Not-McNaughtAgain

Recently this last April I ran my 2ND attempt of the McNaughton Park 100 mile trail Ultra Marathon. Now the beauty of waiting several months to write about it is, I can't remember most details and can't be held responsible for any inaccurate information.

I'd like to say I won it, but I do remember that. In fact If I was to skip forward to the end, I'd have to say it was another tough race and I ended up dropping at 70 miles.

Let me tell you the theme of the day was mud. There was a large storm that hit the course the day prior and it really messed up the trail. The stream crossings where deeper that normal. And it added several water crossings so instead of crossing two streams per loop, there were 4-5 extra, so it's safe to say my feet were wet during the entire run.
The shoe sucking mud made the day difficult. In all lower canon areas of the course, which was about 30% of the course. The water from the rain was trap. Illinois soil is thick clay like dirt that holds the water and as runners trample down the trail, it make a NICE THICK SOUPY MUDDY MESS.

It's ankle deep at times and adds about a pound to your shoes. OK I'm done crying about the mud.

Did I mention it was muddy?

Yep! more mud!

The race started at 6am. I ran well through the day. Again the course is 10 total 10 mile loops. When night came, it was a new experience for me. It was dark, but this year I brought better headlamp and flashlights. During the day you are surrounded by hundreds of people, but at night I only seen a few people.

The temperature dipped down to lower 30's that night.

These were the main two stream crossings. Nice and refreshing during the day and cold as ice at night.

This is golf hill. It's tough to see in this photo but it's steep enough you have to use a rope to get to the top.

You pass this old civil war cemetery right before you get to the next aid station.

This is Heavens Gate aid station. I love these guys. They had to stand in ankle deep mud for 30 hours.

The finish line. Runners line the entry to the finish line with tents. I don't know what to think about this. For the first 50 miles of the race it was great. You run down this lane of tents and you had your own cheering section. The family members of runners camped out to cheer on their runner and they always give you a courtesy clap and "you're look'in good. But as the day turns to night many of the tents are occupied by runners taking a break or finished for the day. I caught myself looking at these poor bastards thinking, Man they look like crap! Do I look that bad. Maybe worse.

This is the only photo that was taken of me after the race. It was a fun day but the McNaughton mud and rain got the best of me again. I'll be back. You can count on it.

Five Days of Taper

Five days and I'll be packing the car and heading toward Pekin, IL for the McNaughton Park 100 mile Ultra. I finished off the week with a fun 12K trail run at Platte River State Park. This race was organized by Teamnebraska and as always we had a good time. 1:33 time with 4500 elevation gain.

A Purgatory of Mileage

I read that Kansas is a Purgatory of Mileage and after running the Flint Hills 50 mile ultra marathon March 14th 2009, at times I thought maybe I was in Purgatory. I'm not sure if the official name of the run was the Flint Hills 50, but thats what I named it. The KUS club or "Kansas Ultrarunning Society held a 50 mile members only fun run March 14th 2009. It was fun. The KUS group drove us out into the middle of the flint hills in central Kansas to drop us off at the starting line of the Heartland 100 Ultra course then told us to run back to Cassoday Kansas. This was like running on the surface of the moon. 11 hours of rolling hills and never changing landscape. One of the most beautiful places in the midwest. But let me tell you. There was seldom a tree and never a house or traffic. Just looong loonnnng roaaads. The KUS group charged $5.00. They dropped us off. The followed us for 11 hours. They gave us food and drink. And they are the greatest people on earth for doing that. What a good time.

We ended the day by running 50 miles. Our time was 11:27.

Race $5.00

gels $15.00

hotel $29.00

Gas $20.00

loosing two toe nails $0.00

Running the heartland 100 course $priceless

Phyco Wyco 2009

February 14th Valentines Day was my third running of Kansas Cities Phyco Wyco. Who would of ever thought Bad Ben would have arranged good weather and decent trail conditions. We were not prepared for that. He always has something up his sleeve. Last winter is was ankle deep, shoe sucking mud. Last July was crazy heat. Don't get me wrong, the mud showed up, but not until the end of the day. Over-all I was happy with an 8hour 9 minute finish. I was still at the back of the pack, but this was a personal PR for me. AND we had a blast.

Always a half dozen stream crossing adds to the fun. At the end of the day the trail leading out of the stream was mucky ol' mud.

Bob was kind enough to slow his day down to help me stay motivated. I think he would of had a healthy PR had he chose to run his own race. He was looking strong.

Rob and KT ran the Dawgs.

KT ran the 10mile option. Rob ran the 20miler with OLY. His last 10 mile lap was impressive running it in a hour twenty-ish.

Oly the super stud with his first finisher metal.

What's next.......in two weeks I'm running a 50 miler on the Heartland 100 course on March 14th. Then two weeks after that (Easter weekend). I'm taking my second stab at the McNaughton Park 100miler.

Another Word for Winter is (NEVERENDING)

Just when we got used to temperatures in the sixties, mother nature slaps us with another winter storm. This is not quite what I had in mind for weather this week. I just signed up for a fifty miler in two weeks and really need some trail time.

I was lucky enough to have some help scooping snow today. While the Blink clan is basking in the Florida sun with the Bigun family, I get to take care of his meathead dawg and scoop snow. It just doesn't seem right. Have fun and we'll see you in a few.

They Will Let Anyone In a Race Oh Shit!

Oh Crap now what does this say about me. Here I thought I might be part of an elite group. You know the best of the best, and now look Rod Blagojevich is running Marathon's. Well just shake it off and be happy the blond with the speedo AND Blagojevich will never show up at the same race that I am.

Well now we are on the subject I'm about to kick off the season with my first Ultra. Next Saturday, I'm heading down to run in 2009 Phyco Wyco Ultra Marathon. It's a 50K with over 12,000 ft of climb. It's muddy! It's cold! And the RD Bad Ben always says he doesn't allow any Whiners so I better shut up. It's going to be fun.

Camp Corns Weekend

The first weekend in October Aneta and I made a road trip down to Indian Cave State Park in South East Nebraska. I always heard they had a great trail system and the rumors where right. We covered 8 miles of trail and didn't see half the trails. I was really impressed with the elevation gains and variety of scenery.

The following week I made last minutes plans to throw the tent and sleeping bag in the car and went back for two-day trail run.





Let's just call it CampCorns. So there was no entry fee to sign up for CampCorns, and as you can see there where no shirts given out. The attendance this year (at CampCorns) was 100%, but then again I was the only one invited.




The first day.... Saturday, I rolled into Indian Cave and set up camp. That took longer than I hoped so my first day of running was short. Maybe a ten mile run followed up by camp fire meal and a cooler full of beer. The weather was perfect. A cool evening, no bugs and no phones.



Day two was great. I got up early and had a quick backpackers breakfast. I filled up the camelback with H2O and hit the trails for a nice fifteen mile run. Indian Cave had a horse race that morning so I shared the trail with hand full of horseback riders. They were bigger so they had the right of way, plus they were faster, but then again if you've seen me run, that ain't saying much. The trails had some amazing hills with incredible views of the Missouri River, some deep valleys and you could run for 25+ miles without seeing the same trail twice.



After the run I went back to camp. Fried up some eggs and sausage and held the awards ceremony. CampCorns trailrunning series fell on hard times this year with the poor economy so there where no buckles awarded. Maybe next year.













Below.....I added a link to a short film of David Goggins, the US Seal Team member/Ultra runner. Most of the footage was shot at the 2008 McNaughton Park 100/150 mile ultra. I was running the 100 mile distance and the only time I got to see David he pasted me when I was on mile 25. He passed me like I wasn't moving and he already completed 125 miles. It's a great video. When you click on the link there are several video's. Use the tool bar to scroll over to "The Long Run". Enjoy!


http://lstudio.lexus.com/

Bohemian Alps 2008

Three weeks after the Lean Horse 100 mile ultra Nebraska holds it's only Ultra distance race, the Bohemian Alps 50k. I can't say I was fully recovered from the Lean Horse but it's important to support our local races when-ever possible.

Again, the day was a tough one. The forecast was calling for mild temperatures but holy cow it was hot. Upper 80's and when you are a walking oven, that's hot. I think everyone said they had difficulty with the heat. The fastest time was around 5hours. I happened to finish the Alps in 7 hours 11minutes. I'm please with the time and had a blast doing it.

The Bohemian Alps is a 32 mile run in Branard Nebraska. Rolling hills, dirt roads and trails. My GPS says we had 3685 feet of Ascent/Descent. September is the start of harvest season so the occasional grain truck flying by and kicking up road dirt is a factor as well. Sweat + Dirt = a messy dry eyed Greg.

When I first started doing triathlon the race would always give you a photo or drawing of the area.

Since I started doing ultras the RD would give you a satellite photo or county road map for distance and direction. I wish they wouldn't do that. Scars the shit out of me when you see the big picture.




Post race beers and BBQ. I wasn't worth a crap here. Notice I thought this one through. I camped out by the beer cooler. Now if I could just give my dick to someone to go take a piss for me, I'd be happy. I was on my own for that one.

Going down!

The Lean Horse

We made it back from the Lean Horse and back to our normal Life again. The trip to South Dakota is always fun, but this year was another humbling experience again. This was my 2nd attempt at running the Lean Horse and I fell shy of the finish line by 30 miles.

Carhinge was the first stop on our trip to South Dakota. It's a mystical place. Life changing for sure.

I was able to scratch one item from the bucket list. PISS ON CARHINGE. "Who doesn't have that on their list"? It was satisfying.

The next morning we were got checked in....had a quick snack.....stretched and got ready for the race start up.

The race had about 140 runners, some running the 50 miler and about 80 people running the 100 miler. I love the energy at the start. Most people are nervous and jacked up ready to get the race started. I tend to be numb. No emotion, I'm just ready to go.

After we got started I hooked up with the only other person from Nebraska. Scott G. from LaVista Nebraska.. One hell of a good guy. Really......we didn't plan to dress the same.......Scott ended up with at 25 hour finish.......Which I'm proud to say he represented Nebraska well. I hope to do some more running with Scott in the future.

The wild life in South Dakota was incredible. I know most of my friends would look at hind-end as an invitation. Kind of looks like a target. And look.........handle bars......who could say "No" I had to pass on this one.

Big Buck.......What a monster.

After the race gets underway you are really able to relax and just enjoy the run. The Lean Horse is considered one of the easiest 100 mile ultra. Non technical trails, with all smooth surfaces, but I argue that. It's ALL up and down. You are always going through some level of elevation change, and the changes in temperature are challenging too. The start of the race is 40. The mid day is 80 and after the sun goes back down it's back in the lower 40's.

The first 25 miles were smooth. I was running well. I did not have any major problems. I was able to see Aneta a few times at different aid station and was able to cruse into Carrol Creek aid station at mile 30 feeling good. From 30 to 40 miles my body was starting to rebel a little and started getting sick. I was sick of drinking energy drinks, I was sick of gu, my "S" caps were not tasty and that's were I started Blow Chunks. And "No" I don't have a cat named "Chunks" (joke). Now on the up-side of getting sick it was only a minor problem. I just had to slow down. Focus on staying hydrated, and keep moving forward.

Now it started getting late. The sun was down and believe me South Dakota is dark. It's funny but when you are running in the trees. No moon light, and all you have is your head lamp, you tend to see things. Everything moves. Trees take on different shapes. I kept seeing chairs lines up on the side of the trail. I go take a closer look and guess what ......no chairs...just more and more trees.

I ended my run about 1:30am at night. I really had trouble from mile 60 to 70. The last section of my run was a 6 mile stretch from Crazy Horse Monument to Harbach park all up hill. It trashed the quads and with no water in my system.......I just shut down. On the upside.......I did 70miles.......I did about 12 thousand food of ascent/descent, and I ran from 6am and stopped at 1:30am.........On the down side.......I showed up to run a 100 mile race. I only covered 70 miles.

I am disappointed in the end result but overall I'm happy for the opportunity, and to say I ran in tough conditions, and I've gained a ton of experience for the next race.

In short.....The Lean Horse is a great event. Jerry Dunn does a great job putting on a event that is challenging, but do-a-ble for the first time ultra runner.

The Lean Horse

Lean Horse is an old U.S. Postal Service Mail term used back in the Pony Express days as "a Horse that could run longer distances (and) quickly, more-so than your average horse". I plan to redefine that term as the one who trots and who leaves many road apples along the way.

The Lean Horse 100 Mile Ultra Marathon starts Saturday August 23rd at 6:00am.

This will be my second attempt. I fell short last year, so I have some unfinished business now.

It should be fun weather permitting. I'm going to need you to send some of your positive vibes.

Two Questions

Answer to Question Number One: Well I guess they do shit in the woods. But then again, so does Blink. Good now I can move on.

Answer to Question Number Two:
Hell ya Kansas is hot. Which worries me just a little. July 5Th I'm going to venture down to Kansas City Kansas to run in the Summer Phyco Wyco 50K trail run . Most race's have a claim to fame, or a certain known level of difficulty that makes thier race unique. Western States has quad crunching down hills, H.U.R.T. has technical roots, rocks, mud. Hard Rock has elevation gain/loss. Well you get the point. Summer Phyco has Kansas heat and humidity. It's only been a few months sense my last rant when I was bitching about the cold. So it doesn't seem right that I squawk about the heat.......But as luck would have it, KC is only calling for temp of 86 degree's, with 70% humidity.

How lucky am I. Good weather, time off away from work. I get to go run in a lil' trail Ultra and finish up with beers and fireworks.

I hope everyone has a great 4Th. I would tell you "Please Drink Responsively" but I know you all better than that. Have fun and be er responsible!

Olympic Trials

Yesterday we had an opportunity to watch the Olympic Swim Trials. It really was a great show. First, the athletes were the best part. A few world records were set. Mark Phelps was there and in top form. Then the event itself was fun. It wasn't your typical swim meet like what we had back in high school. There were lights. The was loud-ass music. It was almost a concert setting. If you ever get a chance to go in the future. I highly recommend it.

Happy 4th kids.

Coeurd 'lane

First of I'd like to congratulate all of those.....who competed in the Iron Man competition at Coerdil'ane Idaho. You did great. Hat's off to Blink, Bigun and tacboy. You three are studs.

My next adventure is Summer PhyscoWyco, July 5th. Again, I might be a little under trained for this one, but I'm looking forward to a challenge. 30 miles on the trail. It should be fun.

McNaughton Park 100 Mile Madness

Let me start off by saying...if you want mud and shitty weather, well just invite me to your race. It seems that's the one consistent thing that I can guarantee. McNaughton Park was that. Muddy......Rainy....at times snow, but it was fun.

Bob M. and I showed up at this race Friday for packet pick up and to watch the 150 milers start. It was humbling to stand there with fresh legs and watch the 150 milers, knowing that when we start our race they will have already been running for eighteen hours.

6am Saturday came around quickly and we were all off and running. There was 60 runners in the 150 miler. 60+ in the 100 miler and 90+ runners in the 50 miler. This is a single track 10 mile looped course with rolling hills and two stream crossings per loop. The rain was light and sporadic during the morning portion of the run, but got progressively heavier though out the day.

Miles 0 to 20 was easy and a lot of fun. I ran with several groups of people, the trail was in reasonably good condition considering the steady rain for the past few days. David Goggins (Navy Seal) and pacer passed me around mile 25. He said he was on 115 and still looking strong. David went on to win the 150 miler with a total time of 33:36.

Miles 30-40 did not come easy for me. The trail was pummeled by hundreds of feet. The mud was ankle deep in places and the rain stopped long enough for it to turn to snow. It was cooled! I remember standing on the side of a hill taking a gel and the ground just gave away. I was gliding down the hill unable to stop. The good news was, I could slide faster than I could run. The bad news was, what goes down must eventually go back up. One section of the course called (Golf Hill) had a rope to assist you up the hill. It was a vertical climb that required use of the rope.


At mile 45, I came up on (Heavens Gate) aid station and of one the volunteers was eating a grilled cheese sandwich, she could see the drewl from my mouth so she offered. Let me just say this, that was the BEST grilled cheese I've ever had in my life! Then she offered cheesy mashed potatoes and bacon. Kids.... I just ran into a buffet. They called it (Heavens Gate) because it sat on an old cemetery. I think they should call it Heavens Buffet and All Night Grill.
At mile 50 I found the difference between a water proof jacket.....and the difference between a water resistant jacket. A water resistant jacket is good for 0-30 miles in the rain and a water proof jacket is what I did not own. My body was soaked from head to toe. The sun was now down and the temperature dropped. The thought of doing 40 more miles in the dark didn't seem possible, and that's when my flashlight went out. Now what? Here I am out in the woods with an eight pound water filled jacket and a broken flashlight. Fortunately I did have a small backup penlight. Without that I'd probably still be out wandering around in the woods someplace in Illinois.
When I got back to the start/finish line I was shaking uncontrollably. I just couldn't get warmed up. I was spent, and without a light I was done.

It was a tough year for McNaughton Park. 13 runners completed the 150 mile race. 11 runners completed the 100 mile race and 69 runners completed the 50 mile race. It's also worth mentioning......Of the 60 people to start the 150 mile race 11 additional runners did complete 100 miles before stopping. Anyone who could endure 100 miles in those conditions has my respect.

Bob M. completed the 100 miler in 29:47 and placed 3rd overall and received the 100 mile buckle and 1st place award for his age group. I ran for 16:58 before dropping and place 19Th overall and 9Th place for my age group and received the 50 mile buckle.

Mud Fest 2008

Yes I was at the back of the pack on this race. Not a strong finish. The only thing that I can say in my defence there were 35 runners that dropped from the race because the trail conditions was so bad. Believe me, I thought about it at one point too, but my ride wasn't at the race so there wasn't anything else to do but wait, so I thought.....I might as well be running. The last lap was un-runnable, it was a wading pool of mud that added weight to my feet. Mile 25 (or so) the dash board lights turned on the the wheels feel off, and I was walking. But talk about fun. It was a blast.

The First Coeurd'Alen Challenge

Well I'm finding there are more challenges to completing an Iron Man than JUST physical challenges. Recently I've been displaced from my job. (Or as they would say south of the boarder). Juno....I lost my Yob Mang! So most likely that will effect my goal of attending the Iron Man in Coeurd'Alene and that SUCKS! I mean that sucks "BIGTIME" I'm only guessing my next employer will not be open to giving me a week and a half off in June, so I had to come to the realisation that I won't be able to make the trip to Idaho. For those who are signed up for an Iron Man this year.....think about that.....How hard would it be for YOU to back out at this point. We've all committed. We've all past the point of no return.







First there is the financial investment of $500 one year in advance. Hell I don't even know what what I'm going to eat for lunch today, and IM wants me to plan one year in advance to compete in their race then lay down five hundy.







Second I know we've all laced up our shoes and ventured out into the snow and shitty weather because "we had to". A run could wait for another nice day but you know if you don't bang out some serious miles you may not see the finish line. So we take an enjoyable thing like running and turn it into a chore. And that pool, face down in cold water ingesting chlorine for hours. It's not always the funnest thing to do.







Now that you are vested financially AND physically, then have to "bow out". For me, the toughest part was just saying it.....ok....."I'm out" I hesitated and Studdard but I did have to say it................I'm out..................Ouch!.







Now IM has my money and not likely to give it back, and maybe there is an outside chance that I can go. What if my new employer would say, wow Greg you are going to compete in the Iron Man, wow you can't pass that up. Just maybe the stars will Aline and allow me to go. (I know dream on). So what to do? Keep on running. I would hate to show up under prepared.







I guess the best approach is to enjoy what you are doing today. The race only lasts one day. Enjoy all the days that brought you there, and enjoy all the things that you take away from Iron Man. I'll be thinking about you June 22ND.








On the lighter side. The weather has been warmer. I finely got to run in shorts and tee for the first time in months. Why do I have to learn things the hard way?







Nipple Protection!







The question is? Why do my lil nipples seem to always take a beating when I wear just a tee shirt. It seems the ladies never have this problem. What is it? Are they made of Kevlar, and cast iron? Do men genetically have sensitive nipples?







I've had people say......Well Yeti why don't you just Duck Tape em. Well that poses another problem. Who's going to remove the tape when I'm done running? Not me. And I refuse to look like Steve Carell on the Forty Year Old Virgin. Bag-Balm doesn't cut it.







Maybe I'll just remove them. I don't use them. What good are they? Will HMO cover that? Maybe Snap-On will invent some removable Nipples.







Well that's all for now folks. Happy Training.