I would bet 75% of all runners have never heard about Ultramarathon running and racing.  An Ultramarathon being a race longer then the 26.2 miles of the marathon distance.  Of the 25% that are familiar with ultramarathon running, I would guess maybe half have heard of races like Western States 100, Leadville 100 or Hardrock 100. Some would argue these are the Majors, the World Series and Super Bowl of the Ultrarunning world. I would say they are much more than that, but unfortunately most of the world never even noticed.

This past weekend 27-28 June 2015, The Western States 100 was in run and won by Rob Krar, male and Magdalena  Boulet, female in times of 14:48:59 and 19:05:21 respectively.

 

Let that time sink for just a little bit…..not only did Rob and Magdalena win a 100 mile race, they did so while climbing and desecending over 41,000 feet. 

AND Gunhild Swanson finished in 29:59:54 and set the record as the oldest woman finisher in the history of the race. Check out the video of her finish here. Talk about MOTIVATION! The rest of the world needs to pay more attention to events like these.

In what other sport would you see the winner, helping the final finisher complete their race?

So, this is what seems like a bunch of strangers pacing that 70-year-old lady into finishing Western States 100 miler 6 seconds before the cut off. Note the guy in the cowboy hat and flip-flops. He had won the race 15 hours earlier that day and here is trying to get this lady he doesn’t know across the finish line in time. THAT is what trail running is all about!

UPDATE:  You can now purchase two great running movies, The HIGH (documentary) & Ultra High: Running at 18,000 Feet for as low as $2.99!

Check it out: http://thehighdoc.com/ and get your copy today!

A RUNNERS HIGH FILM MARATHON’ RACES INTO NYC ON OCTOBER 24TH FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

If You’re a Runner, Athlete or Film Enthusiast In The Tri-State Area You Don’t Want To Miss This

New York, NY (Oct 7, 2015) A RUNNERS HIGH FILM MARATHON will screen in Manhattan one week before the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon on Saturday, October 24 at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) Theater.  The evening’s program will include three running themed-films with powerful messages to inspire and entertain runners, athletes and film enthusiast alike.

As previously announced, the evening will be anchored by the New York premiere of Barry Walton’s THE HIGH: MAKING THE TOUGHEST RACE ON EARTH, the remarkable true-story of a high-stakes Himalayan ultra-race over the two highest motorable passes in the world.

“I’m pumped to have this chance to premiere my film in New York the week leading into the best marathon on the planet,” said Walton.  “It’s beyond thrilling.”

The film will be followed by a Q&A session with Walton and two of the film’s subjects, India race director Dr. Rajat Chauhan and ultra-athlete Molly Sheridan.

Kicking off the night will be THE RUNNERS, a unique and intimate narrative of catching runners on the move.  Pounding the tarmac through the seasons, a band of runners are brazenly challenged with intimate questions as they pace their routes. Liberated from responsibilities, their guards drop dramatically, releasing funny and brutally frank confessions, and weaving a powerful narrative behind the anonymous masses.  Matan Rochlitz and Ivo Gormley’s short has been recognized across the country at various film festivals.

A RUNNERS FILM MARATHON is an evening out for runners, athletes and film lovers in the New York area, you don’t want to miss out!

A RUNNERS FILM MARATHON

Saturday, October 24, 2015

SVA Theatre: 333 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011

Doors open at 8:00.  Show kicks off at 8:30 (with an intermission at 9:05 and the A&Q at 10:00).

Students and marathoners get in for $12

You can purchase tickets online

RSVP via Facebook

THE HIGH: MAKING THE TOUGHEST RACE ON EARTH, The Trailer 

Selected Finalist Best Feature – Trail Running Film Festival (2015)

MY Review…

 

So honored to have been chosen by Filmmaker/Director Barry Walton to preview his new work, The High – “a film following a group of extreme runners brought together by an adventure-obsessed race director mutually volunteer in a running experiment over the two highest passes in the world.”

“Hanging in the balance of finish-line-obsession. One question remains to be answered, will there be a finisher or will this race finish them all? In the answer rests the reason that it’s called the toughest race on earth.”

MY REVIEW:

The story behind the running movie The High is centered around a group runners, of whom I was not familiar with. The race is over terrain I could not wrap my head around and hosted in a country and part of the world I knew very little about. Yet from the first moment I pushed the play button I was captivated.

Filmmaker Barry Walton splices together the events behind the birth of a race many said was impossible. In telling the story he captures all the challenges of hosting an ultra marathon in a very remote section of the earth. He also portrays the difficulty of convincing a talented field of ultra runners to run an event that not only scales one 18,000 ft peak but two of them. Many feared the race was dangerous, many wondered if it could even be run. The High tells that story.

Not only did the movie “The High” tell a wonderful running story, but it also made me believe in the runners who took on this extreme challenge. Before I knew it I was pulling for them and the crews who took on this unbelievable race. I cheered for them, I was saddened for them and I celebrated each little victory along the way. As a runner it was easy for me to enjoy this movie, the real testament to the quality of this production was that my wife was also engaged in the movie as I watched it.

If you want to learn about this great race, if you’re curious about what kind of runner takes on the extreme. If you’re wondering about the limits of the human spirit is…the running movie The High is for you!

You can check out the trailer.

DVD Sales of this epic adventure are available on his web site

If your in the Michagan area and would like to attend the screening on July 30th check out this link for ticket information. 

Check out and like their Facebook Page
and Follow on Twitter

8 Reason To Love A Runner

To counter a recent article on runhaven.com on why someone should not date a runner, here are eight points on why you should feel comfortable loving a runner.

1.       You always know where we are, we are either running, in the shower, eating or a sleep.

2.       We get up really early leaving you the entire bed on most weekend mornings.

3.       We don’t complain about your shoe collection as long as you don’t mention ours.

4.       Runners are always willing to vacation to new and exciting places (as long as we can run a race there).

5.       Runners are always eating so by default you can too.

6.       We don’t complain about much , unless you count worrying over our training plans, mileage goals, BQ time or the standards for Western States.

7.       Runners normally go to sleep around 9 p.m. so you can have full control over the TV remote for most of the night.

8.       Runners love to cuddle after a long run.

Feel safe America and the world, LOVE A RUNNER!

UPDATE:

October, So far so good, had a little dizzy spell during the Hinson Lake 24 Hour Run. I was finishing lap 44, 66+ miles when I went into the food tent. I grabbed a bite to eat and upon exiting, I got a little dizzy.  That little spell scared me as I was 2 hours from home and alone.  That was enough to break my spirit and I dropped from the race, upon further review I believe it had nothing to do with Vertigo.  Running strong and looking for to JFK50.

8 July, Happy to report I have not had any recurrences. I’m running full effort again and I have gained back self confidence to run and not worry about what could happen. I do take a few precautions: I pay attention to my surroundings much more in regard to how close I run to traffic. I also carry my phone more, where before I limited carrying my phone to longer runs, now I carry it any time I run on paths or trails that may be considered even slightly remote.

25 June, it has been roughly  a week since I landed on the side of the road with my first bout of Vertigo. A first I did not know what had taken me down, I suspected it was dehydration. Since that run and the following ER trip I have learned a lot on this subject. What I’ve come to understand is that there is not much understood about what brings this condition on or abouts it cure. For me a week later and I’m feeling about 80% back to normal.

Most importantly is I’m alive, of sound mine, mostly sound body and I’m running again.

I went for my first run Sunday morning when I was still only operating at about 50% of my former self. I was still dizzy, but had enough control of my gait to run along some seldom used roads. I ran to feel normal, I ran to get back some control and I ran because I was ANGRY. I ran to prove to myself that I was still in control of my body, and thankfully God’s plan ageed.

I’m back to work, back to being somewhat my former self and back to logging miles. Funny the times I feel less of the side effects is when I’m running. So I believe I will keep it up.

Thanks for all the concern, I’m surprised at how many people reached out to me, prayed for me and wished me well.

Brian

============================================================================

It started as a normal day (17 June), a normal run and it ended with me in the emergency room.

It was hump day, my fifth running day in a training cycle that was going well. It was hot but not as hot as the four days prior. I planned to run 10 miles after work, I planned to run on Fort Lee to avoid the craziness of running city streets. I did not plan to be sitting in a heap along the side of the road wondering why the world was spinning out of control.

I had just finished up running a lap around the building my wife works in with an mid route extension out past the golf course to the gate and back. My garmin read just over 5 miles as I made a left hand turn to repeat the course.  I was feeling hot, but over all pretty good. My lap times were solid. As I crested a slight downhill my head felt light and my steps became erratic.

With each step forward my footfall became more unpredictable and unstable, I became dizzy, I had to stop and walk figuring this would pass. Little did I know this entrapment was just beginning as the world began to spin, I felt as if I was going to fall down I controlled my crash and sat along the edge of the road. Staring at my shoes trying to figure out what went wrong the world around me spun like an out of control amusement park ride stuck on the spin cycle.

I sat there about five minutes and slowly my world came back together. I figured the heat, the run and the fact I forgot to carry a water bottle added up to end my run early. More depressing was that a group of cars drove past me and no one showed enough concern to even ask if I was okay.

It must have been 5 minutes then I was finally able to gain enough strength and balance to make my way back to my car. That advancement would be short lived. I may have made it quarter of a mile and the world came apart again. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t stand up and I went to the ground again. I only had enough strength to hold my head on my knees and keep my eyes shut as the world violently spun around me.  Something was wrong…

Finally I could hear the sounds of a car coming to a stop and someone asked if I was okay. Out of routine I called out that I thought I would be alright. Then I replied, I’m not sure… I asked for water, the concerned citizen told me he had none but that he would take me anywhere I needed to go. Then a second car stopped. I don’t remember much but I was put into a car drove to the DeCA building where the driver of the second car retrieved a bottle of water.  The world was still spinning, my mind was lost, my balance was gone, it was hard to focus on anything, I just wanted to get into my car turn on the AC and lie down.  The gentlemen and lady who helped me got me to my car, I promised I would not drive until I could control myself and my car and they left, or so I thought.

The lady who gave me the water made two more visits to my car making sure I was okay and that I had more water. She stated she was worried about me. I told I had felt better but that I was getting myself together and I was thankful for her concern. 30 minutes after going down I felt well enough to get myself home.

That night at home I had highs and some very lows until the point I knew I had to go to the hospital. The room spun, there where hot flashes, chills, violent moments of getting sick and times I could not control my balance. Whatever had its grips on me was not going to just let go.

A trip to the Emergency room, a test of my vitals, the nurse asking if my blood pressure is always that low, some blood tests, and an eye test.  Then the doctor asked his assistant, “did you see that.” I became concerned, what did they see.  Could the room please stop spinning. Another round of eye tests and he pronounced I had Vertigo.

Just what is Vertigo?  Vertigo – a whirling or spinning movement is a subtype of dizziness in which a patient inappropriately experiences the perception of motion (usually a spinning motion) due to dysfunction of the vestibular system. It is often associated with nausea and vomiting as well as a balance disorder, causing difficulties with standing or walking. 

There are no normal runs, embrace each one.  And if you see someone who may need help…pls stop. THANK YOU to those who helped me in my time of need.  I did not get your names…but I’m so very thankful…

NOTE: This post is NOT an attempt to get runners to avoid their local speciality running stores. I believe the local running stores are an integral part of the running community.  I’m only pointing out that if you keep your eyes open you too can score some good deals on your running shoes.

Recently my wife dragged me into one of the big box discount sport stores, being bored that I couldn’t find any shoes that interested me I headed to the clearance rack. Upon scanning the sizes I noticed lost in the Air Jordans was a pair of 10.5s that were calling my name.  I picked up a pair of shoes that I normally would not give the time of day. Once I noted the brand name and model, I headed to my smart phone and the ever ending source of information known as Google.

What I had stumbled upon was last years model of a popular trail shoe, namely the New Balance MT710v2. After reading a handful of positives reviews I decided to try them on. Almost instantly I noted they fit well and felt good on my feet.  Then I noted the $34.95 price tag.  At nearly a 60% discount I could not go wrong, if they were not a good running shoes for me they would make a great pair multiple purpose shoes.  I was sold.

I’m happy to say the MT710s are a nice pair of running shoes.  They provide a very stable platform for my foot fall, gait and stride. They are light and comfortable while offering a smooth ride over a mix of terrain.

Support your local markets but also keep your eyes open for good deals.

What good running deals have you stumbled on?

 

PRE-RACE:

(A Great Race, Great Shirt and a Tough Outing)

The Bethel Moonlight Boogie 50 Mile Race is a unique race in that it starts at 6 p.m. It’s run out in the middle of nowhere, ran in the heat of the day and in an environment that is not always runner friendly. Throw out all the other quirkiness and this is a one of a kind race.

I tried to sleep in Saturday morning, but my body clock just would not let me. I was up by 6 a.m. Like it or not my race day had started. To conserve as much energy as I could I decided to forego any “work” around the house or fishing trips to keep myself fresh before I traveled the 2.5 hours south west to Ellerbe, NC and the advertised heat and humidity of the Moonlight Boogie 50 Miler.

Arriving on site two hours early I knew instantly as I turned off the ignition, the motor stopped rotating and the AC compressor/blower stopped directing cool air into the driver’s compartment that the heat was on. As I cracked open the door a rush of hot, muggy and relentless air entered my once cool oasis causing my forehead to instantly bead with sweat. I then wondered what I had gotten myself into and was there time to leave?

(Some of the Rolling Terrain)

Since I decide I would stay and run this inferno, I wanted to take in some of the local charm. Braving the radiating beams of heat that were pounding the area I walked around the parking lot of a stand-alone church. Scanning the area I noticed a small gravesite, a nice grassy area, some wonderfully tall trees and the blazing sun. Simply walking around had me sweating and feeling over heated. I headed back to my car and the comforts of air conditioning. While on my short walk about one of the local runners mentioned that this might be one of the “cooler” Boogie races.

Say what??? I pride myself on being a warm/hot weather runner, but what makes this place so center of the earth hot and humid?

Borrowing a line from 17 time Boogie 50 veteran Wm M Keane

“The Bethel Hill Baptist Church stands atop the Southernmost peak in the geologically ancient Uwharrie Mountain Range. This small, white framed, Civil War era church, sits atop the exact center of NC where Heat, Hills, and Humidity converge.

The Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie 50 Mile Run has both a historically high ‘attrition’ rate, and an equally high ‘contrition’ rate. If you do not faint or drop out, you will perform amazing acts of contrition just to finish. During the course of this race, you will cross the top of Bethel Hill 10 times. ”

I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the Boogie or if the Boogie was going to get me. 

RUNNING KIT:
1^st Lap Pearl Izumi N1 Motion Trail Shoes
2^nd – 5^th lap Hoka Stinson Tarmac
Injini Black Toe Socks
Race Ready Long Distance Black Shorts
1^st Lap Pearl Izumi Champions Singlet
2 – 5^th Lap White Colonial Relay 200 shirt
Running Buddy Pouch (car keys and cell phone)
Brainstorm Gear Red Star Trek Hat
Fenix HP30 LED Headlamp
Nathan Hand Held 20oz Water Bottle
Garmin 201 GPS Watch
Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes and GU

(Pre Race Look Of Confidence)

RACE:
Leading up to this race a good friend of mine and two time finisher Paul S. warned me that this was a tough race. Scanning over all the information, race maps, elevation and posted race reports I assured Paul, I would be okay. I further told him I hoped to put up an impressive number, for me anyway. My goal was to run a sub 10 hour race. During the drive to the race site when I drove a few of the hills we would climb five times and experienced the Boogie heat I knew I would have to re-address my goals.  My new goal would be a sub 11 hour finish.

I stayed in my cool car as long as I could; I remembered Paula Radcliffe’s melt down in the Athens during the 2004 Olympics and wanted to avoid such a fate. As the crowd gathered for the race briefing, I departed the safety and comfortable confines of my personal igloo to stand in the sun and humid air that would be our stage. As the race information was given out I noticed a large round thermometer at the base of a tree and in the shade. By my accounts the red blade had made its angry swoop to just slightly past 90 degrees.

Part of the race briefing was a warning that with the high temps and HIGHER humidity today would not be a good day to try to set a Personal Record. Race Director (RD) Doug also made mention about how tough the course was. He further mentioned that anyone of the hills in of itself was not hard but the accumulative effect of the near constant climbing and descending had in years past proved to be a major challenge. Doug then went on to introduce Mr. Wm M Keane to the crowd. With this race Mr. Keane would be completing his 17^th Moonlight Boogie 50 Miler. After those final words it was time to make our way to the starting line. Walking into the street to find a comfortable starting sport, I noticed right away the asphalt roadway, the same roadway we would do battle on, felt 20 degrees hotter. On boy, so this is the Boogie.

Lap 1, Start to 10 miles:
The start of this race went off much like any other ultramarathon I have run. There was a lot of cheering and excitement all the way around. In the back of my mind as we ran down Bethel Hill I knew I had to conserve my body if I had any chance at a near goal finish.

The Boogie course features a six mile loop and a four mile out and back section. The six mile loop takes you away from and back to the little white church perched on top of Bethel Hill aka “Boogie Hill” (as I heard some local runners call it) then you run a two mile out and back section on the opposite side of Boogie Hill. The hills on the course are not towering mountains like at Leadville, Western States or Hardrock, that you could have some pride in conquering. Truth be told the hills are rolling climbs, the challenge is not in their heights (1,000ft elevation change per lap) but in the number of them. I did not think to count how many climbs there were, but except for the 1.5 mile section which was fairly flat you were constantly climbing or running downhill for the majority of the 10 mile course.

Surveying the course during the opening lap I had found a good running rhythm and was sizing up the course for later in the night. It was also fun linking up with a few of my running friends from past races, followers on Social Media and contacts from my blog.

I made the turn for lap two right on my goal of a two hour lap. After a quick pit stop, where I took on fuel and changed out a very soaked shirt it was time to hit the road once again.

(Lap 1, Before The War Really Began)

Lap time: 1hr 59m 04s

Lap 2, miles 11 to 20:
Making the turn to head out on my second lap I noticed Wendy (the girl who passed me late at the Graveyard 100) was also heading out for her second lap. She was going out alone. I figured it would be fun to have some company so I called out to her asking if she would like to link up as we headed back down Boogie Hill.

(Wendy During Lap1 Before We Linked Up)

The one thing that sets ultrarunning events apart from shorter races is that you have a lot of time to not just run but to also interact with those around you. As we made our way around lap two, Wendy and I struck up an easy and ongoing conversation about running, life, family, careers and the Boogie. It was nice to be distracted from the race and heat as miles passed by.

Finishing up the front side six mile loop and heading out for the back side four mile out and back it was around 9 p.m. and the day was turning to night. I swung by my car to pick up my lightening gear and I’m so glad I did. Being a very remote run, the streets are lined with wonderful old towering pines and oak trees. They were beautiful but also made it very dark once the sun dropped below the horizon. My Fenix HP30, with its powerful LED lamp broke thru the night and kept my path lit all night long. I am not going to say I would have been scared running in the dark, but let’s just say that headlamp kept my fear of Bigfoot at bay. Oh and the snakes…yea the snakes….why did they have to tell me there was a snake sighting.

(The Little White Church On Top Of The Hill)

Lap time: 2hrs 8m 00s

Lap 3, miles 21 to 30:
The front part of the run went pretty much the same as the two pervious laps. Even with the sun below the horizon it was hot and muggy. Wendy and I linked up again as we headed out. It was easy to run with her, our pace was the same and the conversations did not feel forced. Making our way back to the church and out for the shorter out and back I felt I was running well and still had my goal time in mind.

The turnaround point for the four mile out and back section was marked with a blinking disco ball type device on the side of the road. This would become a welcomed sight though out the night as we ran in the dark. The disco ball was the sign that we could make our turn and head back to the church and the end of another lap. Making the turn for the third time I thought what could go wrong? I was over half way and life was looking pretty good.

From the disco light to the beginning of the ascent up Boogie Hill to the church was about half a mile. That half a mile went really well, I believe we ran most of that section to a point on the other side of a bridge that began the 1.5 mile uphill. It hit me as Wendy begin to pull away.

Out of nowhere I felt really underpowered. Mentally I was in a good place but I just could not keep up with her as she climbed Boogie Hill. “Brian, what is up…” I asked myself as I tried to keep up the pace, power hiking and fast walking up the hill. I had no answer. Thankfully Wendy noticed I fell off her hip and took the time to glance back and offer some encouraging words to pull me along. In the middle of the battle I just could not figure out what had gone wrong, did the sun take too much out of me, was it the heat, the humidity or the hills. Later I would reckon It was all of that plus more.

The one (of many) positive things about running long distances is that if something does go wrong, there’s normally (barring a devastating injury) time to recover if you keep moving and making forward progress. I was feeling bad, I was feeling under-powered but I was going to keep moving forward at any cost. “When you’re at your weakest, no matter how bad you feel, no matter how low it looks, things will always get better”

The second best sight of the night was seeing the glowing outline of the little white church as we crested Boogie Hill. It was a short run to my car, some food, a cold Mountain Dew and most importantly surviving the third lap of the Moonlight Boogie 50 Miler. The climb up Boogie Hill kicked my butt, it beat me down, it took its toll, but I was not out of this race.

(The Main Aide Station At Mile 6, Right Next To The Church,
I’m In The White Shirt)

Lap time: 2hr 16m 04s

Lap 4, miles 31 to 40:
I was very happy to have survived my third lap nightmare. Wendy and I met up again after our pit stops. I told her I was thankful she pulled me along. In all honesty, it was very humbling to have a low point like that in the presence of another runner. At Umstead, I never really had that moment, at Graveyard when the wheels came off I battled alone. But tonight someone else was there to witness a point when I could not perform the way I wanted to. It was humbling and up lifting all at the same time. Wendy had every right to drop me on that hill and continue on. We had not agreed to stay together, we had no pre-race plans, we were just two runners who happened to link up out of fate. But she did what ultrarunners do…we help each other. As we made our way back out on the front section I told her I would give it my best shot and that I did not want to hold her back.

Making our way out for the 31^st mile the moon hung blood red over the night time sky. Running at night is a new world. Sadly, most runners never get to experience night time running. The world we live in and especially the world you run in looks and sounds so much different when the sun goes down. When darkness surrounds you sights and sounds that you may have over looked during the day grab your attention at night. Fireflies that are lost in the brilliant haze of the city come alive and dance along the road side. The sounds of nature that are tuned out by the roar of life sing to you at night. Along the six miles of the front section we came across a “Whip-poor-will” bird who was downright upset. Was he mad that our running awoken him, did we break up his courtship with Mrs. Whip-poor-will? Somewhere just off the road this little bird let us have it, whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will rang out bold and loud from the dark recesses of the towering trees that surrounded us. Then there where the bull frogs, the dogs and voices in the night.

The remote aid station some called “Dog-pen” was manned all night by a great bunch of folks. I did not get all their names, but Dan P, was there all night encouraging us, feeding us and opening up the much needed shots of Pepsi and Mountain dew. Thank you to all the volunteers who make these races possible.

We ran strong during this section making our way back to the little white church on top of Boogie Hill. Every time we rounded the corner and saw that church it was a wonderful site. We had only the four mile section to do until we were on our last lap. This shorter section went much better this time around, I ran some good long sections on the downhill and flats, at one point Wendy told me we were running 9 minute miles. I still struggled a bit making my way up Boogie Hill but I was able to keep pace with Wendy and other then still feeling the effects from my low on power hangover, my body was doing well. Mentally I believe I was getting stronger.

Lap time: 2hr 23m 19s

Lap 5, miles 41 to 50 and the finish!
The last lap… Whereas the fourth lap was miles we had to put in to get to the conclusion. The final lap is the money lap. We had survived the heat, the sun, the humidity and the hills.

Knowing that this lap was it, Wendy and I linked back up and ran our way down Boogie Hill and right into the first climb of the last lap. It felt good to know this was it, it felt great to run and not worry so much about surviving and it felt outstanding to have gotten to know another Ultrarunner better. Wendy is a strong runner; she has some amazing finishes to her credit and some equally impressive plans for the future. What I did not know about this last lap was that it was my turn to help out.

We made some nice long runs along this last six miles. The climbs were still tough but the finality of the race put some extra zip in our steps. At some point during this section I noticed that now as we ran I was the one pulling ahead, putting some distance between Wendy and I. On the flats and down hills I could keep up a better run pace. After my struggles from mile 20 to 30 we both had made small talk about not wanting to hold each other back. I also thanked Wendy for helping me past my low point and vowed “I will not leave you out here alone, you stuck by me.” Mile by mile we continued to make our way around the course. Seeing the little white church for the second to last time was a sure sign this race was indeed going to end. In little over 4 miles we would both be Boogie finishers. First we had to run out to the disco light and then come back up Boogie Hill one last time.

The downhill to the disco light I was making great time, my legs came alive. Either finally my nutrition plan came together or the extra zeal of knowing this was the final lap propelled me down the hill and a greater distance from Wendy. I stopped a few times to make sure she was still back there and try to repay her encouragement from earlier. We caught up together as we made the slight climb off the bridge crossing and the uphill to the disco light. Making the turn I called out we had 2.1 miles to go. “Wendy, are you ready to run?”

Over my back left shoulder I heard Wendy say she did not have it in her to run anymore…that a fast walk/hike was all she had. Wendy encouraged me to run in, she did not want to delay my finish. Understood what she was saying, I had felt the same way while trying to survive the climbs during the 2d to 3^rd laps. No way was I going to leave her out there alone; I could never have lived with myself and what about Bigfoot?

We had talked about everything under the sun during the course of our race and now it was time to tell about my fear of Bigfoot and confess I had been smelling Krispy Kreme donuts for the better part of 20 miles. I would like to say that these subjects made the time go by faster, but that section was rough. The 1.5 mile climb back up Boogie Hill desperately looking for the little white church on top of the hill was torture.

At one point during our endless climb up Boogie Hill I asked Wendy if she thought they moved the church as some sort of terrible joke. I know she laughed it off as my “drunk on miles” humor, but I was serious. I was convinced they took the church apart stick by stick and moved it to some remote location in an awful attempt to prolong the race. As I explained to her my conspiracy theory she paused and said, “You know that would be like Brandon.” Her comment made me wonder if we would never see the little white church again.

Then when the night seemed at its darkest, when the smell of Krispy Kreme was the strongest and when Bigfoot was the nearest we caught glimpse of our goal. The little white church signaled the end of our night, the end of the hills, the heat, humidity, bigfoot, donuts, whip-poor-wells, bullfrogs and the threat of snakes. Wendy said, “Lets run it in.” Well alright. We ran stride for stride the last quarter of a mile finishing side by side. We had met the Boogie and he was ours!

Lap time: 2hr 34m 54s

(Even The Boogie Bling Is Awesome)

FINISHING TIME:  11hr 21m 43s, placing 17^th overall out of 90, 12^th male. 50 mile DNF rate was over 45%

(Lap Times and Finish Times)

LOOKING BACK:
After the race I was upset I had not reached the goal I set for myself and later re-adjusted. I was disappointed I underestimated the course, overestimated my fitness coming off 23 days without running as my Achilles healed and I disheartened I had failed at pre-race nutrition. Yet more importantly, I was proud I fought thru a low patch. I was happy I ran a race a lot of my friends had talked about. I was thankful for the time I got to spend with my running friends. AND I’m grateful that I gained a new friend in Wendy. You can’t run 40 miles and spend nine plus hours together and not be better friends. Thank you Wendy, and thank you Moonlight Boogie 50. I will learn, I will train and I will come back even stronger because of you both. And Mr. Bigfoot, you better eat those donuts and stay out of my way, PLEASE.

You can check out Wendy’s blog here: Kool Aid Runner

I love to run bridges, there is something about crossing over a bridge, reaching the other side that I find…fulling.  I also love the artitecture of a bridge. Many times while driving around the country side, or while watching a travel type show a wonderful example of a bridge will cross my path. AND I think I would run that.

 

 Leshan Bridge, China

 Multnomah Falls, Oregon

The Bridge Of Immortals, China

This last bridge in China, I would run that….but very fast.

Why have I decided to Boogie?

Because, all my friends are doing it.

Because, there has been a ton of pictures on Facebook of people doing it.

Because, I finally wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Saturday, June 6^th, 2015, I will….

“Git on up on the floor
Cuz we’re gonna boogie oogie oogie
till you just can’t boogie no more

So just what is “the Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie 50 Miler?

The Boogie, as it is affectionately known is a 21 year old 50 mile race run in Ellerbe, North Carolina. It’s a race that all my North Carolina running friends have been running and talking up. It’s an event that I’ve heard so much good about that I had to run it myself.  I figured it was about time to drive south and do a little boogie oogie oogie myself. The course is five repeats of a six mile loop and a four mile loop combined which we will cover five times to give us the 50 mile benchmark. After signing up for this event I was surprised to find out that the dropout rate is 40% or so. The course description also comes with a firm warning from the Race Director: “Think long and hard before signing up for this event.” The Boogie has a bit of a mystic about it.

What makes this event such a favorite and a tough draw?

From the event website:  “The boogie course is an all rural and all paved course with several long hills and some smaller ones. This is not a mountainous run but it is definitely not flat. The course is not certified. There are no porta-potties, no splits, no mile markers, no spectators and late in the run possibly even no other runners. There are only 6 houses on the course and they have dogs. There are no official vehicles cruising the course to make sure you are okay. Aid stops are over 4 miles apart. If you decide to quit there are no pick up vans. The race starts at 6 pm and the temperatures will probably be about 85 degrees with little shade. Darkness comes around 9 pm and there are no street lights. If you need to be catered to every couple of miles along the course or worry about running in the dark, perhaps you should not come. “

So again why have I decide to run this race….In the spirit of the Graveyard solo 100 mile run, I will boogie for the challenge. With a 6 pm start this will be the latest I’ve ever started a race. I want to overcome a tough course. I want to pit myself against the hills and the heat. I have also decided to run this race to spend time with my running friends.

So who is going to boogie oogie oogie with me…Paul, Veronica…Dave?

The Boogie is done…..and it was one tough 50 mile race.

Some how I under estimated the course, the heat and the humditiy.  Saying all of that, we had rather mild race day night conditions compared to some pervious races.

Finish time 11hrs 21m 43 seconds. 17th over all out of 90 and 12th male.

Full Race Report coming soon.

Who do you run with?

When I started my running career I ran mostly alone. I liked the solitude, I relished the quiet time and I enjoyed just being alone.

Over the years I’ve grown to likewise appreciate company on my runs. I’ve ran with close friends, I’ve ran with a group of friends and I’ve ran with people I’ve just met. I’ve logged miles with runners faster and more accomplished then me and I’ve ran with rookies and runners slower than me. I have been inspired by others and I hope along the way I’ve inspired someone.

People say running can be a lonely sport… I think not. Running has opened up the world around me at a grass roots level. I’ve gotten to know myself better and I’ve met some wonderful new friends along the way. While running I’ve come to learn that everyone is, if not the same, that we are very similar. We all put our shoes on, we all walk out the door and we all take that first step and run. Every runner covers the same distance; to all of us the mile is the great equalizer. Everyone sets some personal records and everyone has moments of defeat. With all we share as runners, running is never a lonely sport.

Whether I run alone or with friends…I always have a friend by my side.

The new Swiftwick MAXUS socks are awesome….

MAX Cushioning – My life schedule make me run after work,  To combat the desire to blow off my running after a long day I wear my running kit under my street clothes.  This saves me time and enables me to hit the road or trails as soon as I’m off work.  That means I wear my running socks all day…the MAX cushioning of the new Swiftwick socks made my feet feel good all day.  When it was time to run, I pulled on my running shoes and my feet felt fresh and alive.

MAX Cooling – During a normal work day I spend a lot of hours on my feet. Sometimes after a long day when I run my feet feel warm from the effects of the day and the miles on my training calendar.  The MAXUS cooling weave kept my feet cool all day and for the lenght (6 miles) of my run.  When I finally pulled off my shoes…after an 10 hour work day and an hour on the run, my feet were cool and happy = no hot foot for me.

MAX Wicking – No easy way to say this, I sweat like a pig including my feet, but the wicking action of the MAXUS socks kept my feet dry.  Simple and to the point.

Check out MAXUS swiftwick socks here.

==============================================================================Few things in life bring back the simple excitement of your birthday, or Christmas but new sock day does!

Running has changed my outlook on many things, one being my socks. No longer are socks just another part of my wardrobe that must match the color of my shoes…white, black or brown. No longer are socks simply something to keep my feet warm. Socks are no longer an afterthought. Socks are an important part of my running kit, my race preparation and a staple of my running life.

Simply…life is too short for boring and or ill-fitting socks.

I was very happy when Swiftwick offered me a chance to test their product line. Getting right to the point…these are great socks. I loved the fit, the construction and the super cool colors.

THE FIT:  Not every foot is the same and not every sock fits the same. I’ve had socks bunch here, be to tight there and have seams that just rubbed me the wrong way. Swiftwick socks have none of these issues. I loved the way their socks fit my foot the instant I put them on. No extra material, no bunching and no pulling. They simply fit.

THE CONSTRUCTION:  The Swiftwick socks I tested used a bit thinner material then I’m used to. At first I thought that this might cause me some issues, but once my foot was in my shoes, I hardly noticed it. In fact my foot felt more in tune with the shoe and in turn with my foot strike. These socks made my foot, sock and shoe feel like one unit. I ran training runs between 6 and 12 miles and I loved the performance and feel. The light weight material made my feet feel cool, comfortable and fit.

From thier website:  Thin and light for serious runners, yet still perfect for athletes of any sport. Our Managed Compression™ prevents bunching and hot spots by supporting all 3 arches in the foot. Our Linked-Toe technology prevents blisters by eliminating bunching in the toe-box. The result is a sock designed to fit your feet perfectly while helping you do what moves you.

THE COLORS:  Life is to short for plain socks.  Live your live and be bold.  Swiftwick offers a rainbow of colors.  Be bold run in razzle red, got to work in halo green or attend your kids PTA meeting deep purple, make a statement.

I have to admit I felt faster in my Swiftwick colors!

Think more about your socks, life is too short for ill-fitting, heavy construction and or drab colors. Give your feet some love and hug them with a pair of Swiftwick socks.

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