tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78760260209352520572024-03-19T08:44:28.521-07:00The Solo Runner - One Guy's Ultra-Running AdventuresBlogs and Race ReportsLanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-45050911771777153782016-07-23T06:54:00.002-07:002016-07-23T06:54:05.810-07:00The Injured RunnerJune 5, 2016, I woke up and decided to go on a 20 mile bike ride. I had been nursing a sore knee for the last week and had eased off of running to let it heal. I did my ride that morning. Nothing unusual happened. Speed was average. I felt good.<br />
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June 6, 2016, I went to work and felt like I had a pulled muscle in the small of my back, on the left side. By Monday night, I felt it in my left hip. Still not feeling a whole lot of concern, I ran my Stick over it, put some heat on it, and went to bed.<br />
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June 7, 2016, I woke in the middle of the night and noticed that it hurt for me to lay on my left side. Still in a semi-sleepy state, I just blew it off and rolled over. At 4:30am that morning, I woke up for work. When I went to get out of bed, I could barely walk. Pain shot down the left side of my lower back and left leg, stopping at my knee. Still not that concerned, I hobbled to the coffee pot to start my day. I knocked something off of the counter and I tried to bend over to pick it up. That is when I realized this was not a normal cramp or something I could just walk off. Pain shot up and down my back and leg, more intensley this time. I hobbled back to bed and told my wife that I didn't think I could go to work. I planned to lay in bed a few more hours and then go see my chiropractor, thinking I had something out of allignment in my back.<br />
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By 6:30am, the pain had intensified to a level that I could no longer tolerate. I told my wife that I felt it was time to go to the ER. The pain was so intense, I was literally nauseaus, and had to drag myself to the bathroom and throw up several times from the pain. Afterwards, I lay on the bathroom floor, feeling unable to get up. I changed clothes on the floor, as best I could, and then took a tortorous ride to the ER. The diagnosis............Sciatica. A slightly bulged disc in my L5 and what I would learn later, my L4. After many pain shots, steroids, anti-inflammitories, etc...I left the ER that afternoon a non-runner. I was hobbled. Although my pain had been reduced from a 10 to a 3 or 4, I was nowhere near back to normal. I was confined to my bed and stayed on a steady flow of pain pills and muscle relaxers. Even after all this, I still felt I would only be down a week or two and then return to my normal life.<br />
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As time went on, I began to realize that my normal life was on hold indefinitely. I had gone back to work, but even that was a task. My back pain had subsided, but I was still on pain pills, and although they helped to a degree, by the end of my work day, I was walking like I had a wooden leg. My knee no longer bent. I had to tolerate a constant barrage of shocks to the medial area of my knee, all day long. My quad throbbed all day long, and my skin was so sensitive to the touch, that wearing pants all day long was literal torture. I began to come to the realization that this was not normal injury, and it may be some time before I would resume normal life, if ever. I began researching my injury online. Sciatica didn't fit the bill for the sypmtoms I was having. After a lot of research, I learned that the problem may have initially been Sciatica, but I was now having problems with my Femoral and Saphenous nerves. These nerves run down the front of my quad and into the medial part of my knee, which was exactly where my pain was. I was certain this was my problem. (This was later be confirmed by a Neurologist, who noted a bulge in my L4). Now what to do about it.<br />
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After researching a variety of therapies, I gave Active Release Techniques (ART) a try. I had to drive 100 miles to get it, b/c there were no doctors in my area that were certified in these techniques. Basically, ART is a series of complex stretches that are done, while the nerve is pressed on in certain areas during the stretch. People with injuries similar to mine have had success with these techniques. My first session was brutally painful. I had no flexibility in my joints. He worked my nerves from my Sciatic, to my Femoral and Saphenous nerves. With each session, I felt a reduction in pain and had more mobility. <br />
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July 23, 2016, I am still in recovery. I no longer walk with a limp and my pain is near 0. The shocks to my knee are mostly gone and my knee numbness is minimal. I ran 1 mile three times this week. Each time feeling stronger that the time before. I am still a long way from running a half marathon, much less an ultra, but I am not ready to throw in the towel yet. I will keep pushing forward and hopefully, I will be able to be a runner once again.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-54497625229105889512015-02-16T11:26:00.000-08:002015-02-17T06:51:02.869-08:00Rouge-Orleans 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Rouge-Orleans is a race I have been having on my bucket list since it's inception in 2011. It is run on the levee of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, covering 126.2 miles. For one reason or another, I always put it off until "next year". I nearly did that again in 2015, but my wife convinced me that I should sign up, since I was already in pretty decent ultra shape. So after completing a few "test" 30 milers on the road, which is a distance I usually reserve for trails, I decided to enter. I had little time to organize a strategy and crew. As always, my wife Erica would be my primary crew person. I also enlisted two pacers, Eric de Ronde and Heather Schilling, to pace me for the last 45 miles.<br />
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My race day began quite early. I started in the second wave, which began at 3am on Saturday, February 14. The Running Gods blessed us with clear and moderate temperatures for the race, and no rain. My only concern would be the temps getting into the 70s on Saturday.<br />
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So, at 3am, on Valentine's Day, about 10-12 runners stood next to the USS Kidd waiting for their race to begin. Before we started, the race director informed us that 3 solo runners, who began in the first wave the night before, had already dropped. That is not the type of story you want to hear before you even start. All the same, our race began in the dark, to little fanfare. A few family members and friends, a 10 second countdown and the sound of the starting air horn.<br />
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My goal time for this race was 30 hours. Starting in the second wave gave me 35 hours to finish. My first priority was not to go out too fast. I started at an 11:00 pace and I intended to run that pace for as long as possible. The first 15 miles or so I shared with 3 other runners, Dan Smith, Geoff Landry and Seth Jones. I knew Dan and Geoff from other races, and they had both run this race multiple times, so, it was good to feed of their experience. They stopped for a bathroom break about 15 miles in and we lost sight of each other. I came across a woman named, Rebecca around mile 20, and we ran together to the first aid station at mile 26. After talking to her, I learned we had run a lot of the same races in Texas. She was running a solid 11:00 pace, and quickly left Aid Station #1. After I organized myself and returned to the levee, I watched as she got smaller and smaller, before finally disappearing. This is the point the real race began.<br />
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Although I have a few 100 mile races under my belt, this race added several more difficult mental and physical barriers to itself that I had never encountered. There was the distance (obviously), the flatness of the course, and the loneliness. The loneliness came first. After parting ways with Rebecca, I saw only one runner for the next 45 miles. I could literally see miles in front and behind myself, and see no one in sight. In a race like this, the contact of another runner can literally pull you out of a slump, just with a little conversation. This, I did not have. It was just me and the levee. The one runner I saw was the only relay team that started in our wave. After he passed me, I was alone again. All the other relay teams started in later waves, and as I reached each relay exchange point, they were empty. Erica met me at certain exchange points to refill my hydration pack and give me hot food. She was my only human contact for a long time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture says it all.....total isolation!!!</td></tr>
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By 9am, the sun was well above the horizon and it began to get hot. By 11am, it was over 70 degrees and the sun began to drain my energy, way to early in the race. There was not an ounce of shade on the levee. I was totally exposed. By mile 40, the sun was really taking it's toll on me, and my pace had slowed substantially. I had to take many more walk breaks than I should have at that point and negativity began to creep in. I did get some motivating texts from some of my running buds back home, but that did little to lift my spirits with what I knew to be ahead of me. It was early in the race, I was overheated, and I had about 80 miles left to cover. It seemed hopeless, and I wondered if I had what it took to finish this race. In a 100 mile race, mile 50 is a mental barrier crossed, because you know you are on the downhill side of the race. As I hit mile 50 at Rouge-Orleans, I my heart sank into despair as I realized I was still 13 miles from even being halfway done.<br />
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When I made it to Aid Station #2 (Mile 55), I got some food from Erica and popped a couple of Aleve and a Red Bull. This definitely gave me the jolt I needed. After about 45 minutes from leaving the aid station, I began to feel the effects and started running stronger. It was between 2-3pm and the sun was beginning to go down, taking the high temps with it. Finally after 60 miles, my mental game kicked in. I rolled past mile 75 feeling rejuvenated and confident. I knew at this point, I was going to finish.<br />
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At Aid Station #3 (mile 81), I met with Eric and Heather for pacing duties. They would take turns running with me until the end, which was a huge pick-me-up, since I had only seen 2 runners since mile 26. Around mile 90 we ran into a group of juvenile delinquents riding 4 wheelers on the levee. Normally, this would not be a big deal to me, but there were about 20 of them, they had obviously been drinking and they were riding aggressively and yelling lots of profanities at Heather and myself. We were totally defenseless against their stupidity. We had just passed by Rebecca, who I hadn't seen in a really long time, and they were heading her way. She was alone, and I feared for her safety. Luckily, they passed her by, just as they did with me and Heather. I was relieved to see her come back into sight. Shortly after, Eric took over the pacing duties so Heather could get some sleep. By now, over 90 miles in, I was exhausted and I started having foot problems. I ran in my Altra Paradigms for about 45 miles and then switched to Hokas Stinson Tarmacs. I was still wearing them, but the smaller toe box was jamming my little toe inward and the pain became overwhelming. I couldn't wait to get to Aid Station #4 to change back to my Altras. When we hit mile 100, I realized I just achieved a new PR. I had covered 100 miles in 21:59:18. Exceeding my best 100 mile time by nearly 2 hours. I guess the lack of hills helped out after all. When I hit the 24 hour mark, I had covered nearly 106 miles. One other uplifting aspect was that the remainder of the race was paved. No more gravel.<br />
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When we hit Aid Station #4, I was in Hell. I was cold, sleepy, exhausted, my feet hurt, and I still had over 20 miles to go. Yet another life-sucking mental barrier was knowing that after over 100 miles of running, I was still a marathon away. Eric and I started again, moving much slower, as my exhaustion had gotten the better of me. I was very sleepy and I was hallucinating like never before. Bushes became statues and animals. The lines of the road seemed to float in front of me. And the flat road looked like up-hills. I thought about trying to work in a short nap at the aid station, but then put it out of my mind. We were about 2 miles from meeting Heather again, and I told Eric I may have to take a brief nap at the next exchange. Shortly after, my hallucinations got to be too much for me to ignore. So, for the first time ever, I took a nap during a race. I laid down on the cold road and told Eric to wake me up in 5 minutes. That road felt like a tempur-pedic mattress and I fell asleep instantly. When Eric woke me, I felt like I could have been asleep for hours and not known it. That short 5 minute nap saved my race. My mind was clear again and the hallucinations stopped.<br />
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About mile 114, Heather joined me again and we continued on. By now, I would try my best to run, but it was more of a meager shuffle. I had nothing left. We finally started to see more runners at this point. Mostly relay runners, who passed us with vigor. They were easy to pick out. They were clean, happy and moving with a purpose. The solo runners at this point looked like zombies. I began checking my map distances and doing the math (as best I could in my current state of mind.), and determined the course was long by over 2 miles. I do prefer a longer course to a short course, but at this point it was a death-blow. Eric picked me up at the last exchange and paced me the last 4.8 miles. We walked mostly. I was totally out of gas, and those last miles seemed as long at the entire race. <br />
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When we got to Audubon Park, Eric turned me loose and I ran to the finish, covering 128.3 miles in 30:42:27. I was done. Good enough for 5th place overall and 1st in the 40-45 age group. I missed my goal time by 42 minutes, but I didn't care. It was a success story for me. I was presented with my finishers buckle, finishers medal and a gator head. I also got the best hug ever from Erica. She is my strongest supporter of all, and she is as crucial to my races as anything. After the finish, I thanked Eric and Heather for getting me to the finish line and complimented them on a job well done. I took a baby wipe bath, changed clothes and went into a near coma-like state as Erica drove us home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric, myself, Heather, and Erica.<br />
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This was a great race for me, filled with the usual highs and lows that come with every ultra, but, I think this was my toughest race ever. The distance, the heat, and the solitude were all huge mental obstacles that I had to overcome in order to finish. Ultra-running is as much mental as it is physical, and I don't think I could have completed this race, if not for being able to tap into the experience I've gained from previous races. Rouge-Orleans is not a race to be taken lightly, and it is certainly not for the first-time 100 mile runner. It is a widow-maker. A breaker of men (and women), and of spirits, and it is an experience I will never forget.<br />
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<br />Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-89973294602384938772014-06-29T07:26:00.000-07:002014-10-14T16:01:13.885-07:00Through Hell and Back!- Running the 777 Inferno<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a resident of the Alexandria/Pineville, LA area, the trails of Kisatchie National Forest are my home. I have run them all, more times than I can remember. Usually, anytime there is a trail race on "my" trails, I take part. Even though it involves me paying money to run the same trails I can run for free any other time. I just like taking part in promoting these trails, and bringing outsiders, who have never run them, into the fold. Enter the 777 Inferno. A spin-off from last year's "Out n Back" series, which offered distances of 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and a 25.3 mile lolli-pop loop around Kincaide Lake, the 777 Inferno broke new ground by taking the 25.3 mile route of the Out n Back, and making it race #1 of a very intense stage race. <br />
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The 777 Inferno would consist of three races of 20+ miles, run 12 hours apart, on the 7s (7am, 7pm, 7am). Race #1 would be 25.3 miles around Kincaide Lake, Race #2 a 22 mile out and back route on the Caroline Dormon Trail, and Race #3 would be a point to point route on the Wild Azalea Trail. A lot of miles, close together, compounded by the LA heat and humidity. This would not be an easy weekend.<br />
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As this race got closer, my intentions were to do some two-a-day runs, a lot of hot weather runs, and run all three routes (one route each morning) at least one time before the race. That sounded great didn't it? Well, life quickly got in my way, and really none of that happened, with the exception of a few hot weather runs. I did log some 20+ milers, but no two-a-days, and my plan to run all the routes in one weekend never came to pass. To top it all off, I had strained my back the Sunday before the race, and was in a pretty good amount of pain. At times, I was unsure if I'd even be able to run. But, after a couple of trips to the chiropractor and a week of no running, I felt I was in good enough condition to try, even though physically, I didn't feel as ready as I would like. After you have run a certain number of ultras, you learn to compensate your physical training with mental toughness, which is what I would have to do. I wasn't quite where I wanted to be with my preparations, but I would muscle through it with my will power. <br />
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong>June 21, 2014 </strong><br />
<strong>7 a.m. </strong><br />
<strong>Stage #1 </strong><br />
<strong>Kincaide Lake</strong><br />
<strong>25.3 Miles</strong><br />
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Stage #1 was definitely the busiest race of all. In addition to this being the first stage race, it was also the Out n Back race series as well. 5Kers, 10Kers, and Half Marathoners, all lined up with the 777 racers to start the day. The sky was clear and the temps were in the 70s. My plan was to moderate my pace, and keep myself cool. Unlike last year, when I totally overheated and walked a large portion of the last 6 miles. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day1- 777 and Out N Back starters.</td></tr>
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All went well on this race. It is a route I have run many times, and I know on a good day, with good temps I can run it in around 4:30. I didn't want to be that fast, but I wanted to do better than last year's 5:15. The route was pretty clean, and with the exception of the 3 very inexperienced mountain bikers on the trail, which would constantly pass me, but then seemed to have to stop for a rest break every 1/2 mile, only to be passed by me again, everything was going well. Even as the temps climbed into the upper 80s, I managed to stay cool and hydrated, and finished with no problems in 4:44:44.<br />
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A little conversation and cold beer afterwards, a quick trip home, shower, ice bath, food, nap, return for the next race. A sequence that became my new religion over this weekend.<br />
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong>June 21, 2014</strong><br />
<strong>7 p.m.</strong><br />
<strong>Stage #2</strong><br />
<strong>Caroline Dormon Trail</strong><br />
<strong>22 Miles</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Caroline Dormon, the girl I love to hate. I had never run this trail until I started prepping for this race, because I was always more attracted to her much better looking twin sister, The Backbone Trail, which has the same starting point, but heads in the opposite direction. Caroline Dormon is a trail that is lacking in many ways. Primarily a horse trail, it is wildly unkept, and judging by the condition of it, has very little foot or bike traffic. Poorly marked, overgrown, unusual turns, re-routes, choppy/rutted portions left by the Forestry Service, a deep creek crossing with no bridge, cross trails all over the place......Need I go on??? I had run this trail 3 times prior to this race, and I had yet to complete an out and back crossing of it without getting lost. Each time I went, I would drop yellow flagging along the route, so I knew I was on the right trail. The spookiest part of this stage is that 3/4 of this race would be run at night. As if I needed another challenge!! The probability of someone getting lost or taking a wrong turn was high.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3ahkao8lqxjYni6P6NMxpUqtYH8IGyVRMWthEK-lEIENJxdGow0lf93-KG9YWcsOlxScMYoSHsOApsH-Vys_jiI8hsTEQna-WkFi30R6x912ywBvZfHvGoiJ1IZhnVh6DVjtE4nQfWo/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3ahkao8lqxjYni6P6NMxpUqtYH8IGyVRMWthEK-lEIENJxdGow0lf93-KG9YWcsOlxScMYoSHsOApsH-Vys_jiI8hsTEQna-WkFi30R6x912ywBvZfHvGoiJ1IZhnVh6DVjtE4nQfWo/s1600/10.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dwindling crowd starting Caroline Dormon.</td></tr>
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We started at 7 p.m., as expected. A smaller group this time, as there were only stage racers now, and people had already started dropping. I hadn't been on this trail in a month, but I had a definite advantage over everyone else, b/c I was the only one who had ever run the course. The trail was as expected............shitty!!!!! The Forestry Service decided to help us out by bush-hogging portions of the trail. This actually made things worse, b/c now we had to deal with tractor ruts, in addition to the already poor conditions. Whatever!!!!!!! Just move forward, I told myself. <br />
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I felt pretty good at first and moved well the first few miles. I covered about 7 miles before having to turn on my headlight for the first time. We got to a crucial, and easy to miss, turn shortly after, only to find that the flagging I had strung across the trail to block a wrong way, had been removed by someone. Forestry Service, I guess. This turn was nearly invisible, and I knew people would miss it. I looked for flagging on the side, but it was gone. Not long after, I picked up 2 runners who had missed that very turn. They saw my headlight and yelled at me to see if I was on trail. I waited for them to come to me, so they would be on course. After that, we were in a tight pack of 4, which ran together all the way to the turn-around. <br />
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The way back was a little tougher. A lot more walking. A lot slower pace. My day was beginning to catch up to me. When I got to the aid station, with 5 miles left to go, I was nauseous. So, after a brief session on my hands and knees, puking by headlight (which seems to be my preferred way of puking during a race), I was off again. Feeling a little refreshed after clearing my stomach. I made it to the end in 5:21:15. Certainly not setting any PRs, but at least I didn't get lost. No time to socialize tonight. It was already 12:30, and in a few short hours, race #3 would be starting. We left quickly, so I could go home and get some sleep. I also learned that quite a few more runners dropped during this race. The numbers continued to dwindle.<br />
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<strong>June 22, 2014</strong><br />
<strong>7 a.m.</strong><br />
<strong>Stage #3</strong><br />
<strong>Wild Azalea Trail</strong><br />
<strong>26 Miles</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The final day!!!! 24 short hours ago we started this expedition with 15 solo runners, 3 relay teams, and some 2 race runners. For a total of around 22 total. This morning we had 9. 6 solo, 3 from relay teams. At this point, all of the relay teams had a member who did not complete and entire leg of their race, but the members who had this leg were still running it, as they should have. Everyone moved a little slower on this day. Runners were tired, sleep deprived, beat up and cut up from running the 2 prior races. And where did this race begin??? In a parking lot, next to a cemetery. Quite befitting, b/c we all looked like death. After battling Caroline Dormon last night, I was happy to run Wild Azalea, which is my favorite trail. I knew I wouldn't have to worry about getting lost. All I had to do was stay cool, hydrate, and get to Valentine Lake to close this day out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final day. Last idiots standing!</td></tr>
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We started with 2 miles of road, which was a nice way to loosen up, then it was the hills of Wild Azalea. My new trail partner, John Hansen, was on my tail, as he had been for the other two races. We run at a similar pace, plus I think he was using me for my familiarity with the trails. No worries!!! It's always better to suffer in pairs. <br />
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Wild Azalea was fairly uneventful. I was moving slower; and rightfully so. On a normal day, with moderate temps, I can make this crossing in 4.5 hours. I was figuring on 6 today. I just ran aid station to aid station, and stayed hydrated and cool. Erica met me at Twin Bridges Rd, which was about 15 miles in. I was able to sit, eat a little, and cool off for my final push. I wasn't eating as much as I should. I could no longer stomach gels, which had been my primary source of nutrition over the past day and a half. After a 10 minute rest, I was on my feet again.<br />
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John had pulled ahead of me at this point, which was ok, because I certainly didn't have the strength or the will to try to catch him. So, I made my way on my own. I caught up to John in the last 5 miles. He was fussing b/c his cigarettes were in his truck at the start, and he wouldn't have them at the end. Yes!!!!! You heard that right! A smoking ultra-runner!!! Anyway, at this point I was running in half mile segments. Half mile sign to half mile sign was how I advanced. It was after 1 pm, and I was hot and exhausted. We finally came to the fire tower near Valentine Lake, which meant a half mile to go. John slowly pulled away from me again, finishing about 2 minutes ahead of me. I crossed the finish in 6:29:16. After enduring Hell for a day and a half, I was done. I had covered 75 miles in a combined time of 16:35:17. I was greeted by the Forge Crew, Erica, and my run bud Lee, who had come to see me finish. But, all I wanted to do was lay down and cool off, which I did. Once I got cooled off, I was able to enjoy a little food and a cold beer. 2 of the 3 relay runners also completed the Wild Azalea course that day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race dying time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best sign of the day!</td></tr>
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When it was was all said and done, of 15 solos runners and 3 relay teams, only 3 of us would complete the entire race. All solo runners. Ed Melancon in 1st, Me 2nd, John Hanson 3rd. Although these courses, when run individually, are only of moderate difficulty, couple that with the short break in between each, lack of rest, and the heat, and you have a pretty difficult race. Thanks to Jeff Beck and Forge Racing for putting on another "ass-kicker" of a race. Thanks to all the volunteers, and to my wife, Erica, for crewing me and supporting me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only finishers: Ed Melancon (1st), Jeff Beck (Race Director), Me (2nd), John Hanson (3rd).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John, the incredible, smoking ultra-runner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOTQK82OxeqWAsApyS6S-L3CladI98gNMbVKyloBiUW95ox-olLHc25cEk7Chzhk0KsfaD_c7UXVNvNATJC1YUDE8FhuOhbbaJJmlsNhE0n26CJruRDqyFB2LSSb6aYLgC5BwK3CowDE/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOTQK82OxeqWAsApyS6S-L3CladI98gNMbVKyloBiUW95ox-olLHc25cEk7Chzhk0KsfaD_c7UXVNvNATJC1YUDE8FhuOhbbaJJmlsNhE0n26CJruRDqyFB2LSSb6aYLgC5BwK3CowDE/s1600/5.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy5uJtV-ZpVofVFMKn5TwlFs2JYlHKhHEGtXxzjbON3IvZ9u80w1ZQ6LE9L2iZTbY7Z_ETIiPq0RJTAEjlJTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Results:<br /><br /> -Ed Melancon- 1st Place<br /> <br /> 7 a.m. Kincaid Lakeshore Trail 25.4 mi 4:22:31<br /> 7 p.m. Caroline Dormon Trail 22 mi 4:21<br /> 7 a.m. Wild Azalea Trail 26.2 mi 5:24:34<br /> Total Time: 14:07:26<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><br />-Lane Gremillion- 2nd Place<br /> <br /> 7 a.m. Kincaid Lakeshore Trail 25.4 mi 4:44:44<br /> 7 p.m. Caroline Dormon Trail 22 mi 5:21:15<br /> 7 a.m. Wild Azalea Trail 26.2 mi 6:29:16<br /> Total Time: 16:35:17<br /><br /> -John Hanson- 3rd Place<br /> <br /> 7 a.m. Kincaid Lakeshore Trail 25.4 mi 4:49:23<br /> 7 p.m Caroline Dormon Trail 22 mi 6:32:35<br /> 7 a.m Wild Azalea Trail 26.2 mi 6:26<br /> Total Tine: 17:21:58</span></span><br />
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Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-37717467176038020702014-05-19T13:06:00.002-07:002014-05-31T15:44:35.770-07:00Pacing Thunder RockA few months ago, I got an email from Edie Riedel, asking if I would be interested in pacing/crewing her at the Thunder Rock 100 near Chattanooga, TN. A very interesting proposition for me b/c rarely does a "flat-lander" from LA get to run on such mountainous terrain. I was able to juggle around my vacation time at work, and within a few days I was on board. I would be running in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a few short months.<br />
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I didn't really follow a specific training plan for this. All I did was maintain my long runs of 20+ miles, usually twice per weekend, and maintained a few junk miles during the week, on the road. Despite my "fly by the seat of my pants" training plan, I was feeling exceptionally strong on my training runs, and I capped off my training with a quadruple crossing (30 miles) of the Backbone Trail, with no problems. I was confident I could pace Edie for 50 miles with minimal issues.<br />
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We traveled to Chattanooga on a Thursday, and marveled at the mountains as we got closer to Tennessee. When you live in a state with a max elevation of around 500 feet, mountains become awe inspiring. We went to the race briefing and met up with the rest of the Forge Racing crew who would be manning the Quinn Springs aid station at mile 83 of the race. Edie was also part of a 3-person team that Forge would be sponsoring, to also include Ed Melancon and Brian Novak. At the briefing we got all the details of what to expect from the trails, and some motivational speak from a few ultra runners. On Friday (May 16) at noon, the race would begin. Randy Aymond was the crew/driver, and I was the crew/pacer.<br />
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The race began on a long, wooden suspension bridge, overlooking a rocky river in Ducktown, TN. Befittingly, right before the start of Thunder Rock, we were greeted with a "thunder storm". It only lasted a few minutes, but there could not have been more perfect timing. The weather was unseasonably cool; about 50 degrees, and overcast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Randy, Edie, and Me</td></tr>
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Once the runners were off, we set out to the Thunder Rock aid station at mile 5.5 to watch our runners pass. We saw Ed and Brian come through. As soon as Edie came into this aid station, it began to hail. What crazy weather we were having. Before we would see her pass again at the Reliance aid station at mile 25, it would hail once more and rain twice. In between storms we were battling cold winds and then hot, sunny spells. The weather was quite unpredictable all day. Once Edie entered Reliance, Randy and I headed to the Servilla crew point, which was the half-way point. We had lots of time to kill, so we had lunch in the "cultural mecca" of Ducktown, saw a few sights and then found a parking spot at Servilla and dug in for a long night. Randy had brought along an inflatable mattress, which I tried to get some sleep on before my pacing duties began. I could not get comfortable, and slept very little. Before I knew it, it was 1am and Edie was entering Servilla.</div>
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After a good systems check, we were off. The course broke me in right away. The first 5 miles from Servilla to the Iron Gap aid station was a jeep road with over 1,000 ft of climb. It just kept going up forever. We maintained a steady walk/run combination, keeping Edie's desired pace. As we were on our way up the mountain, we crossed paths with Ed, who was already on his way down. We spoke for a minute and parted ways. We got a little downhill running on the way to Bullet Creek, which was one of the best aid stations out there. They had everything you could imagine, and were super-excited to help all of the runners.<br />
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Shortly after we left Bullet Creek, Edie began to complain of stomach issues. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">By the time we had reached Starr Mountain, Edie was very nauseous and cold. I had packed a thermal blanket with me, and I wrapped it around her legs, as an aid station worker wrapped her in a heavy blanket. She was freezing and shaking uncontrollably. Then she looked at me and told me she didn't feel she could continue. I knew those words did not come easily from her, so I knew she had to be in agony. It was nearly 6am, and the sun was beginning to rise. I tried to convince her to continue to the next aid station and then re-evaluate, but the next aid station was a long 9 miles away. She felt if she'd continued, her stomach issues would force her to walk the entire way, which in reality would have made her miss the mandatory cut-off time. So as we sat in the cold, wet, 40 degree morning, I prepared to call it a day. Edie told the aid station worker checking in runners that she was dropping. Our race was over.</span><br />
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Then Edie surprised me, when she asked me to keep running. I immediately refused, telling her we were a package deal, and if her race was over, my race was over. She told me that we had come a long way to run this course, and she really wanted me to continue, so that between the two of us, we could complete the length. I was hesitant to leave her at such a vulnerable time, but she was insistent. So, with a heavy heart, I gave her a hug and continued running. My intent was to, at least, make it to the Forge aid station on the other side of the Hiawassee River. That was the 83 mile point of the race. I wasn't sure I could go any further than that, due to my lack of sleep.</div>
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I was still pretty fresh when I started out on my own, so I was running at a much faster pace than most of the runners I encountered. They were at mile 70. I was at mile 20, but they didn't know that. They must have thought I was super-human to have so much energy that late in the race. One thing that did concern me was that I was a pacer without a runner. There was no way for the aid station crews to account for my whereabouts, and if I got lost, the only people who would even know I was missing would be Edie and Randy. I was certain that if I was identified as a "bandit" I would be asked to leave the course. So I got an idea to be a pacer for any runner I caught up to who didn't have one. When I found a solo runner, I would check their condition, give them some much needed company, and then leap frog to the next runner. When I got close to Iron Gap again I latched onto a runner, explained my situation, and asked if I could run him into the aid station. He had no problem with that, so I brought him in, filled his hydration pack, and took care of any other needs he had. Once we pulled out of Iron Gap, I bid him farewell and continued on.</div>
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My trip from Iron Gap to the Hiawassee River was another 8.5 miles, but it went much quicker. I was now running down the mountain, and for the first time since I started running at mile 50, I was actually running on trails, not jeep roads. The trails were soft and wide, with just enough downward angle to let me fly. I made up quite a bit of time, and at some points I had to moderate myself, so I wouldn't run out of gas later.<br />
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I reached the Hiawassee River aid station around 9:30am. I had no runner to latch onto this time, so I would just have to see what they would say. They, of course, asked for my number, which I explained I did not have. They were cool with it, and treated me like any other runner, allowing me to graze off of their aid station. I got to the river crossing which consisted of a rope and pulley system to assist the runners crossing. A long cable extended over the river, with several ropes hanging from it. All I had to do was grab on to a rope and walk across. The water was waist deep and very cold. It definitely woke me up from my fatigued state. The water was also very clear, and I could easily see my feet as I stepped over the rock-littered riverbed. After I made the crossing, there was another smaller river crossing, which I was not expecting. It had a rope system too, but since it was only knee-deep, the ropes weren't necessary. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNeHCSmnTta_5a9wiWxWjY-P58t_LqOC7SGpHo9Sk-RFsfR0B3zTdRYHngmPP4-96WaZt91xi6UQ8ANhx6oB46ty_xhB-QHfe5H5OBbEqc_FVfi83F9LZNQfWxGEerBHbNMHlOlbRb_k/s1600/Thunder+Rock+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNeHCSmnTta_5a9wiWxWjY-P58t_LqOC7SGpHo9Sk-RFsfR0B3zTdRYHngmPP4-96WaZt91xi6UQ8ANhx6oB46ty_xhB-QHfe5H5OBbEqc_FVfi83F9LZNQfWxGEerBHbNMHlOlbRb_k/s1600/Thunder+Rock+137.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Crossing #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofoSfTv5T2uqv4MHPXt6JZRChMc3ZEQVw8T-zBemjk5Va8ptqWLT1pJbe3GhcRtoHs1qY1ACjvV0C7vWPsV3Fj4OLssoKVeqwk_FPhpA05aTv58tTP3StmlzedYCkf0TDEy5SiYtOg60/s1600/Thunder+Rock+138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofoSfTv5T2uqv4MHPXt6JZRChMc3ZEQVw8T-zBemjk5Va8ptqWLT1pJbe3GhcRtoHs1qY1ACjvV0C7vWPsV3Fj4OLssoKVeqwk_FPhpA05aTv58tTP3StmlzedYCkf0TDEy5SiYtOg60/s1600/Thunder+Rock+138.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Crossing #2</td></tr>
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After crossing both rivers, I reached Quinn aid station, which was manned by Jeff Beck and the Forge crew. They had an awesome aid station, with lots of food, music, and most importantly, familiar faces. It was a real boost to see people I knew. Randy and Edie had also made it there, and I was happy to see she was doing better. Edie said it was 10 miles to the McCamy aid station, which was mile 93 of the race, and the final aid station before the finish. She said if I wanted to continue, they could pick me up there. It didn't take much convincing at that point. I had already told Edie before she had dropped, that there was two things I was looking forward to on this course, 1) crossing the Hiawassee River, and 2) making the climb up Oswald Dome. I made few adjustments, grabbed my trekking poles and was off.<br />
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Oswald Dome was a 2,200 ft climb over 4 miles. It was full of constant, climbing trails that wound around the mountain, 45 degree switch-backs, and narrow single track that in some places could send a tired runner tumbling several hundred feet, if they stepped just a few inches too far off the trail. I quickly learned the value of my trekking poles, and I was thankful I had brought them along. They made it much easier to navigate the constant steep climbs, and gave me extra stability on the narrow trails. There were very few places that were flat enough to run on this portion. It was slow going, and it took me 1 hour, 30 minutes to make the 4.3 mile climb (Elevation 3,100 ft). It was exhausting!!!! When I reached the Oswald Dome aid station, I was greeted by some very enthusiastic volunteers who had full body costumes, one was a rabbit, one a monkey, and one a mouse. I, again, had to go through my explanation as to where my runner was. Once they verified my story, they were fine with it. One of the workers said it was a little over 5 miles to the McCamy aid station, and it was all downhill from there. Welcomed words to my ears, so I didn't waste any time.<br />
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As I started down Oswald Dome, the trails were behind me, and I was back on jeep roads. I didn't intend to keep using my trekking poles, but I found they were quite helpful going down the mountain, and I quickly developed a rythym that allowed me to run and use the poles at the same time. The trek to McCamy wasn't all downhill. There were still several climbs to be made, and I thought about how I was duped by the aid station volunteer that told me it was all downhill. Maybe in a car, but not on foot. It took me 1 hour, 15 minutes to cover 5.6 miles down a mountain that it took me an 1 hour, 30 minutes to climb. I saw Randy's truck at McCamy, and jumped in. The day was over.<br />
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Although, this race certainly didn't turn out as we had intended, I still felt a great satisfaction of being able to run the remainder of the course. Although I was very hesitant to continue on without Edie, I was glad she convinced me otherwise. I was able to really challenge myself, and it made me realize how far my skills as an ultra-runner had progressed. I ended up logging 44.4 miles that day. My energy level, body and stomach all felt good, and I felt as if I could have easily gone further. Ed and Brian both finished the race. Ed, in a very impressive 22:21:19, and Brian, in 27:31:20. Both should be proud for conquering such a tough course. According to Edie and most other runners, the most tecnical, and scenic, portions of this race were in the first 30 miles. I would have liked to have experienced those portions too, so I guess there will be a Thunder Rock 100 in my future as well. I will allow a few years to go by to allow them to work out a few kinks that popped up during the inaugural race, before I plan a return. <br />
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Thanks to Edie for inviting me on this journey. It was an honor. Thanks to Randy for crewing, driving, navigating, and everything else. Thanks to Jeff, and Forge, for putting together a great team and aid station. It was a great weekend, and one I will not soon forget.<br />
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Run on friends!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Lane </div>
Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-68667354789369637962014-05-04T14:40:00.000-07:002014-05-04T18:59:11.599-07:00Breaking The BackboneAs I continue to prepare myself for my pacing duties at Thunder Rock 100, I increasingly try to challenge myself with my training runs. It is quite difficult to prepare for a race in mountainous terrain or even terrain like the Texas Hill Country when you live in Louisiana. So my best means of preparation for terrain like this is the widely unknown trail known simply as "The Backbone". <br />
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This trail is a little gem, hidden deep within the confines of Kisatchie National Forest, in the little North Louisiana town of Provencal. A trail that more closely resembles Arkansas than Louisana, The Backbone is an "ankle-turners" worst nightmare. This trail consists of 7.5 miles of tough terrain, with lots of steep ascents and decents on large, rock-covered hills, rock-covered flats, sandy flats, and more roots and uneven ground than you ever want to see on a trail. It is a very unique trail, which resembles no other trail that I know of in Louisiana. Even her fraternal twin sister, The Caroline Dormon Trail, is a far cry from the terrain of The Backbone. Even though these two trails share the same trailhead, and are separated only by one highway, the differences between them are astronomical. It is almost like The Backbone is from another planet.<br />
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So on Friday, May 2, 2014, I set out to do a quadruple crossing of The Backbone, for a total of 30 miles. Good prep for Thunder Rock. However, this would be no easy task. It is difficult enough to run one out and back out there. I was intent on doing two. I started at 6am, and wanted to be done by 12pm, giving myself a 6 hour window for completion.<br />
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I had not run this trail since mid-February, when we had a rare opportunity to run it while it was covered in snow, so I had no idea what the condtions would be like. The trail was fairly clear and runnable, which was a little surprising from a trail that prides itself on minimal upkeep due to it's "wilderness trail" designation, and leans very heavily on the trail users for upkeep. What does a "wilderness trail" designation mean? It means that there are no mecanical devices allowed on the trail. All cutting and clearing must be done with hand tools. Not even mountain bikes are allowed on the trail. I finished my first out and back leg in 2:47. Not a bad time for 15 miles on this course. At the end of this lap, I re-fueled on a turkey sandwich and replenished my water, in preparation for my next 15. <br />
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I was quite surprised that my energy level was still quite strong as I entered my third crossing, and I made it to the other side one second faster than my second crossing. As I made my way back on my final 7.5, I did begin to tire some. The heat was now in the mid 80s, and the hills, rocks and roots all seemed a little bigger. Even though I was a little slower, I still felt good at the end, and that is an encouraging sign that my trail running has gotten much stronger in the last few months. When I got done, I cleaned up and found a nice shady spot to have a little post-run food and enjoy my accomplishment of crossing The Backbone 4 times in one morning; something I haven't done before. Tough runs are tough for a reason...........They make you better.<br />
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<u><strong>7.5 miles per crossing</strong></u><br />
#1- 1:21:47<br />
#2- 1:25:12<br />
#3- 1:25:11<br />
<u>#4- 1:35:32 </u><br />
<u></u><br />
Total Time: 5:47:43<br />
Total Miles: 30<br />
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Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-22319616692235223752014-01-07T17:22:00.000-08:002014-01-18T09:41:06.724-08:00Wild Azalea Trail Challenge 50 Mile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January 4, 2014<br>
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I have been running the Wild Azalea Trail for about 4 years now, since I discovered the joys of ultra-running. I have run every inch of it many, many times, and I guess you could say I am the local WAT expert. I doubt anyone has more time or miles on WAT or it's connecting trails. A few years back I joined a few locals to do a point to point of WAT (24 miles). It was just a fat-ass training type run, where we all met up at one end, ran a point to point, and had someone bring us back to our cars. <br>
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Last year Brad Colwell and Spencer Martin got the idea to make it an offical, but still "bare bones", race, and the Wild Azalea Challenge was born. Last year's race was 27 miles (2 miles on pavement, 24 on WAT, 1 on Valentine Lake Trail). The cost, $10. What a deal!!!!! There was a solo category, a relay, and a mountain bike category. It was just supposed to be a local thing with 15-20 participants. Well, 15-20 quickly ballooned to over 50, and the race was nearly overwhelmed, as the pre-dropped aid boxes were quickly exhausted with so many unexpected runners.<br>
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For 2014, they added a 50 Mile race to the series, and upped the entry a little ($20 for the 27, $40 for the 50). Still a pretty good deal for a race over marathon distance. The addition of a 50 Mile race really peaked my interest, as I have been wanting to do a double crossing of WAT for a while, but never did, because of the difficulty of running 50 miles, point to point, unsupported. There was only one problem........I was already signed up for the Cajun Coyote 100 Mile on December 7th. A very short 27 days from the start of the WAT Challenge. I wasn't sure if my body would be ready to take on 50 miles, so soon after running 100. However, no one has ever accused me of being smart, so after a week and a half lay-off after Cajun Coyote, I was back on the trails, trying to get my legs back in shape. With time in short supply, I managed to do two 20 mile runs, and a 13 miler, on trails, two weeks prior to the race. The week before the race, I ran some "junk miles", just to keep my legs loose. Also, while I was running those few trail runs, I was also clearing and marking portions of the race course. This is something I enjoy doing, b/c I consider WAT to be "MY" trail, and I want people who run here to leave with a good impression, and more importantly, come back. <br>
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The actual WAT, on paper, is 26 miles. I say "on paper", because even though the actual trail is 24 miles, for some reason, the designated parking area for the trail that is located in Woodworth, is 2 miles from the actual trail. I never understood why the official parking area is so far from the trail, but it is. That is where the 27 milers would start their race (Woodworth to Valentine Lake). For the 50 milers, we would start at Valentine Lake, run the first mile on the Valentine Lake Trail, and then run 24 miles of WAT, and back. All trail, no road, which is what I like. The one disadvantage of running races from two ends of the trail is that I knew at some point I would be hit with a barrage of trail runners and mountain bikers heading in the opposite direction. WAT is mostly single track, so this would cause a small disruption to my rhythm. <br>
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Race morning was cold. 27 degrees!!!! We had 10 entrants in the 50 mile race. 6 from Louisiana, 2 from Texas, 1 from Alabama, and 1 from New Jersey. Yes.......New Jersey!!!! That is the power of the internet my friends. There were around 90 participants in all races combined. Being the only person in the race with any real familiarity of the trail, I volunteered to lead the pack during the first 4-5 miles of pre-dawn running, so no one would accidentally get off course. Once daybreak came, the pack spread out, and the race was on. <br>
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I felt surprisingly strong, especially on the first 20 or so miles. I was running faster than I should have, as I always seem to do during a race. I always say, I will hold back on the first half of the race, but then I get caught up in a pack of runners, and my competive spirit tells me to keep up. So was the case here. When I was less than a mile from turn-around point in Woodworth, I crossed up the first 3 runners, making there way back. When I got to mile 25, in 4:26:32, my drop box was nowhere to be found. Since the volunteer who had our drops, didn't anticipate us getting to the end so fast, he missed the first three runners, and drove to the next road crossing with our drops. In the mean time, I was still able to fill my hydration pack, and suck down some hot chicken broth. Also, the runner in 5th place, Elena the Jersey girl, caught up to me. When I got to mile 27, I finally was able to get in my drop box, dump some clothes, suck down a Red Bull, and get on my way. Elena left only a minute before me, and I was sure I'd catch her, but I never did. She is a running machine!!!!<br>
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By about mile 30, I was really beginning to tire. I normally refer to this feeling as a gorilla on my back. However, this race, it was a coyote on my back; a Cajun Coyote. My body quickly reminded me that I had run 100 miles only a few weeks ago, and it had decided that I was an idiot, and therefore needed to run much, much slower. I did a lot of walking those last 20 miles. I followed my usual strategy of running the flats and downhills, and walking the hills. In many cases, walking the slightest hills. My body was really exhausted, and I could feel a sizeable blister forming on the outside of my right, big toe. My nutrition remained pretty good all race. I ate a lot of V-Fuel gels, Ensure, and some fruit, snickers, etc... from the aid boxes. <br>
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When I finally hit the connecting Valentine Lake Trail, I was pretty much running on fumes. I knew I only had one mile to go, so I tried to run as much of it as I could. I texted my wife, and let her know I was a mile out. <br>
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As I approached the finish, I could hear a lot of yelling and cheering. I could hear people chanting "Grem", "Grem", Grem"!!!! Who could be cheering for me? There should have been very few people even left at the finish. When I finally got closer, I could see my wife, daughter, and a large chunk of the Mud-n-Guts (Lafayette, LA) trail running group, chanting my name. It's funny, because this was the smallest ultra I'd ever run, but I had the most crowd support at the finish. Normally, my finishes consist of my wife, the race director, and a few finish line hang-arounds, so it was nice to have a cheering section. <br>
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I crossed in 10:17:03. A little slower than I intended, but good enough. A kid working the finish line asked if I needed anything, to which I gave my usual post-race reply.......Beer! I got my finisher's shirt, cap, and bandana, drank my beer, ate pizza, and closed out the day. It was a nice race, with perfect weather, and a check off my bucket list.<br>
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When it was over, all 10 of us finished the race. First place finishing in 8:27:49, which is pretty respectable on this trail, because there are quite a lot of hills. I finished in 5th place. Elena Makovskaya, our "Jersey girl", finished in 3rd place, as the only female 50 miler, and logged a negative split. This was a training run for her upcoming 100 mile race. Ultra-running knows no gender bias, and Elena proved that by kicking the butts of most of the men, including me. I think she impressed everyone with her performance.<br>
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Now, I know I say this every time I run an ultra, but I really intend on taking a little recovery time for myself, and I will try to keep my runs to reasonable lengths. However, I know that it won't be long before the trails will be calling my name, and I'll be out there again. I can't help it. I don't know how to <em>not</em> run.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the finish line at the WAT Challenge.</td></tr>
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<br>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-31270846522010731032013-12-14T05:49:00.002-08:002013-12-14T05:57:40.169-08:00A Snapshot of Cajun Coyote 100M 2013<br />
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I wanted to do a brief blog of my 2013 Cajun Coyote 100M experience, but nothing too drawn out, so here it is in "bare bones" form.<br />
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The night before, I slept horribly. We opted for the group cabin option, which was nice b/c we were already in the park, but not so nice b/c of the noisy mattresses. No one in that cabin could flinch without their bed making a noise. I don't think anyone slept good that night.<br />
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I set myself a pretty lofty goal of a 22 hour finish, and I hoped to keep my laps on a 4 hour average for as long as I could. I got caught up in the excitement on Lap #1 and finished way too fast, 3:14:30. This, in turn, caused me to finish my next two laps slower than I intended. Lap #2 was 4:07:33, and Lap #3 was 4:35:05. At the end of three laps, I was still averaging around 4 hours per lap, but I was pretty sure Laps #4 & #5 would be slower.<br />
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I also had visitors during these laps, which is rare, b/c I'm normally racing out of state. At the end of Lap #2, my parents and my daughter, Lauren, came to visit. At the end of Lap#3, my bud Harris and his better half came by, as well as Lauren surprising me by staying for the rest of the race.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents, Erica and Lauren.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Harris "HH" Hatchett.</td></tr>
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A few miles into Lap #4 I began to get nauseous. Something I ate was not sitting well with me, and despite my best efforts, my stomach was winning the battle. I did a lot of walking on this lap, b/c when I ran, my stomach felt even worse. At miles 15 (75) and 19 (79) of this lap, I was on my hands and knees, puking my guts up by head light. This lap also offered a light, foggy mist, which fell most of the lap, so in addition to being sick, I was also cold and wet. Also, for some unforseen reason, my handheld flashlight went out, and I couldn't get it to work, so I was down to just my head light. Finished Lap #4 in 5:44:31. Total elapsed time was 17:41.<br />
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At Lap #5 I picked up my pacer, Billy McRae, who is a well established marathoner and iron man. I had hoped to work him pretty hard for this lap, but my nasty stomach left me weakened and slow. He coddled me for the first half of the lap, but as my nausea began to finally lift, he kept the foot on the gas, making sure we were running any flats or downhills, regardless of how slow my run pace was. At around mile 90, the rain begain to fall. It was light to moderate, and it would come and go. Luckily, I was freezing at the end of Lap #4, so I brought my rain jacket for warmth, not anticipating that I'd need it to stay dry. I guess the Running Gods to look out for every now and then. With 2 miles to go, the rain was HEAVY!!!! No sugar-coating it. It was really coming down, and I was so glad we were near the end. My rain jacket came in very handy then. The hard rain did motivate me to run faster, and we finished my last lap in 6:02:18, for a finishing time of 23:44; not exactly the way I wanted to finish, but a win is a win, right? This was my 3rd 100 Mile finish, and I did it 10 days shy of my 40th birthday. Not a bad way to close our a decade!<br />
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As always, I want to thank my wife Erica for crewing me, Billy McCrae for pacing me, my family and friends that came to the race, all the family and friends that supported me via FB, text message, etc..., and to Forge for putting on a great race.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the finish with Forge "Grand Master" Jeff Beck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my pacer Billy McRae.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family.</td></tr>
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Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-55037248097978853222013-12-05T21:07:00.000-08:002013-12-05T21:07:52.897-08:00ButterfliesIt is December 5, 2014. A little over 24 hours until I toe the line for my 3rd 100 miler at the Cajun Coyote. Although I've run many ultras over the years, I still get butterflies in my stomach in the week prior to the race. The preparation, the over-checking of the weather, the little things that I will need during my race in order to finish. I check. I double check. ...And then I check again. I know I have everything I will need, yet I can't help but think about that one thing that I'm missing, which never comes to mind, because I have already packed more than I need. It's scary and exciting all at the same time. <br />
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...And then there's race day. There is nothing better than waking up on a cold morning, under a starry sky, when you can see a cloud of fog with every breath from the winter chill, and knowing that you will be pushing your mind and body to their limits, and beyond. It's not for money or fame, but for a feeling of accomplishment that is known by only a few, and will never be understood by those who have never experienced it. They watch or hear stories, and wonder "Why?" Sometimes I wonder why myself. But on race morning, when I line up with a group of my brothers and sisters, who I may not know personally, but with whom I will share joy, pain, suffering, and victory, I know I am home. This is my place. This is where I belong.<br />
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People often ask me why I run ultras, and the only response I can give them is "If you've never run an ultra, you'll never understand. But if you ever do, you will never ask that question again." So if you are running your first ultra this weekend.......rejoice!!!! You may feel it is impossible at times, but when you cross that finish line, you will be part of a brotherhood that few will ever know or experience. It is true. It is pure. ...And it is a moment you will never forget.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-2692331338159780162013-05-03T13:21:00.001-07:002013-05-03T13:35:56.383-07:00My "Evo"-lution Into The "Hoka Nation"Over the past few years of ultra-running, it had become a common sight to see some of my fellow runners wearing Hokas. They are hard to miss with their uber-thick soles and outlandish colors. However, the thought never crossed my mind to actually try a pair, until I started up with some foot issues last October. I decided I wanted to try a shoe that offered more protection for my feet, especially on long training runs and ultra-length races, but still offered a 4mm drop. Of course, Hokas were the first shoe to pop in my head. <br />
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Hoka One One (pronounced O-nay, O-nay, I learned from watching many online reviews.) is a company known mostly by ultra-runners. (Don't believe me.......wear them to a local road race, and watch for the stares of those who have never seen them.) I've seen them at every ultra race I've ever done. They are thick, ugly and stick out like a sore thumb, but how do they ride??? I decided to find out for myself, after much debate on some key issues: 1) Sizing. I live in Louisiana, and there is not one store in LA that sells Hokas. The closest place to me is Dallas, which is 4 hrs away. So, I would be guessing at the right size for me. 2) Quality. These shoes are hella-expensive, and if I'm going to drop a bunch of money on a new pair of shoes, I want to know I will get the most mileage out of them., 3) Weight. They claim to look heavy, but feel light. How true would this be? 4) Price. Although, I hate to admit it, it is a factor. I am a "thrifty" guy, and it pains me to lay down $150 - $170 for one pair of shoes.<br />
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I initially ordered a pair of Bondi B 2. Again, those crazy Europeans pronounce that "Bond-I" with a long I. This would be my primary road shoe. Two months later I followed up with a pair of Stinson B Evos for the trails.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bondi B 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinson B Evo</td></tr>
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First, let's talk sizing. I had read on many reviews that Hokas are sized a little funny, and in many cases you would need to size up. Well I quickly learned with my initial purchase of size 13 Bondi Bs, that sizing up was not necessary. My standard 12.5 was a pretty good fit. The toe box in the Bondis is huge. Big enough that I would say, if anything, you might want to size down a 1/2 size. I also got size 12.5 in the Stinson Evos. These fit much differently from the Bondis. The toe box is quite a bit smaller, but contrary to many complaints about a "too small" toe box, I felt mine fit fine, and they had no less room than a standard trail shoe. They only feel small compared to the Bondis. <br />
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Next, weight. How do Hokas compare to other running shoes? They advertise as being light, but how light? Well I was able to get some good weight measurements, compliments of my wife's food scale, which measures in ounces. All of the shoes I weighed were a men's size 12.5. Saucony Kinvara 3- 9 oz., Saucony Xodus 3.0- 15 oz., Brooks Infiniti 2- 14 oz., Brooks Cascadia 5- 16 oz., Hoka Bondi B 2- 14 oz., Hoka Sinson B Evo- 15 oz. So as you can see, they are not as light as a minimalist shoe, but are equivalent in weight to most standard road and trail shoes.<br />
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Now, quality and feel. The first time I put on the Bondis, they felt huge. The toe box felt enormous with all the extra room. At first, I thought even a 12.5 would be to big for me, but after putting in some miles, and my feet found their place, they felt fine. There is a short adjustment period of a few weeks for these shoes. They felt a little awkward at first. The first thing I noticed was the pull on my quads from wearing a road shoe that was 5 ounces heavier than the Kinvaras I had been running in for the past 3 years. After about 2 weeks this passed. The protection was like no other shoe I've run in. I felt nothing. I even found myself going out of my way to step on rocks, cracks and sticks, that I would normally avoid in Kinvaras, just to see if I could feel them. 99% of the time I could not. It took about 50 miles for my feet to really settle in to the "bucket seating" of the shoe. As time went on, they felt more natural, and my run times began to return to what I was running before in my Kinvaras. I was also concerned about losing my mid-foot strike in these shoes, due to the thickness. Not a problem! The 4mm drop in the shoe made it very easy to maintain, and heel striking never tried to return to my stride. I never used the Bondis on the trails. I made them strictly a road shoe. <br />
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The Stinsons were the same, but very different. I was initially confused on whether these shoes sported a 4mm or 6mm drop. I saw websites advertising both ways. Initially, the gradient felt higher than the Bondis, but after a couple of runs, I didn't notice it anymore. There are many complaints on the web about the fit of the Stinsons. By far, the biggest was a too small toe box. As I said earlier, the toe box is smaller than the Bondis, but not excessively small. I had no difficulties running in them as a result of the toe box. I ordered size 12.5 and the fit was great. I especially like the snug, wrapped up feel of the Stinsons. Not snug in a bad way; more like a newborn baby wrapped tightly in a blanket. My feet felt very secure, and I much preferred the fit to that of the Bondis. These shoes also come with speed laces, which are a little cumbersome to deal with, but I still prefer them to standard laces. The speed laces can be cut out and can be replaced with standard laces that are included. If I had to have one real complaint about the Stinsons, it would be the tread. For a trail shoe, the Stinsons probably have the least aggressive lugs I have ever seen. They are shallow and small. They perform well on dry trail, and hard packed wet trail. However, if you get in some sticky clay-like mud, the shoes are quickly made ineffective. It is basically like running on slick tires. On the plus side, because of the shallow lugs, once you get out of that type of mud, the lugs clear themselves out pretty quickly and you get some decent traction again.<br />
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Wear and durability. Hokas are expensive, so it is naturally expected that a $160 shoe would give you maximum mileage. As of this writing, I have 210 miles on my Bondis and 125 on my Stinsons. The harder tread on the toe and heel of the Bondis appears to be holding up well on the road. The much softer, "marshmallow type" tread on the midsole doesn't seem to serve much purpose. It is very soft and was quickly worn down after about 100 miles. I think the tread on these shoes will wear long before the cushion does. My goal is to get at least 1000 miles out of these. Hopefully even more than that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CCL1UtDo_U/UYL0Ksc8SWI/AAAAAAAAAOU/_ef5jZLT0Qs/s1600/t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CCL1UtDo_U/UYL0Ksc8SWI/AAAAAAAAAOU/_ef5jZLT0Qs/s640/t.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bondi tread after 100 miles. Notice the wear on the soft mid-sole tread.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bondi tread after 200 miles. More wear on the soft mid-sole tread.</td></tr>
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The Stinsons have tougher tread, and I would expect to get max mileage and little tread wear from regular trail usage. I'm hoping to also get 1000 or more miles out of these as well.<br />
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Now for a few common myths:<br />
1) Hokas cause unusual blistering. (I have had no blistering issues.)<br />
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2) Hokas sizing runs small. (Maybe in the early days of this company. Now I think they are true to size.) <br />
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3) Hokas encourage heel striking. (I have found it very easy to maintain my mid-foot strike.)<br />
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4). You can "bomb the hills". (This applies mostly to trails. The extra cushion and protection does allow you a certain ability to take the downhills faster. However, I don't necessarily like the term "bomb the hills". I would prefer to say that you can take downhills with a certain degree of disregard. You can definitely go faster since you don't have to worry about stepping on a crazy rock on the way down, especially on long, gradual downhills. However, it doesn't pay to "bomb the hills" if you lose control and are eating some dirt when you get to the bottom. You still must use a certain degree of caution.)<br />
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5). The stack height increases your chances of ankle injuries. (The stack height is higher than most trail shoes, but the base is much wider, so it kind of balances out. I didn't feel like I was at any greater risk of ankle injury with either shoe.)<br />
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If I had to make any complaints about these shoes, it would be the tread. The Bondi tread is too soft in mid-sole of the shoe. I would like to see a tougher tread in future models. The Stinson tread is tougher, but the lugs are certainly not aggressive enough. The lugs need to be larger and deeper.<br />
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At the end of the day, I would say that I am happy with both pairs of Hokas. Good protection and hopefully long road and trail life. I had long runs of 16 miles in the Bondis and 20 in the Stinsons, but I'm confident either would do well on ultra distance races, and I can't wait to try.<br />
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<br />Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-12692634676309936512013-01-19T10:25:00.001-08:002013-01-19T10:25:27.844-08:00Lost!!!As I have posted recently, I have opted to take some much needed time off from running to do a little healing. I have had a foot injury on my left foot since Cactus Rose in October 2012. Like a true runner, I figured it would heal quicker if I kept my exact same routine of 20+ mile runs and high mileage weeks. Since completing Cactus Rose, I've run a 50K and had a 40 mile pacing gig, as well as many 20+ mile long runs. Surely, that was the remedy to cure any aches and pains. Right??? If you've ever gone to the doctor for a running injury, their first recommendation is every runner's worst nightmare.........."Time off!". Such unspeakable words. They flow off my tongue like sour milk. What do doctors know anyway? They just have a degree in medicine. Most are not runners. Surely, they don't know what they are talking about.<br />
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Well, after months of my foot injury not getting better, I actually took a big step and made an appointment to see a podiatrist. I also took an even bigger step and decided to not run a step for at least 2 1/2 weeks, leading up to my appointment. That decision didn't come lightly, but I decided to act like a real adult and make a practical decision. <br />
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I have learned that most runners probably do not realize how much time they spend running until they stop doing it. That is the situation I'm in now. I don't know what to do with myself. I still bike some, I do things around the house that I probably would have put off b/c of my running, I watch TV, etc... But when I walk outside and see a cool, sunny day in front of me, the only thing on my mind is hitting some trails. It is a mentally torturous situation. Now I know this is not a big deal, but in a way it is. When something has become such a huge part of your existence, and you stop doing it "cold turkey", it knocks you off balance. That's where I am now...........off balance. <br />
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I know I will run again soon, and hopefully, this little hiatus I am on will let my foot heal and feel better before I even get to the doctor. That would be the perfect scenario. But, until that time, I will continue the life of a lost and bored non-runner. Hopefully, I'll be back soon.<br />
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Run on friends,<br />
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Lane <br />
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Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-24339012410523364672012-12-29T19:19:00.001-08:002012-12-29T19:52:06.979-08:00A Guide To Navigating The Wild Azalea TrailI know there may be a few "out of towners" coming to run the Wild Azalea Challenge next week, and even some locals who are not so familiar with the trail, so since I am a Wild Azalea Veteran, so to speak, I decided to do a little blog on some of the things to look out for while on the trail. Wild Azalea is a great trail. It is 24 miles long and runs from Valentine Lake to Woodworth. Although the trail has been recently cleared of most fallen trees and has been freshly marked, there are a few areas of concern that you should be aware of.<br />
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First off, the trail is marked throughout with yellow dots on the trees. Two dots indicates a straightaway and 4 dots indicates a hard turn. There are also mile markers every half mile. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK96DiJEk5S35lt0M68anGm6rRNk7kEVPwkogoTRaen_Rod3zGmOvsWxS9kLahLkJ4YjXua9QZ1C3yeL1tGh50TzP2DPrYB8PO_LxqN-UhQI_3hgD1qZtmGTvnq5pUD-LknbdNhtBLy_w/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK96DiJEk5S35lt0M68anGm6rRNk7kEVPwkogoTRaen_Rod3zGmOvsWxS9kLahLkJ4YjXua9QZ1C3yeL1tGh50TzP2DPrYB8PO_LxqN-UhQI_3hgD1qZtmGTvnq5pUD-LknbdNhtBLy_w/s320/2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are on the trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIxh2CdrzyaNP9OLCorHFKKq-FnnpAxzAi7hIodOvYWABLv1QlJ1uTtzCH5Y_ew4AQOanGEONdTIVHlkTH40n3jRbpLEGwRo3vzapOn4PGPRDeeZwNCGAtuIAA5RDDNi-gMBHIKQksQg/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIxh2CdrzyaNP9OLCorHFKKq-FnnpAxzAi7hIodOvYWABLv1QlJ1uTtzCH5Y_ew4AQOanGEONdTIVHlkTH40n3jRbpLEGwRo3vzapOn4PGPRDeeZwNCGAtuIAA5RDDNi-gMBHIKQksQg/s320/5.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard Turn.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe6eHkfLdh_H2q_tdpfN5G2PnDkLZX71LWxrVYlsKq_QqBsMizp3tStjt8sFG-hGCp8BGqzdCVKN_B7s_-Dj1dzcZMnmchkVR5JU7Z6jKQwHDE5crLbS6hOUeGrxefaF3MSo2f8zX6ek/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe6eHkfLdh_H2q_tdpfN5G2PnDkLZX71LWxrVYlsKq_QqBsMizp3tStjt8sFG-hGCp8BGqzdCVKN_B7s_-Dj1dzcZMnmchkVR5JU7Z6jKQwHDE5crLbS6hOUeGrxefaF3MSo2f8zX6ek/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one area has a lot of blue markings. Just ignore them. There are yellow markings as well. You are still on course.</td></tr>
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We will be running the trail in reverse, from Woodworth to Valentine Lake, so the mile markers will go from mile 24 to mile 0.<br />
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The first area of concern is just past the mile 19 marker. There is a steep downhill and you will see this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36y8eSWLu89nA-f5P6cpGbxvactXJsfk7y5uHF7XUGdBh6CgE03OHISKLtt_QIFlHrou5fcLjv6mnn31WIr_5Q_QIDbOue6Z2BuduvplL9hSPEs8YS9Ln1K_9aYjGVWfJ9xw14YCwWPQ/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36y8eSWLu89nA-f5P6cpGbxvactXJsfk7y5uHF7XUGdBh6CgE03OHISKLtt_QIFlHrou5fcLjv6mnn31WIr_5Q_QIDbOue6Z2BuduvplL9hSPEs8YS9Ln1K_9aYjGVWfJ9xw14YCwWPQ/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just past Mile Marker 19.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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When you get to this scene, you will see a creek to your left, and you first perception will be to go forward, past the marker and eventually cross the creek. You have to pay attention here b/c that is incorrect. The right route is to take a hard right turn. There is a tree with 4 dots there, telling you to turn, but it is easy to miss. This will take you through on of the "jungles" of Wild Azalea. These are the low lying areas that have a lot of natural springs and is wet all the time. I call them jungles b/c during the summer the vegetation in these areas is far greater than anywhere else. Unfortunately, this half mile stretch after the turn is probably the most poorly marked area of the trail. Just continue to go forward, take your time and look for the marks. They are there.<br />
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Somewhere around mile marker 17.5 there is a creek crossing. The markers will try to take you across the creek. Keep in mind, there is only ONE creek crossing to navigate over, and it is very small. If you get to an area that you think you should cross a creek, STOP and look for a bridge. With the exception of one area, there will be a bridge to cross. Anyway, when you get to this spot, it will seem like it wants you to cross the creek. This is kind of right, because there used to be a bridge there, but it was damaged and recently removed. It was replaced by a nice, new bridge that you can see from that area, but it is new and the trail has not really been cut well to get to it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_hstbBhWs_wf6kbWpjzbQ1Gqvtb80yiBJwfPiNDRbFkKjBKZ49TetU0awTwAw6gXDjqRkeXbpY_U982MPBRqjFVkqNekFiavpRNb3qU4jOKfRxAqXbqF2e8W9hpmGa0IyPU3QuHmFXQ/s1600/16+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_hstbBhWs_wf6kbWpjzbQ1Gqvtb80yiBJwfPiNDRbFkKjBKZ49TetU0awTwAw6gXDjqRkeXbpY_U982MPBRqjFVkqNekFiavpRNb3qU4jOKfRxAqXbqF2e8W9hpmGa0IyPU3QuHmFXQ/s320/16+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the bridge was.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMKKk6zubxKCYwopr6mO2Qo-pQKXycEPARSLe3W-DjL9eI7BBjR7hDTRmKEcnnARrpKnhMmtTM98nh73OfCtFFUpD4tGhJ78CcL-MNb1IBK33_gfEEKmVH3tFvu3_3VWnm-zVA_Sitlw/s1600/16.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMKKk6zubxKCYwopr6mO2Qo-pQKXycEPARSLe3W-DjL9eI7BBjR7hDTRmKEcnnARrpKnhMmtTM98nh73OfCtFFUpD4tGhJ78CcL-MNb1IBK33_gfEEKmVH3tFvu3_3VWnm-zVA_Sitlw/s320/16.2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New bridge in the background, visible from the old bridge area.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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When you get near the mile 17 marker, there will be a lot of downed trees and you will have to make a hard right to stay on the trail. You will have to go through a few fallen trees, but the sign is visible before you turn. Again, you have to just stop and look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHNUnGb_xeoJskZitGD9sRyCRhtVQYHhkbHmvS-gA_QQ8eas3NcSNVr8Ptnq4GZoOV34sCXH7xWjwe27pGlRfIAu9S9ye_HQK3e1ifQ6wigTO3XSfBdPMbAUKCh2PAqqROFGgLSRRUzA/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHNUnGb_xeoJskZitGD9sRyCRhtVQYHhkbHmvS-gA_QQ8eas3NcSNVr8Ptnq4GZoOV34sCXH7xWjwe27pGlRfIAu9S9ye_HQK3e1ifQ6wigTO3XSfBdPMbAUKCh2PAqqROFGgLSRRUzA/s320/8.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You must run through these trees to stay on the trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xsV6rvAdl8tcO6Vz-YLuM8929CJNPYAi20sl-7J4nLrzkNlgGhTiz8S92-ifKMj0WE7eQCY8tEY-JzHLTn_ami7leMSHNlg9ozvnWPLPJVxk9nfCl5cPhz1duf9p3JJak_g4gufdgng/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xsV6rvAdl8tcO6Vz-YLuM8929CJNPYAi20sl-7J4nLrzkNlgGhTiz8S92-ifKMj0WE7eQCY8tEY-JzHLTn_ami7leMSHNlg9ozvnWPLPJVxk9nfCl5cPhz1duf9p3JJak_g4gufdgng/s320/9.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same scene. Mile marker in background.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As I said, there is only one creek crossing that you have to jump over and it is very small. Here it is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIVcCYzolDbpdWGpIWFyoE9DKyE26O-k4E0vVmu6uU46o0RP-dbmaMxp6KFpZOunbhByYyiY1VBX1s_Dt-avMBzoh13_DUF7WB2uc2Zx0MKu9rNTxu6xyhlMbQ7y3o1HNd5GY0789fUs/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIVcCYzolDbpdWGpIWFyoE9DKyE26O-k4E0vVmu6uU46o0RP-dbmaMxp6KFpZOunbhByYyiY1VBX1s_Dt-avMBzoh13_DUF7WB2uc2Zx0MKu9rNTxu6xyhlMbQ7y3o1HNd5GY0789fUs/s320/10.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere around mile 16.</td></tr>
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Just as I do, most of you will use the mile markers as "confidence markers". One that is difficult to see is the elusive mile 15 marker. The reason is because you will get to a point between mile 15.5 and mile 15 where the trail will split. It is marked going both left and right. Don't be alarmed by this!!!! Either trail will take you where you need to go. If you go left, which is the original path on the trail, you will pass the mile 15 marker. If you go right, you will still pass the mile 15 marker, but it will be high and to your left. You probably will not see it. As I said, it doesn't matter which one you take. The split is only for a few tenths and they both join back with the trail.<br />
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About one 10th further, you will come to the mile 14.5 marker. It is right at the edge of a hard right turn and is driven low in the ground. I don't know how it got there, but just know you will run for another nine 10ths before getting to the mile 14 marker.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnFUpe981ND-U7rDwQIJ4kUX0h9uOYXtnMa-IY6TAT_vp2MP1wdo1AhX1wNoLV-KSgPImpl3MgmLCS-E5HvXayhDvbJsRIrLdX_vDnblWJB9aKRMHk6XWMjPGUssc9OqpGAraKvHue5I/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnFUpe981ND-U7rDwQIJ4kUX0h9uOYXtnMa-IY6TAT_vp2MP1wdo1AhX1wNoLV-KSgPImpl3MgmLCS-E5HvXayhDvbJsRIrLdX_vDnblWJB9aKRMHk6XWMjPGUssc9OqpGAraKvHue5I/s320/11.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 14.5 will be low to the ground and out of place on the trail.</td></tr>
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After mile 14, it is pretty much smooth sailing. Right past the mile 11 marker you will come out to an opening, with a parking lot on the left. This is the exchange point for the relay. If you run the first leg, you will cover 13.1 miles. The second leg is 10.9 miles. There is a major highway near the parking lot which is Twin Bridges Road (or Hwy 488). To continue, you have to cross this road. This begins the second leg of the relay, or for those running the whole trail, mile 13.1.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBJzcJANB2_qxM48krPRJYoiGgbRAkIMil25drZt44ct04O-mZWtsBAl6ifEnCjouHaNUO-Y7qE8FYWCzSqbFwP3rNGvE4EyWsp7V3W77T-BsaNGWEhyphenhyphenpbM3I2CYtcw8rYz1kXDjHWqw/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBJzcJANB2_qxM48krPRJYoiGgbRAkIMil25drZt44ct04O-mZWtsBAl6ifEnCjouHaNUO-Y7qE8FYWCzSqbFwP3rNGvE4EyWsp7V3W77T-BsaNGWEhyphenhyphenpbM3I2CYtcw8rYz1kXDjHWqw/s320/12.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after mile marker 11. Parking lot on left. Relay exchange point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsti90_2ER0KMYWBCQKJFHSQ0r7voBLnlfLTwk99mZgRgNGmlUOlZbMXH9hQrgI7eBqXmj-3Vn6Zqih3FMw0B_mQ4ostM6rZXpYg3B6l50baU4BoWYg-gug0Ug4WQXEE29VG4mnjeCPbg/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsti90_2ER0KMYWBCQKJFHSQ0r7voBLnlfLTwk99mZgRgNGmlUOlZbMXH9hQrgI7eBqXmj-3Vn6Zqih3FMw0B_mQ4ostM6rZXpYg3B6l50baU4BoWYg-gug0Ug4WQXEE29VG4mnjeCPbg/s320/13.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run to the stop sign and cross Twin Bridges Road. The trail will be on the right, when you cross.</td></tr>
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After this, the next major landmark will be Evangeline Camp. You will come to it between mile markers 9 and 8.5. You will come out to Messina Road, which will be a wide, dirt road. Watch for the marks. They will take you to the left and down the road for a few 10ths. You will see Evangeline Camp on the right. This is by far the most clearly marked area of the trail. It is often
used by runners and mountain bikers, so it gets a little more attention
than the rest. From this point on, it is smooth sailing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVJR5IWV1JNgmbK0umX6Qfw6jPDhypyPQVr5GEPa9sePgLywzLPnchsaoMF9tl3x7npZJ09mMlGF6YI3y7V23d9No_tgxJNJPpeb_lRv1LHjUI_IYH6CBJ8HHjhrVDYsagRtaXl42fsc/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVJR5IWV1JNgmbK0umX6Qfw6jPDhypyPQVr5GEPa9sePgLywzLPnchsaoMF9tl3x7npZJ09mMlGF6YI3y7V23d9No_tgxJNJPpeb_lRv1LHjUI_IYH6CBJ8HHjhrVDYsagRtaXl42fsc/s320/14.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evangeline Camp. Right before mile 8.5. There are also vault toilets at this point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTytHplhEhXpguXs_2zs0FiVsjsgBqy57Kz25eoi4rr0AL0JlGF4sB3DE7puTQ5L2MgrXHhXzo2U6rW5aWtMDmUixVEcPlB8n0fcY-pUbsUhLRc4bou0KNkm8dK3j0j7x8nlRcdOllK1M/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTytHplhEhXpguXs_2zs0FiVsjsgBqy57Kz25eoi4rr0AL0JlGF4sB3DE7puTQ5L2MgrXHhXzo2U6rW5aWtMDmUixVEcPlB8n0fcY-pUbsUhLRc4bou0KNkm8dK3j0j7x8nlRcdOllK1M/s320/15.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you see the Gardner Fire Tower, you are 1/2 mile from victory.</td></tr>
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After this tower, when you are about two 10ths from the finish, you will see the road and the parking area of Valentine Lake. The trail head will be on the right, and you are done.<br />
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I ran the entire length of the trail on 12/29, so I could see what type of condition is was in. Although, there are a few areas to pay close attention too, the trail is in the best shape it's been in years. Remember, this is a large and long trail. It is pretty rustic in some areas. There are a few fallen trees and a little brush to run through at certain points. Remember the markings. Stay on the yellow dots. If you go more than a 10th and no longer see any dots, STOP and look around. If you don't see them, you may have gone off trail and need to back track. If you you take your time and pay attention to your surroundings, you should have no problems, even if you've never run there. <br />
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If you are running the relay, the first leg is 13.1 miles, and the second leg is 10.9 miles. Although the 13.1 mile leg is longer, there are less hills and climbs. The first 5 miles are pretty flat. The hills don't start until mile marker 19. On the second leg, you get less mileage, but more hills and difficult climbs. So although one leg is longer than the other, the distribution of hill work kind of balances both legs out. I don't think one leg is any easier than the other.<br />
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If you are running the whole trail, the last 8 miles are the most difficult. By that point your calves and hamstrings will be on fire.<br />
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I'm not trying to spook anyone. I just wanted to give those who have never run, or have rarely run this trail an idea of what to expect. There will be many experienced Wild Azalea runners to tag along with if you have doubts. Also cell service is available in most areas of the trail, but there are a few dead spots. The trail is a full 24 miles. It is not short and the mile markers are spot on. During this time of year, a gps device is very accurate b/c there is not tree cover. When I ran the trail, I logged 24.1 miles, and that is only because I dropped a pair of gloves and ran back to get them, and forgot to stop my watch.<br />
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Here is the Garmin Connect profile of the trail:<br />
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See you guys in a week.<br />
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Run on friends,<br />
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Lane<br />
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<br />Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-90841767163305044312012-11-18T10:53:00.000-08:002014-10-14T08:35:08.674-07:00Who ARE You??? - An Ultra-Runner's Observation Of Other Ultra-Runners<span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">As I laid in be<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> this morning, still basking in the glory of my Cactus Rose 100 finish last month, I started to think about the sport itself and the people who are involved in it. Ours is a very secluded sport. A gated community that is known by few, witnessed by fewer and participated in by even less. They say only 2% of the population will ever complete a marathon and only .001% will complete an ultra. Where do I get these percentages from ??? (Nowhere. I made them up. But in this day and age, people seem to love stats and percentages.) In all honesty, I don't know what the percentages are, but if you've toed the line at an ultra of any distance, you have already attempted and possibly completed more that just about everyone else in the general population. Anyway, as I was thinking about the sport, I began to also think about the wide array of people that show up to and/or participate in ultras. They vary in age, sex, skill level and certainly come in varying degrees of shapes and sizes. What does an ultra-runner look like??? Well......with this blog, I will sort of answer that question. I have compiled a list of the varying types of people and personalities that I and most everybody else, have seen at one time or another at ultra-marathons.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Now, I know these days, we live in a very "politically correct" society, where everyone is a winner and there are no losers, and everyone's feelings must be taken into account before any words are spoken. Taking into account our society of sensitivity, I have written a disclaimer in tiny print for all who dare to read on.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Disclaimer: </b> This blog is one man's opinion.......Mine!!! Al<span style="font-size: xx-small;">though<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> some of my observations are accu<span style="font-size: xx-small;">rate, much of this blog is SATIRE. If you do not know what the definition of satire is, I encourage you to <span style="font-size: xx-small;">surf over to another page. This blog <span style="font-size: xx-small;">was written to be funny and pokes a little fun at many of the running types in it<span style="font-size: xx-small;">, including myself. When I use the term "<span style="font-size: xx-small;">guy" in my descriptions, I mean <span style="font-size: xx-small;">male and<span style="font-size: xx-small;">/or fema<span style="font-size: xx-small;">le. Just as they describe "mankin<span style="font-size: xx-small;">d" as all member<span style="font-size: xx-small;">s of the human race. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Just like that!!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"> If you are<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>h<span style="font-size: xx-small;">yper-<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">sensitive</span>, thin<span style="font-size: xx-small;">-skinned, wear your h<span style="font-size: xx-small;">e<span style="font-size: xx-small;">art on your sleeve or any of that other stuff, LOOK AWAY!!!!! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">GO TO ANOTHER WEBSITE.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Thank You!!!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">N<span style="font-size: small;">ow, if you have <span style="font-size: small;">scrolled beyond the disclaimer<span style="font-size: small;">, and have a sense of humor, please read on.<span style="font-size: small;"> As I said, this is just a little compilation of all the different <span style="font-size: small;">types of <span style="font-size: small;">people that I have observed at races over the past years. You may find that you fit in<span style="font-size: small;">to one or<span style="font-size: small;"> many of these categories. I know I do. </span></span>Hope you find this a<span style="font-size: small;">musing....................................</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<u><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Seri<span style="font-size: large;">ous </span>List:</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></b></u><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Elites-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u> </u> Thes<span style="font-size: small;">e are the <span style="font-size: small;">(mostl<span style="font-size: small;">y<span style="font-size: small;">) spo<span style="font-size: small;">ns<span style="font-size: small;">ored athletes</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">who are there for one reason......to win races. These are your Scott Jureks, Timothy Olsens, Tony Krupickas, etc<span style="font-size: small;">... They are the cream of the running crop, and although you may see them, most <span style="font-size: small;">people rarely run <span style="font-size: small;">along side them, unless <span style="font-size: small;">you count the brief 2 seconds it takes them to pa<span style="font-size: small;">ss you<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> as they lap you yet again. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">The Speedster-</span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> No<span style="font-size: small;">t quite an <span style="font-size: small;">E</span>lite, but no slouch e<span style="font-size: small;">ither. These guys still win races, especially the smaller ones. The<span style="font-size: small;">y</span> keep the elites moving faster, as they constantly nip at their heels for bragging rights<span style="font-size: small;"> of beating an <span style="font-size: small;">Elite.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">The Veteran-</span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This is <span style="font-size: small;">us<span style="font-size: small;">ua<span style="font-size: small;">lly an<span style="font-size: small;"> older <span style="font-size: small;">runner who has run that particular race 10 -15 times. <span style="font-size: small;">They know the race di<span style="font-size: small;">rector, the vol<span style="font-size: small;">unteers, the local runners, etc... Everyone seems to refer to them by their first name. The are they guys who have longevity and the best people to solicit advice from<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Everyday Runner-</b></u> <span style="font-size: small;"> This is the <span style="font-size: small;">"<span style="font-size: small;">Regular Joe", who trains hard, runs 5 - 7 days per week<span style="font-size: small;"> and is <span style="font-size: small;">very dedicated. Usually finishes races <span style="font-size: small;">from the middle to upper percentiles. Runs multiple races per year.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The <span style="font-size: small;">Race Walker<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Never runs a s<span style="font-size: small;">tep during the entire r<span style="font-size: small;">ace, but al<span style="font-size: small;">ways finishes <span style="font-size: small;">before the cut-off; sometimes before people who are running. Tough as nails and full of determination.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Old Timer<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;"> This is the runner that is usually in the 70 - 80 year old category. Does<span style="font-size: small;">n't move that fast, likes to use trekking poles and al<span style="font-size: small;">way<span style="font-size: small;">s compliments the young "whipper-snappers" on a strong run performance. Years and years of experienc<span style="font-size: small;">e to share.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The First Timer<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The name says it all. We've all been there. First ultra, lots of questions, lots of nerves, a little unsure of what to expect. These are the types that need a little help and mentoring, that <span style="font-size: small;">everyone is always willing to provide.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">The More Humor<span style="font-size: large;">ous List:</span></span> </span></span></span></span></b></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">The<span style="font-size: small;"> Naked Guy-</span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> This is the guy who<span style="font-size: small;"> runs the race<span style="font-size: small;"> wearing<span style="font-size: small;"> only sh<span style="font-size: small;">oes and the shortest, tinies<span style="font-size: small;">t pair of running shorts<span style="font-size: small;"> available, regardless of the temperature. (See Timothy Olsen & Tony K<span style="font-size: small;">rupicka.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Bearded Hippie-</u></b> Th<span style="font-size: small;">e name says it all. They are <span style="font-size: small;">the "Gr<span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">zzl<span style="font-size: small;">y Adams" of the ultra-running world. Haven't had a haircut or shave in an inordinate <span style="font-size: small;">leng<span style="font-size: small;">th of time. Howe<span style="font-size: small;">ver, all the extra hair doesn't seem to hurt their running abilities.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Naked Bearded Hippie-<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></u></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just a combination of the t<span style="font-size: small;">wo pr<span style="font-size: small;">ior entries. There seems to be a few at every race.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Little Mary Su<span style="font-size: small;">nshine-</span></span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is t</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">he lady who is always smiling, has sprinkles of glitter on her bo</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">dy, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">and seems to be tip-to</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">eing through the tu</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">lips with every step. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">She always has some kind words for every runner she passes, and every</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">thing about her</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> says positivity; from her hot pink running skirt, down to the </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">jingle bells on her shoes. There is very little that could ever</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> happen during a race that</span> <span style="background-color: white;">can break her spirits.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Anal Retentive<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></u></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This is the guy that follows a strict training p<span style="font-size: small;">lan<span style="font-size: small;">, from which he never devi<span style="font-size: small;">ates. <span style="font-size: small;">He accounts for his time, mileage, <span style="font-size: small;">calories, etc... He has his <span style="font-size: small;">projected <span style="font-size: small;">splits w<span style="font-size: small;">ritten out in advance, and either carries them on him<span style="font-size: small;">, or has them at the start/finish. <span style="font-size: small;">Everything is calculated. Nothing is left to chan<span style="font-size: small;">ce. (Sadly, this is me. I can't deny it.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Costume Runner<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;">What??? It's not Halloween? Doesn't matter. This is the guy that <span style="font-size: small;">seems to want to be the topic of discussion of all the runners. The "Hey did you see that guy?" guy. Usually has som<span style="font-size: small;">e kind of cra<span style="font-size: small;">zy outfit or hair-do. More common in marathons, but they do seem to pop up <span style="font-size: small;">at an ultra from time to t<span style="font-size: small;">ime.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Really Loud Headphone<span style="font-size: small;">s Guy-</span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> The type<span style="font-size: small;"> of runner</span> that says<span style="font-size: small;">, "If it's too loud<span style="font-size: small;">, you're too old!". Likes <span style="font-size: small;">to crank out his tunes. You know it<span style="font-size: small;"> because, you can hear them from 10 ft away. The kind of runner that makes race dir<span style="font-size: small;">ectors <span style="font-size: small;">cringe, because they can become unaware of the goings<span style="font-size: small;">-<span style="font-size: small;">on around them. They <span style="font-size: small;">can't talk to you without taking ou<span style="font-size: small;">t</span> one of the<span style="font-size: small;">ir ear <span style="font-size: small;">buds, and if they try, they yell at you, because they assume that the music is blaring in your ears too.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The <span style="font-size: small;">Conversationalist-</span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;"> This is the runner<span style="font-size: small;"> who always seems to have plenty to s<span style="font-size: small;">ay, regardless of what point you are in the race, and w<span style="font-size: small;">he<span style="font-size: small;">ther you want to hear what they have to say or not. They like to si<span style="font-size: small;">dle up to you during the race and take the conver<span style="font-size: small;">sati<span style="font-size: small;">on way be<span style="font-size: small;">yond <span style="font-size: small;">the casual banter of passing runners. They have all the time in the wor<span style="font-size: small;">ld to <span style="font-size: small;">share their story with you, an<span style="font-size: small;">d <span style="font-size: small;">don't mind tagging along with you f<span style="font-size: small;">or 10 or 15 miles, or to the next aid station. Although, I enjoy talking with other runners d<span style="font-size: small;">uring the race, there is also too much of a good thing. Silence is golden sometimes.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Barefoot Guy-</u></b><span style="font-size: small;"> There is one at every race. Usually runs one of the shorter races offered in the series, <span style="font-size: small;">bu<span style="font-size: small;">t at times will try the 50 or 100. <span style="font-size: small;">Never seems to be concerned about the temperature<span style="font-size: small;">, race conditions, or terrain. Sometimes t<span style="font-size: small;">hey finish, sometimes they don't. I al<span style="font-size: small;">ways cringe at the though<span style="font-size: small;">t of one of them catching a root with their bare feet exposed, in really<span style="font-size: small;"> cold temps.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Plaid Shirt Guy-</u></b><span style="font-size: small;"> I personally prefer t<span style="font-size: small;">he moist<span style="font-size: small;">ure<span style="font-size: small;">-<span style="font-size: small;">wicking material, but to each his own. These guys seem to like to wear plaid, for whatever reason. Maybe because the s<span style="font-size: small;">hirts or light and air<span style="font-size: small;">ish<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">o</span></span>r maybe bec<span style="font-size: small;">ause they can unb<span style="font-size: small;">utton them. Either way, you always see these guys at races.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Mildly Out Of Shape, Recreational Runner-</span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This is the guy who runs the occasional 5K and 10K. Not overweight, but not the typical runner's body either. <span style="font-size: small;">Signs up for an ultra-distance race, thinking "How hard can it really be?". Some may finish, but m<span style="font-size: small;">ore will drop. You will often hear them saying<span style="font-size: small;">, "What the hell was I thinking when I signed up for this???".<span style="font-size: small;"> I think we've all shared that sentiment at one time or an<span style="font-size: small;">other.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Gr<span style="font-size: small;">eatl</span>y Out <span style="font-size: small;">Of Shape Non-Runner-</span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Sign up for an ultra, thinking they can walk the <span style="font-size: small;">distance, be<span style="font-size: small;">cause, after all, it's just walking, right??? The odds are <span style="font-size: small;">definitely stacked against them. Although, they get my respect for trying, it is hard to understan<span style="font-size: small;">d why someone would jump into the deep end of the pool without first learning <span style="font-size: small;">how to swim.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Tourist-</u></b><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Us<span style="font-size: small;">ually, someone running a <span style="font-size: small;">course f<span style="font-size: small;">or the first time. I did it this year at <span style="font-size: small;">Cactus Rose. I spent the majority of the first lap taking in the sights and s<span style="font-size: small;">napping pictures. At one point so<span style="font-size: small;">me of the runners followed me to an overlook point, and I had to steer them back to the course b/c I was just taking pictures.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Back Of The Packer<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></b></u><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">They may not be fast, but they <span style="font-size: small;">are not to be taken lightly. Although, they are not setting any records, they finish the ma<span style="font-size: small;">jority of the time, and that is all that counts.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Un<span style="font-size: small;">prepared Guy<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Not neces<span style="font-size: small;">sarily an <span style="font-size: small;">inexperienced runner, but for some reason, this guy shows up on race day with much le<span style="font-size: small;">ss tha<span style="font-size: small;">n w<span style="font-size: small;">hat is required. He is the guy who borrows food, batteries, <span style="font-size: small;">salt tabs, etc... <span style="font-size: small;">(Sadly, I've been this guy too.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Fashionably Late Guy-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> Shows up 20 minutes before the race, gets his packet and runs.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Extremely Late Guy-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> Over<span style="font-size: small;">-sleeps, gets lost, whatever. <span style="font-size: small;">He shows up during or after the start. He is in d<span style="font-size: small;">isarray b/c he is late. Still runs, but not feeling on his game due to having to rush to the start.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Motivator-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> This is the runner <span style="font-size: small;">or volunteer who always says how great you look, no matter how really bad you look and feel. They say things like, "You're almost there!", <span style="font-size: small;">even though you are<span style="font-size: small;"> only at mile 60 of a 100 miler. <span style="font-size: small;">Everything is good, and the glass is always half full.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Tech Junki<span style="font-size: small;">e-</span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I<span style="font-size: small;">-pods, cell phones, GPS watches, and in my case a mob<span style="font-size: small;">ile charger <span style="font-size: small;">for my GPS. These runners have more wires <span style="font-size: small;">coming out of them than a roadside bo<span style="font-size: small;">mb. (G<span style="font-size: small;">uilty on all charges your honor! Sadly, again, this is me.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Purist-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> The total 180 <span style="font-size: small;">of the Tec<span style="font-size: small;">h Junkie. Shoes, shorts and maybe a stop watch. Just meat and potatoes baby!!!!!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Weekend Warrior-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">This is the ro<span style="font-size: small;">wdy, loud guy, who <span style="font-size: small;">usually </span>shows up with a group of friends<span style="font-size: small;">. He likes to cook, eat and drink a lot of beer. Usually runs one of the shorter races in the series, so he can <span style="font-size: small;">get back to cooking, eating and drinking beer. Loves the race environment <span style="font-size: small;">as much or more than the race itself.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Self Motivator-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> These are the people<span style="font-size: small;"> who you come up behind or cross up around a curve in the trail and find them talking to themsel<span style="font-size: small;">ves. Hey......I do it myself. Whether i<span style="font-size: small;">t's sing<span style="font-size: small;">ing songs, repeating your mantra<span style="font-size: small;">, or curs<span style="font-size: small;">ing yourself out. Whatever gets you through the race.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Fashionista-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Usually a woman, but not always. They show up with $200 worth of running clothes on<span style="font-size: small;">, have brand new, clean shoes, right out of the box<span style="font-size: small;"> (Probably purchased b/c they matched their ensemble, as <span style="font-size: small;">opposed to their usefulness during the race.), hair fixed, make-up and perfu<span style="font-size: small;">me applied. They usually run <span style="font-size: small;">one of the shorter races of the series, b<span style="font-size: small;">ecause they don't want to get too mess<span style="font-size: small;">y. A stark contrast to <span style="font-size: small;">the usual "rag<span style="font-size: small;">-tag" trail runner attire that most of us we<span style="font-size: small;">ar.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Leaner-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> Us<span style="font-size: small;">ually, someone who is in some type of pain, but opts to keep going. They move as fast as their body will allow, with that distinct lean to one side. They are determined to finish.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b>The Walking Dead-</b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">These are the people you see crossing the line right before<span style="font-size: small;"> or after</span> the cut-off time. They<span style="font-size: small;"> are exhaus<span style="font-size: small;">ted<span style="font-size: small;"> from being awa<span style="font-size: small;">ke for 30+ hours</span>, and have th<span style="font-size: small;">at empty<span style="font-size: small;">, glazed over stare. They no longer talk or eat. All they know it to keep moving forward<span style="font-size: small;"> and getting to the finish. <span style="font-size: small;">"Quit" is not in their vocabulary.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Support<span style="font-size: large;"> List<span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span></span> </span></span></b></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Race Director-</span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"> The "tough as nails" salty dog, who has been aroun<span style="font-size: small;">d the block more than a few times. <span style="font-size: small;">He is the guy that makes it all happen. He <span style="font-size: small;">takes care of t<span style="font-size: small;">he things we rarely see, and don't know about. His is a thankless job<span style="font-size: small;">, and although he is happy to s<span style="font-size: small;">h<span style="font-size: small;">ake your hand <span style="font-size: small;">and give you your finishers award when you cross, he also has the balls to pull you from the course when he know<span style="font-size: small;">s you have had enough, from exhaustion or for medical reasons.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>The <span style="font-size: small;">Volunteers-</span></b></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> You see them at the aid stations, the finish line, and every<span style="font-size: small;">where in between. They are there to help <span style="font-size: small;">you succeed. They show compassion, but have no problem kicking your ass out of an aid sta<span style="font-size: small;">tion<span style="font-size: small;">, if you stay to<span style="font-size: small;">o long.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u></span><br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u><span style="background-color: white;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Support Crew<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> These are the families, wives, friends and fellow u<span style="font-size: small;">ltra-runners<span style="font-size: small;">, who help to keep you on track and give you the things you need from your drop bags. <span style="font-size: small;">A good crew is an essential part to success.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Pacer<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">This is the guy who gets you to the finish. Sometimes a friend, sometimes an absolute stranger. They play the role of motivator, supporter, and at times<span style="font-size: small;">, even babysitter; telling their runner when to eat, drink and even where to step, when needed. A good pacer is invaluable.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Medics<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">These are the people you rarely see, and you should be thankful <span style="font-size: small;">for that, be<span style="font-size: small;">cause if you see them, they are usually standing over you. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Cowbell Person<span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></b></u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> If you run ultras long enough, you will eventually find th<span style="font-size: small;">is person<span style="font-size: small;"> at the finish<span style="font-size: small;"> or along the course. The distinct ring of the cow<span style="font-size: small;">bell is heard at many races. Not sure how it originated, but is seems to be a fixture at most races.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Whew!!!!!!!!! I'm tired. I know this was l<span style="font-size: small;">en<span style="font-size: small;">gthy, and I hope I didn't hurt any fee<span style="font-size: small;">lings. This was intended to be light-hearted and should be taken as such. Remember, I am just a Tech Junkie, Anal <span style="font-size: small;">Retentive, Self<span style="font-size: small;">-Motivat<span style="font-size: small;">ing, <span style="font-size: small;">Everyday Running, sometimes Unprepared Tourist<span style="font-size: small;"> idiot<span style="font-size: small;">, who just happens to run ultras.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Run on friends. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-74841166297121157552012-11-11T06:10:00.001-08:002012-11-11T06:10:13.633-08:00"Charging On" - How I Took My Garmin To The Edge, And Beyond<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
Ahhhh.........The GPS reciever. Whether you like Garmin, Soleus, Nike, Polar, Suunto, or Timex, if you dig into a runner's sacred "running drawer", 9 out of 10 times, you will find one of these devices. I still hear talk of running "purists" who don't use GPS, and instead, opt for a plain stopwatch or nothing at all, but that is not me. I will be the first to admit that I am a "tech junkie". My weapon of choice is the Garmin 310XT, and I love it. In fact, I would say it is one of my most valueable pieces of running equpment, ranking a very close second to only my shoes. I remember my first GPS device. It was some triangular, European piece of crap, that you wore on your bicep and basically only kept track of your distance and time. Looking back now, it was the equivilant of living in the stone age, as far as GPS receivers go. After a little time, I graduated to the Garmin 305, which I loved, and after I laid my 305 out to pasture, I upgraded to the 310XT. Why do I like my GPS so much? I think it is two things: First, I enjoy the freedom it gives you when you run. Gone are the days of scouting out routes with the car odometer and marking mileage with mailboxes, unusually shaped trees and houses. With my Garmin in hand (or on wrist), all I have to do is head out the door and run. No need for a specific route or any pre-planning of that route. Secondly, I love the real time information. I am not one of those runners who has just one huge screen going, and then get the other info when I'm done. I have all four of my split screens running simultaneously. Time, Distance, Pace and the ever important Average Pace, which in my opinion is the most crucial informational screen I use. And of course, I have my other screens that I flip to to get info on my current lap, elevation, etc.... I am so hooked on my Garmin that I think that if I had to choose between it and my shorts, I'd probably go with the Garmin. <br />
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Now comes the problem at hand..........battery life. The Garmin 310XT has a battery life around 18 hours. Maybe 20 if it's brand new. When you are running distances from 5Ks to marathons, and even 50 milers or 100Ks, this is usually enough power to survive the entirety of the race. However, unless your name is Scott Jurek, Tony Krupicka or Hal Koerner, chances are you will not have enough battery life to finish a 100 mile race or more. And as they say, "There lies the rub." So, like many other runners, I experimented with different techniques to save power and extend battery life, such as turning off the back light and all the bells and whistles. Anything to save a little power for later. Now these measures are small and in the grand scheme of things, probably don't give you that much more battery life, but at least it makes you feel like you are contributing to the cause. In fact, the most I had ever gotten out of my 310XT was at the 2011 Rocky Raccoon 100 Miler, where I managed to get 18 hrs and 80 miles in a single charge. That being said, for the last 2 hrs or so, I could not get any information on my screens, only a low battery message; but the information was being stored. I ended up finishing my final lap there with a 305 I had borrowed from a friend. In fact, for my 4th 20 mile lap, I wore both my 310XT and my friend's 305. One on each arm, because I didn't want to lose touch with my pace and mileage. It was a crude and elementary way to log 100 miles, but it worked. So, all that being said, the question now on the table is, "How to squeeze more juice out of your battery?"<br />
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If you've ever seen the Robin Williams movie, Dead Poet's Society, you will remember the scene where he makes the students stand on his desk in the classroom and tells them, "Just when you think you know something, you must look at it from another angle." (On a side note, I bet you've never seen Robin Williams referenced in a running blog. HA!!!!) Well, that is what I had to do when searching for a way to get more battery life out of my Garmin. And what I learned when I stood on that proverbial desk is that it is not about squeezing more juice out of your battery. It is about putting more juice into your battery. How did I come to this conclusion??? I saw a post on Facebook one day of someone talking about a mobile USB charger for charging their phone when they went camping. With that information in hand, I had the little light bulb pop up on top of my head. If you can use a mobile USB charger to charge your cell phone, then why not use it to charge your Garmin? The idea didn't have to sit long before I went to Amazon.com and found the Trent Heavy Duty External Battery Pack (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-IMP60D-Thunderbolt-Blackberry/dp/B003690Q42/ref=pd_cp_e_0">http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-IMP60D-Thunderbolt-Blackberry/dp/B003690Q42/ref=pd_cp_e_0</a> ). It sold for $39.95, which was a small price to pay if this idea were to work.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMAJyNQGdSw/UJ2QQi0NUuI/AAAAAAAAAE8/Gyuv7ywWEoI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMAJyNQGdSw/UJ2QQi0NUuI/AAAAAAAAAE8/Gyuv7ywWEoI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMAJyNQGdSw/UJ2QQi0NUuI/AAAAAAAAAE8/Gyuv7ywWEoI/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a>When it arrived, I charged it up and took it out for a test run. To my surprise, it worked very well. I rigged it up to my gear (pictures further down the blog.) and charged my Garmin on the run. The only downside is that while you are charging, you cannot view the information on your screen. All you get is the percentage charged and the time of day. It seems to take minimal power to charge the Garmin, so I would expect that you could get around 8 charges out of one fully charged battery pack. Now that I had even more technology to pack on runs, it was time for the ultimate test. I was running Cactus Rose 100 on October 27, 2012 and I wanted to attempt to charge on the run and keep my Garmin going for the entire race; something I had never been able to do before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lxjoq6cLS-s/UJ-oufYmcAI/AAAAAAAAAFc/_SJR0eBaSxA/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lxjoq6cLS-s/UJ-oufYmcAI/AAAAAAAAAFc/_SJR0eBaSxA/s320/1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battery pack with Garmin charger attached.</td></tr>
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When race day came, I had my battery pack fully charged and I placed it in my drop box at the 45 mile point. I was pretty sure I wouldn't need it until 50 miles or beyond, but because of the rugged terrain of Cactus Rose, I dropped it early to be safe. When I got to mile 45, I had enough battery life to get to the 50 mile point, so I just packed it with me to the start/finish area. When I crossed the 50 mile point in 12 hrs, 5 mins I still had 38% battery remaining, but I went ahead and got ready to charge. I put the battery pack in a ziploc bag and placed it in my camel back. I then ran the charging cord through my shirt and out of my sleeve and connected it to my watch. The most important part to this set-up was the cheapest. I used two wrist bands to hold the cord in place, so I wouldn't accidently bump it and disconnect it while charging. I was all set and charging as I set out for my third lap. The plan worked flawlessly and I was re-charged to 100% battery life in about 1 hr 45 mins. After I was charged, I continued to run with the battery pack in my camel back, just in case I would need to top it off again. I'm glad I did because my second half of this race was considerably slower than the first and although I probably could have made it the whole second half without another re-charge, I opted</div>
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to charge up again around mile 85, just to be safe.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging set-up. Wrist bands hold everything firmly in place. <br />
Not yet connected to Garmin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ2dBXeOVpM/UJ-o5hzON6I/AAAAAAAAAFw/m8ofAQbQ1Lk/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ2dBXeOVpM/UJ-o5hzON6I/AAAAAAAAAFw/m8ofAQbQ1Lk/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging mode.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peaPeg3dVYE/UJ-o8AMG5ZI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ekZAIi4anUM/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peaPeg3dVYE/UJ-o8AMG5ZI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ekZAIi4anUM/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is all you will see on your screen while charging on the <br />
run. If you remove the charger from the watch to check your <br />
current status, the pack automatically shuts off, so be prepared <br />
to turn it back on again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJCt9yhIZic/UJ-o9h1vmnI/AAAAAAAAAGA/VYyeF58sc5s/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJCt9yhIZic/UJ-o9h1vmnI/AAAAAAAAAGA/VYyeF58sc5s/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you initially begin charging, the pack tells you the level<br />
of charge in the pack itself. Either "Full", "High", "Med" or "Low".<br />
When you are actually charging your device, the "Use" light will<br />
be on. This way you know you have a good connection and are<br />
charging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMv9UMxqgMg/UJ-o_L7mbMI/AAAAAAAAAGI/KatZTkODeKY/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMv9UMxqgMg/UJ-o_L7mbMI/AAAAAAAAAGI/KatZTkODeKY/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After about 10 seconds, the battery level will disapppear and <br />
only the "Use" light will be on. As long as that is on, you are <br />
charging.</td></tr>
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According to my Garmin, each 25 mile lap was actually 25.4 miles, so I knew I would have the opportunity to take it beyond 99.9 miles. And that was the big question for me. What would happen after 99.9 miles? Would it flip back to 0.00? Would it have a Y2K style meltdown? I just didn't know, and I didn't know anyone else who knew either. So when the moment of truth came and I hit that magic number of 99.9, I watched with anticipation as my Garmin ticked closer to 100. 99.98, 99.99, and then the moment of truth. My watch crossed the 100 mile barrier and kept on counting. The mileage read 100 and counting. I was happy. My experiment was a success. When I crossed the finish line, according to my Garmin, I had logged 101.7 miles and 29 hrs, 32 mins of constant run time. The cool part is, the watch could have gone many hundreds of miles more, even though I couldn't. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Dm3vGRPj_1tKE8lhrGNUi45jwuESkjkI6tEes3f_aNyh-vwpnoQlrw6pHFx9dyeFXXRRlFqatVRNoxnZczOirukn9LpFVc-okGun_RhvBl9EPd_tCDyasgmRoCr_zcqyNoZWrtmc2WI/s1600/86.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Dm3vGRPj_1tKE8lhrGNUi45jwuESkjkI6tEes3f_aNyh-vwpnoQlrw6pHFx9dyeFXXRRlFqatVRNoxnZczOirukn9LpFVc-okGun_RhvBl9EPd_tCDyasgmRoCr_zcqyNoZWrtmc2WI/s320/86.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Garmin post-race.</td></tr>
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So now I have a winning formula for any future 100 mile races, and I will continue my "charging on the run" strategy. Never again will I worry about when my battery will die during a race. Now all I have to do is hook up and charge on.</div>
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<br />Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-78119154088152084432012-10-31T19:05:00.001-07:002012-10-31T19:05:05.823-07:00Cactus Rose 100 Mile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
The Toughest Show On Dirt</h3>
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I signed up for this year's Cactus Rose 100 with one goal in mind; To finish. I am not the type of ultra-runner who likes to sign up for as many races as possible. I believe in quality over quantity. I pick a specific race, train like hell for it and expect the most favorable results. So when I entered into this race, there was never an option of "If I'm not having a good day, I can drop to the 50." That thought, although constantly lingering over me, was not allowed to enter my mind. A "DNF" was not in the game plan, and I had to succeed. <br />
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In my opinion, there are three components that are key to running a successful ultra; #1-Mental Toughness, #2- Iron Stomach, and #3 Strong Legs and Feet. These three things all fit together to form a successful race. In most cases, if one fails, the other two components are weakened and eventually can fail as well, leading to a poor performance or in the worst of cases a "DNF". So in light of that, I knew I had to have all three of these areas sharp as a tack in order to successfully navigate this course. The odds were stacked against me from day one because, unlike many others in my running circle, I had never been to the Texas Hill Country. Not for the Cactus Rose 50 or for any of the Bandera races. I was a "Hill Country Virgin", if you will. I had heard all of the horror stories from friends of mine who have run either of those courses before; the rocks, the heat, the climbs, the downhills, the sotol, and the agony that all of them put together inflict on your body. This was no race to be taken lightly. On top of all of that, I was coming off of two mediocre performances in ultras earlier in the year. I ran the Mississippi 50 Mile, and both my mind and stomach went haywire, and my legs soon followed, in what was easily the wettest, nastiest and muddiest race I have ever run. A similar thing happened a few months later at the Big Butts 50K, only this time it was the extreme July, Mississippi heat that did me in. Which brings me back to my previous statement of having all three components working in lockstep to ensure success. In my two previous races, one component fell by the wayside, and was quickly followed by the rest. Although I finished both of these races, they were less than stellar performances.<br />
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I began my official training plan for Cactus Rose on April 30, 2012. I had six months to get into top shape. All I had to do was survive running through the Louisiana summer. If you've never run in LA in the summertime, just go to your local gym, get in the sauna and run in place for several hours. 100 degree heat, coupled with 100% humidity, made for some really brutal training. By the end of July, after completing the Big Butts 50K, I was mentally and physically whipped. I was very discouraged with my training runs, and the intense heat was really taking it's toll on me. I remember telling my wife how unenthusiastic I was to even run Cactus Rose because of the difficult time I was having with my training. Then came the shoe incident...........<br />
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I have been running in 4mm drop shoes for a while, on the road and trails. I used to run in Brooks Cascadias before making the switch. I ran in Saucony Peregrine 2s and Kinvara TRs during the summer, but the hot, wet conditions of LA broke down these shoes very quickly and I was tearing them up quickly; sometimes after just a little over 100 miles. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5E0ylo22izGH12nkP8HH_9kXajpVLoUje4ZuUS6g2lV_iCttj515wKgCLpMPzJAQSnyFw9ZdaLTuhelJwsiK1d1uLJF9yywOpP3Qz2_eI3momubLyl9YwMBsz6dkuBvf-z4btie4aEs/s1600/Blowout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5E0ylo22izGH12nkP8HH_9kXajpVLoUje4ZuUS6g2lV_iCttj515wKgCLpMPzJAQSnyFw9ZdaLTuhelJwsiK1d1uLJF9yywOpP3Qz2_eI3momubLyl9YwMBsz6dkuBvf-z4btie4aEs/s320/Blowout.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A doomed pair of Peregrine 2s, after only 250 miles.</td></tr>
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I needed a more rugged shoe, with a 4mm drop and a rock plate to withstand the punishment of Cactus Rose. I searched, and asked questions to different people, and tried on numerous pairs of trail shoes at run stores, but nothing seemed to suit me. Finally, I thought I had a winner with the Altra Lone Peaks. But after ordering two different pairs, I just couldn't get them to work for me. They also helped me to determine that I had a small bunion under the ball of my left, little toe. They seemed to put just the right kind of pressure on it, to make my foot hurt. So back they went. Finally, I relented and went back to the Cascadias. BIG MISTAKE!!! Just as you have to transition from a higher heel shoe to a 4mm shoe, you also have to transition back. This was a transition that my feet could not seem to make and I began to have severe arch, calf and knee pain on one leg. It was bad enough to get me to see a podiatrist. I was at my wit's end. Cactus rose was only 2 months away and I couldn't even find a decent pair of shoes, much less run the course. After months of searching, I got a post on FB from a guy named John Vaupel who is with "Trail Running Club". He suggested the Saucony Xodus 3.0. They had a 4mm drop, a thicker outsole and a rock plate. I got a pair, and my pains immediately went away. With a pair of shoes that agreed with me and the oncoming cooler temps, things began to fall into place. My runs got stronger and faster, and my confidence began to build. I finally felt like I was getting my mojo back.<br />
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As race day approached, I began watching the weather map closely. Initially, it looked like the temps would be a little warmer than usual for this race, but as the days wound down, the temps kept getting cooler. By race day we were looking at a low of 39 and high 65; perfect running weather.<br />
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We arrived at The Lodge on Friday afternoon, set up our tent, and attended the race briefing. The reality had officially set in that I was going to do this race, and I was beginning to get a little nervous. Joe Prusaitis and Henry Hobbs, the race coordinators talked about the tough terrain, and how the course was natsier than ever, with more erosion than ever before and extra-tall sotol plants that now could not only cut up your legs, but your face as well. After the briefing, Erica, my wife and crew, fixed me some spaghetti and it was off to bed. I didn't expect to sleep much due to pre-race jitters, but Erica's one condition to us camping was that we buy an air mattress. Thanks to that very mattress, I slept like a baby that night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6JgKLzKB-hzxCGBL1IaPRY8-au_aPl7jO9q-5JwJSV_yorbY5NTfUOQljCgDfhD_NCZnDmHjSf6tv5YL0xEA7ZePMtnaIHj0NEdjoWi2qyG25Bg20SB9pGRr3tD_cmYvOUG1Vh9XS24/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6JgKLzKB-hzxCGBL1IaPRY8-au_aPl7jO9q-5JwJSV_yorbY5NTfUOQljCgDfhD_NCZnDmHjSf6tv5YL0xEA7ZePMtnaIHj0NEdjoWi2qyG25Bg20SB9pGRr3tD_cmYvOUG1Vh9XS24/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erica at our Texas ranch house.</td></tr>
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Race morning seemed to come quickly, and I awoke before my alarm clock went off, to the shuffling of other runners getting themselves together for the day's event. I got myself together, ate a quick breakfast, and before I knew it, it was 10 minutes to race time. I could hear the sounds of Joe yelling "10 minutes", then "5 minutes", then "2 minutes". Shit began to get real, awfully quick. Next thing you know, it was 5 a.m., and we were off. Also in attendance were Edie Reidel, Brad Delcambre and Bobbi Parker, all from Lafatyette, LA. They were all doing the 50. I was the only one in our group dumb enough to go for 100. I didn't know how it would turn out. I had Erica to crew and cook for me during the race, and Dave Silvestro as my pacer for my final 25 miles. I started out with 2 pacers but my other pacer, Antonio Alvarado, injured his back the week before the race. That meant the first 75 were on me. As if I needed my race to be any tougher.<br />
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Lap #1</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
This lap was all about feeling out the course. Since I had never run this course, I really wanted to pay attention to every section, so I could sort of judge what kind of race I would have. As always, in a race that is mostly single track, everyone was bunched up for the first few miles until we hit Lucky Peak, the first climb of the day. It was rocky and steep, but I managed. Up and over and on the next big climb of Ice Cream Hill. It was a little steeper and higher, but I handled it fine. By this time, the crowd had thinned, and I was already running by myself. I knew this would be a lonely course, but I didn't think this soon. Then at mile 19 came Sky Island. When I approached it, I was in awe. It was what seemed like a near vertical climb on a very rocky surface. The runners on top looked like ants, as I'm sure I looked to them down at the bottom. This was my first real taste of Cactus Rose. After Sky Island came Boyles Bump and Cairn's Climb. All hills of great elevation and tough climbing. The crazy thing was that I had to climb all of them 4 times during this race. I would be in for a long day. I completed my first lap a little sooner than expected, in 5 hrs 28 min. I survived my first test at Cactus Rose and still felt really good. I even thought for a brief moment, "This isn't so bad. I got this." HA!!!!! What a naive idiot I am.<br />
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<strong>Lap #2</strong> <br />
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I was still full of "piss and vinegar" at the start of this lap. I had all the food I needed in my drop boxes, and Erica was keeping me energized with hot quesadillas and chicken noodle soup. Things were going pretty well for me. Another lap, only in reverse this time. The big hills came in the first 13 miles, followed by what seemed like a much easier 12 at the end of this lap. I was still feeling great, my nutrition was good and I was running well. I finished my second lap in 6 hrs, 35 mins, giving me a 50 mile time of a little over 12 hours. I was pleasantly surprised with my time, and again, thought to myself that this course was not living up to all the hype. Remember that "naive idiot" comment earlier????<br />
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<strong>Lap #3</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I've run enough of these races to know that my 3rd lap would be considerably slower. I told Erica it would probably be a 7+ hour lap. My pacer Dave made to the start and I told him to be ready to go around midnight. Going clockwise again this time, I was able to capitalize a little on flatter, first 10 miles of the lap. I wanted to cover as much ground as possible before dark. I was also trying something new by charging my Garmin 310 XT with a portable charger as I ran. I wanted to run my Garmin the entire race without it going dead. This was my first time trying this, so I wasn't sure how it would work out. Well, it actually did quite well. My Garmin was charged after about 2 hours and I was at 100% battery life by mile 60. Darkness fell around 7:30 p.m. and as I entered the Nachos aid station, I hooked up with Bob Brooks, who I met on the course earlier. He asked if I was interested in the two of us running together over the nastiest part of the trail. I was happy to oblige him, since I figured by now most of the 50 milers were done and it would be really lonely out there. I hate running in the dark, and not being able to see anyone ahead or behind me. It always gives me the impression that I am off course. Having some company was just what I needed. Plus, it was almost like having a pacer again. Bob and I ran together for quite a while, but with about 5 miles remaining in the lap, his pace got a little to fast for me and I backed off and told him to go on without me. I knew if I tried to keep up with him, I'd have nothing left for my last lap. Those last 5 miles were tough. My thoughts of the course not being so bad quickly faded, as my calves burned more with every climb and my quads burned more with every descent. Also, the sotol had finally worn me down. I had calf sleeves on, by my quads were cut up and very tender. It seemed everytime I touched a sotol plant, it was agony. I had also worked up a pretty large blister on the outside of my left heel. All that combined slowed my pace considerably, but my stomach was in good shape and my mental game was still sharp. My third lap took 7 hrs, 47 mins. I had two things to celebrate at this point; #1- I had just completed mile 75 of Cactus Rose, and #2- I had just met my yearly mileage goal of running 2,012 miles in 2012. With 25 miles left to go, the clock was at 19:50:00 and counting. I did a little doctoring and taping of my blisters and told Dave it was time to go to work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4o8-JE-PfVqOj-hQas-BA96eGUsxO8sCe4FPChw6ioXtlo-UvQmqelp-yJxILxezqMIMDnrOwogiey1y06w6YRSiFlyCfEwMvjfZi1avhzB1vyeKIqF2kqEinT5ayOCk5JqVvETREL4/s1600/98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4o8-JE-PfVqOj-hQas-BA96eGUsxO8sCe4FPChw6ioXtlo-UvQmqelp-yJxILxezqMIMDnrOwogiey1y06w6YRSiFlyCfEwMvjfZi1avhzB1vyeKIqF2kqEinT5ayOCk5JqVvETREL4/s320/98.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "blood toll" to the sotol.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLTORfrgFtjZ1Dku_VMKej415kwHH4BZOphlDkU191sWb9dMZevHooNJb4EOh2ACOFZgaJaUq2Nfxax3rVkTnAyDPg3BVAjT0hfGErfjNyV2QJg-4uIPX_FspRc6aeXJauA7gfQlMbVw/s1600/66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLTORfrgFtjZ1Dku_VMKej415kwHH4BZOphlDkU191sWb9dMZevHooNJb4EOh2ACOFZgaJaUq2Nfxax3rVkTnAyDPg3BVAjT0hfGErfjNyV2QJg-4uIPX_FspRc6aeXJauA7gfQlMbVw/s320/66.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Dave prior to Lap #4. One of us has a lot of energy!<br />
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<strong>Lap #4</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I told Erica that I expected this to be an 8.5 hour lap at best. I still felt good mentally, but my body was pretty tired and my feet were extremely tender from pounding rocks all day, and from the blister I acquired. I told Dave it would be a "comical" pace. He said when he saw my first lap time that he thought he'd have trouble keeping up with me. I told him not to worry b/c I wasn't moving very fast anymore. This lap involved about 90% walking. I tried to take advantage of the flat, rock-free portions of the trail b/c they were the only sections I could do the "100 mile shuffle" on. My movements could no longer be considered running. Although, I appeared to put a lot of effort into my "so-called" runs on this lap, in reality, I think I was actually moving faster by power walking. But, making some running motions made me feel like I still had a little strenth in me. As time wore on, my blister continued to hurt and I could feel another on coming on at the arch of my left foot. The climbs became very slow and the descents even slower. I took great care in coming down, so I wouldn't make my tender feet hurt anymore than necessary. Although my legs and feet were shot, I never got a sick stomach and mentally, I was in a good place. I knew that I was going to finish this race. Dave was a good pacer/companion during this lap. He kept me awake with plenty of conversation. At a couple of points, I had to appologize to him for not responding to him, but I was so tired, my mind and my mouth were not really connected anymore. As the lap wore on, my exhaustion kind of put me in that "walking dead" state of mind. I would just focus on the trail and move forward as best I could. Dave didn't mind. He just kept on moving with me and keeping me aware of my surroundings and my calorie intake. He kept me on point, even as I started to hallucinate seeing the raccoon in the middle of the trail, that turned out to be a patch of grass, the little girl sitting near a tent, that turned out to be a rock, and the man in the woods, which was only a tree. I guess being up for 30+ hours will do that to you. As we crossed over mile 90, and into Nachos aid station for the last time, I witnessed my second Texas sunrise during this race. It would be good to have some sun on my face after nearly 12 hours of running in the dark. When we got to Equestrian, I dumped my lights and camelback, and anything else not absolutely necessary, picked up an amphipod of water and told Dave, "Let's get the hell outta hear and go get a buckle." And just like that, we were off.<br />
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The last 5 miles were as tough as any, and even when I ran, I seemed to be moving no faster than a walk. There was only one obstacle between me and victory, and that was Lucky Peak. Everything else in this section was flat. When we hit Lucky Peak, it nearly knocked the wind out of me. I had no more climbing ability left in me. And at this point, it seemed higher, rockier and steeper than ever before. Very slowly and carefully, we made it over. With 1 mile left to go, I radioed to Erica that we were almost there. When we made it too the junction where the trails merged, I could feel that buckle in my hands. As we made it around the final turn, I could see the finish line. When we got within sight, Dave let out his rebel yell, which he did everytime we got on top of a hill (The first time he did it scared the hell out of me!), so that everyone knew we were coming. The crowd was small so late in the race, but the important people were there. I crossed the finish line in 29:32:31, and Erica was there to congratulate me and give me some love. I got my buckle, shook hands with Joe, and told him how his course kicked my ass. And just like that, it was over. I came out to Bandera not knowing how I would fare on this course, but with a single attempt, I had conquered it. I thanked Dave again for the great job of pacing me and started to collect my stuff. Even though it was a long, long, long race for me (The longest amount of time I have ever run.), I still was not nauseas or really feeling bad. Usually after a race, my stomach is sick, but not today. My nutrition was perfect, and for the most part, my mind stayed sharp. I never go broken down mentally or hit any real low points during this race. My training had really paid off in the end. I finished 25th place overall. There were 80 who started the 100 and 47 to finish; a completion rate of 59%. The drop rate is usally around 50%. I think the perfect temps contributed to a higher finish percentage. I think had my feet not been so tender at the end, my time could have been a little better, but, a finish is a finish. I will take my buckle with pride. Edie, Brad and Bobbi also all finished their 50 miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoz9BqKS-TB4sb9_UxcwrpM2N9_CpaC2cPlYczIZBf6PZ1vHWtkTtPVZgr4M8uU2RmPXJGfYrTIQlxrtq49gD8k-bzXnf7oEWsl3tqYlklu4JHghQwLwvbBU-CNMaTamNNM4voc5PHEw/s1600/72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoz9BqKS-TB4sb9_UxcwrpM2N9_CpaC2cPlYczIZBf6PZ1vHWtkTtPVZgr4M8uU2RmPXJGfYrTIQlxrtq49gD8k-bzXnf7oEWsl3tqYlklu4JHghQwLwvbBU-CNMaTamNNM4voc5PHEw/s320/72.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and I making the final turn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpirCiI8_yZ3A6-HcQqUTOQn2kQchsThZlOjYiymekvbnoqop0Sw44yYVKBQ1m_z2CVBY_wG_VNNqRziefrOgRhph6m0rPg2PLJWufL-68pwIrJNbdQlOoZE2W4hteDSw9eKCZKo1WqT0/s1600/73.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpirCiI8_yZ3A6-HcQqUTOQn2kQchsThZlOjYiymekvbnoqop0Sw44yYVKBQ1m_z2CVBY_wG_VNNqRziefrOgRhph6m0rPg2PLJWufL-68pwIrJNbdQlOoZE2W4hteDSw9eKCZKo1WqT0/s320/73.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final steps.</td></tr>
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I have to give some major thanks to my very supportive wife/crew, Erica, for helping me out with all of my needs during this race. She is my ultimate supporter and has never missed a race, with the exception of the Dallas Whiterock Marathon in 2010, which she still kicks herself for. Her love and dedication does not go overlooked.<br />
<br />
Too Dave Silvestro for the great pacing job, and for keeping on point during my final lap. To Antonio Alvarado, who trained to pace me, but got injured at the last minute. And to all of my fellow ultra-runners, who are always kind, giving and supportive throughout the race. No matter how bad you look during an ultra, there is always someone just a few steps away telling you how strong you look. It is just the "ultra" way. No other races compare to these.<br />
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When I had initally signed up for this race, I had intended to do the Rouge Orleans 126.2 in February 2013. Now..........I don't think I will. With this finish, I am in a place of great satisfaction with myself, and I don't think I have anything left to prove right now. Rouge Orleans is still on my list, and it's time will come. But for now, I am happy where I am at. <br />
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Run on friends.<br />
<br />
Lane<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beat up feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Garmin experiment post-race. I think the extreme hills made it register long.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJCrx3hNjMMhffTerBvkQBfozHslscZcmpKg56LzNLHtQAm2qYGgl6e9WmVYj9l0wgutra7tYwa5qpHJvOJsdVULkEE9Nq3M7SBe1pu1yFuti6I6Gb-K7I0zYvMw0iO5avACydKmOODY/s1600/84.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJCrx3hNjMMhffTerBvkQBfozHslscZcmpKg56LzNLHtQAm2qYGgl6e9WmVYj9l0wgutra7tYwa5qpHJvOJsdVULkEE9Nq3M7SBe1pu1yFuti6I6Gb-K7I0zYvMw0iO5avACydKmOODY/s320/84.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Crash" post-race.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuFv71-7uxXL4jjqNKqBRl-weatXXjgyzvdoEoNFdaJiLaMaMqcYK-emloISKUQ2ZW-KGUblUL-8rv9dPz5hfM4XHN-3nYHQLO19LvyHtXl8ITy3Qo3vRNDbuI8y3laAl9WCZbvt23gA/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuFv71-7uxXL4jjqNKqBRl-weatXXjgyzvdoEoNFdaJiLaMaMqcYK-emloISKUQ2ZW-KGUblUL-8rv9dPz5hfM4XHN-3nYHQLO19LvyHtXl8ITy3Qo3vRNDbuI8y3laAl9WCZbvt23gA/s320/100.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weapons and the prize.</td></tr>
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Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-61623462479523176372012-09-02T05:24:00.002-07:002012-09-02T06:06:52.070-07:00What The Hell Happened To My Running Game?<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I have been what I would like to call a "serious runner" for about 8 years. I started off small, with short group runs with friends, which led to 5Ks, which led to 10Ks, which led to 15Ks, which led to Half Marathons, which led to Marathons, which led to Ultra-Marathons from 50K to 100 Miles. Some would say I am obsessed. I like to think I am motivated; which brings me to the point of this blog.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">I have never been short on self motivation. I enjoy running tremendously and although I have indulged in the occasional group run in the past, I am primarily a solo runner. Not because I am trying to be anti-social, and not because I don't enjoy group running. I just like the flexability of running on my terms, at my time, and at my pace. Although I am not what you'd call an elite runner, I do tend to run ahead of the average recreational runner. Which is why I tend to go solo alot. My philosphy is, "Why show up to a group run, only to run by myself because no one runs at my pace?" This is something that has plagued me for a while, so year by year, I have found myself less involved in the group run and more involved with my solo efforts.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">There is a certain sense of pride that comes with finishing a big race after putting in many training miles on your own. It is your victory, and yours alone. You got this achievement by putting in your own blood, sweat and tears, and the victory is all yours. It is an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. In the past, this has never been a problem for me. I was happy to run alone, most of the time, and my motivation has remained high during this time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">When 2012 rolled around, I was brimming with confidence as I set a new marathon PR at the end of 2011, only to set yet another marathon PR in early 2012; only 6 weeks later. I had the feeling that nothing could stop me. So next I decided to go back to ultra-marathoning. I ran the Mississippi 50 in March 2012. It was a tough run. In fact I finished in 10:43:10, the worst time I had ever logged in a 50 mile race. I chalked it up to the very poor and wet trail conditions and shook it off. I then set my sights on doing the Cactus Rose 100 in October 2012, and a solo attempt of the Rouge Orleans 126.2 in February 2013. I began training at the end of April. During this time I also completed the Big Butts 50K in Clinton, MS. Although the course was relatively flat, the extreme heat slowed my time tremendously, and I finished in 6:13:35. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">After the beating I took from the heat at Big Butts, my game seemed to have changed. The summer heat was in full force and my training runs were beginning to get long; over 20 miles. (If you've never run in summer weather in Louisiana, just imagine 90 - 100+ temps and 100% humidity, all the time.) I began running with great difficulty on my long runs, completing most, but cutting some short on account of the heat, exhaustion and lack of motivation. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">That is what has concerned me lately. I have never had a problem keeping my spirits high, but my summer running has taken me to a place I haven't gone before. My running was becoming a chore, as opposed to an activity of recreation and enjoyment. I maintained my mileage according to my plan, but make no mistake, the miles and heat have taken their toll on my body and mind. I am always amazed when I have a great long run, and then the next week, run the same distance and totally tank. I have definitely had more bad long runs than good this summer. Although, there are many marathoners and iron men in the Alexandria/Pineville, LA area, ultra-runners are in short supply. I am the only one. Which is another reason I've been running solo for so long. There is no one I can call up in this area to knock out a 25 trail run on the weekend. As a result, I have all but removed myself from the local running scene. I have not participated in one 5K or sprint triathlon all year. Which is something I always did in the past. It just seemed pointless to waste a Saturday morning running a 5K, when my plan calls for a 20 - 25 mile run. My only reprieve has been the occasional run with my fellow ultra runners from Lafayette. They are my only avenue of running with other ultra athletes. But, those runs are few and far between, and recent events have caused a rift in their group, which has made things even more difficult.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">If you add all these little issues up, it equals to the most difficult running season I have ever had. I am still training, but to say the runs are less difficult would be a lie. I keep praying for the cooler weather to arrive, in the hopes it will jump start my game. With only 7 weeks until Cactus Rose, better days can't get here soon enough. How will my race go at Cactus Rose? It is difficult to say. Although I have never DNF'd a race, between the very difficult terrain and my current mental state...who knows? I have no intention of DNFing, but does anyone ever enter a race with that intent? All I know is that Cactus Rose is the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel, and I need to get there.....one way or another. I only hope I can get myself together by race day. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">As for Rouge Orleans..............right now it is a judgement call. I will not even consider registering until Cactus Rose is over. I have to see where my head is before I can commit to another race. I know this blog is really depressing, but I needed to get this crap off my chest, and the only people who actually understand this is other runners. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">So, hopefully, I will come out of my funk before it is too late and knock Cactus Rose out of the park. All I know right now is that I need to find my love for running again, and I need to do it soon.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New;">Run on friends,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Lane</span> </span>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-33139813627596176872012-04-01T19:22:00.000-07:002012-04-02T05:24:42.062-07:00Saucony Peregrine 2 Review<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Saucony Peregrine 2 Review</u></span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePQ72mhKdPs/T3kIdk_5QtI/AAAAAAAAACQ/t5VJQd_Z19A/s1600/Peregrine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePQ72mhKdPs/T3kIdk_5QtI/AAAAAAAAACQ/t5VJQd_Z19A/s320/Peregrine.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have been running in Saucony Kinvaras for several years, so when I decided to go with a lighter, more minimal trail shoe, the Peregrine 2s were a no-brainer, since they are basically a trail version of the Kinvaras.<br />
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The first thing I noticed when putting these on for the first time is the weight. Very light (9.9 ounces), which was a big change for me because my primary trail shoes for the last 4 years have been Brooks Cascadias. The uppers are made of a very light, airish mesh material. There was plenty of room in the toe box and my toes did not feel cramped or confined. The shoe did seem to feel a little larger than I was used too. I always get a size 12.5, but could have maybe gotten by with a 12. No matter. I just had to tighten them up a little more. When you put these shoes on for the first time, you will notice that they are very stiff, but if you are familiar with the Kinvaras at all, then you know this is normal. It take a few runs to soften them up. Once you do, they feel great. Also, these shoes are considered to be a minimalist shoe and have the 4mm heal to toe drop. This makes every step feel solid and stable, and very low to the ground.<br />
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I tried to run in every type of trail condition available to me here in Louisiana. I will break down their performance by terrain:<br />
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1. Hard/Packed Trails- Performed well. Almost felt like wearing Kinvaras.<br />
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2. Mud- Good traction in the mud. The lugs are spaced out enough, where the mud doesn't stick to the bottom of the shoe, which keeps them feeling light.<br />
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3. Water- I ran in all types. These shoes are light, in part because of the mesh uppers. However, this means that the lightest touch in the shallowest of puddles ususally leaves you with damp feet. There is very little protection from the water in these shoes. The upside is they dry just as quickly. In deeper water where the shoe is totally submerged, I found they dried pretty quick and never felt heavy. This is a huge plus to me.<br />
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4. Rocks- I ran on several gravel/levee type roads, on everything from pea gravel to larger, golf ball sized rocks. The shoes provided good protection from every type of rock I encountered.<br />
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Overall, I'd give this shoe an A-. It gives me everything I need, but I feel there is always room for some type of improvement. If you run in cold/snowy conditions, this may not be the shoe for you. In snow or extremely cold conditions, you will definitely have cold, wet feet. However, if you run mostly in warm conditions, like I do, this is a great shoe.<br />
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<br />Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876026020935252057.post-5978024409539525132012-03-06T06:29:00.002-08:002012-09-02T05:20:39.650-07:00"Muddy Hell!!!!"<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><strong> <span style="color: white;">"Muddy Hell!!!!"</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;"><em> - My tale of ultra-running and adversity in Laurel, MS</em>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>The Date:</strong> March 3, 2012</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>The Race:</strong> Carl Touchstone Memorial<span style="background-color: white;"> </span>Mississippi 50 Miler</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>The</strong> <strong>Place:</strong> Desoto National Forest, Laurel, MS</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>The Report:</strong> Here it comes....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I've been distance running since 2007, when I completed my first marathon at the Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans (Before it was the Rock n Roll Marathon). I've been running ultras since 2009. I like to think of myself as a pretty seasoned distance runner who is familiar with the trials and tribulations that come with putting your body through extended and difficult events and conditions. I had not run an ultra since clocking a sub-24 hour finish at the 2011 Rocky Raccoon. I ran that race strongly and felt great before, during and afterward. After Rocky, I took a little time off to recover and then decided to step away from ultras for a little while and focus on marathoning again. I never thought my current marathon PR of 3:40:59 was my best effort and I wanted to re-establish myself and a strong marathoner. Following some hard training, I logged a new PR at the 2011 St. Jude Memphis Marathon of 3:28:30, followed by another PR of 3:23:52 just 6 weeks later at the Louisiana Marathon. I had achieved my goal to PR, twice, and I was happy. But after a year of beating myself up on the road, the trails began to call me back. I intended to sign up for the 2012 Rocky Raccoon 100, even though I knew that the short 5 week turnaround would not be an adequate amount of time to re-integrate myself to ultra trail running. As luck would have it, Rocky filled up way faster than expected, and before I knew it, the registration was closed. I could have gotten in on the waiting list, but I just took that as a sign that it was too soon. I still wanted to get back to ultras, so I decided on the Mississippi 50. It gave me a little more time to train and it was still close to home.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">So train I did, and before I knew it race day was upon me. My wife/crew Erica and I left on Friday for the 4 hour trek east to Laurel, MS. One of the reasons I picked this race was because of it's reputation of being a flat, fast course. After two recent marathon PRs, I, of course, had a 50 mile PR on my mind. I was shooting for 9 hours or less; a PR of 12 minutes or so, if I could achieve that. What could go wrong? Right????</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">As race day got closer, the rain got heavier, and Mississippi was immersed in a deluge for most of the week prior to the race. As I sat in my hotel the night before the race, watching the Weather Channel as if it were some type of interesting movie, I thought about how bad the race course might be. The prediction that night was 80% chance of severe thunderstorms, hail, and possible tornadoes. Not exactly the best way to begin a race. To add insult to injury, they were also predicting between 30% and 60% chance of rain on race day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I woke up Saturday morning to the rain. It was cool, in the 50s, but it did not appear to have rained as much as predicted. On the drive to the start, the rain stopped and I felt like maybe things would be ok. I got myself set up and before I knew it, the 6 O'clock hour was there and we were running. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>Lap #1 (12.5 miles)-</strong> The first mile was pretty good. Everyone was establishing their pace and dancing around a few mud holes. Nothing major. Then came the first creek crossing. It was about 25 feet wide and knee-deep. Only 49 miles left to go I my feet were not wet, they were drenched. But, that's part of it and I had on Dri-Max socks which dry out quickly, so I felt I'd be ok. But then the mud came into play. See, this course is not designed strictly for running. It is an active horse trail. So on top of the creeks, we also had to deal with soft, stinky mud. Not just regular mud....the kind of mud that makes that sucking noise as you step into it and wants to take your shoes from you. And it was all over the course!!!! It was difficult to establish a pace because as soon as you did, you'd hit a long stretch of unavoidable mud that you had to walk through or you'd fall. But not to worry, because not far from that mud was a nice, cool creek that would totally wash off the mud, but then leave your shoes feeling extremely wet and heavy. I figure there were at least 15 to 20 creek crossings, ranging from ankle-deep to thigh-deep, throughout this loop. And when you weren't getting wet, you were getting muddy. All that being said, I felt good on this loop and finished in a respectable 2:01:18. I was happy with that. When I got by my drop bag, I talked to Erica for a second and I was off for lap #2. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Lap #1 Results- 12.5 miles 2:01:18 Pace- 9:42</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"> (Disregard the date. Camera malfunction.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>Lap #2 (12.5 miles</strong><strong>)-</strong> Lap #2 was more of the same. More water and more mud, but with a twist. Now the trail had been trampled by 200 or so 50 Mile and 50K runners as well as the 20K runners who had just started their first lap at 8:00. The trail had quickly deteriorated to a wet, muddy mess. It was more difficult to navigate and more difficult to establish a steady pace. I began to look forward to the few gravel sections of the course that were flat, hard and dry. They felt like heaven once you got to them. By the time I got to mile 20, I had slowed some and my over-saturated, muddy shoes felt more like concrete blocks. When I reached the start/finish area at mile 25, I decided that as pointless as it was, I would change my socks and shoes. I just wanted to run for that one mile in dry shoes. So for the first time, I sat and changed socks and shoes, sucked down a Red Bull and ate a little. I sat a little longer than intended because of the difficulty of getting on and off socks on my cold wet feet. I figure by the time I left, I had sat for around 7 to 10 minutes. Too damn long!!!! I complained about the mud to Erica and then left for Lap #3.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Lap #2 Results- 12.5 miles 2:31:23 Pace- 12:06 </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Total Miles- 25 Elapsed Time- 4:32:41 Avg. Pace- 10:54 </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>Lap #3 (12.5 miles</strong><strong>)-</strong> Lap #3 was a turning point for me. The trail had really deteriorated to the worst of extremes. It just seemed like one long, 12.5 mile, muddy puddle. My dry socks and shoes lasted for the intended 1 mile and then they were wet again. The mud now was not even mud anymore. It was a brown, soupy slush that tried to take your shoes off with every step. There was no more trying to circumvent the bad spots, because the bad spot was 12.5 miles long. It was just mud, water, mud, water, mud, water.....over and over and over. I got to the point that when I saw a creek or a really bad spot in the trail, it literally turned my stomach. I'd been running for over 5 hours in extremely poor trail conditions and now to top it all off, the rain began to fall. My pace had really slowed and I began to feel weak. Then I realized I'd made a huge mistake. I normally always bring some type of solid food like a sandwich or something to eat throughout the race. I did not. I decided to rely on what was provided at the aid stations, which was the usual sweets, salts, and PB&J. It was not enough to sustain me and I began to crash. I had pretty much been running on GU, water and a few things from the aid stations. I also did not bring any type of electrolyte drink. They had Heed at the aid stations. I hate Heed!!!! I knew I hated Heed, but for whatever reason, I did nothing about it. I still took salt tabs, but at that point it did little to help me. I was slipping into a low spot quickly, with little hope of recovery. I guess I totally underestimated the course and the weather conditions. "I am an experienced ultra runner. I can handle this.", I thought. But the trail doesn't care who you are or how many ultras you've run. It doesn't care that you are a sub-24 100 miler. It treats everyone exactly the same, from the rookie 20K runner to the veteran 100 miler. Now my goal had changed from a 50 mile PR to self preservation. I had just hit the wall. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">As I stopped at my drop bag after completing my third lap, I was totally exhausted both mentally and physically. I was tired of running with wet feet and the trail was beating me. I found myself in a low spot that I'd never been in before. I then said words that have never come across my lips, "I feel like I could drop.", I told Erica. Never before in a race had I ever even considered it, but I was really in a bad spot right now and it seemed plausible to do so. I could stop now and get credit for the 50K, lick my wounds and go home. Thankfully, there was still a little glimmer of hope in me and deep down I knew that I was too close to the end to quit now. I had 12.5 miles to go. I had to keep moving forward. One bright spot was I had finally bid farewell to the hellacious 12.5 mile yellow loop and I was moving on to the shorter and hopefully better 6.25 mile blue loop. I collected myself and pressed on for Lap#4. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Lap #3 Results- 12.5 miles 3:05:55 Pace- 14:52</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Total Miles- 37.5 Elapsed Time- 7:38:36 Avg Pace- 12:13</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"> (The Wall!!!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>Lap#4 (6.25 miles)-</strong> Lap #4 started like all the others. The first mile was clean and dry, but the water and mud quickly came and I was in the same situation all over again. By now, aside from being beaten down mentally and physically, I was hungry and weak. I needed some solid food, which I did not have and simply had to continue on without it. Rain continued to fall at regular intervals and the temps were cooling. I ran sporadically, if you call it that. A few steps, navigate a creek. A few steps, walk through the mud. I was doing way more walking than running. I beginning to get passed by a lot of other 50 Milers as well. Unlike me, most seemed to be running with vigor, totally unphased by the poor conditions of the day. As I got passed, I began to ask some of them, "First or second short loop?". To my dismay, many of them were on their second. This certainly didn't help my mental state. I ran alone for a long time and felt like I was the only one left on the course. On occasion, I'd pass someone, only to be passed by them a little further down the trail. It was disheartening. Although this loop had more and longer dry spots than the previous loops, it did little to boost my performance. At the end of Lap #4 I walked through the start/finish area. The race director, Dennis, asked what I had left. I woefully said, "One more lap." I got a PB&J, which I really didn't want, and went to my drop bag.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Lap #4 Results- 6.25 miles 1:40:23 Pace- 16:03</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Total Miles- 43.75 Elapsed Time- 9:18:59 Avg. Pace- 12:46</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><strong>Lap #5 (6.25 miles)-</strong> I didn't sit very long at my drop bag this time. I wanted to get done. By now it was 3:30 pm. I'd been running for over 9 hours, and the day before I would have told you I'd be done by now. With only a little over 6 miles to go, I was off. I told Erica I'd probably take between 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours to complete this lap. Although it was still early in the day, the wet, overcast conditions made it seem like dusk already. Add the canopy of the trees to that and it looked like it was getting dark sooner than later. That's when it hit me........I wanted to pick up my head lamp for this lap. I didn't think I would need it, but it was a safety net. The problem was that I was already a mile into the last lap. Then desperation hit. You always hear the phrase "Mind Over Matter". Well I'm here to tell you, that phrase is no myth. When I realized I had left my light at the drop and I could possibly get caught in the dark on an unfamiliar trail, my survival instincts kicked in. I quickly forgot how bad my day went, how bad I felt, and how tired and hungry I was and I began to run. Not shuffle, as I had been doing for the last 5 hours.........Running!!!!!!! My mind took over and blocked out all of the mental and physical pain. I watched my pace increase to 10:30 - 11:00 minute pace. I was moving again. I established a plan to run 9/10s of a mile and walk the last 10th. This worked out well. If I hit mud and water, I walked through it, but immediately began to run again afterward. Now I was the one passing people; people who were walking and looked like I had only an hour before. I had to get to the finish and fast. As I hit mile 49, it became evident that I would finish in the daylight and my adrenaline rush began to decrease. My pace slowed and I started walking a little more. But what a surge I had in those last 5 miles. Finally the finish line was in sight and I ran it in with authority. I was done in 10:43:10. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't easy, but it was a finish and I'll take it. The race director, Dennis, handed me my 50 Mile buckle and an Amphipod. I told Erica the day before that I didn't think a 50 Miler was worthy of a buckle, but after what I went through, I was happy to accept it. My stance has softened a little on that issue. I made it to the car, posed for some pictures and exchanged congratulation with a few other runners. The day was done and thankfully I had stuck it out.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Lap #5 Results- 6.25 miles 1:24:11 Pace- 13:28</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Total Miles- 50 Elapsed Time- 10:43:10 Avg. Pace- 12:51</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">In the end, I finished middle of the pack. Of the 116 50 Milers who started that morning, only 80 would finish. Many more dropped to the 50K or 20K. Of the 80 who finished, I was 43rd. Considering how I felt, that was not too bad.<br />
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In closing, I guess the thing I learned from this race is to never underestimate your opponent; and by opponent I mean the course. I went into this race with high hopes b/c it was supposed to be a fairly easy course, as far as ultras go., but I was proved wrong by the weather and the resulting trail conditions and I made a few dumb mistakes of my own. This one was a learning experience and I learned some valuable lessons that I will carry with me to my next ultra. In the end, it was a good experience. When you hit your lowest of lows, it strengthens your mind, body and soul for the next difficult situation. I always tell Erica, "If ultra running was easy, everyone would do it.". And you know what??? I'm right.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Run on friends. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: #999999;"></span></span><br />Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05852391463823735679noreply@blogger.com0