIc3zTn0zsP9OOQyZW-jmNGh1J3jSFQwgKifysOOp-0BJjB6aGmIcN350DuT1sA3cKK46W9GbKYryZJIow_Dajjz_XqLDn2q9eA4RqSROn/s4032/IMG_5443.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfjAi4UAsbHTZhyZ1lB96lpSLv16Zf14vxVkFapo4055GJfnSuzNx9VXeOEFNKkeh_txgBoz0KFNQUIBIuQPIc3zTn0zsP9OOQyZW-jmNGh1J3jSFQwgKifysOOp-0BJjB6aGmIcN350DuT1sA3cKK46W9GbKYryZJIow_Dajjz_XqLDn2q9eA4RqSROn/s320/IMG_5443.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3-V1ghME0g05XrJX2qX40RqyYMvWHhirWJE4WkiXUV1Dl8AJMUPcf36p7fXMElYjLqZprni9eY6B78MauGSGazu0FiL4oMkacGq20L-d6l7ODEpUDRLTEX7lwFOG8LI79dZEWHygYrpkfKVtet1YArmGAONTqhagDWTlkXyNv6gC7ZlSxjcbtblgoU-F/s4032/IMG_5444.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3-V1ghME0g05XrJX2qX40RqyYMvWHhirWJE4WkiXUV1Dl8AJMUPcf36p7fXMElYjLqZprni9eY6B78MauGSGazu0FiL4oMkacGq20L-d6l7ODEpUDRLTEX7lwFOG8LI79dZEWHygYrpkfKVtet1YArmGAONTqhagDWTlkXyNv6gC7ZlSxjcbtblgoU-F/s320/IMG_5444.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileIbkeQi9TbCa2yCJ_p14Ig04FIHFQIRWgUnhAxLJPlvobiuNvGloMnsutb6kUpSIHOAQSQiPriW0EGy02G4b6C1bKSr82CGE-MqpUP9YjGLuaNuEl-ImmzKPmYFH2bh3GIlF6srs5Abt9sKj5M37hkXOkE5D9GeVjNOPXwP3M_SjMBgtxwcHiE5GFfyf/s4032/IMG_5445.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileIbkeQi9TbCa2yCJ_p14Ig04FIHFQIRWgUnhAxLJPlvobiuNvGloMnsutb6kUpSIHOAQSQiPriW0EGy02G4b6C1bKSr82CGE-MqpUP9YjGLuaNuEl-ImmzKPmYFH2bh3GIlF6srs5Abt9sKj5M37hkXOkE5D9GeVjNOPXwP3M_SjMBgtxwcHiE5GFfyf/s320/IMG_5445.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Back to my starting point, with now 3,998 year mile, I kept going with one of my local, and very familiar, 5K look around the neighborhood, to round up and close the year with 4,001 miles. With only one week left in the year, not really in time to indulge the 3 rest weeks recommended by Scott Jurek, an advice I followed for many years but at least I'm taking the last day of 2023 off, phew!</div><div><br /></div><div>In <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kilianjornet/posts/pfbid02Xhwv6jvjvgCDFzqHWaQFegM11DGxGiA3f7ZXWayfsjhyt2ir3ixT6C4B3GUBzxYWl" target="_blank">this other Facebook post</a>, Kilian shares how he switches his training to skiing and indoor cycling in winter and how that makes him a better runner. I don't have snowy mountains nearby but I already had in mind to at least integrate much needed strength training, fo a big change. I'm at least very happy to close the year healthy, it's easy to take good health for granted...</div><div><br /></div><div>Sending peaceful vibes to all over these year end holidays, thinking of the many drawn into conflicts around the world. To a better and smarter 2024 hopefully!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-KF1WTpHYZvnExpv_qBZbdPV8174Js7wE-csJilfC8tvok8jQrRpzb28GIksVdhMr8L85JldF40IfgaFHO4NdZjtqluMSoFc4QTEvb2WERLS8RCSuZ82j7B-hnmcFys6S0eT_RdWOeShb8HV_kRfMe1GS6aUkDWtIHEryA-tnzgCrSeOi-0Oylqf22ag/s4032/IMG_5447.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-KF1WTpHYZvnExpv_qBZbdPV8174Js7wE-csJilfC8tvok8jQrRpzb28GIksVdhMr8L85JldF40IfgaFHO4NdZjtqluMSoFc4QTEvb2WERLS8RCSuZ82j7B-hnmcFys6S0eT_RdWOeShb8HV_kRfMe1GS6aUkDWtIHEryA-tnzgCrSeOi-0Oylqf22ag/s320/IMG_5447.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiNxzJY23Bvf8ziu4cd87UMfWMcCEhTYfww89v8esvBgrhdhw9dEnTvigJ-lTQou9lKhDqTyJOJcH9yEqzb3_7QCV0F76gqJoeDNYtcrlCk7j446cvJZzj-6Ewg7lOx_D199dXte_4YTaKp3AbnpILo8x44OM1EHIWR4jK-Aqj1attWYsHmaVnDVW95CJ/s3088/IMG_5448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiNxzJY23Bvf8ziu4cd87UMfWMcCEhTYfww89v8esvBgrhdhw9dEnTvigJ-lTQou9lKhDqTyJOJcH9yEqzb3_7QCV0F76gqJoeDNYtcrlCk7j446cvJZzj-6Ewg7lOx_D199dXte_4YTaKp3AbnpILo8x44OM1EHIWR4jK-Aqj1attWYsHmaVnDVW95CJ/s320/IMG_5448.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-14552282240831755202023-12-09T11:52:00.000-08:002023-12-09T11:52:03.433-08:00And the PA MUT Oscars should go to... Help: please nominate your nominees!<p>This message is for my fellow USATF Pacific Association members: your help is much needed in identifying who should be nominated for our MUT (Mountain, Ultra, Trail) 2023 season awards!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhdfLapmcMdcYWmdWKbEsKu_ghjCEcxTsWxt9jMcKBb8t5iwcEbW8KlskZrbcnMfcx8f1Cb4Ax6AAuJvQ2dbf0bczFgPVeH4h67RtF0TSUWrJQkMCQKbo3uN77icioto0zAXDWW0Znijb-zT3KoSDdIrBdwMzvRgvEJ1f4ErT4rO2MlqDKvoPEeklKYb4/s4032/IMG_9688.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhdfLapmcMdcYWmdWKbEsKu_ghjCEcxTsWxt9jMcKBb8t5iwcEbW8KlskZrbcnMfcx8f1Cb4Ax6AAuJvQ2dbf0bczFgPVeH4h67RtF0TSUWrJQkMCQKbo3uN77icioto0zAXDWW0Znijb-zT3KoSDdIrBdwMzvRgvEJ1f4ErT4rO2MlqDKvoPEeklKYb4/s320/IMG_9688.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />3 categories:<p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Female MUT Runner of the Year</li><li>Male MUT Runner of the Year</li><li>MUT Volunteer of the Year</li></ol><div>Let me start with the Volunteer category, VoY, which is not an easy one: while a good number of volunteers may come to mind as we see them helping us at aid stations or they help behind the scene to make races happen, there is another key criteria: be a Pacific Association member in good standing. Needless to say, you don't have to be a member to volunteer so many of our most resourceful volunteers aren't eligible for such a recognition. That still leaves us with 7,600 names in <a href="http://pausatf.x10host.com/data/members.php?page=all" target="_blank">our Association directory</a>, please share your ideas, adding who you would like to be considered in <a href="https://forms.gle/P1TgWmbRMhzMuWs38" target="_blank">this online form</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The membership requirement is also key for the RoY eligibility. Beyond that one, I identified 6 dimensions to bring more objectivity to the process when I took over the leadership of our Grand Prix and MUT Sub-Committee, which I shared in <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2020/01/join-us-for-usatf-pacific-association.html" target="_blank">that 2020 post</a>. They are:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Body of Work (MUT)</b>: 0-No race result; 3-significant MUT achievements; 5-5 or more significant MUT achievements</li><li><b>International / National</b>: 0-No result in international or national competitions; 3-Significant results at international or national level(*); 5-Podium at international competition</li><li><b>Pacific Association MUT GP focus</b>: 0-0 PA race/result; 3: 4 or more PA GP results; 5-7 or more PA GP results</li><li><b>Performance range</b>: 0-Single distance / format; 3-Significant results in two distinct formats / distance ranges; 5-Significant results across sub-ultra trail, and 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ultras</li><li><b>Historical performance</b> (CR, AGCR, ITRA>800): 0-No CR setting; 3-Some CR setting, or CR-worth/close performances, A few notable ITRA scores (>800 for Men, >700 for Women); 5-Consistent setting of CR / AGCR across body of work, Several high ITRA scores (>850 for Men, >750 for Women)</li><li><b>Age graded performance</b>: 0-Too young for age being a factor (20-35); 3-Rocking the Masters division; 5-Still killing it enough to make the podium or top 10</li></ol></div></div><div>There are still some subjectivity but that framework brings some structure to compare our best local athletes before deciding on this very coveted recognition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Calling for help because the scouting for nominees is quite a task so let's share the burden with some crowd sourcing. That requires to scan local, national and international results, then cross check with <a href="http://pausatf.x10host.com/data/members.php?page=all" target="_blank">our PA member database</a>. Some of you participating in the Grand Prix reach out from time to time, asking how you can help, here is one opportunity! From the comfort of your couch and keyboard!</div><div><br /></div><div>Should I add that this is urgent as our award banquet celebration is planned for January 27 and plaques have to be ordered by December 18? Setting the <b>deadline</b> to this <b>Wednesday December 13</b>, but the best time is now!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready, set, nominate! Looking forward to receiving your nominations through <a href="https://forms.gle/P1TgWmbRMhzMuWs38" target="_blank">this online form</a>!</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-17206215073696183012023-11-26T15:01:00.000-08:002023-12-03T15:54:32.879-08:00Quad Dipsea 2023: not getting easier, especially on tired legs!Not quite a same-day race report but not too bad, on the following day. And what a special occasion to celebrate with this 40-year anniversary of this other Bay Area ultra running tradition. On the famous, or should we say infamous, Dipsea trail, the course of one of the oldest running race in North America. I haven't run the single Dipsea yet but the Double 3 times (2001 to 2003) and that was my 8th Quad Dipsea, albeit including one "Triple Dipsea" DNF in 2016.<div><br /></div><div>As a matter of fact, I doubled with a Turkey Trot 2 days before, for these 8 times. Also, being the last race of our Ultra Grand Prix for many years, I usually didn't need to score to secure my age group, and risk an injury on this challenging course. But this is now our season opener, a good excuse to return. Overall, I ran it in 2006, <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2008/11/quad-dipsea-we-all-did-it.html" target="_blank">2008</a>, <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2009/11/quad-dispsea-09-chasing-too-many.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2014/11/quad-dipsea-2014-no-fall-almost.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2016/11/quad-dipsea-2016-not-worth-it.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2021/12/quad-dipsea-2021-back-to-ultra-fun-and.html">2021</a>, <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/11/quad-dipsea-2022-perfect-conditions-for.html" target="_blank">2022</a> and 2023. 3 more finishes to the 10-time finisher jacket! This time, in addition to <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/11/silicon-valley-turkey-trot-2023-shorter.html" target="_blank">pushing on a 10K on Thursday</a>, my legs were sill tired from <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/11/fat-ox-24-hour-nationals-could-i-be.html" target="_blank">running all day and 106 miles at Fat Ox last weekend</a>... One could say, not the smartest tapering! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG-UfO8rb4DjDscVl2T7j1yBQBKWStTXOSC5oLXgFfQbWXdjygJ8C7ZS6F-1J5lIcY7XOOj0Iz_az6TsFVt8j_78Jaa02aklz-Wszv1jGVnR4nG_i1egmKq5YU3XNttJZDjD3HRKlUZUfA-H216gPxkgSfzZfTaF18IHdzfwFe0PD2PA-k-ub2L4oTeCR/s4032/IMG_5189.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG-UfO8rb4DjDscVl2T7j1yBQBKWStTXOSC5oLXgFfQbWXdjygJ8C7ZS6F-1J5lIcY7XOOj0Iz_az6TsFVt8j_78Jaa02aklz-Wszv1jGVnR4nG_i1egmKq5YU3XNttJZDjD3HRKlUZUfA-H216gPxkgSfzZfTaF18IHdzfwFe0PD2PA-k-ub2L4oTeCR/s320/IMG_5189.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />That late in November, the conditions can vary a lot. This year, they were perfect: sunny, soft course after some heavy rain a weekend earlier then a dry week, and some breeze on the ridges. Even better, I got a very comfy ride to the start on Dominick's Tesla Y and we got one of the best parking spots near the school and 1 block away from the start thanks to leaving Cupertino by 5:15 and getting there around 6:20.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was still dark under the redwoods canopy but Stan Jensen was already at work!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzolCVnHi8FqnhMPIVi_81ULcrkiycLuMOtlxLiIRFN_yLeQUNS7dv1BaFYSZv5bgJe9J6H8YfgUMEPGvbFjJ3tnjlMd-FRbDWa7y3sB1Gk3kSigwx4IawtlUbnEXm8lSHa3LnQGyMq9p8ZHFwygnaZ0Xse0O71tndiE9u5DZqwNoK63kuKXPKdudjDvu/s4032/IMG_5178.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzolCVnHi8FqnhMPIVi_81ULcrkiycLuMOtlxLiIRFN_yLeQUNS7dv1BaFYSZv5bgJe9J6H8YfgUMEPGvbFjJ3tnjlMd-FRbDWa7y3sB1Gk3kSigwx4IawtlUbnEXm8lSHa3LnQGyMq9p8ZHFwygnaZ0Xse0O71tndiE9u5DZqwNoK63kuKXPKdudjDvu/s320/IMG_5178.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJVg-foYEmSn_qnagkHdp7wo5rtXo29KumliBIstA1oDWWvCM1AqD-GmcZkcRlvSE8Rrqv3I52z1IE4kmMbICoqu7eJEA8j5PM62ZfvmgzJvkhWNl51XMsWOz75rDxVn48AOc3tFxi-WRxKNQel8oJqNiyw0ZlLoGP7QOQzzC9EA3M1P9uJFKqF09QgjC/s4032/IMG_5179.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJVg-foYEmSn_qnagkHdp7wo5rtXo29KumliBIstA1oDWWvCM1AqD-GmcZkcRlvSE8Rrqv3I52z1IE4kmMbICoqu7eJEA8j5PM62ZfvmgzJvkhWNl51XMsWOz75rDxVn48AOc3tFxi-WRxKNQel8oJqNiyw0ZlLoGP7QOQzzC9EA3M1P9uJFKqF09QgjC/s320/IMG_5179.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />As well as John Catts of course, for his 10th and last year directing, with Ted Knudsen soaking in all the guidance and tips as he takes over the next editions.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQWBVB9OXqH5BwKRC8mabr5yg4Dxvor5zE1ASKmBYa2e68_25IHXuSjFS34feeZ2xXPfDjlhvxPjqVhFn0r5PphQ6sa7jCOs8b0o10WCkXHPCCvcv4i9Ywe_rY-TT2-9HmQSWJJbiG05RL-zOI0AQ4oxuI76xfhPickATtohcDjGhvFOV6JsLdHIX-NRE/s4032/IMG_5180.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQWBVB9OXqH5BwKRC8mabr5yg4Dxvor5zE1ASKmBYa2e68_25IHXuSjFS34feeZ2xXPfDjlhvxPjqVhFn0r5PphQ6sa7jCOs8b0o10WCkXHPCCvcv4i9Ywe_rY-TT2-9HmQSWJJbiG05RL-zOI0AQ4oxuI76xfhPickATtohcDjGhvFOV6JsLdHIX-NRE/s320/IMG_5180.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />The long porta-potty line is always a great opportunity to meet other runners.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXYrqPdjY3CALe6kRrwyK8IqXxVVFYa1xExCv6MvnkjUHCBa0CqxpuUNpFn2zc1gb8UJ5AAsLW9Ef6MCUOb_k_M9QSf-ZteN7Ur3jKkZfywcldCRMr0fiT5SKZLofqP28Tv0b7750ahlyZu-8yO_oEdXk9MN7Bm7raoM74OfWt6fcAOpzWIdKew1oATYi/s4032/IMG_5184.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXYrqPdjY3CALe6kRrwyK8IqXxVVFYa1xExCv6MvnkjUHCBa0CqxpuUNpFn2zc1gb8UJ5AAsLW9Ef6MCUOb_k_M9QSf-ZteN7Ur3jKkZfywcldCRMr0fiT5SKZLofqP28Tv0b7750ahlyZu-8yO_oEdXk9MN7Bm7raoM74OfWt6fcAOpzWIdKew1oATYi/s320/IMG_5184.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Although teammate Sylvie just got her dual citizenship, I'm the one still wearing layers like I'm not Californian!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkZbt6O7D8HXYZOZIHgvVKlTNjYioAVG31EcG297DH68t28ESBdXMYOfZ7cnaumYexcCBeANUp6vfjd7pb_7cvkR72wt5ireIGVfpwplBi9T6Kd2txw_ccZB64FZiKHA36STbgbCE5s2o-pjUeU4GPL4cfnM0lDB86vSS5bfehsSwxRyd2dHz1fgEY9r6/s4032/IMG_5181.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkZbt6O7D8HXYZOZIHgvVKlTNjYioAVG31EcG297DH68t28ESBdXMYOfZ7cnaumYexcCBeANUp6vfjd7pb_7cvkR72wt5ireIGVfpwplBi9T6Kd2txw_ccZB64FZiKHA36STbgbCE5s2o-pjUeU4GPL4cfnM0lDB86vSS5bfehsSwxRyd2dHz1fgEY9r6/s320/IMG_5181.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9LT17UeDX2KhxlOTQlJOFcgnHkt_m8RTQMnIjutOENwvdjKRTymeCxpduBSAanhgyQn5Ai5n4YKqgm7CW4IAlBbXQZtnf__7j4GF6qsm1ruRTtVnUERG5zpH03nNbp4YCWRz0fH-mmpXJAn1faeyly5gdtudY06-Yk0xsEuJ3Max3ln_D3EiBTZId-J1/s4032/IMG_5182.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9LT17UeDX2KhxlOTQlJOFcgnHkt_m8RTQMnIjutOENwvdjKRTymeCxpduBSAanhgyQn5Ai5n4YKqgm7CW4IAlBbXQZtnf__7j4GF6qsm1ruRTtVnUERG5zpH03nNbp4YCWRz0fH-mmpXJAn1faeyly5gdtudY06-Yk0xsEuJ3Max3ln_D3EiBTZId-J1/s320/IMG_5182.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Was great to see the 200-miler queen, Catra, back on her quest to 25 Quads!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlHArPeGJ7LNnrXJOWCntHrkIkotrSzx-VZwWtT3nYxGc_WXF9cFwEP8oelBkOME-WTOnSBk81vH28c1wBK2JqrM4yJKAx1yUrLSHYvQ0Q2FQVMcex0N6mtyVAXOlV2Q5gHkj3yHIzCslIT-PtpzTRS6aSqoCVdII6abNCdjlB042V-_5lcGrlGCddtiL/s4032/IMG_5183.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlHArPeGJ7LNnrXJOWCntHrkIkotrSzx-VZwWtT3nYxGc_WXF9cFwEP8oelBkOME-WTOnSBk81vH28c1wBK2JqrM4yJKAx1yUrLSHYvQ0Q2FQVMcex0N6mtyVAXOlV2Q5gHkj3yHIzCslIT-PtpzTRS6aSqoCVdII6abNCdjlB042V-_5lcGrlGCddtiL/s320/IMG_5183.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />And look at who showed up again in the midst of such a super competitive Western States selection process, with the lottery in a few days: it's Race Director! As I told him: "You must be doing something great to get 9,600+ hopefulls in the lottery!"</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lEE6AJgFzkGg_fc-bpOjA5qdAH3mM6UWZN1jatTnBXJiIuf35IS13Lf0PyY2TE7B4GBBk8txJUQDOLF5kIidD5mi-vygDEJzfuH3mlbFwkfa5cGV1ZBLVKi4AHGqRJxxrnFKKsULaXsIVsBu3Epy2FszFxpGvywsHtgFUtyjtpyLyIJ__S1Gim8ez_vj/s4032/IMG_5185.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lEE6AJgFzkGg_fc-bpOjA5qdAH3mM6UWZN1jatTnBXJiIuf35IS13Lf0PyY2TE7B4GBBk8txJUQDOLF5kIidD5mi-vygDEJzfuH3mlbFwkfa5cGV1ZBLVKi4AHGqRJxxrnFKKsULaXsIVsBu3Epy2FszFxpGvywsHtgFUtyjtpyLyIJ__S1Gim8ez_vj/s320/IMG_5185.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Tropical John and Lisa made the trip to Mill Valley again for this very special celebration.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCksgZDgim4PJdZYgAzzcvChWwK6kVSsEaEaps6R-jaC4h32tpyvpXr-Q36FxwQ3NzQQ4DxpeIM9G2PpocU1SsIcmiFtCXQqiHLhvMgaeGTEUg3Fyq3ZyI758bNP4BwlqVZMaWKu4-J9B1EBHnZG4mhTCYVo5puZZIeW7lgc7retrH7KXPUV7d6QsKfy7/s4032/IMG_5186.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCksgZDgim4PJdZYgAzzcvChWwK6kVSsEaEaps6R-jaC4h32tpyvpXr-Q36FxwQ3NzQQ4DxpeIM9G2PpocU1SsIcmiFtCXQqiHLhvMgaeGTEUg3Fyq3ZyI758bNP4BwlqVZMaWKu4-J9B1EBHnZG4mhTCYVo5puZZIeW7lgc7retrH7KXPUV7d6QsKfy7/s320/IMG_5186.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAvA8SC8teFEuHjKdayFOnSo9rPeKmPhLXHq1BiTYj0-KJB7rssrIuWkt5jNDS3eq_xWl-_JNACgD0mVIzz7FXg4Hoa7C5uLVc8lg7Kjk9eKR4kO3Qb5g3qZctF7ljFUgwBdUeFXSm0LmotUFOdG9uSaz9HTpbkOLw8pz0Go31CaJRuZ39hMcL2ezres_/s4032/IMG_5187.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAvA8SC8teFEuHjKdayFOnSo9rPeKmPhLXHq1BiTYj0-KJB7rssrIuWkt5jNDS3eq_xWl-_JNACgD0mVIzz7FXg4Hoa7C5uLVc8lg7Kjk9eKR4kO3Qb5g3qZctF7ljFUgwBdUeFXSm0LmotUFOdG9uSaz9HTpbkOLw8pz0Go31CaJRuZ39hMcL2ezres_/s320/IMG_5187.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was expecting a 5-minute speech at the start, but John Catts is more reserved than the Tropical one! Anyway, we were sent off on time at 7:30 with a sprint to the bottom of the first 700 stairs and I ended up being around the top 20 by then, although that didn't last for long!</div><div><br /></div><div>I got passed by so many runners in the stairs but that was ok. Dominick, 52, caught up in the middle and I managed to stick to him. We were going to run the next 11 miles together, with an initial split of 1:14, right on his 5-hour target.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were so many runners ahead of us, I lost track how far from the leaders we were, place wise: I'm guessing around 45. Distance wise, I was at 5.7 miles when I saw last year's winner, Nick Handel, on his first return: that made for a 2.8-mile gap already, wow!</div><div><br /></div><div>On the way back from Stinson Beach, I was able to stay close to Dominick. We passed the Cardiac aid station and, 1 mile later, got into a couple of runners attending to one laying down on the side. Oh no, it was my teammate Sylvie Abel, in foetus position and looking unanimated as I got on the scene. So scary! Hopefully, she was just in shock and distress, having difficulty to catch her breath as she complained about hitting her rib cage and fearing something was broken. Her trail angel managed to get her to stand up, then sit down on the nearby trunk which she might have hit hard in her fall.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIadqBZtc-Q5Y2JjK-c6Ht2v1L84YP8wTg43P2_IDIGPLKHYJpISL8q4T-bOP2bURp6-DlNnVjOaeged7SzOdQ9R0rhWgvHijbyGtgag8WLHOVJXKLW2-twU1THUXiVYpszgG5HXNsT6uAZlFRD_4g_KPKtRrFyMm4el_JafQ18pDcAAhOL30HgKExcc5/s4032/IMG_5188.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIadqBZtc-Q5Y2JjK-c6Ht2v1L84YP8wTg43P2_IDIGPLKHYJpISL8q4T-bOP2bURp6-DlNnVjOaeged7SzOdQ9R0rhWgvHijbyGtgag8WLHOVJXKLW2-twU1THUXiVYpszgG5HXNsT6uAZlFRD_4g_KPKtRrFyMm4el_JafQ18pDcAAhOL30HgKExcc5/s320/IMG_5188.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />I wasn't up to take a picture while she was laying down, but here she is with her helper who stopped for a while. Dominick had just stopped for a few seconds and left when he realized we were enough to help out. I did leave after a couple of minutes myself after another runner stopped by and said he was an MD. With that, I didn't hear the helicopter which were sent over the scene but was told after the race that Sylvie ended up ok, getting assistance from the medics at Cardiac, then a drive back to the start. So long for a 2024 season opener for Sylvie and our team.</div><div><br /></div><div>Without Dominick as a visual lead, I lost some of my mojo but was still happy to cross him as he was starting climbing the stairs again. I clocked a 2:31 at the turnaround and stopped for just a few seconds to drink a cup of Coke.</div><div><br /></div><div>The third leg was surely not as fast and efficient as the first one but I kept pushing, remembering we had quite some power walking on the first leg already. This time I stopped at Cardiac, getting help from Jerry Flanagan to refill my GU Energy Brew bottle.</div><div><br /></div><div>I crossed Dominick as he was at the beginning of the stairs on his way back, right after the Stinson Beach aid station. My clock was showing 3:51 and I returned to that spot at around 3:58. Not too bad of a gap but, again, I had lost my motivation to really pushing as hard as the 2nd leg. I even took the time to stop and snap a few pictures of the amazing views, to the surprise of 4 younger racers who passed me.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5186yTkVZ445pQQZu0d9pNSBrKlCUzxe5r8c9nvVmUXvLUCyd9YDLOdDBrknn76GMqqiVoWZ3Oq2KSuWxPRytBre4WIHsGouqtPH4ZUzSmBeQWraI_uDRfLvwIpfzQx8LgjOx35bBtnmajZr4aqN5fX7-0Dwow39E0_AGLZ-PCl5eQLFK6DXPsTXHvYj/s4032/IMG_5191.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5186yTkVZ445pQQZu0d9pNSBrKlCUzxe5r8c9nvVmUXvLUCyd9YDLOdDBrknn76GMqqiVoWZ3Oq2KSuWxPRytBre4WIHsGouqtPH4ZUzSmBeQWraI_uDRfLvwIpfzQx8LgjOx35bBtnmajZr4aqN5fX7-0Dwow39E0_AGLZ-PCl5eQLFK6DXPsTXHvYj/s320/IMG_5191.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR-w1p3-OeEAv3397fDnjXGu_S9IcyH70223qFfWa021bnj_K4XULxR4SVFCYwGZIBInqP_EF6TTDjs2YImewXi_uDDepeKEdvUHoR-vfW8x-SznHl0wB28dUriyMzs1O1OPzFI21tyJDLDnmDqnJcuAPS2Tt9aS2q00GficCFxY4c1pLIFiBBEEv-wnH/s4032/IMG_5192.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR-w1p3-OeEAv3397fDnjXGu_S9IcyH70223qFfWa021bnj_K4XULxR4SVFCYwGZIBInqP_EF6TTDjs2YImewXi_uDDepeKEdvUHoR-vfW8x-SznHl0wB28dUriyMzs1O1OPzFI21tyJDLDnmDqnJcuAPS2Tt9aS2q00GficCFxY4c1pLIFiBBEEv-wnH/s320/IMG_5192.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBX947ImrBHKybm6Qby4KT_mJWH0QdC41xbMRjnThFSbyd-3comJhICfuhA7RFPWNgeUPh2ac_jEae9TbOUOrBd68LND-qBY6DwWBPlkkaaHA_DtoOcWC82wyiSbwUhEBE3i9wnVr3g2U-g6871oStb5UBrk93xfUFxYOi9EefA0vx91KXb35Lb_2gGNXV/s4032/IMG_5193.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBX947ImrBHKybm6Qby4KT_mJWH0QdC41xbMRjnThFSbyd-3comJhICfuhA7RFPWNgeUPh2ac_jEae9TbOUOrBd68LND-qBY6DwWBPlkkaaHA_DtoOcWC82wyiSbwUhEBE3i9wnVr3g2U-g6871oStb5UBrk93xfUFxYOi9EefA0vx91KXb35Lb_2gGNXV/s320/IMG_5193.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>Cardiac aid station, with quite a panorama view!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG7NlQd_iOco8WNwl-92NHQCj34_T_4T2PVVYAavg_bViKaPhLe32W18Hk51gA6lcfhSD7a-olpnPE2p_E_mVcU2gF_1GXn6UOjAk87GCWLHxWgr8XdV-toyxcWVCIzh8k-cPLuBX0wTGtcc3zyU3Irz1kAII2N0DLRQdruUOZbgOILZPH0hCRY-nQwMV/s4032/IMG_5194.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG7NlQd_iOco8WNwl-92NHQCj34_T_4T2PVVYAavg_bViKaPhLe32W18Hk51gA6lcfhSD7a-olpnPE2p_E_mVcU2gF_1GXn6UOjAk87GCWLHxWgr8XdV-toyxcWVCIzh8k-cPLuBX0wTGtcc3zyU3Irz1kAII2N0DLRQdruUOZbgOILZPH0hCRY-nQwMV/s320/IMG_5194.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji92c3S4X_UJotKJGGc_0bPi3vFpMN1DeQ_Nqy2eRXCSU7ZxFwf-mgRgTEvJKoOZKdwjd9EuBuT9mopBapWHbT7AyXCrea4YV8x4NscPUKjAnuIYhoLAqPXeQQ_qchP9uGeg-8e17CPs0RE_6Z_coCvAj6kHYhRVYvDUeZWBe1iByYlHxDkBH9WMrL-N9b/s9198/IMG_5195.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="9198" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji92c3S4X_UJotKJGGc_0bPi3vFpMN1DeQ_Nqy2eRXCSU7ZxFwf-mgRgTEvJKoOZKdwjd9EuBuT9mopBapWHbT7AyXCrea4YV8x4NscPUKjAnuIYhoLAqPXeQQ_qchP9uGeg-8e17CPs0RE_6Z_coCvAj6kHYhRVYvDUeZWBe1iByYlHxDkBH9WMrL-N9b/w400-h165/IMG_5195.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br />I jogged everything I could but walked way too much and felt the fatigue especially in the irregular stairs of Steep Ravine. These darn stairs, which I-Tao captured on leg 2:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn1DtCM_myo9TnOcz4KfVDsQ_-TtzxvOpA31ZNCEbsMWD0Cwd-_Mdzj6RWNV51eOSAH8lmlZHASviIq5Vt42AsbWAuL6HhFDneewPl3rERIUcNoCTmRjbQK45hShN_R5rvLce240hzkyrU3dpeyP0sWLaj7QUtVyG001O9QQcgdUOTWQm10_cSDeckJ2E/s2048/I-TaoTsai_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn1DtCM_myo9TnOcz4KfVDsQ_-TtzxvOpA31ZNCEbsMWD0Cwd-_Mdzj6RWNV51eOSAH8lmlZHASviIq5Vt42AsbWAuL6HhFDneewPl3rERIUcNoCTmRjbQK45hShN_R5rvLce240hzkyrU3dpeyP0sWLaj7QUtVyG001O9QQcgdUOTWQm10_cSDeckJ2E/s320/I-TaoTsai_01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />This year's splits: 1:13:56, 1:17:49, 1:21:55 and 1:27:02, for a total of 5:20, not a great pace this time again. I thought I had run 5:21 last year but it was 5:09, so here is to some more disappointment. So far from my 4:20 and 4:19 of 2006 and 2008, I lost so much with the 4-year injury of 2018... Needless to say, so far too from Nick's winning time of 3:48:44, the 3rd fastest time in the race history!</div><div><br /></div><div>Dominick had an amazing 4th leg, passing a lot of struggling runners, finishing 26th overall in 5:02:43 and winning our age group. I ended up 54th overall and 4th in M50-59, although 1st above 55. Maybe my odds will improve next year, at 60! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>From our Quicksilver club today: Sylvie (DNF), Gaspar Morra, Bree Lambert-Sanders, Clare Abram, Scott Laberge (not USATF), Steve Patt, Stephen Strauss (Captain, DNF at the Triple).</div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed until almost 3 pm, for some great connections with the local ultra running community. I have to say I was really impressed with how many people called my name on the trail; and Dominick was also stunned. Thank YOU to all of you, and sorry for being so focused on the trail for missing a lot of eye contacts and acknowledgments. At least I didn't get too distracted, and I didn't fall, one of my top goals at that race!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultra volunteering is a full time job for Stan Jensen, making for some long days caring about us!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL_XZIOhnUdFpHdsroLlYGwEVM8D5kzFO7sLXOQkXz4qFZXKSIqkdjsrs64ZqCvXiWSnGIbTE7anri7Zk8qyQ4J_ndAC6XtmONle1q29oWE6gZTHttEsGLDl8A1kvWsfFBxnpTMCRoQ6dcaW4GWAEOR6ITss1bsa0ZFW4LWgobmhWqdD6CErwyXNJNp9I/s4032/IMG_5196.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL_XZIOhnUdFpHdsroLlYGwEVM8D5kzFO7sLXOQkXz4qFZXKSIqkdjsrs64ZqCvXiWSnGIbTE7anri7Zk8qyQ4J_ndAC6XtmONle1q29oWE6gZTHttEsGLDl8A1kvWsfFBxnpTMCRoQ6dcaW4GWAEOR6ITss1bsa0ZFW4LWgobmhWqdD6CErwyXNJNp9I/s320/IMG_5196.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />To sweeten this celebration even more, John Catts got us superb technical fleeces from Salomon, embroidered with the 1983-2023 milestone. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjvcg3pqchZ8iURMbhOTJv6vWQ8L3vOHyGpp8Bqh-dkMP3MFFL03dvnWlGPApLRSjcw6JKSFlDTroX-A9zIDJZ9uTEOmpuKNbFQFzb4Yt7EzAtM4io0ary1TwRJpNVWPqb1zh14rJI7ejzDyLih7slll-24sL_mAQ2Pn1Nn65pE3c2OB9TO42H9HdeFc7/s4032/IMG_5204.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjvcg3pqchZ8iURMbhOTJv6vWQ8L3vOHyGpp8Bqh-dkMP3MFFL03dvnWlGPApLRSjcw6JKSFlDTroX-A9zIDJZ9uTEOmpuKNbFQFzb4Yt7EzAtM4io0ary1TwRJpNVWPqb1zh14rJI7ejzDyLih7slll-24sL_mAQ2Pn1Nn65pE3c2OB9TO42H9HdeFc7/s320/IMG_5204.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Looking forward to year 41 already, hopefully for another finish, #8. Meanwhile, great to see so many of you yesterday!</div><div><br /></div><div>PS:John posted <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuadDipsea/posts/331292159655064" target="_blank">this great event report on Facebook</a> a few days later. Precious addition of details about the leaders, the volunteers and those who got the closest to even splitting!</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-84646845511312676622023-11-25T21:45:00.000-08:002023-11-27T22:07:28.617-08:00Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 2023: shorter doesn't mean easier!As I posted on Facebook last night, I'm barely touching ground between all the racing this year and keeping up with the blogging, not to mention my first job of course! But trying hard... So, after recounting <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/11/fat-ox-24-hour-nationals-could-i-be.html" target="_blank">my epic albeit pathetic 3rd place at the 24-hour Nationals last weekend</a>, after running the grueling Quad Dipsea this morning, after not being able to make the time yet to report on my Spartathlon, let's continue with Thursday's Turkey Trot.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vFHQ51lwR6NVMHUsAFZ1AJqhekc55Gedjy6RugvRGwAhyphenhyphen8Zik2p9VqSRFJEZx6HqsmcFNGkgz32NoH_qL_OLPsbUyqDfYQ8-YzHPVKr-klxIEEN9kXGYwO0riisIahUsoHAL-QqX8zsB6W3jFytmBBrnyyif0Qqdlv9mierMk6G_KxNQR0mvqYEjb1DR/s4032/IMG_5087.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vFHQ51lwR6NVMHUsAFZ1AJqhekc55Gedjy6RugvRGwAhyphenhyphen8Zik2p9VqSRFJEZx6HqsmcFNGkgz32NoH_qL_OLPsbUyqDfYQ8-YzHPVKr-klxIEEN9kXGYwO0riisIahUsoHAL-QqX8zsB6W3jFytmBBrnyyif0Qqdlv9mierMk6G_KxNQR0mvqYEjb1DR/s320/IMG_5087.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Of course, it was only a 10K so that makes it much easier to blog about. But, on the athletic side, many people imagine that running 10K must be much easier than running 170K (last weekend) or 246K (Spartathlon). Well, it all depends on the intensity and pace you put into it. And for the ones who know me, they wouldn't expect I just stroll a 10K.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was the 19th edition of this amazing local Thanksgiving tradition which Carl Guardino initiated in 2004 to raise funds for local charities. Surpassing 20,000 participants, it quickly became the largest Turkey Trot in North America. While it had to go virtual during the pandemic, it's now in full swing under the leadership of Race Director, Chris Weiler.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepHn-kfgQkHAcNWFlPy9od1BqJd8hNbRo7lzc7yFv4GxPT-mZCFTPSrK4BVFjwsOEoJSV6oJZSOYhsXshDT5lEcDkKMI_fGb4HhTpWrGk39n3ZK7B-4n1F99Ww5hC2ArCP7S4jpdh9vNOviE8b0CXY1SzCbtx8dzv-Ws7C5FTZelMJeYBCcCcOcCggrBh/s4032/IMG_5091.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepHn-kfgQkHAcNWFlPy9od1BqJd8hNbRo7lzc7yFv4GxPT-mZCFTPSrK4BVFjwsOEoJSV6oJZSOYhsXshDT5lEcDkKMI_fGb4HhTpWrGk39n3ZK7B-4n1F99Ww5hC2ArCP7S4jpdh9vNOviE8b0CXY1SzCbtx8dzv-Ws7C5FTZelMJeYBCcCcOcCggrBh/s320/IMG_5091.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />For me it was number 15, a nice and particular milestone, and streak. We ran quite a few as a family but the boys are now far away. Agnès is also a big fan, on the 5K, and we also have friends joining, as well as colleagues from IBM.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmZYB7L3g4tYZBDS7isuI30k-oCricyKU68BFSrL3VAEJLVfds8yGB40cvzaO4onR4hz6aAvo4pgxTFIKPapxQyPT2ajVTvQT5S51q6BQgOD-sNhP0asCwOQGv3lYzlOAwla5cB_i4ol5NTolIYXX9GGHROELMtWjxLkjfZkqPA6WThVyqcOMYuzB7XxG/s4032/IMG_E5175.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="4032" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmZYB7L3g4tYZBDS7isuI30k-oCricyKU68BFSrL3VAEJLVfds8yGB40cvzaO4onR4hz6aAvo4pgxTFIKPapxQyPT2ajVTvQT5S51q6BQgOD-sNhP0asCwOQGv3lYzlOAwla5cB_i4ol5NTolIYXX9GGHROELMtWjxLkjfZkqPA6WThVyqcOMYuzB7XxG/s320/IMG_E5175.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We have had a few rainy runs but the conditions were perfect again this year. This makes a huge difference when dealing with such a huge crowd. We got at the parking lot on 3rd street around 7:15 when the city was still so quiet. Plenty of time to get prepared before the 8:30 am start of wave 1.</div><div><br /></div><div>After running 106 miles last weekend, I was still sore on Wednesday when I went for a slow 10K run to get the blood flowing. That made me quite worried about how I'll fare this Thursday. With the focus on Spartathlon, I've done almost no speed work this year but I went for <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/11/back-on-track-little-speed-experiment.html" target="_blank">a track trial</a> the week before the Nationals and was surprised I could still break 6 minutes. But, again, my legs were trashed after running in circles for 24 hours last weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before sending the wheelchair competitors off, we had a short allocution from San Jose Mayor, Matt Mahan, then the National Anthem (click on 2nd image below to get to the video/recording).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGTWYDsIycqNnh87WtOnU64Mxey_hybH1K8p1BqtO9hYlrP7p0KjVPx1xNQc5UycVquOeT6uuNyknknpavgpx27IgOEsSoUjNpVLP4K_sPCi09iO2mLSHlY8rEZYAOAxqLOvZ4c4nxLy4y_5rWCHGlEpmtN5TK487kIVgxRWbssSlyj4seBT-yYJ3XUjp/s4032/IMG_5093.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGTWYDsIycqNnh87WtOnU64Mxey_hybH1K8p1BqtO9hYlrP7p0KjVPx1xNQc5UycVquOeT6uuNyknknpavgpx27IgOEsSoUjNpVLP4K_sPCi09iO2mLSHlY8rEZYAOAxqLOvZ4c4nxLy4y_5rWCHGlEpmtN5TK487kIVgxRWbssSlyj4seBT-yYJ3XUjp/s320/IMG_5093.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/edT1iKP5Qss" width="320" youtube-src-id="edT1iKP5Qss"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkD0nxvo2-Is2t1Je3G6-X9Rs5WSAfB4iq10abhgOg33Yk4HzHJNcQli5bPhwsSeYXE9Ongf84oAhL8xp4gJrXhAKtgEuEoUf4cpoRqKKd15J_p3iWKTB5NeW4gS79uNRh0Cx8xEzsbtK6HZ3BwGDpN_ABlqmPyldkgXu0Wk5RF6jimCJI6ryzH5U_2DSS/s4032/IMG_5092.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkD0nxvo2-Is2t1Je3G6-X9Rs5WSAfB4iq10abhgOg33Yk4HzHJNcQli5bPhwsSeYXE9Ongf84oAhL8xp4gJrXhAKtgEuEoUf4cpoRqKKd15J_p3iWKTB5NeW4gS79uNRh0Cx8xEzsbtK6HZ3BwGDpN_ABlqmPyldkgXu0Wk5RF6jimCJI6ryzH5U_2DSS/s320/IMG_5092.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I still started in front and decided to give it all my best. By the first turn, about 400 yards in, my GPS was showing a 6:15 min/mile pace, not too bad. And, yet, especially with a combined 5K and 10K start, there were so many youger runners ahead already. My first lap ended up at 6:25 and the second at 6:29. And I couldn't really go faster than that, this year. An anecdote from the third mile: I was following a runner who, all of sudden, picked his phone and started answer a call and having a conversation. At 6:30 min/mile, respect! Well, I ended up passing him but I think he caught up on mile 4.</div><div><br /></div><div>I clocked 6:32 for that 3rd mile and the field got more sparse after many turned toward the 5K finish. The sunny areas of the course were getting warmer but there was still a lot of shade on the side, you could pick what you preferred. I was still on mile 4 when I saw the lead runners coming back toward the finish, wow! Yet, I couldn't get the needle to move much, it was challenging enough to maintain this pace which I've not run on for a long while after so many weeks this Summer logging between 100 to 200 miles. Mile 4 ended up being the slowest one at 6:38, followed by a mile at 6:33.</div><div><br /></div><div>With only one mile left, I was more free to give it all or at least some of the all I didn't have in the tank. I clocked a 6:30 then started seeing the finish line with the clock showing 39 minutes already, yikes! I used to break 6:35 on this course but, again, the circumstances were very different. At that point I hear someone yelling my name on the right, it was ultra runner Chihping Fu. Needless to say, I kept sprinting and managed to break 40 minutes by 5 seconds, phew, that was close! 6:26 min/mile average.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ranking wise I wasn't surprised in the evening to discover I had missed the age group podium for a change, falling in 7th place in the M55-59 (I'm 3 month off turning 60, not the right end of the spectrum! ;-) ). What baffled me though is that this ended up being the most competitive age group in the Masters: there were 6 runners below 40 minutes in the M40, 2 in the M45, 5 in the M50 and 2 in the M60. Excited to get into a new age group then for the 20th anniversary next year!</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the size of the crowd, I did see my former best speed work buddy Bob M, one IBM colleague, Shawn, and a few friends.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBMZqGhqjosIEZFbHizC3PoE2yhEjKVZuX790mxiUtyv_59tIPgV_zzZkcvwjUWtmoND3y9PLZxjLY1G3z4DWR82WL-etzmJfaJSJ9F8y4fwwpICY7mti3H7pWMuiJHHWn2u4fn-GrsDX-c10jjNo76gg-w1VXl9nrGvgT-GQx-K8QL_lAyvRpD3DsLmG/s4032/IMG_5172.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBMZqGhqjosIEZFbHizC3PoE2yhEjKVZuX790mxiUtyv_59tIPgV_zzZkcvwjUWtmoND3y9PLZxjLY1G3z4DWR82WL-etzmJfaJSJ9F8y4fwwpICY7mti3H7pWMuiJHHWn2u4fn-GrsDX-c10jjNo76gg-w1VXl9nrGvgT-GQx-K8QL_lAyvRpD3DsLmG/s320/IMG_5172.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g-6Kx2Zx-95fZEDZQVjwCISf2OHiLGkE_JgS1Z49vK6Csq7nZwRFe4LncrWW3ArdQvCiDEnsmalUkIuTSqyhqvOYtz-bTESd7Hyk-iJQ8SQ2nRlIdzRAk826urSzVYSGJEsdqhrVjQr9kmrIO42sEcGFLNZstvMEl61wnaP0q8yPP59PM6YJQ3JHxHG3/s4032/IMG_5171.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g-6Kx2Zx-95fZEDZQVjwCISf2OHiLGkE_JgS1Z49vK6Csq7nZwRFe4LncrWW3ArdQvCiDEnsmalUkIuTSqyhqvOYtz-bTESd7Hyk-iJQ8SQ2nRlIdzRAk826urSzVYSGJEsdqhrVjQr9kmrIO42sEcGFLNZstvMEl61wnaP0q8yPP59PM6YJQ3JHxHG3/s320/IMG_5171.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />And I chatted with Bob Anderson, the founder of Runner's World who, today, at 75, broke 50 minutes to place 2nd in his age group.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF2eHAdQpLRHWSTHugfZMa3My-O0FFFZ-yz-mTn1pop7LhgOANQy3dl-pugkyua66U9mHrURG-PCKlhf5qcFTzpquBIb2icU6lXpvWFnq0gR_NRpdWCrxUlxp8h7TjX48P8O-2K1iZBXtU7ka1EhkYX-F-h3UXvtl2rTlUjftYukdCGFWlqwv8D9icBrB/s4032/IMG_5173.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF2eHAdQpLRHWSTHugfZMa3My-O0FFFZ-yz-mTn1pop7LhgOANQy3dl-pugkyua66U9mHrURG-PCKlhf5qcFTzpquBIb2icU6lXpvWFnq0gR_NRpdWCrxUlxp8h7TjX48P8O-2K1iZBXtU7ka1EhkYX-F-h3UXvtl2rTlUjftYukdCGFWlqwv8D9icBrB/s320/IMG_5173.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />As for Carl, he was hard to miss, doing an interview right in the middle of the finish area!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi654caFC-aMQxyfDQ7E_i3B9C7_smANgyy7PfFQB10HPSO2zVWRmxEthHliIFfpyUab0P6SaWKT0vLcgyL4Heeux3CeLXnMz4JiBzACREnQYE4SCFwkni47efd4n-I6W1XOZi0Keb3zRFBM8pIqXp-5LMlNoMk4RGTvxu-cNDPCQKLvY8TSG5EKyMupVLL/s4032/IMG_5165.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi654caFC-aMQxyfDQ7E_i3B9C7_smANgyy7PfFQB10HPSO2zVWRmxEthHliIFfpyUab0P6SaWKT0vLcgyL4Heeux3CeLXnMz4JiBzACREnQYE4SCFwkni47efd4n-I6W1XOZi0Keb3zRFBM8pIqXp-5LMlNoMk4RGTvxu-cNDPCQKLvY8TSG5EKyMupVLL/s320/IMG_5165.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oLxee4MUeghNzlpW1RT9jt9fkaUWsZP5u7v9SSbQpfSSpoBPLGXv1Qx3gSeHpUdcXSSGap9oz9i-DwCdSOXSrxERYWZiHmNTvtAMTfktx7cY4F76BZMD0BP1lqpSo7GS6Un5_srkzZgc77H9QoW1rk0a6a68Wz0fynYeTwDQLIkXLXNc7-mphEWWmHzt/s4032/IMG_5166.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oLxee4MUeghNzlpW1RT9jt9fkaUWsZP5u7v9SSbQpfSSpoBPLGXv1Qx3gSeHpUdcXSSGap9oz9i-DwCdSOXSrxERYWZiHmNTvtAMTfktx7cY4F76BZMD0BP1lqpSo7GS6Un5_srkzZgc77H9QoW1rk0a6a68Wz0fynYeTwDQLIkXLXNc7-mphEWWmHzt/s320/IMG_5166.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33RR0Q9AAxnOUumPqE7xRl52jTiD_J-2pwx_sKhX3tEwCGj0kWClJ3kVhn36tDjMOjq9HkDrrU0k2F4LJmCJKDn-Gdl55ix8xWIxmXlT8Xx72p4ptmwhstXnQ52KMbKk0Iz_fhrHSfqkNoZJWkcMJO5bzg4T-yUwSJoMy2jxiYqhN06SznWxp86-8adJm/s4032/IMG_5168.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33RR0Q9AAxnOUumPqE7xRl52jTiD_J-2pwx_sKhX3tEwCGj0kWClJ3kVhn36tDjMOjq9HkDrrU0k2F4LJmCJKDn-Gdl55ix8xWIxmXlT8Xx72p4ptmwhstXnQ52KMbKk0Iz_fhrHSfqkNoZJWkcMJO5bzg4T-yUwSJoMy2jxiYqhN06SznWxp86-8adJm/s320/IMG_5168.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7w20126QJEv2MA9g1W-TxnQOJxPeCtNA9Pxo1nTR63m-cQLS0qFXMRtgAp3elaGh-xW-5p2hwuCryltYO4FGGkh_8Sfv3mQm8ZmdPzywPwEZBWXo5jTZJVv_xtO4qq7ZUPtdbMien2pabd3EO95QP3rxH2Du7OZsTBPHZcgU2PD9Al_4lXdljl53sG4i/s4032/IMG_5169.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7w20126QJEv2MA9g1W-TxnQOJxPeCtNA9Pxo1nTR63m-cQLS0qFXMRtgAp3elaGh-xW-5p2hwuCryltYO4FGGkh_8Sfv3mQm8ZmdPzywPwEZBWXo5jTZJVv_xtO4qq7ZUPtdbMien2pabd3EO95QP3rxH2Du7OZsTBPHZcgU2PD9Al_4lXdljl53sG4i/s320/IMG_5169.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Now, the important stuff: while running is an amazing excuse to get people out for a healthy family activity on Thanksgiving morning, the real deal is that the event raised $11 millions for these local charities. Way to make an impact as a group, congratulations all!</div><div><br /></div><div>See you next year for the 20th anniversary, this is going to be yet another huge party and opportunity to raise the bar of fund raising!</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-57619183061211246152023-11-24T21:41:00.000-08:002023-11-26T15:50:45.990-08:00Fat Ox 24-hour Nationals: could I be tired yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0ZjaWiEw5x5SV2BMHbcEAzbtKhoodFa1ygaucxMSA027tRwqnp79I9pPnUPtVSprJZE4QJnmUkhPMYV8paGKzYe3RD3zFuewRitlgA2H93MumsxbMYL4r-Z0i-nyu29Fo5fiG1yaCoQkDi8w_hk1syYAs41BEBALwgQgdBdAojrjPZHUeWuxmf0knmUZ/s4032/IMG_5068.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0ZjaWiEw5x5SV2BMHbcEAzbtKhoodFa1ygaucxMSA027tRwqnp79I9pPnUPtVSprJZE4QJnmUkhPMYV8paGKzYe3RD3zFuewRitlgA2H93MumsxbMYL4r-Z0i-nyu29Fo5fiG1yaCoQkDi8w_hk1syYAs41BEBALwgQgdBdAojrjPZHUeWuxmf0knmUZ/s320/IMG_5068.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />A week has passed since Fat Ox and I already raced the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10K yesterday, time to keep the blog going with such a heavy regimen! (I'm still waiting for some pictures, I'll add later.)<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOs28GVO7aUUsuO4dlQd6sU8k3WzystF5DWJxTQKgEoZvkFYINfrcKu9Sd8J27wDvzHIRhVChdn8d_reOSBn-sjBpgiBPkvQ18WB_c4m-Nh49PX-yOENh6O2CyzcUEuodLXk6q0ccvzNZJVxqwStHg0VZ-NfWROGQb1FU4jcjtn55xkHXMI-N0jwxkbc8/s1920/2023-FatOx-Logo_v1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1920" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOs28GVO7aUUsuO4dlQd6sU8k3WzystF5DWJxTQKgEoZvkFYINfrcKu9Sd8J27wDvzHIRhVChdn8d_reOSBn-sjBpgiBPkvQ18WB_c4m-Nh49PX-yOENh6O2CyzcUEuodLXk6q0ccvzNZJVxqwStHg0VZ-NfWROGQb1FU4jcjtn55xkHXMI-N0jwxkbc8/s320/2023-FatOx-Logo_v1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Fat Ox: did you think from the name and the logo that it was about celebrating a big fatty local bovine? Well, sorry, you completely missed it, you got misled, and so was I! ;-) Nope, this is about a major real life Fat Oxydation experiment which has been set especially for Nick Coury to validate some key physiological hypothesis. Nick is actually the lead of our 24-hour Team USA on its way to the World Championships in Taiwan, next week. A major calendar conflict which explains why the big guys and gals of the discipline didn't show up at these Nationals.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to being the current American record holder for 24 hours with 173 miles, Nick is one of the best representatives of the power of the Optimized Fat Metabolism (OFM), accelerated by <a href="https://vespapower.com/" target="_blank">the Vespa formula</a>, a Japanese supplement product. In case you aren't a regular of this blog, I've become a big fan and user for the past 15 years (since Mt Diablo 50K 2008). In all disclosure, after refusing any sponsorship given the benefits I was deriving personally from the product, I became a Vespa Ambassador in 2019.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was still dark when I checked in at 6:45 am.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xu7B5sE0b51qf8gn7oPprEQGl4xSr-_kvocWX5HYmT8AAEEnNfDxnmTgJcOKvvMFf1MmgKH3jFH0zfYghdpFzOu4pyY0Z3QpdCwbMWBuwkkSlkkhJYWh_ktsr8jweKpSo7f09tRy-FpZeIOf5q16P5LR0BUsG_46t_yKtmdSB6RosAdZY8rtUVLGG_1E/s4032/IMG_5030.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xu7B5sE0b51qf8gn7oPprEQGl4xSr-_kvocWX5HYmT8AAEEnNfDxnmTgJcOKvvMFf1MmgKH3jFH0zfYghdpFzOu4pyY0Z3QpdCwbMWBuwkkSlkkhJYWh_ktsr8jweKpSo7f09tRy-FpZeIOf5q16P5LR0BUsG_46t_yKtmdSB6RosAdZY8rtUVLGG_1E/s320/IMG_5030.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGYuzbbGmoo02HS3U94ofXt4f8Wkh3kTcYZRTvy9Zl-wQQx_hhIZszC3DQhHznCquiHCoMzpBvjp6ZVG5jXZYw4xPEC3ww5LCnWOgVXevTG_ZebIu9Gam2lOGpaf92YqFSD_n3aiEyeFTi7ld79FbTPlLS3Hn__H7OiE4voi1LpLMJMnoNyuqa6dbCW3P/s4032/IMG_5032.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGYuzbbGmoo02HS3U94ofXt4f8Wkh3kTcYZRTvy9Zl-wQQx_hhIZszC3DQhHznCquiHCoMzpBvjp6ZVG5jXZYw4xPEC3ww5LCnWOgVXevTG_ZebIu9Gam2lOGpaf92YqFSD_n3aiEyeFTi7ld79FbTPlLS3Hn__H7OiE4voi1LpLMJMnoNyuqa6dbCW3P/s320/IMG_5032.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />After 8 attempts, my PR at this format has still been peaking at 133.4 miles, a mark I set at the NorthCoast 24-hour Nationals of 2014, placing 3rd overall, soon after turning 50. I had to stop for 2 hours after my pee had turned brown, so I always felt I was worth more miles if I could use the full 24 hours. Yet, I've struggled at this one-day format since, sometimes due to the weather. With that, I was excited to experiment again and hopefully improve on this PR.</div><div><br /></div><div>In good albeith wet spirits before the start, with Lin Gentling, our USATF Official to oversee the Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmXc0xrjXG8MXL34J3d9D3q_54bDkjckz0Zf8W3rvdVf680aSYSXhEB0dVarP5eTrpvJ_7fipw17ltZYV2uqBy2s0-lxcr2EjlW_qmAcMBTyBnqQZqTPPGvXnxWcacD12YQuC8bFlJq5dc5C44LM0B_UorIaBswSXBc_6UzGSubNWBrJJG8rmH6t-83EC/s4032/IMG_5033.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmXc0xrjXG8MXL34J3d9D3q_54bDkjckz0Zf8W3rvdVf680aSYSXhEB0dVarP5eTrpvJ_7fipw17ltZYV2uqBy2s0-lxcr2EjlW_qmAcMBTyBnqQZqTPPGvXnxWcacD12YQuC8bFlJq5dc5C44LM0B_UorIaBswSXBc_6UzGSubNWBrJJG8rmH6t-83EC/s320/IMG_5033.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />My primary goal was to win my age group, which would have been my 20th National age group title. Unless another M55-59 competitor was signing off, I was the only one in that age group when the online registration close which meant that I only had to complete one lap to fulfill this goal. How embarrassing...</div><div><br /></div><div>One sad news was that Devon couldn't make it because of the impact of her Lupus. We were left with 9 participants and only 3 real competitions among 3 open men (under 40), 2 M65-69 and 2 open women. I had prepared in my luggage the plaque our Pacific Association committee which I chair made for Devon at the beginning of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fN5gCxCLp29_uY2D9NPuon_UHplkhRRfAaMTzKEk_f7_h3py1YXC174bYS4KvgXb5DCb9itN9dtyqkyYpHtdVT7ltFRj13en0Mqnj64AjE5BsE0-ebhLbIJ2ArQhH9GU0QRjfe-kvHUo8dwaxx-fKUqggHboiTzJ0YQBbqrIXYToyW9EH4cOfM0IfX0M/s4032/IMG_5023.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fN5gCxCLp29_uY2D9NPuon_UHplkhRRfAaMTzKEk_f7_h3py1YXC174bYS4KvgXb5DCb9itN9dtyqkyYpHtdVT7ltFRj13en0Mqnj64AjE5BsE0-ebhLbIJ2ArQhH9GU0QRjfe-kvHUo8dwaxx-fKUqggHboiTzJ0YQBbqrIXYToyW9EH4cOfM0IfX0M/s320/IMG_5023.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />The event actually started on Friday morning with a 48-hour and various other time formats across 24, 12 and 6 hours, so there was always some action on that 0.988178-mile certified course. Our championship started at 8 am on Saturday. A few days earlier, the weather forecast was giving just a few minutes of rain at the start. While we ended up with almost 2 hours, it was not too bad, mostly drizzling. The 48-hour runners though got drenched as it poured so much in the early morning. I was actually shopping for some water and garbage bags at 6 am and had to wait for 10 minutes in the car on the parking lot to wait for the storm to pass. As a result, the flat and slick concrete course had quite a few puddles to slalom through in these first 2 hours. Thankfully, a handful of volunteers, including the big Aravaipa boss, Jamil, spent quite some time literally sweeping the course for us: top and most welcomed manicured course care! (Photo credit: Lin Gentling.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAAcBA8t-FFDc5ueBzFulAnnuhJq00dI4XRtvDgTPS7Ln68GOpqPZS0upBxqKT0Dqa6O6Cx-3OatSijyip-8ZudcR0Yehl26A0RNhgDJPypplVovjslqWIOwlzVGfivx3C-HCfwPvg0zI78nC_Vq75Mt472FGBn_e0eUsboJZcRFbO1w5FXPZxLa6VYnj/s4032/LinGentling_IMG_9326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAAcBA8t-FFDc5ueBzFulAnnuhJq00dI4XRtvDgTPS7Ln68GOpqPZS0upBxqKT0Dqa6O6Cx-3OatSijyip-8ZudcR0Yehl26A0RNhgDJPypplVovjslqWIOwlzVGfivx3C-HCfwPvg0zI78nC_Vq75Mt472FGBn_e0eUsboJZcRFbO1w5FXPZxLa6VYnj/s320/LinGentling_IMG_9326.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I had conscientiously let the younger Open runners go at their fast sub-9 min/mile pace but I actually had trouble slowing down enough myself. After a few laps I was still averaging 8:35-8:40 minutes per mile. Lin was taking pictures while walking and monitoring the course:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCjgQsWo3S9VcJPzXDffZRC3SehSDCacQNrTkr7HmGVs6cVH9LYgfPgX-mN_X58na0s895NI_JM9akzxKB1jdrM5YZH2XDXZK4bzaXNZc5njzK3qTsYEVTwa1L6VGikF2Mk-jYL_K3f-uh0-Pdcb4xx4VTZPlk7w4IC4OLFPpl7Rh5qbi5k9dKLgsYjaH/s4032/LinGentling_IMG_9297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCjgQsWo3S9VcJPzXDffZRC3SehSDCacQNrTkr7HmGVs6cVH9LYgfPgX-mN_X58na0s895NI_JM9akzxKB1jdrM5YZH2XDXZK4bzaXNZc5njzK3qTsYEVTwa1L6VGikF2Mk-jYL_K3f-uh0-Pdcb4xx4VTZPlk7w4IC4OLFPpl7Rh5qbi5k9dKLgsYjaH/s320/LinGentling_IMG_9297.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHlFqP1QnC903-QjEgDh4Sy2dHOfuyIZ18-IyXxQCrH9KKNYY-r19RmJ0vnOiaJ7Nd8Iionman2U0O__ILH0Un0vh0frYEFc_aW6zD8uJS3jgpV76tAVoQQC2pOIaT__3os6uli7qsHbRedUqIxCp3BLx3G3FSxr2Jn6sabEjC44nvnMQ_IhDs0wesR68/s4032/LinGentling_IMG_9310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHlFqP1QnC903-QjEgDh4Sy2dHOfuyIZ18-IyXxQCrH9KKNYY-r19RmJ0vnOiaJ7Nd8Iionman2U0O__ILH0Un0vh0frYEFc_aW6zD8uJS3jgpV76tAVoQQC2pOIaT__3os6uli7qsHbRedUqIxCp3BLx3G3FSxr2Jn6sabEjC44nvnMQ_IhDs0wesR68/s320/LinGentling_IMG_9310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQvMXHQeWPmu2tGHdkqLuGTRAraVx960rSoGXkJN7TVrvw5JwV9N3JyG_Q6mHnErXiiVwn0imsnrSkRwN9U0A-cZNDr-aVd4jc0jLdNHwMGhRY7JFQbDMJP0PIz81LpVpXdKSF9TTyjIhpZOgK6wA2vYK-FAAmexUeKSBRmZCgzllqngAV0FfrHVAHxDQ/s4032/LinGentling_IMG_9314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQvMXHQeWPmu2tGHdkqLuGTRAraVx960rSoGXkJN7TVrvw5JwV9N3JyG_Q6mHnErXiiVwn0imsnrSkRwN9U0A-cZNDr-aVd4jc0jLdNHwMGhRY7JFQbDMJP0PIz81LpVpXdKSF9TTyjIhpZOgK6wA2vYK-FAAmexUeKSBRmZCgzllqngAV0FfrHVAHxDQ/s320/LinGentling_IMG_9314.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Now, without any competition in my age group, I was free to take more risk and wanted to see if I could take advantage of the crazy training regiment I had put through the summer for Spartathlon, including a couple of 200-mile weeks. Plus the progress I made mentally as well with that experience. With that, I was even free to get a bit crazy: despite being only 3 months away from changing age group, I wanted to give a try to the 12-hour M55-59 which Bob Hearn set had set a few years ago at 78.7 miles. That was requiring 80 laps of 79.05 miles.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was right on 20 miles at 3 hours. The glutes were tight, I know too well they have become my weak spot after my recent 4-year injury, during which I lost faith in recovery and didn't do enough strength training. But I could still hold on that sub-9-minute pace. By that time, the rain had stopped and the heat was picking up, making for an interesting weather pattern with the high humidity of the ground and air. By noon, it felt like I was not the only one suffering from the heat. I was too focused on my pace for stopping and taking the time to get some ice, I kept pushing until I reached 39.5 miles before the 6-hour mark, right on track. It was 2 pm and I was unfortunately not feeling as fresh as at the start, quite an understatement. By that time, it became much harder to maintain that pace, but I tried until I quickly fell off the rhythm.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the morning, a local runner, Rich, was coming back on the course to continue his 48-hour run. He offered to share his table and actually moved the stuff I had left near my car onto his table. That made my stops much more comfortable than having to bend down to the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having lost the initial excitement of chasing the 12-hour record, there wasn't much positive goal remaining. After passing the 50-mile, I was even considering stopping. However, I saw a runner stopping by the timing tent and asking Katie, the Race Director, to look at the buckles. At the net lap I stopped myself and asked what the buckles were for: "100 miles!" Katie replied. Dang, there you are for a goal. Still, after initially dreaming of 135+ miles, 100 miles felt quite a remote and hard goal with all the slow walking which I had turned to. After the initial 39.5 in 6 hours, I managed to log 23.6 miles in the next 6 hours. Painfully.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that time I was still in 4th overall, and 3rd in the Men, so "in the (some) money!" and I had 7 laps on Steven Barnett, 38. Steven shared that he enjoyed the cooler temperature of the evening and he was definitely moving faster than me now. The emulation kept me on my toes all night and I definitely felt the pressure seeing the lead decrease down to 4 laps. I walked a coupled of laps with Rich and that helped maintaining a 17 min/mile pace. Until Rich, and I as a matter of facts, reached 100K and called it a day as he was in the 48-hour mostly to support a friend who had already left.</div><div><br /></div><div>If was past midnight when Steven passed me once more and, this time, I found the will to react and follow him in his acceleration. We passed each other a few times in the next laps and I felt the pressure and pace quite unsustainable as my legs were so tight and tired. Then I lost track of him for a lap until I saw him in his chair. For one lap, and one more, and another, rebuilding a 11-lap lead. All this battling eventually got me to 100 miles but I was still uncertain he couldn't come back and kill it. But then he eventually left, I think around 4 am.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile I had jogged and walked along 5th place, David Harris, 69. David had a rough patch through the heat of the afternoon, even passing out. I was actually running through the aid station when I had seen the medical team called in a rush for a runner who had fallen, but didn't know who that was. As a consequence, they kept him in observation for a while and he got off pace for his 120-mile record goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Around 5:30 am, and with Steven now gone, I was getting a bit cold and decided to stop by the car to put one layer on. It was too tempting, I also got about 20 minutes of sleep, in 2 intervals. Someone seemed to be sleeping in the car next to me so I drove to park at the other extremity of the lot as I was running the engine to get the seat heating on. The whole stop did cost me about 55 minutes, really not efficient.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMPF0T7eAe_jSVyGVmS-oCHArKF7T5Vdc6r5s7bavjDDwh7_5N48l6PSWNi-2PPfRooI1K04rxQLQ-tXamzGLzRuQrkuVJk-ODd_ttdoP1C_3pw4SAHle8PbXv5cD-pLF6BUnnFpW5SHYtUfq9y0bFRKZx6KxtanK4LvGLwBAn0Xp3ZkhPfUMWZEuaq9S/s4032/IMG_5034.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMPF0T7eAe_jSVyGVmS-oCHArKF7T5Vdc6r5s7bavjDDwh7_5N48l6PSWNi-2PPfRooI1K04rxQLQ-tXamzGLzRuQrkuVJk-ODd_ttdoP1C_3pw4SAHle8PbXv5cD-pLF6BUnnFpW5SHYtUfq9y0bFRKZx6KxtanK4LvGLwBAn0Xp3ZkhPfUMWZEuaq9S/s320/IMG_5034.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ6Ln02tOJN5IdV95ofrRGaTdfB_lJ3Fcn_qkhQmLkfmJA1UteBuB1obYjF7jL_UIr_Yh69d9nUE75JAqnRTVcHkJcIkFRIQaQ-i8kzKsWsSFgOn65-R77ef1Doe_ylV03tIxqaPllq0CNil-2iHU7LIbl4Nw_a3j1HilsZNBdvHuQnaLAW2b68ouZJl4/s4032/IMG_5035.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ6Ln02tOJN5IdV95ofrRGaTdfB_lJ3Fcn_qkhQmLkfmJA1UteBuB1obYjF7jL_UIr_Yh69d9nUE75JAqnRTVcHkJcIkFRIQaQ-i8kzKsWsSFgOn65-R77ef1Doe_ylV03tIxqaPllq0CNil-2iHU7LIbl4Nw_a3j1HilsZNBdvHuQnaLAW2b68ouZJl4/s320/IMG_5035.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I came back on the course before sun rise and the sky was amazing. We were now less than 10 on the course, with a friendly battle between 1st and 2nd place, respectively Don Reichelt, 38, and Nick Elben, 29. As they were jogging or walking together, that looked like a Backyard format with Nick playing the assist. Don ended up being more consistent actually clocking several impressive fast laps in the last hour. Equally impressive Sierra DeGroff who finished strong, with 113 laps.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for me, I kept on with my embarrassing and pathetic slow walking. After the 102 laps needed for the 100 miles, I painfully managed to add 5 laps for a total of 105.7 miles. Dang, so far from my initial goal. Last lap, in David's company, photos by Lin:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcobqwW8FUknwoLbAk5M4dgkcFJk7DsalBAf2qBHxh1fXDQSx-h3udx_KW9ZIgUEThifB1SvcVoVtu0Z3Ma4OfLpXCJJ39QsaUMgBn_dXu0KGUJn9WCBpkVhq791oLFrIzIi61SscVJjaEx0UC5QGubAOlJtg-ViNFKccxwysnJ5ZUp8pAAebumU4axRMG/s4032/LinGentling_IMG_9334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcobqwW8FUknwoLbAk5M4dgkcFJk7DsalBAf2qBHxh1fXDQSx-h3udx_KW9ZIgUEThifB1SvcVoVtu0Z3Ma4OfLpXCJJ39QsaUMgBn_dXu0KGUJn9WCBpkVhq791oLFrIzIi61SscVJjaEx0UC5QGubAOlJtg-ViNFKccxwysnJ5ZUp8pAAebumU4axRMG/s320/LinGentling_IMG_9334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOFvSuCdhZSs5Gx3LtRxW6GBV73WtJBtIEGbh4TsdlAqttvBFBbuwGyAdyKZwJh2sc4PfkFcl45Rlj2_jsuuhOzwO-mu_856H7GnlHQ3ZKZRC0Guj7AKsZA08rG1cnILQfmvhc7t96yC1k50AYLby7n4Y8nBCoEiQdFisNzf5MYNepfOfKKb-XcRgaKtX/s4032/LinGentling_IMG_9335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOFvSuCdhZSs5Gx3LtRxW6GBV73WtJBtIEGbh4TsdlAqttvBFBbuwGyAdyKZwJh2sc4PfkFcl45Rlj2_jsuuhOzwO-mu_856H7GnlHQ3ZKZRC0Guj7AKsZA08rG1cnILQfmvhc7t96yC1k50AYLby7n4Y8nBCoEiQdFisNzf5MYNepfOfKKb-XcRgaKtX/s320/LinGentling_IMG_9335.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oVhBAdwf2c2xvygaQobNl-cFyMhzmKcJqAi21cwlFwmAUzMBvYLvysYAmOptTFmFaLhunJfPWYgKB8z_BIH2fxgWsDce6MrvXo3c_s86jJvxRmDAWqgoXWd9k-SBfnPhcGaO4RcwZf6VUyunyjY3Vk1JWMDfeR9sUcM_vC1GdQlFK6gKU_gk39y6Wy0_/s4032/LinGentling_IMG_9357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oVhBAdwf2c2xvygaQobNl-cFyMhzmKcJqAi21cwlFwmAUzMBvYLvysYAmOptTFmFaLhunJfPWYgKB8z_BIH2fxgWsDce6MrvXo3c_s86jJvxRmDAWqgoXWd9k-SBfnPhcGaO4RcwZf6VUyunyjY3Vk1JWMDfeR9sUcM_vC1GdQlFK6gKU_gk39y6Wy0_/s320/LinGentling_IMG_9357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The overall 2024 American Champions, Don and Sierra:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZFpjOxMw7AK8nJyp7XrVt84gCYpqV-BDPTRhQK8MrBR_mWNETrHDZTbqla04jS-zr2Y7JlIQhOhngaLUg61zjExiFf81OLFP61wJ-DJJWwGBhClXm2KSMVEa0rN7OqwdY3tyvur45558SLLIzDa86lrYxHfqDmQf69uDqsK7DejMaOEi1MVZWG3fNJEo/s4032/IMG_5062.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZFpjOxMw7AK8nJyp7XrVt84gCYpqV-BDPTRhQK8MrBR_mWNETrHDZTbqla04jS-zr2Y7JlIQhOhngaLUg61zjExiFf81OLFP61wJ-DJJWwGBhClXm2KSMVEa0rN7OqwdY3tyvur45558SLLIzDa86lrYxHfqDmQf69uDqsK7DejMaOEi1MVZWG3fNJEo/s320/IMG_5062.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Despite the small field, it took another 30 minutes for Kathy and the chief timer, Andy, to compile the results. At least the early morning sun was already providing a healthy warmth.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv91591CVyNIiDtL9iNBSg5iuSs24jOoWuRqOYny49C2NLe2qzzXytV1GtVycKINVl0ce9IVuLLy8njC3gCeua7vsWB2wVN0VTq3HBVunsE2hTxBMkJs7SO3Z01mIbg9MhwOL7aL6_BbFm1MWHj_ufC96FfJVaxKPqT3-MR571dt3k3K51YvOaFfUuE3iQ/s4032/IMG_5041.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv91591CVyNIiDtL9iNBSg5iuSs24jOoWuRqOYny49C2NLe2qzzXytV1GtVycKINVl0ce9IVuLLy8njC3gCeua7vsWB2wVN0VTq3HBVunsE2hTxBMkJs7SO3Z01mIbg9MhwOL7aL6_BbFm1MWHj_ufC96FfJVaxKPqT3-MR571dt3k3K51YvOaFfUuE3iQ/s320/IMG_5041.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />While we wait, here is a detailed list of my fueling (with the lap format, I was able to keep a bag of my wrappers, no need to keep track in my head, phew):</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>GU Energy</li><ul><li>Waffle: 1 before the start</li><li>Gels: 8</li><li>Chews: 7 servings</li><li>Brew: 7 servings</li></ul><li>Vespa: 7 concentrate (1 45 minutes before the start, 1 2 laps in as I had forgotten to take it just before the start, then 1 every 3 hours, skipping hour 21 as I was barely moving)</li><li>S!Caps: 18</li><li>Aid station: 2 cups of Coke, 2 small nems, 4 small avocado/ wraps (the best!)</li><li>Mashed potato (Idahoan): 2 1.5-oz servings (I intended to take 1 every 6 hours but completely forgot about it until late in the evening, oops, the joy of being screwed, that is without a crew!)</li><li>Water: I lost count but probably more than 10 20-oz bottles including quite a few stops for ice in the afternoon and even through the night.</li></ul></div><div>Speaking of wrappers (yuk!), I keep mine when possible throughout the year and I love that GU Energy is offering to pay for shipping to send them to Terracyle (<a href="https://guenergy.com/pages/terracycle" target="_blank">check this page</a>, it doesn't even have to be GU Energy products). It was cool to see Aravaipa offers the same, on site at the aid station, although a bit disappointing to see how empty the box was at the end of 48 hours (until someone was frequently emptying the box as it filled):</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKpPvLRAIcwAagq20FEokhrE3gL2wdcbgHuN2C2OfrPhUkapB8V9kRa8319ykX-HLfjeCgGbDkcDC4mOP2Ea_kDlitLMM13sgPiI6sVGfwhv6VekBsC6FE1Coh3KGOXd1x53LVfVXkKuQIC7XVw6B_2nwCppQoISAPioZdEJJUZd23srz2nMD_gCU9VNG/s4032/IMG_5046.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKpPvLRAIcwAagq20FEokhrE3gL2wdcbgHuN2C2OfrPhUkapB8V9kRa8319ykX-HLfjeCgGbDkcDC4mOP2Ea_kDlitLMM13sgPiI6sVGfwhv6VekBsC6FE1Coh3KGOXd1x53LVfVXkKuQIC7XVw6B_2nwCppQoISAPioZdEJJUZd23srz2nMD_gCU9VNG/s320/IMG_5046.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Here is the mashed potato I used in races, super easy to mix with hot water up to the black line I draw with a marker in advance (I ate 4 of these during Spartathlon):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcItMWhZI14AduFsZQPO0mlqfN4gKzXWzYSUDObk8miPQiMbUZ30dpREPPbxfMM0wPN3I6zzH09v5gcS9zdNpqpWGUVWqhMgxeJ6ehe5JUeBpEeu9LsoMxH2QT3xVv6iSUUtHzlgh_hdvmV8BmemNniCw36knPDRDh1FfNBiWxbrKhK6yd6dEr_oHidvh/s4032/IMG_5071.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcItMWhZI14AduFsZQPO0mlqfN4gKzXWzYSUDObk8miPQiMbUZ30dpREPPbxfMM0wPN3I6zzH09v5gcS9zdNpqpWGUVWqhMgxeJ6ehe5JUeBpEeu9LsoMxH2QT3xVv6iSUUtHzlgh_hdvmV8BmemNniCw36knPDRDh1FfNBiWxbrKhK6yd6dEr_oHidvh/s320/IMG_5071.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />On behalf of USATF, Lin gave us our medals and the coveted patch. And Kathy, our buckles and checks. Next year, the qualification process for the 2025 World championships will be in full swing so you can expect a much deeper field and much more competition!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvHFuYPpuKjwb29xBuDoc3FqEk3b8Sr7FvWuBtFIBO-iMlZWeeSEhN44llr0e8lZ_ngIwmMJQ4EMnStPQIoxd1a21LGM2-Dal1Z2qKLngJCAzSxRU4zdYpd9_e_Ei-JEnjwwcShIn82MsRtCP4NoUwN0-3EffrAqeXqjB2M_r7NK1TpOFxkMv302_SyJ_/s4032/IMG_5048.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvHFuYPpuKjwb29xBuDoc3FqEk3b8Sr7FvWuBtFIBO-iMlZWeeSEhN44llr0e8lZ_ngIwmMJQ4EMnStPQIoxd1a21LGM2-Dal1Z2qKLngJCAzSxRU4zdYpd9_e_Ei-JEnjwwcShIn82MsRtCP4NoUwN0-3EffrAqeXqjB2M_r7NK1TpOFxkMv302_SyJ_/s320/IMG_5048.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vB8fNzDQm3gRjxZXQSg2BfRruUIRa2anBMcR4Inuec96Eh9zpaY9sMFN1p7hgAlpiZ_gyVSKzAy0F5kPy7YCc-ESc9JHIwnhaRSal5GUXk5l2rSQH0GmX1CD8G1MRtNWPuAvqcLy3kXPJ_6chOS-EKRfQZKMQ3ib3ufRNn2ICkkQ5lrjZRJbkUDt3dJ9/s2873/IMG_5052c.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2873" data-original-width="2572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vB8fNzDQm3gRjxZXQSg2BfRruUIRa2anBMcR4Inuec96Eh9zpaY9sMFN1p7hgAlpiZ_gyVSKzAy0F5kPy7YCc-ESc9JHIwnhaRSal5GUXk5l2rSQH0GmX1CD8G1MRtNWPuAvqcLy3kXPJ_6chOS-EKRfQZKMQ3ib3ufRNn2ICkkQ5lrjZRJbkUDt3dJ9/s320/IMG_5052c.heic" width="286" /></a></div><br />Here are some stats illustrating our poor job at initial pacing, with the 6-hours mileage splits:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Don: 40, 34.1, 29.6, 23.3</li><li>Nick: 39.5, 33.6, 28.7, 14.8</li><li>Sierra: 39, 31.6, 25.7, 15.8</li><li>Jean: 39.5, 26.2, 24.2, 15.8</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I was super impressed by the professionalism of Aravaipa. It's not the first time I experience the quality of their organization, but it's only going up, kudos to the leadership, management, employees and volunteers for such a well oiled race machine! Particularly impressive was to see the speed at which the whole camp got unfolded and put back in the large trucks in less than 3 hours (I could watch as, without a hotel, I prepped for my flight back home on the parking lot, packing in the back of my car and using the restrooms to wash, missing the showers advertised on the park's website).</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I close, I'd be remiss not to talk about the 48 hours in which Simen Holvik won by logging 224.3 miles, setting a new Norwegian record! And I can really not take Spartathlon myself as an excuse for a poor performance because, in his 3rd participation in Greece, Simen place 2nd this year 7 weeks ago! When I get to my Spartathlon race report(s) eventually, I'll tell you more about these tatoos. It was humbling to hear Simen's story as he focuses on his passion for these crazy long runs while taking care of his kids after his wife died last year. Thank you for visiting from Norway, Simen, what an impressive pace you could maintain over 2 days while we could see how much you were hurting...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v7FBPFxUv7XA8CIf-jGl3z0Qgf0tmQplG29xwuRc_s0Kvb0sY7olrjYNPNkXh0CpYmyHCHkD95-bYSoI4UtFgz1ssuQWIPjKu6LPElUAUWKNHKyy7g2aNkHkDtefDeFPJ-VJ-SER0yV9zNjSCFIgkC3S803LQw0Ha7cGPcD1mQEP0FSPnGieYJVe48kW/s4032/IMG_5038.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v7FBPFxUv7XA8CIf-jGl3z0Qgf0tmQplG29xwuRc_s0Kvb0sY7olrjYNPNkXh0CpYmyHCHkD95-bYSoI4UtFgz1ssuQWIPjKu6LPElUAUWKNHKyy7g2aNkHkDtefDeFPJ-VJ-SER0yV9zNjSCFIgkC3S803LQw0Ha7cGPcD1mQEP0FSPnGieYJVe48kW/s320/IMG_5038.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeMSISiSt7WnQJy7BoPcvvRIQ5XFusD3IjAKOWJoberSueGxY9gjYjbP9NIFJB8yx0hcwhWOSdoFdeBA57FczMrkwWSlWXLpKMhR6ydGTi__n01-zUpW6slTh_VzcUg-ULDShQd0LytlTMCQpT7M10rwLwjHwg24aPEgNDhafYMoR1YZzmAZ1IqOFbytG/s4032/IMG_5037.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeMSISiSt7WnQJy7BoPcvvRIQ5XFusD3IjAKOWJoberSueGxY9gjYjbP9NIFJB8yx0hcwhWOSdoFdeBA57FczMrkwWSlWXLpKMhR6ydGTi__n01-zUpW6slTh_VzcUg-ULDShQd0LytlTMCQpT7M10rwLwjHwg24aPEgNDhafYMoR1YZzmAZ1IqOFbytG/s320/IMG_5037.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY-Z18lqP84ih-ldnra14k5Harpt48Ckpk1zLX0jihw072ju3j6NC0gGIXd1tIRjw0tSuiNI9wcWGFsbQvDqPTIywXegbtmryBWOydulMqPR2GC0WKNuS0u8Vgxw2HXMJFshJu-0e71QmY41CY26B38hR75bnFTxTLcMaCozhPlY4l9p_Qa0QkJECYs4u/s4032/IMG_5036.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY-Z18lqP84ih-ldnra14k5Harpt48Ckpk1zLX0jihw072ju3j6NC0gGIXd1tIRjw0tSuiNI9wcWGFsbQvDqPTIywXegbtmryBWOydulMqPR2GC0WKNuS0u8Vgxw2HXMJFshJu-0e71QmY41CY26B38hR75bnFTxTLcMaCozhPlY4l9p_Qa0QkJECYs4u/s320/IMG_5036.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Until we come back for more loops next year, I'm looking forward to seeing what Team USA is going to deliver in Taipei and I hope you'll follow the tracking as well! Go Team USA, we will be watching!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUfcGDF9kYY0seOH03nB4rKws6f61HJirymaiDAKVez05olmekyOaAf14U2VdHNM7OEfnWcQPCMqazijSB8ueAaHe879w6YM1Y2jfMgV-GLN_W8l6FYHgG9eqinOEI0cz8wUWgzyge77Ts44kdKOhQkfLg6MtMKJK6cSW3RnDlZZT5zsbHp3W_AgKL06I/s4032/IMG_5083.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUfcGDF9kYY0seOH03nB4rKws6f61HJirymaiDAKVez05olmekyOaAf14U2VdHNM7OEfnWcQPCMqazijSB8ueAaHe879w6YM1Y2jfMgV-GLN_W8l6FYHgG9eqinOEI0cz8wUWgzyge77Ts44kdKOhQkfLg6MtMKJK6cSW3RnDlZZT5zsbHp3W_AgKL06I/s320/IMG_5083.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaHu8ddiY7NE0QncdTDHWuAgTWIl5To7K2mTpXy48qVutvvUlgHHnJ5pjmhblMEHWJUDXlptAmeq9BrRS7CwWYqASyF_aHa9msqAk4dJh1l_qU6WlLhVL5MwuFiKYHjyMR2va7r_D54ValsRy-oBb-T8Q03UA34lrHsMN-Tcge209Atwy_cTCGfH4k5Cy/s4032/IMG_5044.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaHu8ddiY7NE0QncdTDHWuAgTWIl5To7K2mTpXy48qVutvvUlgHHnJ5pjmhblMEHWJUDXlptAmeq9BrRS7CwWYqASyF_aHa9msqAk4dJh1l_qU6WlLhVL5MwuFiKYHjyMR2va7r_D54ValsRy-oBb-T8Q03UA34lrHsMN-Tcge209Atwy_cTCGfH4k5Cy/s320/IMG_5044.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-30160722327578298252023-11-12T21:14:00.000-08:002023-11-12T21:14:52.413-08:00Pacific Association MUT Grand Prix 2023: it's a new wrap!We had the final event of our 2023 season a month ago with the Ruth Anderson Memorial Runs and we are opening the 2024 season with Quad Dipsea in 2 weeks, we barely have time to breathe and celebrate. So a few words to share that the final results have been published on <a href="https://www.pausatf.org/mut-running/ultra-grand-prix-standings/" target="_blank">the Pacific Association website</a>, and I'm adding some commentary below, for local ultra history sake! ;-)<div><br /></div><div>First and foremost, no serious pandemic impact this year, finally! Our biggest disruptor has actually been on the weather side which I would qualify as a better change for once, after several years leading to a terrible drought in the West. But I'm sensitive that this bad weather did impact negatively some, from home owners to farmers and hitting closer to our MUT home, Race Directors.</div><div><br /></div><div>That El Niño pattern led to the cancellation of CTR's (Coastal Trail Runs) Crystal Spring Trail Half in January. Wendell kindly offered registrants to transfer their entries to Lake Chabot in April but Lake Chabot was still overflowing so we ended up racing ITR's (Inside Trail Racing) Woodside Crossover instead. And not even crossing over Skyline because of the damage to the park on the other side of the Woodside hills.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the weather impact, we suffered from two consequences of <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/08/headlands-hundred-2022-back-at-big-game.html" target="_blank">last year's coyote snafu involving Dean Karnazes at the Headlands 100 in August</a>. First, PCTR lost some of its balance and had to cancel our only Mountain format event, Mt Diablo 10K. Second, CTR lost their overnight permit which was meant to allow us to run for 24 hours around Crissy Field. In concertation with the team captains, and Wendell again, we scaled back to the 12-hour option, losing our only 2x factor scoring event of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the year seemed eventless in comparison, although everyone had their own unique experiences and adventures, for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>From an organizational standpoint, the big change for the MUT Committee was to get the help of Kendra who got volunteered by Shiran and accepted to give a try to the scoring, mid year. After losing our original scorer extraordinaire, Gary Wang, a few years ago, scoring responsibilities fell back on the Chair who already had a full-time job. Besides, Kendra also brought her fresh look on my scoring process as well as the reading and interpretation of our MUT Rules. I much look forward to a continuation of the improvement of that process through 2024 and beyond!</div><div><br /></div><div>From a result standpoint, the team competition has been dominated by Pamakis again. Their MUT team excelled through the Captain transition from Penn to Shiran. Still, the Men competition remained fierce until the very last race of the season with Pamakids winning over Quicksilver by a mere point, as a result of Excelsior missing to win the 50K at Ruth Anderson. 1 point over 15 scoring events, that was close!</div><div><br /></div><div>Final rankings:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Women: 1. Pamakis - 2. Impala - 3. Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders</li><li>Men: 1. Pamakids - 2. Quicksilver - 3. Excelsior</li><li>Mixed: 1. Pamakids - 2. Excelsior - 3. San Francisco Running Company</li><li>Overall: 1. Pamakids - 2. Quicksilver - 3. Excelsior</li></ul></div><div>Congratulations and respect to Pamakids for another Grand Slam! Up to the other clubs to show what they are capable of to dethrone them in 2024, in a fair game of course!</div><div><br /></div><div>A few team pictures from Woodside (No)Crossover in April:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlCrQPwxuw675Lv1uQ5A6J2HYsPrk5STZC1K3SR5pRfVt4IuCkOy_KOy3ipwPbM_yPm5bxUBNh3aZ5Rynl1hxG2_kBL5AieQPSQAcUxMuhB9NtcU0YNAy7xo0kbidwfKLjJLRwCCBx694jzWspTvufXRFY5X5BrmSd1jJ1TdohYRx77bYMvvLMAChjfVy/s4032/IMG_0460.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlCrQPwxuw675Lv1uQ5A6J2HYsPrk5STZC1K3SR5pRfVt4IuCkOy_KOy3ipwPbM_yPm5bxUBNh3aZ5Rynl1hxG2_kBL5AieQPSQAcUxMuhB9NtcU0YNAy7xo0kbidwfKLjJLRwCCBx694jzWspTvufXRFY5X5BrmSd1jJ1TdohYRx77bYMvvLMAChjfVy/s320/IMG_0460.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqh4ptuQiAfTPB1oM2vRdeXuD0PJcznVMuZfvFKBeQnGM4Mokf1jW2LY2SRZ75BRfAH5eEpY8zBalLz37OHgVEL610bPSgV4d1QmtDtFq5aVRZk2GUQtsMDTmaBpho3KisPV0qHiXMYEOWo83lazlHf7K7q8dZjU-Iy07XJledSSdA5btM5ut8xYyz_8ct/s4032/IMG_0463.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqh4ptuQiAfTPB1oM2vRdeXuD0PJcznVMuZfvFKBeQnGM4Mokf1jW2LY2SRZ75BRfAH5eEpY8zBalLz37OHgVEL610bPSgV4d1QmtDtFq5aVRZk2GUQtsMDTmaBpho3KisPV0qHiXMYEOWo83lazlHf7K7q8dZjU-Iy07XJledSSdA5btM5ut8xYyz_8ct/s320/IMG_0463.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj29UWznb83ochDeGxKGnMDyfO8c5qF52Ba9Bptgg9qpBB3nUaXaoBGvbyCr6fqHhiPrOeHtccvqA3rnItvqB9jz2AWKQ-eYerveabssDf-4RuVbY59CsiTsDn0jGDmcqhzdLgMSX-XRsClyH9fPDqUnTOO2pdGtWyD-15v9G4nKez_snbnm1JZQiLvbg3/s4032/IMG_0469.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj29UWznb83ochDeGxKGnMDyfO8c5qF52Ba9Bptgg9qpBB3nUaXaoBGvbyCr6fqHhiPrOeHtccvqA3rnItvqB9jz2AWKQ-eYerveabssDf-4RuVbY59CsiTsDn0jGDmcqhzdLgMSX-XRsClyH9fPDqUnTOO2pdGtWyD-15v9G4nKez_snbnm1JZQiLvbg3/s320/IMG_0469.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbElpwSrKPTfMHn6QIDBjxRNmjuTx6r4c8wK8viYPvhThhWGD014mOGxKMJIWZtUB7l_gZOvZTIBoPE658lt436OVIFGAR4FrcfPGD7S0njIqz5C3vGq5Ujtatip9WPXetO4S64rkoimAvT-QaEcGID0Sge8sOGm4D5qACGE0ycPJocZ6s-liToIThc1T2/s4032/IMG_0457.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbElpwSrKPTfMHn6QIDBjxRNmjuTx6r4c8wK8viYPvhThhWGD014mOGxKMJIWZtUB7l_gZOvZTIBoPE658lt436OVIFGAR4FrcfPGD7S0njIqz5C3vGq5Ujtatip9WPXetO4S64rkoimAvT-QaEcGID0Sge8sOGm4D5qACGE0ycPJocZ6s-liToIThc1T2/s320/IMG_0457.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />On the individual side, we had a bit of a dilemma which delayed the finalization of our age group winners. When Nakia and I introduced the extension of our Grand Prix to the whole MUT format in 2018, we stated a minima of 1 score on the newly added sub-ultra trail races. The rules were amended in that sense and in line with the three sports which MUT represent: Mountain, Ultra and Trail running. Now, and starting at the international level governing MUT, there remains an ambiguity created by the overlap of ultra and trail formats. To make the matter worse while I rightly tagged each race as Ultra OR Trail in the published scheduled, I made a mistake by adding in parenthesis the type of terrain for the ultra races, either Road or... Trail. Dang, talk about an unfortunate excess of zeal...</div><div><br /></div><div>Listening to the people impacted, and the captains' perspectives, we decided to go with a lax definition of trail, including the ultra ones ran on trails. Rules will be fine-tuned and amended for 2024 to address this issue. And the schedule will state the category more clearly.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, here are your MUT Grand Prix champions for 2023:</div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>F20 Margie Cullen, Impala Racing Team</li><li>F30 Katherine Song, Strawberry Canyon Track Club</li><li>F40 Christina Vincent, Pamakids</li><li>F50 Louise Stephens, Pamakids</li><li>F60 Karen Romagnoli, Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders</li><li>F70 Kat Powell, Pamakids</li><li>M20 Victor Skorapa IV, Excelsior Running Club</li><li>M30 Jakob Walter, Pamakids</li><li>M40 Karl Schnaitter, Excelsior Running Club</li><li>M50 Jean Pommier, Quicksilver Running Club of San Jose</li><li>M60 Charles Blakeney, Quicksilver Running Club of San Jose</li><li>M70 Carl Jacob, Tamalpa Runners, Inc</li></ul></div></div><div>See all details and rankings on <a href="https://www.pausatf.org/mut-running/ultra-grand-prix-standings/" target="_blank">the Pacific Association page (standings)</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to some payouts for the season, the champions each get the grand and coveted prize of a 50% discount on every race registration fee through 2024. Depending on how many events they will enter, a benefit potentially worth close to $1,000! In case you had not realized... And some of them might tell you that this isn't necessarily a matter of placing first every time in your age group, as much as keeping showing up, finishing and being consistent. Speaking of showing up, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that David Tran, the new Captain for Excelsior, would have won his age group if he had run Ruth Anderson as opposed to just coming to encourage his teammates, not realizing Jakob had entered on race morning. Some of the suspense and climax which happened at this Grand Finale!</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned for the 2024 schedule which we are going to announce in a few days, as well as some details on the payouts, both for 2022 and 2023 (last update was for 2021, as part of <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/10/2022-pa-mut-grand-prix-its-wrap.html" target="_blank">my review of our 2022 season</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>And thank you and congratulations to the 233 (97 women, 136 men) of you who scored in this MUT Grand Prix in 2023; a number which is still lower than our 2015 record of 384, but still shows recovery from the pandemic. By the way, that represents 462 scores, an average of 1.98 score/participant, with Shiran topping the chart again with 11 scores all for himself: dedication!</div><div><br /></div><div>See all of you and many more, on our MUT circuit in 2024, thank you again for participating!</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-2692601830282994442023-11-12T16:10:00.000-08:002023-11-12T21:17:09.728-08:00Back on track: a little speed experimentLast weekend, I went back to the track, for a big change. With the focus on Spartathlon all year, I logged so many slow miles, both while training or racing. As most of you, frequent readers, know, what I like in running is, not just the running part as opposed to the walking, but more importantly, the speed! I missed a lot of that so far this year...<div><br /></div><div>On Saturday, I went to our local high school to... run a little experiment: after training for so long at 8 min/mile or slower pace, could I still log a few 7-minute miles?</div><div><br /></div><div>It was already hot as I got to the track around 1 pm. Good thing I had procrastinated in the morning, I arrived as the marching band had just cleared the field and was loading their instruments into two large rental trucks, probably on their way to some out of town competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>My warm-up mile from home to the track ended up right on 8 minutes, a slow start. 20 and 15 years ago, I used to start my runs at 6 min/mile right out of the house but it certainly takes at least to get the older machine now.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so came the first test, running 4 laps in 7 minutes, or 45 seconds each. Note that, technically, the 1-mile start line is about 10 yards from the start but I got accustomed to just use 4 laps for a mile for simplicity sake. I had taken my old Garmin Forerunner 310XT out of the drawer as this is the only device I have which detects lap by position as opposed to distance. Even Coros doesn't offer this really convenient feature, neither Garmin anymore. That's what I hate in change and so-called <i>progress</i>, when it sets you backyard. But I digress.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was some breeze, just enough to ease and break the heat coming from the reverberation of the field and the track. First lap was 1:36, on the fast side but feeling good as always at the beginning of a run. Second lap right on 1:40, safer. Third, 1:38, consistent. 4th 1:36 for a total of 6:32, well below 7 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was aiming at a session where I'd keep trying to clock a few miles close to 7 minutes, I had to try another one!</div><div><br /></div><div>Second mile was 1:39, 1:37, 1:36 and 1:34 for a total of 6:26 and it still felt I could keep going despite now breaking 6:30. What if I could log a few more of these?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, after a faster start, the third mile ended up at 6:14:32, yet another threshold!</div><div><br /></div><div>Typically, back in the days I was doing speed work twice a week with Bob and Chris at the Mountain View High School track before work, starting before 6 am, we would only push for 3 miles, plus 2 miles to warm-up and 1 mile to cool down. But I didn't feel like I had reach the red zone in these first 3 miles today so I decided to go for one more. It was just this little voice in my head which kept reminding me of t<a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/04/cupertinos-big-bunny-fun-run-5k-in-and.html" target="_blank">he last speed experiment I had conducted 7 months ago</a> which ended up in a minor calf injury which did cost me the participation into this year's <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/04/cupertinos-big-bunny-fun-run-5k-in-and.html" target="_blank">Cupertino Big Bunny 5K race</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>That voice helped me easing up by a small bit and run the 4th mile just under 4:19.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then I thought, like Abraham negotiating for Sodom, would it hurt if I try <i>just one more time</i>? Just one...</div><div><br /></div><div>I did clock 6:16 for mile 5 then continuing on, for what could be the last mile of this session, I decided to push down on the pedal for the ultimate mile 6: 6:10.77, yeah!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was really happy to get that close to 6, as opposed as my initial goal of clocking a few 7-minute miles. And then another idea crossed my mind: so close to 6:00, what if...</div><div><br /></div><div>While that looked like a dangerous recipe for injury, Spartathlon is behind so what the heck, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>This time I gave it most of all and was stunned with a 5:53.12 on my watch. Granted, that was only 4 laps, not quite a full mile, but still, I was really happy breaking</div><div><br /></div><div>And then... Nope, not feeling any pain, just that other competing little voice whispering: "what about one more under 6, Jean?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh my, it was so tempting, I couldn't resist... And, yes, one more it was, at 5:58.55 for mile number 8! This time though it felt hard enough that I pulled the plug and ran back home, without any pain this time! It felt good too just listening to my body and not having set a number of miles a priori.</div><div><br /></div><div>Good running throughout the week since then (20K, 15K x 3, Friday off and 50K on Saturday), this time I didn't pull any muscle fiber, phew! Successful experiment then, it feels good to get back to some speed and know that I can still break 6 minutes without too much specific work. That my many and slow long runs didn't fully erase leg speed and stride length. That so many miles ran this year might have helped rebuilding my glutes after all. Yet, speed work is such a hard and beneficial discipline, I want to get back at it for the 2024 season. A timely resolution as I'm going to be young(est) again in a new age group!</div><div><br /></div><div>And the morale applicable to all: if you want to gain speed and strength, stopping by the track is a must!</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-90246386782224837242023-10-15T18:34:00.003-07:002023-10-15T21:13:33.816-07:00Ruth Anderson 2023: was I tired yet?I know, I know, I should be writing about Spartathlon, but this is such a daunting task which is going to take a few more weeks, not to mention pictures from that Greek épopée are still coming in/up on their website. So, for now, let's go back into the rhythm of race reports since yesterday was another race day! Already...<div><br /></div><div>This weekend we we celebrated one of our local ultra legends with the Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Runs (see <a href="https://ultrarunninghistory.com/ruth-anderson/" target="_blank">another impressive piece of ultra running history</a> from Davy Crockett). The initial 100K distance got dropped out of popularity so we are now down to 2 distances, 50K and 50-mile. Originally organized by BAUR (Bay Area Ultra Runners), today's co-Race Directors are Anil Rao (Quicksilver), Shiran Kochavi (Pamakids) and Rajeev Patel. To avoid conflicts with big road races in April, the event moved from April to October. Not that there is a month without race conflict nowadays...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKAT0GUIXNxUckJEunQBp-MtK7J7xaOM392qzGK0c6gzN61iuuvZHZMXUt6AqF04qGRAZNnSZxL7oZRg3weNsZC7BdAZwNiLSbOZxVub9Gs4pJGlSLeZ_RYESv2bk1EpsqNBmMZbFm0_z1p4uDrmKVtX0820n2KxHG7jgJuANTsXnfSmCT0PFzb6SV8L4/s4032/IMG_4807.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKAT0GUIXNxUckJEunQBp-MtK7J7xaOM392qzGK0c6gzN61iuuvZHZMXUt6AqF04qGRAZNnSZxL7oZRg3weNsZC7BdAZwNiLSbOZxVub9Gs4pJGlSLeZ_RYESv2bk1EpsqNBmMZbFm0_z1p4uDrmKVtX0820n2KxHG7jgJuANTsXnfSmCT0PFzb6SV8L4/s320/IMG_4807.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />I had registered a few weeks before Spartathlon, I thought it would give me a good excuse to leverage the strong training I put in through the Summer and shake things off, whatever the outcome of my Greek run would have been. Luckily, there was not much pressure as I had enough points in our Grand Prix and, directing the race, Shiran wasn't running today. Well, not running himself but running his Panakids team business for sure! What I had not planned for is the two vaccine shots I got on Friday, leveraging a slot Agnès got for the two of us through her school. I had quite a bad night, woke up sweating and with a small fever, yet drove to the start to see if it was worth the effort for the team.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPkFtOm8RP2qBs3JBQBzNpC8hhX_pCI_vftjzfnVkTi07BBIuoU1vEhpuzHUBzVgV4HmUcR-bbd6uVfiwwrIknXV4YSsVzb6K0rhJpUYbYXz1uvzI5q7Cn2A651ZyiRooSCuOKlJ1luaFBFZP6rEww6TevezizEK78niEb9YibWGmlP6QuutA49-dLwsP/s4032/IMG_4805.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPkFtOm8RP2qBs3JBQBzNpC8hhX_pCI_vftjzfnVkTi07BBIuoU1vEhpuzHUBzVgV4HmUcR-bbd6uVfiwwrIknXV4YSsVzb6K0rhJpUYbYXz1uvzI5q7Cn2A651ZyiRooSCuOKlJ1luaFBFZP6rEww6TevezizEK78niEb9YibWGmlP6QuutA49-dLwsP/s320/IMG_4805.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was really feeling sluggish and was ready to call it a day and drive back when Charles showed up at 6:15 and confirmed he was up for the 50-mile again. We already had Andrew confirmed so, dang, I had to run 50 miles now... I hadn't much time to prepare and overthink it, it didn't feel reasonable but I'm sure Ruth was still giving me her blessing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Upon checking in, Stan asked me two questions: "Is that your first ultra?" and "Is it your eight participation?" While the first one was clearly a joke, the second was more intriguing and made me realize I didn't keep a tab in my mind. As a matter of fact, apart for the 2020 edition which got cancelled because of COVID, and 2021 which I skip as my hamstring tendon was still fissured, I ran all other years since 2007, so 15 times with this year. 4 times the 50K, 9 50-milers and the 100K twice. Time flies!</div><div><br /></div><div>As opposed to last year, there were no world record attempt this Saturday but still a few fast guys. In my age group, James Scanlan shared he was aiming at my age group 50-mile course record of 6:08:20, then he'll go after the M55 American AGR next year. Andrew wanted to put a solid 50-mile training run before an upcoming big marathon goal. As for me, with the <i>forced</i> run for the team, I said I'd be happy to jog the 50-mile... (All course pictures, credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DarkLiteFoto.JasonsMegaPix/" target="_blank">Jason Lehbram, Dark Lite Foto</a>.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCGw-1qk6C34f8qEtupBu53JXHAFcHC6m4Ad3sfjKLrXzmgNYjjxSlciTW-yDqLDIj2Ri8z88d7E4x7nLHOEwpgca9EUUHtMoresYtXLJdDOmMhZ8JA9MFJyZLKFUMuRWntrYqbIM_sWpI-414YksVXLvpH9nj7yIAcgAa7K4g7Kz6owI8qLCn_d_JRFJ/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(94)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5332" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCGw-1qk6C34f8qEtupBu53JXHAFcHC6m4Ad3sfjKLrXzmgNYjjxSlciTW-yDqLDIj2Ri8z88d7E4x7nLHOEwpgca9EUUHtMoresYtXLJdDOmMhZ8JA9MFJyZLKFUMuRWntrYqbIM_sWpI-414YksVXLvpH9nj7yIAcgAa7K4g7Kz6owI8qLCn_d_JRFJ/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(94)-2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjln0EMbRMD7AvtzGS33nO3RA9FmPQEhAe2UKjssutao_qGq9E6KXrnf3IpsDP1d1BwHODkG-OUr_oyREers9FdjbFF26OI7x8R4zPJNreiSBPcVyp4mL27SMWofWG8AzCMXjcumlFoaUdoIuI0Ueg-vUewS_jvcMzYEu1Rxii8PCnPqqvFVLfoop9BBf/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(442)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5332" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjln0EMbRMD7AvtzGS33nO3RA9FmPQEhAe2UKjssutao_qGq9E6KXrnf3IpsDP1d1BwHODkG-OUr_oyREers9FdjbFF26OI7x8R4zPJNreiSBPcVyp4mL27SMWofWG8AzCMXjcumlFoaUdoIuI0Ueg-vUewS_jvcMzYEu1Rxii8PCnPqqvFVLfoop9BBf/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(442)-2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />Given the circumstances, I started conservatively and clocked 8:15 for the first mile which includes one of the two gentle uphill sections of the course. I picked up the pace a little, settling on the 7:50 min/mile pace which Verity was maintaining like the professional clock she is. Carrying two bottles though, I didn't stop at the aid stations for the first 5 laps and ended up running alone.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9PnOPiWQqFUAbAKkKdOlieCJyiRRcNmnGGgX4w506Yd8Cdqb_STPQRkMNp_FQNTaiiVMhKlwRd_npfrV_tBazWJLUC0kpfS5Tekevr9mhBjsWmpqFFw5K2VpO8qswCG5fh9STTXbCVhTknJvuW6O9-uSMs3FxV1UgJ01stMYG36t_zyTH1YdMGTuHuSJ/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(667)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5332" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9PnOPiWQqFUAbAKkKdOlieCJyiRRcNmnGGgX4w506Yd8Cdqb_STPQRkMNp_FQNTaiiVMhKlwRd_npfrV_tBazWJLUC0kpfS5Tekevr9mhBjsWmpqFFw5K2VpO8qswCG5fh9STTXbCVhTknJvuW6O9-uSMs3FxV1UgJ01stMYG36t_zyTH1YdMGTuHuSJ/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(667)-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The 5th lap is when Andrew lapped me. On one side, that was fast so I wonder if he'd keep up after the 50K. If not, I would have happily ended the day as well with only 50K as the glutes felt tight from the start. But on the other hand he looked really easy and relaxed, so maybe he was going to have a great and full 50-mile. Unsure, I thought I'd better plan for the 50-mile indeed, and eased up just enough to still maintain an average pace of 8:00 at the 50K mark (4:08:56).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioijhNdj9hzPAPzI7hTTn-OuI8BM8IG8saMkhm5siRMH1Ju-E8MbKUCp1NcELW_Owo9XaHP4e9cynLNPpgEjvFXeHJMeC0wuKtkshszoNNWlGmJEUUqrtrwgKt3PhyrubJPmfc5RH5WtwqG1639bVX4pLT4l5V48NgvbTlPoUNBBZ6k6vD95syHVk-P_s/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1164)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5332" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioijhNdj9hzPAPzI7hTTn-OuI8BM8IG8saMkhm5siRMH1Ju-E8MbKUCp1NcELW_Owo9XaHP4e9cynLNPpgEjvFXeHJMeC0wuKtkshszoNNWlGmJEUUqrtrwgKt3PhyrubJPmfc5RH5WtwqG1639bVX4pLT4l5V48NgvbTlPoUNBBZ6k6vD95syHVk-P_s/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1164)-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />At the end of that 7th lap, upon confirmation that Andrew was still on the 50-mile, I had no other option than to continue. I was really happy to have eased up a bit because there were still 4 laps to go (19 miles) and I didn't want to have to walk that much! Not only happy for pacing myself but also for the opportunity to leverage the mental training of Spartathlon. Running longer races really helps you putting things in perspective. For instance, I thought several times that I was <i>just</i> running to Corinth this time, which is only one third of the Spartathlon course. Also, that the uphills were nothing compared to some of the long uphills sections on the way to Sparta. With that, I did slow down but rarely to a walk, as opposed to what I would have certainly done otherwise. Then I counted the laps down. 4, 3, 2, 1...</div><div><br /></div><div>Still in good spirits with 3 laps to go:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b44pTLuCxT7iFH2Z-zjdtHPM7pwPaI_Chpcj1l7tOlBqlCNVKeg9CS4IanvxqJs-o29om4frjRWo3UQrDdkQOpnf5hBvyHjwIlIYrWggDy_7t-DwRvsMgJ6om6pjQBWVsSudkQOpzgVb2IJbwKJdndz9jUpomjpBISZ5RlhyphenhyphenUVcBFknIznFvw_FQJeR3/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1522)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5332" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b44pTLuCxT7iFH2Z-zjdtHPM7pwPaI_Chpcj1l7tOlBqlCNVKeg9CS4IanvxqJs-o29om4frjRWo3UQrDdkQOpnf5hBvyHjwIlIYrWggDy_7t-DwRvsMgJ6om6pjQBWVsSudkQOpzgVb2IJbwKJdndz9jUpomjpBISZ5RlhyphenhyphenUVcBFknIznFvw_FQJeR3/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1522)-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Somewhere deeper in the pain cave with 2 laps to go:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG-4zZQvyPoBHsdMSrjHjtpkLb6iyJrYaJoto_WRKZZWhPsXgFytDuL5EIZOg0LfknVeZDjxJI-c18TNJ1YiSuzjQeqhlIHwPaDrfLtWquiX7N4_tSIrQULJhBDNLuHx7oxSWu-c1c9lRvFK_Mhh_K1vASHVfjKgzfyYAyATOpPW8PMGgGIPbCNBi6BQT/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1672)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5332" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG-4zZQvyPoBHsdMSrjHjtpkLb6iyJrYaJoto_WRKZZWhPsXgFytDuL5EIZOg0LfknVeZDjxJI-c18TNJ1YiSuzjQeqhlIHwPaDrfLtWquiX7N4_tSIrQULJhBDNLuHx7oxSWu-c1c9lRvFK_Mhh_K1vASHVfjKgzfyYAyATOpPW8PMGgGIPbCNBi6BQT/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1672)-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />While lap 10th was the toughest, I regain some stamina in the final lap especially thinking of a 7-hour target. Earlier last week, before I got the shots, my best hope was to average 8 min/mile for a time of 6:40. Given the early morning fever, 7 hours seem to be quite a fair compromise. Still, I was a few minutes behind and barely made it under to the finish area under 7, with still almost a mile to go on the final out and back. Finish time of 7:08:00, good for 4th place overall and 1st in my age group. Indeed, the scoop was that James stopped at 50K. Again, given the circumstances, the vaccines the day before, and 7 marathons ran 2 weeks ago, this was a great outcome. And another important milestone in my running journey, my 39th 50-miler, 360th race and 30th ultra run this year. Never easy to race against the clock but that clock helps keeping moving forward!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi723renl8LMNWCMo93Y_t61j2kLzsp1npZIgsb9HIPRxsZUIH55ckJKMSn1vade1U6w9g4MpLehy2aGr3ytGQKO9Comve5KCNks43hWOX7uHwtcqvdiCOvfHMtfSbee-xAYZGN2b3jeq7f6KnRWo4taLkbIpwmv06UyZgWybYQFBD1DE0bhI5Zl2nuLXup/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1934)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5332" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi723renl8LMNWCMo93Y_t61j2kLzsp1npZIgsb9HIPRxsZUIH55ckJKMSn1vade1U6w9g4MpLehy2aGr3ytGQKO9Comve5KCNks43hWOX7uHwtcqvdiCOvfHMtfSbee-xAYZGN2b3jeq7f6KnRWo4taLkbIpwmv06UyZgWybYQFBD1DE0bhI5Zl2nuLXup/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1934)-2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBy2uELdU68ve64K8iwGCnsyvbzxRS7eOZ9ozRNrV5IswZGhpspH0DAJJRDjHcVv7UHhlo7ewklAPJBz-rez6psPgdfCSnXVhZhVP1yql79lNXJeZAgiX1LXq4FSe1_GAeiolfxFY81kw02WbSDEVKTn6qshwBRozOM9z3TgXEGuXx_Jca6GgJoTcI26Kq/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1943)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5332" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBy2uELdU68ve64K8iwGCnsyvbzxRS7eOZ9ozRNrV5IswZGhpspH0DAJJRDjHcVv7UHhlo7ewklAPJBz-rez6psPgdfCSnXVhZhVP1yql79lNXJeZAgiX1LXq4FSe1_GAeiolfxFY81kw02WbSDEVKTn6qshwBRozOM9z3TgXEGuXx_Jca6GgJoTcI26Kq/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1943)-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Andrew took second on the 50-mile (6:03), 2 minutes behind Jakob Walter, both 30. At 21, Daniel Chang took 3rd in 6:56.</div><div><br /></div><div>Special mention to Sharlet Gilbert, 72, for breaking Helen Klein's, another NorCal ultra legend, W70-74 50-mile American record, lowering it to 9:41:44, from 9:55:09. 30 years ago...!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCutWz6jszHXrPu52r5jHOS0wp-DaFmXQp2UYRBFR-qUOErNSXZmwGfQ59OuT9d9W_T-2NgHmEqSBpfWRSMpy4fY-tGWjgIxPsJNicHHx1Kbr-pwkLkmy8Vk6x1XYir6gAEKFy6s8WtZmlQE4yREQ_bvuWWxOX3IQEZq_0tBX7KHI0UNrZXv3d4jKEd4qt/s5332/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1977)-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5332" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCutWz6jszHXrPu52r5jHOS0wp-DaFmXQp2UYRBFR-qUOErNSXZmwGfQ59OuT9d9W_T-2NgHmEqSBpfWRSMpy4fY-tGWjgIxPsJNicHHx1Kbr-pwkLkmy8Vk6x1XYir6gAEKFy6s8WtZmlQE4yREQ_bvuWWxOX3IQEZq_0tBX7KHI0UNrZXv3d4jKEd4qt/s320/2023.10.14%20-%20Ruth%20Anderson%2050k%20and%2050Mi%20-%20%20(1977)-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Thanks to Vespa Power, I ran these 50 miles on only 4 GU gels, 1 serving of GuEnergy chews, 2 cups of Coke. And 3 bottles of GuEnergy Brew. Plus 6 S!Caps (Succeed). Needless to say, after running 9 marathons in 2 weeks, in addition to lowering the load on the GI system, Vespa helps with recovery! The Vespa Math! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>The weather was optimal, with a cloud layer staying upon us most of the day. I was delighted to have a glance of the eclipse through lighter clouds, just before 10. Perfect organization again for this commemoration of one of our local ultra legends. Special thanks to the volunteers who are spending so many hours to help us, to Jason Lehbraum for his hundreds of pictures, to Wendell for his electronic timing, giving a break to Stan for keeping track of all the laps on paper (special thoughts to Stan's ex-acolytes, Steve and Dave). Last but not least, to Anil and Shiran for the production of this super nice racing top, including the special touch of Ruth's quote: "I just enjoy being able to run and keep going."</div><div><br /></div><div>So, yes, to many more years of being <i>that</i> able!</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-3336571650737170542023-09-18T22:02:00.003-07:002023-09-18T22:29:47.761-07:00200-race milestone on UltraSignup: quite off actually!I've mixed feelings about UltraSignup providing us so many results in a single place: while it's such a convenient feature, I know some people feel that their own results have been stollen from them. Actually, I don't know about the legal implications behind the scene, but more frequent are now the races which don't have their results showing on UltraSignup anymore (e.g., those using RunSingup).<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHylsNpvW6gvVhnDxC1FqROgcnrkmGWZ1mQVntnGscRULcFEsQUAkICKTXCavkRaDNWCM0pvS1WyjnzFgi_bsGKbZS5SQG6Vi9al9lmcfKT6Ry_4JhNyepdDIUHgGDhAV7TbWKwXGaQ6sKGG-Cs46a7ms86m4SMCDn6m8up3aRbbddA7ZucjE2L1YvqihR/s1510/UltraSignup200RacesN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="1510" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHylsNpvW6gvVhnDxC1FqROgcnrkmGWZ1mQVntnGscRULcFEsQUAkICKTXCavkRaDNWCM0pvS1WyjnzFgi_bsGKbZS5SQG6Vi9al9lmcfKT6Ry_4JhNyepdDIUHgGDhAV7TbWKwXGaQ6sKGG-Cs46a7ms86m4SMCDn6m8up3aRbbddA7ZucjE2L1YvqihR/w400-h111/UltraSignup200RacesN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />With that disclaimer, I noticed last night that <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Jean&lname=Pommier" target="_blank">UltraSignup</a> has 200 races listed for me. I checked <a href="https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/168463960/results" target="_blank">Athlinks</a> and it's harder to determine because they don't give you a precise count and their results don't get copied and pasted well in Excel. I estimate they have more than 280 results. Per their name, UltraSignup was initially focusing on ultra, then expanded to trail running. Conversely, Athlinks started with the populous road races. And each moved over the other's turf. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the reasons I still keep a running log manually in Excel is to avoid relying on such race registration and result platforms, or the various GPS watch vendors. In that log, I actually have 358 races listed since I moved to the US in 1998 and started training and running seriously (I had ran a handful of races in Paris over the previous 10 years, plus a few cross-country races as a kid but I don't have any record of them).</div><div><br /></div><div>Note that, on the ultra running side, the <a href="https://statistik.d-u-v.org/index.php?&Language=EN" target="_blank">German DUV database</a> is amazingly accurate and exhaustive. For me it shows 183 results and 179 events, versus the 193 ultra starts and 176 finishes in my spreadsheet (and it doesn't show last month's Tamalpa Headlands 50K yet). By the way, that of course doesn't include 308 more ultras I ran as training runs.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, while 200 race results is a cool milestone to celebrate, it's quite off, and behind reality. And so far away from Jason Reed's 343 (and Jason might have many more misses given he races several other formats like snowshoeing and orienteering events). Similarly, behind JR Mintz's 356 UltraSignup results, a number which is also way under representing the mind blowing 1,750 races he had finished as of early September!</div><div><br /></div><div>Did you know there is also a rather exclusive club for those who have completed 100+ races of 100+ miles? The list is maintained by ultra historian Davy Crockett, and his last induction, member #25, is actually a French fellow whom I will meet at Spartathlon next week as he goes for his 19th finish there. Just mere 2 years older than the age I'm running this mythical event for the first time! You see, always feeling so behind... Anyway, that's Gilles Pallaruelo.</div><div><br /></div><div>One more thought about the 200 milestone: these races span from 5K to 24-hour (133 miles PR so far), from road to track or trails, from flat to hilly and technical, so hard to compare. And it may be challenging to comprehend but a 5K all in the red zone can be much harder than shuffling 100 miles. Among all these formats, my favorite distance remains 50K and, with 79 so far, that shows on this graph!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn7HVZnFmhRjFv6NSGCw73TQothadsoy6c76MHv1-h0o1ql1ZSd1br1_UOMBScjyewV61NcXtCu9L3-d8WM8mu16vXF1P-fKPspTrynYuWw_vGYLcoA0oCNpsSAhXaXxnt2Bl6ohN-Zm7Ypx-hTPvPH7X7Fc-w8QnZBciOjfbLRHYKExxK7VJEX4yVPp7/s3492/RacesHisto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="3492" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn7HVZnFmhRjFv6NSGCw73TQothadsoy6c76MHv1-h0o1ql1ZSd1br1_UOMBScjyewV61NcXtCu9L3-d8WM8mu16vXF1P-fKPspTrynYuWw_vGYLcoA0oCNpsSAhXaXxnt2Bl6ohN-Zm7Ypx-hTPvPH7X7Fc-w8QnZBciOjfbLRHYKExxK7VJEX4yVPp7/w400-h120/RacesHisto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Years ago, you would have told me I'd run so many ultras, I wouldn't have believed it, that would have seemed impossible or just crazy! But craziness is actually very relative in our sport... there is always someone making your achievements pale in comparison! By definition (<i>anything beyond the marathon distance</i>) ultra running has no upper bound limit, this can get quite addictive, doesn't it? Borrowing from Ultra Hall of Fame's Roy Pirrung, who closes every of his messages on Facebook this way: <i>see you in a few miles...</i> Wait, just a few miles? One race at a time, one training run at a time...</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-24776278621937315722023-09-16T18:40:00.001-07:002023-09-16T18:40:48.375-07:00Quicksilver Half Marathon 2023: pictures from the aid station, and New AlmadenFor a big change and an opportunity to give back to my Quicksilver Club and our local trail community, I didn't race today! I volunteered to help out at the Prospect aid station which half marathon runners were visiting twice at about 6.5 and 10.5 miles.<div><br /></div><div>We were 4 for 40 runners so it wasn't super busy, especially given the spread of the runners over about 2 hours. Great opportunity to catch-up with my fellow Striders, Peggy and Peter, and clubmate, Jim. Guess what we talked the most about? Spot on, running! Peggy and Peter are heading to the Grand Canyon in a few weeks, and Jim to Rio del Lago for his first 100-miler in November. And they learned a few things about my upcoming 153-mile Spartathlon around the corner un exactly 2 weeks now!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj985dkeNsh2ynvNt5C8NdIGjp1-221g2A3S49T1cePXGO8NRxsFwiP8W7zO9CQEydw4kCChhh54lnPKFNloFgL4ORUsYEMRWxGKzP6N9KDJmWVfjfjTahaKRYLpH_aLfKhn5P5bWKP_AI3CHI-22xr-VVTYascP0L4F9yg8x9zEIFGQWV1G5joGszb96At/s4032/IMG_3294.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj985dkeNsh2ynvNt5C8NdIGjp1-221g2A3S49T1cePXGO8NRxsFwiP8W7zO9CQEydw4kCChhh54lnPKFNloFgL4ORUsYEMRWxGKzP6N9KDJmWVfjfjTahaKRYLpH_aLfKhn5P5bWKP_AI3CHI-22xr-VVTYascP0L4F9yg8x9zEIFGQWV1G5joGszb96At/s320/IMG_3294.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />While Jim drove his SUV to haul the aid station supplies, Peggy, Peter and I ran from the Hacienda entrance, a nice 4-mile warm-up. Knowing that the aid station was set on a very exposed location, I had planned on a hot morning. Well, we didn't see the sun but remained in the misty fog all morning, yikes! With all the heat training I got for Greece, that made for a chilly shift.</div><div><br /></div><div>We formed an outstanding and efficient crew: Peter handled the refills, Peggy the gestures to make sure the runners were not missing the incoming hairpin turn up the trail, Jim diligently kept records of every runner's split for both their passages through the station and I took pictures of almost all the runners! I had brought my point and shoot Canon with a 40x zoom but forgot I had left it on Manual mode after photographing the Super Blue Moon last month, oops!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mzj4PcRuKcVUlbAoMESqZNKp2k4B3EbTFH_v1EqOSItMP88tA8FF5eetbUnrJvqvfxQep1ugf9A7Wc1FDKyT0GSnRzUwZ948fmMqoagXY1qpoKLo821kIrMsHN8AKL2pg44he7HDG1izO92cUD_Z119Wi0Aa9y_LJT_4grDnql_G38hH8pgCiwrPEoq8/s2039/IMG_9216c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2039" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mzj4PcRuKcVUlbAoMESqZNKp2k4B3EbTFH_v1EqOSItMP88tA8FF5eetbUnrJvqvfxQep1ugf9A7Wc1FDKyT0GSnRzUwZ948fmMqoagXY1qpoKLo821kIrMsHN8AKL2pg44he7HDG1izO92cUD_Z119Wi0Aa9y_LJT_4grDnql_G38hH8pgCiwrPEoq8/s320/IMG_9216c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />At least I was able to sneak this cool shot of the Mockingbird parking lot from afar. Several runners appreciated seeing the end of the tunnel from our aid station! The power of a 40x zoom, a cool and useful feature for safaris for instance.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnheIMtPdjXcA9lPLreRkyh-14R2hLBd5SMIxOqh_ezYkXNVRRGSUJe86iDgEVs3qOBHbLX6ERennKtcdiZ5uv8ur9waXowfTBT8PZQwkF_Ru8RHXldkidXyAcLBh00qVkQOji-YUiv2e2tBQEuey9OzlQHX7XNhz4r2P2Ie8TmQ9pzn8W8qpnYw92T6C/s5184/IMG_9237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnheIMtPdjXcA9lPLreRkyh-14R2hLBd5SMIxOqh_ezYkXNVRRGSUJe86iDgEVs3qOBHbLX6ERennKtcdiZ5uv8ur9waXowfTBT8PZQwkF_Ru8RHXldkidXyAcLBh00qVkQOji-YUiv2e2tBQEuey9OzlQHX7XNhz4r2P2Ie8TmQ9pzn8W8qpnYw92T6C/s320/IMG_9237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm82n8bnHx_HLmyal5lgh9BJhIAhEckHmEDrqs7YHobdPUBslFKhIF1qb9d7WhYqzA5juZrY6X7SvSeg65nGNBSTHvGUwickxTsKuqvZqVNfbCARoYSPanXOQqYZDzMJ4V8KKYA05lYuZK7a4QLgtQsJI09YXkk5xQ06dy56z_EZxTYl7_oOm9wxyRk6kE/s5184/IMG_9238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm82n8bnHx_HLmyal5lgh9BJhIAhEckHmEDrqs7YHobdPUBslFKhIF1qb9d7WhYqzA5juZrY6X7SvSeg65nGNBSTHvGUwickxTsKuqvZqVNfbCARoYSPanXOQqYZDzMJ4V8KKYA05lYuZK7a4QLgtQsJI09YXkk5xQ06dy56z_EZxTYl7_oOm9wxyRk6kE/s320/IMG_9238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Our Quicksilver teammate Sylvie was the first runner to fly through the station and I could say that her speed was the reason of the blurriness of her pictures but, no, just my bad, and sorry Sylvie! I even could only catch your back on the second passage because we were still taking care of incoming runners. Congrats on your overall win!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxxm-TNYmRiglo8H1XkuLzq9nszML0dv2-4Oe36EU-5Z6sBQ8LJ_N9JEBSWfpILBvJau1v1ErZIQeRrSykjT2fxB-KUc4ObTXtHtRFz1X36GV5WdjW7Ym_g6IiSolJUCmRWXKEEX0OaweA_EkumRiRwbi-ifIbIh_vSlwBh2-6x670xad-Z7ktPEfErO4/s5184/IMG_9218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxxm-TNYmRiglo8H1XkuLzq9nszML0dv2-4Oe36EU-5Z6sBQ8LJ_N9JEBSWfpILBvJau1v1ErZIQeRrSykjT2fxB-KUc4ObTXtHtRFz1X36GV5WdjW7Ym_g6IiSolJUCmRWXKEEX0OaweA_EkumRiRwbi-ifIbIh_vSlwBh2-6x670xad-Z7ktPEfErO4/s320/IMG_9218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN4AgnQQvYvsvUfCio1STUO0VF5yIQJOsPgqetjIWbhSVOQe9gSozQ1XwruoxhAZgSgwpmXeowdMEO6QSzLADcxp-84IpMpmeH6Iy7XJJM4upsu0TF24yzWf1EIhalxrfiWhVxAhs-tzw5U_ks944Fh7xjfKdS-bKzf0Mo81XGNcB1p3I_fUUGfTR0b61/s5184/IMG_9223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN4AgnQQvYvsvUfCio1STUO0VF5yIQJOsPgqetjIWbhSVOQe9gSozQ1XwruoxhAZgSgwpmXeowdMEO6QSzLADcxp-84IpMpmeH6Iy7XJJM4upsu0TF24yzWf1EIhalxrfiWhVxAhs-tzw5U_ks944Fh7xjfKdS-bKzf0Mo81XGNcB1p3I_fUUGfTR0b61/s320/IMG_9223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fKUDmNYBfrT6pHQodXqsE-yR41nGjct5mkUBBFMWwtQj1Rg9MAuwHXb2Gmvph6l0RRxa_grEFtn7bMU68fSVWsNXsFzKLLHEoBBhqjP8g4xzpfKx7gclg5VmKNVpggv0iJinSAn0nFaN4PVed_wCczEaXgeFmMxlR_PInBXwQ6ghy_ITUTICIq4nhMAJ/s4032/IMG_3308.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fKUDmNYBfrT6pHQodXqsE-yR41nGjct5mkUBBFMWwtQj1Rg9MAuwHXb2Gmvph6l0RRxa_grEFtn7bMU68fSVWsNXsFzKLLHEoBBhqjP8g4xzpfKx7gclg5VmKNVpggv0iJinSAn0nFaN4PVed_wCczEaXgeFmMxlR_PInBXwQ6ghy_ITUTICIq4nhMAJ/s320/IMG_3308.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Anyway, after a few tries, I switched to shooting with my iPhone 13 mini, that did the trick with the low light. Not much bokeh, enjoy <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/AViVRVENfYnmGVmA6" target="_blank">the free pictures in this Google photo album</a>, as I enjoy them when on the other side of the line! ;-) Oh, and please download those you want to keep, I may discard that album at some point to save on cloud storage/cost.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs5MLP845wgufhr7VmhOj9WHGzo-ZdAP_qdsQg_2BQXyAJE_99vUF3NnB-sERlZQ8A6eHHLLi3qF9cwc6IjeRnoCgEnxMn8pLV6q7t1egZFrLYBC_GKDb4jpKyiVDyMKzwvO2RIHbDokggJm4zpqa0osOy7VibAoyV9fay6tcrDaqfCeOmwexbXO6eoaY/s2047/IMG_9223-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs5MLP845wgufhr7VmhOj9WHGzo-ZdAP_qdsQg_2BQXyAJE_99vUF3NnB-sERlZQ8A6eHHLLi3qF9cwc6IjeRnoCgEnxMn8pLV6q7t1egZFrLYBC_GKDb4jpKyiVDyMKzwvO2RIHbDokggJm4zpqa0osOy7VibAoyV9fay6tcrDaqfCeOmwexbXO6eoaY/s320/IMG_9223-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Once the last runner went through, we dismantled the station and I ran the last 2.5 miles to the finish, passing the last 2 runners. And getting there much before Jim who drove the supplies to the Mockingbird finish area. With almost 20 volunteers, everything was packed back in the rental truck by noon, yeah! Well, still some post-race cleaning and sorting work for Stuart...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7f4BYm8Jj-xnE876NJMaDY5dAfMQtej9he3VM3Sy1evlITL5yOgJV6UehQxcScIlIbfoeNGv7KvJEbRNLC07I87SXYqodnANQg20_Y_u07hKgVLHLvZUvzTXOD2TXjFTb5kjxtgrv8sYEeQ3IBxx_4hCzI_HXf0hhG83LF7RN2fclfzaKhqBN-0maRyo/s4032/IMG_3388.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7f4BYm8Jj-xnE876NJMaDY5dAfMQtej9he3VM3Sy1evlITL5yOgJV6UehQxcScIlIbfoeNGv7KvJEbRNLC07I87SXYqodnANQg20_Y_u07hKgVLHLvZUvzTXOD2TXjFTb5kjxtgrv8sYEeQ3IBxx_4hCzI_HXf0hhG83LF7RN2fclfzaKhqBN-0maRyo/s320/IMG_3388.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixY23pGmjo4AAhflE68oMMGAX3RTBjbtX8nUpYrMZRPfP967NzG_IaEuqJ0QC8OYVolM64e4wbTUNywHWY-7c-TWR_Uoie9q_BqXciAT5xlvNL7_f53mhorGl0cUJdsytgQJyOVnQkIhkm2J1ZgP66NJMl8mFhZliIVL1xm4l-D6q26NOjCyxOZ46BxgP/s4032/IMG_3387.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixY23pGmjo4AAhflE68oMMGAX3RTBjbtX8nUpYrMZRPfP967NzG_IaEuqJ0QC8OYVolM64e4wbTUNywHWY-7c-TWR_Uoie9q_BqXciAT5xlvNL7_f53mhorGl0cUJdsytgQJyOVnQkIhkm2J1ZgP66NJMl8mFhZliIVL1xm4l-D6q26NOjCyxOZ46BxgP/s320/IMG_3387.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W-xuQEJsAZkc--UthoS9PmRSp8xVRjlBY5wk1AGqs7t1NalJBfsojqgpGVeeVhuxWyiQmFN8pOM7kwbiTxD93o7IV35ia0PFoYDA_z0b4P8MoL7R6rWewZvV-vgZGyWgwD8u9YIYWME9uK2TNWkJADlkhDgkSTUZxab0B6fa9rOx2AKgPgTTC1fbxw-R/s4032/IMG_3386.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W-xuQEJsAZkc--UthoS9PmRSp8xVRjlBY5wk1AGqs7t1NalJBfsojqgpGVeeVhuxWyiQmFN8pOM7kwbiTxD93o7IV35ia0PFoYDA_z0b4P8MoL7R6rWewZvV-vgZGyWgwD8u9YIYWME9uK2TNWkJADlkhDgkSTUZxab0B6fa9rOx2AKgPgTTC1fbxw-R/s320/IMG_3386.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Special thanks and kudos to our Race Director, Laura, our Club President, Stuart and our Volunteer Coordinator, Bob. Such a hard work to keep this Club tradition running, even for less than 100 runners (we are so rich with races in the Bay Area, it's border overwhelming...).</div><div><br /></div><div>Very special wishes to Marc, our past Team Captain and today's birthday boy! Great to see you running today, Marc, albeit learning this still hurts...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyInObdtEW-kvxOhXXHskyFmlfdFWC4LUPgqBP4RlteRF7-3KXFvgvDT4feSbKmKeWvd3AXX8Zw1Ww5WMB4WMHqI55QtMsFz2fFrvX0syEyBfxz26VGPwhIkrkhmxLd6v9lcR5eYJLb2T7bKm3JEFOOUYMO4fC4Wz5v9coawrgIjzkgeg5w5CvLG1J_xj_/s4032/IMG_3362.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyInObdtEW-kvxOhXXHskyFmlfdFWC4LUPgqBP4RlteRF7-3KXFvgvDT4feSbKmKeWvd3AXX8Zw1Ww5WMB4WMHqI55QtMsFz2fFrvX0syEyBfxz26VGPwhIkrkhmxLd6v9lcR5eYJLb2T7bKm3JEFOOUYMO4fC4Wz5v9coawrgIjzkgeg5w5CvLG1J_xj_/s320/IMG_3362.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />I ran back to my car at Hacienda by the Almaden Road, for a total of 9.4 miles. I had dinner once at the famous French restaurant La Forêt, but never really took the time to visit New Almaden. Such a key piece of our local history, dating back to the first half of the 19th century, it was worth stopping at quite a few plaques on the side of the road. See <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/AViVRVENfYnmGVmA6" target="_blank">the end of the photo album</a> for more pictures, especially for those reading from our of town. For the Bay Area folks, make a point to visit this gem of California's mining history!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY-Ea9gqXYaqrSbQZn2b5HO_lisOQKgsM2e4ZJSh3UmybJ3UAPCYr5_tFdwIOEMkxV46ijEOQSi9TrzETw9ogNG4LiWxP4gRln4MHMtlZdMK8uqJ5E8oUW1t6quqZcz8el9TrL-nusleWjL455L4V4iJbYNUnWJuGqO9lz96kRa0BCPduCndnMcmPMRte/s4032/IMG_3390.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY-Ea9gqXYaqrSbQZn2b5HO_lisOQKgsM2e4ZJSh3UmybJ3UAPCYr5_tFdwIOEMkxV46ijEOQSi9TrzETw9ogNG4LiWxP4gRln4MHMtlZdMK8uqJ5E8oUW1t6quqZcz8el9TrL-nusleWjL455L4V4iJbYNUnWJuGqO9lz96kRa0BCPduCndnMcmPMRte/s320/IMG_3390.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Pvgkde37r7S_scWvEPlwj18PEHPruFKnlw-KhsQ9S-sj4RKwB-R5c1owmHaSjX9qYi5vOhElqMhvVKaAZpB8NyYGEdxfxetnapNnsvd8wSe77ugxPm_MJhbQNkZUEjvU_y1u03MhweUlVjmtpoTsCjf-IIZPkf9ZdfVpYbY8o_gyHUpLyM3OUxb7859z/s4032/IMG_3392.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Pvgkde37r7S_scWvEPlwj18PEHPruFKnlw-KhsQ9S-sj4RKwB-R5c1owmHaSjX9qYi5vOhElqMhvVKaAZpB8NyYGEdxfxetnapNnsvd8wSe77ugxPm_MJhbQNkZUEjvU_y1u03MhweUlVjmtpoTsCjf-IIZPkf9ZdfVpYbY8o_gyHUpLyM3OUxb7859z/s320/IMG_3392.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVf1crPCjG_uqWIXUqwP2j0el8gIxo2zMFGlfG2VYdPxpUM1OXwZxSUkqmobo9mXhd8edaIltd9fqkT7gaq9JGHQFDGL--hwh2nKcMMQUGB-zMoORqX-MTn7F46_mZAByu-K3WIVBwgSeK1i_c95eMdFzyYPhwmAVGRjB5X5TJlVzMgWE9Q2pb3LsfWlk/s4032/IMG_3393.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVf1crPCjG_uqWIXUqwP2j0el8gIxo2zMFGlfG2VYdPxpUM1OXwZxSUkqmobo9mXhd8edaIltd9fqkT7gaq9JGHQFDGL--hwh2nKcMMQUGB-zMoORqX-MTn7F46_mZAByu-K3WIVBwgSeK1i_c95eMdFzyYPhwmAVGRjB5X5TJlVzMgWE9Q2pb3LsfWlk/s320/IMG_3393.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7esN7pdzA1hXWLb4mCLs43kLUgdYNFTunu_1_93-haa0qawWns_IVONH_1EfF0v82rdwvX4GYwnMfV-wSsiTEnsFe5f67w4X5m2kYUZMuv64mQDN-UdJuN7gY0PrPwiL6Hy42BfjTr1lD7B2y7qIckbZNxU7PPmrp96azcEJd8z67W3kl_rVevr82Vwzj/s320/IMG_3429.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-7143368560785356622023-09-09T06:44:00.001-07:002023-09-09T06:49:00.328-07:00If not faster, then further: I had never ran so much!I have to admit, despite 18 years of ultra trail running, I have still no all the clues about what I am doing! As the saying goes, ultra running is a barely scientific experiment of n = 1 (even when the UTMB marketing machine makes it seem like n = 8,000). When my hamstring tendon fissured after training so hard to break the M50-54 100K record, and failing, after 8 years of averaging 100K a week, I figured out that the 62-mile weeks had become too much for my body.<div><br /></div><div>Then I put my hat in the <a href="https://www.spartathlon.gr/en/home/" target="_blank">Spartathlon</a> lottery because I felt there wasn't much time left to run that mythical race before I'm getting too old (this year, there are 20 entrants older than me, the older being 71 and 14 between 60 and 64). And I got in on the first try, although I still don't feel like I totally rebuilt after the 4-year injury.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our team coordinator who already finished Spartathlon 9 times (!) gave us an training regimen that I had never heard of before. August had to include 2 weeks at 200 miles, we had been warned in March! I was torn between the fear of breaking something again, which happened to a few other entrants from our Team USA unfortunately, and this opportunity to explore unchartered territories again and set new limits, both physically and mentally.</div><div><br /></div><div>With such a regimen, I went into <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/08/skyline-50k-2023-some-serious-hill.html" target="_blank">Skyline 50K</a> with only one day of tapering and absolutely no hill training, even after a stay in Chamonix in July where I mostly ran on roads, flat trails and hundreds of laps at the track. 2 weeks later, I took 4 days off before <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/08/tamalpa-headlands-50k-2023-some-good.html" target="_blank">an even hillier trail 50K, Tamalpa Headlands</a>. Definitely not on fresh legs but a great effort and reasonable result given the circumstances. Overall 11 ultra runs in August, including one 50-miler and 7 50Ks, phew. And a record monthly total of 537 miles for August (865 km) after another record month in July of 462 miles (744 km). With a 180-mile week then a record 205-mile one.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTqN_ca5dR-dr9IBTeOp2LVHdnLVpucTgDKJ9XQ3eeJup74ymch30enYwJtrpJO6MIaksTWISJ4g7d0Y57P1oOM0msRPWMg5Y0Rd718v59tNAW7uRfDrTSH_sz2qBW8F6_uBrdvOS6mlEO981AyLOV92NYqyo6oqYLwCsVAur7AGqo_I7jOSPcko40aeE/s2164/WeeklyMileageLog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="2164" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTqN_ca5dR-dr9IBTeOp2LVHdnLVpucTgDKJ9XQ3eeJup74ymch30enYwJtrpJO6MIaksTWISJ4g7d0Y57P1oOM0msRPWMg5Y0Rd718v59tNAW7uRfDrTSH_sz2qBW8F6_uBrdvOS6mlEO981AyLOV92NYqyo6oqYLwCsVAur7AGqo_I7jOSPcko40aeE/w400-h80/WeeklyMileageLog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />What did I learn? First and foremost, slowing down, finally! Thanks (!) to a constant muscle fatigue, and having to adapt to the heat and running at night, </div><div><br /></div><div>Second, I feel I indeed gained some mental strength in the process. Finding the motivation to run through the hottest part of the day during the weekends, or later at night after busy work days was a bigger deal at the beginning of the month.</div><div><br /></div><div>And a few logistical tune up around chaffing prevention or running through a few blisters with some taping.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I didn't do from the recommended training plan is the sleep deprivation part which consisted in alternating 2-hour sleep breaks with 2-hour runs/walks, for 48 hours. I'm already sleeping less than 6 hours most often, I believe sleep deprivation won't be the biggest obstacle on race day. Hard to do while working another full time job anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I peaked at 82 miles/week for the first 8 months of 2023, a new threshold which I didn't know I could sustain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tapering now? Not quite yet according to the boss! He unveiled the September program which still includes 100-mile weeks until we travel to Greece. Yikes, I was eager to ease up after August... Well, 100-mile weeks after 180 to 200-mile ones, maybe that's easing up! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Most important now is not to break, not to get injured. While racing the Stevens Creek Reservoir half today for instance!</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-31590908526418650412023-08-31T23:27:00.006-07:002023-09-02T00:26:06.776-07:00Tamalpa Headlands 50K 2023: some good fire back!<div>Another report I had mostly written by Sunday evening but then interrupted by my two main jobs, IBM and training for Spartathlon. I already ran 242 miles since that race, including 5 50K training runs to make for a 205-mile week right post race, another lifetime milestone after a record 180-mile week just before the race. The road to Athens and Sparta is long and already exhausting, can't wait for some good tapering in September!</div><div><br /></div>Years ago, our long-standing local USATF Pacific Association club, Tamalpa Runners, had picked fire for their signature ultra trail race logo and it was heartwarming to see it reignited this weekend! Huge kudos to Race Director Jeff Stern for stepping up and reinstate this Bay Area ultra running tradition after a 3-year hiatus.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f1jZcrk-LTPtbmCSd6HRWVzsbX23w4QYH9ypDBtOl91vh8wtc-MKN63eZXoc-whKiUU4hAqYGr7Nnz1a6DCVEe3lKZKLQFit52EfebZwhvQG0NkijNFA_4LHV_TH-J8ouuFsqo9BbnLHyOXT3sh4_ilOa6_Ru9CecqpGorc6wd9HvP-kdNZsmSq7pKrB/s4032/IMG_3137.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f1jZcrk-LTPtbmCSd6HRWVzsbX23w4QYH9ypDBtOl91vh8wtc-MKN63eZXoc-whKiUU4hAqYGr7Nnz1a6DCVEe3lKZKLQFit52EfebZwhvQG0NkijNFA_4LHV_TH-J8ouuFsqo9BbnLHyOXT3sh4_ilOa6_Ru9CecqpGorc6wd9HvP-kdNZsmSq7pKrB/s320/IMG_3137.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Call me old school, I have to say that it felt really good to see the result and be part of it: an outstanding bridge between the original spirit of ultra community events which I got into trail running in 2006 and some commercial support to attract the younger speedsters. I was for instance impressed how much credit Jeff gave to former race directors and the history of this event. Definitely due credit to these devoted Tamalpa Runners: Greg Nacco, who was running today, Diana and Tim Fitzpatrick, whom I had met after their Skyline 50K runs two weeks ago and the pre-Covid RD, and Willem van Dam who has lately officiated as course monitor at the top of the stairs at Quad Dipsea.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had not run the 2017 and 2018 editions for the good excuse I was running UTMB and TDS these years. Nor 2019 because of the hamstring tendon injury, making it a 7-year gap for me. In total, 6 participations: 2007 (Nationals): 4:23:48, 2008 (Nationals): 4:40:48, 2013: 4:19:46, 2014: 4:27:36, 2015: 4:29:24, and 2016: 4:27:28. 7 years older including 4 years being injured, my main goal for today was not to break 4:30 or even 5, but 6 hours! After a rather slow Skyline 50K 2 weeks ago and with the current focus on Spartathlon, that didn't even seem like sand bagging...</div><div><br /></div><div>Just after Skyline, I actually logged the most miles in a week ever for me, 159.4. Plus 28 the following Monday. I blew a few heat fuses that weekend, I decided to taper for 4 days to still show up with something in the tank at Santos Meadow. As opposed to Skyline for which I only tapered for one day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Parking was limited at the meadow and Jeff had explicitly asked us to have at least 2 runners per car, so I organized a few options for our team. Luciano picked me in Cupertino at 5 am and we were parked by 6:15. We were actually welcomed by race sponsor and UltraRunning Magazine editor, Karl Hoagland himself, who teased me with: "It's because of you if we are all here!" Ha ha, all my fault because, after Covid, I kept bugging Willem then Carl Jacob to see if their club would put the event back on the map, and our Pacific Association MUT Grand Prix in particular! Friendly teasing, and certainly a great excuse to get back to ultra work, you are all welcome! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsR-JK5smhKY1UO_K9Qpr3pfWz38uqMH5ZVxwfLsu7QbB8omnZBOOdOGZnbmcvARJs2Y-P5OmybmOvlpteP3s7Ytt3DxnagRlwSq8H3YNyZocb8LIE4P4Sm2XYIs1ai5mhxPRDtAM6X55m3NP-5wbDxoLAsbt5p_dOnJYMEKjd6uWLD-9NOimyvv6oR0n/s4032/IMG_3135.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsR-JK5smhKY1UO_K9Qpr3pfWz38uqMH5ZVxwfLsu7QbB8omnZBOOdOGZnbmcvARJs2Y-P5OmybmOvlpteP3s7Ytt3DxnagRlwSq8H3YNyZocb8LIE4P4Sm2XYIs1ai5mhxPRDtAM6X55m3NP-5wbDxoLAsbt5p_dOnJYMEKjd6uWLD-9NOimyvv6oR0n/s320/IMG_3135.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Most bibs were distributed the day before so the check-in was very smooth and quick. And a good number of porta-potties were lined up for the good size 312-entrant field. Saturday evening, I noticed the large number of DNS (Did Not Start) though, 56! Is that because we over do it or we are already late in the season?</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wH1vf5wM_uUaTp3fYOLB-EVVNbMkdaX6M2JGFZimGvrywgdNKru6ALNP8blBVQM6YtoXdTQqJLxsbfWqYFeO9a3EFv71GZLXNREJbEaximlz_o_okd83-YImJ0fiBVUs3LXArQ7D3YncqKhqyc3WJ-FsMnw7cASfdM_FT18XlOUaXsF7P5GS4U0rUBBG/s4032/IMG_3133.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wH1vf5wM_uUaTp3fYOLB-EVVNbMkdaX6M2JGFZimGvrywgdNKru6ALNP8blBVQM6YtoXdTQqJLxsbfWqYFeO9a3EFv71GZLXNREJbEaximlz_o_okd83-YImJ0fiBVUs3LXArQ7D3YncqKhqyc3WJ-FsMnw7cASfdM_FT18XlOUaXsF7P5GS4U0rUBBG/s320/IMG_3133.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I ran with my phone but the weather remained overcast and I got into the groove of working against the clock, so I didn't take any picture while running. With a cloud ceiling appearing rather high, I was convinced that it would clear mid morning, but I'd admit I don't have any expertise in that Headlands micro-climate (well, in meteorology in general anyway). Not a big deal, just that I didn't use the sunglasses I carried all the way. And actually such a refreshing midst after the hot days we've had in the South Bay, or at Skyline for that matter. Wonderful Bay Area with its 16 microclimates!</div><div><br /></div><div>Like Skyline, and with a modest sub-6-hour goal, I was happy being behind the speedsters at the start. Especially for such a race in which the longest climbs are in the second half (a key tip I shared with our new elite teammate, Sylvie Abel).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7SXgHKKeHCgZEQaH28L6lt3FbEtnB6_WmmbfeULSfxAjqrrmjTZb0XJ9LxvbMd8feVELu_Citvo-2yj-WQRPvPAirwDrXdCIku7o9iSR8zofoxv4zTGqwSbt6gHJwxuFh1XHW93wKvZHOpSREGe8-_3k8f8C-WcVIAEga3yN1r5XMf2NxEMydZfd0f4V/s9660/IMG_3141.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3884" data-original-width="9660" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7SXgHKKeHCgZEQaH28L6lt3FbEtnB6_WmmbfeULSfxAjqrrmjTZb0XJ9LxvbMd8feVELu_Citvo-2yj-WQRPvPAirwDrXdCIku7o9iSR8zofoxv4zTGqwSbt6gHJwxuFh1XHW93wKvZHOpSREGe8-_3k8f8C-WcVIAEga3yN1r5XMf2NxEMydZfd0f4V/w400-h161/IMG_3141.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYypEDIzrUG5vnZnSXW4zcR7dBQO_tcEcEZAbso3mEt2SNgo9dH7OkLmOUicGRsQghRU_3BtVgknLEF_xt52_eF1Wk7D2nQP275EKXRdo-tsJXffekE7TC56FjuYozcFuD09IaXe-pxewHaALRPQzpbnWWqeMsf-9tkvg74_pCQVm8yhAYVWIsueh9MiTl/s4032/IMG_3143.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYypEDIzrUG5vnZnSXW4zcR7dBQO_tcEcEZAbso3mEt2SNgo9dH7OkLmOUicGRsQghRU_3BtVgknLEF_xt52_eF1Wk7D2nQP275EKXRdo-tsJXffekE7TC56FjuYozcFuD09IaXe-pxewHaALRPQzpbnWWqeMsf-9tkvg74_pCQVm8yhAYVWIsueh9MiTl/s320/IMG_3143.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom9YiiSJhI--4TuuMUdxDJjPpzeCTJ-Yg75F3UPQ-M4aoE3d7DWqSNo5frJaMftNNMONRAn5-np8uyTY7gaPbHpYvWwRQWahSOjfsJgmtr4IirVa54NVScmtIqPmoc0x9m0zSvcJJIYm80X3qxLjvRa3RxbDJh8FehEasziV8pKp4ZGqiuY_IXSsleQHX/s4032/IMG_3144.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom9YiiSJhI--4TuuMUdxDJjPpzeCTJ-Yg75F3UPQ-M4aoE3d7DWqSNo5frJaMftNNMONRAn5-np8uyTY7gaPbHpYvWwRQWahSOjfsJgmtr4IirVa54NVScmtIqPmoc0x9m0zSvcJJIYm80X3qxLjvRa3RxbDJh8FehEasziV8pKp4ZGqiuY_IXSsleQHX/s320/IMG_3144.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />As we were approaching the Pelican Inn turn, now back on the road after the cool conga line on a single track section, a lady was counting us and I got a 46 or 47. Photo credit to the talented Tiare Bowman (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiarebowmanphoto/" target="_blank">@tiarebowman</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkP3AHve1Q_Qq1ZGebKv1Nz0SPOkpU1UWH42-G33dfMPxfjQYayMu5mlEmRr1VllhuuNK-1vkV2bccv3VZBUxMErwBaQAJdvPmNJ285n_MYVHg7xDj1JGrF9MKwPwxoLdLbgJRutU2EDQnLB2XC5EVd2RhyxaqO8KQjxtSsrOlY4fjnLDlIgu7ykgM623/s5472/@tiarebowmanphoto_road-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkP3AHve1Q_Qq1ZGebKv1Nz0SPOkpU1UWH42-G33dfMPxfjQYayMu5mlEmRr1VllhuuNK-1vkV2bccv3VZBUxMErwBaQAJdvPmNJ285n_MYVHg7xDj1JGrF9MKwPwxoLdLbgJRutU2EDQnLB2XC5EVd2RhyxaqO8KQjxtSsrOlY4fjnLDlIgu7ykgM623/s320/@tiarebowmanphoto_road-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ah, ok, maybe I'll make it in the top 100 then. Because, mid way in the first steep climb on Coastal Trail, as I started walking just behind another teammate, Bree Lambert Sanders, I kept being passed by at least a dozen younger runners, quite a few gals as a matter of fact. As I grumbled to Bree as I passed her a mile later before Pirates Cove, I'm really getting older... Ironically, she is in her 50s too and still killing it! Also two pictures from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiarebowmanphoto/" target="_blank">@tiarebowman</a> and I have no idea how she teleported herself so quickly!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPI3oFSC8Ad9neC3ljk_KykVmryFA973Ncci4Xxe0NyHVzA_FzQ3EL4OWi-xRW3vMVPby0kv7sxXwaTKpd7VFe3JgVPABkD17iGutMMLIN6Z7bMBJZgtoAJVQ8DGOLEw3YMep-KJsfy5lXH66cW5H4bzc6w8GZsnqRgKGoGdgx46oV5OvP93nRWNq95lk/s5472/@tiarebowmanphoto_muir-052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPI3oFSC8Ad9neC3ljk_KykVmryFA973Ncci4Xxe0NyHVzA_FzQ3EL4OWi-xRW3vMVPby0kv7sxXwaTKpd7VFe3JgVPABkD17iGutMMLIN6Z7bMBJZgtoAJVQ8DGOLEw3YMep-KJsfy5lXH66cW5H4bzc6w8GZsnqRgKGoGdgx46oV5OvP93nRWNq95lk/s320/@tiarebowmanphoto_muir-052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbHJv8sheErOcAkbkzvgopGNEnkfHtIv814U7lSCQkT5GbRh7edh58TpprMF9qa_SgWUfjQtw6SMwD2P8rhgr8dGZyKJvDcCVA-UkRjAXAqaFXitrLbRzRM2RDDTjTqS0fEDo841GSL5mxLGyGENebLAxCkwltT5J7ioSiSJPD5YLM_m-umu1E9DLMyIx/s5472/@tiarebowmanphoto_muir-053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbHJv8sheErOcAkbkzvgopGNEnkfHtIv814U7lSCQkT5GbRh7edh58TpprMF9qa_SgWUfjQtw6SMwD2P8rhgr8dGZyKJvDcCVA-UkRjAXAqaFXitrLbRzRM2RDDTjTqS0fEDo841GSL5mxLGyGENebLAxCkwltT5J7ioSiSJPD5YLM_m-umu1E9DLMyIx/s320/@tiarebowmanphoto_muir-053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />William Dai and I-Tao Tsai were also actively spectating by taking pictures at several sports on the course.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRYmSw_xWrDNOWFeCFYA3pWsDvC41-muTSGFLG-G4LgFYC1Qfjsi7yzJuM7DG_-ITvHSL3RSNkUiB3NX-tkS5iKpGbAbyM1spKAEZMzIm7FzcYMGWdh5vYGo2-PeX5Mv4OBqTwsvNBnW14eMs2uo2CKS5Q_FbC95oQA6oDFgB9Js2wQJbiHiB_WMY2QxZ/s1887/I-TaoTsai_01_367047955_10229068040899958_7200905853824247348_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1887" data-original-width="1269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRYmSw_xWrDNOWFeCFYA3pWsDvC41-muTSGFLG-G4LgFYC1Qfjsi7yzJuM7DG_-ITvHSL3RSNkUiB3NX-tkS5iKpGbAbyM1spKAEZMzIm7FzcYMGWdh5vYGo2-PeX5Mv4OBqTwsvNBnW14eMs2uo2CKS5Q_FbC95oQA6oDFgB9Js2wQJbiHiB_WMY2QxZ/s320/I-TaoTsai_01_367047955_10229068040899958_7200905853824247348_n.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwrO0Mk0ShA2yomCg3V08Gur_qwVNYQOI_KPeqNzV6HhWP-orU1nrU0q1v4YZyth1Rc81LXy4q1o7BUfd4WkmJFDGH7qb0E5VKdgFsrsJbJwABPoGEVVVrXsMsPRLqHhmmfKxakKVqm6R34qzxkWMFb-IIZuSbm0kM1dmgJnt0klZmaOmt_J7OcHKMf-s/s2048/I-TaoTsai_02_367448026_10229068047580125_3247814244661149188_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwrO0Mk0ShA2yomCg3V08Gur_qwVNYQOI_KPeqNzV6HhWP-orU1nrU0q1v4YZyth1Rc81LXy4q1o7BUfd4WkmJFDGH7qb0E5VKdgFsrsJbJwABPoGEVVVrXsMsPRLqHhmmfKxakKVqm6R34qzxkWMFb-IIZuSbm0kM1dmgJnt0klZmaOmt_J7OcHKMf-s/s320/I-TaoTsai_02_367448026_10229068047580125_3247814244661149188_n.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I passed a few folks on the way down to Tennessee Valley and traded places up and down on the climb of Hill 88 then the tricky down hill to Rodeo Beach. I grabbed one piece of watermelon and banana at the aid station and might have passed a few runners there. On the next uphill on Miwok Trail, I spotted Excelsior's Victor Skorapa about 3 minutes ahead and set my mind on catching him before the finish. We were about 8 miles in.</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't stop at the Tennessee Valley aid station, not even slowing down to see who was manning it, sorry! William and I-Tao caught a few more shots.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2jgnxPummbMbSAlqkadlS645iD71ObVMhryJhxBvr2H6C72bteO3UDno7gARlysWEmbEvcpB-75ULqw-RQXUj7ca8QguHoM8PG9S146mlRJW8M3vYbudbJ1OsPjNfXgrhNvYOXju0oblGTJzlKV8guOYTzDke80h9pPP4vhw1_VbXC91cpdPHv1IMW2_/s2048/I-TaoTsai_03_366709565_10229068047020111_6319832140143813339_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2jgnxPummbMbSAlqkadlS645iD71ObVMhryJhxBvr2H6C72bteO3UDno7gARlysWEmbEvcpB-75ULqw-RQXUj7ca8QguHoM8PG9S146mlRJW8M3vYbudbJ1OsPjNfXgrhNvYOXju0oblGTJzlKV8guOYTzDke80h9pPP4vhw1_VbXC91cpdPHv1IMW2_/s320/I-TaoTsai_03_366709565_10229068047020111_6319832140143813339_n.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hdAOemXFGuOIe1vQZ6QVKafmXkXzxBWpXAP34g980fD6bdkmvTxmhYIUXe9zLbSoiuZx_R6j13V9qE0QQSRL1meNwMc0Kcy-lYQ8WpsBN6qol5KDdVGGp-xYWs9xF0Uy_8Cszz6EE5-aoz3MkfSQPEEOv-l9Fa5zO6qV86-h-e03j7y2R9Z43yTFjV9u/s4032/WilliamDai_08_366344711_206369575502705_4371868506828975244_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hdAOemXFGuOIe1vQZ6QVKafmXkXzxBWpXAP34g980fD6bdkmvTxmhYIUXe9zLbSoiuZx_R6j13V9qE0QQSRL1meNwMc0Kcy-lYQ8WpsBN6qol5KDdVGGp-xYWs9xF0Uy_8Cszz6EE5-aoz3MkfSQPEEOv-l9Fa5zO6qV86-h-e03j7y2R9Z43yTFjV9u/s320/WilliamDai_08_366344711_206369575502705_4371868506828975244_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I passed two gals in the next 4 miles, plus one who stayed longer at the water-only aid station at the Highway 1 crossing where I got my GU Energy Brew quickly refilled, Care Bear. The next section is really cool with a narrow and winding single track, I've great memories of it from when I first ran Miwok in 2007. Well, wonderful except for the poison oak. 2 weeks ago, I was picking blackberries at our IBM site near Almaden and, despite noticing the bush was infested by poison oak, I got a really painful episode with probably a thorn getting some poison oak oil right under my skin, ouch! I tried to be careful on that trail and I'm glad to report that I seemed to have not touched any branch this time, phew!</div><div><br /></div><div>The next road crossing was monitored by Karl who sent me on the climb to Cardiac with an encouraging "and now the fun begins..." Indeed, we were now at about 17 miles with two major climbs remaining. I was mostly jogging up hill and kept moving as I could see Care closing on me. She eventually passed me on the Dipsea Trail, and I also passed 3 or 4 other runners. Then we got to the most welcome Cardiac aid station to catch our breath. With the midst and sweat, I was experiencing some uncomfortable chaffing so my first ask was for Vaseline, like in the good old times when every aid station had some back when I got into ultra running. One of the volunteer scrambled to look into the first aid supplies and found some Squirrel's Nut Butter, phew! Meanwhile, I discovered a plate of yellow kiwis which was unexpected and so so delicious! Thank you, thank you Jena, that was one of the highlights of my race, in addition to seeing you and Victor again! Victor, when you get back in the groove, there is a song "Jena's yellow kiwis" to be written! ;-) Photo montage by Victor.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-DxOULJLgaXd8cOg_ks9g2SnT2VKchlWMtRzEImcyd8Vo9kdbLIAUYmx8wC2vjNjiE6BvCVbpoycY-67YvdvjTlFl3k4sUf0d3qhbt-anc67bplhD6VlteRg0cF2duuGGKckEwMtVBBJmIPOfThI5iXPYxdMpClCvdM-mS31gOICgGwW-fT8JiBGQftJ/s960/VictorBallesteros_01_366600503_676613751157745_4825155446347878651_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-DxOULJLgaXd8cOg_ks9g2SnT2VKchlWMtRzEImcyd8Vo9kdbLIAUYmx8wC2vjNjiE6BvCVbpoycY-67YvdvjTlFl3k4sUf0d3qhbt-anc67bplhD6VlteRg0cF2duuGGKckEwMtVBBJmIPOfThI5iXPYxdMpClCvdM-mS31gOICgGwW-fT8JiBGQftJ/s320/VictorBallesteros_01_366600503_676613751157745_4825155446347878651_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next, short of running herself because of an injury, Pen was volunteering at Cardiac and sent us toward Pantoll. I briefly saw Tim Fitzpatrick at the parking lot as well as Gary and Holly who were spectating. The volunteer monitoring the crossing of Panoramic Highway encouraged me: "excellent, you are just one hour behind the leader, which is outstanding!" Ok, the outstanding was uplifting but the 1-hour gap at 21 miles didn't feel that good. At least at 3:24 I was still on track to break 6 hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>The subsequent downhill on Matt Davis was as treacherous as I remembered, although much easier to manage than at the end of Miwok 100K! The roots, the uneven stairs, the washed out sections, some rocks, the hairpin switchbacks, they were all fun to navigate 15 years ago but I lost so much balance and confidence since then, it's embarrassing. One of the reasons I don't enjoy racing in the Alps. At least I didn't get passed on that section! As a matter of fact, as I was approaching the running creek with its water flowing sound, so comforting these days when the whole planet is getting on fire, an older runner going up was wearing the Skyline 50K tee shirt. He too got excited and said: "wow, you are close to the top 5 woman!" Ah, I must have moved to the women league now! As it happened, it was actually 8 chicks ahead but I couldn't care less today.</div><div><br /></div><div>I drank half a cup of Coke at the Stinson Beach aid station and got my water bottle refilled and up I was again on the famous --or infamous-- Dipsea Trail on which I alternated jogging and walking. I also walked part of the wonderful Steep Ravine trail, thinking of the fun years I would still run most of it. Tim was still at the top of the trail at Pantoll, such a long day to direct runners both ways! I crossed a dozen runners who still had the 8-mile loop to complete.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I approached the Cardiac aid station, I noticed a runner wearing a Pamakids top stopping and, still carrying enough fluids in my bottles, I decided to skip the stop and save at least a minute. With my conservative start, plus the 4 days of tapering, my legs felt really good and I clocked 7:19, 7:22 and 7:45 for the next 3 miles respectively, even on quite an uneven trail surface (while enjoying the speed surge, I remained super focused on not rolling an ankle given the Spartathlon goal). So much speed that I ended up passing Victor (Skorapa) and 2 other runners.</div><div><br /></div><div>Crossing the finish line in 5:21 felt both good given my sub 6-hour goal, yet rather humiliating, so far from my older times on this course and so far behind the winner. But the context was so different, it still felt good to have finished and most importantly, without any injury. There was quite a few bloody knees and elbows at the finish again otherwise, which says a lot on the hazards of this trail and the cumulated 6,500-feet elevation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Preston Cates had grabbed the overall win with a blazing 3:55:47, followed by Paddy O'Leary also breaking 4 hours, and Drew Macomber at 4:08.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jennifer Schmidt won in 4:22, placing 5th overall. Sarah Biehl took second in 4:40 with Sylvie Abel less than 3 minutes behind. Sylvie was so excited with this podium, just a year after giving birth. And she thanked me for the tip of keeping some in the tank for the second half. Maybe I kept too much myself this time but again, context is essential.</div><div><br /></div><div>The top three runners pocketed $1,000, 500 and 250 respectively, great contributions from sponsor <a href="https://rnnr.com/" target="_blank">rnnr</a> (running apparel).</div><div><br /></div><div>Bree finished mere 7 minutes behind me and got in the top 10. There was no cell coverage at the meadow, I had to wait until being back on 101 to see how I did, place wise, and was pleasantly surprised that I had won my age group after all! 5 minutes ahead of Chris Greene and 11 on Chris Futterer. Also proud of a 5th place in the Masters, although there is room for improvement for next year hopefully!</div><div><br /></div><div>Coros watch data in Garmin Connect:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dIQRkrNBE2dppUCgXzkHFuRvSYMLzO18LMiLuH57hykdMxqBL-QqpcYFAWHjfO3f4PJ43u2Ll7loqg3SUBFYcmiaKH8f6fmLQb7sPvpZ3C2BCINXPwigcelJRaJULm7VQhOctjjFk-gsHdWxjE_cprdNZ0rgxgWZCG5_kSyiEV3kwbJqbk-4im1Kommq/s1826/GarminConnectChartsTamalpaHeadlands50K2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1826" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dIQRkrNBE2dppUCgXzkHFuRvSYMLzO18LMiLuH57hykdMxqBL-QqpcYFAWHjfO3f4PJ43u2Ll7loqg3SUBFYcmiaKH8f6fmLQb7sPvpZ3C2BCINXPwigcelJRaJULm7VQhOctjjFk-gsHdWxjE_cprdNZ0rgxgWZCG5_kSyiEV3kwbJqbk-4im1Kommq/s320/GarminConnectChartsTamalpaHeadlands50K2023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />With Bree and Marco:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkmP-0y_Z5YTkeVBKAqlJApWd4GOxM91feiwjsddCAyMeSwpfqGRIF8WrvvgRbZWE03vycjuQ-tiHMy1bp4axBoU92lGhGj8gq1TliuGlFdgnnmhJnIMEQjVRcdw2tpP5fDumk9IrmmnyPvKk5MDMJLPagPhHh6C21oEE0DMvNNa0U4LOhtZS_H7XiL2v/s4032/IMG_3157.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkmP-0y_Z5YTkeVBKAqlJApWd4GOxM91feiwjsddCAyMeSwpfqGRIF8WrvvgRbZWE03vycjuQ-tiHMy1bp4axBoU92lGhGj8gq1TliuGlFdgnnmhJnIMEQjVRcdw2tpP5fDumk9IrmmnyPvKk5MDMJLPagPhHh6C21oEE0DMvNNa0U4LOhtZS_H7XiL2v/s320/IMG_3157.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />There was an exceptional high finishing rate. On our team: Sylvie, I, Bree, Luciano, Bjorn, Marco, Amara and our team captain, Stephen. Regrettably, our doyen Steve didn't make the cut-off this time.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLJgbQdDSEmiuQW-_3lwODx35ngIjVL76sdeb4onFQX4v7lrc6gxh64jt5kBUZfJb0EljQNiNqv4PzOKKQ1vZGdAJhUhe7BC0xxpuWAuZI2cMiqSV6c0PMZ_8bhytlL15dYOspBQhgTLidVFnTJYBDzFIW5lc6vKq5uP3HAYScDHQ1vwnlQgcSRrc1BVX/s4032/IMG_3145.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLJgbQdDSEmiuQW-_3lwODx35ngIjVL76sdeb4onFQX4v7lrc6gxh64jt5kBUZfJb0EljQNiNqv4PzOKKQ1vZGdAJhUhe7BC0xxpuWAuZI2cMiqSV6c0PMZ_8bhytlL15dYOspBQhgTLidVFnTJYBDzFIW5lc6vKq5uP3HAYScDHQ1vwnlQgcSRrc1BVX/s320/IMG_3145.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmnzAnYTC7lWOp5_ziKVMFUbr0-eQKGvWsDgskoZLN1c8s1CwNoo_zynldnSW-q0ssg3eJPbLENDk8gB_FB5w8xQHYHrHXl7oEIWWMm3hdbqptGv-O59FHjNzbdxNOOHM74R0AqTHfHt9Un6yrDwbiFEu7JZ0t3ilsZKQBgwt_ygShygUyg2_WGxpNJOD/s4032/IMG_3146.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmnzAnYTC7lWOp5_ziKVMFUbr0-eQKGvWsDgskoZLN1c8s1CwNoo_zynldnSW-q0ssg3eJPbLENDk8gB_FB5w8xQHYHrHXl7oEIWWMm3hdbqptGv-O59FHjNzbdxNOOHM74R0AqTHfHt9Un6yrDwbiFEu7JZ0t3ilsZKQBgwt_ygShygUyg2_WGxpNJOD/s320/IMG_3146.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMGJaHD0KXOm7rjVxXpGm1gZ5esEdTXaRWQHOs96IKjetGfQxBo0E4cRqluLY_ztwfoL6daXK5kyCQgGoOe78KZl9rUtt5AfXM8XcFtxAb3TCleX3hKPg3N1FDCWwTU96866DlwhPrXRBkoekkSYTXMkOr3zi9ixHlCGRxuoe8VUQ-cnT9tZ9ducPgXDQ/s4032/IMG_3147.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMGJaHD0KXOm7rjVxXpGm1gZ5esEdTXaRWQHOs96IKjetGfQxBo0E4cRqluLY_ztwfoL6daXK5kyCQgGoOe78KZl9rUtt5AfXM8XcFtxAb3TCleX3hKPg3N1FDCWwTU96866DlwhPrXRBkoekkSYTXMkOr3zi9ixHlCGRxuoe8VUQ-cnT9tZ9ducPgXDQ/s320/IMG_3147.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lNoA2fK-IFDXVkBloWteQeyVcLNee23cdwkaf8Q5gliVk7qUlE5sgGu7aNf-WQPyPfw503KnZf-njQL1CN7wOVl6Pi16R7MMujQ7qnzCV5dp3ppWBAvtsxwoTymmAOnQbsI_6bJMGMfnfBu5ijTKGlNJH50jnOjkHpjOcYCRJO67VUX-MP6xkZTk3i6l/s4032/IMG_3148.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lNoA2fK-IFDXVkBloWteQeyVcLNee23cdwkaf8Q5gliVk7qUlE5sgGu7aNf-WQPyPfw503KnZf-njQL1CN7wOVl6Pi16R7MMujQ7qnzCV5dp3ppWBAvtsxwoTymmAOnQbsI_6bJMGMfnfBu5ijTKGlNJH50jnOjkHpjOcYCRJO67VUX-MP6xkZTk3i6l/s320/IMG_3148.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />So many familiar faces at this race, here with Greg Nacco and Baldwyn Chieh.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbddBa3riNPqp7KKLyvrSQUg40hMDxqDbd-u7RIxfZl3zUOMTIMIZ8Bl-UsHnh0a__gjujY-1lxoiC5Pd5e2Y0rN7PWFkZyS8CaMGA6okwuiwJt8JGbye9Crv4uEp6-N67iZjNZOqzWeIu19nOydETpaLPZwBqdSHZJq8CDB4XvRYePX1C3PgOA8_VXta/s4032/IMG_3152.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbddBa3riNPqp7KKLyvrSQUg40hMDxqDbd-u7RIxfZl3zUOMTIMIZ8Bl-UsHnh0a__gjujY-1lxoiC5Pd5e2Y0rN7PWFkZyS8CaMGA6okwuiwJt8JGbye9Crv4uEp6-N67iZjNZOqzWeIu19nOydETpaLPZwBqdSHZJq8CDB4XvRYePX1C3PgOA8_VXta/s320/IMG_3152.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6EKgTYidD2PkOPrh8ENC72qHnZCUj6L05p6XmB9n7TB3qd4IHRwK4EZj3WpMIfYLbVUw26KdpPqEz75Ns843xlMBRh9aYV6mFBxA-i_MvGIQqztheo3kqm4dPe5iVZSllN9-nglH25XLydYyqABBXJnpNxCUNEKmznXNYG_NqrcY6dw2UPYWqrtBFTjw/s4032/IMG_3154.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6EKgTYidD2PkOPrh8ENC72qHnZCUj6L05p6XmB9n7TB3qd4IHRwK4EZj3WpMIfYLbVUw26KdpPqEz75Ns843xlMBRh9aYV6mFBxA-i_MvGIQqztheo3kqm4dPe5iVZSllN9-nglH25XLydYyqABBXJnpNxCUNEKmznXNYG_NqrcY6dw2UPYWqrtBFTjw/s320/IMG_3154.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHosE22vAyGAkV4jc9degf50I24nX54vw8NW2e8nM8X1MnS2gxDubXuafE454N9jpjqXVqMSUxQBUV019VUC1RSwmXAAGIL0HC0OlKL3UBE9eO5cYIbkNeq-MnR9V-jT5KOvZQPvEuDg0OVW83IBN5zv7_HVJauj4wg7J8fZUan_DybmyX_7jHosjiPiD7/s3088/IMG_3160.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHosE22vAyGAkV4jc9degf50I24nX54vw8NW2e8nM8X1MnS2gxDubXuafE454N9jpjqXVqMSUxQBUV019VUC1RSwmXAAGIL0HC0OlKL3UBE9eO5cYIbkNeq-MnR9V-jT5KOvZQPvEuDg0OVW83IBN5zv7_HVJauj4wg7J8fZUan_DybmyX_7jHosjiPiD7/s320/IMG_3160.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2RWwpyXoHehk7Y_5kGTGbkCJOY8RqyV3i_OVGGcV8BsTyKnwvFOUKJoooadKlz31PkWu6kkCh5XL-376KJeZazUTgT2th7e8W1fc_ab29ewFuaXVadPuhDfmpmz-EH15B0KBzoR_HG0EXtYHqIIV2FxIbgh8P5RcwJXfke9QLxYmbbrgnG1YfUVuXZXN/s4032/IMG_3161.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2RWwpyXoHehk7Y_5kGTGbkCJOY8RqyV3i_OVGGcV8BsTyKnwvFOUKJoooadKlz31PkWu6kkCh5XL-376KJeZazUTgT2th7e8W1fc_ab29ewFuaXVadPuhDfmpmz-EH15B0KBzoR_HG0EXtYHqIIV2FxIbgh8P5RcwJXfke9QLxYmbbrgnG1YfUVuXZXN/s320/IMG_3161.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Back to the 251 finishers: 2 under 4 hours, the 21 under 5, 47 under 6, 58 more under 7, 59 between 7 and 8 hours, 45 more under 9 hours, 16 under 10 and finally 3 under the 11-hour time limit. Another classic Gauss curve.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fried orange chicken and cauliflower were such a treat and I also indulged a good portion of rice after racing on so few calories, thanks to <a href="https://vespapower.com/" target="_blank">Vespa</a>! Thank you Mamahuhu crew (<a href="https://www.eatmamahuhu.com/" target="_blank">3 locations in San Francisco</a>), delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjLAADqQFc0ddGQyYcY4FMRkN_4iI_oZ4A3zMY_ZhndA9PjLTcO2W30u5hSsf9j8zqJKW6liJSIHl26aXfFg-Vo1SCDwz0yh5raNV07YBJ7GW2dJLJnqDGa8iZVBT0QL7L07ZSAliwcALS_jyaroTjld3ghTgwQhIv8ODGf25F-kbmJV1JiY8UQhqAoRV/s4032/IMG_3162.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjLAADqQFc0ddGQyYcY4FMRkN_4iI_oZ4A3zMY_ZhndA9PjLTcO2W30u5hSsf9j8zqJKW6liJSIHl26aXfFg-Vo1SCDwz0yh5raNV07YBJ7GW2dJLJnqDGa8iZVBT0QL7L07ZSAliwcALS_jyaroTjld3ghTgwQhIv8ODGf25F-kbmJV1JiY8UQhqAoRV/s320/IMG_3162.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />There was also abundance of local beer, hopefully enough for those finishing later in the day.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8prhVMULade430u-mJhZH4ANT2ERaO72k18ovYk3vyiOmHH4Hdx2z9t8Y178WyAuHOoE4vee4I7ZTI2RvH6g05MGZAriB4VFe9s075tUM9J9W7gTJ-UTtPMZbm-a5vAyksfL406Kq2nBowAz0I5Alk4UnjMvmbEEN_GA4CUY66cgfk9ji0-EzPBRc16C/s4032/IMG_3168.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8prhVMULade430u-mJhZH4ANT2ERaO72k18ovYk3vyiOmHH4Hdx2z9t8Y178WyAuHOoE4vee4I7ZTI2RvH6g05MGZAriB4VFe9s075tUM9J9W7gTJ-UTtPMZbm-a5vAyksfL406Kq2nBowAz0I5Alk4UnjMvmbEEN_GA4CUY66cgfk9ji0-EzPBRc16C/s320/IMG_3168.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Again, it felt really good to see this event resurrected, special thanks to Jeff and his crew of volunteers, and the Tamalpa club! Tough course to run, tough course to monitor with the road crossings and limited parking facility, tough layout of aid stations across a very protected natural area and a late cut-off making for a very long day for the volunteers. These volunteers, real pillars of our local ultra community!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rVrJ6UzdUbTnca2Z_l7X5J1MI-_38RAt6jGURnfkZQGES1K8Af_8xVEs2lATyRL0oYmTTyPwm0enSMffmVemwtpqn7TbYzqF77khok42sTfL585g_-8575d5JQT2C0glCheIEdZ__1GmRDAUcgC0BxUylUIkEzDYV4fe3-ytppat2ZvpSGg4xZM_56nS/s4032/IMG_3159.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rVrJ6UzdUbTnca2Z_l7X5J1MI-_38RAt6jGURnfkZQGES1K8Af_8xVEs2lATyRL0oYmTTyPwm0enSMffmVemwtpqn7TbYzqF77khok42sTfL585g_-8575d5JQT2C0glCheIEdZ__1GmRDAUcgC0BxUylUIkEzDYV4fe3-ytppat2ZvpSGg4xZM_56nS/s320/IMG_3159.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Huge thanks to all who made this possible and allowed us to safely play on these wonderful trails across and around the Marin Headlands. And stoked that Jeff is already planning the 2024 edition, can't wait!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for directing, Jeff, thank you for sponsoring, Karl and UltraRunning Magazine, see you next year!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEJEW5VWvx97KHUN6OdaljMDBYYc1qXpePfilFy_6Dq0QOkn0hbkWpG9f0mtAtHZvCtEXU0fqPdzpDawhXVEZqLHEUbHszZKvd22IE1SNupwqQhH9-zP0ikRCKR80NrFijZ0yCt0Z9nbPHFtC6K6Sh-5e9iPcF7Kbaqs02ig7cbXOeWdLIvnYKr6pH0eA/s4032/IMG_3149.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEJEW5VWvx97KHUN6OdaljMDBYYc1qXpePfilFy_6Dq0QOkn0hbkWpG9f0mtAtHZvCtEXU0fqPdzpDawhXVEZqLHEUbHszZKvd22IE1SNupwqQhH9-zP0ikRCKR80NrFijZ0yCt0Z9nbPHFtC6K6Sh-5e9iPcF7Kbaqs02ig7cbXOeWdLIvnYKr6pH0eA/s320/IMG_3149.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha08ujMXrz0sBQo46s5b17_Bg3b4FKLEY-VbJOaHiu-vSZw7lHh9r4effcbr90Jo5nozr8PNsn0C_4vgqub3GNe_wFeXVrmfJjWmmfSbsw6j2WKormW9Hup0Olc15CGlMbvvgPqJmgSWujuaHgF4v2MKYlawJiKrtmpmoavxcs8jFIvJn787xsE-6DOG9/s4032/IMG_3150.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha08ujMXrz0sBQo46s5b17_Bg3b4FKLEY-VbJOaHiu-vSZw7lHh9r4effcbr90Jo5nozr8PNsn0C_4vgqub3GNe_wFeXVrmfJjWmmfSbsw6j2WKormW9Hup0Olc15CGlMbvvgPqJmgSWujuaHgF4v2MKYlawJiKrtmpmoavxcs8jFIvJn787xsE-6DOG9/s320/IMG_3150.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6dgloqf1Klq3qKvBeSXYMYk6knbt1Mj4mLIO7f0aLfsAZBS-yywkTtZ_b8x-ffmylhH3M2HPq_2NM069rNvBlefkrqKIxhL5r4swlkWcsPugc_lDn9H2fTGR6Yyk5doxldJcdmSEmYjPQotaLmhcvv4QkvQPfmdearHuZ7Sr1i9oHIpxUvlxbE3gu2hB/s4032/IMG_3151.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6dgloqf1Klq3qKvBeSXYMYk6knbt1Mj4mLIO7f0aLfsAZBS-yywkTtZ_b8x-ffmylhH3M2HPq_2NM069rNvBlefkrqKIxhL5r4swlkWcsPugc_lDn9H2fTGR6Yyk5doxldJcdmSEmYjPQotaLmhcvv4QkvQPfmdearHuZ7Sr1i9oHIpxUvlxbE3gu2hB/s320/IMG_3151.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-33487320503701803052023-08-18T18:34:00.001-07:002023-08-18T18:44:28.436-07:00Skyline 50K 2023: some serious hill trainingAhh, more than 10 days have passed already, better get this one out of the door before the next race, tomorrow! Ironically, I had written most of it on race day, or evening at least, but was missing some pictures to wrap it up. And then... I went on logging 159 miles the following week, an all-time record for me; that was so exhausting, on top of an already full-time job, not to mention the heat... Let's keep plowing forward!<div><br /></div><div>The question I got the most at the finish was: "how was your run?" 78th 50K races, including 15 Skyline finishes since 2007, with 8 under 4 hours, it's so hard to remain in the present moment and not to compare with the past... But let's talk about that 2023 edition of the longest running 50K race in North America (dixit Adam, the Race Director).</div><div><br /></div><div>A few 50Ks...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwvVvDKcLBB-vNjiXTdvo-ThRmYCCEBNYjgw5DBVIWv400LRMMs3OB_zjFKIziYddgXXgVCcnlsn-9nS0hPekaGYDMQWP2iEM3vPKfBNkZX7Zkh3Sop0QL-_drRhbq-VjgN3JSAxsHq0H1B8mWZe_CzweRDbY6BoIbvp8qrzHxzM4Gz144QxCy9XD1rN0/s4032/IMG_3131.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwvVvDKcLBB-vNjiXTdvo-ThRmYCCEBNYjgw5DBVIWv400LRMMs3OB_zjFKIziYddgXXgVCcnlsn-9nS0hPekaGYDMQWP2iEM3vPKfBNkZX7Zkh3Sop0QL-_drRhbq-VjgN3JSAxsHq0H1B8mWZe_CzweRDbY6BoIbvp8qrzHxzM4Gz144QxCy9XD1rN0/s320/IMG_3131.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Oh, can you now infer or guess the color of next year's t-shirt from that picture? Hint, I prompted ChatGPT! That AI... ;-)</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>I'm afraid I can't predict the future, including the specific color of t-shirts for the Skyline 50K event next year. The color of the t-shirts would likely be determined by the event organizers, and it could depend on various factors such as current trends, branding choices, participant preferences, or even logistical considerations. If you're interested in finding out the t-shirt color for that event, I recommend keeping an eye on their official announcements or reaching out to the event organizers directly closer to the event date.</i></blockquote></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>But I digress, let's start with this year's context. First and foremost, Adam had to design a brand new course due to some trail maintenance throughout the local parks. One thing that stood out to me was a more convoluted course profile, with more frequent up and downhills. Let's see how that played out.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I'm not mistaken, this event used to have an "above the fog" tagline. Given the current heat wave though, there wasn't any fog for a change. At least the 7 am start allowed to log as many miles as possible before the heat hit us in the afternoon. A few even took Adam's offer for an early start at 6 am, not only to beat the heat but more importantly the cut-offs.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ZWpt6LkMZU" width="320" youtube-src-id="4ZWpt6LkMZU"></iframe></div><br />There was a joyful spirit at the regular start, with good participation from the Pacific Association clubs: starting with Pamakids which has always the biggest show; Excelsior had the most runners among the favorites; Tamalpa had enough registered entrants to form a team and I saw a handful of tops from Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders as well. Plus 4 more clubs with only one member each. Our Quicksilver team (minus Charles who was setting up the ice cream coolers, yummy!):</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX7ZVLBNzQ_EWwxIqvUIeSlM7fInrpsfytyJLbxuUIeDX_Ro0XP2BiUMbxownTT5JXSZchhe6oibEmt_WWQl-NdademWvOslTrm0Ef9j8mhflmKMGf8WITSiUeVIddCFJWN9FiC78BWehz-R9116vU6kL8BoCVixm4o5LkfhUFMZpU9GOeoIgmviVDYqQ/s4032/IMG_3088.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX7ZVLBNzQ_EWwxIqvUIeSlM7fInrpsfytyJLbxuUIeDX_Ro0XP2BiUMbxownTT5JXSZchhe6oibEmt_WWQl-NdademWvOslTrm0Ef9j8mhflmKMGf8WITSiUeVIddCFJWN9FiC78BWehz-R9116vU6kL8BoCVixm4o5LkfhUFMZpU9GOeoIgmviVDYqQ/s320/IMG_3088.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Right off the bat, I made sure not to get caught in the excitement of the front of the race. Training for Spartathlon (153 miles between Athens and Sparta on September 30), I've been logging more miles than ever, albeit mostly on roads or tracks. This hilly course was rather intimidating then, all I could do was to take it for some serious hill training session. The first rolling mile was already testing my glutes but I decided to push as long as I could today. All these miles are certainly helping rebuilding some of what I lost with the 2019-2022 hamstring tendon injury. Yet, I can't help but wondering if I'm not doing too much, to the risk of getting injured again. At least I'm rarely running at 6 min/mile nowadays, more in the 7:30-8:30 range.</div><div><br /></div><div>I passed Jason (Reed) at the end of the first mile this time. Of course, he had raced the day before, as usual or rather as always (with more than 350 races on UltraSignup, he earns the <i>serial runner</i> badge!). I had tapered for just a day, yesterday, running 29 of the 31 days of July and logging the most miles in a month for me, 462. I'm learning to run in a constant state of fatigue, which doesn't seem very smart but hopefully building a strong base for Greece. Better taper seriously in September though to start that ultimate challenge in top shape! Nice shot graciously shared by Dom Philippine (Dom is taking gigs!):</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTAWHtg3kS_RP8dyjpOBf59keFJ__-QC00DPSn_E92cwi24A8OJCIT4epgMfw3wI5-LOrm2YvxcwTS5_1sPpuNvZSV7M262wVOHddPoGMlApYB_dVOD6xsI1q_v8UQmwiQMHp6RtXm5UBNTRLie0n1v6au0arVxNEilqYGd6S9wtzH5Zl76y4hg70nmFG/s4897/DomPhilippine_01_Skyline%2050k%20&%20Half%208-6-2023-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3266" data-original-width="4897" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTAWHtg3kS_RP8dyjpOBf59keFJ__-QC00DPSn_E92cwi24A8OJCIT4epgMfw3wI5-LOrm2YvxcwTS5_1sPpuNvZSV7M262wVOHddPoGMlApYB_dVOD6xsI1q_v8UQmwiQMHp6RtXm5UBNTRLie0n1v6au0arVxNEilqYGd6S9wtzH5Zl76y4hg70nmFG/s320/DomPhilippine_01_Skyline%2050k%20&%20Half%208-6-2023-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After Jason, I closed on two runners, one from Pamakids, Eric Mercier, and another one in white. The past 2 years I had started walking some of the uphills quite early, I was glad they provided a goal to keep running these sections this year. They both stopped at the Marciel Road aid station. As I was carrying 2 bottles (water and GU Energy Brew), that allowed me to catch them, and actually quickly pass them. Eric stayed closed behind but, again, stopped at the next aid station, Bort Meadows, where he must have gotten quite a mental boost as the station was manned by his Pamakids club mates. (Photo credit: George Rehmet)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEHOFaolZ42OOSw0xndgHINISZYplx6Iuhpv8ui2SA6lXbMPhPero9uTWgUDplbUYSjoIK6odfFSqntiGk7aquSTXQNfyN7doNRpb0fK8jgtE8KkEWR-sSi8BOCchMydDy2xCMXQ83Sh6obf-UUI8QqPqScq68ufjFM9kSgOKgYVlmSBzEc9a-n8m3lv-/s1440/GeorgeRehmet_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEHOFaolZ42OOSw0xndgHINISZYplx6Iuhpv8ui2SA6lXbMPhPero9uTWgUDplbUYSjoIK6odfFSqntiGk7aquSTXQNfyN7doNRpb0fK8jgtE8KkEWR-sSi8BOCchMydDy2xCMXQ83Sh6obf-UUI8QqPqScq68ufjFM9kSgOKgYVlmSBzEc9a-n8m3lv-/s320/GeorgeRehmet_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Forging ahead, I lost Eric in the downhill to the Big Bear aid station where I didn't stop either. No more runners in sight, neither ahead or behind, just running at my own pace and keeping pushing gently in the uphills.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also passed by the Old Church Camp aid station (mile 14) where Chihping was also officiating, after being at work at 6 am, building the arch of the start/finish area earlier that morning.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLftRjd3rDLJ0nPerLHTQkjPvKLtbN1qYcl4uLma_eDKKADD0KfStDV9Ff-hm8J2R-OokdYXqmyJoMcWjo67t6qBLsKIYuH1UKRJeoRwoOTZYGzWceFFCWC5uSVE1tx9dZBNEwqS8tEk8fY_WpIKCeXTHUBHstsBogfYVhmidPbnUx4gsJTTSBrV3Cqyb/s4032/IMG_3086.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLftRjd3rDLJ0nPerLHTQkjPvKLtbN1qYcl4uLma_eDKKADD0KfStDV9Ff-hm8J2R-OokdYXqmyJoMcWjo67t6qBLsKIYuH1UKRJeoRwoOTZYGzWceFFCWC5uSVE1tx9dZBNEwqS8tEk8fY_WpIKCeXTHUBHstsBogfYVhmidPbnUx4gsJTTSBrV3Cqyb/s320/IMG_3086.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />About a mile later and just before entering the turnaround loop, I crossed the two leaders, David Tran (Excelsior) and Andrew Catanese (Quicksilver), running together and fast! I was about 2 miles behind already and not easy miles as I'll find out. Still, I even managed to run all the super steep uphills on that loop, albeit rather slowly, but still a positive achievement, mentally especially.</div><div><br /></div><div>Quite a few ham radio volunteers were posted at turns along this loop. I asked one of them how many runners were ahead, he replied: "about a dozen." I was hoping for less but, again, I hadn't paid attention to who was ahead in the first mile, on purpose. I only guessed that 2 other runners in my M50-59 age group, Cliff Lentz and James Scanlan, who are rocking our group, were ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div>As opposed to the first half, I did stop at each station on the way back, to get some ice in my water bottle as well as my hat. I know, such a luxury to have ice at our disposal during our ultra races (I hope they'll get some at Spartathlon, I've heard it was going to be inconsistent at best). I kept running everything until Big Bear (mile 19.5). I left with ice cubes in my my hat and lost a couple. Then I thought I had lost one more although the way it hit my calf didn't make sense. A couple hundred yards later I realize I had lost my sun glasses, dang! I retraced my path and got back to the station without seeing them, dang again, but found them on my third pass, phew!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was obviously more interested in these glasses than the clock, yet I had learned at Big Bear that I was actually in 10th place, that kept me moving to try to hold on that. Between the heat, a course which I found harder than the old/traditional one, and my lack of hill conditioning, the hope of breaking 4:30 had vanished on French Trail.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ran most of the climb on MacDonald trail, still crossing some runners on their way out. I was thinking this new course must make it so more difficult psychologically for them, seeing the front runners with still 20 miles for them to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Made another stop at Bort Meadow to get some ice in my bottle, courtesy of William Dai and the Pamakids. (Photo credit: William Dai)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMljcx7R5FreWRZ8noA-omfsYAurOUBBgvu3FaOUPNBjt1S88-O6xSgdNg84ZvJnybWiIRds6l0rN29erORCSzspNOaH_JoGf5HcfSG3gL3QMZxf4NyZ7dlzZKUnljXAZyx3pkS7Us_BxVRgPy2DlFubYhMRaKH08DKUAr5lhGiaZDDtbgrVJBxSksz5O5/s2048/WilliamDai_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMljcx7R5FreWRZ8noA-omfsYAurOUBBgvu3FaOUPNBjt1S88-O6xSgdNg84ZvJnybWiIRds6l0rN29erORCSzspNOaH_JoGf5HcfSG3gL3QMZxf4NyZ7dlzZKUnljXAZyx3pkS7Us_BxVRgPy2DlFubYhMRaKH08DKUAr5lhGiaZDDtbgrVJBxSksz5O5/s320/WilliamDai_09.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />A mile later, I was in the flow while thinking of the next long hill to get back to Marciel Road when I realized I had stepped just in front of a snake crossing the trail, yikes! It was such a stupid move that I went back to see which snake that was and snapped a picture. Not a rattle at least, phew!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3OdKvLQJ4CjPO7tPfQpjgIJZnIHwYUbMSWSjotwx-ikV9ePi9ZOg7mmnNONk5zolfH46swrUQSPyAq49pyGgz_-HdSyBR5AHoRTHnzUbtdE7wD38KP0q09Kdon5L-TXcnAz4o5C4emIwB4QtijVTOKKQw4IxNLZBkvrBCULJhh8UWzNIdJxy3zcq-6GK/s4032/IMG_3097.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3OdKvLQJ4CjPO7tPfQpjgIJZnIHwYUbMSWSjotwx-ikV9ePi9ZOg7mmnNONk5zolfH46swrUQSPyAq49pyGgz_-HdSyBR5AHoRTHnzUbtdE7wD38KP0q09Kdon5L-TXcnAz4o5C4emIwB4QtijVTOKKQw4IxNLZBkvrBCULJhh8UWzNIdJxy3zcq-6GK/s320/IMG_3097.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Again, a few seconds lost, but I felt ok to only trying breaking 5 hours by now. So, when crossing an ultra legend, I didn't hesitate to stop again to take a few selfies and ask Gordy what he was doing here. He had come from Auburn to see one of his mentees who was on the 50K and, late, hopped on the half marathon. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1NBu6drCh19rVk0hQyP12ek5PUwR64a3s_Bpyd-JrGy5Y2Wc6MU49C0fYyeKTWKAp2rQ8tBUlIa-UpLGvi7qUAQklwiH_YzrMkghtggifIAHaO-EFUuws8aYx5d9yRj35I2e7OwxIX9klhW14qnDiKYyIxgYedSAJpUVp2y2U7odUj9XloSJGnPyLUT5/s4032/IMG_3099.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1NBu6drCh19rVk0hQyP12ek5PUwR64a3s_Bpyd-JrGy5Y2Wc6MU49C0fYyeKTWKAp2rQ8tBUlIa-UpLGvi7qUAQklwiH_YzrMkghtggifIAHaO-EFUuws8aYx5d9yRj35I2e7OwxIX9klhW14qnDiKYyIxgYedSAJpUVp2y2U7odUj9XloSJGnPyLUT5/s320/IMG_3099.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY-Rr8L62WsuTSYUe0kruTWrb5DNTRdufY21DyGMY-Vsg5TAUBiEMQHYpCKOKxBzLeElpzw0oCTSY1eus7MyIGZkYvCcMaJuf1HLrcc2DaANQy_Gvx7O8tVziebV13SHebfx69dQdXPlVdzVUmCuzyDq7R2GHH3Iq2jwNO1OAmZZUytG6UfGHK1Fzt9vb/s4032/IMG_3100.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY-Rr8L62WsuTSYUe0kruTWrb5DNTRdufY21DyGMY-Vsg5TAUBiEMQHYpCKOKxBzLeElpzw0oCTSY1eus7MyIGZkYvCcMaJuf1HLrcc2DaANQy_Gvx7O8tVziebV13SHebfx69dQdXPlVdzVUmCuzyDq7R2GHH3Iq2jwNO1OAmZZUytG6UfGHK1Fzt9vb/s320/IMG_3100.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />That was also his way to grieve for the loss of another ultra legend and one of his friends, Ken Shirk a.k.a. Cowman, 80, another ultra legend and Western States Endurance Run pioneer (Cowman only shows <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Ken&lname=Shirk" target="_blank">21 races on UltraSignup</a>, 11 being Western States finishes!).</div><div><br /></div><div>Was cool to get encouragements from the course monitors at the half marathon turnaround, 6.5 miles to go! (Photo credit: Jawesome Meister)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2SnRhdA-1jOSvsu9-dkxX5hVZe1eSOWOJkeQVbhfjhhDEsuheZaNyy-_7wK68nUB1lF7ft4Bu3vnt6NQHHZBwVKgZX-MgRRs3g8gvWYWhRRda0A-TtURZHvmc55_sYq5Nq2lw-ftUwvtuwNGIt9KwgdY0aETM2c3uWZxhtHqDUUlDZj6U7MLyD8KpyKu/s835/JawesomeMeisterIMG_6466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="835" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2SnRhdA-1jOSvsu9-dkxX5hVZe1eSOWOJkeQVbhfjhhDEsuheZaNyy-_7wK68nUB1lF7ft4Bu3vnt6NQHHZBwVKgZX-MgRRs3g8gvWYWhRRda0A-TtURZHvmc55_sYq5Nq2lw-ftUwvtuwNGIt9KwgdY0aETM2c3uWZxhtHqDUUlDZj6U7MLyD8KpyKu/s320/JawesomeMeisterIMG_6466.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I got another shot from Dom Philippine while pushing up that long second to last hill, before returning to Marciel Road.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswFX3M8XOkwoTxubOWR6jCpyDiRFzbJzuTXadfskoCHHpkNGukconuus0F1rCEQrLhSjrCWBcke8_-uS8Uh7dPF3z7wJsbRKfIfT8tEg8OGxrQ2Cvz0X_ZO6hjyy38GJLvDtaJn0xT3c_8DCas8pn_Sejqf1WJBEOLcLMbuZBwgbEcN6vT6O8wspx56Ia/s4897/DomPhilippine_02_Skyline%2050k%20&%20Half%208-6-2023-246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3266" data-original-width="4897" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswFX3M8XOkwoTxubOWR6jCpyDiRFzbJzuTXadfskoCHHpkNGukconuus0F1rCEQrLhSjrCWBcke8_-uS8Uh7dPF3z7wJsbRKfIfT8tEg8OGxrQ2Cvz0X_ZO6hjyy38GJLvDtaJn0xT3c_8DCas8pn_Sejqf1WJBEOLcLMbuZBwgbEcN6vT6O8wspx56Ia/s320/DomPhilippine_02_Skyline%2050k%20&%20Half%208-6-2023-246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There I snapped another selfie, this time with ultra volunteer, Stan Jensen, who must have seen me at this penultimate Skyline aid station for 15 years, an ultra tradition in itself (Stan's support of Skyline, and so many other local races).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xKddYk9w_SEEcXOLrhxX9bAsNulgkO55gYgWJUMHAL9HW7p-Lf3kkvPekcsjvo4KbejNIBahMhdxBfKI-ItLPkCyOfeEJ-G97AYeo6g96DxoeWIoV1-E9sEJcWC_HjR2S0S0cOuSFyiok2SKtMcVK8Z1P70nL_Tk55MNHK-m1yrc1zIOb8XPIJnJrtkk/s4032/IMG_3102.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xKddYk9w_SEEcXOLrhxX9bAsNulgkO55gYgWJUMHAL9HW7p-Lf3kkvPekcsjvo4KbejNIBahMhdxBfKI-ItLPkCyOfeEJ-G97AYeo6g96DxoeWIoV1-E9sEJcWC_HjR2S0S0cOuSFyiok2SKtMcVK8Z1P70nL_Tk55MNHK-m1yrc1zIOb8XPIJnJrtkk/s320/IMG_3102.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Got some ice again and it was time to get moving, now approaching 4:30 of running time and still 4.6 miles to go, phew! I even had a thought for the leaders who were probably done by now...</div><div><br /></div><div>The return to the barn had nothing exciting as we were retracing the route we had taken in the morning, as opposed to the traditional course which makes a loop so we come back on the other side of Lake Chabot. As opposed to the younger years, I didn't have any special motivation to rush the last mile, just the eagerness to finish #15! 4:55:45, that was my worst time of all, albeit by only 42 seconds more than 2 years ago when my hamstring tendon was still hurting. And yet it was good enough to take 9th overall and 8th in the Men. And third (!) in M50-59, Cliff finishing 5th overall, 31 minutes ahead, and James 7th overall, 10 minutes before me.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, on the positive side, this was a most difficult course in my opinion and based on everybody's results. Even the winner, David Tran, had not broken 4 hours (4:03:21). However, despite these tougher conditions (course and heat), Amanda Wiggenhorn (26, Stanford) managed to post the 7th fastest time in 40+ years (4:18:49)! Also placing third overall!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6S5nxqb7QSXBa3_2OkOfCm18PCfeOzs3pUtoIxg-6bgnLvIT5ZO7VqToK7_bNgXr6r7Sl095IlFLI8gHryeNYad6Nd6SbIuQxTOPfGySFNgtpcY3YBgsIfg7Im3M9z903tQ6FCQk5tpkPLUkmUgLjHUY1cVxNb83WTZx3PoWd4dxwoBmohAj6p_59-J1/s4032/IMG_3105.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6S5nxqb7QSXBa3_2OkOfCm18PCfeOzs3pUtoIxg-6bgnLvIT5ZO7VqToK7_bNgXr6r7Sl095IlFLI8gHryeNYad6Nd6SbIuQxTOPfGySFNgtpcY3YBgsIfg7Im3M9z903tQ6FCQk5tpkPLUkmUgLjHUY1cVxNb83WTZx3PoWd4dxwoBmohAj6p_59-J1/s320/IMG_3105.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKEiNOGfFQ66-EWNPTCtcYA_7DzY9a1SXD6NHsSAzSoGW2MD-dswNiyv-iXRinqJLcDDQVR_sXu-ZpO1UuY_CFLTD9OUK_HXtbxG0xoMmt2XeBlXpkb3hUySMRLcjDiiemki3d8xOF8jEk473br5upeIZB8f9n0U9gE6z5Ogt4FtM91JsrczickPaHj4H/s4032/IMG_3110.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKEiNOGfFQ66-EWNPTCtcYA_7DzY9a1SXD6NHsSAzSoGW2MD-dswNiyv-iXRinqJLcDDQVR_sXu-ZpO1UuY_CFLTD9OUK_HXtbxG0xoMmt2XeBlXpkb3hUySMRLcjDiiemki3d8xOF8jEk473br5upeIZB8f9n0U9gE6z5Ogt4FtM91JsrczickPaHj4H/s320/IMG_3110.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogJbSaxNh8gnamnzfo5QoekdnUw3bJRsUj6TPyNDoummmFjWotxJqJcubCs5IxIENyoYx6isxSswNl2vRM25A7_mghiMkucEuBJyXBiyPD1z9eFUGyba5MLbObeeJoHdPHuqd8AesMX_rlcII9WQK-qbYdaFgW-TtfiZPMsFaMeUSP2wlG7SpOGc7TmbF/s4032/IMG_3111.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogJbSaxNh8gnamnzfo5QoekdnUw3bJRsUj6TPyNDoummmFjWotxJqJcubCs5IxIENyoYx6isxSswNl2vRM25A7_mghiMkucEuBJyXBiyPD1z9eFUGyba5MLbObeeJoHdPHuqd8AesMX_rlcII9WQK-qbYdaFgW-TtfiZPMsFaMeUSP2wlG7SpOGc7TmbF/s320/IMG_3111.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Short of breaking 4 hours, at least I was the last one to break 5 this time. I still hold the M50 course record (3:52), next year I'll have some extra motivation to go after the M60 record of 4:38...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHU5Fa6ftTGtFGPr51bc0kSWP2uMvX_jJnzhsz0YgzpFAya5bzsM-c_gzmJblmSko89NOMSyofZt1Lx0kM2TTEb1zAuErZv5KEfJMQgwjseO2Z0ISMZnSWKCF3Q3I4rh69SOTS76gfJh9Wp-yc6K2zZR7y3z8ExPe3rT0MRjjJPwSoDi9J5CuX9JPQpiD/s694/Skyline50KDashboard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHU5Fa6ftTGtFGPr51bc0kSWP2uMvX_jJnzhsz0YgzpFAya5bzsM-c_gzmJblmSko89NOMSyofZt1Lx0kM2TTEb1zAuErZv5KEfJMQgwjseO2Z0ISMZnSWKCF3Q3I4rh69SOTS76gfJh9Wp-yc6K2zZR7y3z8ExPe3rT0MRjjJPwSoDi9J5CuX9JPQpiD/s320/Skyline50KDashboard.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />So you see, from all these numbers and that dashboard covering 17 years, back to the original question of how my run was, it's complicated: I finished, in the top 10, under 5, uninjured but... the time wasn't great at all. Maybe reflecting that fatigue I built and am trying to get acclimated to on the road to Spartathlon...</div><div><br /></div><div>Hydration worked well (GU Brew), Vespa did the job of allowing me to resume the strenuous training the next day, just complementing with 4 GU Energy gels.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RTTeVskCPm5Q5eNamlxCtUyEjdKnBRJ1vFUSQSYorExTzJiao6bbXfLUZ4_mG-Ff_8KlFeRjSrt_28Um75jm0EIwRzWlWJxjWipIZ0igHZO-lS_KJ_VN6Tzes2NoicVXDRBMJ1IXXJFNi2j-Dl7HfMxaiDwz70V14j10kgJyIdDLYKFXEFvvIaOW-pYR/s4032/IMG_3117.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RTTeVskCPm5Q5eNamlxCtUyEjdKnBRJ1vFUSQSYorExTzJiao6bbXfLUZ4_mG-Ff_8KlFeRjSrt_28Um75jm0EIwRzWlWJxjWipIZ0igHZO-lS_KJ_VN6Tzes2NoicVXDRBMJ1IXXJFNi2j-Dl7HfMxaiDwz70V14j10kgJyIdDLYKFXEFvvIaOW-pYR/s320/IMG_3117.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The finish area was quite busy: most half marathoners had finished, the ham radio volunteers busy collecting course updates from a dozen of volunteers across the park, BeerCity had a booth next to another tent with finishers tees, socks and age group medals, Charles had brought 4 flavors of amazing ice cream and sorbet from his cousin and we were treated with freshly BBQed veggie burgers! Surprised by the lack of shade, I noticed that two trees have been planted in the area recently, probably replacing a much older and bigger one. Hopefully more shade for the 50th anniversary of the race!</div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed for an hour and a half, taking the time to chat with others. While I had not stopped at the aid stations on the way out, I did on the way back, that gave me an opportunity to thank the many volunteers who spent the day in the increasing heat. So many familiar faces among them, thank YOU for allowing us to safely play on these trails! And kudos to Adam and his crew for another perfectly executed edition! Here are few names from Adam's wrap-up email:</div><div><br /></div><div><div></div><blockquote><div><i>Many of you have commented on the great support and enthusiasm of the volunteers. I want to thank them all, especially the Pamakids runners out at Bort Meadow and the Dusty Bottoms at Big Bear. These two groups are long-standing supporters of Skyline and bring exceptional enthusiasm and support. This is not to leave out Stan Jensen and Chihping Fu who made sure Marciel and Old Church hummed for you.</i></div><div><i> </i></div><div><i>I also want to thank my team: Todd, Mark, Edgar, Karina, Kendall, Kowsik, Megatron, Cindy, Michael Li, Jen, Annette, Siohban, Norm, Betsy, Allison and Theo. Without these folks, I'd be all alone and nothing would happen.</i></div></blockquote><div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>With that, can't wait for the sweet sixteenth! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>PS: Gordy finishing his half</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXyc8Lp15g6xp_uSDI-4y8lxi20cO_YNAP-QOnwFjZyde9H_kHU7SJCQgWVlBhVfxQJrJFi4zExRtyOM-EkN-EurNBtD0n1-ktrb-TXQX_M3ELFxIZZE6QHQ77RyYvz0-__Kg3LlnbC5PvdH5Zg_A5UsmBiMryHP7S9kBUJ1xuX9N0d0beERuZ__By8Qn/s4032/IMG_3113.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXyc8Lp15g6xp_uSDI-4y8lxi20cO_YNAP-QOnwFjZyde9H_kHU7SJCQgWVlBhVfxQJrJFi4zExRtyOM-EkN-EurNBtD0n1-ktrb-TXQX_M3ELFxIZZE6QHQ77RyYvz0-__Kg3LlnbC5PvdH5Zg_A5UsmBiMryHP7S9kBUJ1xuX9N0d0beERuZ__By8Qn/s320/IMG_3113.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>These Brooks Racer ST got dusty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNp79oahcEVEynYIAgHTnpFoEg7WRDSrYhO_pd7-lBxJ0dKXjgofOeqJql3mQormXlKWY4raQO0oreJaGJPVsdvfr1LeagSXhZ4s8aZM9lwwBUpnnuiT3zvwUqHUYdmUcveJe0DdCFuWwuKjIftGIECdhEyRXo5h0A49-yqoNMhcGubsLSvXFbBAwK2bx/s4032/IMG_3116.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNp79oahcEVEynYIAgHTnpFoEg7WRDSrYhO_pd7-lBxJ0dKXjgofOeqJql3mQormXlKWY4raQO0oreJaGJPVsdvfr1LeagSXhZ4s8aZM9lwwBUpnnuiT3zvwUqHUYdmUcveJe0DdCFuWwuKjIftGIECdhEyRXo5h0A49-yqoNMhcGubsLSvXFbBAwK2bx/s320/IMG_3116.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-29737895893601043162023-07-29T13:11:00.002-07:002023-07-29T13:14:07.586-07:00Running in Bruxelles: or all around on the Promenade VerteI like seeing green when looking for a running opportunity while I visit a city. Like <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/search?q=coul%C3%A9e+verte" target="_blank">the two Coulées Vertes in Paris</a>. It wasn't my first time in Brussels but previous visits dated my time working in Paris in the 90s and I wasn't as much into running yet. We stayed in Brussels for 2 nights so I had some time on Saturday to explore. First, as usual, I looked for green patches on the map. Then I checked for recommended runs on the web. When <a href="https://environnement.brussels/citoyen/lenvironnement-bruxelles/sevader-en-ville/la-promenade-verte-visitez-bruxelles-pied-ou-velo" target="_blank">La Promenade Verte</a> popped up with its almost 40 miles around the city, mostly in green areas, I got hooked!<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbW9AYzovvE07qAO0q02_JV6rqbHvvY4lwU6_rkn1xzKpwFE_LxqRcVdZZBopT8PvLQRuEfhLYnrkJVSIYcnEvGshV5RrrBAKegKiWi4240w1MOLQ-qgj9RaA0re9DyeODynHgtEsE95ViDsCHwrLAM05OtUMnKm4JL9O1zAAkuOu-DcoOhxn7xOSzi5R/s4032/IMG_2666.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbW9AYzovvE07qAO0q02_JV6rqbHvvY4lwU6_rkn1xzKpwFE_LxqRcVdZZBopT8PvLQRuEfhLYnrkJVSIYcnEvGshV5RrrBAKegKiWi4240w1MOLQ-qgj9RaA0re9DyeODynHgtEsE95ViDsCHwrLAM05OtUMnKm4JL9O1zAAkuOu-DcoOhxn7xOSzi5R/s320/IMG_2666.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now, the only problem is that I was supposed to join Agnès and Alex to visit the city in the afternoon, and including some time at the Belgian Comics Museum. I might have to run only half of the loop and take the train or subway to get back to our place then. It didn't help that I had 4 kilometers to run to reach the trail and that I missed a critical turn after only one mile on the course, losing time to find my way back. From that point, I became super attentive to the marking which is actually rather abundant and straightforward once you realize that you only need to follow the "01" path and ignore the many other local bike path numbers. 01, easy to remember for anyone working in IT, right?</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Ck9MKtvrQeF5SummBpM1UeY6bzuPoMM40lsYPgZL6rtPV3p3rAvMVdJMm7Pm5ODXq93x1eeBJ7NNnYumufSCxWFuHb0o1fVb9o0SdH8KeuBapbJz8_11HBHZOIYxD7xsrrwXYKtacGGySh4Wq89DhrOa1L4Wh1CEMPKxQbs5STI5CsHfYF3zcW-U3_8/s4032/IMG_2667.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Ck9MKtvrQeF5SummBpM1UeY6bzuPoMM40lsYPgZL6rtPV3p3rAvMVdJMm7Pm5ODXq93x1eeBJ7NNnYumufSCxWFuHb0o1fVb9o0SdH8KeuBapbJz8_11HBHZOIYxD7xsrrwXYKtacGGySh4Wq89DhrOa1L4Wh1CEMPKxQbs5STI5CsHfYF3zcW-U3_8/s320/IMG_2667.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Relive movie below has most of the pictures I took (to launch the video, click on <a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOd81wd3kO" target="_blank">this link</a> or the image below). It doesn't show the urban sections though where you really have to pay attention to the signage as some crossings and convoluted turns are easy to miss. Overall though, great marking and lots and lots of <i>green</i> miles.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOd81wd3kO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpkXwFfBeKrrOAyhB0ZjKlTzZXWlRQqEiLYnQ5VW4wGGh-l4yUkHjKBHG-MYNLgjDVNu7k_yyruV4voB2_X2PqeD61taiEMYPKoujv8FtbSsW6ivfQMHYEXHZQ5YiFldQ9EoCjObpgPmTJsOcc_8TY8xpFxAU2UiQWjDOhWFzMlMsaWv6DkfjIw02ZiXh/s320/PromenadeVerteRelive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I didn't run the whole loop as I took a detour to the Comics Museum, downtown. A visit which wasn't that worth the detour, so I regretted the decision. An excuse to come back and, now knowing the course and how the marking operated, I should be faster. For some unfinished business as we say... Still, a good 56-mile/58K training run.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqLf5eeNE3pJiY-CCMWe1WuY9T2iZ_HAD9jxB1g2vKvx-xk9pxdJv3jZoWamnP-cjo8wf63npmclLUqzWkwmBUte_KUPDJsIuvLe_DyJab25fUnVmgtgpwcFgfeaHVdrqUdfImEFHkzIyIw9OEd79byqQfDKZ58xRGB7esnn_So15E40gk_TpebIU5UwM/s1088/PromenadeVerteStravaMap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1088" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqLf5eeNE3pJiY-CCMWe1WuY9T2iZ_HAD9jxB1g2vKvx-xk9pxdJv3jZoWamnP-cjo8wf63npmclLUqzWkwmBUte_KUPDJsIuvLe_DyJab25fUnVmgtgpwcFgfeaHVdrqUdfImEFHkzIyIw9OEd79byqQfDKZ58xRGB7esnn_So15E40gk_TpebIU5UwM/s320/PromenadeVerteStravaMap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A note on the course: <a href="https://geodata.leefmilieu.brussels/client/view/acd84f63-5eee-4a20-a049-96c599511c3b?_ga=2.1597369.963647469.1633865343-151517149.1633865343" target="_blank">the interactive map</a>, which also includes GPS tracking, is really well done (just that my phone's battery got depleted quite fast with the tracking so I had to keep switching to airplane more to save it). Water stops are marked and quite important for such a long course. Now, ladies, I think I only saw one toilet on the course, you've been warned...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhnB_DaZrtImrRXxG9u7UHORkwd8m_bYq6AYyNc8n5Ix2IzFmOdo71YWR7lwAuudmlHFTFxjUD2cAcRVylH8kg7l0ulqBrqU4aIwxrVELrXbdscTeK8nJg5XjGXmWipqlsCXmwv8IgZKiesy8uAwHCWl5CaSi4qEiPkkuKHsxiRiUgp8Yrc57D6XdzGRh/s1346/PromenadeVerteGeodataMap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1346" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhnB_DaZrtImrRXxG9u7UHORkwd8m_bYq6AYyNc8n5Ix2IzFmOdo71YWR7lwAuudmlHFTFxjUD2cAcRVylH8kg7l0ulqBrqU4aIwxrVELrXbdscTeK8nJg5XjGXmWipqlsCXmwv8IgZKiesy8uAwHCWl5CaSi4qEiPkkuKHsxiRiUgp8Yrc57D6XdzGRh/s320/PromenadeVerteGeodataMap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Overall, an amazing place to run long, if you have the time and the stamina. Rather distant from downtown though if you only want to run for a few miles. In addition to La Promenade Verte which quickly comes in searches, <a href="https://www.brusselslife.be/fr/article/top-10-des-endroits-ou-courir-a-bruxelles" target="_blank">this article</a> has 9 other good pointers for running while in or around Brussels. While <a href="https://marieclaire.be/fr/nos-8-spots-pour-courir/" target="_blank">this Marie Claire one</a> has 8, including the canal which I indeed recommend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Very well done Brussels, perfect green run, thank you for this outstanding playground!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOW0PKzX6LRGVmmrFfPFMSMpYARXHuU9iInLoar0v8aBNMM-EpEfgyVidLpaDYbzMratwjZpC-waiCSPm9AwvdOPRC7qbTvaN-VVu6oN-8VNC__6zDv0U_RmfhcVEWNv-gfgNpmfCIYJ0DjBkLSFxlqtGRBtsvaINd8oMpAdo9Co0GCTVT2yQCDCz-t0U/s4032/IMG_2665.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOW0PKzX6LRGVmmrFfPFMSMpYARXHuU9iInLoar0v8aBNMM-EpEfgyVidLpaDYbzMratwjZpC-waiCSPm9AwvdOPRC7qbTvaN-VVu6oN-8VNC__6zDv0U_RmfhcVEWNv-gfgNpmfCIYJ0DjBkLSFxlqtGRBtsvaINd8oMpAdo9Co0GCTVT2yQCDCz-t0U/s320/IMG_2665.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Interesting how time flies: for the 4 years my hamstring attach bothered me (Nov 2018-2022), I was wondering if running was over. Now that the pain is gone, I'm missing my pre-injury and younger years. Assuredly, you lose some fitness, not just to aging, but a break in training intensity.<div><br /></div><div>Some background on the event first: this was supposed to be our 2x scoring event of our USATF Pacific Association Grand Prix season, the alternative being Cool Moon 100-mile this year. The <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/08/headlands-hundred-2022-back-at-big-game.html" target="_blank">Dean Karnazes Coyote snafu of last year</a> really had consequences: after interrupting our 100-mile race last year, it led to the cancellation of a magical 100-mile run in the Headlands, harming PCTR (Pacific Coast Trail Runs) incidentally. Crissy Field being also managed by the same Rangers as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the permit to run overnight was cancelled less than 3 weeks priori to the event, after almost 2 decades of this format being held in San Francisco (2010 was my first time running a 12-hour event, which I won with 78.5 miles, 5 years before a 86-mile PR which still holds as the M50-54 American Record). With that cancellation we had revisit our Grand Prix schedule and opted out for the 12-hour format, not the 100K distance.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryncJ2VYOreGpc6fXISvElznDjdCkN5eXWo75rcSs2N3QMM07MbyjgQmNOGXdI1DsngXhpkE3JooOR5xSgcohWgXrR75dF6IDBzKL6HKVWsytEgKgqFADaMuMk_wAIScsc0FWWEHpMoMQz1XhrC71weMe94VvShHIpiqSlNRHYIR0D2zMdr3Q8UBJvg/s4032/A_IMG_3539.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryncJ2VYOreGpc6fXISvElznDjdCkN5eXWo75rcSs2N3QMM07MbyjgQmNOGXdI1DsngXhpkE3JooOR5xSgcohWgXrR75dF6IDBzKL6HKVWsytEgKgqFADaMuMk_wAIScsc0FWWEHpMoMQz1XhrC71weMe94VvShHIpiqSlNRHYIR0D2zMdr3Q8UBJvg/s320/A_IMG_3539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now, after <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/07/coastal-trail-runs-san-francisco-one.html" target="_blank">awful gusty winds last year</a> (70 miles) and an exceptionally drenched edition on New Year's Eve 2022 (<a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/01/ctrs-sf-one-day-12-hour-cry-me.html" target="_blank">cry my an atmospheric river...</a>), the big question was what the weather will be. While the temperatures were expected to be comfortable, between 56 and 65F, the wind would pick up during the afternoon, to an average of 13 mph and gusts of 24 mph. Meh, not insignificant.</div><div><br /></div><div>My sister and her husband were visiting this month, we were just back on Wednesday from a 2,000-mile motorbike roadtrip around Oregon and up to the Washington State side of the Columbia Gorge: different type of activity and actually rather tiring with all the efforts engaged in keeping the 800 pounds straight up at stops. I still managed to run 73 miles during the first part of our 12-day loop, I have to say the whole endeavor wasn't the best physical preparation for racing a 12-hour. Busy and full life...!</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, I had a part time crew for a change: to enjoy a day in San Francisco, they'd drop me at 8 and stop by every 3 hours to prepare some mashed potatoes and refill my bottles, then to the finish at 9. Great help and easy setup on a 1.0275-mile loop to avoid too many unnecessary and time-consuming stops.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwXUKw4hA0533d-rZAfrY6i6OyACEr_HerHBTxAnQSheCRUvpkd6Svmuz55OiX4kVii0gQyutkxVOrOJkkQuvZEsVCLmj7OcI0p1ZP-iHaYAebT_Oe22TyZ-WFOr5DIwtp0vSoH6SzVw2iHkv5aVYrE06Th56d7-r3mv6YyZRkE3FYSns6XmYH1kjtg/s4032/M_IMG_5657.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwXUKw4hA0533d-rZAfrY6i6OyACEr_HerHBTxAnQSheCRUvpkd6Svmuz55OiX4kVii0gQyutkxVOrOJkkQuvZEsVCLmj7OcI0p1ZP-iHaYAebT_Oe22TyZ-WFOr5DIwtp0vSoH6SzVw2iHkv5aVYrE06Th56d7-r3mv6YyZRkE3FYSns6XmYH1kjtg/s320/M_IMG_5657.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9gKEMCvp_aXEMOHumXpa4vvTYOjzuf6W8-aXfvQvXhkVBjAcJvdkuyqlRdexFm0IiJceI3DNYgzOdOn1W4IjVEj-DTylOW98ct26Zn4MhZSvjz0t5LSkkIQGJIahYhvLMT8gLMwmZeCW6aqnjYk5M2xlXXxCraQcby5cJ0MmFas5RR1MM5LLEMCxbA/s4032/B_IMG_7082.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9gKEMCvp_aXEMOHumXpa4vvTYOjzuf6W8-aXfvQvXhkVBjAcJvdkuyqlRdexFm0IiJceI3DNYgzOdOn1W4IjVEj-DTylOW98ct26Zn4MhZSvjz0t5LSkkIQGJIahYhvLMT8gLMwmZeCW6aqnjYk5M2xlXXxCraQcby5cJ0MmFas5RR1MM5LLEMCxbA/s320/B_IMG_7082.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We started counter-clockwise which isn't the way I've run most of my laps on this course. After 2 laps, I decided to change direction then but that messed-up my older Garmin (310XT) location-based lap counter (a very rare feature of GPS watches unfortunately). As a matter of facts I was wearing two watches: because it was supposed to be a 24-hour and in preparation to Spartathlon's 36-hour cut-off, I finally bought a COROS APEX 2, after being super faithful to Garmin for 17 years. Back to lap detection, I decided to reset my 310XT watch at the start of the 10th lap to get an easy to read count. With that, and crossing most of the field, I had hard time slowing down as much as I wanted: my goal was to run at 9 min/mile all day but I got stuck between 8:38-8:40 min/mile for most of the first 15 miles. With the wind picking up through the morning though, it became easier to get closer to 8:50 though, but at the expense of some physical fatigue.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh9yVWkQ22sFm0nx7WP9qObRu6UuYzlG-nTHIFVtR0xZ6kUHz3GEuc27udLGVUgcB4vw6G0R3GGR9n4W6gzuAhXgKOKIavROtzcbn621TtaauNQUDegLTnONz6mml0qMFbnJUaJppzWtLXNMX2N6ryQoo4tNopWEWRQfhfnxzPFJHJ9J2ftXLE6jcHg/s4032/B_IMG_7059.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh9yVWkQ22sFm0nx7WP9qObRu6UuYzlG-nTHIFVtR0xZ6kUHz3GEuc27udLGVUgcB4vw6G0R3GGR9n4W6gzuAhXgKOKIavROtzcbn621TtaauNQUDegLTnONz6mml0qMFbnJUaJppzWtLXNMX2N6ryQoo4tNopWEWRQfhfnxzPFJHJ9J2ftXLE6jcHg/s320/B_IMG_7059.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was aiming at 20 laps in 3 hours and 5 minutes but got there 3.5 minutes earlier. My first mile above 9 min/mile (9:01) was the 32nd, 4.5 hours in the run. While I was still ahead of plan by mid-race (3pm), the mind and the legs knew it was over as I couldn't even hold a 10 min/mile pace already. I was still in 2nd place, less than 2 laps behind Karl (Schnaitter). As I told my crew at the 3 pm mashed potatoes stop: "the beginning of the descent to hell..." As forecasted, the wind wasn't as bad as last year (35 mph gusts) but still annoying when running toward the Ocean.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vC3eBz-iUVVeL1COBFZlSKXcpB00SPGAsdLVYGwmepWc1-RfljZyZYz1hsqKVVUH1XjYfKmd6U39n-re193zm1zDtCpPWsKliJnt5kvHSL7KD5OqZbRlXllUI_X9IM4EWZ4YHJiKsbIol-HfTFp23octXLaW6aueaL-bOqql_RxsGSWA6E4VW9fReQ/s4032/A_IMG_3540.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vC3eBz-iUVVeL1COBFZlSKXcpB00SPGAsdLVYGwmepWc1-RfljZyZYz1hsqKVVUH1XjYfKmd6U39n-re193zm1zDtCpPWsKliJnt5kvHSL7KD5OqZbRlXllUI_X9IM4EWZ4YHJiKsbIol-HfTFp23octXLaW6aueaL-bOqql_RxsGSWA6E4VW9fReQ/s320/A_IMG_3540.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAQwvQUaA2ZFHFjuUcdv7BcLKTU46cPTk2APq4ZLRXiROrCW5AhpA_IetOvfovryf56Fa4hEgAVCeQIiDrX9yIBFxz1DK7E8WkHUDLbxXkqclYDERD_4oakKAb5BGvKMkF7jDL8fCjWJkGTCi1VYGS2W3G5G6zPl6CYlwt-T1JfwddbSl2hyuz7esRA/s4032/A_IMG_3570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAQwvQUaA2ZFHFjuUcdv7BcLKTU46cPTk2APq4ZLRXiROrCW5AhpA_IetOvfovryf56Fa4hEgAVCeQIiDrX9yIBFxz1DK7E8WkHUDLbxXkqclYDERD_4oakKAb5BGvKMkF7jDL8fCjWJkGTCi1VYGS2W3G5G6zPl6CYlwt-T1JfwddbSl2hyuz7esRA/s320/A_IMG_3570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />With my wildest goal of running 79 miles gone, the last 6 hours got really painful. First, there was the minimum goal of scoring, when meant to at least complete 46 laps (75 kilometers). Then the goal of getting as many points in my age group in which were Shiran, Edmundo, Troy and James, all still running. Maybe keep my second place if I could preserve the 8-lap lead I had on Charles and Shiran. Maybe not loose too many ranking percentage points on UltraSignup if I could limit the gap with Karl. That last goal ended up being the one driving me to run until the end of the allotted time.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3y7d-Fg44fXYZA9HWazkMmya0zXn0c56CfROFelOtTCEsXcs4WWXYTmFI68QKTiaXZbwOXroncmePOdJqOCEJYq8pSIY_pnOvxThWs0GC--PbjZTuS26zW55NzP8nZxVKMW6S14i8TCAFWRnQafD8zaZTFKQ5dfuMdS1-SgLoQ0VGAkh-MpqJHnZFw/s4032/M_IMG_5760.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3y7d-Fg44fXYZA9HWazkMmya0zXn0c56CfROFelOtTCEsXcs4WWXYTmFI68QKTiaXZbwOXroncmePOdJqOCEJYq8pSIY_pnOvxThWs0GC--PbjZTuS26zW55NzP8nZxVKMW6S14i8TCAFWRnQafD8zaZTFKQ5dfuMdS1-SgLoQ0VGAkh-MpqJHnZFw/s320/M_IMG_5760.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LVUUg6kY3V8sNJkruSY3YtZG5-bVdaVIqc6jzpZXlVTKuWM58hHDW3FkNnGSg9ox8Utse3zhQuiuCPLfPlZ18dG0Ag5ldNA806eYzjGFf9E8-V-seMj-ylhKUzMrEs4BFAkw3OkEj8UM5b34j0kEVMYEXJVskedWv84iRR_UUBPljIgbxFtrDv4BsA/s4032/M_IMG_5772.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LVUUg6kY3V8sNJkruSY3YtZG5-bVdaVIqc6jzpZXlVTKuWM58hHDW3FkNnGSg9ox8Utse3zhQuiuCPLfPlZ18dG0Ag5ldNA806eYzjGFf9E8-V-seMj-ylhKUzMrEs4BFAkw3OkEj8UM5b34j0kEVMYEXJVskedWv84iRR_UUBPljIgbxFtrDv4BsA/s320/M_IMG_5772.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bqcRm0zpABsFHNh6LpSKrCpXBqQUqhypXZ4cWbEHDWLDhBYz3nRAqPoUXfgnCMqSDr_DESMKPq7Aiui_P22ZsYvroVPlV8ImpjfFstmdWiPB4I9q_j6lfvZbtAgYBCA5dgWJKtaAHl4eiHbvADf_V4RmyPComrArN5JQug7zIGFD8WEjxBctxinvPQ/s4032/M_IMG_5774.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bqcRm0zpABsFHNh6LpSKrCpXBqQUqhypXZ4cWbEHDWLDhBYz3nRAqPoUXfgnCMqSDr_DESMKPq7Aiui_P22ZsYvroVPlV8ImpjfFstmdWiPB4I9q_j6lfvZbtAgYBCA5dgWJKtaAHl4eiHbvADf_V4RmyPComrArN5JQug7zIGFD8WEjxBctxinvPQ/s320/M_IMG_5774.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />While I ran the 11th hour barely under 14 min/mile, I picked up the pace in order to log 5 miles in the last hour, completing my 67th lap with 1 minutes and 20 seconds to spare, phew! Indeed, partial laps aren't accounted for and that did cost 3rd place to Charles as he completed his 58th lap 60 seconds after Shiran while they were running in opposite directions, with Charles still trying to complete an additional lap before the 12-hour cut-off.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliq144kMgvfAeHp9THq8SfAYoDtIaI_8u4ZotC0aBEIErWJXqmcjuWxUUyuWCdGuGxPxQTuufdIzoB0TO7M658wFDFH7Z5ZYj2NpENUEmqybej04xWB6o1s96Ez2sVmcXJwzaAOZ0m6WyqRFdx39-4RKKb1hXA0YLyFfvBHnljvf7iSf2UiQmJgX1kQ/s4032/A_IMG_3599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliq144kMgvfAeHp9THq8SfAYoDtIaI_8u4ZotC0aBEIErWJXqmcjuWxUUyuWCdGuGxPxQTuufdIzoB0TO7M658wFDFH7Z5ZYj2NpENUEmqybej04xWB6o1s96Ez2sVmcXJwzaAOZ0m6WyqRFdx39-4RKKb1hXA0YLyFfvBHnljvf7iSf2UiQmJgX1kQ/s320/A_IMG_3599.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZn3oOLhzTMkDuVBUqPBOJkzyqP12AjliOcwNKH0AOvXornh4U2eh04t4uJC4Qizw-VqJ_haCuBIspeI9oYlB8WREpeckCjrhdpiO00_IMZz-nH67RrgoVJT2B2ctFNYZ3TXi9lu47TxKeKzBMLUwd2N9oPfylTU3Q0GK6b53xwSdDXJVWrsZkPJ-YYw/s4032/A_IMG_3600.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZn3oOLhzTMkDuVBUqPBOJkzyqP12AjliOcwNKH0AOvXornh4U2eh04t4uJC4Qizw-VqJ_haCuBIspeI9oYlB8WREpeckCjrhdpiO00_IMZz-nH67RrgoVJT2B2ctFNYZ3TXi9lu47TxKeKzBMLUwd2N9oPfylTU3Q0GK6b53xwSdDXJVWrsZkPJ-YYw/s320/A_IMG_3600.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />During this last hour it was also impressive to see another battle on the course, with Claudine Co outpacing Lindsay Fochler by 2 minutes and 42 seconds, for 2nd and 3rd. When every second in 12 hours count...</div><div><br /></div><div>Upfront, Karl (Excelsior club) had killed the field with 76 laps (78.09 miles), and, at 40, made me miss my younger years... Outstanding regularity in these windy conditions! Also outstanding was Impala's Jackie Cooke who won with 74 laps (76.035 miles)!</div><div><br /></div><div>Club wise, again a strong show from Pamakids with at least 9 entrants. If I'm not mistaken, Karl was the only one from Excelsior this time, then 2 from Impala and 2 from Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders. For Quicksilver we had 4 entrants in the 12-hour (Charles, Keith Stephen and I, with Dan on the 6-hour), and only Stephen missed the 75K cut-off despite a battle to the last minute. With Stephen and Keith before the start:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrFrmGgzXKW1392P8udNaSstMC1kgjq1WhmIjLLfu3_8vJbko6vaYVy1hthlr0QB_qquDhqP5-6Y_85UkrrgCnyCT5B3E93pLK52hjMwYEI87ojL1YZGl4JdvajI7lmrTmMAIpw3VjBbMn1odHOuU2nDW86TVmabodZ0g6O3iCEzGuUbGtC51lP1LdA/s4032/A_IMG_3531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrFrmGgzXKW1392P8udNaSstMC1kgjq1WhmIjLLfu3_8vJbko6vaYVy1hthlr0QB_qquDhqP5-6Y_85UkrrgCnyCT5B3E93pLK52hjMwYEI87ojL1YZGl4JdvajI7lmrTmMAIpw3VjBbMn1odHOuU2nDW86TVmabodZ0g6O3iCEzGuUbGtC51lP1LdA/s320/A_IMG_3531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgDDD75Q5iZtM2ZnBWFGzbn0MVAZk6FfLsII819ig1w4ESRoj_WPxeU40skBX7Qgf3gO97e8Qqf4VZgg3Qd0N3mUTFVW8C4e3YC3C4TQEqUOb1ez22jPi-V0ExhqccF5VvmSGX40pt74CySgl-Kz7AxrG0SwvAANYJAwY0c6tI0L6ErwyE7JRXnpxRw/s4032/M_IMG_5671.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgDDD75Q5iZtM2ZnBWFGzbn0MVAZk6FfLsII819ig1w4ESRoj_WPxeU40skBX7Qgf3gO97e8Qqf4VZgg3Qd0N3mUTFVW8C4e3YC3C4TQEqUOb1ez22jPi-V0ExhqccF5VvmSGX40pt74CySgl-Kz7AxrG0SwvAANYJAwY0c6tI0L6ErwyE7JRXnpxRw/s320/M_IMG_5671.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Overall, I was really disappointed with my performance, quite far from my hopes. Looking at my log though and comparing with the 5 other 12-hour races I've done, this isn't even my worse. But still... If needed, that left me with the realization that there was so much to rebuild, especially to prepare for Spartathlon in September. Both physically and mentally.</div><div><br /></div><div>A special note on the social side of the race: with this loopy format, with dual directions, there was a ton of mutual support exchanged among us. I don't know if it was just a bound between the two of us but my top award would go to James (Marinas) who, despite his own suffering and struggles, returned smiles and words encouragements consistently for 12 hours! Carl was great too but I didn't see him as many times as he was running clockwise too and moving strong. Anyway, not a competition, was great to see everybody through out the day! And then there was Sam (Louie) and the aid station volunteers, providing their own shout outs every time I was flying by, well, at least passing by in slower motion in the latter part. In addition to setup and tear down, 15.5 straight hours of racing this Saturday, such long shifts for the volunteers and race directors, Wendell and Leng! Big and sincere thanks to all who enabled us to test out our limits again!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJZXqo0tz37gLXiADrqm8SJ5FeTm4zyqvZRZdZLjXtDzg7cYUeefC7FPZan25uP8WArK9lpSyU-L36AXu9lxAT65_tf6fh5zsjvSPTIYWjyGnnOXITM0cdgQYkqJvUDpCKz1EohobbMhoZR3-0KVlRLkTugXJTM39V9Al-lzvXXbkCXTxfKWjyJnrCw/s4032/IMG_2011.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJZXqo0tz37gLXiADrqm8SJ5FeTm4zyqvZRZdZLjXtDzg7cYUeefC7FPZan25uP8WArK9lpSyU-L36AXu9lxAT65_tf6fh5zsjvSPTIYWjyGnnOXITM0cdgQYkqJvUDpCKz1EohobbMhoZR3-0KVlRLkTugXJTM39V9Al-lzvXXbkCXTxfKWjyJnrCw/s320/IMG_2011.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Last but not least, beyond the risk of windy conditions, this course is magical for the views of the City by the Bay: the Golden Gate of course, Marin Headlands when not hiding in the fog, Alcatraz, the City's skyline, the Presidio, the Palace of Fine Arts, ships and sails of all sizes and shapes on the Bay, the birds... Here are some views taken by my crew.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimUC9BhXYTsdXz0-7YjUpq1wjPHbbP31OmvfzBtO5ZGZmIb3O9hJvEZklvYedJ_7e-eshnIvt2qxW7MOxu9woxxvDO2nRKHw2MWoA3FzBU123osfHaCQn4P3wXwP-_TXSYA_25niyPPj7CrdxdLADuPMcmypM6h-5Aw9lAZA94SwBi4zKgBNoDk9Z_w/s4032/B_IMG_7048.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimUC9BhXYTsdXz0-7YjUpq1wjPHbbP31OmvfzBtO5ZGZmIb3O9hJvEZklvYedJ_7e-eshnIvt2qxW7MOxu9woxxvDO2nRKHw2MWoA3FzBU123osfHaCQn4P3wXwP-_TXSYA_25niyPPj7CrdxdLADuPMcmypM6h-5Aw9lAZA94SwBi4zKgBNoDk9Z_w/s320/B_IMG_7048.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5Dv12mYh6Lddq19fhKPt931u0aqVNbTCyKagkQRRZzMn8dhXBQLhuv60RiomnELbxcbnjQ8mJHs6guxwNM5wniagTECYPzTDN10sWSEMLrOIJ4ej3QisMrvutPSiXfLGkv4tSDELCeK3SAQYYGDz9-hDiNbj2qQr0Wj8xqQ5ebi4EDihTgvmLB1MiQ/s4032/B_IMG_7057.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5Dv12mYh6Lddq19fhKPt931u0aqVNbTCyKagkQRRZzMn8dhXBQLhuv60RiomnELbxcbnjQ8mJHs6guxwNM5wniagTECYPzTDN10sWSEMLrOIJ4ej3QisMrvutPSiXfLGkv4tSDELCeK3SAQYYGDz9-hDiNbj2qQr0Wj8xqQ5ebi4EDihTgvmLB1MiQ/s320/B_IMG_7057.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfQfijbk1K5t_CYIMe0T15HqMmvErJuRLwtRJv5lEup5Dxb6eCIzpgDSV0pIp4U4lA4ha9r6sGDtGdn4KR6trNDGESHwspIgO2WOqse5LXoQQWcT-lbf8H140_1PZljtxpnFM3Dxfy-aVkRQ2WLBFSu4SZ1D0bi3t7DujoxEu9O-boDCPW7dY9JyYAg/s4032/B_IMG_7061.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfQfijbk1K5t_CYIMe0T15HqMmvErJuRLwtRJv5lEup5Dxb6eCIzpgDSV0pIp4U4lA4ha9r6sGDtGdn4KR6trNDGESHwspIgO2WOqse5LXoQQWcT-lbf8H140_1PZljtxpnFM3Dxfy-aVkRQ2WLBFSu4SZ1D0bi3t7DujoxEu9O-boDCPW7dY9JyYAg/s320/B_IMG_7061.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAS23Qrob-b-2muz-CvJhFwMlHwrAN6GhSMaaj5nBjNCCHlrKbWL0K-Nbr7NTyLUpNVzbO5Ahh4ID3DX_MVgEyQtN3uUBrdHzUWk0FiA4ioY0fbV9u6jDfu4jUGQal9cESVX1MYr-KM7zuRn8hp6vrS_3Ygt62CLLciTS0qd3WpzIrs7laDW7_T_a0kA/s4032/M_IMG_5791.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAS23Qrob-b-2muz-CvJhFwMlHwrAN6GhSMaaj5nBjNCCHlrKbWL0K-Nbr7NTyLUpNVzbO5Ahh4ID3DX_MVgEyQtN3uUBrdHzUWk0FiA4ioY0fbV9u6jDfu4jUGQal9cESVX1MYr-KM7zuRn8hp6vrS_3Ygt62CLLciTS0qd3WpzIrs7laDW7_T_a0kA/s320/M_IMG_5791.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCZcyQpwO5B97GtLHGFrPwyNTNaikx-cxfikxnxQBYoeBtrwsHEx_eFu1knUNZi9cov_MvbqDjn2Hclai8zzDMTnO9NSA5Yyagq-GX2G4M0-W7RdCOjSBFT-0ud1jA-WQv2WaZRzMh47Bw8LAsUJyUGSw5H_CvFQBKXsTB_QS5Zfk2Grj_27AlS5LPg/s4032/M_IMG_5792.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCZcyQpwO5B97GtLHGFrPwyNTNaikx-cxfikxnxQBYoeBtrwsHEx_eFu1knUNZi9cov_MvbqDjn2Hclai8zzDMTnO9NSA5Yyagq-GX2G4M0-W7RdCOjSBFT-0ud1jA-WQv2WaZRzMh47Bw8LAsUJyUGSw5H_CvFQBKXsTB_QS5Zfk2Grj_27AlS5LPg/s320/M_IMG_5792.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />To conclude, I hope the Rangers will reconsider their decision to block overnight events at that location. Please... Next event on our Grand Prix calendar: the traditional Skyline 50K at the beginning of August, by Adam Ray and Scena Performance.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-7077311353996110742023-06-13T19:01:00.000-07:002023-06-13T19:01:03.829-07:00Running in Klamath Falls, Oregon - Part 1: A CanalA Canal not as in a canal but Canal "A", also known as Main Canal within the amazing water reclamation project of Southern Oregon and Northern California which gives life to California's prominent agricultural industry. A network of canals and tunnels to irrigate the Central Valley in particular.<div><br /></div><div>Now, and I'm sure we missed proper introductions: while I enjoyed two great runs during our short overnight stop on our 2,000-mile motorcycle road trip, my travel companions weren't seduced at all by this city and the small downtown in particular. In addition to nasty mosquitos, almost no life even on a Saturday evening except for a few homeless people roaming the deserted streets.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a long stage coming down from Chemult, OR, with a detour to get to Crater Lake due to the North access road still closed after so much snow this year, I was eager to get my legs moving. Checking the map I saw two green lines starting off Main Street, bingo! One was a straight line called "OC&E Woods Trail", the other was following that famous A Canal. I went on the latter for an evening run, and the former at dawn the next morning (next post).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo2v9qxfKXhahlh36A17sfnSQT6pBdLus1jZyJBkGWvECuw_AP4ku8jqFfrJRVJTOsMctCIoPCK__gCo1gZCMAeL0tFJguynHItcvQcE2Rro8j_4CoHpu1nkTt7XJLy4XHWFHCQkZ7Iljr-pvAtuvjNEaaDHJvETU9E0-i9yL68yms9eA_Zl7jWoZVw/s4032/IMG_1706.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo2v9qxfKXhahlh36A17sfnSQT6pBdLus1jZyJBkGWvECuw_AP4ku8jqFfrJRVJTOsMctCIoPCK__gCo1gZCMAeL0tFJguynHItcvQcE2Rro8j_4CoHpu1nkTt7XJLy4XHWFHCQkZ7Iljr-pvAtuvjNEaaDHJvETU9E0-i9yL68yms9eA_Zl7jWoZVw/s320/IMG_1706.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />After more than 5,000 feet of elevation on my run on Mt Hood 2 days before, this one was remarkably flat. As you might expect from running along a canal, and despite Garmin GPS watches exaggerating the cumulative elevation, Garmin Connect reported a total ascent of 52 feet for 13.2 miles. Definitely flat!</div><div><br /></div><div>Furthermore, after the challenging run in the snow on Mt Hood, that run started really smoothly, with a good layer of asphalt for... the first 4 miles. At that crossing with Homedale Road, the trail or bike path officially ends but I could see a service road continuing along the canal.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4ot68reOJ_rqJYk4oRGwbxcjEOhyco9n9ltzOx9aAKrpfGoW-FgeelzN66qgSYokj-cLco05Ac0RSbTV7dLO7BVCdm3-1y_qhO6wjFJZaoW1CKVkAloERr8cRkXc9McN_z3L3b_usfyzdjOCf3aEwIHmyfMmfdU2FFmYPWfRZlG20-D8-MWSBm3Ikg/s4032/IMG_1716.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4ot68reOJ_rqJYk4oRGwbxcjEOhyco9n9ltzOx9aAKrpfGoW-FgeelzN66qgSYokj-cLco05Ac0RSbTV7dLO7BVCdm3-1y_qhO6wjFJZaoW1CKVkAloERr8cRkXc9McN_z3L3b_usfyzdjOCf3aEwIHmyfMmfdU2FFmYPWfRZlG20-D8-MWSBm3Ikg/s320/IMG_1716.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />After a few more mosquito bites while checking Google Maps, I continued for 2.5 miles. The trail was still going on but I had to come back to my crew before sunset so a half marathon will have to do. From the satellite view in Google Maps, it seems like the service dirt road keeps going for many miles, in case you want more!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INTo2X7oiwSE1HaXSUdivP3wZN0NvNK4gA6GJ28LpekDHv7i3B1Jo62O26FKUJLcRSZVrdCMkNXtsg6ND09wGYQYopzWdp40kZN4Ow1sVY0xE4wXkacLcyB5dTTciFyevmG5UT1bouy70K2lKNH54p9R0DUeAut0xug5czcR8GWB4oTY6UBCtu8xDQ/s4032/IMG_1717.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INTo2X7oiwSE1HaXSUdivP3wZN0NvNK4gA6GJ28LpekDHv7i3B1Jo62O26FKUJLcRSZVrdCMkNXtsg6ND09wGYQYopzWdp40kZN4Ow1sVY0xE4wXkacLcyB5dTTciFyevmG5UT1bouy70K2lKNH54p9R0DUeAut0xug5czcR8GWB4oTY6UBCtu8xDQ/s320/IMG_1717.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIj7PceOIXGs3GXY3vQwE15elx1vAI8X3exUHwk2I85QQ1pPeChjLNF_r_LOSJKeTMN4e1qx1-IW2_dowhD8loVBomZLWfMNZUPW5FxYdUiuAnaeRN5bO3vvQp5icz3Xxlal51IWrWkKGxzJbSEdzkaUe8WdUFWuYiq-gU5STIsvIotpcrcA1WKiPxQ/s4032/IMG_1721.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIj7PceOIXGs3GXY3vQwE15elx1vAI8X3exUHwk2I85QQ1pPeChjLNF_r_LOSJKeTMN4e1qx1-IW2_dowhD8loVBomZLWfMNZUPW5FxYdUiuAnaeRN5bO3vvQp5icz3Xxlal51IWrWkKGxzJbSEdzkaUe8WdUFWuYiq-gU5STIsvIotpcrcA1WKiPxQ/s320/IMG_1721.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhOR3HOPGYWxKb-TTwgFn9B2_M9RbEnmzdF8heA8MAhid-HIVQr3GcvZ-lEhU771HBIT5ozoaFxfJPk2bPoImrGxcKCQat2_EizXVOt3pZjpcNXW1rjrymOrKzo7DMoqmPc5g2RWOHrGtrlPTLQoUiuSXBK8f1NYHAd3AZ3VXNLN0o6pp9joK098W-A/s4032/IMG_1722.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhOR3HOPGYWxKb-TTwgFn9B2_M9RbEnmzdF8heA8MAhid-HIVQr3GcvZ-lEhU771HBIT5ozoaFxfJPk2bPoImrGxcKCQat2_EizXVOt3pZjpcNXW1rjrymOrKzo7DMoqmPc5g2RWOHrGtrlPTLQoUiuSXBK8f1NYHAd3AZ3VXNLN0o6pp9joK098W-A/s320/IMG_1722.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycmI6THhtx2C01KUcj3d1CmPiBrEDp-yeuZjL3ARxeeyaBf-5q2QkMZGoFwPm7GH9z-9XwC2EOttCkhy_m7O8Bx5qSGe39eiCTQlwAGB5yVqyh3l2R4r5qvPqxrMGeOLZmdXQ66YlkTa6cmKUgryMg1eyi_jm6dJYYOzn4gFT11P_N2rOkzsZzfz3Sg/s4032/IMG_1725.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycmI6THhtx2C01KUcj3d1CmPiBrEDp-yeuZjL3ARxeeyaBf-5q2QkMZGoFwPm7GH9z-9XwC2EOttCkhy_m7O8Bx5qSGe39eiCTQlwAGB5yVqyh3l2R4r5qvPqxrMGeOLZmdXQ66YlkTa6cmKUgryMg1eyi_jm6dJYYOzn4gFT11P_N2rOkzsZzfz3Sg/s320/IMG_1725.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2IFpXwLkZilDp0pVmVZMnTOAicNi3GhpjvmsE1NW-uqU2LrZJLz2cIMuwNKXZKUJFGZe6PaDZMZ7DcpSLgxfMeO4u4LqrmjrZWTNv30HtlLbcuWlkg0RV73F19wHQ1TiGWMYkhvG3ajgbqrxlnwgQQjceDMN1j16J1ZXbJSDX6zgOto9DhmO7KG0xQ/s4032/IMG_1726.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2IFpXwLkZilDp0pVmVZMnTOAicNi3GhpjvmsE1NW-uqU2LrZJLz2cIMuwNKXZKUJFGZe6PaDZMZ7DcpSLgxfMeO4u4LqrmjrZWTNv30HtlLbcuWlkg0RV73F19wHQ1TiGWMYkhvG3ajgbqrxlnwgQQjceDMN1j16J1ZXbJSDX6zgOto9DhmO7KG0xQ/s320/IMG_1726.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />About 3 miles on the asphalt bike path, you cross the other great running path, the OC&E Woods Trail, at this steel bridge built in 1898!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky2i3tQfQDl6bFDEIW9Twk7NXI-AqcS_n29NwvDm2uN_c93FAC1V3YjrEOVcGOwVn5TDvIWA35s86GVBj3GmQqU2Lso-yTlsoLtCzqsYzadRwn-HPbu7u9l_SpsL3Vrq5_DkpzriReJrC5plbsIqZn3COtffIv6gmXPHaKNN-gBsGHBsVjmM0ddenTw/s4032/IMG_1712.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky2i3tQfQDl6bFDEIW9Twk7NXI-AqcS_n29NwvDm2uN_c93FAC1V3YjrEOVcGOwVn5TDvIWA35s86GVBj3GmQqU2Lso-yTlsoLtCzqsYzadRwn-HPbu7u9l_SpsL3Vrq5_DkpzriReJrC5plbsIqZn3COtffIv6gmXPHaKNN-gBsGHBsVjmM0ddenTw/s320/IMG_1712.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbCpkEtG_uSKnAGof8ZerDNSUeoV8y2jPe3WQnioJkHCQyXYiQuV7yJDGoTSk5hkEW3HtD84II-89MlB9pihbqyQLgptAtIw3LQ8tSUIZbXv7Ka20Czpn5kofVeoiXsJBZjCvYJ7__9pg3_L8lRZaRIiF7_NfsOYI3GUtH9Lshnxhk8ULWfoxUmIiBA/s4032/IMG_1713.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbCpkEtG_uSKnAGof8ZerDNSUeoV8y2jPe3WQnioJkHCQyXYiQuV7yJDGoTSk5hkEW3HtD84II-89MlB9pihbqyQLgptAtIw3LQ8tSUIZbXv7Ka20Czpn5kofVeoiXsJBZjCvYJ7__9pg3_L8lRZaRIiF7_NfsOYI3GUtH9Lshnxhk8ULWfoxUmIiBA/s320/IMG_1713.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />You can see some of the 60 pictures I took in this <a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyodk9L46" target="_blank">Relive fly over</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyodk9L46" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1598" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqBKAoBUJg-cZX9H2BPRXm13FDS2Af5-xeBClzVExc7f2zmbeqq3Q-3E_794Fwts0tYlj2bYwVjkUfQisD95LD5fKj1Cn3li7_a1Cy-4fy0pb7TDkFy4J5FwH3QpPejZtAybtofDQwpNKw_PpJfl8rjDC76Qh3ADq9yLTXjsxA010KV1m2yNoAM6NxA/s320/ReliveSunsetKlamathFallsACanal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Including a short video clip of three bold young male deers a few yards from Main Street. When I mentioned that downtown was pretty much deserted...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz46s5Z_FbdQxs6efRq-f9duLifowpQ2DUi2k-i2FwR3lLqqKfz74h_j9Rp4n1MN7MYAKUsyAELinWTkPelEg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, not sure what else you'd be in Klamath Falls for, except if you live there, or stop during a road trip. But a great opportunity to log some flat miles if you visit!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijloKfmfIKq3IcR_7DtzWJsJShBRsbyHL8iCWkQwvpQG6ouPaOSdFgDgLDbjkUI-mWKPRS7rtzbN1ut-IOhdAuN44Cc7J8HNUd0SYLlMFtwdByl7ORb1miSm0EcUEzoMvV73AJV6Z-29TkoqnnETl23cC6Hv1FZ8YvI2uO1Y9lk6l8cgAf3s7pr1Dw-A/s4032/IMG_1751.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijloKfmfIKq3IcR_7DtzWJsJShBRsbyHL8iCWkQwvpQG6ouPaOSdFgDgLDbjkUI-mWKPRS7rtzbN1ut-IOhdAuN44Cc7J8HNUd0SYLlMFtwdByl7ORb1miSm0EcUEzoMvV73AJV6Z-29TkoqnnETl23cC6Hv1FZ8YvI2uO1Y9lk6l8cgAf3s7pr1Dw-A/s320/IMG_1751.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG69zR54Ai_j56RQ4QA_u85BumGv_YJsfNtDp2xfSgCi7qhOKxp1905qCiZ0Hsp-5tZZezvDsPpFauyfHZmMMNxVDgmZjBLgpDVqOz4snIGf8sbUdjmae85WVL8UVpw5bHrmOuffXvIb0RRjCAhc1SxSN3IUyThdEL9rzmWUUYy-oYvMaHVTt2sXxhw/s4032/IMG_1757.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG69zR54Ai_j56RQ4QA_u85BumGv_YJsfNtDp2xfSgCi7qhOKxp1905qCiZ0Hsp-5tZZezvDsPpFauyfHZmMMNxVDgmZjBLgpDVqOz4snIGf8sbUdjmae85WVL8UVpw5bHrmOuffXvIb0RRjCAhc1SxSN3IUyThdEL9rzmWUUYy-oYvMaHVTt2sXxhw/s320/IMG_1757.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-27297130255234040672023-05-29T22:54:00.006-07:002023-05-29T23:14:24.675-07:00Quicksilver 100K 2023: was it hot, really?<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>2 weeks have passed, let’s see what I can still capture as souvenirs for the sake of making up for what my memory might miss in a few years. Or for some historians interested in some recount of this 38th edition our Quicksilver Club ultra series; running since 1984, quite a fixture of our North California trail running community! I joined that history quite late but have been quite into it since 2009: 4 times the 50K, 2 50-miles and this year was my 7th 100K. When you love, you don’t count...<br /></span><o:p> <br /></o:p>What do I mostly recall then? Before re-running the course in my head, first and foremost that it was announced as a hot year, but it was more that this was the first hot weekend of the year so nobody had any heat training, at least among the locals. While most people suffered from the heat indeed, some people reported the temperatures just breaking 90F so it wasn’t that bad at least on the thermometer scale. As a matter of facts some sections of the trail were still wet, a big change from some of the years where the trail itself is radiating heat in addition to the blazing sun on the numerous exposed parts of the course. The other big news of this year’s edition was the closure of the top of Limekiln Trail due to a mud slide from the wet winter and spring we finally had this time for a great change. Contrary to what people may think since I’m proudly wearing the Quicksilver jersey, I very rarely drive down to Almaden to train on these trails. I wasn’t familiar with this addition of running Dog Meat reverse. A minor change in the grand scheme, but still some interesting quad and hamstring work early in the race. Oh, and another big news: the Lexington reservoir is full again, what a special year! Look at all these trees taking a foot bath:</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NpI5Hi2hY74sVj5C-YfIC5QhrzArUy_gz-MTZY4RvErJ6amqRxAp92KP5S9qWm3qCVREYT2fbq94btN2mVeSOFjTBLGXuLG_IP-4l6jIdDtKchswfm5urXLoZLTQKi4Hfx8BWFTG1UI8nZQ-eSvL3Aoy-QJl5rXX6S8zQLTGAjVD3qkxNhvisMFO-w/s4032/IMG_2622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NpI5Hi2hY74sVj5C-YfIC5QhrzArUy_gz-MTZY4RvErJ6amqRxAp92KP5S9qWm3qCVREYT2fbq94btN2mVeSOFjTBLGXuLG_IP-4l6jIdDtKchswfm5urXLoZLTQKi4Hfx8BWFTG1UI8nZQ-eSvL3Aoy-QJl5rXX6S8zQLTGAjVD3qkxNhvisMFO-w/s320/IMG_2622.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />And now in more details as some of you wouldn't expect less... ;-) </span><div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I got to the Hacienda entrance just after 3 am, I was second in line, followed by William and Chuck from Pamakids. We patiently waited until the doors opened at 3:30, I even managed to work some to prepare for a big client workshop I was leading a few days later in Raleigh. Then we waited more, for the bibs to arrive at 3:45. Still ample time to get ready by 4:30 except that, because of construction going on on the parking lot this year, the parking capacity was reduced and some runners had to park at another place, half a mile away. With that, co-RDs, Stuart and Loren, decided to push the start to 4:45. Despite wearing my Brooks arm warmers, and ironically given the heat advisory warning, I got a bit chilly while we were waiting and chatting for these extra minutes.<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>A dozen or so runners took off quite fast in the first steep hill, I was fine still seeing a few headlamps ahead by mile 1 which I completed, with some walking already, in 11:28. By the cemetery, I pointed myself in 9<sup>th</sup> place, quite far already behind a group of 4 in the lead, led by our local Steven (Kool, 28), for his first 100K and I believe second ultra (after Way too Cool 50K this winter). I crossed a good bunch of runners on the way back and up from that landmark made more special by a volunteer wearing a skeleton costume. The footing on that section is uneven and it was still dark so I was heads down, literally. With the late start though, I switched off my headlamp before our first passage through Hicks Road and left it to Clare. Scott was already supervising the road crossing and he was again a few hours later when I returned, one of these ultra shifts!<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>The 5-mile climb to Woods Road was eventless but fastidious. With some walking in the last 2 miles, 2 runners closed on me but stopped at the aid station while, carrying 2 bottles (GU Energy Brew and water) I continued on that infamous Dog Meat roller coaster. On the steep way down Priest Rock I caught up with a runner who was wearing a headset. With the steep downhills my heels were already burning and I felt a better strategy to dissipate the heat was to just let go at full speed rather than trying to put on some break, and passed him. Since he had his audio in and we were moving fast, I just made a hand sign while passing. Fortunately, I didn’t take a fall in that tricky section. While I was eating a GU Energy gel before the Lexington Reservoir aid station at the bottom of the toughest climb of the day, Dmitri passed me, schooling me for not talking back to him, ouch! Was it my hearing loss, or the fact that I typically don’t speak to someone wearing earbuds, or the fact that I was ingesting some good sticky carbs, that left me... speechless. ;-) At least he looked very relaxed and was having a spectacular day, he would end up taking 3<sup>rd</sup>!<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>Lexington was my first stop, to refill my bottles and take on the vest and Leki poles which Agnès drove down to hand out to me. Despite just a couple minutes spend at the aid station, I got passed by another runner. I used to run most of this climb a few years ago but I lost the stamina so the poles helped moving upward. As I often say, what I love in ultra running is the running part, I still hate the occasional walking... With the course change, I saw another part of the pack as we crossed path Priest Rock. Big thanks to all for the encouragements we exchanged on that section. I-Tao Tsai stopped to take these two pictures; note the interesting perspective which make my poles look like they are 8-ft long (I set them high at 130 cm, but that's not as long as that seems here):</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I3lwc2Izngr72LhJqpz5RXnmVdntd_uAiF4OXNLyML7Fb2ms2Vrj0TZFXqTjudIX0OZdHa_fXD-el5KcHMBEmiHsFwvbI8lp80uD9ZTTmNGR5Dfh1EEM4-vkrUcZxV6On1LJI4OKq6rLgbLx8cIUTDLA_ZVzZOY4MqL2m2gmgbsf_D8u1ZHH5HiZww/s2048/I-TaoTsai_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1153" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I3lwc2Izngr72LhJqpz5RXnmVdntd_uAiF4OXNLyML7Fb2ms2Vrj0TZFXqTjudIX0OZdHa_fXD-el5KcHMBEmiHsFwvbI8lp80uD9ZTTmNGR5Dfh1EEM4-vkrUcZxV6On1LJI4OKq6rLgbLx8cIUTDLA_ZVzZOY4MqL2m2gmgbsf_D8u1ZHH5HiZww/s320/I-TaoTsai_01.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4RjW3SxiUsupd4wZ0OX3Sw-iqHMMYQGY8h78dLTEQH0OKt0aNjFUtw72Vzi6JgwW3NR5OIpyiM60tiTiRSZFRM4aKR41E4EUoeGaWOuPwEToP2dBvZ75UG_Nn2Sr_PoUqKlD9geBshSk146xcgpcQJerampSfA7fhD3iijX2VqNpZ9O2Us22786lkQ/s2048/I-TaoTsai_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1153" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4RjW3SxiUsupd4wZ0OX3Sw-iqHMMYQGY8h78dLTEQH0OKt0aNjFUtw72Vzi6JgwW3NR5OIpyiM60tiTiRSZFRM4aKR41E4EUoeGaWOuPwEToP2dBvZ75UG_Nn2Sr_PoUqKlD9geBshSk146xcgpcQJerampSfA7fhD3iijX2VqNpZ9O2Us22786lkQ/s320/I-TaoTsai_02.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />My GPS showed 23.5 miles when... I crossed Steven who was charging up Kennedy Road, wow! That was about a 4-mile lead already, despite my feeling I had a better run than last year, when my hamstring attach was still painful. Some wanted to beat the heat early!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I asked for some Vaseline at the Kennedy Road aid station to no avail (dang, that used to be a standard supply when I started running ultras in 2006...), took some Coke and ice in my cap, and up I was again, still feeling rather bullish, in 9th or 10th place. 3 miles up though, and despite the nice encouragements of the others now going down Kennedy, I managed to catch up with Ben only to fall apart and not being able to pass him. We were both slowing down significantly and that allowed another runner to catch up with us and pass us. A runner who appeared to potentially be in my age group. Indeed, it was Roni Kauri, 54, from the State of Washington. I was expecting a battle with Dominick (Layfield) again, now 51, but he DNS’ed this year (Did Not Start). At least Roni wasn’t competing in our Grand Prix. I must have spent at least 5 minutes at the Woods Road aid station, trying to cool down and regroup, wondering what did hit me on that Kennedy climb. Half way distance wise, with the toughest climbs behind, the toughest was over, yet we were now in the good heat of the day and it didn’t feel so go already slogging in the uphills, still with 31 hilly miles to go. My quads and hamstrings had started cramping at mile 25, way too early. And painful!<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>I tried to relax on the way down to Hicks Road but had to stop several times when cramping was unbearable and my tights were seizing. I was still taking one S!Cap per hour and had taken enough for 12 hours, plus 4 spare caps. In the past and very hot days, I would take one every 30 minutes. After running 482 ultra marathons (including 189 ultra races), I should know better... I can’t believe I missed on managing my electrolyte balance this time, it had been years since I made this rookie mistake. Maybe a way to remain younger at heart?<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>We were so spread out that, despite slowing down, I didn’t get passed before I got back to Hicks Road. Two runners were there, cooling off, and left before I folded my poles. Half way to our return to Hacienda, I could see Karl (Schnaitter) closing on me. I made a long stop at my car to change top and cap, refill my bottles, reload with GU gels and a 3<sup>rd</sup> Vespa, and pour ice in my bandana, hoping to get a fresh start for the last 20 miles. I saw Karl leaving ahead, now paced by Simone, but was certainly not in the mood of chasing them. Yet, keeping moving forward, I caught up with them in the roller coaster as Karl was badly cramping too. I got more ice at Mockingbird, another Coke, and managed to ask the nice volunteer to get a scoop from Kristina instead of pouring ice in water bottles with hands from the drink buckets (Paul’s legendary BBQ got nixed by crazy sanitary restrictions preventing from cooking outdoors, but it still makes sense to apply some basic hygiene on the drink side!). Anyway, the race strategy was now all about damage control on my side, keeping moving fast enough to get some points in the Grand Prix, yet slow enough not to fall apart. As it turned out, there has been an evacuation for heat stroke again this year, and more DNFs (114) than finishers (99), so not falling apart seemed quite a good outcome...<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>To my surprise, I caught up with Mike (Helms) at the Bull Run aid station as he was just leaving. I was so down though that it was going to take me a few minutes to regroup again, enjoying this special moment with my ex-club mates, the Stevens Creek Striders. I was looking forward to seeing Chris (Wilson) at the Catherine Tunnel Lolli loop, but no picture this time; Chris wanted to run the 50K this year but couldn’t find the registration page so ran another one. Despite a lot of drinking, cramps kept coming back but, after a few marathons 20 or so years ago, I have learned to run through and with them. Still, I had to stop a few times on complete seizure of my tights, that did hurt! Given the circumstances, I was pleased to keep moving on New Almaden and amazed at how neat the trail is after such a wet winter. Sure, some healthy poison oak in many places but kudos to our club members who volunteered for trail maintenance duties again this year, outstanding job!<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>A pleasure to be welcomed by another Strider, Mike Kreaden, who had taken a short break from skiing in Tahoe to come down and help us out. As I was whining, Mike said that everybody was one to one hour and half slower this year because of the heat. Keep that note in mind for when we discuss the winning time below. There was more excitement at the station thanks to the presence of Rajeev; Rajeev stated that I must have done so much better than last year when I passed him as he was struggling at the top of Providencia. But I’m afraid it might have been him being slower this year. At least it was great to see him still doing what he loves! With my cap and bandana full of ice –a luxury as the planet gets warmer—I kept on, slogging when I could and power walking otherwise. I passed a few 50K runners on the way up Mine Hill. About half a mile behind I could see Karl and Simone’s bright yellow jerseys. On the steep Providencia I got hit by the opposite: I started feeling dizzy and thought that, short of having experienced one already, I could be close to a heat stroke, yikes! I was probably not that close because it seems that you don’t really see heat strokes coming, but thought this was at least good heat training for the coming Spartathlon... As long as I was staying on the safe side. I managed to keep moving up to the only tree on that section and laid on my back in the shade. I don’t remember getting asleep but it must have been for some good 5 minutes because Simone was the fist to ask me he I was ok. She wanted to give me some salt, or send a medical team but, at mile 58 of 62, I didn’t want to drop that close. I managed to walk behind Karl up to the ridge but was unable to follow his jog once on Mine Hill. Several times I had to stop for more seizing of my hamstrings and quads, finally taking my 12th S!Cap. Again, I should have taken more, earlier.<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>The Striders were relieved to see me coming in their station after the heads-up and alert Simone had given them. I took a few pieces of watermelon, got ice water in my bottle, and off I continued on Bull Run still alternating slogging and walking. It must not have been with a pretty stride but I managed to run down to English Camp, and even sprint down the last mile to the finish. After breaking 10 hours a few years ago, I was bummed with my 12:07 finish last year. When I realized I could do 13:07 this year, I gave it my remaining all... 13:07:41, good enough for 12<sup>th</sup> overall this year (against 10<sup>th</sup> last year) and 2<sup>nd</sup> in my age group. Given the circumstances, rather a good outcome. Well, except for my UltraSignup ranking which took a huge hit again... While Mike had estimated that everybody was slower, that law didn’t apply to Steven who won in a blazing 9:27:48, wow! 6<sup>th</sup> best performance ever but I’d argue on a more difficult course.<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>Speaking of the UltraSignup ranking: that race got me a 72% and my overall score down to 85.6%. Surprisingly my age rank shows at 100% though, but that must be a glitch as everybody seems to be at 100% this weekend! Anyway, who cares, right?</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBhGcuVPaIZOlY3Am---mXLDjhLEEbHdcECGQlYzEPipwe69WZ4DLk1tOrC2fFe546TZqeN516XMSmOFIAHHBFsOWtuPjv0Ka2KhcADNze93ntkeONs0Te2LGFFUgHmuuvjC831nMcgZX6mL71gOf2_C52AgSur15PmCIVvn6uYpGUBnb3vMJQ4fdUg/s1526/UltraSignupRanking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1526" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBhGcuVPaIZOlY3Am---mXLDjhLEEbHdcECGQlYzEPipwe69WZ4DLk1tOrC2fFe546TZqeN516XMSmOFIAHHBFsOWtuPjv0Ka2KhcADNze93ntkeONs0Te2LGFFUgHmuuvjC831nMcgZX6mL71gOf2_C52AgSur15PmCIVvn6uYpGUBnb3vMJQ4fdUg/s320/UltraSignupRanking.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />And to add one more stats, quite a few steps in a single day...</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmCcJSNNUsc1jlfMntUJn-Dc0nLqw_SKBWBYeHmAntGLZiD-FRJzsul2z_-0m6KM1BZXH_E5d69bDt95ApZ7huFiq4bLjrBFNEedo8TL0xjtxWlf-CINw3MysGOvZ8oYjr-NMyK7YWvpctqOzoceAAKmfKh82OFXCS7K8RiVZ7rjSUxUxHZZwXYHbLQ/s1676/GarminSteps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1676" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmCcJSNNUsc1jlfMntUJn-Dc0nLqw_SKBWBYeHmAntGLZiD-FRJzsul2z_-0m6KM1BZXH_E5d69bDt95ApZ7huFiq4bLjrBFNEedo8TL0xjtxWlf-CINw3MysGOvZ8oYjr-NMyK7YWvpctqOzoceAAKmfKh82OFXCS7K8RiVZ7rjSUxUxHZZwXYHbLQ/s320/GarminSteps.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />As mentioned above, I’m feeling bad for the 100+ who didn’t manage to finish within the 17-hour cut-off. With 13,000 feet of cumulated elevation this course is a beast, albeit not technical overall. I used to say that most of it is runnable but that was when I was in top shape. Did I say that time was flying...?<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most sincere thanks to all the volunteers who made this key event happen again. I’ve heard that it was even more difficult for the coordinators to recruit this year, even more appreciation to those who answered the call. Especially as, a first for me, I didn’t help at all. While Shiran (Kochavi) stated that I was looking good on his picture at the finish, I didn’t get the energy to stop by Mockingbird to help Kristina this year. Special kudos to Stuart and Loren for perpetuating this great ultra tradition!</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JCpDJSAxu1muBnr2IdcwGGHG-89vILNjFtTATKTg7cdbl7rrFLRVZCpeMx1yy5ZxZZh5DcQFv3zP2fHCcdsnwR47voRlGGi1ULInqszYl8qtfAJjFOhOv9CY2mAbiyiKy9dqXnPpUg3xFSRFKLJ3ESBgjzXenywc-WKQrTolN7NyGWhErPd6lyoAwQ/s3040/ShiranKochavi_IMG_4480.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="3040" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JCpDJSAxu1muBnr2IdcwGGHG-89vILNjFtTATKTg7cdbl7rrFLRVZCpeMx1yy5ZxZZh5DcQFv3zP2fHCcdsnwR47voRlGGi1ULInqszYl8qtfAJjFOhOv9CY2mAbiyiKy9dqXnPpUg3xFSRFKLJ3ESBgjzXenywc-WKQrTolN7NyGWhErPd6lyoAwQ/s320/ShiranKochavi_IMG_4480.HEIC" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yMUe-tQxGNFMDTQVA0SBQ0IGBj8q7JULZuWQsj-fx0am5i_AU0obZZf0w3BeeM5z_u1ZP5xIPhkLabtq8NWpra0bkwEJpYJUiz2GfUEDkFKT1h0v-Rj4AYgptd0GTf04TyfuHRFbTob1MmHTb2KZPYvreMYtPYERJa_s1RX0DqigEL61UE_e3lXK-A/s3476/ShiranKochavi_IMG_4483.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3476" data-original-width="2607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yMUe-tQxGNFMDTQVA0SBQ0IGBj8q7JULZuWQsj-fx0am5i_AU0obZZf0w3BeeM5z_u1ZP5xIPhkLabtq8NWpra0bkwEJpYJUiz2GfUEDkFKT1h0v-Rj4AYgptd0GTf04TyfuHRFbTob1MmHTb2KZPYvreMYtPYERJa_s1RX0DqigEL61UE_e3lXK-A/s320/ShiranKochavi_IMG_4483.HEIC" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I had just enough in the tank to stay for 2 more hours at the finish and witness a few highlights such as: the finish of the top 3 women; a proposal; and the even more emotional finish of “Team Keith”. I had seen a tribute to Keith Evans-Orville in Ultra Running Magazine last month and noticed he was still in the entrant list. Some of his friends ran the 100K as a relay to honor him, ending in an embrace with Keith’s wife and family at the finish. What a meaningful tribute to Keith’s love for ultra-running!</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Omnipresent ultra volunteer and finisher of many Quicksilver editions in the 90s and 2000s, Stan (Jensen), taking a Coke order from winner Jaclyn Foroughi, from Truckee, paced by Mandie (Holmes):</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpt6hXkacuEXtqxX5vDtrvYuVoc3X1xfZNd2_MF2kw6ybJXnITfBKWMTKAdKT_wZ0v-jrownYdgI9gFw9qe56Y-d8gw7TVzCD0vkOjZDIPiTVr2Qaw7spXL5yZREvlPrMyppVTW-OlUv8soZzHRqpio2-K0eanQ0pvFDFBadb1uZDZZ2XXG2AM3fa0qA/s4032/IMG_0778.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpt6hXkacuEXtqxX5vDtrvYuVoc3X1xfZNd2_MF2kw6ybJXnITfBKWMTKAdKT_wZ0v-jrownYdgI9gFw9qe56Y-d8gw7TVzCD0vkOjZDIPiTVr2Qaw7spXL5yZREvlPrMyppVTW-OlUv8soZzHRqpio2-K0eanQ0pvFDFBadb1uZDZZ2XXG2AM3fa0qA/s320/IMG_0778.HEIC" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jaclyn (1st place), Rebekah Rose (2nd) and Sue Qian (3rd), all under 14 hours:</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrVG3H8nkT2PAyVzYmrYip58e2VqCehvRfgOxZaiju0xrVEUYA_GnQ8pGeIg74PtNZIQm1JyNQSB2Sc4OjUfRLctoWp-uoPOgT2RmyltT57PMSLzpMEO6J5CoCxtEj1i0IvUeIR6zrBFSSnYJjntFyEFt0rJgxwQIH_zIuZDvSQJ7wKpVqtI45P0jZw/s4032/IMG_E0783.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrVG3H8nkT2PAyVzYmrYip58e2VqCehvRfgOxZaiju0xrVEUYA_GnQ8pGeIg74PtNZIQm1JyNQSB2Sc4OjUfRLctoWp-uoPOgT2RmyltT57PMSLzpMEO6J5CoCxtEj1i0IvUeIR6zrBFSSnYJjntFyEFt0rJgxwQIH_zIuZDvSQJ7wKpVqtI45P0jZw/s320/IMG_E0783.HEIC" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Janeth (Siva), competing in the ultra volunteer category with Stan (Jensen), got a big upgrade with a powerful bull horn this time!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicqadelZasJpidxcpKD7E6wCEd5SibI3JZN2qZQPzrc0fvgLK9ZDBMnuHqYjTLAjcoM6ig43jdsBj6Pj2diw1wPD0Hiwkz61bs59e8fvh-weER9uB3LQ9BvTqmVcn3yrUvOIimN9h4BcoCOYJMuaP3tNZ3yCRPjE0aagQm11kXky0KOatKtE84umhOQ/s4032/IMG_0790.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicqadelZasJpidxcpKD7E6wCEd5SibI3JZN2qZQPzrc0fvgLK9ZDBMnuHqYjTLAjcoM6ig43jdsBj6Pj2diw1wPD0Hiwkz61bs59e8fvh-weER9uB3LQ9BvTqmVcn3yrUvOIimN9h4BcoCOYJMuaP3tNZ3yCRPjE0aagQm11kXky0KOatKtE84umhOQ/s320/IMG_0790.HEIC" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">William (Dai) got his coveted 500K plaque for his 5th Quicksilver 100K finish:</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvghtPys_QAmmyp7CMH3grIbubL1LvAqN75YWY-Au4SiO68_gEozBEWdoZCMkKvHGK1nWctLVAeBJndSqOGXN9d1EINrZF-EOT2IOpt6OYLs9ycmqqDbsidWoWTXNjGzSX7bl8f4gqJF9m00bUy4pGYMSQ-0Z9JV3CEl6XUSG_xSLOAuz2rma70ZJDw/s4032/IMG_E0785.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvghtPys_QAmmyp7CMH3grIbubL1LvAqN75YWY-Au4SiO68_gEozBEWdoZCMkKvHGK1nWctLVAeBJndSqOGXN9d1EINrZF-EOT2IOpt6OYLs9ycmqqDbsidWoWTXNjGzSX7bl8f4gqJF9m00bUy4pGYMSQ-0Z9JV3CEl6XUSG_xSLOAuz2rma70ZJDw/s320/IMG_E0785.HEIC" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />With our new teammate, Elizabeth Omodt (3 out of our 6 club entrants finished, tough day...):</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRpN6p268gHhqHXb9HfyuJTQeBNyTfHqRKybYH59ZRNVOt6Z6kWxPxI2Rj_M_QT9K1vGqmNC1D9_T_-X61jYgetOaKjBzulltgx3e1W2xuHe47DsehRap_JFM2KIu5NY9qHX7cYsYVeqD2mZd2ts_TaEXcdUPKPpf_L5t1IFOS_qwop_Rdtm1d_cNQQ/s4032/IMG_0788.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRpN6p268gHhqHXb9HfyuJTQeBNyTfHqRKybYH59ZRNVOt6Z6kWxPxI2Rj_M_QT9K1vGqmNC1D9_T_-X61jYgetOaKjBzulltgx3e1W2xuHe47DsehRap_JFM2KIu5NY9qHX7cYsYVeqD2mZd2ts_TaEXcdUPKPpf_L5t1IFOS_qwop_Rdtm1d_cNQQ/s320/IMG_0788.HEIC" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />And these are the main highlights who come to mind after 2 weeks, although I could keep on with many more details from more than 780 minutes spent on the course this year. But who cares, right? And, indeed, long has been since colleagues, friends or even family members asked how my last race went. Just one more page in my personal running journey, while it lasts. And the interesting balance between physical challenge and pleasure to be part of this supportive trail running community! Next ultra race in a few weeks already...</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkBSBeLIROoGIF6MwIJSFceC0r5cYz9XnTX-c-wIK5axMpW0sML2M6rClKr6-l7jSWRARdhCXUAsLcam-HZlxXgK15YosddKRedgCO-FG-ON0Hg41LZJK_bFRsyDZsDxznhExj0vDWx2HJ3S0HfXa8rCrMjMP2B9cgeadSesT8WAwhOfhNhousqrzcg/s4032/IMG_0808.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkBSBeLIROoGIF6MwIJSFceC0r5cYz9XnTX-c-wIK5axMpW0sML2M6rClKr6-l7jSWRARdhCXUAsLcam-HZlxXgK15YosddKRedgCO-FG-ON0Hg41LZJK_bFRsyDZsDxznhExj0vDWx2HJ3S0HfXa8rCrMjMP2B9cgeadSesT8WAwhOfhNhousqrzcg/s320/IMG_0808.HEIC" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />PS: A few pictures of the leaders going through the Lexington Reservoir aid station at mile 17, from Agnès:</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSsBTDrpm_MA-rW_R3VaAPmwgrojhRTGL-wAif5Phy65f7JVs-ITkbKtoGjbM8MAwzgUV4tVAFEIg5y9UqDekGDDJf_3JrGflDOvi45ds7uoeFtDuUpNyhSD1o9E5HQuzPMEfRlBTWRHAyGS7B8nvgiCAQ_eDd7eEftyR4dhvhcLRxIZgy7P8KYWeyg/s4032/IMG_2610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSsBTDrpm_MA-rW_R3VaAPmwgrojhRTGL-wAif5Phy65f7JVs-ITkbKtoGjbM8MAwzgUV4tVAFEIg5y9UqDekGDDJf_3JrGflDOvi45ds7uoeFtDuUpNyhSD1o9E5HQuzPMEfRlBTWRHAyGS7B8nvgiCAQ_eDd7eEftyR4dhvhcLRxIZgy7P8KYWeyg/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15bQY3zY1TrxmArKI6UWsWJBLagxeVd9d7sSGOmJPT7U5VLYrKH0QMZdDDNSnhjQbnRhjpA4TeAZbKTIyh5Z6gr_l3Nk6W7CJVunN4TgGGZl_bHvUBY5ocfHLEH60fvaEdJ59JZnVOfet8XEs4alY0JhRadplFyZF2Xb4hVFmv59aUNv67sEZfyf-WQ/s4032/IMG_2611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15bQY3zY1TrxmArKI6UWsWJBLagxeVd9d7sSGOmJPT7U5VLYrKH0QMZdDDNSnhjQbnRhjpA4TeAZbKTIyh5Z6gr_l3Nk6W7CJVunN4TgGGZl_bHvUBY5ocfHLEH60fvaEdJ59JZnVOfet8XEs4alY0JhRadplFyZF2Xb4hVFmv59aUNv67sEZfyf-WQ/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyPdNIkBqdQqhbpXe7Q_C1K7t5gBOt76bI-eZUoRm0xNacRjnV8fDZmYLu3ITn98mQ872oq1w4Y6EZIlhwyOKcdOeQohjlKBH70YTNUt4zFMGHl1vdqC7jkmcCxGgYhGIKYNFcv0jLlCDFNS5M_XkfmPk4KHs6Cw6q2TR-hOXevXe2WQcTrBONasd4Q/s4032/IMG_2612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyPdNIkBqdQqhbpXe7Q_C1K7t5gBOt76bI-eZUoRm0xNacRjnV8fDZmYLu3ITn98mQ872oq1w4Y6EZIlhwyOKcdOeQohjlKBH70YTNUt4zFMGHl1vdqC7jkmcCxGgYhGIKYNFcv0jLlCDFNS5M_XkfmPk4KHs6Cw6q2TR-hOXevXe2WQcTrBONasd4Q/s320/IMG_2612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GU0GuHv17ATGpqePD75kXgT8AL1mweE7OCdKCGyAEerTl0n3IsruT-XUs0rVJGjDi2lEa6cVSW6L53rv3bTs_06pkzrLdp2hXnw0fqPb0oLLLnLcre5GoA0j8EnlVCwhSSpmDzuk0NJHEJpJlgPklfTetxtRzfhD8vrR9soLweTh_aDEgsZBaMXE1g/s4032/IMG_2613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GU0GuHv17ATGpqePD75kXgT8AL1mweE7OCdKCGyAEerTl0n3IsruT-XUs0rVJGjDi2lEa6cVSW6L53rv3bTs_06pkzrLdp2hXnw0fqPb0oLLLnLcre5GoA0j8EnlVCwhSSpmDzuk0NJHEJpJlgPklfTetxtRzfhD8vrR9soLweTh_aDEgsZBaMXE1g/s320/IMG_2613.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsxep-pTeazYrDAddoNaJJz6ehehX6hHq2TZ-9Vo12GRMabv1Ht2Mj1DdGTkczv0EfbBRKklQ_GqCycuRd0LzXEd47G7UYYiEnwA3ZZi3wT1vFXT857YtA6mYltVeC2GZbN3UOKzysjXwC0dlxQQv92t4dWZfmg6WdNB5vknSlYD27JjuR_YjyHkkjg/s4032/IMG_2614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P5hMaDVhykZJi6p-OnbUYYAe2ijBgvE_VdAdV2vJMXBNp6TWJ_UsLQhOr0sgddr3KkAcw0jDjg8Dgfy19irBn2nRyE1YHC2atkAmxi3WmSUgUj8XydED-Tb4CVyiFKu-CJpHA7rjs0Bv7XNnk-CLyOhSeUYD6zS95bHMZplzhV1A2j1D4ouLxcjyow/s4032/IMG_2616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P5hMaDVhykZJi6p-OnbUYYAe2ijBgvE_VdAdV2vJMXBNp6TWJ_UsLQhOr0sgddr3KkAcw0jDjg8Dgfy19irBn2nRyE1YHC2atkAmxi3WmSUgUj8XydED-Tb4CVyiFKu-CJpHA7rjs0Bv7XNnk-CLyOhSeUYD6zS95bHMZplzhV1A2j1D4ouLxcjyow/s320/IMG_2616.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></p></div></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-1462941383979805322023-04-16T23:28:00.003-07:002023-04-17T16:03:24.238-07:00ITR's Woodside (non) Crossover Half: back to Huddart Park at last!<div>January 15 was our rendez-vous at Huddart Park in Woodside, for the Coastal Trail Runs (CTR)'s Crystal Spring trail half marathon. It was the first race of our <a href="https://www.pausatf.org/mut-running/" target="_blank">USATF Pacific Association MUT Grand Prix</a> in 2023, although we had opened the season with Quad Dipsea at the end of November. Well, this winter has been challenging, weather wis,e and the atmospheric rivers which drenched California led to the cancellation of the event. Nothing on CTR: executing <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/01/ctrs-sf-one-day-12-hour-cry-me.html" target="_blank">the New Year One Day event in the middle of record rain falls</a> on December 31, Wendell and Leng proved that they could hold an event against any element. Except if Park Rangers have to withdraw their permit for security reasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>We reworked the schedule and decided to switch that half marathon to April 15, albeit on the other side of the Bay, at Lake Chabot, still with CTR. Guess what: with all this rain, a blessing on the fight against the persisting drought, Lake Chabot is now full and nearby trails are still either under water or too damaged to be used. Dang, another permit withdrawn, less than 3 weeks before the event! Ultra and trail running requires so much planning, I didn't want to lose the date. Shiran and I quickly identified a few options and I reached out to Inside Trails to see if we could use Woodside Purisima Crossover as a replacement. While Craig, the RD, was very welcoming, he had to obtain new approvals himself from the Park Rangers as trails through Purisima were too damaged as well. Meanwhile, I activated a fast-tracked approval from the team captains for this alternative, on the basis it was the same date and still in/around the Bay Area (after the 3 races we had so far in the Sacramento/Auburn area).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4le8K9sPLNjd_J1WidPk0FMUZ6N1q0d6b_hUmrkN1cObt25lKfHIxbX5pHLTNP5u18XV3nEEqZSg8tLaE5cili6-OdWg8pwOX8RGCPVl3fM7y7B4bmznblCNcTadBU9nvY0cnaVWIwMD7Beeh4GEeN87v1FLhoHeHgo0EqipXNlTyD1UAiImYIenhw/s4032/IMG_0445.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4le8K9sPLNjd_J1WidPk0FMUZ6N1q0d6b_hUmrkN1cObt25lKfHIxbX5pHLTNP5u18XV3nEEqZSg8tLaE5cili6-OdWg8pwOX8RGCPVl3fM7y7B4bmznblCNcTadBU9nvY0cnaVWIwMD7Beeh4GEeN87v1FLhoHeHgo0EqipXNlTyD1UAiImYIenhw/s320/IMG_0445.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCILItIuTMd0QyXDfoi62NUwtW9cZegnJjXQgQZIhTY80wEtE1JVmd8CPuHCEne9DIXwjqcDEHITton65FdbNMZhPhuZgJ-Ey3icTtjf-bwrf2ZOHb6AX0HTI7S1L9wiKb0M0GBpnvTkeaWKSINi5hg70Uu1nGjqyTCp-MLMzH6oqd1zx39tb3glQdQ/s4032/IMG_0470.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCILItIuTMd0QyXDfoi62NUwtW9cZegnJjXQgQZIhTY80wEtE1JVmd8CPuHCEne9DIXwjqcDEHITton65FdbNMZhPhuZgJ-Ey3icTtjf-bwrf2ZOHb6AX0HTI7S1L9wiKb0M0GBpnvTkeaWKSINi5hg70Uu1nGjqyTCp-MLMzH6oqd1zx39tb3glQdQ/s320/IMG_0470.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Long story short, we got the go ahead from the LDR (Long Distance Running) Committee to switch events in our calendar, phew! Special kudos to Craig for obtaining the required USATF sanction in record time! And grateful to the team captains for their support and responsiveness to make this switch happen.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLWSnF1mWzOyOIqa0krm5G42jwG-wqxSl0H2WlZv-WiU1Kagz8a1JsCNsAPFGxRoHTYZQe6KsfNoRO61D3TuuTErwBBYjn_r1vykyZ06WtT7KoDX9Qgq5eI69DhorFgk8_mhOOglFKSaspHre3tlQYkVkYP9XaJIk4Vx6kLuvDxqVl9EoIkZ83vPWHg/s4032/IMG_0448.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLWSnF1mWzOyOIqa0krm5G42jwG-wqxSl0H2WlZv-WiU1Kagz8a1JsCNsAPFGxRoHTYZQe6KsfNoRO61D3TuuTErwBBYjn_r1vykyZ06WtT7KoDX9Qgq5eI69DhorFgk8_mhOOglFKSaspHre3tlQYkVkYP9XaJIk4Vx6kLuvDxqVl9EoIkZ83vPWHg/s320/IMG_0448.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />A few years ago we added sub ultra races to reach out to new participants, hence the importance of maintaining this event on our calendar. So glad that a few clubs were able to bump their participation. Most notably a record participation from the Impalas, the super competitive all-female local club swiping most division wins in Road and Cross-country otherwise. Kudos to Bethy, their MUT Captain, for such a successful show.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiembnxvd4NNHgHIFH3I8gil8tYpho8TW1_DR-nGNWLkQKxiaGIJoVSXBf3p7fsJiJp0DTc9ssU8T1MPxPl9xuIP7wFQYPXp_cKcU4agT2ke25QryVFy33Ubw59aOpm1g5NuMeIc6jTfYG5Oh0NlrjNj2fnJVuBd1ZieWQFCzFGKi2tnnDkqLd5aTc_TA/s4032/IMG_0453.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiembnxvd4NNHgHIFH3I8gil8tYpho8TW1_DR-nGNWLkQKxiaGIJoVSXBf3p7fsJiJp0DTc9ssU8T1MPxPl9xuIP7wFQYPXp_cKcU4agT2ke25QryVFy33Ubw59aOpm1g5NuMeIc6jTfYG5Oh0NlrjNj2fnJVuBd1ZieWQFCzFGKi2tnnDkqLd5aTc_TA/s320/IMG_0453.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoFGotoIE9MhhNh6JcY31GMQjhhrjDj8gvdv--EK6oiKViirZL2Ud54_8QZbU-7gN8oDkg28Gysuu2VXMmY7l7mMn8eagG62Ei4X8EL5G7p5ZgVFBnakqnE9wLBhGdAaK06msY506Wb3xFQKpV2rGbYFJUj0LIcUiqc6H8CPvL--muF2_JtgXvx7W-Q/s4032/IMG_0455.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoFGotoIE9MhhNh6JcY31GMQjhhrjDj8gvdv--EK6oiKViirZL2Ud54_8QZbU-7gN8oDkg28Gysuu2VXMmY7l7mMn8eagG62Ei4X8EL5G7p5ZgVFBnakqnE9wLBhGdAaK06msY506Wb3xFQKpV2rGbYFJUj0LIcUiqc6H8CPvL--muF2_JtgXvx7W-Q/s320/IMG_0455.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHLDihEmAGV3VFJ07E1-90d0M6GKtuXe6rwfyv8yXE2jHPcQlbmIMOimMvoGfw3Nxv0pA1zoZBM_-gEFJssNjaHTxvaUFCxT1xYhtE8wTQm9N9uXn754VQdT79XM5AXgq1SyL-asuL8VdvRJ9ui5zRnQmiHb3E7A5CoKizu7qimHhkYwr_88K2XKoKQ/s4032/IMG_0469.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHLDihEmAGV3VFJ07E1-90d0M6GKtuXe6rwfyv8yXE2jHPcQlbmIMOimMvoGfw3Nxv0pA1zoZBM_-gEFJssNjaHTxvaUFCxT1xYhtE8wTQm9N9uXn754VQdT79XM5AXgq1SyL-asuL8VdvRJ9ui5zRnQmiHb3E7A5CoKizu7qimHhkYwr_88K2XKoKQ/s320/IMG_0469.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Christine did well too with a great turn out from her Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders. As Shiran teased her: "Who would have known LLMS had men too?!" ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMJ0FifrqyjIuHVwhmXsEUTlviL66Lu9RNvr4gwu-WwW53Wew1gFYDzPqYFHCdiPb0yONnsjAz8J7vzEYj38o1shv7gB9E5qRwssnxyuXoCkQ1rkzGXmihvw-Eji3yogfd774MGLaPAz1mLJSTjHRok_QxpRGSSuNlv70E_opKzSo_6TJlrxi1sl8Eg/s4032/IMG_0458.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMJ0FifrqyjIuHVwhmXsEUTlviL66Lu9RNvr4gwu-WwW53Wew1gFYDzPqYFHCdiPb0yONnsjAz8J7vzEYj38o1shv7gB9E5qRwssnxyuXoCkQ1rkzGXmihvw-Eji3yogfd774MGLaPAz1mLJSTjHRok_QxpRGSSuNlv70E_opKzSo_6TJlrxi1sl8Eg/s320/IMG_0458.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />We are so used to Pamakids' omnipresence, it felt more natural to see so many green shirts: with Shiran at the helm, after three outstanding years with Pen as a captain, their club is going to keep striving in MUT. And Pen can now focus on her passion for photography.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbu1mQaHYCjoTHDBfS5QItkubpchCGDxHzYj6TvMVndP2f1iaYZlOvLnbHF0Sth9xCaar0l1Ho2c2eb-bgNsOl5igrlyVOMN9o8jESwk59EZAXzRliimXvQIr5RcdbRNmbmTWUxcy8CHl5N5FMBaKtGmEIDLtXWANDwtcyfOomxXAjs2QUUVE71hI9w/s4032/IMG_0456.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbu1mQaHYCjoTHDBfS5QItkubpchCGDxHzYj6TvMVndP2f1iaYZlOvLnbHF0Sth9xCaar0l1Ho2c2eb-bgNsOl5igrlyVOMN9o8jESwk59EZAXzRliimXvQIr5RcdbRNmbmTWUxcy8CHl5N5FMBaKtGmEIDLtXWANDwtcyfOomxXAjs2QUUVE71hI9w/s320/IMG_0456.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqjuV3fdl3F1asAnU8NOey0Eeb58E3LoOU5lYvqF7vpwVED18WRKgflcgQAcMhc3jWnBz7ad1sD5a80JpxuztyTp9ExIJgm_XBvbOvmzC41B_DJoJ_4J6fvMA3iLXIVsyqKy-ReS0KnHnIRuAIVSKicJ0efmTpzIOURzXxCweRrXrbN5UPaO9u6eicA/s4032/IMG_0460.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqjuV3fdl3F1asAnU8NOey0Eeb58E3LoOU5lYvqF7vpwVED18WRKgflcgQAcMhc3jWnBz7ad1sD5a80JpxuztyTp9ExIJgm_XBvbOvmzC41B_DJoJ_4J6fvMA3iLXIVsyqKy-ReS0KnHnIRuAIVSKicJ0efmTpzIOURzXxCweRrXrbN5UPaO9u6eicA/s320/IMG_0460.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />On the Quicksilver front, the color is still blue, but the club could benefit from a feminine representation, as well as newer blood. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD9XhYdL0awQGiWbApez7OnRgOcQvQvhyc2hFxV0EFdBFidcCfXuiUnAnUAtXy-az9k6bFDmk5Kyr-RyMc6m6-1FkJwEt4PzeTbMGmLhFVmH-mRftOGrMySXNhb6gwgDzjPWAPUPZ6XECHuYinJFTeexd_D1u5Ba2G2IxZFdgUbolgoQT3ltoFOjFpg/s4032/IMG_0463.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD9XhYdL0awQGiWbApez7OnRgOcQvQvhyc2hFxV0EFdBFidcCfXuiUnAnUAtXy-az9k6bFDmk5Kyr-RyMc6m6-1FkJwEt4PzeTbMGmLhFVmH-mRftOGrMySXNhb6gwgDzjPWAPUPZ6XECHuYinJFTeexd_D1u5Ba2G2IxZFdgUbolgoQT3ltoFOjFpg/s320/IMG_0463.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Actually, speaking of PA clubs, strong appearance from the Stevens Creek Striders albeit on the 35K, oops!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj42iSRsema6fEvGHDD_kHv4aubEEE8JqGuvPQj8ip7_Z-s3SzU2i78o6FCGsECj7emhg0RbZsP9QpUAt2UK3POZdjr73dPPjaV4gYCJme7vzCOeDm8SjnOuOIpH4Fn2u9pq92kjd8AKE0WYPpHTuNHlhioeogfXtocimMh_B8BalI054QpbTMdDspw/s4032/IMG_0444.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj42iSRsema6fEvGHDD_kHv4aubEEE8JqGuvPQj8ip7_Z-s3SzU2i78o6FCGsECj7emhg0RbZsP9QpUAt2UK3POZdjr73dPPjaV4gYCJme7vzCOeDm8SjnOuOIpH4Fn2u9pq92kjd8AKE0WYPpHTuNHlhioeogfXtocimMh_B8BalI054QpbTMdDspw/s320/IMG_0444.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />And speaking of these Striders, my original running club back in 2003, and friends, this pilgrimage to Huddart Park reminded me of the monthly training runs we had there in the years 2007-2012, during which I learned so much about ultra and trail running from folks like Charles Stevens, Mike Topper, Chris Garcia, Erik Klein, Gary Gellin, Brian Robinson, Sophia Lewis, Craig Heinselman. And Whit Rambach with whom I ran my first Western States in 2007 when it was his 7th consecutive, and who was visiting today from Tahoe, running the 35K. I chuckled finding <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2015/01/rhus-ridge-yet-another-solo-ultra.html" target="_blank">this memory in a 2015 post</a>: so many great memories, and such a fantastic bedrock for my 15 years in the sport!</div><div><br /></div><blockquote><div><i>From there [running with the Striders], when the 6-mile run was becoming too short, Charles invited me to join another Saturday morning ultra trail training running group on the Peninsula. I was so intimidated by this group of super experienced ultra runners who were going for 20 miles every weekend! But I gave it a try and the pace happened to be just what I needed to teach me not to start too fast at a time I was still mostly interested in speed on the marathon distance and shorter races. Brian Robinson (the first man to get a super crown for having hiked the three cross-USA trails in one year, and also a finisher and course record setter at the Barkley marathon), his wife Sophia Lewis (Top 7 at Western States in 2003), Mike Topper (5 consecutive Western States finishes including 4 in the top 10!), Pierre Tardif (2 WS finishes, both in the top 10), Craig Heinselman, Chris Garcia, Eric Klein, ... I learned so much about ultra running from you guys! Before he moved up to Marin County, speesdster Gary Gellin was even part of this group these past years.</i></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>With this long preamble, let's get to the race! I came to the start with quite mixed feelings, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/04/cupertinos-big-bunny-fun-run-5k-in-and.html" target="_blank">having injured my left calf two weeks ago</a>, during my first speed training session in several years, dang! I took another week off, doing only strength training, mostly focusing on hamstring, quads and glutes (leg press and curl), and abs and dorsal. Plus a few hours of gentle electro stimulation of the side of my calf. I was bummed to feel the painful spot again during warm-up and I decided not to start at the front to see who was going to be ahead in our M50 age group in particular. I had not seen Andy (Belk, from Excelsior) for years and, at 58, he has a higher UltraSignup score, I knew I would have to push to win my age group today.</div><div><br /></div><div>Excelsior had a great line-up of younger and fast runners: David Tran, Kevin Moore and Victor Skorapa. In perfect team spirit, Andy started with them in a blazing fast start! At least I could see the bright yellow singlets shining in the woods in the distance. On our side, I had informed Stuart and Gaspar about my calf issue, not that they needed my permission to start strong in pole positions!</div><div><br /></div><div>Less than a mile from the start, in the first uphill, I managed to close on Andy and decided to stay behind for a mile. Meanwhile, I passed a Pamakids runner with red shorts, whom I didn't know and who had enough grey hair to look dangerous! ;-) To make the matter worse, he accelerated and passed me back, that's fair competition! Eduardo was another Pamakids, close behind, and I had forgotten his age. I've known him for so long, he could have finally turned 50 too, I forgot to check!</div><div><br /></div><div>By about mile 3, with another of steep uphill to go, I did pass Andy and started chasing the guy with red shorts. I got to the top on his heels but, zip, I couldn't keep up with him on the way down, wow! While I lost a lot of agility and speed in technical downhill, that was a nice fire road and, with some good road experience, I'm supposed to also fly down. We still had more than 9 miles to go, I could feel the pain building up in my calf, some good warming in my quads, all this sent me signals that I shouldn't hit the red zone yet. 2 speedy miles later I closed on the two gazelles (the nickname I use for the Impala speedster, with genuine respects) who I had passed me on the way up, when I crossed Kevin followed by his Excelsior teammates, Stuart and a few others. That didn't make sense as we had not hit the aid station yet, much less ran the extra loop at the bottom of the course, but they explained to me that they had missed a turn. I turned back and followed them for a few yards, before telling them they were wrong and that we should keep going down. While they were still making their minds, I took the lead and they followed, thankfully!</div><div><br /></div><div>We passed the course monitor at the bridge and I thanked her for being there, such a strategic spot on such a convoluted section of the course, then we saw the other course monitor who told us to go straight to the aid station. Carrying two bottles, I didn't spot and retook the lead through that technical loop, maintaining quite some speed. At the end of that loop, in some switchbacks, I heard Stuart teasing the others: I thought he was noticing how odd it was for me to lead in that section, with an injured calf, but he clarified later that he thought this confusion would make for some good lines in my post... ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>The lead... We had lost track of the first 4 or 5, a group including David Tran and Gaspar, but that made sense with that loop format after the aid station. In the long climb, Kevin and Victor took the lead of our group again. We managed to close on the guy with the red shorts and, when I passed him, I asked: "would you be in your 50s by any chance?" He replied positively, and I asked his name but he didn't reply, either because he didn't hear --I had such a soft voice, most especially when running-- or he was out of breath. I pushed the pace because he was so fast in the downhill on the first loop, I figured I had to build a solid lead before we get to the top. I was really pushing and, yet, Stuart managed to pass me. We reached the ridge together and, again, I had hard time keeping up although, this time, I was ok to give it almost all. To the point that one of my heel was burning, with a blister starting to form. Calf and quads were burning, but I was all in chasing the age group win.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trying to keep visual contact with Stuart got me to move fast, so much that we caught and passed Kevin. Stuart put a few hundreds yards on me and actually sprinted Victor out! Because chip time took precedence, which isn't unusual, Stuart was ranked after Victor despite having crossed the finish line ahead AND having a lower gun/clock time in RunSignup. (Same situation for #31 and 32, then 43, 42, 41.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, let's talk about the final rankings: Victor took 2nd, Stuart took 3rd and I was 4th overall, and 3rd men. First place was Annie Marrgraff, with the Impala of course. But, wait, what had happened to the folks ahead at the end of lap 1? Well, it happened they were sent, by the course monitor, back straight up at the bridge, therefore missing not only the aid station but the lower Crystal Springs Trail loop. Ouch, oops, yikes, dang! In ultra and trail running, we are often reminded that we are supposed to know the course, and not having to ask and get directions from volunteers but, still, I have to admit that, while I had replayed a dozen times <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42375323" target="_blank">the course directions</a> the night before, it was great to just follow the instructions of the course monitors through this intricate web of trail intersections and turns. With that, David and a couple of others, including the actual lead female, had turned back and got disqualified. But it took a couple of miles for Gaspar to decide to turn back and retrace the official course from the bridge. Despite this big detour, Gaspar finished mere 5 minutes behind us, officially in 10th place. What a performance, both physically and mentally! As he shared on Sunday night, at least he had a blast having his two daughters crossing the finish line with him. As you can see at the end of this Relive.cc flyover (click on the image below, or <a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKxnw7A56" target="_blank">this link</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKxnw7A56" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1598" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvPmYyAdmMIEwSxPQIta0iwS0duQlPkKq6hIDq6WPqKqDczSUFuKqcwtOrixZB28IMZl_PA4RscUe4hGOayHKM_vqBnbimbNMzPnxw2JfmrbZkvSbJ29jCtrP_UmrxTJ4H86Bmxj0hmPGVwztPQxkKgui5yaH7lcv_7OOqqQgD4hjbtiWWne6P49OMA/s320/Relive_Woodside_Stats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rdb4_gtLOiX4tUa74n65_I0WLiJ9NAl1aU48JwB5CTWre05KAzujc_ioCXSBbAa3V1IBmsswjGTjG84Hqt0HxUI2pcXavkCCSl3uBnNacK3QES8Lwox7z7K4RFdITMuYj3a-BZK7P73HQPnvW_CMoO9JNJ6ykqPPiMIoAh9m1mZWurqnN4Lmgv4Q0A/s4032/IMG_0475.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rdb4_gtLOiX4tUa74n65_I0WLiJ9NAl1aU48JwB5CTWre05KAzujc_ioCXSBbAa3V1IBmsswjGTjG84Hqt0HxUI2pcXavkCCSl3uBnNacK3QES8Lwox7z7K4RFdITMuYj3a-BZK7P73HQPnvW_CMoO9JNJ6ykqPPiMIoAh9m1mZWurqnN4Lmgv4Q0A/s320/IMG_0475.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />There was a lot of chatting about that very special situation at the finish, we'll see if I get protests, as a MUT Chair. Everything else was so great otherwise: the bright sun which cleared the early fog and clouds, the dry trail, the abundant and colorful marking, and directions at intersections, the course monitors, the volunteers who spent hours serving us with 4 distances/events which kept them busy for hours in the morning and through the afternoon, the variety of food and drinks at the finish, the great finisher medals and shirts, and age group awards, the prompt publishing of results both on site and online. And <a href="https://insidetrail.com/photos/" target="_blank">free professional pictures to come soon</a>. Such a great package! If only we had not rushed and pushed so hard on the half to lose some trail orientation...</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of pushing, I can't believe how sore I am this Sunday, after only running 13 miles (well, closer to 14 actually). A testament of the cumulated elevation (~3,000-3,300 feet) and the competitive field. None of us managed to break 2 hours this time, although David and Gaspar --and a couple more-- would have had if not sent by mistake on a wrong turn. Challenging course!</div><div><br /></div><div>And I was glad on Saturday night upon uploading my Garmin GPS trace to see that I had run the original and expected course, yeah!</div><div><br /></div><div>Official course:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-rOv7hw30gjZSiqG2NpgNSVYLdyowcw-9eJLG7kNw_YPnayJk-Fh3H7BGp2LAC0LfgqW_cmB3UOh_x0FOgb6FT3d1FWMOb74YAfDbknrCLchcc8vhqOcsjXvNFkYBC6w5rdbekHbns-Xu1VYlJgCPsoM-XN6R5Ls2yRxHqkUOcEA1ZwNBlKlkfo_8A/s2388/23_WXO_Half_Marathon(RideWithGPS).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="2388" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-rOv7hw30gjZSiqG2NpgNSVYLdyowcw-9eJLG7kNw_YPnayJk-Fh3H7BGp2LAC0LfgqW_cmB3UOh_x0FOgb6FT3d1FWMOb74YAfDbknrCLchcc8vhqOcsjXvNFkYBC6w5rdbekHbns-Xu1VYlJgCPsoM-XN6R5Ls2yRxHqkUOcEA1ZwNBlKlkfo_8A/s320/23_WXO_Half_Marathon(RideWithGPS).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Garmin Connect:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnnf_jhm6P78Kyz7lJdCCZiE3a4fjA96tWeAKXaagpOJtSO5uWzuTj4_GryTRAvWI3VbaSzkyoroOU4OaeQgovvUsyM_nl5gLyd3ZolHyRbj83Oc1av371s2haf4Lv5h-MsEi3yAkeljXz6cJzqkC0SRaEtgc0uZppBqsGWJdX0ZnPvReT2QWmNBJlA/s1742/23_WXO_Half_Marathon(GarminConnect).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1742" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnnf_jhm6P78Kyz7lJdCCZiE3a4fjA96tWeAKXaagpOJtSO5uWzuTj4_GryTRAvWI3VbaSzkyoroOU4OaeQgovvUsyM_nl5gLyd3ZolHyRbj83Oc1av371s2haf4Lv5h-MsEi3yAkeljXz6cJzqkC0SRaEtgc0uZppBqsGWJdX0ZnPvReT2QWmNBJlA/s320/23_WXO_Half_Marathon(GarminConnect).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Strava (you have to love the scale of the elevation profile, making it quite dramatic!):</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRXl93vdxMaAJNq8KzDYcbc3Ra6w_sQ9oDm8WqvvfXTkyljzAwfXYEijlttUP-RhbVC0560bSnAZByQhLEyB2LRrkq_mx7qCnp2JO7-ewjJkIGBVuOa7oNtaHQDSEdN_QEWBEcir9opiYe2uksdn5VcXGXeRPJw4I9pBFbHni7GalmVtoycWS1g9Kdg/s1682/23_WXO_Half_Marathon(Strava).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1682" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRXl93vdxMaAJNq8KzDYcbc3Ra6w_sQ9oDm8WqvvfXTkyljzAwfXYEijlttUP-RhbVC0560bSnAZByQhLEyB2LRrkq_mx7qCnp2JO7-ewjJkIGBVuOa7oNtaHQDSEdN_QEWBEcir9opiYe2uksdn5VcXGXeRPJw4I9pBFbHni7GalmVtoycWS1g9Kdg/s320/23_WXO_Half_Marathon(Strava).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Simple nutrition/hydration for this race: one pouch of <a href="https://vespapower.com/" target="_blank">Vespa</a>, pre-race, 1 GU Energy gel before the second climb, 1 S!Cap, one hour in, half a bottle of GU Energy Brew.</div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed for 3.5 hours to see others finish and chat with many.</div><div><br /></div><div>In our age group, Eduardo took second, 2'40" behind me, followed by David Moulton (you see the red shorts), 1'45" behind, that was close!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69rL02KGI_XnEKneLThrYUNiBvI72wLf9m0iX3G0iD8HiLzBiFc1m5Uw2faMa0s2v2ZhQ3JOGyKjL9nJOpv1W-uS_-wo7aq7t6UUFKzS72W9ppfaN9TGjR1nKEnlNGGkzM5acYkRNdDsW2Fx4vti1I9J8vK3Ngt7HREp5s_8H_Z6MEd0kxUM7nbGMeg/s4032/IMG_0472.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69rL02KGI_XnEKneLThrYUNiBvI72wLf9m0iX3G0iD8HiLzBiFc1m5Uw2faMa0s2v2ZhQ3JOGyKjL9nJOpv1W-uS_-wo7aq7t6UUFKzS72W9ppfaN9TGjR1nKEnlNGGkzM5acYkRNdDsW2Fx4vti1I9J8vK3Ngt7HREp5s_8H_Z6MEd0kxUM7nbGMeg/s320/IMG_0472.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />With Andy and Gaspar:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYovMcC62LHt2GJPO0Uu-G6lN3DjNhAuaL70v08X6rAnqvuJ3V7iF8KgToqkX1FX3Dj8YMi-iNmZ0mMukQpib71eaW1okGhwRZaYVtBc6Gnpp7XIaBjL8fa6MlhA2J7h4lm5hrdlEs0G3yfr4yuUOTgMDOcQtUtPXpI6l4EJW2HVj5SHevTYyuNulUjQ/s4032/IMG_0479.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYovMcC62LHt2GJPO0Uu-G6lN3DjNhAuaL70v08X6rAnqvuJ3V7iF8KgToqkX1FX3Dj8YMi-iNmZ0mMukQpib71eaW1okGhwRZaYVtBc6Gnpp7XIaBjL8fa6MlhA2J7h4lm5hrdlEs0G3yfr4yuUOTgMDOcQtUtPXpI6l4EJW2HVj5SHevTYyuNulUjQ/s320/IMG_0479.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK-guvzWwLXH1RikJ_5LP4aoy8jzhU_TCp1neeuXAxGge1MsJJ8DIrVUyvsv1Po-qq3-OiHJ91YWRWLsEUEMu51LLTWqq6fb_VsaybdTAp1wAx8uMTP_JmBcrOT35etrekr6i0jr_nkUFSPSZgZ9aHo0Uddm3auj_cqreERUnadrpGNCawgBfCaPLlw/s4032/IMG_0482.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK-guvzWwLXH1RikJ_5LP4aoy8jzhU_TCp1neeuXAxGge1MsJJ8DIrVUyvsv1Po-qq3-OiHJ91YWRWLsEUEMu51LLTWqq6fb_VsaybdTAp1wAx8uMTP_JmBcrOT35etrekr6i0jr_nkUFSPSZgZ9aHo0Uddm3auj_cqreERUnadrpGNCawgBfCaPLlw/s320/IMG_0482.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />With David Salladay, who, like me, is dreaming of running Ohlone 50K again:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9Cj423i-MIF7OOF9eGus6wo3fv1pqLECCvyKL1th0AzT5MgP2yej6GQWojIrHCDjhHzit4L6WT0_1_G6t9sV7xFlFPjsvA1F1aMpwVxWvEFvO-nruD8RvFjte9sdNO_VkEY-ZxZlisqfWrgLHoQGJAIJINMKCIZiosncCm9T3b_E-C8eKC_zC1emFQ/s4032/IMG_0483.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9Cj423i-MIF7OOF9eGus6wo3fv1pqLECCvyKL1th0AzT5MgP2yej6GQWojIrHCDjhHzit4L6WT0_1_G6t9sV7xFlFPjsvA1F1aMpwVxWvEFvO-nruD8RvFjte9sdNO_VkEY-ZxZlisqfWrgLHoQGJAIJINMKCIZiosncCm9T3b_E-C8eKC_zC1emFQ/s320/IMG_0483.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Steve won his M70 age group, well done!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7UGrBGT5Ft7pG2P4AwnVfy6L06f5-20ezLA1rx-3_DVqAbt9JCrWVgflrQQxCVvTnoEUoB9lx_b5NTKCdNBlMrP8Ggpp5rF6ps4ML0WH279hywS5v-DGrjBXGav_jPAXBPtp2k8GKHF2Vl1Xd2ryOOE6rGv7iuJ5huEgL2A6eDUdlZJpFtUOgTviFQ/s4032/IMG_0486.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7UGrBGT5Ft7pG2P4AwnVfy6L06f5-20ezLA1rx-3_DVqAbt9JCrWVgflrQQxCVvTnoEUoB9lx_b5NTKCdNBlMrP8Ggpp5rF6ps4ML0WH279hywS5v-DGrjBXGav_jPAXBPtp2k8GKHF2Vl1Xd2ryOOE6rGv7iuJ5huEgL2A6eDUdlZJpFtUOgTviFQ/s320/IMG_0486.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Keith and Stuart sporting the same Quicksilver ultra races memorabilia from 2012:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS8AXiGHu9aeE_pK27zpxck9vUeN_lfDaIR7RFezrzapYRb-4RAm1D6uMY75EIquku_vUGtxuPu4BOa3dW6MnIKcMqI42aQaQ4BYYpfCevJMaHkvJvpnn0wJhelNJkHmi1f7zlgruPbsa__-DKeQQZkzHxrarlzT0KFC6YPk8p-LlnyTmyA0LUKnWkA/s4032/IMG_0487.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS8AXiGHu9aeE_pK27zpxck9vUeN_lfDaIR7RFezrzapYRb-4RAm1D6uMY75EIquku_vUGtxuPu4BOa3dW6MnIKcMqI42aQaQ4BYYpfCevJMaHkvJvpnn0wJhelNJkHmi1f7zlgruPbsa__-DKeQQZkzHxrarlzT0KFC6YPk8p-LlnyTmyA0LUKnWkA/s320/IMG_0487.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44gDCTJoIRcsZf3Pje_UhZxrdds6sUOlxL1CdiXZvsbqmthzIs7KPBQ3lnprYL26KjWPwjOrTchYRFc-4FYG6K-cNCQEkhhtu0Knh35jUMSfTqoy4JUtWkpv7O4kbldLpJ675XfHFaHYfns4HaYukOHsoXSj0z-UF81il5ZVJnwqXhhHpy1SFhyPIOg/s4032/IMG_0488.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44gDCTJoIRcsZf3Pje_UhZxrdds6sUOlxL1CdiXZvsbqmthzIs7KPBQ3lnprYL26KjWPwjOrTchYRFc-4FYG6K-cNCQEkhhtu0Knh35jUMSfTqoy4JUtWkpv7O4kbldLpJ675XfHFaHYfns4HaYukOHsoXSj0z-UF81il5ZVJnwqXhhHpy1SFhyPIOg/s320/IMG_0488.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Happy to finally have this trail race of our 2023 schedule done. Hopefully not too much push back on the results and scoring. Several captains were also hoping it wouldn't turn into a big and sour deal. This week will tell... Craig handling the claim desk, among so many hats on race day!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZAHZBjJOWvlfBcLncBD5J1jb7Xne7QxsMYBJjui3JuxiPl4N-aSSTpUxU4Endj8MO7UPQOZsKyKh8Ryi90-LxWyt-RmSKCkC8bfx4hjGIiQIOOhuqI_QWozRgkLEvbMqx7zNOxOoJuKJEfSUlpNPEE66ZPLiXPUmLtHBObdtMRdkeSnk4b_Vs_-UQA/s4032/IMG_0476.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZAHZBjJOWvlfBcLncBD5J1jb7Xne7QxsMYBJjui3JuxiPl4N-aSSTpUxU4Endj8MO7UPQOZsKyKh8Ryi90-LxWyt-RmSKCkC8bfx4hjGIiQIOOhuqI_QWozRgkLEvbMqx7zNOxOoJuKJEfSUlpNPEE66ZPLiXPUmLtHBObdtMRdkeSnk4b_Vs_-UQA/s320/IMG_0476.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />At least this provided some good hill training to all and, for some, good warm-up and test before Quicksilver 100K (a Grand Prix race) and 50K (not in the Grand Prix). Hosted by the (my) other club in blue, Quicksilver. See many of you again, there! Us now being done with the acts of god/mother nature...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZJ7x9cCfYhSRBisGyDZ_TpSjufxzFwkPw9ao8Bpf-g6gFoK2CgNDMH-J1-uimIlyo5cEhfRLteTHqAffKykn33QQxieNMC5kdwiEC7IGeW_Qzav0trNaCldAPIDzGb5ZBUPk-DJzC3Hr0CAPdfQvxJMGuiaUWplaLYJYF6JauhJbsdKWOOC2czorkQ/s4032/IMG_0499.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZJ7x9cCfYhSRBisGyDZ_TpSjufxzFwkPw9ao8Bpf-g6gFoK2CgNDMH-J1-uimIlyo5cEhfRLteTHqAffKykn33QQxieNMC5kdwiEC7IGeW_Qzav0trNaCldAPIDzGb5ZBUPk-DJzC3Hr0CAPdfQvxJMGuiaUWplaLYJYF6JauhJbsdKWOOC2czorkQ/s320/IMG_0499.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />PS: when folding my bib I had noticed the paper was quite sturdy. But I didn't think it would almost cut my shorts! ;-) (Dang, I loved these Brooks racing shorts assorted to our Quicksilver uniform...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCdfwnoanE1DZFFebThx8mNly-Cyt9dMPIidwl28OeZEUo6xdlV3tEWnGaNFMfWcTsE_BxsanF4M380SCCeIMjruL6HvcjI4xUttMBnyI-Ev2m-xAJz4xDm_6tMAWMkCEm7O86ajtWqh8c1U1CsOKFzYKuyAMxAJi_qiMk9bT3vEMtdsGsplubB3Dbg/s4032/IMG_0495.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCdfwnoanE1DZFFebThx8mNly-Cyt9dMPIidwl28OeZEUo6xdlV3tEWnGaNFMfWcTsE_BxsanF4M380SCCeIMjruL6HvcjI4xUttMBnyI-Ev2m-xAJz4xDm_6tMAWMkCEm7O86ajtWqh8c1U1CsOKFzYKuyAMxAJi_qiMk9bT3vEMtdsGsplubB3Dbg/s320/IMG_0495.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJdCapHB0LFkxJxgcl5eOZAdZ1XlY5MokgkketGg4Edl1w8fz-p0zX99WJrmiXZ5xfFJwPvuph0MePR21hKjB-4fobq2YCGLAub_ukpyFDSS8DtvNtp-mPV2JNviYCZJ8y0HP4RIIAEiKsho0YDkczNgHzolVf_Yod0K0i7WKmmoz3Jd9FIYFz1ygSw/s4032/IMG_0497.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJdCapHB0LFkxJxgcl5eOZAdZ1XlY5MokgkketGg4Edl1w8fz-p0zX99WJrmiXZ5xfFJwPvuph0MePR21hKjB-4fobq2YCGLAub_ukpyFDSS8DtvNtp-mPV2JNviYCZJ8y0HP4RIIAEiKsho0YDkczNgHzolVf_Yod0K0i7WKmmoz3Jd9FIYFz1ygSw/s320/IMG_0497.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-52367128117527080782023-04-09T22:42:00.003-07:002023-04-09T23:55:59.205-07:00Is orienteering a sport?You bet, it even has World Championships and <a href="https://orienteeringusa.org/explore/what-is-orienteering/" target="_blank">an official site for the US</a>, which states:<div><br /><div></div><blockquote><div><i>Orienteering is the sport of navigation, using a highly detailed map. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, competitive runner, or just a family or group out for an activity in a park, this sport helps you improve your navigation each time.</i></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienteering" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> even goes further, calling it a <i>group</i> of sports:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div><i>Orienteering is a group of sports that require navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain whilst moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they use to find control points.</i></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Per <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/04/cupertinos-big-bunny-fun-run-5k-in-and.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a>, that's the second race Jason (Reed) was going to after racing the Big Bunny Fun Run in Cupertino. Although I had told him I wasn't racing because of the calf injury, he insisted I give it a try to that other format, even if only to walk the 5K option with his wife, Erika, and... their baby due in... 3 days! That's typical of the Reeds, always on the move and involved in competitive sports, from running to body building or table tennis! Not to forget trivia and Jeopardy, if they were sports too.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I was really not in the racing mood, the topic got my curiosity and I decided to run to the start of the event in Sunnyvale, about 4.5 miles from home (I would end up running a slow half marathon on a strained calf that Saturday...). I got there a few minutes before Jason and Erika. They showed me the mystery map they were handed a few minutes before the start, to study and decide which route they were going to create to go through all the required checkpoints, 26 for the 10K.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA-GwZ5AJryBVxOiPktVDRqe4g40Ud-d06jSbNv9xu1bxAAxbY0bUp0eRBp4TGC6Xdn8iyMkpDmOfFU1WDla-CihhzdOkoQ1fNXLSRrtiXI24Hs-XuLAu9cKsfX8GCF1Ex0XMBMVCYZrNcEmo0MtP0rlwhBEBuZE80nj8nTwKRwpBLxqpW9N22v3OeQ/s4032/IMG_E0410.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA-GwZ5AJryBVxOiPktVDRqe4g40Ud-d06jSbNv9xu1bxAAxbY0bUp0eRBp4TGC6Xdn8iyMkpDmOfFU1WDla-CihhzdOkoQ1fNXLSRrtiXI24Hs-XuLAu9cKsfX8GCF1Ex0XMBMVCYZrNcEmo0MtP0rlwhBEBuZE80nj8nTwKRwpBLxqpW9N22v3OeQ/s320/IMG_E0410.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />At each checkpoint you have a question which requires you to be at the precise spot to get the visual clue, something unique proving that you were indeed at that point on the map. Something which you can't find an answer to on the Internet!</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming from a company selling mathematical optimization software, that looked like a great instance of the famous TSP (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelling_salesman_problem" target="_blank">Travelling Salesman Problem</a>)! Quite a combinatorial problem and, as Jason had warned me, leading to participants taking off in multiple directions right off the bat. Quite different from a classic race where we all follow the same route.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p5TXjaqUH0" width="320" youtube-src-id="8p5TXjaqUH0"></iframe></div><br />I apologize for not staying until the finish because of other family plans. While I ran back home, I saw a few participants running or walking in different directions indeed; so surprising!</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, I'm afraid to ask how such an event can take place in a city, what the event insurance entails, especially as participants might be tempted to cut corners and jay walk... At least the pricing of the event is super reasonable and affordable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, it was interesting to see and get to know more although I can't say I experienced love at first sight. As I tease those asking if we can walk while <i>running</i> an ultra, it's really the running and speed I like in... running. That being said, this certainly looks like a much more engaging way to walk and hike. I also have to admit that the f<i>inding-your-way</i> thing isn't appealing to me, which I'll keep as an excuse for not being interested in the grueling Barkley Marathons. Give me a good and well-marked course, please!</div><div><br /></div><div>And a good briefing that you'd better be attentive to!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvNgX6lOw_Nx2RRMN1wD9PLXXLHrtzlBLvqGiPPt2wKJSi7bxY_DFExOngcqm_EnJp2QkdWPBAdZOqgsvp4O_gQUAmdtx5Nb9lUBKje_TXSvgu0InN_XfWvik5yUDjRu8VXDcjpIjDr8r2yrvwrPkmKUY9sWdihemEBrMYXAzrAIjj-QmQXSKWMHskA/s4032/IMG_0415.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvNgX6lOw_Nx2RRMN1wD9PLXXLHrtzlBLvqGiPPt2wKJSi7bxY_DFExOngcqm_EnJp2QkdWPBAdZOqgsvp4O_gQUAmdtx5Nb9lUBKje_TXSvgu0InN_XfWvik5yUDjRu8VXDcjpIjDr8r2yrvwrPkmKUY9sWdihemEBrMYXAzrAIjj-QmQXSKWMHskA/s320/IMG_0415.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />In any event, kudos to Rex for organizing such an active series <a href="http://go-terraloco.blogspot.com/p/2023-schedule.html" target="_blank">with orienteering events every month</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR6YzwmdoMtGqodD2_g3S4TbltU7RiINxBl8YBeCKWIGNcOmwwwosq9ikMAE5l6XKIy_JK3v-lGM79tftDnRTyy6Ow-tkbfN4YU4Hm29hWaasWSqgb20l6qr-iyfN8M2DBGoJpoUhujMtCcps5tKvAmUCQJsaUfc1b60tacLd9OthYXXN3FgV1pJ1cA/s4032/IMG_E0412.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR6YzwmdoMtGqodD2_g3S4TbltU7RiINxBl8YBeCKWIGNcOmwwwosq9ikMAE5l6XKIy_JK3v-lGM79tftDnRTyy6Ow-tkbfN4YU4Hm29hWaasWSqgb20l6qr-iyfN8M2DBGoJpoUhujMtCcps5tKvAmUCQJsaUfc1b60tacLd9OthYXXN3FgV1pJ1cA/s320/IMG_E0412.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Kudos to Jason for winning the 10K race (of course...!), in 55 minutes. Assuming he optimized the route to cover the 26 checkpoints with a 10K route, didn't stop at intersections, ran the 10K at 6:30 min/mile, that's less than 30 seconds by checkpoint to catch the clue and write it down.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwXt9XjcjM-waU9LRIQAsP0CBJXyCakKRMIBaamP_2T1OxvHDC1CSmPyw5qZYai4HnPSZX7GWR5HjByGwpWwdUuLPByNDyopFMny9waOxbS0-CjjmJKiExBsnqgi8wMVjwCFX-k8C_7Yu2lO5Y47v6Gii8zUimRJ3G6VXoWfPcVugyCDsnAdHKa4Q3A/s4032/IMG_E0409.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwXt9XjcjM-waU9LRIQAsP0CBJXyCakKRMIBaamP_2T1OxvHDC1CSmPyw5qZYai4HnPSZX7GWR5HjByGwpWwdUuLPByNDyopFMny9waOxbS0-CjjmJKiExBsnqgi8wMVjwCFX-k8C_7Yu2lO5Y47v6Gii8zUimRJ3G6VXoWfPcVugyCDsnAdHKa4Q3A/s320/IMG_E0409.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />And mega kudos to Erika for winning the 5K event as well (women division), while 9-month pregnant! What a way to stay healthy before the big day! See <a href="http://go-terraloco.blogspot.com/2022/04/0408-sunnyvale.html?view=sidebar" target="_blank">all the results</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxDgwyPUMAZgQg8XwwMJbzZeg3PyRsJ3o_0B18-m8aehWd9RcFwRv6o-X2dWSXJDwy45pR9YNgxrORI8a25bidMlWa8R5xe8uNegJfkqlnsICk0cRatzHjGu4Y3_OW-xLJLgBpFBGHXsoUFrQiuG6l9tHdn_Jtta8ul2rSgU8pA-5rWR8B_b6vMrorQ/s4032/IMG_E0408.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxDgwyPUMAZgQg8XwwMJbzZeg3PyRsJ3o_0B18-m8aehWd9RcFwRv6o-X2dWSXJDwy45pR9YNgxrORI8a25bidMlWa8R5xe8uNegJfkqlnsICk0cRatzHjGu4Y3_OW-xLJLgBpFBGHXsoUFrQiuG6l9tHdn_Jtta8ul2rSgU8pA-5rWR8B_b6vMrorQ/s320/IMG_E0408.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlPKejK4hZguAnnTt8LIbIiTc0IaY5p4qhmIVkF3hDvtpXBHgqTWrZd_ZLB4Lr1hQ5PFzEX0kiH67sYb1BwLSW1Z4cBNjFAzOYnvDIPCGfSfZCVXfmTSJYhwX5UtvqLNF8H3ojpzlOV-mgYniBqTQsIPGzNp33oN6zN-4HghJ-wiMG_Et5IYv4v5IfQ/s4032/IMG_0417.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlPKejK4hZguAnnTt8LIbIiTc0IaY5p4qhmIVkF3hDvtpXBHgqTWrZd_ZLB4Lr1hQ5PFzEX0kiH67sYb1BwLSW1Z4cBNjFAzOYnvDIPCGfSfZCVXfmTSJYhwX5UtvqLNF8H3ojpzlOV-mgYniBqTQsIPGzNp33oN6zN-4HghJ-wiMG_Et5IYv4v5IfQ/s320/IMG_0417.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Also noting that it was refreshing to visit the RoadRunners store. That was the first brand I bought my running apparel from. And they do have such a broad selection, although I spent more time checking on the Brooks section for some unknown reasons... ;-) Can't believe they are even able to price <a href="https://www.roadrunnersports.com/product/40991/mens-brooks-launch-9?cc=854" target="_blank">my favorite Brooks Launch 9</a> at $80.95, that's bold! And $69.95 on line, this is a STEAL! (PS: they are actually passing through Books' current sales.) But even better to visit the store on McKinley, they'll check your stride and gait as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Xv-sM-lJJG4MDH8GmkHrxB88GceLYaksdFI_HOFOUFNtZ7oMLMCi3swWeptqY_h-WN3ttoANJxN9UFDBe3ew-QotlKpd9_JoBK0f2eoMDzMvWKTHyYtdc3QxQrr6JIMYKQcp5Ke8XAkXa7H22YQRicB16KKEMd5MtOJlIVbqG_qtj8wc-W3_cm7Uw/s4032/IMG_0420.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Xv-sM-lJJG4MDH8GmkHrxB88GceLYaksdFI_HOFOUFNtZ7oMLMCi3swWeptqY_h-WN3ttoANJxN9UFDBe3ew-QotlKpd9_JoBK0f2eoMDzMvWKTHyYtdc3QxQrr6JIMYKQcp5Ke8XAkXa7H22YQRicB16KKEMd5MtOJlIVbqG_qtj8wc-W3_cm7Uw/s320/IMG_0420.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now you know, a new sport awaits, run the world with a map and <a href="http://go-terraloco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Find-Your-Way, Go Wild</a>! Thank you for the invitation, Jason, and all the best, Erika!</div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-7963716331217580532023-04-09T18:27:00.000-07:002023-04-09T18:27:14.476-07:00Cupertino's Big Bunny Fun Run 5K: in and outI was really excited by the prospect of running this local race again, literally one block from my house, can't get any closer! I've had a good run at that event, even winning it at least once: 16:54 in 2002, 16:50 in 2004, 16:06 in 2005, 16:33 in 2006, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2007/04/not-farther-but-fortunately-faster.html#Saturday" target="_blank">16:09 in 2007</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2008/03/big-bunny-fun-run-5k-nice-quick.html" target="_blank">15:54 in 2008</a>, <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-bunny-fun-run-5k-still-under-17.html" target="_blank">16:39 in 2010</a> and <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2013/03/cupertino-big-bunny-fun-run-5k-31-miles.html" target="_blank">16:20 in 2013</a>. That's like 16:24 +/- 30", quite consistent. To be fair, the course is on the short side, that helps getting great time. But at least the course hasn't changed so that makes for a good local benchmark.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpzP3xz2KytnR8zLtUuRxwI7tNlTLqKvfupuj8BrhxH0ZgXu39-Iv9JZiXkwhJqWMVR5DOUL6hAe-WqJAoi3XN2rXNieSIBsFcx1IezH4keppDYqt2t_1vrRNZMcawEdnSJYKW2K8zu8wh45Q7hLXzChYGRgNuMq2BD035CORVcJeg6Jd2lcQHm8nMg/s4032/IMG_0368.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpzP3xz2KytnR8zLtUuRxwI7tNlTLqKvfupuj8BrhxH0ZgXu39-Iv9JZiXkwhJqWMVR5DOUL6hAe-WqJAoi3XN2rXNieSIBsFcx1IezH4keppDYqt2t_1vrRNZMcawEdnSJYKW2K8zu8wh45Q7hLXzChYGRgNuMq2BD035CORVcJeg6Jd2lcQHm8nMg/s320/IMG_0368.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />It happens on Easter Saturday so the date varies significantly over the years. Sometimes it conflicted with the Boston Marathon, others, with American River 50-mile, or international business trips or family plans. This year, I could make it, cool! Because my focus is mostly ultra running nowadays, I decided to go to the track on Monday evening for some speed work and faster pace testing. I had run the hilly Redwoods 50K on Saturday and 15 recovery kilometers on Sunday. At the Cupertino High School track, I saw the boy's Coach and chatted about his involvement to salvage the Track & Field program, at least on the running side. It was chilly at the end of the day (6 pm), so I went on to do a few 400s. I felt reassured that I could still break 1:30 for each lap and decided to keep going until I couldn't. There was some strong breeze coming from the North which was making the last turn feel like running uphill. Good training.</div><div><br /></div><div>After 6 laps, I was able to hit 1:25 for the remaining of the laps. Hamstrings were getting tighter though so I stopped after 12 laps. I was going to jog two more laps before running back home (another mile) but had to slog the last lap as a sharp pain fired in my left calf. Dang, I came back home walking...</div><div><br /></div><div>I took the rest of the week off but did some solid strength training on Thursday: leg press, leg curls and abs. So much that I was quite sore on Friday, and still Saturday morning, to the point couldn't assess precisely the calf injury. I was so tempted to sign up on Saturday morning but that wasn't reasonable, too much risk for limited rewards. And the entry fee made the decision even easier ($56 for 3 miles, that's one of the most expensive races around!). The last thing I needed was to push too hard to keep up with the leaders and worsen the injury.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYGF_0L8c7PmL1JXzfswI82EuwOmH4RxBE62W9wVy_9DrxwWxnHLWIfUN_81_Xfqtt5JnFH8EcZqN8K5jXcNbrz3TztoEYmQYimaijbtNVh2ffIWua9PYkgsrvWAf32eIeDdipZHYySDNYq-fVlLRTchOCcqzIf-I7THtf36XK5unZS2Y9UnJc8NuVQ/s4032/IMG_0372.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYGF_0L8c7PmL1JXzfswI82EuwOmH4RxBE62W9wVy_9DrxwWxnHLWIfUN_81_Xfqtt5JnFH8EcZqN8K5jXcNbrz3TztoEYmQYimaijbtNVh2ffIWua9PYkgsrvWAf32eIeDdipZHYySDNYq-fVlLRTchOCcqzIf-I7THtf36XK5unZS2Y9UnJc8NuVQ/s320/IMG_0372.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeukx8fUzO4IYr-0QO5k6_An2p2CXaaaAcSVwlGPMCFmQD1pN0NtSdfnZMUhpCwbyxIu112-zaotcqyPqvdn9yP2-58QoWY4jjuMjVuCueYJzneQC9ZiB-JZmxENXL9_l-riSqPf82W7aoe7vGQ4Xts-d4AcjD63lNbgraJ6i0idvWhnFEcn0QhSJeVw/s4032/IMG_0373.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeukx8fUzO4IYr-0QO5k6_An2p2CXaaaAcSVwlGPMCFmQD1pN0NtSdfnZMUhpCwbyxIu112-zaotcqyPqvdn9yP2-58QoWY4jjuMjVuCueYJzneQC9ZiB-JZmxENXL9_l-riSqPf82W7aoe7vGQ4Xts-d4AcjD63lNbgraJ6i0idvWhnFEcn0QhSJeVw/s320/IMG_0373.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEunYzlmkstyirB5t4_XkYupdLm9qdp8yBu4v-1m2ZP63CRMnpJwrxWvCsj2V6ZlUuXVMQdFUh0e0gGu22aBJ4lQv_1Uq9lz61_xNgKFFF04YV5s3f0nmJO3V8HM7y0vY_khQ4lg1R2TEyDNeBvg3pHtfM2qvk2rFk-_sDxJBr3aDEbLYfyKuxjecThQ/s4032/IMG_0374.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEunYzlmkstyirB5t4_XkYupdLm9qdp8yBu4v-1m2ZP63CRMnpJwrxWvCsj2V6ZlUuXVMQdFUh0e0gGu22aBJ4lQv_1Uq9lz61_xNgKFFF04YV5s3f0nmJO3V8HM7y0vY_khQ4lg1R2TEyDNeBvg3pHtfM2qvk2rFk-_sDxJBr3aDEbLYfyKuxjecThQ/s320/IMG_0374.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />But I still went to the start as a running buddy, Jason, was coming to town. Not just to run that 5K but as a prelude to a 10K orienteering race in Sunnyvale 3 hours later.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkvAaBtDNUBkqvH880aT9haZ9N9qFTT16LferLY5h8mug0TgY2zogyeJJcXjyqNwH0knCBswdcnFWlL3Uy6GoAtp0LlChKBySMTqdI2vFabxIL7adVADav94TjO5xuq8Xxp9PHhbaAFpt73ezUlX0gz-GjJg9hqNY5qK5gIikuSzYfcvNpT-CFwXJJA/s4032/IMG_0388.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkvAaBtDNUBkqvH880aT9haZ9N9qFTT16LferLY5h8mug0TgY2zogyeJJcXjyqNwH0knCBswdcnFWlL3Uy6GoAtp0LlChKBySMTqdI2vFabxIL7adVADav94TjO5xuq8Xxp9PHhbaAFpt73ezUlX0gz-GjJg9hqNY5qK5gIikuSzYfcvNpT-CFwXJJA/s320/IMG_0388.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Also from Excelsior, Jon Kimura, 42, took second place while Jason finished 4th.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAFqCxJ0mJNOkdAQ3G7ap4d8XzpaNXjFwvjpKysHYw5hwfM6whp4YFUOxCCv5yzn_Z-raqSAjd3t6U-t1yIK-hFMwhk39GczRk3LRXJEJCnwI4YqEz5526qw7rnyDWKyExFMdN0I-ohrLKcNcHfLPLyYO2jblNo-2v8ocdegkLPTfMWFCPdKkPrXCtQ/s1493/IMG_0380c.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="1168" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAFqCxJ0mJNOkdAQ3G7ap4d8XzpaNXjFwvjpKysHYw5hwfM6whp4YFUOxCCv5yzn_Z-raqSAjd3t6U-t1yIK-hFMwhk39GczRk3LRXJEJCnwI4YqEz5526qw7rnyDWKyExFMdN0I-ohrLKcNcHfLPLyYO2jblNo-2v8ocdegkLPTfMWFCPdKkPrXCtQ/s320/IMG_0380c.HEIC" width="250" /></a></div><br />Andres Chau, 26, from Fremont won in 15:57.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDVDi-_g6j0IQc99m1nU4Oa-8YNpbnyLnHNdjFahnFawkkc-Tq1e3DROIp_Ce0ihKRliUOIedBj8RuEeosFhnEczj-eG73pek5WC2KR-RxbgamRao6DjbrVqVStH6XYTwOpaAbPneMDIulSOqMuHrmY8Ytv-M5yUPUvM36og3kBsfZtlcYCfQJUPlfQ/s1262/IMG_0379c.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="926" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDVDi-_g6j0IQc99m1nU4Oa-8YNpbnyLnHNdjFahnFawkkc-Tq1e3DROIp_Ce0ihKRliUOIedBj8RuEeosFhnEczj-eG73pek5WC2KR-RxbgamRao6DjbrVqVStH6XYTwOpaAbPneMDIulSOqMuHrmY8Ytv-M5yUPUvM36og3kBsfZtlcYCfQJUPlfQ/s320/IMG_0379c.HEIC" width="235" /></a></div><br />Jason confirmed he felt the course was on the short side.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYcv4SAztbloawB4Pb5aBSnDTikFGsDH_mC3vTIciyDQMTs8gW72ujVyWpvotPGHuCwLnjD8quEjVGRz0PVOGZi8aznfy4hTaRAAUlKjB_RhVCRPirMgXi-QFyCw8k_Nw5rcG061LwIwU4NXnXpT-GOSSjz0srH0qANIg3vU3zN55xSAp-V22aG_33g/s4032/IMG_E0397.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYcv4SAztbloawB4Pb5aBSnDTikFGsDH_mC3vTIciyDQMTs8gW72ujVyWpvotPGHuCwLnjD8quEjVGRz0PVOGZi8aznfy4hTaRAAUlKjB_RhVCRPirMgXi-QFyCw8k_Nw5rcG061LwIwU4NXnXpT-GOSSjz0srH0qANIg3vU3zN55xSAp-V22aG_33g/s320/IMG_E0397.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Here with the Cupertino Mayor, as excited as a bunny this Saturday, pumping her bunny ears up and down! ;-) </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsETsLip_3skQgBU-pTFaxMFcCVfwHYVlPhc9EqK7eZUOfaNv2gIzlMhfn78efVk5tVqh_sDeuBzKmmELWS_lGDE-V0HSWPFZWJOmIahsse7yG9GFkBuetqsdx9kOW8Xct9edCs7vfaTbo4LnbkJljYj7yb94I-amQ8EEC4jtcVg4Io1JIKOUKPKvLQ/s4032/IMG_0393.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsETsLip_3skQgBU-pTFaxMFcCVfwHYVlPhc9EqK7eZUOfaNv2gIzlMhfn78efVk5tVqh_sDeuBzKmmELWS_lGDE-V0HSWPFZWJOmIahsse7yG9GFkBuetqsdx9kOW8Xct9edCs7vfaTbo4LnbkJljYj7yb94I-amQ8EEC4jtcVg4Io1JIKOUKPKvLQ/s320/IMG_0393.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CD9Qa_S-tVkOWR46sBTM91sXu5ZnKExZOcXT5bL6SZEoeW47ajx_BB_n6Pl86CLTQ_waJNu83Qu0jtBOYdVW8ttC9EQR_AFsOr6Dn5mvnP41Ed4rSCaXYlLmw9upG56UtHnQXuxrZ_uus2Io8o6YgwoJlEDrJet9Od4qB0Bxc4IxvTg452CqKP7-qw/s4032/IMG_0394.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CD9Qa_S-tVkOWR46sBTM91sXu5ZnKExZOcXT5bL6SZEoeW47ajx_BB_n6Pl86CLTQ_waJNu83Qu0jtBOYdVW8ttC9EQR_AFsOr6Dn5mvnP41Ed4rSCaXYlLmw9upG56UtHnQXuxrZ_uus2Io8o6YgwoJlEDrJet9Od4qB0Bxc4IxvTg452CqKP7-qw/s320/IMG_0394.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Impressive was to see the smaller kids finishing strong. Two 12 year-old finished in 20:57 and 21:03, immediately followed by a 9 year-old in a blazing 21:06, wow! All results accessible on <a href="https://results.svetiming.com/City-of-Cupertino/events/2023/Big-Bunny-Fun-Run/results" target="_blank">SVE Timing's website.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our friend and neighbor Fari, volunteering once more, attentive to any medical need with this crowd including many first-time runners.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEhC1xlnpwvQdsLKtcPEF2X0tPSTrDn1OE-iFMMqM9BhdxCONLIsLW_7p2_RFkNFW65n6Jef8Afj6YnurIKSiV0AhiT5ypOl3_1deC-pYhQKvRodDH617Pymn1XGD2sFDz_aOiyTjr7zZGFGg6NN8Et4Qje42DClsNEET45n_MLAOChXT8_RDU7r4Fg/s4032/IMG_0399.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEhC1xlnpwvQdsLKtcPEF2X0tPSTrDn1OE-iFMMqM9BhdxCONLIsLW_7p2_RFkNFW65n6Jef8Afj6YnurIKSiV0AhiT5ypOl3_1deC-pYhQKvRodDH617Pymn1XGD2sFDz_aOiyTjr7zZGFGg6NN8Et4Qje42DClsNEET45n_MLAOChXT8_RDU7r4Fg/s320/IMG_0399.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDG2N539Ht-0Be7hjOH04VV9cRmjmHFrichhX1kkikV-aDS-V7ULEA9fOrJsFHI0ML1drvNZFB4IxdTlDCzflRHyYHY5DaWw1WpPfvItoWy9CVeLqwde0tm3pMbk_O1otGrbeFViXLDGM8C1UExG-86QFGZMTLydrjMPTP5uI1kumLuiqTxWoEMEpxg/s4032/IMG_0400.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDG2N539Ht-0Be7hjOH04VV9cRmjmHFrichhX1kkikV-aDS-V7ULEA9fOrJsFHI0ML1drvNZFB4IxdTlDCzflRHyYHY5DaWw1WpPfvItoWy9CVeLqwde0tm3pMbk_O1otGrbeFViXLDGM8C1UExG-86QFGZMTLydrjMPTP5uI1kumLuiqTxWoEMEpxg/s320/IMG_0400.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVMyiqMQKotgev5_0lTfd3QY6ZMu2h_HVHI4eL0c06010f4HIi8odLwWLtri5MS30XPO68wsSbaWvM_gV5MI55NWIN4qsYSDDhK5EJTaOD1dIk0cZZoh23-Q2YIonfSkJnIMi6iC9s-qorB6a4sD-7wCk9JZ94Oeqg-qbYznV8uN7B5FbjAtsqoYaSw/s4032/IMG_0401.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVMyiqMQKotgev5_0lTfd3QY6ZMu2h_HVHI4eL0c06010f4HIi8odLwWLtri5MS30XPO68wsSbaWvM_gV5MI55NWIN4qsYSDDhK5EJTaOD1dIk0cZZoh23-Q2YIonfSkJnIMi6iC9s-qorB6a4sD-7wCk9JZ94Oeqg-qbYznV8uN7B5FbjAtsqoYaSw/s320/IMG_0401.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Overall, I ran 2.5 miles around and across the course to take pictures at 4 spots, barely making it on time back to the to City Hall to see the first runners cross the line. Calf felt almost ok although it was definitely the best decision not to get tempted to push the pace, racing. After that I did ran to Sunnyvale as well, and back, logging a half marathon. I'd better take another week off to keep the calf healing completely before Woodside/Purisima Crossover Half next week, and the rest of the Spring season. Big Bunny 5K will have to wait another year then...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-9940151992322313742023-04-02T21:17:00.003-07:002023-04-07T14:08:05.027-07:00CTR's Redwood 50K: perfect training playground!April Fools' Day... Like Russia taking over the leadership of the UN Security Council for the month, really not funny since that's true, albeit unbelievable given the war situation and Ukraine invasion! What about: I wasn't registered to a race this weekend, but I raced anyway? Granted, too plausible and believable, that won't fool you.<div><br /></div><div>Indeed, after Thursday's bad news that trails around Lake Chabot are still under water --not another April Fools' Day joke-- imposing a cancellation of our 4/13 PAUSATF MUT Grand Prix race, Coastal Trail Runs' owners, Wendell and Leng, were generous to offer a report of our entry to another of their events. Since I was looking for another challenging training run after <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/03/black-mountain-50k-cry-me-many-rivers.html" target="_blank">last week's solo 50K on Black Mountain</a>, I decided to drive to Oakland --with brand new tires!-- to see if I could still enter CTR's Redwood (Spring) 50K. It took Leng less than 2 minutes to process my race transfer and get my bib with a few efficient clicks! 7 am and I was in, for real, no joke!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGtPMKhdRNyqBC510VftdE9Yt9yTgP5HX-2clM2yoXAyw8qO3Ft6sgpTT5ojDxUH0yIzS0PnBmxSocjV4fgHE1bRs1-1Y2LgSmc3aT_IVup3UB4gzSDeMgPFEnqe5Rk5YbK0p8QFchXeUsNL0rE7m6UwBIvblfXY8iF9OB7Z-XU4uDNd3-cu3qLznkg/s4032/IMG_0362.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGtPMKhdRNyqBC510VftdE9Yt9yTgP5HX-2clM2yoXAyw8qO3Ft6sgpTT5ojDxUH0yIzS0PnBmxSocjV4fgHE1bRs1-1Y2LgSmc3aT_IVup3UB4gzSDeMgPFEnqe5Rk5YbK0p8QFchXeUsNL0rE7m6UwBIvblfXY8iF9OB7Z-XU4uDNd3-cu3qLznkg/s320/IMG_0362.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />As I mentioned at <a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/11/ctrs-lake-chabot-50k-come-back-continued.html" target="_blank">my last CTR trail race</a>, this is such a community of its own, I barely know anyone until the event is also a Pacific Association race. With that, it was cool to see Christine Chapon and her hyper-engaged group of Running for a Better Oakland kids and parents (about 150 in all!), and Shiran Kochavi, another omnipresent racer in our local community, who just took over the captainship of the Pamakids MUT Team. (Photo credit: Shiran's son.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQNszEk7PdFGnos1HrEtvArCXu9iE4w6RJpBz4yFSYqQ4j7QVwsWCTDq41JXNLjKYtQPerZbyS1osV3-ybLk9j6rspfv66KHpR6xhR0pYsclx3ewUPbW4slZn64idYKOaVvRnuwepQVyOnZr0gwvqyok1C0C2okI7OLaGhFAWTiRsfYUnMFDWqVTWtw/s4032/ShiranKochavi_IMG_2267.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQNszEk7PdFGnos1HrEtvArCXu9iE4w6RJpBz4yFSYqQ4j7QVwsWCTDq41JXNLjKYtQPerZbyS1osV3-ybLk9j6rspfv66KHpR6xhR0pYsclx3ewUPbW4slZn64idYKOaVvRnuwepQVyOnZr0gwvqyok1C0C2okI7OLaGhFAWTiRsfYUnMFDWqVTWtw/s320/ShiranKochavi_IMG_2267.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br />With the joint start, half, 30K, marathon and 50K, not to mention the initial downhill of 5 miles, initial pacing was quite a challenge, as well as figuring out who was running what. I didn't push too hard at the beginning, there were probably 20 or 30 runners ahead already. A fast one passed me about 2 minutes in the race and I could see from his bib color that he was on the 50K, wow, that was going to be a fast edition!</div><div><br /></div><div>In the technical and sometime muddy downhill, I settled behind a group of 3 runners who maintained a reasonable pace. They seemed like 3 friends running together and navigating the mud puddles rather well. I had checked the map the night before but couldn't visualize the course so I was happy to just follow. Very early on, I actually stopped when I saw a trail well marked with blue ribbons, while we had started on the pink loop. A few runners passed by while I was asking if we should take that trail, finally one shouted "Blue is bad!" Having missed Wendell's pre-race briefing, that's all I needed to know, thank you!</div><div><br /></div><div>I passed the group of 3 and a couple of other runners as we hit the asphalt section between the initial downhill and the uphill to return to Sklyline, and kept hammering it down in the next 5 miles. With that effort, I was quite bummed to complete the first half marathon loop in close to 2 hours. With a course record of 3:47 I wasn't expecting to break 4 hours on that hilly and technical trail but, still, that was much slower than I was hoping for. With that, I didn't stop at the aid station and rushed back down the pink loop again, this time, running all alone, except for 2 runners I saw and passed in that 5-mile downhill section.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also made a stop at the humid Fish Ladder aid station to refill my GU2O/Gu Energy Brew bottle. I had the pleasure to chat with another great volunteer there, <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Lynnard&lname=Phipps" target="_blank">Lynnard Phipps</a>. Lynnard has just turned 80 and is looking forward to giving a try to breaking a few M80 records. I told him about the battle of the M80 giants we watched in Vegas at the 100-mile Nationals. Our local Bill Dodson used to be on his own in that age group 5-8 years ago, it's a crowded field now! Another proof if needed to explain to the French why it makes sense to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hGinMkmCePqtK9DPGD285BqLWswoC8THrHph-1zDOO2wcZRybYiEFuczx6VD6BP7DEJx2UHzsVhy7Xd5HnCbbaaO_eluuksMJEKUZ_kL7JaYyVHxcOvlkAwPB8hx_gS9Ery6oT4lYhpWnNUrPFxkQjsuOQIvv3uOD1BO_2cbtvf2JBuYQPgqk2UHww/s4032/IMG_0350.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hGinMkmCePqtK9DPGD285BqLWswoC8THrHph-1zDOO2wcZRybYiEFuczx6VD6BP7DEJx2UHzsVhy7Xd5HnCbbaaO_eluuksMJEKUZ_kL7JaYyVHxcOvlkAwPB8hx_gS9Ery6oT4lYhpWnNUrPFxkQjsuOQIvv3uOD1BO_2cbtvf2JBuYQPgqk2UHww/s320/IMG_0350.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Now, what I didn't particularly like in my chat with Lynnard was when he told me I was in third, about 20 minutes behind second place, and more than 30 minutes behind the leader. And we were only at mile 19, dang! On one hand, that kept me moving and pushing. On the other, that somehow trimmed my stamina and motivation. I know, a rather conflicting state.</div><div><br /></div><div>A highlight of the way up to Skyline on East Ridge was to see Shae whom I met at Headlands Hundred last August when she covered 100 miles over 4 days while being pregnant (<a href="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2022/08/headlands-hundred-2022-back-at-big-game.html" target="_blank">selfie in my race report</a>), now hiking the half marathon with... Valerie in her arms! With a bunch of bags on her shoulders and back, I would call that ultra muling, and pushing ultra motherhood to the next level!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDsycmePTdg19KXlqgUYnYacaGxA0UmSCI7HKsDDkxBDNqSFCh1q1MMZfuMKRjoKxYCrF9P1jl75O02g8NhuifzblyPDxk3GoqQSarzH0hL-m8YNh8-6b10Ram5Tm2GFj50pw-VUVqz0vKsEyx13znQHmUzg6WG4cDj2gAYi8gh0w9CzEOU4nMUFMyA/s4032/IMG_0344.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDsycmePTdg19KXlqgUYnYacaGxA0UmSCI7HKsDDkxBDNqSFCh1q1MMZfuMKRjoKxYCrF9P1jl75O02g8NhuifzblyPDxk3GoqQSarzH0hL-m8YNh8-6b10Ram5Tm2GFj50pw-VUVqz0vKsEyx13znQHmUzg6WG4cDj2gAYi8gh0w9CzEOU4nMUFMyA/s320/IMG_0344.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />With her friend Jenna, they completed the loop in 5:29.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_E1FXF2ymLjXIb7JtxADeFKkGQJlyjnovgOaf6le4sZGdTBiHx9eb_MtPNnOKcrF-Ju512hMSniUb9HCDVyrXG8JMgoM7jgtL8fOsfs3fvVyxSl2IlelSc54SOBxuglShtMbmGAnpEM_EHMycCofkJrUHwbspwqf3xA7N6Kn7LhzSLkqVP26_KO7lA/s4032/IMG_0346.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_E1FXF2ymLjXIb7JtxADeFKkGQJlyjnovgOaf6le4sZGdTBiHx9eb_MtPNnOKcrF-Ju512hMSniUb9HCDVyrXG8JMgoM7jgtL8fOsfs3fvVyxSl2IlelSc54SOBxuglShtMbmGAnpEM_EHMycCofkJrUHwbspwqf3xA7N6Kn7LhzSLkqVP26_KO7lA/s320/IMG_0346.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />3 miles from the return to the start, that is around 23 miles, I got passed by the leader of the 50K, wow! That was a lead of almost 7 miles... I ran through the Skyline Gate aid station again without stopping and, a few hundreds yards later, crossed the second place in the 50K who was on his final 5-mile loop. That was another 3 to 4 mile-gap. One can say we were rather spread out.</div><div><br /></div><div>To my surprise, Lynnard was now manning the aid station at the turn around at the marathon mark: omnipresent volunteer and a long shift of more than 4 hours!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V2dFSpQz17ZrrvWu6dCHWFVJ_Uji2b9Jduo-aWkKfzfrHhOw8Tuv2jCXuLr-C3erbHlONDnTkamehmgox5qkkF2H_HTMEKb3YZaYA305Nmq2FQ7PlNXxGYU2wtAsU6xQOjue7lQIK-AkHZZkHxApIwSJhFNwD-bAmLcMQYVL_ZXWgm_UtheuaRr6eg/s4032/IMG_0349.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V2dFSpQz17ZrrvWu6dCHWFVJ_Uji2b9Jduo-aWkKfzfrHhOw8Tuv2jCXuLr-C3erbHlONDnTkamehmgox5qkkF2H_HTMEKb3YZaYA305Nmq2FQ7PlNXxGYU2wtAsU6xQOjue7lQIK-AkHZZkHxApIwSJhFNwD-bAmLcMQYVL_ZXWgm_UtheuaRr6eg/s320/IMG_0349.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was still carrying enough fluid, I quickly got down that extra 5-mile loop. I cross a few other 50K runners then, at the exact same spot the winner had passed me, it was my turn to catch and lap Shiran. He lives down the hill so at least that wasn't too long of a drive for that one.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LsF_fTuvZHfjNTFN4yURspb97Mkd1yt9iYb5hOXB99wW6f-A1ZTqXDPDObshH8Kf3Ol1vsPJjcHIZROcMxbvri0SjkP39GewjLm48LcqlN-u-DUg84ZZZoZVAcR-Q_YOxkw4eq4KmdPEfE5nGc2vXOrxttrcqfSJJIZhSZ2KVrYfYuvsoBmPZlpstw/s2717/ShiranKochavi_IMG_2269.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2038" data-original-width="2717" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LsF_fTuvZHfjNTFN4yURspb97Mkd1yt9iYb5hOXB99wW6f-A1ZTqXDPDObshH8Kf3Ol1vsPJjcHIZROcMxbvri0SjkP39GewjLm48LcqlN-u-DUg84ZZZoZVAcR-Q_YOxkw4eq4KmdPEfE5nGc2vXOrxttrcqfSJJIZhSZ2KVrYfYuvsoBmPZlpstw/s320/ShiranKochavi_IMG_2269.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgoOuKMUFkbNjICbS7fQ8d3Y9EAQwsnXA-S2N5bCfroKkxOHtEdabhurhjGdshPpcy-mjELdqJKaq-XmQjpZPyYdhT5R9qBg9exYHTDP_YNVqOkhkBQykPfVE1oMOFQTpan7NMFyGZ1j8v9YcwmjYhOP69NvHNO-O7OP74H6dAt8GLsDCV7RqXhkksQ/s3017/ShiranKochavi_IMG_2271.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2262" data-original-width="3017" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgoOuKMUFkbNjICbS7fQ8d3Y9EAQwsnXA-S2N5bCfroKkxOHtEdabhurhjGdshPpcy-mjELdqJKaq-XmQjpZPyYdhT5R9qBg9exYHTDP_YNVqOkhkBQykPfVE1oMOFQTpan7NMFyGZ1j8v9YcwmjYhOP69NvHNO-O7OP74H6dAt8GLsDCV7RqXhkksQ/s320/ShiranKochavi_IMG_2271.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br />As I was chatting with Shiran, my phone rang: it was Agnès calling from Greece where she is chaperoning a group of students from her school. From my short breath, she quickly figured out I was still running. I called her back 30 minutes later from the finish. Shiran caught this cool slow-motion video:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz7XhBCHCfOenpMs2xZMIZt4q-r2GcaoiNuZnzIdSsdhl1D18q19DDlR6qzB6OeGz434DcfQe_KiOgIzIOCQA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />I finished in 3rd overall in 4:40:11, an average 9 min/mile. I was rather disappointed by this time, this is certainly not an easy course. But still, 50 minutes behind the winner... Patrick Rabuzzi, 31, was 2 minutes behind the course record with a 7:20 min/mile average, phew! He is from Oakland, he must be quite familiar with these trails but that's still really fast. I suspect he must have average 6 min/mile in the technical downhills (I could barely break 8 minutes going down, yikes...). Second place was William Tholke, 22, who doesn't even have a result in UltraSignup yet. With a time of 4:22, that's a very promising start.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apart from that, I chuckled when I realized the sum of their age was still below mine... And, yet, I'm still dreaming of getting back to more speed, more agility in the technical downhills, and even more importantly, more power in the uphills. At least this keeps me young at heart, and training harder!</div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed for 2 hours at the finish, cheering the finishers, enjoying the sun and taking great pleasure of seeing the pure joy and excitement of those finishing their first trail race, or marathon or even ultra. With a Pacific Association community mostly composed of veterans of our sport, this was quire refreshing to see. I remain in awe of Wendell and Leng who offer such a large set of accessible and affordable opportunities for the CTR community to enjoy trail running, and gradually pick on longer distances.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gorgeous day and location:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLD9RDGXagnfImq2u5ZKR0N6ThkuZsnQDsQP_G_liZVvvroMSA6VA03D0K0V8HjucVZ39n2tlvirOtKDWdneE--Bp5KiTiDKDbiLIUK_HWMb8dOxEpccBy0O5Lt7JvzlakeghGMXlDHGQTF2nco5rfCDajfdAUQSOwY5QGE8JLwTX-0XhkBEkRf-A7EQ/s4032/IMG_0358.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLD9RDGXagnfImq2u5ZKR0N6ThkuZsnQDsQP_G_liZVvvroMSA6VA03D0K0V8HjucVZ39n2tlvirOtKDWdneE--Bp5KiTiDKDbiLIUK_HWMb8dOxEpccBy0O5Lt7JvzlakeghGMXlDHGQTF2nco5rfCDajfdAUQSOwY5QGE8JLwTX-0XhkBEkRf-A7EQ/s320/IMG_0358.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBffZfYfKvdHWYw-7kRyEHYH3wl_IdPg1gqZedDxgHhaZ7mToOn06iSHxgF0wcwE1fvDt9dYwVCF1yRapcqjPDfnfXRDHOsNUojXOYaRM0-6kAU56bUQd3VdYCaTt90-U-HjJ-uAlX5VwiIau_9sq0XwP0EA4DfjI31W_li54ESXBbrw6jsKhp9MWRaQ/s4032/IMG_0361.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBffZfYfKvdHWYw-7kRyEHYH3wl_IdPg1gqZedDxgHhaZ7mToOn06iSHxgF0wcwE1fvDt9dYwVCF1yRapcqjPDfnfXRDHOsNUojXOYaRM0-6kAU56bUQd3VdYCaTt90-U-HjJ-uAlX5VwiIau_9sq0XwP0EA4DfjI31W_li54ESXBbrw6jsKhp9MWRaQ/s320/IMG_0361.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />And everybody had their muddy marks at the finish, some real training running experience! (Great traction with the Brooks Mazama, an old model I got in 2017.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqQ0PDLdgjCYeJqdG9qXN9NNGL7ks87K9FUdHsVmssPXwiYDAoteMIDBzQTlrbWMx7pYpb-zXT89AojZxh9Dxoo8IcXwXIccVFQun3O1IvDWO6Qx1MfjdgBV6ygQ-4xIyEHy3pcBp5sJQx79v2un7MSeqR_aSZ_FhhFxmLydkY13VpIMLn_vYH2sLag/s4032/IMG_0354.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqQ0PDLdgjCYeJqdG9qXN9NNGL7ks87K9FUdHsVmssPXwiYDAoteMIDBzQTlrbWMx7pYpb-zXT89AojZxh9Dxoo8IcXwXIccVFQun3O1IvDWO6Qx1MfjdgBV6ygQ-4xIyEHy3pcBp5sJQx79v2un7MSeqR_aSZ_FhhFxmLydkY13VpIMLn_vYH2sLag/s320/IMG_0354.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Talking Pacific Association MUT things with Shiran:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOdeW7FbZJaixhQASHJfTptEbyVlqmfjrhzo4MF5LqAqwhrI2TDN730gD2nug8YcE47p55sswRzufInLoeFswby234gEyGJEv2bsLupq0ye0Pj5T4v2diCzsudqD98AANacSrZCYRe3r-1q977K9rZx7XGMtGrH1t6xn1zhK_5sNMFzasQCKOpukxng/s3088/IMG_E0353.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOdeW7FbZJaixhQASHJfTptEbyVlqmfjrhzo4MF5LqAqwhrI2TDN730gD2nug8YcE47p55sswRzufInLoeFswby234gEyGJEv2bsLupq0ye0Pj5T4v2diCzsudqD98AANacSrZCYRe3r-1q977K9rZx7XGMtGrH1t6xn1zhK_5sNMFzasQCKOpukxng/s320/IMG_E0353.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />No cramp, great fueling (GU Energy and Vespa Power, 4 Succeed S!Caps, only 3 GU gels), no soreness on Sunday (I ran a decent 15K as recovery run), I could and should have pushed more to maximize the training opportunity. But at least I didn't fall or hurt myself, which is super important too given my other goals for the year. To the next one then, one quarter done in 2023 already, and I've never logged so many miles in 3 months, averaging 80 miles per week so far. Some good volume to rebuild these glutes. And now some hilly terrain to work on the hamstrings and quads. One step and one race at a time...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG757Wpa3x02879FbHYOXBFJOEDki4hZ9k2mh71iaotcwf9v73E5rvBZrYwv_jCNdGeVY1i33U4YhgQIqsg3BeCbr1i3lQP9GQMiSt428TV_Ww9qos_RWXa4TYpNF8NhUjlZAUnA-h-RuE9ydzkIy9qUsZwM-pqPPogGJrF-LLwa9qbJzX7vEWECqL4w/s4032/IMG_0363.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG757Wpa3x02879FbHYOXBFJOEDki4hZ9k2mh71iaotcwf9v73E5rvBZrYwv_jCNdGeVY1i33U4YhgQIqsg3BeCbr1i3lQP9GQMiSt428TV_Ww9qos_RWXa4TYpNF8NhUjlZAUnA-h-RuE9ydzkIy9qUsZwM-pqPPogGJrF-LLwa9qbJzX7vEWECqL4w/s320/IMG_0363.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945746033706054617.post-3568425170801625202023-03-26T18:52:00.003-07:002023-03-26T18:53:27.755-07:00Black Mountain 50K: cry me many rivers!If only we could find a way to channel all the atmospheric rivers California has received these past 3 months, underground, into the aquifer/phreatic zone which we depleted with our intensive agriculture! Meanwhile, we can go with and enjoy the flow, but even such a prolific El Niño isn't going to get us out of a sustained and systemic drought.<div><br /></div><div>That pessimistic caveat being made, what an exceptional situation we have on and around Black Mountain! And since a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth at least one million! See this Relive.cc flyover of my 31-mile training journey around and to the top of Black Mountain this Saturday (short of being able to get to the start of the Knickerbocker 35K race in Auburn after <a href="https://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/2023/03/knickerbocker-canyon-35k-running-can-be.html" target="_blank">blowing up a tire on 680 on the way</a>). Click on the image below or <a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvxpGL1j9v" target="_blank">this link</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvxpGL1j9v" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1598" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYraK6IwRBidjiOXSrMVDj4maARt66dwz4yWuYR8HAUcTxDmfQoQlzCYOpQ0A89j7QsfrRKyMZoL9Mvdv2Gp3x26kvPWUIPmgKdBmwS-yK8cLt5EcZgFVXe9qTDnIXSCLvjc4WwBel2QMEY8g1U0ze2knfZg4LQMgXApu-LQM_lVqWynOrWiimIW87QA/s320/ReliveBlackMountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I had initially planned on running up Montebello Road but changed my mind at the bottom of Stevens Creek Park, and that made it much more interesting. And challenging as well as I made a detour up to Coyote Ridge first, then on Mount Eden Trail before running the whole Stevens Creek Canyon (the road section first, then the trail, up to Bella Vista Trail). So many creeks flowing from both sides of the canyon and giving Stevens Creek such an unusual and rarely seen power. No wonder why the Stevens Creek Reservoir is now full again. So uplifting to see this! Elijah Stephens would be glad and proud (see <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevens_Creek_(California)" target="_blank">the history of the Stevens Creek</a> including the various names it went through since 1776).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCPLH3-ChFXxLCfq816_fSfxSbM9a5mi5F9dIlUyt_vviz1Nsa4eQnK6v31JNxjM66k0a8E4SupNHv2VByTSUw5LgDBEqOdQxFlhM7VpGREN8kBsbzotyVenTMCLm5VMcB4tR8j3Nrd4yQRWq_w47LvHwj9ZSaxXnM14l0XEYJtV5EY_8a_SYKiW27w/s4032/IMG_0266.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCPLH3-ChFXxLCfq816_fSfxSbM9a5mi5F9dIlUyt_vviz1Nsa4eQnK6v31JNxjM66k0a8E4SupNHv2VByTSUw5LgDBEqOdQxFlhM7VpGREN8kBsbzotyVenTMCLm5VMcB4tR8j3Nrd4yQRWq_w47LvHwj9ZSaxXnM14l0XEYJtV5EY_8a_SYKiW27w/s320/IMG_0266.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aBTvaEeGQ-Wof61R6ROEWoGGU7nNO42bKw3yesT_kbnm15ZWAPcgAGtW_NXAF150-mBdFt2CxHI3_ExTcgNBUDspev8mhIyxgIGto4QDGYfYVfEEZ5Dc3lLUnl0_g4pM8SlzrfVsYnGxa2uKRJ92hWSzwpfJJQTHqvSUw4wN5X1xheAJqj3hZyJmxg/s4032/IMG_0274.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aBTvaEeGQ-Wof61R6ROEWoGGU7nNO42bKw3yesT_kbnm15ZWAPcgAGtW_NXAF150-mBdFt2CxHI3_ExTcgNBUDspev8mhIyxgIGto4QDGYfYVfEEZ5Dc3lLUnl0_g4pM8SlzrfVsYnGxa2uKRJ92hWSzwpfJJQTHqvSUw4wN5X1xheAJqj3hZyJmxg/s320/IMG_0274.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbxenuAaUmhgMsBx65SYui34JLlwNZKiAOAo_fsrOGcBmzZwg4CdUD4WJBPj2F7ZmhbheDmkXH3BbUpjv8lBtJkmNjqt8Tuc4THLt0g_F5rwZY1Brf0BE1Hb4JjZ3Rhohj_3SsYZjGaGuY4QrL8PSTeh62LUvx547P3wcYmbsd2nvJyrJ7E0yreTgVg/s4032/IMG_0325.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbxenuAaUmhgMsBx65SYui34JLlwNZKiAOAo_fsrOGcBmzZwg4CdUD4WJBPj2F7ZmhbheDmkXH3BbUpjv8lBtJkmNjqt8Tuc4THLt0g_F5rwZY1Brf0BE1Hb4JjZ3Rhohj_3SsYZjGaGuY4QrL8PSTeh62LUvx547P3wcYmbsd2nvJyrJ7E0yreTgVg/s320/IMG_0325.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />With another storm last week though, we lost more trees, and not just dead ones, but younger and healthy ones. See for instance that one at the Waterwheel spring. Less shade this Summer...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRduPYVUvbhtwOKi-YJXIze_EWJihG4Fj78LWTxd4r7c-5oz-OVJDcF-NmwVEsHP3bFEQos3of7fGkSlNDmXVZ5DGQGw7WV0caoSOWPzXXtmsuresk_CMwxnz-s-kEVvbIA0OB6ShRjLHkUWqhy5lDU5ILzN_Ahq4xKKVlRUFBudQahxssA0xOre9uMQ/s4032/IMG_0304.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRduPYVUvbhtwOKi-YJXIze_EWJihG4Fj78LWTxd4r7c-5oz-OVJDcF-NmwVEsHP3bFEQos3of7fGkSlNDmXVZ5DGQGw7WV0caoSOWPzXXtmsuresk_CMwxnz-s-kEVvbIA0OB6ShRjLHkUWqhy5lDU5ILzN_Ahq4xKKVlRUFBudQahxssA0xOre9uMQ/s320/IMG_0304.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7TzNMHWp7Tnec0mCQ2A-kwEOjOSJgRGaKlTOX13hiA45jCGC6YSQmIlYWIh1vRoxj1wMS5p7-DJc3Bmp7BOLwbYyMOauE0uT4ltRGtyAQnjsewTk8jJ9lh0-cTVhO2QcF14-e4fpnPy9wGTnctoyFRL0ryrgeBIfgzCnTagH7BAjqKlYbiLwYYVo8Q/s4032/IMG_0308.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7TzNMHWp7Tnec0mCQ2A-kwEOjOSJgRGaKlTOX13hiA45jCGC6YSQmIlYWIh1vRoxj1wMS5p7-DJc3Bmp7BOLwbYyMOauE0uT4ltRGtyAQnjsewTk8jJ9lh0-cTVhO2QcF14-e4fpnPy9wGTnctoyFRL0ryrgeBIfgzCnTagH7BAjqKlYbiLwYYVo8Q/s320/IMG_0308.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTrkNT3B_BzNfUColLz1paGGsc2UCBYqKt6-3mjN3LmapXXyZF5M9l8K0MLSAnx_LSB6VNjh4l0BQtAjjvHLk2ca8YSXzSRIRZOb-KrotRUJZ0-f4jG-FjHW1pDleKAeUvDfaWKg0n1OXSDdJ2tgw5EfilOjAgswqFqY8ClV4JDcsCEJPeitWhJiHRA/s4032/IMG_0309.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTrkNT3B_BzNfUColLz1paGGsc2UCBYqKt6-3mjN3LmapXXyZF5M9l8K0MLSAnx_LSB6VNjh4l0BQtAjjvHLk2ca8YSXzSRIRZOb-KrotRUJZ0-f4jG-FjHW1pDleKAeUvDfaWKg0n1OXSDdJ2tgw5EfilOjAgswqFqY8ClV4JDcsCEJPeitWhJiHRA/s320/IMG_0309.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ScHHD_Tgfu3eTi03718xTBJUXIvvXrfUPE_cc6EhKA6-oROg7aLHS35OThEJvd6ecCRKQvQbsBAUoDiEOMCPnCxB6DzQFEifDY7-qU0FehaUo-E8GQz6zuet7RSByp8Y4MdMQCwM-g_a6qbTzj6F1vkCkBdbIsrrVvhpiJpz1Xte-G9BPRIkuhWPmg/s4032/IMG_0316.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ScHHD_Tgfu3eTi03718xTBJUXIvvXrfUPE_cc6EhKA6-oROg7aLHS35OThEJvd6ecCRKQvQbsBAUoDiEOMCPnCxB6DzQFEifDY7-qU0FehaUo-E8GQz6zuet7RSByp8Y4MdMQCwM-g_a6qbTzj6F1vkCkBdbIsrrVvhpiJpz1Xte-G9BPRIkuhWPmg/s320/IMG_0316.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />If you live in the Bay and have the opportunity, take a run or hike up in the nearby hills to see what fresh water looks like. Such a common thing to see in the Alps, with the glaciers melting faster in particular, but not here. And not in many places around the world as the international community just discussed in New York at the UN Water Conference, the first in 50 years! Let's enjoy as it lasts as we say and protect this essential asset in our lives. I have to admit again: I much prefer fresh water to a glass of beer. I know, it may be just me...</div><div><br /></div><div>That was my 8th ultra this year, including 3 ultra races. Not a fast one at 9:10 min/mile average, not counting picture stops, but a great training with 4,400-4,600 feet of cumulative elevation and a few steep hills. After 3 months focusing on road training and racing, it was about time I get back to the trails, albeit wet ones, to prepare for the Spring season and Quicksilver 100K in particular. Way different running, a much more engaging one for the glutes and quads.</div><div><br /></div><div>A taste of Pura Vida at the top of Black Mountain, with views of the Pacific:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f2DYP-Z_AHm2e_lThhgUh5Dkz-D6xyg5vvuffpxMRRHqjbESC6vPVLrsfUwvy4d0QX3zxGYtBRcH5Vna7a-tA5unGTr9Z7JWU20MbBblIbVQJotoAJSALQnwfVkuimk3Y3306a6H7_hwnL22fZog8VHYfN4cYQGjG5TYAJfr53p4ydQp3m-hPRLWVQ/s4032/IMG_0294.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f2DYP-Z_AHm2e_lThhgUh5Dkz-D6xyg5vvuffpxMRRHqjbESC6vPVLrsfUwvy4d0QX3zxGYtBRcH5Vna7a-tA5unGTr9Z7JWU20MbBblIbVQJotoAJSALQnwfVkuimk3Y3306a6H7_hwnL22fZog8VHYfN4cYQGjG5TYAJfr53p4ydQp3m-hPRLWVQ/s320/IMG_0294.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>Zooming on San Francisco by a clear day:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9U5EippGTS6juzXYgDEG-qwTH8pWlw07StURWpLMjuxBkT0tLFMDED5o3bIb3oVNvsiqHsTJZukHL8UbBXgM-nUS3-sTFJjgAlkD2FFQIet1X6Eqf30sJszVyr0Gh0uN3VVeb1qrVKTvQOkXQADEtoKHMezjsjcYJjPuvG37QJspVLgzM_jWp5V28g/s4032/IMG_0296.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9U5EippGTS6juzXYgDEG-qwTH8pWlw07StURWpLMjuxBkT0tLFMDED5o3bIb3oVNvsiqHsTJZukHL8UbBXgM-nUS3-sTFJjgAlkD2FFQIet1X6Eqf30sJszVyr0Gh0uN3VVeb1qrVKTvQOkXQADEtoKHMezjsjcYJjPuvG37QJspVLgzM_jWp5V28g/s320/IMG_0296.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo1nN42vYckuMzW7O1muo42UyP_6ZTNsyh3k_R3gb5EK8KyuNIEfpNd6XnziiSRJzpJ6qm_pqkClOoB-99krXnOoAkX_Tu_ng7wncF2BhL1nwEwCDuJyAvVvP_XqVCCm12lGOGP32DvlXAQ4adY_TDv9qM7PR9-3bYpya5UbIvcpRV5bK36VxFd5T_Q/s4032/IMG_0301.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo1nN42vYckuMzW7O1muo42UyP_6ZTNsyh3k_R3gb5EK8KyuNIEfpNd6XnziiSRJzpJ6qm_pqkClOoB-99krXnOoAkX_Tu_ng7wncF2BhL1nwEwCDuJyAvVvP_XqVCCm12lGOGP32DvlXAQ4adY_TDv9qM7PR9-3bYpya5UbIvcpRV5bK36VxFd5T_Q/s320/IMG_0301.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>Mt Umunum in the distance:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0F7aWXjvMirfkOsENC96qzt8app9ir4k8XES6ktxDyf2hllomF24QZKqLlcA73-cAzbArignIMCv-v7wlyJzsRFsh-nvcXCRbJmDbuMNSPnLgKtK3Qh9NYpgNOa1DRunauVI-dt_DqMbmMpMvtuhX-tCppaSPlGE1ZTBJx87EQKRvGI3rsV_rjumHQ/s4032/IMG_0303.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0F7aWXjvMirfkOsENC96qzt8app9ir4k8XES6ktxDyf2hllomF24QZKqLlcA73-cAzbArignIMCv-v7wlyJzsRFsh-nvcXCRbJmDbuMNSPnLgKtK3Qh9NYpgNOa1DRunauVI-dt_DqMbmMpMvtuhX-tCppaSPlGE1ZTBJx87EQKRvGI3rsV_rjumHQ/s320/IMG_0303.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jean Pommierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com0