Happy Trails

Farmdale Trail Run

2006-05-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

My buddy Jason and I met up with Marvin this morning at Farmdale to "wheel" measure the course for the first Farmdale Trail Run. Farmdale is a gem in the rough of Illinois. I'm not sure if it's location is considered East Peoria, Washington, or Sunnyland. Sunnyland doesn't have much, so let's give it to them. Mostly an attraction for equestrians and mountain bikers with a few of us trailrunners getting in some beautiful miles. Hopefully, after October 14th, there'll be some more traildogs out on the trails of Farmdale. It was a hot morning, but we had a fun time soaking in the course and imagining what runners would think of our course. I took a few pics and though they don't do the real thing justice, they do give one an idea of what the area looks like.

This is the Zimm Master about 4.5 miles into the course. He is standing at what will be aid station number 1. He has already claimed this as his aid station since it has one of the best views. This particular point is called Devil's Cliff as two feet behind him is a about a 150 foot drop off. The first part of the trail goes just inside the tree line in the background.

Here's Marvin and his wheel. This course is very accurately measured! This is the picnic table at aid station one, Devil's Cliff.

Jason and Marvin figuring up distance from start to aid station one. Last one of Devil's Cliff.

This is going away from Devil's Cliff. Single track surrounded by woods.

Part of the service road trail. Lots of pine trees.

You run out of these pine trees onto this service path. Pretty flat for a while.

Typical single track trail.

The Zimm Master manning the wheel for a bit. Service road trail leading to a jaunt on the prairie. There is some running in the prairie, but not too long. Makes you appreciate getting back into the woods!

Transition from woods to grass trail.

Jason rounding the bend to one of the many highlights of Farmdale, the dam. This offers great bird's eye views of the park.

Coming out onto the dam.

You'll go across the dam once for the fun run and three times for the ultra distance. Once you get to it, you'll be about 3/4 of a mile from the start finish line.

Sample of the view from the dam.

Looking back across the dam from the direction you would be coming from.

This is the start/finish area. You can sort of make out the cars in the parking lot beyond the trees. You'll be coming from that direction into these trees. The start/finish line will actually be between two trees.

Hope this gives you an idea of the Farmdale area. I'll be taking pics of other parts of the trail later and will post them soon. It's a great course. . . you won't be disappointed.

Now What?

2006-05-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

I abolutely love the trails. But, the roads are calling me. It's time to gear up for the Steamboat 15k. Real men run the 15k. I can say that since last year I ran the 15k. It's no 50 miler at McNaughton Park, but it's a challenge. I've been putting in more miles on the road to get used to that pounding. My body hurts. Friend of mine training for a Boston qualifying marathon said to try ice baths after a long, fast run. He swears by them. Tried it. You've got to be tough just to stay in there for that initial first few seconds. After that, numb. It did seem to help though. Anyways, my goal is to beat my time from last year 1:09. I talked a speedy buddy of mine into running the 15k with me this year. My strategy in the past when running with this guy is to see how long I can keep him in sight after the start. The longer, the better my time. One day, he will try to catch me at the finish line. It may be when we are in the 70-75 bracket, but it will happen. Roads stink very highly. Trails rule.

Got out to Farmdale the other day after school. Man, that place is colorful since the last time I was out there. I saw absolutely no one the whole time I was out there. I only put in a good hour, but it was a quality hour with running all the hills. Felt good to fly through the forest. I'm getting closer to putting on a trail race out there. It's a perfect place to do it. My dilemma is whether to have a shorter or longer distance. The answer may be to have both. I want to get new trail people to come out and see a beautiful place to run and I want the veteran trail runners to come out and do the same. It'll happen. Host it, and they will come. Things are coming together fast and I hope to be able to pull off the inaugral event this Fall. Several area runners have told me they would love to run it and many others want to volunteer. Keep October 7 or 14th open. Those are the dates I'm looking at, leaning toward the 14th.

I had three goals for this running season, 1) Do the 8 hour Jubilee Run, 2) Complete the McNaughton 50 miler, and 3) Run across Illinois. So far, two down, one to go. Once I get the logistics together, I really think it will be possible. I'd like to have some company, but as long as I have a crew person, I can run the route solo. I'm pumped about the idea.

Well, that's my update for the past couple of weeks. I hope to get out to Farmdale and run some more trails and figure out a course!

Happy Trails.

McNaughton Park Trail Run: 50 miler

2006-04-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'm searching for the best way to start this blog o' mine. What words could best convey how I felt attempting to complete 50 miles at McNaughton? Fear, anxiety, pain, humility, awe, joy. Yep, those are good. So, I was a bit anxious and quite fearful as I milled around at the starting area. Last minute questions for myself like "what in the world have you gotten yourself into?" "what will people say when you drop out at 30 miles?" "how are you going to deal with the added extreme temps?" "FIVE MINUTES TILL THE START!" Andy yells, giving me little time to answer any of my qualms. Well, here goes everything.

So the first mile or so was a bit bottle-necked even with the added prairie loop before the first hill. That was fine by me, it gave me time to work out the nerves and remind myself that in an ultra, especially your first, there is no need to hurry. I had heard there was a bagpiper playing tunes last year and had hoped he'd be here this year. When the race started without the calling of the pipes, I was a bit disappointed. But just as we started up the first hill, I could hear that sweet melodious sound in the distance. Was I already experiencing one of those famous ultra marathon hallucinations? I know I'm a newbie, but come on, after only one mile!? Sure enough, after cresting the hill, there he was in the middle of the prairie giving us an Amazing Grace salute. My heart rate was already up from the climb, but this really got it going. There's just something about the pipes that bring tears to my eyes. What a magnificent way to start a race.

I won't bore you with a loop by loop analysis of my race. I'll just hit the high notes, and low notes, of my experience. I ran the majority of the race with my new training buddy of the last month or so, Mike Klopfenstein. We stuck together for probably 46 of our 50 miles only separating here or there depending on aid or bathroom stops. It was crucial for me to have someone there to help keep my mind off of this monumental task.

The first three loops felt surprisingly good. I felt strong and had taken the advice of local ultra veterans of taking it easy for the first two so you have something to give on the last three. On the first loop, I made an attempt to keep my feet as dry as possible. After that, I realized you are supposed to get dirty while running an ultra. I had hoped to get through three loops before the day started to heat up, but after the second loop, the sun was making matters a bit toasty. In other words, it was stinkin' hot. I've since heard that it reached a high of 87 degrees. I can believe it. I'm pretty sure towards the end of my third loop and start of my fourth, I experienced some heat stroke. Chills, tingles, and occassional desire to pass out.

Luckily, God smiled down on our insanity and gave us clouds and cooler temps for our last loop. He also gave me three friends to keep me company. I don't know if it was the high from being on my last loop or the cooler temps, but my 5th loop was easier than my 4th. I also had inspiration from my three kids and wife who were waiting for me after mile 1 of that last loop. One thing that brings tears to my eyes faster than a good bagpiper belting out Amazing Grace, is my family cheering for me. After a few hugs and a snide comment from my wife as to why I was walking when this was a running race, I was off to complete my final loop. This loop also held another experience for me. I got to meet Marty. I knew his name because he had it plastered on the front of his shirt in size 300 font. He evidently is a regular ultra marathoner. He definitely had experience. He pulled no punches in letting me know that he was 63, doing the 100 miler, and was about to pass me like I was standing still. What a character. Lots of those at these events. A very welcoming hodge podge of nomads.

Throughout the tougher, more painful last two loops, I had a growing desire to punch the race director, and my friend, Andy. There he was after each loop cheering me on, telling me I could do 50 miles, and that I looked great. Come on, even when not having ran one mile I don't look "great". If he wanted me to be successful at this, why did he have to put so many massive hills on this course? I shared my wish to inflict pain on Andy with my running buddies. I admitted that with the amount of energy I had at that point, it would probably hurt me more than him. And then, coming in toward the finish of my 50 miles, there he stood clapping and cheering for me and my buddy Mike. I ran up to him, yes, I was running at that point, and gave him a hug. If it hadn't been for his dream of creating a magnificent ultra marathon at McNaughton Park, I wouldn't have accomplished a goal of a lifetime.

Lessons learned in no particular order: 1. Life is beautiful-try some things outside the comfort zone. 2. You can always do more than you think you can. Yes you can. 3. Friends are necessary. 4. My family is awesome. I knew this one, but it's great to be reminded. 5. Everywhere is within walking/running distance. 6. McNaughton is extremely tough. 7. Bagpipers can fit into any occassion. 8. It's OK to hug a guy, but only after a major life changing event.

Mad Props go out to Curt W. for completing his first 30 miler even after a day long battle with the flu. You da man Whisk!

McNaughton Trail Training

2006-03-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day for a run! God blessed us with a sunny 50 degree day. I decided to take along the camera and snap some pics of the course. The highlight of this run for me was seeing my first coyote in the wild. This dude was a big one too. We started our second loop and there he was running across the prairie grass. Too cool!! Unfortunately, I put the camera in the car before the second loop. I knew I was in for a tough run when not more than 10 feet into it, Troy says, "Hey, I wonder if we could negative split this loop." Ah, crap. I was hoping we could take it easy, but there's no rest for the wicked. And, we negative split that sucker. It's good to have people who push you to do better. There were quite a few runners out here today gearing up for race day. Met some guys from Decatur and even ran into (pun intended) my buddy the Zim Master and his training partner. Saw Andy (the race director) and some guys putting the finishing touches on the new bridge. All in all, a great run. Three weeks to go until McNaughton Trail runs. Train on hills!! When I think I'm crazy for trying the 50 miler, I remind myself that the true crazies are doing double that! Here's some pics of the course, hope they help give an idea of what it's like. Happy Trails!

This is my ugly mug. We just finished our first loop and have one more to go. Bald is beautiful.

You are looking at where you will be coming from when you finish a loop. I took this pic while standing at the finish line. At least the finish is flat! Notice the frisbee golf basket toward the right of the pic. As far as I know, no one has been hit during the race.

This is my friend Troy. He's an endurance/tri- stud. Did the Hawaiian Iron Man in 1999 in 10:38. He teaches with me at Eureka High School. He's the one I blame for getting me into running. But, I got him back by talking him in to trying an ultra.

This is the prairie loop at the bottom of the first hill you run down. It's about 100 yards or so into the loop. You actually follow the tree line all the way around it.

Up the second large hill on the course. It's a doosy. But hey, after this one, it's flat . . . for about 1/3 of a mile.

After the second large hill, you run across a ridge from one set of woods to another. The trail curves to the right and goes back into the woods. There are some smaller, roller coaster type hills ahead.

The totem pole. About 2 to 3 miles along. The pavillion is also the first aid station since the start finish area. It will have quite a spread on race day. It is manned by the local running group IVS. You run around the pole and then along a flat area called bluebird field (lots of bird houses).

A nice flat part to run. This is just after the totem pole and heading down toward what is called the beach.

This is looking down toward the "beach" area, called so due to the sand you run through for a short span. You are almost to the first creek crossing. About 3 miles into the run.

The pic below is the first major creek crossing that you come to after the "beach" trail. It can be anywhere from ankle to knee deep depending on rain. You can cross without getting wet by going about 15 yards to the right where there are some logs and it's not as deep.

This is looking over Troy's shoulder back down the hill we are going up. We've just come across the first creek crossing not too far back.

This is actually looking back at one of the flat parts. It winds and twists along Lick Creek. It's a cool run. But save some energy because coming up is one of the toughest hills on the course.

This is by far the most challenging hills on the course. During the race, it has a rope along it to aid you in getting to the top. It isn't too bad, the first three times you have to do it. It'll get your heart rate up a bit. I'm told Eric Clifton ran up this.

This one is out of order. It is supposed to be below the one of Troy approaching the top of rope hill. This is a couple of hills beyond rope hill. It is the amazing bridge project being completed by RD Andy and some dedicated guys. It spans the second major creek crossing. This thing isn't going anywhere for a hundred years or so. Very solid. Andy the workers were cooking out hotdogs and burgers when we went by on our second loop. Talk about torture.

This is almost to the top of the rope hill. It just keeps going. Good news is, there is an elevator shaft downhill coming up soon, and then another steep uphill again. It's borderline sadistic. You are almost half way done.

This is the brand new bridge that the race director Andy and some dedicated friends of his have been working on. It is incredible. Before this would have been the second major creek crossing. Now, you'll stay a little drier. This thing is amazing. Once you hit this bridge, you are half way done . . . with a loop that is.

This pic below is from one of the prairies. There are deer all over the place out here. It was really nice today so there were a few other runners out on training runs and some people hiking in the area.

This one is of me. We're almost up to another jaunt through a prairie. I'm giving the thumbs up because that seems to be what we've been doing the whole time . . . going uphill. McNaughton is a tough one.

One of the flat parts! This is about 2 miles from the end. Way off in the distance is a figure wearing yellow. That's Ollie. He's an accomplished speed walker. He completed the 100 miler last year and was out training. Troy and I are trying to catch him. About where Ollie is, you hang a right and head back into some woods.

The pic to the right is the last 100 yards or so to where the finish line is for the loop. If you look closely, you can see cars off in the distance at the parking area. Congrats, you just finished a McNaughton loop. Now there are only 2 loops to go, or 4, or 9.

My First Time

2006-03-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I've officially entered the world of blogging. I must confess, I'm not even sure what blogging means. I have my guesses.

So, lately most of my free time has not been so free. I'm gearing up for my second ultra running experience. McNaughton Park Trail Runs are in just a few weeks, April 15th to be exact. Why does that sound like an already ominous date? I'm shooting for the 50 miler. There's a 30 and a 100 miler as well, but I'm just slightly crazier than the 30 and not nearly ready for the twilight zone of the 100. I've been into running for about 6 years now. I've done my share of shorter road races and two marathons. Each time, I wonder how much more I can push myself. That's a good thing, right? Each time, I say that this is it. I believe it will finally be true of the 50 miler. I'm surrounded with encouraging friends and some slightly crazy ones as well who keep telling me it will be no problem. You'll tear it up. Well, if only. We'll see.

Big training run tomorrow with Troy. We're shooting for a couple of McNaughton loops (20 miles). Weather is supposed to be nice. I need more long runs. I'm getting to the point of wondering if I've trained enough. In a way, I'll be glad when this race is over, but it will be bittersweet. An unknown that will become known.

I've babbled sufficiently for my first blog experience. This has been enjoyable. I think I'll do it again. Hope I can say the same for McNaughton.