Summer Time training.... JJ100

Summer time in Phoenix, AZ brings on the dreaded oven scorching temperatures that can kill most outdoor enthusiasts training mojo.  I do my best to tolerate it, knowing it will make me stronger, but it never gets easy. Driving to the trail head without the AC on, trying to and acclimatize, then being careful to not blast it too soon after the run is a common routine. Two years ago I trained for my first ultra over the summer months.  I had no clue what I was doing and it nearly destroyed me as I suffered the last 13 miles to finish that first 50k.  After that I vowed to train harder and smarter.

Training harder and smarter came to a halting stop as I entered my first 50 mile race (that next summer) prematurely, Aravaipa’s Flagstaff 50 Endurance Run.  Two months was not enough time and my legs ached with every training run as I broke most every training rule and upped my mileage way too fast. That Race/Run was a very humbling experience.  I cried after that event, it cut me deep.F50 

As I write this, summer is at my door step, reminding me that I have registered for the Javelina Jundred (JJ100) in October.  101.4 miles Holy Sh%t!  My training plan is laidout and I am confident 24 weeks will be enough time to train and focus.  I don’t want to be the poster child for how not to do things, and should probably complete a 50 mile race first, but I do want to follow my heart and the urge to push myself to the edge.  I wanted to run Zane Grey so bad this year, but life happens, and I see it as donating my race entry for a good cause.

My calendar for the next 5 months, instead of being filled with birthdays and family events, is filled with race dates and training runs/trips.  I am so excited at all the new friends I have made in the running community.  I am also excited at all the new adventures I have discovered.  But I also have to humble myself and remember to never neglect my baby girls, my wife, and family.  Ultra running can be a very selfish sport.

So what’s the plan?

I have a few races on my calendar, a trip to Havasupai Falls, family vacation, swimming with the kids, and of course tons of training runs. Consistency will be the key.

A few of the races I hope to do in preparation for JJ100

Adrenaline Night run 65k (40.3mi) June 8th.  (Registered)

Arizona Road Racers 4th of July Run July 4th

King of the Peaks, Flagstaff 32 miles July 27th  

Flagstaff Endurance Runs 50K September 14th

Noble Canyon 50k, San Diego   September 21st

Whiskey Row Marathon 2013.. I am tough enough.

On Friday May 3^rd my wife and I left Phoenix, AZ and headed to Prescott,AZ.  We left at 8:33 pm and figured it would take us about an hour and half to get there.  Traveling the night before a marathon is not ideal, but I didn't want to miss the Father/Daughter Spaghetti Dinner at my daughter’s school.  Sofia (5yrs old) and I had a wonderful date.

Many things have changed in Prescott/Prescott Valley since I begin visiting each summer 25 years ago. I pointed out many of the changes to my wife as we entered town. After locating our hotel, The Best Western Prescottonian, we cruised 1.1 miles down Gurley Street to historic downtown. 

The Court House square is surrounded by saloons, a hotel, bank, and novelty shops.  I joked with my wife that we should have a drink, but it was late and we needed to get some sleep. As I waited at a red light, I snapped a picture of the St. Michael’s Hotel sign, and reminded my wife, “This is where packet pick up will be in the morning.” 

The next morning I was surprised to find out that packet pick up had moved from St. Michael’s hotel to Matt’s Saloon.  With a 6am marathon start and it being chilly outside the saloon offered protection from the cold.  I think it was a great bib pick up/registration/pre race staging area.

This was my third year at the Whiskey Row event and 2^nd year in row running the marathon and my wife ran the 10k. We dedicated our runs to my father-in-law “James Luque” who passed away on April 21, 2013.  He was a very hard working and loving man, I miss him very much.

With About 5 minutes until the start of the race, I took my place at the starting line where I got a glimpse of a ply wood wall covering the remnants of the Bird Cage Saloon, Pearls Café, and the Prescott Food Store which had burnt down just days after the marathon last year.

After a moment of silence for the Boston Marathon victims and a few words from the Race Director, we were off.  At about the 4 mile mark the marathon and half marathon course split from the 10k course and head up hill on Copper Basin road.  I love the sense of community, not only from the on-lookers (walking there dogs, or sitting on their porches), but also amongst the runners as well.  There is a bit of pride associated with how tough/satisfying this race is. 

I have to give a shout out to the “the banana guy. “ Anyone one who ran or has run the half and full marathon know who I am talking about.  I heard that in previous years he has handed out hot dogs and even beer.  The aid stations for this run are perfectly located.

I kept a very steady pace and was feeling strong.  After the last climb I was ready for the last 9 miles, which is a net down hill; and this down hill is brutal as it pounds your legs and body. I did my best to keep good running form.

This year the finish line was moved onto the court house square where you run on a sidewalk lined by people cheering for you as you meet the finish line, which I loved, instead of finishing on the street.  My wife was at the finish line and snapped a few pictures of me; the tree line in the back ground was an awesome backdrop. 

This year I had a 16 minute course PR and finished 21^st out of 137.  Finish time 3:51:03.    

I love running.  I miss my father in law very much. Sometimes we really do have to live like there is no tomorrow.

Marathon Starting line

Happy at the Finish.  

the wife and I enjoying the moment..  Happy Anniversary ;0)

In memory of James Luque

“I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze. But I think maybe it's both. Maybe both are happening at the sametime.”
Forrest Gump 1994 Tom Hanks

I'd like to make a tribute to man who played a big role in my life the last few years, my father-in-law, James Luque. March 11, 1940 to April 21, 2013.  RIP  Obituary

James (Jimmy, Jaime, pops) was hard working man and no carpentry project was to big for him. He built houses from the ground up and was an expert of everythingin in-between. He was there whenever I needed him.

He loved his family very much, and used to fill up his digital photo card so often, taking pictures of them. I was always backing up his photos and clearing his memory card for him. I loved it when he would get this fire in his eyes and this contagious smirk when he got an idea or was excited. I loved watching football with him, especially the Arizona Cardinals, a team we both love.

My kids will miss their grandpa, my wife will miss her father, and I will miss one of the most stand-up men I have ever met.

One running story he told me….  When he was in Vietnam, one morning he decided to go for a run on the beach.  Without realizing it he ran past the safety zone and was startled when he heard a single gunshot as a bullet whistled near him. (Warningshot?)  He said he turned and ran back to the base as fast as he could.  After that day he made sure to not go outside the boundries when he ran on the beach.  He said Vietnam was beautiful, besides the war.

I love you, and miss you Mr. Luque.

I will not be running Zane Grey 50 Mile Endurance run this weekend as we will be burying my father-in-law.  I will be there next year!

I have decided to run the Whiskey Row Marathon in his honor on May 4th, 2013.  Marathon

Good luck to all the runners at Zane Grey. I will be there in spirit.
In the words of Caballo Blanco "Run Free"

 

 

Me and Pops in Greer, AZ and On my wedding day to his beautiful Daughter.

50th Weeding Anniversay Picture.  They would be celebrating this Saturday 4/27/13 ;0(

Bella and Tata

MesquiteCanyon 50K

Mesquite Canyon 50K, White Tanks Regional Park, Waddell Arizona. 3/23/13

The race takes you on various trails including Ford Canyon, Mesquite, and Iron Wood just to name a few.  You are constantly climbing and descending as you watch every foot fall.  I found myself having to regain my balance, several times, after taking my eyes off the trail to enjoy the views and terrain.   

The heat got to me and affected me mentally for a little while.  Once I finally accepted it was warm out, I mentally told my self to stop being a little baby (it might have been another “B” word), but I was able to once again truly enjoy the course. Sometimes you got to stop and smell the roses; and The White Tanks offer marvelous scenery.

I give credit to all the runners who completed/attempted the 50 mile race.  I am amazed at the physical and mental toughness they posses.  I hope to harness some that toughness next month at the Zane Grey 50 Mile Endurance Run, which I am just a little obsessed with.

I am not looking to shatter any records at Zane Grey; I simply want to finish in the time allotted.  The plan is two more weeks of steady/hard training followed by a full three week taper.  I am having some issues with my right knee.  It’s got me a little nervous so I will need focus on cross training while working to heal and strengthen it.  I have come to far this year to give up now.  Finishing Mesquite have giving me a big confidence boost.

Mesquite Canyon was as brutal as advertised. My finish time and place was not what I hoped it would be, but I am not disappointed, I had too much fun! (50k, 7:14, 40th place) 

This is now my favorite Aravaipa Running event.  I highly recommend it; be sure to get your hill training in or it will kick your butt.

 

 

 

Old Man 50k

Old Man 50K, Scottsdale AZ
Finish time 6hr 6Min and Change

After finishing “The Old Man 50k” on March 9, 2013 I was on cloud nine for a few days.    Comments I read on Face Book lead me to believe I am not the only one who felt that way.  It was a great way to celebrate a very noble man’s birthday.  Mike Miller was both the race director and honoree. I was grateful and fortunate to be a part of this celebration.  I was invited but very much felt like it was where I belonged and needed to be. 

I had such a solid run.  Don’t get me wrong, I had to work for it, but the normal aches, pain and self doubt (the wall), never came.  It’s an experience I will cherish and a feeling I hope to replicate on future runs and races.  People can be amazing; Ultra runners in particular are some of most generous people.  I got to mix it up with some incredible runners.  Some ranked, some sponsored, some just as happy as me, to be on a trail so beautiful with like minded poeple/runners. 

Brian, thanks for the invite. 

Thank's to the Miller's for their hospitality.  Also thanks to all my friends,  new and old, it was a great day to be on the trail. 
I hope to be a part of this again next year. http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=19323

 

Participants 15k/50k

On the Trail

East End

One of many horses roaming free

My Finisher/Starter Award

IMS Arizona Marathon (26.2 mi) March 17, 2013

Highlights

·        Point to Point, from Verrado in Buckeye and continued through Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Phoenix, and Glendale.

·        So much fun to run from community to community.  I got a burst of energy knowing I had five miles until the finish and I could see Westgate and The Arizona Cardinals stadium, where the finish line was waiting for us in the distance.

·        Lots of great support from people along the course even some who were sitting on their porches or standing at the end of their blocksto cheer us on.  One lady had a boom box and some pom poms.

·        The course ran by my friend Tim’s house, at about mile 11, and our families were there to support and cheer us on. 

·        The finish line was Amazing.

·        The Double sided medal, which is now one of my favorites.

This was my second road marathon.  I wanted to finish in less than four hours, but it was just not in the cards that day.  Regardless,I had a blast and did PR by 2 minutes from my previous marathon time.  Although I do prefer running in the mountains on a single track trail, I would run this marathon again.

Front of Medal

Back of Medal

Shirt and Bib



Mile 11.5, Tim and I Cruising

Mile 18



2013 Coldwater Rumble 50k

On Saturday January 19, 2013 I participated in my second Coldwater Rumble 50K trail run.  The event is put on by Aravaipa Running and is run through the desert trails of The Sierra Estrella Mountain range, located southwest of Phoenix, AZ.  There were a few course changes and even a new distance option this year.

This year a 50 mile run was added to an already solid list of options including 4 miles, 19k, 31k, and 50k. I toyed with the idea of attempting the 50 mile run, but decided on the 50k, based on my training plan and goal to complete the Zane Grey 50 Mile Endurance run in April.  I had a few goals for this run, but the one that fueled me most, was to beat my time of 5 hours 58 minutes from last year.

The 50k began at 7:30 and I immediately stuck to my plan of being conservative early; it can be hard to ignore the adrenaline that takes over at the start of a race.  The first few miles flew by, as I approached the first aid station at mile 5, I made sure to finish drinking the remaining water in my hand held bottle.  I reached the aid station, staying only long enough to refill my bottle.  I ran alone for the next few miles enjoying the newly groomed trail.

A few miles from aid station 2, mile 10.7, I worked to keep a steady 9 min/ mile pace while running through the sandy wash.  I arrived at the second aid station, had my water bottle filled as I ate a few pieces of peanut butter sandwich and orange slices.  Before heading back on the trail I thanked the husband and wife duo, who had also helped me out a few weeks before at The Castle Hot Spring’s 22 mile run. 

After 8.8 miles I arrived at aid station 3, which is also the start/finish line of all 5 races.  The 50 mile runners were headed back onto the 31k loop, going counter clockwise.  I marveled at how fresh many of them looked. They had 30 miles left in their run and I had 11 plus left in mine. Fatigue was setting in and I wanted to keep moving, so after grabbing my waist pack and second water bottle, I made my way back out onto the Coldwater trail. 

Not long after leaving the aid station my legs felt so heavy that I contemplated dropping out of the run. It took a bit of self talk to will myself to keep moving.  In my opinion, these are the moments that ultras are run for.  The battle with ones self to push past the pain, self doubt, and live in that moment when you’re David battling Goliath. 

 I fought hard those last few miles and crossed the finish line in 5 hours 54 minutes.  I was happy to have run 4 minutes faster then my time from last year. I was also happy to have completed my third 20 plus mile run in four weeks.  I stuck  around the finish line afterwards for about an hour enjoying time talking and laughing with my wife, kids, and friends. Another great day out on the trail!

 

Heading into aid station 3 (mile 19.5)

Moments after crossing the finish line.