Old Man Still running

Davy (or do you go by Dave?),

I'm sorry for your frustration - I can totally relate to the wasted fees.

I think you need to take it a race at a time - but it doesn't sound like Squaw Peak would be a good idea - especially with the climing and declines you would have to do. It sounds like you are realizing that yourself. I would be afraid that if you did do SP that you might push the injury to the point that it won't heal all season.

Have you thought about looking at a round of steroids or cortisone shots for the inflammation to see if that allows the tendon to heal more?

What does your wife say about this? Have you seen a second doctor for another opinion?

Davy- what did you think of the Rocky Raccoon? I am looking at doing it as my first 100 in Feb and was looking for any insights/opinions on it.

RR100 is a great 100 for a first 100. It was my first 100 finish and really boosted my confidence. The loop format makes it easier logistically to plan out drop bags, etc. The trails are soft and weather usually good. They talk about challenging roots, and yes there are roots, but they are less challenging than our Utah rocks.

Also, looking at your speed, RR100 is right up your ally, a fast course. Your danger would be blowing up trying to run the entire way. The whole course is runnable.

Yeah, I've heard about the roots- good to know they aren't any worse than our rocks. I'm very excited for it.

I'm not planning to run the whole thing, even though it is relatively flat. I'm planning on a 9-1 or 8-2 run/walk the whole way. But I don't know a goal time- ideally, 16-18 hours if I was experienced. Since it is my first, I'm thinking more 18-20 hrs.

By the way, I enjoy reading your crocketclan blog. Your quint Timp sounds crazy yet fun. And I'm reading your 2008 Bear report right now- very detailed and enjoyable, with nice pictures. I actually worked the Richards Hollow aid station with Paul (from the blog), so I'm recognizing lots of names.

They did alter RR100 somewhat last year, I think more single-track but jury out whether it is faster or slower. I ran it again in 2008, really thought I could get close to 22, but the heat got to me and I slowed down for the last 50. This year I heard it was even a bit warmer so I'm glad I didn't go. I like it cool.

You would probably also be very fast at Umstead 100 and Vermont 100.

I'd try to focus on the healing and try not to get too worked up about the races that are passing you by. I have to say goodbye to my racing plans too, though they aren't the crazy races you are targeting :)

Are you swimming tomorrow morning? Maybe I'll join. I plan on breaking 10 min for a 400 tomorrow, though I'll only be swimming 600m likely.

Michelle, hate to burst your bubble a little bit, ha, ha. The Legacy Center pool is a 25-yard pool, so a little shorter than 25 meters. Saratoga pool is a meter pool, one of the very few around.

Yep the bad part about skipping these crazy long races is that they are so expensive to enter and usually not refundable.

For heaven sakes - that means I have to do 437yds to get to 400 meters. Ok I am way far off from being able to break 10min, and that means you are sooo much faster than me (besides being able to swim 2 miles to boot), oh well.

Ha,ha, knew that bubble would burst. But still, your pace is good. With 10-minute 400s, as you increase your distance you are on pace for a 45 minute mile which is super for a newbie. I'm slow compared to those serious tri-athletes. I only swim when forced to because of injury...it is so boring. Don't push the speed, first push the distance until your back is fine.

But, I am amazed how swimming can help maintain the fitness while injured, expecially for runners like you with a huge mileage base. It will come back fast. For instance, I basically didn't run for five weeks, yet for two of those weeks I swam like crazy. Then I went out and ran Ogden without any serious training and beat my PR by ten minutes. I guess if I can't run the trail races, I'll have to enter the road races.

Jon, as you venture into the world of 100-milers, you will want to learn how to run trails fast during the night with a good lighting system. It really is an art, learning to feel the trail with your feet. And of course the most important thing to learn is proper fueling. I would be happy to give you pointers as you push further into your ultra training.

That would be great and much appreciated. Even though RR isn't till Feb, I'm already planning- I'm thinking of buying some Hammer Perpeteum, and experimenting with different gu's to see what works best.

For lights, do you do one handheld and one headlamp?

I'm a strong believer in using a hand-held. The problem with headlamps is the angle of the light hitting the rocks on the trail. You just can't see the shadows good enough. Buy holding a handheld lower, the shadows are very distinct and can pick out the rocks easily. Thus, you can really increase your speed. In 100s, if you can keep your speed up at night, you have a huge advantage. It does take getting used to always holding something in your hand, but most of the elite front-runners use handheld bottles and hand-held lights. Some will also use headlamps. I don't like them because they also attract moths, bugs, and wear on the eyes. I've had my handheld for four years now, dropped it dozens of times, works great. A diver's light with 14 LED bulbs.

Another advantage to using handhelds is protection from face-plants. Falls happen as you are agressive. I go down once or twice each race. By holding bottles or the flashlight, your hands are protected. The bottles take the force instead of fingers and palms. My hands have been saved many times.

So -is the green light you talk about your handheld? What brand do you use?

I've found the same thing with headlamps- no depth perspective. But I assumed most used a light/headlamp combo.

I'll email you as I get closer. I'm sure you'll run out of time for me long before I run out of questions for you :) But I appreciate any help.