Sunday, September 22, 2013

A Run Through History 2013, Race Report


The third annual Run Through History was a resounding success.  With volunteers aplenty, blue sky abounding, sunshine ashining, and 226 smiles radiating, how could it be anything less than perfect?  The course starts and finishes at the Lower Fort Garry National Historical site and winds along the majestic banks of the north Red River.  It's a 5 or 10 kilometer  out-and-back course so the view is stunning both outbound and homebound.  The elevation is mostly flat but there's several rises just to make it interesting.

This Timex Series, MRA sanctioned event is sponsored by City Park Runners and Variety.  The funds raised for the event are funnelled to agencies to support children.  A tip of the hat goes to the planning committee with a special shout-out to Erick, Cheryl, and Wayne.  Aside from a little confusion at the start line the event proceeded without a hitch.   My good friend Aldo has a solution to correct the confusion that involves a strategically placed musket from 1867, but that's a whole other story.

There were 226 registered runners. Unfortunately a couple of school groups were unable to attend so there were 150 actual runners at this year's event.  226 registered runners is up from 125 in 2012 and 75 in 2011. Clearly this race is growing and will continue to grow.  This is a serious race for the speedy folks, but also an event for walkers and others who just want to get off the couch and enjoy life.  It was gratifying to see the number of young runners who seemed to be enjoying themselves every bit as much as the older runners.

I ran the 10 k course with a young women whose pace was slightly faster than mine but I fell into step.   Our casual chit chat fuelled us both forward.  At kilometer 9, I started to fall back.  Before fading completely I encouraged her to take the lead from the person about 40 paces ahead.  I told her that he's watching her and to creep up slowly.  She did, and then at the precise perfect moment, she soared forward at 250 meters from the finish line.  It was a beautiful site to behold.


At about the same point I started to fade and a kind fellow came up from behind and said "pick it up. it'll feel better if you go a little faster".  It was precisely what I needed to stride ahead... 250 meters to finish, seems like an eternity, heart smashing, lungs bursting, cheering, the clock read 49:56, 57, 58, 59.... damn... 50:00, 50:01...  50.02.  I so wanted to break 50 minutes.  A moment of disappointment... shake it off, learn to be slow, accept defeat gracefully, be happy...it's a good day, a damn good day to be alive.

(Update:  The official times were just released...my official time was 50:00 minutes, not 50:02 like I thought!)  

What is there about running that makes me so happy?  My heart overflows with joy when I'm in full stride with sweat pouring from my forehead.  I feel so alive, so vibrant, so happy when I run.  It's as if all is good in the world and I am omnipotent.

My friends, it is such an awesome day to be alive, to run, to share this time with you. I am in awe of my strength, my speed, my health, my good fortune, but mostly my dear friends,  I am in awe of you.  I am blessed to have you all in my life.

It is a good day to be alive.

Mike

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Top Ten (make that eleven) Reasons Why You Should Attend The Point Douglas Run

Slow down
You're going too fast
Ya got to make the morning last

"Have you registered for the Point Douglas Run yet?  I hear it's awesome!"

10. THE COURSE
The course is simply stunning. It's an out and back course through historic Old Point Douglas. We run along the banks of the mighty Red River outbound and inbound, along majestic elm-lined Scotia Street, under the spanking new Henderson Freeway, through parks and greenways.  It's a little bit country, a little bit rock, and a whole lotta soul.

9. THE COSTUMES
Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear costumes.  Now who hasn't wanted to run in a pink tutu? Come on, admit it, you do! Well now you can and you'll fit right in.

8. THE FOOD
The race committee pulls out all the stops! We're talking buffet breakfast here! Scrambled eggs, juice coffee, tea, toast, yogurt, fruit, pancakes...  It's amazing really!

7. THE SCHWAG/ PRIZES
Everyone wins something and the schwag is awesome.  Last year all runners received a free technical tee-shirt.  I wonder what this year will bring?

6. THE COMMUNITY
The entire village shows up; elders, youngsters, teenagers, moms and dads.  The old Norquay Community Hall is rocking!

5. THE TOW TRUCK ESCORT
The local Tow Truck company shows their support by providing an escort for the runners and walkers. The tow truck escort is better than the fly-by at the Police run, way better.  And best part, if you're tired they just hook you by the back of your tee and bring you in.. cool.


4. STREET FEET RUN WELL
By participating in the Point Douglas Run you are supporting the Street Feet Run Well running program. This program assists individuals in the neighbourhood increase their self-esteem and efficacy through walking and running with the intent that this will extend to other areas in their lives. Street Feet Run well promotes physical and mental health in an inclusive, caring and supportive environment.

3. THE VOLUNTEERS
Best in class!  You'll get a toothache running by these volunteers because they are just SO sweet!

2. THE HILLS
Who said Winnipeg is flat!?  This is the hilliest course this side of Banff... well maybe not Banff, but man, it's a nice little challenge for the quads. Check out the course profile.

1. BOSTON QUALIFIER
Having a little trouble getting your BQ?  Well this is the race for you! It isn't even timed! It's a FUN RUN.  In the immortal words of ...??? ... "Slow down, you're going too fast.  Got to make the morning last".  If you can tell me who said that I'll buy you a coffee on race day.

The other 1. FAMOUS PEOPLE
Haile Gebreselassie, Bono and a few others have signed up.  Even better, MLA Kevin Chief and MP (retired) Judy Wasylycia-Lies will be there.  Get your sharpie poised.

Seriously folks, this is a fine race, with a nobel cause, planned and executed by a caring race committee.  You really should put this one on your fall race schedule. And don't forget the tutu!

Go here for registration information.

Go here for a SMR race report  of Point Douglas Run 2012.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Monday, September 9, 2013

Lean Horse 100 Mile Ultra Marathon, A Race Report by Melissa Budd

"Nobody is going to finish this damn thing for me, but me"
Melissa Budd
Lean Horse 100 Mile Ultra Marathon
August 24th, 2013
Mickelson Trail, Hot Springs, South Dakota


"Nobody is going to finish this damn thing for me, but me."

Days before stepping up to the start line of the Lean Horse 100 ultramarathon, I was nervous.  Although I had run this race 3 times, I was now running it differently.  For the past 3 years I had run it with my best-est running friend (David), but this year he wanted to run it alone.  That was fine, I understood he wanted to see how he could push it, but it made me feel a little shaky.  Could I do this alone?  What if there was a mountain lion and I was by myself?  Who would encourage me when I wanted to quit?  Who would help me finish?    The weather was another concern.  Forecast for some parts on the Mickelson Trail was 36 degrees.  Who runs in that kind of heat?  I guess that would be me.... gulp….
                  
David, Melissa's best-est running friend. 
The last bus for the Minnekahta trailhead left at 5:15am  Saturday morning.  There I was with my bagel, can of Coke (drink of champions) and my handheld bottle filled with ice.  On the 15 minute bus ride I sat with Loren (he has run the race the previous 3 years) as well as David and Trevor Uhlir (who I have also come to know through this race - Trevor DNFed last year and was intent on finishing this one well)  and David.   Nervous chatter filled the bus and I couldn't wait to get the waiting over with….I wanted to START!  When we got to the trailhead I found SuYin (also a runner from Winnipeg).  Sue was running her first 100 miler!  I asked if she wanted to run with me at the start, she said she would prefer to run at her own pace in the beginning.  I was starting to feel quite unpopular - was I going to end up running this whole thing alone?  Anyway, 6am finally rolled around and with a horn - we were off!
                  
The first section of the race was beautiful.  The sun had started to rise on my right making the sky turn from dark to orange and then daylight.  The trail was surrounded with small yellow sunflowers and there was a breeze blowing.  There were many people around and I found people to chat with as we all got into a running rhythm.  I ran with Peter (a lawyer from Houston) for awhile as well as Bobby (a white haired 60-something amazing ultra runner who kicked my butt last year), Peter's wife Yen and David.  Conversation was light and before we knew it we were upon the first aid station - Cottonwood - 4.2 miles.  Barely stopped at this one, just to refill my ice and then kept going.  We all kind of stuck in a group with SuYin leap frogging us until we approached the next aid station at 8.9 miles - Argyle.
                  
At Argyle the group broke up as some stayed at the aid station longer, some went right on through.  I stopped long enough to again fill up my ice and grab a few items to eat (chips, grapes, watermelon).  This is where I ran into Dawn.  Possibly the nicest lady I have ever met.  Her and I easily conversed and I adapted to her running of 5 and 2s (running 5 min and walking 2) - the running was faster than I had been running, but with the walks it didn't seem strenuous.  All too soon she had to leave because she was only doing the 50K and her turn around was there.  She gave me a hug and wished me well.  Almost right away was the next aid station - Lime kiln at 12.5 miles.  I evaluated how I was feeling.  It was just after 8 am - for 2 hours and change I was doing well, no stomach upset, the one water bottle was working well and the sun was just starting to get warm.  I had some more watermelon and a Rice Krispie cake and filled my bottle again with ice.  Off again.
                  

At this point I was running alone.  I would pass some runners, talk with them briefly and then move on.  I wasn't lonely but very much enjoying the trail and the scenery.  The sun kept getting hotter and I was glad that I had planned (in my drop bag at the next aid station) an extra water bottle and a towel that I was going to use to put ice in and tie it around my neck.  Pringle was the next aid station at mile 16.3.  I took a little bit of time to get the items from my drop bag, reapply some sunscreen, and use one of the few outhouses on the course.  I drank a few small cups of ginger-ale, ate another Rice Krispie cake, ate a few chips, took 2 salt tablets, filled my 2 hand-held bottles with ice, as well as my nifty ice bandana and was off again.  At this point I was averaging almost 5 miles an hour and feeling pretty good.
                  
Still running alone, I debated listening to music.  I wanted to use it only when I needed it.  I decided I didn't need it yet, put my head down and continued running.  This section out of Pringle was not pretty.  It is right beside the highway and is quite dusty.  The sun was now beating down and there was absolutely NO shade.  I hit a bit of a low here.  I knew there was almost 7 miles to the next aid station and then another section of 7 miles after that until I hit Harbach Park (which contained my next drop bag).  

It was during this part of the race I went into reflecting mode.  I decided for each  10 minutes I ran, I would think about one person who was important in my life and all of the things I loved about them and why they were important to me.  Of course I started with my children and then moved on to my family and friends.  I also reflected on some of my hero's, like Terry Fox.  Some of the things that came to my mind were physical - how I loved the sprinkling of freckles across my son Dryden's nose, how curly my middle daughter Amerlyn's hair was when she was a toddler and how beautiful my eldest daughter Jensen is.   Other things included memories of the kind things people have done for me and their thoughtfulness.  I thought of those who couldn't run and how lucky I was.   I passed the next aid station, Carroll Creek - 22.9 miles, quickly got in and out and continued reflecting.  Although this was a low time for me physically - I felt good mentally.  I was overwhelmed with some of the thoughts and feelings I had.  This run had taken on a more spiritual (if you will) quality.  I never really felt alone because every ten minutes I had someone new on my mind and I almost felt like they were running with me.
                  
Mile 28.7 was Harbach Park.  By now it was full heat of the day.  I was grateful for the breeze that I was running against - otherwise this run with no shade would have felt unbearable.  I stopped at the aid station to put on some body glide (I had it in my drop bag) and I was shocked when I opened it - it was liquid!  It actually poured out of the container!  I had never seen body glide do that before!  After I left the aid station (and taking many more salt tablets) I took out my cell phone.  Why did I bring a cell?  I thought I might need some company.  I turned it on and was absolutely dismayed that it said low battery!  How could that be?  It was on the charger all night!  I guessed that it wasn't fully plugged in.  Sadly, I concluded,  I wasn't going to get support from home.   I did send a text to my husband and luckily it had enough power for a little time.  My reflective text, "Man, is it hot out here!"  to which Leigh replied, "Isn't there some rule against running and texting?".  I had a laugh and texted back that my phone was going to die but send me some encouragement before it does.  He told me it was 36 degrees where I was……that's my husband….encouraging to a fault!  He did make up for it though and told me that I've done this before, I'll do it again and to keep going.  Then he told me Dryden (my little guy) says "Hi".  That did give me a lift.  The heat was getting to me, so I decided that I DID need my music.  I turned it on and immediately felt a little better.  The heat wasn't so distracting when my music was on.
                  
From Harbach to Crazy Horse there is an uphill grind that is, well, for lack of a better word, HARD.  It is one of the most scenic parts though.  Through this section I just tried to run as much as I could and walk when I starting feeling too tired.  Bobby (the white haired super ultra marathon guy who has run over 100 ultras) had told me earlier that, at least in this race, you want to be feeling good at least until mile 50.  I kept that in mind on this uphill and was kind to myself when I got tired.  Short bursts of walking and running got me to the next aid station - Mountain - mile 33.7.  Thankfully, this part had some shade.  I continued taking my salt tablets (because honestly, my skin tasted like a potato chip), drinking ginger-ale at the aid stations and eating whatever looked appetizing.  Orville aid station at 39.4 was welcome, because I knew it was all downhill until Hill City at mile 44.4.  This was a good spot physically during the race.  I ran the downhill at a decent clip.  I also got to see a few of the leaders at this time as they were on their way back.  The neatest thing about ultra runners is they are so encouraging.  EVERYONE who passed me on their way back told me "good job", "looking strong", etc…  I only saw men coming back and was surprised to not see the lead women. 
                  
I checked in at Hill City and found out that David (my best-est running buddy) was only about 15 minutes ahead of me.  That made me feel good.  I knew that he was having a good race and I was having one too!  At this time, SuYin's husband (who was crewing for her) asked me if I needed anything.  Seeing the Coke machine in the corner (the race was sponsored by Pepsi - so no Coke on the course) I asked him if I could borrow $1.50 for a Coke.  Laurie laughed and said it was on him and I got my first Coke on the course.  I was so happy (it is sad how happy Coke makes me).  At Hill City we had to do a little out and back to make up some mileage.  On the out and back I saw David!   He said he would wait for me at Hill City and we could run together for a bit.  I ran the out and back and passed a few women.  Back to Hill City to check in.  Laurie told me that David had went on ahead and wanted me to catch up.  I thanked him again for the Coke (happiness in a can) and went on my way.
I knew this section would be difficult.  As much as I loved running downhill to Hill City  - in the back of my mind I knew I'd have to run up it on the way back.  It was a grind up to Orville mile 52.9 where I met up with David but I survived it.  From there on I had company!  We ran through Mountain 58.6 then to Harbach 63.6.  At this point it was around 8pm and getting dark.  We both sat down for awhile and had volunteers help us get what we needed out of our drop bags.  We needed to pick up our headlamps and I put on a long sleeve shirt.  I had a little bit of chicken broth (which tasted awesome) and a half turkey sandwich.  I was done before David and asked if he wanted me to go and he could catch up.  David is a faster runner than I and he agreed that was a good idea.  I started off in the (now) dark with my headlamp on. 
                  
It took awhile for David to catch up to me and to my surprise, I wasn't feeling to scared running in the dark with my little light.  It must have been around 15-20 min before I saw David (he said he had to change his contacts and almost fell into the creek while attempting to wash his face in it).  We continued on at a steady pace until we hit Carroll Creek - mile 69.4.  I started to feel not as great as I had been feeling….another rough patch.  Got something to eat and drink (ginger-ale and Rice Krispie bar) and kept going.  On this next section (over 6 miles) I started getting slower and taking more walk breaks.  At about 4.5 miles in, I told David that he should go.  I knew that if he could hold up this pace, he could get his sub 24 belt buckle.  He asked if I was sure, if I needed him he would stay - but I said I'd be fine.  I felt like I was slowing him down at this point and I didn't want to do that.  With a fist pump he left and I continued.  

A mile and a half later I entered the Pringle Aid station (mile 76).  I was feeling low (physically).  I looked at my watch and saw that it was just after midnight.  "Not bad" I thought - this is just a little slower than I was last year….considering the heat this year compared to the milder temps last year - I think I did okay.  Mentally I thought I have under six hours to do a marathon.  Easy to do if you have fresh legs and the terrain is flat…..but my conditions were not that.  I had just run 76 miles and the upcoming terrain was the hilliest part.  Argyle Road (at mile 84 ) had 12 miles of huge and NUMEROUS hills - so much bigger than Garbage Hill.  There was no way I was going to make it under 24 hours.  I sat down beside a young guy who was lamenting about how he was on track for a 22 hour finish and his blisters had cost him his finish.  I spoke with him awhile and had a grilled cheese sandwich.  I also took 3 salt caplets - something I hadn't done since the sun went down.  I thought maybe I was still losing salt and should have still been taking them all along.  After 10-15 minutes, I got up, told the station "#12 out" and continued on my way.  As I slowly ran and power walked I started feeling better - maybe it was the salt caplets after all.  The next aid station was only 4 miles away and it didn't seem to take too much time to get there.
                  
At Lime Kiln (almost 80 miles) I sat down and asked them if I could have a hot chocolate.  The volunteer was awesome and said sure, but he'd have to heat the water.  We chit chatted (I was in no real hurry) but then he said that I was the second female.  I didn't understand, the second female he saw in the last hour?  What did he mean?   No, he said I was the second female on the course.  Then I asked how long it was between me and the first female.  He said, "Oh, not long…..maybe 15 min".  I said I could never make that up, it takes a lot of effort to make up 15 min in a race.  

He said, " You never know - with 20 miles left in an Ultra - 15 min could be easily made up".  

I got up and told him that maybe I didn't want to wait for the hot chocolate and that maybe I should start running.  He thought that was a good idea - he wished me luck and off I went to the next aid station Argyle - 4 miles away. 
                  
To my surprise, when I got to Argyle, I saw a woman in a chair with her crew tending her feet.  My mind started to race - that's her!  The first place female…..I think?   Then, to remove all doubt, she said, "Congratulations, you are the first place female now - take it home".   I never got out of an aid station so fast! 
       
The next 6 miles passed in a blur.  I tried to go as fast as I could on the large and rolling hills of Argyle road.  They are much bigger than Garbage Hill and very numerous.  David told me he tried to count them and only got to 12 before losing track.  I kept looking behind me to see if anyone was getting close.  I saw a car that flashed it's lights, but it was a few miles back.  I wasn't sure if the leading ladies crew was looking for me (paranoia).  I arrived at Morph aid station at 90 miles.  I asked how many miles till the next aid station while quickly filling my water bottles and grabbing a Rice Krispie cake.  The aid guy said "six".  I asked if the turn off to the campground was quite visible (I was scared I was going to miss it) - he told me that I couldn't.  I got out of there and kept running.  If the aid station was 6 miles away, I only had 5 more miles on Argyle and then one mile in the campground!
                  
The next five miles went fast until I started looking at my watch.  There was only 6 miles to the aid station, and I had already gone five.  Paranoia was back!  I started slowing down and looking to my right in the dark.  I knew it was a right turn into the campground.  5.1 miles, 5.2 miles….where was it?  5.3, 5.4  I had no water left in my bottles and my mouth felt like a carpet.  At 5.6 miles I started to have a little freak out.  I knew once I turned into the campground, it was almost a mile to the aid station (or at least 3/4 of a mile).  I slowed down to a walk thinking the further I go, the further I am going to have to come back….I've missed the turn off.  Another part of my brain told me to keep going.  I thought briefly about turning into someone's house and asking for directions but how could I do that at 4 in the morning?  Maybe I would collapse from dehydration….I was so thirsty!   I kept going - and to my relief, at the bottom of a gigantic hill - the turn off!  I couldn't have been more excited!  My watch was over 6 miles but I didn't care! 
                   
Unwisely (or perhaps for a sick joke) I had to lift my leg to get over the campground fence.  After 95+ miles…..it is no easy feat!   I felt a little upset that the race director would do that - then I thought, "are you a princess or something?  Suck it up!"  Going in I expected to see a light - something to guide me through the campground.  Just extremely tall grass with a snake like path through it.  What could I do except follow the path?  I was getting close to 7 miles on my Garmin and I still couldn't see the aid station….another panic attack!   I started to call out " is there any one here?  Where are you guys?"  I thought I heard a faint voice - so I kept calling and they called back.  Not soon enough did their voices get louder.  I could finally see the aid station!   The volunteers were great and offered me a chair.  I declined and asked just for water (I had been out of water for - it seemed like- forever).  They told me that I was the first lady they had seen out of the hundred milers.  I thanked them and got out of there quickly.  I wanted to finish this thing!
                  
Melissa Budd
First Female
23 hours, 37 minutes, 20 seconds
There were a few more steep hills until I hit the downhill that goes into town.  Once I hit pavement - I knew I was going to finish this thing in under 24 hours.  I was tired but beyond excited!  I ran as much as I could and walked as little as possible - only when I got too tired.  With 3 miles to go I was at 5:06 am.  Even if I did twenty minute miles - I should still be able to come in under 24 (I'd have to hurry the last mile if I went that slow though)!  Gratefully I wound through the town and then to the finish.  I was so happy, so  excited!  Finishing time was 23:37:20 (according to final results).  I didn't think I could do this race on my own but I did!  However, when I think about it more - I didn't really do it on my own.  First off there is my family - they are so supportive - I couldn't have done it without them.  There are also my running family - those people whom I run with, who encourage me - even when they are not physically with me.  There were the aid station people who were the BEST!  Whatever I asked, they brought - including encouraging words.  There were my hero's, those people whose actions have influenced me tremendously.  Then there is also my (sometimes stupid) stubbornness.  That part of me that doesn't want to quit.  I don't know where I get it from, and I'm sure it is annoying sometimes but it helps me though.
                  
The next day, I got up at 5am and headed out for a 6 mile run (because I'm stubbornly on this 2.75 year running streak).  I followed the course backwards through town finding it hard to believe that 24 hours previous I was running, I was finishing my journey here in Hot Springs. Instead of going into the campground I turned left and discovered a massive cemetery.  I ran through a bit of it savouring the sunrise and the gift of life that I still have.  It was a beautiful moment.  Although at the beginning of the run I was trying to recapture how the previous day felt - I came away with a new feeling, a new journey, a new thankfulness.  Running back to the hotel I felt more grateful than ever for the day. 

Melissa Budd
Lean Horse 100 Mile Marathon, 2013
First Female
Twenty-three hours, thirty-seven minutes, twenty seconds

ed note 1:  My thanks to Melissa for allowing me the privilege of posting her Lean Horse 100 report on See Mike Run.

ed note 2:  I ran Queen City Marathon yesterday.  Guess who was there?  Yup, Melissa and David... smiling the full 26.2 and making everyone feel special.


Melissa, Queen City Marathon, September 8, 2013
It's a good day to be alive, but you should know that already!  

Mike  :) 


                  

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Lean Horse 100 Mile Ultra, A Race Report by David Fielder

David Fielder
Why do you run Ultra-marathons? I asked Bobby, a 62 year old veteran Ultra runner whose goal is to run one hundred - 100 mile marathons. He answers, 

Well, I know that I wont sleep tonight and tomorrow, I will step on to the trail and get hit by a Mac truck.

Thats a lot to entice one into doing it, I reply sardonically.

Tomorrow I will get hit by a Mac truck.         

But the question is in my mind as I get ready for the Lean Horse Ultra-marathon in Hot Springs, South Dakota. I had run it before and remember the hell that it was. My goal this time is to stay strong on the hardest part of the course, Argyle Road a twisting steep, gravel road that goes on for 12 miles. The problem is where they place those miles at the end of marathon from mile 84 to 96. The previous year, I had to walk them and it took hours and hours (in fact, combined with the last four miles of the course in Hot Springs itself, it took 6 and half hours to do 16 miles!). I promised myself that I would never again allow that to happen.


The additional problem of this relatively easy Ultra (considered easy because it is run on what was once a railway bed, the Mickelson Trail that winds itself for over 100 miles through the Black Hills of South Dakota; making the elevation climb never more than 3% at a time) is that it is hot but the night can be very cold. It got hot quickly this year with temperatures peaking at 36 degree Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit). Unfortunately the night, although cooler, never really got comfortable for running.


As the heat came on, one develops strategies to run 100 miles. The point at which to start is to visit with the other runners as you begin (after all youll be with some of them for at least 24 hours course officials give you a 30 hour cut off time). Ultra runners form a unique subculture in the world of running for they arent as competitive with one another as shorter distances promote (certainly there is competition, but that isnt the first goal). Ultra runners really do care that the other person makes the distance and, perhaps, that they will endure together such an arduous task - creates a bond. It seems that Ultra runners really do have personal goals that keep them motivated. 


Unlike marathons where there are spectators to encourage one onward, the world of the Ultra runner is sparsely populated with volunteers and a few friends or family to do the encouragement. The goal for the Ultra runner seems to be endurance. These runners chat endlessly as they run along and listening to their stories can take ones mind off of the trail and off of the heat.
         
A second strategy, like life itself, seems to be to break up the course into manageable units. One cant imagine running 100 miles, but one can set as a goal to get to the next aid station 6 or 7 miles away. Lean Horse has a number of aids stations that are extremely well maintained making this course easier to run. In some Ultras, one must almost be self-sustaining. Not so with the Lean Horse Ultra - for volunteers so graciously get you anything you need. As the day proceeded, I noticed that I not only broke up the distance but also the hours of the day. 


There was the morning of first light, the noon of heat, the afternoon of descending into Hill City, the evening of diminishing light and the mental preparation to pick up and change into what Id need for the night run (clean shirt, put away sun glasses etc.; should I change my shoes ), and then the dark and headlamps, the moonlight that casts itself on the trail making it possible to run without headlamps for extended periods, and finally the emerging light of morning. Each of these periods made the trail shift and turn with new interest.
         

After having visited, grazed at aid stations (peanuts, grilled cheese sandwiches, fluids Pepsi, this year because they are the sponsor, not Coke), being surprised by the appearance of my running partner (we had agreed to run at. our own pace little realizing we run at almost the same pace, except not always at the same time) and then running with her for over ten miles until she felt sick and told me to go a try to get under 24 hours, I eventually reached the reason I was in Lean Horse Ultra Argyle Road. It was dark as I went into the Argyle Loop aid station determined to only get some fluids and head out. I inquired how it was possible, to have such a hospital aid station at the beginning of such an inhospitable territory? I asked them to wish me well; they did and directed me to the beginning of Argyle Road.


If I had any doubts as to why people run Ultras, they were soon resolved as I began. First I counted how many hills there were but since they were so long, I started to lose count. It was my goal to run strong and thats exactly what I was doing. In the moonlight casting itself across the road, I could see my shadow racing down the hills. There is a significant decrease of over 1000 feet in elevation. Previously, that elevation had always made the problem of running worse. One tends to resist moving quickly when pain shoots through blisters, cramps, spent quads, or aching feet. The body tightens and that makes the muscles ache even more. More time is spent on the large stones that make up the gravel for feet dont lift quickly and the discomfort becomes excruciating. I had been forced to walk before. This time, I had no sense of that. Realizing that I could possibly complete the run in under 24 hours; but more realizing that it was fun to run down the hills as quickly as I could (like a little boy set free) I found a strength in myself that I never knew I had. Not feeling tired, but excited running was fun.


I ran Argyle stronger than Ive ever run it before. I got into the Campground just off of the Argyle and had only the run through town to complete. I still had an hour and half I knew Id make it under 24 hours (there is a special buckle for that honour there were 17 of us to do it). I ran strong on Argyle and achieved my goal that I could get the elusive 24 hour prize was a bonus. I got lost coming into town having never paid attention to where to go for there was always someone else to follow. I came in just over 23 hours (23:09) and didnt feel like dying (at least not right away). Then the real pleasure happened, when I saw my running partner come in some 20 minutes later. It had been a good day for her as well. She won the first woman to complete the distance (seems she got over her feeling sick and got her second wind or possibly third). It was a personal best for her and me.

         

I think I get why people run the Ultra I think I even understand what Bobby meant by the Mac truck. There are so few opportunities for us, as humans, to prove to ourselves that we can endure. Ultra Running is one way we leave the comfort of our lives, figuratively stepping into the path of the Mac truck so to speak, to discover that we have strength we never knew we had. Frankly, I dont need a belt buckle but the reward for having set a goal and the achievement of finding strength in myself is something of which to be proud. Id wear that. 
It's a good day to be alive.

By David Fielder