How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

I ate too much this afternoon and felt bloated at 6:00pm when the track workout started. I did what I could, we did 400m, 600m, 800m 1200m, 800m, 600m, 400m. The first half I was taking it easy, my energy was way down. I picked up the intensity during the last 4, but it was one of those sessions where I would rather be walking. When I eat too much before a session that is usually what happens, so it is not surprising. My legs felt good, though. 

I am planning on one more moderately hard session before the 50k. Friday or Saturday I am going to run to the golf course at nightfall and run up and down the steepest hill in town. Instead of a long, slow session, I plan to run it hard, and finish in less than 30 minutes. 

Next week all easy runs.

Takin' it easy, easy, easy....

Walked to Brookens and did 8 sets of strength exercises, then went out into the field next to the gym and ran up the hill at full effort 8 or 9 times. It felt good to try some hard sprinting, I was surprised I was able to do that many without getting too tired. After the sprints went jogging in the wild flower field adjacent the hill.

Later in the day rode the bicycle 12.5 miles to Sidney with  Rachel. We stopped at the Dairy Barn for ice cream, then turned around and rode 12.5 miles back to town.

Walked to Brookens in the rain, did 8 sets of strength exercises, 30 minutes of hoops, then walked back home. Put on my running shoes and ran to Busey Woods, did a loop in the sloppy mud and pouring rain, then headed back home.

I got a race packet in the mail yesterday for the Devil's Lake 50k. There was a map and a detailed course description. Lots of hill and bluffs, and some off trail running, which probably means I will be covered in ticks and poison ivy when I cross the finish line :)  I'm looking forward to the challenge. 

2 easy miles.

Heading to a Kentucky state park today, will return late Wednesday. Too bad I can't do any long runs while I am there, but I will bring some running books and focus my mind on the upcoming race.

Made it to Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, and ran 3 miles on rugged, hilly trails. 

In the afternoon an 8 mile hike along the Cumberland River, very challenging and fun.

A 2 hour morning hike with Rachel along the Cumberland River. 

In the afternoon 4 miles on rocky single track, stone steps, and hilly horse trails. In the middle of the run I found some monkey bars so stopped to do 4 sets of strength exercises.

Legs felt fresh and strong, the taper is doing its job.

3 miles on rugged river trails before heading back to Illinois.

Now at home and feeling great. My energy is gaining by the day, and my legs are itching for a long run. Can't wait until Saturday!

Got up early this morning even though I didn't need to, so ran 1 mile to Brookens at 5:15 and did 6 sets of strength exercises. Temp. was 57-59 degrees, and my neck muscles stiffened up as I ran. I was thinking a few weeks ago how I have not had a stiff neck in years, so I jinxed myself. I am hoping the stiffness dissipates by Saturday, but if not, it should not hinder my running stride too much, I just can't turn my head to the far left. 

Other than a stiff neck everything feels great. When I was crossing Vine Street this afternoon my legs had some nice spring action - I realized just how fatigued my legs were from all the training, but, they were not sore, just not a lot of energy. The taper has fixed that, so I am looking forward to using some of it on Saturday. 

Subconscious mind : "What, no long run today?"
Conscious mind : "Patience, Grasshopper."

Ran 2 miles to the car rental agency. Legs feel super, I wish I could feel like this for every training run :)

 Sun Dance at Devil's Lake

"The next day the dancing began, and those who were going to take part were ready, for they had been fasting and purifying themselves in the sweat lodges, and praying. First, their bodies were painted by the holy men. Then each would lie down beneath the tree as though he were dead, and the holy men would cut a place in his back or chest, so that a strip of rawhide, fastened to the top of the tree, could be pushed through the flesh and tied. Then the men would get up and dance to the drums, leaning on the rawhide strip as long as he could stand the pain or until the flesh tore loose."
Black Elk


"The Ancient tradition that the world will be consumed in fire at the end of 6,000 years is true, as I have heard from hell. The whole creation will be consumed, and appear infinite, and holy, whereas now it appears finite, and corrupt. This will come to pass by an improvement of sensual enjoyment. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is - infinite."
William Blake


At race check-in on Friday evening, the sun skimming the summer hills which surrounded the base camp, I found that the course had been altered. When I returned to the Thunderbird Motel I studied the changes and readied myself for the upcoming battle, a drop into a dark, hellish nightmare.

I awoke at 2:45am to a clap of thunder. I lay patiently, awaiting the arrival of day. When thin lines of pale light slipped through the window shades I washed and dressed, then drove to the start.

I walked around a bit in the fresh mowed field and the dirt road, said a prayer, the insides of my body beginning to glow from a pulsing energy. I positioned myself on the line, and when the Head Goat sounded the bell, began my journey.

50k and marathon participants started together, 100 warriors surging into battle. The field's cool grass chilled my calves as we ran toward the trees, and soon we entered a shadowy forest, the trail narrow and gradually rising. I was in the back of the pack, unable to pass due to the uneven footing and the tall grass beside the path. Most sections of the first mile were walked due to the upward slope. When the path opened a bit I ran, passing, wanting to expend some energy.

We entered the ice age trail, moving toward Devil's Lake. As we neared the first aid station my recovered knee began to feel weak. I was surprised by this because I had done heavy training during the past 2 months with no problems, and I was coming off a 2 week taper of low mileage. Thoughts of not finishing the race began to haunt me, but I tried to keep my composure. 28 miles remained....

After leaving the aid station we returned to the woods, the trail a moderate up and down. The path soon changed from dirt to uneven rock, and I decided that walking or a slow jog was the safe way to cover this short section. After leaving the rocks the trail meandered through a mix of dense prairie and verdant trees. I was feeling happy and ready for a challenge. I looked up at the brilliant, cool blue sky, thankful to be out in the day running and feeling the power of life.

Reaching the 2nd aid station at mile 6, I stopped to retrieve my drop bag. The course would eventually loop back to this aid station at mile 20, so I stuffed a couple of gels in my pocket, drank a v8, sucked down 2 spoonfuls of honey, and continued on to Devil's Lake.

After 2 miles of easy running I entered the park campground, which was well marked. The campground roads were hilly and I meandered around until reaching the Lake Aid station.

By now my knee had begun to ache and feel stiff, and I considered dropping out of the race. The idea of quitting while I was still able to move forward did not seem right. The run had now become more than a battle with the course and my overall fitness, from this point until mile 26 I was to run in constant pain. How was I going to react to this challenge, would my resolve crumble, my mind break into a complaining nag? I was curious to know how everything would turn.

As I left the aid station and passed the park headquarters, it occurred to me that this could be my last race in a while. I came to a steep paved road. The runners around me were walking, and I would have liked to walk also, but I discovered that running hills hurt less than walking them, so I ran intermittently, walking only to catch my breath and give my legs a rest.

When the road section came to an end we entered a trail of stone steps which led us to the top of the bluff. The views of the ever diminishing lake were inspiring, and some runners stopped to stretch, take pictures, and enjoy the moment. By this time I was trying my best to run with the pain, allowing it to be, and not be overly concerned about it. I was determined to enjoy the challenges of the day, and pain was now a part of it. Accepting it seemed to be the best idea.

Fortunately my fitness level appeared equal to the course, as my breathing was steady and leg strength on the hills solid. As I worked my way slowly to the top of the bluff I remembered the Sioux sun dance mentioned in the book Black Elk Speaks. Pain was a purifier, a way to a better understanding of the self and the world - today was my sun dance.

Another recurring thought was hell and nightmares. Even though I was surrounded by the beauty and calmness of nature, attempting to run long distance on the rugged terrain made things appear in cold black and white. At any moment my energy could evaporate, leaving me with a recurring dream I have of running slow as a turtle.

It may appear that the pain and morbid thoughts were a drag on my psyche, but the intensity of the run thus far had brought on a seriousness and focus which made everything seem light and happy. I love the music of Mahler, and on the finale of his 8th symphony were the words "to be serious is the greatest joy". Amen to that.....

I am not sure how long the bluff run was, it felt like miles, but in reality it was probably less than a mile. Before reaching the top a few runners passed us going the opposite direction. As this part of the course was not a loop, someone was going the wrong way. Had the dreaded "getting lost at a DWD race" happened to me?

A runner close by spoke out, "I studied this route precisely, I know we are going the wrong way. This is my first marathon - damn!" I also had thoroughly studied the course, but my conclusion was that we were going the correct way, by reason of how could so many people be running in the wrong direction?

Topping out on the bluff, I stopped a brief moment to look at the lake below. I decided I wanted to return to this place another time for some hiking and relaxation. As I moved away from the viewing boulders, that comforting thought disappeared, replaced by concentration upon my footwork to navigate safely down the rocky bluff.

After leaving the rocks I turned onto a descending dirt/gravel road. I watched a man in his 60's chugging along not far from me. I had the desire to go faster and allow gravity to increase my pace, but my knee prevented the attempt. When I got off the road I crossed one of the park highways and then headed into an overgrown field of weeds. The tall grass made it difficult to see the uneven ground, but I did a good job picking up my pace without falling.

After leaving the field I turned into a trail-less woods. Numerous pink flags marked the correct direction to proceed, but as I had caught up with 3 runners, I simply followed as we jumped over fallen trees and big rocks, and got scratched from thorn bushes. The leader of our forest running group was walking most of the time because the footing was poor, so I also walked, having no desire to attempt a pass.

Mile 13 and the Burma Road aid station was approaching, but I had lost interest in miles and time. All that mattered now was to keep moving, watching the sun and sky, drinking and eating - to run long and love it.

About 1/2 mile from Burma Road I started to run with ease, the speed increasing, I passed several runners and followed a young woman into the aid station, which was set up in a shadowless prairie. The day was getting warmer, so I poured some water on my head, downed a gel, and eyed some cut potatoes. In various race reports which I have read, aid station potatoes are usually eaten reluctantly because of their poor taste. I was feeling the need for salt, so I decided to try one. Expecting a raw, hard piece of nastiness, I was pleasantly surprised as I bit into the soft, salty tuber.

Feeling a bit cooler and rested, I left Burma Road and headed into another trail-less woods for more log hopping and stone stepping, my legs getting more cuts from thorny plants. I crossed a road and continued going down, and finally arrived at the shore of Devil's Lake. The shoreline was a narrow, weaving slab of asphalt which wended through various sized boulders. The sun slanted across the shining rocks and made me squint. I could see 4 or 5 runners ahead of me, and I tried to maintain a moderate to quick pace as it was mostly flat. I did not care for this part of the run so much because there was no shade, and the trail surface was hard on my feet. I was happy when it came to an end and I returned to the Lake Aid station, mile 15.4.

I tried to take my time at the station as I had overheated. I drank some water, poured it on my skin, ate another potato and pretzels. I watched some of the runners get quickly in and out of the station, but I did not want to rush, so I rested and stretched for a minute or two. The run was half over, and I was hanging in there - appetite was good, no blisters. I had peed only once, which I have learned is normal for my body. In warm weather I don't pee, no matter how much I drink. It is what it is....

I left the aid station somewhat refreshed and started running to the other side of the lake for more bluff climbing. I got onto a dirt road that ascended for what seemed like a long time. I passed some runners here as it felt better to run than walk. One of the runners I had passed at the beginning of the road cruised by me near the top, maybe my running had inspired him? He looked strong.

When the road came to an end I turned onto a rocky bluff which looked similar to the bluff I had climbed earlier. For a few minutes I thought I had taken an incorrect turn and was on the wrong bluff, but as I climbed upwards on the rocky steps I saw a few transcendent boulder formations that were one of a kind. Maybe this is where the devil hangs out? By now, approaching mile 18, I had gotten used to the pain in the knee, it was a part of me, like a crooked finger or blackened toe nail - not pretty, but I am comfortable with it, and it seems normal.

While obviously not running my best, I had still managed to achieve a trance running state - time evaporates like water on a hot skillet, running feels easier than sitting in a plush recliner, the slide show is set to automatic, and the beauty of the world flashes like a neon sign out front of a transient hotel.

Reaching the top of the bluff, I arrived at the South Bluff aid Station. Post-race the Head Goat wrote, I have to believe the South Bluff aid station was the most dramatic setting of any aid station in the world, I hope ya had a second to take it in....

Running down the rocks and entering a sun drenched field, I could feel my quads on edge. I was dangerously close to reaching the point of no return, where the legs give out and refuse to get back into running mode. Fearful of having to walk the final 12 miles, I slowed down a bit, calmed my breathing, and made it to the Steinke Basin aid station at mile 20, where I accessed my drop bag for the second and last time. I made sure to rest and regain the strength in my legs. I drank 2 cans of V8, ate sea salt potato chips, slugged a gel followed by honey and water. I walked to the aid table and ate a potato chunk and pretzels, then soaked my head, arms and legs with water.

As I stood in the hot prairie sun, the water on me evaporating, a female runner looking dazed and confused asked me if she would be returning to her drop bag. I asked what distance she was running and if this was her 2nd time at the station, but she replied "I don't even know anymore". She needed one of those salted potatoes, fast.

As I got ready to resume my run, I thought "I don't want this to end, I am having too much fun".

I was now running the first two legs of the race in reverse, 6 miles back to the start, which was to be followed by a 5 mile loop up and down snow-less ski slopes. A little more than 4 hours had passed, so the sun was gettin' up in the sky, relentlessly throwing down its summer heat. Yeah, it felt good!

In a stretch of uphill prairie I was following a guy in his 60's. He was moving slow, but so was I because I could not pass him. I stopped and leaned on a small tree, did some side leg lifts, stretched my calves, then caught a burst of energy and soon passed the guy, running pretty hard into the Rave aid station. I ate pbj slices and potatoes, mmmm. The guy came in, then quickly left, while I was still stuffing my face with food. I was starved, which I felt was a good sign. I was still waiting to pee, though.....

The lovely female aid station workers told me, "be careful on the upcoming trail, it will be easy to trip with tired legs." I heeded their call, but knew a slight lapse in concentration could have me eating dirt or laying unconscious on a smooth stepping stone.

By this time I had passed and been re-passed by the same 5 or 6 runners all morning. Now again I came upon 2 guys and 2 girls who I had been running with a few times previously. I tucked in line and we followed a tricky single track. My allergies were getting bad so whenever I had to blow snot out of my nose I would slow down and get further behind so as not to offend the runners ahead of me.

I was starting to feel good again, my quads had recovered, and I was moving with a quick ease. We got into the final aid station before the start/finish line and once again I was the last to leave. I liked the potatoes too much and did not like to rush.

The final 2 miles were downhill on the ice age trail. The path was rooted and rocky, narrow and twisting. It was easier going uphill on fresh legs, but with the end in sight for the marathon runners, the speed and intensity was picking up. A guy in front me yelled out in pain and fell in a heap against a tree. I stopped and gave him some encouragement and help. He had suffered a severe leg cramp and could not stand. I stayed with him for a few minutes, along with another runner, until he could stand and smile. The other runner helping said, "what a shame, your dirty and your shirt is ripped." "This is nothing, you should see the runners when they are coming down the trail at Leadville". Indeed....

5 minutes later, at mile 25, I heard a scream from behind and I turned back to see a lady laying on the ground, grasping her calf. I went back to her and she said she had a calf spasm. I stayed with her a minute or two until she was able to stand.

Before getting to the end of the trail I tripped twice on roots, but had luckily balanced myself to avoid falling. 200m from the finish area was an aid station for the 50k runners, as we still had 5 miles to go. I once again took my time, eating potatoes and a gel, filling my bottle, splashing water on my head. With no more aid stations and probably another hour of running, I wanted to make sure I had enough energy to finish without bonking.

I left the aid station with the 2 guys and 2 girls who I had followed earlier. We got onto a wide, grassy ski slope, going up. We walked most of this section, and for the first time since mile 7, my knee no longer hurt. I felt relief, and wanted to start running before it started hurting again. After 2 miles of slugging along like a turtle, potato power must have kicked in, because I felt fresh as a daisy. I passed the line of 4 runners, the front girl turned to me and jokingly said "want to race?" "Noooo, I know the end is near, and I want to make sure I have nothing left at the finish". "There you go", and go I did.

I got up to 10k speed and held it for the final 3 miles. I passed 8 runners in about 10 minutes. One girl heard me fast approaching and turned around to look at me with disgust. Her expression made me laugh, she must have took me to be a relay runner who had gotten lost? I did not give her time to tell me to %#$@ off because I passed her quickly and soon was out of sight.

The empty, abandoned ski slopes were creepy and forlorn, with lonely, black chairs hanging ghost-like in the silence. I thought of those 70's slasher flicks and would not have been surprised to see a man wearing a hockey mask with axe in hand.

On the final 400m downhill I could not slow down due to the steepness, and my right hamstring spasmed, while at the same time my left foot landed too hard on the ground. I was able to keep the pace though, and in the final 800m picked up even faster.

With 400m to the finish I saw a runner staggering along. I was going to pass him too close to the finish - that was not right, but I was not going to slow down for that reason. When I passed him, spectators were ringing bells and cheering, and the runner must have got pissed because he passed me with 100m to go, no way I was going to catch him, he was a good sprinter! I was happy that he had crossed the line first, and as we slowed to a stop I slapped his hand, smiled, and said "I wanted to make you work for it!" We had crossed the finish together 6 hours and 22 minutes after starting this heaven and hellish adventure.

I was bent over, breathing heavy as if I had just completed a 5k. My knee was shot, hamstring sore, foot derailed, thighs ripped from thorn bushes, but I felt refreshed and not very tired. I wanted to keep running, but knew the race was over. I let out a sigh and went searching for a boiled potato.

Not sure when I can run again, the race tore me up. No regrets, though, I would do it again, no hesitations.

I have a lot of energy so rode some fast miles on the bike at the cemetery. Back to bike riding, oh no! :)

More fast bike miles at the cemetery, legs felt strong, hamstring and foot getting better, even the knee does not bother me, although that is because I am not running....

Making a nice all around recovery. Hamstring improved quite a bit today, foot is better, and the stiffness in my knee is quickly disappearing. Will try to do some running either Saturday or Sunday, until the knee starts to hurt. Each time out the knee should get a little better. 

Unsure if I will be able to make it the Howl race, it is a month away. One positive is it will be an easier course than Devil's Lake. A simple 3 mile loop on flat trail, that is the kind of terrain which my knee can tolerate, so I just have to get to 90% to give it a go. If not, there is always a race down the road. 

Lots of energy today, so rode hard loops at the cemetery for the 3rd day in a row, then stopped at the Lake House for a park district meeting and free ice cream. 

Hard bike loops at the cemetery. Wll try a bit of running tomorrow.

A test run to see how my knee is feeling. It felt a little tight after 2 miles so I stopped. I am guessing 4-6 weeks of limited running will be needed, so the Howl race is out. Since I am going to have some leisure time due to no running I should find another activity to keep me busy. 

Having lost interest in short races, and unable to run the longer ones, there is no need to keep a detailed record of each daily run. For the next few months I will run casually when I can, and work on recovering when I can't.

Keeping a running journal has been satisfying and a motivator. I now move onto other things.....