running, life and living the dream

This is my second time participating in an inaugural event. So far I am 2 for 2.  I don't only mean finishing the races; I mean well put on races that have the feel of a race that's been around for years.   They inaugural  Colossal Vail took place on Saturday November 15, 2014 in Vail, Arizona on the Arizona Trail .   Vail is 25 miles South of Tucson.   50k and 50 mile race options were available; I chose the 50 Mile option.     When Tim, my good running buddy and doctor from California, and I arrived at Colossal Cave Park it was dark. I could only see the lights near the packet pick up table.  I had already got my swag bag the day before, so all I needed to get was my bib.   A few minutes before 6:30 am, the race starting time, the mile 50 mile race participants gathered together at an imaginary start line and listened to instructions. I was excited and slightly nervous but not my typical bouncing off the walls nail biting self.  Life had been busy, and I really had n

I have been slacking on my blog.  My original intent was to update at least bi-weekly, but life is busy. I have had a lot of hobbies/interest over the years but the one that has been constant is running.  I have been addicted since 2011.  I have had some ups an downs, mentally and physically, but it is still a passion burning deep inside of me!  I love it.. My last post was about the Javelina Jangover.  But prior to that was my April Zane Grey report.  I have had some adventures in between. Here is a quick look.  Kristen Steele's Birthday Run. 5/25/14 Competitive Loop, White Tanks  21 miles.  Good Times.  Kristen is a sweetheart and a friend to all.  She is very inspiring.   In between loops. Giles, Michelle, Kristen, Haley, Mike and others  Mt. Ord run near Payson.  Adam Livingston set this up.  Such an awesome time with good people and passionate runners.  Got to officially meet some of my social media buddies!  15.1 Miles 4,004 Feet of gain.   This wa

Aravaipa Instagram Post  Bad ASS shirt Anytime rain is in the forecast for a race my mind drifts back to last year’s Zane Grey 50 Miler.   That one still stings.   But for the Javelina Jangover 50k I was looking forward to the rain.  The lower temps and a run-able course made my mind spin with thoughts of a PR. But I had to remind myself, not to go out to fast! My wife and I carpooled to McDowell Mountain Regional Park with Chris, a fellow runner and accomplished bow hunter, and his wife.   We got to the park, picked up are bibs, and begin to get our gear ready for the run. I was excited to be back on the Pemberton trail, last time I was there was for the JJ100. Looking West from the parking lot Looking East Near the Start line The skies were beautiful, any direction you turned to look you were in for a treat.   I snapped a few photos, caught up with a few friends and eagerly awaited the start of the 50k.   The 75k runners were off and the 30 minutes betw

 Due to Extreme Weather the Race Ended up only being 33 Miles.  I only made it 17. The Zane Grey 50 Miler is a race I have been dreaming of running since I crewed for my buddies in 2012.  I have the utmost respect for its history and lore of it being ruggedly tuff.  Per the Website its “Regarded as the toughest, roughest and most beautiful 50 mile trail runs in the country. It runs point-to-point along the Highline trail from Pine to Christopher Creek, Arizona” Early on race week I begin to hear chatter of a huge storm set to roll in the Saturday of the race.  As the week went on, the talk of a more substantial storm lit up Facebook.  I begin to worry a bit. I was constantly checking weather.com for updates.  This added to the anxiety I was already feeling for the race under normal conditions.  “It’s the afternoon heat that gets you” I heard over and over while planning for the race.  Now I had to plan for cold weather. I packed long sleeves, gloves, beanies, extra socks,

I recently had the honor of being a guest on the “Running in the Center of the Universe” Podcast.  The show is hosted by Ashland Dave.  I have been listening to the show close to 3 years now.  What draws me to the show is how real and down to earth Dave is.  I like his running stories and perspective on life.  I think he is a straight shooter and shares the same love I have for running. I have emailed the show several times to comment and share my opinion on various topics.  When I mentioned to Dave I had completed the Javelina Jundred (JJ100) I was asked if I would like to be a guest on the show.  I did not hesitate to say yes.  After a few months the interview took place on Wednesday April 16, 2014 .  Here is the link.   Running in the Center of Universe Podcast I will be honest, I was nervous; it was my first Podcast interview.  It was exciting to re-live the JJ100, which was my first and only 100 mile race/run to date.  Reflecting on it really made me think about how

It was only 7 more miles to finish, but I decided to drop at 24.  To be honest I was hurting , both knees were screaming, and my heart was not in it.  This was my fourth ultra DNF.    Those that know me well can attest to how sensitive and emotional a person I am.  My running reflects that. I made a rookie mistake at the Coldwater Rumble 50k at the end of January.  I will call it my zero drop flop.  I went from Hoka shoes to a zero drop Altra shoe. For those not familiar I will describe it as going from platform shoes to flats. I love the Altra's, but instead of the slow transition, the shoes went straight from the box to my feet and on the trail for a 50k. I paid for it greatly.  I have been sidelined with and injured foot.   Enough wining.  I wanted to run Elephant Mountain since it's inception. I signed up Tuesday, the last day online registration was possible.  It all felt backwards for me.   But I will say this.  What a wonderful course and trail race. Yes there are tons o