Coming Out Of The Closet

Well I've had a dirty little secret for sometime now now, and I've been reluctant to talk about it for the last few months. I think the reason for not talking about it is because it's probably not the best idea in the world, but sometimes you just have to say "fuck it" and just do something stupid. I signed up for the McNaughton Park 100 mile Ultra Marathon in Peking IL. For April 12th, 2008. This will be my second attempt at the 100 mile distance. My first attempt at the 100 mile distance was at Lean Horse 100 mile Ultra last August in which I fell short of the finish by quite a few miles.



One side of me says, take your time. Train harder. But the other side says quit acting like a pussy and just do it. If I have half the fun in this attempt as I did at the Lean Horse it will be worth it no matter what the out come is.



If you are not familiar with the McNaughton Park Ultra. It's the only 150 mile Ultra in the USA. They also offer a hundred mile and a 50 mile during the same race. The 150 milers start on April 11th at 12pm, and us 100 milers join them on April 12th at 6am. The McNaughton Park Ultra is a single track trail run on a 10 mile loop course. Each 10 mile loop has heavy hills and two stream crossings per loop.



I can honestly say, if I had to run this race tomorrow I would fail miserably but I do think April is far enough out to put in enough miles to get me ready for this. I've been running all hills and mixing in some pool time too. I'm banking on that combination to get me where I need to be.



Wish me luck on this next adventure and may the trail gods be good to me this next three months.

Happy New Year 2008

Happy New Year to all.

Well lets get this year started. The last football game is about over. Work is slowing down. With those two major distractions behind me, maybe we can start getting some miles in. The tough part is planning out the year and putting together a training plan. CDA will be the big focus and I think we will see at least three Utra's on my wish list year.

Good luck in 08.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Diggin the Snow

Holly crap the season have changed from a mild fall to weekly snow storms. I'm really digg'in the snow, but it's change my approach to working out. Mainly running. It takes a little more motivation to get me outside these days.

I've learned two new tricks this year both involve my feet. Number one. If you drive a small half inch sheet metal screw into the tread of your shoe it works like a low cost running spike. I swear by this and it gives you enough traction to keep you upright and you'll never worry about sliding down an icy frozen surface. You might ask. Does the screw ever poke through to your foot......and that would be a "hell no". They don't fall out. They don't rip or shred your shoe. I've got a few twenty mile runs on these and they are still working well.

The other thing I've learned to keep your feet warm. Did you know that if you slather a thin layer of Vaseline on your feet then sprinkle Cyan Chili Pepper over your feet they will stay nice and tingly warm. It feels a little strange but it works. Cyan Chili Pepper has the same active ingredient as in a over the counter pain reliever called Zostrix. Some people use this instead of Using Chili Powder, but back in the old mountaineering days they used to Chili Powder. Word to the wise. Don't get it on your hands. If you rub your eyes or your sack, you will hate yourself. After your run. Wash you feet well. Soap and water. Then use hand lotion on your feet after you dry off. That will de-activate the pepper. And what the hell put the lotion on your sack too. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.

One last thought. Are your feet cold. Well are your shoes too tight. Loose shoe = warm feet.

This is Hanks Dirty Harry look.

Do you feel lucky PUNK...Well do ya?

Da Da Daaa! I'm super dog.

Ready for the Holidays

Took me all week but the tree is up!